Heart of Knives (The Complex Book 0)

by LV Lewis

  “Alright, Sergeant Locke. You win. Sit down, this is gonna be long-winded.”

  “Give me the gun until I’ve heard this story, Morty.”

  Morty hands over the gun. “You really did pay attention the first time. Good on you.”

  “Kept me alive during the violence,” Gary solemnly replies.

  Morty ends up telling one hell of a story. “Two weeks ago, a few people invaded Trash City. Specifically, the alleys, the strangers weren’t interested in front-line goblins. They wanted those of us down in the dumps, in need of S-Co in a real bad way. Most of us up front, we got all the money we need. But the dupes, well, they ain’t so lucky, right? The strangers gather up about fifty of us and disappear. Two days later, those same goblins start coming back, but not all at once. One, two the first day, ten or more each day after. These goblins, man, they look the same, smell right, but they ain’t goblins anymore, right? They’ve been changed. Their eyes are purple. They can suddenly use magic. Ain’t no dupe in the galaxy can use magic. So, there’s that.

  As for the assassination, all I can tell you is that all fifty goblins left two days ago. Now you’re coming to me, seems pretty obvious what happened. And Sergeant . . . there’s only one way to make a dupe learn any kind of magic in so short a time. I think I already gave you that answer. And just so you know: no, your gift don’t add up equal to this story. I’ll be lucky to be alive two more sunrises. Not that you care.”

  “Why only two sunrises?” Gary asks.

  “Cause that gives you time to get far enough away to not care to come back. Just another goblin dead. You’re too far into this other thing; you ain’t coming back to check on me.”

  “Morty, I swear to you: in two days’ time, I’m coming back, right here to this spot. You be here. If you’re not, I’ll find and bring to justice whoever kept you away.”

  “You don’t care that much, Sergeant. Ain’t no need to lie ‘bout it.”

  “I do care. Isn’t that the whole thing about this place? To fucking care? Well, somebody needs to start. If it’s me, fine. But I’ll be here. I hope you are, too. Good luck, Morty.”

  Gary offers out his hand with no disgust or distrust on his face. Morty extends his own and, for the first time, there’s no disgust or mistrust between them. Gary is starting to think he really does understand the true meaning of this place; at least, the true meaning which Amarie believes in. He’s still got proof that not all of Ama Seldova agrees with her. Sooner or later, he’ll have to bring that to light. Amarie needs to know her life will continue being in danger. Shaking his head, he starts the long walk out of Trash City.

  Truth and Falsities

  Jumping off the Glyder he’d ridden from just outside Trash City, Gary steps inside the Climintra headquarters with only a couple of hours left before dark. He needs to get to Amarie before another attack does happen. If Morty is right, and fifty goblins were changed into magic slingers, that’s a large attack force still unutilized. Gary doesn’t want to gamble on when that force will be sent out to attack the princess again.

  Morty may not have said it aloud, but left no doubt that demons are also involved in the plot to kill Amarie. That’s a lot to process, especially for her, and time is not on their side. This mystery needs to be solved so Gary can accomplish his goal against Ama Seldova. In the process, he’ll truly save Amarie from peril.

  Hurrying past the front desk, Gary nods at the secretary, who doesn’t seem to know whether he should stop Gary or not. About to head downstairs, he’s stopped by Major Yenton’s voice.

  “She isn’t here, Sergeant. She took her life into her own hands and left with a small group from the Elven Embassy. Seemed to think they’d be able to protect her better than armed personnel. You have anything to do with that decision?”

  “No,” Gary scowls at the Major. “I told her to stay in one of your cells until I came back. What did you do to make her change her mind?”

  “I’m just an old man, with old thoughts. Maybe I offended her? Regardless, you’re back on her detail. She dies, I’m holding you personally responsible.”

  “Major, I was never off the case to begin with. Sorry, but I wasn’t going to follow orders. Did she say she was going to the embassy building?”

  Yenton strokes his mustache. “That’s how she made it sound. You need to be careful, Sergeant. You’re beginning to sound dangerously close to traitorous.”

