The Exodus: The Hunted Series, #2

Contents

Also by Ali Winters

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY-ONE

TWENTY-TWO

TWENTY-THREE

TWENTY-FOUR

TWENTY-FIVE

TWENTY-SIX

TWENTY-SEVEN

TWENTY-EIGHT

TWENTY-NINE

THIRTY

Author’s Note

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also by Ali Winters

The Hunted Series

The Reapers

The Exodus

The Moirai

The Fallen

Flirting with Death (A short story)

Shadow World

The Vampire Debt

The Vampire Curse

The Vampire Court

Th Vampire Oath

The Vampire Crown

The Vampire Betrayal

In The End duology

Sound of Silence

Light in Darkness

Stand Alone Titles

Army of the Winter Court

A Sky of Shattered Stars

Cast In Moonlight

Copyright © 2017, Ali Winters

All rights reserved. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews or articles.

Published by Rising Flame Press

Edited by Schwartz Fiction Edits

Cover design by Trif Book Design

Formatting by Red Umbrella Graphic Designs

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

www.aliwinters.com

To Erin A,

Even when things seem impossible—never give up, for you are never alone.

KAIN

THIS WAS A mistake. A big, big, big, mistake.

Kain stared straight ahead in wide-eyed terror as he blindly reached for the handle next to his head. His stomach sank as they flew over a bump, the car catching air as the road dropped out from underneath them.

Don’t get sick. Don’t get sick, he chanted silently, waiting for his life to flash before his eyes. Rational thought told him that with a Reaper driving, his fear shouldn’t be death so much as everlasting, agonizing pain.

This is the best thing ever! Why haven’t we done this before? Nivian shouted over the blare of the radio.

Time stood still for that short moment as he peeled his eyes from the road to look at her face in astonishment. Kain swallowed hard. The ground grew closer and closer, as it rushed up to meet them.

They landed with a bounce and the joints of the car groaned in protest as time caught back up. He was going to die if he didn’t do something fast.

Stop the car, Kain choked out.

What was that? Nivian asked only half-paying attention. He reached over and turned the radio off earning a frown.

I said, Kain cleared his throat and continued in a louder voice, stop the car!

Nivian looked over at him out of the corner of her eye. Her forehead creased as she looked from his face, to his hand, and back. Where did that handle come from? she mumbled with a tilt of her head. I don’t remember seeing that before.

What? Kain said, shooting her a worried glance. Why wasn’t she paying attention to the road? The roads still had icy patches in the early mornings even as spring began to warm the lengthening days. Mornings— he’d thought that it’d be safer for her to learn to drive when there’d be less people out on the roads. That had been his reasoning. The faults of his thought process now blazingly clear. Please, just park the car, he groaned, trying to keep the panic out of his voice.

Nivian faced the road again, but the fleeting sense of relief that gesture brought vanished as he followed her gaze to the only open spot on the opposite side of the road.

He regretted suggesting to teach her how to drive. It was the worst idea in the history of ideas. And as a young man, he’d had his share of bad ideas. Though none had been as life threatening as this one.

Of course it would be dangerous. She was a Reaper and Reapers didn’t fear death. They were death. Unlike him. Still mortal and still quite capable of dying. And the longer Nivian sat behind the wheel of the car, the higher his risk of imminent death grew.

A truck on the opposite side was driving toward them, blinker on as he approached the empty space. Opening his mouth, Kain tried to protest but his lips refused to form the words.

Nivian jerked the wheel and slammed on the breaks. Tires skidded on asphalt. A horn sounded and the smell of burning rubber filled Kain’s nostrils.

The car came to a screeching halt, bumping against the curb and gently rocking in the aftermath of her reign of terror upon the city. Attempting to peel his eyelids open, Kain realized they already were and his vision had failed momentarily.

That was great! Nivian beamed. She wiggled in her seat and clapped her hands in joy. Reaching down to unbuckle her seat belt, she paused when her eyes landed on Kain. He sat unmoving, staring straight ahead, but he could feel the weight of her curious stare.

What’s wrong? she asked.

Slowly, Kain turned to face her, prying his fingers loose and flexing them to get the blood flowing again.

Maybe we should do something a little bit safer next time, Kain said quietly. That’s what I get for assuming she’d be timid and err on the side of caution when trying something new.

