The Thought Keepers: Ability

Chapter 27: A Game of Chess

I shivered. The chorus of screams went on as soldier after soldier got picked off like flies. The thick, black fog blocked my view of their demise, but I could hear each one of them. Pleads and shouts, and then nothing- sucked into the vortex of shadow above. I imagined their bodies flying up, legs kicking, wriggling around like fish on hooks.

The Murders were quick and silent, moving more like ghosts than crows. With all that obsidian armor on to block out the light of the Guard's uniforms, and the cover of a giant storm cloud, the Shades were unstoppable. It was magnificent, and it was terrifying.

Sela stood to full height, waving her hand at the sky. One of the Murders swooped down, its beaked helmet and shadowed wings reminiscent of a giant crow.

"Take this filth to see the Queen," Sela commanded. She stared directly at Robert, daring him to speak. His lip curled at her, but he was silent. "And try not to rough him up too much."

The Murder Shade picked the Unnormal leader up by his arm, soaring up with a blast of wind from large, beating wings. The black wings appeared around the Shade, materializing out of nothing like they were an extension of the soldiers armor. They appeared to be made of pure dark vapor, but the wings functioned well all the same. 

Robert's face twisted in horror when his feet left the ground, but before his face was swallowed up by shadow, his eyes met mine across the battlefield. His glare was a promise of revenge.

Sela marched into the shadows, disappearing before I could ask her anything. Before I could demand an explanation for her actions. I stood alone in the dark, staring after her.

The shadows in the sky swirled, growing thicker and stronger. The air was humid enough that my clothes stuck to sweat-slicked skin, and the breeze that came from the shadows whispered a message to me.

The favor is fulfilled.

The Queen had done her part. She sent much more help than I expected. I knew the favor she would ask in return would be equally as important, and probably dangerous. But for some reason, I wasn't afraid. 

Someone put their hand on my shoulder. I jumped, freezing them where they stood behind me. I moved quickly, turning around with a spin.

Carson's mouth was open, prepared to say something. He had changed clothes since the last time I saw him. He was wearing a black shirt and jeans with a pair of dirtied combat boots, as if he had been sliding through mud. His dark clothes blended into the shadows, making him look like a part of the Queen's army. The ruby ring around his finger was the only reminder that he was an Unnormal.

I touched his hand where it still hovered in the air. Slowly, his fingers lost their stiffness, regaining their warmth.

"Carson," I hummed. I didn't say anything more, and I didn't need to.

"I'm here," he said. He rubbed his thumb across the backs of my fingers, and I took a deep breath.

"Where have you been?" I asked.  "What about Dante and Jade?"

"Jade's dealing with her mom, and Dante's busy helping her. After you left, it was complete chaos. The Guard had already been assembled and were waiting outside the house. Marie was furious with you, and left the house with half the army. My dad locked himself in the Apricus with Dante and used wards to keep me out.I think he used Dante's ability to hunt you down. I don't think your uncle's soul has left you since he died."

I could feel as much, that Uncle Ethan was still here. He was the reason I traveled to the past, and the reason I made it back.

"After he was done, he suddenly threw Dante out and disappeared. Dante raced off saying that he had to explain everything to Marie about what my father did. I'm so sorry Zekara."