“You are late.” Thane took her hand, and Sophie sensed Tristan’s essence in it. He led her through the catacombs at a pace that made her stumble. His black battle armor was stained with blood. The rips in the sides of the metal caused her instant alarm.
Sofrina’s heartbeat sped up when his fingers curled more tightly around hers. “I was lost. It isn’t every day that I find myself down here.” She ignored the freshly placed tombs and the smell of new dirt and focused on the back of Thane’s head.
All those people, dead. The grief swelled up, and Sophie almost took back control.
Thane took her through a series of twists and turns in the tombs before leading her down a stairwell and into a circular chamber. There stood the others, all dressed in the same type of clothes, all wearing different faces, but in each she could sense her friends’ essences.
“We thought….” Lilah crossed the room and grabbed her hands, choking back a sob.
Sofrina smiled at her friend and absorbed some of her worry. Lilah leaned back slightly. “You are soaked.”
“Apparently the Demoness knows what we are about.” Ash sat on the edge of a crumbling pillar. “She’s commanded the skies against us. We have to hurry if we are going to do this.”
“Are we certain this is what we want to do?” Morgana rubbed a hand down her face. “We will be leaving our people to a life of servitude to that demon.” She clenched her fists at her sides. “It is not fair.”
“What people, Morgana? If they resist her, they die. Have you forgotten how many we buried just yesterday?” Sofrina paced. Her wet boots slipped on the stone floor. “If they decide to worship her, they become soulless…husks who have no true mind of their own. No, our people are gone.”
“We have no other choice, Morgana.” Ash held out his hand to her. After a pause, she took it. “We are not abandoning them.”
“It seems as if we are.”
Julius, who stood quietly in a corner, pushed off from the wall to come to Lilah’s side. “What we do tonight is for the greater good.” He shook his head. “I am sure of it.”
Sofrina was running on empty, as the others were, and didn’t have enough strength to fight the group’s rising emotional tide.
A light flickered in the stairwell. It washed over the tombs and then the walls of the chamber.
Sofrina tensed. The men pushed the women behind them.
“Who is it, Sofrina?” Julius asked. The light flickered.
Mentally she reached out to determine if the person had ill intent. Her mind brushed the familiar one of High Priest Harold’s.
“It’s Harold.”
Thane’s muscles uncoiled.
Sofrina’s didn’t. She knew their destiny came to greet them.
A few seconds later, Harold appeared in the doorway. He leaned against the wall and wiped sweat from his forehead with a tattered cloth. He barked out a dry cough and limped closer.
“The dark makes me nervous.” Harold set his bag on a nearby tomb. Sofrina heard the faint music of glass clinking together.
“Us as well.” Lilah grabbed his hand and helped him take a seat on a stone slab. When she released it, some of his color returned.
“Thank you, milady.” Harold bowed his head. “We must hurry.” He swallowed and wiped his forehead again. “She is on to us.”
“How did she find out?”
Harold shook his head.
“Then we must do this now before she arrives. The fate of the world depends on what we do here.” Julius stepped forward and picked up the bag. He reached in and passed the corked bottles to his friends.
Sofrina’s hand shook as she wrapped icy fingers around the bottle. Her gaze met Thane’s. I love you.
I love you. Thane’s voice caressed her mind.
“This will be quite painful. It’s a very powerful spell that separates your souls from your bodies. It’ll keep you in the in between until it is time for the last battle. Then your souls will be reborn with no knowledge of this life,” Harold explained.
Sophie felt a chill. It wasn’t cold, and it didn’t feel like the hair on the back of her neck was standing up. It was strange and frightening at the same time. Sofrina didn’t feel it, and that made Sophie more aware.
That’s when she saw him.
He stood in the shadowed corner of an upright tomb. She couldn’t make out his features, but knew he stood there as if this was something he witnessed every day. His essence was unlike anything she’d felt before. He sucked every bit of emotion from the room.
