Many wolves listened to his command—I assumed he had power in the pack, even before this moment.
I stood strong with Karina and her wolf, a sinking feeling in my stomach telling me that despite the Hell Gate being closed, this war was far from over. Jacen stood with me, along with Mary, Camelia, and a fair amount of vampires and wolves that appeared to be trained fighters. Rosella remained as well, although she stood behind us.
I doubted the blind vampire was a strong fighter, but since she was a psychic, I assumed that her remaining here was a good sign for the rest of us.
Soon, the monster that Karina and the wolf had spoken of tore out of the alley—a petite woman with red eyes glinting in the sunlight. She flashed her razor sharp teeth and sank them into the neck of the wolf closest to her.
Screams erupted through the square, and many ran to attack at once. But it was no use.
I raised my heavenly sword and made my way through the chaos. “Stand down!” I commanded, pushing through the crowd to get closer to the demon.
Weapons stuck out from all parts of the demon’s body, but she pulled them out and threw them toward the onlookers, moving so quickly that she was nearly a blur. Her targets fell to the ground, and she continued using her teeth to attack those closest to her.
I avoided being hit by a few knives that came my way, and then I jumped up and brought my sword down on the demon, slicing straight through her neck.
Her head rolled off her body, and both parts disintegrated into piles of ashes. Just like with Samael, all that remained in the ashes were her teeth.
I knelt down and picked up a single tooth, placing it into the same pocket that held Samael’s.
Karina stepped up to my side and held out a hand. I took it, allowing her to help me up.
“You may not be an actual princess,” she said. “But after that, you’re royal in my book.”
“Thanks,” I said, and while I didn’t voice it aloud, that meant a lot from her.
“What was that horrible creature?” She glanced down at the ashes, giving a slight shiver. “Noah and I tried everything to kill it, but nothing worked…”
I glanced at the man she’d emerged with, figuring that he was Noah—the infamous First Prophet of the wolves.
Despite Emmanuel telling me not to judge the wolves harshly, and despite Jacen believing that Noah was a “good guy,” disgust filled me at the sight of him. Unlike Marigold, who’d been possessed and unable to stop Samael, Noah had allowed himself to be tricked by the demon. He’d gathered his people and led them to slaughter innocent vampires. All of the wolves had been gullible, but he most of all.
How could someone lead so many to a massacre without questioning what they were doing?
“That creature was a demon.” Jacen stepped to my side, resting his hand on my arm and facing the crowd. “Annika was able to kill it because her sword was blessed by an angel.”
Annika
Together, Jacen and I told everyone the truth of what had happened.
The wolves were crushed that their Savior had never existed—and embarrassed that they’d believed Samael’s lies so easily. But after seeing the Hell Gate erupt and the demon in the square, no one fought our words.
“The Hell Gate was closed, but the demon was still here,” a wolf spoke up from the crowd. “Why?”
“Yeah,” the vampire next to her chimed in. “Shouldn’t the demon have disappeared with the Hell Gate?”
“I’m not sure,” I said. “I hope that demon was left behind as some kind of fluke, but right now, I know as much as you.”
“But you’re an angel.” Noah raised an eyebrow, his gaze challenging. “Shouldn’t you know this stuff?”
I held his gaze and clenched my fists, trying to contain my frustration. Because he was right. As an angel and a leader, I should know this stuff. I hated that I couldn’t give everyone the answers they deserved.
I wasn’t sure what kind of leader I’d be—or if I’d be accepted as a leader at all—but I knew I didn’t want to lie just to make people feel better.
“The demon was not a fluke.” Rosella stepped forward, and silence descended upon the crowd. “It was the only demon remaining in the Vale, but hundreds of demons escaped the Hell Gate while it was open. With the Hell Gate sealed, no more can escape, but those who got out still roam the Earth.”
A million questions came from the crowd at once. People were scared, and after seeing the demon that had bombarded the square, I couldn’t blame them.
