—Book of the Indriell Queens – ca. 6000 BC
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CHAPTER
SIXTEEN
Allie dragged her feet up the steps to the cliffs above. They were waiting for her, but Eiselynn’s story left her with a gloomy sense of dread. She wasn’t in a hurry to hear more bad news.
As she climbed, she felt dizzy and stumbled to her knees.
“Allie!” Aidan ran to her side when she rounded the corner at a crawl. He was waiting for her on the steps.
“St-starving.”
“Didn’t you eat?”
“Trail mix.”
“Not nearly enough. Sit,” he ordered. “I thought you might need this.” He handed her a foil wrapped plate.
The scent hit her and she ripped into the scalding hot omelet with her fingers.
“I know it’s unnerving to feel so weak in front of others,” he said as she gorged herself. She swiped at the angry, embarrassed tears in her eyes.
“Our friends can’t really comprehend this kind of ravenous hunger. It’s supposed to fade, but I’m nearly a year in and it’s stronger than ever.”
“I don’t mind you seeing me like this.” She rested her head on his shoulder, taking a deep shuddering breath.
“Coffee?” He handed her a steaming mug.
“How is it you always know exactly what I need? Is it your gift? Do you read everyone so well?”
“Just you.” He offered his hand, which was carefully wrapped in surgical tape.
“Ouch.” She traced her fingertips over the bandages before taking his hand.
“Almost good as new.” He winked.
“So other than the freaky starvation, how are you doing?” he asked as they trudged up the last steps.
“Feeling a sense of foreboding, like the other shoe is about to drop and I’m not going to like it.”
“There’re a lot of shoes, Lex,” he sighed miserably, holding the door for her.
As they stepped into the bustling kitchen, she shot him a glare. “You didn’t tell me everyone was going to be here!” Not only was Aidan’s family present, but the room was nearly bursting with their friends’ families too.
“And they can all hear you,” he said dryly.
“Aw crap.”
“It’s okay. You’re allowed to be grumpy.” Quinn’s mother offered a hug. Allie pretended not to notice how fast Emma pulled away.
“Thanks.” Allie always thought she was beautiful before, but Emma was drop dead gorgeous now. As she gazed around the room at the startlingly young faces of her friends’ parents, she realized they were all striking in their own way.
Chloe’s parents, Jin Jing and Ming Lao, spoke with a young man she couldn’t place. It took a moment for it to click that it was Emma’s husband, Daniel. He seemed more like Quinn and Graham’s brother than their father.
I’ll never get used to that.
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“Alright, lay it on me.” Allie prepared herself for another life-altering-catch-her-up-to-speed discussion after a massive family brunch.
Gregg folded his arms across his broad chest, contemplating her with a frown. “You’re less cranky today, Red. But I’m afraid there are a few...distasteful aspects of our world we need to discuss before we can move forward.”
Aidan took her hand hesitantly. “Try not to break any bones today, will ya?”
“Har, har,” she muttered.
“Now that you’ve read our most ancient history,” Gregg began in a tone that indicated he was accustomed to being heard, “you probably understand the controversy between Teigan and Ían is only one account of the struggle for power. But it is important you know this struggle continues even today. Unfortunately, there are many who covet greater gifts than their own. However, our law forbids combat with the intent to take another’s ability. You must understand it is your right—your duty, to protect yourself when challenged by another.”
“Combat? I have to learn to fight?” Laws? They have their own government?
“Aye, I’m afraid so, sweetheart. Your training will begin immediately, but we’ll start with basic self-defense. Rest easy, a stolen ability is only desirable once it has matured enough to survive the trauma of an attack to manifest in another. You’re young, but you’re a powerful girl. I’m afraid you’ll become a target much sooner than most. Your gifts are your strongest weapon and greatest asset. It is your responsibility to protect your birthright,” he said passionately, with a spark of power in his amber eyes.
“Allie,” Daniel began hesitantly, “I hate to be the bearer of even more bad news, but I’m afraid we live very dangerous lives. We are a formidable race, capable of remarkable things, but we have weaknesses. And enemies. There are a group of mortals and Immortals who refer to themselves as the Coalition.”
“So, this group wants to take over the world, and they have a bunch of mortals to do their bidding?” Allie asked. It sounded scary, but not surprising.
“The exact opposite. The Coalition has a history almost as long as our own. Today, they have their hand in every major technological advancement. They have enormous political influence and a wealth of support from the private sector funded by old mortal families.”
“So the mortals are in charge? How does that work?” Allie frowned. It seemed impossible that powerful Immortals would allow themselves to be used.
“They know how to manipulate us. For ages, our enemy was nothing more than an unruly group of zealots. They believed our time had long passed and we shouldn’t be allowed to exist. They have since grown into something much more powerful. Through the years, they’ve hunted us and discovered our weaknesses, using them against us without remorse.”
“Have you ever noticed an unusual aversion to anything as a child? An unreasonable phobia?” Gregg asked.
“Remember the physics lab a few weeks ago?” Aidan prodded.
