Nightwalker

Forty-Three

Riordan

You are meant to do good.

The words echo in my mind like the toll of a gong, reverberating through every corner of my mind.

The Power Sibyl sits slumped on his throne, his brows furrowed as though he's been tasked with solving the universe's most complex equation.

The only thing he'd said after the reading was, "You are meant to do good."

Now he looks dumbfounded and distraught—like I've killed someone.

Well, maybe that's because you almost have, idiot.

''Your Majesty--''

''An A'chaid.''

''I'm aware--''

''An A'chaid with the Demark Gene.''

''I would like to know--''

''You know what you should know, Deidre?'' 

''It's not like you're giving me a chance to get a word in, so what?''

''You should know that A'chaid's are meant to do good.''

"Oh, right, because I definitely didn't hear you say that the last four times."

''I stress that because you have a subconscious inclination to do the opposite, thanks to that gene. Achaid's are who we turn to in times of need! They are directional leaders, trained from day one to ward off evil spirits, demons, and--''

''Tainted gods like Macha. I know.''

He squints at me, his gaze cutting, ''Doesn't feel so righteous when it's you, huh?''

''I'm saying that having both of these traits creates an inherent contradiction. More than ever, we need A'chaid to save people. Not a hostile one capable of murder.''

''I am not hostile! I am a human with emotions that I can learn to control!''

''All A'chaids have more than the four psychic powers. Two out of six of your powers can destroy ENTIRE nations. We need someone we can trust with that kind of power. Not a Nightwalker.''

''I can't get rid of my genes--what do you suppose I do?''

''That my dear, is no longer up to you. Bring forth Soren McKay.'' A guard nods his head and exits the throne room.

''No.''

He looks at me incredulously. ''No?''

''No, I won't stand for having no say in this. You may think being a Nightwalker is completely a bad thing, but I've been told it was a gene that kept my lineage safe--''

''Have you no respect?''I stay silent, letting my stomach twist itself. ''The Demark Gene is a curse bound to a name. Not even the most talented sorcerer could make you pure.''

''What if I don't have to be pure?''

''All A'chaids and most clairvoyants are sterling of heart and nil of bloodshed. You are not our typical A'chaid.''

My heart nearly stops.

''What did you just say to me?''

''I said, you are not our typical A'chaid.''

''No, no...the part before that.'' My legs felt like they were lit on fire, a feverish worry taking over my entire body.

''A'chaids are always sterling of heart and nil of bloodshed. Most clairvoyants as well. It keeps our morality intentional and focused.''