Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Shane had one last stop to make before leaving town. Rachel was waiting for him at the playground, and he wanted to make sure she was going to be alright with the Descendants around.

Rai was somewhere, giving Shane privacy. He wasn’t exactly sure why, since she didn’t care about humans, but he was still thankful.

Stepping out of the school, he found the large playground. The towers, slides, bridges, and everything else in between had been cleaned. Several of the teenagers were running around with the younger kids, playing tag, or chasing them up onto the towering fort. Rachel and a few other adults were overseeing everything, enjoying the atmosphere of children playing.

“Rachel,” Shane said as he drew near.

The adults all turned to him and smiled.

Rachel walked over to him. “Shane,” she said in greeting.

Rubbing his chin, Shane examined the playground. Lin was on the swings, do his best to pump his legs.

“This is a nice change,” Shane said softly. “I couldn’t be happier.”

Rachel smiled. “Makes me want to be a kid again.”

“Yeah…”

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” Rachel asked, a frown overtaking her.

“Yes.” Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. “I have to see this through.”

“Why, Shane? Why do you have to do this? You got your people out, and we’re living freely with food and water for the first time in years.” Rachel’s shoulders slumped. “You’re the rock we need, Shane.”

Shane’s throat tightened as he held down his emotions. “Thousands will die because I stole an item. I have to correct that.”

“Is that the truth?” Rachel asked, her voice tight.

“Yes. I don’t want it to be, but it is.” Lowering his voice, he whispered, “I want to run away.”

Rachel grabbed his shoulders. “No one would blame you if you did.”

Shaking his head, he said, “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. All of those deaths would be on my hands. I…”

Sighing, Rachel closed her eyes. “You’re coming back to us, right?”

“Yes,” Shane replied. Forcing a smile, he added, “I can’t trust Jeremy to put one foot in front of the other without me.”

Laughing, Rachel pulled him into a hug. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

Smiling for real, Shane let her go. “I better go. It’s a long walk back.”

“For someone with superhuman abilities, you’re complaining about a small walk?” Rachel asked, her expression relaxed and humorous.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he chuckled. “When you put it like that…”

“I’ll trust Rai to keep you in line. God only knows what she will do to someone that threatens you.”

Rolling his eyes, Shane turned to leave. “I’ll be back soon. Hold the peace until then.”

“I will,” Rachel said confidently as he walked away.

***

Shane walked through town as the sun set. Rai was by his side, her warmth washing over him as she brightened the area.

“We won’t be gone long,” Rai said.

“You don’t know that,” Shane responded. “Plus, you plan on taking me away after this. There won’t be time to help my people settle.”

“That’s true…” Rai trailed off.

“Things were starting to feel good, and now I’m leaving.” Sighing, Shane shook his head. “Will they be okay without me?”

Taking his hand, Rai kissed his fingers. “They will be fine, Shane. We need to focus on what’s coming. The Descendants are watching over your people and helping them.”

“There are so many logistical problems to solve,” Shane said.

“Shane,” Rai said sharply. “Focus on that when we’re done.”

Pausing, Shane glanced at her. “Why is someone following us?”

“What are you talking about?” Rai asked while scanning the area.

“The breeze is blowing oddly as if someone is manipulating it,” Shane explained. “I believe they’re listening in on our conversation.”

“Dammit, Hansel!” Rai growled.

A wispy laugh filled the air as a man stepped out of the nearby alley. “It’s hard to believe you noticed.”

His voice was soft, but the power it held was astonishing. It carried over the street with ease, and Shane recognized the use of wind essence.

“I assume you are Hansel?” Shane asked.

“Yes, Shane Undere.” Walking forward, the Descendant revealed himself fully.

Shane examined his sharp features. Hooked nose, pointed golden eyes, and the brown and white feathers around his neck and chest.

“What kind of bird are you?” Shane questioned. Moving over to a nearby building, he leaned against the brick wall.

“Wind hawk,” Hansel said while following.

“That’s really cool!” Shane exclaimed. “Do you by chance have a sister named Gretel?”

“No…” Hansel said slowly.

