Текст книги "Reckless Magic"
Автор книги: Rachel Higginson
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Текущая страница: 18 (всего у книги 24 страниц)
Chapter Thirty-Four
Avalon wrapped up the meeting, but I heard nothing else he said. I had to figure out a way to get to that trial. I had to figure out a way to save Lilly or at least testify on her behalf. I was determined to do it, even if I had to do it completely on my own. Avalon had said something about Kiran going, maybe he would help me.
“Are you ready for the mark?” Amory brought me out of my silent plotting and back to the center of the Resistance.
“What mark?” I asked, completely unaware of what he was talking about.
“She doesn’t want to join,” Avalon joined our conversation as the others milled about in groups of two or three. I got the impression they were all trying to listen to our discussion.
“Why is that?” Amory asked Avalon sharply; apparently not interested in any explanation I would give him.
“Why do you think?” Avalon replied sardonically.
“Eden, you have a lot to learn, young lady,” he said it much like a parent, and I felt instantly resentful.
“What is the mark?” I tried to change the subject away from what I feared was a long lecture on responsibility.
“It’s this,” Avalon pointed to his arm; his school uniform was rolled up to the elbow and revealed the tattoo of a snake wrapped around his forearm eating its own tail.
“You want me to get that?” I exclaimed. There was no way I would cover my body in a hideous image of a masochistic serpent.
“No, not that,” Amory shook his head. “Avalon is a little…. devoted. The usual symbol the Resistance wears is more subtle,” he turned his head to the side and pulled his ear lobe away from his neck. I saw only clear flesh until he touched the part of his neck just behind his earlobe and injected a little magic to reveal the same serpent. The image was much smaller, almost miniscule, but was clear and obvious until he removed the magic. Once the magic was gone, the small tattoo vanished.
“And you all have those?” I asked, enamored with the trick. A dozen Resistance members turned to show me theirs, including Jericho and Avalon. Angelica’s was a brilliant shade of orange, while Conrad and Terrence’s were an army green color. Amory’s was a deep crimson shade of red. And all of the members of Avalon’s team wore ones in white, which stood eerily off their skin, except for Avalon whose tattoo was royal blue.
“What color would mine be?” I asked, with no intentions of actually getting one.
“I am guessing it would match Avalon’s, but we won’t know until you decide to get one,” Amory answered my question, sounding slightly frustrated.
“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.
“The magic we use to apply the mark chooses your color. The magic, in a way, determines the color you deserve. Not that one color is greater than the other; rather it defines the magic you are made of,” Amory put his hand on my shoulder one more time before leaving what had turned into a circle of people, containing mostly Avalon’s team.
“You don’t get to join the team until you have the tattoo. There will be no more fighting for you,” Jericho said as if taunting me.
“She doesn’t get to join the team. Tattoo or not,” Avalon interjected threateningly. He gave Jericho a hard look that Jericho seemed to understand even though I didn’t.
“Avalon doesn’t want me to join the team, because I would easily replace you Jericho,” I deflected my frustration, by turning it against Jericho.
“Oh you think so? Maybe we should have a rematch,” his voice was sarcastic, but his eyes smoldered and I once again noticed how attractive he was. He was taller than Kiran, but his darker hair and darker eyes made him appear mysterious somehow. Any thoughts of attraction I had for him though were quickly forgotten once I remembered Kiran, and then my heart hurt with emotion and a type of longing I didn’t expect.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t catch your names?” I turned off the charm, and turned to face the other members of Avalon’s team, but not before catching a confused look cross Jericho’s face.
“Sorry. Eden, this is Xander, Xavier and Titus,” Avalon made the introductions. I shook each of their hands consecutively, memorizing the magical imprint they left in my fingertips.
Xander and Xavier must be related somehow because they looked nearly identical and their magical current was only marginally different. Xander was slightly taller, but they both had to be close to 6’5 or 6’6. Their hair was long like Jericho’s and Avalon’s and dark like mine. They both had facial hair, but Xander seemed to be a little bit older than Xavier.
