Hi everyone who has stumbled upon this humble chapter! *Sigh* I guess it's
obvious by now that I am one of the worst updaters possible, but it's here,
and it's long by my standards. I hope you guys enjoy reading it – if you
do, please tell me . . . if you don't, tell me too. If you are just bored,
you're welcome to review too! There is a little review button somewhere
along this page. Anyhow, on with it . . .
Sharmeen – Hey. I read your info and was wondering, have you read Juliet Marillier's books? They are beautiful stories, a bit different to Night World fantasy and what you've read. But I have a feeling you'd like it. Her writing is incredible. And yes, it is kind of scary how it's not hard at all to relate to Haydan's way of thinking and I enjoy writing about them both.
Arrylle Gamere – Hey Niluka! Haven't seen you for a while!!! Email me sometime. ^^
Amber – I haven't given up! It's here! And I've started another too . . .
This chapter is sincerely dedicated to Amber, who kicked my ass for not updating sooner hehe.
CHAPTER NINE
She was in an agitated mood. Something felt wrong. Something ate at her, in the pit of her stomach. Call it intuition. Call it a hunch. Something was definitely wrong. Alexis prowled, noting miniscule details that fired her annoyance. Her cell. The way the guard scratched his head. The damned weather. She couldn't think. She needed space.
Agitation gave way to full-blown hysteria, and she paced even faster. She was on full rhino rampage. She was on red alert. She was well on the way to hitting ten on the Richter scale. Haydan chose an unfortunate time to appear in front of her. Or perhaps he deliberately chose to appear at such a time.
"You!" She shot him a look of pure venom.
"Careful of your tone, ice princess," His eyes were shuttered lazily but his voice held a warning.
She was in no mood to heed it. She was spoiling for a fight.
"I am sick of being cooped up all the time, I hate this cell, I hate these bars, I hate the lack of freedom!"
He lifted an eyebrow at her and said nothing.
"And I hate not being in control. That includes you. Why does life play these games with me?? Of all the people I could have this . . . this. . . LINK with, why did it have to be you?" She kept pacing, her feet kicking up invisible dirt. The cell had been cleaned ever since she first went to the library, but there was still no denying that it was a jail. A cleaner, less offensive jail, but a jail nonetheless.
Haydan's expression was stoic, he leaned against the wall casually, hand in pocket, with all the careless grace of a model. "How flattering. My dear, I can't help being charmed by you. After all, love and hate are merely opposite sides of the same coin."
She stopped abruptly and glared at him. "Are you mocking me?!"
His eyes twinkled. "Never."
"Seeing me lose it seems to make you feel better!" She raged, pointing an accusing finger at him, throwing her anger through the link, hoping to blast a few of his brain cells. She felt a faint shimmer of amusement through the veil he always kept between them, a pure silver thread as delicate as a spider web. The hopelessness and panic inside her quieted in reaction. Finally she regained her wits. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"Making a decision," Haydan said. The fleeting sparkle she had seen in his face disappeared as quickly and unexpectedly as it had appeared. She hadn't known she would miss it, or any other part of him. "But seeing you now has made it for me. A hysterical girl is of no use to me. I will move you to one of the bedrooms above. On one condition."
This was met with utter silence.
"Well?" He asked. "Don't you want to know what it is?"
It killed her pride to ask, but more than anything she wanted to get out of the cell. More than anything she needed to *breathe*, to *think*.
"What is it." Her voice was stilted.
His lip curved in a slender, bladed smile. "Give me your promise. Vow that you will not escape, not abuse this freedom I offer you, until we work out the secrets regarding the Jewel."
Violet eyes stared into Black - bottomless, brilliant and probing. Of all that he had to bargain with, this was the last thing she expected. "I . . . I . . ."
"Can you promise me?" He hadn't blinked. She sensed that he was willing her to agree. Maybe in his own way he didn't like to see her in this cell anymore than she enjoyed having her wings clipped. But with this promise she would be bound – in another way. She would be bound by her word, bound by honor. Give her word not to escape?