“Damn,” Shane said dejectedly. Smacking his fist against an open hand, he added, “I have to ask though. Do you like breadcrumbs?”

“Not really.”

“Zero for two.” Shane sighed. Shifting his back on the wall, he caught sight of Rai glowering at him. “You’re not going to find your way home easily.”

Rai groaned. “We’re doing this again?”

“Hey.” Shane chuckled. “I’m just wondering if he found any houses made from candy.”

Hansel stepped closer. “I have found no such homes.”

Clucking his tongue, Shane shook his head. “I’m sorry to tell you this, Hansel, but you are failing at life.”

Hansel tipped his head to the side. “How so?”

“You need a sister named Gretel. We could totally do more if you did.” Pausing, he glanced at Rai, who was glaring at him coldly. “You know what? Never mind. Do you like fish?”

“Yes,” Hansel said evenly.

“Yes!” Shane pumped his fish. Scanning the area, he spotted something in the shadows. Ignoring the cat, he turned back to Hansel. “Finally got one!”

“What’s going on?” Hansel asked.

Rai groaned again. “Shane is being his typical self. This is what you get when he’s awake.”

“This could all be an elaborate dream,” Shane suggested. Tapping his temple, he added, “I might be dying right now, caught by the Marked, and my brain is making all of this up.”

Rai closed her eyes and slumped. “By all that is mighty…”

“Hey!” Shane protested.

Hansel stayed where he was, his gaze switching between Shane and Rai. Shane smiled at him, becoming the focus.

“I found another that likes fish,” Shane announced. “We should all get together and go fishing.”

Hansel tilted his head again. “Fishing?”

“With rods and worms and bobbers. The whole nine yards,” Shane explained. “We could make a day of it. Bring a few beers…if we can find some that are still good.”

Glancing at the nearby shop, he pursed his lips. I doubt we'll be that lucky. But whiskey ages, doesn't it?

“I don’t drink,” Hansel explained.

“Does it mess with your flight?” Shane asked.

“Yes.”

“You’re a very straight-to-the-point man,” Shane said. “Let’s get down to business then. How would you feel about flying me to the city?”

“You’re too heavy,” Hansel said simply.

“Rude!” Shane grumbled. “You don’t call a man out about his weight. I know I’m getting fat, but that’s because Rai doesn’t let me out much.”

“I do too!” Rai growled. Throwing up her hands, she stalked away.

“Find Reginald!” Shane called after her.

Hansel stepped closer. “You are not what I expected.”

“I get that a lot,” Shane said. “No one expects this level of handsomeness.”

“You do have striking features.”

Drawing a slow breath, Shane felt his face relax. “Why are you here, Hansel? Are you like Myra and scouting me out?”

“Yes.”

Rubbing his eyes, Shane said, “I shouldn’t be surprised. But you know that I can’t bond with another quite yet.” Glancing at the shadows, he noticed them leaning closer.

“I’m aware.”

“Then do me a favor and protect my people while I’m gone. The houses still need scavenging, and food can be gathered. Show some people how to fish.”

“With the rods?” Hansel asked.

“Preferably.” Shane met the man’s gaze. “I’m trusting you with their lives. I’m begging you not to disappoint me.”

Nodding, Hansel turned away. The breeze shifted with him, and when he took his next step, he blurred down the road.

“That’s useful,” Shane mumbled. Glancing at the nearby building, he said, “You owe me a pie.”

The shadows shifted. “What kind?” a soft voice asked.

“I’ll let you figure that out. We’re returning to the city. I trust you can beat us there and find my information?”

“Yes.” The shadows shifted, and then they were gone.

“I like her,” Shane muttered.

Turning towards the edge of the city, Shane felt along the bond that linked him to Rai and Reginald. Turning west, he headed out.

***

Rai walked next to Shane and Reginald as they crossed the forest.

I have to give Shane some time with his people after this. After I tell him the truth, that might all change.

Sighing, she earned a concerned glance from Shane.

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“Sorry,” she said softly. Stepping around a tree, she added, “Just a lot on my mind.”

“Debating who you’re going to eat first?” Shane joked. Pushing a branch out of his way, he smirked.