Titus was also an imposing figure, only a little shorter than the other two. He also wore scruff on his face; only his brilliant red hair and stockier stature made him look more like a lumberjack than a well-bred Immortal.
“Are you twins?” I asked with honest curiosity.
“We wish,” Xander replied enthusiastically. “Unfortunately, only you two get to carry that cross,” his eyes darted between mine and Avalon’s. When I gave him a puzzled look he changed the subject. “This is my kid brother.” He grabbed Xavier around the neck and pulled him into a headlock. Xavier zapped Xander’s foot with a shot of magic forcing Xander to let go and let him stand up. They pushed each other playfully until Titus stepped in, grabbed both of their heads and slammed them together. I cringed when I heard the crushing sound the impact made. They seemed unharmed however and shook it off, rejoining the circle with smug smiles on their faces.
“So why haven’t I met you before?” I tried to refocus the group away from physical violence.
“Technically you have met us before,” Jericho spoke up. “Remember the rooftop?”
“I mean properly,” I clarified my meaning, but I was sure they understood that from the beginning.
“Because we didn’t know if we could trust you,” Avalon said simply and the other boys averted their eyes at the awkward pause Avalon’s comment caused.
“And yet they trust you,” I said disdainfully, only half kidding.
“Cute,” Avalon mumbled under his breath. “Eden, do you mind? We need to go over some logistics before we head back. I’ll be ready soon though.”
“Sure,” I said a little disheartened. I offered a small wave and walked away aimlessly. Avalon was obviously important and Amory seemed to be mad at me; I wondered at the reason I even came to this meeting. I hoped they didn’t expect me to really join their cause. How could they?
“You look just like your mother, dear,” Angelica’s soft voice summoned me out of my pity party.
“Do I?” I was instantly drawn into her conversation by the very mention of my mother. She patted the hay bale she was still perched upon and I joined her, pulling my skirt down behind my legs so the straw would not scratch me. “Did you know her?”
“Yes of course. We all knew her. Well, except for the young ones. But how brave they are? They have never known a time without tyranny and yet they are willing to fight for a freedom that is foreign to them,” she sighed as if remembering something sad.
“I’ve never seen them before. Do Resistance fighters go to school somewhere else?” I asked, wishing I could figure out a way to bring up my mother again.
“Oh no, not here they don’t. I suppose those boys have all finished school, except for your brother,” she patted my knee familiarly. “You know, our numbers have never been this big. I suppose that means a war is coming soon.” She turned her head, and for a moment I imagined I saw a tear run down her cheek.
“Was my mother in the Resistance?” I asked, hoping to glean something from this sentimental old woman.
“In her own way she resisted; I suppose she fought against both sides. You could say that she made her own path, much like you dear,” she turned to face me again, searching my eyes for…. something. “Your brother is a good leader; much like your father and grandfather. One day I am afraid we will ask too much of you both,” she shifted her eyes away from mine and to the circle of boys listening intently to Avalon’s instructions.
“What happened to them, I mean my parents?” I asked feeling brave.
“Your brother is waiting for you, dear,” she continued to look in the direction of Avalon who seemed to be still in the middle of conversation. I was about to ask her my question again, anxious for more information other than we just look and behave like our parents, but then Avalon was looking in my direction waving for me to follow him.
“It was nice to meet you Angelica,” I stood up, and reached out my hand to shake hers.
“Oh, it wasn’t the first time we have met,” she put her hand in mine and although I couldn’t recall ever meeting her before, once our flesh met, the magic that flowed between us was familiar and sweet. Our currents mingled for a second before she let go of my hand and walked away.
“Eden, let’s go,” Avalon yelled at me, a little impatiently.
I walked passed him and towards the truck. I couldn’t remember ever feeling more irritated with him than at that moment. As far as brothers go, I thought he stood up to the expectations just fine.
“I don’t think it’s fair you can’t go,” Jericho matched steps with mine.
“Oh yeah, why’s that?” I asked, truly interested, “Everyone else seems dead set against it.”
