by G. K. DeRosa
“How can I be of service, dear nephew?” Azazel actually bowed—with a sarcastic grin of course.
I withdrew the folded sheet of paper from my pocket and handed it to Uncle Crazypants.
“Ah, so the sword finally spoke to you.” His brow arched as his gaze ran over me then Declan.
Did he know? Heat surged up my neck, diffusing across my face. No. He couldn’t.
Azazel smirked as he scanned the page again. “Twin souls,” he muttered.
Son of a vampire. He did know!
He lowered the paper and fixed his mischievous gaze on both of us. All I wanted to do was crawl into the nearest hole. “I wondered how long it would take for you two to…” Mercifully, his words trailed off before my face exploded in fifty shades of red.
“You knew?” Declan stepped forward, and I practically hid behind his wide shoulders.
“Sammarah suspected, and I believed she was right once I met Liv and saw you two together.” A grin slid across his face once more. “There’s only one way to confirm the existence of twin souls. It’s the emotional bond of love plus the physical act of love making that unites the missing halves. So there was nothing we could do but wait.”
Kill. Me. Now.
For a second, I wondered if that was why Sammarah let us sleep in the same bedroom unchaperoned more than once.
“Okay, so we figured out that part,” I snapped. “Obviously.” I slapped my hands on my hips. “Can you help us with the rest?”
Chapter 26
“Perhaps.” Azazel lifted an eyebrow as he studied the clue. “This final test—I believe I know what it’s referring to.”
My heart rate sped up. This was the first break we’d gotten, and I had to force myself to keep still as excitement hemorrhaged through my veins.
“In the olden days, angelic warriors were tested for battle in what was known as the Vitalis Iudiciis. It frequently involved trials of flood and fire.”
Declan nodded. I was glad someone was following this.
Azazel held the page up and pointed at the passage. I had a feeling it was for my benefit.
A final test is vital to set you free.
I may not be familiar with Latin but even I could make the connection between vital and Vitalis. “Okay, I gotcha.” Sort of.
Azazel stared at the page muttering to himself as he began pacing around us. “The question is where? The trials were eons ago… in present day Eastern Europe I believe.”
“Didn’t you say that the clues seem to adjust themselves to fit to us and our current reality?” I asked, his pacing already driving me nuts. “So it would have to be somewhere we could get to.”
“Technically, we could get to Europe.” Declan’s wings sprouted from his shoulder blades, illuminating the dim forest.
Azazel shook his head. “No, Liv is right. I don’t believe the clue would send you on such an arduous journey given the current circumstances. Unless—” He stopped marching and scratched at his salt and pepper overgrown scruff.
“Unless what?” I shouted. It came out harsher than I’d intended.
“A portal. If we found a portal that could transport you to the site of the original trials.”
My head spun as if I’d just rocketed through the loop-de-loop on a rollercoaster. “Portals are real?” It sounded like something straight out of a fantasy.
“Just because you haven’t heard of something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”
Clearly. Until a year ago, I didn’t think angels or vampires were real either.
“And how would we access this portal?” asked Declan, who didn’t look half as shocked as I felt.
Azazel pointed at me. “Why the chosen one will lead us to it, of course.”
“Me?” I squeaked. I didn’t think I’d ever made a noise like that in my life until hanging out with these two.
“Us? You’re coming along too, Uncle?” Of course that was what Declan chose to focus on. Not on the fact that I had no idea how to lead us to a freakin’ portal.
“I promised to help, didn’t I?” He smirked, his blue eye twinkling. Then he angled his head at me. “I can help Liv learn to access her power. Once she’s managed that, finding the gateway will be simple.”
“How long will that take?” I still didn’t like the idea of being out in the open like this.
“Depends how good of a student you are.”
Declan snorted on a chuckle, and I jabbed my elbow into his gut. He buckled over laughing. “Maybe we should go back and get that cloaking potion Trinity’s been working on for us. This could take awhile.”
