Chapter 1

Zoey

I gasped aloud and stumbled backwards. What did Nyx mean when she said that it was only the beginning? I mean, I'd fought Kalona. I'd nearly died several times! I knew Kalona wasn't gone yet, but this was only the beginning? How was I going to survive?

I felt eyes on my back and turned to see Stark staring at me, a question in his eyes. How must I look? He was cut all over-for me- and the second he wakes up, I gasp.

Plus there was the whole Warrior-can-read-your-mind thing.

"Zoey," said Stark. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I-I had a vision," I said. When I heard Aphrodite take a sharp breath, I said, "Well, not so much a vision as much as I heard Nyx. I said that it was all over now, but then Nyx laughed and said it was only beginning."

"What? You heard Nyx?"

"Yeah. This isn't the first time either." Suddenly, I got a feeling in my stomach. It was very clear-I had to shut up. Luckily, Aphrodite stepped in.

"Like the time she appeared to us, only you didn't see her?" she asked.

"Yeah, kinda like that." I felt my legs tremble and knew I should sit down, but I couldn't. "Sgiach," I said. "Where is your Nyx's Temple?"

"Right outside. I'll have Seoras show you the way."

Just as we were about to leave, Stevie Rae burst in through the palace doors. She had no marks on her face. "Hi y'all," she said, panting. "I got on the first flight I could as soon as I sensed Zoey was awake. I had to cover up my tattoos cause of all the strange looks I was getting. Anyways, I'm glad you're back to normal, Zoey, but I have some bad news. It's-it's Dallas. He realized something, got mad at someone, and…Zoey, he Changed. Only not how Stark and I Changed. He's got Darkness in his soul now." She looked away as she said this. I automatically knew that there was more to her story, but I didn't pressure her. The rest of the group looked shocked.

"He what?" said Stark. "I can't believe it. One of our red fledglings on the side of Darkness!"

"Calm down, Stark," I said. "I need to think this through. Seoras, can you show me the way to the Temple?" Seoras bowed to me and agreed. As he walked out the door, I followed him. And Stark, Damien, Jack, the Twins, Aphrodite, Darius, and Stevie Rae followed me.

"Guys?" I said to them. "I really need to concentrate and not that you're distracting, but I…" My voice became soft. "I need you all to stay here, except for Stark."

They all looked at me knowingly. "Of course, Zoey," Damien replied. "In fact, it might do us all good to get a little sleep." Then, as if to punctuate this, the Twins yawned loudly simultaneously.

"Okay guys," I said. "I'll see you later."