Darius glared at him. “Do you have a better suggestion?”
The doctor’s brows lifted carelessly as he wiped his nose with his handkerchief, but he didn’t respond.
“Ava, how would you go about implementing this interrogation?” Elisa asked, allowing me back into the conversation.
“Thank you,” I said, looking toward Hector. “I do not advise interrogating the good people of the compound, but the demons waiting outside our sanctuary.”
Several awkward moments went by. I gazed around the room, but all members appeared shocked into silence. I shifted in my chair.
“Can you clarify what you mean, Ava?” Laith asked slowly.
“I mean that we go straight to the source. If we believe someone traded places with a demon, why don’t we find him and see what information we can procure? From what I sensed of this demon, I doubt he is far.”
“And how do you suggest we do that?” Hector asked, his voice thick with skepticism.
“Laith, you told me that for a demon to get inside, a person would have to trade places with them after using some kind of spell, correct?”
“More of an incantation, but yes.”
“Well, what if we did the same thing? Tricked them into believing someone from the inside was letting them in and then trap them?”
“Absolutely not.” Darius gripped the arm of his chair. The leather groaned in protest.
“Why?” I shot back. “Even though they cannot see our sanctuary, you know they’re out looking for it—and for other victims seeking help. The same demon is probably still there waiting for his next opportunity to gain access while we all sit here trying to figure out a way to stop him.”
“I think it’s brilliant,” Charlotte said calmly.
She hadn’t spoken a word since entering the room. I had avoided eye contact with her the entire time, but now I couldn’t help but openly gape at her sincere approval.
Could this idea really be that good if Charlotte thought so? Or did she know it would fail, allowing her to gloat over the new Defender’s ill-advised plan and other inadequacies? What was her play? I eyed her warily.
“We would need a volunteer,” she continued, casually tucking a silver strand of her hair behind her ear. “And obviously not one of The Three, but someone they wouldn’t recognize right away.”
When no one spoke, she encouraged me with a lifted brow. I cleared my throat again. “Yes,” I half-heartedly agreed, “but we would need to stay nearby for protection.”
“I volunteer.” Hector stood, bringing himself to full height. His mass was impressively alarming. “And I wouldn’t need protection.”
“Yes, you would,” Fiona said. “From what Darius described, the demon was incredibly powerful.”
Hector’s face flushed, but still he nodded to his Healer and sat down. “Regardless, I would like to volunteer.”
“I don’t think that our proximity would be a problem,” Ray interrupted. “If I’m remembering my studies correctly, the one person presents themselves as an offering and is the only one the demons can see.”
“But this has never been done that I know of, and definitely not by one of us. We must verify this.” Laith suddenly stood and pulled off his shirt. Moving to the middle of the group he sat on the floor.
“What on earth are you doing?” I asked. My gaze bounced to everyone in the room, waiting for them to be as shocked as I was, but they were unfazed, intrigued even. Darius just rolled his eyes.
“Ava, you have never once asked me what my tattoos were about,” Laith said settling into a comfortable position.
“That’s because I thought they were private. And I certainly wasn’t going to ask to see all the pretty pictures on your body.” I looked away from the powerful lines of Laith’s upper torso.
Elisa laughed. Bringing herself to her knees and sliding over to her mate, she began searching the images on his back. “Ava, they’re not pictures. They are Chords. Limited… half-told stories, written in an angelic tongue.”
“Angelic tongue?” I asked.
“An angelic dialect. A very rare language—Chords.”
“You can read it?” I asked, finally glimpsing the remarkable tattoos that sprawled across his neck, arms, chest, and back. And even though I could not read them, they still sang to me, drawing my attention, pulling me to them. I briefly wondered if Darius would be asked to remove his shirt as well, then shook away the intriguing thought.
“All of The Three can. You will learn to read and speak Chords as well,” Darius answered for Elisa.
“Who’s his tattoo artist?” And how strange did they think he was when he asked them to write this archaic language all over his body?
“She’s sitting in front of you,” Elisa mumbled, searching through the script on Laith’s arms. “And no, I won’t give you a tattoo.”
I huffed a laugh, lifting my hands to show no interest in the idea.
Ray scooted down the now emptied couch to sit closer to me. “Do you still remember my story of the Heralds?”
“Of course. How could I forget?”
“Well, in addition to reminding humanity of their true destiny and protecting them, the Heralds are also in charge of keeping records of all the important revelations given from God over the centuries. As you can imagine, this is a tedious task that involves a lot of—”
“Paper,” Laith grumbled.
Cedric covered a laugh.
“And that’s where I come into the picture,” Ray continued. “I was chosen by the Heralds to be a sort of librarian to them. I keep their sacred texts, study their history, and continue their oral traditions to the human population as an understudy until they select another.”
“Which won’t be for a long time, if he can stand it,” Elisa said. “Raymond is invaluable. He goes around the world giving lectures, telling our stories in settings that have shut us out in the past.”
“If you have a librarian, or record-keeper, why the tattoos?” I asked.
“Despite our best efforts, manuscripts have been stolen from host libraries in the past,” Ray answered.