The fear that the drive had fried his nerves made him want to lash out in anger, but he took several deep breaths reminding himself that it had been his idea. He hadn’t thought it through clearly, knowing she was clueless. Kain couldn’t blame her for his lack of foresight.

Nivian tilted her head. Why? That was so much fun!

You scare me, Nivi. I think I lost about twenty years of my life in the last ten minutes.

Nivian looked at him skeptically. Kain, that’s not how life years work. She snorted, half laughing the words.

Kain shook his head and quickly unbuckled his seatbelt. He got out of the car on weak legs as fast as he could manage without falling.

What? Nivian asked as she opened her door and stepped out. Her wide, dark amber eyes peered at him over the roof of the car. In some ways, the dark auburn of her hair in her human form fit the warm tan of her skin better than the long platinum she had as a Reaper. But both forms were equally striking to him.

He could feel the disbelief on his face as he stared agape at her. She had no clue the effect she’d had on him, and no doubt, countless innocent bystanders. Bending over, Kain rested his hands on his knees drawing in deep breaths to calm his nerves. He could have sworn his life flashed before his eyes during that lesson, twice. And it hadn’t taken nearly long enough for his taste.

Nivi, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, he began as he straightened his back. But I never want to be in the car with you behind the wheel again.

Her smile faltered. Was it really that bad?

A smile formed on his lips. He was alive, all bystanders were alive, and she’d had fun. That was the goal of teaching her things, wasn’t it? Walking around to her side of the car, he reached in and turned the engine off then closed the door.

It scared me half to death, but no one got hurt. His grin grew wider. Let’s go get a slice of pizza since we’re downtown, but I’m driving home. Kain nudged her shoulder with his as he pocketed the keys. Even with the near death experience, he had still managed to keep his appetite, which was a miracle within itself.

Slipping his hand into hers, Kain led the way letting her trail a few steps behind him as she usually did in order for her to examine the people hurrying past them.

The early spring air was crisp, chilling him through his thin jacket. He was thankful they had only parked a block away from his favorite place.

Kain led Nivian through the door of Niko’s Pizzeria and picked out a small booth in the back corner. He looked around, realizing they made it in time to be ahead of the early lunch rush and thankful for their timing leaving the restaurant mostly empty.

There were several round tables positioned in the middle of the dining area, but he chose a booth since Nivian preferred having a view of her surroundings when they went out. She never said so, but the way her gaze constantly wandered, he knew she enjoyed people watching. Though he suspected the main reason was that she still wasn’t completely comfortable in her human form.

The light, golden wood of the floors kept the restaurant bright, even with dim overhead lighting and a fake candle placed in the center of each table. It was a mix of relaxed takeout and classic upscale Italian restaurant that made Niko’s popular with the high school kids as well as families during weeknights.

Wait here and I’ll order a pizza for us.

Nivian nodded and slid into the bench seat.

After placing their order, Kain rejoined her in their booth to find her still grinning from ear to ear. I take it you had fun today? he asked removing his jacket and sliding in across from her.

It was great! I like driving! She eyed him before removing her own jacket and scarf. Kain knew she didn’t need them, but they both agreed that it would be less suspicious if she blended in as much as possible. She had begun to catch on to human mannerisms, but for the most part, she still took many of her cues from his actions so he was always careful to make sure she saw the movements she needed to. He was glad she had her human form, the shorter length of her chocolate brown hair helped.

Uhh, about that… he started, I am not sure my heart could take that kind of excitement again anytime soon.

What else could we do that would be that fun? she asked her lips forming a slight pout.

Considering you only did laundry for the first time a few months ago, I think we can find something else.

Nivian smiled. Okay, I guess there are other things I’d like to try anyway. What about flying a plane? It looked like fun for the guy who took you to the island. He wasn’t even paying attention when I looked in. I bet it’s really easy.

His eyes felt like they’d pop out of his head just imagining that experience. There is no way he would live through that.

I think it might be best if we start small and work our way up, Kain said, trying to keep his face schooled in a serene expression.

What did you have in mind? she asked tilting her head to the side. Her curiosity not dampened by his aversion to danger.

I could teach you to fly a kite, he offered, but the unamused expression that graced her face at that suggestion told him that might be a little too tame for her. Kain thought for a minute before responding. How do you feel about animals?

Animals? What do you mean?

I was thinking I could take you to the zoo.