But she needed to find out about the jewel anyway. It would be a fair bargain. But swearing against her freedom made her extremely uncomfortable. "Promises are based on trust. How can you trust my word?"
"Good point," He said grimly. "But I can feel you, instinctively I know what you are like. I know that you don't back out on your word. I know you have never broken a promise. The link tells me you have honor. I'm asking you one last time. It makes no difference to me where you stay, hovel or palace. As long as we find that prophecy, work out where the jewel is."
"I promise," Her words were barely a whisper, but it was done.
He smiled. With a flick of his wrist the door was thrown open and he swept her a courtly bow. "Follow me, my lady."
She could breathe again as soon as she crossed the threshold. She felt her powers returning gradually, making her fingers tingle. Not being able to access them had made her feel as powerless as a human. Her mind cleared. No more of that eerie, bodiless nothing. No more of that oppressing, mind- numbing cell. Whatever magic which had stripped her of strength in that cell had gone.
Alexis followed him up the winding stone steps, her hand trailing the wall to keep balance. Past the corridors, sentries, the library . . . up yet another level and he showed her to her room. It was small, painted with pale ivory and one window overlooking the central courtyard. A single bed, table, chair and basin of water. It was simple – clean – and utter bliss.
Haydan paused at the doorway. He seemed to be debating whether or not to tell her something. Finally a grin transformed his face in spite of himself. "My room's next door."
He slammed the door at his departure.
Alexis was speechless. What was *that* supposed to mean?!
Shaking herself out of the stupor – (don't think about it damnit), she went to the window and opened it a crack.
She hadn't known what sort of building she was in, and now she knew. It looked like a mansion. Well-secured. Below she could see what looked like a small army, guards taking shifts and moving about. The open courtyard seemed to be placed right in the middle of buildings, medieval with pointed gothic arches and long, narrow columns.
Suddenly tired, she pressed her face close to the glass and watched her breath mist the cool glass. The sky was so blue, so peaceful. Everything could be in danger if the jewel fell into the wrong hands. And yet – so much could be done if it was put to good use. But who could resist the temptation? Who could really stay righteous when they could do anything they ever wanted, fulfill anything they've ever dreamed of?
In the distance she thought she saw a cloud moving, closer and closer. Strange. She watched as the speck drew closer. It was – a plane. No, a bird. It was a bird.
The dove beat its white wings, determinedly. The white dove, a sign of peace. Her eyes widened as it shot straight towards her. "Whoa!"
The window wasn't wide enough to get through, and the bird hovered outside, and clawed the window with its feet. It banged on her window pane. Once. Twice.
"What-!" It looked like it wanted to get in. Maybe something was chasing it? Hurriedly, Alexis opened the window and the dove landed, fluffed its wings and cooed softly.
Reaching out tentatively, Alexis raised a hand to touch it gently. It didn't shy away from her grasp. She put her palm on the ground and the bird neatly stepped into it. So trusting. Such utter innocence.
Something in her heart ached at the sight of this bird. She brought it to her chest and stroked it and the dove closed its eyes and ruffled its feathers in response. Then she saw the rolled paper tucked between its feet. Her heart almost stopped.
A message.
With trembling hands she drew out the paper and unfurled it.
~ Alex. Alex. I fear for you. I am in Valera but arrived too late. Has Haydan told you the truth? You must not let him have the jewel, the consequences are unthinkable! Your teammates are in danger. I cannot get past the wards from the outside, but you can use magic from within. Cast a spell, reach me. It is imperative. Take utmost care, may Hecate bless you. Shane. ~
She touched the paper, whispered, and the note caught fire. A few seconds later there were only blackened remains and wisps of smoke. She cradled the dove, and with shaking hands opened the window and held it out. "Fly free, little one." She cried, and released it.
