The task of getting my ass kicked.
Decima answered Drenson by parting her feet, letting her blade hang loosely to her side and finally looking at me. Her eyes were pale gold like those of a cat and showed the enormity of her wisdom, experience and cunning – it was not an encouraging sign. But I dug deep and returned her stare even as she looked right through me.
Something told me Decima’s interpretation of drawing blood would be different from most.
‘Begin,’ Drenson ordered.
I responded quickly, stepping back to increase the distance between us. It was a defensive tactic but also – I’d never seen Decima fight. I needed to see her move before I could know how to engage her – putting space between us was the easiest way.
Decima’s only movement was a slight tilting of her head as if she were listening to something far away.
That’s reassuring.
We stood facing each other, Decima’s expression decidedly bored, mine decidedly freaked out. But she didn’t move.
She’s waiting me out to make me go to her. Fat chance.
I knew enough not to be played this way. If she wanted to wait, I’d wait.
A few minutes passed, both of us simply watching the other, until Decima’s head tilted once more. Then, finally, she moved. If I thought she stalked like a tiger, she struck like a snake. Her feet never seemed to leave the ground and yet her speed was phenomenal. I’d been ready and waiting for her to attack, but nothing could prepare a person for that. Just before reaching me, she leaped into the air, clearing my head and landing behind me. Before I had time to spin, I felt the sting of her katana drawing a line along half the length of my spine.
Decima had just taken first blood, leaving a gash down my back.
I heard the collective gasp of the Grigori spectators, their excitement at watching Decima in action boiling over.
‘One, Decima,’ Drenson said.
He didn’t need to say any more, there was no break. We both knew the rules – the fight continued until one of us won.
I moved back a couple of steps to get myself together and did everything I could to block out the rest of the world.
I can do this.
I had the advantage that they didn’t understand. I was of the Sole. I was the highest-ranking Grigori present, whether I wanted to be or not. Technically, whatever she could do, I should be able to do better.
And maybe in several hundred years that will be true, a taunting voice whispered within.
Right then, if I didn’t find a way to tap into whatever made me powerful, I was going to find myself in a world of pain.
I ignored the warmth spreading out along my back and concentrated on Decima again. She was waiting once more, the snake preparing to strike.
Drawing from my well of power within, I called it forward and out to my fingertips.
I am fast. I am strong. And I will not be bested, or defeated.
The thoughts came to me as if they were not even my own. My warrior instinct was taking over. I felt it like a force anxious to be released and I knew it was important to keep control.
Decima moved suddenly to the side and then back at me. This time, I moved too. And instead of dodging her, I headed right into her path, dropped to my knees and rolled, coming back up as she passed me, just in time to extend my katana and cut into her thigh.
This time when the audience gasped, it was for me.
‘One, Decima. One, Violet,’ Drenson umpired.
I jumped up onto my feet, knowing enough to not get excited. Decima was already in position, ignoring the wound in her leg. But it had been a deep cut and it had to hurt.
Decima repaid the favour quickly, her katana only nicking my forehead with one of her fast swipes. But blood was blood.
That gave her two. Drenson confirmed the score.
The next round went to me, thanks to landing a lucky kick in her side and being ready to take full advantage of my temporary gain, my blade making a swift incision on her exposed side.
Again, the crowd gasped. This time some cheering began. Several people chanted for Decima. A few crazy ones hollered my name. I heard one distinctive voice above the rest. ‘Come on, Eden! Stop messing around – bring it home!’
Hi, Spence.
Decima and I took our positions again. This time, I didn’t wait. I moved, using my katana like a sword and engaging her in a traditional fight. She was fast and sparks flew as the blades hit. We both had close calls, reaching for each other and just missing. She landed a solid punch in my face and I barely had enough time to throw out a defensive kick before the pain flared. I felt it then I ignored it.
No time.
Don’t quit, Vi. Don’t back down!
I saw Decima lunge towards me. It was perfect, nothing for me to work with. I knew as I saw her coming that she’d beat me. But I couldn’t let her have this one – this was the decider.
I could do only one thing. I switched my katana to my other hand and as she spun in mid-air, perfectly aligned with my upper chest, my left arm came up and my blade skimmed her extended forearm, drawing blood.
The room fell silent. We had struck, almost simultaneously.
Decima paused to look at the insignificant wound on her forearm. I didn’t bother looking at my chest. I could feel the blood soaking into the fabric of my top. It didn’t matter right now.
It had been a low blow, taking the blade to her arm like that. Defensively, it achieved nothing. If we’d been in real battle she would probably have taken me out with her strike, but this wasn’t a real battle and drawing blood was drawing blood.
Three all.
I kept a grip on my katana, not ready to relinquish it until I knew I was safe.
What now?
Decima took it upon herself to answer that question, giving the audience another reason to gasp as she bowed her head and held her arms out, her katana resting flat across them in an offering to me.
Unsure, I glanced at Rainer who nodded at me, so I stepped forward to take the sword from Decima’s hands. She lifted her gaze to meet mine and tilted her head. This time her eyes truly saw me.
‘Warrior,’ she said.
