Daughter of the Sky, Son of the Earth

Chapter Twenty-One

Air 

I tried to wriggle free of James's hold. I didn't know how he was so strong. His grip was firm and almost too much to handle without growing unconscious. He didn't seem to mind that I was fighting back as he looked in front of him, unfazed. I didn't know where he was taking me as he moved through the school. No one seemed to notice how I fought against his hold since no one turned our way. I found that strange, especially since numerous people walked in front of us but didn't look shocked or confused. It was as if they could not see what was happening. 

I gulped and shook my head; I didn't know what else to do. I tried reaching out to Zeus but that was harder to do with my head pounding and my ears ringing. I could not concentrate. 

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded as I glared at the boy if he could even be called that. I had a bad feeling about this. 

James smirked and shook his head. "Calm down, Princess of the Skies. This will be all over soon," the tone he used in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. 

"Who are you?" I asked coldly as I kept on glaring at the creature. 

James didn't respond at first as he walked into an empty room at the end of the hallway. The door echoed as it shut behind us. He set me down roughly on the couch and I tried to make a run for it, but James quickly grabbed onto my ponytail and pulled me back. I yelped in surprise as my eyes widened. If he pulled any stronger, I was sure he would pull all of my hair out. 

Once I was closer to his reach, he grabbed a hold of my arm and pulled me back down onto the couch. Fear coursed through me as I anticipated the worst. But he took out a chain from his back pocket and placed it tightly around my wrists. I tried to struggle as he tightened the chain around my hands, but it was useless. 

In a moment, I had my hands tied in front of me. If I tried to struggle, the knot would only get tighter. But I didn't stop. Grinning, James shook his head. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. You're only hurting yourself. I know what I'm doing." 

I glared at the creature who ignored me as he got off me and closed the door of the room. "What do you want? If my father finds out about this, you're dead," I warned him. 

He laughed and shook his head as his gleaming eyes turned towards me. "Which one? The human one or the god one?" He mocked as he rolled his eyes. I didn't say anything as the creature grabbed a chair and sat down in front of the couch I was lying on. "Let me tell you a little secret. I know your father, Zeus. He's a coward, not to mention pretentious and disloyal. Do you know how many times he betrayed Hera? And for what? Just because he could." 

Anger began to surge inside of me as I clenched my teeth together. How dare he speak of the King of Gods in such a way? He was nothing compared to the Lord of the Skies. "You don't know anything. I am also Hera's daughter. Even though Zeus has made mistakes in the past, he has changed. He knows where his loyalties lie, with his wife," I spat out and the creature's grin widened. 

"Oh, my dear child, you sound so much like her. Like Hera, I mean. She was and still is, foolish enough to genuinely believe Zeus has changed. Just like humans don't change, neither does he. He will betray and break Hera's heart again and again until the end of times. The only difference is that now she won't have me around to ease her pain or to avenge her and her pride. I was done with her the moment she decided to trust Zeus the last time. Foolish Goddess, she'll see," the creature said bitterly as his eyes began to change into pitch-black orbs looking back at me. 

"What are you talking about? Why do you talk about Hera as if you know her?" I asked. I hated how my voice wavered with insecurity as I spoke. 

James chuckled and shook his head. "Child, my name is Argus. I am whom they call the hundred-eyed giant. Right now, I am disguised to fit into your world, but I am here nonetheless, and I can still sense your power and use my own. I used to serve Queen Hera. I was her servant for centuries. I did all of her dirty work, including spying on Zeus and avenging Hera in any way I could. In the great war, I was sent to kill Typhon's wife and succeeded. But after Hera's last attempt to trust Zeus after I had claimed my love to her, I left. She does not know but Zeus sent Hermes to kill me, and he thinks he did, but I found my new master before he could find me, and he resurrected me so that I would serve him and have my revenge. I want Hera to feel what I felt by her rejection. I want Zeus to suffer for eons of putting Hera through hell and I want to succeed for my new master who will be pleased to hear I killed the daughter of the King before she became an Elemental." 

The sickening smirk on his mouth was enough to make my stomach clench together in discomfort. I didn't know if I should believe him or not. Zeus would never have someone killed just out of spite. He was wrong. He didn't know my father as I did. But the fire and anger behind his eyes were evident. He was out for blood and I was the way of getting it. I knew I could not break free from the chain, so I had to use my words instead. 

