hadn’t left me.
Scores of cars and bikes appeared in front of us. They screeched to a stop a few yards away from where Gabriella and I sat holding each other. Faru was inside the lead car. The Sage stepped down and nodded his head towards me.
“Come on,” I whispered into my soulmate’s ear. “Let's go home.”
I picked her up in my arms and carried her towards the waiting convoy.
EPILOGUE
Gabriella’s hands pressed gently over my eyes.
“No peeking!” she laughed as she maneuvered me through the mansion grounds.
“You better not walk me into a tree!”
I could hear the sound of band music not too far away. It sounded familiar. Then I heard the sounds of a large crowd of people talking and laughing. My curiosity started to peak. “Come on,” I whinged, “tell me what’s going on!”
“Not yet, almost there…okay you can open them now.”
Gabriella removed her hands and I gasped. We were standing inside a Marquee tent the size of a football pitch. Someone had stolen Narnia. Snow, Christmas trees and towering ice sculptures were everywhere I looked. Fridges carved from frosted ice were lined with beers and wine. Waitresses dressed in white dresses walked around with cakes and mince pies on platters. Silver banners with CHRISTMAS BALL II written on them lined the sides. A canopy of white balloons floated above our heads. The tent was filled with pretty much every sixth former from Chapter Hill high school. But out of everything, what really blew my mind was the fact that Soulfire was playing on stage. A load of people were gathered on a dance floor below, jumping around to the music. “W-what is all this?” I asked in confusion. “A second attempt at the Christmas Ball,” smiled Gabriella, “because we never got to enjoy ours.” “This is incredible…how did you manage it?” “I asked Faru. He’s a pretty powerful guy you know.” I laughed. “I’m convinced.”
Mikey weaved towards us from the crowd, his hand linked with Scarlett’s. The other clutched a beer. He gave me a hug, almost spilling the contents down the new shirt Gabriella had bought me.
“Alex, this party is sick! I can’t believe Soulfire are actually here!” Scarlett rolled her eyes. “Fifth beer,” she said. “Don’t tell Mum!” Mikey said with an unsubtle wink. “I won’t,” I promised, trying to keep a straight face.
At that moment, the song ended and the marquee was filled with clapping and cheers. A waitress glided over to me, a multitude of drinks balanced on her silver dish. She plucked a beer from the top and handed it to me. “For you Mr Eden,” she said and moved back off again. I took a large swig and put my arm around Gabriella, kissing the top of her head. “Thank you so much.” “You deserve nothing less,” she said kissing me on the lips.
I saw Tim in the centre of the dance floor. He was doing his best to avoid Lucy, who was nagging him about something. When he noticed me, he raised a beer and gave a knowing smile. I gestured mine towards him.
Ryan Lloyd tapped the microphone and cleared his throat. The room fell silent.“Hey everybody,” he said. “It’s great to be here in London.” The statement was met with a chorus of cheers, including one from me. “Okay, so this next song is dedicated to Gabriella and Alex.”
A cheer went up and I felt my face flush. Gabriella squeezed my side.
'It’s a new one called ‘Changes’. Hope you enjoy it.” He nodded to the band and started to tap his foot against the stage. The drummer rapped his sticks together and then they broke into the song. The riff was incredible. Gabriella took my hand and led me onto the dance floor.
*
A few hours later, the party was winding down. In a state of complete awe, I’d met the band and even had a drink with them all. They were really friendly and offered both Gabriella and me free backstage passes to their next tour, which I hastily accepted.
Needing a few minutes to myself, I slipped away from the tent and headed further into the grounds. Silver fairy lights had been hung in the trees, and small bonfires set up with seats around them. Couples were sat in the chairs, wrapped in thick blankets, sipping drinks, smoking cigarettes and chatting.
“Alex, best party ever man!” someone called from one of the seats.
I raised a hand in the direction of the sound and kept walking, letting my mind wander.
