StarChild: Book Three

By Sara M. Garringer

The King has been killed.

These are the words spoken by Jewel's beloved Mentor as he lay dying in her arms.

Now Jewel has no choice but to venture to Azaiah in order to claim the throne she's never wanted. At her side are her precious Guardians: Ryouko, the Leader, trying desperately to keep everyone safe no matter how high the odds are stacked against her. Ryuuko, the Healer, always smiling warmly in spite of the unknown disease slowly eating away at his very mind. Subaru, her final Guardian and the one she fell in love with, possessing a painful secret she has sworn to protect even at the cost of her own life.

Life and death. Love and hate. Truth and lies. Dreams and nightmares. Sacrifice and Peace.

All things must come to an end.

StarChild: Book Three

The final volume in the StarChild trilogy

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sara M. Garringer
• Release date: Oct 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780985368647

Sara M. Garringer

Indie AuthorOccasional doodlerProud bearer of the Nerd BadgeTrekkie by MarriageLiving embodiment of irony—love Spider-Man, terrified of spidersI've been writing since the 3rd grade and it's the only thing I've ever wanted to do with my life. I'm happily married with one son.Twitter: @saragarringerInstagram: @saragarringer

Book preview

StarChild

Book Three

StarChild

Book Three

By Sara M. Garringer

Copyright 2022 Garringer Publishing

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer

This story contains depictions and references to subject matter that some may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.

Table of Contents

Letter

Chapter One — Reunion

Chapter Two — Deep, Deep Trouble

Chapter Three — Not So Good Behavior

Chapter Four — Audible

Chapter Five — Down the Rabbit Hole

Chapter Six — Nadia and Nathaniel

Chapter Seven — Strategy

Chapter Eight — Tea

Chapter Nine — The Job

Chapter Ten — Cloak and Dagger

Chapter Eleven — Lilith

Chapter Twelve — Fear

Chapter Thirteen — Sing

Chapter Fourteen — Confrontation

Chapter Fifteen — The Council of Elders

Chapter Sixteen — Vote

Chapter Seventeen — A Wake

Chapter Eighteen — The Chamber of Light

Chapter Nineteen — Declaration

Chapter Twenty — Vision

Chapter Twenty-One — The Shadow Region

Chapter Twenty-Two — Dreamwalker

Chapter Twenty-Three — The Path to Peace

Acknowledgments

Other Works

Contact the Author

Forget this life

Come with me

Don’t look back

You’re safe now

Unlock your heart

Drop your guard

No one’s left to stop you

Evanescence

Anywhere

Origin

BigWig Enterprises, 2000

Dear Nadia and Nathaniel,

If you’re reading this, that means our plan failed. I just wanted to thank you both for everything you’ve done and tell you how truly, horribly sorry I am for taking Ryouko and Ryuuko away from you. I promise, in the worst-case scenario, I’ll do everything I can to try and save them. Even if they can never come home again, at the very least they’ll still be alive. I hope that can be enough.

Before we leave there are a few things you need to know. By the end of this letter you’ll probably hate me and I can’t blame you. But this is too important to keep to myself.

There’s a reason Ryuuko didn’t take your hand, Nadia, and it’s not what you think. You see, a few months ago, I made a mistake—one of thousands, believe me. But this one hurt Ryuuko. Bad. I’d been trying to help him find his voice using my ability (long story short, I’ve kinda done something similar once) only it backfired in a major way. Now Ryuuko’s been having seizures and nosebleeds and migraines and no one knows what’s causing it or how to help him. And even though he keeps saying he’s fine, I know he’s not. And even if he somehow comes out of this mess alive, there’s a good chance he may still die. I am so sorry I didn’t say anything sooner. I was just too much of a coward to face either of you.

I’ve also hurt Ryouko, too. I lied to her and disobeyed her and tore a rift between her and her brother. I know that rift’s been mostly healed by now, but I can still see the distance between them and it cuts me every time. I don’t deserve to have someone as strong and loyal as Ryouko by my side. I hope when my time comes, I’m able to tell her just how much I appreciate her.

