by Dani Hart
“What is she doing here?” my father shouted venomously. “This is not a trial.”
I was startled at the harshness in his voice. I had never heard him that way.
“Sit down, James. We didn’t need your vote. It was unanimous amongst the rest.”
What was unanimous? I squeezed Elijah’s hand hard, fearing the worst. If they went behind my dad’s back, it had to be bad.
“I demand to know what is going on,” Elijah said boldly as he took me into his arms protectively.
I couldn’t peel my eyes from Penelope. I actually felt bad for her.
“You don’t demand the council,” Miranda’s voice snapped.
“Enough,” another council member boomed.
The room went silent again until Penelope laughed wildly.
“Silence!” My dad’s voice broke through the darkness. “While I don’t approve, let’s get on with it.”
The line of questioning continued.
“Is this the woman who kidnapped you?”
“Yes.”
“Did you see the woman in question throw the fatal dagger at Elijah?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know the woman in question before you were kidnapped?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
I was fairly certain they knew the answers to all these questions. “At Sandpoint Bistro. We both worked there.”
“Were you friends?”
“No. We barely said more than three words to each other.” Elijah squeezed me gently. I turned to him, hoping this would end soon. I locked my eyes on Elijah’s.
“Mr. Winters?”
“Yes,” Elijah responded.
A sigh of relief washed over me when the tables turned, but it was of little comfort because it was at the expense of someone I had recently become very close to.
Penelope was barely able to stand at this point. She had weakened in the short days she was apprehended, but she stood unmoving. Obedient. What were they doing to her?
“Is the woman in question guilty of your murder?”
He chuckled. “If she were, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
Miranda’s voice challenged him. “On the contrary. When you were brought here, you were deceased. All your body functions had shut down, and you registered no brain activity.”
“Semantics. I’m here, aren’t I?”
I didn’t know what was happening, but Elijah’s body language had shifted from relaxed to agitated, and his grip on me was tense. I wished that my dad would speak up again, but he didn’t. We were being baited. I could feel it.
“Mr. Winters, how would you sentence the woman in question?”
What? I looked to Penelope and back at Elijah. Penelope seemed unaffected by the sudden turn of events, and Elijah looked angry. He was holding his breath, and his face was turning a dark shade of red.
“I wouldn’t. I’m alive. She’s done me no harm.”
For Elijah to be defending Penelope meant that something unfathomable would come of her if he had demanded justice. Penelope managed a curious glance our way.
“Miss Rose?”
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. They were looking to place blame on someone other than the council for whatever fate they had planned for Penelope.
“Miss Rose, how would you sentence the woman in question?”
I was surprised at how angry I was getting. After all, Penelope did kidnap me and kill Elijah. She was far from innocent, but I also knew she was a victim of her own tortured existence, thinking her only connection to the world was murdered by The Order. Only he wasn’t, and she had no idea. She needed to know.
“Miss Rose?” a council member spoke loudly and impatiently.
“Her name is Penelope, and I won’t be your scapegoat for her conviction. She believes her brother’s murder is on your hands and did what many others would do in her position. She sought answers.” My voice was shaky and fueled with adrenaline.
“She sought vengeance,” Miranda spat.
“Retribution,” I countered.
Penelope stayed quiet as her fate was being argued in front of her.
“She’s guilty of treason,” another member said matter-of-factly.
“What century are we in? Treason? Really? Why don’t you tell her the truth?” I yelled defiantly.
The room was silent again. I looked over at Penelope’s confused expression.
“Go on. Tell her about her brother.”
“That will be enough, Miss Rose.” The voices were beginning to blend as my anger guided my quest for resolution.
“She deserves the truth. Had she known Zander was still alive, she would never have come after me, and Elijah wouldn’t have been hurt.” A thought caught in my throat. An instinct. What if Penelope was the scapegoat? What if they wanted Elijah dead and I had spoiled their plan?
An agonizing wail came from Penelope who had collapsed.
“I think we’re done here,” my dad finally spoke up.
Elijah pulled me out of the spotlight, dragging me out of the room as I watched Penelope’s reality be ripped to shreds as she lay on the cold floor, alone.
Elijah whispered, “We can’t help her, Abs. I’m sorry.”
My heart broke for her. Even after all she had done, I knew I was capable of going to such lengths to avenge a loved one’s death. Everyone was. It wasn’t fair that she was pushed to the edge under false pretenses, and now that the veil was lifted, she had to live with the consequences of her actions. She had to find a way to forgive herself.
I yanked my hand from Elijah’s and stepped back into the room.
“I forgive you, Penelope.”
She lifted her head, searching for me in the darkness. I went back to the spotlight so she could see me. Tears filled her eyes as she made eye contact, and then the room went black. A hand grabbed mine and pulled me into the bright hallway.
“Abby, what are you doing?” my dad seethed. “You’re putting your life in danger.”
“Am I, Dad? I am a Chosen, after all,” I said sarcastically.
“Don’t do this, Abigail. They are on your side, but if you push them…” He stopped.
