“I’m going to find some answers, to talk to my aunt, and contact the Council members.” I eyed him steadily, waiting for an argument. Instead, he clenched his jaw repressing any admonishments he might have wanted to say.
“Okay. At least let me help you get to her rooms.” Kennan wrapped his arm under me, half-steadying, half-carrying me as we went.
“Thank God. She is heavy," Sena breathed, shaking out her arm where she’d just been trying to hold me up.
“Thanks a ton, Sena.” Hopefully she picked up on the sarcasm.
“Anytime," she smiled brightly before bouncing down the hall and disappearing.
“That girl is strange," I muttered to myself.
“Pot, meet kettle," Kennan replied. Even in my dire state, Kennan still made fun of me. The butt.
“Whatever, just get me to my aunt. I need to talk to her and then contact the Council. Things are coming to a head more quickly than I think any of us anticipated they would.”
“We’re getting there. Don’t be so impatient," Kennan grumbled, practically dragging me down the hall.
Chapter Nineteen
The journey to my aunt’s room was treacherous and unforgiving. Okay, so maybe it was the exhaustion speaking, but I hadn’t even gone five doors down and I was ready for a nap. The sooner this whole thing was over the better. At this rate, I would probably welcome the end, just so that I could get some rest. I shook myself, remembering Cait’s words. If I didn’t focus on trying to overcome this, I could very well succumb to the darkness. It was tempting.
“Well, come in. Don’t just hover outside of the door like some creepy lurkers.” My aunt’s voice came from behind her door.
“We’re coming. We’re just moving a little more slowly than normal," Kennan muttered.
“Why is she out of bed? Why are you out of bed?” She looked to Kennan and then me for answers.
“Because there is no time to rest, and I need some advice. I don’t really know what my next step is. I know that I’m supposed to contact the Council and let them know that we have proof. But, aside from that, I’m not really sure what is coming. What do you think I should do? Do the heavens have any messages for me? You know, advice or anything. Maybe a ‘How to Defeat Demons: A Step By Step Guide’?”
“Nothing will ever be that simple.” My aunt looked at me skeptically.
“Well, that sucks," I huffed, as Kennan helped me to the closest seat. “So, what do you think I should do?”
“I think that you should follow your own instincts. What are they telling you to do?”
“I feel like I need to head back to the Council and call back Damali and Francesca. They need to be involved in this. Even if I don’t like them, I could use their help.”
“If you do call them back, you must no longer conceal what is happening to you. They must know everything if they are going to help you.” Something in my aunt’s face shifted and I knew that someone was about to talk through her. She turned toward me fully, and began to speak in her creepy possessed voice. “The truth can no longer be hidden. Reveal your secrets to the Council, for in the revelation more things may be illuminated. Take your Guardian and the Old One but leave Conall. When you return, which you will, bring with you those that you wish to protect.”
“What do you mean? I thought the Council was supposed to help me? Why would I be returning?”
“The truth will become clear and you will return to your aunt. You must journey this path if you hope to overcome the darkness.”
“Riddles. Why do you people always speak in riddles? Why can’t it be ‘This is point A, now journey to point B’?” I practically shouted at whomever was currently using my aunt as a voice box.
“The most important things in this life require the greatest commitments and sacrifice. If everything was easy, nothing would be worth the earning," the voice responded sardonically.
Then the possessor faded, whomever he was. I was certain it was a guy, only a man could be that infuriating.
“Okay, so I guess just keep my bed warm then. It looks like I’ll be heading back to the Council to discuss this and what is happening to me.”
“Are you sure that is wise? Are you sure you are well enough to travel?” Concern radiated from my aunt.
“No, but the big chief seems to think it is a necessary part of my journey," I moaned, bringing my hand to cover my face. “Is there any way to get your friend with the helicopter back here? More importantly, is there an easier way to get back to where that helicopter lands?”
