Nathaniel grasps Mercy’s elbow. “You aren’t honestly going to entertain this?”
Ignoring Nathaniel, Mercy says to Ellis, “I’m willing to at least hear what you have to say.”
“Thank you,” Ellis says genuinely. “I’m afraid the news may be unsettling.”
“Just tell me,” Mercy insists.
“Lucas Church is threatening to close the bridge forever. He’s holding your entire family hostage until you return.”
Mercy takes a tiny step back. Nathaniel is immediately there to prop her up. “What do you mean he has my family?” Mercy’s voice rattles.
“He’s holding your mother and Isadora,” Ellis tells her. His mouth twitches, and I know he’s about to tell us something terrible. “He has your father as well.”
“What?” Nathaniel yells.
We all begin to talk over one another, and the room spins off into chaos.
Mercy charges toward Ellis. Justice is right behind her. Nathaniel steps between Mercy and Ellis, restraining her.
Mercy yells as she struggles to free herself from Nathaniel’s grasp, “Why? Why does he have my father?”
“Like I said, Lucas is threatening to close the bridge. Forever. Right now, he’s closed it temporarily, and all who have crossed over are hovering.”
“My father is in Purgatory?” Mercy’s voice breaks. Nathaniel slides his arm around her waist.
“Not yet,” Ellis tells her. “Lucas will send your father into the light if you agree to his terms. And then everything will go back to normal. Guides will continue to do their work. The bridge will be repaired.”
“And Mercy will be dead,” I say.
“I’m afraid,” Ellis turns to me, “this is the only way.”
“I’ll go,” Mercy says suddenly.
“NO!” Nathaniel and I bark at the same time.
Mercy slides away from Nathaniel and addresses the room. “This is my father we’re talking about. I have to. And if you don’t understand why I need to do this then you don’t know me as well as you think you do. I won’t let him be sentenced to Purgatory. I won’t.”
Her resolve is unwavering, and my insides contort into knots. I want to stop her. I want to throw myself at her feet and beg her to stay. Screw what Ariana and Isadora think about Mercy being powerful enough to take Lucas Church down. I’m not willing to risk it.
“If I go,” Mercy nods in our direction, “what happens to them?”
“We’re coming with you,” Justice says. “That’s what happens to us. If Mercy goes, we all go.”
It seems like the best solution. If Mercy is willing to sacrifice herself, then we should be too.
Mercy and Justice exchange a quick look. I can see the bond between them strengthening. It started in the car, when Mercy reached out for Justice’s hand, and it’s evolving now. The same thing happened between Nathaniel and me. We went from enemies to allies to brothers. I suppose when one is created from the other, a link is inevitable.
“I’m ready,” Nathaniel volunteers.
“Me too,” I say.
“No,” Mercy protests. “This is my fight.”
“We’re not going to let you face this alone,” Nathaniel tells her. “End of story.”
Mercy wants to argue, I can tell, but she doesn’t.
It’s decided.
Everything is happening too fast. I’m not really ready to do this, and I can see that no one else is either, but none of us are going to call the bluff. We’re all in.
“Shall we begin?” Ellis asks Mercy.
“Wait!” she cries. “I have to do something first.”
“We don’t have much time,” Ellis cautions.
“I have to say good-bye to Lyla and Jay. Please.”
“Let her do it,” Nathaniel demands.
“I’ll take her,” Gage offers. “We’ll be right back.”
“Be quick,” Ellis says.
Mercy nods rapidly. She casts a furtive glance at Nathaniel. Then she makes her way out of the room. I follow.
Once Mercy and I are away from everyone, I say, “Mercy, have you considered what happens to Nathaniel if he crosses that bridge? His fate is Purgatory.”
“I know,” Mercy says, sadness drenching her voice.
Dread washes over me. “You can’t possibly do what I think you’re going to do.”
“I love him,” Mercy finally admits. “I won’t leave him.”
“You’re going to Purgatory! Are you fucking crazy?” The urge to shake her nearly overtakes me.
