Outcast, page 19
Countless chaotic footsteps pounded the floorboards, and moments later, Draven and Beatrice had landed into the back of the truck. His involvement was minimal, but he’d felt the fear of the situation.
“You can’t deny what you are,” Draven said, causing another chill to run down Leif’s back. His words were almost identical to the ones Gemma had told him on his last day in his cabin.
Leif’s eyes went distant. “I might be a vampire. But I don’t think I will ever be a creature of death.”
“Sure you will,” Draven said with a brooding confidence. “You’ve been distracted the past few months. I’ve let you off the hook for our missions surrounding the island. I didn’t ask you to go to Wendte or Pierre. As far as I’m concerned, by finding The Island, your mission is complete. Except for one last step.”
One last step. There was always one last step. Which really meant that there was no end.
“Really, my friend, we’ve very nearly reached our goal,” Draven said.
“You think we’re ready for the attack on the school?” Leif asked.
Draven chuckled. “More than ready. Based on the consistency of their response to our presence, I gather that these shifters aren’t military-trained. It’s always the same shifters responding.” He paused and tapped the naga tail. “As we’ve discussed, we’ve whittled their trio down to two.”
“It could be a ruse to throw us off,” Leif cautioned, even though he doubted it. From what he’d overheard that day hiding beneath the open window of the school, it was a standard school, with standard teachers. Like Gemma, who used to teach the children at the boarding house. But Draven didn’t need to know that little detail. “What if the school has a military force just waiting for invasion?”
Draven straightened his back and sat up. “Then we have underestimated our enemies. But I don’t think that will happen.”
“And what do you want me to do?” Leif asked, worried that he was about to be called to become a part of the assault on The Island.
Draven studied him for a few moments, perhaps debating whether or not he should make the assignment. At least, that’s what Leif was hoping. Particularly if it meant he didn’t end up getting assigned.
“Beatrice and a few others planted a seed in Pierre last night,” he said. “The past few months, we’ve been unable to draw the gryphon and the kitsune out. But I’m hoping that the patterned vampire activity we’ve placed on the surrounding cities will cause their watchful eyes to leave the school. If the plan works, then the assault on The Island will be a simple matter. If not? Then I will confront the gryphon and kitsune in battle and claim their wings and tails for my trophy room.”
“You want me and Beatrice to take on the two shifters?” Leif said, panic filling his heart.
Draven snorted. “If there’s one person I trust in a fight against them, it’s Beatrice. And I understand she’s been training you.”
Leif shuddered, but fighting her was much better than hanging out. He’d been able to pour some of his rage into their bouts. It hadn’t mattered. Beatrice was far too skilled a combatant. Leif had landed a few good kicks and punches during his training, but he usually found himself on constant defense. She was as aggressive with her fighting as she was with her attempts at trying to draw Leif back into a romantic relationship.
“She’s taught me basic offensive and defensive moves,” Leif replied. “I’m not nearly as capable as she is.” And I don’t think I want to be, he thought to himself. Over the years, Beatrice had dedicated her time to becoming a weapon. Leif found his piano playing to be a much more worthwhile skill.
“She says you’ve picked up on things quite quickly,” Draven said, then smiled. “She also says that she can’t get you to try your hardest when sparring against other vampires. That animalistic side only comes out when you face her.”
Leif shifted uncomfortably. It was awkward hearing the vampire leader talk about his relationship with Beatrice.
“Tonight, that changes,” Draven said, getting to his feet. “If you see shifters, you don’t hesitate. You kill on sight. Many a vampire has departed from this world because they hesitated. Don’t add your own fate to theirs.”
“What if Beatrice and I don’t encounter any shifters?” Leif asked, hopeful that would be the case.
Draven smiled, perceiving his thoughts. “Then I suppose you two can enjoy a walk around town together.” His face grew serious, and he hunched over the table, reaching an arm past the naga tail. With a single finger, the vampire leader drew a circle on the open space. “The Island will be surrounded on all sides. The last of our mighty force is arriving at sundown.” With both hands, he made a wider circle around the smaller one. “The Missouri River encompasses the school, except for the land bridge. We’ll have watchers there, as well as around the mainland shores. Picking off the shifters attempting to flee will be a simple matter.”
“What about the ones who fly away?” Leif asked.
“Any who choose to take to the sky will show their true cowardliness,” Draven hissed. “If they use their shifted forms to run away rather than fight, that choice will haunt them for the rest of their lives.”
This whole situation will haunt you for the rest of your life, Gemma said.
“You’re right,” Leif muttered, responding to both of their statements.
“Of course I’m right,” Draven said, standing tall once more. “If any shifters get past our vampires on the shores and make it into Pierre, I’ll expect you and Beatrice to manage them. Can I trust you with that mission?”
“I’ll do my best,” Leif said.
Draven nodded, analyzing him further. “You have done much for our people’s cause. When we’ve returned to the citadel, I’ll see that you’re rewarded.”