“What, Dad? Finish what you were going to say.” I couldn’t shake the fury that was building within me.
He sighed apologetically. “Abigail, I know what they did in there didn’t seem fair, but Penelope is not an innocent. She essentially murdered Elijah, and her intentions with you weren’t much better. I understand she may have chosen a different path if she had known her brother was alive, but maybe not, because if she had known, then she would have also known he was here. In captivity.”
I tried to find a way to argue, but I couldn’t. She probably wouldn’t have done anything differently, but there was still that small possibility, and I saw whom she was when I was with her. She wasn’t just some crazy sociopath. She was hurting.
“I won’t condemn her, Dad. And neither will Elijah.”
He placed his hands on my shoulder and rubbed them lightly. “I know, and you two have made me very proud.”
“What will they do to her?”
“Keep her here.”
Elijah was observing quietly a few feet away.
“For how long?” She looked like she was on death’s door already.
“Forever. They’ll try rehabilitation, but it’s doubtful they’ll ever trust her again, and that makes her a liability.”
The thought sank in slowly like feet trapped in quicksand. I ran through all the moments that would define the rest of her life. A prisoner with a life sentence and no chance of parole.
“That’s awful.”
“It is, but she understood what the consequences were when she joined The Order if she betrayed them. She could have walked away just like she could have chosen not to kidnap you. The life as a member of The Order of the Crest is a choice, Abigail. I know it doesn’t seem like it, and it might be under a stronghold, but if you really wanted out, they would let
you, although you’ll always be watched in some way or another.”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t believe it. Not with me, at least. Not if they really believe I am a Chosen for this generation. I never had a choice, and I think we both know that.”
And my dad did. That was why he was trying to keep my gift a secret. But the secret was out because of my grandpa, and my fate was paved down a path unchosen.
“I’m sorry,” I said, regretting my tone. This was the last time I would see my dad for a year, and I didn’t want him to leave like this.
“No, I am. I should have seen this coming. At the very least, I should have prepared you for all the possible scenarios.”
“Are they going to punish me?”
“I don’t think so. This is a big change for you. They may be council members, but they’re also human. They have families and feelings. Desperate times call for desperate measures.”
Elijah interjected, “We should take this conversation somewhere else.”
“Probably a good idea.”
Desperate times?
Silence fell between us as we took the elevator up and out to the main lobby. Polly was nowhere to be found, thankfully. I didn’t think any of us could take her level of enthusiasm right now, but then just as we were exiting the building, Polly’s voice stopped us.
“James?” Her voice was serious and monotone.
“I’ll be right back,” he assured me.
I watched as Polly and my dad stood close, whispering. Reading his expression, he wasn’t happy and neither was Polly, although she seemed to feel bad for being the messenger of what had to have been bad news. Then she hugged him, my dad comforting her rather than the other way around, and sauntered back to us. Polly wiped her cheeks and then took her post behind the counter again.
“What was that all about?” I asked nervously.
“Let’s go to the tree.”
He took my elbow and led me out gently. We walked down the path between the buildings and stood at the tree without surveillance.
“So?” Elijah said before I could.
“They are taking a vote to remove me from my seat on the council.”
“What?” I shouted. “That’s not fair.”
“Abigail, calm down. They’re pissed how the tribunal went. They wanted answers, and they didn’t get any. They are blaming me.”
“I answered all of their questions.”
“Yes, but all of those they knew. They needed them on record. They wanted more answers about the charm, like who gave it to you.”
“But I didn’t know the old woman. I can’t even remember what she looked like. The memory is a blur.”
“They also wanted to see Penelope punished, but they can’t if you two won’t convict her. Bottom line is, they’re mad, but they’ll get over it. I am close with many of the council members, and I doubt they’ll turn their back on me. Honestly, at another time I would have welcomed this, but now that you’re here, I will make sure my position is secured. Don’t worry.”
But I was worried. I was terrified. If they expelled my father from The Order, I would be alone.
“When are they voting?” Elijah asked.
“Now.”
My stomach hurt, butterflies traveling up to my throat. My dad wrapped me up close to him and rocked me. “They’re going to be watching you very closely this year. They suspect you’re a Chosen, but they want proof.”
“And what if I’m not?”
“Then I’ll be glad.”
I looked up at his scruffy chin, confused. “Why?”
“Being a Chosen puts a bigger target on your back. You’ll be more powerful than anyone here, and I don’t mean strength. You’ll be wise.” He tapped my forehead.
“What happened to the last Chosen? Penelope said there’s only one at a time.”
He shared a knowing glance with Elijah, making my stomach flip. He was dead.
Polly surprised us. “It’s time.” She forced a weak smile.
“Thanks, Polly.”
My dad grabbed my arms with conviction burning in his eyes. “No matter what happens, I will not leave you. I know all their secrets. And Elijah will be here with you.” He hugged me again. “I love you, Peanut.”
“I love you, too.”
He released me and then held out his hand to Elijah and shook it vigorously. “Take care of her.”
“You have my word,” Elijah promised.
