Hunted

- 25 - THE SACRIFICE

“Let’s go.” Izzy pushed me in the opposite direction. “Master Haziel said he must talk to you about something before you face the Tribunal. Don’t ask me what. I’m just the messenger. I think he doesn’t have long to live.”

I frowned. “What do you mean ‘he doesn’t have long to live’?”

“He’s dying.”

My heart dropped. “He can’t.”

“I tried to heal him, but he wouldn’t let me.”

“We’ll see about that.” I refused to lose another person I cared about.

At first, all I saw was Lucien on a chair by a couch that looked like someone had redesigned with a blowtorch. Moving closer, I saw Master Haziel reclining on it, his eyes closed. As though he sensed my presence, he opened his eyes and tried to sit up. My interest in meeting the Tribunal disappeared as I stared into his wise eyes, felt his pain and heard his thoughts. He was ready to die.

Tears filled my eyes again as I knelt by his side. “Don’t try to sit up, Master Haziel. What happened? Where does it hurt? And how could you come to fight the archangels?”

A gurgling sound came from his lips and I realized he was laughing. “How could I not? You think I should have stayed home to watch over the Specials while you have fun? No, this was our battle. I did not call you here to discuss what is done or to heal me. It is my time to go.”

I shook my head. “You can’t die. I still need you.”

One gnarled hand gripped mine. “You do not need anyone. I saw you fight Raphael. You were fearless. Fast. A bit cocky,” he added and chuckled, the sound dry and hollow, “but it was necessary today to disarm him. That does not mean you should do it again. You are more than ready.”

If he had seen me fight the archangel, why hadn’t he told the others? Not that it mattered now. I had to help him. I pulled back the sleeves of my coat and willed the power to move from my core. The ancient writings appeared on my skin and my hands started to glow. I moved closer.

“No, Lil,” he said harshly. “There will be no healing.” He patted Lucien’s hand. “Leave us, son.”

“But Grandfather, if she can heal you—”

“She cannot. We have said all that is needed to be said, Lucien. Go. Tell the family I will watch over them.”

Lucien’s topaz eyes swam with tears as he gave Master Haziel a hug. Izzy, who hadn’t left, had tears racing down her face too.

“Go, go, you do not want to miss this historic moment. You too, Izzy. Tell all the junior Cardinals I will keep an eye on them, so they had better stay sharp.” Lucien reluctantly got up. Izzy hugged Master Haziel one last time, then the two of them left. Master Haziel waited until they were gone before speaking again. “Look at me, Lil, and listen very carefully. No matter what happens, do not reveal the dagger’s powers in you to Valafar or his men.”

I frowned. “Why would I do that?”

“Things will become clear with time. Also, whatever decisions the Goddess makes, accept them without question or arguing. All is and will be as they are meant to be.” He faded briefly, his body becoming transparent.

“Master Haziel,” I cried out.

“My time here has come to an end, but I have prepared you for what is about to happen. This is just the beginning.”

Not again. First Dante, now him. “The beginning of what?”

Instead of answering, he patted my hands. “I will miss our time together, dearest child.”

“Me too.” The air around us buzzed with energy as though a strong current zinged through the air, but when I looked, there was nothing there. “This beginning you all keep talking about—”

“Do not keep the Goddess waiting,” he cut me off and smiled, face puckering. “Get up and receive her.”

I looked around. “Where is she?”

Something touched my forehead and, as though a veil lifted from my eyes, an outline of a woman with massive wings, bathed in light, appeared. Mesmerized, I watched as the light faded, until she stood before me. Goddess Xenia. She was glorious, her eyes luminous and skin radiant as though tiny lights danced under her skin. Her wings, white and dazzling, lifted gently behind her, and her silky white dress flowed to her sandaled feet.

Not sure whether to stand up and bow, drop on my hands and knees or even speak up, I gave her a tiny smile. She offered me her hand instead, a charge shooting through me as I took it and stood. I was surprised my legs could hold me upright.

