Dragos smirked. “Did you miss me?”
Iris and Nemesis landed on the ground at the same time, their faces scowling. Valentina shot me a look of concern.
I rolled my eyes. “Pay no attention to him. I assure you this is a friendly visit.” They eyed me with suspicion and curiosity as I laid out the bag of oyster pearls and cherry brandy on the stone bench.
Iris cocked her head to the side. “I stopped listening to Dragos’s lying ass a long time ago. But this one…he looks promising.” Her eyes drank in Aldric like he was a cool glass of water.
He shifted uncomfortably and looked down at the ground. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
Dragos snorted. “You fancy Aldric now? I think the air up there has gotten to your head.”
Iris snapped, “I fancy those who don’t betray me. He has honest eyes.”
What was happening? A nervous itch tickled the back of my throat. “Sorry, but Aldric isn’t up for grabs. So, shall we discuss more important matters?”
Nemesis hissed. “What’s more important than the matters of the heart? I no longer have one, but my sister is very passionate about what she desires.” Her voice was full of rasp, and each word fell out of her mouth like honey, slow and deliberate.
Aldric’s face turned pale and his heart was beating in his throat. “I…I’m flattered, but as Gray said…I am not available.”
Dragos threw up his hands in amazement, and Valentina shot him another warning look.
Iris shrugged. “Nothing is ever permanent. Moving on, what brings the lot of you to my forest?”
I took a deep breath and gathered my thoughts. “We seek passage into Elysium. There is a war brewing with the demons of the Underworld and we need the gods to help us.”
Nemesis snickered, while Iris’s eyes lit up with amusement. Her golden wings fluttered. “Ah yes, the war that you brought upon yourselves. The gods are most likely laughing at you, as we are.”
I swallowed my rage and lowered my voice. “Think what you like, but it doesn’t change the fact that we are all in danger.”
Nemesis narrowed her black eyes at me. “And you think your pathetic gifts of candy and wine are enough to grant you access to the most sacred place in existence? How dare you insult us in this way?”
A chill traveled up my spine. “It…it was just a gesture. A token of respect. I understand that there will be more required of us.”
Valentina, who had been biting her tongue, muttered under her breath. “Or we could just kill them.”
Iris cocked her head to look at Valentina. “What was that, wolf girl? This isn’t Diana’s Forest. Your magic is weak here, and there is no pack of mongrels to protect you. I’d keep quiet if I were you.”
Valentina clenched her fists. I laid a hand on her shoulder and whispered, “Stand down. Now.”
She rolled her eyes and looked off into the distance, a reluctant act of retreat. I let out a sigh of relief. The last thing we needed was to get into a war with the Harpies and ruin our chances of getting the help we so desperately needed.
Iris ran a hand through her technicolored hair. “Perhaps there is something you could bring us. Rather, someone.”
My throat tightened as she twirled a lock of her hair. Her eyes darkened as she continued. “Our sister Victoria was a sweet girl. Too trusting though. She made the mistake of getting mixed up with that reckless Romanian coven.”
My ears perked up. “So, you want us to bring her back here? Done.”
Iris snapped, “Victoria is dead. They sucked her dry. Every last drop. Nadia needs to answer for her crimes. You will bring her to me.”
I swallowed to keep the bile from rising in my throat. Why would a Dhampir coven feed on a Harpy? Their blood was thin and did not provide the same nutrients as a human’s. Not to mention, the Harpies were considered sacred creatures by the gods. What was Nadia thinking?
Dragos, as if reading my mind, scoffed. “That’s ridiculous. Our people would never commit such an atrocity unless provoked. Just how sweet was your sister?” His tone was sharp and bitter.
Nemesis gasped. “Are you suggesting she asked for it?” Her eyes grew wide with horror.
Dragos shrugged. “I’m suggesting you might not have all of your facts straight.”
Iris’s nostrils flared. “Victoria was a kind and gentle soul who was only guilty of having a good time. We begged her to come home, but she refused. A few months later, someone dumped her on this stone bench, drained of blood.”
