Ignatius-Valdis [Heaven’s Curse, #0]: Chapter 11

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When L’Eiron found Anaphora. It wasn’t how she expected. Confusion flashed across her features as she took in his words. “What?” She queried, wide-eyed. “He said that?”

“Yes,” L’Eiron replied. “I wasn’t surprised though.”

“Why do you say that?” She asked, turning from the weapons rack to face him. She already knew the answer, but she needed to hear him confirm it. Behind her, the holographic cage doors slid into place, sealing the long-range weapons within.

“Have you noticed how he treats Altair and the other remaining Deamone.” L’Eiron declared, casually glancing over his shoulder, scanning the room for others. He noticed the cameras in the corner and knew it wouldn’t matter, if someone overheard their conversation.

Anaphora made a face. “Yes, like you-know-what.”

“Because to him and others like him we are.” L’Eiron reminded. Anaphora crossed her arms contemplating his words.

“Then we have to do something. We promised them we’d keep her alive until it’s time.” Anaphora declared.

“There’s nothing we can do. If we did manage to think of something, there’s a high possibility that Gothalia will face the repercussions.” L’Eiron’s expression was sombre. Worry and fear masked Anaphora’s expression.

L’Eiron crossed the room and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry too much. If anything, we’ve taught her to be strong.”

“Yes, but she’s not invincible,” Anaphora said. “I hate feeling so powerless.”

“But neither are they. We’ll watch from a distance if they start playing dirty, we’ll take them out. No matter the cost. We made a promise remember. We’re bound to keep it.” L’Eiron said and Anaphora nodded against him.

“I remember.”

“You did tell them they have to come home, right?” L’Eiron asked.

“Yes, but it was before um . . .”

“Good. They’ll be home later. We’ll talk about it then.” Anaphora’s brows furrowed and L’Eiron studied her face. “Do you think that’s a bad idea?”

“No, it’s not. I mean we already briefly mentioned it before but . . .”

“We’re not going to be around forever and they’re adults now they can handle it.” L’Eiron declared. “I’m sure.” A small encouraging smile graced his lips and Anaphora returned the gesture. “Besides we need to beat them home before they eat all the food or throw a wild party.”

“And invite who?”

“That’s the problem who knows who they’ll invite.” L’Eiron remarked. “Let’s go.” L’Eiron exited the armoury and Anaphora glanced at the weapons rack she reviewed and placed the digital clipboard on the wall beside her before sealing the room.

* * *

By the end of the first week, Gothalia’s muscles were tender but healing with their usual efficiency; anything less would have required a physician. She studied the results on her handheld holographic screen, already knowing what they would say—Michalis had made it clear she didn’t have a choice. She’d been fast-tracked into the upper echelons of the Centurion division. It was a notion that didn’t sit well with her, and she let out a quiet sigh before darkening the screen, great now I get to be hated by the revered Regali and Caligati. Who else? The Nees? she thought with a hard grimace. “They’re really not going to make it easy huh?” she muttered to herself, lying on her bed, contemplating the next few days before she pushed the thoughts from her mind and rested her head against the pillow.

No training, no tests, no mental evaluations—the day was hers. Gothalia eyed the holographic results with a scoff, particularly the psychological section. The assessors hadn't even tried to be accurate, dismissing her traumas as if they were obstacles already cleared. To them, she was a means to an end, even if that end promised more pain. As the electronic doors slid open, Gothalia turned, her private thoughts vanishing at the sound of an intruder.

Anton and Maximus entered the common room, and she sat up, happy with a distraction. Usually, annoying them, always made her feel better. “I’ve seen snails faster than you,” Gothalia taunted, and Anton rolled his eyes ignoring her remark when he approached.

“No, you haven’t. I’m sure you don’t even know what they look like. If you’re going insult someone, make sure it’s something worth believing.” Maximus remarked, confidently. Gothalia didn’t say anything but instead pulled a face. “Real mature,” he said but smiled, nonetheless.

Anton sat down on the edge of her bed while Maximus leaned against the other end. Gothalia pulled her feet up, enjoying the cool sensation of the fresh sheets against her midfoot. “So, what’s your plan for today?” Anton asked, casually.

Gothalia shrugged. “Not sure. I figured I’d stay here. I’m sure everyone hates me anyway.”

“How do you know?” Maximus asked, and Gothalia gave him a look. Then, Maximus remembered last week’s incidents. “Right. Never mind.”

