Rising Sun (The Awakened Trilogy Book 3)

by Amanda Carol

  Gunner steps forward, rolling up his sleeves to reveal the tattoo on his arm. “We know that there are seven entrances to the Underworld, and one is right here in New Orleans.”

  “Ahh, yes. The Gates of Guinea. I’d almost forgotten about that one.” Ares smiles to himself. “Over the years, Voodoo priests have twisted the story to say that there are seven gates here in New Orleans, but there is only one. But to get to the Underworld from there, you have to go through what some of us created to be known as the tunnel of senses.”

  Artemis nods. “The Gates of Guinea were designed for warrior spirits, or demigods. In the past, it was used to deem one worthy enough to become a full god. But only one warrior ever succeeded.”

  “Hercules,” Clyde mutters in his thick, Russian accent.

  Bennett whips his head around to look at him. “You can speak English? What the hell, man? I’ve been telling you to—”

  “Bennett!” Knox shouts. “Not now.”

  Bennett sighs. “Sorry.”

  Artemis smiles at Clyde. “Yes, that is correct. As brave and strong as Hercules was, he was no match for the Titan Trials.”

  “What are the Titan Trials?” Bennett asks.

  Apollo shimmers in. “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough.”

  Artemis shoots her brother a look, almost like he gave away too much information.

  Bennett lifts a brow, looking utterly confused by the comment. “What the hell does that mean?”

  “As much as I would love to sit and talk about your prophecy, we actually do have a problem,” Apollo says, spinning around and looking at me. “Come with me. I need to speak with you alone.”

  I frown but turn and follow Apollo out into the garage. “What’s going on?”

  “The dagger is missing,” he says, voice pitched low. “The one that you need to kill Isabella. It’s gone.”

  “What? What do you mean, it’s gone?” I ask, running over to the trunk of Hunter’s Impala and opening it. “Holy shit.”

  “Who else knew it was here?” Apollo questions, coming over to stand next to me.

  I think for a moment. “Just me, Hunter, and Bennett.”

  “Get him in here.”

  I open the link to Bennett. Hey, Benny, come out into the garage.

  On my way, Bennett tells me.

  I shut off the link and turn back to Apollo.

  “He didn’t take it,” I say truthfully.

  I know Bennett, and as aloof as he is, he’s the most loyal person I’ve ever met.

  “I know he didn’t,” Apollo says, catching my eye. “He’s got a warrior’s soul. But don’t tell him that, or it’ll go to his head.”

  I lift a brow. “How do you know?”

  “When you’ve got the power of prophecy, you also have to have a very close relationship with the Fates,” he explains.

  “The Fates? You mean like the three sisters?” I ask.

  Damn. You’d think that, by now, I wouldn’t be shocked to hear that other deities exist. But here we are.

  “Yes. I see the future. Just like your brother, only more so. However, my visions change over time because of the Fates. If someone decides on a future, the Fates have the power to lock that in, so to speak. Of course, you wouldn’t know. It would seem like you just made up your mind. Like, for instance, I know there is no changing your mind about going to the Underworld to save Hunter.”

  I shake my head. “Nope.”

  Apollo smirks. “Exactly.”

  I open my mouth, then close it. Well, I’ll be damned.

  Then Bennett walks into the garage.

  “What’s up?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “We have a problem. The dagger that we need to kill Isabella is missing,” I explain to him.

  His arms fall to his sides and his eyes grow wide, then he runs to look in the trunk.

  “What! Where the hell did it go?” He looks at me, then at Apollo. “Wait. You guys don’t think I took it, do you?”

  “No, but we need to find it,” Apollo says. “While Aria is down in the Underworld, I need you to round up a search party to help Artemis and I try to find it.”

  Bennett stares down in the truck, clenching his jaw, then looks up at Apollo. “With all due respect, no. I’m going with Aria. Knox can help you find it. He’s a damn good tracker. But I made a promise to my best friend to look out for her. She’s not going alone.”

