Professor Zervos.
Oh good.
Zervos hated everyone, but especially me. He thought I got special treatment as the last elemental, and he was determined to counteract that by making my life miserable whenever he could.
I tried to speak, but just ended up coughing. Instead, someone spoke up for me.
“It looks like Mr. Erikson and Ms. Rollins have decided to drop by before the opening ceremonies. Obviously they were looking for the showers, but it’s delightful that they ended up here,” came Professor Dacer’s lilting voice. I nearly cried in relief when I saw him. He was decked out all in red, a nice subtle outfit for the ceremonies. He had on a massive hat that was tipped jauntily to the side, and red lips to match. He also had a large white flower stuck in his lapel.
“Dacer,” I greeted him, nodding. I would have said more, but my throat was filled with dust.
“Ms. Rollins,” he said, his lips twitching.
All the senior paranormals in the room were decked out in their best finery. Some of the women wore silver or gold; I assumed they must be members of Airlee, because there were definitely pixie women in flowing green dresses and elaborate headpieces. Most of the men were in suits except for the vampires, who wore long, flowing black robes. The fallen angels wore all white.
“They blasted through a wall,” said a woman with gray streaks in her hair. She was standing next to Committee Member Dove, who wonderfully enough was also there, as were the other committee members, Oliva and Professor Erikson. Next to the woman who had spoken was the fallen angel Saferous, who I had seen talking to Keller earlier. Dove, Oliva, and Erikson ran Public along with Lisabelle’s Uncle Risper. This was the first time I had seen any of them at Locke, but it made sense that they were there. Running Public was an important position, and an honor. They were important people.
“Come now,” said another man, one who had to be a vampire, but who had a sallow complexion that made me wonder if he was part of one of the other sects and not Lanca’s. “They were prepared to attack us.”
“Yes, how silly of them to make an elaborate plan of attack and let the dust foil them,” said Dacer. “Ah, to be young again.”
“Thanks, Dacer,” I said. “I think.”
Zervos had no intention of letting us off so easily. His eyes were bulging and he gripped the glass in his hand so tightly it looked like it was about to shatter.
“You troublesome useless little gutter snipe. Not even here, in the privacy of the senior paranormals’ sitting room, can you keep your vile behavior to yourself. Why, if you were in a dorm that actually had adults to control it I would insist that you be reprimanded. As it is, Dacer, do something about your student!” Zervos was yelling, and he had started to wave his arms. In my tired state all I could think was that it was a good thing his glass was empty.
“I mostly certainly will not,” said Dacer. “Clearly she has been through an ordeal and needs rest.”
“Then someone reprimand Mr. Erikson,” Zervos spat. “He looks just as guilty as that minx he’s dating.”
Zervos should have known that golden boy Keller wouldn’t get in trouble. Keller, for his part, refused to look ashamed, despite the look of disappointment every fallen angel in the room was giving him. Every fallen angel, that is, except his aunt, who was not looking at him at all.
“Fine,” Zervos snarled. “Let these children throw us to the hellhounds. Obviously none of you care!” And with that he stormed out of the room.
Dacer watched Zervos leave, then turned back to me.
“Come now. It’s less than an hour before the ceremony and these fine people now have a wall to repair. I truly think the story of how you came out of there will be fascinating. You can explain while you walk with me.”
Dacer moved so fast that the only paranormal who realized he was hurdling us out the door was Oliva, who followed quickly behind the three of us.
Dressed all in green for the occasion, Oliva was a pixie, one of the Committee members who had been placed in charge of Public after President Malle’s evil had been revealed. He was the youngest member and had passed, during my second semester at Public, for a student, in which guise he had befriended me and my other friends. When we found out who he really was, none of us had entirely forgiven him for the deception.
Once we were safely away from all the senior paranormals who wanted an explanation for why we were blasting through walls - even I could understand that - Dacer’s walk slowed.
“You should explain,” he said quietly. “Because that was problematic, to say the least.”
