CHAPTER TWENTY
Violent Tides
FLINT
I snap the scroll shut. I can't keep a low profile even if I stayed to myself. Piper joined me to discard our plump trays of unbothered food. I guess her stomach can't handle the depravity of this evening. Piper seems to be closer to Verity than Sasha. There's a fair chance that Verity isn't handling her teammate's death well. Hell, she's slowly torturing me for her brother's death and I never met the guy.
The student body departs from the cafe just before eight o'clock. Heavy mumbled tones are clashing through the wave of students. Even the castle looked gloomy. The paintings swooped to the side, curtains pulled back and its statues were frozen in weeping positions.
Mythicae's grand walkway is exceptional. Even in depressing matters such as this, you can't help but recognize the beauty in its simplicity. A makeshift platform is built to stand before the water fountain. Cloaked figures are positioned randomly throughout the grand walkway. That must be Farout. Each figure possessed the embroiderment of a large winged bird, raven or crow, on their shoulders. I can't tell the difference from this distance.
Students are quick to fill the round belly of the area. The six of us tag along at the back and settle among the edges. Candles are passed among us. The long strand of wic sticks out. Sasha leans into me to say something but is silenced when Headmaster Grimm strides to stand in front of the students on the stage. Behind him, a lean figure with blue strands of hair sticks out. Verity's cold stare never falters from the crowd. A teary-eyed Piper joins us and I catch a glimpse of Andrew and Blake who groan. Donnic, however, is fixated on the stage.
"Welcome, welcome." Grimm says over the students. "We will begin Ayron's service momentarily. I have an announcement at the end as well. But for now, make haste to receive a candle."
A gentle hand falls on my forearm. My attention snaps when the stranger attaches themselves to me. "Flint, do you have a moment?"
I recognize the sweet voice and my blood chills. Mina Sharp, oftentimes called Minnow, is standing behind us with her radiant smile. Her right hand is still gripping my arm while the other holds the butt of a candle. Minnow lowers her hand and offers a small wave to me. "I'd like to talk about Potions. It'll only take a minute."
Much to Sasha and Piper's protest, I oblige.
"Sure." I say, letting Minnow guide me away from my friends.
This is the perfect opportunity to tell her I'm not interested in being her lab partner or friend for that matter. All I can hope for is that she's not a crier. Maybe I sound like a pansy. Correction- I do sound like one, but it's the only rational thought I can conjure. Minnow leads me through the stream of students until we're on the outskirts of the crowd. She passes a long stick of wax to me, and offers a warming smile in the cold.
"I wish I could chat with you somewhere else." Minnow sighs, glancing up to the stage. "It's such a gloomy day. You didn't know him, but Ayron was a great guy."
I follow her gaze and bite the inside of my check when I see the stage. Verity remains behind Grimm who waits patiently as the students pass candles to one another. Her cold expression remains the same except for the tears that she sheds silently. Farout members are peppered generously close to their ringleader. An entire row of Farout comrades are generously placed at Verity's sides. Maverd Clennings, Robyn's crush since the sophomore year, is dangerously close to the edge of the stage's beam. He dangles above Verity like a faithful bat- bloodthirsty and close to his queen.
"You like her, don't you?"
Wait a damn minute, did I hear her right?
I turned back to Minnow, stunned. "What?"
She shook her head vigorously, "forgive me. I spoke wrongfully. It's just-" Minnow presses into my side, "forget about it. I asked you to join me so I could ask you about Ms. Gurely's class."
I know what she's doing. Once again, I'm a pawn for another woman's shitty ploy for attention. I could question Minnow about her fixation on the girl she allegedly stole from. But in all honesty, I don't give two shits about it. The drama over a gargoyle's dick can stay out of my radar.
Grimm's voice fills the crowd, and silence washed over the multitude afterwards. "Evening, my dear students. I've asked you to gather in the grand opening where Ayron's infection devoured his body. Ayron Stiles was nineteen from Graves, Montana. He was a student of high ambitions, perfect strife, and resiliency. Even in death, he was honorable."
The students among us began to whisper until a shriek erupted in the crowd to silence them. Grimm continues, "Ayron passed away on the eighth of October due to the intensity of his wounds. The infection was too much for his body to overcome. His death must not be taken lightly. From here on out, you should never leave or venture off without a buddy or two. If you are caught, willfully disobeying this order then I'll have no other choice than to punish you myself or send you to the coven's jurisdiction."
My gaze shifts from Verity to Sasha. Sasha carries an uninterested gaze in the mention of coven. Blake is now smooshed between my cousin and Piper. I'm thankful for it in a way. I'm starting to regret skipping dinner. My stomach is empty, twisting with uneasy aches from the environment. I don't think I care too much for Farouts presence. Each member is heavily armored from glimpses of their cloaked bodies and peeking weapons. The whole elite looks prepared for war. So far, I've counted seven members on the stage including Verity. All I can think of is the message I received before coming out here.