  Whoa, he just called me by my first name. I don’t think he’s ever done that, and to be honest, I don’t like it. It’s unnatural.

  “Benny, no…” I start to say.

  Bennett cuts me off my placing his hands on my shoulders. “Blondie, I know you can do this, but Hunter would kill me if I let you go alone. Knox and the others can handle finding the dagger.”

  I can see in his amber-colored eyes that his mind is made up. The Fates have spoken.

  I give him a small smile. “Okay. But Declan is going to have something to say about that. He’s going to want to come too.”

  “He already knows he can’t,” Apollo cuts in.

  I whip my head in his direction. “What do you mean?”

  Declan and I have never been separated. I mean, the trip to Maryland didn’t count, because it wasn’t a hunt. But this time, I’m going to a completely different world.

  “He is needed to open the gateway. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to find Abby,” Apollo says, then shimmers out of sight.

  I stare at the empty spot. “What in the actual fuck? Do they always have to be so cryptic?”

  Bennett chuckles. “I think they like toying with us.”

  “You’re probably right.” I laugh, but it feels humorless. “How’s Lydia?”

  “She’s hanging in there,” Bennett sighs. “I think knowing that Hunter can be saved is giving her hope, especially since she knows that you’ll be the one that saves him.”

  I inhale sharply. “I won’t let her down.”

  Bennett smiles. “I know you won’t.”

  I nod. “Anyway, I’m going to find Declan and then visit my mom. Why don’t you talk to Knox and the other Alphas about finding the dagger? Then we can meet up later.”

  He tweaks my nose. “You got it, boss.” He turns to leave, but then stops. “I think Declan is at the schoolhouse.”

  I nod. “Thanks.”

  Bennett spins on his heel and goes back into the cabin.

  I close the trunk of Hunter’s Impala and make my way over to the schoolhouse to see if Declan is still there.

  I think it would have taken me a lot longer to gather the strength to do this if it hadn’t been for Aphrodite. But now I’m worried I’m not going to be able to save Hunter, because time is my worst enemy right now. I lost three hours while I was using Dream Shade with Hunter, although it definitely felt like I was in there a lot longer than that.

  I don’t know if Isabella knew that one of the gates to the Underworld was right here in New Orleans, but if she’s working with Athena, then I’m assuming she did. I think it’s about time we all stopped underestimating her. Just because we have more gods on our side, that doesn’t mean anything. Isabella has always been one step ahead of us. I have a feeling that the Soul Blade was used as a distraction, but I trust that the pack and the coven will continue to prepare while Bennett and I are saving Hunter. But whenever I see Athena again, I’m taking that bitch down too.

  When I open the door to the schoolhouse, I’m greeted with a slow melancholy tune from a piano. I lean against the doorway and watch my brother play for a little girl who’s sitting next to him, leaning her head on his arm. This must be Maggie. Declan told me about her, but with training and strategizing, I never got the chance to officially meet her.

  Her brown curls are falling in her face as her head bobs forward on Declan’s bicep, her eyes heavy with sleep. I smile at her trying to fight it. However, it doesn’t take long before the fight is over and she’s dead to the world. Declan’s gaze lifts to mine as he continues to play until
the song is over.

  Declan carefully picks her up and goes to lay her down on one of the mats, but she clings to him like a tiny little spider monkey. He ends up taking a seat on the floor and setting her in his lap.

  I spot a blanket nearby, so I grab it and walk over to them.

  “I never knew you were so good with kids,” I whisper, covering her up.

  He chuckles softly, brushing Maggie’s hair out of her face. “Just this one. Honestly, the thought of having kids one day never even crossed my mind, you know? That is, until I met Ciera, and this little girl right here.”

  He smiles down at her and it warms my heart.

  “Do you remember a time where life was easy and everything was great?” I ask, leaning my head back against the wall.

  “Nope,” Declan responds.

  “Yeah, me neither.”

  I laugh softly, and we sit in silence for a few minutes.

  “How was it in dreamland with Hunter?” Declan finally asks.

