Part 10 (1/2)

Nicole started to walk around us, moving away from Nick and forcing Cale and me to divide our attention.

I have her, said Cale, turning until we were back to back.

So, at the Police Academy, I said, what did they teach you to do with darkness mages?

Nothing that would work on Lisabelle, said Cale grimly.

What are you talking about? I demanded. Why would you ever attack Lisabelle?

I dont know if you noticed this, said Cale without looking at me, but shes gone over to darkness.

I shook my head, knowing he couldnt see.

Do you know anything about Lisabelle? I asked Nick. I knew it was risky, showing I cared, but the Nocturns had to know that. We had been watched all these years, after all. Faci, for instance, had always seen us together. Lisabelle only threatened to pound fellow students into the ground when one of her friends was threatened. Well, that, and if you talked too much.

The Nocturns would know that wed do anything for each other. Lisabelle had just proved that by ransoming Sip, at whatever cost to herself.

For a second I thought Nick wasnt going to answer, but eventually he nodded. We left before she got there, he said. Its above our pay grade.

Shut up, Nick, Nicole hissed. Whose side are you on?

Im not telling her anything, said Nick. Besides, its not like we know anything.

Shut. Up.

Lisabelle Verlans is overrated, Nicole scoffed. Theres no way shes as powerful as all the paranormals think she is. If she were, shed be a queen.

Have you ever seen her fight? I asked Nicole.

Nicole shook her head. I dont need to. That kind of darkness power doesnt exist. Why would the premier want a darkness mage around whos stronger than all the rest? Particularly one whose loyalty is in question?

I believe shes that strong, said Nick. I believe shes the strongest, but Ive never seen her fight. Whatever side shes on is the one with the better chance of winning this war.

There is only one winner of this war, said Nicole. Darkness.

Cale didnt wait for me. He lunged. I saw him dart right at Nicole, reaching for a pouch at his waist which could only be filled with pixie dust. Cale never had a chance. Nicole pulled up a black s.h.i.+eld of fire and Cale slammed into it. I watched in horror as my friend slumped to the ground. Worst of all, he was still obviously conscious as Nicole slowly stepped toward him.

I felt sick as I watched, but I couldnt stand there for long, because Nick was coming toward me with black fire in his hands.

Enough of this, I said. Nick paused, but Nicole didnt. She slapped Cale hard across the face, causing him to fall sideways.

STOP IT! I cried this time, anger a welcome fire coursing through my body.

Or what? Nicole demanded, staring hard at me.

I smiled. You should have met Sigil, I said. He could have told you some of the more creative ways elementals know how to fight.

Oh yeah, like what? Nicole asked, crossing her arms over her chest. She was taking the bait, giving me the time I needed.

Like lightning, I said, and raised my hand.

I felt stronger, my stomach had stopped hurting, and the elemental power that coursed through my blood burned away the dark magic Nick had hit me with.

High above I felt a rush and saw a flash that lit the night sky as if the millions of silver stars were gleaming together.

The lightning lanced down, striking the earth right in front of Nick. The darkness mages face registered shock as he stumbled backward.

While Nick was on the ground I pointed at Nicole. Exciting enough for you? Get away from my friend.

Nicole stood wide-eyed in shock, and that pause gave me another opening. A second lightning bolt lanced down from the sky, striking a mere foot away from her. She cried out and tried to throw black magic at me, but she was in too much of a rush. It came out as a blob and missed me completely.

Cale, who was looking at me as if hed never seen anything quite like this before, struggled to his feet.

You okay? I asked him. He nodded. Then lets finish this thing, I said.

He grabbed a handful of pixie dust and flung it at Nicole. She screamed and dodged, right into another bolt of my lightning. It just missed her, but it came so close I smelled singed hair. With a satisfaction I hadnt felt since Golden Falls, I turned to attack Nick again. Unlike his wife, he knew when to run.

Come on, he yelled to Nicole. We have to get out of here.

I wont be beaten by two students, she cried in a fury, desperately trying to cobble together more black magic. But it was no use. Her ring was a dull black, and I had seen in the flashes of lightning that she didnt have much left. She needed all of it to defend herself from my attacks; she didnt have enough to attack me back.

They ran, and I just watched them. I didnt want to kill them; they reminded me too much of Lisabelle, and I hadnt yet come to terms with taking a life, except for demons. As unrealistic as it was starting to seem, I still hoped I would never have to.

Hey! I yelled.

Nicole looked over her shoulder but kept running, while Nick stopped. She glared at him, but he waited to see what Id say.

If you ever come near my brother again, I said, Ill stop pretending like I dont know how to aim that lightning.

Nicole started to sneer, but Nick pulled her away. I watched them run down the lamp lit street until I couldnt see them anymore.

You okay? Cale asked, staggering up to me and putting his hand on my shoulder.

Yeah, I said. My stepfathers going to be so mad.

Sorry about the banister, said Cale ruefully.

Oh, I waved my hand, that will be an awkward conversation, but I was thinking hes going to be mad that I dont have a summer job anymore.

Cale chuckled. You dont have a summer job anymore, and its time for you to get back to Public.

Instantly I brightened, but then I thought of Ricky. Cale could read the worry on my face like an open book, and he tried to rea.s.sure me. Were doubling his security. After tonight we have no choice. Were worried that theyre going to send Lisabelle after him.

I wouldnt worry about it, I said. She would find a way to protect him.

Cale didnt look so sure.