Dominion of the Star (Descendants of the Fallen Book 1)

by Angelica Clyman

  “Hey!” He sprung up from the floor, landing on the cot, kneeling in front of her, one hand covering her mouth and the other cupping the back of her head. “He’s not going to kill you. But you can’t get hysterical.” Jeremy’s features softened a bit. “If you keep quiet, I’ll tell you about some of that stuff, okay?”

  She nodded, sprinkling his hand with tears before he slowly released her. He unwound his legs and lay down on his back, his eyes motioning for her to do the same. Kayla frowned, hesitating, before slowly moving to rest beside him. Jeremy watched her carefully for a moment before folding his hands behind his head, his eyes to the ceiling.

  “When you hear ‘Angels,’ it sounds beautiful, right?” he whispered, “but even our legends leave no room for redemption. They say that in ancient times, there was a Heaven above us. There was a God who answered prayers, and Angels who carried blessings to the deserving. But some Angels lost their Grace and fell to earth, unable to return. Some of the Fallen bred with humans and joined their race, but there were others that focused only on discovering a way into Heaven again. They found no forgiveness, so these Angels tried to attack Heaven, to force their way back in, and there was a great battle. Many Angels died, and Heaven fell forever. The remaining Angels fought among themselves on Earth, destroying each other, including those that lived with humans. Maybe none survived. The destruction that this wreaked on Earth angered and frightened the humans of the time. They blamed the Angels for their troubles, so they began to hunt their hybrid offspring, the Nephilim, despite the power of these magical creatures. It was said that even their bones were holy weapons, so a slain Nephil was some trophy. Anyways, they’re all gone now, if they were ever even here to begin with. All that’s left is the mythology.” He paused, as if at the end of a long memorized and repeated recitation. “Most people know this story. Just as a story…but they’ve heard it before. I don’t know how you haven’t. I don’t think Za’in believes it, but he’s using it. The world has fallen apart while you’ve slept in peace. He has power, whether it’s ancient or not, divine or otherwise, and he’s reshaping this Earth we’ve been abandoned in.” He exhaled, his voice lowering, as if she was no longer there. “Who knows what his creation will be like, but either way, this time I’ll be above…”

  “But…this has nothing to do with me.”

  His head turned towards her voice, his eyes slowly clearing as he looked at her. “You don’t know that. If he wants you, there’s a reason.” Jeremy’s gaze drifted to the little box hanging from her neck. As he reached for it, she grasped the wooden pendant tightly, but didn’t pull away. He seized her hand as if it was the locket itself, and tugged gently. “You know from this that your father’s name meant something. That’s your name too.”

  A little sob escaped her throat. It wasn’t just the mention of her father that caused her tears to flow again, but the confirmation that he had stolen a look into her heart’s treasure. This was yet another violation of trust that bound them closer…was that how things worked out here? She wearily dropped her eyes and hand.

  Jeremy kept his hold on her, drawing nearer. “Kayla, remember when I told you not to be moved by what’s right? It’s a stupid way to live. Your survival is up to you. Find out why you’re valuable to him and use it. One way I kept my existence going was to bring you here, and there’s nothing to blame but the world for being the way it is. You’re not the only one paying for original sin — I was born on the day of the Eclipse. Don’t ask me to explain that. I only said it because it means nothing to you…”

  His voice was coarse and bitter, but his touch was soft; it was the first time their contact didn’t cause the hilt in her pocket to move. Kayla couldn’t forget all he had done, but she still found herself pressing closer to him, finding solace in the presence of his wounds, longing to hide in his darkness. She felt his body respond, warm and enveloping, as he angled her face to his, and she opened her eyes to meet his heavy-lidded gaze. Jeremy’s arms gripped her, hard. She remembered him holding her down, as they left Asher far behind in a cloud of sand.

  “No!” She shuddered, pulling away.

  He immediately released her, jarred by her sudden cry. It took Jeremy only a moment to recover, getting up and looking down at her with his usual cool glance. The door opened and Kittie entered the room, watching curiously as he made an abrupt exit. Before he closed the door behind him, he turned his head slightly and spoke, his voice low. “Remember what I said about survival. But first you have to know what you want.”

