Acropolis

by Ryals, R. K.

  Will leaves me, slinking into the trees' darkness, and I move higher, climbing the limbs quietly.

  The gargoyles are nearing, and I lift my hand. I don't have to look to know Will is doing the same. The first gargoyle moves beneath me.

  "Now," I whisper through gritted teeth.

  I call upon the rocks in the dirt below me, the stone in the surrounding area, and I shove it toward the twelve gargoyles in the open. My eyes are focused on their wings.

  My chest tightens as the first stone rips through one of the gargoyle's bat-like appendages. He screams, and I let myself feel his pain. We are taught from the moment we come into our power to protect our wings. If destroyed, they are useless. Healing, if possible, is slow and painful. Those grounded can no longer serve.

  Three more gargoyles go down before they start to figure out our strategy. Attacking a gargoyle's wings is sacrilegious because protecting them is inbred. We are gaining the upper hand, but not without guilt, remorse, and heartache.

  Will flags me from a nearby tree, and I nod before swinging through the foliage. The shifters will be searching the trees now. I hear two more gargoyles go down behind me as I move toward the ocean. Time for plan B.

  Emma has miscalculated. We are facing sixteen gargoyles, and we have downed six. Ten left, at least three of them shifters. Will joins me again, and I look at him askance.

  "You realize this may do more than ground them? What we do now may kill them?"

  Will nods

  "It's them or us, Conor."

  "And yet, we will be the ones left with the nightmares," I say softly.

  Will's eyes meet mine.

  "Nightmares I can live with."

  "You say that now," I grumble as we dive toward the sea.

  We've angered the gargoyles, and they are moving in fast. Will lifts his hands, and I feel the pull as he summons rocks from the shore and boulders from the ocean floor. The gargoyles following us feel it to, and they pause a moment. When I look back, two of them are turning away. They are leaving, retreating. We're down to eight.

  Rocks form around us, and I use my own power to throw them at the gargoyles. I move above the rock field. On cue, two of the gargoyles turn into stone, deflecting the rocks heading in their direction, and I move in quickly, diving until I am just over their heads.

  Will sends a boulder in my direction and I force it down on top of them. I am straining, my power screaming. The gargoyles are fighting back, and their power hits me directly as the boulder is forced back up. Will is suddenly beside me, and we are shoving the boulder back down. The first gargoyle hits the water.

  I clench my jaw as he screams. No matter how much affinity we have for water, rocks sink. We never turn to stone in water.

  The other gargoyle goes down, and Will and I break away. There are six gargoyles in front of us, their faces hard. Roach is among them.

  "You would kill your own? You traitors!" Roach yells.

  Will moves toward him, and I stop him.

  "Who are the traitors, Roach?" I shout in return. "You plan to kill innocent people, some of them children."

  "They aren't human!" Roach argues. I stare at him.

  "Aren't they? I've met some of their mortal parents, seen them cry, and you say they're not human."

  The gargoyles next to Roach are looking uncomfortable.

  "They are powerful, ruled by their Demonic blood," Roach says.

  Will and I call up rocks, surrounding ourselves with a force field of stone. It's a smart move, and a foolhardy one. We can call stone, but so can they. Our own weapons can be used against us. Our confidence in our own abilities in unwavering, and we do it anyway.

  "Keep telling yourself that, Roach. I swore to protect my mark, and I will die doing just that," I yell.

  Roach growls.

  "Then you'll die!"

  I am ready for the attack, and when the first rock moves toward me, I repel it, sending it into the closest gargoyle's wings. I hear her scream. It's an easy strike, but the others know what they're facing now, and Will and I both furl our wings and dive as rocks fly at us.

  I hit the water hard, slicing through the sea as I curve back toward the surface. I see Will beneath the waves, and he nods at me. We fly from the sea together surrounded by a geyser of water. Rocks are ripped from the sky.

  I am water, I am land, and I am rock. I am steadfast. I am steady. The training has been bled into me, and I hit the first gargoyle head on, my body throwing him back toward the shore. He lands in the trees, and I hear one of his wings break. I cringe. Down to four gargoyles.

