Alliance With Shadows

Episode 6

            Mercy woke up to the sun beaming in through her window, perfectly angled to shine right into her face. Ugh, stupid sun ruining her day to sleep in, although she did need to get up to start brainstorming on how to save Luc without having to kill him.  Stretching to the full length of the bed she let out a soft sigh at herself. The thought of having to do all this brainstorming didn’t sound fun, but it needed to be done. Sitting up to begin her day she began thinking about the events that happened the night before she couldn’t help but sigh even more. How could Luc even be happy about the thought of dying, the thought of having to kill him pained her? Shaking herself, she refused to believe that killing him was the answer. Ugh, “You need to stop thinking about having to kill him; you have to think of ways to save him Mercy.” Well, that’s what she told herself anyway. Maybe a hot bath would help clear her mind and help her brainstorm. She was about to undress when she remembered that she hadn’t put a locking spell on her door yet to prevent her father from creating a portal.

            Quickly reciting a quick spell to lock her doors, she undressed and plopped into the bathtub and started the water. Maybe she would add some lavender aromatherapy bath bubbles. Lavender always helped her relax. She let out a sigh; yes lavender was exactly what she needed. After her bath, she would also need to check on her wings to make sure they were healing properly. She couldn’t be a Valkyrie without her wings. Sinking deeper into the water she smiled and then relaxed into a lavender coma.

                                                                         ***

             “Hey, Luc it’s time to wake up!” Teague licked Luc’s face hoping maybe that would wake him. They were sleeping on a roof for crying out loud. He was ready to find a more comfy spot to lay and sleep.

            “What do you want Teague I’m trying to sleep, ask one of the other darklings to feed you” Luc mumbled through his sleep.

            “We aren’t in the Underworld anymore so I can’t just ask someone else to feed me. And it hurts to know you don’t care enough to feed me, do you know what they feed me when you’re gone? We are in the Mortal Realm right now remember? We met up with Mercy; she’s in danger we need to make a plan to save her from the darklings…” Teague muttered off the list of things they needed to do. Luc jolted awake hearing Mercy’s name he jumped up and started pacing. He had completely forgotten where he was. He needed to make a plan when it came to Mercy. What was he going to do? “Hey, are you even listening, Luc? How dare you ignore me! I was nice enough to wake you up and remind you of everything you apparently forgot! I’m hungry!” Teague began barking hoping maybe that would annoy Luc enough to feed him.

            “Ok. Ok. I’ll go get something to eat for you. I’m hungry anyway. How do steaks sound to you?” Luc knew steaks were Teague's favorite treat; he didn’t get them much in the Dark Realm.

            Teague began jumping up and down like a rabbit, which was impressive since he was a dog, “Yes! Yes! Oh, that would be the best Luc! Oh please. Oh please!”

            “Alright. Alright.” Luc was laughing, “Hold your pants on Teague.”

            “I don’t have pants, Luc.” Teague looked up at him a bit confused.

            “It’s a figure of speech. It means to be patient.”

            “Well, I am a dog I don’t know how to be patient. I’m hungry now so let’s go!”

            “Alright” Luc laughed at his overzealous companion. He took one last look at Mercy’s house hoping that she stayed safe till he returned.

                                                                        ***

            Slipping back into reality from her lavender coma she dragged herself out of the bathtub. Mercy grabbed one of her fluffy towels and quickly dried off and found her floor-length mirror. She needed to check on the healing of her wings, she slowly turned enough so she could see the small slits in her back for her wings. “They don’t look bad. My slits have seemed to heal.” All she could see was a tinge of pink from the new skin forming. “I suppose it’s time to reveal my wings,” she was a bit nervous with her wings. Slowly letting her magic fill herself, her wings found their place on her back. Not realizing she had closed her eyes she slowly opened them to find her slightly deformed wings. At least it didn’t hurt when she let them out, and they no longer looked like ground hamburger. Her wings where now a dark pink instead of the fire engine red they were a few days ago. The feathers were no longer falling off but instead were growing where they needed to be. Her wings had a slight resemblance to the wings of a baby bird when it came to the feathers. A few feathers and a bit of peach fuzz, which made her giggle a bit. She was sixteen years old again gaining her new wings. She let her magic feel herself again and let her wings disappear again.

            Now dressed and ready to go for the day she realized that it had been a few days since her last check-up with Xander, she found her phone to quickly call him. She didn’t want a random visit from him. Although she did put the spell on the door, her brother could open a light gate anywhere, and if he wanted to check on her bad enough he wouldn’t use the door. Dialing in his number it began to ring. After three long rings, she heard his voice.

            “Xander DeAngél.”

            “Hey, Xander its Mercy.”

            “Oh hey sis, I was going to come by later and check on your injuries.”

            She could hear he purposely said injuries instead of mentioning anything about her wings, “I checked on everything and they seem to be healing great. So you don’t have to come by if you’re too busy.”

