“Say, ‘Yes, Father.’”
“Yes, Father.”
“Good. You can’t change destiny, boy. No matter how far you run, it will follow. I’m just speeding up the process.” He gripped my arms and sank to my eye level. “My son, my blood will be your blood, and you will belong to me. We will be bound. I will always know where you are.”
I rubbed the sunburst on my necklace. And all this time, I had thought using magic brought Cyrus to me. It could have been the combination of both the necklace and blood.
My younger self stood still, trembling, but brave. “Will it hurt?” he whimpered, tears glistening in his eyes.
“No. I promise you won’t feel a thing. Now sleep.”
His command knocked me out. Young Eli dropped in his arms, so frail, so small. How could he ask a little boy to make such a decision? Cyrus tilted the boy and bit into his neck with sharp fangs I hadn’t seen a second before. Blood gushed out. I gagged. Bile rose to my throat. Cyrus drank my blood and then bit his wrist and gave me drops of his blood into my mouth.
I flung my arms trying to stop him, but they went right through. Of course; I couldn’t help the little boy, and I couldn’t change the past. My home blurred back to my prison.
“No!” I screamed. “You made me do it. You cursed me. You tricked a little boy who knew no better all because he desperately wanted to call someone a father. How dare you make me call you Father?”
“I practically am. We are family, after all. I loved your mother once, and she loved me until my brother changed her ways. He took her away from me, so I took him away from her, and then I took you. Revenge has the sweetest taste.”
“You are no family to me,” I sneered, curling my fists tightly. “My mother made the right choice.”
My body flew against the wall, and I dropped face down. Pain stunned me.
“Shut up, boy. I unlocked your powers. You travel in demon form because of me. Be grateful. I know how much you love that power.”
I glared at him, knowing his words hit home. I loved my powers. Rounding my fist, I jolted upright and charged at him with all my weight. Cyrus slammed into the wall. He had not expected such an act from me. Surprise had to be the only reason I could touch him.
Cyrus punched my face. My body burned from the impact against the wall, and when I fell, he kicked me like a soccer ball. When he finally stopped, I had no will to move. Death would be a relief to my wretched pain. Blood seeped from my cut lips, and the warm, bitter liquid filled my mouth. Unable to move, I let it drool out of my mouth.
“You say you don’t want to be like me, boy. It’s too late. You are just like me. It began the day you were born.” His body went through the bars like a ghost, and his footsteps faded.
Chapter 5
Lucia
Uncle Davin was sitting on the sofa when Zach, Jack, and I walked in after school. My heart beamed with happiness to see him, and I smiled in relief to have him back home. Three days without a word from him had me worried for his safety.
“How are you holding up?” he asked.
Jack and I sat across from Uncle Davin.
Zach rubbed the back of his head and sank into the sofa next to my uncle. “As well as we can be. Everyone is scared, on edge.”
Uncle Davin dipped a chip into a bowl of salsa and shoved it into his mouth. “And they should be. It looks like the Fallen and demons have joined forces, and who knows what other types of supernatural beings have joined them. There are so many different kinds. I don’t know who is what. Everyone is looking for that damn treasure. It should have been destroyed long ago so none of this would have happened.”
“Then I would never have met Lucia, or Zach, or you,” Jack murmured.
I placed a hand on his shoulder to express my friendship. Uncle Davin kept quiet.
“Is Father coming?” I rubbed my temples. A throbbing ache crept up, so I focused on the photo Uncle Davin had put up of the three of us since our walls were bare. We had taken the photo in our front yard right before we headed to the Homecoming Dance.
“Yes. Very soon.”
I stiffened and smiled at the news. What had Uncle Davin told Father about Eli? I hoped not much. There was nothing to tell. Eli and I were just friends.
“So, did you find out more of the clue, Jack?” Uncle Davin asked. “You had a week.”
Jack flinched. He pulled back his hand from the chip bowl. “I did.”
“Good. Let’s wait until—”
The doorbell chimed.
