The Fallen Ones

by Katelyn Campbell

CHAPTER 21

   

  Ilyana:

  I am surprised to find that it only takes Levi and I fifteen minutes to reach the enclave by ATV from the caves. As much time as I have spent running across this island - you would think that I would’ve happened upon something this grand. There is a stone wall with multiple entrances, I breathe a sigh of relief as we drive past what appears to be the main one. I see no sign of guards or other Nephilim but something in me, that can’t be explained, knows that there are many others close-by. I guess that it is my powers, since going to the caves I have noticed I am almost always picking up on the aura’s around me, it’s not overwhelmingly clear or strong, so I haven’t mentioned it to Levi or Ephraim. But they definitely somehow feel stronger here. We drive through the last set of gates, which have a small dirty path that appears to be meant only for foot traffic. Almost immediately Levi pulls to a stop in front of a massive building. It appears to be only 4 stories high, but it spreads out wider than I can see. I realize this must be the apartment building when Levi begins to get off the ATV.

  Levi pulls the keys out of the ATV and begins to speak “Remember how we talked about circulating your powers in you instead of channeling them around you?” I nod, remembering our many unsuccessful days training. “Good, now would be a great time to practice that. You practically wreak of power right now. Even I am having a hard time blocking you. Deep breaths and try to focus your power around the center of your body instead of your arms or eyes or feet, it will always flow out that way.” I stare at him incredulously “Well, you never said it like that!” I find that drawing the power in is much easier when I know where to focus it. My stomach suddenly feels warmer and I know that I am doing it. He looks up at me and smiles “You know, he’s good for you.” I scoff at him assuming he means Ephraim, he misreads my interpretation “Fine, maybe it’s just the cave, but your powers are extremely focused when you are with Kailand, even moreso when you touch – I am beginning to think that maybe he is your anchor.” I realize that there may be some truth to what he is saying, being in the cave is somehow peaceful, everything going on doesn’t overwhelm my senses so much when I am there. I think about the implications of him being my anchor and immediately realize that it could create even more issues between Ephraim and I “Levi, I never thought about it before, but you may be onto something. But can we maybe keep it to ourselves for now?” He nods in understanding “You know, it’s not your fault if Ephraim gets upset. Beneath that giant chip on his shoulder, he still wants what’s best for you, no matter what that means for him.” He turns and starts walking towards the building.

  Before we reach the entryway, a girl that appears to be no more than 16 years old comes out, I know she must be older, but there is something so innocent and carefree about her that makes her seem young. I channel a small amount of power to my eyes and see that her aura is a pale, happy pink. I like her already. “My name is Lizzy! I’m so happy to finally meet you, I felt you all the way from the far kitchens! – Marcus told me I would! We need to head back to your apartment before everyone else comes out to see what you are.” The words spill out of her mouth quickly as she gestures for us to follow her. We walk quickly up 4 flights of stairs and turn down the first hall. She walks to the second door to the right and pulls out a key to hand to me and addresses Levi “Marcus told me to get an apartment set up for you, but I thought you would want to be close to Ilyana so it is not ready yet. I am having the next apartment on the right cleaned up for you and it should be ready by tonight, in the meantime. Marcus instructed you stay with Ilyana. He does not want either of you wandering the premises yet and he has a package waiting for you both in the sitting room.

  I open the doors and am somehow not surprised to find that the apartment is every bit as grand as you would expect after seeing the outside of the Enclave. The ceilings are at least 9 feet high in the entryway – higher in the living room. I set my keys down on a table by the most beautiful chaise lounge I have ever seen, I automatically picture late nights reading in it, then quickly dismiss that notion realizing that it won’t take place for some time. The kitchen is equipped with beautiful copper appliances and dark green, marble countertops. I walk into what must be the sitting room and see a set of stairs leading up to a small loft with a private balcony. There is an open hallway beneath the stairs that I quickly deduce leads to a closet, the master suite and a guest bedroom and bathroom. I am overwhelmed by the enormity of the apartment and can’t believe it is mine. As beautiful as it is, I know I will miss the cabin though, there is something so peaceful about the seclusion there. I remember Sasha and mention it to Lizzy she brushes it off “Already taken care of! Marcus sent Ephraim and Alya to retrieve your personal effects. Everything should be back by this evening, including your beloved Sasha – I can’t wait to meet her, I have always loved animals!” she squeezes her hands together in excitement.

  I nod and smile at her. As kind as she is, I would really love some space to take things in. But as excited as she is acting, I don’t have a heart to ask her to leave outright, I decided to try a different approach “Well, thank you for showing us here. I guess since I will be meeting with Marcus tonight it might be a good idea for me to go ahead and get cleaned up. When will I see you again?” I smile politely and she seems to take it well “Anytime you need. I have been working for Marcus for a few hundred years as one of his personal assistants, he wants me to take care of you now – if of course that is acceptable to you.” She looks at her feet in the insecure way us girls do when we are sure that rejection is coming. I reach out and touch her shoulder “I can’t think of anything I would enjoy more.” She leans forward on her tiptoes “Wonderful, ma’am! I will leave you be to get adjusted, if you need my help, just press the buzzer by any one of your doors and it will connect to me. Otherwise, I will be back in about two hours to help get you ready for tonight. You too Levi – any friend of Ilyanas is a friend of mine!” she abruptly turns around to leave, all the while, muttering about how excited she is. As soon as the door closes behind her I turn to Levi and can’t help but let a small laugh escape.

  He does the same “I guess they are really taking this whole Chosen One thing very seriously! Your own personal maiden? I am impressed!” I brush him off and then remember that she said there was a package waiting for us both in the sitting room.

  Levi follows me at the mention. I find two boxes – one addressed to Levi and one to myself along with an envelope for me. I try not to obsess over the intricate calligraphy on the front or the wax seal on the back – it is almost like I stepped back in time to one of my many beloved novels. I break the seal and begin to read aloud:

   

   

  Dearest Ilyana,

   

  I hope my invitation finds you well. I have been made aware of some new developments and would like to assure you I am eager to work alongside you. I would have loved the honor of receiving you myself, But due to the sensitive nature of the new developments, it is of the utmost importance that I address the matters at hand from a distance. I have left you in the company of one of my best maid-servants and hope she will be to your liking – between Lizzy, and the packages I sent your way, you should be well prepared to meet with me tonight. Alya and Ephraim are due to pick you up at sundown this evening and they will escort you and your companion Levi to our designated meeting place.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Marcus Antonopoulos

   

  I suddenly have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I say a silent prayer for Kailand and the others back in the cave, something in my gut tells me that whatever happens next, could affect them.

  Levi opened the package addressed to him while I was reading the letter aloud. Its contents included a fresh suit, shirt, shoes and even a handkerchief and gold cufflinks – both with his initials delicately embossed and carved in. When I finish with the letter I waste no time opening my package and naturally, I
find its contents no less magnificent. There is a beautiful Tiffany Blue, strapless, fitted, floor length gown, silver high heeled sandals with delicate fuchsia stones evenly spaced along the straps. There is a smaller box inside that I open and I almost gasp at the site. It is a platinum necklace, with over the top fuchsia gemstone flowers with tiny Tiffany Blue centers, along with delicate drop earrings and a bracelet to match. I imagine the jewelry itself is probably more expensive than my entire wardrobe back at the cabin combined. I carefully close the box and push it back – afraid of ruining the contents. Levi catches my reaction “You will be stunning.” He offers me a reassuring smile – again I am grateful to have him as a friend, I kiss his cheek and tell him as much.

  “Levi, what are we going to do about the letter? What if he found out about the cave somehow? Ephraim was really angry last night. We probably should never have let him leave like that.” He snorts back “Do you honestly think you can let Ephraim do anything? He has been running amuck for centuries, he does what he wants, when he wants. Though it would’ve been interesting to see you try to stop him.” I think back to the lip lock with Ephraim again last night, it felt amazing, but I don’t know how I am supposed to give him what he wants when I still don’t even know who I am. Now that kiss is just another thing I never should’ve let Ephraim do. “You might be right, but that still doesn’t make me feel any better about the letter from Marcus. What could he possibly have planned that would require us to wear clothes like that?” he shrugs dispassionately “I never understood why the elders do anything the way they do. But I do know one thing, if there were any of them I would trust to have on my side, it would be Marcus. He is younger than Guinevere and Julius and less stone-like. At times he almost seems like a regular Nephilim.” I think about what he is saying and realize I should’ve spent less time turning off my thoughts in an empty field and more time learning about the elders. Especially now that I’ve learned they could be nothing more than three very high profile traitors that have gone undetected for thousands of years.

  “Levi, can you teach me about the elders? I’m suddenly feeling extremely under-prepared for tonight.” He laughs at my nervousness “Join the club, all that I could tell you would only succeed in making you more nervous I’m afraid.” He stops to look at his watch “We should have about 3 hours until show-time. Go focus some energy on relaxing. Take a shower, shut down your mind and do whatever you can to just rest. I have no clue what is waiting for us tonight but I feel like it would be a bad idea to go without any break from your powers. Go and practice.” I thank him and head off to take a bubble bath that would make a king jealous.