“And Ray is being purposely vague,” Charlotte’s sharp voice interrupted. “Record-keepers have been slaughtered, manuscripts stolen, secret archives burned to the ground. And not just once.” One side of her mouth twitched as she watched for my reaction. I glanced away, feigning indifference, but inhaled a nervous breath.
“Which is why we often reside with our Raymond.” Elisa reached back to squeeze her friend’s hand.
“All revelation is sacred,” Laith said, “and shouldn’t be out there for the enemy to find. But as powerful as The Three are, we cannot set to memory all sacred revelation that needs to stay known but hidden. This incantation is a perfect example of information that the enemy forces would love to get their hands on, and may have already.”
The muscles between my brows pinched. “But why your body?”
“Because anyone seeking this information would have to get really close to me to read it, and that is not always easy.” He exposed a feral grin that suggested anything but friendliness.
“Found it,” Elisa said. “This incantation creates a portal in which two individuals trade places.”
I shook my head. “Isn’t it strange that this would ever be created for a demon to enter?”
Laith sighed. “It wasn’t initially created for that purpose, Ava. It was designed to protect those on the outside. If one of The Three were not available to grant access into the sanctuary, someone could sacrifice their standing and trade places with those needing immediate refuge. Those here have learned to fight against the evils of the outside world and are better able to stand against dark influences. Such a sacrifice would give the donor even greater power over those that waited outside, if any.”
“Oh,” I replied. Of course it would make sense to provide a way in an emergency.
Laith continued. “Unfortunately, it was never used. Residents didn’t feel comfortable letting any
one in without the protection of The Three, and because of that, it hasn’t been taught for hundreds of years. I still don’t believe this is the way your attacker gained access, but it could be a way to figure out how.”
“But you are the Heralds. Why can’t you ask your God?”
“Our God, Ava. He trusts us to figure things out on our own for the most part.”
“I see.”
“I think that this idea of Ava’s has an actual chance. At least it’s something,” Ray added.
“There’s one other thing,” Laith said. “Part of the protection of the sanctuary is that those inside the veil cannot see outside the veil. This was done to sooth mortal fears—to prohibit our wards from seeing the evil waiting for them on the other side—until they were ready to face them. Charlotte, this will make you blind to what everyone else can see.”
Charlotte shook her head. “But isn’t there some incantation or other that will fix that problem?”
“There was…” Laith glanced over his shoulder.
“It’s not here,” Elisa said, poking the tattoos on Laith’s back.
“Ray?” Laith signaled his friend.
Ray made a face. “I’ll search, but if there was one it may have been lost. I haven’t come across it in all the years I’ve studied Chords, but I’ll keep looking. No guarantees.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “It’s not prime, but I guess I’ll make do if you can’t find it.”
“Excellent,” Laith said, tugging his shirt back into place. “We’ll go later tonight. Time suggestions?”
“You know the witching hour is always best, darling,” Fiona said looking toward the window. Sun streamed in through the sheer curtains.
“Midnight, then. We’ll meet in the square. Do not tell anyone of our plans. We don’t want to cause concern. Hector, Charlotte, I suggest you get your security detail together for additional protection at the complex. The remainder of us will take turns getting a little extra rest. I have a feeling this evening will be a long one.”
“Yes, sir,” Hector said. He tried to help Charlotte into a standing position, but she slapped away his hand.
Guilt tugged at my chest. “How are you healing, Charlotte?”
She froze, her lips pulled down into a scowl She shifted her gaze my direction. “I am more than fine, my Defender.” Her anger seeped from her. She stormed from the room after favoring me with a slight bow.
“Just give her time,” Elisa murmured next to me, but I doubted time would solve the hatred Charlotte had for me.
After Hector shut the door behind him, Cedric clapped his hands together, drawing our attention. “Wonderful. And now we need to address the other issue.”
“And what issue is that?” I asked.
“Ava, as the new Defender, it will be your responsibility to accept your new protector—your new Guardian.”
“I—” My mouth clamped closed.
“As the Defender, you are strong—”
“My new Guardian?” I finally managed.
“—but never as strong as when with your soulmate and counterpart, the Guardian,” Cedric finished.
“But how do I do that? Am I just supposed to go out and select someone off the street?”
Cedric looked at me curiously. “Of course not, Ava.”
Darius coughed, grabbing our attention. “I suggest that, until the time Ava is in the right frame of mind to accept her new Guardian, she has a temporary Guardian fill the gap.”
“A temporary Guardian?” Cedric observed him with a quizzical brow.
Darius rose from his seat next to me. “As The Three’s head of security and trusted advisor, I would like to put in my candidacy for the temporary role of Guardian over Ava Matthias.”
Cedric’s jaw clamped together with an audible click. “I see.”
“I don’t get it,” I mumbled.
Darius peered down at me. “Ava, I understand your hesitancy, especially considering our less-than-favorable beginnings, but I believe I am the best fit for the part until you accept your Guardian.”
“And why is that?” I asked.