  “It was…intense. All of my senses were heightened and—”

  Declan cuts me off, gently covering Maggie’s ears. “We have a little one present.”

  I chuckle and nudge his shoulder. “You’re such a dad.”

  He smiles, glancing down at the little girl in his lap, but doesn’t say anything. “You were saying?”

  “It was amazing. I really needed it, but I don’t have a lot of time. I have to go and bring him back.” I fold my fingers in my lap, nervous about what I may face down in the tunnel of the senses, and how long it will keep me from getting to Hades.

  Declan sighs. “It sucks that I can’t go with you.”

  “I know, but if it makes you feel better, Bennett will be going with me. Apollo says he has a warrior’s soul. I guess that means he can go.” I shrug, still wondering what that means.

  My guess would be that Bennett is like a protector. He’s always protecting me when Hunter isn’t around, and he goes out of his way to make sure his friends get home safely. He will always have my back, just like I have his.

  “Better not tell him that,” Declan laughs. “But as much as I want to joke and say that it doesn’t make me feel better, I’d be lying. Honestly, if it was anyone other than Bennett, I’d actually put up a fight and find a way in with you. Apart from Hunter, he’s the only one here I trust with my life to keep you safe.”

  I guess I’m not the only one who sees Bennett as a protector. We sit there a little longer, but Ciera walks in the door, her brows furrowed together as if she’s in deep thought. She looks up, and the second she sees Declan holding Maggie, her features relax and the corners of her lips tip up. Declan told me that she loves her students and is always going above and beyond for them. She’s been working on a plan to keep them safe from Isabella, and even making arrangements to take them away from the Compound if the worst happens.

  “I’m glad you two are together,” she whispers, walking toward us. “Your mom is awake, and she’s asking for you.”

  We get up, and Declan tries to give Maggie to Ciera, but she holds onto him. Her eyes open and she stares up at him.

  Maggie frowns. “I don’t want you to go.”

  “Aww, Mags. I’ll be back,” Declan coos at her, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “I promise.”

  She looks over at me, and a tiny smile forms on her lip. “You look like Prince Declan, only you’re pretty.”

  Declan scoffs. “I thought I was handsome.”

  Maggie rolls her eyes. “Duh. You’re a boy! Boys aren’t pretty! Only girls are.”

  I chuckle. “Why, thank you, Maggie.”

  “You’re welcome.” Maggie wraps her arms around Declan’s neck, then turns and stretches her arms out to Ciera, who takes her.

  Declan leans in and kisses Ciera, then gives Maggie another kiss on her head. “I’ll see you later?”

  Ciera nods.

  Seeing Declan interact with them makes me all the more determined to end this, so we can all go back to our relatively normal lives and be…happy.

  Declan and I leave and make our way over to the barn.

  Having my mom back is everything I’ve always wanted, but why do I feel so nervous to see her?

  Kora looks up at Declan and I as soon as we enter the medical room. “We moved her to a room in the back. She still needs her rest, but you can visit her.”

  We walk quickly back to the only room with a door closed.

  “Are you ready?” Declan asks just outside the room, his body trembling with nerves.

  I’m pretty sure he notices the same thing about me. I think on his question for a second. Am I really ready for this? I mean, is anyone truly ready for a moment like this? A moment that, just a few weeks ago, they never thought would happen?

  “Yes,” I breathe.

  He glances down at me for just a moment, then holds his hand out. “Together?”

  I clasp his hand. “Together, big brother.”

  We push the door open and step inside. Our mom is lying down in the bed, her head turned away from the door. She’s tinier than I remember; her face is thinner, and her skin looks almost gray. Isabella sucked the life right out of her.

  “Hey, Mom,” Declan says softly.

  She jumps at the sound of his voice and her body curves inward, like she’s trying to hide herself. It’s as if she’s been conditioned to cower whenever she hears a voice, or whenever someone walks into a room. Bile rises up in my throat just thinking about what Isabella has done to her, how scared she must have been, and how much pain she had to endure. I swallow thickly and squeeze my brother’s hand for support.

