Sacred

by Long, Samantha

  "What is it?"

  She hadn't realized he was watching her. She decided on honesty. "I'm nervous."

  He grinned crookedly at her. "Of me staying?"

  She shrugged. "A little. We've never really spent the night together."

  He stopped in front of her, rubbing her arms. "Right now, we are just going to climb into the bed. I'm going to hold you, and we are going to get some much needed rest. Neither of us want to be alone, and we shouldn't be right now."

  Sophie nodded and searched for some shorts to change into. When she came out of the bathroom, he was already in the bed. Her heart raced as he lifted the covers for her to slide in next to him. She did, leaving a few inches between them. He chuckled as he turned the light out, casting the room into darkness. When he reached for her, she didn't fight it, letting him pull her against him. For a few minutes, they laid in silence, listening to each other breathe.

  "Tristan?" His chest muffled her voice.

  "Yeah?" He stroked a hand down her hair.

  "What are we getting ourselves into?" She leaned her head back to look at his face. The setting sun cast pink and orange light over it. Her fingertips traced the curve of his jaw absently. "How are we going to do all of this? We barely know what's going on. I feel like we were sucked into this so fast."

  "We were. But what choice did we have?"

  "I know, but it seems so unfair that it happened so suddenly." Sophie blew out a breath in frustration. "Never mind. This isn't coming out right."

  "Try." The patience in his voice undid her.

  Hot tears pressed against her eyelids. "I'm scared. Scared of dying. Or being captured like Lilli." Her voice broke. "I feel so guilty—"

  "It's not your fault." Tristan pulled her closer. The warmth of his arms barely chased away the chill she felt.

  She shook her head vehemently. "I feel guilty because I'm glad it wasn't me. I am so selfish. Lilli is by herself, being held by the most dangerous thing we know. She may be...." Sophie couldn't say it, couldn't wrap her mind around it. "God, I can't even think it. And I'm relieved because it isn't me."

  "We're all glad it isn't us. It's a natural, human reaction."

  "We have to get her back, Tristan." She placed her head on his chest, tried to relax. "We have to."

  "We will." His voice was determined and then he kissed her forehead.

  Sophie melted into him and listened to his heartbeat slow as he absently stroked his fingers through her hair. Her body fully relaxed, and before she knew it, she was asleep.

  CHAPTER TWO

  SOPHIE STOOD ON THE DECK of the ship. The sun had risen only a few hours ago, but Rory had woken them so they could get a look at the island as they approached. Tristan stood silently beside her, his arm brushing hers as they coasted over the waves. The others were lined up by the railing, and she listened to Rory list the stats of his home as she stared out over the greenish-blue water.

  "The Manor holds seven hundred rooms. It's entirely self-sufficient and runs off solar and water-generated power. There is a massive training room, complete with gym and pool. There are two cafeterias, a huge library, and a basement-level hospital. The warriors eat, train, and breathe in the Manor. Civilians live in their own homes in the surrounding areas."

  "How many people live here?" Morgan stared at what she could see of the Manor and outbuildings.

  "About twenty thousand. There are doctors, teachers, counselors, librarians, vets. Much like any other society. Plus, we have satellite groups in or near all the major cities in the world," Ruth said, walking up behind them. She smiled at her brother, pride in it for their home.

  "How is it that Akeldama hasn't found this island?" Jackson leaned on the railing. The ship floated closer to shore, and his auburn curls ruffled in the breeze.

  Watching him, Sophie remembered that in a past life, they were siblings. She still felt that trust and love and wondered if he did. Right now all she could feel from him was despair.

  "We have perfected a spell that keeps the island hidden. The Council renews it every year. I'm not sure how it works. No one but the Council does, so don't ask," Rory said. "All we know is that we're safe here. It's the only place we have to relax."

  "This place must be very precious to you," Aidan said as the ship docked.

  "Yes, it is. Come on. You can see your new home up close." Rory took them out onto the pier.

  Sophie and Morgan exchanged a look. Home? He does realize that we have homes, right? Morgan asked, conveying her thoughts to Sophie.

