Sacrifice (The Descendants #2) Read online

  “I don’t.” I thought of the last time I had witnessed the slithering Apolluon shadows. I pushed the disturbing thought out of my mind. “I need to know just how many there are. Evan, we have to be prepared for anything.” I said.

  “Do you think they’re a threat?”

  “I do.” I said, as I watched a pale woman, dressed elegantly, step into a Roll-Royce limousine. Her face was completely hidden by the oversized brim of her hat. I got the feeling that she didn’t want to be seen.

  “How can we be sure?” Evan pressed as he grabbed hold of my hand.

  “They’re bred by Hades.” I said, and Evan nodded.

  By the time we arrived at Victor’s building, the mist had solidified into heavy rain. The grand lobby was dissected with marble columns. The head housekeeper let us into the spacious apartment and ushered us into the salon. While we waited, I walked around the large room and touched every sculpture on the decorated shelves and all the paintings hanging on the walls. I knew which items had been stolen. I smiled at Evan and he shook his head. He wasn’t surprised being who the twins descended from. Both Ariadne and Arius had the wicked habit of pinching valuables everywhere they went without ever being caught.

  Like Hermes, Ariadne and Arius were prone to steal everything in sight, but they were not gifted with the power to move things with their minds as many of the other members could. The twins had to work at stealing and they really made a sport of it. The possessions of all mortals were never safe around either of them. Several mortals had been shocked to find the entire structure of their homes relocated to Bedwyn City, Nickel City’s neighboring town. As far as Arius was concerned, the bigger the heist the better. Why not steal and teleport an entire house? He was certainly strong enough to lift one.

  “Empress Cordelia, Lord Evander, I’m so sorry to keep you waiting,” Ariadne said as she added two new spoils to her collection of stolen snuffboxes.

  “It’s alright; you look like you’ve been busy.” I said, eyeing her goods.

  Ariadne’s pale skin glowed with satisfaction. She fluffed and shook her new haircut.

  “I have been. How do you like my hair?”

  “Did you steal that too?” Evan chuckled.

  “Oh, but she did.” I laughed. “The gold barrette once belonged to a young Manhattan socialite.”

  Ariadne smoothed her soft finger waves, which were secured by the dazzling gold barrette in question.

  “You know me so well,” Ariadne giggled.

  We all sat down on the plush sofas that faced each other. Ariadne crossed her legs revealing sheer pastel stockings that coordinated perfectly with her geometric patterned chemise. Looking at her – the picture of elegance, you had to wonder which socialite was running around town right now in her slip and bloomers.

  Ariadne offered each of us a ‘ciggy’ from her ivory cigarette case. It had also been stolen from someone or somewhere. I declined the cigarette as did Evan. Ariadne loaded her long, pencil thin cigarette holder and leaned toward Evan so that he could light it for her.

  “I’m ready when you are.” Ariadne said, between puffs.

  “I need to know if your father had anything to do with my parent’s missing hearts.” I said.

  “Their hearts? I thought their bodies were what we were looking for.”

  “Well someone has stolen their hearts. Only a god would have had access.”

  “Of course, and you think it’s my father.” Ariadne said, arching a brow. “Couldn’t there be another god who would take them without notifying Delia?”

  “The god’s aren’t obligated to notify us of anything,” Evan said.

  “He’s right,” Arius said as he walked into the room and over to Evan and I. He shook Evan’s hand and bowed and kissed the back of mine

  “It’s no secret that your father does favor’s for Hades.” Evan said.

  “What would you like us to do?” Arius asked.

  “I need you to request the presence of your father now.” I demanded, lightly.

  Ariadne placed her cigarette and holder in a golden ashtray that was in the shape of a shoe with wings. The ashes were the offering she made to her godly father. Ariadne closed her eyes and stood up.

  “Father, I am in need of you now. Please grace me with your divine presence.” Ariadne waited.