Uncle Davin moved at angel speed to open the door. Brody, Abel, and Milani walked in. I imagined Milani would have puffy eyes and dress like she didn’t give a care in the world, but instead, she wore her usual all black with black boots. She carried daggers by her side, ready for battle. This time, she didn’t add color to her jet-black hair.
“Thanks for being on time. Have a seat. We have much to talk about.” Uncle Davin waved a hand toward the chairs. He plopped down and took another corn chip. “So, what did you find, Jack? Where must we go for the second missing page?”
Jack pulled out his phone. “The clue is quite simple if you know the Knights Templar history. If not, then you’re screwed. I bet Cyrus has no clue where to look. This gives us an advantage.”
Uncle Davin shrugged. “Maybe. So, where are we going?”
“We’re going to rescue Eli first, right?” Milani jumped in, tapping her foot on the hardwood floor.
Uncle Davin rolled his eyes, not liking being interrupted. “If you stop shaking your legs, yes.”
Milani stopped and crossed her arms with a scowl. “It’s an old habit. Like they say, old habits are hard to break.”
“I can break your habit, Milani. So I would keep your attitude in check.” Uncle Davin challenged with a threat.
Milani gasped and leaned closer to Brody.
Brody caressed her back. “There, there, there ... Uncle Davin—I mean Mr. President—didn’t mean it.”
Uncle Davin frowned. “Mr. President,” he repeated, stressing his name, and then continued. “And I did mean it, Brody.”
“Anyway—” Milani cleared her throat sheepishly “—I’ve been asking around and doing my own research. I might be able to give you information about Mortem’s hideout. And I’ve been practicing astral traveling. I did a spell so I can connect to Eli’s emotions.”
“Why would you do that?” Brody wriggled his nose. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing, Mil. You’ll just be…” He puffed out air and smacked his face.
“It was the only spell I could do easily, to make sure he’s alive. I needed to know.” Milani teared up. “It’s—” She curled into a ball. “Oh, God.”
“What’s happening?” I panicked. I agreed with Brody, but at the same time, I too wanted to know how Eli was doing.
We were stunned to silence as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Milani’s body trembled, and she linked her fingers together, as if to hold herself together. “Eli … he’s, he’s, in so much pain. Oh God, oh God, oh God.”
My heart sank and blood rushed to my face. I had to shut out Milani’s words or grief would control me. I had to push my emotions away, keep them locked up.
Brody gripped Milani’s shoulders and shook her, raising his voice. “Turn it off. Turn it off. Turn the spell off now. You’re only hurting yourself. I don’t want to know what they’re doing to him. It’s going to eat me alive. I need to concentrate on finding him. You need to help us find him. Stop it!”
Milani closed her eyes as tears continued to fall. Her lips moved, but I couldn’t hear the words she whispered. After she wiped her tears, she said, “It’s done. I can do much more than before. I want to help.”
“That’s good,” Jack said, stuffing chips into his mouth. “I’ve been reading and studying more about the Knights Templar.” He picked up another chip, dipped it into salsa. “We could all definitely improve our skills or powers. Skills for me ‘cause I have no powers. I wish I had your powers.” H
e stuffed his face again with chips dipped in salsa. “That would be cool. But I’m not sure how my—” Jack froze. Then he mouthed, “Oh, shit.” His eyes shifted from the chips to Uncle Davin’s blazing glare.
Everyone stiffened.
“Are you eating my chips? Did I give you permission?” Uncle Davin’s emotions were all over the place. Something was definitely bothering him.
“Sorry.” Jack lifted his shoulders, giving a nervous grin. “I got carried away. You know, ‘cause they looked so tempting and you left them on the table to share. In the human world we share.”
Uncle Davin rolled his shoulders and then tilted his head. “Did you just put back a half-eaten chip?” He was on a roll with his bluntness.
“Uncle Davin?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
“Nope,” Jack whimpered, adjusting his glasses. “Scotland. That is where we need to go after we rescue Eli. Or before, whichever you prefer.” Jack sighed.
