I saw Tim in the centre of the dance floor. He was doing his best to avoid Lucy, who was nagging him about something. When he noticed me, he raised a beer and gave a knowing smile. I gestured mine towards him.
Ryan Lloyd tapped the microphone and cleared his throat. The room fell silent.“Hey everybody,” he said. “It’s great to be here in London.” The statement was met with a chorus of cheers, including one from me. “Okay, so this next song is dedicated to Gabriella and Alex.”
A cheer went up and I felt my face flush. Gabriella squeezed my side.
"It’s a new one called ‘Changes’. Hope you enjoy it.” He nodded to the band and started to tap his foot against the stage. The drummer rapped his sticks together and then they broke into the song. The riff was incredible. Gabriella took my hand and led me onto the dance floor.
*
A few hours later, the party was winding down. In a state of complete awe, I’d met the band and even had a drink with them all. They were really friendly and offered both Gabriella and me free backstage passes to their next tour, which I hastily accepted.
Needing a few minutes to myself, I slipped away from the tent and headed further into the grounds. Silver fairy lights had been hung in the trees, and small bonfires set up with seats around them. Couples were sat in the chairs, wrapped in thick blankets, sipping drinks, smoking cigarettes and chatting.
“Alex, best party ever man!” someone called from one of the seats.
I raised a hand in the direction of the sound and kept walking, letting my mind wander.
Faru had realised that Lafelei’s words related to the mysterious family crest in my dreams even before I did. He’d managed to track down Rachel’s old estate. As well as the unsealed Veil, he’d discovered records of her true lineage. Her real name had been Raquen Moonstella. Faru had understood then that Rachel was a traitor and that she’d allowed The Sorrow access to Earth. He sent every Guardian still remaining at the base to Chapter Hill School.
Rachel’s Rogues had all been killed in the battle. Everyone apart from Mr Hanley had been unharmed. Afterwards, the HASEA had brought in every member with the gift of Charm and together, made them forget the experience had ever happened. As far as everyone was concerned, the school ball had had ended early because of Mr Hanley’s tragic ‘heart attack’. It made me feel sad that someone completely innocent had been caught in the cross fire. The only consolation was that Mrs Hanley had suddenly received a letter, informing her of a private life insurance policy that her husband had taken out, along with a sizable cheque. It wouldn’t help her with the pain, but at least she would be able to live comfortably for the rest of her life.
It had taken over a week, but with the aid of the government, most of the people who had witnessed The Sorrow and the Depraved were tracked down and charmed into forgetting. Still, every now and then a story would pop up in the back of the tabloids about someone claiming to have witnessed a Horseman of the Apocalypse.
I continued beyond where the lights ended. Navigating in the darkness was becoming easier to manage. I made my way towards the Sanctuary. At the gates, a small light had been set up. Agent Noble was stationed there. His arm was still in a sling. He shifted as he saw me emerge from the darkness. “I’m sorry sir, I’m afraid that this area is off limits-oh excuse me Mr Eden, I didn’t realise it was you.” “Agent Noble right?” “Yes sir. I held out a hand. “Call me Alex.” The man nodded and shook my hand. “Simon,” he said. “How’s the arm?”
“Getting better slowly thanks. They offered to let me use a tiny bit of booster, but I don’t think regular humans should take that stuff. Besides, I’m milking it at home. I haven’t washed up for two weeks.”
We both laughed. “Listen Simon, do you mind if I have a few moments inside? I just need some time away from it all,” I said.
“Of course Mr E- Alex.”
Simon stepped aside and opened the gate. I made my way into the Sanctuary, feeling the invisible cobwebs stroke my skin as I passed through the barrier. Two huge moons materialised high above my head, surrounded by thousands of winking stars. They cast their pale gaze over the area, bathing everything in a milky glow.
First I went to see Isiodore. He was leaning over the fence and staring at me with his shining aquamarine eyes. I plucked a flower from the bush and offered it to him. He gently ate it from my palm and lowered his head. Part of his horn had been chipped away. I scratched the area around it and he made nickers of contentment.
I left the Unicorn and headed over to the lake. The group of Manticore cubs were sleeping in a large group a few feet from the water. They were twice the size they’d been when I’d last seen them. Their wings were starting to take on an iridescent shine.
