by K. K. Allen
“Oh, relax!” she says, wrinkling her nose. “You smell like her.”
I raise my eyebrows, unable to find my voice.
“Your grandmother introduced your mother and I long ago, but I never forget one’s unique scent.”
I shake my head. “Who are you?”
The woman tilts her head, amusement tipping the corners of her mouth upward. “My name is Circe.”
My brows bend together at the familiar name. In the ancient books, Circe is the goddess of magic, and she was known for her vast knowledge of potions and herbs. Her habit of transforming her enemies into animals got her exiled by her father, Helios, to an island until she was said to have ended her own life.
“So, you’re a descendant of Circe?”
The woman laughs, her deep rasp vibrating through the air. “I am the Circe, my sweet child. The one and only. I was very good friends with Astina.”
“You knew Astina Summer? That’s impossible, unless you’re…”
“Eternal?” She smiles. “That, I am.” She waves a hand, gesturing us forward. “Come. We don’t have much time and I need to explain what I know.”
“You can’t just tell me you’re thousands of years old and not explain how that’s possible. And how do you know why I’m here?” My curiosity gets the better of my emotions.
Circe raises an eyebrow at me. “You should use that power of yours to embrace the calm. You’ll get nowhere if you’re always in a hurry.”
Ignoring the fact that her statement is a bit contradictory since she just told us we don’t have much time, I follow her, with Johnny by my side. She leads us down an iron staircase to reach the first silo on the far left side of the room.
It’s impossible to not reach out and touch the glass. My theory turns to reality before my eyes as I watch the tiny particles of energy swirl within the clear tube. I know without a doubt that I’m looking at recycled Solstice energy.
“I heard what you and your friends did for that boy. Bravo, both of you. You’ll have to tell me exactly how you created that light mixture one day.” She sneaks a look at Johnny, as if she’s afraid to let her eyes linger, then returns her attention to me. “I hear you’re seeking information for Erebus.”
Her words make me cringe. She makes it sound like I’m his ally. “I guess you can say that. He’s in search of the energy source. I don’t plan on actually telling him what he wants to know, but I’m hoping we can find a way to use it against him. We know he’s infatuated with energy plants, so we thought this was a logical place to start.”
Circe’s laugh sounds more like a cough. “Well, yes, he is most definitely infatuated with energy plants. Do you study physics in school?”
I nod.
She waves her hand around the facility. “Solstices have the purest, cleanest energy of all descendants, which is why it makes for an efficient energy source. Enchanters release energy, which is what you know as recycling, then it’s stored here and repurposed for use by our surrounding cities. We also use it to create medicines and potions for earth and its people.”
I shake my head. “I never thought magic potions were the way of our kind until Johnny told me about seapol juice.”
Circe tilts her head. “In the beginning, they most certainly were not. Astina frowned upon the sort of magic I like to create. But we’ve all evolved over the years. Still, the integrity has not changed. Solstice magic isn’t to be abused or used for anything but good. That’s exactly how it’s used in our facilities. In the simplest of explanations, we’ve evolved, just like technology. We’re using magic and finding ways to release clean energy into the environment. Our magic isn’t concocted from spells or magical potions. Everything we are and everything we do has a natural science to it. Solstice energy is different from others’, as I know you’ve already figured out. Because your energy is unique, we’re able to use it in unique ways, like to power the city and heal others in ways that natural medicine, coal, or gas-produced energy cannot. Have you heard of energy sourcing and how it works?”
“Of course. Without it, we die.”
She grins. “That sounds as if it came straight from Rose’s mouth, but it’s true. We take in the earth’s elements to recharge, and we use our magic to give back to the earth—to help preserve it as much as possible. Back when your grandfather’s parents created the first Solstice settlement here in Apollo Beach, they saw the damage pollution was doing to our world and sought my help to revolutionize the way we store and use energy. Since the creation of this plant, we’ve gone on to build plants in every Solstice settlement in the US. We now have sixty-four energy plants consisting purely of Solstice energy, and we aren’t done growing. And in each plant, we store combined energy—energy from all Enchanters—which is how elixirs such as seapol juice and protection serums get made.”