Then I realized something—she wasn’t alone. Guardians hovered behind her. Dead Guardians. I recognized Lunaris. I had no idea she hadn’t made it. Solaris would be devastated and blame me. My gaze connected with Cat-eyes Eva, then the obnoxious Sim, both from our Psi Team. There were a few more Cardinals from the other teams and a lot more SGs, whose faces I recognized though I couldn’t remember their names. They all wore white robes like the Goddess’ and floated several feet above the ground. If they had been wounded during the battle, it didn’t show on their clear, glowing skins.

Then Master Haziel appeared beside the Goddess, looking ethereal like the others. A quick look over my shoulder confirmed that his body was gone.

“Once again, Coronis will speak for the Hermonites,” the Tribunal leader called out from the other end of the room. “Who will represent the Guardians?”

It is time, Lilith, the Goddess said in a soft melodic voice.

No, not yet. I ignored Master Haziel’s horrified expression and looked into the Goddess’ kind eyes. I lost many friends tonight, but I don’t see one of them with you. Can you help him? Please. He was a loyal friend and died protecting me.

The nature-bender Kael has been very vigilant in watching over you. How would you like me to repay him? She asked sounding neither pleased nor angry.

Watch over him and don’t let him go to Tartarus.

A thoughtful expression settled on the Goddess’ ethereal face. I’ll see what I can do.

Thank you. I’m ready now.

She opened her arms. I walked into them and sucked in a breath at the powerful invasion. It felt like I had been zapped by a thousand volts. Heart pounding furiously and my breathing labored, my vision dimmed, then sharpened. Everything around me appeared brighter, their auras enhanced.

I looked down and blinked. The light from my skin penetrated my dark hunter clothing, and even though I couldn’t see the rest of me, I was sure my eyes were luminous just like hers had been.

Let’s go.

The words echoed in my head and sent a jolt through me. I wasn’t sure how this vessel thing worked, whether she planned to take over my mind, body, and powers or if I just spoke on her behalf. Already her grief and fury at the loss of so many Guardians was overwhelming my senses.

The Goddess, someone whispered as I approached the gathering and the word buzzed through the rest of them. They turned and stepped back, leaving a path for me to pass. Some reached out and touched my arms. Other smiled, tears in their eyes.

I will speak to my people before we join the Tribunal, the Goddess said. Repeat my words and do exactly as I instruct you.

“I am so sorry for the pain you have endured tonight and the senseless loss,” I said, but the soft and musical voice was nothing like mine. “Your beloved daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, uncle and aunts are now with me.” I reached out and touched a face here, a shoulder there, a hand, an arm.

The Cardinals standing in front of the Guardians turned. The Goddess’ feelings and thoughts receded, allowing mine to dominate as my gaze connected with Grampa, then Bran. My hand brushed Bran’s and lingered as I walked past him. I traded smiles with Sykes, Remy, Izzy, and the other junior and mid-level Guardians. A sharp pang of relief shot through me when I noticed Kieran standing behind Darius and some of the Brotherhood Guardians. At least they’d made it. Solaris glowered, probably blaming me for her loss. I didn’t blame her. I was responsible. Nio was sure to miss his buddy Sim too. I fought tears and remorse again by the time I stood beside my grandfather.

Grief and loss are part of our existence, Lilith, the Goddess said, her soft voice soothing.

Does it get any easier? I asked

No, but you will learn to grieve as you move on.

What if it is my fault?

You think tonight is your fault? Tonight is just the beginning. It is something neither you nor I can control.

The beginning of what? I asked, hoping I’d get an answer this time.

The beginning of your journey, something your father and Coronis hope to stop. Look at them.

Across the hall, Valafar stood beside Solange. He was dressed in his trademark black pants and tunic, a red sash wrapped around his waist and a cloak with red lining over his shoulders. He looked a few pounds lighter, but he appeared healthy. No skin falling off or anything gooey. I really didn’t want to care, and couldn’t explain the relief that washed over me. Maybe my heart was wired differently, so I loved him even though he would do me harm.

