by K. K. Allen
He was testing me. He wanted me to ask the right questions so that he could provide me with information, but he wasn’t about to offer it up willingly. I finally understood Kat’s frustrations when speaking with Rose.
“Who are you a descendant of?” Maybe it’s a presumptuous question, but for a man who knew so much about other descendants, I had to assume he was one too.
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Not at all.
“I’m a descendant of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, once considered equal in godlike charm to Zeus. Now, you can just call me King of the Pensacola Power Plant.” He winks.
I liked Zeke. He didn’t take himself too seriously, and he was obviously someone my father trusted. I decided to trust him too.
My life became a journey led by Erebus, who seemed to be all too familiar with this life of a traveler. Nothing extraordinary ever happened, though I did start to notice patterns. I’d follow him from town to town, always on the coast, and he’d stay up to two months before choosing his next location. There was something about the energy plants … all of them. He visited one in every town we stopped at, but he wouldn’t step foot inside the perimeter gates. I did.
I began building relationships with the plant workers, and just like I suspected, all communication led back to Zeke, and everyone already knew who I was. They knew of my father, the Summers, and my time in Apollo Beach.
It wasn’t until we arrived in Hollywood, Florida that I began to watch Erebus a bit closer. He was occupying the third body he’d taken since leaving Apollo Beach, and I wanted nothing more than to strip him of it and dispose of his serpent form once and for all. This time, unlike any other, Erebus took a body and then discarded it two months later right back where he found it. The strangest part is that the body didn’t crumple up at his feet, lifeless, when he was done. Instead, the man just strolled away.
If I had the time, I would have stayed and watched him, studied him, done whatever it took to figure out how this man could survive a two-month stay in Hotel Erebus. It just didn’t make sense. Two weeks. I remember from that awful night of the carnival when I witnessed the death of Iris. Two weeks is all a person gets after possession, before they become nothing but an empty shell. So how did this man last two months?
But there was no time to stay and observe the man who defied the laws as I understood them because Erebus was on the move again, heading up the east coast. I had no choice but to follow him.
Savannah is quite possibly the most beautiful place I visited my entire time away from Apollo Beach. The dripping Spanish moss, the whimsically shaped trees, and the cobblestone pathways separating colorful rows of homes and historical mansions is only the start. When I witness my first horse-drawn carriage, I think of Kat and how I never had the chance to show her how incredibly lucky I felt to be with her. She never truly knew how I felt when I was around her. The exterior I’d worked so hard at building after losing my parents was completely demolished by her, and it didn’t take long.
I could visualize us touring the city together, wrapped up in each other, led by an enormous, trotting, white horse. Her timeless beauty would fit well against the backdrop of the city. In fact, so much of Savannah reminded me of Kat.
At this point, I was missing her terribly after the eight months we’d been apart. Every part of me ached for her. The light blush in her cheeks when her eyes accidentally met mine. The fierceness of those same eyes when I infuriated her to the brink of madness. The way her touch sent my heart into a race to a never-ending finish line. And those lips … She ruined me for anyone else the moment she let me kiss her. I’ve never understood how a heaven could exist until the moment our lips touched. And her optimistic perspective of the world made her more than beautiful; it made her shine through life. Her smile. Hands. Voice. Laugh. Body. Hair. Smell.
All of it.
All of her.
I missed it all.
I tracked Erebus to a residential area on the outskirts of town. My guess about what he was doing there was accurate. He was taking another body. This time, I got a good view of the entire exchange.
He walked through the front door of the house as if he lived there—as if he had a life there. A striking brunette woman in her mid-thirties was in the kitchen when he greeted her. Her response to him was most disturbing because it lacked any emotion whatsoever, as if she was staring into a void and not the body snatcher in front of her. Something told me she was used to this—to him. She was a victim Erebus had used more than once, a slave to his darkness.
For the first time since following him, I felt a pang of sympathy for his victims. Although this woman was an Equinox, I’d like to believe she was only evil when controlled by him, an otherwise innocent bystander to his wicked games.
It was torture to watch, and I fought an internal battle not to do something about it. But as noble as it would have been to stand between Erebus and his next victim, I knew Erebus would have won. I’m not too proud to admit that Kat was right about that. I made the decision a long time ago that my mission was no longer to kill Erebus. Not yet, anyway. My goal was to study him, to learn his habits, to be prepared for the day he decided to return to Apollo Beach. My only selfish hope was that he’d return to Apollo Beach much sooner than he actually did.
Chapter Seventeen
“Wait. Let me get this straight. You followed Erebus close enough to actually watch him possess a body, and he never suspected a thing? He possessed the same body multiple times and sometimes spent months in it? And every energy plant you visited contained some sort of experimental science lab that developed magical recipes … concocted by some crazy chemist from Apollo Beach?”
Johnny’s revealed a lot tonight, but I’m craving more. He was gone for so long; there’s got to be more. The clock on the wall across the room catches my eye and I pout, knowing it’s almost time for us to leave.
As if reading my mind, he breaks the gap between us, placing a finger on my lower lip. “When you pout I just want to kiss you. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of kissing you.”
