The Dark Cage

by Dana Gricken

  Caleb’s eyes widened. “Riley, no!”

  It was too late. The portal started to suck the Darkhunters in like a vacuum, one by one. Rachel tried to grab onto something, but the portal was too strong. A second later, she lost her grip and flew into the opening, disappearing with a petrified scream.

  While she was being dragged into another realm, Spencer took a running start and lunged off the building. I groaned, wanting the portal to suck him in too, but I couldn’t move it. The portal had a mind of its own. I’d have to settle for Rachel and the Darkhunters’ deaths.

  I heard the Cardinal chuckle in my mind. “Very good, Riley. Your power is developing well. Soon, this world will shudder at the sight of you. They will not think to cause you pain ever again!”

  Hearing the Cardinal’s voice brought me back to reality. I hated having him in my head, encouraging me to unleash terrible power on the world. I didn’t want to do this. Still, my anger at him wasn’t enough to close the portal.

  Caleb bent down, grabbing my arm. “Riley, look at me.”

  I couldn’t. I was too transfixed on the glowing portal and the spirits deep inside of it. More than that, I felt disgusted with myself—ashamed I had this much power without any idea of how to use it.

  “Please, Riley. Look.”

  I glanced over at him, tears brimming in my eyes. “Caleb…how do I stop this?”

  “Focus on me, okay? Pretend like we’re the only two who exist right now. You can close the portal if you concentrate.”

  I nodded, trying my best to block out everything that had happened—Dad’s death, Spencer’s betrayal, and the Cardinal’s praise. It was difficult, but I could feel something happening inside of me.

  I was getting my control back, one inch at a time.

  “You’d better get her to close this damn thing, Caleb!” I heard Patrick yell. “Don’t want to take her down…but I will.”

  Caleb glared at him. “Give me a second, Patrick.” He looked back at me, staring deeply into my eyes. “You can do this, Riley. You can close the portal. Remember what Wanda taught you—that you’re always in control, even when you don’t feel like you are.”

  Slowly, and with all my strength, I began to lower my hand. My power tried to resist me at first, to keep the portal open, but I closed my eyes and forced myself to overpower it. After a few seconds, I could feel the portal coming to a close. More spirits wouldn’t be able to escape now.

  Everything was quiet, and I was afraid to open my eyes. What would I see if I did? A slew of disappointed looks? An angry army ready to kill me for what I’d done?

  “Riley, it’s okay,” Caleb whispered. “You did it, just like I knew you could. I’m right here.”

  I opened my eyes, looking at Caleb again. He seemed worried, but I knew he wasn’t afraid of me. I was afraid I would lose him—that my power would scare him off. But the look in his eyes was one of love.

  Patrick sighed, turning to his group. “We’re going home. Take the Darkhunter weapons just in case.”

  “But…Riley did it again!” Tyler said. “Patrick, we can’t let her come with us!”

  “Don’t argue with me, boy,” Patrick growled. “Take Jeffrey. Go back to the headquarters. We’ll talk later when everyone’s calm.”

  I sighed, picking myself up. As a group of soulful lifted Dad away, carrying his body to their truck, I looked around at the sea of faces.

  They weren’t calm at all—they were afraid of me. And as I’d seen before, fear led people to do terrible things.

  Caleb and I took our truck back to the headquarters, riding in silence the entire way. I tried hard not to cry, to let my feelings of frustration and grief out again. If I did, would I open another portal? I didn’t know.

  Caleb kept glancing in my direction from the passenger’s seat, and he looked like he had something to say. Whatever it was, he held his tongue, which was probably for the best. There was nothing left to talk about. I knew I was a monster, and no one could convince me otherwise.

  Patrick and the others made it to the headquarters before us, and I saw Patrick talking with Mom. He must’ve told her about Dad’s death, because she collapsed into his arms, a sobbing mess. Wanda watched me closely, a look of disapproval in her eyes. She knew I had lied to her—to everyone.

  No one spoke to me, not even Mom or Wanda. Instead, everyone remained silent as Patrick carried Dad’s body outside into the grassy field. He placed him on a bed of sticks, ready to set him alight. Violet carried Mira’s body over to the fire pit, placing her beside Dad.

