The Acropolis

by R.K. Ryals

  Chapter 36

  Emma

  We are within view of a massive white stone manor when I feel him. I pat Ace on the head, and he stops, hovering in the air as I look over my shoulder.

  "Conor," I whisper as two figures come into view. It's easy to see that the boys are injured.

  "Jesus!" Grace says loudly as Will moves into our group.

  Both boys are grimy and covered in abrasions, and Conor is bleeding from his arm.

  "I take it you won?" Marion asks gently as she touches one of Will's wounds gently.

  Will lifts his brow, but doesn't say a word. Neither he nor Conor seem very talkative.

  "Are you okay?" I ask carefully as Conor approaches.

  His eyes are haunted, and he nods at the manor ahead.

  "Let's go," he says tiredly, and no one argues.

  The hybrids follow him with no hesitation. He and Will have just proven their loyalty to the hybrids in the most devastating way possible. They have fought their own. They are respected now, and I feel the sickness in my stomach grow worse. If there was ever a chance for me and Conor, I fear it's gone now.

  We reach the manor too soon, and I am not prepared for the weariness that strikes the gargoyles as they land. Will goes down on his knees as Conor stumbles against a tree. Marion kneels between them.

  "Someone will have to go for help," Marion says softly.

  "I'll go," Grace says firmly as she begins to walk. No one is sure how the hybrids will be received. It's best we are not the ones to approach Alessandro.

  "Let me," I say softly as I sit down next to Conor. I take his arm in my own, and my eyes go up to meet his. "Roach?" I whisper.

  Conor nods before leaning his head back against the tree, his eyes closed. I look up at the hybrids.

  "If any of you can tell me how I can heal his wound without using my tears, please help me," I say quietly.

  The hybrids look at each other, and I'm surprised when it's Lyre that steps forward to kneel on Conor's other side. I feel jealousy, but I'm too worried for it to take root.

  "Touch the wound," Lyre instructs, and I lay a hand over the fang bite.

  Conor flinches but doesn't fight me.

  "Now call on whatever it is your mother's power values the most. Emotion, tears . . . it doesn't matter. Her strength is your strength," Lyre whispers.

  I look up at her and our eyes meet. Most people could think of some pretty vile words to call Lyre. Seductress being a tame one, but she is suddenly transformed for me. Unfortunately for Lyre, her mother's power comes from using her body, and Lyre has never learned how to use it in any other way. I know, without a doubt, she can change if she wants to. Her magic can be accessed differently.

  "Help me," I whisper, and Lyre's eyes widen as I touch her arm.

  Suddenly, our power is one, and Lyre gasps as I call on the moon. It answers, and I feel warmth flow from the sky, through Lyre, and into me before I direct it into Conor. The wound on his arm begins to close, and he hisses as the skin folds together. Lyre pulls away, and she backs up on her hands and knees, an expression of awe on her face.

  "Thank you," I say genuinely.

  Lyre nods as she stands and melds back into the group. Conor's eyes open.

  "Talk about using a guy's past against him," Conor complains, and I laugh as I touch his cheek briefly. His humor is a good sign, and I feel something akin to hope in my chest.

  "Not against you," I whisper. "Never against."

  Our eyes meet briefly, and I search his gaze. I see the pain hidden there. He pushes it down, but emotion is one thing he can't hide from me. I want to tell him I'm sorry, but the words don't come. They are not words I think he will appreciate.

  "Chin up," Conor says lightly.

  I smile, my eyes moving to Will. Marion has him sitting up now, his legs stretched out in front of him. He still looks weak but better. He sees me looking and grins.

  "Conor took the worse beating."

  Conor throws him a haughty look just as Grace calls out loudly. She has a young blond-haired man with her. He is tall and wears blue jeans with a navy Aeropostale long sleeve shirt. He stands out in a sea of solid tees.

  "Ethan," Conor says wearily, and the man rushes to his side.

  There are others behind him on the lawn, and I know these are members of the S.O.S.. Conor rises slowly, taking my hand in his even as he uses Ethan's arm for support.

  "Man, you look like you've seen better days," Ethan says bluntly. "What? You leave three weeks ago with the need to run yourself into the ground? And the hair? The need for a haircut would be underestimating it just a bit."

  Conor limps slightly as he regains his footing before looking at Ethan.