Chuckling, she nudged him with her elbow. “Humans are kind of stringy. They don’t fill me up.”

Shane shuddered. “Good to know.”

“Then again, you fill me up pretty good,” Rai teased. Panning her gaze over her mate, she felt a certain warmth between her legs.

Reginald grumbled, “I don’t want to hear it.”

“I try to keep Shane quiet,” Rai huffed. “It’s not my fault you have good hearing.”

Shane laughed. “I’m not that loud. Besides, the noises you make when I—”

“That’s enough out of you!” Rai growled. Stepping around a few larger rocks, she held out a hand to help Shane in the darkness.

Reginald groaned. “This is going to be a long trip.”

“We’re only going a few miles,” Shane said. “It won’t be that long.”

“Seven miles with you two is already too long,” Reginald grumbled.

“What are you going to do when you have to hide in your tattoo?” Shane asked. “It’s not like you can escape her.”

Rai stuck out her tongue. Kicking a branch off the path, she said, “You’re the one we have to escape.”

“I’m a joy to be around!” Shane chirped. He paused to watch Reginald bend a branch that released and nearly struck him and Rai.

“Right…” Rai trailed off. He is fun to be around, but when he starts rambling, you can only walk away.

“So,” Shane said. Pushing a branch out of the way, he added, “We have three Descendants scouting me out. How many bonds can I have?”

Reginald slowed. “What do you mean, three?”

“Well, there’s the cat, the serpent, and the hawk. I imagine we’ll agree to all of them, but that’s going to take time,” Shane explained. Ticking off three fingers, he smiled. “That's all of them.”

“Cat?” Reginald asked.

Shane frowned. “Yes. The shadow cat.”

“You have a dark elemental after you?” Reginald asked, his voice showing his shock.

“Is that bad?” Shane’s brows were scrunched together as he frowned. “She seemed nice.”

Rai rolled her eyes. “You only like her because she had a tail.”

“That’s not…untrue,” Shane admitted. “She also let me pet her.”

“I don’t think she let you. You just did it,” Rai stated. Stepping around a few rocks, she shook her head at her mate.

“True again.” Shane turned to Reginald. Pushing branches out of the way, they listened to the wood creak. “Are dark elements rare or something?”

“Yes,” Reginald grumbled. “They are very rare. They are also very powerful. You never know when they are going to show up, and they can kill with more ease than even all of us together.”

Shane whistled. “That’s incredible. You’re painting her in a very flattering light.”

Rai frowned and mumbled, “It’s not like we’ll see her again. Not unless she wants to bond with you.”

“I wouldn’t presume to guess what she wants,” Shane said while looking off to the side. “If she did want to bond with me, she’ll have to bring me a pie.”

“What?” Reginald asked. “Why pie?”

Rai groaned. “He’s been going on about pie for days. Apparently, I’m making him a blueberry one, and Myra is making cherry.”

“Are you in the mood for sharing?” Reginald asked.

Shane laughed. “Of course. We’ll use Marge’s old house. It has a table!”

Is this really becoming a thing? Rai asked herself. Why pie?

“So, the cat lady has to bring you a pie as well?” Reginald asked.

“Yup,” Shane said. Glancing towards the trees, his eyes narrowed. “I wonder what flavor she will bring?”

“Does she know this?” Rai asked, doing her best to follow his gaze. There's nothing out there…

“Yup!”

Reginald laughed. “What about Hansel? Does he need to make you a pie?”

“Nope!” Shane chirped. “Although, he didn’t laugh at any of my jokes.”

“He doesn’t really laugh,” Reginald grumbled.

“He will when I’m done with him,” Shane said with a smile. Rubbing his hands together, he added, “I just have to bring him into the fold.”

“I’m confused,” Rai said a moment later. “Why do the women have to make you pies?”

“Because it’s a very sweet thing to do.”

Rai gave him a flat look. “Really?”

“I don’t make the rules,” Shane said. Holding up his hands, he added, “I only enforce them.” Glancing off to the side, he smiled.

“What do you keep looking at?” Reginald asked.

Shane shook his head. “Just enjoying the view.”

