Her Warrior? Neferet couldnt keep the shock from her voice. But that means . . .
That means that I cant be completely human because its impossible for a vampyre Warrior to swear an Oath Bond with a human, Aphrodite finished for her.
You may enter the Chamber, Aphrodite, Prophetess of Nyx. The Council recognizes you, proclaimed Duantia.
Aphrodite hurried down the stairway, leaving Neferet to follow behind her. She wanted to go straight to Zoey, but instinct made her stop in front of the brunette named Duantia first. She formally fisted her hand, pressed it over her heart, and bowed respectfully. Thank you for letting me come in here.
These extraordinary times call for us to accept unusual practices. This came from a tall, thin vampyre who had eyes the color of night.
Aphrodite wasnt sure what to say to the vamp, so she just nodded and moved to Zoey. She slid her hand in Dariuss and squeezed hard, trying to borrow some of her Warriors amazing strength. Then she looked down at her friend.
She hadnt imagined it. Zoeys tattoos really were gone! The only Mark left on her was an ordinary-looking crescent-moon outline in sapphire in the middle of her forehead. And she was so damn pale! Zoey looks dead. Aphrodite stopped the thought immediately. Zoey wasnt dead. She was still breathing. Her heart was still beating. Zoey. Was. Not. Dead.
Does the Goddess reveal anything to you when you look at her, Prophetess? asked the tall, thin woman who had spoken to her before.
Aphrodite dropped Dariuss hand and slowly knelt next to Zoey. She glanced at Stark then, as he was kneeling directly across Z from her, but he didnt move. He hardly blinked. All he did was weep silently and stare at Zoey. Is this what Darius would be like if something happened to me? Aphrodite shook away the morbid thought and re-focused on Zoey. Slowly, she reached out and rested her hand on her friends shoulder.
Her skin was cool to the touch, as if she were already dead. Aphrodite waited for something to happen. But she got not even the slightest twinge of a vision or a feeling or anything.
With a sigh of frustration, Aphrodite shook her head. No. I cant tell anything. I cant control my visions. They just hit me, whether I want them to or not, and the truth is, its usually a case of not.
You arent using all of the gifts Nyx has given you, Prophetess.
Surprised, Aphrodite looked up from Zoey to see the dark-eyed vampyre had risen, and was gracefully approaching her.
You are a true Prophetess of Nyx, are you not? she asked.
Yeah, I am, Aphrodite said with no hesitation, but with equal parts confusion and conviction.
In a flutter of silk robes the color of the night sky, the woman knelt beside Aphrodite. I am Thanatos. Do you know what my name means?
Aphrodite shook her head, wishing Damien was sitting closer so she could peek at him for the answer.
It means death. I am not Leader of the Council. Duantia has that honor, but I have the unique privilege of being unusually close to our Goddess, as the gift she gave me long ago was the ability to aid souls as they pass from this world to the next.
You can talk to ghosts?
Thanatoss smile transformed her stern face and made her almost pretty. In a fashion, yes, I can. And because of that gift, I know something of visions.
Seriously? Visions arent anything like talking to ghosts.
Are they not? From what realm do your visions come? No, perhaps more accurately, in what realm do you exist when you receive your visions?
Aphrodite thought about how shed had too many damn death visions and how shed started actually seeing the shit that was happening from the dead peoples points of view. She drew in a fast breath, and in a rush of understanding admitted, Im getting visions from the Otherworld!
Thanatos nodded. You traffic with the Otherworld and the realm of spirits much more than I, Prophetess. All I do is guide the dead as they transition, and through them I glimpse Beyond.
Aphrodite looked hastily down at Zoey. She is not dead.
Not yet, no. But her body will not last more than seven days in this soulless state, so she is close to death. Close enough that the Other-world has a strong hold on her, stronger even than it has on the newly dead. Touch her again, Prophetess. This time focus and use more of the gifts youve been given.
But I
Annoyingly enough, Thanatos cut her off. Prophetess, do what Nyx would want you to do.
I dont know what that is!
Thanatoss stern expression relaxed, and she smiled again. Oh, child, simply ask for her help.
Aphrodite blinked. Just like that?
Yes, Prophetess, exactly like that.
