Wars & Wings

by Kristin D. Van Risseghem

  “I asked you, Shay, if who chained you wherever you were being held was Aiden?” Kieran asks, and it occurs to me he must’ve been speaking to me for a while. “Are you sure it’s the same person?”

  I’m too numb to say anything. It’s not until Sidelle taps me in the shoulder that I come out of my daze.

  “What?” I shout.

  “Is it Aiden or not?” Sidelle asks. “We’ll find her, Shay. She’s strong, and we need you to keep your head if we’re going to rescue her.”

  I nod and inhale. “I’m pretty sure it’s the same guy. He never showed me his face when I was in Hell, but no one else in the world has aqua eyes like mine. At least that I know of. It has to be him.”

  “That changes things a bit, doesn’t it, Kieran?” Sidelle asks.

  “Why should it?” I ask.

  “He’s Zoe’s neighbor, he attends school with us, and they have hung out together,” Kieran says.

  “It doesn’t matter if he’s been friendly to her.” I stand, and my wings appear. “He’s an evil S.O.B. and if he’s kidnapped her, I’ll kill him.” My legs carry me to the window. Calming breaths take my anger down just a notch.

  “Shay, take it easy. We all want her back. What do you think he is?”

  “He’s not a Nephilim, that I know,” Kieran says.

  As soon as Kieran’s voice rings out, my rage builds again. If I don’t get out of here soon, something is going to break. I find myself leaning against the mantle. The wood shatters.

  “Well, he’s definitely not a tree, Shay,” Sidelle chimes in. “And I don’t think he’s a fairy, either, but I’ll ask Finn, too.”

  I toss the wood fragments on the floor and shrug an apology to Kieran. Sidelle waives her hand as green glamour shoots from her palm and fixes the fireplace.

  “He didn’t feel like he has any Light, but he could mask it if he’s an Archangel,” Kieran says. “I’ll confer with Michael. I guess the first thing we need to figure out is who Aiden is, and why he took her.”

  The room is heavy with silence, each of us deep in our thoughts and prayers. I know they are trying to help me, but I feel like I’ve failed her. I swore to protect her. We all did. Zoe’s my responsibility. She’s my girlfriend, for crying out loud. If her boyfriend can’t protect her, who can?

  “Vash, you’ve been quiet,” Kieran says. “What do you think?”

  “Let me get this right. The person, or being—and I say that because we don’t know what Aiden is—has been impersonating a human and lives next door to Zoe. He appears, normal. Doesn’t he live with his sister?”

  “That’s what he says, but let’s find out about the woman, too,” Kieran suggests.

  “He enrolled into school, but I haven’t had a chance to chat with him,” Vash continues. “Shay, you say he has similar physical features as the same being who held you prisoner, and only based on the color of his eyes. I do agree that you have a very unique color, but we need to know who can hide abilities. It doesn’t add up.” He shakes his head. “Kieran, you’ve seen him the most between the rest of us. What does he look like to you?”

  “Physically?”

  “Yes. Shay said that he’s taller and has a different body structure. Something is off about all of this.”

  “If I recall, he’s shorter than me ... so a bit under six feet. I never studied his eye color, but they could be greenish-blue. And his hair is brown, almost like Zoe’s and—”

  “No, that’s not right, Kieran,” Sidelle interrupts. “He has black hair like mine and dark green eyes that sparkle in the light—”

  “See?” Vash says. “Even our descriptions of him have inconsistencies. We must know if angels can mask what they are. I know he’s not a wolf, otherwise I would have smelled him as soon as I entered the gym.”

  “Zoe kept telling us that she thought Aiden looked a lot like Shay. That they could be brothers. But I never listened. It didn’t dawn on me that he could change his appearance or at least to what we each see about him. Now I just feel dumb that I didn’t believe her or had her explain it better.”

  “All right, let’s talk with our Orders and see what we can find about Aiden and his sister and everything there is about masking.” Kieran stands. “I’ve never heard of any angel able to do anything like that. Does that sound okay, Shay?”