She watched the white wings flutter and soar, spiraling up and up and her breath caught. It was so beautiful, to watch the dove fly beyond the horizon. She had never wished for a pair of wings more than that very moment, to be able to fly away, uncaged by walls or promises, by duty or honor.
Shane. She needed to reach him, but she didn't have the ingredients needed for the spell. That would soon change. She was allowed to roam the house and gardens. She wasn't allowed to run. Witch she may be, but even physics, and gravity prevented her from being able to fly. The myth about witches and broomsticks was something of a joke.
Alex slipped out of her room to look for what she needed. A bowl and fruit knife from the kitchens was easy enough, and would not be missed. The guards followed her movements with suspicious eyes but they did not hinder her.
The gardens provided the herbs she needed. Lemongrass, foxglove, rosemary and thistle. The study had a few wax candles, and she snatched it with deft fingers and walked on as if nothing had happened. The dove left a single, satin white feather, which she would use.
She settled back in her room at the dusk and watched the last strands of sunlight hang from the sky like fine, gold mesh before the last cape of soft velvet could sweep over the land. The spell could begin. The ingredients were really to help the mind focus, to enhance the powers, to clear the spirit. She knelt on the floor and lit the candle. She ground up the herbs and sprinkled them in the bowl of water, chanting the spell, over and over. "Wise Hecate, Mother of the Hearth," Using the feather, she sprinkled water around her where she knelt. "By power of light and blessed be," She picked up the knife and ran it down her palm. The cut blossomed red. "Through veil of time and space" Life blood, deep red, vibrant, dripping into the bowl, unraveling to crimson shreds in the water. Three drops. Four drops. "Bring Shane's spirit forth to me" The feather caught fire and dropped into the water. Instead of a hiss, the herbs and water caught flame, and in that split second the flame turned blue, then snuffed out and Alex was thrown into darkness.
She was passing through the tunnel at light speed. So many strange shapes and lights, here and there voices called to her, and cried her name. A pale hand reached for her, but she kept going, mindless, falling . . . Suddenly she was at the end, suspended in time and there was this dazzling golden light, and Hecate – for it could only be her – stood there shining in flowing robes of white. She was the most beautiful, beautiful woman, with deep violet eyes wise and ageless. Hecate reached out a hand and smiled - a smile of pure, untainted love. "My child . . ."
The voice whispered from the tunnel and echoed deep in her consciousness. Alexis reached out for her hand, but the vision was abruptly snatched from her and she was thrown back into the darkened room.
But she was not alone. As she regained her breathing, controlling the short, shallow gasps, her eyes adjusted to the shadows and she saw the faint outline of Shane sitting on the chair, looking as she had always known him.
"Shane, oh Shane!" She had missed him, missed his protectiveness and the serious face. He looked glad to see her, but his face warred with sadness.
"Alexis."
His voice was quiet, subdued.
"Why didn't you tell me!" She blurted out. These were not the words she had planned to say but they tumbled from her lips before she could stop herself.
"I'm sorry," his words were barely a whisper. "I'm so sorry I got you caught up in this. I came back to get you, but-"
He broke off and looked away.
"He's your brother."
Shane nodded, tired. He looked older than Alex had ever seen him, a weary man. It scared her that even he could be vulnerable.
"Half brother. I am a witch, with some blood as some distant descendent of the Faery Folk. He is half vampire, half witch. My father could never live down the shame that mother had cheated on him. Haydan was an outcast since he was born. When my mother died, she gave us these rings, and Haydan was exiled. My father gave him nothing. No name, no possessions, not one cent. I don't know how he survived."
Alex's heart tightened.
"We were never close," Shane went on, "Personality, resentment, circumstance – it just didn't work out that way. I had heard about him and about Valera, but I just thought we'd each walk our own paths. Until – "
"Until you both realized the truth about the rings? Didn't you know about your heritage?"
