Descent (The Immortal Chronicles Book 1)

by Sloane Murphy

  “Is that you short stack?” I hear yelled across the green. I look up to see Benny heading towards me. I get up and run towards him jumping on him. “Hey you, I missed you! I’m so glad you’re okay!” he says to me as he hugs me tight. Tears prick my eyes and I squeeze them shut to hold them back, hugging him a bit tighter.

  “I missed you too Benny!” I laugh, “I never thought I’d say that.”

  He laughs and it shakes his body. He puts me down and tucks me under his arm.

  “Come on little bit. We need to go get a drink!”

  “Hell yes! I knew missing you was a good thing,” I giggle and follow him back to his dorm room. He tells me about things I’ve missed since I’ve been gone, the things I wasn’t debriefed about by Xander. Apparently not much has changed since I left.

  “What about you Addie? What happened when you were gone?”

  I look at him and I can see the concern in his eyes. There’s no judgment, no curiosity, just concern.

  “I’m okay Benny. Nothing bad really happened. Yes, I was taken, but I had a nice room, no-one hurt me, I was yelled at a few times, but I don’t think they wanted to hurt me. They just wanted to tell me some stuff, see if what I knew was real. Actually some of them were actually nice people ya know. It’s pretty surreal. Everyone keeps telling me that they’re the bad guys, but they weren’t. Not to me anyway. I know they’ve done and still do bad things, hell Rose can confirm that, but they’re not all bad ya know?”

  He shakes his head at me.

  “Only you could see the upside of being kidnapped. I guess Livvy left more of her in you than we realised. You seem okay, so I guess I’ll have to believe that you’re really okay. Now who is this Rose I’ve heard so much about?” He smirks and I slap him upside the head.

  “You never change do you Benny?” I laugh. “Anyway, you better take me back to the Royal quarters before there’s a search party out. I may or may not have snuck out earlier.”

  “Really Addie?” he groans.

  “I don’t know why you’re surprised. Anyway, this way I can introduce to you Rose.” I wink at him and jump up. We head back to the Royal quarters to be met by a very angry Xander and Dimitri, and a crying Rose.

  “What the hell did you do to her?” I scream at them, before heading over to her and hugging her. Benny follows me, the anger rippling through him is evident in his giant frame. He stands between us and them, rigid, standing guard.

  “Us?” Xander bites, “You’re the one who left her here on her own. We came looking for you and she didn’t know where you were!”

  “So what? You interrogated her? Do you not think she’s been through enough? And there was me thinking you pair knew me well enough to know that I’d never stay locked up in this fucking tower, without finding an escape route!” I yell at them, handing Rose over to Benny letting her know she’s safe with him. “Could you two be any more fucking stupid? Did you forget who she is?”

  They both look sheepish, realising that they messed up.

  “Sorry,” they both mumble.

  “Go and apologise to her! It’s no good apologising to me! Buffoons! The pair of you!” They shuffle over to her and apologise to Rose, but it seems Benny has worked his magic because she’s already smiling and blushing, before they apologise. I grab a drink from the fridge in the corner of the room and head back over to them.

  “So anyway, what we came over here to tell you was that the Valoires want Rose to join them at the palace. Her family have been contacted and are coming to take her home,” Dimitri tells us.

  “I’m sorry, what?” Rose squeaks. “I don’t want to go. Addie, please don’t make me go. I can’t go away again. Not on my own. Please, please don’t make me go,” she begs, terrified. Benny holds her up as she starts to panic. I grab her hands and look her in the eyes.

  “It’s going to be okay. I’ve got you. Remember, I told you, I won’t let anything bad happen to you again.” I see her visibly relax and lean into Benny. He leans down and whispers to her, and she relaxes further.

  “Okay,” she says. “I’ll go, but Addie and Benny have to come with me.” She blushes as she says it, and I can see Benny smirking behind her.

  Xander looks less than pleased, but she’s a Princess, he can’t exactly say no.