This last part is incredibly selfish of me, but I must ask you for a favor. About my last Guardian, Subaru. There’s not enough ink and paper in existence to write down all the awful things I’ve done to him so I’ll just go with the worst offense: I fell in love with him. Trust me, if you knew what I knew you’d understand what I mean. He has every right to hate me the way he does and all I’ve done is add fuel to that fire.

He too has a secret. One that I’ve sworn to protect and one that’s going to get him killed and he doesn’t care. I am so sorry to have to ask, but you need to understand I don’t have a choice. I love him too much not to try to save him. Out of everyone, he has the best chance of making it out alive. And if he does, I beg you, please find him and give him this message:

Don’t go after her.

Thank you for everything and I’m sorry,

Jewel

Chapter One – Reunion

This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening.

Maybe if I repeated those words enough times, they’d be true.

I cradled Angel’s head in my lap, staring down at my Mentor. The one person who’d been there for me when I needed someone by my side the most. The man who loved me and swore he would make me love him back. Only to have me destroy his dream when I finally, sobbingly confessed that I couldn’t love him any more than as a dear friend.

His red eyes—his beautiful red eyes—were barely open. Their color matched the thin trail of liquid slowly dripping down his smooth cheek. Matched the stain on his white shirt. Matched the puddle building beneath me, soaking through my pants.

Oh god, so much blood. Blood everywhere. Blood! Blood!

I was six years old again. Walking into the kitchen, hoping to sneak another peek at my birthday cake, and instead finding Mommy lying on the floor. She must have spilled some juice or something—she’s covered in red.

You’re lying!

The harsh, high-pitched voice of my Strong Hand snapped me back to the present. Ryouko’s face was pale, almost white, and yet her emerald-green eyes sparked brightly. She looked ready to take on the world even if her tiny, bony body didn’t look up to the challenge.

His Majesty is not dead! That’s… it’s impossible! It has to be a lie!

Angel paid her no mind. His eyes, half slit shut, were focused solely on me as if I were the only other person in the world. So many times I’d seen him stare at me like that. And like all those other times, it sent my heart racing a thousand miles an hour. Only this time, it was for a much different reason.

Jewel, he rasped, gripping my hand tightly in his trembling grasp. You have to stop her… it can only be you. You must… must not let her… let her have…

If I hadn’t been terrified before, hearing Angel call me by my name and not his cute nickname for me sent me tumbling over the edge of panic. Before I even felt them threaten, tears spilled down my cheeks in hot streams. A vice gripped my heart so painfully I could hardly breathe, let alone speak.

Finally, my senses came back and I remembered the most crucial thing: I have a Healer!

I raised my tear-stained face to my tall, silver-haired Guardian. Standing at his sister’s side as always, Ryuuko was watching everything with a strained expression. His hands, those hands that possessed the second-most powerful Healing abilities in their world, were clenched tightly at his sides.

Ryuuko, please! Heal him!

It felt like I was screaming those words at the top of my lungs. And yet the sound that came to my ears was barely above a whisper.

It didn’t matter. Ryuuko knew what I was asking, knew what I was begging him to do. For some reason I couldn’t comprehend, he was just standing there, unmoving. Why wasn’t he rushing over here and using those miraculous hands to save Angel? There wasn’t much time left before the sun went down and Ryuuko’s powers would be gone for the night. Why was he wasting time?

Trembling, I moved my eyes away from my Guardian and looked back down at the Moonchild. His eyes were closed, breathing rapid and shallow. Bubbles of blood were leaking out of the corner of his mouth.

He was so pale—like he was already…

Tearing my gaze away from Angel, I stared back at my twin Guardians. Please, help him! Don’t let him die! Save him! Please!

A shiver passed through both my Guardians and I understood what I’d just done. Unconsciously, I summoned my powers as a Starchild and sent my emotions—my powerful and out-of-control emotions—rocketing from me and into them. Now they were feeling the same pain and heartache I was experiencing.

Ryuuko took a step forward, but Ryouko stopped him, wrapping both hands around his arm to hold him in place.

