by H. D. Gordon
Then, a realization came to me. Nelly was still eating the food here, and if I was right, which I was starting to believe I was, she was under the influence of the same thing everyone else was; the same thing that had kept me from seeing things clearly before. I couldn’t be mad at her for this, but it also meant that there was no point in trying to convince her.
“Look,” she added, cutting into my thoughts. “Can’t you just try to be happy here? I know we’ve been through a lot and it’s changed us both… but I’m happy, Jackson’s happy too. The only one who isn’t happy is you, Alexa. You seem to believe that you have to save the world from something, but really, you don’t have to do anything except be a teenager.
Who cares what some nut-job wrote down in his diary? You decide what you make of your life.” I nodded and she smiled, assuming that I was agreeing with her. In actuality, I was confirming my thoughts that there was no way to convince her. Not as long as she was being influenced by whoever was behind this. I wasn’t going to ask her to stop drinking the blood and eating the food just so that I could have a partner in my mission. Besides, if she was happy, I wanted her to stay that way, even if it meant her remaining ignorant to what was happening around her.
“Okay,” I said. “You’re probably right. I think I’m just overreacting.” She gave me a suspicious look. “Is there something you’re keeping from me, Lex?”
There was no point in lying, Nelly could always tell. So, I avoided the question instead. “Just trust me, Nell. I need you to just trust me. I know what I’m doing.” She blew out a heavy breath. “Okay, but if you wait too much longer to eat, then I’m going to force feed you.”
I raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Good luck.”
She rolled her eyes. “I mean it, Alexa. You require a lot of calories to keep up with the energy you burn.” She paused, her expression turning to one of hurt, and her next words came out in a whisper. “I couldn’t take it if I lost you too. Please, I know you are going to do whatever it is that you’re planning no matter what I say, but be careful. I need you. Now more than ever.”
I pulled her into a hug and smoothed my hand through her hair. “I’ll always be here, Nell. You don’t have to worry about that.” I sat back down on the bed and rubbed my eyes. “Just let me get some rest. I’m sure I’ll feel better in the morning.” She kissed my forehead and turned to leave, but stopped when she reached the door. “Alexa?” she said. “If Kayden really does have the power to dim some of that flame in you, let him. I know how you feel about him, and I know it scares you, but remember what Akira said, you’re no good to anyone if you refuse to let it out when it comes so close to destroying you.” She opened the door. “And Lex, it gets brighter every time I see you. Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to lose control over it. It won’t be worth your resistance to getting hurt by Kayden.” Then she left.
I rubbed my temples and turned off the lamp next to my bed, letting the darkness engulf me and carry me under. At least, when I was sleeping, I could pretend that it didn’t seriously suck to be me.
Chapter 55
Today was the day. I was going to go to Kayden’s cabin after school and get my answers. I was going to deal with whatever he told me and jump into any action I could take to help the people who needed me. I was going to be brave and strong and independent and except the fact that I was a Warrior and everything that went along with that. I was done feeling sorry for myself; at least, that’s what I kept telling myself as struggled to keep up in my classes.
In conditioning, I threw up after we were made to run laps. It was pretty embarrassing, but honestly, I felt too crappy to even care what the other students thought of me. And it’s not like any of them had the balls to make fun of me to my face, so really, what did it matter?
Somehow, I made it through the day though. And even though my classes had been grueling, the day seemed to pass by way too quickly. Now, it was time to go see Kayden, and I had no intentions of chickening out now. But as I was making my way across school grounds, someone called out to me.
“Alexa,” Mark said with a smile, which turned quickly into a frown as he took in my appearance. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I lied. “I just stayed up too late last night.” That excuse was getting old, I needed to figure things out before people started asking questions.
He nodded slowly, but his face was still weary. “Are you up to a walk to the Council building?” he asked. “If not, I could go grab my car.” I tried not to let my frustration show. “Do you think the Queen would just take a rain check this time? I was kind of on my way somewhere.”
His brown eyes filled with sympathy. “The Queen didn’t summon you, Alexa.” My brow furrowed in confusion. “Oh, then what do I need to go to the Council building for?”
His tone was grave when he spoke. “Because the man who tried to kill you is going to be executed today, and you have a right to be present.” I was so shocked that I just stood there with my mouth hanging open. How could I have forgotten about this? Mark placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You are not required to, of course. If you don’t want to see-“
“No,” I said, cutting him off. “I’m coming. Let’s go.”
Chapter 56
When we reached the Council building I was panting and covered in sweat. We passed through the large foyer, but didn’t go up the staircase. Instead, Mark led me to a door that I had never noticed before, tucked underneath the staircase. It looked like a janitor’s closet, but when he swiped his key card and opened it, it revealed a set of stone steps leading down.
The bottom of the staircase wasn’t visible from the top, and I hesitated before entering. Mark placed a gentle hand on my back and urged me forward. We descended the stairs, and I noticed that the only light was coming from flickering candles lining the walls. When we reached the bottom, there was only one way to go; left. I headed down that hallway and tried to keep the fact that I was a little freaked out by this place off of my face. It was just set up to be scary; resembling something you would find in mid-evil times.
