Lanterns In The Sky

by P. S. Malcolm

  I nodded, understanding the gist of his words. It was enough—and I felt that isolation within me grow smaller.

  Jason cleared his throat. "We should get back to the others,” he said, and gestured to the buildings behind the Community Centre. We walked together, and for the first time, I didn't feel any hair rise on my neck in his presence.

  Eighteen

  Skye and Valarie were waiting in an alleyway two buildings down. The moment she saw me, relief swept across her face. She pushed off the wall and tackled me into a hug.

  "I am so glad you're okay,” she said, squeezing tightly. My heart grew warm.

  Skye stepped towards us. "So, what's the plan now? Chrissy should be back any moment—they were talking about it before the alarms sounded. I think they're planning something big."

  I frowned. "What do you mean?"

  She grimaced. "I'm not entirely sure—it was hard to eavesdrop while talking to Kale. But I overheard something about a first wave."

  I exchanged a weary glance with Jason, whose eyes had hardened.

  "Crap,” he muttered. "I know what that means—the first wave means they're sending a group of citizens to settle into the town. I imagine each Shadeow will get to claim one of the townspeople as a Chard, to form the bond and do all their bidding."

  He glanced up at the breaking Starlight Barrier. Even more cracks had appeared, and some sections of stars had completely wiped out.

  "Once the Starlight Barrier gives out, the void will be strong enough to allow that many people through at once. We don't have much time until that happens."

  "Where exactly is the void?” I questioned. I didn't know why I hadn't asked this earlier.

  "I couldn't tell you,” Jason replied. "It appears in the fabric of time, and it can form anywhere—I'd say they have it hidden somewhere."

  "Then we need to find it and close it,” I said firmly. But Jason shook his head.

  "You can't—voids are controlled from Urenphia, by Shade himself. Only the Starlight Barrier could block them, because your power descends from the Goddess Titania, who opposed Shade."

  "Then we'll stop the wave,” I insisted, clenching my fists. "We'll get the people out, at least. They can escape before the first wave gets here.”

  "How?” Skye asked, folding her hands. "You saw it inside that place—there are too many people."

  "What about the angels?” Valarie asked suddenly. "We can get Andrew and the others back here. And those other angels might be of help, if Andrew can find them on the way."

  "Will they make it in time?” I asked.

  "If they fly, they will,” Jason said. "They can fly faster than the speed of light, after all."

  "Well, that seems to be our only option,” I mused with a nod. "In fact, this could be good. Perhaps it will result in me gaining a few followers. If we pull this off, it will prove that I'm capable of fighting back. And that will make it harder for Shade to make them succumb to his will, if they know there's hope out there."

  The others nodded in agreement, and Valarie called Andrew's mobile. Thankfully, he answered straight away, and informed us he was already on his way back.

  "Can you get here now?” Valarie asked. "We're going to need manpower, and we don't have a moment to waste."

  Andrew said he'd look for the other angels, and they'd be two minutes tops.

  "Should we sneak in again?” Skye asked, pressing back against the wall while we waited. I shook my head.

  "They already know to be on guard—we might as well just charge in."

  "Would that work, though?” Valarie pressed, her gaze uneasy.

  "I can shield us,” I replied. "They won't be able to break through, so long as I can hold my concentration. And while they're distracted by the angels, we can escort as many people out as possible using the shield."

  "There isn't enough time to do it any other way,” Jason agreed. "When that Starlight Barrier breaks, we need to be gone—the first wave will be overwhelming, and we'll certainly end up dead if we're still hanging around."

  Something shot through the air above our heads, making me jump out of my skin. But within seconds, the blur of movement materialised into Andrew, gracefully landing on the pavement with the strong beat of his wings. The others turned up moments later in the same fashion, until about ten angels were in the alleyway with us.

  My heart sank.

  "This is all that survived?” I breathed. Not counting our friends, only six of the twenty angels remained, and even they looked beaten up.