We can’t! she snapped, her face twisted in regret. If we offer aid to a wanted criminal, we would be punished! Ryuuko could be imprisoned or even put to death!

My mouth fell open in horror. It wasn’t fair. I had to choose between saving Angel and risking Ryuuko or doing nothing and watching Angel die? Even if Ryouko was from another realm, she had to see the cruelty in what she was telling me. And if she really didn’t, I was damn sure gonna illustrate the point right now.

Before the words could leave my lips, a pale, cold hand touched the side of my face. Once again, my eyes found my Mentor’s. They were open now and his lips were curled into a smile. His trademark flippant smile that I hadn’t seen in months.

It’s alright, he whispered, brushing a tear away with his fingertips. I am so happy… to have been able to see you… this one last time… my Little…

Those crimson irises dulled, turned almost a reddish-gray color, and his hand slipped from my face. His chest fell and did not lift again.

Angel?

Nothing.

I shook him. "Angel! Angel, say something! Angel!"

Silence.

A stillness that stole my breath and wrapped icy tentacles around my heart.

No. No, no, no… not Angel… First Amy and now this… And if Jayden, my father, really was gone, then there was no one I could turn to to bring him back.

Angel was gone. Forever.

I fell against his chest, gripping his bloody shirt in my hands, and sobbed. It was all my fault. All he had ever done was be a great friend to me. Love me. Why couldn’t I have been able to love him back? If I had, he would still be here. Teasing me. Appearing out of thin air and startling me on purpose while pretending it had been an accident.

Calling me his Little Star.

Heal him.

For a moment, I thought the command had come from me. But, no, I didn’t say it.

Slowly, I raised my face up to look at my third Guardian. His eyes, not his true eyes which were hidden behind colored contacts, were staring down at Angel’s body. His mask, that carefully constructed mask that hid everything he was really thinking or feeling, was cracking at the edges.

Subaru? Ryouko stared at him, uncomprehending.

You have to Heal him, now! he urged, tearing his gaze away from his former Mentor and brother.

I already said—

If what he’s saying about the King is true then he has valuable information that we can’t afford to lose. Including the identity of the killer.

This made Ryouko falter a little. Her tiny hand rose up to her mouth so that her teeth could chew her thumbnail—a nervous habit shared with her brother.

Hope swelled in my chest. She was divided. She may have hated Subaru’s guts—a fact she had no problem expressing—but she still valued his opinion. In addition to his being chosen to pretend to be my boyfriend to keep all other potential suitors away from my chastity or light as they call it, Subaru was also her back up Tactician. It was his job to offer strategic support.

But Angel was already gone; I could feel him steadily getting colder and colder beneath my touch. And Jayden was the only Healer in Azaiah with the power to bring back the dead. Wasn’t he?

While Ryouko was still undecided, Subaru took a step forward and leveled his gaze with Ryuuko, shutting out his Leader completely. Heal him. Please.

My breath caught in my throat. The only other time I’d ever heard Subaru utter the word please was when he was lying in bed suffering from life-threatening wounds after his battle with Austin, the most powerful assassin in Azaiah. When I tried to leave, he’d begged me to stay with him. At the time, he’d looked so pathetic and scared that I had no choice but to remain.

Now of course I knew better. Knew that that had all been a ruse so that Subaru could get close to me in the hopes that I would tell him the name of the woman who had ruined his life.

His mother.

Angel and I were the only ones who knew Subaru’s secret: that he was a Starchild, like me. However, unlike me, who was protected because of what I am, if anyone else found out his secret, Subaru would be executed like all the other Starchildren who’d been born from a taboo union between a Moonchild and a Sunchild.

We ca—

Whatever Ryouko was about to say didn’t matter. Ryuuko made his choice.

My Healer rushed to my side and yanked Angel off my lap. He first checked the pulse in the older man’s neck then bent down and laid his ear against Angel’s bloody chest.

When he came back up, his expression was grim.

Can you do it? I asked.

