Kingdom of Mirrors and Roses

by A. W. Cross

  “You mean you’d stay?” Her expression was inscrutable.

  He drew his finger down the side of her face. “I’m not going anywhere.” Not when she smiled at him like that.

  She glanced back at the screen. “So how do we put this all together? What’s the plan?”

  He brought up one of the first images. “This is access to Wakelight, here in The Vault. Wakelight’s been closed off for years, nearly all tunnels leading to it collapsed or sealed over.” He tapped part of the screen. “All but one. Grace Alpha kept it open in case they needed to get to Wakelight for any reason.”

  He cycled to the next image. “And this one is the pathway between Wakelight and Grace Alpha, the city’s AI. Think of Wakelight like an arm—Grace Alpha is the brain. It looks like Wakelight sends daily updates to Grace Alpha on the status of The Vault, and Grace Alpha sends back instructions as needed. The same goes for the military.” The last image was the most important. “And here is Grace Alpha’s system itself. This shows its vulnerabilities, its weak points.”

  “I would’ve thought they’d made it indestructible.”

  “It’s not possible to cover everything. The AI is constantly evolving and changing. It closes off some weakness and opens others. Every week it updates itself, fixes what it can. The exposure we’re looking at now will only be around for—” He did some calculations in his head. “Three more days.” Three days. Crap. That wasn’t much time. But it was three days of being able to do something, at least.

  But there was one more problem. All this information was great but— “We’re going to need a lot more people if we want to pull this off.”

  It hung in the air between them.

  Her expression was incredulous. “More people? Where are we supposed to get more people for something like this?”

  “I don’t know, but we have to. Something this big needs to happen simultaneously, or it won’t work. And for that, we need more people.”

  She raised her eyebrows at him. “You said we couldn’t tell anyone about what was happening. How can we carry out any sort of attack and not tell them why they’re doing it?”

  “We didn’t have a plan then. We do now.” A plan we can’t use without them. As Morgan must’ve known.

  She didn’t look convinced.

  “And they’re going to have to keep it a secret. If the wrong people find out—the other Collectors, for example—it’s over. They’ll collapse The Vault before we can blink.” When he said it out loud, it sounded hopeless. How could you expect to execute a plan of such magnitude and do it in secret? “Yeah, it doesn’t sound good, does it?” It was beyond frustrating. They’d finally found a solution, but there was no way they’d be able to carry it out. Was Morgan taunting them? Was this all still part of Grace Alpha’s plan? Or had she simply given him more credit than he deserved? He resisted the urge to smash his fist through the wall.

  “Maybe not, but I think it might be possible.” Beauty was tapping her finger on her bottom lip, a gleam in her eye that made him stand up straight.

  “Really? What do you have in mind?”

  “It’s a long shot, but…the Guilds.”

  “The Guilds? Don’t you all hate each other? I mean, you’re literally competing for your lives.”

  “Yeah, right now. But if we’re all dead, those things won’t matter, will they?”

  “But how would we even get them involved? We can’t just go to them and say ‘By the way, The Vault’s going to be destroyed soon, but we have a plan to save everyone and all you have to do is risk your lives even more than you already do. Oh, and better yet, you have to work together to do it.’” He snorted. He could just imagine Quinn’s face as she told him.

  “Why not?” Her face was serious.

  “What? Really?” Did she honestly think that was going to work? A small flame of hope flickered in his chest. What could she see that he didn’t?

  “Yes. Once they believe us, why wouldn’t they? It’s their lives on the line.”

  “How are you going to get them to believe you? There are no masquerades in the next three days.” It was biting, but that was the only way she’d been convinced. If the Guilds were going to trust them enough to go along with this, they were going to have to do it sight unseen.

  She glared at him. “Don’t be cute. We already have everything we need to convince them. Unmistakable, irrefutable proof.”

  “Oh yeah, and what’s that?”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “You.”

