Chapter 20
Cal shoved Nereus into Zephyr’s arms. Flames surged into his palms. He had to give Nix credit. She hadn’t ripped Portia’s head off. Yet.
Nereus hacked up sand and spit a gob onto the ground. “Nix can’t fight Portia without a Mantle.”
“No shit,” Zephyr said, grunting under Nereus’ weight. “How about you help her out?”
Cal already knew the answer and responded bitterly, “Nereus won’t help. It’s against the rules. Remember?” He was so tired of the bullshit. No way in hell was he going to stand by and watch the woman he loved torn into pieces. “You sit this out too, Zephyr. You’ve already intervened enough.”
Zephyr frowned. “At least let me try and get Jason and Devlin. They’re unconscious.”
“Whatever, dude. It’s your call,” Cal said, watching Portia and Nix trade verbal blows. The sacred skin was still firmly in Portia’s grasp.
Cal moved closer. Almost there—
“Back off, Calder!” Portia brandished the seal. “This is between me and Nix. It’s about time she accepted that there’s nothing that she has that I cannot possess.” Portia kicked Jason in the abdomen hard enough that Cal felt it. Jason groaned but stayed down.
Cal winced when Portia socked Devlin in the nuts. “What do you want, Portia? You already have the sacred seal. Shouldn’t you be destroying it? I wouldn’t keep Typhon waiting if I were you.”
The ground rocked under Cal’s feet. Tendrils of power snaked across the ground. The sensation as it slid across his skin was sickening. As if all the evil, all the hatred, and all the menace in the world was concentrated in one spot.
Portia closed her eyes and moaned, ecstasy on her face. “Feel his power. It’s better than any male can offer.” Her eyes reopened, irises black as night. When she spoke, her voice was infected with Typhon’s presence. “Join me, sister. Leave that one behind. He has no soul. There is no future for you.”
Nix’s back straightened. To Cal’s horror, she reached for Portia, her voice dreamy. “Yes, Portia. I feel Typhon. He’s wonderful.” Nix closed the distance, her hand outstretched.
“Nix! No!” Cal rushed forward. He slammed into a solid barrier and bounced back. Another orb formed, trapping Nix inside with Portia. “Zephyr! Use the Keystone!”
“He can’t. It’s already been spent,” Nereus said, standing on his own. “The die has been cast. The fight is Nix’s alone.”
“You said it yourself. She can’t possibly defeat Portia without a Mantle.” Cal pounded on the barrier. Flames failed to breach it. He didn’t have the power to shatter the spell.
Nix and Portia were entwined in a hug. Portia stroked Nix’s hair and turned their bodies so Cal could see her hands.
As Portia turned, she arched Nix’s head, baring Nix’s throat. Portia tenderly kissed the hollow of Nix’s neck. Portia’s left hand came around. A gold knife glinted. The blade of a God Killer.
The dagger flashed, headed straight for Nix’s outstretched throat.
“No!” Cal screamed.
Nix could hear Cal’s scream, but she stayed perfectly still. Her sister had to believe that she had bested her. It was the only way to get close enough to take the seal.
Can I move now?
Ban pleaded. He wasn’t too thrilled with Nix’s plan either.
Not yet.
In order to hold Nix, Portia had tucked the seal into her Mantle. Normally, the only one who could retrieve an item from a Destroyer’s Mantle was the wearer of the armor. Portia had no idea that Ban could breach her defenses. Or that the alien could override Portia’s control of the suit.
“It was so easy to take Cal’s soul. He let me get close to him. He wanted me. I could tell,” Portia whispered into Nix’s hair, while tilting Nix’s head back. “When this is over, Typhon has promised to let me have him as a pet. Don’t you feel the great master’s power?”
Oh, yes. Nix could feel it all the way, deep into her bones. The magic was wild, untamed. It spoke to her of what she desired most—freedom. So seductive, so easy to give in and give up. But easy had never been Nix’s way. For her entire existence, the easy way had been offered. By her parents—all the money and comfort she could want. By the Delian League—guilt free killing, no remorse necessary. No pain need be felt. And now Typhon’s offer—freedom at the cost of humanity’s liberty.
No thanks.
When Nix felt the muscles in Portia’s right arm arch back, she alerted Ban.
Get ready.
Cal started yelling and battering the shield.
She’s got a knife. A bad one!
Portia’s arm headed toward her throat—
Now!
And struck. Hard. Against the Destroyer’s Mantle. The look of shock on Portia’s face was priceless.
“Witch!” Portia shrieked before her Mantle covered her face, changing her voice to the unisex tone of all Destroyers.
“Like I haven’t heard that one before.” Nix punched Portia in the face. Granted, it didn’t inflict any real damage, but it felt so good seeing Portia’s head bounce back. Nix’s fist flew again. Another thud. Portia landed on her ass.
“You’ve never been able to beat me, Nix.” Portia popped upright and waved her hand. The bubble’s spell broke. In a flash, Portia moved backward.
