Under the Burning Stars

by Carrigan Richards

  “What is it?”

  “It’s a healing potion. Savina makes them in case of emergencies and if she’s unavailable. Or in your case. I couldn’t tell you what she puts in it though. Here.” He handed it to her.

  “No. I deserve this pain for what I did.”

  Gabriel sighed. “I don’t know what happened, but you look like you’re about to pass out. So take the damn vial and then maybe you can think with a clearer head.”

  She clenched her teeth from the pain, and took the vial. She tipped back her head, and the liquid slid down her throat. It tasted like tart lemons mixed with a pungent flavor she couldn’t place. It almost made her gag.

  “Yeah, sorry about the flavor.”

  “It’s okay.” She could feel a small tightening in her stomach where the stitches were. She lifted her shirt and peeled away the bandage. Her wound had sealed itself with the help of whatever was in the elixir. The pain was gone and she could breathe again.

  Ava didn’t want to be there any longer than she needed. She didn’t want to have to answer questions. She just wanted to be alone.

  “Ava, you don’t have to tell me anything, but I’m here if you need to talk.”

  She turned for the door. “Thanks.” Too bad the potion didn’t take away her guilt or the pain she felt for killing two Ephemerals.

  “What is wrong, dear?” Ava stiffened at the sound of Colden’s voice.

  She twisted around and faced them both. She was seconds from falling apart and she didn’t know what to do.

  “Ava?” Colden’s smooth voice was calming even though it sounded weak. He looked very fragile and she wondered if something was wrong with him. “I assure you, you are safe here. We can keep a secret if you desire.”

  And then she broke down.

  “I-I didn’t mean to do it,” she cried. “I swear. It all happened so fast.”

  She felt Gabriel’s arms around her and then they followed Colden deeper into the parlor. Colden closed the door behind them. This was a mistake. She couldn’t tell them what happened. What was she thinking?

  Ava reached for the door. “I can’t do this.”

  “We’re here to help you,” Colden said. “Please. You are hurting.”

  She drew a shaky breath and watched them both. “I killed them.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “I didn’t mean to, I swear.”

  “Who?” Colden asked.

  “Drew and Jonah,” Gabriel replied.

  Ava gripped the door handle behind her and watched their concerned eyes. “Yes. I couldn’t stop myself. I thought I only knocked them unconscious. They didn’t deserve death.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “They shot you, didn’t they?” Gabriel asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Then it was self-defense.”

  “I could have just injured them and left it at that.”

  “You were protecting yourself. It was self-defense.”

  “I didn’t have to kill them. Their families are hurting already.”

  “What do you mean?” Colden asked.

  “Jonah’s sister died from the bombing. He kept saying it was my fault. I tried to stop him. He wouldn’t. I tried distracting Jonah, but then Drew took the gun and shot me.”

  “You had nothing to do with the bombing,” Colden said with a stern voice.

  “I know. I’m a killer. Just as if I were a Cimmerian. What if Marcel was right? What if it runs in the genes?”

  Gabriel moved closer and gripped her shoulders. “Ava, don’t do this to yourself. Don’t think like that, because you know it’s not true.”

  “How can I not think that? I’ve been having dreams and thoughts.”

  Colden stroked his bare chin. “What sort of dreams and thoughts?”

  “Ever since I saw Marcel and he told me that my mother stood next to Corbin, I’ve been dreaming of her death. But from the killer’s perspective. And thoughts about…” She paused. “Thoughts about hating Ephemerals.” She looked away from both of them.

  “That doesn’t make you a Cimmerian,” Gabriel said.

  “He’s right. And Marcel’s visions aren’t always correct. I think your mind has been consumed with these thoughts and with everything going on has heightened those worries.”

  “But it happened to Corbin, didn’t it? He suddenly started hating them when he returned from Caprington.”

  “Corbin had inner demons that he couldn’t escape. They got the best of him. Hunters were after Veronica and her entire family. It angered him that she had married one and he had fooled them all. Ephemerals treated Corbin poorly his whole life, but when he moved from Caprington, he started over. And he was good.”