Faru had realised that Lafelei’s words related to the mysterious family crest in my dreams even before I did. He’d managed to track down Rachel’s old estate. As well as the unsealed Veil, he’d discovered records of her true lineage. Her real name had been Raquen Moonstella. Faru had understood then that Rachel was a traitor and that she’d allowed The Sorrow access to Earth. He sent every Guardian still remaining at the base to Chapter Hill School.
Rachel’s Rogues had all been killed in the battle. Everyone apart from Mr Hanley had been unharmed. Afterwards, the HASEA had brought in every member with the gift of Charm and together, made them forget the experience had ever happened. As far as everyone was concerned, the school ball had had ended early because of Mr Hanley’s tragic ‘heart attack’. It made me feel sad that someone completely innocent had been caught in the cross fire. The only consolation was that Mrs Hanley had suddenly received a letter, informing her of a private life insurance policy that her husband had taken out, along with a sizable cheque. It wouldn’t help her with the pain, but at least she would be able to live comfortably for the rest of her life.
It had taken over a week, but with the aid of the government, most of the people who had witnessed The Sorrow and the Depraved were tracked down and charmed into forgetting. Still, every now and then a story would pop up in the back of the tabloids about someone claiming to have witnessed a Horseman of the Apocalypse.
I continued beyond where the lights ended. Navigating in the darkness was becoming easier to manage. I made my way towards the Sanctuary. At the gates, a small light had been set up. Agent Noble was stationed there. His arm was still in a sling. He shifted as he saw me emerge from the darkness. “I’m sorry sir, I’m afraid that this area is off limits-oh excuse me Mr Eden, I didn’t realise it was you.” “Agent Noble right?” “Yes sir. I held out a hand. “Call me Alex.” The man nodded and shook my hand. “Simon,” he said. “How’s the arm?”
“Getting better slowly thanks. They offered to let me use a tiny bit of booster, but I don’t think regular humans should take that stuff. Besides, I’m milking it at home. I haven’t washed up for two weeks.”
We both laughed. “Listen Simon, do you mind if I have a few moments inside? I just need some time away from it all,” I said.
“Of course Mr E- Alex.”
Simon stepped aside and opened the gate. I made my way into the Sanctuary, feeling the invisible cobwebs stroke my skin as I passed through the barrier. Two huge moons materialised high above my head, surrounded by thousands of winking stars. They cast their pale gaze over the area, bathing everything in a milky glow.
First I went to see Isiodore. He was leaning over the fence and staring at me with his shining aquamarine eyes. I plucked a flower from the bush and offered it to him. He gently ate it from my palm and lowered his head. Part of his horn had been chipped away. I scratched the area around it and he made nickers of contentment.
I left the Unicorn and headed over to the lake. The group of Manticore cubs were sleeping in a large group a few feet from the water. They were twice the size they’d been when I’d last seen them. Their wings were starting to take on an iridescent shine.
I gave a low whistle and after a few minutes the merfolk began to splash about in the water.
I looked up at the sky. Everything felt so peaceful. The dark feelings inside me had vanished. All I felt now was happiness and hope. My arm began to tingle. I pulled back my shirt and stared at the curious tattoo. In the time since I’d defeated The Sorrow, it had climbed its way up to my shoulder. I placed my hand onto it. Like Gabriella’s Umbra skin, it pulsed as if it had its own heartbeat. My mind wandered back to Lafelei’s words. There was no denying it. The first part of the Elemental’s fragmented prophecy had come true. We had been betrayed by Rachel — the moon and stars. With the aid of Farsight, I’d seen what was hidden from sight. And both Gabriella and I had both been marked by sorrow. Or more specifically The Sorrow. Her psychologically, me physically. But there were the rest of the words, which seemed to imply that I was supposed to stand against Hades.
Am I supposed to save Pandemonia?
The question hung in my mind like a cloud. It wasn’t one I could even hope to answer now. How can I
