Perfidious Read online

  “Daughter of Erlan, what a pleasure!” Gina spoke with glee.

  I hated it when others referred to me like that.

  “Morning, Gina. I need a lunch. One with extra fruit, please.” I took out my coins from my bag and extended them to her.

  “Going on another journey, are we?” Her smile faltered as she handed me one of the lunches she had already prepared.

  “Not exactly.” I tried to act casual as I put the two boxes in my bag. “Just going to see a friend. We’re meeting for a picnic, and we’re supposed to bring our own food,” I lied.

  Her face brightened again. “Well! I hope the weather holds out.” She motioned towards the sky. “It looks like it might rain some more.”

  I thanked her as I took the lunch and went on my way.

  The trip wasn’t far from what I remembered, though I didn’t recall exactly where the abandoned church was located.

  6 years before

  When I first started exploring Perfidious, I got lost more than a few times. One of those times, I found an old, broken-down church. The sun was descending, and I knew that I couldn’t find my way back in the dark. Nor would it be safe. After I got my campsite ready, a statue from the top of the inside wall began to move.

  “May I help you?” it asked.

  I jumped with a squeal, and the gargoyle leaned forward into the light. I had never met a gargoyle before. My palms were shaking, and I could feel my knees weakening.

  “I was…um…exploring, but it’s getting dark out, so I’m gonna just head home.” I answered him with a nervous giggle, quickly grabbing my things.

  I didn’t want to admit to him I was lost, nor did I want to show him that I was scared. Dad said some monsters can smell fear.

  I heard a whoosh of air, and suddenly the gargoyle was blocking my exit. He shook, and the stones began to fall off until a human with wings stood in front of me. “No need to fear, little Elisia. It is especially dangerous out during dusk. Have dinner with me. Wait about an hour after the sun sets. It will be a lot safer, especially for a half-breed.” He spoke with a soft, wise voice.

  “How do you know my name?”

  He grinned. “My name is Lexon. I work with your father. He has a picture of you in his office.”

  I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms. “So, my dad sent you to find me, and you're gonna tell him I was lost?”

  He widened his eyes and blinked before he roared with amusement. “You’re sassy. No, I’m not going to tell your father. I don’t really work for him. I work for the Council.”

  I sat down, relaxing a bit, and watched him pull out a packed lunch with a sandwich and fruit while he told me about his position at the castle. Lexon was in charge of knowing everything, even the smallest of things, and had been for the past few hundred years.

  After we ate, he asked a Lighter Cat—a small, cat-looking creature that left a set of paw prints that glow at night—to guide me home. I was about to follow the cat, but Lexon stepped in front of me once more.

  “Elisia, I will see you again.”

  I laughed. “You’re a gargoyle. Gargoyles can’t see the future.”

  “You are right, my dear. But I have a strong feeling about you. I come here quite often. If you ever need to know anything or need my help, all you have to do is come back to this church and yell my name.”

  I left the church that night, thinking I would never return. Instead, I found myself following a path I thought would lead me the right way. I knew it was the same direction as Tamara’s, but instead of going up into the mountain, I needed to go around the base.

  It seemed like an hour had passed, and I still couldn’t see anything familiar. The trees started to get thicker, and the path began to thin. I stopped and turned around, certain I was going the wrong way.

  A Lighter Cat stepped onto the path in front of me. It tilted its purple and gold head, gazing intently at my face. I didn’t know what to do. Those cats were rare. I had only seen the one that led me home that night from the church.

  It blinked a couple of times, and then sprinted off the path through a bush. The cat’s small body barely made a sound. I shook my head and went to walk away but hesitated. My gut told me to follow it.

  I glanced in the direction the cat had disappeared.

  What did I have to lose? Well, besides my life.

  I maneuvered through the thick underbrush, ignoring the briars that clung to my jeans. I stuck my hand through the next bush to find no resistance and struggled through, only to be rewarded with the sight of church ruins.