“Your parents taught me almost everything they knew, and it’s because of them that I became an immortal. I have the ability to train you the way that the Defender would need to be trained. Teach you the things your mother would have you know.”
“But—”
“But what?” Darius asked impatiently.
“But I don’t like you,” I snapped.
A brief, unidentified emotion flickered in his gaze. “No, you hate me, remember? Which is why it would only be temporary, until the time in which you accept your new Guardian.”
Elisa cleared her throat. “Ava, Darius is right. Unless you can think of someone else within this complex that can protect you and train you as he would, I suggest you accept his candidacy.”
Someone else within the complex? Was that my only option? I looked about the room at the others in frustration.
“Might Elisa and I have a word with Ava in private?” Fiona asked, but without waiting for an answer she took me by the hand. She led us away from the rest of the group, moving along the bookshelves to the window at the other side of the room.
She faced me, drawing my hands to her. I tried not to show my discomfort at being held so close, but I couldn’t help but lean away. “Ava, darling,” she purred. “You need a Guardian. You will never be as strong as you must be to fulfil your calling without your match. Your people need you. We need you.” She finally dropped my hands and allowed me a comfortable step back. “Do not be so frustrated about Darius as a choice. Is he not a good man?”
She peered at me curiously, waiting for me to reply.
“I suppose he is, but I don’t know him well enough to make that decision.”
“Well, is he not a strong man?”
Darius’s muscled body flashed into my mind, causing me to blush almost everywhere. “Yes, but—”
“And is he not attractive—?”
Oh, for the love… My body burned with the immediate response to her question—a question I refused to answer.
“Fiona,” Elisa warned.
“I mean, look at him.” Fiona gave a throaty laugh, gesturing.
Darius looked over at the same time and our eyes met. Even though I knew he couldn’t hear the conversation, my cheeks prickled with heat as if he heard everything.
“I don’t think his girlfriend would appreciate him as my temporary Guardian,” I mumbled.
“Girlfriend?” Fiona’s brows pinched together.
“Charlotte,” I clarified, but Fiona shook her head.
“Ava, Darius doesn’t have a girlfriend,” she said.
“Yes, he does. It’s Charlie.” But I hesitated when Fiona still appeared confused. I looked to Elisa, who only shook her head.
“But I thought…”
“Ava,” Elisa took my hand, forcing my attention. “Darius doesn’t have a girlfriend that I know of. Regardless, the role of Guardian must be selected and approved of by you. This is your decision. Do not let these bullies pressure you into anything.”
Fiona only shrugged but let the conversation drop. I glared at Darius’s back.
Why did he allow me to think he and Charlotte were together? And if they weren’t together, why was Charlotte so possessive of him?
Rejoining the others, I addressed the group. “Darius, I will consider your candidacy of temporary Guardian.”
He nodded. A small smile twitched in the corners of his lips.
The arrogant bastard. I couldn’t let him have whatever smug satisfaction he was enjoying for the moment.
I grinned at him. “In the meantime, I suggest you gather a list of the most eligible bachelors in the immediate area. As soon as this mess is sorted, I will start my search.” I sauntered to the door and opened it, but briefly glanced over my shoulder to add, “And make sure they’re really good looking.”
Laith shook his head and looked away. The other men stared at me in
wide-eyed shock and uncertainty, but Elisa and Fiona smirked at my bluff as I walked from the library.
My throat swelled, limiting my breath as I neared my room. My heart reacted to the panic welling inside. Throwing the door open, I scanned my bedroom to ensure my privacy. Once I knew I was alone—
“Jonathan, where are you?”
9
Battle scars
“I am here.”
Jonathan leaned casually against my dresser, his hands gripping the edge. He wore only tennis shoes and a pair of long gym shorts set low upon his hips. Sweat glistened along his bare chest and hardened stomach.
“Seriously?” I scoffed.
“And you’re any better?” He eyed my running clothes and the length of my legs. “I just finished my workout and was about to jump into the shower. It’s too bad you didn’t call me one minute from now. That would have been a lot more fun.”
“Spare me,” I said, looking away from his physique.
I knocked on Darius’s private door that led into my room.
“What are you doing?” Jonathan asked.
I placed a finger to my lips, silencing his questions and pressed my ear to the door. No sound emanated from the other side. Once I was satisfied, I walked back into my bedroom.
“What was that about?”
“That leads into another suite. I wanted to make sure no one was in there.”
“Whose suite?” Jonathan asked, glaring at the secreted door as I locked the main entryway. “And why do they have access into your room?”
I shrugged, feigning ignorance. “I have no idea.”
Only a partial lie. While I knew who was in the next room, I still didn’t know why.
I flicked off my shoes and kicked them into the corner. My thoughts swam as I walked the floors.
“Tonight is arranged,” I said.
“That’s good.”
I pointed at him, still pacing the floors. “This had better not backfire in my face. Charlotte liked your idea, which gives me the creeps. I’m ready to nix the whole plan.”
Jonathan merely shrugged. “Then do it. I have no idea who this Charlotte is, but if you think it’s a bad idea, don’t go. I trust your judgement.”
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