  When Kayla knew he was gone she felt free to move again, curling into a tight ball in an attempt to relieve the pressure in her chest. Soon the room was dark and Kittie crawled into bed beside her. Although there was a comfort to the girl’s presence as they lay back to back, Kayla was even more thankful for her silence.

  5

  Kayla woke before dawn when Kittie was summoned on some official business. The girl assured her that she would be back soon, but when she returned, it would be Kayla’s time to meet with Za’in. Kayla watched the sun rise through the narrow window, her stomach tying new knots with every brighter shade of light. She sat up on the bed and began to smooth her hair, lazily gathering it back into one long braid, the familiar activity soothing her nervousness. Her focus now redirected, she looked down at the grimy rags she wore and sighed with regret. The impulsive start of her journey left her with nothing to call her own but these torn, linen work clothes, smeared with dirt and even a little of Jeremy’s blood. Kayla’s hands dropped into her lap. There was nothing more to distract her from the sick feeling rising up inside as she stared at the empty wall and breathed deeply against her ribs.

  She started when she heard a quick rap on the door, moments before it cracked open, but it wasn’t Kittie who greeted her. Jeremy hovered right behind the gap, silent, his face closed. Kayla felt a sudden pang of concern for the girl, but her tight throat didn’t allow her to voice her question, so she simply rose and followed him. They walked together through bare, dark halls, but he didn’t look at her and he stepped as though he didn’t care if she kept pace. Kayla set her jaw tight, her fear of Za’in disappearing beneath her embarrassment, as she wondered if what she felt last night was imagined.

  They came to a stop before a set of double doors, each one similar to the unadorned entrance to Kittie’s room. Jeremy knocked, announcing, “Lord Za’in, Second Arch Saros reporting!”

  A few moments later the doors opened and they entered a large, austere room, her feet moving carefully over the smooth floor, as not to scuff the shining wood panels. One wall was a grid of broad window panes, revealing a view of the metal-tangled tower, its lights sleeping in the daylight, as well as some large and idle industrial machinery and more sand. A man stood gazing out the window, and hearing their approach, he turned to them, smiling. He possessed the kind of sophistication that only came with the passage of years, but it was hard to place the age of his youthful face. He wore long, loose clothing, and his hair was short, thick and dark. His eyes were strikingly black, the irises barely a shade lighter than his pupils. “Thank you, Saros,” he said.

  Jeremy bowed his head a little, then turned halfway toward Kayla, but walked out silently before he met her eyes.

  The man extended his hand toward her, his smile gentle. “I’m sorry to hear your journey was so perilous. I would have sent a truck sooner, but I haven’t quite perfected my communication system when it comes to Saros. He’s a strange case.” He laughed, shaking her limp hand. “Sebastian Za’in. I’ve been very eager to meet you, Kayla Steelryn.”

  Kayla couldn’t manage a quick reply. Could this be the man both Kittie and Jeremy had spoken of in tense whispers? She was struck by the kindness in his face. “I — I’m not sure why I’m here, Lord Za’in.”

  He laughed again, waving his hand dismissively. “Please, call me Sebastian. I can’t avoid formality if I’m trying to keep my little multitude here unified…but it’s good for someone to call you by name. I’d be gr
ateful if you humored me.” There was a warm modesty to his countenance as he waited for her little nod before continuing. “Why don’t we both have a seat and talk a bit? Perhaps the floor isn’t the most comfortable spot for this, but there is something beautiful about the light in this room.” He moved to the opposite wall, his motions fluid, and sat down on the floor facing the window, with Kayla trailing closely behind.