My pout immediately flips into a smile at the thought of him wrapping his lips around mine again. I’ll never tire of him either, nor will I tire of the warm buzz that invades my entire body when he’s near. Being with Johnny just feels right. As much as I don’t want to compare my feelings for him to those for Alec, I can’t help it. Johnny fills all the spaces within, between, and around me. He tugs my heart in a way I once wished Alec could.
I can’t stand Johnny’s teasing. He’s stroking my lip gently with his finger, a smirk placed happily on his gorgeous face. He knows what he’s doing. His face is so close to mine I can feel his warm breath tickling my skin. Why is he torturing me?
When his lips touch my neck I let out a groan and immediately flush with embarrassment. My eyes slam shut, and I can feel Johnny enjoying the way he affects me. When he presses his mouth to the other side of my neck I’m a bit more prepared, but that doesn’t stop the heat waves pulsing through my veins at his touch.
“Telling you that story made me remember how much I missed you. I’m not sure if I’ve told you just how much I missed you.”
Gah, I love the words that just came out of his mouth. “How much?” I’m surprised the words come out of my mouth.
His lips are still touching my skin when they part. “This much.” But instead of kissing me like I thought he would, he reaches for my hand and slowly slides it up his stomach until it reaches his chest. I can feel his pounding heart. I can hear it, too. It’s loud, and fast. My eyes open so I’m staring into his crystal blues.
“You must have missed me a lot.” I’m half teasing, half serious. The entire time he was away I dreamt he thought of me every day, every night, just the way I thought of him. “Johnny,” I start.
“Kat.”
I take a shaky breath. “My heart can’t handle losing you again.”
He breaks his hold on my hand and scoots in even closer than before, his mouth land
ing on my ear. “Wherever you are is where I’ll be. Forever.”
And then he kisses me. It’s a kiss that will be impossible to forget. One that can be felt from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. One that tells me he loves me without saying the words because showing me means so much more.
After he’s convinced me he missed me—a lot—I pull back and smile at him. “Tell me more about these magic concoctions. How can any of this help us stop Erebus?”
“Actually, I was thinking about that.” He has my complete attention. “This might sound crazy, but do you remember what happened when you all tried to stop the fight between Alec and me?”
I roll my eyes. “How can I forget? You two—”
“Kat, stop. I’m not talking about how stupid the fight was. I’m talking about the light we created. It was like…”
Johnny can’t finish his thought but I can. “Like an explosion of energy.”
“Right.” He nods. “Like actual particles of energy that could no longer be contained.”
My eyes grow wide. “Johnny!” My heart is beating from my back to my chest in quick, rapid movements. I can hardly swallow. “Dr. Floros said that Brent was trapped by Erebus’ darkness. What do you know about our energy? Did they talk about it at the labs?”
His forehead wrinkles, telling me he has no clue what I’m getting at. “Just what I’ve shared with you already. Solstice energy is made up of tiny particles that are basically recycled with the elements, which is how we have a natural connection to all things earth, wind, fire, and water.”
“Rose once told me that Solstice energy was the purest of all energy sources,” I explain. “What if that’s the connection to the Apollo Beach Energy Plant? What if it contains Solstice energy? Oh my—Johnny, do you think the plant is the energy source?” I frown. “If it is, then Erebus has already found it. What does he need me for?”
“I’m not entirely sure that’s it.” Johnny straightens, and a sudden, serious look flashes across his face as he registers my theory. “Kat.” Johnny isn’t looking at me. He’s standing and walking to the window.
I’m right behind him, knowing he must have made a connection. I follow his gaze toward the smokestacks where puffs of white clouds rise, eventually fading from view.
“Erebus just stood outside those energy plants. It was like he wanted to get in so badly but couldn’t. So he just waited.”
“For what?”
“I don’t know.” Johnny shakes his head. “But it would make sense if the reason he can’t get close is because the plants are filled with Solstice energy. Think about it. Erebus can’t be near an Enchanter for long without escaping his host body, or unless the Enchanter is weakened and vulnerable to him.”
The gears in my brain grind, and I immediately think of Brent and how he’s imprisoned in his own body because of Erebus’ dark energy stamp. What if this is all true, and dark energy is repelled by light energy? Does that mean there’s a way to lift the dark energy by intoxication of light energy? But Enchanters have already tried healing him in large groups, and nothing has worked so far.
“Wait,” I start again, my mind flipping to the day we combined powers to the create the energy blast. “The other day … our energy combined was so powerful, moreso than just an Enchanter’s light.”
Johnny smiles. “You’re right. All our energy combined—descendants of Poseidon, Triton, Apollo, Astina. It’s as if we’ve connected the dots to unlock a massive power source. Think of it, Kat. Maybe your powers or my powers alone can’t help Brent … but what about the four of us? What if that blast of light were enough to knock the dark energy right out of him?”
It’s late, but I can’t get Brent off my mind after we leave my treehouse. I ask Johnny to drive me straight to the hospital, and he doesn’t argue. I’ve already sent my father a text to tell him where I’m going, but I don’t tell him my plan.