  “Fine,” he groans, running his hand over his face. I’m not exactly ecstatic about it myself; I was looking forward to finally getting back to a normal life. Graduating, getting a life. Normality.

  “Come on Benny, let’s go graduate so we can get out of this place!”

  ***

  Graduation was exactly what I expected it to be, we put on the crazy gown and cap, collected a piece of paper to say we’d passed our class, and it also stated what our new role in life would be. Except, mine was blank. Apparently no-one knows what to do with me. Just fucking awesome!

  Benny, Lucas and Marc all made sure I was never alone, but I couldn’t help but notice the absence of Logan and Livvy. All of those we lost back then were given a black star, which is now on the back wall of the Academy, a show for all of those that we have lost, with room for all of those we’re sure to lose going forward. It’s a horrific realisation, but the truth is rarely pretty.

  Xander gave out the diplomas alongside Marcus DeLauter. As the two leading houses in this territory, it was only fitting that they did it. The Valoire Royals were present too. They stayed silent in their thrones at the back centre of the stage. I was struck again by the beauty of the Queen, but the King, it is the first time I have ever seen him, and the distaste and revulsion he projected was loud and clear. He didn’t want to be here.

  Once the ceremony was over, people went their own way, though most people ended up back at Benny’s for one last party. I tried to get Rose to come along, but I think there were just too many people for her to face it. I didn’t stay long, it just didn’t feel right after everything. I saw Peter as I was leaving, and he apologised for his outburst the last time we saw each other. He seems better, and I’m glad. He should be able to move forward and be happy.

  Now I’m lying here in bed, wondering what tomorrow will bring. Going to the Fae palace is my next step, but where do I go from there?

  ***

  I’ve been in this car for about two hours, and I’m already itching to get out. I’ve been inside small spaces far too much recently. We finally pull off of the main road, and after about ten minutes we come to the guard gate. The walls go up so far, they must be at least twelve feet tall. Even Benny is going to have trouble jumping those. I look over at him, Rose is curled into him fast asleep, and he’s out cold too, his head resting on hers. I’m glad she feels safe around Benny, he’s a good guy, and he qualified for the guard, so he’s more than capable of looking out for her. Just knowing I’m not the only one with her best interest at heart, lifts a massive weight from me.

  Xander and Dimitri have been silent the entire journey here. I think Xander is still a little pissed that Benny and I are here, and D, well he knows better than to go against Xander, especially when he’s like this. They do their thing with the guards, who eventually let us through the gates. The road to the palace is massive and winding. We finally pull up to it, and I can’t see both ends at the same time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so big!

  I reach over and shake Rose and Benny awake. She blushes when she realises where she is, before pulling away and straightening down her hair.

  “We’re here Rose. Are you ready?” I ask her. She’s been so nervous about being back around the Fae.

  “I think so. I guess we’ll see huh?” she squeaks. I can see her hands shaking from where I’m sat.

  “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”

  ***

  We’ve been here for a few weeks now, and Rose is finally settled in, with Benny as her personal guard and all round protector. It’s kind of cute, and it’s given me a lot more chance to train. I met Aliana as soon as we got here. Xander made sure we were well acquainted before she thre
w me around the training room like I was nothing. Which is where I’m back off to now. I’ve slowly started improving, my speed and stamina coming back after months of being inside Kaden’s mansion.

  Today I get to use my Sai and I’ve never felt so excited to train. It’s felt like I’ve been missing a part of me. Dimitri brought them back to me last night, and I didn’t dare open the box. The excitement of touching them again, using them, it’s more than I can imagine. I slide the box out from under the bed, where I hid it last night and head down to the training room.

  Surprisingly it’s not taken long to work out how to get around here. Way easier than Kaden’s place. It’s wrong, but I kind of miss them. Kaden, Michael and Celeste I mean. Of course, I know I shouldn’t, I know that I was their prisoner, but we still had some good times. I make my way to the room and take out my Sai and start practicing some combinations.