I gave a low whistle and after a few minutes the merfolk began to splash about in the water.
I looked up at the sky. Everything felt so peaceful. The dark feelings inside me had vanished. All I felt now was happiness and hope. My arm began to tingle. I pulled back my shirt and stared at the curious tattoo. In the time since I’d defeated The Sorrow, it had climbed its way up to my shoulder. I placed my hand onto it. Like Gabriella’s Umbra skin, it pulsed as if it had its own heartbeat. My mind wandered back to Lafelei’s words. There was no denying it. The first part of the Elemental’s fragmented prophecy had come true. We had been betrayed by Rachel — the moon and stars. With the aid of Farsight, I’d seen what was hidden from sight. And both Gabriella and I had both been marked by sorrow. Or more specifically The Sorrow. Her psychologically, me physically. But there were the rest of the words, which seemed to imply that I was supposed to stand against Hades.
Am I supposed to save Pandemonia?
The question hung in my mind like a cloud. It wasn’t one I could even hope to answer now. How can I possibly stop a Demon King? “Good evening Alexander.” I jumped. I’d been so lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t heard anyone approach. “I’m sorry. I appear to have a knack for startling you,” Faru chuckled.
I turned to see the Sage standing beside me. He was carrying a rectangular book under his arm. The same one he’d been looking at in his quarters. “No its fine sir,” I said. “I was just taking a moment.” Faru nodded. “I often come here myself. There is something soothing about it. I feel closer to my world.” “Have you ever thought about going home?”
Faru clasped his hands behind his back. “Often. Alas, I have too many responsibilities here. Besides, Pandemonia as it stands is not the place for an old Seelian like me.”
The centre of the lake began to bubble. The Siren rose out of the water and started to sing her haunting melody. Faru clicked his fingers. The Siren stared at the leader with pleading eyes. The Sage shook his head. The Siren sighed and slipped back underneath the surface.
“Thank you for tonight Faru. It’s been fantastic.”
“You are welcome,” he replied. “However, I must confess that it was Gabriella who did most of the organising. That girl is very fond of you, you know.” I smiled. “I’m fond of her too.” Faru chuckled. “Ah young love. Such a wonderful thing. Anyhow, I’m glad I found you. I have been meaning to speak with you.” “Oh?”
The Sage took in a deep breath. “I have had a chance to fully go through Raquen’s belongings. We discovered some hidden diaries, both at the estate and in her apartment at the Warren. It appears that she was a very troubled individual.” A sad expression crossed his face. “Raquen was still a fairly young Pixie when the Chosen came. It seems she was out playing and came back to find them all dead. I can barely imagine the grief she went through.”
“No wonder she hated us,” I said.
Faru nodded. “Indeed. The Chosen never discovered the hidden doorway. After the attack, Raquen took all the valuables her family had stored in the mansion. She used them to pay for her family to be buried in a graveyard at the back, and then killed those she hired. Lastly, she cast a spell that would deter anyone from ever purchasing the estate…and left.”
The Seelian put out a hand.
A tiny fairy settled on it for a moment, before spinning back into the air and flying off into the distance.
“There are no diaries of Raquen’s whereabouts for over a century after that. By the time she started writing again, the Chosen Alliance had become the HASEA. She joined the Warren. This was when I was still a Guardian. She seemed so sweet and friendly; you would never have dreamed that she was plotting revenge all that time. I assume that is why she was so competent at being an infiltrator — she had disguised who she really was for most of her life. The rest you already know.”
I stared out at the lake, letting the information sink in. “It’s so sad,” I said after a moment. “I mean I can’t condone what she did. It was reprehensible. But I think I can understand. I mean if Gabriella had been born two hundred years ago, then what’s to say her parents wouldn’t have been condemned to death by Chosen rather than Hades for their relationship? Gabriella could have ended up being just like…” I shook my head. “What I’m trying to say is I think I know why she did what she did. I hope she rests in peace.”
Faru nodded. “I am impressed with your attitude Alexander. You have come such a long way since we first met.”
We both stared out at the water.
“Faru, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” I said after a while. It’s about something my Mum said to me soon after this all started.”