            “Mercy I’m never too busy to check on family. I would like to come by anyway to see for myself. I want to make sure everything is healing correctly and give you some medication to help it heal faster. I know you’re itching to get back out there, but you’re not the only Valkyrie the Light has. I’m sure dad told the Priestess your situation and is making sure to cover your posts.”

            He did have a point, and she knew the Priestess was always begging her to take a vacation. “But I’m a Captain Xander I’m supposed to take charge of my platoon. But I understand, I won’t hurry my healing process. There’s no reason to argue with you. What time did you want to come by?” She knew he was smiling at winning this argument.

            “I don’t get off work till around nine tonight but I can get off earlier.”

            “No Xander, there isn’t a reason for you to get off early. I’m in no danger and from what I saw my wounds are healing. Nine is fine, just let me know and you can just use a portal to come in.”

            “Couldn’t I just use the front door?”

            “You could but I put a spell on it because dad was creating a portal every time Cadence asked to come visit me. You know how I am about my privacy.”

            Xander laughed, “Yes I do. I will call before I come so you can elevate the spell around your house. How is the spell working by the way?”

            “It’s working great. Light and dark cannot detect my presents so I haven’t been bothered. You guys seem to be the only ones that can breakthrough, but that’s because I specifically asked for only those I have invited to be able to detect me.”

            “Well, I’m glad it’s working for you. I got to get back to work so I will see you tonight around nine.”

            “Ok, I’ll see you then. Love you.”

            Xander grumbled, “Yeah you too.”

            Mercy laughed, he never likes saying “I love you” which was the main reason why she had said it at all. Dropping down on the couch she sat and wondered what she would do for the day till her brother came. Smiling her thoughts immediately went to Luc.

                                                                                            ***

            Walking back to the roof that he and Teague had been sleeping on he wondered if maybe he could visit Mercy. His body jolted at the thought. His body’s reaction to her still surprised him, he had dreamed of her all night and just wanted to touch her again. He needed to touch her, needed to be beside her. Shaking his head he smiled a sad smile. He wouldn’t be able to be with her the way he ached to, it was not allowed. Nor did he believe that she would want to be with him anyway. He would just have to grin and bear it and just be happy with the time he would spend with her on this mission.

            ‘I like her!’

            “Hey did you say something Teague?”

            Teague looked over at his friend and barked, “No just sitting here, why?”

            Shaking his head, “Oh nothing just thought I heard something.”

            “Could be just the humans,” Teague pointed with his nose at the people on the other side of the street.

            “Yeah you’re right,” Luc smiled at him.

            ‘You can’t ignore me for much longer. I want her!’

            Luc’s smiled faded, this voice was not a human.

            “Hey, Luc are you okay?” Teague asked jolting him out of his thoughts. He looked down at his companion, the only friend he ever had.

            He nodded and smiled, “Yes I’m fine. Would you like to go visit Mercy?”

            Teague barked loudly, “Yes! Maybe she has some more treats!”

            “You just ate Teague, you don’t need any treats.”

            “But her treats are so good. I always have room for treats Luc. You should know that.”

            “Yes. Yes, I should.” Sinking back into his thoughts, he continued walking towards the house. He needed to figure out where this voice was coming from, this had never happened before. Jolted out of his thoughts by Teague’s bark he looked up. “What’s wrong Teague?”

            “Don’t you see that bubble around Mercy’s house? Was that there last night?”

            Luc looked closely, “Yes it was there last night we just didn’t see it because it was so dark. It’s an old spell.” He sniffed the air, “It’s been there for a few months.”

            “What kind of spell is it?”

            “It’s a spell to keep light and dark from sensing her. It’s so they don’t know where she is. Once she’s inside that bubble she just disappears.”

            “So you can’t sense her?” Teague looked worried.

            “No, I can sense her. By her inviting me inside the bubble last night when I took her home, the spell recognizes me as a friend and allows me to sense her.” Luc smiled. She could have refused to let him inside the bubble but didn’t. This was the biggest gesture of trust. It warmed his heart. She trusted him enough to let him sense where she was.

            “Well let’s go say hi since we can enter the bubble.”

            “Lead the way.”

                                                                        ***     

            There was a sudden knock at the door. Who could that be, her parents would have just called. Oh, it could be Morgan. Sliding off the couch she reached the door and quickly opened it only to slam it shut. “Oh my Damn!”

            “Um. Mercy I’m sorry if I scared you or surprised you. Ouch.”

            “Damn Luc she just slammed the door in your face!” She could hear a burst of barks she could bet was laughter.

            “I know she did Teague thanks for rubbing it in my face. Damn my nose.”

Feeling a burst of guilt, she had just slammed the door in his face! She didn’t do it on purpose she was just so surprised. Her heart was fluttering. Why did he have this effect on her!

            “I can just come back later. Or just not come back. I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

            She could hear his footsteps as he walked away from the door. Quickly opening the door, “No!” Clearing her throat, “I mean no you don’t have to do that. You can come in.” She saw him turn back around holding his nose.