  “I left the army already, Major. I’m only Ama Seldova because of this stun gun. Outside of that, I’m fully privatized.”

  “That makes it easier to arrest you when this is all done. Good luck, Sergeant.”

  ***

  The Elven Embassy is located on the other side of the Complex. By the time Gary steps inside, artificial darkness is beginning to fall. Most elves don’t consider Humans friendly, and he is not surprised by the bitter glares he receives in the central hub. Not willing to argue over his right to be here, he starts off with a firm, but quiet demand.

  “Take me to Princess Amarie Vanyarin. Now, please. The possibility of danger is high, and I need to protect her.”

  From a far wall, Gary hears a familiar voice. “You were hired to protect her. By me. And it seems like the minute she was in your custody, she was put in severe danger. And while your boss put down her life to save the princess, for some reason, you’re still breathing. Is that because you need to protect her, Sergeant Locke, or because you’re enthralled with her? You don’t need to defend her, you just need to be near her. Isn’t that the real truth?”

  “Prince Erihstoll Habbernock. Glad to hear you’re still safe, sir,” Gary replies carefully.

  “Are you? That’s nice of you to say. Seems Princess Amarie’s manners have been . . . rubbing off . . . quite nicely on you.”

  Shit. Sounds like the princess has come clean about her tender moment with Gary. Oh well, sometimes you fuck up. When you get caught, you gotta stand like a man and accept the consequences. Gary stands up straight and squares his shoulders. He tries not to be angry at the princess for her love remaining with the fairy prince. It’s not working well, but he manages to keep his mouth shut.

  “No words of retort? My goodness. Did Amarie actually tame the puppy I pulled in off the street?”

  Prince Habbernock keeps moving closer to Gary as he talks. Now next to his toy, the prince puts his mouth directly at Gary’s ear and drops into a whisper. Gary’s nose is inundated with a thick, oily scent of orchid.

  “I was there. I could have saved Temera Wiles. Instead, I laughed as concrete crushed her body, and the dust swallowed her spirit. Then, I killed the goblins. To protect my princess, of course. Your boss’ sacrifice was in complete vain. But, Humans are disposable. Toys. Playthings. To me, you’re not even a breathing specimen. You’re no puppy to be loved, you’re just a stuffed animal who’s been on the floor too long. Time to shove you back in the closet.”

  Prince Habbernock takes a step away from Gary and resumes in his normal voice, “Come on, then. Princess Amarie is waiting for you upstairs.”

  Taking Gary’s hand, Erihstoll leads him through the sneering onlookers and up winding stairs made of thin pieces of a white metal Gary doesn’t know the name of. The two men circle around a central stabilizer seven times before reaching the next floor. Here, Gary finds, are none of the white walls so many other buildings refused to cover up.

  Every panel looks like a singular garden, tilled and weeded to perfection. Flowers defy gravity in full bloom, and the floor is soft with luxurious green grasses. Each wall ‘corner’ is part of a mature tree growing up from the floor below, though Gary does not remember seeing any trunks downstairs.

  Magic is heavy here, enough energy generated by it that Gary can taste a tingle on his tongue. Each elf they pass by causes a shiver down Gary’s spine, such is the power they leave in their wake. Wondering why Amarie never made him feel so . . . pale, he wonders if the elves are just applying a show of power to put him in his place. It wouldn’t surprise him, though
he believes he is far too small a target for such a demonstration.

  Before entering Amarie’s office, Prince Habbernock slams Gary against the wall. The motion seems wasted to Gary, considering he was banged into the softness of petals, but the prince has a deathly serious look in his eyes.

  “I tried to warn you. You stole something, and all you had to do was ignore it and play your part of a runt bodyguard. Instead, you searched for it, latched onto it, and exploited what you found. She doesn’t love you. She and I, we are meant for each other. However, I’m about to hurt her, and she’s not going to understand why. So, I’m going to explain it to you. When the time comes that she’s able to listen, I fully expect you to hold to whatever form of honor you Humans have. If you turn her against me, I’ll know. And I will end your insufferable life for betraying her love for me, and mine for her.”