  18

  “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.” Cillian glowered outside the Hallow Hands warren. At least, she assumed he was glowering. It was hard to tell under the mask. She’d insisted he wear it.

  At first, he’d balked. “Why? If you’re determined to show them what I am, why bother with the mask?”

  “It’ll make it more dramatic, that’s why. They know you as the Beast. And those few who have seen you have seen this face. Then, when we show them your true one— Pow! How could they not believe?”

  “Pow? I just—” He shook his head. Standing there, his ruined chest exposed and his silver hair over one eye, he’d looked incredibly vulnerable.

  Of course. How could she have been so stupid? So selfish? He knew damn well how they would react to him—the same way she had.

  You’re a monster.

  How would she feel if people looked at her that way? Especially the people she was trying to save? She’d put her hand on his arm. “Cillian, I’m sorry. I know this isn’t going to be easy. And I also know that’s an understatement. But please, I don’t know how else we can do it.”

  He’d eventually agreed, but he’d been quiet ever since. When this was all over, she’d have to find a way to make it up to him.

  “Now what?”

  “Now we knock.”

  “That’s it? Just knock? There’s no secret password? No special rhythm?”

  She laughed and rapped on the door. What did he think the Guilds were? “No, just knock and cross our fingers. They’ve been watching us since we came into the tunnel, so they already know we’re here—and who we are.” She looked into a corner above the door and waved at whoever must be watching.

  “How long are we supposed to wait?”

  “Until they have enough time to gather and arm themselves.”

  “Arm themselves? You didn’t say anything about—”

  “It’ll be fine, Cillian. Their weapons can only hurt human bodies. Besides, I’ll keep you safe.” She winked at him and bounced on the balls of her feet. She’d thought she’d never come back here, not happily, at least, but now she couldn’t wait to see everyone, especially Red. Just wait until they heard what she’d been up to.

  “You’re way too excited about this. Remember why we’ve come.”

  That sobered her up. Cillian was right. If this didn’t go well, they had no chance. The Hallow Hands were their entry point to the other Guilds. If they couldn’t convince them…

  The door slid open.

  Red stood, framed by the dim light behind her. Beauty could barely make out her wary expression. “Why are you here?”

  She was looking at Beauty as though she were a stranger. Red, who’d been her best friend for years.

  “Red, I— It’s so good to see you.”

  “I asked why you’re here.” Her gaze flicked over to Cillian.

  Ah, that must be it.

  She couldn’t blame them, really. She’d just shown up at the front door unannounced, with the Beast, the rumored monster of The Vault, by her side.

  Just wait until they find out the rumors are true.

  Was that why Raphael had sent Red to open the door, hoping the Beast might show mercy to Beauty’s best friend? Or if he was to get violent, to take out the least useful member of the Guild? He hadn’t changed.

  “We need to speak to you. It’s important.”

  Red didn’t budge. “About what?” Her voice was suspicious.

  “Red, I
can’t tell you out here. We don’t know who’s listening. Please.” She reached for her friend’s hand. “Trust me.”

  What am I going to do if she refuses?

  But she didn’t. Glancing once more at the Beast, she stepped back inside, gesturing for them to follow. As they walked down the corridor, she linked her arm through Beauty’s. “Sorry I was so rude. But you understand what this looks like, right? Father’s probably soiling his pants as we speak.” She looked delighted. There was a fading bruise over one eye.

  “Red, are you okay?” She prodded the bruise gently.

  Red ducked. “Ouch. Stop it.” She rubbed the spot on her face. “I’m fine. It’s just that now you’re gone, I’m the only one who can fit in the tight places.” There was an unspoken question in her words. Are you coming back?

  “Well, that won’t matter soon.”

  “Really? Is the Beast here to kill Father?”

  “No. He’s here to save him.”

  Red’s mouth dropped open just as they turned into the kitchen area. All the Guild was inside, trying to act casual, as though the Beast visited them every day. She could just imagine Raphael’s instructions. Don’t show fear. Look him in the eye. This is our home. She scoffed inwardly. If the Beast attacked, he’d probably be the first one out the door.