I nodded.
Drenson stood, abruptly. ‘Decima, there should be a tiebreaker.’
She shook her head, not even glancing at him. ‘No need. Her blade touched my skin before mine touched hers. She won.’
I replayed the fight in my head. It had all happened so fast, but she was right – by a margin, I’d touched her first. She was honourable to admit it.
‘With a superficial wound,’ Drenson scoffed. ‘Hardly impressive.’
Decima gave me one last inquisitive look before returning to her seat. Seth passed an assessing gaze over her, as if checking her for any serious injury.
‘You made the rules, Drenson. The girl played by them and won.’ If I wasn’t mistaken, Decima seemed slightly entertained.
I felt Lincoln’s power again at my back, supporting me. Proud.
And then …
The silent crowd erupted into cheers. Spence and Zoe wolf-whistling from the balcony.
It was overwhelming, but I kept my composure after a quick look around.
Maybe I’ll make it through this after all.
Josephine’s smirk was well and truly gone.
The mental elements of the testing went on for hours. Different Grigori presenting their powers to me – glamours, perceptions, barriers – all for me to break down and overcome. Some were easier than others and a couple, that Griffin had warned me about earlier, I chose not to even try. Josephine had deliberately included them to test whether I was of a superior rank or not. But I didn’t have to be able to do everything and my continued protection was more important than acing every challenge.
As the testing dragged on, I felt myself growing weary. I hoped it was nearing an end but then I saw Josephine lean over and whisper in Drenson’s ear. He nodded, whispered a reply and stood up.
‘Your final challen
ge will be a test of solidarity with your fellow Grigori. Are you ready?’ he asked.
Rainer and I hadn’t discussed what this test would be, but it wasn’t the first attempt to unnerve me.
I nodded. ‘I’m ready.’
‘Griffin Moore, if you could join us?’
Once again, the crowd fell silent as the assembled Grigori watched Griffin move into the arena. From the look on his face, this was a surprise to him, too. He took up position beside me and faced Drenson.
‘We are going to ask Violet three questions. They will be answered in full and Griffin will read the sincerity in her response and in turn, deliver its truth to the Assembly.’
This was not good. Griffin could see truth if it was there and could only deliver it in full if it was in fact truth. There was no way around this and depending on what questions they asked we were now in trouble.
‘Do you both understand?’
‘I do,’ Griffin said.
‘Yes,’ I said.
‘Violet Eden, are you aware of the ranking of your angel maker?’
I looked between Drenson and Josephine. Both carried that arrogant air of superiority. The rest of the Assembly members watched on curiously.
Griffin kept his expression passive, emotionless, playing his part.
‘Yes,’ I answered.
There were a few murmurs but most people remained silent.
Griffin turned to the Assembly. ‘This is her truth.’
The Assembly members waited for Adele to nod first before proceeding to do the same. I wondered how her power differed from Griffin’s. Perhaps it didn’t and they were making Griffin do this for another reason.
‘Violet Eden, were you involved in a relationship with the exile, Phoenix, son of Lilith, that led to an event where he healed you of injuries, thereby forming a connection between the two of you, which he can manipulate to control your survival?’
I didn’t know where this was going. I swallowed nervously.
‘Yes.’
Griffin’s mouth thinned into a straight line. ‘This is her truth.’
The Assembly nodded.
Final question.
‘Violet Eden, is it true that you gave the Grigori Scripture over to Phoenix, son of Lilith, after he threatened to hurt your human friend, Stephanie Morris, thereby endangering the lives of all Grigori in order to ensure her safety?’
Shit.
I couldn’t apologise for that. I now had an idea where this was going, but I couldn’t show remorse for those decisions.
‘Yes,’ I said, standing tall.
Griffin turned to the Assembly. ‘This is her truth. Though I must add, this is also my truth as this choice was made together and without regret.’
‘Mine, too,’ Lincoln said, stepping out of the crowd.
Griffin turned to Lincoln and then looked back at the Assembly. ‘This is our truth.’
The considering eyes of the nine Assembly members watched the exchange and finally nodded in acceptance of Griffin’s word.
Drenson cleared his throat. ‘The testing is complete. We will cast our votes.’
Rainer stood first. ‘Pass,’ she said, not holding back her smile.
Wil stood beside her. ‘Pass,’ he said.
They were the only two votes I was confident about. I held my breath.
Valerie stood. I suspected where her vote would be going. She wouldn’t have liked my cheap trick against Decima. ‘Fail,’ she said.
Hakon stood. ‘Fail,’ he said, supporting his partner.
Seth stood. ‘Pass.’
Decima stood. ‘Pass.’
I kept my expression neutral even if I did feel it was already a victory in itself to have their votes. Somehow their approval counted for more than a simple ruling.
Adele was on her feet next. She looked at me for a moment and then to Drenson. She pursed her lips. ‘Fail.’
Drenson glanced at Josephine, who clearly had every intention of saving her vote for last. It was clear, then, who was really in control, because Drenson stood.
‘Fail,’ he said, his voice ringing out into the arena.