  I let the water go, and the geyser disappears.

  "I'm not doing this," a female gargoyle says.

  She is petite with blonde hair and brown eyes. Roach sneers at her.

  "Are you a coward, Rowan?"

  She shakes her head.

  "They are protecting a mark, Roach. This isn't right."

  "They've killed their own!" Roach yells in return.

  The girls looks conflicted, but she finally shakes her head.

  "I can't do this," she says before turning away. The other two gargoyles turn with her.

  "You'll be demoted!" Roach threatens.

  Rowan looks over her shoulder.

  "I'll earn my rank back."

  And with that, they are gone. Only Roach remains.

  "Leave, Roach," I say quietly. "It's over."

  Roach laughs.

  "Do you know what Demons did to my family?" he asks.

  I nod.

  "We've all had something taken away from us by the enemy. I won't punish the innocent for it."

  Roach narrows his eyes.

  "I'm not above vengeance, Reinhardt. I've seen the way you look at that dirty hybrid. You don't think I know you've developed feelings for her. She's using you, you idiot. They do that, you know."

  "Leave it be, Roach," I warn.

  But Roach is insensible now, and he moves toward me, his eyes bright with anger. Will flies in next to me, but I wave him away.

  "I'll kill her, Reinhardt. I won't let any of you get away with this. She'll die. They'll all die. And I'll make her feel pain. She'll suffer everything my sister suffered. Understand?"

  My heart is beating fast within my chest.

  "You won't go near her," I say through gritted teeth.

  "Try me," Roach says as he throws himself at me.

  His head hits me in the chest, and I fly backwards, my wings furling as I sink into the water. I call on the ocean, using the pressure beneath the waves to punch Roach hard as he enters the sea. He flies backward, but regains his stride quickly. He's underwater, and he's in serpent form. He has the advantage, and he knows it.

  I swim toward shore, breaking the surface just as Roach glides onto the waves. He's practically skipping on the sea's surface, his fangs dripping salt water.

  "This is my ballgame now, Reinhardt. Let's play truth or dare, shall we? Truth first. How loud do you think Emma can scream?" Roach asks as he glides toward me.

  My anger is out of control. I can feel my body begin to shift, and I calm myself. I won't turn into stone in water. I won't give Roach the satisfaction of seeing me sink.

  I fly out of the waves, my body hovering over Roach.

  "Dare, Roach. I dare you to kill me first," I yell as I dive at his head. The two of us collide, and we flip through the air. I furl my wings as his teeth sink into my arm, and I scream as I call on the land. Rocks are pulled from the earth, and the shore shudders as a small mountain materializes near the trees. I slam Roach into it. His eyes go wide, and I grin, my arm under his slimy reptilian neck.

  "My ballgame now."

  And with that, the mountain claims Roach, pulling him into the rock before sinking back into the shore. Will is beside me immediately.

  "You didn't kill him."

  I look at him.

  "No, I didn't, but he'll have a helluva time getting out of there. Let's go."

  I am weak as we fly away, and I hold my arm wh
ere Roach's fangs have left their mark. We have won the fight, but at what cost? The gargoyles' screams leave with me.

  Chapter 36

  Emma

  We are within view of a massive white stone manor when I feel him. I pat Ace on the head, and he stops, hovering in the air as I look over my shoulder.

  "Conor," I whisper as two figures come into view. It's easy to see that the boys are injured.

  "Jesus!" Grace says loudly as Will moves into our group.

  Both boys are grimy and covered in abrasions, and Conor is bleeding from his arm.

  "I take it you won?" Marion asks gently as she touches one of Will's wounds gently.

  Will lifts his brow, but doesn't say a word. Neither he nor Conor seem very talkative.

  "Are you okay?" I ask carefully as Conor approaches.

  His eyes are haunted, and he nods at the manor ahead.

  "Let's go," he says tiredly, and no one argues.

  The hybrids follow him with no hesitation. He and Will have just proven their loyalty to the hybrids in the most devastating way possible. They have fought their own. They are respected now, and I feel the sickness in my stomach grow worse. If there was ever a chance for me and Conor, I fear it's gone now.