I shake my head, trying to comprehend the weight of what she’s revealed. It’s incredible.
Circe pushes a button on a control panel to the right of the silo. Suddenly, the entire factory comes to life. Lights from the ceiling illuminate the room, and the nozzle on the silo turns, extracting a poof of energy into a small tube. The tube falls onto a moving conveyor belt. Without speaking, Circe walks us along the factory path. We watch how the energy is tested, labeled, sealed, then packaged for use. Circe magnetizes one of the tubes to her palm and holds it out for us to see.
“These are test tubes.” She has to yell over the sound of the machines. “We produce about twelve hundred test tubes a day that are sent to our labs for experimental use. We have labs onsite and at the hospital. As you’ve probably already guessed, the hospital labs test medicines, while the plants test for other types of remedies, like for the pollution that once spread throughout our seas.”
Johnny’s arms wrap around me from behind. “It’s all incredible, Circe, but what does Erebus want with all of this? Is this the secret he’s after? The fact that these plants provide an energy source?”
Circe shakes her head. The smile leaves her face and is replaced with a serious look. “It’s a bit more complicated than that, I’m afraid. Erebus knows what our energy plants are used for. He’s studied us enough to know what’s within the walls. He’s unable to penetrate it, and this alone infuriates him. The amount of energy contained here is too strong for him to handle. He can’t step within the boundaries of the gate. We’ve planned it that way.”
She studies me, perhaps to make sure I’m paying attention to what she divulges next. “The longer we generate energy and the more we expand, the less powerful dark energy becomes—his energy. Erebus has always been consumed with the need for power. He can’t stand that Enchanters are naturally stronger than him. Look at what you and your friends did for Brett. That darkness Erebus planted inside Brett wasn’t made to be overpowered. What you did only provoked an already-hungry and wild beast.”
“If Erebus knows all of this, then why does he need me?”
Circe’s expression dims as she inches toward me, placing herself so close, I think her nose may bump into mine. “Erebus has spent his lifetime with two missions. One is to overpower Enchanters. The other is to find and seek revenge on the person who gave him eternal life—because although he requested that life, he never asked to live it as the Serpent. I gave that life to him, Katrina. I also created everything you see here today. And he wants to destroy it.” She waves her hands around the room but keeps her eyes on me. “I am the energy source. Erebus is looking for me. He’s just not sure where I am or how to get to me. With you, he’s found a way.”
To back away from Circe would show weakness. For some reason, I don’t want her to think of me as weak. “Then why did you expose yourself to me? Do you want him to come after you? Am I supposed to be some kind of pawn in this game you two are playing?”
Circe’s eyes widen. “No, Kat. You’re no pawn. You’re the key.”
“How am I the key when I’m the one who’s supposed to give Erebus what he needs to destroy everything our ancestors created?�
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There’s a pause, and for a second I sense Circe wants to retreat. She remains, though her eyes lose some of their fire. “You need to let him possess you.”
I gasp, and Johnny’s grip tightens around me, pulling me back. “Are you insane?” he exclaims. “Erebus isn’t getting anywhere near her.”
Circe’s eyes tighten on him. “It won’t be your choice to make.”
I shake my head as if the confusion might dissipate with each movement. No such luck. “Why?”
“Because if anyone can survive being taken, it’s you. And if you can survive his possession, then you can also tune in to his memories and deliver them to us. The answer to stopping Erebus lies within him and only him. We know we can’t kill him, but there’s another way.” Her eyes are pleading. “Katrina, he needs to be stopped, and it’s up to you to find out how we can make that happen.”
Johnny practically drags me from the room then sets me down once we’re out the door. He walks quickly down the hall back toward the entrance, pulling me along. The conversation we just exited consumes me, filling me with fear. All this time, knowing Erebus had every intention of possessing me, I never thought that letting him was the answer.