Under the dirt Keller looked white next to me, probably because his aunt had been in the room and refused to look at him while I talked to Dacer and Zervos.
“Explain,” Dacer repeated.
I told him everything as we walked. I didn’t particularly like that Oliva was there listening, but I didn’t have a choice in the matter. Keller never said a word.
“You think Lanca will be attacked at the opening ceremony?” Oliva repeated. “That can’t be. There’s just too much security, too many paranormals. There has to be another explanation.”
“Look,” I said, tired of adults doubting me, or maybe just wanting to prove that I didn’t doubt myself. “I am pretty used to demons trying to kill me at this point. Not to mention hellhounds, the random darkness mage, and more than one pixie, and let me tell you, it’s all for one reason: Because I am elemental. I am the power that unifies and closes the circle of powers. Without me Lanca is vulnerable, with me she is not.”
“What happened?” Lisabelle’s voice rang down the dark hallway. There, waiting outside our room, were an angry darkness mage, a werewolf girl with flashing purple eyes, and a very confused dream giver.
My friends were all dressed beautifully. Lanca had apparently intervened to make sure that the loss of our luggage didn’t leave us unprepared for what was coming. Lisabelle wore layers upon layers of black silk cascading down to the floor, while her shoulders were covered in a fine black lace overlay. Her dark eyes were filled with worry.
Sip wore a coat and dress pants of brown with purple trim, while Lough wore a gray suit and blue tie; no one but the vampires was allowed to wear red. Sip stood, twisting her hands in front of her.
“Ah, Ms. Verlans, paranormal grace forbid we have half an hour’s respite from your withering tongue,” said Oliva.
“I’ll give you a respite from my tongue,” Lisabelle warned, stepping forward and brandishing her fist.
“Oh, please,” Sip scoffed. “Stop it. Look at them. Obviously something is very wrong.” She looked at Keller and me in turn, her eyes filling with worry.
“I should go back to my own room and shower,” said Keller. “There’s not much time. Besides, my aunt has probably already informed my parents about what happened. I should face the music sooner rather than later.”
I felt sad but didn’t want to show it. Instead I squared my shoulders and turned to my friends. A light touch on my shoulder brought me back to Keller.
“Hey,” he murmured. “Nice work. We make a good team.” He gave me a small smile and I nodded, instantly feeling better.
“See you soon,” I murmured.
“See you soon.”
Now I had to explain what had happened all over again. Lisabelle barely gave me the chance to shower and slip into the blue long-sleeved sweater dress that Lanca had found for me. The dress fit perfectly. I had a suspicion Lanca had insisted that her own tailor make sure of that. Once I was ready I joined everyone else. They had spent the five minutes Lisabelle had allowed me to shower talking.
“We have to get to Lanca,” said Lisabelle, rising from the couch. “Is that where Oliva went?”
“Yes,” I said, smoothing a hand down my dress. “He went to warn her that she should cancel the opening ceremonies.”
“Fat chance that happens,” said Sip wryly.
“What do you mean?” Lough asked. “Her life is in danger.”
Dacer was
about to say something when there was a tap at the door.
I opened it to reveal Vital. His black hair was pulled back and his face was pale, even for a vampire. He was dressed soberly, in black pants, a black jacket, and a white shirt.
“We don’t want to see you, we want to see Lanca,” Lisabelle called over my shoulder. “Be gone.”
Vital stepped out of the way.
Lanca stood behind him. Her eyes met mine and I knew there was no talking her out of participating in the opening ceremonies.
“Wow,” Sip breathed. “I’ve never seen clothes so fine.”
She was not wearing black. Instead, it was the first time I had ever seen a vampire wear white. I had the uneasy feeling that she was dressed as a lamb to be sacrificed; I put the thought aside ruthlessly. Her long black hair fell in ringlets around her shoulders, framing her pale face.
“Are you okay?” I murmured to her as I stepped aside to let her pass. She gave me a haunted look, but nodded. She looked nauseated.
“We need to talk,” said Vital, his jaw tight.