“With the magnets? You guys were cracking up because I can’t stand them.”
“You’re not alone,” Daniel continued. “We all have the same aversion, but a very strong magnetic force is quite dangerous. If you were to pass through such a field, it would sever your power, leaving you weak and vulnerable. For thousands of years the Coalition has created magnetized weapons, ranging from crude lodestone arrowheads and spears to high-powered arms with ammunition containing a liquid magnetic core. Their prisons are built along powerful magnetic fields from which we have little hope of escape. In the past, they simply captured and eliminated us whenever possible in their petty crusade. Since the seventeenth century, however, they’ve had a different agenda. They are organized now with the goal of gaining complete and total control over the Immortal race—not to eliminate us, but to use us.”
“When taken, if your gifts are desirable, they will use whatever means necessary to manipulate you into cooperation. If they deem you worthless, they will eliminate you if circumstances allow it. Many choose to join them willingly to avoid prison, or worse. Some hope for the opportunity to gain or earn their freedom, but most become nothing more than broken slaves used for their abilities.”
“For what possible purpose?” Allie asked.
“Supremacy. He who controls the Immortals has the power to command the world. The Coalition is to be feared, Allie. The more powerful you are, the more attractive you become to them. If they decide they want you, they will hunt you.”
“It sounds like you’re saying they can kill us.” Her brow furrowed in confusion. “How is that possible?”
Gregg sighed as he came to rest crouched at her feet. “I hate dumping this on you when you’ve never asked for any of it.” He clasped her hands. “We can regenerate from almost anything, but that doesn’t mean we’re invincible. Our immortality lies within the Complement bond. If you destroy that connection even for a moment, we can be killed. If Naeemah and I were captured and gravely wounded, our bond would be momentarily broken. In that single instant before regeneration began, we would be at our most vulnerable. If our hearts wer
e removed from our chests and burnt to ash in a violent ritual…from that we could not recover. We cannot die naturally, but we can be murdered,” he said gently.
“Are there people who actually do that?” Allie recoiled.
“Unfortunately, such brutal executions are all too common,” Daniel said bitterly. “Which is yet another reason you must learn to protect yourself.”
“However, we have chosen to raise our children here on Kelleys Island for its obscurity,” Emma added. “The Coalition is not active here. They have headquarters somewhere in the city, but it is primarily an archive.”
“Aye, we have anonymity here,” Gregg added. “I promise you are safer from the enemy now than you have ever been. We will protect you as if you were our own daughter, but you simply must follow our rules.”
“Immortality doesn’t come cheap, does it?” Allie shook her head sadly.
“Allie,” Ming Lao said, “I don’t know you very well, but it says a lot that you aren’t blinded by the lure of immortality. You will adapt, it will just take time to come to terms with our limitations.”
“Alright guys, you’re free for the rest of the morning,” Gregg announced. “We’ll meet at our usual time and place this afternoon. Allie, you’ll be with Nae today, and tomorrow you’re with me.” He grinned wickedly.
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CHAPTER
SEVENTEEN
“Stop stressing, Lex,” Aidan said as they made their way home later that afternoon. “I promise we’re through the worst.”
“Then why do I still feel so anxious?” She chewed on her thumbnail, thinking about Eiselynn’s story and the ominous prophecy. “That last bit, ‘the Power is corrupted and will remain so,’ blah, blah, blah. What was that? Why didn’t Gregg even mention it?”
“That?” he scowled. “Prophecies crop up all across our history, but that one is widely considered false. It’s old and the translation is crap. We are an extremely infertile race. It isn’t remotely possible that he could be the seventh of his line. He would have to trace his lineage back to the Queens of Indriell and they died out with Alísun.”
“It’s about you!” she gasped with the realization.
“It is not about me, Alexis Ann! I’ve heard that speculation all my life! But I’m an orphan just like you and everyone else!”
“Oh dear me? Have I struck a nerve?” she asked dryly.
He fumed as he pulled her car into the garage where Sasha waited.
Aidan furiously punched a code on a hidden keypad and Allie’s jaw dropped when the floor opened to reveal a staircase leading far underground. When they finally reached the bottom, she stumbled over the uneven ground. The natural tunnel was cavernous and cool. Huge stalactites hung from the ceiling, and stalagmites lined a well-worn path into the distance.
“You have a friggin’ bat cave?”
“I suppose it is kind of our lair,” Aidan muttered, still bristling.
“We’re all connected through these natural tunnels,” Sasha added. “You’ll have your own entrance soon.”
“Where does it lead?”
“We just follow the tunnel for a few miles to the common room.”
“And I guess we’re walking?”
“Oh no, dear one, we’re running.” Sasha grinned.
“Right.”
“Let’s just start with a jog.” She pulled ahead, coaching Allie to follow.
“Don’t shy away from the temptation to run faster.”
Soon Allie was flying along the tunnel, her feet barely touching the ground. Sasha left them far behind. The girl was fast!
Allie felt so alive as she ran, pushing to see just how fast she could go—her blood thrumming vigorously through her veins. But much to her disappointment, they soon slowed.
