The End was the Beginning. Adapt and conquer, or die.
Sixteen-year-old Andrea Collins survives by the skin of her teeth: always on the move, and trusting no one. Until the one day, the truth hits her - and he has wings.
Taking advatage of Creation'...
The alpha turns to glare at one of his pack members. "You lied to me," he scolds. "What have I said about showing yourselves to others?"
The smaller jackal shies away from him, his head lowered almost to the ground-eyes downcast.
The alpha looks back at Joe and nods. "I wish to apologize on behalf of my more aggressive pack members. Apparently, my orders were not followed. You may pass after you explain why you travel with the Chosen One," he says and turns to glare at me.
Joe's gaze flies to me. How does a were-jackal know about me? How did the vampire Edward know about me? So many questions whirl around my brain. I try willing Ember away, but she refuses to go.
You may need me yet. She whispers in my mind. I don't sense any more danger, but who am I to argue with an enchanted sword?
"She is the only one who can find the Tree of Life," Joe says, and my heart starts racing. I'd gotten comfortable with our quest, but I still wonder-why me? Who am I to be the one to find such an important thing?
The alpha nods, his face set in grim lines. "There are many who wish to own her, you should be more careful," he said. "We have no interest in owning this new world, we only want to exist in peace on our small piece of land. You may go now."
"What do you mean by 'owning this new world?'" The question flies out of my mouth.
"No," Joe says. "That is not your burden to bear, your only task is to find the tree, the rest is for others to worry about." He narrows his eyes; his gaze brooks no room for argument. It galls me that they keep secrets from me.
They fear you and what you can do. Ember says and her words make sense. I've had to demand every tiny detail of my so-called quest from them, they've been unyielding in just being upfront with me. I know I'm only a teenager, but if the fate of the world rests on my shoulders, then in my opinion, I should know what the heck is going on and what my part is.
"I'm getting tired of all these secrets," I say and Ember flares. Sooner of later, you better tell me what the hell is going on."
Joe nods curtly but Aeriel steps forward, her face pinched in anger. "How dare you," she hisses. "You've been chosen for THE most important quest mankind has ever faced and you dare question and demand? You are nothing but a puny human-"
"Enough," Joe steps forward and grabs Aeriel's arm. "You dare question the Maker? Humans are his most beloved and it is our destiny to protect them, to protect her. Is this job too much for you? Shall I send you home? Will you become yet another Fallen who refuses to follow orders?"
Aeriel's too perfect features pale and she looks like Edward sucked all the blood from her body. Whatever Joe's meaning, apparently his words held an unveiled threat. Whatever the case, they did the job. Aeriel nods and steps back behind Joe.
"My apologies," she says. "It is not my place to question the Creator. I shall do my duty."
"Will Ember away," Daniel whispers and I jump, having forgotten he was there. Crazy since he's usually all I can think about, and he's been at my back all this time.
"I can't. She won't go."
"Try harder, focus your intent and take control."
I narrow my eyes and focus on the shiny, silver blade, the beautiful golden hilt with that beautiful stone resting in it. Forever seems to go by and then it wavers under my gaze, but I feel Ember push back, still unwilling to go. What has gotten into her? There's no longer a threat here, there's no reason for me to wield her.
"Go," I demand and the blade wavers like the sight of a mirage on the horizon. Then, suddenly she's gone. I feel her anger and bitterness, but I tramp down her emotions and focus on controlling my own. Yes, I'm angry, but I refuse to allow her to add her own ire to mine.
"Are we all on the same page now?" The alpha asks.
"Yes," Joe answers for us all. "May we now pass through?"
"You may," the alpha says. "But please be swift, we ask for no more trouble."
"You will get no more from us," Joe promises. Then he turns to Aeriel, "Let's go."
The were-jackals part, allowing Joe and Aeriel to walk through them and I hear a few growls. Joe pays them no attention. Once he reaches us, he brushes past and motions for us to follow.
And with that, we're back on the trail to our destination.