Rai frowned. “It’s nighttime. What view?”

“Nighttime can be beautiful as well,” Shane huffed. “Don’t judge.”

Shaking her head, Rai picked up her pace. “Can we get to the wall already?”

“Are we going over it again?” Shane asked.

“No!” Rai growled.

Kicking a rock off the path, he whined, “Aww… You’re no fun.”

Crossing her arms, she glared at him. “Really? I’m no fun? I’ll remember that.”

Shane’s brows rose. “I apologize for my hasty words.”

Rolling her eyes, Rai took the lead. “Men…” she muttered.

“Three women?” Reginald questioned.

“Yup,” Shane said. Winking, he added, “And you know how they’re going to act towards me.”

“You’ll survive. Just make sure you explain those rules to them.”

“I will,” Shane said with a laugh.

“You’re glancing to the side again,” Reginald grumbled. “Is something over there?”

“No,” Shane said. “I have a crick in my neck and twisting is helping. I think I slept wrong.”

“Humans,” Rai muttered. “So easily broken.” What he said about relationships is true. Something about him changed our bonding. Will it do the same for the others?

“Says the one that drools every night,” Shane huffed. “Reginald, do you know what it’s like waking up wet every morning?”

Reginald laughed. “I can’t say I do.”

Running a hand down her face, Rai said, “We’re almost to the wall. We’ll have to be quiet for now. They may be scouring the woods for us.”

No one answered, making Rai smile. Good, she thought. I really hope they aren’t searching for us, but after that fire, I don’t hold high hopes.”

***

Zila broke away from Shane. The man followed her movements until she was out of range, making the hairs on the back of her neck rise.

Shaking her head, she moved towards the front gate. With her ability to manipulate shadows, she slipped through the cracks of the door, blending her body from one shadow to the next.

Why am I inside a human city? she asked herself. Oh, that’s right. I’m hunting down information for a man I just met.

Touching her chin, she frowned. Why did I let him touch me? Now I can’t get the feeling of his hands out of my head.

Taking a slow breath, she eased herself through the shadows. Light bent around her, perfectly hiding her from the humans roaming the streets.

There are a lot of guards out right now. Some of them are Marked as well.

Zila paused after each block to judge those around her. The Marked were patrolling with regular guards, their Summons walking behind them. The only thing missing were the flying Summons, and she was grateful for that.

Shane can’t blend into the world like me. Not yet anyways… Pausing, she thought back on her words. Why am I acting like I’m going to bond with him? He’s a human.

Shaking her head, she headed towards the market. Hundreds of people were milling about, enjoying some last-minute shopping.

This feels like the center of the city. Where’s Veronica? Scanning the area, Zila frowned. I’m going to have to explore the city more. There has to be a house she’s staying at.

Scrambling up a wall, Zila stood above the market. Glancing around, she spotted the industrial sector still smoking. What the hell happened over there?

A huge portion of the city was burned away. Factories had collapsed, warehouses were nothing more than skeletons. The ground was blackened, and smoke still rose from embers.

Was that Rai? she asked herself.

Turning towards the west, she found the slums. That’s where Shane will be staying. His people came from there.

Scanning the north side of the city, she was blocked by most of the buildings. What she did manage to see were houses.

Residential district. Smiling, she was about to jump down when she caught sight of the jail. She could just faintly hear screaming coming from inside. They’re torturing their own people…

Scowling, she glanced towards the slums again. Are you going to let this stand, Shane Undere?

Turning back to the north, she decided on her plan of action. Lightly jumping onto the wall of the nearby building, she slid a few feet before dropping to the ground. Crouching, she absorbed the fall before looking around.

They are so focused on their little lives that they don’t even notice a blur dropping from a building. Shane would have.

Frowning, she rubbed her cheek while trying to stop herself from smiling. Since when have I used him as the standard of measurement?

Picking up her pace, she headed towards the residential district. The one the humans called the mayor should live out there somewhere, and that would be a good place to start.

Leaving the market, Zila couldn’t help but notice an increase in patrols. Dozens of Marked were walking the streets of the residential district. Why does this small of a city have so many Marked? They smell new.