How were we supposed to beat hundreds of demons? What were the demons going to do now that they were on Earth?
How many more innocents would die because I’d failed to kill Samael when I’d first had the chance?
“Quiet!” Rosella raised her arms in the air, and once more, everyone obeyed her command. For someone so small, it was incredible how loud she could be. “I have the answers you seek. The situation is dire, yes, but it’s not unbeatable. The demons have dispersed themselves throughout Earth, and they’re determined to make Earth their home. They want to rid Earth of all supernaturals and rule with humans as their slaves. But demons are ancient creatures—older than most every other species’ except the angels and gods. Time holds a different meaning to creatures so old, and the supernatural community outnumbers the demons, so they won’t rush into anything. This gives us time to gather our strength and plan how we’re going to defeat them. As you learned earlier, I was a psychic who was turned into a vampire, so my abilities are heightened. I can tell you with certainty—there are many possible outcomes to our war with the demons, and not all of them are grim. The world will be a darker place while demons roam freely, but we have a fair chance to defeat them and restore peace to Earth. We’ll have to work together, but it can be done.”
Hope filled me with Rosella’s words. I trusted the psychic—if she foresaw victory as a possible future, then it must be true.
Mary stepped up next to Rosella and looked confidently out at the crowd. The two of them were a beacon of peace in their matching white Haven outfits. Somehow, amidst all the chaos, they’d avoided getting any stains on their clothing.
“The supernatural community is strongest when the kingdoms are at peace and working together,” Mary said, her eyes strong and calm. “I’d like to remind you that the Haven is open for all supernaturals who wish to live there, whether vampire, shifter, or witch. We always keep our own safe. We also protect peace amongst the supernatural community. The demons who have been released from the Hell Gate threaten that peace, and therefore I swear that the Haven will do everything possible to see every last demon returned to Hell where they belong.”
People clapped at her words, speaking up in agreement and looking up at Mary as if she were a Savior herself.
I wanted to say that I too wanted to join the Haven, but I didn’t. Something—I wasn’t sure what exactly—held me back.
“We’ll need to search the Vale for survivors and contact Prince Alexander to let him know it’s safe to return,” Jacen said, and then he turned to Karina and Noah. “You two came from the palace. Is there any word on Prince Scott and Princess Stephenie?”
“They didn’t make it.” From the horror in Karina’s eyes, I had a feeling that there was more to the story than she’d said. However, now wasn’t the time to probe for details.
“Very well.” Jacen nodded, and then returned his focus to Mary. “Can you send a witch envoy from the Haven to locate and retrieve Prince Alexander?”
“I’ll send as many witches as we can spare to come to the aid of the Vale,” Mary said. “We’ll help in any way we can.”
“Thank you,” Jacen said. “I’ll forever be in your debt for your help today.”
“All I ask is that you do everything you can to retain the peace between kingdoms—especially in the trying times to come,” Mary said. “But we have no time to waste before searching for survivors. Is this palace still intact?”
“It is,” Noah said.
�
��Good,” she said. “Bring all the survivors there, whether vampire, shifter, or human. Once we have an idea of how many made it through this war, we can figure out our next steps.”
Everyone in the square dispersed, until Jacen, Mary, Camelia, Rosella, and I were left alone. The only other bodies that remained were those of the corpses. I did everything to keep from looking at them, but it was impossible not to see them—the reminders of my failure.
“Where will the two of you choose to go?” Mary asked Jacen and me. “Will you stay in the Vale to help rebuild, or join me in the Haven?”
Jacen looked to me, and I pressed my lips together, unsure how to answer.
I wanted to say I would help rebuild the Vale. But my angel instinct swelled inside of me, giving me the feeling that the Vale wasn’t where I needed to be. However, the Haven wasn’t where I needed to be, either.
“Annika doesn’t belong in the Vale or the Haven.” Rosella stepped forward with a folded piece of paper in her hands. “She belongs in Avalon.”