  We reach the manor too soon, and I am not prepared for the weariness that strikes the gargoyles as they land. Will goes down on his knees as Conor stumbles against a tree. Marion kneels between them.

  "Someone will have to go for help," Marion says softly.

  "I'll go," Grace says firmly as she begins to walk. No one is sure how the hybrids will be received. It's best we are not the ones to approach Alessandro.

  "Let me," I say softly as I sit down next to Conor. I take his arm in my own, and my eyes go up to meet his. "Roach?" I whisper.

  Conor nods before leaning his head back against the tree, his eyes closed. I look up at the hybrids.

  "If any of you can tell me how I can heal his wound without using my tears, please help me," I say quietly.

  The hybrids look at each other, and I'm surprised when it's Lyre that steps forward to kneel on Conor's other side. I feel jealousy, but I'm too worried for it to take root.

  "Touch the wound," Lyre instructs, and I lay a hand over the fang bite.

  Conor flinches but doesn't fight me.

  "Now call on whatever it is your mother's power values the most. Emotion, tears . . . it doesn't matter. Her strength is your strength," Lyre whispers.

  I look up at her and our eyes meet. Most people could think of some pretty vile words to call Lyre. Seductress being a tame one, but she is suddenly transformed for me. Unfortunately for Lyre, her mother's power comes from using her body, and Lyre has never learned how to use it in any other way. I know, without a doubt, she can change if she wants to. Her magic can be accessed differently.

  "Help me," I whisper, and Lyre's eyes widen as I touch her arm.

  Suddenly, our power is one, and Lyre gasps as I call on the moon. It answers, and I feel warmth flow from the sky, through Lyre, and into me before I direct it into Conor. The wound on his arm begins to close, and he hisses as the skin folds together. Lyre pulls away, and she backs up on her hands and knees, an expression of awe on her face.

  "Thank you," I say genuinely.

  Lyre nods as she stands and melds back into the group. Conor's eyes open.

  "Talk about using a guy's past against him," Conor complains, and I laugh as I touch his cheek briefly. His humor is a good sign, and I feel something akin to hope in my chest.

  "Not against you," I whisper. "Never against."

  Our eyes meet briefly, and I search his gaze. I see the pain hidden there. He pushes it down, but emotion is one thing he can't hide from me. I want to tell him I'm sorry, but the words don't come. They are not words I think he will appreciate.

  "Chin up," Conor says lightly.

  I smile, my eyes moving to Will. Marion has him sitting up now, his legs stretched out in front of him. He still looks weak but better. He sees me looking and grins.

  "Conor took the worse beating."

  Conor throws him a haughty look just as Grace calls out loudly. She has a young blond-haired man with her. He is tall and wears blue jeans with a navy Aeropostale long sleeve shirt. He stands out in a sea of solid tees.

  "Ethan," Conor says wearily, and the man rushes to his side.

  There are others behind him on the lawn, and I know these are members of the S.O.S.. Conor rises slowly, taking my hand in his even as he uses Ethan's arm for support.

  "Man, you look like you've seen better days," Ethan says bluntly. "What? You leave three weeks ago with the need to run yourself into the ground? And the hair? The need for a haircut would be underestimating it just a bit."

  Conor limps slightly as he regains his footing before looking at Ethan.

  "Done there, Jacobs? Keep going, and I might find a way to beat your ass enough to join me."

  Ethan grins.

  "You wouldn't do it," he says confidently.

  Conor raises a brow.

  "And why not?"

  "Cause then you'd have to deal with my sister."

  Conor snorts.

  "Good point."

  Ethan looks at me.

  "Who's this?" he asks before looking around the group curiously. His eyes land on the drex, and he tenses.

  "He won't harm anyone," I say meekly.

  An elderly woman, an olive skinned man with black hair, and a brown-haired woman are all on the hill now, and the elderly woman moves toward me slowly. She is wearing a burgundy house dress, and she has a cane in her right hand. She wears a rosary prominently around her neck, and her hair is pulled tightly to the back of her head. I think it was black once, but the strands hanging down now are white.