  He sat at the head of the table, his hands out of sight. He was flanked on either side, Kaitlin on the left, Felix on the right. Jere lounged against the wall as he so often did, glaring up at Cillian from under his ragged hair.

  He must’ve cut it himself.

  She’d always done it for him.

  Violet and Arjun stood in the doorway, blocking the hallway that led to the emergency exit. Instead of knives, they were holding hands.

  They seem to have sorted that out, then.

  Their expressions were defiant. Did they think the Beast was coming here to kill them all as well? She couldn’t imagine Cillian doing anything of the sort, now that she knew him. She cast back in her memory, trying to recall the fear she’d felt at his legend. But no matter how hard she tried, his face, Cillian’s face, got in the way. A face that she—

  “So you’ve returned.” Raphael was looking at Beauty like he barely remembered her. Cillian must’ve noticed it too, because he bristled beside her.

  That’s the reason you’re here, Beauty, because of him. Not for the cause. He gave you up to save his own ass.

  When she didn’t reply, he tried again. “What are you doing here?”

  He was trying to put on a show for the others. How had she never noticed his mannerisms before, seen how fallible he was? Perhaps because this was the first time she was looking down on him. He wouldn’t look at her.

  He knows I know he lied.

  “We need your help.”

  “Our help?” He leaned forward, his gaze flicking between her and the Beast. “What could we possibly have to offer you?” Emboldened by the others, he asked another question. “And what’s in it for us?” Did he have a death wish? She knew Cillian wouldn’t harm him, but he didn’t. His bravado was astounding. And a bit pathetic.

  Cillian walked up to the table and leaned his considerable height over it, placing both palms flat on the surface as he stared directly into Raphael’s face. “You get to live.”

  Raphael was the first to look away. Felix wasn’t so smart. He pushed himself away from the table and stood. His arm moved, just enough to let Beauty know what he had planned. “Are you threatening us?”

  “Felix, don’t be stupid.” She pushed in front of Cillian. “Just listen to what we have to say. If you still want to die after that, be my guest.”

  Felix went crimson. He’d always been hot-headed. He can’t back down now.

  “Please, Felix. We need you if this plan is going to work.”

  He was mollified, she could tell, but he still glared at Cillian for a few more seconds before sitting back down.

  Beauty held up her hands for their attention. They tingled, a ghost-memory from the last time she’d been in this room. It seemed so long ago. The best way forward now was to just say it. Tell them everything she’d learned. Then…well, then it was Cillian’s turn.

  So she did.

  As she’d expected, they were incredulous.

  “Let me get this straight. No invaders from another country. The war ended years ago, and The Vault is a construct used by this new city—Grace Alpha, was it?—to support them. That everything we do goes to them, and that, in a month’s time, they’re going to destroy The Vault, and kill us all?”

  “Don’t forget the androids and cyborgs, Father,” Violet chimed in from the corner. The look on her face was one of disgust. Who would speak about such vile things, as though they would be allowed to happen, as though it were normal?

  “Yes, but—” Didn’t they believe any of it? You didn’t either, at first.

  “Is this a joke? I don’t— I don’t understand.” Raphael seemed genuinely confused. “Beauty, I don’t know what you think…or if he’s put you up to this, but— What you’re saying…” He shook his head. “It’s tantamount to treason.” His expression turned sad, as though she was already on her way to the gallows.

  The others didn’t believe it either, their faces radiating suspicion and betrayal. Their gazes passed from her to the Beast, and back again. She was no longer one of them, and they’d closed ranks accordingly.

  Even Red shook her head in disbelief, though her tone was sympathetic. “Beauty, you can’t say these kinds of things. If someone hears you—”

  “I can prove it.”