  “It’s okay. We aren’t going to hurt you.” Declan takes a tentative step forward, almost blocking my view of her. “It’s Declan and Aria.”

  Seconds turn into minutes, but she finally relaxes enough to uncurl her body and turn her head toward us. The sight of her scared, broken, and fragile kills me. My mother was full of life, and now it just looks like she’s dead inside. But as much as it hurts me to see her like this, it also motivates me more than ever to take Isabella down.

  I step around him so she can see us both together. “You’re safe now.”

  She’s looking right at us, but it’s like she doesn’t recognize us.

  “Mom?” I whisper, taking a step forward.

  I will not clam up this time. She needs us, now more than ever.

  She watches me moving slowly toward her, and with each step closer, I notice her face slowly start to recognize who I am. I reach out and take her hand, surprised that she doesn’t try to pull away, especially with everything she’s been through. Her skin and bones are cold and frail, but she’s alive.

  She blinks, glancing behind me, as Declan walks around to the other side of the bed, sitting and taking her opposite hand.

  Her breathing accelerates and her eyes swell up with tears. “Where am I?”

  I let out a breath, relieved to finally hear her voice again. Hearing it on the phone is one thing, but to actually see her speak, and hear the words coming out of her, it makes it more real.

  “You’re in New Orleans,” Declan answers, staring at her in disbelief.

  He knew she was alive because I told him, but I think the reality of it is slowly sinking in. She squeezes my hand, and it’s like she’s checking herself, making sure we’re real and she’s not dreaming.

  What did Isabella do to her?

  “Isabella…she told me…” She trails off, wincing as she sits up, releasing our hands and touching our faces. “You’re really here?”

  “We’re here,” I murmur, reaching up and touching her hand on my cheek. “And we aren’t going anywhere.”

  She starts crying, relief pouring out of her and into the room. Declan and I look at each other; both of us are crying with her, for her, and for us.

  Three years.

  Three long years we thought she was gone. Taken from us way too soon, but she wasn’t. She’s been alive this entire time and we had no idea. I kno
w what vampires are capable of, but being a living blood bag to the first vampire ever created? My mother must have been living in a state worse than hell. I clutch onto her tightly, relieved that we are finally reunited as a family. In an odd way, it brings me peace knowing that my father isn’t here. He’s resting, and I just hope he’s happy and warm, wherever he is.

  We sit with her until her sobs subside, but even then, we’re still afraid to let her go.

  “Every day, I dreamed of your smiling faces,” my mom says, stroking my hair and touching Declan’s cheek. “It helped keep me going when I wanted to give up, and I always dreamed that one day I’d get to see my beautiful children again.”

  I snuggle in closer to her, being careful not to hurt her.

  “Mom, I’m so sorry…” Declan’s voice cracks on a sob. He clenches his jaw to try and fight the tears, but it’s no use. “We should have looked in that casket. We should have made sure—”

  “Look at me, sweetheart,” Mom commands, cutting him off.

  It takes him a moment to meet her gaze.

  “You do not apologize for running,” she tells him. “You do not apologize for anything that happened that night. Do you understand me? You did exactly as I told you.”

  I glance up at her; her bottom lip is trembling as she talks.

  “This is not your fault, it’s neither one of your faults. I’ve been through the worst kind of pain, but nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever beat the feeling of being told that both of your children are dead.”

  I look at Declan, both of us confused by her words.

  My mother pauses and rests her head back down on the pillow. “If Henry hadn’t told me that he had spoken to Luna and that both of you were alive and well right before Isabella captured him, I would have believed that what she told me was true. I cherished his words, and it was only a few days later, right after Henry died, that Isabella told me the truth. That we were going to have a little chat with you.”

  “When was this?” I ask, wondering how long Abby’s father had been with Isabella.

  My mom sighs. “I’ve lost track of time, to be honest. But if I had to venture a guess, maybe a few weeks ago?”

  I sit up, putting the pieces of the puzzle together. “That was right around the time Hunter’s father was killed.”