by Jen L. Grey
He? "Who? Damien?"
"Yeah, who else do you think it would be." Her eyes narrow into slits and she crosses her arms. "And why do you think he does?"
"Because you guys are friends?" I'm hoping that's the right answer, but with the daggers she's shooting my way, I'm pretty sure it isn't.
"Oh, no. That's not why." Her nose wrinkles and shakes her head. "It always comes back to you, doesn't it? He needs me for leverage over you."
"It was never meant to be this way." I do hate this for her.
"I know. So, save me, please." She reaches out and touches my hand. "Please."
My magic collides deep within me, crashing throughout, causing me to become dizzy. I take a step back and take a deep breath through my nose. The scent of the oak fills me. "I can't. I'm sorry."
"Are you serious?" Her nostrils flare and her breathing turns ragged. "You brought me back to life and then gave me to Damien from him to protect and you won't save me?"
Shit, it sounds so bad when she puts it like that, but it is what I did. But I can't put her life before billions. If I give him all three artifacts, the world won't survive. I can't confuse all this any longer. "All I can say is I'm sorry. This," I motion around her and then between us, "wasn't supposed to wind up this way. If I could do it all over, I would, but I can't. I will live with this decision for the rest of my life. If there is any way I can help you that isn't that, please let me know."
Tears fill her eyes and her shoulders slump. "There isn't anything you can do other than just let me die."
My heart cracks in two and I step toward her. Maybe I should just help her. As soon as I get close to her, my power goes crazy once more. The power is like electricity coursing through me and my stomach rumbles with nausea.
This smacks some reality back into me. What the hell am I doing walking over to her. I can't change my mind. I've got to get out of here. I take one last glance at her and frown. I need to leave now. I've got to figure out a way into Hell. Before I can do anything stupid, I pull up my apartment and transport out.
12
As I arrive back in my apartment, I take a shaky breath and plop down on my couch. Shit, I was close to going back to my old habits when she broke down. What the hell is wrong with me? I can't be that soft or I'll let more than just myself down.
My cell phone rings, causing my pants pocket to vibrate. Ah, please God. Don't let it be her. I take a deep breath and pull out the phone. I glance at the caller ID and pause. I'm not sure if I'm relieved or more annoyed. Luke's name flashes and I want to pretend I never saw it, but I'm sure someone is watching me. If I don't answer it now, it'll wind up going to voicemail. I hit the green accept button before I think much longer. "Hello?"
"Christina, where are you?" His voice is annoyed and gruff.
For once, I don't have to stretch the truth. "I'm at home."
"And you don't see a problem with that?" He huffs and then clears his throat.
No, I don't, but I'm assuming that's not the answer he's expecting. "I'm not sure where you want me to be."
"What did I tell you yesterday?" A door shuts in the background and he takes a deep breath.
He told me a lot yesterday, but I'm going to assume it was his parting words. "That you are going to teach me."
"Exactly. Which means you should be here now. So, get here. I'm at the council house." He hangs up the phone.
What a jackass. I want to be a child and refuse to show up, but I don't have the luxury. Yesterday he taught me something very worthwhile, I would hate to miss out on something else that could be another game changer for me. Speaking of which, I'll just transport myself there. It seems the more I use it, the easier it gets.
As I stand, the swirling of my magic within me grows even more intense. I've been trying to ignore it since seeing Becca, but it's almost to the point where it can't be pushed aside. What the hell is going on? I don't understand what is causing this. Shit, focus. I've got to get to Luke. I don't have time for a break down.
I find Luke and he's back in the office from the other day with the large desk in the center. I transport myself there and appear right behind him. Heck yeah, maybe I scare him today like he did me.
"What took you so long?" He turns around and shakes his head. "I figured you'd be here a minute ago."
Wow, I'm a minute later than he expected and he's giving me grief. I'm not about to tell him I'm feeling off though. "Sorry, I had to run to the bathroom first."
He rubs his eyes and then lets out a huge breath. "All right let's get down to business. I know you need a new realm jumper."
Wait, what? "What are you talking about? I can transport."
"Yes, but only in the realm you're in." He lifts his chin and looks down his nose at me. "You can't jump realms. We can only transport in the same dimension, so you'll need someone for that. I've found the perfect person."
My hearing is now going in and out and a cold sweat breaks out over my body. My power is clawing at my skin, trying to get out. I don't understand what's going on, but I can't even pay attention anymore. It takes all my concentration to keep whatever is going on inside.
"He was supposed to be a reaper, but he couldn't pass the test." He takes a few steps toward me and bends down so he catches my eye. "Much like your friend Beth."
Wait.... Did he just say Beth's name? I focus on him, startled out of whatever is going on.
He leans back on the desk and crosses his ankles. "See, I knew that would get your attention." He rolls his eyes and crosses his arms. "Like I was saying, this person is trained in security, so he is perfect to assist you in the rest of your missions."
"But didn't you say he's a reaper?" Am I losing my damn mind? Granted right now, I don't feel like I belong in my own freaking skin.
"Not anymore." He clears his throat and fidgets. "Dax, get in here."