Uncle Davin paused and gazed out the window to the overcast clouds, gathered as if the weather could sense my mood. “Scotland? Let me see the clue again.”
Jack handed his phone to Uncle Davin.
Uncle Davin read:
“Dark smoke covered the rising sun.
And evil spread across the land.
Seven Knights battled along the run.
In the end, it was the duty of one.
The one will lead.
Going back in time. To find the hidden deed.
Before the day is done.
Seven knights were chosen.
Seven descendants shall be.
For the destiny is the reason. This you shall see.”
He scowled. “This is the old one,” he barked.
Jack let out a nervous laugh, bringing his feet together. “I know, but I wasn’t going to piss you off again when you started to read the wrong one.”
Uncle Davin growled and said slowly, patiently, with eyes still burning with fire, “Show me the new one.”
Jack reached over. His finger danced across his phone screen, and he handed it back to Uncle Davin.
Uncle Davin read out loud:
“Above a small hill lay a home.
And green men peer out under the dome.
Thirteen crisscrossing arches behold,
with angels singing must be told.
Cubes like teeth thus showed,
pierce one and the door shall glow.
Part the sea like Moses
to find the bundle of red roses.
Only then you shall see
what is destined to be free.
But beware if you are not the heir,
for damnation you shall declare,
for the false burden you shall bear.”
Uncle Davin continued to stare at the screen with a long pause. Then slowly raised his chin. “Nowhere does it say Scotland.”
Jack nodded. “I know. No one would know to go there except true Knights Templar fans. In the research I’ve done with help from my grandmother, the Knights Templar supposedly went to Scotland to a church called Rosslyn. It’s been said that the Knights Templar hid some treasures in a secret compartment. There’s no proof that it’s true, but then again, I don’t think they looked at the right place.”
Brody’s eyes rounded in confusion. “What about the green men and cubes like teeth? What the hell is that all about?”
Jack sat taller, squaring his shoulders. “There are no real green men, but one thing’s for sure, the clues gives details that match a church I’ve read about.”
“How do you know?” I asked.
“The internet.” When Jack winked at me, Uncle Davin growled. Jack twitched. “Such an awesome brain. It has all the information you need. And the chapel looks amazing. Just like the clue said, it has thirteen arches. The description fits. It has to be it.”
“Let’s vote,” Uncle Davin said suddenly. “Do we find Eli first and then travel to Scotland? Or, do we travel to Scotland first? Raise your hand if you vote for the first.”
The vote was unanimous.
Uncle Davin settled back into his seat, crossing his legs. His eyes stared at us, but he was miles away. “Well then …” he said with a brief pause. “Hilo volcano, here we come.”
Abel, who had been quiet, looked at his cell for a few seconds and then texted. “I just got a confirmation from a friend. They spotted Mortem. We should go now.”
Uncle Davin furrowed his brow. “I don’t recall asking you to follow Mortem. I already know his hideout from the information you told me.”
Abel raked his hair back, and his blue eyes shifted to amber and then back. “I know. I had my friends follow you.”
“You did what?” Uncle Davin stood up. “Nobody listens to me. I forgot I’m working with amateurs. I tell you to do something for a reason, for your safety. We already lost one.” His tone softened. “I don’t want to lose anyone else.”
“And we don’t want to lose you.” Abel stressed the point. “Please, Mr. President. I know you care about us, but you have to let us help you. We’re not innocent, obedient kids. We are young adults, and we’ll mess up, but we’re capable. We’ve been through more than you can imagine with Cyrus and his followers for the past few years. This is our home. We know this place better than you, no offense.”
Uncle Davin dropped his chin. Lifting his head, he pushed through his hair with both hands and released a deep sigh. “You’re right. I’m still furious you went against the plan. Eli would still be here. And we’re running out of time. From here on, I’ll give you more responsibility. But if any of you double-cross me in any way, I’m going to lock you up. You hear?”
“Yes, Mr. President,” everyone grunted.
