Her eyes widen. She looks a bit confused and yet a bit suspicious.
“Or Paris or Jamaica—or even the North Pole,” I continue. “The location doesn’t matter. All that matters is staying hidden from everyone. You would be safe, and you wouldn’t have to pretend for anyone. We could do whatever we wanted.”
She doesn’t respond. Maybe she’s considering it.
I place a soft, tender kiss on her lips. She gives in to the kiss, needing it as much as I need her. I hold my essence back, wanting to kiss her as a mortal. As a man who loves her.
She clings tighter to me. Having her here, touching her and tasting her with my lips, the need to protect her overwhelms me.
“Please,” I beg again against her sweet lips. “Come away with me.”
I move back, just enough to see her clearly. She stares at me, searching for something unknown. Then her lips shift into a small smile.
“If I have to leave,” she begins, “I want to go with you—no one else. But I’d rather stay and fight.”
I turn away, but she brings me back to her. She scoots closer, pressing her forehead to mine and placing a hand on each side of my face.
“They’re dying for me,” she says. “I can’t just abandon the rest.”
“I’ll send more Protectors to guard the others. He will be stopped.”
“Good. They need more help. But I’m still not hiding. Not yet.”
“Maddy, I—”
Behind us, we suddenly hear a throat clear.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Alexander says. He’s staring down the hall. “Tamitha and Sissy are concerned with how long the Immotus has been intact. They’re worried others will come if we keep it in place much longer.”
I nod. They’re right—we can’t keep everyone frozen forever. We have to restart time and return everything to normal, just as it was before. I turn back to Maddy, seeing the dried blood on her skin and ruined dress. My own clothes are covered in her blood as well.
“I’m taking Maddy home to shower and change into a new outfit. Before we return, tell the others to compel everyone to not notice her outfit change. I’ll—”
“Stop,” Maddy says firmly. Her voice is sharp. “Tell me what’s going on. What’s the Immotus?”
I send my essence into her, trying to calm her. “It’s one of our angelic abilities. With it, we alter time. Currently, time is at a standstill in Mankato. Once the Immotus lifts, time will move a bit faster to catch up to the rest of the world, though only those who are more sensitive will notice something off.”
Maddy frowns. By now I know her well enough to realize she’s bothered by this.
“We had no choice,” I stress. “We needed to know what was happening to you without anyone else seeing or hearing.”
She considers that a moment. “I understand that. But I still don’t like it. It’s still wrong.”
“Maddy, it’s fine. All over the world, at any given time, at least a dozen places are frozen. It’s done to protect mortals. And afterward, they go on living as if nothing happened.”
“It’s not fine,” Maddy says, jumping to her feet. The building rumbles.
Her reaction takes me by surprise. From the side, I see Alexander take a step back—caught off guard as well.
“We’re not pawns!” Maddy shouts.
“Hey,” I say, scrambling to my feet and standing before her. “It’s okay. That’s not—”
“It’s not okay!” she says over more rumbles. “This is why it’s so hard for me to accept what you do. You stop time, you compel mortals just as much as the demons do.”
“What?” I say, stunned. “No, Maddy. They do those things to cause harm. We do it for good.”
“Good?” she repeats, shaking her head. “How is compelling the entire school to forget what I was wearing good?”
I stiffen, then take a step closer to her. But she steps back.
“We’re not pawns,” she repeats.
All I can do is stare, not knowing how to comfort her.
. . .
I take Maddy home so she can shower. While she’s in the bathroom, I pace in her bedroom.
How upset she is makes me wonder what else happened with the demon. Where was she taken? What was said to her? What else happened to her?
I’ve never stepped back to think about how often we compel mortals. With it not working on Maddy, I’m learning just how much I lean on it. What if she’s right and we do use it just as often as demons? Granted, we use it for different reasons, but the effect is still the same. When it comes to the bigger picture, we all treat mortals as pawns.
I reach in the Veil for the bag of clothes I picked up from Immortal City and begin changing. I have to think of a way to bring Maddy back to school without compelling everyone. My reflection in her dresser mirror makes me pause. My gaze roams my assignment clothes—plain white shirt and blue jeans. I have several identical sets. If one set gets soiled or ruined battling a demon, I can change into a new set without anyone noticing. Maybe the same can be done for Maddy.
I reach out to Tamitha.
Yes, MJ, she says once we connect.
I need you to find a dress identical to the one Maddy wore earlier, I say.
I could have sent Sissy—she’s been itching to get back in my good graces—but Tamitha’s attention to detail will be best here.
Consider it done, Tamitha says.
We disconnect. I turn and stare at the bathroom door, then listen for Maddy’s heartbeat.
It’s quick, though it has been since she came back. This demon that possessed her has me more worried than the others. Maddy is powerful. Strong enough to fight off an Influencer with heightened abilities. So whoever this unknown demon is, she must be even stronger.
She’s not a Morpher. They don’t operate this way.
My gaze lands on the Segrego bracelet still sitting on Maddy’s dresser. I suddenly remember that the stones didn’t react to the demon this morning. They should have. I myself sensed a demon’s presence. But I dismissed my instinct when the stones didn’t react. That can mean only one thing—somehow this demon doesn’t belong to the Caste.