“Maybe they’re judging you because they don’t know you.” Anton tried. “They might not be all bad.”

“Are you defending the same people who killed everyone?” Gothalia asked, coldly.

“They didn’t do it exactly but—” Anton attempted then immediately paused when he spotted the usually cold look in Gothalia’s eyes. He glanced away; uncertainty spoiled his expression.

“They go home every day to the people who did and who knows what they fill their heads with about us,” Gothalia reminded. “It’s bad enough we have to look over shoulders everyday but having to deal with the thought of that as well it’s a struggle.”

Maximus and Anton fell silent for a moment, until Anton added, “Danteus doesn’t seem too bad.”

“Yet.” Gothalia added, before mentioning in a softer voice. “Give him time.”

Anton and Maximus shared a concerned look. “What if not everyone wants to hurt us?”

“We don’t know that yet,” Gothalia said. “As much as I want to believe everyone is decent and won’t hurt other people. We know better than anyone that’s a lie we like to tell ourselves.”

“But Danteus didn’t. He helped us,” Maximus put in.

Gothalia regarded him, puzzled. “Huh?” Before her eyes landed on Anton, the curiosity in her eyes mirrored her expression.

“It’s true. For some reason he helped us to find that bastard who beat you.” Anton added, darkly.

“And we made him suffer,” Maximus declared unbothered, with a shrug. “And don’t say that wasn’t smart. Or what about the repercussions. If we don’t do something, they’ll keep doing it. Forget what comes after.”

“They’ll continue to do it regardless,” Gothalia shrugged. “It’s who they are. We’re probably not the only ones.” Even as she said that her mind drifted from the incident and to Danteus.

“This isn’t only because of Danteus is it?” Maximus asked, pulling her thoughts back. “It’s because of—”

Gothalia stood from the bed, hating the topic, and stepped from them. “It doesn’t matter what the reason is. No one can be trusted, not yet anyway.” Her voice quietened at those words. Memories of flashed at the forefront of her mind before she suppressed it and added, “Aside from the lecture, why are you really here?”

“Can’t we just pay a visit to our favourite cousin?” Anton queried, with a small smile. “Plus, to tell you Anaphora wants us home today.”

“Great better than being here,” Gothalia said then laughed before shaking her head, “And what are you talking about your favourite? I’m your only cousin.”

“Still means you’re our favourite,” Maximus responded with a bright smile and pulled her into a tight bear hug before lifting her into the air. Gothalia laughed at the gesture. Quickly, Anton flicked her on the back of the head, when Maximus dropped her, and ran before Gothalia could do anything. Gothalia chased after Anton, but Maximus stuck out his leg and tripped her. “See . . . still our favourite to torment.” Maximus teased, with a wink then jogged to the door.

“You’re so dead.” Gothalia growled half-heartedly from the ground, when both Anton and Maximus vanished into a cloud of black smoke their laughter echoed throughout the room. “Really? You know I can’t do that! Cheaters!” Gothalia shouted after them from the floor before rolling her eyes when they didn’t answer then climbed to her feet. She knew they were gone before she jogged out the electric sliding doors after them.

Sometime later, Gothalia strode through the vast halls of the Cetatea, her eyes scanning the corridors. Even though Anton and Maximus had initiated the vanishing point, she knew she could track them. She wasn’t sure how—only that she always did, despite a lingering envy of their abilities. It made her wonder why Michalis was so intent on her joining the military. She wasn’t soldier material; the idea of following orders rubbed her raw. Besides, she was certain she hadn’t inherited any of her parents’ gifts. As far as she was concerned, the their energetic abilities had skipped her entirely.

Gothalia sighed at the thought before noticing the cameras throughout the corridors and the many different ranking Centurions, Legionnaires and Cavaliers and their non-threatening and content mannerisms. I guess they’re not that scary, she thought, yet. She knew, if she were their enemy, walking into their nest would be either the bravest or the dumbest thing, she or anyone could ever do.

Across the quad filled with lush gardens, silver stone marble fountains and a small pond with a few benches, tables and a small stone bridge climbing over the pond, she stopped, and wondered if this really was a military barrack. Gothalia considered that maybe it was only the surface countries that were so . . . unfriendly. She wasn’t sure. She’d never the left the city. Her eyes caught the sight of a familiar figure across the quad. Danteus strode towards her, his eyes cast down on the digital tablet he was reading, for some reason her eyes lingered on him longer than she knew they should have. Without thinking, she moved to him happy to see a familiar face. She paused when he noticed her approach. “Well look who’s here,” he said, and smiled. “Enjoying it so far?”