  “Why would I do anything for you, Prince Habbernock? You’ve told me you let my boss die. You hid while your ‘true love’ was in danger. Do you even know the amount of turmoil she was in, wondering why you never showed up to tell her everything was okay? Where were you? Who were you with?”

  “The truth? I was there. In the safehouse with you two. Watching.”

  Gary’s eyes fall to the floor. Amarie didn’t say anything after all. Prince Habbernock stalked her instead, but why? Prince Habbernock’s smile at Gary’s reaction is almost toothy and thoroughly dangerous.

  “I told you, Sergeant Locke, if you don’t do as I say, I will destroy what’s left of your life. If you ever touch her again, I’ll kill her first, just to watch you suffer.”

  “Then you don’t love her, Habbernock.”

  “Your definition is only different from mine. I love her with my entire being. If she can’t return it in full, then nobody gets to have it. Metas accept this; you Humans keep trying to pretend that love can be shared. It can’t. Nature presents true love in only one form: a monogamous coupling of two creatures. Lust is a far different topic. And that’s all you have for my Elven bride. Lust. An emotion good enough for basic beasts, but not lifelong partners. Don’t pursue it. Instead, explain to her that I am only doing what I’m doing to solidify our power in our respective hierarchies. However, to some degree, I have to punish her for thinking about leaving my side first.”

  “What are you going to do? I won’t let you hurt her.”

  “I won’t hurt her body, little Human. Just her reputation. And I’m blaming it on you. You’ll soon be sent out of the Complex, giving Amarie and I much needed time to repair our damaged relationship. It wouldn’t have gone this way if not for your actions, by the by. Your petty seduction hurt a girl you were lusting after. How honorable are you now?”

  Gary starts to respond, but the prince places a pale finger over his lips and kisses it, shaking his head no. Gary stares hard at the fairy but keeps his mouth shut. For now. Prince Habbernock’s serious nature falls from his frame, and the light and airy persona returns in an instant. Opening the door, he spreads his hands wide and loudly proclaims Gary’s arrival.

  “Hear ye, hear ye all! The hero of the day returns to us, safe and sound!”

  A short round of clapping ensues. Amarie smiles lightly at Gary. He tries to send a warning to her with his eyes. There’s no way to know if she understands, and Gary doubts the prince will give them two seconds alone.

  There are twelve people in the room, not counting Gary, Amarie, or Prince Habbernock. Each of them look like important members of the embassy, and each looks upon Amarie with both hope and open trepidation. Gary can understand why; he holds the same anxiety. Despite surviving yesterday and last night, there remains a threat looming over her.

  The room itself is, by far, large enough to accommodate all the bodies. Even with fifteen people taking up space, it feels airy and the air fresh. Much of that is due to the continued foliage décor, though here the white walls remain visible as a thick border around the greenery.

  Gary walks into the middle of the group so that the conversation everyone is waiting for can take place, and to shoot one last warning glance at Amarie. Almost imperceptibly, she nods back at him. Good, she may not know exactly what is going on, but she can be alert.

  “What news do you have for us, Sergeant Locke?” one of the twelve ask.

  “Yes, update us on why you left me in Climintra hands, Sergeant,” Amarie smiles.

  No, don’t do your flirty thing right now, Princess. Please?

  “My investigations have unearthed some new information. Unfortunately, it does not bode well. Goblins have been bribed away from Trash City. As you may know, goblins attacked the princess last night, and they were using magic, not tech. According to a trustworthy source, they’re being given this magic through demonic means.”

  A second of the twelve, a capricious-looking male, calmly asks, “Are you saying goblins are not the actual perpetrators?”

  “I don’t believe they are. If I'm honest, I don’t think the real culprit is a werewolf, either, though many believe otherwise because of the video. However, I’ve yet to find any information on demon activity. For that, I am sorry. The princess will continue to need a high level of protection for an indefinite amount of time.”