His head turned toward her. Sophie could tell he knew she was there inside Sofrina. The torchlight flickered, and she saw the lower half of his face. Luscious lips curved upward in a smile.
Then he was gone.
“We couldn’t have picked a better place to do this.” Ash stared down at the bottle in his hands.
His words brought Sophie back to the reality at hand.
“Ash.” Morgana’s eyes took in the tombs surrounding them. “This is no time to be playful.”
In Sofrina’s mind, Sophie could see the Demoness riding hard through the city streets for the temple, priestess robes fluttering behind her like sails.
“She is coming.” Sofrina’s harsh whisper spurred them into action. Her fingers wrapped around the cork and hesitated. Would the spell work or would they only die painfully and not accomplish what they needed?
There was no time to question what they had to do. She pulled the cork out and let it roll off her fingertips. It hit the ground and rolled to a stop where Sophie spotted the man standing in the shadows.
Sofrina watched the others lift the bottles to their lips as she did. Her heart thumped in her chest, and her skin flushed. She tilted the bottle up and downed the dark green liquid in two gulps. Her eyes watered and she gasped. It burned down her throat and settled heavy in her stomach.
“That was horrible.” Lilah furrowed her brows at the bottle.
“How long should it take?” Ash set his empty bottle on the stone slab. “I would hate for the Demoness to make her way here before it is done.”
“Only a few moments more. I was assured that it would work rather quickly.” Harold was still seated on the stone slab. Tears fell down his ruddy cheeks. “I wish it would have turned out differently for us.”
Sofrina noticed the prickly sensation behind her ear first. It started as a little tickle and evolved into a bee sting. She reached up and tried to rub it away. It spread down her neck, leaving a trail of fire, and consumed her body. She couldn’t stop shaking. A jagged arc of lightning shot through her skull and her teeth clamped down on her tongue.
She cried out in agony. Thane reached for her with shaking hands.
Her knees gave out. She heard the cries and moans of her friends. Lights swirled in a mocking dance before her eyes. The dusty stone floor was arctic compared to her burning flesh. A sharp cramp twisted her stomach and she vomited. Just when she was sure she couldn’t take any more, she collapsed in the reeking puddle before her and closed her eyes.
Sophie floated above, released from Sofrina. Six beautiful strands glided out from each body. They wove together in a graceful dance before they disappeared.
The chamber stilled.
Chapter Six
THE REST OF THE WEEK, Sophie mulled over the latest vision. She wanted to share it with Lilli, but decided against it. It was unbelievable. The six of them living a past life and fighting a demon priestess? Using a spell to suspend their souls until it was time for them to come back?
Mind-boggling.
Which also meant that if they were back, then it was time for the last battle.
Sophie dismissed that thought quickly. It was too terrifying to dwell on. She wasn’t lying when she’d told her brother, Todd, that she hoped she’d never lay eyes on that woman.
She followed Lilli into Jack’s, a small diner off campus. It was nice to get into the warmth and out of the mind-of-its-own weather. There were people in almost every checkered booth and table and mor
e than a few lining the bar in the back. A petite, dark-haired hostess handed them each a menu and led them toward the only remaining booth. It was situated to the left of the bar and near the bathrooms, which were labeled JACKS and JANES.
Sophie set her menu down. Jack’s chicken strips and french fries always made her day, and she counted on them to brighten her mood now.
“What do you think they need to tell us?” Lilli asked. She twirled the end of her ponytail, a nervous habit she’d had since they were kids.
They being Ruth and Demetri. The truth was due at seven that night, an hour and half from now.
“I hope there aren’t any more creatures after us,” Lilli continued.
Sophie didn’t know how to answer that. “What are you going to order?”
“A salad. I don’t know if I can handle anything heavy.”
Sophie wondered if she could. Anxiety settled in the pit of her stomach and threatened to bloom. “Do you think the others will be there?”
Lilli shrugged. “It’s possible. I can’t even pretend to predict what Morgan will do.”
