Embrace, Entice, Emblaze (132 page)

“If there is a place for this symbol in righteousness or salvation, it’s possible there is a place for it in destruction and damnation,” Dapper said, shaking his head at Onyx’s outburst. “And since that 333

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circle you drew is the mark for our anchor, the volcano, it seems likely it is more a mark of great power than simply good or evil.

Also, the use of the triangle is an unmistakable— perhaps more

relevant— link. In history, the inverted triangle represents water; the upright, fire; and the two combined, a symbol of divine union and in some religions…resurrection.”

“Jesus,” I mumbled, staring at the sketch. “All that from a triangle?” But no one smiled.

Onyx slumped down with a refilled glass. He was starting to slur his words. “Who do you think is responsible for
evil
?”

“You,” I snipped.

“A generous compliment.” He bowed his head. “But no, if there

is one who could create all things in this world, that
one
must be capable of creating both the greatest good
and
the greatest evil. It
must
be one and the same, just as angels are both and humans are some form of disturbing subbreed.”

“Onyx…” Dapper warned.

I glared at Onyx. “You know the one good thing that might

come out of Phoenix opening the gates to Hell?”

“Pray tell,” he said, waving his fingers in mock anticipation.

“I’ll know where to drop you off!”

Onyx smiled and we were suddenly all on the verge of laughter.

But before we could fully relax, I stiffened— I could feel Lincoln was nearby, and unable to stop myself, I tapped into his heartbeat, which was increasing with every step as he moved closer. I concentrated furiously on slowing down my breathing and shutting myself 334

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off, but it was too late to stop the gouging feeling in my stomach and chest.

There was a knock on the door. Lincoln and Spence walked in.

“Thought we’d find you in here,” Spence said, collapsing on my

bed. Lincoln stayed by the door. “Honestly, after the day I’ve had, the whole
day- from- hell
reference has new meaning. I’ve spent the last three hours glamoured as a science geek, pretending to be a volcanologist. Do you have any idea how hard that is when

I don’t know the first thing about volcanoes? When I don’t even speak Greek?”

Dapper and Onyx chuckled, taking another drink.

“Why have you been doing that?” Steph asked.

“Josephine’s orders. She wants the Greek officials to consider

stopping tourists from coming to Santorini, but this place is a major draw. Griffin’s trying as well, but without more evidence, they won’t raise an alarm. I think they were getting pretty suspicious when I couldn’t answer any questions actually relating to the volcanic activity. Did you know those things release sulfur or something?” Dapper laughed some more and I saw Steph smiling now too.

“You spoke to Griffin?” I asked hopefully. “Is he on his way?”

Since getting back to the hotel, I’d already noted the large number of Grigori there. They had obviously been arriving throughout

the day.

“I spoke to him,” Lincoln said flatly. “He’ll be here by morning.” I couldn’t understand why, but he seemed put out by my question.

“Oh,” I responded, unable to hide my disappointment. With

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Griffin not getting to Santorini until tomorrow, it confirmed

my decision.

“So what now?” Steph asked, slumping in her chair.

“There’s not much else we can do tonight,” Lincoln said, pushing away from the wall. “The exiles are here, but Mia and Hiro just called in from the airport— there’s no sign of Phoenix’s plane, so we think they’re hiding out in one of the smaller towns. We’ve

got more arrivals getting settled and we’ve divided up the night watch with running patrols, but wherever Phoenix and his exiles are, they’re in hiding for now. Apart from what Josephine”— he

turned to me— “and
Violet
sensed, no one else has felt them moving around.”

The penny dropped. He was angry I hadn’t gone to him too.

I stood up, suddenly uncomfortable sitting while he held the

higher ground. “Josephine knew as soon as I did, and I knew she’d tell everyone.” I felt a pang of guilt for lying, but I wasn’t going to risk everyone’s safety just to share my burden. At least it was partly true. After getting back from Hell Island and my encounter with Josephine, I’d beelined straight for my room.

“You said you’d explain when we got back to the hotel,” Lincoln went on, his tone not only hurt but also accusatory. “Is there

anything else we don’t know?”

If the question wasn’t loaded enough already, his glare made up the difference.

It raised my defenses. “I guess I just figured you’d be having

another one of your secret meetings and she’d tell you there,” I 336

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answered back, regretting it instantly and dropping my eyes. He was meant to be holding the fort for Griffin until he got here and the bottom line was— I’d let him down.

And
I’m about to again.

“I’m sorry,” I said, meaning it for so many reasons.

“Well,” Spence said, jumping up with renewed faux- energy,

“since it seems like there’s nothing else we can do tonight, I’ll be assuming the position of cruise director.” He swept out a hand and took a bow. “How does a little last supper sound?”

“Apt,” said Onyx.

Dapper smiled, resigned, and Steph was already up, sifting

through her luggage for something to wear. I glanced at Lincoln, his intense green eyes looking for something.

“Sounds great,” I lied, turning my attention to Steph, trying to break the tension.

“That’s the spirit, Eden,” Spence said.

“Got something I can wear?” I asked Steph as everyone moved

toward our door.

Steph threw me a shorter- than- I- liked red dress. “You know,

next time people complain I pack too much, I expect you to remind them it is because I have to pack for you too!”

“I’ll spread the word. Meet downstairs in fifteen,” Spence called, already out the door.

