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

by Angelica Clyman

  “Thank you, sir.” Even in his frustration, this news brought up the corners of his mouth.

  He rested his hand on Jeremy’s shoulder. “You’re a good soldier, Saros. You’ve fought hard for me, and I know you’ve seen some of the rewards already, but soon things will change again with the return of the Eclipse. If your lust survives the passage of these next crucial weeks, I’ll let you have Steelryn.”

  He didn’t reply, his eyes meeting Za’in’s steady gaze.

  “For now, rejoice that you have been reunited with your new Ophan. Spend your time here training. The state of the world is shifting, and I want both of you in top form. Don’t mistake any of this for disapproval of your performance. You are one of my best and I expect to see you standing when the former world passes away. The change may be more violent than you imagine, and only the strong will survive. I anticipate turning my head and seeing you when the sky darkens again.”

  Jeremy choked down the warm feeling of pride in his chest that came from those words. He didn’t believe the biblical nonsense that drove Za’in, but he respected the man that was strong enough to bend the world to his will. If Za’in had faith that plagues were coming, then they were certain to appear, but they would be of his own design and more cruel than those of any vengeful god. If something was really going to happen, this man would be the source, and Jeremy would be a dark Horseman. “Yes, Lord Za’in. You’ll see me there.”

  Za’in smiled. “I’m counting on it.” As Jeremy was left alone, he felt for the first time in weeks that it was the way it should be.

  10

  Kittie pressed through the ceiling hatch, shielding her eyes from the sunlight. As the two girls climbed out onto the roof, she pulled her goggles down from atop her head and adjusted the brown shades on her face. She handed a pair of wide, dark glasses to Kayla. “Careful, that’s an antique!”

  They sat down on a stretch of concrete underneath the iron skeleton of a sloped roof. Looking out, they could see the entire compound from above — every metal beam and every sand dune — and all around that, nothing. Kittie leaned against a post, trying to squeeze herself into a cast shadow, and she sighed as she took in the view. “Can you imagine, all of this was water, once.”

  Kayla smiled wistfully. “I bet it was beautiful. Do you think it will ever return to how it was?”

  “You mean with this next Eclipse?”

  She avoided Kittie’s gaze. Should they be talking about this? Kayla began to wonder what parts of her training were secret and what information was common knowledge.

  “Well, I don’t know,” Kittie continued, “because the last Eclipse didn’t do this.”

  “It was humans then…”

  “You say that as if you don’t belong in that group.”

  Kayla kept her eyes on the horizon.

  “The first Nephilim were as much human as they were Angel. You can imagine the split in the modern variety.”

  “I wasn’t supposed to say anything…I didn’t!” she whispered. “Did Sebastian tell you?”

  “Of course not,” Kittie snorted. “I think he takes joy in watching me figure things out. You know, to prove that I really am good at seeing what others don’t. But I know what you are.”

  “Who else knows?”

  “Oh stop, Jeremy wouldn’t believe it if I told him.”

  Kayla felt her face grow hot. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “You’re sure famous, all right — or at least your dad was — but people don’t believe in the Divine anymore. So that answers your question, sort of. But you were thinking of him. It’s really pointless to try and fib me.”

  “I wasn’t!” Kayla stood up quickly and went near the edge of the roof, the wind nudging her to cling to one of the metal poles. “I wasn’t…conscious of it. I’ve been training, meditating; I don’t want to think about him.”

  “You both like each other a lot. I don’t see what’s so bad about acting like you do.”

  Kayla glanced back at her sharply. “Just a few days ago you told him to keep his distance from me!” Her gaze drifted back to the sand and sky. “And he has,” she said softly.

  “For his own safety and for yours. We can’t forget where we are and we certainly can’t ignore our circumstances, but if we become disconnected from our feelings, well then we’re lost!”

  “What if our feelings lead us in the wrong direction? I have to think about what’s right.” Kayla was speaking now to the emptiness that surrounded her, suddenly finding a voice for every moment she spent alone since she came to this place. “Sebastian has helped me so much. I don’t want to make him angry. I’m afraid he’ll end my training, and I’ll be adrift again. I want to be whole and free, in a restored world. I can’t forget the responsibility I was born into, and I can’t ignore what my father would have wanted.”