  I don't think he meant it that way, Morgan.

  Bright, white sand led to verdant forests. At the edge of the forest, vehicles waited to ferry them to the Manor and its outbuildings.

  A cold breeze blew off the water, and Sophie snuggled deeper into the hoodie she was given earlier. Her black hair was tied back in a haphazard ponytail, and she wished she looked a little better to meet these people.

  "This place is beautiful." Morgan was the first to cross the sand and get into one of the SUVs. Even though she was also devoid of make-up, her cappuccino skin glowed. Unlike me, because these warriors don't know what Sephora is, Morgan's voice entered Sophie's mind.

  Warm air enveloped them and they settled in for the ride. Sophie's leg heated where Tristan's rested against it. She tried to ignore it, turning her head to watch the forest pass in a flurry of motion. This place was surreal, so different from the island in their previous life and the places they'd lived in this one.

  Large stone walls and a gate rose before them. The caravan paused until the gate opened, then continued on. They rolled through little clusters of homes and farmland. The people all wore colored tunics over dark leggings and sturdy boots. Girls with ribbons in their hair and boys with mud on their faces ran through gravel streets. People stopped what they were doing to stare at the vehicles.

  Sophie assumed by the curiosity in their eyes they knew who was in the SUVs. They passed several more small villages and trading posts, a playground, and endless farmland.

  When they reached the second set of gates, the cast iron bars swung open. Gravel crunched underneath the tires when the SUVs circled the drive and parked in front of massive twin doors.

  They unloaded, staring up at the massive building.

  "How do you fund all of this?" Jackson came around to stand with the others. His curiosity brushed Sophie's mind, dampened by his worry for Lilli. He wanted to find her now and was frustrated that they weren't doing it.

  As soon as we get settled, we're going to find her, Jackson, Sophie told him.

  Waiting is killing me. We have to convince them that we need to find her now.

  We will, Tristan joined in.

  Rory winked. "We're a society older than dirt. We're richer than Croesus."

  When the group approached, the guards standing on either side opened the main doors.

  Sophie turned and surveyed the foyer. This place had a powerful but homey feel to it.

  "This place is huge." Aidan looked at the giant staircase. People walked up and down, busy with their daily tasks. A row of elevators sat to the left of the staircase.

  "Yes, it is. Ruth, take them to housekeeping. Their rooms should be ready." Demetri glanced down the hall. "I need to find the Commander and let him know we're back."

  "Is he the one who will decide if we can find Lilli?" Jackson asked.

  "Yes," Demetri said.

  "I want to see him." Jackson eyed Demetri and then Ruth.

  Demetri exchanged a glance with Ruth before she said, "The Commander isn't easy to approach and hates younger people trying to tell him what to do. Even if that isn't what you're trying to do, he'll take it that way. Please, just trust me. We all want Lilli back."

  Jackson's jaw clenched. Sophie watched him, relaxing a little when he jerked a nod.

  "We'll go this way." Ruth headed down a hall to the left after Demetri walked away.

  The dark wooden planks of the floor contrasted with the cream-colored walls. Art
and pictures hung on both sides of the hall, along with what looked like ancient weapons and scrolls encased in glass.

  "Can we visit Nolan after we're done here?" Sophie drew up beside Ruth. "I want to see how he's doing."

  "I'll have to make sure Allison is allowing visitors." Ruth led them down another hallway, then through a set of double doors.

  Three women, each manning a desk, looked up when they entered.

  "Ruth, it's so nice to have you back." The middle one smiled. She had white hair and a plump body. "You had me worried."

  "You know I always come back, Jackie. Are the rooms ready?"

  Jackie leaned around Ruth, her mouth open and her eyes large behind her turquoise cat-eye glasses. Sophie fidgeted under her awed gaze. She tried to ignore the other two women who were doing the same thing. Being the brunt of this attention wasn't something Sophie enjoyed.

  "Yeah, that's them. They've had a rough few days, so if I could get their keys and show them to their rooms, that'd be great." Ruth stared pointedly at Jackie.