As I’m staring at the bracelet, Maddy exits the bathroom.
I stand there, stunned by her appearance more so than I was this morning. She’s in the same style of dress as this morning—Tamitha must have found it quickly. Now that I know it’s really Maddy . . . the dress seems different.
My body tightens and the room feels warm against my skin.
But Maddy’s arms are crossed, and she’s looking away. Her eyes are distant. Is she lost in a memory, or deep in thought?
Her fingers tighten on her arms, holding herself even more.
Before I can move to comfort her, emerald eyes land on me. I’m stuck in place, rooted by the sadness in them.
“Last night,” she says, “I saw how you looked at me after the tree fell . . . You were afraid of me. Of what I could do.”
In a flash, I’m in front of her, holding her. My fingers run through her hair, and she leans into it.
“I was afraid for you. For us. I didn’t know you had that much power, but I should have. That was my fault. We need to get a handle on your abilities. Let’s do some training.”
Immediately, I realize I’m still not sticking to the goal I originally set for the day—before everything went to hell. Today was supposed to be normal.
Or maybe my goal is all wrong. How can life be “normal” right now? For that matter, Maddy hasn’t been “normal” since the incident with the Shadowwalker three years ago, when she pushed her family and friends away.
But ever since coming back from the Influencer’s house, I’ve seen the desire in her eyes to repair those relationships. And Father knows she and I have some repairing to do.
Maybe what she really needs is a night of healing. A night where she can see just how much she is loved by her family, friends, and me.
My mind races through the information I obtained from reading
hundreds of dating books in Immortal City. Within a second, I have the perfect date planned for her. Tonight is going to be—what is the word Amber said when she met me—epic.
I can’t conceal a sly smile as I look at Maddy. “Never mind,” I correct myself. “No training today. We have other plans.”
Uncertainty flashes in her eyes. “But how can you want me after I tried to hurt you? That’s why I took off your bracelet.”
I calm her emotions while doing my best to control mine. “It was an accident. I’m fine. What hurt worse was that I thought I lost you. ”
“Why?”
“Because of everything I kept from you. Because of how angry I made you. I’m . . . an idiot. But regardless of what you think of me, it’s your bracelet. I want you to wear it.”
“Do—” She stops and pauses. Her insides suddenly become a jumbled mess of knots and fear. “After last night and today I mean . . . do you still want to be with me?”
I place a hand under her chin, tilting her head up. “Nothing could make me stop loving you.” My lips curve into a sly smile. “Not even you.”
She rests her head on my chest, but not before I see her smile. “What would I do without you?”
I kiss in her hair, inhaling the fruit scents of her shampoo. “Doesn’t matter. You’re never going to find out.”
“Good.” She wraps her arms around me, and I do the same.
“Maddy, before we go back, there’s one thing I’d like you to do for me.”
Chapter Forty-Six
Maddy
My eyes land on the bracelet, knowing what MJ’s going to ask.
Yesterday it felt like a heavy chain tightening its hold on me, marking me as his for the world to see. Today I want it on my wrist so I can feel his love for me and know I’m safe.
MJ steps in front of my dresser and picks up my bracelet. “Before I give this back to you,” he says, “there’s something about it you need to know.”
He holds the bracelet out for me to see. “The gems aren’t the kind you find in stores. They’re used by Protectors. They represent the twelve types, or Castes, of demons. When they’re near, the corresponding stone turns black.”
I stare at the heavenly objects bound together by white-gold links. There’s so much about him and his world that I don’t know. I can’t deny the depth of my feelings for him, but how can I be in love with him already?
I don’t want to run. I want to learn everything I can about him—both his Protector life and his mortal one. And I want this . . . this beautiful, otherworldly gift he created to not only show me how he feels but also to keep me safe.
Suddenly I’m reminded of Elizabeth and the necklace Damien gave her. It was far too beautiful and expensive to be worn every day—especially just around the cabin—yet Damien compelled her. Was her necklace special in the same way my bracelet is?
“Please,” MJ whispers, moving closer to me.
His knuckles caress my cheek, and the movement echoes throughout my body. I lean closer to him, craving his touch, warmth, and security.
“They keep coming after you, trying to take you away . . . I can’t lose you. I won’t survive it.”
The scene I saw on the TV in Hell—him holding my vacant body—comes barreling back. I need to fight them off. I need to stop letting the demons use me. It tortures him. I want a future with MJ. If the bracelet helps me—helps us—fight them . . .
I nod and hold my arm out for him. Cool metal wraps around my wrist, and MJ secures the clasp. As he pulls his hands away, the bracelet feels different this time. It’s no longer a heavy, foreign object that causes everything in my body to go on alert. Now . . . I don’t know. It just feels right. As if it’s always been there.
“It’s beautiful, MJ. Thank you.”
He exhales, his shoulders lower, and muscles in his face loosen as he smiles. My wearing this means so much to him.
“This won’t repel demons, but at least now we can have a heads-up of when they’re coming.” He wraps his arms around me. “It’s time we head back to school. Remember, time will move faster as we catch up to the rest of the world. I’m glad time will go faster, because we have a special night ahead of us. That’s all I’m going to say for now—it’s a surprise.” He grins.
