Nikolas snatched her up, and they disappeared into a haze of sparkling pixie like dust, and then suddenly reappeared in her parlor. I recognized the room immediately. It was the same masculine looking parlor that I had seen when Nikolas revealed what had happened to Lucas.
“Where is your twin?” Nikolas asked as he laid Sacha down on the leather sofa.
“He’s at… Riley’s… saloon.” Sacha’s normal drawl was slurred. “Please... help... me... Nikolas. I’m not... evil. I... don't wish... to live... this way”
Nikolas turned to walk away, and then stopped abruptly. “If you continue to associate yourself with Victor, then you will certainly die, sooner than later.”
“I... I know this.” Sacha said, in an inaudible whimper. “I... deserve to die... but I... don't want to.”
“You can leave Victor anytime you want,” Nikolas said, a bit agitated. Perhaps he wasn't buying Sacha's desperate act, or was it that he was not comfortable being there since Sacha was known to be a liar. I’m sure the thought of Lucas returning to his home with a few more disciples had crossed Nikolas’ mind. Even if Lucas returned alone, as a centaur, Nikolas would be outnumbered by one too many panthers.
“That's not true. He will kill me and… Lucas if I… leave him. Please help me.” Sacha blubbered, attempting to sit up. The cap sleeves of her dress falling somewhat seductively. Nikolas noticed, and once again began to turn away.
“Why would I help you?”
“I don’t… know… why you would. I’ve hurt… a lot of people… mortals mostly. I just wish that you would.” Sacha stood up, and walked towards Nikolas, a bit wobbly in her steps. “You can protect me.” She said, throwing her arms around his neck as she plunged her head into his chest. She tried to reach up, pursing her lips to kiss him, her hazel eyes possibly alluring although clouded with alcohol. Bethany flinched, but kept her eyes pasted to the mirage. “I’ll tell you where Victor hides. We can make a deal.”
Nikolas rebuffed her advances instantly, and threw her back on the sofa in one quick movement. She landed on her stomach with her face against the arm of the sofa. Slowly, Sacha raised herself off of the sofa, but only to fall on the floor with her head just a foot away from the steel toe of Nikolas’ boot.
“You owe me.” She pleaded grabbing at Nikolas’ ankles as he stepped back, naturally, and kicked her just hard enough to get her to free his legs.
“Owe you?” Nikolas said, sounding incredulous.
“You killed my brother, and left him for dead. Had I not found his heart in the cinders, he would still be dead.”
Nikolas was getting angry, but wasn't leaving. “Your brother got what he deserved. He would have done the same to Evander and I, if he were strong enough. His demise was and still is inevitable, as is yours.” I braced myself for Sacha's next words in response to Nikolas’ lack of remorse. It's not that I thought he should be. I just knew it would strike a nerve, and the evil Sacha would make an appearance.
“I know...” I was astounded with Sacha’s agreeable response. “Lucas has done some... unforgivable… things. He knew that someday... he would die. He was... bad... that way because he was… hurting… deep inside… where no one… could reach to soothe… the pain. Not even… me.” She stammered as she labored to stand up.
“Your brother makes calculated decisions the same way you have. What makes you any different from him? You are two sides of the same coin. I’d kill him again if given the opportunity.”
“How dare you.” Sacha cried out, and tried to lunge at Nikolas, but ended up face down on the floor, again.
“There she is. I was wondering when the real Sacha Hayden was going to show up.” Nikolas chuckled, and turned to leave again.
“NO! Please help me, please. I promise… I will tell you… where Victor…hides. But… only if you,… protect me… and Lucas.”
“What is this? Buy one and get the second for double the aggravation.” Nikolas laughed again, but this time it came out like a roar.
Sacha stood up again, and stumbled close to where Nikolas stood. “I'm not... a bad person. I've just done... some... bad... things. Deep down... to…to…
my soul... I didn't want to. When I was younger... I did whatever Lucas did. He’s my twin and… all I loved and... had. Now I do what I'm told.” Tears ran down Sacha's face all over again followed by sobs. Bethany sighed in exhaustion, yet kept watching. I was as enthralled with this spectacle as she was.