Ryuuko’s hands twitched to answer, but he didn’t bother to let them spell out his words. He knew I didn’t understand sign language and there was no time for him to get his phone to text out a message to me.

From the look on his face, I probably didn’t want to hear what he would have had to say.

Sucking in a deep breath, I grabbed Ryuuko’s hands and set them on Angel’s motionless chest. I kept mine on top and waited for Ryuuko to give me the go ahead.

In addition to my powers over emotion, I could also channel a Healer’s powers as well. This was probably due to the fact that my birth father was also a Healer. Since my mother was a Dreamwalker, I inherited the ability to walk through dreams myself though that I’d really only done on accident.

My Healer closed his eyes. Beneath his lids, brilliant neon-green light pulsed brightly. Beneath my hands, more green light shown and I could feel the cooling sensation of his power. It flowed deep into my Mentor.

Closing my own eyes, I concentrated with all my might on helping that power flow freely. In my mind’s eye, I saw this near-perfect image of my fading friend that was like nothing I’d ever seen. It was almost like seeing an x-ray with these shining blue lights showing me every single wound that was trying to take him away from me.

God, there were so many.

Another light appeared and I knew it was Ryuuko’s light. Each of the small lights it touched faded away in practically no time at all. However, when it came to the largest, brightest blue light in Angel’s chest, so close to his beatless heart, it struggled.

Ryuuko’s hands twitched as he sent more power. But it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t able to dim the bright blue light.

I knew why. The sun was setting soon. The closer the sun came to disappearing over the horizon, the weaker Ryuuko’s powers would become until they vanished along with the yellow orb in the sky. Time was running out.

Biting back the bitter hopeless feeling threatening to steal my resolve, I tightened my grip and focused everything I had in helping him. Utilizing all the training techniques Angel had taught me.

Oh my god, my dad gasped somewhere far away. With everything going on, I hadn’t even noticed his arrival.

I ignored him, trying not the think about what he was seeing. Dad had never actually seen me do my stuff. He knew I had abilities, but this was his first time witnessing me in action. And based on the heat I felt building behind my closed lids, I knew exactly what had taken his breath away.

My eyes, glowing with golden fire.

I’d only seen my eyes like that once before and it freaked me out, so I could only imagine what’s going through his mind. Would he be frightened of me like I’d been when I saw Subaru’s eyes blaze for the first time?

No, I couldn’t think about this now! Angel was depending on me. The rest could wait. It had to wait.

To be honest, I was scared about using my powers on Ryuuko like this. Because of my stupid impulse to try and find Ryuuko’s lost voice, I’d done irreparable damage to his brain, resulting in him needing medication to keep from having seizures.

But not too long ago, I’d managed to help him Heal Subaru when he’d been hurt badly after saving me from a collapsing building. That told me I wasn’t only capable of doing harm.

Not all abilities are harbingers of death and pain. Some can bring beauty and life.

Tears burned in my eyes as I remembered those beautiful words Angel had spoken to me not long after we’d met.

I can’t lose him.

The instant those words appeared in my mind, I felt this incredible surge of fire swell deep inside my chest. My eyes grew hotter and hotter until I feared they would burn right through the skin of my eyelids. All the images disappeared from my sight. Now, all I could see was a brilliant golden light.

Without even really thinking much of it, I focused all of that blazing fire down my arms. At the exact same moment, I felt the hands beneath mine ignite in frozen flames. This chaotic cocktail of fire and ice shot into Angel and the world exploded from the force.

When the bedlam finally subsided, I slowly became aware of the sensation of arms wrapped around me. Lazily, I peeled back my eyelids and, after blinking quite a few times to clear my vision, I looked over my shoulder to see my dad, George Grey, knelt down on the rug, cradling me.

Dad? I whispered, confused.

Sweetheart, are you okay? he asked, breathlessly. He looked pale as a ghost.

Was I okay? I thought so and decided to just nod like I was. My fingers and toes were tingling like they were asleep, though.

I looked back across from me and saw Ryouko kneeling down beside her brother. He was panting and there were beads of sweat dripping down his forehead. He looked like he’d just run a marathon in the few seconds I was out.

