He nods. “It’s not much of a choice really. I want you. But more than just that, I want you to be happy. To be whole. To be who you want to be and whoever it is you were meant to be. I don’t want to be the one who stands in the way of that. If you must kill the Amazèa in order for that to happen, then I am more than willing to sacrifice my freedom for it. I’ll do it happily and without reservation.”
I narrow my eyes as I stare at him, trying to decide if he’s telling the truth. “But…what about the Legionary? Won’t you be forced to report me?”
He shakes his head. “You’re well aware of the repercussions of your actions, but I also know that your revenge on the Amazèa is not simple blood lust. I won’t report you, nor will I participate in the hunt for you if there is one. I understand what you must do…” His voice trails off.
“I don’t know if you can ever fully understand how I feel…I don’t think you can,” I mutter.
“They killed my mother. In front of me. I’ve wanted to tear them apart with my bare hands for the past eleven years. The only thing that stopped me was the opportunity to finally put all that anger and hate behind me and trade their freedom for mine.”
He puts his head down and looks at me through lowered lashes. “I want you to know that whatever you decide to do, I’m with you on it. If you go in there and kill them, I won’t report you. Or, if you decide to let their punishment lie in the hands of the Legionary, then I’ll do my best to help you deal with that decision, also. I know you’ve been planning for this day for a long time, so I want you to take some time to think it over. But know that I’ll be here for you in whatever capacity—”
“I don’t need to think about it. Take me to them. Now.”
Chapter 24. Lucky
Kieron nods his head silently. He enters the dark cave as I follow close behind. Once we’re both inside, he snaps his fingers several times, each time igniting a small, singular flame from one of his fingertips. The flickering light reveals a long, twisting tunnel. Sharp grey rocks jut menacingly at every turn, and I shiver in the unnaturally icy cold. I wonder how Kieron managed to drag two of the strongest, most powerful demons in existence down here by himself, or if indeed, this isn’t some elaborate hoax after all.
My agitation increases with every step. For so many years I’ve longed for this moment, and now that it’s finally here, my stomach is churning with anticipation and dread. This isn’t exactly how I’d pictured my showdown with the Amazèa unfolding; nevertheless, it will end the same way. I will have my revenge. Justice for Kayla and Michael.
We travel deeper into the cave, until Kieron finally halts. “You’re almost there. They’re right around the next turn.”
“Aren’t you coming?” I ask, suddenly fearful and trying not to let it show. It’s not being hurt by the Amazèa that I’m afraid of; it’s being alone with the monsters whose faces have haunted me for so long.
He shakes his head, the light from his fingers casting an eerie glow on his handsome face. “No. This is for you and you alone. The cage’s shield only works one way, so your powers will be able to penetrate it; theirs will not. I’ll be waiting outside for you when you’re...done.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, hating the way my voice trembles. I look in Kieron’s eyes one last time as he brushes past me and disappears into the darkness. I almost call out to him; I don’t want him to leave me here all alone.
But I say nothing. He’s right. This next step is for me and only me. Despite all my rage and bravado, I’m scared—terrified I won’t have the strength to do what I’ve vowed to do.
I take a deep breath, and the cool air fills my lungs. Opening my palms, I let my own dancing fire guide the rest of my journey. I force my legs forward one step at a time, and with each step my heart thumps heavier. At last, I round the narrow corner and my breath catches in my throat.
The small orb has an orange glow and emits a faint electric hum. Several interlocking circles rotate continuously around the outside, and standing in the middle, holding hands and smiling sweetly, are the two Amazèa demons.
Nausea floods over me in waves. I stagger to a wall. I lean against it until my knees buckle and I slide to the floor. I can’t blink, and for a long moment, can’t breathe. How many times have I imagined seeing their bright, angelic faces…their big blue eyes, like innocent school girls…their long golden hair cascading down their childish bodies. The two deadliest creatures I’ve ever known in my life, and they resemble the sweetest, the most perfect visions of innocence and youth…the very things they live to steal from others and to absorb within themselves.