“Funny choice of words,” Jericho looked at me curiously out of the corner of his eye. “I think you should be allowed to fight. Clearly you are capable. They can’t hide you forever, especially with the way the Prince apparently feels about you.”
My cheeks instantly flamed with the mention of Kiran and his feelings for me. I pressed my cool hands to my face hoping to calm my nerves. We reached the truck and Jericho lingered by the passenger side door.
“Well thank you, I guess,” I forced myself to look him in the eye and carefully formed my next question. “Where is the feast anyway? What did Amory call it, the Judiciary something…?” I batted my eyelashes and gave the cutest confused look I imagined I was capable of.
“The Judiciary Courts Citadel,” Jericho smiled shyly, aware that I was flirting with him. “Romania.”
“How can we have our own Citadel without humans wanting to know more about us?” I asked innocently.
“The Citadel is not as large as you are probably imagining it, but it’s also hidden in the mountains.”
“It’s like its own town? Does it have a name?” I pried.
“Yes, and yes. But that’s all that you’ll get out of me,” he smiled shyly. He reached past my waist, bumping my side gently with his arm and pulled the door open behind me.
I waited for him to walk away before I struggled awkwardly into the truck cab. No matter how many times I practiced the tall steps into the passenger’s seat, I could never seem to accomplish the feat looking like a lady.
“You better change your mind,” Avalon grumbled after buckling his seat belt and starting the engine. I understood that he was referring to joining the “cause” but I chose to ignore it.
“Avalon, do you know anything about our parents?” I asked softly.
“No,” he replied quickly, but then took a long pause. “I mean, I know enough to know what kind of people they were and that they would have wanted us to join the Resistance,” I caught his not so subtle hint, but chose to ignore that one too.
“What kind of people were they?”
“Strong…. Smart…. Powerful…. Kind. Just like me,” he quipped.
“But they didn’t join the Resistance?”
“Amory tells me, they didn’t get a chance to.” Avalon’s voice was soft and far off. Let me go with you. I pled using our mutual telepathy.
“No,” he said firmly and out loud.
I shut my mind off to him completely, angry at his stubbornness and at my own helplessness. I decided I must ask Kiran for help, I had no other option. Surely he would want to help Lilly, especially after she fought to save his life. He would have to help me.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Ms. Matthews is there something you would like to share with the class?” Mr. Lambert called me out sharply in the middle of English class. I sat up straight and shook my head in a humiliated and ashamed “No.”
Mr. Lambert returned to his lecture and I returned to my plotting, although anything else I attempted would not be done during first period. I looked over at Kiran who was now sitting two desks away from me, with Talbott in between. I had been trying to get his attention for days without any luck.
Any note I had passed, Talbott destroyed. Any attempt at suggestive looks, Talbott interceded. Any outright demands for attention, Talbott deflected. I didn’t know many bodyguards in general, but I imagined Talbott was really good at his job.
My perfect posture turned to poor as I pouted in my desk, arms folded stubbornly across my chest. My last attempt at the “Pssst. PSSST!” obviously didn’t pan out, and so I schemed silently, determined to have an audience with the Crown Prince almighty.
I refused to let Lilly face trial alone. She did a great thing by revealing her true identity in a fight for Kiran’s life and she should have been rewarded, not punished. Besides all of the talk about execution and judiciary courts had me nervous. She was innocent as far as I was concerned and I was bound and determined to enlist Kiran in my cause.
And if he chose not to help, thereby destroying any hope I had that he actually had a soul, I would just have to do it on my own. I had to; I could not in moral conscious or as a friend to her, let her be found guilty. Kiran’s privileged life wasn’t the only life I was going to get into the habit of saving. I at least knew that I liked Lilly, and she liked me.
Kiran gave me so many mixed signals I couldn’t even identify my true feelings for him. As soon as I thought I could not be more head over heels for him, he didn’t talk to me for weeks on end and then I was confused once again.
He hadn’t even spoken to me since the Fall Equinox Dance. In fact, he hadn’t even looked me in the eyes since then. He went to all of the trouble of getting me to the dance, and then let a little thing like a midnight battle and falling from a rooftop get in the way of all the progress we had just made.