“Enjoying what?” She asked, and Danteus gestured around them. She understood. “Oh, I guess. It’s not too bad. Not as monstrous as I originally thought.” His smile dropped and she swiftly changed the topic. “Anton and Max told me what you did. After I had you know . . . thank you.” Gothalia forced a response, the toe of her boot digging into the dirt. She wasn’t built for gratitude. Focusing entirely on her own feet, she fought to steady herself against the sudden, unwelcome assault of nerves.

Danteus’s smile returned, and he glanced away. “It was all Anton and Maximus. Plus, I was bored.” Gothalia returned her gaze to his face, watching him for a moment longer, contemplating if he truly meant his words.

Danteus noticed her blank expression. “Not that helping you out was boring,” he said immediately, scanning her face worried his words were going to be taken out of context. He watched her relax, at his words, before he noticed her brows furrowed deep in concentration.

“You made enemies because of me,” she answered, worried.

“What those guys?” Danteus asked, brushing off her concern, nodding towards the men at the opposite end of the quad, who glowered at her, and she equally returned their glares. “Never liked them anyway.”

“You sure?” She asked, hesitantly. “I mean you guys run into each other enough, right?”

“Positive and from time to time but I always try to avoid them,” he said, his eyes on her. When the other men walked away. “Besides they shouldn’t be too much trouble now.”

Gothalia doubted it. “We’ll see.”

Internally, Danteus grimaced at her words. Gothalia regarded him a little longer when he stared at her with a distant look. “Aren’t you supposed to be in class or something?” He eventually asked her.

“No, apparently, I have a day to myself. Do you know if I can leave the Cetatea? I mean without getting into trouble. I’m supposed to be somewhere,” Gothalia said.

“Yes, as long as you’re in New Icarus. You just have to be back before curfew,” he said.

“Awesome. Um, when’s that? I don’t think I was paying attention to Domitia.” Gothalia sheepishly confessed and avoided his amused gaze.

“From what I remember . . . Midnight. But you’re better off making your way back an hour and a bit before, to access the dorms.”

“Got it. Thanks for the advice. I should get going don’t want to upset Anaphora or L’Eiron.” Danteus understood and nodded.

“Yes, that you shouldn’t,” he said. Gothalia turned to walk away, and he added, “See you around?”

“Yeah, see you around.” Gothalia replied, with a wide smile and walked away. Danteus watched her pace along the breezeway before disappearing into another building.

Danteus turned away but paused when Altair leaned against the wall with both arms crossed and a knowing yet mischievous smile. “What?” Danteus queried. He never liked that expression. It always rubbed him the wrong way. Even now.

“You like her.” Altair uttered, with a smile. However, Danteus swore he saw something indescribable flicker across his onyx eyes. In an instant it faded.

Danteus straightened. “Don’t be ridiculous I barely know her,” he responded.

“True so why don’t you try to get to know her?” Altair asked, curious. He knew why Danteus wouldn’t. It was never accepted. Especially, due to his social standing. He himself wondered why he even cared to ask.

“Because I have other things to do.” Danteus replied. Altair studied Danteus for a moment with an unreadable expression before asking,

“Like what? Following orders, flighting Xzandians and getting laid when you can?” He mocked.

Danteus grinned at the last remark. “Pretty much.”

“That’s not so bad, I guess.” Altair muttered, eyeing the path he’d last seen Gothalia walk. “At least, there’s never a boring day.”

“True.” Danteus agreed, when Altair joined him, they strode to the main building. “So, do you know what happened to the Princess?”

“Not much, everyone’s keeping it quiet. But it can’t be something good if she was alone, unprotected and almost burnt alive.” Altair uttered, with a serious expression.

“True and what was she doing so far from her Reserve?”

“Don’t know.” Altair said. “Apparently, the Peacekeepers discovered the fire was no accident. I suspected that too when I saw it. The fire wasn’t heavily in the lower levels or didn’t start in areas where you’d normally expect an accidental fire to occur.”

“A fire utiliser?” Danteus queried.

“Potentially. They’re interviewing witnesses and anyone connected to the Princess and the fall of the Earth Reserve’s Capital now. I’m guessing they’ll find something soon.” Altair scrutinised Danteus.