“Lucas, my only brother....my twin brother.... gave me to Victor so that he could have power. It was his... payment. He sold me. Victor... owns me and...
tortures me if I don't do... as he demands. I don't want to spend… the rest of my life... as Victor's... slave or as a saloon... girl… at the mercy of a paying man like my…my… mother was.” More sobs.
“I am... begging you.... I will be dead before I turn nineteen if you don’t help me.” She looked so frail standing in the center of the room with her arms crossed over her stomach as if she were in extreme pain. “You are the only one who can help me. Please.... say you will.” Both Bethany and I held our breath as we waited to see what happened next. Nikolas looked at Sacha, and took a deep breath.
“If I help you, I will be breaking the laws of the Ischeros.” I heard Bethany gasp, and turn her head to stare at Nikolas. He ignored her. Surprisingly, Bethany said nothing, and turned her gaze back to the mirage.
“Your loyalty to your family is... commendable... but I always… believed that the Ischeros… fought for the good... and the exploited.” Sacha reminded Nikolas with minimal slurring. “I know that Victor's parents killed... I know what Victor’s parents did to your... parents, and I’m deeply sorry.” Nikolas tensed up, and became rigid with the mention of his parents. He looked enraged. “All I ask is that you don't... punish me for how he, and his family have hurt you.” Sacha said dropping to her knees as if she were about to go into prayer. I doubt if she even knew how to pray.
“This discussion is over.” Nikolas practically growled. I took a quick peek behind me, and saw that there wasn’t a sign of anyone. I continued to peep through the keyhole.
“Nikolas,” Sacha whispered as Nikolas disappeared, leaving more sparkling pixie dust in the air.
Sacha crumpled to the floor in a heaving lump, and cried hysterically as the mirage dissipated into the stripe patterned wallpapered wall, and the oil lamps magically turned back on, and her image was gone. I observed the body language between Bethany and Nikolas closely. Nikolas had proved that he was a hundred percent loyal to the family, and even more so to Bethany. I watched Bethany stare at the wall. Nikolas moved away from her, and walked over to the mantle of the fireplace where he lit a cigar, and then refilled his glass with a coppery colored liquid. He took a few puffs from the cigar – I could already smell its stale distinctive odor wafting up from beneath the door, and into my nostrils.
“Are you satisfied?” Nikolas’ voice was laced with vexation. At first Bethany didn't answer. She looked poised, forever in control of herself, and turned to Nikolas. Her face was beautiful, calm, and vulnerable. She had certainly seen enough. The facts were in, and her secret was still a secret, and Nikolas was a gentleman. Now she was apparently embarrassed by her recent ranting. She had practically accused Nikolas of betraying her and the family – his family. She had been wrong, and she knew it. Nikolas turned away, and didn't bother to wait for her answer.
“I would like to be alone.” Nikolas' tone was once again as cold as ice with no chance of thawing on the horizon. Bethany had thoroughly pissed him off.
“I'm… sorry, Niko. I shouldn't have doubted you. You've never given me reason to.” Bethany whispered. I felt bad for my Nikolas. He didn't deserve the third degree that he had endured, and being forced to prove himself when he had done nothing wrong was nothing short of ignominy. Yet when he turned to look at Bethany, his deep love for her was very evident in his eyes, along with the hurt, and he wasn’t ready to forgive her just yet.
“Please Bethany, don't t
orture yourself. It's not very becoming. It's been a long day, darling, and I wish to retire.” Nikolas said, his tone softening yet still maintaining a frosty edge as he dismissed her, all the while looking her in the eyes. It was evident that he was furious, yet he still continued to maintain the peace. He was a gentleman.
“Yes it has, my love.” Bethany sighed “A long day indeed.” She knew it was best to let Nikolas have a moment. “Sleep well, sweetheart.” she waited for a second or two probably hoping that he would wish her a good night’s sleep as well, but the silence was more than she could bear. I scrambled for a minute as I expected her to come through the same doors I spied through, but instead, she walked through the wall, and disappeared into the bathroom that she and Nikolas shared. The lover's quarrel appeared to be over. I could now hear Bethany in her room as her light went out under her door. I figured I better get to my room as well.