  “You ready to get your ass kicked?” Dimitri says as he enters the room, Aliana follows closely behind.

  “I am, but I’m hoping not to. Positive outcomes only right?” I laugh. I’m totally about to get my ass kicked.

  ***

  I was right. Totally got my ass kicked! I make it back to my room and fall onto my bed. Every single muscle in my body aches, and every joint groaned on the walk back here. Once I lay down, I’m not sure I’ll ever get back up. I hear voices approach my door, one being a very excited Rose. I hold in the groan, I’m all pepped out right now.

  My door bursts open and she floats in the room, followed by Benny and a blonde guy I don’t recognise. I groan as I sit up, completely uncaring about meeting someone new, while I’m sweaty and my hair is sticking to my forehead.

  “Addie! Guess what! We’re having a ball! A real life, fairy princess ball,” she exclaims excitedly. I think she might actually explode with happiness, but oh wow could I do without another freaking dress.

  “That’s awesome Rose. When is it?” I ask feigning interest. Benny’s smirk lets me know I’m not fooling anyone, well other than maybe poor Rose.

  “It’s in two days! I’m having a dress made. Queen Eolande is having her dress maker create something especially for me! I’m so excited!”

  “I can see that,” I say, laughing a little. “Rose?” I ask

  “Yes?”

  “Who’s that?” I ask, pointing at the new blonde in the room.

  “Oopsie! Addie, this is my father’s squire, Christopher. Christopher, this is Addie, she is the one who found me.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Christopher says to me, his voice as smooth as honey. He could give Xander a run for his money with a voice like that. If I wasn’t so into that jerk, I could maybe be swayed.

  “Oh, believe me Chris, the pleasure is all mine.” I wink at him and Rose giggles.

  “Come on then, let’s start planning for this ball! First, let me shower. I’ll meet you guys in the TV room?”

  “Sure thing,” Benny replies, ushering them out of the room. I knew there was a reason I liked him.

  We’ve been so busy these past few weeks, preparing for the arrival of the Frosthearts, making sure the Valoires are attended to, and Fae’s can be such diva’s that I’ve almost no time to spend with Addie. So today I’ve told everyone I’m off limits and I’ve prepared a surprise for her.

  She’s been working so hard with Ali and Dimitri, her skill set is increasing so rapidly, but I still stand by my decision to not allow her into the guard. Who she is, what she is, is too precious to put her at such risk. I know the time is coming upon us quickly when I’m going to have to tell her the truth. I’m just so terrified of how she’s going to react, if she’s going to push me away. She trusts me now, and I don’t want to be just another person that keeps letting her down and betraying her trust. It’s already happened once, and that’s once too often. I’ve always been a man of my word, which is what makes this so hard. To tell her the truth I have to break an oath, but at this point, I have to decide which matters most, and the fact is that it’s her. She is the most important thing. I’d pick her over everything.

  So I’ve reserved the movie room for today. It’s set up with the best equipment we could get our hands on, the equipment is from before the Outbreak. A massive screen with projector, and huge leather sofas to stretch out on. One advantage of being able to hear her thoughts is knowing her favourite movie. Don’t get me wrong, I shut out everyone, almost all of the time, but it comes in handy when I’m trying to make her happy. I’ve asked Dimitri to go and get her, to bring her to me blindfolded so she has no idea what’s going on. I know she trusts Dimitri, almost above all others, and I know I can trust him not to hurt her.

  I can hear them coming down the corridor, listening to her laugh as she trips and stumbles makes my heart soar. Her laugh is one of my favourite things about her.

  “Where on earth are you taking me D? I hope it’s not to some naughty dungeon so you can have your wicked way with me,” she giggles.

  “Addie, other than the fact I think of you like my little sister, the things I’d do to you if I was having my way with you are far beyond your imagination,” he teases, and I can’t help the growl that slips out. Mine.