  Jackie shook herself, cleared her throat, and turned to her computer. "Yes, they're ready. Let me get the keys."

  "Thanks, Jackie." Ruth read the numbers on each key. "Second floor, Section B. Good. They'll be near us."

  "Nice to meet you." Jackie waved at them as they left.

  "We're wasting time. We could be out there, looking for Lilli," Jackson said when they went into the hall.

  "I know, but if we don't have any idea where she is, we're wasting even more time. You five are barely trained and exhausted. You won't be able to help Lilli, or the world, if you're dead."

  Jackson's mouth twisted, but he shut up.

  Ruth took them up to the second floor. A few people stopped and stared at them on the way up. Sophie tried to sense their emotions but found it close to silent. She stared down the staircase. "Ruth, I can feel emotions, but it's muted."

  "Everyone here is trained to have mental blocks. That way, if a demon escapes or attacks us, we can keep this island and all our information secret. As you know, emotions are harder to block because they come straight from the heart. You'll still feel those, but on a softer level."

  Sophie sighed and her shoulders relaxed as relief flooded her. No more panicking from receiving an overwhelming amount of emotions.

  Ruth stopped in front of some doors and passed out keys. "You'll be close to each other and to the team. If you need anything, I'm in 2B-13. I'm going to put in a call to see if we can visit Nolan. Go ahead and get settled. If we've forgotten anything you need, let me know."

  After she took her key, Sophie let herself into her room. She covered her mouth with her hand. The door slowly closed behind her.

  The room was decorated in soft white and bold gold, not gaudy but just enough to play off the other. There was a queen-sized bed with four mahogany posts decorated the same way. Sophie frowned and turned to see the dresser.

  She crossed the room and headed to the closet. When she opened the door, she saw the clothes hanging there. She grabbed a pair of jeans and a sweater, surprised that they fit. Then she checked the dresser and found underthings, socks, workout clothes, and pajamas. Next to the dresser was a pair of knee-high brown leather boots. A row of buckles ran up the sides. She tried them on, amazed at how comfortable they were. They weren't heels, and Sophie silently thanked whomever picked them out.

  The bathroom came with a tub and separate shower, but the mirror grabbed her attention. The dark circles under her violet eyes made her already pale face look deathly.

  A knock echoed through the room. When she opened the door, Ruth stood in the hallway. "Ready to visit Nolan?" She looked at Sophie’s outfit. "Like the clothes?"

  "Yeah."

  "Good, I picked them out for you. I tried to go for comfy." Ruth smiled warmly.

  Ruth said we can visit Nolan, Sophie sent to the others. Almost at once, they exited their rooms.

  "Come on, guys." Ruth gestured for them to follow.

  This time, she took them to the elevators. The infirmary was located behind two sliding glass doors and took up the entire basement. Allison consulted with a nurse behind the counter. She glanced up, dressed in blue scrubs, and finished her conversation with the nurse.

  A few people loitered around the waiting room with books or crossword puzzles. Another group lay passed out on the couches and chairs to the left, covered in blood and bruises. None of them looked up when they entered. They seemed only to worry about the people they waited for.

  "Nolan can only have three visitors at a time. Seline is already with him. Who'd like to go first?" Allison stopped in front of them.

  "I'd like to see him." Sophie wanted to see him alive, to know that he hadn't died because of them. For them.

  "I'll go with you."

  Sophie sent Tristan a grateful look. She wasn't sure she could face this on her own.

  "You'll only have a few minutes." Allison stared at her feet for a second. When she looked back up, all traces of sadness were gone, pushed away by professionalism. "He's not doing well."

  Sophie wondered how often Allison treated people she was close to, how often she watched people she cared about die. That was enough to harden anyone, but Allison stayed gentle and warm, like Sophie hoped Lilli would.

  Allison led them through a set of metal doors, and the sharp smell of bleach and underlying scent of death hit them. Sophie risked glances inside the rooms they passed. Lines of beds held people; there were no private rooms here. Some of them moaned, some lay in drug-induced comas, all looked ragged and torn. Underneath all the pain, Sophie sensed hopelessness. It permeated the sick and wounded.