The Sage shifted on the spot. “Of course,” he replied in a slightly strained tone.
“When I came home after my Awakening, she went all strange for a moment, like she was in a different place. Then she whispered I thought you’d been taken too. I mean to start with, I figured she was worried that I’d died. But it was the expression on her face and the way she said it.” I turned to the Sage. “Faru, is there something I should know?”
He said nothing for a long while. Then he let out a long sigh. “That is actually the other thing I wished to speak with you about. It is a burden I have struggled with for several years. I made a promise. However, I feel that in certain circumstances, promises must be broken.” Without another word, he held out the rectangular book. As soon as I took it, I realised it wasn’t a book after all — it was a photo album. Lifting it towards the moonlight, I turned the page and my heart snagged in my chest. It was a photograph of Mum and Dad. And Faru. Fingers shaking, I turned the page. There was one of Faru holding me as a baby in his arms. I stared up at him. “What is this?” I demanded.
Faru looked at me with his shining white eyes. They were full of sadness. “Alexander, your mother Elaine knew about everything. Chosen, Guardians, the Warren, all of it.’ It felt like the world was crushing down on me. “How…how could she know?” Faru placed a soothing hand on my arm. “Because your father was a Chosen.” The words hit me like a freight train. I could hardly comprehend what he was saying. “W-what? How could he be?”
“It is extremely rare for a Chosen to be hereditary, but it can happen, like in Gabriella’s case.” He drew in a sharp breath as if trying to steady himself for something. I looked at him, trying to prepare myself for what he was going to say. “Alexander, your father may still be alive.” The album slipped from hand. It hit the ground and opened on a photograph of Dad giving Mum a piggyback. “How…no that can’t be right. He was killed in a hit and run!”
Faru shook his head. “No he wasn’t Alexander. Some time ago, Hades demanded for Chosen to be kidnapped and brought through the Veil, so that they could be placed into Colosseums — large battle arenas — where they would fight all manner of opponents to the death in front of audiences. Rogues working in the bases helped organise it. You father was one of those taken. They rarely lasted long. I myself believed him to be dead…we thought they all were. However, recently I received news that a large number of Chosen escaped the Colosseums and joined the resistance, which means that many still live. Whether or not he was among the escapees I simply do not know. Chosen are very resilient and your father more so than most. I do not wish to raise your hopes unnecessarily, but there is a slight possibility that he is still alive over there somewhere.”
I stared at Faru, unbelieving. I couldn’t speak. I Didn’t know what to say. Dad could be alive!
“After he disappeared, it broke your mother’s heart. We tried our hardest to find him, but it was turmoil over there. Our search came back fruitless. Your mother was so hurt; the not knowing was killing her. She said it would be better if she knew he was dead, at least that way she could try and move on, for your sake. One day Elaine came to me and begged for me to make her forget. To let her think that he had died so that she could move on with her life and focus on raising you.”
I could see deep pain in Faru’s shimmering eyes. It hurt him to talk about it. “Your father was a dear friend of mine. I cared for both him and Elaine deeply. I honoured her request.”
I thought back to all the times when I’d asked about Dad and Mum’s face had clouded over. I’d always assumed she was avoiding the question. But she wasn’t. She’d been charmed into forgetting. That was how she was able to move on so quickly. Her emotions had been paved over. I suddenly remembered what John had said during our argument. All I hear when she sleeps is the sound of her sobbing her heart out and repeating his name over and over.
“She can’t forget Dad,” I said in a matter of fact voice.
Faru nodded. “It would seem that over the years, her continuing love for him is breaking down the charm. It may be that one day everything comes back to her.” “So all the photographs…all the evidence of my father?” “Elaine made us take it all. It is safe here in the base. You can have it all of course.” Silence descended. I watched the gentle ripples of the water’s surface as hidden creatures swam about below. “Thank you for telling me Faru.”
The Seelian placed a hand on my back. “It is a relief to finally be able to Alexander. However, I must ask, now that you know, what will you do?” I didn’t need to even think about my answer. “I’m going to find my father and bring him home.” I turned and walked back towards the party, leaving Faru staring across the lake, the moonlight shining down around him.
Alex and Gabriella’s journey will continue in The Veil.
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The awakening hc-1 Page 46