“Slow down, Johnny. Let’s talk,” I say, running to keep up.
“No. I’m getting you out of here. We’re leaving town. I’m keeping you safe. Your dad already knows the plan.”
“What plan?” I stop in my tracks even though his hand is still pulling me.
“Come on!” he shouts. “I entertained your conversation with Circe, but now it’s time to make this decision together, remember? And you are not going near Erebus with this information.”
I shake my head and glare at him. “That’s not exactly making a decision together, Johnny. What do you mean my dad ‘knows the plan’?”
Johnny sighs heavily, rolling his eyes into the back of his head before resting them on mine. “You seem to have a death wish when it comes to Erebus, so he trusted me to find you tonight then take you away from here. I made him a promise, Kat. A promise that Erebus won’t touch you. This fantasy of you allowing evil to enter your body is insane. You’re just as crazy as Circe if you’re considering what she said.”
Johnny’s words are gasoline to the fire building within me, a feeling I remember all too well. “You think I want to be taken by Erebus? Of course I don’t, but I don’t want to run away either. I came here today to figure out another way. Circe might have a point. Even you said there was another Equinox who withstood his possession. Maybe I can be that strong too. I can take his memories and find a way to stop him for good. Since he can’t die, this might be our only solution.”
There’s obviously no reasoning with Johnny after he’s made up his mind. Instead of continuing our argument, he picks me up, cradles me in his arms, and charges through the main door of the plant. I’m inclined to use magic on him, but the moment I hold my hand up to call for the nearest object to trip him up, my eyes catch on a woman on the other side of the gate.
I freeze. My mind is obviously playing a sick joke on me. It’s Erebus in the same woman’s body he possessed in the hospital. Even in the darkness, I recognize her shape and the way her long hair drapes over her shoulders. And now I remember seeing her once before, standing at the gates of the energy plant, with her back to me. Now I realize why she seemed so familiar.
Johnny pauses before turning around to see what has stunned me to silence. I can tell he’s not sure what caused my eyes to bulge and my every muscle to shake. He sets me down, but my body has forgotten how to function. I fall to my knees as my heart throbs, yearning to get out. Johnny is by my side in seconds, but I can’t hear a word he says. I only see the woman illuminated by moonlight just outside the gate.
Nothing could have prepared me for this moment, because this moment was never supposed to come. I’d accepted the possibility of Erebus claiming my body as his, but I never imagined he could take her.
After the endless nights of wishing my magic was powerful enough to bring my mother back from the dead, I would never wish to have her back like this.
Memories from the past two years tumble from my mind like an avalanche, each one causing a bigger impact to my heart. I realize every tear I cried and every ache of wishing I’d died right along with my mother was for nothing. The wound I’d worked so hard to heal has just been ripped apart.
“Kat, get up! We have to go.” Johnny’s beside me, trying to move me.
I let him lift me, but I don’t let him pull me away. My eyes are still fixed on the woman, who smiles and waves from a distance, luring me to her—to him.
“Johnny,” I croak without looking at him. “That’s my mom.”
He stops tugging me. “No… Kat, that’s the woman I saw in Savannah. The one I watched Erebus possess. That’s your…” As his voice fades, the breeze picks up, singing songs of distress and atonement, just as a chill cuts through the air. Could it be a sign that death is coming?
“I have to go to her.” I take a step forward, struggling against his grip. Nothing he can do or say will stop me, but he tries.
Johnny steps in front of me, pulling my face to his. “Even if that is your mother, it’s still Erebus inside her. We need to go. I know this is probably the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do, but we need to leave. Now.”
My palms reach his face, and I find his eyes. I drink them in. When I’m done memorizing every inch of them, I take a deep breath. “Trust me.” My words are barely a whisper, but I know he hears them. “When my bracelet falls—”
“No, Kat.” His voice breaks me. His eyes are red and moist, and everything in me wants to kiss them, so I do. Then I kiss his mouth, shaking with emotion, knowing this is goodbye.
