Half Black Soul (30 page)

Alexa

We were in another hotel room. Two more queen-sized beds. More generic paintings and dÈcor. My Mother was still unconscious on one of them. Kayden rested on the second. I'd been giving them both my blood on and off for the past hour, and while I could see that it was helping, they weren't nearly healed, and I was beginning to feel a little weak because of it.

The hotel had a vending machine that sold cigarettes, and I'd bought a pack when I'd finally gotten both Kayden and my Mother into the room and given them their first feedings of my blood. I stood up now, removing a cigarette from its box, and opened the door to the outside.

Closing the door behind me, I slumped back against it and lit the cigarette. My Mother hadn't woken at all since we'd rescued her, but Kayden had managed to stay awake up until now. Even though both of them were just on the other side of the door, I felt completely and utterly & alone.

I'd showered, but it had been quick and uneventful. I'd also taken wet towels and did my best to clean up my Mother and Kayden, but what they really needed was rest, and none of my fussing could give that to them. In the bathroom mirror, I'd noticed that my silver tattoo had extended itself, and it now snaked its way all the way down my back. I didn't care to count or study the designs that had bloomed from its vine. There would be plenty of time to do that later.

I slid down the door and sat on the concrete, pulling my knees up in front of me. I was exhausted, but I knew that sleep was out of the question. I placed my cigarette between my lips and pulled the smoke into my lungs, holding it there as if willing it to bring me an early death.

How had it come to this? How was it that just a month ago, I'd been living a semi-normal, teenage life back in a small town in Missouri? Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that all the things, all the changes that had taken place in my life over these last few weeks would have even been possible. How had I gone, so swiftly, from being just a girl, with bad inclinations, to a voice-hearing, Warrior murderer?

I glanced down at my watch. It was midnight. A small sad, chuckle escaped me. Happy fucking eighteenth birthday to me. I'll say this: it would certainly be unforgettable.

When the door behind my back opened, I had to brace myself with my arms, and the end of my lit cigarette burned my hand. Shit, I said.

I looked up. Kayden stood in the doorway, bracing himself with one arm. May I join you? he asked.

I shrugged. If you must, but you should really be in bed.

He closed the door behind him and slid down it, sitting beside me with a groan. And let you spend your birthday alone? Nope.

I laughed, but there was little humor in it. Oh, I don't think it really matters right now, I said.

Kayden wrapped his arm around my shoulders, trying to hide his wince when it caused him pain. It matters to me. I got you something. It's in the car.

I raised my eyebrows. Really? You didn't have to do that.

Kayden waved his free hand in dismissal. Why wouldn't I? I think you'll like it, but don't get it now. Sit with me a while.

I rested my head against his shoulder. Thank you, Kayden, I whispered, flicking my cigarette away.

It's nothing.

Not for that. For everything. You almost died for me. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you for that.

Kayden sighed. Oh, Warrior, you don't owe me anything. I did it because I wanted to. You didn't force me. What I'm concerned about is whether or not you're & okay.

My first impulse was to lie; to say that I was just fine, and that he didn't have to worry about me. But, the words sounded so obviously false in my head, so how could I insult him by actually saying them. I didn't know what to say at all.

We sat in silence for a while, and finally, I said, I don't know.

Kayden nodded slowly. Okay.

My head dropped down between my shoulders, feeling as though it must weigh a hundred pounds. Kayden's fingers found my chin, and tilted my head up so that I was looking at him. He didn't speak, didn't smile, or move at all. Then, suddenly, his lips found their way to mine.

My hand reached up and held the side of his face. My heart seemed to adopt a beat again for the first time in what seemed like hours. My body tingled, and my knees began to tremble in front of me. Slowly, tears forced their way through my closed eyes.

Kayden pulled back a little and rested forehead against my own. His warm, sweet breath fanned across my lips, and I couldn't help but shiver. His fingers found my face again, and his thumbs swept under my closed eyes, brushing away the tears there.

Oh, Warrior, he whispered. Please don't cry every time I kiss you.

I opened my eyes to see Kayden staring at me, his face so very close to my own. His gaze seemed to burn me, and my jaw clenched together to keep from quivering. He'd known, then. He hadn't said anything, but somehow, even though I'd thought that the rain falling during our previous kissed had concealed my traitorous tears, he'd known. Of course he had. Kayden always knew what I was feeling. I didn't have to hide it. He understood my pain.

And, somehow, through all my faults and flaws, he still managed to love me. The reason didn't matter. Kayden loved me, and I refused to deny him that now.

Alexa

It was three in the morning when my Mother finally came to. Kayden had gone back to sleep, and I'd spent the past few hours watching them. He'd insisted that he didn't need any more of my blood, so after a short argument, I settled with just giving it to my Mother periodically.

She lifted her head, and I jumped up from my seat in one of the chairs. I went to stand over her, smiling to see her finally awake. Her first words wiped the smile right off of my face.

Where's Nelly? she asked.

I sighed, and sat down on the bed next to her. Nice to see you too, I replied.

Her gaunt face hardened a little, and for the first time since we'd rescued her, she looked a little like her old self. Alexa, where's Nelly? she repeated.

Yep, just like her old self. She's fine. She's safe, I said. I stood up from the bed. Don't worry.

My Mother's head fell back against the pillow, and she released a relieved breath. What happened? she asked.

I took a seat in the chair beside her bed again, and she turned her head to look at me. You were at Dangeon, I said. I & got you out.

Her eyes narrowed, and she studied my face for a long moment. How?

I shrugged. Well, it wasn't easy.