You could have heard a pin drop as Josephine slowly rose from her seat and moved forward so she was in clear view of the entire room.
‘Violet, you have fought well, there is no doubt. Decima is undefeated and while she remains that way, you have shown your various skills and willingness to use them. Not a soul in this room could deny that, in time, your fighting skills may one day only be matched by those of your own partner.’
Did she just compliment me?
‘But being Grigori is about more than being able to fight. Grigori must be able to put the greater good first and above all else. It is clear to see that you are willing to put the people you care about first, above yourself, above all others. But what, then, for everyone else, Violet? I fear the day that your choices will come at a great expense to the rest of the world.’ Josephine worked the crowd, casting her gaze around the room and nodding at several important members of the Academy. Her words were building anticipation to her vote. The worst thing was, even though I hated her, even though I knew she was doing this for her own agenda … she was right.
‘On top of that we cannot ignore an anonymous accusation that has been made against you, one that you have done nothing to dissuade us from here today.’
What the …?
‘As members of the Assembly we must consider the implications of an allegation that you are in fact still involved with the exile Phoenix and indeed aided him in his attempts to resurrect Lilith and utilise the Grigori Scripture.’
My mouth fell open. ‘Who said that?’ I exclaimed. ‘That’s not true! I would never have done that. And in case you’ve forgotten, he dropped me into a volcano not so long ago. That hardly says “same team”!’
My words fell on deaf ears, Josephine lifting a patronising hand to silence me. I wanted to scream.
‘I’m afraid I have been left with no alternative,’ she addressed the room. ‘Violet Eden is simply not one of us. I must vote therefore, fail.’
Whispers rushed through the crowd. Murmurs of agreement, sounds of horror, as arguments sparked and I simply stood in silence as one by one the Assembly filed out of the room, Rainer and Wil both looking at me apologetically as they followed.
That was it.
Testing complete.
I’d failed.
I turned on my heel and walked at a steady pace out of the room, not looking at a single person. The rules still applied.
I don’t run away.
That didn’t mean I didn’t power through the Command building, over the skywalks and to my room, all the while forcing back the threatening tears. Once there, I grabbed my backpack and started shoving my things into it. If I had failed then at least I didn’t have to stay here. And just because I wasn’t part of their stupid Academy, that didn’t mean I wasn’t Grigori. I could hunt just fine without them.
My door swung open. I didn’t stop packing. I’d felt him coming.
‘They were wrong and everyone knows it. Josephine set you up to fail. Griffin will fix this.’
I kept packing. I couldn’t even speak.
Suddenly he was there, his arms wrapping around me from behind, supporting my weight as I crumpled from sheer exhaustion.
‘You were amazing. No one can stop talking about how you took on Decima.’
I leaned back into him, ignoring the sting from the gash in my back and instead drawing in all that he was.
‘I’m sorry, Linc,’ I said, mortified that I’d just ruined his future as well.
He hushed me, his arms tightening around me, using the moment to heal the worst of my wounds.
‘You have nothing to–’
But his words were cut off as an explosion rocked the building. Lincoln threw me to the ground and himself on top of me. Everything shook with the force of the blast. As soon as the vibrations settled we heard several smaller explosions further away. By then, we were
already on our feet and running in their direction, back towards Command.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
‘Hell is empty,
And all the devils are here.’
William Shakespeare
Charging through the halls, Grigori were running everywhere. Lincoln and I picked up the pace, people moving out of our way as we passed them, our legs and arms pumping with all we had. We made it onto the skywalk just as we heard another explosion, which shattered more of the glass walls containing Command.
Lincoln and I saw our problem at the same time: the explosion had hit part of the skywalk we were racing across. Lincoln didn’t stop running but looked over his shoulder to shout, ‘Faster!’ to me, and then to the Grigori following us further back, ‘Go back! Go back!’ His voice held the kind of authority one did not argue with. We kept running, faster and faster, the walkway threatening to give way beneath us.
Without slowing, Lincoln thrust his hand back and I grabbed it just as he leaped forwards, pulling me with him as the glass gave a final sensational crack and fell. I landed in his arms, and he held me to his chest until he was sure I was safe. We looked down and watched the skyway fall, but before the largest piece of glass hit the ground it stopped and hovered, suspended in mid-air.
Confused, I looked back over to the building we had fled. Hiro and some of the other telekinetic Grigori were using their powers to hold it there, preventing a catastrophic collision with the pedestrians that swarmed the pavements beneath.
‘Okay?’ Lincoln asked, eyes searching me as he pushed the hair back from my face.
‘Yes,’ I breathed.
Two Grigori ran towards us from Command, as if they were headed for the walkway. ‘Get a clean-up crew on the ground,’ Lincoln ordered shoving them back in the other direction. They didn’t need telling twice.
‘Linc!’ I yelled, as we started to run again. ‘They’re everywhere!’ It was all I needed to say. My senses were buzzing, but his would be too. We both knew where we needed to go. ‘They’re going for Evelyn!’
This was what Josephine had been waiting for, but I was willing to bet she’d never counted on an assault of this magnitude.
Endless: Violet Eden Chapters: Book Four Page 18
