by Jaymin Eve
Everything okay, Red?
I was in my closet, pulling on some new jeans when Brace spoke to me. His tone was curious, maybe a tad worried. I quickly threw on a shirt, jacket and some boots before stepping out.
“Everything is great,” I said, moving across the large space and into his arms. My cuts were all healed up so I had no discomfort.
Actually, everything really sucked. I hated lying to him. In fact I hated lying period, but it was even worse with my mate. I wanted to tell him so badly, but we were talking about the end of seven worlds and, according to Lucy, Brace wouldn’t make the same choice as me. My hope was that the ritual would work. If it didn’t … then I had to have faith that breaking the melding bond wouldn’t kill us both. And after the final battle was all over, if we survived, we could be melded mates again.
Brace was watching the changing emotions cross my face. I tried to school my features into lines of ease. I don’t think I fooled him.
“You don’t have to keep things from me, Abby. We’re partners. We face life’s obstacles together; you never have to deal with them alone again.” His words sent warmth and icy fear down my spine.
This was why my instincts were screaming so loudly to tell him. But I couldn’t break my word to Lucy … well, not yet, anyways.
We were quiet as we made our way into the front room; Brace kept my hand firmly grasped in his. Stepping through the door, I could see that someone had attempted to clean up the mess, although the blood stains weren’t going anywhere. Talina, Lucy and Colton trailed back into the room, all wearing warm clothing.
My parents gave out hugs and together we stepped through a doorway into the cold, beautiful night world.
“Shut-the-freaking-door,” Lucy said as she stood there, flakes drifting around her face. “I want one; get me one now.”
I laughed. “Better find yourself a Walker and someone who knows how to wield a hammer.”
She smiled, just the briefest grin, and to her credit didn’t glance at Colton. But from the corner of my eye I could see his eyes were locked firmly on her face.
We were going to have trouble there. No doubt.
Chapter 5
People were everywhere, and the noise was intense. It was time for the Emperor inauguration, and streams of First Worlders were filling the large throne room. I shifted uncomfortably in the hard-backed chair, bored already. After a lovely night around the fireplace, and sleeping with my love in my room under the stars, I was now sitting with a numb butt waiting for this stupid ceremony. The castle throne room had been set up with seats surrounding the ornate cathedral chairs, although these were empty at the moment.
“Remind me why we’re here again?” Lucy said around the biggest yawn I’d ever seen. Her eyebrows practically disappeared into her hairline.
“Because we’re Lucas’ friends,” Talina admonished us. She’d always been the closest to him.
“And because we made First World our home base,” Lallielle added. “We must respect this world and its customs.”
I pasted a smile on my face, knowing they both had a point. I just found all this ceremony stuff and politics quite silly and a waste of time. Time which could be better spent on other things. But at the end of the day we did owe Lucas this.
“Do they feed us after?” Fury shifted from where she was a few seats down from me.
Dune and she had met us at the beach house that morning. She’d been raving about training with Grantham. Apparently she had new fire moves to show me.
“Lucas will have a dance and banquet after the inauguration.” Josian’s voice boomed in the echoing hall.
A few of the impeccably dressed people around us gave him a glare, but would never say anything to the imposing Walker.
“Thank the gods, I’m starving,” Fury muttered.
She was always extra hungry after using her fire.
“I won’t be staying,” I said bluntly. “I have to get to Regali; we’re running out of time. I need the fourth girl to try that ritual. It might be our last chance to stop all seven being released.”
“Do you need us to go with you?” Fury asked.
I shook my head. “No, Lucy and I will just go quickly and grab the next half.”
Fury snorted. “Oh, yeah, ’cause we’re always so compliant.”
“If I got you to leave, the rest should be more than easy.” I raised my brows.
And she shrugged, apparently agreeing with that sentiment.
Talina jumped in then. “I’m staying to help search the mountains. I think there’s something very sinister hidden under there and I feel that Josian will need all the help he can get. You and Dune should come to the mountains too.”
It looked to me as if Josian was going to protest, but in the end he simply smiled, his bronze eyes facing forward to the middle of the room where the two throne chairs rested.
Fury sighed. “Always something to clean up with these Seventine. Count us in; I’m ready to exterminate them and their minions.”
“So, just you and me, sister,” I said to Lucy. “Like the old days.”
“Uh, did you forget about us?” Colton popped his blond head around Brace, who sat on my left side. “You need my doorway to get you to the right place. Plus there’s no way young Brace here would let you jet off to another world without him, and where he goes, I go.”
Lucy nodded, her face serious. “I have heard that dogs are a man’s best friend. It’s good that you’re staying true to your nature.”
Brace snorted, his hand shooting out to cover Colton’s mouth before he retaliated.
“Are you going to tell me yet what’s up with you and Colt?” I side-whispered to Lucy.
She’d been extra snappy with him since the last night of the gathering, even during the relaxed atmosphere at the snow cabin.
“I don’t want to talk about it here. Can I show you in my head?” Her voice was very low.
I paused. “You’re a soothsayer. I can’t breech your mind to see anything.”