I shot him my best narrowed glare. It didn’t last long though because he was right. Practicing anything out here exposed wasn’t the smartest decision and allowing Azazel into headquarters wasn’t an option either.
“Stay here, Uncle. We’ll be right back,” said Declan, placing his hand on my back.
I stopped and whirled around to face him. “You go. I’ll stay here and get started. We don’t have any time to waste.”
Declan’s gaze lifted over my shoulder to his uncle. “I don’t want to leave you alone with him.”
I pulled the onyx dagger from my waistband, flashing the gleaming blade. “I’ll be fine.”
After a few more minutes of arguing, Declan finally conceded. He flew off in a white blur, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss him the moment he disappeared. Strange thing this twin soul stuff.
“Now then,” said Azazel approaching me. “Let’s begin.” He motioned toward a towering pine and lowered himself to the ground, resting against the massive bark. When I didn’t automatically follow him, he patted the dirt beside him.
With a huff, I sat down, my skin prickling at the dark angel’s proximity.
“Do you feel that?” he asked.
“What exactly?”
He glanced down at my arm hair standing on end. “That.”
I’d felt it earlier before he appeared too. I couldn’t quite describe it—just a sensation of wrongness. I hadn’t experienced it around him before.
“Now that you and Declan have bonded, the energy within your divine blood has awoken.”
I chose to ignore his smirk and snarky tone when he said the word “bonded” and allowed him to continue.
“The divine blood running through your veins carries within it certain mystical powers. Your friend, Trinity, for example, has a tie to the earth and its elements. Sammarah had visions. You must now unlock yours.”
“I’m going to have some sort of power too?” My mind hummed with the possibilities. Maybe I’d have super strength or be able to shoot fire lasers from my eyes.
“Liv, you’re the chosen one. Your power is to deliver mankind from certain destruction.”
I huffed. Okay maybe I’d gotten a little overexcited.
“Now, let’s begin.” He took a deep breath and glared at me from the corner of his eye. “I said, let’s begin. Like this.”
I inhaled a slow breath and mirrored his pose.
“I can tell your eyes aren’t closed,” he muttered.
Oops. I squeezed them shut and forced myself to focus.
“Breathe slow, measured breaths and concentrate on the air being forced in and out of your lungs, across your chest, and out through your extremities.”
I peeked out of one eye. Azazel’s face was serene; the lines that typically crinkled his eyes and forehead had vanished. I was no good at this meditation stuff.
Okay one more time. I leaned back, forcing my eyes closed and clearing my thoughts. I could do this.
Five hours later I decided I couldn’t do this. I peered up at the thick canopy of trees and the darkening sky seeping through the dense foliage. It was nearly full night, and even with Trinity’s cloaking spell over us, it wouldn’t be wise to stay outside at this hour.
“I give up,” I said to Azazel.
Declan leapt down from his perch in the neighboring tree, his fluffy luminescent wings folding behind his back. His hands
brushed my shoulders, and I immediately relaxed under his touch. “It’s only been a few hours. Don’t get discouraged.”
“You’re overthinking it,” snapped Azazel. “This should come to you naturally. Just as natural as breathing.”
My nostrils flared as anger bubbled up in my chest. I was tired of everyone expecting me to be the chosen one. I wasn’t born into my role; I’d only just inherited it. “Maybe it’s the shoddy instructor,” I bit back.
Declan restrained me, his steel arms locking around me. “I think it’s time we call it a night. We can resume training in the morning.”
Or never.
“Fine.” Azazel folded his arms across his chest. A hint of mischief sparkled in his mismatched irises. “Perhaps the two of you should reconnect this evening. It may spark Liv’s abilities.”
The only thing that was going to do any connecting this evening was my fist with Azazel’s face. I lunged, trying to get around Declan, but it was like trying to get around a brick wall.