  "I'm sorry we can't offer more assistance,” Irma replied, her tone sincere. I didn't understand why she sounded ashamed—I felt terrible. I'd led at least fourteen angels to their deaths in just one night.

  "Your perseverance is more than enough,” I said, my voice sincere. My fingers curled tightly around my dagger. "Let's go—and let's survive."

  It was optimism again, and a part of me was wary to be too confident. But if I didn't believe, didn't instill that confidence in others, then wasn't I just setting myself up for failure?

  We threaded through the alleyways entwining the buildings until we returned to the Community Centre.

  "Front or back?” Jason asked quietly.

  "Back,” I said, eyeing a door on the right. "Let's just march through the building and take them straight out the front door. Keep any guards blocking their escape busy until they can all get away. A handful of you should try and keep any backup occupied."

  I turned to Andrew and Jason.

  "Do you see any flaws in the plan?"

  Jason snorted. "I think, considering what we're working with, that's about all we can do."

  I nodded and turned back to face the building.

  "Well then, let's not waste any more time."

  We headed towards the back door. I spared a glance in both directions, checking for guards or witnesses. We were fine—for now.

  Prying open the back door, I went first. I wasn't about to let anyone else take the blow for me. We were a team, and we'd get through this as such.

  As soon as we had all crowded into the narrow corridor, I summoned my shield.

  Come forth, I called to the power dwelling in my veins, and the shield spiralled into existence around us. It was becoming easier to summon the more I did it, and with every attempt, I became more familiar with the limitations. This was definitely the largest I'd ever had to make it. It was a little more draining, but to ease the pressure, I weakened the back for now—I'd re-strengthen it once we were well inside.

  We snuck to the end of the corridor, and I peered around the corner. There was the row of doors, including the room I'd fought Kale in. And further up were the people. By the stairs, the Urenphian guards had resumed their positions, but no one was patrolling, which was a plus.

  I beckoned for the others to follow and marched down the corridor. It didn't take long to draw the guard's attention—there was nowhere to hide anyway. The first one shouted, and they all sprang into action. My shield glimmered with promise, and I glared up at them all in challenge.

  I weakened the shield from the front only, allowing Jason and Andrew to lunge from either side of me. The angels took the rear, fending off guards that came from the rooms beside us. Valarie and Skye stayed well in the centre, with weapons of their own if it came to defending themselves. I kept a hand on my dagger, but I needed to focus on the shield more than anything, so it was more of an added precaution.

  I walked us forward, forcing the guards back through the corridor. Jason stabbed and lunged, aiming for spots that would harm but not kill. Andrew was less forgiving, but only to those who really proved to be a threat.

  We swept into the main hall, and it was here I had to extract the most of my strength. I couldn't leave a single weak spot anywhere, and I could feel it draining me already.

  Hundreds of shocked gazes focused on me, and I led us all to a nearby group. Two guards stepped forward, pointing swords at us and hissing in warning. I drew my own dagger and prepared my
self.

  "Step aside,” I said.

  "These people belong to Shade,” one of the guards sniped back. "You have no business taking them."

  I glowered at them.

  "These people belong to no one,” I replied firmly. "Now step aside."

  The second guard laughed. "Who do you think you are? You really believe you'll be able to get all these people out?”

  I cocked my head, smiling pleasantly.

  "Let's find out."

  I swiped at him, but he dodged. He came at the shield, and I focused my magic to block him, then stabbed again. It hit him square in the upper arm, and he cried out. Jason took out the other guard, and together we kicked them aside. We offered our hands to the people, who were huddled in frozen awe.

  "Come with us,” I said, and hesitantly, one of them reached out. Slowly, they rose, still shackled but able to shuffle with us.

  "See if you can break those bonds,” I said to the others, pushing my shield wider to accommodate everyone. It was getting harder, and Andrew noticed this.

  "Angels, fall out,” he commanded over his shoulder. I opened my mouth to protest, but he shook his head. "They can hold their own—you need to look after your strength."