  “Until Veronica showed up.”

  “Yes.”

  There was a silence in the room and Ava wanted to ask the one question that had been circling her head for months. “Colden, was my mother a Cimmerian?”

  He hesitated. “I can’t say, dear.”

  His reply angered her. She knew he was holding something back. “Someone has to know,” she yelled. “What did she do? Did she betray anyone? Is there someone out there that’s taken Corbin’s place? Because I know there are Cimmerians watching us. I had a vision right before Drew and Jonah forced me into the woods. The only person who can do that is Trudy McVaine. So what are you all hiding from us?”

  Colden remained calm. “There is nothing out there, dear. I assure you. There aren’t any conspiracy theories or such as that. You just need to rest and forget about all of this for a while.”

  “Easy for you to say.”

  “Ava, please just listen to me when I say there is nothing to worry about. I know Savina and Aaron would not withhold information if it could potentially put you all in harm’s way.”

  “They did before. When I first mentioned Xavier, she didn’t believe me.”

  “I know.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed a little. “You know I wouldn’t let anything happen to you or anyone else. Believe it or not, but you are like a daughter to me. I understand your concerns and your fears, but you can trust me. You are safe.”

  “I haven’t felt safe in quite some time.”

  He frowned. “I am sorry, Ava. I assure you that all is well. Just try and clear your mind.”

  Ava nodded and felt a little relieved. Maybe she had let the paranoia get the best of her and that had caused her to concoct all those scenarios. Damn Marcel and his vision. That was what had started all of it. “What’s going to happen to me? I killed Ephemerals. Am I going to be banished?”

  “They didn’t make it easy, Ava,” Gabriel said. “You were protecting yourself because they were trying to kill you. I’ve killed them before.”

  Ava was shocked. Gabriel had killed Ephemerals? “But we’re supposed to protect them.”

  “We can’t save them all,” Colden said. “And if they are trying to kill you, you did the right thing by doing what was necessary to come out alive. You have to think of yourself from time to time.” Colden gave her a small smile. “Please. Do not worry. I will not share this information with anyone.”

  Ava nodded. “Thank you.”

  He hugged her. “I’m afraid I must lay down. But if you need to talk, I am here.”

  Gabriel and Ava made their way out of the room and into the main hall of the Manor.

  “Will you be okay?” Gabriel asked.

  “Yes. Thank you. How do you get beyond the guilt?”

  He gave a sympathetic look. “It never really goes away. But you learn to come to terms with it.”

  Ava wanted to know more. Why had he killed Ephemerals? Were they trying to kill him, too? Were they Hunters? She knew she had no place to ask. “I think it would be easier if they were Hunters. But they were just kids my age. They were just hurting and wanted blame.”

  “And revenge. They could have killed you, Ava.” Gabriel lowered his voice. “Don’t think for a second they were innocent.”

  His quick judgment concerned Ava. Did he disl
ike Ephemerals? Had he agreed with her decision as a way to encourage her?

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  QUEEN OF HEARTS

  “Seth wants to go to the Halloween dance.” Peter dropped his tray on the table and Seth sat across from him.

  Ava gave him a sidelong glance. Why was he telling her this? Did he want her to go?

  Melissa dipped a small celery stalk into her dressing and took a bite. “They’re still having that? I mean, in light of everything that’s happened.”

  “Probably want to maintain some normalcy, or least help some of the grieving.” Nicole opened a bag of potato chips. “I’ve noticed the taunting has settled down a little lately.”

  “Why do you want to go to the dance?” Link asked. “You really think we’ll be welcome there?”

  “I just want to take Amanda out, but she hasn’t agreed yet,” Seth said. “But I know she’ll be there.”

  Ava barely paid attention. She poked her food with a fork. She tried to stab a cherry tomato but it slipped and jumped across the table at Melissa.