  “Kayla,” he continued, “you are here because I’ve been searching for you, and you happened to run into one of my more…zealous Archs. His behavior was unnecessarily dramatic and I don’t blame you for feeling like a captive. Still, Saros told me that you came from a place that was very remote — luckily sheltered from what has been happening on this Earth — so allow me to shed some light on the reasons behind his misdirected urgency. Kayla Steelryn, to most people your name is common knowledge. You see, your father was a people’s hero, a freedom fighter. ‘Steelryn and Serafin’ was once synonymous with hope for a better future. Yes, Michael was working towards something not so unlike my goals, although our methods differed. He was so much further developed than most people, although we could never see eye to eye…”

  “You knew him!”

  Sebastian smiled, his eyes closing for a moment. “Yes, I knew him for some time. He was my student…and, for a period, my most trusted and capable Arch.”

  Kayla watched him carefully. How old was this man that claimed to be her father’s teacher? It seemed impossible, but she couldn’t deny the simple honesty in his voice. This was the first link to her father in so long. “What…did he study with you?”

  His features were infused with new life. “It was more than just researching subjects…it was carving a path, and walking it. He first sought me out so that I could train him to master his Intercessor—” He paused. “Ah yes. I heard you have discovered yours as well. Can you control it?” His eyes flickered to the pocket that held her strange weapon.

  Her mouth opened soundlessly before she shook her head.

  “He couldn’t either. Not then. Wielding such a unique instrument is not just a matter of strength and will. All aspects of the self must be honed. Michael was a dedicated student and soon found the means to express his true nature. But, Kayla, when I thought of you, alone in the world, without your father’s guidance… I wanted to have you here as my guest. Still, how you came to be here is regrettable, and I understand if you would prefer an escort back home.”

  She felt an inexplicable pang of guilt. “No! I mean, it’s just that I wanted to meet Asher Serafin. He found me on my way here, but then Jeremy…separated us.”

  Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. “They fought?”

  “Yes.”

  “Asher was Michael’s first student, although this was after Michael left my Spheres.” He noticed Kayla’s furrowed brow. “It was time your father found his independence. But Asher…he idolized his teacher to a fault. He has been unable to move beyond Michael’s unfortunate passing, still carrying what he thinks was their crusade, rather than finding his own way. I can’t imagine him coming here peacefully, but…” His dark eyes moved with thought, that candid grin lighting his features again. “I’ll send him an invitation to meet with you. I’m sure he will accept, and if anything can prevent future violence between us, it’s your disarming presence.”

  Kayla held her breath. She feared this was some trick, but Sebastian’s face was so open, unhindered by the small, sudden changes she observed in those that had to cover and recover their tracks. “Thank you…but it seems like a lot of trouble just for me.”

  His pleasant laugh rang out. “You’ve caught me! Of course I have my own selfish motivations, but please allow me to explain. Kayla, you possess an Intercessor. Right now you cannot imagine how rare and precious this is. I am willing to train you in the mastery of your weapon, and eventually, open to you the opportunity to enter my Spheres, if it is your desire. It is easy for me to see that your potential is vast, but you are undeveloped. With this arrangement, we can aid each other. Ultimately, my purpose is to restore the world. Many things have contributed to its downfall, but there has been nothing as destructive as this planet’s inhabitants shirking the responsibility that comes with the gift of existence: cultivation. They rejected opportunities for personal growth, and this vacuum of spiritual energy led to the decline of society and the environment. Human beings have made this world a prison, but we must not resign ourselves to this fate. The power to heal something as grand as the entire Earth begins and ends with us, and in us. So often we feel that large problems are out of our hands, but I don’t see it that way. When we develop ourselves, the world benefits and this allows us to grow even further.” Sebastian paused. “We can start your training tomorrow. Here. You know already if you have what it takes to embrace your destiny.” Again, he was looking at the pocket that held her Intercessor.

  Kayla hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by the intensity of this vague and serious offer. She thought of her father, of Asher’s return…and of how, without control, she both wounded and protected Jeremy with her weapon. “Please teach me.” Her reply reached her ears before she realized she had made a sound.

  Sebastian’s eager smile eased the burden of the decision. He stood quickly, pulling her up with him. “Keep this between us. Saros and his Malak don’t need to know; I don’t offer this to just anyone.” His gaze was solemn.

