by Shane Morgan
A tear streamed down my cheek at the flood of memories. My God. My best friend was stabbed and turned into a demon. How the hell was I supposed to live with that? How would I be able to let her go when we’d gone through so much together? She was the one person who never hurt me. Loved me. I just couldn’t let her soul suffer. I had to save Shari, one way or the other.
“Calissa?” Lars pulled me from my thoughts. He angled his head and observed me.
My breath hitched at the beautiful sight of his exposed gargoyle arms, head, and wings, emphasized in the magical lights as he stood by the opening. Just then, he looked like an angel. Well, I supposed he was my guardian angel.
A shadow fell over Lars when the breathtaking colors disappeared behind the hills, ending the show.
It was time.
I hopped up from the bed and inched closer to him. “Let’s go.”
Draping his arm around my body, Lars lifted me off the ground and reminded me, “Be brave.”
Then he turned and leaped from the edge, carrying me across the fields and into the fast-approaching darkness.
11
I couldn’t see anything below us. Looking up at Lars, his eyes shone like grey crystal balls in the night. I shivered from some kind of desirous current as he tightened his grip on me.
“We’re almost there,” he said, wings lashing against the wind.
My heart started to race as Obel’s words about the elders flowed through my mind.
They sense fear.
If I offended them with my reaction, they’d refuse to welcome me. Oh crap. What if I barf?
Minutes later, Lars slowly descended and flew over the pitch-black forest below. My breathing picked up as he swooshed past trees, fearing I’d get knocked out of his arms.
At last, he found a spot to land. But I did feel a bit disappointed when he set me on my feet and released me.
“Wait,” he said, pulling his spear from the strap. I gasped as he turned his hand to stone and knocked it against the blade until it lit up into flames, providing light in the dark.
“You know, that’s actually pretty cool,” I remarked.
Lars switched the spear over to his other hand and reached for mine. “Come on.”
Slipping my nervous fingers into his gargoyle palm, we began our trek through the spooky forest.
A strange, animal-like sound reverberated in the distance.
“What the hell was that?” I yelped and sidled closer to Lars.
He chortled under his breath. “That was a harmless bird,” he assured. “Trust me, it is more afraid of you.”
I sucked air through my teeth. “Why did we have to wait until dark to see the elders? Doesn’t seem smart.”
“Because…” He slowed to a stop as we reached the start of a creepy path that I’d surely avoid any day. “They hate sunlight. It would be an insult to request an audience with them in the day.”
Still holding my hand, Lars led us along the path. I got the faintest glimpse of an entrance at the bottom of the dark mountain up ahead.
“So,” I started, wanting to distract my mind from the possible nightmare that awaited. “Ilris told me that you’re pretty much getting married to Anya on New Year’s Eve.”
Lars blew a long sigh before answering. “Yes. It has been decided.”
Why does that feel like a kick to my stomach?
“Hm. Um, do you love her?”
He stopped walking and looked at me while tracing my fingers with his thumb. “Is there someone in your world that you…love? The man at your work, perhaps?”
He knew about Kyle.
To my surprise, the idea of Lars being jealous evoked a sweet rush in my body.
“No. I, um, I’ve always felt like there’s a piece of me missing. It’s hard to get serious with anyone feeling like that. My relationships always fall apart one way or the other.” I laughed short. “Truthfully, I’m not sure what I can give.”
“Your heart,” he replied simply, then added, “When it becomes whole.”
I peered up at his pale face, brightened by the flames on his spear. A sudden burst of emotions made me ask, “Does Anya have your heart?”
Lars held his gaze on me, breathed profoundly, and twisted away, eyeing the path again. “We should keep moving.” He sauntered off without answering my question, pulling me along.
It was excruciatingly quiet, except for the sounds of critters and trees rustling every so often.
My heart thrashed erratically from the heat brought on by Lars’s grip and from the impending meeting with the elders.
Consumed by a need I couldn’t pinpoint, I asked, “What if you didn’t want to be with Anya? Would everyone understand? Would they let you choose?”
He didn’t answer right away, and I wondered if my questions had crossed a line.
Lars released a low grunt. “I’ve never thought about being able to choose until…” He stopped himself, not finishing. It only left me more intrigued.
“Let’s keep moving,” he implored with a light jerk of my hand.
Why did my body tremble with anticipation?
What did I want him to say?
Gawd. My emotions were all over the place. From losing my friend to trying to figure out who I was and why this was happening to me.
After what felt like forever, we finally reached the eerie opening.
It seemed the elders were aware of our presence because right then, a chilling wind carrying a horrific growl surged from the mountain, almost putting out Lars’s flames.
“Oh…shit.” My body quivered from fear. “You know, maybe we should turn back.”
“No.” He tightened his grip on my hand as I started to turn. “We need their approval to enter the sacred pool. I’ll protect you, Calissa. But you must remain strong.”
“Easier said than done.”
I took a long and intense breath, then entered the mountain with him.
Darkness engulfed us. Had it not been for Lars’s pale skin and the flames, I’d get lost inside. I couldn’t even see my shadow.