  Kittie stood up and quietly made her way to Kayla’s side. “Did Za’in ever tell you about your father’s life after he was no longer an Arch?”

  “We don’t really talk about that. I know it sounds stupid, but I feel like I can’t ask. He gets close to telling me, but I think it’s too painful now that my father is gone. Asher will be here soon and I know he’ll fill in all the gaps that Sebastian can’t. He wouldn’t come all this way just to leave me in the dark.”

  “Za’in’s already asked you to make a choice between him and Jeremy. If you try to bridge that space with Asher, you might have to choose again.”

  She looked down at Kittie, her eyes cold. “If I had everything figured out as well as you do, then I suppose I wouldn’t have to worry about that.”

  The little girl grinned. “If you could see what I can, you’d be halfway there. I’ll let you have a peek if you want!”

  Kayla just stared, surprised by Kittie’s answer and taken off guard by her smiling enthusiasm. Kittie used her momentary hesitation as an opportunity to grab her hands, and she pulled her away from the edge so they both could sit, facing each other. Kittie shook her goggles off her head, and deftly slid her glasses off Kayla’s face. Her voice was hushed and eager. “A tattoo like this is nothing to me,” she said, glancing quickly down at her chest before locking eyes with Kayla again. “I can do what it does without this business of ink and blood and whatever else it contains. I can pull it out of my skin, or spread it back again — it doesn’t matter. So look what I can do!” She rose up onto her knees, and leaning forward, she pressed two fingers between the other girl’s eyebrows.

  Kayla felt the ground beneath her give way, and she grabbed the rails on either side of her in a desperate attempt to conquer the dizziness that left her reeling. She could hear Kittie’s voice as if from a great distance, calling, “You’re safe. It’s like a dream, okay? Just breathe. I’m here with you.” Kayla couldn’t feel anything around her, but after hearing her voice, she did notice a cool pressure between her eyes. The haziness that shrouded her vision began to clear, and prompted by the floating sensation she was experiencing, she looked down. Kayla could see the warm, familiar floors of Sebastian’s training room and she felt the tightness in her chest subside.

  As the corners of her sight sharpened, she recognized Jeremy’s dark shock of hair below her. Although she couldn’t see his face, his unconsciously insolent posture gave him away. He was sweating and panting, sword in hand, as he faced Za’in. Her teacher was also holding a weapon, but she noticed it wasn’t his Intercessor. It took a moment for her ears to adjust, but soon their faint voices began to clearly reach her.

  “You’ll have to do better than that if you want a victory without your Sphere.” A slight smile played over Sebastian’s face.

  Jeremy rushed at him, swinging his serrated blade upward. Sebastian’s weapon met his, and angling to the right, Za’in continued the arc and brought his own sword forward. Jeremy slid back, and then shot at him from the side, taking Sebastian off balance. As Za’in fell, he grabbed Jeremy’s arm and twisted it hard until he lost his grip on his weapon. They rolled and Sebastian land
ed on Jeremy’s back, pressing his face against the smooth floor.

  “Are you sure I can leave this one little thing to you?” asked the dark-eyed man.

  She could see the side of Jeremy’s face, frustration contorting his features. “I won’t lose, Lord Za’in,” he managed between clenched teeth.

  Sebastian released him and stood up. “That’s enough for today. I’m sure Serafin will find a clever way to let himself in, but I didn’t give up my location just to see him walk out of here with Steelryn. If you fail, I’ll step in. But when the time comes, I hope to witness a better performance from my Second Arch.”

  Jeremy stood slowly, collected his sword and sheathed it. His muscles appeared tight. “I’m training, sir. I swear I won’t let him defeat me.” It seemed difficult for him to get the words out.

  Sebastian stood at the window, watching the horizon intently. “Good. Now bring Steelryn to me. Time really is running short,” he said absently.

  “Yes, Lord Za’in.” The soldier turned to leave.

  “And Saros?”

  Jeremy froze.