"I always suspected. Sometimes I can do things other witches can't. Sometimes I found it hard to control my powers as a child. But then I heard about Haydan's plans and it confirmed my suspicions. He wants the jewel, Alex. The jewel needs to be opened by the two rings, but it will only have one master. Neither of us wants to give it up. That's like a declaration of war, Alex. Don't you see?" His image flickered a little, then strengthened. She saw a bit more color to the pale transparency of his skin.
Alexis was quiet.
"He sent killers after me. I sent my best team after him. I didn't anticipate this. I wasn't thinking clearly. When I realized the danger I put you in I kept telling you to come back, but you wouldn't listen. You hung up on me."
"Oh Goddess, what do I do?" Her voice shook.
"He must not get the jewel, but we need more information. His libraries, it must be somewhere in there. He has hoarded the books of our ancestors."
"I promised to cooperate until we find what we need." She said wearily, feeling a heavy burden on her shoulders.
Shane looked alarmed. "What's to stop him from killing you afterwards?" He said.
Kill – her - ? She had never thought of it like that. Haydan may provoke her, and drive her insane, and fight her. But Kill her? She had never entertained the possibility. A coldness shivered up her spine. "No. He won't."
She sounded more certain than she felt.
Shane looked astonished.
"We're soulmates."
For once he was speechless. His mouth opened and closed like a goldfish out of water.
Despite herself, Alexis grinned. "You look like a goldfish, Shane."
He was still doing the stunned fish imitation.
"B. . . But . . . say what? What? Did you say . . . s . . . "
"Soulmates or not, I still am my own person. I won't let him get the jewel."
Shane seemed to deflate with relief.
"Hallelujah"
"Since when did you become a Christian?" She laughed.
"Since now. Listen, Alex. We don't have much time. Edith is dead. I went to find your team but their apartment was ransacked. They're in danger. I'm not sure what's happened. Assassins? Haydan? You must get Haydan's ring and bring it to me. You must."
Alexis' eyes widened. "But how!"
Shane regarded her with keen, intelligent eyes. "You're his soulmate. If you don't know how, no one else will. Quickly, Alex! I cannot reach them telepathically. When you get it, run. Call for me and I'll tell you want to do."
"But Shane-"Even as she called his name, his outline was growing fainter and fainter. "Shane!"
His presence disappeared from the room.
She had never felt more alone in her life.
Unshed tears burned hot in her eyes. She wouldn't cry. Wouldn't cry.
Even as she berated her self, wetness slid down her cheeks and plopped through her fingers. If she escaped she would break her promise to him. If she gained his trust and stole the ring, she would be betraying him. Everything she had been taught; every so-called reality and truth was slipping further and further from her grasp. Suddenly, the future seemed like the most terrible path in the world.
* * * *
"Alex. . . ALEXIS!"
With a cry, Lucas awoke panting from his nightmares. In this dungeon he had only chains and nightmares, and the groans from the others in their separate cells. There was no night, no day, no sanctuary. And with every moment that passed the gut wrenching fear that he would be too late to reach Alexis gnawed deeper.
He could see her in his mind's eye, the lovely, clear eyes, lilted at the corners ever so slightly. The bewitching head of hair, huge, haywire curls, as dynamic as her moods. He could taste her on his lips.
The others were no better off than him. He could hear Ray was having difficulty breathing. He had been beaten pretty badly after giving the guards smart comments. And Lucas could bet that he was chained just as heavily, trussed up like roast chicken on a spit. Lucas had to sit because he couldn't stand without falling over under the weight of the chains. It might have been flattering, being chained up like an A-Class criminal, the deranged, insane, serial psychopathic killer type. But this was not the situation to laugh, not when his heart hammered and he sweated and prayed for a way out. He had to reach Alex. He had to release his team. He was the leader. It was his duty. . .
It was . . .
It was more than anything he had ever cared about.
But he could do nothing but fester in the darkness, while his team suffered beside him, while the girl he'd fallen for fell into the clutches of the very man they had hunted. The princely profile grimaced, the lashes of pain cut deep inside him. Deep emerald eyes gazed forwards, seeing nothing, and everything. The hardest thought to bear was that right now, she needed him.