Azazel chuckled, and my murderous urges flared. “Goodnight, children. I will meet you here again in the morning.”
I blinked and he was gone, leaving behind hazy smoke in his wake.
“Come on, let’s get you home.” Declan placed his hand on the small of my back and led me through the darkening forest.
Muttering curses, I stomped back to headquarters. “Why isn’t it working?” I whined.
He shrugged. “Azazel’s probably right. You’re stressing out about it too much. Maybe I can do something to get your mind off of it for awhile.” He winked, and a sexy grin pulled at his lips.
“Declan!”
“What? I was thinking a date.”
“A date?” I stopped short, right in front of the dingy yellow toolshed.
“Yeah. Why not? We’ve never actually been on one, and I figured at this hour most of our neighbors will be asleep. I’m sure we can find a quiet nook to hang out in.”
It was sweet. Really sweet. And when he looked at me with those fiery maroon irises I was hopeless to resist. I guess a little break wouldn’t hurt. “Okay.”
Chapter 27
We hurried into the shed, down the ladder, and through the winding dirt tunnels. Excitement swirled in my belly, setting off a horde of butterflies at what our first date might entail. When we finally reached our container, Declan stopped at the entrance and deposited a quick kiss on my forehead. “Stay here. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes once everything’s ready.”
I was beyond giddy. Before I could open my mouth to agree, he darted away. I couldn’t help the silly smile that slid across my face as I walked into our makeshift home. Trinity and Duke were sprawled out on the bed, so I tiptoed to the small table and chair to wait.
As soon as I sat, Trinity lifted her head from the pillow. “Liv?”
“Sorry,” I whispered. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s okay.” She sat up, pushing her long braids back. “How’d it go?”
I spent the next fifteen minutes filling her in on my utter failure. Somehow I felt better after getting it all out.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Trinity.” I loved Declan, but it was nice to have a girlfriend to talk to.
“Thanks, Liv. I’m glad I’m here too. I don’t think I ever really thanked you guys for saving me from Zeke.”
I leaned forward in my chair. “You don’t owe us anything. We never would’ve made it this far without you.”
She smiled and stifled a yawn. “And don’t worry about it. Your powers will emerge when the time is right.”
Declan appeared at the door, and Trinity curled back under the covers. “Have fun on your date, kids,” she called as I followed him out.
He clasped my hand, and a surge of energy zipped through our entwined fingers. When he didn’t mention it, I assumed I was imagining things. Maybe after hours of practice I just missed his touch.
Anticipation flooded my veins as he steered me through never ending mud-caked corridors. From my periphery, I could tell Declan felt my enthusiasm too. His dark eyes sparkled, and the edges of his lips curved up.
We turned a corner, and Declan stopped. “Close your eyes.”
“Seriously?”
“Come on.” He tugged on my hand.
“Okay, okay. But if I slip and fall, you better catch me.”
“I’ll always catch you,” he whispered in my ear, igniting a wave of goose bumps.
I closed my eyes and let him lead me a few yards. Without my eyesight, all my other senses intensified. An earthy scent swirled around me muddled with morning dew. We turned another corner and stopped. Declan tipped my chin up and gently brushed his lips against mine.
My insides quivered, warmth radiating from my core.
“Okay, you can open them now.”
Hundreds of brilliant stars shone down against a pitch-black night sky. My breath hitched, the beauty overwhelming. It was like a massive skylight had been carved out of the rock. I lowered my gaze and met Declan’s anxious eyes.
“What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful,” I breathed. “How?” I glanced around the cavern, noticing a bubbling spring in the corner. Heat rose off the surface of the water blurring the air. A dozen candles lit up the space, bathing it in a delicate glow. It was heavenly.
“I found it a few days ago. I was saving it for a special occasion.” His eyes lit up with so much emotion, my throat tightened. He took my hand and led me to a blanket at the base of the spring. A variety of snacks were laid out, and my stomach grumbled.