Solange wore a triumphant grin, the red Athame clenched in her hand. Fury coursed through me as I recognized Coronis’ energy inside her. I wasn’t surprised that my sister was Coronis’ vessel. She could already wield her dagger.

“Guardians?” the red-robbed leader of the Tribunal asked.

“I will speak on behalf of the Guardians.” The voice that came out of me was firm and commanding, the sweetness of minutes ago gone.

“We recognized Xenia as the Guardians’ advocate,” the leader said. “Proceed.”

“Before we start with the proceedings,” I said, repeating the Goddess’ words, “we demand the return of the Cardinal Kim whom Valafar and his followers kidnapped.”

Across the hall, Valafar and Solange conferred, then he disappeared. Within seconds, he reappeared in the middle of the floor with Kim. She looked disoriented, her hair a mess and her clothes filthy, but she seemed fine. An excited murmur rose among the Guardians as her uncle teleported to her side and hugged her, then led her back to the Guardian side. It was the first time I’d ever seen Cardinal Seth show emotion.

I focused on the Goddess’ next words. “We also demand the return of the old Hermonite they kidnapped. His name is Jethro.”

“He chose to join us.” Solange spoke in Coronis’ annoyingly screechy voice.

“I refuse to take her word for it. Jethro must make an appearance before this court and talk to us. He’s the leader of his group of Hermonites and cannot be dismissed callously.”

“We already asked him, and he chose not to waste the Tribunal’s time with such a trivial matter,” Solange insisted.

“We get to decide if a matter is trivial or not,” the leader said. “Next item on the agenda.”

“When you convened a meeting a few weeks ago, I was unavailable to defend the Guardians against the vicious lies concocted by the demons,” I said.

Solange laughed before I could continue, bringing back memories of Coronis cackling as she drained the powers of Guardians. Other memories came from the Goddess—hateful pranks perpetuated by Coronis, jealous tantrums over their father’s affection. It was as though my relationship with Solange was a replica of hers and Coronis’.

“It is not our fault your second in command is incompetent,” Solange said, her voice harsh and malicious.

“Tariel needed a vessel and his grandson volunteered, then fed him lies about their family,” I continued. Tariel was Bran’s grandfather and a former Cardinal Water Guardian. Coronis had kidnapped him, drained his energy and mated his only son, Bran’s father, to a demoness. Obviously, Gavyn wasn’t above duping his grandfather.

“This is another trivial matter that cannot be changed,” Solange retorted.

“I concur. Next,” the Tribunal leader ordered.

I couldn’t read the Tribunal, which sucked, but the Goddess didn’t seem worried. “The first case presented to this court was the hypothetical unfair advantage the Guardians have over the demons, which could tip the balance between good and evil. I don’t see it.”

“Without Valafar,” Solange said, “the demons will not have a strong leader who can stand up to the Guardians and stop them from dominating and destroying humanity.”

Tell them you concur, the Goddess said.

Why?

Because I know what I am doing, Lilith. Repeat my words.

Why Valafar? Why not some other nature-bender?

Lilith, she warned, her voice rising.

“I concur,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Could you repeat what you just said?” the Tribunal said.

“I concur,” I called out. Even if it was the dumbest reasoning I’d ever heard.

You know I can hear you, the Goddess said.

Good, I retorted before I could stop myself. When she didn’t speak, I wondered whether I had gone too far. The problem was that Grampa had raised me to stand up for what I believed in.

She chuckled. You remind me of myself at your age. Impatient, impertinent and stubborn. Do you understand about the balance between good and evil and how it helps humanity to thrive and give us purpose?

Yes. But why him? There must be other powerful demons lounging in Tartarus.

There is a reason for everything that is happening right now, so be patient.