  "A Demonio," the woman says quietly as she steps in front of me.

  My hand is still in Conor's, and his fingers tighten around mine.

  "A hybrid," Conor corrects.

  The woman lifts a brow, her curious gaze moving between the two of us.

  "Ahhh, I see. A hybrid then. All of them," she says as she looks back at the dark-haired man.

  He is handsome, middle-aged with features lined by the elements. He is rugged with sharp, intense eyes, and his gaze cuts through me as he steps forward.

  "Emma Chase," he says with a nod.

  Everyone freezes. I stare at him, my eyes gazing into his.

  "Do I know you?" I whisper.

  He shakes his head, his smile gentle.

  "No, Sweet One, but I know your mother. I'm Alessandro Mancini."

  "Enepsigos," I correct although I'm beginning to feel foolish for correcting everyone.

  The elderly woman snorts, her laughter loud and cheerful.

  "We seem to attract the ones with family issues," she says with a grin. She's missing a few front teeth, but she doesn't seem bothered by it. "I'm Maria, Demonio."

  I smile at her warily, and she winks at me.

  "If you know Enepsigos, then you know why we're here?" Conor asks suddenly.

  Alessandro looks at him, his eyes serious.

  "I have an idea. Gibson and I have had some disagreements when it comes to the Acropolis. I'm assuming these hybrids come from there?" Alessandro asks.

  Conor nods. Alessandro's gaze moves over the hybrids standing behind us. They have been quiet until now, and I can feel their apprehension.

  "Welcome," Alessandro says quietly. "You are welcome here."

  The fear in the hybrids turns quickly into relief, and I hear Hesther and Gwenyth laughing nervously. Fiona is grinning, and Bruno and Gray give each other an inconspicuous high five they think no one sees. Even Lyre seems more at ease. Deidra is at my back again, peering around the corner of my jeans.

  Maria sees her and leans over. Deidra leans forward, and the old woman snaps the few teeth she has together sharply. Deidra squeals and hides again. Maria laughs.

  "Do we start over here?" Grace asks cautiously.

  She and Marion move next to Will. The
hybrids may be safe, but the gargoyles are left now without a home. Without a purpose. Alessandro places a hand on Grace's shoulder.

  "I helped develop the Acropolis with the purpose of rehabilitating hybrids. At some point, I handed the reins over to the gargoyles. It was a mistake."

  Conor, Marion, Will, and Grace look sharply at Alessandro. He grimaces.

  "Don't mistake me. The gargoyles are an honorable race. They have more honor than most of us have in our entire body, but they have been fighting a war with Demons much longer than the rest of us. Much, much longer. This has bred a prejudice that will take time to break. I was wrong to walk away from the project. It'll be a meager start, but your training can continue here."

  Grace nods sadly while Marion, Conor, and Will all breathe a sigh of relief.

  "And I'll talk to Gibson about the gargoyles present. I won't make any promises, but I don't see any reason why you can't return to service despite bringing the hybrids here."

  Conor and Will look at each other, their gazes full of pain.

  "Will and I can't return," Conor says quietly.

  Alessandro looks at the cousins but neither one of them elaborates. He nods.

  "Then you are welcome here as well. If you claim asylum, then you will be absorbed into the Swords of Solomon, and we will protect you like we do our own."

  Will looks up.

  "We claim asylum."

  Alessandro smiles sadly.

  "Then so be it."

  Alessandro gestures at the manor below, and the group moves toward it eagerly. There is freedom in the air. The hybrids are calm, excited, and I know this is the new Acropolis. The building isn't here, but the students are, and it's a new future for us.

  Conor releases my hand halfway down the hill, and I lag behind, the drex slinking behind me. Alessandro has not forbidden its presence, and he follows me obediently.

  "Your power is great, Demonio," Maria says suddenly from in front of me, and I jump. Maria laughs. "Jumpy creatures, you hybrids. I am a seer. I can tell the difference between mortals, Demons, and Angels. Your body is surrounded by a red haze as dark as a ruby but brighter. Amazing really."