Slowly, Aphrodite placed her hand back on Zoeys cold shoulder. This time she closed her eyes and drew three long, deep breaths, just like shed watched Zoey do before casting a circle. Then she sent a silent but fervent prayer up to Nyx: I wouldnt ask if it wasnt important, but you know that already because you know I dont like to ask for favors. Not from anyone. Plus, Im not really good at this supplication bullshit, but you already know that also. Aphrodite sighed internally. Nyx, I need your help. Thanatos seems to think I have some kind of link to the Otherworld. If thats true, could you please let me know whats happening to Zoey? She paused in her silent prayer, sighed, and bared herself to Nyx. Goddess, please. And not just because Zoeys like the sister my mom was too selfish to have. I need your help with this because so many people depend on Zoey, and, sadly, that is more important than me.
Aphrodite felt a warmth begin to build under her palm, and then it was like shed slipped from her own body and slid into Zoeys. She was only within her friend for a momentno longer than one heartbeatbut what she felt and saw and knew shocked her so badly that, in the next instant, she found herself back in her own body. She cradled the hand shed been pressing against Zoey to her chest, gasping with fear. Then, with a moan, she doubled up with vertigo, dry heaving while tears and spit spewed from her face.
What is it, Prophetess? What did you see? Thanatos asked calmly as she wiped Aphrodites cheeks and steadied her with a strong hand around her waist.
Shes gone! Aphrodite bit back the sob and began pulling herself together. I felt what happened to her. Just for a second. Zoey threw the full power of spirit at Kalona. She tried to stop him with everything inside her, and it didnt work. Heath died in front of her. That ripped her spirit to pieces. Feeling weirdly light-headed, she looked hopelessly through her tears at Thanatos. You know where she is, too, dont you?
I believe I do. You must confirm it, though.
The pieces of her spirit are with the dead in the Otherworld, Aphrodite said, blinking hard against the stinging of her red-tinged eyes. Zoey is completely gone. What happened out there, she just couldnt handle itshe still cant.
You saw nothing more? Nothing that might help Zoey?
Aphrodite swallowed back rising bile, and lifted her trembling hand. No, but Ill try again and
Dariuss touch on her shoulder held her back from touching Zoey.
No. Youre still too weak from the breaking of your Imprint with Stevie Rae.
That doesnt matter. Zoeys dying!
It matters. Do you want your soul to become as Zoeys? Thanatos said quietly.
Aphrodite felt a stab of new terror. No, she whispered, and covered Dariuss hand with her own.
And this is exactly why it is often unfortunate that the young are given great gifts by our loving Goddess. They rarely have the maturity to know how to use them wisely, Neferet said.
At the sound of Neferets cool, patronizing voice, Aphrodite saw a jolt go through Starks body, and his gaze finally lifted from Zoey.
This creature shouldnt be allowed in here! She did this! She killed Heath and shattered Zoey! Stark sounded like he had to grind the words around gravel to speak them.
Neferet shot him a cool look. I realize you are under duress, but you cannot be allowed to speak to a High Priestess in that fashion, Warrior.
Stark surged to his feet. Darius, lightning fast as always, held him back. Aphrodite heard him whisper urgently, Think before you act, Stark!
Warrior, Duantia addressed Stark, you were present when the human boy was killed, and Zoeys soul shattered. You have borne witness to us that it was the winged immortal who did the deed. You said nothing of Neferet.
Ask any of Zoeys friends. Call Lenobia and Dragon Lankford at the Tulsa House of Night. All of them will tell you Neferet doesnt have to be physically present to cause someones death, Stark said. He shook off Dariuss restraining hand and swiped angrily at his face as if he just noticed hed been crying.
Sh-she can make really horrendous things happen even when shes not there, Damien spoke up hesitantly from across the room. The Twins and Jack tearfully but forcefully nodded their support.
There is no proof that Neferet had a hand in this deed, Duantia said gently to all of them.
Cant you tell what happened to Heath? Couldnt you talk to his ghost or whatever and find out? Aphrodite asked Thanatos, who had returned to her throne when Neferet had begun to speak.
The humans spirit did not tarry in this realm, and before it departed, it certainly didnt seek me out, Thanatos said.
Wheres Kalona! Stark ignored everyone else and shouted at Neferet. Where are you hiding your lover, who caused this?