The ground felt soft and mucky to walk on. It sounded like critters were crawling around. Vines ran along the rocks on either side, and there was a musty stench mixed in with the scent of soil.
We followed the path deeper until emerging into an open area with the sound of water trickling in through rocks. Stones crunched beneath our feet as we spun around in the dark.
“What now?” I whispered to Lars, anxious.
He draped his arm around my back. “Shh. Listen.”
I didn’t hear a thing. Aside from the dripping water and the stones, we were in total silence.
Then the tremors caught my ears. My heart hammered as large pale hands pushed out from a black hole across from us, long claws digging into the ground.
Fortunately, my screams died in my throat when the elder stuck its head out. Obel wasn’t even close in his vague description.
Frighteningly large and bulging red eyes greeted us. Its face was ineffably horrendous. Not animal-like. Something much worse. There was nothing beautiful about this creature.
We swiveled fast as another climbed out of a hole on the other side of the area. A third followed soon after.
Please don’t let me scream.
Please don’t let me barf.
Lars raised his spear to view them better. They hissed at the flames but still moved closer to us, giant gargoyles hovering above. Their wings were massive but appeared shriveled and old.
The first elder lowered its head and studied Lars. Seemingly accepting him, it moved to me next.
As if to remind me to stay calm, Lars squeezed my hand, and I fought to suppress my fears as the elder crept even closer and sniveled my body.
I almost screamed when it growled. But I clenched my fist and held it in.
“Human,” it said, a voice so disturbing I couldn’t tell if it were a male or female. It was rather wraith-like. “A strong one.”
A tsunami of relief rushed me.
Does that mean I’m accepted? That my blood isn’t tainted?
“No,” the second elder said, sounding more like a female. I shivered when she rumbled out, “Not human.”
Confusion sprouted within me. “What…”
The three elders straightened, scary red eyes watching only me.
Lars spoke up. “We ask that you grant Calissa entry into the sacred pool.”
“Her blood is tainted,” the third elder shrieked, waving his long white claws at me. “But it is also pure.”
“What does that mean? How is it both tainted and pure?” I blurted, stepping toward them with newfound strength.
The third huffed in annoyance.
Lars towed me back to his side. “Stay calm,” he whispered.
“You are human and of darkness,” the first elder explained. It was the most terrifying of the three. He sounded more like a male then. He hovered his creepy hand above my head. “You reek of demon blood. But you…” He looked at the other elders as he finished, “You are also of Gargouille.”
“Impossible,” Lars muttered, glancing at my face.
“Human. Demon. Gargouille,” the female elder growled.
As if things couldn’t get any worse, the third elder added, “But darkness grows inside you. The demon blade has decided your fate.”
I staggered in my steps, feeling overwhelmed suddenly. Lars steadied me at his side and placed his arm around me.
“How is Calissa all three?” he asked, voice firm. “What do the demons want with her?”
“Only the sacred pool can answer that,” the first elder said.
“Then, you give her permission to enter?”
They passed looks between each other, deliberating it seemed. The female elder spoke. “Yes, Calissa may enter. But we ask for something in return.”
My body tensed. “What do you want?”
“A bit of your blood,” the first elder replied, reaching out a hand.
“Why?” Lars spat in anger.
I startled when the elder lifted a claw and flicked aside my curls. “You are rare and very strong. We simply want a taste.”
Lars moved me behind him.
The second elder chuckled. “It is only a small drop. You may leave after.”
“We won’t know what Rahel wants from me if I don’t enter that pool,” I whispered to Lars.
He scowled at me. “Calissa.”
“It’s okay.” I touched his arm gently. “Better to give them what they want so we can get answers. I have a feeling your world and mine depends on it.”
Lars clenched his jaw, conflicted.
“What’s this?” the female elder grunted, drawing our attention. “I sense a strong connection between you.”
“You’ll only cause each other pain,” the second one chimed in, scolding us.
“But you could also become much stronger if you give in to it,” the first elder remarked. He chuckled slyly after.
Heat flowed over my skin when I looked at Lars. He swallowed hard and dropped his gaze.
“Quickly now,” the lead elder pushed. “Don’t you want to know more, Calissa?”
Peering up at its atrocious form, I sputtered, “Yes!” Then I moved away from Lars and reached my hand toward the elder.
He trailed his long claw along my arm, stopped abruptly, and sliced my skin.
“Ouch!” I yelped and pulled back my hand, covering the area with my other palm.
“Give me your hand,” the elder demanded.
I opened my palm and allowed him to scrape off my blood. My skin crawled as he tasted it.
“Magnificent,” he groaned, red eyes blaring. “So much pain, anger…and yet, so much longing.”
The other two did the same, relishing the taste of my blood and whatever high it gave them.
“Yes,” the female growled in excitement. “Incredible.” She cast a knowing look between Lars and me once more.
Lars looped his arm around my shoulder. “You got what you want. Now may we leave with your consent for the sacred pool?”
The female elder waved in her annoyance. “Go. May it show you what you want.”