My lips quivered. “I never thought I’d say this, but Dragos has a point. It could have been anybody. How are you so sure Nadia is responsible?”
Iris closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Because that someone who dumped our sister’s body didn’t hold anything back when we interrogated him.”
Valentina snickered. “You mean tortured him.”
Nemesis spat, “We will use any means necessary to find the truth.”
I drew in a sharp breath. “I’m sorry for your loss, but I can’t just hand over one of my coven leaders without any evidence of wrong-doing. That man could have been lying for all you know. But I promise I will get to the bottom of it.”
Iris chuckled. “You do whatever you like, Gray, but those are my terms. You want into Elysium? You bring Nadia to me. Only then will I consider your request.”
She winked at her sister. They fluttered their wings and shot up toward the sky under a blanket of birds, instantly blending in with the trees as they disappeared into the skyscape.
Aldric let out a deep sigh. “That was intense. Do you think they’re right? Did Nadia kill their sister?”
Dragos snickered. “Listen, Bannister, I’ve known Nadia for over four centuries. You met her for like five minutes. The fact that you even have to ask that is insulting to our kind.”
Valentina nodded in agreement. “Sorry, Gray, but Dragos is right. The Harpies are the ones that can’t be trusted.”
I swallowed hard and took a long look at the sky. “It doesn’t matter. If we don’t bring Nadia here, they won’t let us in. If we can’t reach the gods, then we are all dead anyway.”
An eerie silence swept over the group. My words lingered in the air like smoke as each of them seemed to weigh them over, like tipping scales. The truth didn’t matter, only the things we were willing to do to save ourselves. My heart was heavy. Do I sacrifice one to save the rest?
The outskirts of the forest were a welcome sight. We were all on edge and tensions were high. Dragos and Valentina wanted to protect the covens and I wanted to protect the world. But how could we do one without the other?
A branch snapped behind me and all the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. A feeling of dread crept into my bones.
Valentina crouched down and whispered, “Did you hear that?”
Dragos and Aldric nodded in unison, drawing out their weapons—a longsword for Dragos and a bow for Aldric.
I unsheathed my daggers from inside my boots. My eyes shifted to black as I strained my ears. A screech rang out and I whipped around. A dark winged beast swooped down, lunging at me. The air left my lungs as it collided into me and I fell backward, smacking my head hard against the ground.
Aldric rushed to my side but was yanked back before he could reach me. The creature descended on him like a hawk. The crunch of bones echoed in my ears as he cried out.
I shook my head, my vision blurred, and pushed up onto my feet to see Dragos’s hands wrapped around the creature’s neck. He spun her around to face Valentina who was readying her daggers. In one quick swoop, the creature wriggled out and knocked both of them back with her wings. Blood sprayed out of Dragos’s mouth while Valentina keeled over into a crumpled heap.
With my Narcissus magic coursing through my veins at full speed, I leaped at the creature from behind, jumping on her back. I plunged a dagger into one of her wings. It was like cutting into stone. My dagger snapped in half on impact as the creature cackled and slammed me down.
Our eyes locked as her bony fingers wrapped around my throat. They were hollow, cold and empty like the shadow demons. She was a Fury. And she was here to kill me.
I clawed at her hands as my chest tightened. I was running out of air. She laughed harder the more I struggled against her. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted my other dagger. The sunlight glinted off of it as my vision began to blur again. I couldn’t reach it. A voice whispered in my ear, “Just let go. It’s time to sleep.”
The voice was soothing and seductive. My eyelids drooped as the pressure in my head intensified. I opened my mouth to scream but my lips were dry and cracked—my voice, gone. Would this be my end?
The creature shrieked as I felt her hands loosen around my neck. She struggled with someone from behind. Through the slits of my heavy eyelids, I spotted all three of them trying to pry her off of me.
The creature’s mouth twisted in horror. As she was yanked back, her nails dragged deep into my chest, taking bits of my flesh with her. A metallic taste filled my mouth, and everything went black.
