Chapter 11: Haunted
Toni's Point of View:
~*few hours later*~
I snuck out of the tunnels and ran towards the House of Night. A Raven Mocker flew over my head and I ducked behind a tree. Unfortunately, he spotted me and landed on the ground a few feet away from me. I narrowed my eyes at him and reached behind me for my bow and arrow. I let out a loud scream when the Mocker reached for me. It said something like, 'It had been waiting for me to return.' I had no clue where the scream came from. It just exited my lips. My feet turned as I ran away from it, but I ran into a firm, solid figure. I don't know what I was doing. Fear just came over me, which was strange. I wasn't scared of Raven Mockers before. Could it be because of Arielle? I was embraced by a cool feeling that gently kissed my skin. Willing my eyes to open, I found a familiar face in view. His cocky smile was in place and I realized he had just clamped his cold hand over my mouth. I noticed that his eyes were red and he still was being under control of Kalona. But, if he was truly under control…why? Tears poured out from my hazel eyes and I wrapped my arms around his neck. I missed him too much to care. Surprisingly, he returned my embrace and he had his hands on the small of my back, hugging me into him. This has to be a dream. It can't be real, but I wanted it to be. "Stark." Sad I know, but that was all I could say. I couldn't sum up everything so I just settled for his name. He removed his hands from my back and held my chin in one hand. His lips lightly ghosted over mine and the kiss felt sweet. When we pulled apart, I caressed his face and stared into his blood red eyes. "Toni, this was stupid." I nodded my head solemnly. "Yes, but people do stupid things when they're in love. " "Toni, this can't work." "Yes, it can." "I'm not the same Stark you remember." Out of nowhere, Athena and Kalona approached us. Stark quickly grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the evil 's cool gaze went on me and I tried not to utter a pointed glare at her. I could feel Kalona's amber eyes watching me with interest. This really sucked. "It seems you have returned to me, Nila." I spit at his feet and tried to yank my arm free from Stark's hold. "Not to you, Kalona." Athena's mossy eyes blazed with rage, but quickly regained composure when she turned to her 'consort'. "Should we keep her here or dispose of her?" Kalona smirked victoriously as if he had won the ancient battle. Nila's descendent was under his discretion. He could do what he could with her now that her relative stood before the powerful immortal. "Let her stay here. Have her be watched every second of the day by Stark." After they turned their backs on me, I narrowed my hazel eyes pointedly at Stark. This was terrible. First, I would be stuck here. Second, I would be away from my cousin and her friends. Third, Stark was going to watch me under Kalona's orders. Perfect, just perfect. Before I could yank my arm away from him, he squeezed it and led me onto the grounds of the school.
Jessi's Point of View:
~*at the same time*~
I ran down the hallway frantically. Toni was missing from her room and no one knew where she was. I don't know where she could have gone. Wait a second-she went back to the House of Night. She had to be there. I was about to turn the corner when I caught sight of Eric, but…he was with Zoey. No. Why would he be talking to her and looking at her in that way? Well hell, she was prettier than me. I still don't believe he chose me over her. I guess maybe he didn't choose me after all. I reposed myself against the wall and bit back my tears. This can't be happening. My stomach clenched. I felt so sick and my heart ached. This feeling was eating me up inside. I checked back around to confirm my vision and it made me want to throw up the blood I consumed earlier (not a pretty visual). Zoey's arms were wrapped around Eric's neck and there was blood dripping from her lips. My stomach fell and I turned away from the sight, heading the opposite direction. Duchess was in my path, stopping me in front of Dallas's room. Her warm brown eyes followed me. Darn it. Stopped by a dog. I kneeled down to the golden Lab to ruffle her ears cogently. Darius surprised me when he said hello, which caused me to utter a small squeak. "My apologies young Priestess, I meant not to scare you." I tucked my hair behind my ears then smiled faintly at him. "No, no problem. I'll just head to my room now." Truth is, I wasn't heading to my room. I was going after my cousin and escaping my heart. Goodbye, Eric. I ran back to the House of Night. Pissed that I believed Eric loved me, that my stupid cousin went back to Night. "There is no way this could be true!" I cried to myself. As I rounded the corner I could see Night the old castle like building just a few yards away. Walking up to the gate I was stopped by a warrior. "Halt fledgling!" he commanded I stopped. He gave me a hard look and pulled out his blade and struck me. Oh god I am gonna die was all I thought.
Toni's point of view:
I sat there and just stared at Stark, wondering why the hell he would do this and to me of all people. "Stark?.." I questioned. He looked at me as if to ask what so i continued " Just why do you choose this Stark, I mean I thought you love me?" he just stared at me for a moment. I thought I saw a flash of sadness but when I noticed he looked away. He just stared and never answered my question when a warrior came to retrieve him "Stark you are needed" that broke Starks concentration on me and he stood quickly beckoning me to follow. I did as told only because he is the man I love. As we walked into the courtyard I noticed Athena and Kalona hovering over something with a warrior close by. A body? I looked closer but I couldn't tell. Athena's devilish smile faced in my direction she called to Stark. " Carry her to the infirmary." she commanded pointing to the heap on the ground. Commanding me to stay he jogged over and froze "Damnit why her." he yelled loud enough for me to here. Jessi? Jessi came for me? I wanted to run to her side and yell at Athena. But I couldn't even scream tears choked up inside me. She can't be dead.
Jessi's point of view:
I woke up in the infirmary with Kalona at the edge of my bed. Ah hell why was he here. I didn't move I didn't want him to know that i was awake. Athena walked into the room. " Is she awake my love?" she questioned Kalona. Like she really loved him I doubt it she couldn't love anyone. "No my queen but she stirs in her sleep." was the answer by the birdman. How sick was this he believe the vile woman was his queen. " Then she will awake soon my Erebus." Athena kissed him in a way that made me want to gag. I laid there as still as possible. When Athena told him something about me. "Kalona my love we must destroy her." "No my queen we mustn't" this enraged Athena and she slapped him "Destroying her is the only way to ensure that we can take over!" she yelled. Kalona stunned by the treatment that was bestowed upon him. "How dare you creature!" kalona spat at her "Have you not noticed that I am immortal almost a god and you treat me this way!" I heard Athena whimper "I am sorry my love." she said sexily as if i wasn't there. She kisses his neck and whispered sexily " How could I ever make it up to you." I wanted to gag at the thought as he kissed her and groped her like a boy would a teenage girl. " I will meet you in my quarters my queen. Go and ready yourself." she paused not willing to leave him alone with me she kissed him one last time saying "Hurry to me my love." ewww gag. she left. I didn't move as he made his way to my side. "You are so peaceful and beautiful my Arielle." he moved a strand of my hair and leaned down to whisper in my ear what sounded like " I can't wait for it to be you to join me in my bed." he kissed my forehead and left.