She needed him, and he was letting her down.
* * *
Sharmeen – Hey. I read your info and was wondering, have you read Juliet Marillier's books? They are beautiful stories, a bit different to Night World fantasy and what you've read. But I have a feeling you'd like it. Her writing is incredible. And yes, it is kind of scary how it's not hard at all to relate to Haydan's way of thinking and I enjoy writing about them both.
Arrylle Gamere – Hey Niluka! Haven't seen you for a while!!! Email me sometime. ^^
Amber – I haven't given up! It's here! And I've started another too . . .
This chapter is sincerely dedicated to Amber, who kicked my ass for not updating sooner hehe.
CHAPTER NINE
She was in an agitated mood. Something felt wrong. Something ate at her, in the pit of her stomach. Call it intuition. Call it a hunch. Something was definitely wrong. Alexis prowled, noting miniscule details that fired her annoyance. Her cell. The way the guard scratched his head. The damned weather. She couldn't think. She needed space.
Agitation gave way to full-blown hysteria, and she paced even faster. She was on full rhino rampage. She was on red alert. She was well on the way to hitting ten on the Richter scale. Haydan chose an unfortunate time to appear in front of her. Or perhaps he deliberately chose to appear at such a time.
"You!" She shot him a look of pure venom.
"Careful of your tone, ice princess," His eyes were shuttered lazily but his voice held a warning.
She was in no mood to heed it. She was spoiling for a fight.
"I am sick of being cooped up all the time, I hate this cell, I hate these bars, I hate the lack of freedom!"
He lifted an eyebrow at her and said nothing.
"And I hate not being in control. That includes you. Why does life play these games with me?? Of all the people I could have this . . . this. . . LINK with, why did it have to be you?" She kept pacing, her feet kicking up invisible dirt. The cell had been cleaned ever since she first went to the library, but there was still no denying that it was a jail. A cleaner, less offensive jail, but a jail nonetheless.
Haydan's expression was stoic, he leaned against the wall casually, hand in pocket, with all the careless grace of a model. "How flattering. My dear, I can't help being charmed by you. After all, love and hate are merely opposite sides of the same coin."
She stopped abruptly and glared at him. "Are you mocking me?!"
His eyes twinkled. "Never."
"Seeing me lose it seems to make you feel better!" She raged, pointing an accusing finger at him, throwing her anger through the link, hoping to blast a few of his brain cells. She felt a faint shimmer of amusement through the veil he always kept between them, a pure silver thread as delicate as a spider web. The hopelessness and panic inside her quieted in reaction. Finally she regained her wits. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"Making a decision," Haydan said. The fleeting sparkle she had seen in his face disappeared as quickly and unexpectedly as it had appeared. She hadn't known she would miss it, or any other part of him. "But seeing you now has made it for me. A hysterical girl is of no use to me. I will move you to one of the bedrooms above. On one condition."
This was met with utter silence.
"Well?" He asked. "Don't you want to know what it is?"
It killed her pride to ask, but more than anything she wanted to get out of the cell. More than anything she needed to *breathe*, to *think*.
"What is it." Her voice was stilted.
His lip curved in a slender, bladed smile. "Give me your promise. Vow that you will not escape, not abuse this freedom I offer you, until we work out the secrets regarding the Jewel."
Violet eyes stared into Black - bottomless, brilliant and probing. Of all that he had to bargain with, this was the last thing she expected. "I . . . I . . ."
"Can you promise me?" He hadn't blinked. She sensed that he was willing her to agree. Maybe in his own way he didn't like to see her in this cell anymore than she enjoyed having her wings clipped. But with this promise she would be bound – in another way. She would be bound by her word, bound by honor. Give her word not to escape?
But she needed to find out about the jewel anyway. It would be a fair bargain. But swearing against her freedom made her extremely uncomfortable. "Promises are based on trust. How can you trust my word?"
