House of Ravens (The Nightfall Chronicles Book 2) (23 page)

She grins. "I have my ways, too."

I lean over to hug her. "This is amazing."

Corinne opens her gift from Lana next. It's an old record player with real records. She holds one up, staring at it wide-eyed. "These don't exist anymore."

Lana smiles. "It's been in my family for generations, but no one ever plays it. I know you love music, and I thought you'd get better use out of it than we have."

"Oh my goodness," she says. "This is incredible."

She taps her eGlass to turn off the music currently playing and plugs in the record player, choosing the first record on the pile. I've never heard anything like this. It's got a grainy quality that should sound bad, but somehow gives the music an added dimension missing from digital music.

The record plays as Lana opens her gift from Kai. I already know what it is, and I'm excited to see her expression when she figures it out.

At first glance, it's an expensive Eden Fashionable bracelet, a beautiful flower. She puts it on, admiring it. "It's lovely, Kai. Thank you."

He leans over and shows her something. "Push that, carefully."

She does, and a deadly blade releases from under her wrist. "Oh my!"

"I had it made for you," he says. "Beautiful on the outside, but deadly and never to be underestimated."

There are tears in her eyes when she looks up. "Thank you," she says.

There's so much power in being seen, in truly knowing that someone sees you and knows you. Kai didn't give her a bracelet for Christmas, he gave her something so much more. He saw her. I squeeze his hand, this man who is so amazing.

This man I am starting to fall in love with.

Kai looks at his gift from Jaden and shakes it. Jaden laughs. "Just open it," he says.

He does, revealing a raven carved from a polished black wood with something gold sparkling inside.

"That's wood from an Onyx Tree," Jaden explains. "It's a rare tree found only in my country and protected by the royal family. Very few people even know it exits. It's nearly extinct, but I had a small piece gifted to me as a child. I've been waiting for the right thing to make. The wood wanted to be carved into a raven."

Kai clutches it in his hands. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

Jaden opens his gift last and slaps his leg at what Wytt gave him.

Wytt grins. "It's a starter tree for another rare tree," Wytt says. "It grows multiple fruits year round. This hybrid isn't for sale, but I have some connections."

"I've heard of these and wanted one very much," says Jaden, caressing his pot. "Thank you."

As everyone settles in to read, talk, eat more cookies, or just relax, Kai pulls me outside. We walk around the snow-covered hills toward the Hudson River. "I had to get a gift for you," he says, pulling out a small box.

"Me first." I hand him a box, and he smiles and opens it. Inside is a knitted black scarf with a gold raven on it. "I know it's not much, but I made it myself. It's the first time I've tried to knit, and the last."

He laughs and wraps it around his throat. "I will cherish it always."

He hands me the small box. "Your turn."

I pull the red bow off and open it. Inside is a black pearl wrapped in white gold and diamond swirls, like a tiny universe. I pull it out, and Kai helps me put it on.

"This is beautiful."

"It reminded me of you," he says. "Nightfall trying to hold the world together. Nox Aeterna."

Tears sting my eyes, and I reach up to kiss him when my eGlass beeps. "Scarlett," says Evie.

"Not now." I mumble through his warm lips.

"It's urgent. Zorin needs you. The Red Eagles want to meet."

"Tell him I'm busy," I say, still trying to salvage the mood.

"You'll have to tell him yourself. He's waiting for you behind the house you're staying at."

I look up at Kai, who can only hear my side of the conversation. "Something wrong?" he asks.

"I have to go," I say sadly.

"Superhero business?" he asks.

I laugh. "Something like that. I'm sorry."

He kisses my head. "Don't be. I'm a big boy, and I know what being Nightfall means. Go. Do your superhero stuff. I'll cover for you."

I pull at his hand before he walks away, so awash in feelings I have to speak out loud. "Kai!"

He turns, our fingers intertwined. "Yes?"

"I love you."

His smile lights up his face, and he crushes me in a hug against his body. "I love you, too." He kisses me then pulls away. "Now go save the world."

***

I meet Crixus at the center of Diamond Mountain. There are no crowds this time. Only Zorin waits in the distance as a cold wind howls through the night.

"What do you know of the approaching Tournament Festival?" asks Crixus, looking at the moon.

His question startles me. I try to recall what I've heard from Wytt. "The Knights are anonymous. Many will attend the final match. The…" I gasp, realizing his plan. "The Pope will attend."

Crixus nods. "Have you seen the Black Knight fight?"

I smile. "He's the one I'm rooting for."

"Good. He is one of ours."

I see where this is going. I'm impressed.