She shifted a little closer to me. “I think I’ve figured out a way to project outside my own head.”
I turned my face to the right so I could see her better. I was about to open my mouth and ask how when suddenly there were images in my mind. It was similar to the time I had infiltrated Lallielle’s mind, almost like a movie screen. I recognized the scenery, but the memories weren’t mine.
Lucy stood in the spot near the waterfall, back in the Doreen area at the Walker gathering. She was alone, the moonlight shining down on her blond curls. I would guess it was late at night, and despite the fact Lucy wasn’t supposed to be wandering alone, she’d clearly ignored that warning because I could see no one around her. It must have been after the Abernaths entered our area, when I was back in my tent.
“What are you doing out here?” She spoke without turning her head.
At first I couldn’t see who she was talking to, until he stepped out to join her in the moonlight. Colton. His hair even more white-blond than hers. He towered over her, casting her in his shadow.
“You know you’re not supposed to be out here. It’s not safe.” For once he sounded serious.
Lucy laughed. “The position of gorgeous, annoying mother hen has already been taken by Abby.”
Geez, thanks, Lucy. Biatch.
“So why are you here?” He moved even closer, until he was right up in her personal space.
“Why do you care?” she shot back at him.
He stopped then; the look on his face was odd.
“Don’t confuse my interest as anything more than a casual question between friends.” His voice was cold now. In fact his entire demeanor had changed. All his warmth was gone. “We’ll never be anything more.”
Lucy’s face flew up, stormy eyes clashing with his icy blue. “I don’t understand … what did I do?” For a split second her vulnerability shone through.
Colton’s features softened. “It’s not you. You … damn, you’re perfect.” He said each
word as a statement. “But, I’m broken. And before you get that crazy chick gleam in your eyes, it’s not broken like you could fix me.” He looked away from her. “I don’t even have all the pieces anymore.”
Lucy opened her mouth, but instead of speaking she simply stared up at Colton. He was watching the large moon. I saw her swallow a few times before she spoke again.
“So are you trying to tell me that you will never have a girlfriend or mate?” Lucy said.
“Not one that matters to me,” he said in a low, rough tone. “Go back to your tent,” he finally ordered before walking away.
Lucy stood there for a few more moments. A single tear ran down her cheeks.
“Damn him,” she muttered.
The woods disappeared.
I came back to the throne room when Lucy stopped the memories. I turned to her.
“Is that something other soothsayers can do?” I asked, my voice low and shocked. “My barriers did nothing to keep your memories out.” Could she infiltrate anyone’s mind like that?
“I accidentally discovered it during training. Lallielle told me she’d never heard of it happening with Francesca. I meant to tell you but forgot in the excitement of the gathering. I’ve practiced a few times, but only kind of figured it out on the last night of the gathering.”
I felt the slightest grin cross my face. “This might be very useful. Sometimes talking isn’t always possible. How far away can you project into a mind?”
“A few miles was no problem …” she started, her words trailing off as a trumpeting fanfare blared from somewhere behind us.
It looked like the ceremony was about to begin.
Do you know what Colton was talking about? I knew Brace had been watching in my head.
There are many dark secrets in Colton’s family. He’ll tell you when he’s ready, but warn Lucy: it’s going to be a battle taming his wolf.
I had really hoped that Lucy wouldn’t get dragged into Colton’s mess. But judging by her emotional reaction that hope might be a little too late.
A side door opened. I caught the movement from my peripherals and turned toward it. Out marched the seven mayoral leaders of First World. I remembered them from my last visit to the castle, including the squat and unattractive Mayor Rhys Johansson. He had that smirk on his face again, the kind of smug, self-satisfied expression that made me want to punch him in the mouth.
They were all dressed in floor-length red robes. Hoods rose up behind them to form large cones that towered above their hairline. The music rose to a crescendo as they neared the throne chairs.
My heart rate increased; I had no idea why I was reacting so much to this but the feeling in the air was indescribable. Almost like little buzzes of electricity coated my skin. I shifted forward on my seat, my eyes locked on the center of the room.
The seven mayors spread out to stand in the semi-circle. Each of them faced toward our end of the room. We had the best seats; those behind wouldn’t see much of the action.
And then another man walked alone down the long carpet. He had a dark, caramel-colored skin, a shaved head and was at least a head taller than any of the mayors. He carried a large purple silken pillow, and resting on top was the red royal stone, the other half to my laluna. As if it read my mind, the blue stone was suddenly in my hand. Its sparkles drew the attention of my family.
“Is it here for the ceremony?” I leaned out to whisper at Josian.
His face looked thoughtful. “It hasn’t appeared for the last few Emperor inaugurations. Either it’s simply here for you, or Lucas is going to be a powerful leader.”
“Should I take it up to rest with its pair?” I asked.
Josian was opening his mouth to speak when the room went deadly silent. The music cut off mid-beat and I sucked in a deep breath and held it in anticipation. My hand tightened on my stone.
The handsome man from earlier had lain the pillow in between the two throne chairs and was now seated on a nearby bench. I was startled to realize Quarn sat next to him. I waited a few moments to catch my guardian’s eye, but he seemed to be very preoccupied, keeping a close watch on everything.