Four
My head pounded as a stream of bright light pierced through my eyelids. I lifted them open and blinked a few times to clear the dust from my eyes. I breathed a sigh of relief as I looked around. My vision was still blurred, but I could make out The Keeper’s apothecary table, colorful glass bottles of potions lining the wall. I was in the healing clinic at the Hall of Secrets.
My chest ached. Why was I in pain? Images flashed through my mind. The Harpy Forest, sitting on the stone bench, wings—strong and powerful wings. My heart skipped a beat. The creature with the soulless eyes. I was attacked by a Fury.
I had to find the others. I pushed up too quickly on my elbows and collapsed back down. A sharp pain shot through my back like a knife. I let out a cry and clutched my chest. It was wet and sticky. I pulled my fingers up to my face. They were covered in blood.
The door to the clinic burst open. It swung back and smacked the wall as The Keeper charged toward my bed with Aldric, Dragos, and Valentina at his heels.
He quickly pressed a cold damp cloth on my chest—the scent of witch hazel and honey wafted up into my nose. The pain began to subside, and my pulse slowed.
I took a deep breath. “What happened?” My voice was hoarse and scratchy.
Valentina rushed to my side and squeezed my hand. “Save your strength. You’re safe now.”
I nodded as I locked eyes with Aldric. His face was pale and covered in sweat. His eyes filled with fear as he approached my bed. “I’m sorry, Gray. This shouldn’t have happened. I wish it was me lying there.”
I winced as I tried to force a smile. My lips were cut and crusted with bits of dried blood. “It’s okay. I’m all right.”
Dragos grunted. “You almost died.” He shook his head and stomped off.
The Keeper placed another damp cloth on my forehead. “For once, he’s not being dramatic. You had a close call today, Gray.”
I nodded. “The Fury…she was more powerful than I could have ever imagined.”
The Keeper’s eyes filled with sadness. “Just rest for now.”
They filed out and closed the door behind them. I tried to rest my eyes, but every time I closed them, all I could see was her hands around my neck. A shiver shot through me as I realized there were three of those things out there, and they all wanted me dead.
I had lost track of time with my eyes closed. The visions stopped as I focused on the endless darkness in my mind. The pain in my chest felt more like a bruise now, and my lips were smooth and moist again. I thanked the gods for my ability to heal fast. My human body would’ve been stuck like this for months.
I stretched out my arms and sat up slowly. A tray full of bread, cheese, and water sat on the table next to me. I nibbled at the cheese and pushed away the rest. I needed a real drink.
My clothes had been laid out for me on a chair by the door. My feet hit the ground, legs wobbling, as I walked toward the chair. I took a deep breath and put one careful foot in front of the other, my strength finally returning.
I pulled on my black pants, fitted top, and then my leather boots, fastening the buckles around my daggers. My hands were pale, and my hair knotted. I didn’t need a mirror to show me what I already knew…I must have looked like hell.
I traced their voices to the study as I walked through the halls. The fire in the hearth crackled and sizzled, radiating heat from a mile away. I could feel its warmth on my face even from the doorway. They all rose to their feet as I stumbled in.
Aldric rushed toward me and swooped me up into his arms. He buried his head in my neck and let out a deep sigh. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
I kissed his cheek. “I’m not that easy to kill. Sorry that I had you all worried.”
Valentina bounced over and threw her arms around me, knocking Aldric out of the way. “Don’t ever scare us like that again.”
I chuckled and looked past her. Dragos stood by the hearth, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His jaw clenched as he gripped his drink.
I sauntered over to him. “I think I need one of those.”
His eyes were dark and stormy as he nodded and handed me his. I knocked it back. “Thank you for getting that thing off of me.”
He drew in a sharp breath and lowered his voice. “It got away.”
I sighed. “But it didn’t win. I’m still alive.”
He snapped, “This time. What happens when all three of them come for you at the same time? This one was just testing your strength.”
His eyes burned into mine like wildfire. He was scared. Dragos was never scared.