————

Five minutes later, I was ready to go with shoes in hand and impatiently waiting for Steph. All I had bothered to do was put on the 337

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dress, some mascara, and lip gloss. Fidgety and unable to stay still, I called out to Steph that I’d wait for her downstairs. I grabbed my phone and went out into the hall. As soon as it registered reception, it began beeping. I tried to ring my voice mail, but only got some recorded message in Greek, so I looked at my texts.

Twelve from Dad. All saying “Call me,” the first six ending with

“now!” the last six with “please!”

There was also a message from Jase. I wondered why he was

texting me instead of Steph.

Gig’s up! Can only hold off Mom 4 so long. Whatever beach u 2 r baking on u better get home pronto!

And call yr Dad!

Looking 4ward to yr dance. Jase.

I had no idea where to start dealing with that, so I just closed the message and called Dad’s cell. It barely rang once.

“Hello?” his voice answered quickly.

“Dad?”

“Oh, thank God, Violet! Are you okay? I’ve been looking every-

where for you! Where are you? What’s going on? I’ve checked all the hospitals, the airports…”

But of course, he wouldn’t have been able to find me. I was

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them. Dad sounded so panicked— his voice was shaking. He

was petrified.

“I’m in Greece, Dad,” I said, instantly feeling relief at telling the truth.

“What? How?
Greece?
The country? Who’s with you? Is Lincoln there? I went to his place. I know he’s not here.”

“Yes, to all of it. I’m sorry, Dad. I’m sorry for everything.”

“No, Violet, that’s not good enough! Is Stephanie there? I’ve

tried to get hold of her mother but can’t get past her son!”

I
owe
Jase.

“I…I can’t talk for long. Things here are…Well, I’m okay.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

“Dad?”

I heard his ragged breathing. He was crying. “I’m here,” he

said, trying to hide it. He took a deep breath. “Violet, I read your mother’s letter. I don’t understand.”

“I know, Dad. Sometimes I still don’t either, but I promise you, when I get back, I’ll tell you everything and if…I promise I’ll make sure you know the truth. About both of us.”

“Violet, just answer me this: if your mother were still alive,

would she agree with whatever it is you are doing?”

Now I was the one trying to hold back the tears. I sat down

at the top of the stairs, not wanting to risk the call cutting out in the elevator. “Yes, Dad, this is exactly where she intended me to be.”

His breath caught.

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“Dad, do you love Caroline?” I asked, not sure if I was ready for the answer.

He paused for a moment. “It’s not that easy, but she’s a good

woman and…I’m trying.”

“You deserve to be happy.”

“Come home to me, Vi. As soon as you can. I know I…I can do

better, be a better father, if you just give me a chance.”

“It was never about that, Dad. You’re a great father.” I held off the tears, looking at the ceiling, and sniffed. “I love you.” And then I hung up before I could hear whether he said it back or not.

“You heard?” I said, already knowing Lincoln was close.

He sat down beside me. “Don’t ask me what you’re about to,”

he said, an edge to his voice.

I half laughed through the sobs. “I don’t need to. I know you’ll tell him everything if I don’t make it. And anyway, that’s not the thing I need to hear you say yes to.”

Lincoln stood up and moved to the banister, putting distance

between us. He looked away as well, focusing on his shoes. I let my eyes slide over him. He was in dark jeans and a black T- shirt that clung perfectly at the seams to his bronze, muscled arms. I took a mental picture but it wasn’t right; it wasn’t enough.

“Linc?” I asked softly.

He looked up, my tone catching him off guard, his eyes, green

as ever, glistening in the bright light of the hall.

There. Perfect.

Then they narrowed, but I had my picture now.

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“Violet, what are you planning? I know you’re keeping some-

thing from me.”

I stood up, pulling myself together. “I want your word that if

the time comes and Phoenix needs to be taken down, you’ll do it.”

“Violet,” he said through gritted teeth, “please, don’t do this.

There is a way to sever your connection to Phoenix. We can break it and then I’ll take pleasure in finishing him off.”

I bit my lip. “Do you hope you can break ours too? It’s just another
connection
, after all. If one can be broken, why not the other?” He shook his head. “You think you have me all figured out.”

I opened my mouth to respond but he put a hand up.

“Stop trying to change the subject, anyway. You know you didn’t give me a chance to explain last night.”

“And you won’t get a chance tonight either until you promise

me. In fact”— I stood and started stomping down the stairs in my bare feet, still holding my shoes— “you won’t get another conversation out of me until you do. There’s no more time, Lincoln, and you and I both know you’re the only one strong enough to beat

him in a fight.”

“Well, that keeps it simple then, because I won’t do it!” he yelled after me.

I halted, my back still to him, and closed my eyes.

“You wanted to know why I hit Phoenix the other night?”

He didn’t say anything.

I sighed. I knew this would hurt him, but I had to do it.

“He killed Rudyard on purpose. He did it so we’d know we

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could never be together. It’s my fault, Linc. Rudyard. Nyla. And he’s just getting started.” Now I turned to face him, my eyes wet.

“Josephine’s right. We’ve let a connection— something that’s out of our hands— control us.” My chest tightened, each word like

another brick weighing down on my struggling lungs, but I kept

going. I had to. “If you knew me at all, like I should know you, you would accept that deep down, letting that connection control us isn’t something either one of us would really want.”

I saw it.

I dropped my gaze and turned to start back down the stairs. He

didn’t say anything, didn’t argue, didn’t follow me. But I saw his shock at hearing about Rudyard, his hurt at understanding it was true, we were to blame, and…I saw his surprise at my final words.

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