"It should've been you, halfing."
The idea that Verity has an army at the snap of her fingers makes my head spin. The message might not show its sender, but there's only one Mythical who's consistent with letting me know she doesn't want me here. That's all I need to know.
"As you light the candle beside you," Grimm bellows, "find reassurance in Ayron's peace. He may not be here with us in flesh, but he is alive in spirit."
Minnow waves her fingers to draw a flick of flames. Lighting the strand of wick, she signals for me to hand mine over. I lean the head of wax so that the flame can nip away at my candle as well. Once I'm satisfied with the budding glow, I pull back from Minnow. As much as she's eager to press her body against mine, I don't want to become Wrath's punching body bag.
"I've asked Willow Emerson to give a few words in honor of her late fiancé. Give your wholehearted attention to Ms. Emerson. " Grimm says, moving swiftly into the shadows as a curvy figure steps forward.
Ayron had impracticable taste to say the least. Willow is easy on the eyes with sapphire hair and golden brown eyes. She pulls on a Farout cloak from her arm that's generously swallowing her body nearly whole. I assume it's Ayron's shawl that she's squeezing tightly with fresh welts of tears.
Willow stands before Verity who, much to my surprise, finally acknowledges someone else. They join hands and I watch as Verity's eyes slightly widen before returning the gesture with a tight embrace. When the two part, Verity stands behind her with clenched fists. Her eyes could set the crowd on fire. Bile climbs my throat when I realize her gaze has fallen onto me and Minnow. Verity turns quickly, placing her hands into her pockets. Her expression never changes though. Calm, collective and dissociated.
"Hi everyone," Willow says, the sound of her voice is small among the crowd. It doesn't surprise us that her speech is filled with blubbering sobs and whimpers. No one speaks or dares to make a sound out of respect. "Ayron would be honored to know that everyone joined to be with him, signifying his departure. I would give anything for him to be here with me, but I know he's at peace. His sacrifice is not in vain."
Minnow wraps her arms around mine. I glance over my side to see Sasha signaling me quietly to rejoin them. I need to separate myself from Mina. A candlelight vigil really isn't the place to ask me a nonexistent question about elixirs and potions.
"Ayron was a loving soul who devoted his time to build a bright future and serve as a member of Farouts. He wore this garment with pride." Willow sobs. "Knowing each and every day that he did everything to keep us safe. Even if it meant he would lose his life-"
The wick of my candle flickers until the wind snatches its essence. Loud rumbles echo among the student body, ringing out a larger threat. The glowing light from the gathering dims in the breeze and students are quick to try to relight their candles. Grimm inches closer to the stage front as the ground trembles with each shrill in the distance. Willow stills. She turns to look at Verity, but Farout members have already fallen into position. I didn't realize there's quite a collection of faithful soldiers hiding in the shadows of the grand walkway. Verity, on the other hand, joins Willow. Her figure towers over Willow.
Fastening her fingers on her veil, Verity freed her body from its velvety restraints. Verity removes the twin longswords from her back, and sticks the stage with its steel blade. Verity, along with the other members, have ditched their uniforms for sleek coverings. Farouts dark attire is lavishly decorated in pieces of shining armor that protects their chest, legs, and back. Verity slips a pair of hazy visors over her eyes. The rest of Farout joins her with clinging metals or stomping their feet against the ground.
Verity signals Maverd to venture into the sky. Her armed hand stretches out for the dull stars- pointing to the Vega constellation by steel with the other on the hilt. The longsword hisses from its connection in the splintered wood. Maverd offers a wicked grin that stretches from ear to ear. He bows deeply to Verity who's below the beam. Large leathery wings sprout from his back, and the bones in his wings pop at a long-deserved stretch. The sound of his bones shifting with shearing flesh rang out before the crowd. His wingspan was humongous. Sweeping the falling snowflakes from himself. The leathery spike wings draped over the undeniably small stage. Holy shit, what the fuck is he? I can't help questioning everything while taking a step back. My spine hits the wall.
Maverd takes Verity's hand gently and pulls her body into his. His arm wraps around her hourglass midriff possessively like he might drop Verity any minute or forbid himself of it. His delicate caress sears into me, and I can't explain or name the bitterness that sticks to my throat. Maverd's wings carry the two high above us and Farout is quick to follow their queen's movements. Who the fuck is that guy?
Four Farout members are spaced evenly around the edges of the crowd, drawing glyphs into the snow. Their speed and accuracy are mesmerizing to watch. The four students draw a light circle into the sky, concentrating all of their might to display their cast.
In unison, the Farout comrades shout out. "Bouclier du mal."
A thick layer of magic swallows the grand walkway's surface. Its blue coating overlaps the students and swells into a blistering round circle of protection. Students voice their concerns in small whimpers and cries only to be silenced by Grimm's looming voice.
"Settle down, pupils!" Grimm bellowed to the frightened crowd. "Our finest team is here to protect you. Everything is under control."
