Part 1 (1/2)

Elemental Darkness.

(Paranormal Public, Book VIII).

by Maddy Edwards.

Chapter One.

Ricky glared at me as I kicked a pebble angrily across the sand, squinting out at the late summer sun. Not even the warm weather could improve my mood, and I ignored my brother while, for the millionth time this summer, I replayed the conversation in my mind.

My thoughts were stuck on that night, the last night I had seen Dacer, Vital, and Lanca before having to return to Ricky and Carl.

I had never expected that there would be a night when the paranormals would straggle into Public, the last vestiges of resistance gathering to discuss our future. In my wildest dreams I had never thought Id be there without Sip and Lisabelle.

Queen Lanca had paced furiously back and forth, her angry strides sharp and hard as her small feet slammed into the wood floor of Olivas living room. While Lanca paced, I sat curled up on the couch, as if that would protect me from the attack we all knew was coming. Oliva had left. He wanted to take a small force of paranormals to try and find where some of the others who had escaped from Golden Falls had gotten to. Dacer was worried about his mother, and we were still missing Zervos, Nolan, Rake, Trafton, and the rest. Not to mention that Lisabelle had gone over to darkness so that our enemies would release Sip, but Sip hadnt shown up yet, so they were both . . . elsewhere.

If they harm a hair on her blond head. . . Lough had threatened. It was the first sign of life he had shown since I had explained, through tears, where Lisabelle was.

At least shes not dead, I tried to say, but that had only made Lough angrier. Now he had gone silent.

Lisabelle would never let that happen, I rea.s.sured him.

How does she think she can protect Sip? How does she know that if she goes to darkness, theyll release Sip? Vital asked.

Shes the most powerful darkness mage of her generation, said Dacer. She could do damage most Nocturns can only dream of. I imagine they wont allow her into their midst only to anger her. Sip might be leading the charge for the Sign of Six, but thats still a fledgling organization. I imagine theyll keep their word and let Sip go once they have Ms. Verlans.

Well, they have Ms. Verlans, I said bitterly. Definitely.

Dacer started to say something else, but I held up my hand. Glancing at Lough, I could see that his eyes were filled with pleading. I cant talk about Lisabelle right now, I said softly. I just cant.

Dacer appeared to understand. He nodded and said, I know. Well have to talk about it, but not till youre ready.

When Sip gets here, I said, that will be the time. Sh.e.l.l be furious if she finds out we were planning without her.

If she gets here, said Vital.

Shut up, Lough yelled. Just shut up.

I want an army, Lanca said, changing the subject before Vital could respond. Doblan was doing experiments in the Medical Wing at Golden Falls? Fine. Good. Whatever, we can do experiments of our own. Ill experiment in beating up darkness mages. Lanca could barely speak through her controlled rage.

I had told the group about the Medical Wing, but it had been difficult, because I was unaccustomed to being the focus of attention. Usually I shared my exploits with Sip and Lisabelle, and this time had been no exception, but now they werent there to share in the aftermath.

I wondered if Keller and Lisabelle were together. Lisabelle had been so calm. Shed just walked away. It stunned me how unsurprised she was by the whole thing. She had known just what to do.

Lisabelles a darkness mage, Lough pointed out quietly. He was sunk down in a corner, his shoulders slumped and his eyes looking around dully.

You never really know someone until you see how they react to tragedy. My mom used to say that, and now I wondered what had prompted her to do so. Given what had happened, I figured it must have been something awful.

Lanca paused in her frantic pacing. Vital, who had refused any medical help, never took his eyes off his mistress. Yes, and where is Lisabelle now? Right. Taking her place alongside the Nocturns.

Lanca, I said, tell me what happened. It was Nocturns and not demons?

Lanca swayed a little where she stood, her eyes feverish. I wondered how many days in a row shed gone without sleep.

Dacer got up quickly, his sharp eyes taking in her exhaustion. Sit, he urged her, taking her by the elbow and leading her to the couch. Ill get you some water. She started to argue, but Dacer raised his hand.

Far be it from me to tell a Rapier Queen how to behave, but you are doing yourself and your subjects no favors by wearing yourself to exhaustion. He pointed an imperious, gold-painted finger at Vital.

Neither are you. Get medical attention. Clean yourself up. Then return.

Vital stared hard at Dacer, who matched him glare for glare.

Do not let my calm demeanor fool you, Dacer advised quietly.

His mother is called the Unforgiver, Lough chirped.

Now Vital stared at Lough, who didnt shrink away and more than Dacer had.

For a reason, Lough added. She earned it.

Dacer smiled thinly. Ah, Mummy.

Vital sighed and looked at Lanca. Since he was her personal bodyguard, it was really her blessing he needed. She waved him away. Theyre right, she said. We have a difficult road ahead. It will do us no good to have you too exhausted to fight.

Vital nodded and peeled himself up off the couch. With an effort, he moved slowly toward the door. His right foot dragged strangely and I could see blood that had dried in a streak down the side of his neck.

Before I get started, Lanca said, taking a shaky breath, I want to say something about Faci.

Faci? Dacer raised his eyebrows. The vampire student here?

Lanca nodded, her eyes troubled.

Alright, said Dacer. If its that important.

It is, Lanca a.s.sured him.

Faci tortured and killed his sister, or so the story goes, Lanca whispered.

I clapped a land over my mouth. Thats disgusting and horrible and. . . . How can his father even look at him after he did something like that? I breathed.

It was easy for him, said Lanca quietly. His father wanted boys. Once he had Faci he didnt want more children. He viewed his daughter as a mistake. She wasnt born strong. Neither was Faci, but over the years hes gotten stronger. She never had a chance.

What happened? I asked.

Lanca took a deep breath. We found her in the Blood Throne room. She was. . . . Lanca took a shaky breath. Ill spare you the details. Faci was there. His sunken eyes pa.s.sed over her body like it wasnt even real.

He did it in public?