The Impact (Book II)

Sacrifice

Sariel roughly shook me awake a few hours later, his posture stiff. Instantly, I was alert, my head twisting and turning to survey my surroundings. Guards were grabbing Will, wrenching him out of his cell as he snarled. They jabbed Zach with a cattle prod when he gripped Will's hand. They came for me next, hauling me to my feet like I weighed no more than a pillow. They only took us.

As we were led down the hall and upstairs, Chris yelled, "Be strong, you two!"

The guards made sure to keep a distance between me and Will after we tried to hold each other's hand. He was shoved a little ways ahead of me. We were taken outside to the exercise yard, where Tavor, Lin, and Mikayla stood waiting. The demons nudged the back of our knees, forcing us to get on them as Tavor and Lin approached us. Will curled his lip at Tavor when he stopped in front of him. My father scrutinized him boredly.

"So," Tavor began, "you're my 'son-in-law.'"

Will said nothing, his face contorted by his sneer. Tavor continued, "I must admit, I am a little impressed by you. Your battle prowess is formidable and your pyrokinesis is unmatched. I suppose you could say I have some grudging respect for you."

Still, he said nothing in response. Tavor bent down and got in his face. He whispered, "But for such a powerful being, you have one weakness."

His eyes flashed to me and Will paled. "I'll tell you whatever you want to know, just don't hurt her."

Lin laughed mockingly. "See, Tavor? I told you he would crack before you even touched her"

Tavor didn't seem quite as amused. "Yes..."

I glared at Will, "Don't do that! Don't tell them anything."

Will stared back at me, his red eyes filled with panic. "I've seen you tortured once and I'll be damned if I'm forced to watch it again!"

Turning back to my father, he implored, "Please, don't hurt her."

"I won't hurt her, but I'm afraid the same can't be said for Legion."

At the mention of that name, the two of us froze.  A hand gripped the back of my head and my face was shoved into the dirt. When I tried to lift my head, the hand grew harder and slammed me back down. Spots dotted my vision and I grunted.

"Ah, ah, ah, I didn't say you could look up," Legion cooed.

Fury ripped at my insides at his voice until Rayi was writhing against the barrier. To her surprise, I forced her back, something I hadn't done in ages. I'll deal with him! I snarled at her.

"You!" Will growled.

"Hello, William. So nice to see you again. And you as well, Mother. I see you're missing an arm. That's a shame." He snickered.

When he spoke again, his voice was far more malevolent. "Shall we begin?"

He brandished a dagger and pressed it against my cheek. I hissed when my skin burned.

"Stop."

He paused from the chill of the voice.

It was Cole. He was dressed in a black T-shirt with his hands crammed into ripped jean pockets. No weapon dangled at his hip. His hair still covered his eyes and there was the beginning of stubble forming on his strong chin and jaw. He had grown taller. Being 758, he looked around eighteen.

Legion glanced up. "Well, if it isn't my other big brother! Talk about a family reunion! It's a shame Emmy isn't here to see it!"

Cole's jaw jumped. He got off me but didn't approach Cole. I warily sat up. Will asked, "Are you alright?"