I supposed I should figure out my facts about this whole trial thing just in case he was another dead end. I knew the trial would take place on Halloween. I knew that the trial would take place in Romania. I knew that the trial would take place in the mountains in Romania; which thanks to Google, I knew were called the Carpathian Mountains. I knew Lilly would be the first defendant tried, and would probably not be facing execution, although I was not very encouraged by that. I knew that there was some type of festival after the trial took place called the All Saints Festival; but only Immortals were invited.
Basically I knew nothing in great detail, and nothing that got me on location. I needed the exact location of the Citadel; but more than that, I needed to know where the trial was going to take place once I got inside the Citadel. I also needed to know who was representing Lilly so that I could convince them to let me be a witness. I needed a passport, and I needed a plane ticket. My heart sunk with despair and I was convinced more than ever that I needed Kiran’s help.
The bell finally rung, but I chose to gather my things slowly. I watched Kiran out of the corner of my eye and noticed him glance in my direction several times before exiting the classroom in front of Talbott. I decided to pick up my pace and cut him off in the hallway. Talbott couldn’t block him from every direction.
“Ms. Matthews, I would appreciate a more valiant effort for your attention in my class, if you please,” Mr. Lambert interrupted my desperate plan with just a few snide remarks.
“I’ll do my best,” I mumbled quickly, and then thought better of it. “I really do enjoy your class Mr. Lambert. English is one of my favorite subjects,” I threw on the charm, hoping to convince Mr. Lambert of what we both surely knew was a lie.
“Then pay attention,” he retorted sharply before gesturing his arm towards the door.
I turned quickly on my heel and hurried out the door, still determined to catch up with Kiran before Drama. Mrs. Woodsen had us memorizing dramatic prose in preparation for mid-terms and I wouldn’t have opportunity once we were inside the classroom doors,
“You are an enigma,” Kiran’s silky accent addressed me softly and my own version of a smirk rose to my lips. “A beautiful phenomenon I have yet to understand. Why can’t you leave poor Talbott alone? He works so hard to keep you at bay, and yet day after day you persist. I’m afraid he is exhausted.”
“Where is he?” I asked, afraid I had only seconds with Kiran, before Talbott appeared to whisk him away.
“I gave him the day off,” Kiran’s lips twisted into his smirk, sending butterflies fluttering about my stomach.
“You can’t do that,” I protested coyly, inwardly rejoicing.
“I can do whatever I want,” his eyes hardened, and I began to doubt we were talking about the same thing anymore.
“Where are you going?” I asked bluntly as Kiran began to descend the stairs towards the lobby instead of ascending them towards Drama.
“We are also taking the day off today,” I started to protest, but he beckoned me with a nod of the head and I obeyed.
“You’re going to get into trouble for this aren’t you?” I asked, catching up with him.
“Probably. But I imagine you will too,” I couldn’t argue with him there.
We left the English and Arts Building and I shuddered at the chilly wind. Although we’d had a mild autumn so far, the wind had turned cold and as we neared the end of October the temperatures were dropping. Kiran didn’t say anything but led me towards the back of campus and the student parking lot.
“I didn’t drive, so we’ll have to take your car,” he said matter-of-factly.
“I didn’t drive either,” I said, heart dropping into my stomach when I realized I rode with Avalon like every other morning since he moved in with us.
I heard Kiran curse under his breath and then eye the parking lot mischievously. For a moment I thought he was going to steal something, but he made no move towards any of the shiny black cars lining the parking lot. He cursed again and then looked around the campus. He stared at the Gymnasium for several minutes before seemingly making up his mind.
“What are the chances?” Kiran mumbled under his breath before he resumed walking.
“That we’re attacked there…. again?” I asked finishing his thought.
“With you Love, one never knows,” he slowed down his pace a little so that we walked evenly side by side. His fingers reached out and gently played with the tips of mine. He hadn’t taken my hand fully, but the gesture was so sweet and so endearing that it sent electricity buzzing around my veins; not to mention the magic mingling between our fingertips.