She looked down at my right arm; at the silver on my right arm. I see, she said.

Several minutes passed by before either of us spoke again. Finally, she said, Are you going to be okay?

My answer was immediate. I'll be fine. Thanks for asking.

She nodded. Her head turned to the other side. Who's that? she asked.

Kayden & He's a & my Libra.

She nodded again. Good for you.

My eyebrows hit the roof. Good for me?

She turned to face me again, and the look on her face was one I'd never seen before. She sighed. Yes, good for you, she paused, Alexa, I hope you know that I've always loved you. Just as much as I love your sister & I just, I wanted to keep you both safe & and the training & and the secrets & well, it was the only way I knew how to do that.

My eyes began to burn again. I'd never expected this from her. I'd never heard her actually say that she loved me. It was almost too much after everything that had happened. She continued, And, thank you. For saving me. There's no way I expected you to do that. I'm not sure what will happen next, but I'm glad you're safe. What little time that I actually spent conscious in that hell hole, all I could do was worry about you and your sister. It was & not pleasant.

I placed my hand over hers. Well, we're fine. I'm here, and I'm going to take care of you. Nelly's safe at Two Rivers so-,

My Mother jerked and sat up straight, cutting me off mid-sentence. What? Nelly's where? You left her at Two Rivers? She was all but shouting now.

My brow furrowed. Yes, but we're going back tomorrow. She's fine & and there are some people there who need my help. I think they're nuts, but they all seem to think that I'll be this prophesized sav-,

She held up her hand. No, no, no, no. How could you leave her there? I told you your first priority is Nelly! She tried to get up, and cursed when she realized she didn't have the strength. We have to go. Now. Wake him up. We have to go get her.

Okay, seriously? I gritted my teeth. She was unbelievable. Relax. She's fine. It's me they all want. She's not in any danger, I said, but she shook her head, and my certainty wavered. What aren't you telling me? I growled.

This Prophecy. Who told you that you were the savior that it speaks of? she asked.

My brow furrowed. I shrugged. Everyone. Why?

Her head flopped back on the pillow once more. Well, they were wrong, Alexa. They are all wrong.

What the hell are you talking about? How are they wrong? I read the prophecy, it says that the savior is a girl, a fighter, the last of her kind. How is that not me?

She shook her head again, and I struggled not to roll my eyes. You're right on two out of the three. The Prophecy says that the savior is the only one of her kind.

It took me a moment to process what she was saying, and when I did, my heart stopped dead in my chest.

Nelly is a girl. Though not physically, she fights for those she loves and what she believes in. She's also the only one of her kind.

My face must have betrayed my thoughts, because my Mother sat back, satisfied that I had finally understood. I felt like I couldn't breathe.

The Prophecy was never about me. I was never the one that they wanted. I was never the savior . Nelly was. And, I'd left her. I'd left her at the doorstep of the King who would very much like to see her dead.

Oh, shit, Warrior, we'd better get moving.

Yeah, I think I got that. Just fucking shoot me.

Nelly

I couldn't sleep. Of course I couldn't sleep. How could I when I knew everything that I did; when I knew that if Alexa ever came back, I would have to tell her that her best friend, her boyfriend, was a lying, manipulative traitor. It hurt me just to think about it, so I knew that it was going to crush her.

I wished none of this had ever happened. I felt like I was neck-deep in crud and sinking in further by the day. These people wanted my sister to give her life to save them, and I knew that she would do it. I knew, because even though we are very much different, Alexa and I are equally the same. I'd seen the village. She'd seen it too. She would help them. She would fight for them. I was certain, because if I were in her shoes, I would do the same.

My mind kept turning over, and I couldn't get comfortable in my bed. I had to find a way to fix this. I had to find a way to protect my sister. I had to find this King and make him see reason, whether it be by his own volition or not. I refused to sit back and let my sister die. I refused.

A knock sounded on my door, making me jump. I looked over at the clock on the nightstand next to my bed. It was three in the morning. Who would be calling at this hour? My hands grew moist, and my heartbeat picked up its pace. No good news ever came at three in the morning. I went over to my door, and with shaking hands, turned the knob and opened it.

Simon stood outside my door; the warrior that had taken me to the Queen a few days ago. A lump formed in my throat. I swallowed. Can I help you? I asked.

Simon nodded. Apologies for waking you, he said, and I could tell that he wasn't really sorry at all. But, the Queen has requested your presence. Please, follow me.

Okay, I said. Just let me grab my shoes.

I slipped on my shoes and stepped out into the hallway with Simon, who turned on his heel and began walking stiffly down the hallway. My mouth felt dry. I bit down hard on my lower lip. This couldn't be good. I reached out with my mind, not even considering not doing so, and Searched Simon. Just like last time, all he knew was that the Queen wanted to see me. My hands started to shake. This definitely wasn't good.

On the walk over to the Council building, I seriously considered trying to make an escape. It would be easy enough. I would just have to control Simon. But, eventually, I just stared at my feet and abandoned the idea. It's not like I had anywhere to go. And, if the Queen wanted me this bad, I had no doubts that she could find me.

At least the rain had stopped, but it made no difference because my teeth seemed to be chattering anyway. The worst possible conclusions raced through my head, and I tried desperately to remember in detail all of the things I had done over the past few days. Had someone seen me in the woods? Had my Searches on Victoria failed, and she'd told on me? Had Jackson seen me hiding behind the tree, or despite his lies to Thomas, decided that it was time to turn me in? It could be any number of things. Or multiple things. I just knew that it couldn't be good.