“It’s starting.” Brace leaned to my ear and spoke.
I transferred the stone, and with my free hand I reached out and took Brace’s hand. I swung my head around as the slamming of a door echoed through the room. This must have been the signal for the music to resume.
It was different this time, softer but with a catchy melody. Everyone in the room stood as Lucas finally stepped into the space of the open double doors. He was again dressed in white and gold, but his clothing was so much more ornate than the previous time I had seen him.
“It’s a wonder that the man can walk with that much bling,” Lucy muttered.
And she wasn’t kidding. Jewels started at the collar and continued pretty much to the floor. In a strange contrast, on his head rested only a small wreath of gold leaves. Not the sort of crown I would expect for the Emperor.
That’s the Emperor-in-waiting crown. It’ll be replaced by the crown jewels during this ceremony.
Oh, yeah, that makes sense.
Brace sounded amused. He’ll be lucky to be able to hold his head up.
I watched as Lucas made the slow progression to the center of the room. He stopped and greeted many along the way. From somewhere a woman stepped out between the throne chairs; she carried another pillow and this one held the crown. I studied her closely. There was something familiar about her young features. Her long black hair and green eyes were like Lallielle’s.
“That’s Jinissara, a relative of yours,” Brace said, leaning close to my ear.
I loved the way we could alternate between mental speech and speaking out loud with ease. “She was a previous Empress, stepping down after her two hundred years.”
I’d only that morning learnt that a ruler only held the crown for two hundred years, unless death took them earlier. They had to then step aside for the next family member, or one born under the blood moon.
Jinissara was the final one to greet Lucas. He actually gave her a half-bow, his head dipping respectfully. She lifted the large, ornate and intricate crown from its resting place, her lips shifting as she spoke. I couldn’t hear what was said, but Lucas nodded once and then he again lowered his head. The jewels flashed as the ornate crown clicked into place on top of his gold-leaf wreath. A deep tone chimed out as the bells were struck. The note echoed throughout.
“And so it is complete.”
These five words rang out as everyone spoke. Well, everyone who had done this before; most of our group was silent. Lucas turned to face his people and that was some type of signal for the room to be seated again. There were no television shows or anything on First World. Instead, a satellite-type device broadcast important events into the sky; I imagined that everyone around First World would be watching this. I waited to hear Lucas’ words.
“I am honored to accept the position of Emperor of First World. A position that is in my blood, a position for which I was groomed and educated.” His expression fell a little. He took a deep breath before continuing. “I truly wish my father could be here. The fact that I accept this mantle after his loss is the only sorrow. All bless Emperor Christian.”
As he finished, the crowd echoed his words.
“Over the next few weeks I will meet with all the mayoral heads. They will bring forward the concerns from your lands. We never rush to implement change, but I want us to continue to prosper as a race.”
He shifted back, his eyes darting to the pillow that rested between the chairs. His head snapped up.
“Aribella, I am going to need you to come up here.”
I froze at the sound of my name. My eyes widened as Lucas locked me in his gaze.
“You’ve got to be freaking kidding me,” I muttered.
That sneaky asshat was going to do something stupid, I just knew it.
I didn’t move.
“Aribella,” he said again.
/> Every face was turned in my direction. I fought the urge to flip him off.
“Well played, Lucas, you scum bag, well played,” Lucy said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Gasps rang out as I stood; I didn’t want a riot to erupt, but I wasn’t going up there if I could help it. I wasn’t the only one to stand. Brace, Talina, Fury and Lucy followed my movement.
“Calm yourself,” Lucas said a huge grin on his face. “I was just going to introduce you to First World, since you’ve been missing for so long.”
“I call bull-shit.” This came from Fury.
A pair of guards stepped forward. “You must show Emperor Lucas respect, or you will find yourself locked in the castle holding cell.”
Fury looked at me for a moment, before both of us fell about laughing hysterically. I actually had to wipe away tears.
“Do you not know who we are?” Colton, who had been lazing back in his chair, stood now. “We are Walkers, and there isn’t a cell on First World which could keep us captive.”
He genuinely looked confused as he continued.
“I thought everyone knew about us. I mean, damn, Josian lives on First World.”
I interrupted before all-out war erupted. “What do you want, Lucas?”
“I want you to accept your fate.” He projected the words loudly. “You were born under the blood moon. You are the daughter of Lallielle, family of Empresses. This is your destiny.”
Everyone fell silent as his words were allowed to seep into the air. Brace shifted next to me.
“Don’t,” I said in a low voice, my hand on his arm. “It’s not worth it, and if you kill him I’ll have to sit through another stupid Emperor ceremony.”
Lucy laughed.
“It is enough that First World can see and acknowledge you,” Lucas said. “One day, when your mission is finished, you will have no choice.”
The tension broke as the attention shifted from us. I sat again, glaring my displeasure at Lucas. Eventually he was going to understand, or I was going to force him to. At that thought my laluna disappeared from my hand and I had a sneaky suspicion where it was heading.