At the end of the hallway there was a large opening that looked into a room full of people. Warriors lined the stone walls dressed in their black uniforms, and the Council members and Queen sat in chairs that faced a large stone in the center of the room. Just like the staircase, the only light in the room was provided by multiple candles lining the walls.
As we entered, I noticed that the man who was going to be executed was wearing the same blue suit he’d had on the night of my ceremony. It looked dirty and his face was gaunt and pale; like he hadn’t eaten in a long time. For obvious reasons, I was able to sympathize with this. He was standing near an enormous stone, with two warriors standing to each side of him.
When the Queen saw me, she gestured for me to come take a seat beside her. I glanced at Mark, who nodded and went to take up a position on the wall. Pushing my head up, I went over and took a seat beside the Queen.
“Hello, Warrior,” she said, after I sat down.
“Hello, your majesty.”
She placed a hand over mine, and I tried not to flinch at the gesture. Her hand was cold and smooth, much like her voice when she spoke. “You are brave to come and bear witness to this.”
I simply nodded, but my gaze was fixed on the man in the blue suit. His face looked so defeated and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. His head jerked up then, making me jump a little. His eyes only met mine for a moment, and a small, sad smile came over his face. Then, his head fell back down between his shoulders, as though it was too difficult for him to hold up the weight of it.
At that moment, a man I didn’t recognize went to stand before us and climbed to the top of the stone. His face was hard and his size imposing. When he spoke, it was in a deep baritone; the kind of voice that can’t be ignored.
“We are here today to be witness to the execution of Henry Lavine,” he began. I swallowed hard and tried not to tremble. “He is being punished for th
e attempted assassination of our Queen and of a citizen of Two Rivers,” he continued. “If anyone here feels that this is unjust, speak now.”
The room was silent, and I felt my heart beating out of my chest. Suddenly, I wished I hadn’t come here. The man on the stone hopped down and gestured to someone, who walked up and handed him an enormous axe. Its shiny edge glinted in the flickering candlelight.
The four warriors that were guarding Henry grabbed him and forced him to lay his head against the large stone. I stared in complete horror at the scene in front of me. Now that I was paying attention, I noticed that the stone was marred with deep red spots; spots that I was now sure were blood. The announcer gripped the axe, and Henry’s eyes widened in absolute terror. He struggled, but it was no use; he couldn’t escape the hold the warriors had on him.
I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment, and opened them just in time to see the man raise the axe high over his head. I have no idea why I did what I did next.
“Wait!” I shouted, jumping to my feet.
For a moment, I thought it was too late. My adrenaline was running so high that I could have fainted right then and there. So it took me a moment to realize that everyone was staring at me. The man holding the axe slowly brought it down to his side and waited for me to speak; just like everyone else in the dimly lit room.
As crazy as it sounds, I almost started laughing. With all of them staring at me, waiting for me to explain myself, I got really nervous. I couldn’t seem to form any thoughts for a few seconds, but finally, I said the only thing I could think of. “Don’t kill him.” Everyone was silent for what seemed like an eternity, so I cleared my throat and tried again, “We don’t have to kill him. Can’t we just sentence him to a life in prison?” It was a Council member who spoke then, and if his blond hair and blue eyes were any indication, it was Tommy’s father. He looked like Tommy, only older and not quite as handsome. His voice was sharp and condescending when he spoke. “You are out of line, young lady,” he spat. “His fate has already been decided.”
The Queen held up a hand to him. “Hold your tongue, Thomas. I would like to hear what Alexa has to say.” She flipped her icy blue eyes to him. “And I will not have you forget that she is a Sun Warrior, the only one in existence, and she will be addressed as such.” Thomas looked scandalized and shot me a look of disgust before putting his eyes on the ground. Turning her gaze back to me, the Queen nodded for me to continue. For a second, I just stood there in shock, but I took a deep breath and continued, “I apologize for interrupting… but as one of the targets of his crime, I would rather see him sentenced to a life in prison, not death.”
The Queen seemed to be considering this, but it was another Council member who spoke. She had a muddy brown hair color and plain brown eyes. She looked just plain altogether, but I remembered her from that first meeting I’d had with the Council when I’d arrived here.
“Young Warrior,” she said amiably, “Our laws insist that crimes be punished within the same nature as the crime was committed. An eye for an eye, you might say.” I nodded slowly. “But, no life was taken, so no life needs to be repaid.” When everyone just sat silently, I repeated, “And since my life was one of the ones that were almost taken, I would prefer that it be repaid with imprisonment.” Everyone’s eyes switched to the Queen, who sat quietly, staring at me for a very long time. Finally, she gave a small nod and stood up. Turning to address the others, she said, “I agree with our Warrior. Perhaps it would be wise of us to show a little mercy in our ways. Let the man live,” she paused and looked back at me, “If that is what you really want, Warrior.” It was a question that left the fate of this man in my hands. I wasn’t sure if I was making a very stupid decision, or just a very kind one. But, if it was my choice, I didn’t want to see someone decapitated. It was too barbaric, and it hit way too close to home for me. Even if he had tried to kill me, I was still alive, and maybe he should be left to be as well. That didn’t mean I didn’t want him locked up.