If you mean my immortal consort, Erebus, that is exactly why I have come to the Council. Neferet turned her back to Stark and spoke only to the seven Council members. I, too, felt Zoeys soul shatter. I had been walking the labyrinth and mentally preparing myself to depart San Clemente Island for what might be a very long time.
Neferet had to pause because Stark snorted sarcastically, and said, You and Kalona plan to take over the world from Capri. So, no, you probably wont be returning here in the near future unless you mean to drop bombs on the place.
Darius touched his shoulder again in a silent warning to be careful, but Stark shook him off.
I do not deny that Erebus and I wish to bring back the ancient days, when vampyres ruled from Capri, and the world revered and respected us, as is our due, Neferet began by addressing him. But I would not destroy this island or this Council. In truth, I wish for its support.
You mean its power, and now that Zoeys out of the way, you have a better chance of getting that, Stark said.
Really? Did I misunderstand what passed between your Zoey and my Erebus earlier today in this very Council Chamber? She admitted he was an immortal seeking a goddess to serve.
She never named him as Erebus! Stark shouted.
And my immortal Erebus kindly named her as fallible instead of a liar, Neferet said.
So what did you do, Neferet? Force him to kill Heath and shatter Zoeys soul because you were jealous of the bond between them? Stark said, though it was obvious to Aphrodite that it was tough for him to admit there had been so much between Zoey and Kalona.
Of course not! Use your mind and not your pathetic broken heart, Warrior! Could Zoey have forced you to kill an innocent for her? Of course she couldnt. Youre her Warrior, but you still have free will, and youre still bound to Nyx, so you must ultimately do the Goddesss will. Without allowing Stark to speak, she turned back to the Council. As I was explaining, I felt Zoeys soul shatter and was returning to the palace when I came upon Erebus. He was badly wounded and barely conscious. There was only time for him to say these words: I was protecting my Goddess, and then he was gone.
Kalonas dead? Aphrodite couldnt stop herself from blurting.
Instead of answering her, Neferet turned to look up at the entrance to the Chamber. Standing there were four Council Warriors carrying between them a litter that sagged with the weight of its occupant. One black wing spilled over the side of the litter and dragged on the floor.
Bring him forward! Neferet commanded.
Slowly, they descended the steps until they laid the litter on the floor in front of the dais. Stark and Darius automatically moved together to stand between Zoeys body and Kalona.
Of course he isnt dead. He is Erebus, an immortal, Neferet began in her familiar, haughty voice, but then she broke, and on a sob said, He isnt dead, but as you can all see, hes gone!
Almost as if she couldnt control herself, Aphrodite stood and approached Kalona. Darius was beside her in an instant.
No. Do not touch him, he warned.
Whether we call him Erebus or not, it is obvious that this being is an ancient immortal. Because of the power in his blood, the Prophetess will not be able to enter his body, even if his spirit is not present. He doesnt hold the same danger for her Zoey does, Warrior, Thanatos said.
Im okay. Let me try and see what I can find out, Aphrodite told Darius.
Im right here with you. Im not going to let go of you, he said, taking her hand and walking with her to Kalona.
Aphrodite could feel the tension radiating through her Warriors body, but she drew three more long, deep breaths and concentrated on Kalona. Hesitating for only an instant, Aphrodite reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder, just as shed done for Zoey. His skin was so cold to the touch that she had to force herself not to pull away. Instead, Aphrodite closed her eyes. Nyx? One more time, please. Just let me know something . . . anything to help all of us. Then Aphrodites silent prayer finished with the thought that solidified her bond with the Goddess and finally made her truly a Prophetess in her own right. Please use me as a tool to help fight the darkness and to follow your path.
Her palm warmed, but Aphrodite didnt need to sink into him to tell Kalona was gone. Darkness told herand with a jolt she realized she should think of it as a capital D. This was a thing in its own rightan entity vast and powerful and living. It was everywhere. It encompassed the immortals entire body. Aphrodite got a very clear image of an inky web, like that spun by a swollen, invisible spider. Its sticky black threads were woven all around his bodyholding itcaressing itbinding it tightly, as if in a twisted version of safekeeping because it was obvious the immortals body was imprisonedjust as obvious as the fact that what was inside of his body was complete emptiness.