  I choked back tears. Two brave Sentinels, taken in a bloody war. When would it end?

  While Patrick set up the bodies and rows of chairs, preparing everything for the funeral, a large group of soulful walked over to him. They spoke in hushed tones, but it sounded like they were arguing—and it was probably about me.

  I sat with Caleb in a chair at the far back, the farthest from the fire pit. He held my hand the entire time, saying nothing. Just having him beside me helped.

  When everyone at the headquarters found their seats, Patrick approached the pyre, clearing his throat. “I’m not too good at stuff like this, but I’ll give it my best shot. Jeffrey Stark was a damn hero. Yes, he made some mistakes in his life, but we were lucky as hell to know him.”

  Mom sniffled in the front row, blowing her nose loudly. I wanted to comfort her, but I didn’t think it was a good idea. She’d probably heard what I had done to the Darkhunters, and the thought of her disappointment was enough to keep me away.

  Patrick took a deep breath. “And Mira Stark, once a legend, now another lost Sentinel. What can I say about these two? Both missed, and both admired. Wish there was something we could’ve done. Now, if Riley Stark wants to say a few words…”

  All eyes were on me. Should I say something?

  Before I knew it, I had risen to my feet and approached the pyre. I stood there for a few seconds, looking down at Dad’s body, wishing I could’ve saved him. With everyone staring at me, I opened my mouth and began to sing.

  “O’, brave Sentinels, who protect us from below—

  May you find strength and luck wherever you go.

  Where would we be without your sacrifice?

  With your lives, you pay the price.

  O’, great Sentinels, who shield us from despair—

  May you fight for justice and safety everywhere.

  With pride, we celebrate your names—

  Where there is darkness, your light came.

  O’, strong Sentinels, near and far—

  We will remember you, no matter where you are.”

  Technically, we weren’t Sentinels anymore, but I thought the song still applied to the Samaritans. When I finished, the crowd said nothing. I walked back to my seat, sitting beside Caleb. Patrick leaned over, lighting the pyre. Both Dad and Mira’s bodies burned as bright as the sun.

  “So long, Sentinels,” Patrick muttered. “Don’t worry ‘bout us down here. For you, we’ll keep fighting.”

  After a few moments of silence, Tom was the first one to stand. “As much as I like Riley—she’s the strongest Sentinel we’ve ever had—we can’t let her stay here, Patrick.”

  “I didn’t want to say it out loud, but he’s right,” Lara said. “Riley, I’m sorry…but you need to leave.”

  Caleb scoffed. “Where do you expect her to go? Live on the street? She saved your lives!”

  Patrick sighed. “Which came with a cost. You saw what she did—how unstoppable she was. She’s dangerous—and we have enough to worry about ‘round here.”

  “If she leaves, when can she come back?” Caleb asked.

  “Maybe never,” Jacob replied. “Riley’s a good friend, and I don’t want this to happen, but she’s a threat to us all. Soulless powers last forever, don’t they?”

  “Look, this is a lot more humane than killing her,” Jade said. “So just accept our mercy and go, Riley.”

  They had all turned on me, down to my last f
riends. I remembered when they’d said they’d always have my back—that they’d always be there for me.

  What a joke.

  “Why don’t we take a vote?” Marissa asked, in a shy voice. “If you want Riley to stay, raise your hand, please.”

  No one raised their hand except for Caleb, not even Mom. I nodded. I had known it would come to this.

  “I’ll go, if only to keep the peace,” I said, rising to my feet. “I’m not looking for a fight.”

  “If Riley’s leaving, I am too,” Caleb replied. “I encouraged her to go to the school and disobey your orders. Everything that happened is my fault.”

  “No, Caleb. I won’t let you get kicked out because of me.”

  “Caleb can stay. He poses no threat,” Wanda said. “Riley, you deceived us and used your power again. I fear you’re walking down a dangerous path, and I wonder if even I could teach you how to prevent it.”