  After a few moments, a bright orb filled with iridescent light immerged in the far right corner of the large room. The bright sphere grew until it was taller than the doorway. A fluttering sound could be heard coming from the orb as we all waited for Hermes to appear. The bright light intensified. The fluttering wings attached to his feet appeared first. Ariadne smiled at me and took a few steps toward the orb just as Hermes appeared. He loomed over us at about eight feet tall and was clad in a white toga and gold armor.

  “Father, I am honored by your presence. Today I am a messenger as you are. I have called on you as a favor to my empress.” The rays of Hermes’ glow saturated Ariadne’s face and hair. She almost appeared to be on fire.

  “Daughter, the empress must think very highly of you to have asked of such a service. Your task is complete. I am here,” Hermes said in crisp voice and stared down at Ariadne. “I do hope that your empress appreciates your devotion to her position. I know what the Empress wants to ask, although I am not loyal to her cause. That cause is hers alone, yet she may ask me anything.”

  By now, I was standing beside Ariadne and took a step closer to the enormous god, protector of thieves. The entire apartment was quiet. The only sound heard was the annoying flutter of Hermes winged feet and helmet.

  “Hermes, I also thank you for gracing us with your presence. I wonder if you could possibly enlighten me with the new location of my parent’s hearts.”

  “I wonder why you have yet to accept their fate,” Hermes said, darkly.

  “They were murdered,” I said as my hands began to shake. “How am I to accept that?”

  “The Fates have spoken, young empress. You must learn the true order.”

  “I see. So you won’t tell me where you’ve taken them” I shouted.

  “Cordelia!” Evan bellowed.

  “Careful, demigoddess. I would listen to the young lord, if I were you,” Hermes took a step toward me and I was eclipsed.

  My hands were shaking uncontrollably and my skin was prickling with the heat rising within me. I knew that Hermes had stolen the hearts and he was acting as if my parents were of no importance. I would never accept that. The Fates had some recalculating to do.

  “Well, you’re not me.” I seethed. “I’m going to find their hearts and their bodies and I’m going to bring them back to life. No one can stop me. You can take that message straight to Hades!”

  “Perhaps, you would prefer to tell him yourself,” Hermes challenged.

  “Just give me the chance.” I countered.

  “You may just be granted one.” He said and the glowing orb swallowed him up and it was as if he was never there.

  Later that afternoon, while I sat in my sitting room, I reflected on the meeting with Hermes. I challenged the God of Thieves, knowing that he would deliver the message to Hades. I also may have gotten myself an escort into the Underworld by doing so. At least I hope I did.

  There was a knock on the door and Sun Paw walked into my sitting room holding an envelope.

  “Miss Cordelia. Both Lord Evander and Lord Victor are here to see you and this was delivered while you were out,” Sun Paw said, thrusting the small envelope toward me.

  “Thank you. I’ll be down in a minute.

  “Yes, Miss.” Sun Paw left the room.

  I opened the envelope and pulled out the gold edged and embossed invitation. It read:

  You are cordially invited to a

  Gala, celebrating the re-opening of the

  Grand Ballroom

  Dinner and Dancing

  Friday, June 4th, 1926.

  7:00 pm until midnight

  The Plaza Hotel

  Fifth Avenue and C
entral Park South

  Formal attire

  Music by Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra

  Could this be the invitation Athena had referred to? If I cared to attend, I would have only one day to prepare.

  I took a quick look at myself in my vanity mirror and smoothed my hair back into a tight chignon. After slipping back on my heels, I made my way down to meet the two boys whom had a firm grip on equal parts of my heart. Neither Evan nor Victor was speaking when I walked into the salon. Evan stared out the window, which held the view of Fifth Avenue, and Victor leaned against the marble-tiled fireplace with his arms crossed over his chest. Just as I was about to speak, the doorbell rang. I wasn’t expecting anyone and wondered who it could be.

  Nikolas’ booming voice flooded the main hall and Bethany stood under the arched entryway that led into the salon. I walked over to Evan and planted a kiss on his cheek. Everyone in the room noticed the spike in the temperature. Victor’s aura brewed when he saw the intimate gesture. Evan took my hand and we both sat down on the sofa.