  I don’t say anything, so Kieran pivots in my direction. His eyes portray all the sorrow an angel can muster. I know he’s as devastated as I feel. He and Zoe have grown up together, they live a couple houses from each other, and he’s her best friend. I’ve known her all her life, too, but we’re soul mates. We have a special connection.

  Sidelle and Vash stand to leave.

  Crap. How could I have forgotten?

  “I have one more thing to add to the list of tasks. Last night or what she thought was last night, Zoe Mind Walked into my dream. I thought maybe she could, but she’s only ever done that once before when I was in the coma. She said that she didn’t know where she was being held. The room has no windows or doors and it’s magical. Only non-weapons can be conjured, and he’s feeding her meals. She also said that Aiden hadn’t appeared to her yet, so she can’t confirm if it’s him or not. She’s physically fine and has been doing daily exercises to keep her mind off where she is. Now, we need to know everything about magical rooms, who can create them, if they leave a signature or anything, and where they can be created.”

  “All right, everyone add that in your discussions with your supervisors,” Kieran agrees. “And pack members for you, Vash. Let’s try to get together in a couple of days. I don’t want to go too many nights without any new information. We’re all anxious for Zoe’s return, and I know it’s going to be difficult to stay calm without an actual plan in place. I’ll also let the Reperio Team know of this, so they can create a plan.”

  We agree to meet later in the week, unless someone finds a lead. Sidelle and Vash leave to start their inquiries. Kieran vanishes from the den, and I shuffle to my bedroom. I know I won’t be able to sit here and do nothing.

  After I open the door to my room, I dig around for a duffle bag and toss in a couple changes of clothes, all the knives and daggers I can find, and head to the kitchen for energy bars. My last stop is to the weapons room.

  I press my palm to the reader. It beeps and the door slides open. I throw the bag onto a table and flip the hidden shelves. I grab a couple of .45’s and several magazines and toss them in. Daggers in various lengths are fitted into my boots, my inner jacket and pants pockets, and into special armbands. Deciding to take more throwing knives, I clear off the shelf, and everything goes into the bag.

  After one last glance around the room and at myself, I realize I’m well stocked. Zipping the duffle closed, I stalk out of the room and start my mission to find Zoe.

  Chapter Five

  Zoe

  TUESDAY, TEN DAYS AFTER prom.

  IT WAS GLORIOUS TO see Shay again, even if it was only in our dreams. I knew he would be out looking for me, and at least we have some clues as to where I’m being held. Mind you, it isn’t much, but I’ll take it. For now. I let the memories of Shay seep into my soul and relax me enough to sleep.

  In the morning, I’m calm enough to hold onto a few positive vibes, but how can I continue if I don’t have a plan to get myself out of here? Aiden hasn’t even come to visit me, so I can’t really confirm it’s him who took me prisoner or if it’s someone else. And if it’s someone else, why? The room feels like it’s closing in, and I’m about to die of boredom. I fear that soon I won’t be sane anymore. And the not knowing what my friends and family are planning is driving me crazy. They have got to be worried sick about my disappearance.

  Oh, God. My parents. They must be frantic. I wonder if Kieran told them what happened and who took me. They shouldn’t have to go through anything like a child being kidnapped. What does my little sister think? Someone needs to be there for her.

  The purple quilt wrinkles as I clench my hands.

 
I will be strong and not give into the madness. It’s time for my daily exercise routine anyway. Stretching becomes my only escape from the mind-numbing activity of doing nothing. I’ve taken to adding to my regiment by jumping on the bed, recalling my mom always yelled at me not to do that. I chuckle. Stripping the bed of the quilt, I lean the mattress against the invisible wall and use the box spring as a step. My legs rotate the up and down, and soon my calf muscles are sore. Tomorrow, I know they’ll be hurting, but my body pushes on.

  Ninety-eight ... ninety-nine ... 100.

  And done. So now what?