I hated the bitter taste of defeat, but I clammed up. The reason had better be a darn good one.

“Next,” the Tribunal spokesman said.

“Second,” I continued, so pissed I spoke through gritted teeth, “this Tribunal was made to believe that the Guardians influenced Bran Llyr’s decision to change sides. This is not true. We have witnesses that will testify to the fact that he made this decision on his own.”

“All of them Guardians,” Solange retorted. “Whatever they say will be biased.”

I glanced at Grampa and nodded. Darius stepped forward. “Darius son of Palizur is not a Guardian,” I said. “He’s a Neutral.”

“Yet he and his group fought alongside the Guardians today,” Solange retorted.

“So did the Order,” I snapped. “It doesn’t mean they are on our side. They just hate you more.”

“There is no need for him to testify, move on,” the Tribunal said.

That wasn’t good. I exchanged a look with Grampa. Was he worried about the way the proceeding was going too? “The second witness is Jethro. He is not a Guardian or a Guardian sympathizer. He will testify that Bran sought his help to find the Guardians.”

“Bran Llyr needed the Guardians’ help to rescue his sister, but he stayed only after he met Lil—your vessel, dearest sister,” Solange said with a sneer. “If it weren’t for her, Bran would not be a Guardian.”

The Goddess started to speak, but the Tribunal interrupted her with, “We will take everything you’ve said into consideration when we make our final decision. Next.”

Solange consulted with Valafar. “You should take one more thing into consideration before you make your verdict,” she said. “Bran Llyr won the battle on Jarvis Island, which makes him the rightful leader of the Hermonites.”

“He was lured to Jarvis Island the night of the mortal combat under false pretenses,” I snapped, speaking quickly to keep up with the Goddess. “The contract was between him and Damien, a person that doesn’t exist. As a result, he didn’t win the combat and is not the rightful leader of the demons.”

We waited for Coronis to object, everyone holding their breath.

The members of the Tribunal stared at her too, then the leader said, “Next item.”

Everything fell into place when the Goddess gave me her next orders. “With Valafar’s return, we want the orders given to the archangels to be withdrawn.”

Silence followed. All the other requests had been foreplay, nothing compared to this. The members of the Tribunal glanced at Valafar and Solange again.

“Any objections?” their leader asked.

Solange conferred with Valafar before she looked up. She didn’t look happy. “We agree to withdraw—”

A loud cheering came from the Guardians. Some hugged. Others laughed. No more Raphael and his tribe shadowing us. My gazes locked with my friends. They were laughing too. I couldn’t. The Goddess wouldn’t let me. It was as though she knew more was to come and it wasn’t good.

“Hold your applause,” the Tribunal spokesperson ordered. “She is not done speaking.”

Everyone stopped talking as though someone had flipped an off button.

“On two conditions,” Solange continued. “One, we want the children the Guardians stole from us. Some of their parents are alive. Is it not a parent’s right to raise his or her child?”

“It is,” the Tribunal leader said, and the rest nodded. “What is the second condition?”

“Valafar was denied a chance to be a parent, too. He wants a chance to change that. We ask that Lil should live with him for exactly the same number of years she has lived with her grandfather. If, by her thirty-fourth birthday, she wants to return to the Guardians, she can be free to do so.”

The silence was deafening, the shock absolute. Panicking, I waited for the Goddess to object or something. For the first time since she had possessed me, I couldn’t read her or come up with a snarky comment. Then she spoke, but I had a feeling it was all for show.

“The requests are ludicrous,” I repeated her words. “We don’t have the Specials. They are being raised by the Brotherhood. When they are old enough to decide, they can choose sides. As for the matter of Lil,” I continued, speaking quickly as the Goddess dictated. “She did not choose to be raised by her grandfather and therefore cannot be held responsible for the years she spent with him. She didn’t even know Valafar existed until she turned sixteen a year ago. A year has passed since she decided to stay with her grandfather and the Guardians.”