“Of course there is. We just wanted to make sure that you could be trusted before revealing our location. Should you choose to betray us, we would’ve had time to escape.” My aunt’s smile was sly.
“Well, no betrayal will come from me. I know how much that sucks. I guess we’d better go tell Conall the plan. I’m sure he will be thrilled. Oh, and call the Council peeps. Order them in for a meeting.” I fell back against the chair, slipping into a shallow sleep momentarily.
“Izzy, we need to get going.” Kennan lifted me from the chair to be cradled in his arms.
“I can walk," I murmured sleepily.
“Not a chance. Today you don’t have to feign strength. Today, you rely on me.” Kennan kissed the top of my head and I gave up any fight that I might have had left in me.
“Okay. But I haven’t called the Council.”
“Eleanor is taking care of it. They should be there when we return. They all live fairly close to the Council headquarters. For now, rest. Save your strength. You are going to need it.”
I started thinking about everything that was left to come, and wondered how I would have the strength to get through it. I couldn’t even walk myself to a helicopter. I had to be carried. The darkness pulled at me, tempting me with the peaceful oblivion that it would provide if I only let it. There would be no more pain, no more struggle. I could give in. I could just leave this world and everything it contained, behind. I never wanted this fight to begin with.
“Stop it!” Aberto shouted from behind us. I hadn’t even seen him come back. “You will not give into this, do you understand me? You are far too strong to let them win.”
“What is he talking about, Izzy?” Kennan asked quietly as we approached the waiting helicopter.
“He was putting his nose where it doesn’t belong again. Even if he is right, and I do need to fight this.” I evil eyed Aberto, trying my best to ignore the fact that he was completely right.
“You didn’t answer me. What was going through your mind just now?” Kennan looked down on me, concern etching his face.
“I was thinking of how easy it would be to give in, to surrender to the darkness and just fade away. I’m so tired, Kennan. I’m tired of the fighting, of the running, of the never truly being safe. I’m tired of not knowing who I can truly trust. I’m tired of all of the riddles. I’m just,” I sighed heavily, “tired.”
“I know, but if you give in, what will become of us?” Kennan knew what I needed to hear to keep me on track. If it was only my life at stake, I would surrender in a nanosecond. But, it wasn’t. Everyone was looking to me to end this, to save them. I wouldn’t fail them. I wouldn’t let them down.
“That is the only thing keeping me grounded," I muttered.
We arrived at the helicopter quickly. I hadn’t even noticed the path we’d taken in the midst of my internal misery. We moved toward the helicopter, Kennan gently placing me in the seat. Within a matter of minutes he’d strapped me in tightly and climbed in to sit next to me.
Aberto followed, placing himself so that he could sit directly in front of me. Anger combined with fear masked his face, hiding whatever thoughts he had. I started to ask him what was going through his mind, when he abruptly looked up at me. His eyes were a glowing blue that I’d only seen once, the night he’d pulled Xavier’s soul from his body. Something was coming, and he knew what was about to take place. Every fiber of my being screamed to find out.
“I am not at t
he liberty of answering your questions.” Aberto’s eyes flamed as he looked back down at his hands. “Believe me, could I forewarn you, I would. Could I prepare you for what you must face, what you must overcome.” His voice trailed off, leaving me in a panic. What did he know? Had it been something he’d always known? What was I about to walk into back at the Council? He reached his hand out to engulf mine. “You will endure. You must.”
“Is it something you can tell me?” Kennan looked between us, concerned.
“Yes, and I fear I must. You need to know what is coming.”
“That is so not fair," I mumbled.
“Izzy, I have broken one of the gods’ directives to ensure your safety. I cannot do so again. Please do not ask this of me.” His eyes were a slow burning ember, no longer the fire they’d been moments ago.