  Parts of the church still stood tall, but most of it had crumbled away with age. At one point, it was probably the size of a three-story building. Remnants of a tower came out of the far corner. Stairs twisted up with no walls and nowhere to go. Stained glass stuck out like teeth from the windows, leaving their stories in shatters.

  Inside, there was a ledge that might have either been the floor to the second story or a balcony. I looked around the walkway, curious to see if Lexon was sitting on the edge like he was before. No stone resembled a gargoyle.

  I yelled his name at the top of my lungs. There was no reply. I sat on the steps in front of the small stage and ate some of the food I brought while I waited.

  It seemed like forever. The sun beat down, causing me to sweat, with only a few clouds for relief. Perhaps it would not rain, despite Gina’s prediction.

  A shadow blocked the sun’s view and stopped my train of thought.

  Stone wings descended. He collided with the ground, sounding as though he’d broken through the floor, but he didn’t leave a dent in the old rubble. I watched as he shook the stone from his shoulders, the pieces disappearing before they hit the ground.

  Lexon smiled as he straightened. He was in his human form with giant stone wings. His black hair was longer, and he also had a goatee.

  “Hello, little Elisia. It’s nice to see you again.” He walked up to me and hugged me, as though I was an old friend.

  “It’s good to see you too, Lexon.”

  “What have you been up to?” He asked politely, letting go of me.

  I glared at him, slightly startled by the question. “Don’t you already know?”

  Lexon sat down on one of the broken pews. “Amuse me.”

  I paced as I explained. “Well, I found out one of my friends, who I thought was human, is actually a half-breed. When I took him to the Elders, they assigned me to watch him and one of his friends who stupidly refuses to leave his side.”

  Lexon spoke during my short pause. “Greyson and Noah. I hear that Greyson could be a being of three?”

  I stopped pacing and frowned, not recognizing the phrase. “What’s a being of three?”

  “It is similar to a half-breed, like you and I, but instead has two different species of monster running through his human veins.”

  “Hmm.” I dove into a train of thought, trying to figure out what that would mean for Greyson.

  “You may continue, little Elisia.” Lexon’s smile was encouraging, but his eyes told me I wasn’t telling him anything new.

  “Well, we went to see Tamara, and she said that Greyson smelled strange. But she also said that he was definitely part shapeshifter.”

  Lexon arched an eyebrow. “So, why exactly are you here?”

  “I heard the rumors about a shapeshifter near Gross Peak. It’s the only one I have heard of since they killed King Lawrence. Do you know his exact location?”

  Lexon frowned and looked unsure. “This shapeshifter you speak of is not of the friendly sorts.”

  From the stories I’d heard, it didn’t surprise me. Lexon must have seen the look on my face.

  “But you already know this, little Elisia. Convince me it is a good idea to tell you. Why do you want to know?” The look in his eyes told me he already had his answer, but I couldn’t tell what it was.

  “The Elders gave him no answers. Tamara gave him more answers than they did. I just want to help him know where he is f
rom,” I confessed, but he was still frowning.

  My eyes widened as a mental light bulb clicked on in my head. I realized it wasn’t the full truth. I continued talking more to myself than to Lexon.

  “I also want him to learn what his abilities are and learn how to control them, so he doesn’t accidentally hurt anyone or…get himself killed.” An image of the Mourning Willow, of all the murdered half-breeds, flashed through my head.

  Without saying a word or changing his expression, Lexon pulled out a piece of parchment and began to draw. Silence filled the room for a few minutes before he finally put away his pen. He looked up at me as he handed me his work.

  It was a map, complete with landmarks to show me where to turn. It was the best set of drawn directions I had ever seen.

  “Be careful, little Elisia. This is a dangerous path you are turning down, but your reasons are noble. I wish you luck.” He looked down at the blades sheathed at my sides and studied me for a second. “I guess you’ve grown some since we last met. If you find out anything interesting on your way. You will let me know, won’t you?”

  I nodded. His wings spread out and stone returned to his form. He flew away without looking back. I couldn’t help feeling that he wasn’t telling me everything.