Huffing, Lars swiveled with me and flew us outside of the mountain. He relaxed only when we reached the beginning of the creepy path.
“Let me see your arm,” he urged.
But when I moved my hand, the cut had already healed. Except for the blood smears on my palm, it looked as if I’d never been sliced.
We stared at each other, mystified.
“Lars, everything the elders said, about me having all three, has there ever been anyone like that before?”
He shook his head once. “No. Perhaps Obel can make sense of it.”
I stiffened. “How do you think your mother and father will react when they hear?”
Surprisingly, he brushed aside my curls and softly grazed my cheek. “Let’s meet with Obel first. Then we shall face everyone after. My father has no choice but to allow you into the sacred pool now that the elders have granted you permission.”
“Yeah, but will he let me stay here for protection? The elders said darkness is in my heart, that it’s already won. Doesn’t that mean I’m turning after all? Won’t that make me dangerous to everyone? To you?”
The thought of anyone else getting hurt because of me was agonizing.
“Don’t say that,” he hushed. “Your heart is good, Calissa. I can feel it.”
His words soothed me.
Our eyes stayed connected for a beat until Lars squeezed my hand and said, “Let’s return.” He put out the flames and stuck the spear back into place.
Finding an opening among the trees, he positioned me in his arms and took flight into the dark sky, the truth to my existence weighing heavily on my chest.
12
Obel plopped down on the bench, mouth hanging open in shock. We’d just finished telling him, Sarayas, and Ezio what had transpired inside the mountain with the elders.
“All three?” Ezio sputtered, aggressively combing over his long golden-blonde hair. “That’s madness.”
Sarayas threw her hands up in incredulity. “How is that possible? What sort of mating took place to conceive you?”
The men gasped at her words.
Lars handed me a wooden cup of water. I drank a bit before speaking. “They said the sacred pool would tell me more.”
“It makes sense now,” Obel muttered. “Indeed, you are special, Calissa. Very unique. I do not think there has ever been anyone like you.”
Ezio cursed, then rested his hands on his hips. “It could be why Rahel is trying to bring you back to her demon master. But what purpose do you serve to them?”
“Only one way to find out,” Lars replied. Looking at Obel, he said, “I am sure by now the leaders know of our return. They’ll require news soon.”
“Yes.” Obel stood. “I will plead to the king on your behalf, Calissa, to let you remain here for protection.”
I straightened with hope. “Even though I have demon blood in me?”
Sarayas and Ezio sighed at the same time and passed a glance between each other.
Obel nodded. “Yes, and I disagree with the elders, which doesn’t happen often. I just don’t believe your fate has been decided, Calissa. You won’t fall to the dark. I believe that you exist to do good, and I am sure the sacred pool will prove that.” A sincere smile curled his lips.
“Thank you,” I replied, grateful.
Lars touched my arm. My heart rate amplified when our eyes met.
Someone pounded on the door seconds later, jolting us. When Lars opened it, a guard told him that the council was waiting.
He looked back at me, a compassionate expression on his human face. “Ready?”
I nodded. “Let’s go.”
“Perhaps King Deo will allow you to stay after tonight,” Sarayas said. “He is sure to understand that it is in our best interest and yours.”
Ezio dipped his head in agreement.
Al
l five of us walked with the guard on route to the great hall. Lars fell behind with Obel as we ambled across the courtyard. They uttered something to each other in secret, and Lars came back to my side just as we neared the stone building.
Entering the large wooden doors, I spotted the king and queen in the middle of the room, talking with Luuk, Ilris, and a much older gargoyle. They looked on edge.
Anya sat in one of the stone chairs off to the side, drinking with another female gargoyle who had a cute pixie cut. They were both dressed in lovely dresses.
As always, Anya greeted me with annoyance. Thanks to Ilris and my own growing feelings, I finally understood why. She didn’t like Lars being with me.
King Deo raised a hand to end the chatting in the hall. Everyone fell silent instantly.
“What is it?” Lars asked his brother, noticing the fuss.
Luuk explained, “There’s been news from scouts. Demons are becoming fewer in the human world. It’s as if they are gathering somewhere, and we know a grand meeting among the dark ones is never good. The scouts looking into it will inform us once they’ve learned more.”
“In the meantime, what have the elders decided?” Queen Vaira chimed in, stepping forward.
Lars placed a hand at my back, stirring up my emotions. He stated aloud, “They’ve granted permission for Calissa to enter the sacred pool.”
Everyone grumbled in surprise.
“There will be no curses for allowing a human inside?” King Deo confirmed. His forehead creased in disbelief. “They’ve agreed to this?”
Lars bobbed while answering. “They assured us, father. Calissa may enter.”
Queen Vaira scoffed. “And what little detail have they shared? The elders are great at deciphering auras and blood, but not your purpose.” She looked pointedly at me and asked, “Is your blood truly tainted, Calissa?”
“Yes,” I replied honestly, picking at my nails. “It is.”
Anya shot to her feet. “Then why grant her permission? She will curse the water!”