  The capricious male rises from his couch. “Will that protection be coming from you? Your first night was rather a failure in many eyes.”

  “Dankesh!” Amarie scolds.

  “My apologies, Princess. But you were in danger immediately after being put in his custody. I’m sure we could find a more suitable guard.”

  “Nonsense. Sergeant Locke kept me alive despite a surprise attack less than an hour after meeting me. He’s the only person I trust to protect me. Not only is his heart pure, but he’s the only one with the weapons it appears are appropriate for the forces aligning against me.”

  “As is your wish, Princess,” Dankesh forfeits, sitting down.

  “I don’t think that appropriate. Do you, my love?” Erihstoll asks.

  “Excuse me?” Amarie responds.

  “I know that the threat of me leaving to save my life has weighed heavy on your heart, my dear. But that does not make decent your decision to fall into the arms of your bodyguard.”

  Amarie shoots a look at Gary, and he shakes his own head no. I didn’t tell him, he thinks. Dawning comes over the princess. Gary can see her mentally prepare for the beating that is coming.

  Habbernock continues, “According to Fairy Law, if the prince is engaged to a ‘wicked’ woman, he must remove himself from her. As such, but temporarily, I am calling off our wedding. Only until we have appropriately worked through this issue. However, leaving you in the hands of the one who tempted you would be seen as highly inappropriate, and the fairy elders may not decide to remove from your name the denomination of ‘wicked.’ Nor, I think, would the Elven Elders of your tribe, if I’m correct. If you are determined to never marry me, then go with the Human. If you still believe in your heart that we are destined for each other, then we will find a different path of protection.”

  Amarie’s face changes from crestfallen to furious as Habbernock finishes his speech. The prince’s power-play over her couldn’t come at a worse time, and he knows it. He’s literally making her decide between having safety now, or love later. The elders in the room are beginning to talk, all at once, all trying to be the one to direct the conversation. The air in the chamber has gone far past calm. Instead, nervous energy wavers in front of Gary's eyes.

  The waves of noise grow gradually louder as people forgo respect for proving they are right. Gary can’t even tell the voices apart anymore. Looking back at Amarie, Gary sees that her head is between her knees. Okay, enough of this.

  Stepping through the group, he offers his hand to Amarie. She looks up, and tears fall from her blushing cheeks in rivers. Gary didn’t know someone could cry that hard. Habbernock hurt her, as promised. Gary scans the room for the asshole but finds him once again gone. But is he really? Amarie takes his hand, and the group’s treble pitch increases
another five levels.

  “Enough!” Amarie cries. “We will discuss this chain of events later. Perhaps when my life is not in danger!”

  She pulls Gary forward and away from her embassy members. Their voices die down as they see her make the decision that might destroy all elves’ positions within not just the Complex, but Ama Seldova. Amarie knows this, but Gary can see she’s not considering the implications just now. How could she? Her heart is broken because of a moment and a misunderstanding. A moment of honest love between two creatures, and it’s doing its damnedest to destroy her.

  The night is in full swing, but Amarie runs into it, determined to escape the prison behind her, and with every ounce of her being, she wants only one of two people in the world to tell her everything will be okay . . . and one of them caused the emptiness rising in her soul, the one who, minutes ago, would have been her first choice. Gary knows all of this, knows what she’s thinking, because the magic between them leads to a full understanding of the other person . . . and now he knows he’s the second choice. He’s the second choice despite the pain her first caused her. She can’t help it. Her love for Prince Erihstoll Habbernock is genuine.

  Meta Standoff

  Gary and Amarie make their way toward the Southeast district. The safehouse they’d used the night before feels tainted, though Gary can’t put forth a logical reason why. His head is swimming with the exchange he and Erihstoll had earlier. The Fairy Prince put forth a real threat on Gary’s life, and Gary is doing exactly what he’d been warned not to do. What else could he do? Amarie chose him to protect her. Hold her. Keep her safe.