Are you okay? I asked him, a cold panic settling in my chest. Oh god, please tell me I didn’t hurt him again.

He met my eyes and nodded, still fighting to catch his breath. A vein was bulging from his temple and I knew his head must have been killing him after using so much energy this close to sunset.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Subaru hovering around us. When I glanced over at him, though, I realized he wasn’t looking at me or Ryuuko. His eyes were focused on the motionless form lying between us.

Carefully, I extracted myself from my dad’s arms and crawled the few feet back over to where Angel lay. His shirt and skin were still heavily stained with blood, but the bleeding looked staunched and there seemed to be more color in his face. His eyes were closed and I couldn’t remember if they’d always been closed or not.

Then, right before my watery eyes, his chest moved.

Angel? I breathed, terrified of using any volume lest it shatter this moment.

A beat passed then Angel’s eyes slowly opened. There was a moment of confusion before they settled upon me.

I must not have been as much of a heathen as I feared, he began, reaching a steady hand to my face. If I am able to gaze upon your glorious face, Little Star, then surely I’ve found Peace.

I wanted to punch him and kiss him at the same time. Seriously—what kind of crazy psycho makes a joke at a time like this?

I settled for collapsing against his chest. I could hear his heart beating strong and sure. Angel sat up and wrapped his big arms around me.

You’re never allowed to do that again, I chastised him through thick sobs. If you do, I’ll never forgive you.

He laughed my favorite church-bell laugh. Well, I certainly would not wish to incur your wrath. He paused and I heard him swallow thickly. Unfortunately, our grand reunion shall have to wait.

I pulled back and stared at Angel in concern. But his gaze, still flippant as always, wasn’t focused on me, but behind me.

I do believe I am under arrest, he said.

I turned around.

My three Guardians circled us, looking menacing and more than a little pissed. In a Lucy, you’ve got some explaining to do sort of way.

Wisely, Angel pulled himself free from me and raised his hands up. He offered the three a smile. They did not smile back.

This was probably not gonna be good.

Chapter Two – Deep, Deep Trouble

Three identically cheesed-off expressions glowered down at me. Dad, Ryouko, and Ryuuko all surrounded my chair, making me feel like a suspect in a cop drama. Although now I could totally see why they always cracked under the pressure within forty-eight minutes.

Ryuuko.

At his sister’s command, my Healer touched the pulse of my throat with his fingers. Green light illuminated from his hand and I felt a sudden jolt of frozen electricity shoot from head to toe to head again. It lasted only a second or so and left me feeling even more dizzy than usual. It was a good thing I was sitting down.

Ryuuko met Ryouko’s gaze and gave a sharp shake of his head. She let out a breath through her nose in relief, but didn’t relax one bit.

Her light is intact, she told my dad.

His eyes rolled to the ceiling. Small favors, he intoned.

My face flamed. "Oh my god, did you just OBGYN me?"

Oh no, you don’t get to be indignant with us, young lady, Dad shot at me. All it took were those two words to rob me of all my anger and make me feel like a little kid again. Not when you’ve been sneaking a boy into the house in the middle of the night behind our backs.

From his place on the kitchen floor, hands bound behind his back with handcuffs (do not even want to know where Ryouko got those) Angel spoke up. I’m not sure ‘boy’ is the most accurate—

Oh, silence is your smartest move right now, buster, Dad interrupted in a dangerous tone.

Well, now I see where Jewel gets her unique vocabulary.

My dad took a step toward Angel.

Okay, okay, hold on a sec! I hopped out of my chair and got between them, facing Dad. "Can we all just… not right now, okay? It wasn’t like that. If you’ll just let me explain—"

Explain what, Jewel? Ryouko demanded. Another secret you’ve been hiding?

That hurt. Especially since it hadn’t been that long ago when Ryouko had forgiven me for keeping her brother’s illness a secret and I’d promise not to lie to her ever again.

Should we expect any more boys to just randomly appear out of nowhere? Dad asked, haughtily.

I rolled my eyes. Of course not.