"That won't make anything better. Killing me would only fuel Zeus's hatred for you. He will come after you and kill you. Your master won't be able to protect you against him. No one will. Let me go and I will plead your case to my parents. And if you pledge your allegiance to us, I am sure we will be able to reach a deal that will satisfy both sides. Try to look at the bigger picture," I said as I looked deeply into his eyes, willing him to trust me and believe what I was saying. 

For a moment, it seemed to be working, but my hope was brief as his anger came back much more potent. "You b***h. Do you really think that will work to convince me? No. I have known the taste of revenge long before you were even an idea in Zeus's mind. That won't work. Once Zeus's reign has fallen, I will take over the Skies and I will take Hera to be mine. There is nothing you can say or do to change my mind." 

Before I could realize what was going on, James slapped me across the face. A gasp escaped my lips as I felt his hard hand connect to my cheek. The spot where he had hit me felt tingly and tender as it throbbed painfully. I had to bite my lip to keep the tears from falling. I could not believe he'd done that. A bolt of anger ran through me and the wind outside began to pick up in a loud, dangerous howl. 

James didn't look surprised by my reaction as he let out a sigh and shook his head. "Don't make this any more difficult, Kalani. This has to be done to rebuild a new world, a new order. Don't take it personally. Truthfully, I never really minded you, but I need to do this," he said neutrally as I watched him take out a small dagger from his brown leather jacket. My eyes widened as I watched him move closer to me, determination shining on his face. 

"Don't. If you touch me, I will make sure it's the last thing you do," I threatened through clenched teeth as I felt the dark side of me come through. My gaze hardened and I could hear the venom come out of my mouth as I spoke.

"I doubt it, child. And don't try calling out to Zeus. That chain around your wrists prevents you from making contact. He won't be able to hear you until it's too late," he said with an unflustered look on his face as he finally reached me. Slowly, he placed the thin, cold blade against my skin as he ran it down my arm and over my exposed abdomen. 

"Normally I would tell you this will be quick. But that would be a lie. I like it when they scream and beg for help," he murmured in a dark tone that made my skin crawl. And, in a moment, he slashed my abdomen open with one swift move. 

I cried out in pain as I felt the blade s***h at my skin. The cut wasn't deep, but it was enough to make a pool of blood start to stream out of me. The hot liquid poured against my skin and uniform, leaving a trail as it moved. The wind outside had hitched, and I wished it was because Zeus knew that I was in danger and had come to help me. But I knew that wasn't the case. Zeus wasn't coming. I was alone. 

Without a warning, the monster slashed the back of my arm, a bit deeper this time. Another scream left my lips, and I quickly bit my lips together to keep myself from giving him the satisfaction of hearing me plead for him to stop. A sickening smile was plastered on his face as he watched the blood trickle out of my body and my eyes began to blur with tears. I watched as he moved his hand lover towards my legs and I instantly stiffened. Expecting the pain, I was able to keep myself from crying out as his blade punctured my leg, but a groan echoed in the room as I closed my eyes tightly. 

My heart was racing, and I could feel myself losing strength. I knew I didn't have an option. I needed help. Without second-guessing myself, I reached out into the deepest part of myself. 

Help me! Please! I need you, I begged, without knowing that would be the biggest mistake I would ever make.

Slowly, my dark twin appeared in my mind with a small smile on her face. Are you willing to let me in? She asked, her voice sounding like a snake. 

As I felt James cut through me again, I nodded my head with teary eyes and said the words out loud, "yes. I will let you in." 

A burst of unexpected, dark laughter echoed in my ears and my mind as I felt something stir inside of me. An uncomfortable shiver ran down my spine as the hairs at the back of my neck rose uncomfortably. I began to question if I had done the right thing.

And just then, the doors flew open as a roaring voice echoed in the room. 

"Get away from her!" His voice was strong and confident, and I tried to look at him through my blurry vision, but I could only see a glowing blade in front of the boy. 

A gasp left my lips and then I felt a surge of power take me over. In a heartbeat, the windows in the room shattered and a strong wind rushed in, directing itself towards the monster and sending him flying across the room. 

After that, I could no longer keep myself conscious. I felt too weak from the bloodless and pain. I needed a moment to rest. I needed to close my eyes for a minute. Whoever else was here, I was sure he'd come to help. A distant cry filled my ears before my eyesight clouded over and I was left with nothing but the coldness of the darkness.