All that talk of the crazy chemist and her healing concoctions inspires me. There has to be a cure for Brent that doesn’t involve giving Erebus what he wants and putting my family and friends in danger. I pull my phone out during the drive and send a group text to Alec, Arabella, and Trisha. I’m not sure where they are or how long it will take them to get here, but I don’t care. I’ll wait all night if I have to.
Me: Come to the hospital. It’s Brent. Come quick.
I only feel slightly guilty for making it sound like something is wrong with Brent … besides the obvious, of course. Time is precious, and we shouldn’t waste a second of it, especially when my instinct is stronger than ever. I’ll do anything to make sure they have every reason to come as soon as possible.
Johnny must sense my impatience because he pulls up to the curb of the main entrance to the hospital and lets me out. “I’ll park and meet you up there.” I nod, grateful to him for understanding and slam the door with more force than intended. When I flip him an apologetic look, he’s laughing and pulling away.
For a second I debate on waiting for him anyway but just as quickly decide against it. I need a moment alone with Brent to get my thoughts together. My heart is hammering through the walls of my chest as if it’s trying to escape. This is probably the craziest idea I’ve ever had, but it’s worth a shot. If it doesn’t work, Erebus will still come after me. If it does, at least I’ll have peace of mind knowing Brent will be out of harm’s way.
My cell phone buzzes while I wait for the elevator, the most excruciating wait of all time. I reach for my phone and check my messages.
Alec: On way.
Arabella: What’s wrong? Coming now.
Trisha still hasn’t responded. I suddenly feel worse for sending that message to her of all people. Trisha will be devastated. As I’m stepping into the elevator I quickly send her another message, telling her everything is okay, I just need her to come to the hospital as soon as possible.
When I reach the third floor, I’m greeted by the harsh white lights and wide hallways. It’s late, so I’m not surprised the ICU is quiet besides the sounds of heart and blood pressure monitors, and the shuffling as feet as disposable shoe covers brush the floor. Landscape photography hangs on each wall, and the mint green tile floors shines as if freshly waxed. I have no time to admire the photography now. I’m half-walking, half-running to Brent’s room, somehow remaining undetected.
My back is flat against the wall near Brett’s room now, looking left and right before slipping through the doorway. Once I’m inside safely, I press my face against the frigid door and let out a deep sigh of relief. It’s dark, but I’d rather that than draw attention to myself by turning on the bright lights. If anyone had seen me, it would have been impossible to get into this room tonight. Visiting hours are over, and the hospital’s rules are unbreakable.
Maybe everyone else should sneak in through the window.
I press my ear to the door, listening for any trace of Johnny’s footsteps. He shouldn’t be far behind. What I don’t hear is the window on the other side of the room sliding open.
Chapter Eighteen
After a few seconds of tuning in for sounds of Johnny, I pull away from the door, turn, and begin to approach Brent’s bedside. He looks so peaceful, as if he’s completely unaware of the evil circulating his body at this very moment. I shiver. I can only hope my plan works.
As my eyes sweep Brent’s body, a chill runs up my spine, but I don’t know why. He’s breathing—not on his own, but he’s breathing. I lift his hospital gown, so only his stomach is showing, the lower half of his body covered securely with the sheet. I freeze. The Equinox symbol isn’t just a marking anymore. It’s come to life beneath his skin, glowing and tracing the outline of the symbol with an eerie blue glow. I recognize that light all too well from my final encounter with Ava and Iris at the Summer Island Carnival.
Just the reminder of Erebus’ light heightens my senses, and I become aware of a presence other than my own, other than Brent’s. He’s here. Suddenly, it’s like someone has turned on a faucet within me, f
illing me with dread, heartache, and sadness. And although I don’t want to feel fearful of my fate or wonder if tonight is the night he’ll possess me, I am, and I do.
As much as I don’t want to look up to see his new body, it takes no more than a slight move of my head to see his shadow propped in the windowsill, watching me, waiting for me to notice him. He’s cloaked in darkness, but he’s here with me.
“Well,” starts the voice.
A woman.
My stomach rolls. Knowing he took a woman is no better or worse than a teenage girl, but something about that voice is far more disturbing than anything I’ve come across so far.
“I love when my plans fall perfectly into place, don’t you?” Her voice, which would mostly likely be a pleasant one under normal circumstances, reeks of Erebus. Pure evil.
I tense, begging my quivering body to relax because I don’t want to show my weakness, and I reach for my amethyst. “Johnny will be up here any minute. Whatever you need to say to me, say it quickly.”
Amusement pours through the woman’s laugh. She has a pretty laugh, but I’m glad I can’t see her because I can’t bear to look into the eyes of another victim.
“I’m here to collect information on the energy source. Or did you forget our deal?”
“I wouldn’t go so far to call it a deal,” I retort.
Erebus shifts, and I’m sure he’s irritated. It doesn’t take much to irritate him. “Your friends and family die unless you give me what I want.”
It’s always hard to see his victims, but this time, new feelings arise in my chest. Sympathy. Heartache. This woman could have a family somewhere, but because of her bloodline she is forced to allow Erebus to invade and control her. He owns her, and she is as good as dead.