Hmmm. Nivian paused thoughtfully, placing a finger on the corner of her mouth. It doesn’t sound as fun as driving, but I suppose I can give it a chance.

He opened his mouth to continue, but a server showed up at their table, interrupting him as she placed their food on the table before them.

One pep! the server announced as she set the tray down between them, then two smaller plates. Can I get you two anything else?

No, thank you, we’re all set, Kain answered, handing Nivian a plate and taking the other.

With a curt nod, the server walked off, leaving them to finish their conversation.

Kain turned back to Nivian. Her expression lost its cheerfulness as she stared at the pizza, unseeing. Are you thinking about your memories again? he asked softly.

She lifted her gaze to meet his. Yeah, she admitted.

It’s okay. He reached out and placed his hand over hers, giving it a light squeeze. You’ll remember. Try not to push yourself too hard in the meantime.

She nodded. You’re right. I just wish I knew why I can remember my death but not my life. Shouldn’t they have all come back at the same time?

He could see the pain it caused her behind her smile. His presence had broken the block that held back the memories of her death, and he could only hope that his continued presence in her life would do the same for her forgotten life. But until that happened, he could only try to distract her from it.

Kain spun the silver tray and stopped it. Take your pick.

Nivian licked her lips perking up as she grabbed a large slice and placed it on her plate. Hesitating, she looked back at the pizza in the middle of the table.

You can take another slice if you want, Kain offered knowingly. He found her shy, hungry smile, with the tip of her tongue darting from between her lips, adorable.

Her thoughts were often clear to him, with every thought written clearly on her face. Watching her take a second piece, he picked up his own and bit into it. Melted cheese mixed with sauce and crispy bread as he chewed. This was hands-down the best pizza in the city. He looked up to see Nivian finishing a slice. Her cheeks stuffed full like a chipmunk as she tried to take another bite.

You can slow down; no one is going to take it from you.

Nivian gave him a small, tight-lipped grin and set her piece down to chew.

Kain couldn’t help the deep laugh that escaped him. She was nothing like anyone else he’d ever known. He liked being able to spend time with her. She was real. She was herself. And she made him feel like he had found something he had been missing all his life but could never name.

They sat in silence as the pizza disappeared slice by slice.

That was amazing! I can’t believe I used to think eating was strange. I could eat food every day! Nivian said.

These were some of his favorite moments with her. Everything she said was genuine and she had no idea how strange she could sound at times. Most of us do try and eat every day, he said winking. She wouldn’t get his humor as she often didn’t, but she was still learning.

Nivian narrowed her eyes at him and he could see the wheels turning. Nivian knew enough to tell that he was teasing her.

Nivian, I wanted to ask you something, he said, suddenly feeling unsure of himself as he shifted in his seat.

Mmm? She leaned back against her seat, one hand rubbing her stomach.

When we go to the zoo— he paused, unsure how to continue. She looked up from the last slice that still sat between them, her brows drawn together as her attention split between the food and what he was saying.

What is it, Kain? she asked.

I would like it to be a date. The request rushed out in a single breath.

Nivian chewed on her bottom lip before answering. Gee, I don’t know, Kain. I just don’t think it’s a good idea.

That was before everything that happened. I’d like to give us a chance, he said lowering his voice and leaning forward across the table. I’m not any more human than you are. There is Reaper in both of us… and Hunter. As different as they were, they still had a similar makeup, both unique to each of their groups. Neither of them should have existed, but through a series of events, they did and they had managed to find each other despite the odds. It was their differences, and their determination, that had finally started a chain reaction in healing the wounds of an ancient war that had been thrust upon them.

She turned her head to the other patrons as if making sure none of them were close enough to overhear their conversation.

I suppose that’s true, she admitted reluctantly and turned to face him again. I just… Nivian trailed off.

One date. That’s all I’m asking. Then you can decide from there if it’s still a bad idea. I just think we deserve to find out.

Pursing her lips, she narrowed her eyes contemplating. One date?

That’s it. If you still don’t think it’s a good idea, I won’t ask again. He waited as she studied him; his every, last nerve on edge.

"You were right about the food, so… A smile lit her face. It was her turn to tease him. Okay, I think I would like that."

Kain pushed back against the booth. You won’t regret this. It’ll be fun. Promise.

Already, he couldn’t wait to see her face at the end of their date. It had been premature, and full of hope, but he’d already planned a small surprise he hoped she would enjoy. Excitement fought to bubble its way up to his face as he stood.