“That Reserve was always pretty secure. Last time I checked. Just like the other Reserves.” Danteus said.

Altair pulled his eyes from Danteus. “That’s true. A revolt maybe?”

“Not sure. They didn’t seem like they were enslaving their people or taking what little they had but just because it appears like that on the outside, doesn’t mean something didn’t happened within.” The conversation ceased for a moment, their thoughts reflective until a woman cladded in gold and green uniform approached. The colours of the helpers but marked as a personal royal attendant. Both Danteus and Altair noticed she was accompanied by one Guardian Peacekeeper.

Both Danteus and Altair paused. The woman bowed slightly with a hand over her heart. “My Lord. My lady wishes to speak to you.” Altair raised a brow at the woman and then glanced at Danteus, curious. The woman straightened. “I’m here to escort you to her.”

“Who is your lady?” He asked, hesitantly. He was hoping it wasn’t any of his past flings.

“Princess Evangelina.” Danteus relaxed and nodded, then glanced at Altair.

“I’ll meet up with you later.” When Altair parted, Danteus followed the woman. “Why didn’t the Princess come and greet me herself? I mean she’s already met me.”

The woman strode beside Danteus, “It’s not because she hasn’t met you. It’s because she’s tired. The Queen has confined her to her chambers for the next week to recover. She may appear to be physically unharmed, but we have no idea of what internal, phycological, emotional and elemental traumas she’s faced—until the physicians fully examine her.” When they arrived at the grand door. The attendant paused. “We’re here.” Danteus studied the massive doors. He’d had no idea the west wing—specifically designated for guests—was this immaculate. Then he recalled the caliber of visitors they had hosted in the past, and it suddenly made sense. He watched the attendant as she paused before the opal and gold entrance, knowing she was merely waiting for the mechanism to recognize them and swing wide.

Danteus regarded the Centurions on either side of the large double doors and observed them critically wondering if he knew any of them. He regarded them for a moment longer but didn’t say anything. His attention shifted to the door once again when it opened and a man who he was familiar with greeted them. “Welcome my Lord,” said a man catching Danteus’s attention. Danteus regarded the man cladded in the uniform of the Grand Elder’s but marked as an Associate. A person that Danteus knew worked directly under the Grand Elders as a Messenger, Emissary, Informant or whatever they needed.

He recognised the man. He’d seen him a few times. “Serban,” Danteus greeted. Serban bowed with a hand over his heart and stepped aside for Danteus.

“Tara,” Serban greeted.

“Serban.” Tara replied and entered the room. Danteus paused in the foyer and Serban strode past him while Tara patiently waited beside Danteus. Serban returned moments later then the Princess Evangelina poked her head around the corner. Her eyes lit up, at the sight of him.

“You made it,” she said, excited.

Danteus regarded her for a moment. Confused by her behaviour. “Of course, you requested my presence.”

Evangelina tilted her head to the side. Her eyes glittered in confusion and her brows furrowed in concern. “You don’t remember me, do you?” she asked.

Danteus regarded her for a moment. “Of course, I do, we found you in the fire.”

“Yeah, you did but I mean before that.”

Danteus regarded her. “Should I?”

Evangelina regarded him for a moment. “Who’s your family?”

“Nero-Drausus.” Danteus said.

“Drausus. Do you know that name is a powerful clan in the Earth Reserve? Kind of like the Ignatius clan here.” Evangelina declared, pondering the name. “It’s known almost everywhere just the like Ignatius and a few others.”

“I know. Why are you telling me this?” Danteus asked, curious.

“Because I was hoping you’d remember your own cousin without me having to say anything.” Shock crossed Danteus’s expression. “I mean we were only kids when we first and last met, that time when your father introduced us to you. You still look the same though. Just bigger,” Evangelina said and shrugged. “So, you really didn’t recognise me at all?” Evangelina tilted her head to the side and placed a finger under her chin as she watched him.

Danteus was about to declare she had the wrong person. Until he paused. Considering her words, then recalled his father’s words with fragments of old distant memories. He regarded the woman, with a coy smile. “I didn’t at first but now I do. I see you’re not an ugly duckling anymore.”

Evangelina lightly rolled her eyes and dismissed the comment. “I can’t believe of all the things you remember; you remember that. Then again, all my brothers wouldn’t have made it easy for you to ignore let alone forget.” Sadness graced her features, at thought of her brothers.

Danteus watched her for a moment. “What really happened?”