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