“Nathaniel made me a promise. He said we’d stay together ‘till the end. I’m willing to keep that promise no matter what it takes.”
“No.”
“This isn’t your decision.” She places her hand on my arm. “It’s mine.”
There are ten thousand arguments circling through my mind. I want to tell her that she’s being rash, that she’s throwing her life away. But as I look at her resolved face, I know that she won’t consider my side. She’s made her choice. And I have to live with it.
“Fine,” I say. “I won’t interfere. But you have to promise me something. If you get the opportunity, you take Lucas Church down. Do you understand what I’m saying to you? Don’t hesitate. Just go for the kill.”
“Okay.” She nods. “Now let’s find Lyla and Jay before I lose my nerve.”
When we get to Toby’s new room, Lyla and Jay aren’t there. After a few minutes of searching we find them in a waiting room just down the corridor, curled around each other asleep.
“Shit,” Mercy mutters. “Here goes.”
I don’t know how she’s keeping herself together right now. Something within her has shifted. She isn’t hysterically crying, or lamenting her circumstances. She’s accepted them, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes.
I wait by the entrance while Mercy crosses the room.
“Jay.” Mercy shakes his shoulder. “Jay, wake up.” Jay rubs his eyes and sits up.
His movements wake Lyla. “What’s going on?” she asks.
“Hey,” Mercy says.
“Why do you look like that?” Jay asks Mercy.
She’s visible, but she’s not as whole as she was just moments before.
“Oh my God!” Lyla gasps.
“It’s okay,” Mercy says reassuringly. “Everything is going to be okay.”
“Are you …” Lyla sobs. “Are you dead?”
“Not yet.” Mercy tries a smile, but it dies on her lips. “I wanted a chance to say good-bye first.”
“No.” Jay stands. “This is bullshit. We just got you back.”
Mercy tilts her head to the side. “I know. And I’m sorry.”
“You can’t leave me.” Lyla touches Mercy’s faded arm and almost immediately pulls her hand away. She takes a step back. Her blue eyes are brimming with tears. “We have prom coming up and summer and our senior year. I’m not doing all that without you!”
“Lyla, I love you,” Mercy says. “You are the best friend ever. I will miss you and think of you every day.”
Lyla nods and tears splash against her cheeks.
“Jay,” Mercy starts. “Thank you.”
He sniffs and lowers his head. “For what?”
“For believing me. For keeping my secrets. And for loving Lyla. She’s lucky to have you.”
“Don’t go,” Lyla pleads.
“Mercy,” I say, stepping forward. Jay and Lyla see me for the first time.
Lyla rushes to me. “Help her! Do something!”
Mercy walks to us. “This is my choice, Lyla. Please don’t blame Gage. This isn’t his fault.” My throat constricts when Mercy touches my arm. “I wish I had more time,” she says to Lyla. “But I have to go.”
“I’m not ready.” Lyla’s face is streaked and stained with tears.
“I know. Me either.” Mercy forces a smile. “I’m sorry to leave you with this mess. But you’ll be okay, Ly.” Mercy looks to Jay. “You both will.”
I’m sure I
’m going to have to peel her away, but Mercy steps back before I have to intervene. “I love you,” she says again.
Lyla buries her head in Jay’s chest. He rubs her shoulders.
Mercy looks up at me. I wish there was something I could say to her, but words are not what she needs. I slide my hand through hers, and she holds on tight. Together, we walk back to her room.
When Nathaniel sees us, he rushes forward. She lets go of my hand and steps into his arms. She fills instantly, looking completely human again, and I finally get it. Nathaniel is her stability.
Justice slides her arm through mine and leans her head onto my shoulder. These certainly aren’t the pairings I imagined, but I’m learning that in the human world things very often don’t work out the way they’re planned.
Mercy has Nathaniel. I have Justice. Things are as they should be.
“It’s time,” Ellis says.
Mercy strides toward him, shoulders back, head high. “What do I do?”