Nivian moved with him, stumbling forward a step.

Whoa, careful. Are you all right? he asked catching her by the arm to steady her.

Uh, yeah. I just… tripped. She straightened and looked up at him with an embarrassed smile.

It’s a good thing you’re a Reaper, otherwise you’d kill yourself with your clumsy habits, he teased, whispering the words in her ear.

SILAS

SILAS LIFTED THE golden chalice, his fingers brushing over the delicate designs etched into the sides of the golden cup. Roots formed the base of the chalice mimicking the tree of life, the trunk the handle, and the branches, interwoven with tiny emeralds that shined like sparkling leaves, spread across the golden cup.

He had gone to the resting place upon the mountaintop where Yeva had slept for centuries, until the remaining Hunters had found and awoken her, to find the sacred cup. In the absence of her warm presence, the sanctuary had frozen over, becoming barren.

The wounds he’d inflicted upon her when they’d fought at the island had been deep. She needed to heal with the waters of her realm, and this was the only way to bring them to her. Without them, her powers were too weak to heal her and she would fade, ceasing to exist. And that was one consequence of this war that he never wanted to witness.

Yeva had been arrogant in her goals, believing the Reapers would never be able to stop her. To stop her, would mean to end her existence. If either of them ceased to be, life would turn into an irreparable nightmare. There would be nothing but suffering as the earth flared with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes as it tried to right the unnatural phenomenon.

If she got her way, she would reign eternal, causing an unnatural endlessness to the cycle of existence. Every life force would perish at once, including Reapers. With none left to sever the life threads, the mortals would be doomed to wander the earth, not dead, but not living either. If he were not mistaken, humans would consider that a zombie apocalypse.

The undead would walk on a crumbling planet of pain and death in barren land as the world self-destructed—neither consequence would be pleasant for humans, Reapers, or Hunters. Both outcomes would be a literal hell on earth.

Silas narrowed his eyes. He was not alive, but he did not wish to end his existence over a struggle for power. He would not give up on keeping the balance in check, no matter what his heart wanted.

It was the reason Gaia had created both he and Yeva. To give life a chance, letting it run its course without giving way to inescapable consequences. They each held part of the power that was key to maintaining the balance. Light and dark must both exist together, always.

The waters of the River Salay had dried up centuries ago but with the power of the chalice, when he first carried Yeva off her island, he’d returned shortly and managed to call forth the properties of the river that once flowed. Turning the cup in his hand, Silas added water from the caves of the hidden island. The water of the extinct river was the only thing preventing her from succumbing to her wounds. It was the source of her powers, much as the Waters of Soyala were to the Reapers.

Silas picked up a small vial and added several drops of water from the earth’s ocean. He crossed his throne room to the back wall that was shrouded in darkness.

Stepping up to the dais that held the Waters of Soyala, he pushed back the curtain that hid the soft glow of the swirling powers within. The ancient lifted the chalice of the Reapers, the room’s dim light reflecting off the millions of facets of the thin, black obsidian made it sparkle like diamonds. Carefully, Silas tipped the glass and poured three drops into Yeva’s, lacing her water with his. The liquids swirled together and turned bright red before fading to perfectly clear.

The process of her healing was time consuming, but the joy he found in being near her again was incomparable to anything else in the world. It had been too long since he had been able to gaze upon her delicate face day in and day out. The monotonous duties of death were no longer routine and desolate; he had found purpose in his existence once more.

Moving further into the dark, Silas ran his hand along the wall until his deft fingers found a notch. He pressed down and stepped back as part of the floor fell away to reveal a staircase. Pale green light illuminated the passage, allowing him to walk down the narrow, stone steps.

At the bottom, a labyrinth of tunnels awaited him. Green and white crystals embedded in the walls and ceiling glowed softly in the hidden tunnel. They brightened as he neared in acknowledgement of his presence and dimmed after he had passed.

Only the sound of his soft footsteps echoing off the walls met his ears. This long corridor was where all the realms met. The room where he kept Yeva was where the three corners collided: the realm of the Underworld, the realm of the Reapers, and the mortal realm of the Watchers.

By giving her the healing Waters of Salay, her body would repair itself from the wounds he had inflicted upon her. The water from the ocean, the doorway between one world and the next, would allow her to be unaffected by the meeting of the Underworld with hers. The addition of the Waters of Soyala was twofold. First, it would allow her to remain partially in the Reapers realm without further harm, and second, it would keep her weak enough that her powers would not resurface.