  To make more space in what I guess is about a twenty by twenty room, I lean the box spring against the mattress. I decide it needs to be on the opposite wall, so I know where the room ends. Taking two of the pillows, I lean those up against the walls without the bed.

  The space is big enough to run in a large circle. I sprint laps until I’m so exhausted that bile rises into my mouth. Barely shuffling to the sink where a fresh, white towel hangs, I grab it to wipe my sweaty face and neck. Cupping my hand, I drink the cool water from the faucet.

  I turn my head back to my makeshift exercise zone and then get a brilliant idea. Another workout will be added to my day. And now I have something to interchange the schedule with.

  The two pillows leaning against the walls call to me.

  Lumbering to the mattress, I hang the cases between the bed and box spring. I pound my fists into the pillow, testing its buoyancy. It’s soft enough I won’t injure myself. I kick the mattress with my left foot. So far, so good. The skirt of my dress hinders some of my ability, but I make due.

  I still cannot bear to rip it off. Maybe someday in the future I will but not today. It is getting a bit frayed on the seams since I’ve been wearing it non-stop. There is no privacy in the room, say for the screen around the toilet, but since I have nothing to change into, I’ve been sleeping in it, too. I’ve been feeling eyes on me more and more, and if Aiden is spying on me, he will not see me naked. Ever.

  Focusing my mind back to the task at hand, I knee the mattress. Punch. Jab. Kick. I repeat, faster and faster until I’m breathless.

  Tomorrow, I decide I’ll take it easy and meditate and possibly do some yoga poses. Not everything about fighting is physical. My mental health is just as important.

  A few minutes after I slow my breathing, my stomach rumbles. A cold pressure wraps around my skin. The silver tray appears, balancing on the sink. I have no idea how much time has passed since the morning food, but if I were holding someone prisoner, I would have the tray appear in unequal intervals.

  God, now I’m thinking like a criminal.

  I toss the mattress back onto the floor and flop down and eat. Remembering about my cell phone and what Shay said about it being ten days later, I push the button to turn it on. The lights power up and flash 6:33 P.M., but the date is still blank.

  Of course, I believe Shay. Eleven days have now passed. No wonder my dress is fraying. Almost two weeks and not a word from Aiden.

  Glancing back at the screen, I check the battery. It’s red.

  I need a charger. I need to get out of here. I need to see those black wings.

  My fingers run over the smooth, silken fabric, recalling Shay’s warm arms wrapped around me in a protective shield. Seeing all my school friends’ faces of delight as they sing, dance, and laugh together. At least I’ll have some good memories of that night.

  I sigh and with both hands, I reach to rip the material of the skirt. Hesitation causes me to stop. I can’t do it. It’s not my wedding dress, but it is special to me. The smelly dress reminds me that I do need to change my clothes or at least try to get rid of the stench.

  A cool breeze floats across my face. My body shivers. I turn my head and find a new purple tank top, black yoga pants, and undergarments. This can’t be possible. I swear I was thinking of this top I saw at Target the other day. Week? And here it is, laying beneath my palm.

  I try thinking of something else to see if it appears. Focusing my mind and relaxing my body, I imagine a cell phone charger. I picture the black one at home, plugged into the wall near my white desk. The plastic case surrounded by metal prongs. The slim wires wrapped around more metal ends. But nothing appears.

  Still in meditation mode, I picture my Kindle. At least maybe I could read to pass the time away. The tablet doesn’t appear.

  Okay. New strategy.

  I blow my hair out of my face and focus on my angel Light. It’s inside of me somewhere. Normally, I’ve only called for it when I was scared. Why hadn’t I tried this earlier? Well, it’s not every day someone finds out that they are an angel. It’s not the first thing that crosses my mind. I’m still a newbie and haven’t quite gotten used to having powers, let alone, mastering the ones I have.

  Searching deep in my mind’s eye, I look for that purple spark. Last time I needed my powers, I found it near my heart. It’s not there. Something is different, though. A haze fills my mind’s view and within the cloudy substance, billions of sparks are floating around. The Light is not in one place anymore; it’s everywhere. It encompasses every cell in my body.