Uh, hey, I knocked, but nobody answered and I, uh—

Jeremiah Parker, my tentative friend who I’d completely forgotten was coming over, poked his head in through the kitchen door.

Thanks, universe.

Dad and the Twins all raised their eyebrows at me.

"Uh-uh, don’t give me that look—you knew he was coming over."

Sensing the way-obvious tension in the room, Jeremiah stayed by the door and said, Um, you know, Jewel, if you’re busy, I can go. ‘Cause I kinda wanna go now. Like super bad.

No, no—it’s fine, I said, trying and utterly failing to sound reassuring. Could you, um, just wait in the living room for a few minutes?

He started nodding several beats before he actually answered. Yeah. No. Sure. Quick question, though: why is there a guy covered in blood tied up on your kitchen floor?

It’s nice to finally meet you, Jeremiah, Angel greeted pleasantly. Jewel has told me so much about you. You’ll forgive me for not standing.

Sup, was all Jeremiah could say as his wide eyes begged me for a rescue.

Trust me, Jeremiah, he’s fine. Everything is… Yeah, there was no way I was gonna sell that so I just moved on. I know how it looks, but Angel is fine.

Recognition dawned on Jeremiah. Oh, that’s your boyfriend, Angel?

Oh crap.

Excuse me? Ryouko growled, face turning white with anger.

He’s not my boyfriend!

Shouting that to the heavens is a bit hurtful, Angel muttered.

Oh my god! I snapped at him, exasperated. Finally taking the hint, he gave me a semi-apologetic look and made a specific gesture of pressing his lips together.

I faced my Guardians—both legal and royal. Look, back in December when my idiot friends forced me and Subaru to go to that party in San Francisco, something happened, okay? I… I lost control of my powers and ended up bewitching the crowd.

Bewitched how exactly? Ryouko asked. She still had her tough-as-nails game face on, but there was genuine concern in her voice.

For the first time since we took this show to the kitchen, I glanced across at Subaru, standing silently in the corner. He hadn’t spoken since convincing the Twins to save Angel’s life.

Now he met my gaze with an annoyed expression. That insanely sharp mind was already working out what I was about to say and, like with practically everything else I did, it pissed him off.

I tried giving him my best I’m sorry for doing this, but I kinda have to face, but he could not care less.

Without a word, Subaru stomped across the room and out the door. Poor Jeremiah scrambled awkwardly out of his way before giving me his own my bad apologetic look and abandoning me.

Taking a deep breath to brace myself, I finished my confession, Okay, so, I can’t one hundred percent explain what happened, but I accidentally made some—if not all—the folks at the party… want me. Or, at the very least, want to… kiss me.

My Tactician’s eyes widened as she put two and two together and got the message.

"Subaru!"

"Wait, please—it wasn’t his fault! Believe me, he never would’ve done that on purpose and would never again. That was pretty much the defining moment of him not liking me ever."

Ryouko’s mouth opened to argue, but a quick nudge from her brother changed her mind. Continue.

"After… that happened, I freaked out and I didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. Then, one night, Angel showed up—"

You mean broke into the house, Dad clarified, seething.

Cutting Angel off before he even had a chance to say anything, I said, Yes, okay, bad, but I trusted him. See, he came to see me a few days after the Winter Formal—

Where he tried to abduct you, Ryouko pointed out.

I winced. "Again, bad. Anyway, he gave me this wonderful picture of my mom when she was my age. And he said some really encouraging stuff that really made me feel better. That’s why when he offered to be my Mentor after I told him how scared I was, I said ‘yes’.

And, yeah, one thing led to another and we started dating. But as you disturbingly saw— I eyed Ryuuko. "—nothing happened.

"A few months ago, we… I broke up with him. That was the last time I heard from him. That’s it. That’s the whole story. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you."

Why didn’t you tell us you were having issues controlling your abilities? Ryouko asked.

I…I didn’t know you guys and, to be perfectly honest, you were really scary back then, Ryouko. I thought if I said anything, you’d ship me off to some crazy super-power nut farm.

So you decided to put your trust in a terrorist instead?