"Good point," He said grimly. "But I can feel you, instinctively I know what you are like. I know that you don't back out on your word. I know you have never broken a promise. The link tells me you have honor. I'm asking you one last time. It makes no difference to me where you stay, hovel or palace. As long as we find that prophecy, work out where the jewel is."
"I promise," Her words were barely a whisper, but it was done.
He smiled. With a flick of his wrist the door was thrown open and he swept her a courtly bow. "Follow me, my lady."
She could breathe again as soon as she crossed the threshold. She felt her powers returning gradually, making her fingers tingle. Not being able to access them had made her feel as powerless as a human. Her mind cleared. No more of that eerie, bodiless nothing. No more of that oppressing, mind- numbing cell. Whatever magic which had stripped her of strength in that cell had gone.
Alexis followed him up the winding stone steps, her hand trailing the wall to keep balance. Past the corridors, sentries, the library . . . up yet another level and he showed her to her room. It was small, painted with pale ivory and one window overlooking the central courtyard. A single bed, table, chair and basin of water. It was simple – clean – and utter bliss.
Haydan paused at the doorway. He seemed to be debating whether or not to tell her something. Finally a grin transformed his face in spite of himself. "My room's next door."
He slammed the door at his departure.
Alexis was speechless. What was *that* supposed to mean?!
Shaking herself out of the stupor – (don't think about it damnit), she went to the window and opened it a crack.
She hadn't known what sort of building she was in, and now she knew. It looked like a mansion. Well-secured. Below she could see what looked like a small army, guards taking shifts and moving about. The open courtyard seemed to be placed right in the middle of buildings, medieval with pointed gothic arches and long, narrow columns.
Suddenly tired, she pressed her face close to the glass and watched her breath mist the cool glass. The sky was so blue, so peaceful. Everything could be in danger if the jewel fell into the wrong hands. And yet – so much could be done if it was put to good use. But who could resist the temptation? Who could really stay righteous when they could do anything they ever wanted, fulfill anything they've ever dreamed of?
In the distance she thought she saw a cloud moving, closer and closer. Strange. She watched as the speck drew closer. It was – a plane. No, a bird. It was a bird.
The dove beat its white wings, determinedly. The white dove, a sign of peace. Her eyes widened as it shot straight towards her. "Whoa!"
The window wasn't wide enough to get through, and the bird hovered outside, and clawed the window with its feet. It banged on her window pane. Once. Twice.
"What-!" It looked like it wanted to get in. Maybe something was chasing it? Hurriedly, Alexis opened the window and the dove landed, fluffed its wings and cooed softly.
Reaching out tentatively, Alexis raised a hand to touch it gently. It didn't shy away from her grasp. She put her palm on the ground and the bird neatly stepped into it. So trusting. Such utter innocence.
Something in her heart ached at the sight of this bird. She brought it to her chest and stroked it and the dove closed its eyes and ruffled its feathers in response. Then she saw the rolled paper tucked between its feet. Her heart almost stopped.
A message.
With trembling hands she drew out the paper and unfurled it.
~ Alex. Alex. I fear for you. I am in Valera but arrived too late. Has Haydan told you the truth? You must not let him have the jewel, the consequences are unthinkable! Your teammates are in danger. I cannot get past the wards from the outside, but you can use magic from within. Cast a spell, reach me. It is imperative. Take utmost care, may Hecate bless you. Shane. ~
She touched the paper, whispered, and the note caught fire. A few seconds later there were only blackened remains and wisps of smoke. She cradled the dove, and with shaking hands opened the window and held it out. "Fly free, little one." She cried, and released it.
She watched the white wings flutter and soar, spiraling up and up and her breath caught. It was so beautiful, to watch the dove fly beyond the horizon. She had never wished for a pair of wings more than that very moment, to be able to fly away, uncaged by walls or promises, by duty or honor.