The door opens behind me and I spin around. A man walks in who can't be past his mid-thirties. What the hell? "Is his time already up?"
"Not exactly." Luke walks up beside me.
Storm gray eyes meet mine. Dax straightens his shoulders causing his council-emblemed, pure black ensemble to stretch out against his muscular chest. "It's an honor to make this sacrifice to serve the greater good."
Oh, dear Lord. Another brainwashed minion. When will these people have a mind of their own? "So, you're going to take him before his time? Isn't that against the rules?"
Luke snorts. "Not when you make the rules." He motions for Dax to follow him to the other side of the room.
That shows how observant I am. I hadn't even noticed that they had brought in a cot until now. Dax lays down on the bed and rests his interlaced hands together on top of his chest. If his chest wasn't moving up and down, I would think he was already dead.
“Now, I’m going to reap you.” Luke lays a hand down on his shoulder and gives a small smile. “But don’t worry. I’ll bring you back quickly. It won’t hurt at all.”
This isn’t right, but what can I do. Once again, I feel helpless and at their mercy. This must change. I can’t live with all these regrets much longer.
“I’m ready.” He gives a nod and adjusts his body so it’s straight.
A sensation close to static fills the air int eh room and surrounds me. It rubs against my body and causes friction almost as if it’s searching for something inside me. As it creeps against me, the coldness I always feel engulfs me. It’s strange. The friction doesn’t cause warmth, but bone-cold chills across my skin. It seeps through my skin and intensifies the already-chaotic magic churning inside me. I turn my attention back to Luke. Dark gray reaper magic spills from his hands. Luke’s hands connect with his chest and then begin pulling.
Dax’s body convulses as his soul is sucked from his body into Luke’s and transported into his designated afterlife. It lurches, fighting against the draw. It’s not his time so this will be more of a struggle.
After a few seconds, his body begins to still and the soul gets sucked into Luke’s.
; Despite my magic being crazy, I want to throw up at what’s going on in front of me. This shouldn’t be happening. Luke knows what he’s going to put this man through, but he doesn’t care. It’s all about the artifacts when we could try to find another way.
After a moment, Luke places his hands back on Dax’s chest and the friction against my skin begins moving counterclockwise. The dark gray magic turns a white color and surrounds the body in front of me. Soon something flashes and I have to look away.
When his soul returns to his body, something pierces the air and it’s as if my body is submerged in ice water.
Not able to hold myself up any longer, I fall to my knees and struggle to breathe. Even though my power now feels icy, it’s still swirling like a tornado, cutting me up from the inside. Beads of ice line my brow and I roll over and wrap my arms around my knees.
A hand touches my arm. “What’s wrong?” Luke’s tone is full of concern.
Like I freaking know? “I … I don’t know.” I take in a deep shaky breath. “My power is going crazy inside, and I don’t know how to contain it.”
“Shit, I should have known this would happen.” He touches my arm and soon he’s transporting us somewhere.
Oh, no. Where is he taking me? Is this finally the end for me? Even with two artifacts inside me, is their tolerance gone?
The world stops swirling and I find myself in a clear field. It’s pure grass for miles all around. “What? Where are we?”
“We aren’t too far from the mansion, but you need to release your power.” He stands back and motions around. “This is a safe place. Just do it and once you’re done, I’ll explain.”
Not wanting to give in, I try to stand, but it’s like my legs are ice. They won’t move.
“Just do it, Christina.” His eyes are kind for once and there is an understanding there.
Not able to take any more pain, I do what he asks. I push the raging tornado out. The air picks up and the ground rumbles. The tornado is huge. It’s several miles high and pure white. Hail beats down and the ground rumbles all around us, breaking in spots, ruining the grass. I keep my power centered and away from Luke and myself, trying to get the devastation just in one spot.
Granted, I could attack him right now, but I can’t just outright kill someone. He’s not attacking me and there would be no justification.
After several minutes, I drain my power enough that I can stand. When I do, I pull it back inside me. I don’t expect to see what’s left behind. The once-grassy area is now just dirt, torn up and frozen over. “Oh, my God.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. Think of it this way: someone will walk by and wonder what happened.” An envious grin spreads across his face. “They’ll wonder what kind of power left that.”
Someone with that kind of power shouldn’t cause that kind of destruction. They should be able to control the raging beast inside. Seeing his reaction to what I just did proves how I feel about the council. “What the heck is wrong with me?”
“Absolutely nothing, child. You’re magnificent.” His mouth is open and his body leans toward me. “You were just reacting to my power. Your dominance responded to mine and you had to let it out before you destroyed the house.”
At least that explains why my power surged even more around him when he used his. “Well, okay then. We need to get back to Dax before he wakes. There is no telling how he will feel. Becca was out of it at first.”
“Well, you’re right, but he should be in a better frame of mind than she was.” He steps toward me and his hand touches my shoulder once again. “He knows what he should be expecting.”
The world once again spins around and soon we’re back in the room. Dax is still out cold on the cot, but again, his chest falls up and down.
“While we wait, why don’t I take you on a tour of the mansion?” Luke holds his hand out and waits at the door.