  Melissa sighed and tossed the tomato back onto Ava’s tray. “Okay seriously, Ava. You have got to stop being depressed. Eat something.”

  No one else knew what had happened to Ava a few weeks ago. Since Gabriel healed her, she didn’t have to tell anyone why she was limping or in pain. The secret was still under wraps.

  But Ava couldn’t move on from what she had done. The nightmares and thoughts worsened and she had consumed most of her time trying to figure out a way to get answers about her mother. She had begun seriously considering Link’s suggestion and studying Necromancers in private, telling everyone she was just busying herself with school. No one seemed to notice. Even Peter kept busy by hanging out with Seth.

  “I’m not hungry.”

  Peter leaned over. “You need to eat.”

  “I know.”

  “Are you sick?”

  “Yeah.”

  Melissa looked skeptical. “Go back to the Manor and get Savina to help.”

  “I will. Why are we going to this dance again?” Ava asked. They never went to the school dances. Why start now?

  “You want to do normal human things don’t you?” Peter asked. “Now’s our chance. Besides, I think you need a night of fun or at least a night to get your mind off things,” he whispered. “Will you go to the Halloween dance with me?” He smiled. It was a sweet sexy smile that always made her heart melt in three seconds. How could she say no to him?

  “Sure.”

  “Great, so we’re all going,” Seth said. “I’ve been leaving Amanda notes all week in her locker. I hope she comes.”

  Melissa popped the last bit of celery in her mouth. “I’m sure she will. If not, she’s dumb.”

  “I don’t think I wanna go,” Link said.

  Nicole took a sip of water. “Yeah, me either.”

  “It’ll be fun,” Melissa said. “Who cares what these people think? We need our own fun, too.”

  “What are we dressing up as?” Ava asked.

  A mischievous grin stretched Melissa’s lips. “Witches.”

  “Seriously?” Nicole said. “I think the people of this school are freaked out enough by us wearing these necklaces. They all think we’re coming after them.”

  Ava’s stomach dropped. Nicole didn’t realize how right she was. Ava had already killed two. And she was sure the Cimmerians had convinced Trent to kill all those people including himself. The bullying slowed, but it was still there in hindsight. And as much as Ava disliked Drew, she hated seeing his empty seat in front of her in class. It was her fault he wasn’t there.

  “After Xavier happened, do you blame them?” Seth asked.

  “And you all still wanna go to this dance?” Ava asked.

  “Why not?” Melissa lifted a shoulder. “Just one night of fun. Finally. Maybe we can get Thomas to go. I think he could use a break from training.”

  “No kidding. Ever since they cut us from football, that’s all he’s been doing. He’s gonna be an expert now.”

  Ava groaned. She really didn’t want to go through the trouble of dressing up in some costume so they could sit around in the gym and watch no one dance to music that no one liked. Couldn’t she and Peter just do their own thing? But they were doing this for Seth. Not that Ava understood what was so special about Amanda. Then again, Amanda was probably a completely different person not around Ava. Either way, she hoped Amanda and Valerie wouldn’t be there.

  “It’ll be like a date,” Peter said.

  “A date.” Ava smiled. “Hopefully it will go better than the last.”

  “I hope so, too,” Melissa said. “Then maybe you won’t ruin one of my dresses.”

  Ava rolled her eyes.

  “It will be a lot better.” Peter kissed her cheek. “I promise.”

  “Gag,” Melissa said.

  Ava was starting to feel excited about the dance. Maybe they were all right. Just one night to let go of everything that weighed her down. Except it was going to be in a room full of Ephemerals.

  Ava stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror. She was aghast. How did Melissa talk her into actually wearing this to a school dance? The red velvet bustier barely covered her, with its off-shoulder top and a wide skirt that was way too short. Granted, there was a black underskirt that came down to her ankles in the back.

  The see-through black knee-high stockings were itchy. She was sure by the end of the night she would have broken ankles from the three-inch heels. The top was a little loose, and Ava presumed it was meant for someone a little more voluptuous. Was she really going out in public like this? Couldn’t she have just draped a bed sheet over herself and gone as a ghost?