  Raphael leaned back in his chair, his fear of the Beast forgotten. He gave her an amused smile. “Go on, then. Indulge us.”

  She poked Cillian’s shoulder. “Show them.”

  He closed his eyes. Was he going to refuse? After everything? If he did, they would never believe her. But they would tell everyone else in The Vault her story. They would laugh about it, most of them, but some, some would believe…and Grace Alpha would hear about it. The plan would be finished before it had begun.

  She took his hand in hers, ignoring Red’s gaping mouth. “Please.” She didn’t yet dare use his name. Not here.

  He nodded and drew back his hood. His hair fell forward over the sides of his face, and for the first second after he lifted his mask away, his cyborg features were obscured. He handed the mask to Beauty then pushed his hair back, staring resolutely forward as her heart swelled.

  Their reaction was exactly what she’d thought it would be. And just as infuriating, even though she’d have done exactly the same. Like a hurricane had blown through the room, the Hallow Hands scrambled back toward the exit tunnel, overturning chairs and slamming into one another.

  A muscle in Cillian’s jaw twitched, but he didn’t move, not even when Violet vomited unceremoniously in the corner.

  Jere let out a string of curses as some got on his boot. At that, Red burst into uncontrollable laughter. Every eye in the room turned to her, as she doubled over, tears streaming down her face.

  “What the hell are you laughing at?” Jere pushed her hard on the shoulder.

  Before Beauty had left, that would’ve been enough to send Red scuttling off to her bedroom for the rest of the night, but now, it made her laugh even harder.

  “You…you should’ve seen your faces,” she finally managed before doubling over again. “Ha!” She straightened and wiped the tears from her eyes.

  “How can you be laughing? Look at him. He’s…he’s…”

  “Going to save you, Jere, although not if don’t pull your head out of your ass.” Beauty would never have dared to speak to him that way before either, not when he was so quick with his fists. But they didn’t have time for this. “So do you believe us or not?”

  The Hallow Hands clustered together, murmuring. She caught only snippets, but it was enough to understand the gist. They were convinced, but now they were weighing up their options, as if they had any.

  Cillian cleared his throat. �
�Since you’re all debating the reward you might get for blackmailing Grace Alpha, I’ll tell you now—none. You’re all dead. Nor will Grace Alpha ransom me. We’ve all outlived our worth to them.” A sour smile curved the corner of his mouth. “You could expose me to the rest of The Vault, tell them what I’ve told you, but what do you think will happen then? You have one chance of getting out of The Vault alive, one chance at having a future. And that chance is me.”

  As he spoke, Red had edged closer and closer to him. Beauty glanced at her hands. Surely she wasn’t going to try to attack him?

  “Your…face. Can you feel it?” She looked up at him, her eyes wide and guileless. There was no mockery there, and only the tiniest hint of fear.

  “Most of it. The human part, anyway.”

  “How did it happen?”

  “In the war. My mech got blown up.”

  “Did you all hear that?” Beauty glared at the others still hovering in the corner, their eyes fixed on Cillian, torn between being predators and prey. “He lost his body fighting for you.” She linked her arm with his. “And now he’s willing to risk it again.”

  “Your body? You mean even more of you is machine?” Any trace of fear forgotten, Red sidled even closer.

  Cillian leaned close to Red and smiled. “Would you like me to take my clothes off?”

  Had he just made a joke?

  Red turned the color of her namesake. “Of course, not. I— Well, yes, kind of. I mean, it’s fascinating. My grandfather was still alive before Heartcrown disavowed cyberization. The stories he used to tell me were amazing.” She glanced at the others then straightened defiantly. “I never did understand what the big deal was.”

  “Seriously, Red?” Violet couldn’t stand it anymore. “Don’t you see how wrong this all is? I feel like I’ve wandered into some alternative nightmare universe.” She pointed at Cillian. “That is an abomination. How can you think otherwise?”

  Red shrugged. “But why?”

  “Because it’s against nature! It’s...wrong.”