Zila made mental notes of the different Marked and their summons. They were no match for her, but she didn’t want to be caught and tip Veronica off.

That woman is evil. The things she has done to my kind.

A growl almost escaped her as she thought about the platinum-haired woman. She never thought she would have the chance to find the woman, but that was exactly who Shane sent her after.

If I can, I’ll kill her.

Slipping through the streets, Zila approached large houses. They were crudely repaired with scrap wood, but they looked to be the most presentable. One such house was significantly larger than the rest.

I’ll check that one first. When she noticed the guards patrolling the grounds, she smiled. This place is indeed important.

It was child’s play to sneak through the guards. The Summons didn’t even notice her as she slipped by. They are so small compared to my kind. How do these Marked ever win against us Descendants?

Pursing her lips, she thought back on Shane. How strong is he now? Can these little creatures even harm him? Can I harm him? Touching her hair, she frowned. He offered to brush me. Should I have said yes?

Shaking the thoughts from her head, she leapt up to the balcony of the second floor. The interior of the house was dark, with only a few candles lighting the room.

Focusing on the shadows on the other side of the glass, she willed herself to transfer over. In the blink of any eye, she was inside the house, peering through the darkness.

She could see through the dark as well as if it was midday. Nothing in the house could hide from her, including the guards standing in the corners of the room.

They are waiting for someone. Are they expecting Shane?

This house smelled distinctly of a trap—something that Zila did not appreciate. Still, there was information to gather, and she was the best one for the job.

Rai would burn down this house if she came. She has no subtlety.

Zila didn’t know enough about Reginald to judge him. But him being an earth manipulator left little to the imagination. He’d likely destroy the house as well.

I wonder what Shane could do with my powers?

Sneaking out of the room, she let her thoughts wander. The scuffing of paws on the wood told her that Summons were in the building. They’re going all out on this place.

One particular room seemed to be lit by more candles, and Zila decided that would be the best place to start. They were drawing attention to it for a reason.

Edging up to the door, she peered through the keyhole. The room was too lit for her to sneak inside, but with the few shadows that were cast, she detected a few problems.

The room is rigged to explode…

It was trap that she didn’t think the humans would employ. This whole house was designed to eliminate a threat. Even if Shane could make it through all of these Marked, he would die to the room.

Slipping away, she headed downstairs. Light on her feet, she didn’t make the wood groan as she entered the foyer. There has to be a hidden office. Somewhere they don’t want Shane to find. Scanning the space, she ignored the Summons that were patrolling. She could feel herself rolling her eyes.

What a waste of essence. At least one man knows what to do with it.

A slight distortion on the wall caught her attention. Moving over to it, she found thin, unnatural lines.

Glancing around, she knew she couldn’t sneak in through the hidden wall. She would have to find a way to open it, and that would make noise. She needed a distraction if she was going to get the information she needed.

I need backup, she thought. Dammit. I’m going to have to find Shane.

With her mind made up, she slipped out of the house. She didn’t know which building Shane was staying at, but it might be a good idea to bring a small gift.

Returning to the market, she moved from one stall to the next as they started to shut down. The crowd had thinned, but some still had leftover gray meat.

I’d rather starve…

She groaned as she came to a particular stall. One last remaining pie was on display, and the baker’s back was to her.

What do I have to lose? she asked herself before picking up the baked good. Once it was in her hands, it merged into the shadows as she slinked away.

***

Shane was just settling down in Marge’s house when Rai stated she was going to bed. She must have recognized that he wanted a few minutes alone in one of the places he called home while growing up. Reginald took the hint and left as well.

With only a single candle lighting the living room, Shane closed his eyes and thought back on his life. The fights with Marge, the stealing, the lack of power to change things, and many others.

That was all changing now. He did have power. Marge was in a better place in life. The residents of the slums had food and shelter. All it took was Shane sacrificing a peaceful life to attain it.

Peaceful might be an overstep.

He’d gladly march into hell if it meant keeping those he loved safe. Jeremy, Rachel, Marge, and all of the others, they were the ones that mattered.

Shane had made up his mind already about leaving them. He knew his path going forward didn’t involve him living with his friends. Rai and Reginald needed him to do something after this was over.