Declan laughed, a good laugh, one that made his non-existent belly shake. My cheeks burned. “Sorry. Guess all that practicing boosted my appetite.”
“Good.” He smiled and led me to the impromptu picnic. After setting out the paper plates, he glanced up at me. “For our first course, saltines and cocktail wieners.”
“Yum!”
As he detailed the rest of our dinner, it reminded me of our first meal together at that grisly apartment building filled with massacred bodies. The food Declan had scrounged together was the only pleasant memory of that place. And the way he’d slept on the floor by my side the whole night. As horrible as our surroundings were, even then he’d made me feel safe.
I nibbled on a cracker and bumped his shoulder. “Thanks for doing this. It’s exactly what I needed.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Your twin soul at your service.”
I smiled and leaned into him. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me into his firm chest. With my back resting comfortably against his warmth, we finished our meal.
After eating, we took a quick dip in the heated spring. It was ten times better than any Jacuzzi I’d ever been in—not that I’d been in many. The hot water enveloped me in a relaxing bubble, melting away all my worries.
The soothing gurgle of the spring filled the comfortable silence afterwards. I lay beside Declan wrapped in a cozy towel and stared up at the starry night. “This really is perfect.”
Declan’s fingers trailed down my arm, lighting a fire in their wake. I squirmed closer, lifting my lips to meet his. Our haggard breaths mingled, and our limbs entwined. His soul called out to mine—I felt it with every fiber of my being.
And so we reconnected. As instructed.
Twice.
Blood. Deep crimson liquid bathed every corner of my mind. I shuddered and willed my eyes to open. They refused.
Declan’s mangled body filled my vision, a sword protruding from his chest. His blood soaked the earth, tingeing it a rusty red. Sobs wracked my torso as my shoulders heaved with each labored breath. My white shift was covered in Declan’s lifeblood, more of it now on me than inside him. The pallor of death coated his skin, stealing my last breath away.
I would die too. I wanted to. I couldn’t live without him. A paralyzing pain lanced through my chest, leaving a gaping hole behind. Half of my soul gone.
An unearthly shriek rang out, inciting a tidal wave of goose bumps over my s
kin. The cries came from me, or maybe it was my soul itself mourning its missing half. My entire body trembled, my throat raw from screaming.
Darkness swirled around me, wrapping me in its cold embrace. I willingly sank into it.
For a while there was nothingness. Then suddenly, fiery heat danced across my flesh. I didn’t want to move, but an invisible string yanked me up.
I forced my heavy, swollen eyelids open. Glancing around a dark chamber, I tried to get my bearings. My heart hurt, but I couldn’t remember why. Something bad had happened…
I stood as my eyes adjusted to the dim light. A shadow in the corner of the empty room coalesced into the form of a man—an indistinct man swaddled in a long white robe. He extended his hand to me, and I floated toward him, my legs moving of their own accord.
The man had kind features. Everything about him exuded warmth and gentleness and yet I couldn’t say if he was short or tall, dark or light, white or black. His essence was all that mattered. He smiled and took my hand. “I’ve waited an eternity for you, Liv Graciene. It is your time.”
As our fingertips met, images consumed my vision, flashing across my mind like a movie on fast forward. Destruction. Death. Violence. My pupils vibrated back and forth as the pictures zipped by. My temples throbbed, the pain ricocheting off my skull.
“Make it stop!” I screamed. “Please, stop.”
I thrashed around, the hard floor biting into my back as I cried out.
“Liv. Liv!” A velvety voice pulled at me from a distance.
Declan? The flashes abruptly stopped, and my eyes snapped open. A pair of blazing maroon irises calmed the rising panic. A dark wave of hair flopped over Declan’s forehead, and I longed to entwine my fingers through the soft curls. I jolted up, breathing him in like I was suffocating and he was my last ounce of air.
His fingers threaded through my damp hair, caressing and soothing. “Are you okay?”