Shane. She needed to reach him, but she didn't have the ingredients needed for the spell. That would soon change. She was allowed to roam the house and gardens. She wasn't allowed to run. Witch she may be, but even physics, and gravity prevented her from being able to fly. The myth about witches and broomsticks was something of a joke.
Alex slipped out of her room to look for what she needed. A bowl and fruit knife from the kitchens was easy enough, and would not be missed. The guards followed her movements with suspicious eyes but they did not hinder her.
The gardens provided the herbs she needed. Lemongrass, foxglove, rosemary and thistle. The study had a few wax candles, and she snatched it with deft fingers and walked on as if nothing had happened. The dove left a single, satin white feather, which she would use.
She settled back in her room at the dusk and watched the last strands of sunlight hang from the sky like fine, gold mesh before the last cape of soft velvet could sweep over the land. The spell could begin. The ingredients were really to help the mind focus, to enhance the powers, to clear the spirit. She knelt on the floor and lit the candle. She ground up the herbs and sprinkled them in the bowl of water, chanting the spell, over and over. "Wise Hecate, Mother of the Hearth," Using the feather, she sprinkled water around her where she knelt. "By power of light and blessed be," She picked up the knife and ran it down her palm. The cut blossomed red. "Through veil of time and space" Life blood, deep red, vibrant, dripping into the bowl, unraveling to crimson shreds in the water. Three drops. Four drops. "Bring Shane's spirit forth to me" The feather caught fire and dropped into the water. Instead of a hiss, the herbs and water caught flame, and in that split second the flame turned blue, then snuffed out and Alex was thrown into darkness.
She was passing through the tunnel at light speed. So many strange shapes and lights, here and there voices called to her, and cried her name. A pale hand reached for her, but she kept going, mindless, falling . . . Suddenly she was at the end, suspended in time and there was this dazzling golden light, and Hecate – for it could only be her – stood there shining in flowing robes of white. She was the most beautiful, beautiful woman, with deep violet eyes wise and ageless. Hecate reached out a hand and smiled - a smile of pure, untainted love. "My child . . ."
The voice whispered from the tunnel and echoed deep in her consciousness. Alexis reached out for her hand, but the vision was abruptly snatched from her and she was thrown back into the darkened room.
But she was not alone. As she regained her breathing, controlling the short, shallow gasps, her eyes adjusted to the shadows and she saw the faint outline of Shane sitting on the chair, looking as she had always known him.
"Shane, oh Shane!" She had missed him, missed his protectiveness and the serious face. He looked glad to see her, but his face warred with sadness.
"Alexis."
His voice was quiet, subdued.
"Why didn't you tell me!" She blurted out. These were not the words she had planned to say but they tumbled from her lips before she could stop herself.
"I'm sorry," his words were barely a whisper. "I'm so sorry I got you caught up in this. I came back to get you, but-"
He broke off and looked away.
"He's your brother."
Shane nodded, tired. He looked older than Alex had ever seen him, a weary man. It scared her that even he could be vulnerable.
"Half brother. I am a witch, with some blood as some distant descendent of the Faery Folk. He is half vampire, half witch. My father could never live down the shame that mother had cheated on him. Haydan was an outcast since he was born. When my mother died, she gave us these rings, and Haydan was exiled. My father gave him nothing. No name, no possessions, not one cent. I don't know how he survived."
Alex's heart tightened.
"We were never close," Shane went on, "Personality, resentment, circumstance – it just didn't work out that way. I had heard about him and about Valera, but I just thought we'd each walk our own paths. Until – "
"Until you both realized the truth about the rings? Didn't you know about your heritage?"
"I always suspected. Sometimes I can do things other witches can't. Sometimes I found it hard to control my powers as a child. But then I heard about Haydan's plans and it confirmed my suspicions. He wants the jewel, Alex. The jewel needs to be opened by the two rings, but it will only have one master. Neither of us wants to give it up. That's like a declaration of war, Alex. Don't you see?" His image flickered a little, then strengthened. She saw a bit more color to the pale transparency of his skin.