Crixus continues, "When he wins, he will be granted a Boon from the Pope. He will request a personal meeting with His Holiness."

"And you want me to be at that meeting?"

He nods. "You will don
the Black Knight's armor. You will get close to the Pope, and you will give him an order."

I frown, noticing a problem. "My gift doesn't last very long. He won't join our side."

"He doesn't need to. You will order His Holiness to commit suicide."

I grit my teeth. To kill someone who is not posing me danger… even if I could… "What would that accomplish? Someone else will just take his place."

"We have an agent amongst the Cardinals," says Crixus. "We will make certain he is elected as the new Pope."

"Who is it?"

"Forgive me, but I cannot say. If our plan was to fail…"

"Then I'd be captured."

"Yes, and I would rather have our agent's identity a secret." He holds out his hand. "So, do you agree?"

I pause. This plan can give me access to the most powerful person on earth. This plan can end this war years before I imagined. This plan can change everything. But there is something I must know. "Why do you fight against the Orders?"

Crixus drops his hand. He sits on a stone, drawing circles in the dust. "When the war began, my parents supported the Nephilim in secret. They understood there was no reason for the fighting, only a reason for a strong leader to keep the peace." His voice loses its normal calm, turning to rage. "They were discovered, and they were executed. I will not forget what they taught me. I will find the leader they spoke of. And I will bring peace."

He follows his parents, as I do. I hold out my hand. "Perhaps together we can be that leader. Perhaps together we can bring peace."

"Perhaps." He shakes my hand.

I grip his hand harder. "No one but the Pope must be harmed."

"Other than the White Knight, no one else will be." He lets go of my hand and walks away.

I join Zorin on the podium to explain our plan.

He doesn't respond for a while. When he does, he doesn't face me. "If it's between killing the Pope or staying alive, stay alive."

I touch his face with my hand, turning his head toward mine. "I will."

***

When I return to the cabin, I can tell the mood has shifted, and it's my fault.

I enter, kicking snow off my boots at the door, when Corinne grabs my hand and pulls me back outside.

"What's going on?" she asks.

"I just needed some time alone," I say. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spoil the fun."

She does this cute scrunched up thing with her face that makes her look like an angry puppy, and I resist the urge to laugh.

"Scarlett, I know there's something more." She tugs at a strand of red hair. "And I know for whatever reason you can't, or won't, tell me. But my brother is in love with you. And I don't want to see him hurt."

My heart has felt so much lighter since the Trial, since Kai found out about me and still accepted me. But I hate lying to my other friends. It hurts them, and it hurts me. I put a hand on her shoulder. "I promise I won't hurt him. I love him, too."

Her eyes light up. "You do?"

I nod. "I already told him. We are official. We were going to tell you this weekend."

She squeals and hugs me while jumping up and down. "That's the best thing I've heard in a long time." She pulls away, still smiling. "And you're happy?"

I smile big this time. "I am. Very happy."

"And he's happy?"

I laugh. "I sure hope so."

She squeals again. "We are so totally going to be sisters-in-law someday. I can feel it."

I can't help but hope she's right as we head into the den of warmth and holiday cheer and Kai hugs and kisses me. He tastes like peppermint.

For the first time since my parents died, I feel like I could be happy. Truly happy.

When we return from the cabin, I make excuses, kiss Kai goodbye and fly to the Cathedral.

When I enter, I'm greeted by Carter, who is weaving fragrant garland and white blinking Christmas lights over the bannister. The rest of the Cathedral could pass for Santa's Workshop, with lights, a huge tree, and decorations everywhere.

"Wow, it looks amazing," I tell him.

He smiles. "Thank you, miss. Everyone's in the War Room waiting for you."

"You should join us," I say. I hold up my bag of gifts. "One of these is for you."

He tilts his head, an unreadable expression on his face. "For me?"

"Yes, of course. It's Christmas, after all."

"I don’t believe anyone has ever given me a holiday gift before," he says.

"Really? That's awful." I reach for his hand. "Come, join us."

I lead him up the stairs. "By the way," I say, "I realized I never properly thanked you for my apartment."

"You thanked me when I gave you the key," he says.

"But I didn't thank you after seeing it. I don’t know how you did it, but that's the apartment of my dreams."

He bows his head. "I'm glad it pleases you, miss."

We enter the War Room. There's another Christmas tree with blinking lights and a glowing angel at the top. On a table near the tree is another angel, this one spun from colored glass and surrounded by baby angels. "What's that?"

Carter walks over. "That is Lilith and her children."

"They sell these in stores?" I ask, shocked.

