Nox Inferno

Chapter 67: Endings

He rubbed his hand together before placing them both on my temple. His hands began in a familiar golden glow. My memories began crashing in. The bench, the Angel’s desire to remove Nyra, Crescent Moon Park.

I stumbled back, “How did you-?” I couldn’t finish the question as a sharp ringing filled my mind.

“Sorry, it’s a side effect.” Gabe held onto me. Steadying me.

“Let’s go.” I pulled away from him and began walking.

“You want me to come?” He asked hopefully.

I let out a dramatic sigh, “I suppose.” Before adding, “Plus, you are going to be my navigation. I don’t know how I even got here.”

“I’m glad you trust me to lead you.” He said happily before walking next to me.

I stopped, “Just to be clear. I do not trust you.” I glared at him.

He shrugged, “If you say so.” Then continued walking. The nerve of this guy. I continued to follow him as we walked down the street.

I received several strange looks as I walked across the street. I didn’t dare talk to Gabe in case they actually thought I was insane. We walked in complete silence. In truth, I knew where I was going. But I wanted to test Gabe, see if he would lead me in the right direction. So far, he has.

“Twyla?” Someone asked breaking me from my thought. I turned to find one of Adrian’s most recent ex. Nicole.

“Nicole?” I asked just in case I got the name wrong.

She nodded, “How have you been?” She asked. She looked less bitchy and much nicer. I guess breaking up with Adrian changed her.

“Great.” I smiled.

“So did Adrian talk to you?” She began playing with the tassels on her bag.

No he hadn’t. Don’t tell me he was dating her. I didn’t want to rat him out, “That you two are dating?” I said.

She nodded, “He did. Phew. I know I was very snobby in the past.” That’s an understatement, “But being with him makes me feel like a better person.”

I smiled, “That’s great.”

“We need to go.” Gabe said. I glanced quickly over at him. The fact, she didn’t acknowledge Gabe, made me doubt his existence once more.

“I have to go. But I’m really happy for you guys.” I touched her arm for a moment before walking away.

“Thanks.” She called after me.

“Honestly, I thought Adrian was going to confess he liked you or he was dating Jasmine.” Gabe said.

“I thought Adrian and Jaz where dating.” I shook my head, “Is it wrong that I believe they would make a good couple?” I asked.

“No, I see it too. We should hurry. We don’t know how long a head start is.” Gabe urged.

“You are right.” I whispered and picked up the pace.

We walked until my legs felt numb. But even then, I knew I couldn’t slow down. We only momentarily stopped when we came to the entrance of the park. As usual, the security guard was sleeping. I quietly crept by before taking off with speed. I couldn’t get caught. I needed to get into the park, and I didn’t have any money on me.

“You know, you shouldn’t have done that.” Gabe chastised.

I sighed, “I know. But how else would I get in?”

“I guess it’s fine. How are your feet?” I looked down. I had forgotten that I was walking the entire time bare foot. But the strangest part was it didn’t feel like that. Not to mention my feet where in perfect condition. I don’t even want to question how that happened.

“Good, I guess. Do you remember where in the park, the Angles stayed?” I asked trying to make my sword appear. But it was no use. If Nyra was weak, then I highly doubt I could conjure my sword. How could I forget something like that? Maybe I should wait until back up comes.

“Come on.” Gabe dragged me forward.

“I think we should wait.” I dug my heels into the ground. Gabe paused for a moment. There was a quick flash of irritation on his face. That didn’t make me feel safe. I don’t think I should trust him.

“The other Knight might try to lock you up again. Do you really want to do that, again?” He asked.

“No. But-“ I didn’t want to be locked away.

“It’s deserted. We could sneak in and out. See if there is any traces of the demons they are working with.” Gabe tugged on my arm. Alarms where going off in my head.

I pulled my arm away. I had this weighing feeling that this was a trap.

“If you want, I could give you the directions and I will stay right here.” Gabe plopped himself down on the floor.

That did seem like the safer choice. If I am quiet enough, maybe I can see if it’s a trap. “Okay, give me the directions.”

“Continue walking for a quarter of a mile. When you come across a Weeping Willow tree, turn left by the tree. It goes of the trail, but then you need to walk another mile. You should reach a clearing, that’s where they are located.”

I blinked several times. How on Earth am I suppose to calculate how long a quarter mile or eve a mile is?

“Fine. You can tag along.” I said, “But make sure you walk in front.”

Gabe smiled, “That’s what I love about you, mate. Your ability to take charge.” He winked.

But I, on the other hand, frowned. When have I ever taken charge before. He was buttering me up, I didn’t like this.

“Just walk.” I pointed to the path ahead. We continued walking in silence once more. Before, this silence would have made me feel completely uncomfortable. But now, it gives me time to relax without having to constantly talk all the time. ’

“Are you mad at me?” Gabe broke the silence. As we turned left by the Weeping Willow Tree.

I look at him confused, “I don’t think so.”

He gave a brief laugh, “It’s just you are really quiet.” He said, his voice just above a whisper.

“I guess I have been. I just feel tired. I have gone through a lot.” I don’t know why I decided to spill my heart to him. Especially since I didn’t trust him. I stumbled on an uprooted tree root.

“That’s understandable.” He pulled me into a hug, “You deserve a break or a fresh start.

I pushed him away, almost tripping again, “Thank you but a fresh start isn’t the answer.”

Gabe smiled, “Of course. We should hurry. I have this feeling that your time might be running out.”

I smiled, “Yeah let’s go.” We walked for several more minutes. Every now and then, I turned to look at him. Despite his kind words, I had a feeling too. A bad one.

“We are here.” Gabe said quietly. He was true to his word. The field was mostly empty except for a few pieces of crumpled paper and a charred circle in the center. The grass looked flattened as if something were pressing on top of it. Like a tent. The place looked very familiar.

“You walk out first.” I nudged Gabe from behind.

He shook his head, “You still don’t trust me.” He walked onto the open field.

I hated how open it was, it made me feel vulnerable. I watched as Gabe crouched down next to a piece of paper. He quickly unfolded it and began scanning it.

“Twyla, look at this.” He beckoned me over. I really wish I had a weapon or something. I don’t think this was a good idea. What was I thinking?

I hesitantly walked over. I hovered above him, the page was blank. “What do you mean?” I gestured to the blank paper.

“Nothing. I just wanted you to come over here.” He grinned at me. He lunged at me and held onto me.

“What are you doing? Let me go!” I shouted trying fruitlessly to make him let me go.

The sound of thunder made me pause my struggle. I looked up; the sky had opened. Golden lights erupted from the crack in the sky. I suddenly realized something. The golden light Gabe used to make me remember, it looked just like that.

I turned to Gabe, he wore a smug smirk, “You really are a pathetic demon.” His pure white wings unfurled behind him. It all made sense. Gabe was an Angel and I fell stupidly into his trap.

He held on tighter, “Let’s go.” He began to flap his wings and we ascended into the sky.

The wind reminded me to fight back, “Help!” I screamed and began hitting Gabe in any way I could. I fist to the face. One to the wing. I even kneed him, but he didn’t flinch. He just continued flying.

“Where are you taking me?” I sobbed, still refusing to stop attacking him.

“To someone who is very interested in meeting you. But for now, it’s time to go to sleep.” He waved a hand in my face. I felt my body go limp as I faded into darkness.