            “Are you sure dear?”

            Mercy smiled and walked a few steps out to him and lifted her hand to remove his from his nose. She laughed, his nose was a bit red but thankfully she didn’t do any damage. “I’m sorry I hurt your nose. I wasn’t meaning to, you just surprised me.” She raised herself on her tiptoes and kissed his nose. She felt Luc become still not daring to move a muscle. “You can come in. You’re always welcome.” She looked down to find Teague with his head tilted as if asking the question ‘me too?’ she ruffled his short hair on his head. “You are welcome as well.” She turned and walked up to her door and saw that Teague had followed her but Luc remained still like a statue. “Are you going to become my new lawn ornament?”

            Luc shook his head, she had just kissed him. Well, she kissed his nose but it was more touch than he ever expected from her. He smiled, “I’m coming.”

            Welcoming them into her home she gestured them to sit on the couch. “Have you guys eaten breakfast yet?”

            “Yes.” Luc and Teague said in unison.

            “Alright well I haven’t had anything yet so if you don’t mind I’m going to.” Grabbing her favorite box of cereal, she poured herself a bowl of Lucky Charms. She always loved the marshmallows. She looked up to find the two boys just sitting there looking at the TV. It wasn’t even on. “You guys can turn it on and watch something if you would like.” She saw Luc blush a bit. She smiled; he didn’t know what to do. She sat between the two boys on the couch and grabbed the remote and flipped on the TV. She was watching some cartoons that last time she had it on. That should be a safe thing to watch. She laughed when she saw Teague get off the couch and sniff the TV then turned and jumped back on the couch.

            “There is no scent of magic. How are there pictures on this box?”

            “Do you guys not have TVs?”

            Teague shook his head, “The Dark Lord does not like anything to do with the humans so anything manmade is not allowed.”

            “Well, you are welcome to watch as much as you want. Where are you guys staying at? Most of the hotels around here have TVs.”

            Luc spoke up, “We are not staying at a hotel. We are just sleeping on the roof right outside.” Luc stiffened; it was already too late to take back his words. s**t, way to make a great first impression nothing like making yourself seem like a stalker.

            “Oh well, that doesn’t seem very comfortable. If you would like I have an extra room here if you would like to stay.”

            Luc looked up to see Mercy lowering her head and saw her slight blush. He smiled, “I would love to stay if that is ok.”

            Mercy looked up to find Luc smiling and she quickly looked back down. How was she going to not only work with this guy but now he would live with her, how was she going to find the power to resist him? Her body began to hum. She shook her head; she was not going to give in. Love was not allowed. Clearing her throat, “So what would you like to do today?”

            Luc thought, “Well it’s been a while since I’ve been in the Mortal world we could go out.”

            “Like on a date?”

            Luc smiled, “Yeah like a date. Teague could stay here and it would just be you and me.”

            Teague nodded, “Yeah, yeah I’ll stay here and watch this amazing box of pictures.”

            Luc laughed, “See he will be entertained for hours.”

            Mercy looked at Teague then back to Luc, how could she say no, the man was practically begging her with his eyes. And who was she to deny this man simple pleasures? It was a date. There was no love involved, although she wasn’t sure how many times she could tell herself that and believe it. She was beginning to doubt it herself. “Sure we can go on a date. I’ll just have to change.”

            “You look beautiful the way you are, you don’t have to look fancy for me.” Luc got off the couch and held out his hand, “Shall we go milady?”

                                                                                ***

            Maybe he should have some of the darklings go out and kill some more people; he didn’t want his plans ruined by the light looking too close into his son and Mercy, “Bane!”

            “Yes Lord?”

            “Could you have two Valkyrie squads go out and retrieve souls?”

            “Yes sir. What would you like me to do with Lieutenant Notté’s unit?”

            Halcyon waved a hand in the air, “I don’t care. Give it to another Valkyrie.”

            “Yes, sir.”

            There, now the focus will be on the darkling renegades and not on his son or Mercy. His plan had to work. All of his pawns had to line up just right for the outcome to work in his favor. He would not have another opportunity like this again. Mates only came once in a lifetime, and only a few would create the destruction he was after like these two. He growled when thoughts of the past came to mind, “God thought you were so wise at your age Aurora,” He hissed, a mere fifteen years old taking the thrown. He had worked his ass off to get on God’s good side to be considered for the thrown, yet Aurora was given the job. “I will show you Aurora that it takes age to be wise. It takes years to form a plan to kill your precious whitelings. This will be my revenge.” He ripped off the crest that he had worn for the last two hundred years, he deserved his own crest; one better than Aurora, even God himself. He dropped the crest into the fire beside him to find it renewed into a new crest. He smiled as he took it out of the fire. The once golden crest adored by jewels and a white outlined star was now black with a dragon outlined in blue. The dragons’ eyes shined bright and pulsed as if given life by the fire. “This is perfect, a being that personifies strength and fierceness; a being that resembles sin.” He laughed, “The irony.”