  There was a knock on her door and she sighed. Might as well get this over with.

  Ava opened the door to Gabriel standing on the other side. His eyes roved down and then back to hers.

  Heat pricked underneath her cheeks. “Don’t laugh,” she said. She didn’t know why she blushed, but maybe it was in the way Gabriel looked at her. Or maybe it was how his eyes never seemed to leave hers.

  “I’m not. You look great.”

  “I shouldn’t be wearing this. I feel ridiculous.”

  He chuckled. “It’s just one night. I think every male in that school will be looking at you though.”

  Ava felt herself shrivel. “Great. I look like a slut. I should change.”

  “You look fine, Ava. You’re beautiful. Go with it. By the way, Peter’s downstairs waiting.”

  There was no way she was going to be seen in this with everyone here.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I just don’t want anyone to see me.”

  “I don’t think the Queen of Hearts ever cared what anyone thought of her, but.” He took her hand and a second later, they were outside.

  “Thanks.” She smiled. “Now to just face everyone at that dance.”

  “Play the part. The Queen was vicious and uncaring. Although, you are neither of those things. But, just be confident and have some fun tonight. You deserve it.”

  She nodded. “Thanks, Gabe.”

  He smirked. “I’ll get Peter.”

  She waited for him and when Peter came out, she smiled. He was dressed as a gangster with a slick silver vest over a white button down shirt and a fedora hat. His sleeves were rolled up just above his wrists. He was sexy.

  “Wow, you look amazing.” He paused and looked at her costume. “What are you?”

  “Queen of Hearts. I guess it isn’t so obvious.”

  “It’s different. Are you ready?”

  Ava took a deep breath. “Yes.” Tonight, she would forget everything. It would be fun. A night spent dancing with Peter and it didn’t matter how bad the music might be. She would be with him.

  He opened the door for her and she got in. Her phone beeped and she checked it. It was a message from Melissa.

  G, Jeremy, and Thomas are coming tonight too.

  Great. Just what sh
e needed. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Perhaps they could actually have a conversation. Ava was tired of the silence from Gillian.

  “What’s wrong?” Peter asked once he slid in behind the wheel.

  “Our party grew.”

  “Oh. It’s okay. We’ll be there together.” He smiled and kissed her hand.

  She fidgeted with the hem of her dress. For some reason her palms were sweaty.

  “You’re going to tear a hole in your lip if you keep chewing on it,” Peter said.

  “Sorry.” Why was she so nervous?

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I’m nervous for some reason.”

  “About going to the dance?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know,” she lied. She couldn’t tell Peter she was afraid to be around Ephemerals. Or what she’d done a few weeks ago.

  He smiled, his dimples showing. He slowed to a stop, leaned over the stick shift, and kissed her cheek. His lips grazed her neck. He pulled back. “Still nervous?”

  She smiled. “No.”

  “Good.” He accelerated.

  “Why’d you stop?”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “I think you know why.”

  She did know why. If they were not careful, one thing could lead to another. It was nice however, not to have someone constantly throw himself onto her or demand anything from her.

  Peter turned down a road.

  “Where are we going?” she asked. “The school is the other way.”

  “I’m picking up Seth. I figured it would be okay since this is all for him.”

  So this wasn’t really a date after all. “Oh.”

  “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Ava.”

  “I just thought this was a date.”

  “Seth didn’t want to go alone.”

  She swallowed the angry words that had formed in her mouth. “Okay.”

  “Don’t be like that. Please.”

  “I’m not being like anything.” She began to regret dressing up for this thing. What were they going to do all night? Play matchmaker for Seth and Amanda? Listen to Amanda and Valerie accuse her of brainwashing Peter? Or maybe she could listen to Gillian yammer on about how much of a mistake she’d made by having Peter become one of them. And she couldn’t forget Thomas’s intense jealousy.