Annika
Rosella handed the paper to me, and I unfolded it, astounded at the beautiful drawing inside. It was a luscious, mountainous island in a horseshoe shape around a sparkling blue lake.
I wasn’t sure if true paradise existed, but if it did, that island would be it.
“Where did you find this?” I asked. “Where is this place?”
“I’ve seen images in my mind of this island for my entire life,” she said. “Only recently has it become clear enough for me to put to paper.”
“You drew it?” I couldn’t help but sound doubtful—how could she draw given that she was blind?
“I did,” she said.
“How?”
“After sending you on your quest for the Grail, the image of the island became exceptionally clear in my mind,” she said. “My hand took over, and I was finally able to bring it to life. Because this place—Avalon—is where you belong.”
“Why?” I asked. “What waits for me at Avalon?”
“That’s for you to find out,” Rosella said. “I’m merely the messenger. But since you managed to get from the Tree of Life to the Vale, I’m sure you can figure out how to get from the Vale to Avalon.”
Of course—I needed to teleport. To teleport, I needed to picture the place where I was going. This beautiful drawing gave me the ability to do just that.
“We’ll go at once,” I said, looking to Jacen. “Are you ready?”
“Whenever you are.” He took my hands in his and gave them a small squeeze.
“Wait,” Rosella said. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
“What?” I bounced on my toes, as anxious as ever to go to Avalon and discover what awaited me there.
“You should take Camelia as well.”
I glanced at the witch, disgust rolling through my body at the sight of her.
Camelia had sent Mike to his death. She’d hunted me down when I’d tried to escape the Vale. She’d locked me in a dungeon. She’d revealed my true identity to the vampires and had ordered me dead.
Now I was supposed to bring her with me to Avalon?
“Absolutely not,” I said.
“For once, I agree with Annika.” Camelia stuck her nose in the air, still as haughty as ever. “I’ll be returning to the Haven.”
“What if I were to tell you that Avalon is the only place where your child will be untraceable?” Rosella asked.
“Truly untraceable?” Camelia wrapped her arms around her stomach, her eyes fierce with a protectiveness I’d never seen in her before. “Even from the fae?”
“Even from the fae.” Rosella nodded.
“Then I’ll do anything to go to Avalon.” Camelia turned to face me, desperation in her eyes. “You have every reason to hate me. But bringing me with you won’t be for me. It’ll be for my unborn child.”
From there, she told me everything about the deal she’d made with Prince Devyn. She was desperate as she spoke. It was clear she would do anything to protect her child, even if that meant begging for my help.
“The fae can still get to my child at the Haven,” she finished. “But since the fae can’t trace us at Avalon, you have to bring us with you. Please.”
I didn’t like being told that I had to do anything. But at the same time, Camelia had a point. Rosella wouldn’t have made it up about Avalon being the only place untraceable by the fae. She also wouldn’t have recommended that I bring Camelia with me for no reason.
Which meant I needed to consider bringing the witch to Avalon.
“I understand that you don’t want to give up your child,” I started, and Camelia nodded, her eyes bright and hopeful. “But you made a deal with Prince Devyn, and he’s the child’s father. Shouldn’t he have a right to the child, too?”
“The fae are cold, manipulative creatures,” Camelia said, which struck me as ironic, since it sounded like she was describing herself. “We know nothing of the Otherworld. I can’t let my child be taken there. Please, let us come to Avalon. I’ll do anything for you if you let us come with you. I swear it.”
I turned to Rosella, still unconvinced by Camelia’s begging. “Do you have any idea what will happen to Camelia’s child if he or she goes to the Otherworld?” I asked.
“Not much,” Rosella said. “My abilities only allow me to see what will happen on Earth—not on the other realms.”
