its influence.” “Will it do anything?” “Not without The Sorrow to control it. Except that now every Rogue within a hundred mile radius knows where to come.”
I took a second look at the vicious hellfire sky. It felt like I was watching Armageddon unfold. “It’s not the end of the world. But you can see it from here.”
“Sorry, what did you say?”
I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter, just a saying I heard once.”
Someone knocked at the door. I looked at Gabriella, who shrugged. Grabbing a dressing gown from the wardrobe, I padded into the lounge, tying the chord as I walked.
I opened the door to see Delagio leaning against the frame. He stepped back, surveying me through a squinted eye. Then he gave a broad smile.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Oh nothin’,” he grinned. “Ah was lookin’ for a feisty brunette. Only there seems ta be one missin’ from her apartment. Say, you haven’t seen her have you?”
I could feel my face growing hot with embarrassment. Before I could answer, Gabriella’s voice floated over my shoulder.
“I’m here. What’s up Delagio?”
I turned to see her appear next to me, wearing one of my t-shirts. Delagio’s eyes widened as he saw her. Gabriella sighed and leaned against the door. “Yes it’s exactly what it looks like. It’s five in the morning, what’s going on?”
He nodded his head approvingly, giving me a not too subtle wink. Then his face was all business. “I’m here for Alex.”
“How come?” I asked.
“Support from the other bases is comin’ soon. Faru wants to mind merge with you again. See if he can identify any more SOS that were at that meeting. You know, make sure everyone fightin’ with us is on our side.”
“Give me a couple of minutes?”
“I’ll be right out here.” He let out a long sigh. “Looks like this is really happenin’.” With that he pushed off the door frame and settled against the opposite wall — marble spinning between his fingers.
“Promise me you’ll stay here and wait for me to get back,” I said once the door was closed.
“I promise.”
The sheets were still warm as I slipped back into bed. Gabriella was lying on her side, breathing softly. She smelled of soap. I pulled her body close to mine and wrapped my arms around her.
“Everything go okay?” she said sleepily.
I sighed. “As well as it could have I suppose. Faru found seven more he recognised.”
“ Seven?” “Apparently some were from Outposts.” Gabriella closed her eyes and sighed. “At least he knows now.” “But there are so many of them. The SOS is everywhere we look. How can we fight against something like that?”
Gabriella lifted onto her elbows. “Don’t underestimate the strength of the Alliance Alex. You’re right, the SOS is powerful. But collectively we’re far more powerful than they are. For every Rogue there are dozens of Guardians who would happily die if it meant protecting Earth. That’s why the SOS is forced to rely on insidious tricks and secrets to gain the upper hand. This attack could have devastated the Warren if we were unprepared. But thanks to you we’re not. Trust me, Faru won’t waste the advantage we’ve gained. Especially not with your idea. I promise you, we will survive this.” I pulled an impressed face. “Nice speech.” “Thanks, it came out better in rehearsal.” We both burst out laughing. As I watched her face light up, I prayed that it wouldn’t be the last time we laughed together. I held her gaze. “I hope you’re right. I couldn’t bare it if something happened to you.” She kissed the tip of my nose. “It won’t. I’m not going anywhere and neither are you.” “So then, if we do somehow manage to make it through this mess in one piece, do you have any plans for the twelfth of December?” Gabriella smiled up at me. “That depends, what did you have in mind?” “Well, there’s this school ball that I thought we could go to.”
“Finally!” she said with mock exasperation. “I genuinely thought I was going to end up asking you.”
I raised my eyebrows. “You want to go to the ball?”
“Course I do. I’ve lived on Alliance bases since I was a child. I’ve attended dozens of joining ceremonies, hallows-eve celebrations with the Coven and countless feasts, but I’ve never been to a proper ball, like a normal teenager. I was really excited. I bought a dress and everything.”
“You bought a dress?”
“A hell of a dress.”
I took her hand and cleared my throat. “Miss Gabriella De Luca, would you do me the honour of being my date to the Christmas Ball?”
“I would love to Mr Eden,” she smiled.
“Well then it’s decided. We both have to survive so that I get to see you in that dress.” I paused to kiss her. “And then out of it,” I added with a wink.
Gabriella pretended to be offended and elbowed me playfully. But then she pressed herself closer against me and we lost ourselves in each other.
The distant blare of the speaker siren woke me the second time. I stretched out for Gabriella, but was disappointed to find her side cold and empty. I squinted at the clock. It half six in the evening. Well I've definitely caught up on lost sleep.
Wiping away the traces of sleep, I sat up and looked around. A note had been left by the side of the bed, along with two guns and a pouch of ammo. I recognised the handwriting straight away.
You looked so peaceful sleeping; I didn’t want to wake you. Had to go and discuss tactics with Faru. When you wake up, get dressed for battle and come to the Feasting Hall.
Love you
Ella xx
P.S. Swords can’t shoot, so I thought these might come in handy.
I picked up my handbook. Opening it at the back, I placed the note next to Dad’s photograph. Then I opened the wardrobe and unzipped the suit bag. I pushed the book into the inside pocket.
It took me a long time to get ready. Almost as if my subconscious knew it could be for the last time.
I slowly wrapped the belt around my waist. The click of the buckle seemed to echo around the empty room. Sliding the two guns and bag off the side, I fastened them to my waist. I plucked the cross sheath from the bottom of the suit bag and slipped it over my jacket. The only thing I left behind were the gloves — I found it easier to handle the swords without them. Last of all, I headed into my apartment and over to the mantelpiece in the lounge. The blood red box stood over the cold fireplace. As I took it down, I noticed that my hands were trembling. Setting the box on the coffee table, I opened it and stared at The Crimson Twins. My fingers hovered over them, unable to move the last few inches.
I’d been riding on cloud nine. The grim reality of the situation had finally hit. A sinking sensation filled my stomach. The Soldiers of Sorrow are coming here tonight. There’s going to be a huge battle. People are going to die. Maybe even me — or Gabriella.
I clenched my fists together and then shook them out, trying to calm down. Holding my breath, I grabbed the first blade, rotated it and slid it down into the sheath. It made a shuunk sound. I repeated it with the other. Then I exhaled in a long whoosh. I was armed. Ready for battle. That was the easy bit. I dialled Mikey’s number first. The phone rang several times before I heard the familiar smoky tone of Scarlett’s voice. “Alex. Is everything okay?” “It’s fine. How are things there?” “Not too bad. Pretty boring. Mikey’s climbing the walls.” “You haven’t told him anything have you?” “No.” “Thanks. Listen can…can I talk to him?” Scarlett paused. “I understand. Hold on, I’ll get him.”
The phone went silent for a while. Then there was a rustle and the sound of a sleepy Mikey saying hello. I felt a stab of emotion in my stomach. “Hi Mikey.” “Alex, this place is old and smells like arse. When can I come back?” “Not for a couple of days bro. I just got to take care of a few things first.” He gave a long exaggerated sigh. “Okay, but be quick about it.” “I’ll try.”