  "Done there, Jacobs? Keep going, and I might find a way to beat your ass enough to join me."

  Ethan grins.

  "You wouldn't do it," he says confidently.

  Conor raises a brow.

  "And why not?"

  "Cause then you'd have to deal with my sister."

  Conor snorts.

  "Good point."

  Ethan looks at me.

  "Who's this?" he asks before looking around the group curiously. His eyes land on the drex, and he tenses.

  "He won't harm anyone," I say meekly.

  An elderly woman, an olive skinned man with black hair, and a brown-haired woman are all on the hill now, and the elderly woman moves toward me slowly. She is wearing a burgundy house dress, and she has a cane in her right hand. She wears a rosary prominently around her neck, and her hair is pulled tightly to the back of her head. I think it was black once, but the strands hanging down now are white.

  "A Demonio," the woman says quietly as she steps in front of me.

  My hand is still in Conor's, and his fingers tighten around mine.

  "A hybrid," Conor corrects.

  The woman lifts a brow, her curious gaze moving between the two of us.

  "Ahhh, I see. A hybrid then. All of them," she says as she looks back at the dark-haired man.

  He is handsome, middle-aged with features lined by the elements. He is rugged with sharp, intense eyes, and his gaze cuts through me as he steps forward.

  "Emma Chase," he says with a nod.

  Everyone freezes. I stare at him, my eyes gazing into his.

  "Do I know you?" I whisper.

  He shakes his head, his smile gentle.

  "No, Sweet One, but I know your mother. I'm Alessandro Mancini."

  "Enepsigos," I correct although I'm beginning to feel foolish for correcting everyone.

  The elderly woman snorts, her laughter loud and cheerful.

  "We seem to attract the ones with family issues," she says with a grin. She's missing a few front teeth, but she doesn't seem bothered by it. "I'm Maria, Demonio."

  I smile at her warily, and she winks at me.

  "If you know Enepsigos, then you know why we're here?" Conor asks suddenly.

  Alessandro looks at him, his eyes serious.

  "I have an idea. Gibson and I have had some disagreements when it comes to the Acropolis. I'm assuming these hybrids come from there?" Alessandro asks.

  Conor nods. Alessandro's gaze moves over the hybrids standing behind us. They have been quiet until now, and I can feel their apprehension.

  "Welcome," Alessandro says quietly. "You are welcome here."

  The fear in the hybrids turns quickly into relief, and I hear Hesther and Gwenyth laughing nervously. Fiona is grinning, and Bruno and Gray give each other an inconspicuous high five they think no one sees. Even Lyre seems more at ease. Deidra is at my back again, peering around the corner of my jeans.

  Maria sees her and leans over. Deidra leans forward, and the old woman snaps the few teeth she has together sharply. Deidra squeals and hides again. Maria laughs.

  "Do we start over here?" Grace asks cautiously.

  She and Marion move next to Will. The hybrids may be safe, but the gargoyles are left now without
a home. Without a purpose. Alessandro places a hand on Grace's shoulder.

  "I helped develop the Acropolis with the purpose of rehabilitating hybrids. At some point, I handed the reins over to the gargoyles. It was a mistake."

  Conor, Marion, Will, and Grace look sharply at Alessandro. He grimaces.

  "Don't mistake me. The gargoyles are an honorable race. They have more honor than most of us have in our entire body, but they have been fighting a war with Demons much longer than the rest of us. Much, much longer. This has bred a prejudice that will take time to break. I was wrong to walk away from the project. It'll be a meager start, but your training can continue here."

  Grace nods sadly while Marion, Conor, and Will all breathe a sigh of relief.

  "And I'll talk to Gibson about the gargoyles present. I won't make any promises, but I don't see any reason why you can't return to service despite bringing the hybrids here."

  Conor and Will look at each other, their gazes full of pain.

  "Will and I can't return," Conor says quietly.

  Alessandro looks at the cousins but neither one of them elaborates. He nods.

  "Then you are welcome here as well. If you claim asylum, then you will be absorbed into the Swords of Solomon, and we will protect you like we do our own."

  Will looks up.

  "We claim asylum."

  Alessandro smiles sadly.

  "Then so be it."