  I made my way back to my root cellar as fast as I could. It was evening by the time I returned. I walked up to see Kalvin and Greyson sitting near the entrance.

  A twig snapped under my foot. Kalvin got up from his seat abruptly. He turned around and stomped to me, his expression tight.

  “Where the hell were ya?” He cut me off before I could answer. His fists clenched at his sides, and his eyes seemed more orange than normal. “I woke up this morning to find ya missing. We didn’t hear ya leave. It looked like ya just disappeared! Do you know how worried I was? Next time you run off, tell someone before you go. Or, I don’t know,” he threw his arms into the air, “don’t go alone! The only reason I’m not breathing fire right now is because I ran into Gina, and she mentioned seeing ya this morning.”

  My face fell. I didn’t mean to make him mad. Or worry him.

  “I had to go see someone that knew where the shapeshifter near Gross Peak lives. So, tomorrow, after I get supplies, I’m taking Greyson to see it.” My voice was soft as I explained.

  But I didn’t regret going, and he knew it.

  His shoulders tightened, then loosened just as fast. He turned around and started stomping away. “I’ll be back. You’re not goin’, Elisia. You’re goin’ home! And if ya don’t go home, I’m telling your dad.”

  I sighed and yelled to him as he walked away. “Where are you going?”

  “I said I’ll be back!” he yelled, not turning around.

  “Stubborn jerk,” I mumbled.

  He was probably right. I knew better than to go on my own, but it wasn’t like I went far or into monster territory. Plus, I could take care of myself. I didn’t know what he was so worried about.

  I turned to Greyson, his gaze full of pain. Guilt stirred inside me. “I met with a gargoyle that knows where a shapeshifter lives. He gave me a map. I thought you might want to learn how to use your abilities.”

  I pulled the map out of my bag.

  Greyson’s muscles were tight. He barely glanced at the map before he looked up at me from his seat, giving me a tight smile.

  “Thanks, Elisia.” He paused before continuing. “You should have told us where you were going. Kalvin was really worried.” His eyebrows drew together, and he exhaled forcefully. “I was worried too. You shouldn’t have done that.”

  He turned his head so I couldn’t see his face.

  “I know,” I admitted. I took a couple steps toward him and put myself right in his gaze, making him look at me. My next words were soft, hoping to inspire forgiveness. “I was just trying to help. If I told Kalvin I was going to see the gargoyle, he would have never let me go alone. I thought the gargoyle would only come if I was alone.”

  Greyson nodded slowly. “So, this shapeshifter, is he—or she—dangerous?”

  “Probably,” I answered. “But we’d all go. It’d be stupid to go alone…if Kalvin will even come. Shapeshifters are some of the strongest monsters I know of. From what I’ve heard, they can turn into any animal, person, or creature with one touch. Even if it is just a handshake, a pureblood shapeshifter could copy the whole being.”

  “Hm,” Greyson said. “I have to head home before Noah’s mom freaks out. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

  That was the end of the conversation.

  I took Greyson home, but he barely spoke as we walked. Guilt kept me quiet as I bit my lip, unsure what I should say. Greyson thanked me for showing him the way home and went inside.

  The dirt road was the fastest way back to my house. Only dark windows welcomed me. I walked in the front door and noticed a glow coming from the living room. Mom was asleep in the recliner with the TV on. I grabbed a blanket to cover her as she stirred awake.

  She mumbled something.

  “Sorry, I’m home so late. I’ll see you in the morning,” I whispered.

  She groaned and relaxed into the chair again.

  I made my way to my bed, changing into pajamas along the way. Bright red numbers glowed in the darkness, 11:34. I crawled under the covers and laid down to sleep.

  But sleep didn’t come.

  I couldn’t stop thinking of Kalvin. He left so upset. I didn’t know if he would be back or when I would see him again. We’d fought before, of course. Usually one of us just needed time to cool down before we talked rationally. Who knew how long that might be.