I know how he comes off, but Angel’s not a bad guy.

’Not a bad guy’? Ryouko shot back, appalled. Jewel, do you have any idea what he and his group have done back in Azaiah?

Not all of that was him, I insisted. Some of that was done by zealots saying they were a part of Obsidian Legacy, but weren’t. Like those jerks from the Culture Fair that shot me.

Not helping your case, Jewel, Dad piped up, rubbing the bridge of his nose like he was trying to squeeze out a migraine.

Oh, okay, you remember that one time at school when you guys got cursed into killing each other? I asked my Guardians. Angel was the one who told me how to help you. And he’s also the one who saved me from those Sunchild creeps that night I was attacked.

The Twins’ expressions both turned pained for a moment. They still took it personally that my light had nearly been taken from me on their watch even though it was my fault for being in that situation in the first place.

Be that as it may, Jewel, Ryouko began after she recovered. A handful of good deeds does not simply make all the harm he has caused disappear. His terrorist group has instigated riots, burned crops of food, delayed supply shipments. They even detonated a hospital in the Shadow Region only a few years ago.

I told you—those were the extremists acting on their own. Angel would never do any of those things.

Actually, I did do that last one, Angel admitted, guiltily.

I whirled around to face my Mentor, horrified. "You blew up a hospital?"

We evacuated it first.

Angel!

It’s not what you think. That place was no hospital. Moonchildren were sent there not to get well, but to die beyond the public eye. It wasn’t even fit for animals. And that’s not including the inhumane experiments being conducted there as well.

Unsubstantiated rumors, Ryouko scoffed, crossing her arms indignantly.

My Mentor’s expression darkened. Believe me, Miss Strong Hand, I can personally attest to the validity of those ‘rumors’.

Ryuuko put a hand on his sister’s shoulder to get her attention. He made one sign—a sweeping motion diagonally across his body—that I didn’t recognize.

With a heavy sigh, Ryouko nodded. You’re right. None of this really matters. First, we need to determine if what he said about His Majesty is true.

She turned to me then, face hard. I need to know if there is anything else you’re hiding from us.

Guilt squeezed my stomach into a painful knot. She was so not going to like my answer.

Yes, I admitted. Please don’t ask what it is because it’s something I absolutely cannot tell anyone. I’m sorry. But I can promise that it has nothing to do with any other nocturnal visitors.

To my complete and total shock, Ryouko let it go. Alright, I will trust you. However, you and I are going to have a conversation about this— She threw a hand toward Angel. —later. Understood?

I will be sure to pencil you in right after my conversation with him. I pointed at Dad.

Wise response, young lady.

I eventually learn.

Could someone please check on Jeremiah? Ryouko asked. I would rather he didn’t leave just yet.

Dad volunteered, which I was kinda glad about. It probably should’ve been me, but I worried over leaving Angel alone. Besides, maybe a few minutes away from the situation might calm him down. At least a little.

At his exit, Subaru came back in, taking his place once more in the far corner. Ryouko glowered at him, but kept whatever angry thoughts she had to herself.

I kept my gaze to the floor. Not that I thought Ryouko could magically figure out I was hiding Subaru’s identity from my expression. Then again, I have seen Subaru do crazy things with very little info. Better safe than sorry.

Alright. Ryouko stepped up to Angel. Tell us everything you know about His Highness.

Angel’s eyes raked over me for a second before he offered my Guardians a lazy smile. Must the Princess be present for this? I’m sure you would much prefer interrogating me without her making a fuss.

I stared at him, shocked and hurt. Since when was I the Princess?

Ryouko glared at my Mentor for a long moment before she turned to me. Jewel, can you please wait outside?

Seriously?

If what he’s saying is true, then time is of the essence and I can’t waste it on playing whatever ridiculous game he’s intending. Please just do what I ask.

Part of me really wanted to argue my way into staying, but she spoke so earnestly that it felt wrong to try. Particularly since I was very much in the doghouse already. Stepping on her toes while she was trying to do her job probably wasn’t the best of ideas.