I wrap my arms around him too and smile as I anticipate this surprise. No matter what happens from this point on, I must hold on to MJ.
. . .
We need to return to our seats in math class before MJ will lift the Immotus. Walking the halls is like walking in one of my dreams. Every room is silent. Everyone’s frozen in the same position they were in when the Immotus was cast. A few students were in the process of grabbing things from their lockers. In the classrooms, teachers are motionless in front of stationary students. I’m used to this in my dreams from Elizabeth, but it’s creepy knowing this is real life.
I move through the rows of statue-students in math, most of who are staring straight ahead.
“You’re taking this better than I expected,” MJ says.
“This is how my dreams used to begin—with everyone frozen. Before they went crazy, that is.”
“Hmm . . .” he says, but doesn’t question me further.
I wave a hand in front of Kelli’s face, watching for a reaction, but there isn’t one. “This doesn’t affect them?”
“As I said before, people who are sensitive to the world around them may feel as if the day has dragged on, while others will feel nothing.”
I still hate how easy it is for them to mess with our lives and not care. Somehow, if I survive all this, I need to put an end to them treating us like pawns. It’s much more than this Immotus. I think about Duane and the others, putting those girls in harm’s way to protect me. I think about how Sissy—and even MJ—nearly killed me. They sacrifice us when it suits them. Demons and angels are equally at fault here.
I notice Tom as I take my seat. He’s staring under my desk at my legs. That’s disgusting. I shift this way and that, trying to find the best way to sit in this damn dress. But it doesn’t matter—he’ll still see way too much of me.
MJ growls in his seat beside me, glaring at Tom too. “The sooner this day is over, the better. I’m running out of patience with him.”
MJ’s beautiful hazel eyes are narrow slits, and his perfectly kissable lips are pressed together in a thin line. Even angry, he still manages to captivate me.
“He’s an idiot,” I reply. “Don’t waste your energy on him.” I tug at the hem. “I just can’t wait to get out of this dress she picked out.”
MJ shakes his head, removing the angry expression. “I know it’s not really your style—and I know it’s definitely not what you want to wear to school.” He leans across the aisle and places his hand on my bare knee. “But as your boyfriend, I must say you do look amazing in it.”
My breath catches, and my heart skips a beat. He holds his essence back. I’m acutely aware of him, his skin on mine. The callouses on his hands from years of fighting, the warmth of his touch spreading out on my skin—heating me both inside and out.
Everything but MJ falls away. His gaze darkens, and his lips part. I reach out, placing my hand on his smooth cheek. His eyes close, and he relaxes into my touch.
“Hvordan kom jeg så heldig?” MJ asks.
“What does that mean?” I ask in breathless wonder.
His eyes reopen, and he stares into mine. “How did I get so lucky? You are many things to me, Madison. You are my life force—my reason for being. No matter what happens in the future, whether we stay here or have to leave, you will always be my home.”
Then he shifts back into his chair, moving beyond my reach, and pulls his hand from my knee. “Ready?”
Oh, I’m ready. But not for school. I want to be anywhere else right now. I want to feel and taste him. I want to do more than we’ve done before. I want the world to feel the fire building inside me. I want to let it all burn.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself, b
ut failing miserably.
“Are you ready?” he asks again.
I nod, not trusting my voice.
Instantly, life resumes. Everyone carries on as if nothing happened.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Justin
I’m no good. Not anymore. That part of me was lost during the Trials when I arrived in Hell. Maybe even before then.
In this lifetime, I’ve caused nothing but pain and suffering. Even when I tried to do good as a mortal, I still failed. I still hurt everyone. I’m good at that. Really good. I’m not meant to be the hero.
And yet here I stand—in a living room in Atlanta, Georgia, in a house that once belonged to Mads—trying to be just that.
She was an infant when they lived here. And she was only a few months old when they left. But still I had to see it. I have to know everything about her.
There is a mild hum in the air, similar to standing too close to power lines. It’s the remnants of an essence—a powerful essence. Someone high up visited this space often. Most likely a member of the Fallen. Was it the Acquisitioner? Or Death?
Either way, it doesn’t bode well.
I move farther into the room, bypassing the gray furniture and tables and coming to a stop in front of a bookcase. I pick up a picture frame. The photo is of a man and woman holding a curly, black-haired toddler. They’re smiling—full of happiness. I put it down and look around again at how comfortable they’ve made themselves in Mads’s home.
I clench my jaw as I move from room to room. More pictures of that family decorate the walls. It’s as if Mads never lived here at all. There’s no proof of her being here. They’ve just replaced her.
I return to the main floor, wishing the family were home so I could make them suffer. If I had time, I’d wait for them.
But the clock is ticking on Mads’s life. The longer I draw this out, the greater the risk of losing her forever.
Even though I didn’t find the answers I was looking for, I need to head back. Sudden relief floods me at the thought of seeing her again. I’ve been away from her for too long. I think I’ve figured out her weakness. The first chance she’s alone, I’m going to test it out.
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