“I don’t think they were after me,” I instantly regretted my comment, afraid of exposing Avalon.
“I know that,” he replied simply. He led me past the Gymnasium and down the hill towards the football field and track. I wondered to myself if anyone used these facilities. I’d never been to a game here before. Maybe they were just for show.
“Lucky for you, I’m always there to save you,” I turned to give him a playful smile, but he returned my look with an intense gaze that nearly stunned me. His aqua blue eyes sparkled, hypnotizing me as if reading my soul.
“Why is that?” We stopped walking and he waited for my answer.
“I’m beginning to wonder that myself,” my breathing became shallow and I was afraid I had said too much. I tried to cover. “Maybe you’re the one that attracts trouble.”
“Maybe….” he said thoughtfully before we resumed walking. I cleared my throat nervously.
Despite our slow pace we eventually made it down to the gates leading into the stadium. Kiran tried the gate but it was locked. Once again I expected him to use magic, but instead he looked frustrated and I heard him curse again. I reached out my hand as if to just get on with it, but before I could use any magic, he reached out his own hand stopping me.
“They’ll know where we are,” Kiran said softly.
“If we use magic?” I asked, shocked. I hadn’t expected that.
“Yep,” he folded his arms and cocked his head to the side with a frustrated look on his face. I couldn’t help but laugh a little.
“What did you do, run away to be with me?” I smiled widely; pleased with the lengths he took to get us alone.
“Something like that,” he looked around, clearly frustrated with our lack of options.
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to do things the old fashioned way,” feeling brave, I tossed my book bag over the fence and began the long, awkward climb to the top. “No peeking,” I looked down at the amused face of Kiran, and held my uniform skirt close to my body, suddenly embarrassed.
“I’ll be the perfect gentleman,” he bowed his head a little and looked at the ground as if proving his point.
I did my best to climb the fence gracefully, but it was no use. The links were small, making the climb awkward and difficult. After finally making it to the top, I had to swing my leg over in a most un-lady-like fashion, flashing the entire world I was sure. My descent down was easier, but I cringed at the thought of having to make the climb again to leave.
Once I was safely on the ground and had fully entertained Kiran, he made the climb. Of course, he made it quickly and easily. Without even using magic he was to the other side in seconds. Once on the ground, he picked up my backpack and shouldered it.
“This thing is disgusting,” he grimaced.
“What?” I reached for it defensively, but he moved out of the way quickly. “I love that bag,” I pouted my bottom lip.
“Of course you do,” We began to walk aimlessly around the track, shoulders and fingers in constant contact.
“What does that mean?” I asked, afraid of the answer.
“It means that you’re different,” when I looked at him horrified, he explained further, “I mean you’re different than any girl I have ever met…. ever.”
“Thanks?” I didn’t know whether to be offended or flattered.
“I don’t expect they thought we would ever meet,” he said cryptically.
“What do you mean?” Who was “they?”
“I mean, I don’t think it was in the plans. Neither one of us was ever supposed to come here, and I can guarantee that we were never supposed to find each other,” his explanation didn’t clarify anything, I was more puzzled.
“And why is that?” I hoped for a clearer answer.
“Star-crossed Eden, we’re star-crossed,” he gave me a very sweet smile; unfortunately I returned it with bewilderment.
“Romeo and Juliet?” I asked, giving it one more go.
“Unfortunately,” he took his eyes off me to look down at the ground.
“Things didn’t end well for them.”
“Nope,” he shook his head and kicked at a rock, sending it flying across the red, running track.
I wondered at his reference to one of the greatest love stories of all times. Despite the unfortunate ending he alluded to, I couldn’t help but dwell on the fact that the story was all about unfailing love. I glanced over at him again, but he stared intently at the ground as if working something out in his head.
“Are you going to the Festival?” I asked carefully, although I already knew the answer.
“How do you know about the Festival?” He countered my question, amused once again.
“Everybody’s talking about it,” I tried to cover, realizing I shouldn’t know about the Festival. “I’m just curious, since everything is so new to me.”