  Alessandro gestures at the manor below, and the group moves toward it eagerly. There is freedom in the air. The hybrids are calm, excited, and I know this is the new Acropolis. The building isn't here, but the students are, and it's a new future for us.

  Conor releases my hand halfway down the hill, and I lag behind, the drex slinking behind me. Alessandro has not forbidden its presence, and he follows me obediently.

  "Your power is great, Demonio," Maria says suddenly from in front of me, and I jump. Maria laughs. "Jumpy creatures, you hybrids. I am a seer. I can tell the difference between mortals, Demons, and Angels. Your body is surrounded by a red haze as dark as a ruby but brighter. Amazing really."

  I turn to look at her.

  "I don't really know how to use my power," I say quietly.

  Maria raises her brows.

  "I can tell that, Demonio. Very easy to tell. Tell me, have you ever met your father?"

  I shake my head.

  "No, he's dead."

  Maria's eyes widen.

  "Is he? Oh . . ."

  I look at her, my heart beating wildly.

  "Why do you ask?"

  Maria grins.

  "I think, My Dear, that you have come to the right place."

  And with that, she leaves me. Ace comes up beside me, bumping my hand with his head, and I pet him gently. His leathery skin is rough but soothing. The manor's white stone is like a beacon, and I can only hope Maria is right. I have come to the right place.

  Chapter 37

  Conor

  Alessandro's office is small, hidden behind a staircase inside the manor. There's a small scarred desk, a filing cabinet, and two small wooden chairs. It isn't a cushy office mainly because Alessandro isn't a cushy man. There's a thermostat on the wall behind the desk, and my eyes land on it as Alessandro paces the room. It's a small thermostat, and it seems unusual.

  "How do you feel about being a part of the S.O.S?" Alessandro asks suddenly, and I turn to him.

  "My choices are kind of limited at the moment," I answer.

  Alessandro's eyes meet mine.

  "How many of them did you kill?" he asks softly, and I know he sees the turmoil in my gaze. I flinch.

  "I'm not sure," I answer honestly.

  Alessandro nods.

  "I have news about your friend, Dayton," Alessandro says, and I freeze.

  "Is she okay?" I ask.

  Alessandro's smile is reassuring.

  "She is fine. I'm still not sure how I feel about Marcas, but he seems to be protecting her. I have been contacted by an Angel who has been working with the S.O.S. We are rendezvousing with them in a few days."

  My heart is suddenly beating way too fast.

  "I'm coming with you," I say loudly.

  Alessandro waves a hand.

  "I figured you'd say as much. Monroe has volunteered to go as well."

  Monroe and Dayton have been my best friends since we were in preschool. I owe them anything I can do to help.

  "When?" I ask.

  Alessandro's eyes meet mine.

  "We leave in three days,"

  I nod.

  "And the hybrids?"

  "They will be safe until we return. I'd like to put you in charge of helping with their training if you are interested."

  I don't hesitate.

  "I'm interested."

  "Good," Alessandro says. "Why don't you rest? You've done well, Conor."

  I walk to the door quickly, my heart sinking. Not everyone would agree with Alessandro. I could have done better.

  "And Conor?" Alessandro calls out.

  I turn just outside the door. My eyes meet his.

  "I don't know what's going on between you and the hybrid, Emma, but be careful. She has a big future ahead, and she's special. I . . . I don't want her hurt."

  The older man looks away, and I lean against the door.

  "Is there something you're not telling me?" I ask.

  Alessandro looks up, his face serious.

  "She's my daughter."

  It isn't what I expected, and I find myself staring, my eyes wide.

  "Your daughter?" I choke out.

  Alessandro stands, moving toward me slowly. He stops a few inches away, his eyes trained on mine.

  "Yes. She's my daughter, and this journey you've been on, the decisions you've had to make . . . this is just the beginning.

  And with that, he closes the door in my face.

  This is just the beginning.

  About the Author

  R. K. Ryals is a scatterbrained mother of three whose passion is reading whatever she can get her hands on. She makes her home in Mississippi with her husband, three daughters, a Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, and a coffeepot she couldn't live without. Visit her at https://rkryals.blogspot.com

  Other works available:

  Redemption: The Redemption Series Book One

  Ransom: The Redemption Series Book Two

  Coming Soon:

  Retribution: The Redemption Series Book Three

  Book Two in the Acropolis Series (Currently Untitled)