Nix closed the distance. “You’ve never fought me. Sneaking around thieving behind my back doesn’t count.” Nix lunged, aiming for Portia’s legs. She hit the ground instead.
“Winning is winning. Something you never did figure out.” Portia flashed away, a silver blur. She headed for Jason.
Nix intercepted her and stood over Jason’s body. Portia laughed instead.
“Nix, I’m going to beat you right now.” The God Killer was in Portia’s right hand. The seal in her left. The dagger plunged into the seal. The ink glowed red hot, then disappeared.
The sky darkened instantly. The ground splintered. Deep fault lines raced away in every direction. Winds whipped and howled, all while Portia laughed. She dropped her face piece. The maniacal glint in her eyes was unnerving.
“I win. I win.” Portia danced with glee. Nix raced forward and smashed Portia’s nose, bursting blood all over her white skin. Portia didn’t care. “He’s coming. None of you can stop it.”
Nix’s heart sank. She’d failed. Typhon was free.
Nix looked around. Cal and Zephyr both stood stoically. Nereus’ lips were upturned in a sly smile. Hardly the reaction Nix would have expected. The battle for humanity was lost.
Something wasn’t quite right.
The wind still wailed and the ground rumbled, but the vibe was . . . angry.
Typhon was still trapped. Portia continued to dance in circles, arms held up high, wailing to her master.
“Hey, Portia! Where’s your boss? Shouldn’t he be here by now?” Nix asked, voice neutral.
“What do you mean?” Realization hit her sister like a rock. Portia’s mouth formed an O, before dissolving into an angry pout. “It didn’t work. You tricked me.”
“Did I?” Nix glanced over at Cal and Zephyr again. She had no idea why the seal had failed to release Typhon. The seal was destroyed. Unless the seal was a fake?
Portia tackled her mid-waist, driving them into the sand, then pinned her by the shoulders with her knees. A steady stream of blows rained onto Nix’s head, but thankfully the slick skin of the Destroyer’s Mantle protected her.
Why is she bothering with such a futile attack? She cannot hurt you in the Mantle.
Ban sounded almost bored.
She hates me. Always has.
Nix arched her back and twisted her legs around. Portia was knocked sideways onto the desert.
For the record, the feeling is mutual.
Nix lurched upright and faced Portia.
“How did you do it, Nix? That seal was real!” Portia’s unisex voice still managed to sound shrill. Portia manifested a staff. A jagged crystal studded the top. The black matte metal was unfamiliar. Dark as night, it didn’t even cast a reflection.
Uh oh. Not good.
Ban took control of the Mantle and backed Nix up.
What is that?
Nix could sense its dark energy.
The one thing that can hurt me. Crystal death. Strong enough to pierce my skin.
Fear tinged Ban’s voice.
It’s from my world. Someone has fashioned a weapon out of it.
That’s just great
. Nix furiously tried to think of a way out of the situation. Portia hefted the staff, ready to throw it like a spear. On the way backward, they passed the men. Nereus looked angry as he argued with Cal and Zephyr. Both were tensed for action, ready to intervene, but were stayed by Nereus’ hand.
Portia dropped her Mantle’s faceplate again. A death’s head smile was plastered on her face. “Last chance to tell me how you tricked me. This staff will pierce a Destroyer’s Mantle. It’s like a heat seeking missile. Once I throw it, it will chase you down until you’re dead. I bet Father never mentioned it. Did you, Daddy?”
“Portia. It’s not too late for you to stop. If you kill your sister, I will have to destroy you.” Nereus stated the fact, plain and simple. He held out his palm. “Give me the staff.”
“Screw you!” Portia drew back and aimed at Nix.
“Wait!” Cal stepped forward, arms raised. “Nix doesn’t know. I’m the one who tricked you.”
Cal had to protect Nix. Besides, she really didn’t know why the seal didn’t work. He did. Nix was pissed. He could tell, even with the Destroyer’s garb, by the tilt of her head and the fists on her hips.
Portia lowered the staff and strutted toward him. Zephyr and Nereus flanked him, each moving into a defensive crouch as Portia neared.
Their posture seemed to amuse her. She laughed gaily, like they were out having a picnic together. Still a Nymph, through and through; levity at the wrong moment.
“Portia. Let me help you,” Nereus pleaded. “I can take these memories away from you. You can go back to your old life.”
Portia shook her head, eyes misty. “No, Father. That doesn’t work for me anymore.”
“We can try again.”
“No!” Her face flushed with anger. “You aren’t locking me up ever again.” Portia fixed her gaze onto Cal, then smirked. “Such a hero you are. Just like your partner, Talus.”
Cal wanted her to stop talking. The memory of that awful day flooded his mind. “It was you. You killed him.”
“I sure did. I would have eaten his heart, too, but that would have meant I’d have to drop the armor, and I didn’t want you to know my identity.” Portia planted the staff deep into the sand. The armor melted off her hands and chest. She displayed a vial filled with silver liquid. “See this? It’s my keepsake. Talus’ blood, squeezed from his heart. I like to remind myself of that day.”