Sharp pain pierced his heart when he thought of what he had done. And what he continued to do.

Yeva did not know the location of where he kept her imprisoned. She had been in her forced slumber when he had searched out and found the spot where the domains collided. A prolonged stay in one opposite of their origins would cause degeneration of any being, unless one consumed the waters of all three.

He’d never wanted to keep her locked up in a dark place such as this. She belonged in the sun, to be surround by nature as it had been intended the day Gaia had created her.

Sighing, he shook off the somber thoughts that overtook his mind during each visit.

Near the end of the long passageway, Silas stopped at the slightest outline of a door that looked as though it might just be a long thin crack in the stonewall. Silas placed his palm in the center and pushed his energy into it. The section moved, sliding away as stone scraped against stone just long enough for him to step through before reforming.

Inside, unadorned iron sconces lined the walls with flickering candle light throughout the windowless room, a tomb not befitting a creature of her status. Silas glanced around the empty space.

A large canopy bed made of solid twisted vines with a feather mattress on top sat against the far wall, across from that sat a single square table and one chair, both made to match the bed. He regretted not being able to take the time to decorate the area to be as beautiful as she deserved, but time had been of the essence when he brought her injured and unconscious form. The healing process had needed to begin as soon as possible. He had kept Yeva in this dank prison for only a few weeks, but the healing was already near completion.

Setting the chalice down on the table, he walked over to where she lay sprawled out across the top of the bed. Her long flowing gown cascaded off the edge. There was a burned section on the bodice of her dress that left her hip and part of her stomach exposed. He would need to replace it once she fully healed. For now, it allowed him to check her wounds with minimal disturbance.

Hello, Yeva, Silas said, his voice low and soft. There was a power in her beauty that often stole the strength of his words when she was near. Yeva opened her eyes, blinking up at him before turning her head away, snubbing him—her displeasure palpable. Yeva, I have come to check on you. I need to be sure you are continuing to heal. It was the same announcement he made every visit.

I do not need you to check on me each day, Silas, she bit out, still refusing to meet his gaze.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he leaned forward to move the arm she draped across her middle. The burns had disappeared. Fresh skin growing over left a patch of bright pink skin. Only an angry, arrow shaped scar ran along her abdomen. A scar that would never heal, but would always serve as a reminder of how far they had veered from who they were always meant to be. He regretted that more than he could put to words.

But she would live. For that, he was forever grateful, and it had nothing to do with the continuance of existence.

He placed her arm back across her middle, then turned, silently crossing the room to the table and picking up the chalice from the smooth surface.

Drink this, Silas commanded in a low voice when he returned to her side.

Yeva slowly pushed herself to sitting and glowered with angry green eyes. Ah, is it time for my daily dose of poison already? Her voice dripped with bitterness.

You need it to heal. You know that, Yeva, Silas reminded her, unaffected by her tone.

"To heal? She let out a sharp laugh like claws ripping at his flesh. You hand me the healing waters of the River Salay, but lace it with just enough poison to keep me weak."

Silas stood silent and unmoving for a long moment. Her anger aimed at him through her piercing gaze, she snatched the chalice from his grip and tipped her head back, gulping it down in a single swallow. He would never give her the full reason he added the waters. There could be no telling what she would do with that knowledge.

She handed him back the cup and looked up at him expectantly through thick lashes. Her eyes softened and she adjusted herself, tucking her legs underneath her.

Oh, how he missed the days where she always looked at him in such a way. Now he was uncertain of the meaning.

Silas, please, you must let me out. I am weak. There is nothing I can do. I need to be free, I will die in here, she begged, her long slender fingers lightly gripped the edge if his cloak.

Silas looked down at her. Beautiful green eyes shining from unshed tears, pleaded with him for her freedom. It had never been his plan to keep her locked up like a common prisoner, but he needed to come up with a more long-term solution before he could allow her what she wanted.

Time and time again, she forced him to handle her in ways he never wished to. It shamed him to know that he still hadn’t learned to prepare for the worst. But his heart blinded him to what his mind knew. She would never stop her quest. What started out as a misunderstanding had grown into a feud.

Even if the Moirai had allowed him to explain, it would make no difference now. Perhaps once, it might have.