I was surprised at the strength in my voice. “Yes, your majesty, I would like to let him live.”
The Queen nodded. “Then it has been decided. Warriors, would you please see to it that Mr. Lavine is transported to Dangeon immediately. He will live out the remainder of his life there.”
Henry began screaming then, begging to be killed, and I stood staring in complete shock. He would rather die than go to prison? That was unexpected. But as the warriors carried him away, the room began to disperse, and it was all over. Thomas shot me a look of hatred as he walked by, and I decided I could just add him to my list of enemies.
When everyone had gone except for the Queen and her personal warriors, she approached me and offered a small smile. “Your bravery continues to surprise me, Warrior.”
“What is Dangeon?” I asked.
She sighed and placed a hand on my shoulder. “It is our prison. And it is not somewhere anyone ever wants to end up.” I’m not sure what my face looked like, but she put an arm around my shoulder and began leading me out. “Don’t fret. That was a very kind thing you just did.”
I wasn’t sure I agreed. “Thanks.”
When we emerged back in the foyer of the Council building the Queen gave me a small nod and headed off to her office. Maybe it was my exhaustion, or the mental stress I’d been dealing with over the past few days. It could’ve been the fact that I was just tired of waiting, but I decided to ask a question that I hoped wouldn’t land me in very serious trouble.
“Your majesty?” I said. She turned back to me and raised her eyebrows. I cleared my throat and continued, “How old are you?”
Her sharp eyebrows rose even higher, and I was half expecting her to slap me in the face. Instead, she said, “Why would you ask me that, Alexa?” I tried not to shift under her gaze. “I apologize, I know I’m out of line but… it’s just that I haven’t met anyone here who is… old.” Well, that was articulate.
She gave a slow nod. “I see, well, that is because most of my elderly stay in the assisted living area on the other side of the city.”
I looked down at my hands. I hadn’t even thought of something like that, and now I felt stupid for having asked such a rude question. “Oh,” I said. “I’m sorry.” She offered me a smile. “Don’t be, Warrior. I know living here is an adjustment for you. And you’ve been through so much, so it is to be expected that you would question the things around you. Just remember, some questions are better left unanswered.” With that, she walked away.
Chapter 57
I headed out of the Council Building and tried not to think about everything that had just happened. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried, I never did the right thing. I had saved Henry’s life today, but at the end, it seemed like he would have rather died than go to the prison. I’d made a new enemy in one of my good friend’s fathers, and I’d probably managed to insult the Queen; all within the space of an hour. And to add to those wonderful events of the day, now I was going to confront Kayden.
Nelly was passing by the Council building as I ascended the stone steps. She smiled when she saw me and waved me over. “So that’s where you were,” she said, glancing back at the Council building. “I was just going to the library to return a book. You want to walk with me?”
Since I still had a few hours of daylight, and maybe just because I was jumping at the chance to put off seeing Kayden, I nodded and fell into step beside her. She looked over at me and frowned. “You still haven’t eaten, have you?”
I shook my head. “I will soon.”
Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a granola bar and forced it into my hands. When I began to protest, she held up a hand. “It’s not from here. It’s one of the ones mom had left in the backpacks for us. I found it when I cleaned my room today.” I smiled at her gratefully, then tore into the package and devoured the whole thing in two bites. It tasted like Christmas morning. I was still starving, but at least it took the edge off. I felt a little energy flow into me, but mostly it
just made me want to eat a whole lot more.
Satisfied that she’d finally seen me eat something, Nelly told me about her classes as we walked. “Sometimes it’s just hard,” she said, looking down at her feet. “I have to keep my guard up when we are doing Searching exercises in class, and I have to make sure I only use a portion of my abilities. It just takes so much out of me, and at the end of the day I feel drained.”
I smiled at her, hoping to lend some comfort. I felt bad about the fact that I’d been so wrapped up in my own crazy life that I hadn’t even taken the time to ask Nelly about hers. Out of everyone, Nelly was the person that I absolutely had to keep safe. I needed to remember that, no matter what happened, she took precedence.
“I know it’s hard, Nell,” I said. “But you’re strong and you can get through it. At least until we graduate school.”
She sighed heavily. “Yeah, but then what? I’m so sick of hiding what I am, but it’s not like I can tell anyone. God knows what they’d do if they found out.” Nelly looked over at me and brushed the hair that had fallen from my ponytail out of my face. “Sometimes,” she continued. “I wish I were you. It’s an honor to be what you are, but to be what I am, it’s a disgrace.”
I grabbed her hand and pulled her to a stop. “Don’t you ever think that. And, trust me, you do not want to be me right now. Besides, Nell, everyone loves you, they always have. I’m the outcast and the delinquent, not you.”