  It felt like I was laying there for hours without sleep. I laid still with my eyes closed, facing the wall, listening to the chirping of crickets outside my open window.

  Suddenly, the noise quieted.

  A small breeze caressed my cheek, and someone sat on the side of my bed.

  Kalvin.

  I pretended to be asleep, too tired to fight with him.

  “I know you’re awake.” Kalvin whispered. He softly laid down next to me, wrapping his arm gently around my stomach. He took a deep breath before continuing. “All ya need to do is listen. I’m sorry for the way I acted. I don’t know what I’d do without ya…Just the thought of losing ya,” I could feel him shake at the thought. “It scares the hell outta me. If you were really worried about the gargoyle not showing up, then tell me. I would’ve understood. I know that you can take care of yourself. Please don’t just disappear without a word again. Ya can’t do that to me. Besides my mom, you’re all I have left.”

  He tightened his arm around me and stayed for a while, body heat radiating through the blankets. I placed my hand on top of his arm. The sound of his pulse quickening filled my ears while the familiar scent of campfire and pine wood surrounded me. Kalvin’s presence calmed the storm thundering around my head. Confident that we’d be all right, I drifted off to sleep.

  10

  My eyes opened just slightly to the blinding sun peeking through my shades. I turned over to find the window shut and Kalvin gone. That dummy. My legs swung unwillingly off the bed as I forced myself to sit. A person passed by my door, but I was too slow to see who it was. I looked back to the window and stretched. My muscles tightened and released, a couple joints popping pleasantly in the process.

  “Oh. You are awake.” Mom stood in my doorway, a half-eaten bagel in her hand. “I thought I saw you stirring. Want anything special for breakfast?”

  I shook my head, still unable to process how to speak.

  “Coffee?” Mom offered, and my eyes widened as I nodded my head vigorously.

  She vanished from the door only to appear seconds later. The hot cup warmed my hands instantly as I took a sip. My insides came alive with heat as the coffee made its way to my stomach.

  Mmm.

  I brought the cup to my lips again, taking several long gulps of the life juice.

  Mom laughed as she made her way toward the door. “I’ll be leaving in a littl
e bit to run some errands. There is a chores list on the fridge. I expect all of it to be done by the time your father gets home. Understood?”

  I nodded as she left.

  I grabbed my phone off my nightstand. Two missed calls from Greyson. I dialed his number and waited for him to pick up.

  I didn’t have to wait long.

  “Hey, Elisia. What’s up?” Greyson’s cheerful grin could be heard through the phone.

  “Why did you call me so early?” I asked him as I got up to pick out clothes.

  “We need to talk about going to see the shapeshifter,” he demanded.

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “I know Kalvin said we weren’t going, but we have to. It's the only way I’m going to learn about what I am. I called Noah’s parents, and they haven’t told me anything, even though they’re acting like they know something. They just keep saying we’ll talk about it when they get home.” Unease set into his voice.

  I thought about it for a second. Kalvin and I weren’t fighting anymore, so he would probably be willing to come with us. I certainly didn’t want to go without him.

  “Elisia?” Greyson pleaded on the phone.

  “Fine,” I finally answered. “Pack a bag for the day. Bring food and water. We just have to make sure we’re back before it gets too late. My parents won’t be happy if I’m not home tonight. We’ll also have to go pick up Kalvin.”

  “Okay! We’ll be there soon.” Greyson hung up.

  I didn’t like the way he said we.

  I grabbed a backpack and filled it with some food, water, matches and a first aid kit. I reached under my bed and grabbed my blades.

  I really hoped he didn’t mean that he was bringing Noah.

  I waited on the front porch for Greyson. Muffled voices echoed down the road, confirming my fears. Once Greyson came into view, I saw Noah with him. They both had on backpacks and hiking clothes. I sighed and brought my hand through my hair, trying to think of a way to convince them it was a bad idea.

  I got up and crossed my arms. “He’s not coming,” I yelled down the road so they could hear.