  Maybe this room won’t allow technology in. I think of the latest paperback book I was reading. Picturing the robotic leg of a girl, wearing a bright red shoe placed within a lighted circle as a purple shadow fades into the black. I think of the large, curly “C”.

  My palms are face up. My Light inside me is zipping around my body. I feel a slight pressure on my hands. Opening my eyes, I see the book: Cinder.

  Chapter Six

  Aiden

  SATURDAY, PROM NIGHT; three hours after Zoe’s disappearance.

  I MATERIALIZE AND STAND in front of Kieran’s house. It makes it convenient that he lives down the street from Zoe and me. That saved me from tracking down where the protectors were holed up. And if anyone asks me why I’m out here, I could tell the passerby that I’m walking home.

  I chuckle at my own cleverness.

  But unfortunately, Kieran’s property is warded against beings like himself. Try as I might, I will not be able to enter their residence or even step on the lawn. I’ll need to find another way to spy on them.

  School is the best option since wards are not permitted in public areas. Thank Hells for that, too. So far I thought I had done well about hiding who I really am. The guardians will run around the world trying to figure me out, and maybe by then, Zoe will have her wings.

  I have to make sure that they are running in the wrong directions. This will not be a solo mission. I must ensure that enough time is wasted to allow Zoe to reach eighteen.

  I watch as the front door opens. Immediately, I make myself disappear. The wolf and the fairy drive away. Since I can’t get inside the angel’s house, maybe I could get into the green-winged one or the dog’s house.

  Since the demons breached the Spiritus Packs’ land, they have doubled the patrols and heightened security. That might pose a problem for me.

  So that left me following the fairy. She drives around a few blocks and parks her car in front of a ranch-style house. As soon as she gets out of the vehicle, she inspects the neighborhood, but I know she can’t see me.

  Slowly traveling around the house, she spies on her neighbors once again. In the dark sky, no stars or moon shows to light her path. She waltzes like a fairy on a mission. I guess that she is on her way to Fairyland.

  I have never witnessed someone using a porta, but some of the Marquises demons used one on their attack on Winter. Of course, they had help to get the portas opened. I was late to that party. I caught the tail end of the battle. The snow-covered land was dotted blue from the fallen bodies from Winter Fairies and blackened by demon blood. Many Knights were still frozen to the ground and unable to get back to Hell to regenerate.

  That could be a problem in the upcoming war if the land hasn’t released his front-line fighters yet. A break for them? I don’t even want to think about that.

  At least the Marqs’ corps
es were no longer there. Only black stains painted Winter’s land.

  Their queen had already directed the transportation of her dead subjects. Workers gathered their fallen near the ice path leading to the front of the castle. I watched, invisible, as the queen spoke a language I didn’t know. It almost seemed like a blessing of sorts. I had heard about the ruthless Winter Queen, but at this moment, she looked like she had actually cared for them.

  With her hand raised high, the wind picked up as a blizzard rained over the bodies. Snow fell and as soon as a dusting covered the bodies, they disappeared. Crystals floated around the Ice Queen as she absorbed their glamour. Then she glided along the high path to her fortress.

  A twinkling light broke me from my memories of that place. I shivered. It’s too cold there for my liking. And here I had thought Minnesota was freezing. I had yet to know how cold since it’s only the start of summer now. I hope this mission won’t keep me into their winter months.

  Sidelle walks to a little garden, and there in the center stands an arbor made of driftwood. She glances around one last time and then waves her arms in an arch. The center of the arbor shimmers and through it, I see green lands, colorful trees, and the sun shining.

  She steps through the archway. I watch her retreating form grow smaller as she flies through the field. The porta grows dark and closes. The night is back with a full moon and dozens of stars in the sky.

  IT SEEMS THAT THE GUARDIANS have all called it a night. Maybe it’s time to nudge them off their path?