“Meh, it probably wouldn’t help to know at any rate.” I let go then, allowing sleep to overtake me. At least I knew I wasn’t falling into the dreaming. Instead, where I was going was far worse. It was a parade of memories, of happy times over the years, before I knew what I was. Before this whole destiny business came knocking on my door. It was a cruel reminder of a life that was never real, a life covered in misdirection and deceit all for the greater good.
Chapter Twenty
We arrived back at the Council headquarters far more quickly than I would’ve liked. I felt an uneasiness sink in as we disembarked the helicopter. At least I was able to walk out on my own two feet. That seemed like a small step forward, even if it was miniscule.
We walked around the house and entered the front doors, which were currently flanked by people from Damali and Francesca’s entourage. I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Whatever was about to go down, it wasn’t going to be pleasant. Instead of heading to the office, I headed up to Molly’s room to tell her to get her and Ian’s things together.
“Molly?” I knocked on the door, trying not to draw too much attention to myself. “Are you in there?”
“Yeah, what’s up?” She opened the door, a strained smile masking her face.
“Giddy-up," I said. We’d decided we needed some sort of ‘it is time to jump ship’ code after everything that had happened back at the lab. It seemed now would be the first time we actually got to use it.
“Do I need to round up the posse?” Her overly bright smile and wide eyes set my stomach in knots.
“Yes, E and I most definitely need to be brought in. Meet us by the bird in the yard.” I looked at her solemnly before turning on my heel to face the people waiting for me in Isadora’s old office.
The moment the doors opened, everything stopped. Time seemed to stand still as I approached my desk, where Damali was making herself quite at home. I stood there staring at her. I hadn’t put in the contacts. I hadn’t masked anything that had changed about me. It was all there for them to see. No more secrets, no more lies. It was time to see the truth. Would they stand with me, or would they be too caught up in their own ascension to the throne to stop the darkness?
“Will you help stop the coming storm? The darkness approaches. Only one mark remains. Will you stand with me?” I stood, grounded in place with Aberto and Kennan just behind me.
“Will we stand with you?” Damali shouted thunderously, rising from her seat. “You who have conspired with the Order behind our backs. You who have withheld evidence from us about Isadora’s death. You are not fit to lead us. Look at you, you aren’t even a Seer. You are an Abomination.”
“So this is how it will be, then? You will turn your back on what Isadora wanted? You will turn your back on the calling to protect this world? This is a directive straight from the heavens, yet you think that you can turn your back and suffer no consequences.” The rage boiled up inside of me, causing blue sparks to ripple down my arms. These were supposed to be the people I depended upon, the people I could trust the most. Yet here they were, turning their backs on me when I needed them the most.
“You are an Abomination," Brutus shouted. It looked like I never would find out his real name, not that it mattered. If I stuck around him for too long, my ear drums would just start bleeding, and I’d never hear his name.
“So it is true?” Francesca’s small voice cut through the tension. “He did breathe his soul into yours. I’d been told, but until this moment, I did not believe it possible. You truly are no longer a Seer. Therefore, you are no longer welcome here. You will find no refuge amongst our kind. Anyone that provides you shelter will be given the same punishment - banishment.”
There they were, the same words I’d spoken to Elaine only days before, thrown right back in my face. I was being banished, exiled from the family that had taken me in and repaired me after the lab incident. The anger fluxed inside of me, causing my arms to glow an eerie blue. I wasn’t sure what would happen if I didn’t get my emotions under control.
“Know this, if you turn your back now, there will be a price. The darkness will fall. Stand with me or against me, but there is no middle ground.” My voice boomed through the office, fury churned within me.
“Then count us against you.” Damali’s snide reply caused my anger to arc out, snapping at the desk she stood behind. In an instant, the desk was no more than a pile of ashes. So that’s what the lightening did, interesting.
“Izzy, we must go.” Aberto gently touched my shoulder pulling me towards the door, as the shocked Council members stood gaping in my direction. “Let go of the anger, or it will consume you.” I tried to breathe deeply and let it go.