Yeah, I’m not taking his hand. That’s just weird and creepy. I close my hand in a fist and hold it close to my body. “I’ve been to the mansion several times.”
“True.” He drops his hand and straightens his shoulder. “But you’ve only seen what we’ve allowed you to. I’m offering to show you what only the Elders are allowed to see and the most trusted Butlers.”
Huh, I'm intrigued. What all are they keeping hidden from everyone? "Sure, I'd love to see it."
He opens the door and motions me forward. "No time like the present."
I step through the doors and wait in the hallway, not sure which direction to go. Maybe this isn't the smartest thing after all. There is no telling what he's going to show me.
"Follow me." He brushes past me and walks down the hall and keeps going. He bypasses the door I used to always stop at to meet Margaret and continues down to the last set of doors. He opens the door and continues through.
Not missing a beat, I march along behind him. When I step through that doorway, I enter a room that is plush beyond my imagination. There is a huge light grey stone fireplace in the middle of the room and two light beige couches and loveseat centered around it. "Oh, wow. This room is amazing."
"Yes, it's the Elders’ room." He walks over and sits down on the couch and leans back looking at home here.
"Then why am I here?" That doesn't make any sense. Why would he show me this?
"Isn't it obvious?" He opens his eyes and raises an eyebrow. "We are down an Elder and you're the next in line."
"That's what Margaret said, but I find that hard to be true." That doesn't make sense. My parents were always assumed to be next in line.
"I know what you're thinking. Everyone assumed it would be your parents, right?" He sits back up and smooths out his shirt. "But the truth of the matter is every single member on the council has a special power just like you. We held your parents close because we had hints that you were different. Unique. Like us."
"That's what she said too." I don't understand it. They don't let others know their powers work different. "If you are so special, why do you keep it hidden?"
"Because people fear things they don't understand." He sighs and shakes his heads. "Look at how your parents treated you when they noticed your abilities. That's why we have to be smarter... stronger. That's why it's best for you to align with us. People like you. Who understand you."
In other words, manipulative and shady. Yeah, that's not in the cards for me. "What happens if I turn the opportunity down?"
"Don't be stupid. That wouldn't be good." He stands and paces in front of the couch. "Margaret told me she showed you the mirrors so you've seen what our world will become in just a few short months if we don't get our hands on these artifacts."
Oh, I remember all right. The mirror showed the end of the world of sorts. It was barren and desolate. She said it was due to Damien taking souls and not letting them go on to their afterlife. That's where Beth might be which makes me cringe. But I can't help to think that the council might have a hand in that vision.
"That's why you must step up and become one of us. Our kind of reapers do not come around very often and the council works in pairs. Margaret knew that." His tone lowers and his jaw clenches. "That's why I can't understand why she took the chance and reached for that artifact."
Her greed got the best of her. That's what happened. "That's a lot of you all to ask someone so young."
"Yes, it is and it's not ideal." His eyes soften and he relaxes his shoulders. "It's not very fair to you, but it's for our kind. We have an open seat that needs to be filled and you're the only one that can fill it. We need you to step up."
There is a knock at the door and it opens. A butler walks in and looks straight at Luke. "Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt but Dax is awake."
13
What I'm not expecting is to find Dax up and walking around when we get back to the room he was reaped in. Yet, there he is, pacing around the large table taking sips of water from a large glass one of the butlers has handed him.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" I can't hel
p but worry about him. Becca's reaction to her resurrection comes back into my mind and makes me wonder how he's handling the physical part of this so much better.
"I'm fine, really." He takes another sip of water and shakes out a leg. "Just a little jittery, that's all."
"Why are you so worried about him?" Luke rubs a thumb across his lip and tilts his head.
"It's just when I brought Becca back, she was barely coherent and didn't feel right in her skin." Granted he seems a little out of sorts, but nothing like her. "He's just doing a lot better."
"That's because he knew what he was getting into." Luke walks over next to me and watches him. "I warned him what it would be like, so it helped with the transition."
This is so strange. "Why would you agree to this?" I would never willingly die and come back to life for anyone.
His dark, black eyes find mine and he stretches out his arms. "It's for the greater good. I have family and I don't want them to have to suffer if the future is as bleak as they say. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make sure we can change it for the better."
So, in other words, they found someone who wants to change the world for the better and manipulated them into doing this. Been there, done that, except I didn't care about the world until now. Heck, it's more than just Earth too. "But it's more than just changing this world."
"I know." He nods and puffs out his chest. "I'm ready to escort you to Hell. That's the whole reason I needed to be brought back. So I can take you there."
Well, shit. They did tell him the whole truth. I'm a little flabbergasted here. "Don't you think you need a little more time to acclimate. I don't want to push you."
"Tsk, tsk." Luke grabs a piece of paper off the table and looks at it. "He's a grown man. If he says he is able to take you to Hell, I think he knows. He's one of the best trained council agents there are."
Yeah, I'd be sucking up to him right now too if I were Luke. "Okay, so we're going right now?" Shit, I've had one training session. I was hoping to have a few more before heading down under.