  “Please keep in mind that although she is promised to you, she’s not yours yet. I don’t think I need to remind you what happens to those who try to take what’s mine.”

  “I understand, Lord Za’in,” he said quietly before leaving the room.

  Kayla felt her stomach drop steeply as weight returned to her limbs and she could feel the sun on her shoulders again. She opened her eyes to meet Kittie’s excited stare.

  “I’m pretty awesome, right?” the little girl sang.

  Kayla shook her head, her body trembling. “Did you hear what he said?”

  Kittie’s mouth grew small. “Well, yeah. It’s my ability you were using.”

  “How could Sebastian say those things?” Kayla jumped to her feet, holding on to the metal beams to steady her wobbling legs. “He’s saving me as some sort of prize for Jeremy…he’s using me as bait to trap Asher!” Her right hand twitched and burned, and unshed tears stung her eyes. “Has he been lying to me this whole time? How could he?”

  Kittie watched her, unmoved. “You need to pull yourself together. Right now.”

  Just as she spoke those words, the roof hatch opened and Jeremy pulled himself up. “Za’in wants you.” His words were a moment too late, delayed by his attention on her apparent agitation.

  Kayla took a cleansing breath and composed herself. She didn’t say anything, but moved towards the opening in the roof, her steps even.

  Jeremy stopped her before she climbed down, grasping her arm gently. “Let me walk with you.”

  She met his eyes. Between Sebastian’s words and her own misgivings, Kayla had hoped she could discard her muddled fervor for this man, but it was a useless fight. She was sure he experienced a similar surrender, since the anger and pain she saw in his eyes at their last meeting was now gone. She searched his face, and it was clear that the passion he expressed to her that night was still present, but it was shrouded beneath a thin veil of control. Kayla felt weak at his touch. Although Jeremy held her arm in just an effortless, protective grip, her entire body responded, ignited by this simple contact. His eyes spoke of his intentions, and she knew then that her reaction was not excessive. If she couldn’t resign herself to duty alone, then the expression of her emotions at least had to be restrained and the two of them could only convey their feelings in the most imperceptible ways. Kayla realized she let too much time pass to keep their exchange unnoticed by whatever hidden eyes have kept watch on them before. “Yes, that would be best,” she said softly.

  Kittie put her goggles back on and relaxed against one of the rusting posts. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

  Kayla barely heard, descending back into the compound. The pair walked through the silent halls, their steps slow and measured. Kayla felt stunned, not only by today’s events, but by the sudden plunge into this dim light. Though her steps fell strangely weightless, she knew she could walk alone and unaided, but she still rested her fingers against Jeremy’s forearm, in the crook of his elbow. She followed his lead, letting her fingertips press her swirling emotions through his shirt’s thin fabric, into his being. He kept walking forward, his gaze set straight ahead, but she could see her message was received through the jerk of his fingers that ended in the warm loosening of his arm.

  When they came to Za’in’s doors they stopped, facing forward, neither one of them moving to knock. Jeremy spoke quietly, his lips almost still. “Nothing’s changed, Kayla. To me, you’re not a weapon.” Before he finished the last syllable, he rapped on the door, freezing Kayla’s movements before she could turn to him questioningly. He glanced at her quickly, then retreated down the hallway and was almost out of sight before Sebastian granted her entrance.

  11

  This was the first night in a long while that Kayla’s dreams had been haunted by Asher’s face. Her sleep was fitful, and on each frequent awakening she was disoriented, finding herself gasping in the momentary, breathless fear of being vulnerable in a strange place. Now she was determined to fend off sleep for the remainder of the night; it was easier than continuing this violent cycle. She closed her eyes against the unfamiliar shadows around her. She didn’t want to be here in this room, so far removed from Kittie and Jeremy. But Sebastian had insisted.