Alexis was quiet.
"He sent killers after me. I sent my best team after him. I didn't anticipate this. I wasn't thinking clearly. When I realized the danger I put you in I kept telling you to come back, but you wouldn't listen. You hung up on me."
"Oh Goddess, what do I do?" Her voice shook.
"He must not get the jewel, but we need more information. His libraries, it must be somewhere in there. He has hoarded the books of our ancestors."
"I promised to cooperate until we find what we need." She said wearily, feeling a heavy burden on her shoulders.
Shane looked alarmed. "What's to stop him from killing you afterwards?" He said.
Kill – her - ? She had never thought of it like that. Haydan may provoke her, and drive her insane, and fight her. But Kill her? She had never entertained the possibility. A coldness shivered up her spine. "No. He won't."
She sounded more certain than she felt.
Shane looked astonished.
"We're soulmates."
For once he was speechless. His mouth opened and closed like a goldfish out of water.
Despite herself, Alexis grinned. "You look like a goldfish, Shane."
He was still doing the stunned fish imitation.
"B. . . But . . . say what? What? Did you say . . . s . . . "
"Soulmates or not, I still am my own person. I won't let him get the jewel."
Shane seemed to deflate with relief.
"Hallelujah"
"Since when did you become a Christian?" She laughed.
"Since now. Listen, Alex. We don't have much time. Edith is dead. I went to find your team but their apartment was ransacked. They're in danger. I'm not sure what's happened. Assassins? Haydan? You must get Haydan's ring and bring it to me. You must."
Alexis' eyes widened. "But how!"
Shane regarded her with keen, intelligent eyes. "You're his soulmate. If you don't know how, no one else will. Quickly, Alex! I cannot reach them telepathically. When you get it, run. Call for me and I'll tell you want to do."
"But Shane-"Even as she called his name, his outline was growing fainter and fainter. "Shane!"
His presence disappeared from the room.
She had never felt more alone in her life.
Unshed tears burned hot in her eyes. She wouldn't cry. Wouldn't cry.
Even as she berated her self, wetness slid down her cheeks and plopped through her fingers. If she escaped she would break her promise to him. If she gained his trust and stole the ring, she would be betraying him. Everything she had been taught; every so-called reality and truth was slipping further and further from her grasp. Suddenly, the future seemed like the most terrible path in the world.
* * * *
"Alex. . . ALEXIS!"
With a cry, Lucas awoke panting from his nightmares. In this dungeon he had only chains and nightmares, and the groans from the others in their separate cells. There was no night, no day, no sanctuary. And with every moment that passed the gut wrenching fear that he would be too late to reach Alexis gnawed deeper.
He could see her in his mind's eye, the lovely, clear eyes, lilted at the corners ever so slightly. The bewitching head of hair, huge, haywire curls, as dynamic as her moods. He could taste her on his lips.
The others were no better off than him. He could hear Ray was having difficulty breathing. He had been beaten pretty badly after giving the guards smart comments. And Lucas could bet that he was chained just as heavily, trussed up like roast chicken on a spit. Lucas had to sit because he couldn't stand without falling over under the weight of the chains. It might have been flattering, being chained up like an A-Class criminal, the deranged, insane, serial psychopathic killer type. But this was not the situation to laugh, not when his heart hammered and he sweated and prayed for a way out. He had to reach Alex. He had to release his team. He was the leader. It was his duty. . .
It was . . .
It was more than anything he had ever cared about.
But he could do nothing but fester in the darkness, while his team suffered beside him, while the girl he'd fallen for fell into the clutches of the very man they had hunted. The princely profile grimaced, the lashes of pain cut deep inside him. Deep emerald eyes gazed forwards, seeing nothing, and everything. The hardest thought to bear was that right now, she needed him.
She needed him, and he was letting her down.
* * *