  The Cardinal scoffed in my mind. “Let them disapprove of you, Riley. It matters not. They are not your family anymore—I am. I will accept you for who you are.”

  I pushed his voice away, walking toward the courtyard. “I’ll take a truck and leave. I’m sorry for everything. Please, look after yourselves.”

  Patrick nodded. “We will, kid. We’ll take care of things, starting with Spencer. I want him in jail, locked up tight. He won’t be getting away three times, that’s for damn sure.”

  “Riley, why does it have to be this way?” Mom asked. “Why did your father have to die? Why did you have to have this power?”

  I didn’t have any answers for her.

  I continued walking toward the courtyard, hearing footsteps behind me. Caleb grabbed my wrist, spinning me around.

  “Don’t do this,” Caleb said. “You belong here. You’re the General! You made the Samaritans what we are, and we need your guidance!”

  “That was before my power got out of control. Spencer was right—I need to go away before I hurt everyone I love.”

  “Then let me come with you. We can find an abandoned house. I’ll keep you warm with my fire, and—”

  I pulled him into a hug, interrupting him. “Caleb, listen to me. You need to stay here and be my eyes and ears, okay? You’re my insider now.”

  The look in his eyes changed. I knew he understood what I was trying to say, and he knew I was right.

  Caleb nodded, slipping something inside my pocket. “Take this Communication Crystal. I’ll contact you if something goes wrong. I wish you could stay with us, Riley.”

  I pecked his lips. “Me too, but this is the way it has to be. Be careful, Caleb—and watch out for the others. They’ll need your protection.”

  “Take Angel with you. Please?”

  The friendly Darkhound waited by the front doors, tail wagging. I whistled, calling his name, and he rushed over immediately. I scratched behind his ears, and he cooed before I led him toward the truck.

  At least not everyone was afraid of me.

  Caleb nodded. “Good. I’m still worried, but I feel a little better knowing someone is watching your back. And Riley…what if you run into the Cardinal?”

  “Then maybe I’ll be able to stop him,” I replied, sighing. “I guess we’ll see.”

  As I drove away, I saw Caleb’s anxious face in the rearview mirror. The rest of the people had gathered in the courtyard, watching me fade into the distance. I couldn’t help the few tears that slipped out of my eyes. Angel nudged my arm to try and cheer me up.

  For once, I felt so lonely—so lost. I traveled down the abandoned roads, hoping to find a place to stay, but I saw nowhere suitable. Where else could I go in a post-apocalyptic New York City?

  I glanced in the mirror, looking at my black irises. Maybe the Cardinal was right. Maybe going to him would be best. What other choice did I have?

  25

  Sense Of Belonging

  Just when I was about to give into my feelings of doubt and submit to the Cardinal, the Communication Crystal in my pocket beeped. I slammed on the brakes, reaching back to stop Angel from flying out of his seat.

  I grabbed it fast, fearing something was wrong back at the headquarters. It read: Riley, I’ve had an idea. –Caleb

  I pulled the crystal toward my mouth, speaking into it. “What kind of idea, Caleb?”

  It took a minute for the message to come back. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time. The reply was: No one is using the submarine anymore. If you’re still looking for a place to stay in the meantime, why not check it out?

  Caleb was right. With Wanda and the rest of the Hidden members at the headquarters, the submarine would be empty. There had to be food and supplies on the ship too, perfect for a temporary home.

  If the Samaritans never let me back in, perfect for my permanent home.

  “That’s a good idea. If you need me, you can find me there,” I replied, tucking the crystal away for now.

  I wasn’t thrilled about leaving the headquarters, but if it meant keeping everyone safe, then I had no choice. At least it was better than going to the Cardinal.

  I looked back at Angel, who was staring at me curiously. “I hope you like submarines, boy. We might have to get used to them.”

  The Darkhound tilted his head in confusion as I stepped on the gas, driving toward the old docks.

  When I reached the parking lot of the docks, everything was quiet. Angel and I got out of the truck and approached the ship in the distance. Nothing looked out of place. The ship was still in the same spot, docked indefinitely.