  “Yes, Sebastian,” she said quietly. Her heart was still beating fast, but no longer from apprehension.

  He led her back the way she came, but before they reached the door, he stopped. “One quick lesson before tomorrow…why wait?” The corners of his mouth were still upturned, but something was different about his manner. “Draw your weapon.”

  She felt reluctant to bring it out into the open. Her gaze fell nervously to her feet as she fumbled with the strange object, but when she looked up again to present her Intercessor, she gasped at the mass of twisted bone that gathered around Sebastian’s hand. Kayla thought he might also possess this type of weapon, but this was not what she expected. Her hilt was small, and the shape seemed natural, as if it came from the skeleton of some exotic animal. In contrast, Sebastian’s looked like a bone that was set haphazardly after a fracture, covered in spurs, and grafted to other similar bones. It was a monstrosity.

  He responded to her stare. “If you want to understand and master your Intercessor, you must have true knowledge of yourself. Nothing can be ignored or glossed over just because you don’t like what you see.”

  Kayla nodded. She felt certain that he wasn’t going to hurt her now, but she was suddenly afraid.

  Sebastian noticeably relaxed, and it was then that she recognized his earlier tension. “Even in an uncontrolled state, your Intercessor is a part of you and may respond in situations when you need protection. When you learn to creatively channel this energy, it can be expressed as an extra surge of power in desperate moments. But now, while you have not yet mastered it, you may call upon its strength to preserve your life.” He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath.

  Kayla stifled a cry as she felt his body expand, radiating a heat that reached out for her. The room now seemed small and constricting, stuffed with warm air that clung to her skin. Sebastian’s Intercessor vibrated before it expelled a stream of more twisted bones, fusing with each other to form a giant, brutal sword. She realized what had changed about his easy grin — this expression relished its own wickedness.

  “So do you have it in you?” he murmured, “or if you can’t use your weapon, should I just take it from you instead?” He moved in closer, his shadow falling over her.

  She held her hilt with both hands, willing it to become a blade, a shield, anything that could protect her. Nothing happened. She thought of Asher, even of Jeremy, but knew she was alone. Kayla couldn’t breathe as she watched Za’in’s sword descend. She let out a strangled cry, skidding to her knees out of the path of his blade as her Intercessor engaged, shooting out a shower of bone shards, shattering t
he end of his weapon. Kayla closed her eyes, turning her head to avoid the shrapnel.

  After a few quiet moments, the girl knew the violence had passed and she looked down at the hilt still held tight in her grip. It rattled between her trembling hands. Her palms and fingers were pleasantly warm, weak with some unfamiliar, blissful ache. This feeling smoothed away her earlier fear, her ragged breaths now hot with victory. She looked up at Za’in, his weapon now hidden away and his eyes watching her with smiling surprise.

  “That was inventive. But let’s leave something for tomorrow.” He gently took her hand and eased her to her feet before ushering her out the door.

  Kayla turned back, looking at the fragments of bone on the floor. “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to break it.”

  “My sweet girl, that would be impossible.” Sebastian’s hand rested heavily on her shoulder.

  She stepped through the doorway, but immediately spun around to see her teacher’s satisfied features one more time, her body tired but surprisingly light.

  “Saros’ Malak will be occupied for a while. I hope you will be comfortable in her room during her absence. I won’t burden you any longer with an escort unless you desire one.”

  Kayla shook her head numbly. “I can find my way back.” She managed a weak smile.

  His face was lit with the excitement she felt growing within her stomach. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow already, Kayla.”

  She nodded a wordless goodbye before the door closed. As she walked alone down the hallway, she tried to ignore the regret that their meeting was so brief.

  6

  Jeremy stepped stiffly through the halls, his scowl spreading across his entire body. He knew where he’d end up again today. It was Za’in’s fault for keeping him here without another assignment and separating him from Kit for too many days. He was bored, focusing on meaningless things, and all this walking wasn’t helping. That same set of double doors kept appearing at the corners of his vision and he realized that he wasn’t wandering, but pacing. With a growl, he changed direction, soon finding an exit that led outside.