“You think?” Lisabelle asked. Vital was a little surprised to see Dacer there, but he didn’t protest. It looked like the two had already met; they merely nodded to each other.
“Professor Dacer,” said Lanca warmly, extending her hands to the man whose job was to run the Museum of Masks. “It’s a pleasure.”
Dacer inclined his head, a gesture of the utmost respect among vampires. “The pleasure is mine.”
“We just spoke with Oliva,” said Vital. His eyes were on fire and he couldn’t stop moving. His nervous energy was making me nervous and Lanca must have felt the same, because on Vital’s next move past the princess she reached out a hand and gently placed it on his arm.
He came to a dead stop, but his eyes continued to rove.
“I have to participate,” she said quietly. “This is about me, after all.”
“It isn’t JUST about you,” Dacer pointed out. “This is about all paranormals and the hierarchy of vampires. You are at the center of a growing storm.”
“All of the darkness mages are here. Every single one. The only one missing is Uncle Risper, and that’s because he’s away on urgent business.” Lisabelle gave a crooked smile. His business probably related to his double life as the thief, Elam.
“Even your parents?” I asked. I had yet to meet Lisabelle’s parents. Her mother was reportedly very colorful and flamboyant, maybe something like Dacer, while her father was much more quiet and controlled.
“No,” said Lisabelle. “My parents were supposed to come, but they thought better of it when they realized they would be murdered. I thought it was a solid decision.”
“Lisabelle is only here because I made it clear that she was not to be harmed,” Lanca explained, her voice soft. “My reach only extends so far, however. As Faci’s behavior proves.”
“What does it mean that all the other darkness mages are here?” I asked.
“It has never happened before,” said Sip. “They never all congregate in one place, because they don’t trust each other not to attack. So if all they’re all together now . . .” Sip prompted. “That means what?”
“It means they’re unified,” said Lisabelle grimly. “And they aren’t unified on the side of the paranormals.”
“They’re unified on the side of darkness,” said Lanca. “Yes, that was clear from the beginning. President Malle’s letter hinted at as much.”
“Malle?”
Lanca nodded. “Oh, did I not mention? She’s here. She’ll be at opening ceremonies.”
Chapter Eighteen
It was like a bomb had gone off in our living room.
Sip had a fit as only Sip could. Lisabelle finally calmed her down.
“She’s a darkness mage,” said Lisabelle, trying to calm her roommate down. “She was invited along with the others.”
“Shouldn’t someone have kicked her out?” Sip snapped. “What sort of an operation are they running?”
“Believe me, if I were running it I’d be doing things very differently,” said Lisabelle. “As it is, she has come for the coronation.”
“Insanity,” Sip sputtered. “If only werewolves were running things.”
“We’d all be doing laps,” Lough joked, referring to the werewolves’ love of all things running.
“Do all the paranormals know she’s here?” I asked, thinking that, by the look on Dacer’s face, it might be better if they didn’t.
“No,” said Lanca, brushing a black strand of hair out of her face. “The agreement was that her presence would be allowed if she made sure not to reveal herself.”
“Remind me why you allowed it,” I said, shaking my head. This woman wanted me dead. Of course that was old hat these days, but still.
“She allowed it because she’s trying to stay alive,” Vital growled. “She can’t isolate herself from the power players, and Malle controls the darkness. She’s a power player if ever there was one.”
“We’re not getting anywhere,” said Lanca with frustration. “I am going to the opening ceremony. That is the end of the discussion.”
“I’ve had discussions,” Sip said. “This was not that.”
“Does Lanca sound irritated to you?” I asked Lough.
He shrugged. “She’s like Lisabelle. Who can tell?”
It was the beginning of a long evening.
The worst part of the ceremonies turned out to be that Keller did not come. He had said he was going to shower and meet us at the ceremonies, but then he hadn’t showed up. I had waited and waited, searched for any feeling of him, but had only drawn a blank. Without him there my shoulders had sunk lower and lower with each passing minute.