"This is bad!" Minnow's voice cried out over the whines. "We need to be in the barrier before an ald-"
Flashes of dark mist swirl above the shield followed by shrills of frightened students. One might think a magical bubble would be enough to deter Mythicae's infamous bullshit. Alas, this place is great at squandering someone's hope. I glance toward Minnow who's moving slowly to be by my side. Her fear is unique. Between the two of us, she's the most powerful in magic and knowledge. Yet she decides to hide behind me.
Thick black tar drapes over the barrier's surface, slamming its mass violently at the exterior. The body of goo continues to aim its strike feverishly for the students with their heads bowed in fear. Almost like it craves the fear others submit in its presence. Farout members spread out in groups of two. The long shadow figures, Aldarars, shift and bend with ravenous claws. The ones that have fallen to the ground are beyond frightening. Appearing as half humanoid, half wildern beast. Then there are the ones still flying above us in a crazed rampage. The purification team wastes no time drawing their blades and guns from security holsters.
The aldarar's sluggish body reminds me of the sea back home. Swimming close to the shores carried timid waves. Enough to push you out to the deep but not enough strength to shove your head underneath. But the farther from shore you go, the more forceful the tides mature. Dad often referred to the raging seas as a captain's silent plea for death. It makes sense. Each surge would slam into your ribcage, daring you to keep your head afloat from its overwhelming body. At least the things back home made sense.
Donnic's words come to mind and I lower my eyes. One soul-searching stare with the beast and I'm a goner. I take Minnow's hand into mine. I never noticed how tiny her hand is compared to my callous hand. "Let's go."
Minnow's wary eyes land on my hand. She grips it tightly, "what are you thinking?"
The two of us linger in the shadows. We have to come up with something quick or we're fresh pickings. Two Farout members are pacing around an aldarar. The members are either aware of our existence and simply don't care or are engulfed in a heated battle with an untamable creature. Either way, I'm not willing to stick around to find out.
The beast swims in the wind's currents. Every movement is distinct with fluidity. Farout members swing their blades with fierce precision at the bastard, aiming for its center. The aldarar's opaque form dodges every advancement while inching closer to its prey. Thanks to the soldiers distracting the creature, we're able to run for the barrier. I don't remember either of us dropping our candles from our last ditch efforts but we're both empty-handed. "We need to get out of the opening! Neither of us can fight one of those things."
I spot Sasha who's hiding behind Blake. The two are woven into the thick assemblage. Deja vu stings the back of my mind as I wave frantically to catch the attention of my friends or anyone for that matter. Piper swats Blake's shoulder, pointing at me. I don't have to be near in order to take notice of his scorching swears. I inch closer to the stout somber coating and stretch my fingers to touch it. A subtle thud sinks into my ears from the solid material. Minnow is quick to join, slamming her fists on its surface. It won't let us in.
Andrew joins Blake's panicked response, pushing his way through the thicket of students. I can't hear what he's saying but it's almost as if he's mocking us. His arms are outstretched in a rampant arrangement of waves, jamming his finger into the shield like he's pointing at a stain on my shirt. Andrew's lips seem to repeat the same words but his frenzied movements make it hard to understand him. I need to think of a way to keep both of us safe. Maybe we could find shelter in the Oracle Hall or-
A low snarl snaps my attention to the essence behind us. Andrew's words click in my head and the whimpering sobs from Minnow split my heart into two.
"Behind you!"
My body tenses at the vibrations. Minnow digs her nails into my arm releasing a thick stream of red liquid down my forearm. I glance at her, watching the fear evolve deeply into her brow. "Don't look at it." I coach her, "we'll be okay as long as we don't look it in the eyes, Minnow. We're going to run for it, okay?"
She nods, holding back straining sobs. Her pupils are dilated with tears blurring her vision. I press forward as the feral snarls grow louder behind us. I don't know what the hell to do, but my fight-or-flight instincts are boiling. "Do you trust me?"
She doesn't say anything. Minnow's hand finds mine and I hold her tightly to my body. Andrew steps back, fear washing over his features. I don't stay in place to hear the rumbling tones of the aldarar's bite. Forcing myself to move despite my consuming fear, I coerce my legs to create distance from the lurching varmint. I haul Minnow through the hardpack of snow. The aldarar bangs its body into the barrier, screeching just inches from Andrew's face.
Minnow and I run to Harts Hall, hoping the building is bare of the creatures. We dash up the stairs unevenly. Minnow snatches my forearm, crying out as her ankle wrenches unnaturally from the sleek stairs. Wrapping my arm around her, I haul her tiny body through the snow and up cobblestone. Dark streaks of sizzling sludge flies in front of us. Its body caresses the stairway's pillar before forming a sharp jagged jaw to hiss. I pull Minnow behind me, averting my eyes to the ground.
Shit, oh shit. I'm sure she's twisted her ankle, unable to run from the unraveling chaos. How am I going to get us out of here? How can I run from an enemy I can't fully look at?