I nodded. “Then it’s a good thing I have you watching my back. We’ll fight them all if we have to. Just like we always do.”
Valentina crinkled her nose. “It’s not that simple this time. We need to consider…all options…and allies.”
I knew what she was getting at. “No. I’m not going to hand over one of our own.”
Dragos looked down. “She’s right, Gray. We may not have a choice.”
I shook my head. That was not the leader I wanted to be. “I need some more time to think. There has to be a better way.”
Aldric reached for my hand. “Come upstairs with me. I want to talk to you alone.”
Dragos rolled his eyes as I snatched the whiskey bottle off the table and followed Aldric out.
Aldric rubbed my shoulders while we sat across from each other. “I never thought I’d say this, but Dragos might be right.”
I groaned. “Not you too.”
“Gray, I almost lost you. That creature was stronger than all four of us put together. We got lucky this time, but our luck might run out.”
I took another swig of whiskey. “Aldric, if I hand Nadia over to the Harpies, then I am no better than Jezebel. Everything we’ve been fighting for would mean nothing.”
Aldric shook his head. “If we don’t hand her over, then there will be nothing left to fight for. You said it yourself, we need the gods. This might be the only way.”
I knew in my gut that he was right. Yet, I couldn’t reconcile the fact that I had to trade another Dhampir’s life for our survival.
I drew in a sharp breath. “I need to speak with Nadia first. I want to hear her side of what happened with Victoria. She deserves that at least.”
Aldric nodded. “Of course.”
The back of my neck tingled. Someone was at the door. As soon as I felt it, the knock followed.
A disheveled and weary Tobias stood in the doorway. “I just learned of the attack. Are you all right?”
Aldric sprang to his feet. “You. This is all your fault. Gray would never have gone to the Underworld in the first place if it hadn’t been for you and your stupid organization.”
Tobias pursed his lips. “If both of you had just listened to me to begin with, none of this would have happened. You have no one to blame but yourselves.”
The tension in the room was escalating. I stepped between them. “Okay le
t’s just take a breath. There’s no point—”
“Is that so? And what about my parents? And the fire? Are you going to deny your part in that too?” Aldric’s veins bulged out of his neck.
Tobias let out a deep sigh, his brow crinkling. “That was a long time ago. No sense in bringing it up now.” His eyes shifted to the ground.
Aldric pressed. “Oh, I have the sense to kill you for what you did to them. You made me an orphan.” His eyes flashed white.
Tobias’s head shot up as he brushed past me and grabbed Aldric by the collar. “You speak of things you do not know of. Leave it alone.”
I tugged at Tobias’s arm. “Stop this. Both of you.” A silent alarm went off in my head. There was more to this story then either of us knew.
Aldric snickered. “Tell me, what did they do that was so bad that you had to set them on fire? Did they miss a world domination meeting or something?” He could not keep the sarcasm or bitterness out of his voice.
Tobias’s eyes softened as he let go of Aldric’s shirt. “It wasn’t me that set that fire… It was you.”
My mouth dropped open. “What kind of sick game are you playing, Tobias?”
Aldric charged toward him. “Lies. Everything that comes out of your mouth is always a lie.”
Tobias took a step back and ran a hand through his dark hair. “It was an accident. Your powers were manifesting on their own…stronger than any Bannister Witch we’d ever seen. You didn’t know how to control it. After the fire, Elemi took you away. She sealed your magic and wiped away your memory of it.”
Aldric’s hands trembled and his face turned a shade of white that matched his eyes. The realization that Tobias was indeed telling the truth hit him like a ton of bricks. He let out a deep guttural scream as he punched the wall. A chunk of stone the size of my head burst out and hit the ground right before he stomped off down the hall.
My heart raced. I spun toward Tobias. “Why would you tell him that?”
Tobias stiffened. “He had a right to know. You’re the one who is always so big on the truth. Now you are mad at me for telling it?”
Gods and Demons (Blood and Darkness Book 3) Page 3