  Biting back my objections, I nodded and pushed us towards the exit. As soon as we reached the front doors, more guards flocked us from the entrance. Jason gritted his teeth.

  "We should spread out.” He looked to me. "I'll hold these guys off. Get these people out of here."

  With less people to protect, I was able to retract the shield more, and it was stronger as a result. We pushed through the guards, their weapons clashing against the starlight. We raced down the steps, and Andrew continued to slash at the people's chains. Once everyone was free, I got them to the fountain in the square.

  "Go to the farms—gather supplies and go into hiding,” I commanded to them all. A few of them didn't even wait—they ran for their lives. But a few others stayed behind, eyeing me curiously.

  "Who are you?” one of them, a man, asked. Heat rose to my cheeks and I opened my mouth to tell them my name, but Andrew interrupted.

  "She's the saviour this world needs,” he said boldly. "If you follow her commands and put your faith in her, she will protect you. She is the only one strong enough to defy the evil coming."

  Something appeared in that man's eyes. It was hope.

  "I will spread word,” he promised. "I will tell people of what happened here—of what you did. You'll forever have my gratitude for this day."

  I swallowed my shock and nodded humbly. "It is appreciated,” I managed to say.

  He pulled a woman close—perhaps his wife—and the two of them set off. The rest of the group followed, running for the houses until they had disappeared from sight. I turned back to the Community Centre.

  "That's one group down. Let's get the rest out,” I said as we hurried back. The hall was deep in the throes of battle, and some people were already trying to slip away in the chaos. I moved to another group, deflecting enemy attacks and escorting those people out too. We didn't have to venture as far this time—most of the guards were occupied inside, so the people were free to make a run for it.

  I'd just rushed back to help a third group of people when everything shrouded into darkness. I felt like icy water was flung at me. Even my starlight shield was emerged in the black shadows, though it still felt intact.

  I heard someone scream, and then more screaming followed. My heart was racing as I groped through the darkness. But something had curled around my ankles, holding me in place. I toppled backwards into Andrew, who steadied me.

  "What's going on?” I asked over the screaming. And then the lights came back on.

  All of the hostages had been moved to the staircase, where the guards formed a physical wall. At the top of the staircase stood Chrissy, glowering at us, while Kale was at the bottom, his eyes a mix of hatred and smug confidence.

  Jason stood across the room, his eyes locked onto him. But he, like the rest of us, was latched in place by those stupid vines Kale had conjured.

  Andrew had the smart idea of trying to cut through the vines with his sword. But it did no damage—almost as if they weren't there.

  Oh, right. They weren't.

  Kale crossed to Jason, his steps slow and mocking.

  "I will not kill you. But give me a reason, and I'll break every bone in your body,” he recited, circling him. "That was your threat, correct?"

  He lifted his hand, and a shuddering crack echoed through the air. Jason cried out in pain, clutching his free leg as he sank to the floor.

  "Well? Aren't you going to break me?” he tormented. "Or have I not given you enough reason yet?"

  Another crack, and Jason's wrist bent upward. I hissed, and my own wrist throbbed at the sight. From behind me, Valarie had gone very still, her eyes wide with horror. Even I had my teeth clenched.

  "Just kill me,” Jason rasped, lifting his gaze slowly. "Get it over with."

  Kale knelt beside him, a cruel smile on his lips.

  "But Jason—you're immortal. As long as I don't inflict a major blow, I can torture you for eternity. Wouldn't that be way more fun?"

  "Stop it!” Valarie cried finally, her voice cracking. Jason's gaze whipped to her, eyes wide. Kale leisurely looked our way, an amused expression on his face.

  "Stop what? This?"

  Crack!

  Jason's scream filled the entire hall, my ears, my soul. I could feel tears forming in my eyes.

  "Enough!” Valarie shouted. "That's enough! Take me instead."

  My jaw dropped. "Valarie, no!"

  But Valarie's gaze was locked onto Jason.