  Did they believe all was lost now that Akeldama moved forward with her plans? Could she and her friends really bring them the hope they needed?

  They entered one of the rooms, stopping outside a curtained area. Allison slowly pulled back the curtain and whispered to Seline.

  When Sophie saw Nolan, her heart dropped. Bandages covered half of his too-pale body. The other half held ragged, red lines covered with black stitches. Dark purple bruises matted his chest and neck.

  Seline eyed them blearily. Her skin matched the paleness of her husband.

  "We wanted to see how he was doing," Sophie managed to say over the lump in her throat.

  "He's not waking up." Seline let her eyes fall to where she held his hand in hers.

  Her words punched Sophie in the gut. Seline wasn't trying to hold back her hatred or block it from Sophie.

  Tristan placed a hand on the small of her back, keeping her steady.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't want this to happen to him," Sophie whispered. Seline's grief clawed at her.

  "It did." Seline looked up, eyes full of hate. "Because of you. He wouldn't be hurt if you'd just died in that police station."

  Allison frowned. "Seline, you know that in our line of work, not getting hurt is never a guarantee. No matter what mission we're on."

  "I want them out of here." Seline shot them a look full of venom. "Now."

  Sophie fought back tears as Tristan guided her out of the room.

  "Don't take what she said seriously. She's grieving." Tristan held her face in gentle hands so that she would look at him. "She doesn't realize what she's saying."

  "It's our fault he's like that."

  Several nurses and doctors watched them from their stations. Sophie tried to ignore being on display, with everyone watching their every move. Any second now she'd mess up, and these people would realize that she wasn't the hero they'd waited years for.

  "No, it's the demon's fault. That's why we're fighting. It gives us a purpose to use the gifts we have," Tristan said.

  Morgan, Aidan, and Jackson stood next to a cluster of potted plants. When they saw Tristan and Sophie approaching, they moved between the onlookers and Sophie.

  "What happened?" Morgan asked. Her cerulean blue eyes watched Sophie's face.

  "Seline's grieving," Sophie muttered.

  "God, did he
die?" Morgan's eyes widened.

  "No, but he's in a coma. She's pissed at us," Tristan answered.

  "She's pissed at the wrong species. She has to know that the demons did this, just like they took Lilli." Jackson narrowed his eyes in the direction of Nolan's room.

  Ruth swallowed and ran a hand through her blonde hair. "They are very close, have been ever since they were kids." Her brown eyes shined with sympathy but she blinked it away. "Now that you've seen him, I have something to show you."

  CHAPTER THREE

  RUTH TOOK THEM INTO a colossal library filled with mahogany bookshelves several stories high. People sat around the library on deep red couches with their heads in books.

  "This library and its workers are very important to us. They search for everything we can possibly know on any demon we encounter. They keep our records and even have scrolls and books from our Temple on the ancient island." Ruth pointed to a glass room on the right. "This is where they record new information. You can research anything here. There are several books on Akeldama and your past lives. You will study that in addition to the types of demons you will face."

  Ruth stopped next to one of the librarians. "Foster?"

  He looked up, his brown eyes owl-like behind his glasses. His wild red hair was spiked from where he kept dragging his hand through it, and red freckles covered the bridge of his nose and his cheeks. "Ruth?" Foster blinked, oriented himself. "Sorry. I got caught up in this text on incubus demons."

  Ruth smiled at him. "I need you to round up all the books on the Guardians and Akeldama immediately, then bring them to us." She found a table large enough for the group and gestured for them to sit.

  Foster's books fell to the ground. "Th-those are the Guardians?" His eyes lit up. "I...oh, Lord, I have prayed that you would be reborn in my generation."

  Sophie and Morgan traded a look.

  "This is amazing." He bowed. His laughter came out strangled. "You...here now." He bowed again. "Take a seat. I'll get whatever you need." He spun around right as a blonde pushed a cart of books past him.