“That was fantastic!” They had arrived at a massive carved wooden door that led to a vast hall. The groin vaulted ceiling towered overhead, and the walls were intricately carved with relief sculpture.
“Welcome!” Gregg greeted her warmly.
“This place is amaz—” she choked. Her eyes darted to Aidan’s in a silent plea as her empty stomach heaved.
“Time to eat.” He ushered her into the adjoining dining room.
“Slow down, Lex.” He held her back when she lunged for the buffet. “You have to learn to cope with this.” He gave her one tiny triangle sandwich.
“Why do I have to wait?” Graham complained as he followed them. “I’m starving, too.” He rounded the corner just in time to see Allie attack her food like a rabid beast.
She flushed in shame, stifling a sob as she gagged in her urgency to get something in her stomach.
“Out!” Aidan snapped.
“I get it, Allie.” Graham threw his hands up in earnest. “This first few days blows.”
“It’s okay, let’s just eat,” she said.
“Excellent! I’m starving.” His cornflower blue eyes sparkled with gratitude as he grabbed a huge platter and helped himself. For some reason Graham never showed his discomfort like the others. It was still there, but it was more like the way Sasha was with Aidan.
“The insatiable hunger eventually passes, so I’m told, but I’m pretty sure they’re just lying.”
Allie managed to get through the meal, retaining most of her table manners, but not without great effort. Aidan was right; she had to get a grip on this.
“Ready?” Naeemah asked. Allie noted other pairs breaking off from the group and reluctantly followed. Naeemah’s office was spacious with high ceilings, stone walls and a circular alcove with books lined to the ceiling. Two sleek desks faced each other along the far end of the room, opposite a large fireplace. Brightly colored rugs covered the stone floor where a pair of glass doors led to another room.
“Breathe, Allie, I’m not going to throw you to the wolves today.”
“Right.” She exhaled the breath she was holding.
“Please have a seat.” Naeemah gestured to the plush sofa. “How are you coping today?”
“Well, I think.” She squeezed Naeemah’s hand affectionately, pasting on a smile when she withdrew from the contact.
“I’m so sorry, it isn’t you, sweetheart.”
“It’s okay.” Allie shrugged.
“No, it is not. When my son hugs me and I recoil, I feel like the world’s worst mother. I can see the hurt in his eyes and it breaks my heart. It’s been that way since he was a baby. I always hoped I would acclimate to his power the way Greggory has, but it is still there—this uncomfortable barrier between me and my child.” She wiped furiously at her tears.
“He knows it’s involuntary. And I promise I won’t hold it against you.” Allie smiled.
“You should not have to deal with this too.”
“I’m no stranger to it. At least now I know why people react so strongly to me. You’ve watched Aidan suffer in isolation all his life, but it doesn’t have to be like that. I have him. He has me.”
“You wonderful girl! You have no idea what your friendship has meant to him.” She beamed. “He was always so reckless before—angry and always in trouble. Just do not let it go any further than friendship. He is head over heels for you, but you have so much on your plate and you are both so very young. Don’t get too serious too fast.”
“Let’s get started, shall we?” she continued in a rush.
“What do I have to do?”
“Just watch while I tell you a story, and then we might do some yoga later.”
“One of your animated stories?” Allie asked eagerly.
“I have something even better to show you today. We’ve discussed how Immortals often share common abilities, like the way we appear to age normally. We can also share our experiences with loved ones in a very special way. Some of us are more talented than others, and I happen to be quite talented in this arena.” She smiled mischievously.
“How would you like to learn my story by experiencing it through my eyes? You will feel the hot desert sand between your toes and you will s
mell the brine of the Arabian Sea.”
“Live history?” Allie grinned. “Let’s do it!”
“Alright,” she laughed. “But let’s dial it back a notch. This is similar to hypnotism so I need you relaxed with an open mind.”
“Got it.” Allie settled back on the couch, taking a few deep breaths in an attempt to curb her excitement.
“I’m going to share some of my life as a young girl, which I hope will help you understand that we have all struggled through these early years.”
“Close your eyes,” she hummed, and Allie immediately complied, not entirely of her own volition.
“That’s it. Now just watch the colors.”
Allie found herself in a whirlwind of yellow, orange, russet red and deep violet—the colors of the desert.
“Naeemah, come here child,” her mother called urgently as the wind stirred the desert sands. “Stay close to me.”
“Mother, please, I am no longer a child. We have traveled this cursed desert for weeks and still you refuse to give reasonable explanation. Please, why have we fled our home like thieves in the night?” Allie moved with Naeemah, experiencing everything just as she had in the distant past. The desert sand was gritty on her face and she could feel the hot dry air move through her lungs. She was Naeemah, and she was in awe of her mother, Hatshepsut.
“Quiet, daughter,” the woman now known as Nadira reprimanded sharply. “Your grandfather has caused great turmoil in the palace treasury. The Sultan has ordered the execution of all the men of our family. We’ve no choice but to leave my beloved Egypt.”
Emerge: The Awakening Page 11