  After briefing Bethany, Nikolas, and Victor on my meeting at the twin’s home, they all believed that Hades wouldn’t receive the message well and I may have a chance to enter the Underworld with Hermes. I would try even if Zeus forbade it.

  Did anyone else get one of these?” Bethany said holding up a cream envelope – identical to the one I had just received.

  “Yes,” Everyone said in unison.

  “Under Athena’s advisement, I will attend,” I said. “I think we all should go.”

  “Do we know who’s throwing this gala?” Victor asked.

  “The owner, I would assume.” Bethany said and took a seat next to Nikolas on the opposite sofa from where Evan I sat.

  “We need to find out who that is,” Victor added.

  “Why has Athena advised you to attend the re-opening?” Bethany asked.

  “She says that someone’s work will be revealed and I believe she meant the person who stole my parent’s hearts.”

  “It seems that every time we take a step forward with this mission, we end up two steps back.” Bethany said.

  “It does seem that way, doesn’t it?” I sighed.

  “We’ll get to the bottom of it, sweetheart,” Evan said patting my knee and then rubbing it.

  As Victor continued to lean against the fireplace, smoldering, I couldn’t help but think how angry he was getting with every gesture of affection Evan and I exchanged. I took a quick glance at him and he held my gaze for a moment. He allowed me to read his thoughts. He knew that I couldn’t stop thinking about him and promised to be patient. He was confident that the outcome would be in his favor. His arrogance was annoying, yet rather sexy. I couldn’t ignore him no matter how hard I tried.

  “I’ll send a message out to the entire empire,” I said and tried not to seem preoccupied with Victor’s aura. “Whoever has received an invitation must attend. I think it’s time we met our neighbors.”

  Twenty-Seven - Victor

  Truth or Dare

  The cigar smoke clouded my vision, and for one delightful moment, I thought she was here.

  “Vickie, did you hear a word I said?” Lia folded her arms over her chest and tapped her foot, impatiently, on the marble floor.

  “I’m sorry, sis. What was that?”

  “Ugh! I hate it when you’re like this.”

  “Like what?” The burning sensation of the bourbon sliding down my throat was soothing.

  “Sulking over the empress,” Lia snapped as she rolled her eyes.

  “I’m not sulking. Besides, she’s our empress, Lia. Have some respect.”

  “You are sulking. Just look at you. You’ve nearly slid out of the chair, your chin is resting on your chest, and you’re blowing heart-shaped smoke rings.” I hadn’t realized that the rings were in fact hearts.

  “So what if I am sulking?” I muttered.

  “Unrequited love looks bad on you, Vickie.” Lia sat down on the armrest of my chair.

  “Thanks.”

  “Ya see. You’re not even arguing with me.” Lia pouted.

  “You want to argue?” I raised a brow.

  “No. I want you to fight. Fight for her if she’s really what you want.”

  “I’ve got my gloves on.”

  “It looks more like you’re down for the count.” Lia rumpled my hair.

  “I don’t see you fighting,” I countered and sat up in the chair. “You love Evan.”

  “No, I don’t!” Lia exclaimed and then laughed, nervously.

  “Evan knows that you love him.” I pressed.

  “No he doesn’t.” Lia eyes widened and her mouth fell open.

  “But you do.” I watched Lia turn several shades of pink.

  “N – No I don’t.” Lia stammered and jumped up.

  “Well, he’s in love with you.” I declared.

  “He loves our empress.” Lia stood with both hands on her hips.

  “Yes, but not the way he loves you. He’s in love with you.”

  Neither one of us said anything for a moment, but the pink in Lia’s cheeks grew a deeper shade.

  “How do you know that Evan is… in love with me?” Lia asked and slowly met my gaze.

  “Just the way he looks at you. That’s all.”

  “How does he look at me?” Lia’s voice sounded raspy as if she was out of breath.