Carter chuckles. "No, I made it."

"Beautiful."

I walk over to the table, which is laden with cookies, drinks… and two goblets of blood. Zorin is raising one to his lips, the other is placed in front of the seat next to him.

I sit and sniff the contents. "I take it this one is for me?"

"I don’t think TR or Trix would particularly enjoy it," he says.

Trix turns from the Christmas tree and smiles. "He's right about that. But you two come over here. It's time!"

TR turns on Christmas music, and we all move to sit around the fireplace as we exchange gifts. "Me first," I say, passing out boxes wrapped in reindeer paper. "You have to open them at the same time."

They all tear into their gifts, and Zorin holds his up first, a small frown on his face. "Pajamas?"

I nod, smiling. "Look at the shirt. Nox Aeterna. And the bottoms are made of silk."

He shakes his head. "I cannot wear this to bed."

"Why not?" I ask.

He looks at me, a sly grin on his face. "Because I don’t sleep in pajamas."

It takes a moment to catch his meaning, and I blush. "You can wear them around the Cathedral then," I say. "For casual days."

He looks at me as if the concept of casual days is repulsive to him, and I laugh.

TR pets his pajamas and smiles. "So silky, so soft. I can't wait to put these on. Thanks, Nightfall."

Trix grins at TR and holds the shirt up to her chest. "I love it. Thank you."

Carter is still acting oddly, his face a perplexing combination of sadness and happiness. "I am speechless. I will treasure this always. Thank you."

"It's a tradition in my family," I explain. "Or was… each year my parents would buy me new pajamas for Christmas." I clear my throat. I've tried not to think about how this is my first Christmas without them. It's too hard. "You're my family now," I tell them. "So I wanted to share this tradition with you."

Zorin reaches over to put his hand on mine. "Thank you."

I nod, swiping away a tear. Zorin hands me a gift wrapped in black sparkly paper with a silver bow. "From all of us."

I open it and smile. Inside is a new cloak, black with silver hem, black leggings and a black tunic with a silver tree of life embroidered on the chest. The material is soft, light, exquisite. Eden Fashionables. "You had this made? For me?"

Zorin nods. "We did."

Trix grins. "It can't be comfortable wearing your full armor here all the time. We thought this might help."

"There's more," says TR.

I pull out a long black gown embroidered with the silver tree.

Zorin smiles. "In case you ever feel like wearing a dress."

"It's… stunning. Thank you all so much." I fold everything and put it back in the box as Zorin hands me a small black pouch.

"This is from me," he says.

I open it and find a tiny silver cylinder.

"Turn around," says Zorin.

I raise an eyebrow, but do as he says, turning away from everyone.

Zorin touches my mask and gently begins to remove it.

"What are you doing?"

"Trust me," he whispers, his breath on my neck.

I nod, and he finishes removing my mask. He installs the cylinder onto my eGlass. He clicks the top.

And a thin mask stretches over the top of my face.

I grin, turning back to my friends. "How's this possible?"

Trix relaxes in her chair. "It took some modification of the current EZ technology, but it wasn't too hard."

"Thank you all. These are amazing."

Carter excuses himself to bring us more refreshments, and Trix and TR leave to try on their pajamas. Zorin stays with me, his eyes distant.

"I don’t like you going to the tournament alone," he says. "I should be there."

"You and the other Dark Templars would be recognized," I say. "It's going to be fine. I'll watch the tournament with everyone else, and when it's time to face the Pope, I'll be in full armor. I'll be okay."

He turns to me and grips my hand. "I hope you're right, Scarlett. I can't lose you."

***

A few days after Christmas, the festival begins. Lottery winners all over the world arrive at the island, partaking in the exclusive events. They purchase replicas of ancient swords at the market. They view exotic animals at the zoo. A mime follows unsuspecting visitors, changing into different colors. A Zenith juggles fireballs. A lady selling black market puppies engineered with wings argues with an Officer. There is no end to the entertainment.

Wytt drags me to some of the events, but mostly I avoid the commotion. Soon, the Pope will arrive, and I will have to face him. My stomach turns at the thought.

And it's what I think of most.

At the week's end, the tournament begins. Thousands of people file into the arena which, while always impressive, is now doubly so with colorful flags positioned throughout and banners draped over rock and stone. "How will the people at the top see anything?" I ask Wytt as we search for seats.

"They'll watch it on the screen."

"What screen?"

His eyes light up. "You'll see."

We pass all kinds of people. Some dressed in armor, some dressed in Eden Fashionables, and some wearing nothing but underwear, their bodies painted in white and black.