“You’ll release your hypnotic hold on my mind?” he asked, unable to stop himself from lacing his words with minor hostility. “As you promised.”
Draven sent him a hard stare. “Those who earn rewards don’t get to pick them. But I will take that into consideration.”
What other rewards, then? he wondered. My own trophy room? An Initiate? A vampire education? Was there anything the vampires could reward him with that he’d actually want?
As Leif’s attention returned to Draven’s cabin, he found the firelight playing in the vampire leader’s piercing eyes. “You think you want your memories, but I think there is something more you desire. Can you guess?”
Leif hung onto Draven’s words, his curiosity piqued.
“Let me tell you, then. Your selkie woman — it is my understanding that certain shifters have powerful abilities, particularly those descending from purer bloodlines. It is rumored that some are strong enough to breathe life back into those who have passed on.”
Leif had heard this from Camilla’s own mouth long ago, back when she’d given him Gemma’s brooch. He’d figured it was more myth than fact. Leif had been around a very long time, and he’d never heard of any deceased person coming back to life.
“I will aid you on your quest to bring Gemma MacLugh back,” Draven said. “I swear it to you. I will find the harpies with enough skill to do so and force them to bring your one true desire to fruition.”
The burning fire of hope ignited in his heart. If there was one person in the world with the tenacity to see to Gemma’s return, it was Draven. And as much as he hated to do admit it, Leif would do just about anything to have his fiancé back.
“Then yes,” he said. “I will see to the success of the mission you have assigned to Beatrice and me.”
Draven nodded in acknowledgement of the pact. “I’ve got some final preparations to make before the sun sets. I suggest you go and prepare yourself, too. It’s going to be a busy night.”
Leif got to his feet and tipped his head to Draven. “Of course. Good luck tonight.”
The corners of Draven’s mouth raised in a wicked smile. “Luck is a superstition gripped by fingers of the weak. We have no need for such things.”
Leif nodded. “I’ll see you after our victory, then.”
“Yes, you will. After the shifters are reminded that this world is too small for their pitiful existence. Now go.”
Leif moved swiftly, opening the wooden door ever so slightly, causing a strip of sunlight to enter. Quickly exiting, he shut the door behind him and closed his eyes, breathing in the afternoon air.
Gemma. He was doing this for Gemma.
And then her voice sounded in his head. How many lives must be ended for my sake?
Her tone was accusatory. She didn’t approve of the deal he’d made with Draven. Not long ago, Leif would have agreed with her. But he’d come too far, and to turn away now would bring him guilt beyond measure. Leif felt justified with Draven’s promise to help bring Gemma back. Everything he was about to do — everything he’d done — would be worth it.
Only one life matters to me now, and that’s yours, he said.
Leif stepped away from Draven’s cabin with new resolve, his pace quick and purposeful. He’d go into Pierre and scout the area. He’d use the rest of the day to get a better feel for the city’s layout.
Turn away now, while you still can, Gemma pleaded.
“I’m doing this for you.” He spoke the words out loud with firmness, trying to convince himself he was pursuing a greater good, no matter what it took.
If you continue down this path — if you participate in this devastation, you will no longer hear my voice. You will have cut yourself off from me.
Gemma’s words froze his legs in place. He’d never heard a threat come from her before.
Again, he couldn’t help but speak aloud, although softly. “You would stop talking to me because of my attempt to save you?”
I would never stop talking to my betrothed. But if you do this, you are not the man I remember. You will have become a demon created by Draven.
During the exchange, Leif subconsciously walked to the nearby river. The sun illuminated the ice, causing him to be able to see his own reflection.
For years, he’d searched to find out exactly who he was. Ever since Gemma died, a portion of him was missing. Bringing her back would not only restore her, but make him whole.
Through the ice, his piercing eyes spotted a single fish with rainbow scales as it swam downstream. Leif wondered if it, too, was looking for a long-lost companion. He decided to follow it to find out.
***
Leif jogged over miles of rocky shoreline, keeping his gaze on the fish. There was a bend in the river up ahead, and he could already see La Framboise Island just past it. Before the bend, though, the fish slowed as it approached a group of larger brown fish. Its rainbow scales flashed with sunlight as it wiggled between two of the darker fish and finally came to a stop.
Observing their behavior, Leif watched curiously as the brown fish didn’t swim away from the newcomer that had integrated itself into their little school. Instead, they acted as if it was the way things should be, that the rainbow fish was one of their own.
“It’s like me,” Leif said in a hushed voice. “Finding its place among different beings.”
Draven and Beatrice had accepted him as one of their own. They’d eagerly welcomed him.
You are no fish, Gemma said. But if you are searching for comparisons, while the fish you’ve followed has been accepted by the others, it will forever remain different. Its scales will always be silvery rainbow. You, too, can remain different from Draven’s vampires.
Forcing his eyes away from the fish, he looked to La Framboise Island. Within hours, the place would be a pile of crushed bricks — a grave for the shifters within. And they didn’t know it.