  "I'm sorry that I hurt you,” she blurted out. "I understand everything you've done for me, and I don't deserve that kind of dedication, because all I've done is shut you down and break your heart. I can't be what you need me to be. But I can do this for you—so let me take his place."

  "Valarie, no!” Jason groaned from where he was slumped on the ground.

  Something flickered in the corner of my eye, and I noticed Devian by the far wall, watching us with a smirk. His gaze was focused on Valarie.

  Kale rose to his feet and crossed towards Valarie. I tried to move in front of her, and so did Andrew. But Kale threw us both a bored glance and flicked his hands. My shield shattered. The vines holding our ankles in place snapped, and we went flying in opposite directions. My back slammed into the stone ground, knocking the breath out of me. I gasped, pushing myself upright. The whole left side of my body throbbed with pain.

  Kale stopped in front of Valarie, staring down into her eyes.

  "You would give your life for this bastard? Who killed and manipulated because he was driven by lust?"

  Valarie narrowed her eyes.

  "It was love, not lust,” she responded evenly. "And he has given far more than I can ever repay."

  Kale raised his eyebrows.

  "Hmph,” was all he said in response.

  "Valarie!” I pleaded, trying to get up. But new vines emerged, taking hold of me and pinning me to the ground. Andrew was no better off, struggling and clawing opposite me.

  "So, you do not love him… but you'll sacrifice yourself for him,” Kale drawled, lifting her chin with a single finger.

  "I never said I didn't love him,” Valarie replied darkly, her eyes glittering. Kale slowly stepped back.

  "Oh?” he mused. "Love is the most dangerous magic of all, you know,” he added. "It is the most sacred of magic, an emotion that dwells in any being, human or not. It is the only thing that every one of us standing in this room has in common."

  He turned his gaze upon Jason once more.

  "Love brings us together. Love tears us apart. Love can heal us, and it can destroy us."

  Jason's expression was seething, and Kale chuckled quietly, knowing exactly what his words were doing to him. He turned back to Valarie, his eyes glinting mischievously, and said,

  "I wonder what love will
make of you."

  It happened so fast, I barely had time to register it. I'd been so distracted by Kale, I hadn't even noticed Devian slip by us. And then he was behind Valarie, and he touched her shoulders gently, making her jump.

  "It's time,” was all he said in her ear.

  And then fire exploded from them. The wave flew at us, and I had to duck to avoid it. The searing hot flame grazed my skin ever so lightly. My hair was slightly charred when I finally looked up again.

  Valarie was… she was something else. Her green eyes were alight, her skin glowing, her hair gleaming. And from her hands, swirling tendrils of flame danced on the air. Her eyes were narrowed at Kale, and she smirked.

  "I guess love freed me,” she said. And then she set her flames upon him.

  Kale's scream echoed through the air. I was lost—what the hell was happening? Valarie moved so swiftly, so elegantly, it was mesmerising to watch her. She hurtled flame after flame at Kale.

  My gaze flicked to Devian for just one second, but he'd resumed leaning against the wall, arms folded. Just watching what he'd released, without helping at all. Why had he helped us? After what he'd said before—why had he awakened her powers? Did that mean she had her memories back?

  Skye stood near Devian, her eyes watching all of us with frozen fear.

  The guards sprang to action, charging at Valarie to stop her. She sidestepped easily, blasting away the vines that were holding Jason down. She blasted another flame at me, and a third at Andrew, and I watched as our vines were eaten away by the gentle flame, their heat nothing more than a warm caress. We scrambled to our feet.

  Andrew and I raced to her side to deflect the guards, and she continued to attack Kale. She managed to get him on the ground, which seemed to snap his illusion magic completely. Jason's broken bones had not been real, and he clambered to his feet, grabbing his sword and racing to Valarie's side. She glowered down at Kale.

  "Give me a reason not to kill you right now,” she growled.

  Kale smirked. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? A reason to keep your innocence? Your little boyfriend's already tarnished his soul—why not make yourselves a matching pair?"