“She’s a mystery, that’s for sure.”
The waitress approached their booth, and Sophie was pleased to see it was Katie. The redhead beamed and winked at them. “Haven’t seen you two in a while. I heard about what happened at the library.”
Sophie watched Lilli pale. “Yeah, it all happened so fast.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re okay.” Katie seemed oblivious to the panic on Sophie's face and set a glass of tea in front of both of them. “What are you going to order today?”
Sophie gave their orders and waited for Katie to head toward the kitchen. She looked around again to make sure no one was listening. Satisfied, she glanced back at Lilli. “Everyone knows about the library. That can’t be a good sign.”
Lilli took a sip of her tea. A little bit of color returned to her face. “No, not everyone. Katie probably knows because her best friend works in the library, remember?”
Sophie shook her head. “Yeah, I forgot that. I just feel paranoid now.”
“I hope Jackson will be there.”
“He will.” Sophie was sure Jackson would follow Lilli into hell if she asked him to. “They have as much riding on this as we do.”
“Who do you think Ruth and Demetri really are? And why do you think the address leads to a church?”
Sophie shrugged. “Maybe they’re from the Vatican?”
Lilli giggled. “Nah. I don’t think they look like the Vatican type.”
Katie set their food down on the table. “I brought you ranch dressing. That okay?”
Lilli nodded. “Thanks, Katie. Hey, did you ever get into the college you wanted?”
“My interview was last week. They say it takes a few weeks to hear an answer, so cross your fingers.”
“Crossed.” Lilli smiled and held up her crossed fingers.
A small pang hit Sophie. She swung her attention back to Katie and concentrated for a moment. All she could sense was happiness and laughter bubbling out of their waitress.
“We should hurry. I don’t want to be late for what may be the most important meeting of our lives.” Lilli took another bite.
When they were done, Sophie left a generous tip on the table. They stood, slipping on their coats and gloves.
A shiver slid across Sophie’s neck, and she fought to keep from glancing around the room. She didn’t want to worry about it. Not when there were more dangerous things to be concerned with.
They headed back into the cold rain. Sophie could breathe easier without being in such a large group of people. She pulled her hood up over her hair. She’d straightened it with the hopes that Tristan would notice, but hadn’t really thought about the rain.
So much for trying.
Morgan would probably look great, as usual. The rain probably didn’t fall on her pretty little head.
“What was that?” Lilli asked as they ducked into the covered bus stop.
Sophie wasn’t aware she’d muttered her thoughts aloud. “Oh, nothing.”
Lilli jostled up and down to keep warm. Her green eyes implored Sophie to keep talking.
“Why is Morgan such a witch? It’s not like I did anything to her.”
“I don’t know. You’re the empath, not me. She didn’t look happy when Professor Whittaker handed her the directions. I’ll be surprised if she shows.”
Sophie was ashamed to admit she hoped the girl wouldn’t. Morgan knew Tristan, liked him, and that made Sophie’s skin crawl. The vision popped in her mind again as the bus rolled to a stop in front of them. All she could think of was when Thane took Sofrina’s hand. The memories that had surfaced of the two of them.
“What’s on your mind? You’re being quiet again.” Lilli led her to two seats near the front.
There were more passengers this time, but most of them were asleep. Sophie didn’t have to worry about their emotions right now. She only had to worry about her own. “Nothing,” she lied.
Lilli frowned. “Whatever. If you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to.”
“Lilli, it’s not like that. Just give me some time to sort this out.”
“Promise you’ll tell me when you’re ready?”
“Promise.” Sophie held two of her fingers up.
“That’s a peace sign, Sophie.” Lilli smiled. “You were no girl scout.”
By the time they got off the bus, the rain had tapered off to a drizzle, but Sophie’s breath clouded in front of her. She and Lilli walked the block to the address Whittaker had given them, the street lamps lighting the way.