He could tell them. Leif could walk right in and warn them about the impending attack. It was risky. They wouldn’t trust him. They’d think it was a ruse, a trick. And they’d probably try to kill him, which wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen. If Draven found out that he’d gone rogue and alerted the shifters about the attack, he’d be dead anyway.
Leif didn’t need Gemma’s voice to call him out for being the coward he was. He knew it. But one fact stood at the forefront of his mind: Draven was his best bet at bringing Gemma back. And despite how many heads would roll in the process, he had to believe that he’d be with her again. After she returned, they could leave — go wherever and do whatever she wanted, and pretend that none of this had ever happened.
Looking down at the water-smoothed rocks, he turned his back on The Island and headed for Pierre.
Leif took his time. The summer sun was dropping toward the western horizon like a coin dropping into a wishing well. Only, instead of good vibes, it brought on invisible threats of the oncoming vampire storm. And the shifters had no idea.
Between sunset and sunrise, it would all be over.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE CITY STREETS of Pierre were dark and brooding, a thin layer of snow blanketing the ground. The scent of death was on the air, and Leif hated that he wasn’t just surrounded by it, but was stuck right in the middle.
“You came early,” Beatrice said, walking up to where he was sitting. The bench he was painted blue, but the color had flaked away, revealing the light wood beneath. It seemed like a place where a homeless person might spend the night. But nobody else was around. It was just he and Beatrice.
“Just wanted to scout things out one last time,” he said, although that hadn’t been the true reason. He had to get away from the resort. And the concept of traveling down to the city with Beatrice repulsed him.
“I would’ve enjoyed a long walk with you,” Beatrice said, scooting close to him on the bench. “Remember our long walks in along the Columbia River?”
Leif sighed with a heaviness that weighed more than the sky. “That was a long time ago.”
“For me, the length of time hasn’t caused a recession of the good memories we shared. Time only makes those memories more potent. Tell me, before Draven removed your ability to re-experience your memories, did you ever relive any of your memories of me?”
He wished he could say he hadn’t. “Every so often. But I spent more time with you than any other girl — except for Camilla, of course.”
“I was around you longer than Gemma, then?” she asked, a spark of light illuminating her eyes.
It wasn’t a fair question. Rather, it demanded an unfair answer, and he wasn’t about to give it to Beatrice. “Gemma has been with me ever since I met her.”
“Then let me ask you this,” she said softly. “If our places had been switched, and it was I who died all those years ago, would you say the same thing about me? Would I have been your eternal love? Would I be the one you’re pining for right now?”
What a strange question, he thought. Leif decided to avoid it. “You were my first girlfriend. I didn’t even understand love back then, let alone a love that spans eternity.”
“You know what I think?” Beatrice asked. “I think what you had with Gemma was very special. Maybe your relationship with her is one of those things that only comes once in a lifetime. But you have let that relationship bind you.”
“Beatrice—” he said, and he would have said more, but she cut him off.
“Is your sad existence what Gemma would have wanted for you? Can you look me in the eye and tell me that Gemma would have hoped you’d beat yourself up, live a life of celibacy and avoiding others?”
Leif cast his eyes to the ground and kicked at some loose pebbles. He and Gemma had never talked about a life in which they wouldn’t be there for each other. Would Gemma have wanted him to move on and find somebody else?
Maybe.
But that somebody couldn’t be Beatrice Morton.
“I can look you in the eye and tell you that Gemma would advise me against letting you into my heart.”
“Because her death is my fault, right?” Beatrice said, infusing her tone with sarcasm.
“Yes, actually,” Leif replied, pointing a finger at her. “After you turned me, Gemma created the spell that made me a daywalker. By giving me such an ability, we were blinded by the idea we’d be able to spend more time together. But we didn’t think about the repercussions that would have. We tried to keep my new nature and ability secret. But once a certain shifter found out, Gemma’s little spell was considered to be too dangerous. Imagine selkies learning that same spell, then somebody like Draven enslaving them, forcing them to make an entire army of vampire daywalkers.”
Beatrice shrugged. “So your little lady-friend died because she was a vampire sympathizer. That should only increase your resolve to fight against the shifters.”
“Don’t try to turn this conversation, Beatrice,” he said with a firmness that startled her. “My point is — had you not turned me in the first place, Gemma wouldn’t have needed to make a daywalking spell in the first place. No shifter would have killed her. And the life we were planning together would have actually happened.”
Beatrice looked as if she was about to blurt something out, but whatever it was, she held back.
“And for the record,” Leif added, “Gemma wasn’t a vampire sympathizer. She did what she did for me and nobody else. What we’re doing to the shifters tonight? She would never have approved of such cold-blooded brutality.”
Beatrice snorted. “So why are you here?”
“What?” He’d actually heard her just fine. He just didn’t know how to answer the question.
“Gemma wouldn’t approve of what you’re doing,” she clarified. “So why are you siding yourself with such cold-blooded brutalists?”
Leif hesitated. There were probably several reasons he was still around. He wished that even one of them was noble. “You forced me to.”