“I know a bit about the fae,” Mary spoke up, and all eyes went to her. “I don’t know much, but I know that they consider themselves to be a superior race—far superior than any other supernatural creature in the universe. They want to keep their race pure, which is why they keep to themselves in the Otherworld and only venture out if they receive something of value in return. I can’t say for sure, because no one from Earth has ever gone to the Otherworld and returned to tell the tale, but I don’t imagine they’ll be welcoming to a child who is half-fae and half-witch.”
Listening to Mary brought a hollow feeling to my stomach. If she was correct, that meant that once being brought to the Otherworld, Camelia’s child would be condemned simply for the circumstance of his or her birth.
Camelia deserved to suffer the consequences of everything she’d done, but her child shouldn’t have to pay for her mistakes, too.
“I don’t trust you,” I told Camelia. “After everything you’ve done to me, I’ll never be able to trust you. But I trust Rosella, and I don’t wish any harm upon your child, so I’ll bring you to Avalon.”
“Thank you.” Camelia smiled—it was the first real smile I’d ever seen from her.
Jacen looked at Camelia like he was ready to rip her up in a second. “Try anything against us while there, and you will suffer the consequences,” he warned. “I’ll see to it myself.”
“I won’t try anything against either of you,” she said. “I swear it. All I care about is that my child and I can stay safe in Avalon.”
“I can bring you there, but I don’t know if you staying there will be my decision to make,” I said. “We have no idea what awaits us once we arrive.”
“We don’t,” Jacen agreed. “But I’m ready to find out.”
“Me too,” I agreed, turning once more to Mary and Rosella. “I’m more thankful than you’ll ever know for your support and guidance.” I pulled my sword out of its sheath and handed it to Mary. “As a token of my thanks, I’d like you to have this.”
“Are you sure?” Mary hesitated. “That sword was blessed by the angels themselves and given specifically to you.”
“It was given to me so I could kill Samael,” I said. “Now he’s dead, and this sword is the only weapon on Earth that can kill demons. We’ll figure out how to get more heavenly weapons soon—we’ll have to, if we want to defeat the demons. But for now, the sword belongs where it can be put to good use. That’s not at Avalon—that’s with you.”
“Thank you.” Mary bowed her head in respect and took the sword from me. “I’ll keep watch over it while you’re at Avalon,
but the sword will always be yours. You can ask for it back at any time with no questions asked. And if you ever need me, you’ll always be welcome to visit the Haven.”
“Don’t worry—you haven’t seen the last of me yet,” I said. “But I do have one more question before I go.”
“Yes?” she asked.
“The two humans—Raven and Susan,” I started, referring to the humans Geneva had kidnapped and locked in a supernatural prison so she could use their DNA for the transformation potions we were using to disguise ourselves in the palace. “They were returned to their homes safely, right? The last I saw of them, they were passed out on your bed after being given a sleeping potion. I trust that you returned them, but I realized I haven’t checked yet, so I just wanted to be sure.”
“They were returned after you left for Norway, and are now safe at their homes in California,” Mary said. “Geneva’s memory potion worked perfectly. The humans won’t remember a thing.”
“It’s for the best,” I said. Susan had been traumatized by the ordeal, and Raven… well, who knew what the fiery redheaded human would have done if she hadn’t had her memories of the supernatural world erased and replaced? Judging by how she’d tried to attack me and Mary at Mary’s cabin—despite Mary and I clearly overpowering her—I had a feeling she was the type to jump headfirst into trouble without always stopping to think about the consequences.
She kind of reminded me of myself in that way.
“Yes, it certainly is for the best,” Rosella agreed with a smile—a knowing sort of smile, like she was aware something she wasn’t saying.
A part of me wanted to ask what the look was about. But if there was one thing I’d learned about the psychic, it was that she always spoke up when it was needed.
Whatever she knew would be revealed in time.
We said our goodbyes, although I made sure it was clear that they were “see you laters,” and not goodbyes.
Then I took Camelia’s hand—I was now holding onto both her and Jacen—pictured the image of Avalon that Rosella had drawn, and transported us there.
The Vampire War Page 12