The Council members stood in shocked silence as we left the room. Exiting the office, angry tears began to drench my cheeks. My home had just been stripped from me, the only place I’d felt like I belonged in a long time. Like Elaine, I’d been banished, never to return again, and all for something that was wholly out of my control. I hadn’t asked for this to happen to me.
Numbly, my legs carried me out of the house toward the waiting helicopter. Eleanor, Molly, and Ian were already strapped inside. Curious looks garnered each of their faces.
“What happened?” Molly’s voice was strained. Lord only knew what they’d been through the past few hours.
“If you come with me now, you will be banished and no longer recognized by the Council. I can’t ask you to do that. If you want to stay, I will understand.”
“Screw that. Those bitches just mutinied against my sister’s wishes. I’m coming with you. The Order always fascinated me, anyhow," Eleanor piped in, causing me to smile.
“What about you guys?” I asked Ian and Molly.
“We can’t go to the Order, but we will stand with you. If you could take us back to Chicago that would be best.” Molly held Ian’s hand tightly as he let go of a breath.
“Are you sure?” Ian asked her.
“Of course I am. I’m not making you go anywhere you don’t want to, at least not unless it is necessary.” Molly paused to look back at me, “It isn’t necessary we come with you, right?”
“No. I would much prefer that you weren’t there when the big bad ugly comes knocking. At least I would have two less people to worry about.” I grabbed Molly’s hand to squeeze it as the helicopter took off, leaving what had become my home behind. I wondered if I would ever truly have a home again.
“Brother, are you sure my presence is not needed?” Ian asked Kennan gravely.
“You were there the last time, Ian. You know that one more person will not make a difference. The rest of the Division is already on their way to where the Order is currently housed. If something changes, or if something happens, you will need to come.” They shared a look that spoke of a thousand secrets shared between them.
“I swear it," Ian pledged, grabbing Kennan’s elbow and aligning their forearms as he did. I’d only seen Guardians do this once before, but now looking at it with changed eyes, I saw the magic in the binding.
“Then we need to head to Chicago first," Kennan told the pilot as the helicopter shifted to adjust course.
&nb
sp; We rode the entire way in silence. Still stunned by the Council member’s reaction, my mind mulled over everything that had transpired. Aberto was keeping secrets, he’d said as much on the way there. I wondered if he’d known what was waiting for me back at the Council, or if his secrets were something altogether different.
“No, Izzy," Aberto said, barely above a whisper.
“But…” I started.
“No," Aberto’s eyes flashed a bright blue before dying back to their normal color. Okay, someone hadn’t taken his crazy pills. You’d have thought he’d be used to my relentless curiosity by now.
“Fine," I ground my teeth together. I marinated in the events that had just unfolded. I’d been deposed, tossed off the throne, as it were. It stung more than I cared to admit. I knew that I was unfit to lead anyone, but hearing it actually said by someone else was a giant blow to my already frail ego. I thought I’d been doing pretty durn well considering my total lack of experience.
Grappling with what they’d said, my mind reeled. My changes had somehow dubbed me an abomination. Quite frankly, abomination seemed like a strong word. Maybe weirdo, I’d even give them freak, but abomination? Come on. I’d show them abomination. I’d lightning zap their arses. That’d show them.
The helicopter began its decent toward Chicago, and Molly’s stop.
“Izzy, we’ve got to go," Molly pulled me from my thoughts. “I’m sorry I can’t come with you. He just isn’t ready, and I won’t force that on him." Molly seemed torn between being there for me and being with her Guardian.
“He needs you more than I do," I smiled warmly at my friend. “If anything should happen, just know that your friendship has meant more to me than you will ever know. You saved me, and I never really thanked you for that. I love you, Molly. Promise me you will take care of yourself and keep working your fashion rehab magic on Ian?”
“Promise me you won’t make any stupid decisions?” Molly’s tears matched my own. I knew this very well could be the last time that I saw her bright face.
See How She Falls Page 12