Throwing Angel one more bewildered look—he flashed me an apologetic smile in response—I left the kitchen. Leaving him in the care of my Guardians and hoping it was the right thing to do.

The living room was empty and reeked of Lysol and other lemony-scented chemicals. Some furniture had been moved and the rug was missing.

Sitting atop the table was a small pile of clothes folded up next to a plastic grocery bag.

I looked down at myself, realizing for the first time just how covered in blood I was. From stomach to thighs my borrowed shirt and comfy sweats were stained beyond any hope for repair. Hence the bag.

Gathering everything up, I popped into the downstairs bathroom and carefully peeled the fabric off my body. Balling up the shirt and pants, I stuffed them into the plastic bag, tying it closed to seal them inside. Luckily the blood hadn’t seeped through to my underwear since I only just now realized there weren’t any spares here and I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of going commando with everyone here.

Pulling on the simple white tee and blue jeans, I caught my reflection in the mirror. I looked really pale and kinda shell-shocked. Which sorta fit, I guess, given the last few minutes.

Jayden was dead. Unlike Ryouko, I had no reason not to believe Angel. My birth father, the King of Azaiah, was gone now.

I didn’t know how to feel. For some reason, it felt just as wrong to be sad as to not be. Even though it was his fault my life was in constant danger from crazy bite-size assassins and bewitched folks cruelly tricked into attacking me, I didn’t blame Jayden for all that. At least, not anymore. I buried that hatred of him a long time ago.

Still, I couldn’t keep the selfish thought from creeping into my head as I used a wad of wet toilet paper to dab away some blood from my chin: what’s going to happen to me now?

Leaving the bag in the bathroom, I rinsed off my hands and came out into the living room again.

Jeremiah stood by the stairs, thumbing his phone. He looked up when he saw the door open.

Uh, hey. He aimed a thumb behind him. "Your dad’s in the garage—I helped him carry the rug so he can try to clean it. Guy’s got a lot of Tide Sticks. Danny Tanner would be proud."

I smiled at that. I’m glad you’re still here. Figured you’d be halfway to Mexico by now.

Not gonna lie, that’s still a strong Plan B.

Even though he was joking, it was hard not to see his hands shaking or how pale his face was. Almost more than mine.

I’m sorry about all this. You were already way freaked about everything before and now… I flicked a wrist at the kitchen. But… are you okay?

He sighed loudly, running his free hand through his hair. "Me? What about you? Are you okay? I mean…" He didn’t know how else to end the sentence so he just shrugged.

I matched his shrug. Fun time with shock. I’ll have to get back to you on that.

We stood there in awkward silence. Neither of us knowing what we should say to make the other feel better.

Oh, um, sorry for outing you back there. I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.

No worries, I assured him. I was already pretty doomed long before you showed up. Drop in the bucket—believe me.

He nodded and more silence built between us. Just as awkward. I gestured for him to have a seat as I dropped down onto the couch. He moved to the chair, but changed his mind and joined me on the other end of the sofa.

Listen, Jewel—I never apologized for what I said to you the last time I was here. That was epically uncool of me.

I waved his apology away even while secretly thrilled to hear it. Don’t even—it was a lot to take in. Anybody would’ve reacted like that. I mean, I’d been lying to you—to everyone—for months about pretty much everything. If anybody should be apologizing, it should be me.

"It’s not like you didn’t have a good excuse. You were in a total V for Vendetta thing. I get that.

The truth is I was just majorly freaked and embarrassed because of… you know. What I told you.

My face filled in at the memory. Perfect Jeremiah Parker, the most popular and dreamy guy in school and my own once-upon-a-time crush, confessed he had a thing for me. Me! The weird girl with weird emerald eyes and weird pink and black hair. Year-Ago-Me would’ve back-flipped hearing that. Unfortunately, Now-Me had already moved on.

So, what happens now?

In the bathroom asking myself, I had no answer to that question. Here, sitting on the couch while someone else asked me the same thing, I barely hesitated.

I’m going to Azaiah.

His brow furrowed tightly and his shoulders tensed.