He smiled bravely one last time before he made his way up the path to the main lobby where Polly stood out front, waiting.
“It’ll be okay, Abby.”
Elijah put his arm around my shoulders, holding me close to his side. Everything wasn’t going to be fine and I knew that, because that was what my instincts were telling me, and I was listening intently.
I REFUSED TO GO back to my building. Instead, I paced in the lobby of the main building, waiting for my dad to reappear. Time passed so slowly that one minute felt like ten. I asked Elijah what time it was every few minutes, and while I would have lost my mind if someone did that to me, he would answer patiently each time. What could be taking so long? They had been in there for over an hour, and Polly had abandoned her post.
When the click of the door opening finally echoed in the lobby, my heart sank as I saw Polly’s face. Tears rolled down her face. She was followed closely by Jack, who was dressed in all black still. An Elite member. Then my dad came into view, followed by another Elite member dressed in black. I ran up to them.
“Dad? What’s happening?” Panic filled my voice. His apologetic eyes said it all. “No. They can’t do this.” I passed Polly, but Jack stopped me.
“Step aside,” he said coldly.
“No,” I refused and punched him in the gut. He was unfazed by my weak attempt.
A pair of hands grabbed ahold of my arms from behind and held me back. I glanced over my shoulder, surprised Elijah was the one holding me. “Let go,” I screamed as tears rolled down my face and my heart pounded in my ears.
“Stand down,” Jack commanded.
I felt like I barely knew him anymore. The Jack I grew up with would never have betrayed me like this. “Dad?” If hearts could shatter, mine would.
“I’m sorry, Peanut.” He shook his head, defeated.
“How could they do this?” I fought against Elijah’s hold. “Let go of me.” Yanking only made his grip tighten. Polly was holding the doors as Jack led my father out. I refused to let my dad leave like this. I bent down and bit Elijah’s hand hard, breaking his skin. The pain forced him to let go, and I ran toward my dad. Jack tried to stop me again, but this time I crouched under his arm and punched him where it hurts. He crumpled briefly, giving me a chance to hop into my dad’s arms before the other Elite member could interfere.
“Please, don’t leave me here, Dad. Take me with you. I can’t do this without you.” He held me tightly.
“Remember everything I told you and trust no one. Stay close to Elijah.” His voice lowered. “Find your brother. Bring him home.”
Jack’s arms wrapped around my waist, tugging me violently. I tried to keep my hold around my dad’s neck, but he reached up and pulled my fingers away.
“There’s no sense in fighting, Peanut.”
He released my grip on him. “I love you.” Jack grabbed ahold of me. “I’ll see you soon,” he said as he walked out, Jack restraining me against his chest. When my dad was gone, I wiggled violently in Jack’s arms.
“Let her go,” Elijah commanded, coming face-to-face with him.
“Yes, sir.”
Jack let go, and I fell to the floor, my strength weakened and my will broken. They left me crying on the floor. To mourn for my dad. But what they didn’t know was the vengeance Penelope had felt was now boiling in my blood. The Order would regret shaming my dad. I would train hard, and if I were a Chosen, I would make them pay.
Elijah crouched next to me, scooping me in his arms and lifting me up. My head fell on his chest, and I closed my
eyes. I was completely drained, and all I wanted to do was sleep.
A memory infiltrated my sadness.
“Hold on, Abigail. I’m getting you to help.” Elijah’s voice was desperate.
My body hurt all over, and those horrifying iridescent eyes were branded in my mind. I looked up to my rescuer, a stranger, but one who knew my name. Shaggy blond hair covered his ear, and his face was tight with concern as he raced forward. He glanced down for just a second, his bright green eyes captivating me before I blacked out.
The sun was hot on my skin as Elijah carried me from the building. I shifted in his arms when he balanced me to open doors, and then I heard a voice I didn’t recognize.
“Hey, you can’t be in here. Girls only.”
Elijah ignored her and then opened another door. I finally cracked my eyes open when he put me down on my bed, kneeling in front of me so he was eye level. I watched his green eyes reflect my pain as he carefully pushed strands of hair off my face, his thumb rubbing my temple gently.
“I’m here, Abby.”
My chest crumpled as tears surfaced. “You tried to keep me from saying goodbye,” I gritted through my teeth angrily.
“If I didn’t, they would have, and I’m their commander. If The Order is going to let me keep my position, I have to show I’m still in control. I’m sorry, but I can’t risk them voting me off the island, too.” He smirked.
I allowed a small smile for his attempt at cheering me up. “Why would they do that?”
“It was a power play. If they control your father’s fate, they assume they control yours. Like your dad said, they are desperate for answers and control. Ever since the last Chosen was murdered, they have lost control of the immortals.”
Nausea rose with a new kind of terror. I was a target.
Elijah continued, “More and more are rebelling, and humans are either being killed or turned. There is a war brewing, Abigail, and they need to know if you’re the new Chosen, and if you are, they have to secure your allegiance.”
“By kicking my dad off the council? That’s a way to guarantee my rebellion.” I scoffed venomously.