My friends had noticed my growing agitation. I couldn’t hide it when it came to Keller, it was what made our relationship so dangerous and what told me it was real. But by the end of the night I couldn’t contain my fear that he wasn’t there.
Other than Keller never arriving, nothing whatsoever out of the ordinary had happened. At least, nothing dangerous to Lanca or any of the other paranormals who were there. The ceremonies had gone off without a hitch. The visiting paranormals had been welcomed to Locke and introduced, or re-introduced, to Princess Lanca, and that was about it.
The hall at the top of Locke was massive and circular. Stadium seating lined the walls as the roof was somehow retracted (or made to disappear) to reveal an overcast night sky. Everything was gray stone. The seats felt hard and cold, and my back rested against rock.
The ceremonies were the one time in the vampire world that everything was about color. Sapphire, jade, mango, blood, tangerine, gold, silver, maroon, crystal, everything was bathed in light and color. All the shades bled and pooled, forming a rainbow of power, all of which flowed in, around, and through Princess Lanca.
All around me I heard gasps of appreciation. Even the pixies, who were famously unpleasant about everything, cheered when Princess Lanca stepped out. She had many friends among the pixies. She had been well liked at Public, and at least among the younger students she was definitely respected.
As I watched Princess Lanca stand to receive her greeting, I felt a pressure building in the room. My ears popped and my head felt as if it were being pressed between two metal plates. As the magic increased I wondered where President Malle was. I had looked and looked, and from the turning of Sip’s and Lisabelle’s heads the whole evening I knew they were doing the same.
The floor felt like it was vibrating as the magic flowed over it, and I constantly pressed my feet down harder.
The room was remarkably segregated. Pixies sat with pixies, vampires with vampires. It was much like our dining hall, except that the Public professors and committee members sat together. I could see Keller’s aunt, Professor Erikson, as plain as day, sitting in the very front. Her face was stony and her eyes were hard. She never looked at me. I wondered where Keller’s parents were, but I didn’t could never have picked them out in the sea of fallen a
ngels even if I had known them well.
In the darkness there’s always a spot of light, a crystal blazing in shadows, a sunbeam through sunset, but there was no Keller. As we watched the vampire demonstration that was the climax of the ceremony, we talked quietly among ourselves.
“He’s probably just tired,” said Sip reassuringly, patting my arm. I sat between Lisabelle and Sip, while Lough sat on Sip’s left. “You had to basically break out of a bank vault today. That’s hard stuff.”
“Did you see Malle?” Lough asked out of the side of his mouth.
“Nope,” said Lisabelle. “But I saw Mound.”
“The one who writes in the Tabble and hates me?” I asked, surprised. Of course he was there; all the paranormals were there. But I had expected Mound to attack me for being a horrible paranormal if we ended up in the same place. Instead, we had spent all evening together and I hadn’t even known it.
“Yes, he’s sitting with the other pixies, but he hasn’t looked this way. He keeps staring at Lanca.”
“He probably thinks she’s an abomination too,” I said bitterly. “He’ll be writing about it in no time.”
As we walked back to our rooms after the ceremony was over, I was tempted to go in search of Keller. But I thought better of it. I had done that this morning and we had been kidnapped, and whoever had captured us was still out there. I felt sure he would seek me out before bedtime.
“Had to get away from Daisy,” said Dobrov, who had joined us as we walked. “She’s making friends with Camilla. Two crazies do not make a sensible paranormal.”
“Daisy might be crazy, but she’s not stupid,” said Sip. “She’ll know you’re avoiding her.”
“I don’t care,” said Dobrov, giving a curt nod. “She knows who would win in a fight.”
I looked at Dobrov in surprise. Underneath his shy and beaten down exterior there was a steel backbone. He fell into step next to me, while Lough walked behind with Lisabelle and Sip led the way.
“Mind if I come back to your room with you for a while?” Dobrov asked Lough. “I’ll be quiet,” he added when he saw Lough start to squirm.
Elemental Dawn (Paranormal Public) Page 13