“Call me Uncle Davin.” He flashed his white teeth, bringing back the fun loving uncle I loved. “So, our plan is to pretend to be tourists at Kilauea Volcano. When the coast is clear, we can slip into Mortem’s hideout. Sound like a good plan?”
Everyone nodded.
“Do you know exactly where his hideout is, Abel?” Uncle Davin asked. “I’ve seen him enter through a couple of secret passageways.”
“Yes, I do,” Abel answered. “My one particular resource has been watching him enter the exact same place.”
“And you trust this person?”
“Yes.”
“Then what are we waiting for? I’ll leave a note for Michael.” Uncle Davin slapped his hand to get our attention. “Brody and I will drive.”
“This is great,” Jack exclaimed, rising from his seat. “The Chosen Knights are back. Well…kind of. Minus one for now. I get to go, right? I’ll just get my sword.”
Uncle Davin halted by the door and slowly turned around to us, his jaw working. Then his eyes cut to Jack, and he grumbled, “You’re all responsible for Jack. Blessed be the knights.” He slapped his forehead, releasing a long breath.
Jack snorted. “I like how the words flow. The Blessed Knights.”
“Wait,” Uncle Davin announced suddenly. “I need to change.”
Change into what? He was already wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Why was I worried? I had a good reason.
Chapter 6
Eli
“Go away,” I mumbled. I lay where Cyrus had left me, sulking over the madness of my world. My mother once loved Cyrus, Cyrus killed my father, which I already knew, and Cyrus was my uncle. It wasn’t the kind of news to celebrate.
“Pouting, are we?”
I groaned. The other angel with no name came back. I should just call him Dick. It fit him.
“You would pout too if you found out things you didn’t want to know.” I needed to get up. I had no idea what Dick had planned for me. Pushing up with both my hands, I bent my knees and sat upright to face the angel I planned to decapitate when I had the chance. “So, did you come for another round of back stabbing, or did you want to hear all the nicknames I made up for you…Dick?” I grinned wryly.
He glared hard at me. “Can’t come up with an original name fo
r me?”
“Oh, believe me. I just started. For example, I could call you Elmo. You know, that red, crazy-looking puppet with bulging eyes. He kind of looks like you…sort of, but you’re much more hideous.” Then for some reason, I missed Lucia’s Uncle Davin. My heart shattered. I wanted to be home. “Maybe I should call you Dickless instead. I—”
“That’s enough!” he roared. “For someone who should fear for his life, you talk too much.”
Ignoring him, I finish, “I bet his are much bigger than yours. So, why have you come? Did you miss me? You want to have tea? Or did you come to get your ass kicked?”
One of his hands gripped the bar tightly, and then he slid his hand down his face as he let out a frustrated sigh. “You’re wearing my patience thin, boy.”
I stood up but kept my distance, recalling the length of his wings and the sharp knife-like feathers. “Why don’t you take these off?” I raised my arm to show him the cuffs. “Let me out of my prison and we can duel to see who’s the best. I think it’s a great plan.”
“You talk too much. I would love to cut your life short so I don’t have to hear your chatty voice. How does your kind put up with you?”
I tilted my head with arrogance. “I’m very charming. And very nice to those who are deserving. And you, Dickless, are not on that list.”
He raised his hand. At first I thought he meant to harm me, but instead, the bars parted, bending to his will, to give me enough space to pass through. “You either come nicely, or I’ll drag you out. Your choice. And by the way, you can thank your uncle. I’ve been instructed not to harm you.”
I twirled a finger and rolled my eyes. “Aren’t I lucky.” Then I followed Dick down a rocky path, steam rising like ghosts and humid air filling my lungs. Dick was a little bit taller and massive in his own right, a bit intimidating.
The uneven ground led to an uphill slope. Water fell down the wall of the cave like a soft waterfall, cooling the smoldering temperature and pockets of lava spurting thick, fiery red liquid. My forehead beaded with sweat, and I had the urge to take off my bloody shirt smeared with dirt and dried blood.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked.