The trio laughed as they waited for the rest of the group to arrive, and shortly after came Charlie with Bullet and King. Maria and Tony were next with a message from Lisa stating that she was staying behind in class to work on a project. Trent was the last to arrive and his reception was a little less than lukewarm.
“Man, this school don’t play with the class structure, yo,” Tony said. “They got me in Integrated Math and Science, European History, History of the Vatican and Supernatural and the Natural. Like what the freak, man? We already lived through and survived this stuff. Why do I need a formal education about vampires and ghosts and stuff?”
“I guess they just want to make sure that we know as much as possible,” Sanaya said. “I am sure there are entities out there that none of us have come across before, but members of The Vatican have.”
“Well, what are your plans for your birthday, Sanaya?” Maria asked. “I’m sure the Guardians will have a big surprise for you.”
Sanaya smiled. “Mmm, I doubt it. They will probably take us out on a hunt. I have not celebrated a birthday in a couple of years so it doesn’t matter.”
“But it’s your eighteenth birthday!” Maria argued. “You, we should do something ...”
“Y’all ain’t think I had something planned for my BFF?” Maya said, winking at King. “And don’t you cheat and sneak into my thoughts, ‘Naya!”
Sanaya laughed, eyeing both King and Sanaya suspiciously. “I have no idea what you two are up to, but I am already on lockdown once again.”
“King, don’t let her go into your mind!” Maya fussed.
King threw up his hands. “All right, don’t worry. sis, I’m good.”
“Whatever you two are conspiring, the fact that both of you are in cahoots is deeply concerning.” Sanaya frowned.
Maya winked at her. “That means that whatever we have planned is going to be the best surprise you ever had.”
“Well, how come we ain’t in it?” Danny argued. “I thought we was fam.”
“We are, babe,” Maya said, to everyone’s surprise.
Trent looked away.
“But we have not had the time to fill you in,” Maya said.
“Well, I’m starving,” Bullet said, leading the way. “Let’s go eat.”
“I’m with him,” King added, taking Sanaya’s hand. “Let’s go eat, boo.”
Chapter Sixteen
Nothing could have prepared the students for the onslaught The Council unleashed on them the second they stepped into the gym. Sanaya blocked Aklia’s left hook, back-flipping out her way while simultaneously catching sight of the two-by-four that Natasha flung in Maya’s direction. Using superhuman speed and a roundhouse kick, Sanaya shattered the wood with her foot sending splinters flying in every direction. Maya hit the ground with the rest of the team to avoid being hit by the bits of wood.
“On your feet!” Sanaya commanded. “Charlie! Raise your shield! King, Trent—use energy binds!”
From there, it was on. Summoning the Millennium Blade into her palm, Sanaya faced off with two of the Council Slayers without fear. Archer had taught her to fight as if her life depended on it, but she would fight as if her entire team’s life depended on it. She heard Danny’s shout when Raya hit him in the back with her boot, knocking him on the ground.
“Fight as a unit!” Sanaya called out, barely missing a swing from Aklia but getting caught on the lip by Natasha. She stumbled back, but the blade was still in her hand. Her secondary senses kicked in, and instantly she knew the former Slayers were in trouble.
Maya.
Just like Sanaya, Maya’s powers were still developing, and any threat to Maya or the wellbeing of someone she cared about triggered her version of a fight response: The Summoning.
“Aklia, get back!” Sanaya shouted.
Sanaya turned around, running at full speed across the gym toward Maya, whose eyes had turned completely white. A blast of wind knocked King, Trent, and Lisa backward into the bleachers. Eve and Archer came running from the side entrance as spirits burst in and all twelve Council Slayers formed a line standing between Maya and a semiconscious Danny. With her palms raised, Maya sent a blast of energy into the line of Council Slayers, but the women used their swords to deflect the energy.
“Demon child!” Natasha yelled with sword raised.
“No! She is my best friend!” Sanaya made it to Maya just as she opened her mouth to begin a chant that would definitely put the Council Slayers at risk. Sanaya barreled into her, pulling her into an embrace. Archer, Eve, Congo, and a priest who happened to be in the vicinity surrounded the girls.
“Psalm twenty-three!” Sanaya shouted.
The Guardians began to utter the prayer in unison while the others crawled to safety and the Council Slayers stood with blades still drawn.
“Maya, send them back before they hurt people,” Sanaya calmly whispered in her ear. “Danny will be fine ... Send them back.”
It was a long and tense standoff, but the gale strength winds weakened and the howl of the spirit entities died down to mournful cries.
“Send them back,” Sanaya said again, and this time Maya raised her hand and all of the spirit entities were sucked back into the vortex they came from. Maya’s eyes no longer burned white, but a single tear slid down her cheek as she collapsed in Sanaya’s arms.
“Help her!” Sanaya cried as the Guardians rushed forward to assist both the unconscious Maya and Danny, who was starting to come around.
“Allow me to heal her,” Aklia said. “She expended too much energy. Perhaps we acted prematurely in trying to prepare you all for the ultimate battle.”
“I don’t think that is a good idea, Aklia,” Natasha said concern. “That child has the blood of a high priestess in her. She is dangerous.”
“She is not dangerous,” Sanaya challenged. “She is and will always be my best friend. Like me, she was misunderstood, and like me she needs someone to help her understand and control her abilities.”
“We have to do this now, Aklia,” Raya said. “Sanaya turns eighteen tomorrow.”
“Ladies, students, and Guardians, I need for our Slayer to come and stand in the circle we form,” Aklia commanded. “Bring Maya and the boy to me.”
The Guardians did as instructed, while the other students stood shoulder to shoulder next to the Council Slayers and formed a circle around Sanaya. Archer carried Maya and gently eased her down next to Sanaya, who stood with her arms hanging loosely at her sides, her blade still firmly in her grip. She would protect Maya with everything she had until the end.
Congo and Eve escorted Danny to the center of the circle, encouraging him to take a seat next to Sanaya.
“You all still need a lot of training,” Aklia said. “But you fought well. All of you. Even Maya. The power that courses in her veins is both concerning and remarkable, but I suppose only time will tell if we should be more concerned or amazed. The main focus tonight is that all of your abilities are strengthened. We will begin now. Sanaya, raise your blade to meet mine. From me, I will heighten your third eye sensory. You will be able to see beyond the shadows and into the spirit realms. I give you the gift of angelic sight. I plant the seed of wisdom of Raziel, the gift of healing from Raphael, and the war strategies from the Archangel Michael himself. From my sword to yours, you are now gifted with the art of nature. Call upon her—Mother Earth. She will guide you. Commune with the creatures of the land and sea and even of the air my child ... ”
A beam of silver- white light flowed from Aklia and into her sword, transferring into Sanaya’s sword, and from there absorbed into her body, igniting her from the inside out until she was covered from head to toe with the silver light.
Sanaya welcomed the soothing flow of energy that filled her with so much peace and warmth that she thought she had died and gone to heaven. Ancient symbols blanketed her palms and forearms, appearing as gold tattooed symbols before vanishing—with the exception of one. At the base of her wrist was the etched symb
ol of a crossbow and a cross, gelled together in the center of a circle. Her mark as the Slayer. From there, the other Council Slayers offered their own blessings and gifts, with Raya granting her the gift of diplomacy and Natasha offering the gift of language.
After that, the other students were offered gifts, with King, Trent, and Charlie having their talents of clairvoyance, audio enhancement, and third eye senses enhanced. King was also granted the gift of war and healing, while Lisa was given gifts that strengthened her own abilities. Maya was healed, and her talents enhanced with more control of her demon summoning and the ability to shield herself and others. Bullet was given second sight to help him see around corners. Danny, Maria, and Tony were gifted with war strategies coupled with strengthened clairvoyance ability. By the time it was over and done with, the students and Guardians alike were left in awe with a sense of renewed hope.
“We must leave, young Guardians,” Aklia said, her attention directed toward the students. “We will visit with you again to continue your teachings. But know this. You have been chosen and deemed worthy by The Council of Slayers, which is an honor and indeed a rarity. The world needs you more than ever before.” She then turned to face Archer and Eve, who rested against the wall near the bleachers. “At midnight, Sanaya will begin the first phase of her awakening. The Darkness will be able to sense her presence here at The Academy. I will send reinforcements to protect the campus and staff, but be warned—this will not be an easy process. If things worsen please call me so that I may be of aid. I will send you a list of things you will need, and it will be wise that Sanaya is surrounded by ...”
She looked around at the eyes of the curious men who stood before her. “Female energy during this twelve-hour window. And Sanaya?”
“Yes, Aklia?” Sanaya asked, still glowing from the transfer.
“You have honored us all. Be well, my sister.”
All twelve Council women disappeared into the ball of white light sparked by Aklia’s blade. The gym became still and silent as students and staff alike processed what had happened.
Sanaya and Maya glanced at each other and smiled before embracing.
Girl, what the heck happened out there? Sanaya said to Maya. You were ready to smoke the Council women Carrie style over Danny.
I don’t know. Maya shrugged. I just saw him lying there and I sort of lost it.
Are you guys, like bonded?
Maya hesitated before answering. Honestly? I think we are. He is in my mind and I feel him everywhere. And like I said, when I saw him lying there, everything in me felt the urge to protect him at any cost.
Shit ...
Yeah. Please don’t tell anyone about this.
Your secret is safe with me, Sanaya promised.
The two girls faced each other, grinning from ear to ear, and Sanaya could sense King’s gentle probe on the outskirts of her mind. Maya was soon bombarded with reassuring hugs and smiles, and when Danny approached her, Sanaya could feel her best friend’s heart skip several beats.
King casually strolled up to Sanaya and placed a kiss on her forehead.
You’re stronger now, King, she said to him.
So are you.
I still feel buzzed ... like I’m high or something.
Sanaya giggled, mostly because she felt exactly the same way. When Sanaya was surrounded, she accepted a hug even from Trent, who remained for the most part on the sidelines. King was so chill about it she wanted to kiss him, and when he reached out and shook Trent’s hand in a form of comradery, she could not have been happier. Finally, they had unity.
It was almost ten when Sanaya made it to her room. With Maya calling first dibs on the shower, Sanaya plopped down on her bed and wrapped herself in the purple duvet, completely reenergized from the Council’s ceremony. A little too energized. Like she wanted to, no, needed to go hunting. Sitting up quickly, she felt the call of someone, an entity, somewhere. Nowhere near the walls of the school but out there. Adrenaline shot through her, stunning her, stripping her of sanity. His image filled her mind followed by his voice.
“Sanaya ...” His voice was nothing more than a whisper.
“What?” Sanaya demanded. “What do you want from me?”
“Help me ...”
“Get out of my head!” Sanaya spun around, swatting at the air with her fist.
The entity laughed. “The Guardians have not given you the proper instruction. You cannot invade my thoughts without sharing a bit of your own ...”
“Cain?” Sanaya froze. Why would he reach out to her now? She was about to transition into a fully matured Slayer and become his archenemy in a few hours. This did not make sense.
“I need your help,” Cain said to her.
“Why would I want to do that?”
“Because I can spare you the heartache that The Darkness is planning to inflict upon you. I can grant you my protection ...”
“No thanks,” Sanaya spat.
“Suit yourself. I thought you may be up for a bargain.”
“What is it that you want?”
Cain seemed to be entertaining himself with his own thoughts. “I need you to put an end to my daughter, Selene.”
“I was going to do that anyways,” Sanaya mumbled.
“Indeed. But are you not curious as to why her own father would want his only heir exterminated?”
Sanaya thought about it. “Why?”
“She has forgotten our ways—my way, as a vampire. Her freedom comes at a high price I do not wish to pay.”
“So you are willing to kill your own daughter? Why won’t you do it?”
“She is under the watchful eye of an entity that not even you, many years from now, after thousands of battles will not want to fuck with. Trust me.”
Sanaya scoffed. “Why would I want to trust you?”
“Because, like I told you, I can help you. Help me and I will help you. Scout’s honor.”
“There is more to the story. Tell me why you want me to kill her when you are more than capable of killing her yourself.”
“I am a vampire cursed with eternity for a small lapse of judgement. I. Seek. Redemption. You have forty-eight hours to decide what you are going to do, Slayer, and after that, you are free to do as you will. But heed my warning: You have two Guardians on your team. Both with serious pasts and dark secrets. The Darkness wishes to exploit one of them, and it may not be beneficial to your soul, young one. I can help you. Help me and I will help you …”
The connection disappeared and Sanaya was once again alone.
Maya stepped out of the bathroom with a cloud of steam trailing behind her. She took one look at Sanaya’s tense stance and asked, “Are you all right? What did I miss?”
Sanaya sighed. “No, I am not all right. Have a seat while I fill you in.”
Chapter Seventeen
It was high noon when Selene finally released the body of a teenage girl who had gone missing a few days ago and was held captive in Daemon’s chambers. Selene was healed, the silver completely flushed from her system while Daemon was exhausted. He had to resort to feeding her his own blood, a deplorable act in the vampire world but a necessary act to save the surviving heir to the King of all vampires. Now as she basked in her full glory, having survived another attack from The Council, she looked as radiant as ever. The gentle light of the moon shone on her mahogany brown skin, giving her the resemblance of an ethereal being. She pushed the thick locks away from her face and she smiled, exposing shiny pointed fangs that glinted in the moonlight.
“You have saved me once again, my love,” she said, sauntering over to Daemon, who rested face down on the king-sized bed.
With nothing to cover her supple, curvaceous body, she approached him. Kneeling on the bed, she pressed her wrist to his lips, encouraging him to feed.
“Take from me,” she said. “Let my blood strengthen you.”
He hesitated, despite the burning in his throat and veins threatening his sanity. The blue-green vein at the base of he
r wrist began to pulsate, and the sound of her dead heart began to pound on his eardrums with an incessant beat.
“Drink from me and allow me to bestow century upon century of ancient knowledge. Allow me to elevate you to king status …”
With lightening swiftness he bit down and moaned as her dark, warm, rich blood poured into his mouth.
“We will bring humanity to its knees,” she said with a satisfied grin.
Daemon’s growl permeated the air as he blanketed Selene’s body with his.
*****
Archer sat in his two-bedroom apartment across the campus, listening to the shower run and the sounds of Eve humming a tune in the bathroom. The Elders suggested that he takes a night off, despite his argument that his Slayer was about to enter her first phase of transitioning into maturity. They argued that she would be fine, and with The Council agreeable to establishing open communication with the Guardian teams, they swore that he would have nothing to worry about. Of course, he already instructed his senior Guardian staff to call him the moment something happened and he would be there in a heartbeat. Stretching out across the bed decorated with a mess of white, brown, and beige pillows, he appreciated the night off. No paper work. No Guardian related troubles. No students complaining about whatever it is they were going through. No vampires. Werewolves. Or anything supernatural for that matter.
The water in the shower stopped running. and the image of Eve’s bare body infiltrated his mind. He smiled. She was teasing him ... and he loved that about her. Need filled his body as he watched her in his mind’s eye, her dark hair blanketing her creamy white skin, lush soft pink lips he could not wait to punish with his own. Her heartbeat belonged to him and his to hers. This was how life was supposed to be: to live and love unmolested without thinking about tomorrow.
Eve tiptoed out of the shower, her dark hair cascading down the center of her back, clinging to her bare skin. Her fresh scent entered his nostrils as he inhaled deeply. Her mind opened and gave him an invitation into her private, naughty thoughts. The image of her lightly drifting her fangs along his shaft caused his shaft to rise.
The Vampire Hunters Academy: The Shadows Page 11