“Yes, I’m going. I don’t have much of a choice. I’ll only be gone a week or so though,” he finished his thought as if to assure me.
“Where is it? What is it?” I pried further, truly curious.
“The Festival? Basically the middle of Romania. In Transylvania; it’s near a city called Sibiu. It’s a three day long feast where we celebrate the dead,” Kiran talked about it with small tones of disgust and my hopes were raised.
“Wait. It’s a celebration?” I asked, confused again.
“Yeah, for like all of the Immortals who have died. Everyone comes from all over the world and we have this huge feast and remember the dead, or I guess during that weekend we call them the saints,” he stopped walking near the bleachers and took a seat on the stairs leading towards the metal benches. He dropped my bag at our feet.
“Oh. But what about the trial?” A look of confusion passed over his face and I was suddenly nervous.
“How do you know about that?” Suspicion clear in his voice.
“Lilly was my closest friend before she disappeared,” I spat out with more venom than I had meant to.
“Lilly Mason is a liar, a manipulator and a Shape-Shifter,” Kiran said with disbelief at my outburst.
“She fought to save your life,” I accused.
“She lied to everyone, including you,” he accused right back.
“She never lied to me! And she sacrificed everything when she decided to fight for you,” I threw the facts at him again.
“Fine. But when she did that she also chose to face the consequences. There’s nothing I can do about it now, she’s at the mercy of the law,” he calmed down a little. The initial shock of my outburst dulled.
“I’m sorry, the law? Who’s law? It’s not right, and I demand that she receive a fair trial,” I folded my arms stubbornly.
“Who’s law? Only the law that you and her and every other Immortal are bound to,” suddenly he was very angry. “I’m sorry you’re new to this Eden, but you of all people need to obey the law to the very letter. Do you even understand the consequences for an offense like Lilly’s?” I could tell that he was as livid as me, but I refused to give up.
“Of course I understand. Obey the law or face the death squad,” I replied bitterly.
“That’s exactly what it would be like for you. But don’t be ridiculous, they are not going to execute Lilly. They just want to make an example of her,” his voice was still laced with anger.
“That’s not fair. She helped save your life. She should be like rewarded or knighted or something else as ridiculous! Not be punished because of what your awful and outdated law says!”
“Listen, I am very grateful that she was there that night, but the law is the law, outdated or not,” he quieted his voice, but hardened his tone.
“Then testify for her!” I said exasperatedly.
“I can’t do that,” Kiran replied stubbornly.
“Then I will,” I stood up, determined.
“Absolutely not,” he also stood up to face me, adamant. “There is absolutely no way you will go to that trial. You will not set foot in that country, or outside of this town. Do you understand?” his voice was raised and he ordered me around in a way I had never seen him behave.
“You have no say in the matter. If you are not willing to do what is right, then I will.”
“I have every say in the matter. As your Prince I demand that you remain in your house the entire time I am gone. In fact, I am placing you on house arrest until I return,” he was so angry and so determined that his face was red and I could see real emotion behind his eyes, but instead of trying to understand him, he only made me angrier.
“You can’t do that,” I shouted, stamping my foot.
“Yes I can, and if you push me I will leave Guards at every door and window,” his voice once again softened, but the hardness to his tone was unmistakable.
“I wouldn’t have to push you if you would do what any decent person would do! You have the power to save her, to give her another chance, but you’re wasting your influence. Instead of placing me on house arrest, why don’t you help someone who actually needs it!” I knew I had gone too far, the look that crossed Kiran’s face was pure anger. I closed my mouth, unwilling to step down, but too afraid to say anything more.
“Do not question me,” he seethed. When I opened my mouth to protest he held up one hand and I was silenced. “Do exactly what I say or I will have you thrown into prison. Do you understand?” when I didn’t respond, his voice turned even colder. “Do you understand?” I nodded, but just barely.
Kiran brushed past me with a chilling coldness that made me regret everything that was just said. He blew open the gates with one blast of magic, sending the ten foot, chain link fence flying. I watched silently as he stormed back towards the school without ever glancing again in my direction.