“First, you have to reattach yourself to your body. You won’t wake up, but you’ll take your last breaths, and then I’ll do the rest.”
Nathaniel helps Mercy climb onto the bed. “See you soon,” she says. Lying flat against her body, she disappears inside.
Ellis approaches Mercy’s body. His hands hover over her chest as her life extinguishes. I can barely watch. I’m screaming on the inside, wishing for this to stop. I want to go back in time and start over. I want to meet her for the first time again. I want to take her to her birthday party and dance with her all night long. I want to make the last days of her life the best days she’s ever had.
Nathaniel grips my shoulder. I cover his hand with mine as we brace ourselves for the next step.
“It’s done,” Ellis says.
The machine flat lines, and staff comes running. They order us out of the room. Reluctantly, we go. Processing into the hallway, my feet feel like they’re moving through sludge.
“Gage?”
I turn and see Justice flicker in and out. “What’s happening!” I shout at Ellis. “You’re supposed to take us all!”
“You gave us your word!” Nathaniel yells.
“Gage!” Justice cries out again, and then she vanishes.
“What have you done!” I scream.
I lunge for Ellis, but he’s gone.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Mercy
It doesn’t hurt. I really thought it would. But death is peaceful. I feel like I’ve just woken from a Sunday afternoon nap.
Sunlight warms my face. I take a second to bask in the sensation.
There’s light up ahead, and I am drawn to it instantly. Eagerly, I take a step, and suddenly the light vanishes and the scene pulls into focus. I’m standing on a bridge. At the end, I see Lucas Church and his smug smile waiting for me. He’s wearing a deep purple suit with a dark gray shirt, and his tie is the perfect combination of the two colors put together. He looks elegant and proud. I hate him.
Beyond him I see a sight so horrific it stops me cold. My mother, my father, Isadora—they’re all encapsulated in an eddy of gray mist that reaches to their hips.
“Mercy. Welcome.” Lucas claps his hands together.
Something slams into the back of me, and I fall forward onto my hands and knees. I think at first that I’ve been hit by an object, but then I see a leg and I realize that I’ve been hit by someone. Scrambling, I get to my feet. Justice lies on the ground, her body crumpled.
I don’t understand.
“Ellis,” Lucas directs his comment over my head. “Job well done, my friend.”
“You lied to me!” Ellis is furious.
“What have you done?” my mother screams.
Ellis stomps toward Lucas. “I made a bargain with them!”
“It wasn’t your place to make promises, Ellis.” Lucas smiles like he’s winning.
“Nathaniel is my friend!” Ellis roars.
“Then you’re in league with the enemy.”
Lucas cocks his head sideways. Ellis raises his hands to his throat. He claws at something nonexistent, but he’s choking just the same. He drops to one knee and then to the ground as the life is snuffed out of him.
“Stop it!” I yell, but Lucas ignores me.
Ellis dies right in front of me with his eyes wide open. Rage pulses through me. Lucas Church is cruel and unyielding. He must be stopped.
Justice stirs and opens her eyes. “Help me up,” she croaks.
I do.
“Where are Gage and Nathaniel?” I ask her.
“Banished.” Lucas grins from ear to ear. “Just as they should be.”
“Why?” I am ready to hurl myself at Lucas, but Justice catches my arm and holds me still.
“Sweet, Mercy.” Lucas clucks his tongue. “I had such high hopes for you.” He shakes his head. “But you’ve forced my hand. You see, there can only be one of us. And I’m not through with my turn yet.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re a Creator!” Isadora yells.
“Hush!” Lucas waves a hand at Isadora, and her mouth clamps shut.
“Is she right? Am I a Creator?”
Lucas shrugs. “The world will never know.”
My powers. Saving my mother. My ability to leave a body without harming it. Being able to throw my thoughts and essentially control others. It all makes sense now. No one should have this much power because no one else does, no one but him. Of course Lucas wants to destroy me! If he doesn’t, I’m likely to destroy him.