“There’s nothing ludicrous about our requests,” Solange yelled. “This is about a father who was denied his rights. Just like the Specials—those parents who are still alive want a chance to mold their children, Valafar deserves this. Lil lives with the Guardians because that is all she knows. Maybe after living with Valafar she might decide she prefers to stay with him.”

“She already heard what he had to offer her and chose to be a Guardian,” I retorted.

“Enough,” the Tribunal leader bellowed. “Move on to the next item.”

“We are done,” Solange said.

The Tribunal looked our way.

For a moment, I couldn’t speak, fear blocking my throat. “We are done.”

“We will adjourn and come back with the verdict.” Their astral images disappeared.

The silence that followed was heavy, then telepathic buzz filled the room. I refused to turn around and look at my grandfather, Bran, or my friends. I didn’t need to. I heard their thoughts. They were willing to fight the archangels again and sacrifice more Guardians rather than let me live with Valafar. Seventeen freaking years. Stomach churning, my gaze connected with Valafar’s.

Why was he doing this? Did he really think he could turn me? From the smug look on his face, he believed it. He also knew he’d won because he knew exactly what I planned. I couldn’t live with myself if more Guardians died to save me.

Are you willing to do this? the Goddess asked, having heard my thoughts.

Do I have a choice? I snapped, so pissed I didn’t care about being polite.

Yes.

No, I don’t. Living with him is the only solution.

You are willing to sacrifice yourself for the lives of your people. That is one test you already passed. Be strong and stay true, Lilith, and all is and will be as it is meant to be.

The conversation I had had with Master Haziel flashed through my head. The warning not to show my powers to Valafar and the orders to go along with the Goddess’ decision. He’d known this would happen. What in Tartarus ‘pit does that mean?

It means that things that are meant to happen are happening, which will shape the future. I will leave you now, my child.

Why? They haven’t given us their verdict.

Their verdict will not change anything. You’ve already made your decision. Be strong, my child. I’ll always be with you whenever you need me.

Vertigo hit me and my knees gave away as she left me, but strong arms wrapped around me. Grampa’s earthy warmth enveloped me and mixed with Bran’s fresh pine scent as his hand wove into mine. Two men who loved me implicitly and who were willing to fight till death for me, yet they were helpless to stop the verdict the Tribunal was about to deliver. The problem was they weren’t the only ones. No one could save me but me.

The Goddess hovered to my right, her expression serene. The Tribunal reappeared and silence fell in the room again, eyes lifting.

“The verdicts read as follows.” Their leader unrolled a scroll and started to read. “First, Jethro will be released immediately, so he can return to his people.”

No one spoke or cheered.

“Second, no one influenced Bran Llyr to join the Guardians. He made that choice, so this matter should not be brought before this court again. Third, he is also not the leader of the Hermonites because the contract he signed was fraudulent.”

I glanced at Bran. His expression was dark, body tense, hand like a death grip around mine.

“Fourth,” the judge continued. “The orders given to the archangels will be rescinded effective immediately.”

Once again, no one cheered. I couldn’t breathe, my heart pounding so hard I was sure I’d faint. I gripped Grampa and Bran’s hands, and studied the faces of the members of the Tribunal as though their expression would give me a clue. They weren’t smiling.

“However, the matter of the Specials will be revisited at a later date. We will observe them first before making a decision.” He paused then continued. “As for the sensitive matter of Valafar’s request, Lil will not live with her father for seventeen years. It is an unreasonable request.”

The hall erupted in applause, but I heard the unsaid “‘but.” Stomaching churning, I waited for him to continue.

“Silence!” the Tribunal spokesman bellowed. “However, it is reasonable to have her live with her father for one year, the same duration she has lived as a Guardian.”

I exhaled, fighting tears. One year wasn’t bad. My gaze flew to Grampa, then Bran. They were furious. Sykes and the others were shocked.

They can’t do this, Bran ground out.