  She didn’t know how she should feel, as she reexamined the events that led her here. Nearly a week ago, when Sebastian had opened the double doors and beckoned her in, his usual warm smile was not enough to ease her fears. It was the first time she had met with him later in the day, after their morning training, and she could only assume that this audience with him meant that he was displeased. Maybe he knew she had seen his exchange with Jeremy, through Kittie’s strange power. Kayla took her usual stance in the sun-lit portion of the room, being very careful to keep her shoulders relaxed, concentrating on not showing any physical signs of tension that she knew he could easily detect. She understood that she had to put her feelings of betrayal, anger and apprehension out of her mind. Sebastian always knew what she was thinking by observing a tightening muscle, a kink in her posture, or a fluttering eyelid. Staring out through the full-length windows, they were both silent for a long time. It was becoming more difficult for Kayla not to unconsciously give anything away.

  When Sebastian finally spoke, it was almost as if he was continuing a conversation that had already started without her notice. “Kayla, I have reason to believe that Asher Serafin will be here very soon. Unfortunately, my sources also inform me that he intends our meeting to be hostile. If it was a simple matter of him coming in with his guns blazing, it could be easily handled. I would see to it that he was subdued, unharmed, and then I would comfortably count on a reunion with you to soothe his wrath. But I’m afraid it won’t be as straightforward as that. He has sided with four men that are in possession of stolen Nephilim relics. This could be very dangerous for everyone involved, especially if they are not capable of understanding and controlling these sacred objects. All of that aside, those relics are our birthright, and I intend to take back what is ours.”

  He turned to her, his face earnest. “And Kayla, I must confess, I have other, more personal reasons for my concern as well. You’ve never been a prisoner here, but it’s difficult for me to think of Asher leaving with you. I haven’t had a pupil like you — no, not since your father — and your spirit, not just as a child of the Nephilim, but you, you have brought me much happiness. I had nearly given up hope. I thought perhaps that the days of those eager to learn, better themselves, and strive for the highest within them had set with the Eclipsed sun. You’ve given me a gift that you cannot imagine, just by being you. I admit I have found myself growing very protective of you, perhaps to excess. Please forgive my offenses; I just don’t want to lose you to this world, and without you, I don’t think this world can help but lose.” He paused, searching her eyes for a response.

  Kayla tried to control the stiffening of her shoulders. How coul
d these words soften and dissolve what she had just witnessed with Kittie? Still, they did. Her heart felt heavy in her chest, expanding with pride. Here, beside him, she felt as if she was soaring above the mundane world, and with Sebastian, she was a part of something important, something she was chosen for. Kayla suddenly reached for her locket. It was a strange impulse; she hadn’t grasped for it in so long. “Sebastian, I can’t thank you enough for everything, but please, let me speak with Asher. And I beg you not to hurt him.”

  He looked a little wounded. “I brought Asher here for you, Kayla. But, as I just mentioned, I don’t intend to let him snatch you up in the night. That is not the proper road to your meeting. Please, stay in my chambers for the next few nights. You will have your own suite — I assure you privacy — but I need to know that you are safe with me. Please, humor a tired, old man.” His smile reached out to her.

  Kayla felt herself giving in, and she struggled to hold on to what she heard Sebastian say to Jeremy. Could it be that Kittie’s vision was false? She didn’t really witness it in person; it was some sort of strange episode. No, she trusted Kittie. Was it possible for that cruel Sebastian to be the same one that had always been so kind to her?

  “I am afraid that I must insist, Kayla.” His voice was gentle, but with a slight edge that gave her the impression that he was irritated by her hesitation.

  She nodded.

  Sebastian’s uplifting smile returned. “You’re a strong girl. When the world is so precarious, I know it can be difficult to make decisions. One’s emotions can easily rule him in times like this, but you always seem to keep what is important in mind. It is precisely in times like this that a higher purpose is most needed and most difficult to follow.”

  Kayla’s eyes closed tightly, and opening them again, she was jarred from her reverie. She was back in the darkness, and the warmth she had felt from his words spoken in the daylight had faded now, as she lay there alone. She told herself that he hadn’t been wrong so far, and there was no doubting his wisdom. Perhaps the contradiction she detected was just a simple matter of his manner being harsher with his subordinates. He seemed constant. To keep an organization like his running in such troubling times forces a man to hold an iron grip. Kayla considered the present necessity for someone to put their own comfort and desires aside in order to lead, and she felt sympathy for Sebastian.