“When my bracelet falls…” I start again, and he doesn’t stop me this time. His eyelids are pressed together tightly as if he’s trying to escape a bad dream. “I’ll need you to pick it up. You’ll know what to do with it.”
I don’t wait a second longer. My legs carry me faster than I’ve ever run before, away from Johnny and toward my mother—toward Erebus.
Johnny doesn’t follow, and I love him for trusting me, as hard as it is for him to let me go. Focused on my mother, I come to a halt just a few feet in front of her body. She gives me a familiar smile, which begs for me to throw myself into her arms and cry tears of joy at the fact that she’s been alive this entire time. Everything about her is familiar—except for her eyes. Her eyes have been replaced by dark, soulless ones that squeeze my insides until I want to burst from suffocation.
“Hello, sweetie.”
That voice. Why didn’t I remember her voice the moment I heard it? Sure, it’s laced with a hint of a Greek accent and pure evil, but I recognize the part of it that’s still her.
“You’ve been alive this entire time.” My voice is shaking. I see her, but I know it’s him listening. I hate him. I narrow my eyes, knowing I need to direct my conversation at Erebus, not the shell of my mom standing in front of me. “You said I had two days.”
Wearing a forced smile, my mother tilts her head. “That was before you decided to use your dreadful friends to reverse my magic. Unfortunately for you, you’re very smart, Katrina. I’ll admit I underestimated you, and I am sincerely sorry for that. However, I assure you, I will not make that mistake again.”
I follow her stare to the vapor wafting from the smokestacks. “As angry as you made me by pulling that stunt the other night, I am happy to see you taking our arrangement seriously.” Her gaze returns to me. “I hope your visit to the plant was educational, to say the least.”
“Circe was very accommodating.” I boldly raise my eyebrows at him, assessing his reaction. There’s no point hiding her. If Erebus does possess me, he’ll be free to roam the energy plant and hunt down the Enchantress, just as Circe intended. I shiver, knowing just how wrong all of this could go, but I recover quickly. Circe should know how to deal with Erebus.
I can’t help noticing my mom’s sm
ile disappear at the mention of Circe’s name. Then her head whips toward the plant behind me, eyes sharpening on the entrance. “You’ve located her.”
I nod. “I have. And I’ll bring her to you.”
Her head whips to lock eyes on me.
“But I’ll need your word that my mom survives.”
Her smirk reappears, sending chills down my arms. “Oh, Katrina. Your mother is a special type of Equinox, one I’ve always had a unique connection with. I hope you don’t think for one moment that you’ll have any sort of reunion with her. Even if she does survive this day, she won’t remember you or anyone else. I hope I didn’t get your hopes up.” She pouts in mock sympathy.
It takes everything in me not to lunge at her—my own mother. “Just leave her body, let her live, and I’ll go get Circe.”
She laughs, but the laugh sounds nothing like the one I once knew. Erebus is emerging from within her. “I don’t need you to take me anywhere, Katrina. Because the moment your body is mine, I’ll have all the access I need.”
Silence passes between us, and my mind spins with all the ways I could end Erebus if he weren’t eternal. I’m not afraid of him. This realization fills me with more power, hope, and determination than I know what to do with. My first goal is to extract him from my mother.
“I can see you need an incentive to remove your bracelet… so, I’ll offer you something in return. A deal. Because I like you, Katrina. Not as much as I like your mother, of course. Your mother is one of a kind, my favorite host. It’s a pity she wore that blasted charm for so long. That was a devastating inconvenience, and I’m not prepared to let her go again.” She inches closer, but I lock in place, proving my strength.
“However,” she continues, “in return for your body, I’ll give you something. A promise.”
I want to laugh in her face rather than show my disgust, but the disgust wins. With a deep breath, I aim to stifle any remnants of weakness. “You don’t keep your promises. No deal.”