  “Oh Xander, fancy seeing you here. Well you know what I mean. Can we take this stupid blindfold off yet?” she jokes, I guess she heard me.

  I nod to D and he whispers something to her before he leaves us.

  “Are you going to tell me what I’m doing here yet?” she asks, her hands on her hips. I love it when she gets feisty. I pull her close to me, leaving the blindfold on and she squeaks in surprise at the movement. Her face tilts up subconsciously and her lips are so close to mine I can feel her breath on my face. She smells like peaches and cream, mixed in with a scent that is undeniably just her and it’s divine. I move closer and brush my lips across hers.

  “You’re awful with surprises, you know that?”

  “I never was any good with them,” she says, her lips a breath away from mine.

  “Time to learn then, hey,” I murmur before taking a step back from her, I take her hand and lead her into the movie room, the lights down and the movie rolling with its opening credits. I remove her blindfold, and the gasp of wonder that escapes her makes my heart soar. It’s like a confirmation that she’s still here, she hasn’t been beaten yet. She leans back onto me, and I rest my chin on her shoulder, wrapping my arms around her.

  “Xander, this is so amazing! The Notebook?! How did you know?” she gasps.

  “A little birdie told me that this might be a favourite past time of yours, this movie especially.” She turns and smiles at me. That smile is worth everything. It lights up her entire face, and all I see is her as everything else falls away. I kiss her before taking her over to the sofas and getting comfortable as she tucks herself into the nook under my arm.

  We watch the film, well I mainly watch her, watching the emotions play across her face, the depth of connection she has with the characters is astounding. As it ends I hug her tight and kiss the top of her head.

  “Do you think love like that can exist Xander?”

  “I absolutely do. I know it can.”

  “Have you ever been in love before?” she asks, looking up at me with those big eyes of hers.

  “Never before, but that could be us Addie. Who knows how deep, how long our love could last. You just need to believe in it.”

  “I’m sorry, what did you just say?” she says, her eyes wide, and I realise what I said.

  “I love you Addie, I should have said it before now, God knows it’s been my reality for long enough. I love you.”

  The gown is stunning. The black material shimmers in the light, almost as if it were liquid. The corset bodice with purple crystals scattered across it that sparkle like stars, joining to what is almost a tutu of black feathers, topped in the same deep plum. The skirt of black ripples down straight with a thigh high slit. It’s just exquisite. On the night stand next to it, is a matching lace mask that will cover the top half
of my eyes.

  I close my eyes. His generosity is too much, but now I’m here what can I do but as he asks? It’s not as if I have anywhere else to go. I know I fought him every step of the way at the beginning, but I’m tired of fighting, and it really does seem like he just wants what’s best for me. Who’d have thought? A vampire taking care of a human. It seems so unlikely, but I can’t deny that it is true. I only wish I knew what drove him, so that I could trust him fully.

  “What do you think?” he asks me. I swear, one day soon I’ll get used to the fact that he can move without a noise. Maybe I’ll stop jumping every time he appears.

  “It’s stunning Xander. It’s like you took everything I could’ve asked for and made it a reality,” I sigh, it really is perfect. “I love it. Thank you.”

  “A thank you? From you? Well, that I didn’t see coming.” He winks at me, chuckling.

  “Oh come on. I’ve not been that bad!”

  “No?”

  “Ok, so yeah, maybe a little. Anyway, never mind. Just, thank you. Again.”

  He looks me over like he’s trying to work out a puzzle, but just nods and leaves the room. I sink onto the bed and feel the tension leave the room with him. I have no idea what is going on, I don’t think I ever will. I hear a gentle knock on the door as Dimitri enters the room. Bloody Fallen! I know I’ve been around them my whole life, even if I didn’t know it but I swear, I’ll never get used to their soundless movement. I huff at Dimitri as he smiles at me, with that smile that makes me feel like he can read my mind.