The siblings dress in elegant clothing fit for royalty. Corrine wears a stylish pink and white gown, while Kai and Wytt wear gold and black vests. Kai's sword hangs on his hip. It's for the cameras, they tell me. Since I'll likely be on those cameras as well, I'm wearing my fanciest jeans. As one who is dating the Prince of Ravens, I have responsibilities.

My friends and I find the special area reserved for royalty and guests. We're near the bottom and will see all the action up close.  To our right, a part of the arena juts forward, offering the best seats of all. "Will the Pope be there?" I ask.

Wytt nods. "Along with his personal guard and guests."

My grandfather, who is in a special booth for the Grandmasters and Order leaders, waves me toward him. I excuse myself and weave through the crowds.

"Are you enjoying the festivities?" he asks.

"It's amazing," I say, my stomach full of fluttering butterflies.

"I haven't had a chance to speak with you in some time, but I wanted to let you know I looked into the situation with the creature who attacked you and your friends."

He has my full attention. "What did you find out?"

He shakes his head, his long white hair parted and wrapped in leather strips. "Not much, I'm afraid. There's a top secret government research facility on the island, and they confirmed that just before the Trial, one of their… specimens… escaped. They haven't confirmed how, but it matches what you described. It could be an unfortunate coincidence."

I narrow my eyes at him. "I don't think you believe that. And besides, you weren't there. You didn't see how laser-focused it was on Kai. It was sent to hunt him. It was no coincidence."

He nods with a small frown. "I was afraid you would say that. I will keep looking into it. Now go, enjoy the show."

"Thank you, Grandfather."

I head back to my seat as a battle begins below us. This isn't the final fight, but entertainment while people are seated. A projection appears on the other side of the arena, showing the Blue and Red Knights fighting. It's using the people and seats as its canvas. It's the largest display I've ever seen.

"Amazing, huh?" asks Wytt.

I nod.

An hour passes, and the Pope arrives, the crowd standing as he is seated. The entertainment ends.

The Black and White Knights emerge, and the people explode with cheers. These two are amongst the greatest fighters in the world and have made it to the championship. To most, they represent the pinnacle of society, the heroes children strive to be. To me, they are pawns in a much greater game.

I try not to think of their families and friends. This fight is to death or yielding, and no one has yielded in years. One of the Knights will die, and it must be the White.

The competitors march to the center of the arena. They both wear heavy plate and wield giant blades the size my body. I nudge Kai, who sits beside me. "Their swords remind me of yours."

He nods. "Their sponsors provide them with the best equipment possible, and these two have accrued many sponsors."

"Who do you think will win?" I ask, remembering that Kai is good enough to compete himself.

"The White Knight," he says.

Wytt
tsk
s beside us. "So sad that you are wrong, brother. The Black Knight exceeds in form."

"But not in discipline," says Kai. "He knows more techniques, but his foundation is weaker."

"Care to place a bet?"

Kai shakes his head.

Wytt rolls his eyes.

I sigh, hoping Kai is wrong. For if the White Knight wins, our plan fails. I message Crixus.

Remember, no one must be harmed.

He responds verbally. "Have I not earned your trust yet?"

The Pope stands, covered in a white hood and robe. He lifts his arms and addresses the crowd. "May the games begin."

A horn blares through the arena.

The Black Knight dashes at the White, striking with no pause. His assault is relentless, driving the White to the edge of the arena.

Wytt grins at Kai. "Still confident in your predictions, brother?"

Kai shrugs.

Corrine's eyes are glued to the match. "They're so fast."

I nod. If I'd never seen Varian and Zorin fight, I'd think faster was impossible.

The White Knight spins around the Black, reversing their positions. Now, he is on the offensive. His strikes are precise. His footwork impeccable.

I understand what Kai meant. The Black Knight is ferocious, but that ferocity works against him. The White Knight is calm and collected. He is like the mountain against the storm. The mountain always wins.

I message Crixus.

It's not looking good.

He doesn't respond.

The Knights lock swords and push each other away. They both take a moment to circle each other, resting. The crowd roars for more.

Crixus responds. He sounds winded. "Don't worry. The match has been adjusted in our favor."

How?

The White Knight begins to attack, but his strikes are sloppier, easily deflected.

"Looks like he's getting tired," says Wytt.

I message Crixus.

He's poisoned.

The Black Knight kicks the White back.

Crixus responds. "Like I said, don't worry. He won't last long." He sounds happy and tired. His responses have come slowly. My breath hitches as I realize what's happening.

You're the Black Knight.