  As I started to approach the submarine, Angel cowered behind me. He sat down, not following me anymore. I turned back. He was obviously afraid of what we might find, but I wasn’t.

  “We should be safe here. Everyone’s gone,” I said. “Come on. You don’t have to be scared.”

  Angel reluctantly followed me onto the submarine, where we entered through the small porthole in the top. The ship was just as I remembered it—cluttered and disorganized—but still cozy and livable.

  “Welcome home,” I muttered to Angel. “It’s better than living on the street, right?”

  As I rummaged through several shelves of food and bottled water, Angel growled behind me. I turned around, reaching for my Deathblade, when a gray mist spread around me. When I realized what was happening, I gasped.

  I was in the Mindfield again.

  I choked and fell to my knees, consumed by the gray smoke. With blurry vision and shaking hands, I looked up to see a dark figure approaching me. Angel continued to growl, and I wondered if the Mindfield could affect animals too. What was he seeing? And could he resist it?

  “I never thought you would find me,” the Dark Queen said, suddenly appearing and hovering over me. “I assumed this ship would be vacant—the perfect spot to recover. Even now, you continue to pursue me—to go where you’re not wanted.”

  Was she real, or just an illusion? I couldn’t tell—at least, not under the influence of the new Mindfield. I tried to rise to my feet, but the fog kept me down below her.

  “When you broke through my Mindfield at the radio station, it weakened me,” she continued. “I don’t know how you did it. Another Sentinel trick? It doesn’t matter. You won’t escape it this time.”

  She lifted her hand, increasing the Mindfield’s hold over me. When she did, I started to see illusions of the people I loved the most—taunting me, trying to feed on my anxiety and loneliness.

  My fear had transformed. Instead of just losing Caleb, I feared the others turning on me—abandoning me forever.

  “You’re a curse, kid—a disease,” Patrick’s dark shadow said. “Think it’d be easier to just kill you now.”

  Caleb appeared, nodding his head. “I fear you’re right, Patrick. I was a fool to think Riley could be saved. Please, do it quickly.”

  “No, please don’t do this,” I whispered. “I’m not a monster. Let me come back!”

  “Poor Riley Stark—always afraid of losing something,” the Dark Queen said, chuc
kling. “I used to be just like you—afraid of losing my castle and my power. You had no problem taking both away from me.”

  I knew it wasn’t real, but when Caleb’s shadow bent down beside me, I swore I could feel his breath tickling my skin. The Mindfield was convincing—that was for sure.

  With a scream, I lifted my hand, unable to resist the power of my emotions. The Quintessence opened, dragging the cruel illusions away for good, but a giant portal into the afterlife remained.

  “No, not again,” I muttered. “Close, portal!”

  Nothing happened.

  The Dark Queen’s eyes widened, and it looked like she recognized something in me. Something unspeakable.

  The portal was still open, dragging nearby furniture into it. The only good news was that Patrick and Caleb’s shadows were gone, but more spirits were approaching the portal’s exit.

  The Dark Queen lunged at me, slapping me hard across my face. I was about to retaliate, to force her into the portal to protect myself, but the strangest thing happened.

  The glow on my hand faded. The portal closed, and it was like it had never been there. I looked up, realizing the Dark Queen wasn’t an illusion. She had come to this submarine just like me, probably looking for shelter and solitude.

  The Dark Queen rose to her feet as I panted, still lying on the metal floor of the submarine. She walked over, snarling above me.

  “Where did you learn that power?” she asked, pressing a boot to my throat. “How can someone like you control the Quintessence?”

  “I don’t know. I just found out I had this power after I became soulless.”

  “Became…soulless?” she asked, before her eyes widened. “Yes. I see your black irises now, Stark. It’s beginning to make sense…”

  She removed her boot from my throat, going quiet, as if thinking. I sat up, trying to get my bearings. “Am I missing something here? None of this makes sense.”

  “Not to a fool like you, no,” the Dark Queen spat. “But I have seen the Quintessence power once before, on a soulless who was much stronger than me. For whatever reason, you share a link to the Cardinal—and a dangerous link, at that.”