One year is not bad, I reassured him.

It’s a lifetime. I will find you, he vowed. I don’t care what they say, I will.

Bran had never had an off switch when it came to me, so I knew he meant every word. Unfortunately, to pull off such a rescue, he would put himself and everyone I loved in danger. No, I will find a way to escape, I vowed.

“After one year,” the judge continued, “she will choose whether to stay with her father or return to her grandfather. Once she chooses a side, her decision will be final and recognized by this court. The Guardians must not attempt to ‘rescue’ her or the deal is off.” The judge leaned forward and pinned us with a glare. “When I say ‘the deal is off, I mean she will stay with her father for seventeen years. If she attempts an escape, the deal is off too. On the other hand, Valafar must not mistreat her or harm her in any way, or she will be removed from his care and returned to the Guardians. This verdict is final and will not be brought before this court again.”

The silence was deafening. Whatever plans Bran and I had had just gone down the tube. After our encounter with the archangels, I knew the Tribunal’s punishment would be swift and merciless if we disobeyed them. Tears prickled the back of my eyes, but I fought them back. This was not the moment to cry and indulge in self-pity.

I clung to Bran and absorbed his warmth, his love, let his energy blend me with mine and take me to that special place where nothing could hurt me. When I tried to lean back, he refused to let me go. Tears threatened to flow again.

Promise me you will not come after me, Bran.

Don’t make me promise something I won’t keep, he warned. You have no idea what Valafar is capable of.

I can handle him, and it is only a year. Please, don’t go against the Tribunal.

We are mated, Lil. No one, not your father or the Tribunal, will ever keep us apart.

Then wait for me, I begged.

He didn’t say anything, his arms tightening around me, both of us shaking.

“Lilith Falcon, cross the floor,” the judge ordered.

Someone rubbed my back. I knew it was Aunt Janelle without looking. Over Bran’s shoulder, my gaze met with Sykes, then Remy, Kim, and Izzy. They moved closer, their expressions so easy to read; they were ready to declare a war. I knew then they’d do something stupid if I cried or indicated I needed their help.

This is bull, Sykes said.

Damn right, Remy added. We are willing to take on the archangels again.

You can’t. This was meant to be, I reassured them. The Goddess said so.

The lead judge said something and Bran stiffened. Grampa put his arms around us both. “It is time, Bran,” he said in a voice that wasn’t steady. “You have to let her go.”

I will be at our spot in Maui every day, Bran vowed, then kissed me. Branding me. Giving me something to think about for the rest of the year then he stepped back. I was still reeling from the effects of the kiss when Grampa hugged me.

“You will do this and come back stronger than ever.” Grampa’s voice broke.

A tear escaped and I swiped at it. “No matter what happens, I’ll always be a Guardian and I’ll always love you, Grampa.”

He stepped back and Aunt Janelle took his place. “You will make it, Luminitsa.”

“I know, Aunt Janelle. Take care of him for me,” I whispered. “Bran too.”

One by one, I hugged the Cardinals, even Cardinal Seth, then my friends. Izzy cried. Kim had a better grip on her emotions. Remy and Sykes made vows I couldn’t afford to acknowledge. I don’t remember whether I walked or teleported, but one second I was having a group hug, the next the Goddess was leading me away.

Every step that took me away from my loved ones was like a stab through my heart. I shivered even though I wasn’t cold, wept though no tear rolled down my face.

Look at me, the Goddess commanded.

I did, but all I saw was Grampa’s face. He didn’t look sad anymore. He was smiling. Or maybe I wanted to remember him smiling.

You’ll be fine, sweetheart. Imagined words or not, I believed him. His face was replaced with Bran’s. My heart contracted and tears rushed to my eyes. I loved him so much and would miss him with every breath I took.

Yours always, mine forever, he vowed. Again, whether imagined or not, I heard him and my heart ached.

Yours always, mine forever, I repeated his words, then made the trek to my father’s side.

THE END