“Uh...” I gasped.
I was about to get busted. Nikolas was walking toward his bedroom doors, and I was still kneeling behind them. In my haste and clumsiness, I fell backward onto my back, and into a compromising position – the skirt of my petticoat and robe around my waist. I didn't rebound fast enough, and heard the click of the door as I scrambled up to my feet. To my surprise and relief, Nikolas didn’t come out of his room, but locked the doors shut. I vowed to be done with the super sleuth life style, and scurried back to my room, gently shutting my doors with as little noise as possible.
What I had just seen and heard was one for the books. Suspiciously at first, I was kind of leery of Nikolas’ new turn the other cheek approach when he decided to take Sacha home. Sacha was beautifully lethal. He could have walked right into a trap. She was too close to the prime evil that I've been told we must never find ourselves unprepared for. Luckily Sacha was sincere in her misery although, I don't think she should be trusted no matter how miserable she appears.
I guess Bethany's jealousy was expected only she should have trusted Nikolas. It's hard to imagine him knowingly putting the family in jeopardy. For as long as I have known him, when I was under the impression that he was Bethany's brother, and not her boyfriend, he was always super protective over her and me. Nikolas is loyal to the end. Bethany was probably worried about Sacha exposing her.
Then there was the mention of the Apolluon vampire that owned the Bucket o’ Blood saloon. I found the name for the saloon perfectly fitting. I wondered what happened at that meeting. The idea of demigods conversing with vampires would have been inconceivable pre death, but now it was as normal as… I wasn’t sure what the criteria for normal was anymore.
Suddenly, my parched throat reminded me that I had never gotten that drink of water. I was awfully thirsty. I looked at the clock, and the time read four o'clock. I decided to give it another shot. I didn’t like the idea of drinking the water from the bathroom, so I slipped out of my room, and tip toed down the long staircase. Once I was on the first floor, I saw that a few lamps had been left lit so I began my trek to the kitchen. By now my throat was so dry that it hurt. I just made it passed the parlor when I heard voices… again. Male voices.
Dammit!
Was I ever going to get some water? Doesn’t anyone ever go to bed in this house? I guess someone has to always be on watch for any evil entities hoping to invade the house. I plastered myself against the wall. I knew the voices all too well. It was Evan and Nikolas. I listened intently, and hoped that they couldn't sense me. I didn't want them to think that I was snooping.
“I stopped the mirage before Beth could hear Sacha's proposition.” Nikolas informed, to my surprise.. “You know as well as I, that Bethany would not have agreed to it. I come to you brother. I believe this could be the opportunity we've been waiting for.”
“Are you sure she was convinced that you really left Sacha's house?” Evan asked, anxiously. “We wouldn't want Beth paying Sacha a visit.” I tried to concentrate on what he said, and not his captivating voice.
“Yes, I’m certain.”
“Good. Show me.”
All of the oil lamps were snuffed out instantly, and a sparkling light streamed into the foyer. I peered into the parlor, and saw that Evan and Nikolas were watching a mirage. It was of Nikolas and Sacha in Sacha's house again. But this was different from what Nikolas had shown Bethany. It was a continuation. Nikolas stood over Sacha as she cried in never ending sobs into the marble floor.
“Get up.” Nikolas demanded. Sacha continued to cry; apparently she didn’t hear him or see him reappear in her parlor.
“I said get up... whore.” Nikolas’ voice was malicious. Sacha's head rose up slowly. She had a surprised look on her tear stained, but still a beautiful face.
A conniving face if you didn't allow the beauty to fool you.
“I’m not a whore... not anymore.” Sacha looked and sounded wounded. Her voice trembled. “You have a good heart... I hoped you would return. I know... you feel that I am not... worthy.”
“Tell me where Victor is.” Nikolas said, still standing over Sacha, who was slowly getting to her feet.
“Will you help me?” Sacha asked, anxiously.
“That depends.”
“I thought you said that helping me... would be breaking your family's rules. Why do you want to... help me now?”
“I don't. What I do want is Victor… dead. You know where he is, don't you?”