“I really don’t like the dark.” Lilli put her arm through Sophie’s and yanked her closer. “It’s so creepy out here.”
Sophie glanced around and agreed. The sidewalks were uneven, and weeds sprouted up in between the cracks. Litter clung to the streets, and a group of men stood outside a rundown building covered in graffiti. They huddled in a circle, all dressed in ripped and stained clothing.
Sophie and Lilli picked up their pace. She didn’t know if this was what alerted the men to their presence, or if they’d already known they were there. And alone.
The smallest one made a crude gesture to the others, and the group erupted into catcalls and laughter.
“Sweetie, where you going in such a hurry?” the small one called out. The undercurrent in his tone sparked fear in Sophie, and his muddy spirit rose to envelop her. No one was around to hear them scream. The old, condemned buildings shielded them from the eyes of the people on the next street. Sophie reached for Lilli’s hand and pulled her along faster.
“Hey!” The man, obviously the leader by the way the others mimicked his actions, yelled louder. As if they heard him, they’d stop and have a nice chat.
Sophie sensed his intent change. Now that they’d ignored him, he was angry. His essence extended toward them on black, skinny tendrils. She ran with her head turned to keep an eye on the men.
“Can we?” one of the men asked.
The short man took a last puff on his cigarette and discarded it. His foot stomped down, extinguishing it, then he nodded to his friends.
The men shot forward. Lilli screamed. Her eyes widened when she saw how fast the men ran. Their footsteps pounded on the sidewalks.
Two of the men crossed the street to stay behind them. The other three crossed the street a few yards ahead.
Sophie’s breath burned through her lungs. The men caged them in. Hunted them. Their anger rolled over her, making her stomach roil. She and Lilli skidded to a halt. There was nowhere for them to go. Sophie could see the church now, only half a block past the small, crude leader.
Lilli tightened her hold on Sophie’s hand, but stayed silent. A thread of panic twisted from Lilli’s arm to hers.
The night closed in around Sophie. She watched the three men come to a stop in front of them.
“Didn’t your mother teach you that it ain’t polite to ignore someone?” The leader stepped closer. A l
ong, red scar ran down the side of his face. He smiled and flashed several gold teeth.
The men around him laughed.
Sophie glanced back and saw the two behind them move in. They were much larger than their boss, with tattoos that covered more than half their bodies. Underneath their tough exteriors, they feared the small man.
They were terrified of him.
Which meant he was extremely lethal to have earned the fear of men much larger than himself.
Sophie’s heart beat painfully in her chest. She turned back around with a new terror and locked her gaze on the small man. She wanted to keep his attention on her and away from Lilli.
The night was quiet around them. No one answered Lilli’s scream from before, and Sophie knew they were on their own.
The small man stared back. Then he looked over her shoulder and nodded.
Rough hands grabbed her arms and shoved her forward. She stumbled in front of the leader and fell to her knees.
“Right where I like my bitches.” He cackled. The sound made the hairs on her neck stand on end.
Sophie’s lungs constricted.
This man had killed many, many people in his lifetime. Their screams and horror filled her. He’d have no problem squeezing the life out of them.
Sophie had to keep his attention on her. She forced herself to look into his eyes.
They were dead. No emotion poured forth, and that scared her more than hearing the victims scream inside her head.
He was unmerciful.
She started to shake. There was no way out of this. The irony of the situation hit her. They’d survived a demonic attack only to be killed by a human.
“Such freaky eyes.” He grabbed her chin and leaned closer.
Sophie didn’t let on that his fingers squeezed a little too tight. More of his memories spilled into her mind and clouded her thinking. There were so many girls. She wanted to throw up when she saw what he did to them. Forced them to pleasure him before he raped and murdered.
Lilli shrieked. Sophie jerked her chin out of his hand and looked back at her friend.
One of the men held Lilli around the waist. His chest pressed up against her back and he rubbed himself on her. The other sniffed at the base of her neck.
Awakening Page 4