  “Hmm… like he’s been living in a desert for days and days, and you’re a tall glass of cool water.” I said and watched Lia’s lips curl upward. I don’t think she realized that she was smiling.

  “Oh,” Lia said after a few seconds and gulped before taking a deep breath.

  “He doesn’t look at Delia that way.”

  “But you do,” Lia said gazing down at me.

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “All day long.” Lia chuckled and I couldn’t help but to laugh along with her.

  “I don’t think that I want to be with someone who’s in love with me and someone else,” Lia said, suddenly serious.

  I said nothing and nodded.

  “I don’t have anything smart enough to wear to the gala. Do you think Cordelia would mind if I asked her to go shopping with me,” Lia asked

  “She’d probably like that. She wants to be your friend.” I said as my face broke into a wide grin.

  “I wish I could say the same for Bethany. She looks at me and all I feel is her hatred for me. I don’t know if she hates me because she’s Cordelia’s best friend and thinks I’m out to steal her brother from Cordelia or if it’s something else that I haven’t figured out yet.” Lia frowned.

  “It’s not you. It’s me.”

  “What? Oh, because you were against them at one point.”

  “Sort of.” I said and looked away from her.

  “There’s more, isn’t there?” Lia prodded and I hands started to tremble. I was starting to feel the heat rise within me.

  “Look, it’s not something that I want to talk about.”

  “Tell me. You can talk to me Vickie. Please.” Lia wasn’t going to stop the third degree unless I told her something.

  “I did something to her, something unforgiveable. I– I stole something from her that I can never give back.” I said.

  I revisited the part of my mind where I stashed the memory of what I did that horrible night. How could I have been so cruel to her? I hated myself for it. If Nikolas or Evan knew they’d have every right to want to kill me.

  “What did you do?” Lia asked with widened eyes and a deep frown and the shame of what I’d done overwhelmed me.

  “It’s between me and her, but still it’s no reason for her to hate you. You didn’t hurt her and we’re not the same person.” I explained.

  “Exactly, but she still hates me.” Lia shrugged.

  “I’m sure she doesn’t. Bethany doesn’t just hate without reason.” I added and sighed. “Hey, weren’t you going shopping or something.” I asked to change the direction of this conversation.r />
  “I’ll go upstairs and call Delia,” Lia said and pecked me on the forehead.

  “What was that for?”

  “For being a good big brother. I’m in your corner, dragon.”

  “You are?”

  “Yep.”

  “Even after the referee counts to ten.”

  “Well I might have to leave you for a moment while I pick my betrothed off the mat.” Lia giggled.

  “Atta girl!” I laughed.

  After Lia went up to her room, I pushed what I did to Bethany to the corner of my mind where I tucked away all the malicious things that I’d done.

  I thought about what Lia said. The fight wasn’t over and it was high time that I claimed my prize. I shut my eyes and concentrated.

  “Father I am in need of your presence,” I said.

  I smelled the pungent smell of smoke a second or two before he appeared. The glimmer of both of his serrated swords nearly blinded me.

  “Open your eyes,” Ares demanded.

  He turned away from me and walked over to the window. At over eight feet, he was too tall to look through it, so he bent over to peer out into the patio.

  “I prefer the fresh air.” Ares said walking though the wall. He waited for me on the terrace.

  “You demigods live quite comfortably.” Ares took in the majestic view of the city and then sneered as he turned around to face me.

  “I’m sure it’s quite comfortable on Mount Olympus and the view, far more astounding.”

  “When I’m there… it is.” Ares sighed as he looked over the banister. He appeared bored – nothing to slay within a few thousand or so feet.

  “Where are you when you’re not?” I inquired.

  “My dwellings are not your concern,” Ares barked. “Was there something you wanted?” Ares walked up to me.

  “Things are not going as we had planned.”

  “Your strengths have been restored, have they not? Even the ones you didn’t know you possessed. Greed becomes you.”

  “But Cordelia’s still with him,” I groaned and poured myself another bourbon. Nikolas would be proud.

  “Patience is a virtue, young demigod.