“Yes... but you must protect me. If you promise to help me, I will spend the rest of my life proving to you that I was worth it.” Sacha said, reaching for Nikolas’ large hand, and gently cupping it. Nikolas pulled his hand out of Sacha's tender grip, and stepped back.
“Are you afraid of me?” She asked, with a slight seductive hint in her tone.
“I could very well kill you right now, without a second thought.” The look in Nikolas’ eyes was intense, yet they maintained their natural hue. Sacha eyes bulged. She looked shocked and terrified.
“Will you protect me?” Evan watched Sacha intently. He didn’t appear moved at all by her.
“Enough” Evan said. “I've seen enough. Just tell me.” The mirage vanished. I quickly hid in the hallway again, pressed up closely against the wall.
“She says that she will lead us to Victor's hideout, but she won’t know ahead of time, since he moves around constantly. She informed me that it’s always an unexpected move.” Nikolas explained.
“Well that’s convenient.” Evan said, sounding annoyed. He was beginning to think that this was a waste of time. “Always the coward with a dozen hiding places yet he calls us weak. Our residence is public knowledge.” Evan noted, sarcastically. “It's pathetic really. He's not even being hunted... yet. If he doesn't trust anyone then how can we be sure that she can lead us to him?”
“Sacha says that she has always been led to the designated hiding place blindfolded, because Victor trusts no one, but Lucas to the routes of his hideouts.
She is prepared to lead us to Victor once he summons for her. She will notify us once she is summoned. We will then follow her.” Nikolas informed.
“I see.” Evan mused as he took a sip of something. My mouth began to water.
“No, I don’t like it. We could be led to our deaths. It could be a trap.” The boys were quiet for a moment before Evan spoke again.
“I’m sure she wants something.”
“She has only one request.” Nikolas said, with a deep long sigh as he took a seat in the large leather smoking chair.
“She’s in no position to make requests.” Evan said. “She tried to attack Cordelia and Bethany.”
“Sacha will only lead us to him if we agree to protect her indefinitely.” Nikolas explained further.
“And Lucas?”
“That’s not part of the deal, and she is well aware of that.”
“She will never defect from her brother. Her twin brother. Sacha is a major risk. I saw what happened, and I'm not convinced. Sacha has always been violent, corrupt, and we know that it’s not only because she is under Victor'
s control.”
“Yes. She’s a major risk.” Nikolas sighed deeply in agreement. “But you saw her. She is genuinely afraid of him.”
“Yes, but her fear of Victor does not guarantee her loyalty to us.” Evan reasoned.
“I’ve spoken to Julius. He has reported another attack by Victor’s army. They have begun slaughtering the elders. Your parents are in danger. Evan, Victor’s power will continue to grow with every drop of our blood. You know this better than I. Cordelia’s memory is taking much longer than we expected to be restored. We must do something.”
More silence.
The silence was broken by ice clinking in a glass. I was so thirsty. I had a strong desire to barge into the room, grab that glass, no matter what vile liquid it contained, and empty it. I was forced to suppress this desire immediately in order to find out what they would decide to do.
“I’m well aware of the escalation of attacks, Niko. Why do you feel that we can trust her? Is there something that you're not telling me? Did you feel her emotions?” Evan asked curiously. I was also curious to hear Nikolas’ reasoning.
“I read her emotions, and she is deathly petrified of Victor, and desperate to escape him, yet she loves her brother more than she loves herself. There was a lot of selfloathing there.” Nikolas said, flatly.
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other causing the floor to make a light creaking sound. I held my breath. There was no doubt that they heard it too. For a short while no one spoke, and I thought that perhaps they knew that I was listening. I wasn't sure if I could make it back up the stairs without being seen or heard. Suddenly Evan started talking which gave me the clearance to breathe again.
“We have to approach this cautiously, if we do decide to go forward with using Sacha to get to Victor. We have to bring this to the council.”
“Of course.” Nikolas sighed.
“Well since you missed our meeting with Matthias, I’ll fill you in.”
“I’m listening.” Nikolas said.
“I was forced to tell Matthias that Cordelia has her powers although, she wasn’t aware that they had resurfaced. Therefore she didn’t realize what she had done to Driella.”
Betrayal Page 35