Opening his eyes, he thought about the other Descendants. The cat woman, Myra, and Hansel all wanted his help as well. He didn’t know what they saw in him, but he knew he needed their strength.

A flicker of movement next to him made him chuckle.

“Already learned something?” he asked in a whisper.

A figure stepped out of the shadows. “How do you do that?”

Shane glanced at the cat. “I’ll tell you if you tell me your name.”

“Zila.”

“Zila. Pretty name,” Shane said softly. “To answer your question, I can see your essence.”

Zila shook her head. “That shouldn’t be possible.”

“That’s my answer,” Shane stated. “What do you have in your hands?”

Zila glanced down before pulling the shadows away from her hands.

“A pie?” Shane questioned.

“You said I owed you one,” Zila whispered.

Getting up, Shane took the pie and set it down on the end table. “Thank you.”

Then, to his surprise, Zila tilted her chin up. Smiling, he touched her chin and rubbed his thumb along her neck.

“Did you learn anything?” Shane asked.

“Yes,” Zila purred.

“We should sit.” Following his own words, he returned to his chair. When Zila followed and sat in his lap, he chuckled. “Comfortable?”

“Yes,” Zila murmured.

Summoning a brush, he shifted Zila so that he had access to her hair. “Hold still.”

Placing one hand between her ears, he brushed out her hair, starting with the tips and moving his way up.

“Oh…” Zila purred.

“You had this option last time,” Shane reminded her. “What did you learn?”

“I need your help.” Zila’s soft words made him frown.

“Couldn’t learn anything?”

“I learned that the mayor’s house is heavily guarded and trapped. There’s a hidden door I need to get inside.”

“You need me to pull the guards away?” Shane questioned.

“Yes. If possible.”

“You did bring me a pie, so I’ll do what I can. We can act tomorrow.”

Zila purrs deepened. “Scratch my ears?” she asked in the merest whisper.

Shane smiled and obliged. “You’re getting spoiled tonight.”

“Is that bad?” Zila asked.

“Not at all.” Shane continued to brush her hair as the candle burned down. “Why are you interested in me?”

“I don’t know.”

“That’s not a good answer,” Shane stated.

“I’m confused about it.” Taking a deep breath, she added, “I don’t like people. I always hide, but with you, there is no hiding. You see me. I know you’ll be able to see the real me.”

Shane’s brows rose. “I’ll do what I can to live up to your hopes.”

“Please,” she whispered.

“You’ll have to bond with me,” Shane said. “Are you okay with that?”

“Yes. I want to understand what is making you so strong.”

“My handsomeness,” Shane replied offhandedly.

Zila giggled, her body slightly bouncing. “You’ll wake the others if you make me laugh.”

“You’ll escape. Rai will only kill me, or at least maim me,” Shane said with a chuckle.

“She loves you?” Zila asked.

“Yes. Deeply,” Shane admitted, wanting the truth in the open.

“Will there be room for others?”

Shane paused. Lowering his brush, he asked, “Is that what you want?”

“I don’t know,” Zila admitted. “I’ve never been loved before.”

Shane frowned and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Shane?” Zila asked, her body shifting nervously.

“Enjoy the moment,” he whispered back.

Relaxing, she started to purr again. “Is this a preview?”

“We’ll see. You are the first to bring me a pie, so your chances are high.”

Giggling, Zila shook her head. “I have to go. I’ve indulged too much.”

Smiling, Shane let her go. “I’ll cause a commotion tomorrow. It’ll be around midday.”

“Thank you, Shane. I’ll get your information.”

Shane watched her get up and vanish into the shadows. Left alone, he turned to the candle. I should get some sleep.

Getting up, Shane blew out the candle and headed for bed. The dark interior of the house easy to navigate over the years.

When he opened his door, he heard Rai shift.

“Shane?” she asked groggily.

“Yes, love.”

“Finally,” she mumbled. “I was getting cold.”

Chuckling, he lifted the blanket and slid in next to her.

Rai stiffened. “Why do you smell like cat?”

“Do I?” Shane asked innocently.