My mother, my father, and Isadora fight against their prisons of mist. I have to help them. “Let them go,” I order Lucas, anger seething from my lips.
“Of course,” Lucas says as if it’s the most reasonable suggestion ever.
He waves his hand, and the whirl around Isadora rises and spins at great velocity. My mother screams. Isadora tries to yell, but she can’t. The mist pierces her mouth, her eyes, her nose. She’s overcome and breaking apart until finally, where once she stood, there is nothing. Isadora is gone. For so long I’ve wanted her out of my life. But now that she’s really gone, I don’t feel relieved. I feel rage.
My mother and father struggle, but it’s no use. Lucas grins knowingly at me. The grey swirl picks up speed.
“Not my parents! Please!”
He narrows his eyes at me. “You would spare them after all they’ve done to you?”
“My father has never done anything but love me.”
“That’s true.” Lucas casts a glance at my mother. “But mommy dearest, well, she’s not exactly mother of the year is she?” He laughs.
“I forgive her!” As soon as I say the words, I realize that I do. My mother made the wrong choice every step of the way, but if this is it, if this is our end, then I want her to know I love her no matter what. “I forgive her,” I say again.
Lucas appears genuinely disappointed.
“You may win this, Lucas,” I say, gaining confidence with every word. “But you won’t break our bond. Not now. Not ever.”
Even in this, the direst of circumstances, I can see my father swell with pride for me.
While Lucas’s attention is focused on me, Justice slinks behind him. She’s about to make her move when Lucas spins around and grips her throat. He lifts her easily off the ground. She flails against him, but he is too strong.
“Well, what do we have here,” Lucas coos.
“Put her down!” I yell.
“You’re not telling me you have feelings for her?” Lucas casts a disappointed look over his shoulder at me.
“She’s my sister,” I say. “Whatever she’s done wrong, I’m over it.”
“How noble of you,” Lucas says mockingly. “This whole rib thing really isn’t working out the way I planned.” He says to Justice, “You were supposed to destroy her.”
“Mercy.” Justice wheezes. “I’m sorry.” Her face is purple and her eyes are watering profusely. Her arms fall to her side. She’s losing the fig
ht.
Lucas delights in torturing Justice. He fixates on her pain like a dog with a treat. As Justice’s body stills, it’s as if Lucas has forgotten the rest of us entirely.
Gage’s voice echoes in my head, If you get the opportunity, take it.
Without hesitating, I charge toward Lucas and thrust my hand into his back. My hand slices through his chest. He releases Justice, and she drops to the ground, coughing and sputtering.
My fingers grip what they’re looking for: his heart. “This is for my father, you son of a bitch.” With all the determination I have, I yank. Lucas turns slowly to face me. His eyes are wide with horror. His still beating heart is in my hand.
Lucas keels over. I back up so he doesn’t land on my feet.
“Oh God.” I drop the heart. It rolls from the bridge and into the river below.
The gray swirls imprisoning my parents disappear, and they run toward me.
“Mercy!” My father is in front of me. I cling to him like my life depends on it. He smells and feels like I remember. I breathe him in deep.
“Honey,” my mother says, trepidation in her voice.
Over my father’s shoulder, I see her standing there looking guilty and weak.
“I did this for Dad,” I tell her. “Not for you.”
“I’m so sorry,” she cries.
I sidestep my father so that I can face my mother. “I know. And I do forgive you. I don’t agree with your choices. But I forgive you.”
“Thank you,” she says, not pressing the issue.
“I’m sorry about Isadora,” I say honestly. “I know she meant something to you.”
My feelings for Isadora are still a bit muddled. Someday, maybe I’ll make sense of it all, but not now.
Justice slowly gets to her feet. My feelings for her are unsettling. I was supposed to hate her, but I don’t. Her creation might have been sick and twisted, but she came through for me in the end. And that’s what counts. She saved my life, and I saved hers. I suppose that really does make us sisters.
None of us seem to know what to do next. We stand there for a few more minutes exchanging glances but not saying a word.
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