“Okay,” I draw out the word, putting my satchel over my shoulder. “I suppose there is one thing he can help me with.”
* * *
An hour later,the roar of Jasper’s motorcycle is all I can hear. Every other noise has become nothing but buzzing as the electric sound of this death machine rings in my ears. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent most of my life on the water, but every single time the motorcycle dips around a corner, I see my life flash before my eyes.
As we take an especially sharp turn, my hands tighten around the Vampire’s middle.
When he had shown me his bike earlier and motioned for me to get on the back, I had almost backed out of the whole thing.
Reluctantly, I accepted the helmet he offered me before holding on tight as he took us out onto the busy streets. Now, the burly Vampire is expertly weaving through the late-afternoon traffic. My grip hasn’t loosened since we got on the road, and I’m just holding on for dear life.
Thank the gods Calista’s medicine seemed to have miraculous properties because my shoulder isn’t hurting anymore. On the flip side, my stomach is moments away from losing all the food I ate earlier.
I don’t think anyone is following us, but Jasper isn’t taking any chances. He is zipping around the slow-moving cars and trucks as we travel through Lethe.
My teeth feel like they’re seconds away from falling out, and if it wasn’t for my impending death, I might feel more concerned about the state of my previously fantastic dental hygiene. As it is, I’m praying to all the gods that we make it to our destination in one piece.
There’s no blood left in my face, but at least it isn't painting the road.
The curses of our fellow motorists are drowned out by the sound of the engine. The roads through the Gates of Hell are not uniform. They keep alternating between more modern pavement and ancient cobblestone roads.
The motorcycle is fast, which I appreciate. Jasper clearly recognizes a man short on time when he sees one. I don’t know how much Zephyr understood of my situation, but it’s clear by the way the Vampire is driving that he knows that time is of the essence.
The King’s Tower is visible as we drive through the city, which is both modern and ancient. The giant structure looms over us as we race through the streets, casting its long shadow over the city. It stands sentinel as we veer towards our destination.
I look up, watching as Angels and Daemons alike soar through the skies. Everything in Lethe is so... normal. So regular. People are going about their days as though nothing is amiss.
The sounds of the city are overwhelming after spending so much time on the water, and a part of me wants to just shut it all out. For a moment, I give in to the numbness pushing at the back of my mind. I let everything filter through me, like water through a sieve.
I give myself five minutes. Five minutes to be numb. To give into the emotions rushing through me. To let the intense regret that I’ve been feeling push its way forth. Five minutes to remember that for a few short weeks, I felt like things could have been different for me. For the first time in my life, I had thought that maybe, just maybe, I was redeemable. That I wasn’t doomed. That there was more to life than just pirating.
Scrubbing a hand over my face, I close my eyes. Instantly, I see Helena in my mind’s eye. I wince as she glares at me, her bright pink eyes sparking with anger as she taunts me. I give myself five minutes to feel.
Then I lock up those emotions and throw away the key. Damn Helena. Before her, I hadn't known I was missing anything.
Now, it's as though a hole exists within me, and it has her name written all over it. If I can warn her uncle before she's killed, then I will have done what I can to repent.
* * *
When Jasper pulls to a stop,he removes his helmet and raises a brow. He doesn't even turn off the motorcycle as he waits for me to dismount.
After handing him my helmet, I dip my head. He returns the gesture before sliding the bulbous thing onto the side of the bike. I turn around with one hand on my bag and the other hanging at my side.
My eyes widen as I look past the bustling sidewalk at the ancient building before me. Long, tall steps lead into the structure, and marble pillars support the front.
I step forward, intent on my destination when someone shoves me to the side. My hand tightens on my satchel as I stumble backward. Reaching a hand, I steady myself on a lamppost as I glare at the male before me.
"Watch it, human."
The speaker, a Warlock with glowing eyes and long violet hair, stalks past me. He says something to his companion, a green-haired Witch, who cackles in response.
My blood boils, and I clench my fists at my side. I make a rude gesture that Helena would be proud of, cursing the Warlock under my breath as I ascend the steps. My feet pound as I take them two at a time, leaping towards the top.
"What's the big rush?" a female asks. I hurry past her, not even stopping to look at her.
The cold metal of my weapon presses into the small of my back when I lean against a marble column, staring out into the city of Lethe. It is a comfort in the intense heat. From here, I can barely make out the vivid blue of the sea. The water calls to me, but I don’t heed it. Instead, I focus on remembering what I came here to do. My chest tightens as faces flash through my mind. Clenching my free hand at my side, I shake my head and push off the column before opening the glass door.
"Welcome to The Consortium," a Pixie flutters by my ear, her voice annoyingly high-pitched. I clench my jaw as I step inside. Instantly, a frigid air washes over me as I enter the ancient building. "How can I help you, sir?"