Cal’s entire body heated. Steam rose off his clothing as he fought to control his emotions. He knew Nix wanted a piece of Portia, but he couldn’t promise he wouldn’t tear her limb from limb on the spot. She had caused so much grief. To him. To Nix. “We’re not here to talk about Talus.” He couldn’t kill her. Not yet. He needed to know if she had his soul either hidden away or on another string around her neck.
Portia reformed her armor, again leaving her face visible. She placed her hand back on the staff. “Tell me where the real seal is.”
“Okay. But I want to know where my soul is,” Cal said.
“I don’t have it.” Portia pouted. “It disappeared as soon as I knifed you in the heart.”
“Cal! Don’t tell her anything!” Nix shouted. “Come back and fight me, you stupid whore.”
Portia laughed. “Wait your turn, little sister. Now, Cal. Stop stalling.”
Cal dropped his backpack, shrugged off his holsters, and pulled his T-shirt up to his neck. He fished a portable black light out of his pocket and flashed it over his abdomen. An intricate tattoo glowed under the special light.
“You cheater!” Portia seethed. “You put the seal on your own body.”
“Yup.” Cal waited. It took Portia seconds to try and kill him.
If Nix could have hugged and kicked Cal in the balls at the same time she would have. Ingenious, really. That must have been Cal and Zephyr’s mysterious errand. And the reason why Cal smelled like antiseptic. He’d used the black-light ink—brilliant, ensuring it wouldn’t be visible to the naked eye.
She’s going to kill him
, Ban observed.
Not if I can help it.
Nix raced ahead.
Can you speak to her alien?
Of course. How else do you think we all stay in touch?
In the twenty seconds it took to reach Portia, Nix had outlined her plan.
“Nice try, Nix. Hands on your head,” Portia said, aiming the staff at Nix’s chest. “I knew you would come to rescue your man. On your knees.”
“It’s time to end this, Portia.” Nix complied, placing her hands on her head, then kneeling down.
“Hey. This isn’t the deal we had, Portia,” Cal said, moving toward Portia.
“Back up. Now.” Portia touched the crystal against Nix’s suit. The armor retreated in the spot where it landed. Ban’s fear drummed into Nix’s skull.
“One push and this will go through her heart.” Portia smiled at Nix. “I never did like you. I only stole Nate to hurt you.”
“I didn’t love him.” Nix smiled back. “You two deserved each other.”
Portia’s eyes darted between Nix and Cal. “Of course. But then, how would you feel if I killed Cal? For real this time.”
Metal razors jetted out of Portia’s armor. Cal’s abdomen bloomed red as blood spurt into the sand. “Oh, I know this won’t kill him. But this will.” Portia swung the staff around, aimed straight for Cal’s heart.
“Now!” Nix shouted. Ban issued a command. Portia’s Mantle slid off her like magician yanking a tablecloth out from underneath fine china.
Portia stopped mid-thrust. “What have you done?” She surged forward, but Cal had rolled out of the way.
“Give up, Portia.” Nix scooped up her sister’s Mantle and tossed it to Nereus. “Last chance.”
“I can still kill you!” Portia drew her arm back. Her lips formed the words to command the spear.
She never finished the sentence. Portia’s Mantle rocketed out of Nereus’ hands and molded over her face. Silver tentacles rammed down Portia’s throat, strangling her speech. Sharp tendrils pierced her eyes, penetrated her ears, and wrapped around her neck. They snaked over the hand that held the staff. Without mercy or hesitation, the Mantle forced Portia to impale herself with the crystal.
Nix watched with horrified fascination. It all happened so fast. The crystal pierced Portia’s heart. Then her sister was gone. The Mantle fluttered to the ground.
I don’t understand, Ban.
Nix gingerly touched the fallen Mantle with her fingertips.
She is my mate,
Ban said.
She would not allow Portia to destroy me.
But why now? I thought you were slaves to Nereus.
Nix stood up and faced her father. His eyes were fixed far on the horizon. A single tear leaked from the corner of his right eye.
It seems he has granted our freedom,
Ban replied. He snaked a portion of his silver skin around the Mantle in Nix’s hand.
It’s good to see you, my love,
he said tenderly.
Nix disrobed her Mantle. She felt like a third wheel. She packed the two cloaks in her backpack, allowing them a private reunion.
Cal raced up behind her and pulled her into a long, deep kiss. After, he held her at arm’s length, checking her for injuries. “Thank the Gods. You’re okay.”
“Me? What about you?” Nix yanked up his T-shirt. The metal shards were already gone.
“Nereus took care of me.” Cal tilted his head to where her father had been standing. The spot was empty. “Funny. He was just there.”
Typical. Nereus took off the first chance he got. He still had a lot of explaining to do. Nix would corner him, one way or the other.