I hadnt worn the uniform since wed left Deity Island.
Straightening, I glanced at myself in the mirror. Freshly shaven and hair brushed back, I looked and felt like a different person. The heavy weight thatd settled on my shoulders had lifted the moment Id made up my mind.
I left the bathroom, stopped by and checked on Alex, and pressed a kiss to her temple before going downstairs. It took me a few minutes to round up the group of Sentinels whod stopped in on their way east. I sent them packing.
Solos snapped at my heels. What are you doing, Aiden?
They dont belong here.
He stared at me as I closed the door behind the last one and stepped back. They would come in handy if Seth finds his way here, you know.
No, they wouldnt. No one would stop him if he finds his way here. I knelt, pulling out a Covenant dagger. Only Alex would be able to stop him.
And is Alex in the frame of mind to stop him?
Not yet.
Marcus came into the hallway behind us. Whats going on?
Go get Lea, Luke, and my brother. We need to talk. I cut my palm, hissing at the flash of pain. Blood welled quickly. I placed my palm on the floor and started to draw the symbol Id seen in Lucians house.
Marcus sucked in a breath. Aiden, what is?
Get them. I finished with the snake symbol. An instant later, a flash of bright white light filled the hallway. The walls were luminous, sealing off the property, preventing Apollo from entering the home. I stood, wrapping a rag around my hand. Ill explain.
Dear gods, I hope so.
Solos still stared. Aiden has gone Rambo on us.
Everyone gathered in the den. Nervous energy surrounded Lea and Luke. Only my brother seemed relaxed. Perhaps hed seen this version of me before and knew that nothing could change my mind once it was made up.
Nothing except Alex, and this was about Alexthis was for Alex.
I stood before them. The only way for Alex to break the connection is for her to do so herself. No oneno god, no magiccan do it. She has to. And I believe she can if given the chance.
Didnt we give her the chance? Solos asked.
Not enough, I told him, prepared to send his ass flying out the window if he didnt agree. But I believe in herI have hope. And hope is what we need. Im taking her off the Elixir.
Marcus stared at me, then nodded. What does Apollo have to say about this?
And heres the kicker. Hes giving up, and hes preparing himself to kill her. Only one of them can live and shes the one he can do something about.
They didnt question what that meant, but I think they had a good idea.
Leas eyes narrowed. He wouldnt.
He would. And I understand why. My jaw ached saying those words. He has to protect humanity. Thats what he does. But Im not giving up on her. And if any of you have, I suggest you leave now.
No one moved, but I waited, giving them ample opportunity to choose. Theres no doubt in my mind Apollos going to be pissed when he realizes what Ive done and what I plan to do. If you stay here
The unspoken words hung in the room. They knew. On top of everything else, theyd face Apollos wrath.
Luke glanced at Deacon and smiled. Apollo kind of freaks me out, anyway.
No doubt, Deacon replied, shaking his shoulders. And hey, if you believe in Alex, so do I. You know her better than any of us.
That is true. Marcus smiled, leaning against the couch. Im in.
Solos sighed. This is crazy, but what the hell? I came here to protect Alex. Not to hand her over to be put down like a dog.
I turned to Lea, and for the first time in a long time, she smirked. I want to see Alex kick Seths ass. Someones got to do it. It wouldnt be fair that she dies for him to live.
I breathed a sigh of relief. You guys know this could get bad, really bad.
No one moved for a while, and then Marcus strolled forward, clapping a hand down on my shoulder. Weve got your back, Aiden. Weve also got Alexs.
And that was what I needed to hear. She can do this. I know she can.
I left them then, retreating to the bedroom. I crossed the room to the bed and sat. Alex stirred, aware enough that she didnt resist when I pulled her into my arms, cradling her to my chest. Id prepared myself, but not in the way Apollo meant.
Alex would get no more doses, and when the Elixir wore off, I would do what I felt was the worst thing possible. Id place her back in the cell, and then Id wait.
Id fight.
Alex. Seth. A whole slew of gods if necessary. No one was going to take Alex. No one was going
to give up on her or hurt hernot even Alex.
Apollo had changed Hyacinth into a flower to protect him. I would give Alex back control so she could protect herself instead of making the decision for her. Thats how we were different from the gods.
I lowered my lips to her cheek and kept them there, holding her tighter and tighter. The gods wanted war?
They were about to get it.
TheCovenantSeries
Daimon (novella)
Half-Blood
Pure
Deity
Elixir (novella)
Apollyon (April 2013)
Sentinel (January 2014)
Covenant novellas are available as free downloads in several formats at www.SpencerHillPress.com.