The Moon's Fangs | 1

It felt as though the walls would collapse in on me. Collapse in and send me plummeting into a never-ending pit – because the way he stared so vehemently at me at this moment, it was like he didn’t see me, but someone else. He looked at me like I was a fraud.

A lie.

“Yes, Reks Arlen. You see now, don’t you?”

I started to shake my head, but Reks bit in, voice warping into a deadly snarl. “Speak plainly, snake.”

Amusement crept across Nikoe’s tainted, blood-drenched mouth. “The Moon’s Fangs should rejoice, for all is not lost now he has so dutifully delivered the reincarnation of Ellison Lucil. Do not fret, vitiate. Ellison’s soul – her memories – will be restored within her reincarnation once I am bonded to her. The empress will become whole once more and herald in a new era.”

Air. I couldn’t get enough air.

This thing spoke as if I were nothing more than an empty husk to fill, like I wasn’t my own person. It wasn’t true. It couldn't be.

Sio must have searched endlessly for a look-a-like before finally stumbling on me, then fabricated an image of my younger self to use as evidence against me. It must be desperate to go to such measures.

“Your deception has flaws, Sio.” I argued, fighting the tremble in my voice. “I’m s-sure a DNA test will prove I’m not even from here.”

“Oh?” Sio made Nikoe’s head tilt to the side. “On the contrary, my successor. There are only a few places where The Fates cannot reach. Reincarnations manifest where they see fit.”

“You’re lying.” I said, throat tight with fear. I looked at Reks, whose face said it all. He believed it–believed Sio. Every word.

No. I wasn't her. I'd never... never do any of those things. I'd never hurt him, never take like she had.

“Reks, it’s lying.” my voice cracked. “You said it yourself. When we met, you thought I was an enemy with an incomplete glamour of her. You said I couldn't be her. It's just… Sio’s trying to pin us against each other.” I reached out for his arm, but he stepped away from my touch.

A tear fell down my cheek. My heart - it felt like someone ripped it in shreds.

Shock painted every impressionable face in the room from Sio’s lies. They stared at us. At me.

Shion studied me with budding distrust. Etch stared incredulously, open-mouthed and silent. Danika's gaze brimmed with shock, but her river of tears belonged to Nikoe, who remained her main focus. Storms brewed behind many of the council's surprised observations.

I shrank under all of it, alone.

When Reks turned back to Sio, his expression went cold and hard. “What'll happen to the reincarnation if you bond with her?”

Reincarnation. Something vital twisted painfully in my chest. Not Amelia, but the reincarnation.

The whites of Nikoe’s eyes blackened. “You are curious if her present soul will stay intact once Ellison Lucil is restored.” the projected memories evaporated around us as the guards were abruptly controlled to take forceful steps in front of all exits. “The answer is… complex. The reincarnation's soul, along with her memories, will be overridden. When Ellison Lucil reawakens within her new body, she may perhaps recall things the body’s original owner had experienced. Similar to when one dreams. Ellison will at times experience some memories in vivid detail. Echos of a past life.”

Overridden? Sio spoke so casually about obliterating everything that makes me who I am. If souls truly did ascend somewhere upon death, mine wouldn't. It would wipe mine clean so Ellison's could thrive.

I'd be the embodiment of a fading echo.

Reks crossed his arms, like this life-ending information was nothing more than a debriefing. “I assume you’re already aware she's in possession of another Guide.”

Horror lanced up my bones. Reks… Reks was considering it. No. That couldn't be right. He cares for me. I know he does! He couldn't switch those kinds of feelings off so quickly.

The vitiate bond, my brain scrambled to justify. If he possessed a bond with the empress, then it was bound to be linked to Sio too. Could he be compelled to obey it? I never learned enough about what kind of power that bond held on someone.

Annoyance flashed across Nikoe’s face as a snarling hiss emanated through him. “Yes, I am quite aware of the unanticipated nuisance. Strange how the Guide eluded me until now. I am most curious to learn how that came to be since The Fates would not have opened a gate for her to obtain anything less than me. I will require you, Reks Arlen, to perform the surgery. The undesirable Guide must be carefully removed before I am to initiate the bond. To attempt a bond as is would permanently damage the new body, along with Ellison’s rebirth. A mad, fragmented empress would be an immense disappointment with but the single use to bear the next successor. There is no room for mistakes.”

What the hell?

I shot Reks an incredulous look, expecting to see a similar reaction from how messed up that sounded.

He only analyzed me with that cold, grim expression. “Hm. Easier now to wrap my head around why The Full Spectrum sent horde monsters after her. Though I still don't understand how she tracked the reincarnation in the first place.”

Sio bristled at that, causing Nikoe's body to stumble, as if he barely maintained enough strength to stand. “The Full Spectrum is the reason why it has taken this long to get to this point. That abomination has hunted down and murdered almost every reincarnation of Ellison Lucil thus far. Intervention for this one arrived before she met the same end.” Sio turned Nikoe's decrepit gaze on someone within the council towards the back. "As for the only other reincarnation who almost reached this point but failed because of another's greedy ambitions, their soul is forever marked and will succumb to judgment by the empress upon her rebirth."

Wide eyes tracked The Circle, fearfully speculating who the warning was directed at among their leaders - who Sio deemed a murderer and a traitor.

My gaze fell on Nolan. He hadn’t moved. Only the weak rise and fall of his chest gave evidence he was still alive. He was the intervention Sio had mentioned. I only made it out there because of his stolen gate ring – because he shot that terrifying monster from taking me away.

A sickness churned in my stomach. Had he saved me from one monster only to give me to another? That must have been the true reason behind him trying to trick me into drinking Altered-Sincerity. It would have made it so much easier for him to carry out this mission if he succeeded in brainwashing me into submission.

I peeked at the exits between shell-shocked high ranks. All guarded, all under Sio’s control. Sio choked off all exits, preventing me from fleeing. Trapped like a helpless mouse in a cobra’s snare.

Reks' gate ring was my best bet. A quick glance at his naked finger made me bite my lip. If this wasn't a front Reks put on to potentially trick Sio, then I might need to prepare to fight my way out. By myself. The thought turned my hands moist with sweat.

Nox slipped free from my skin, slithering around my shoulders in its projection form. Its tail curled protectively around my arm, no longer concerned about Sio and who else might have access to see it. ~I have had enough of this. You are Amelia. And I am your Guide! Sio may be superior, but I cannot idly submit when your soul hangs in the balance.~

My eyes burned from its sentiment. The promise I made back in the greenhouse sat heavily on my chest. Nox and I were supposed to see everything the worlds beyond this had to offer. We... we were going to stay together.

The promise was now at a high risk of being broken tonight.

If Reks forced the surgery and extracted Nox, the Guide would die. Nox said so itself; a severed bond between Guide and soul is a Guide's execution.

I didn’t realize how quickly my tears fell until feeling the wetness streak down the column of my neck.

The sight of Nox's projection must have angered Sio. It influenced Nikoe to close the gap between us, bloodied lips curled in a possessive snarl.

Air seized in my throat as I backed away, hand flying up to a pathetic halt. “No. No, please! I have to help my friend. I can’t… I can’t die yet.” my lips quivered pleadingly.

"As I said before, your cooperation with our union will grant your final wish. Ellison Lucil will be notified of it, and she will see to it Blaire Bailey's rescue and freedom from The Full Spectrum's control is fulfilled."

Sio wants me to lay down and die, and just trust it will see that through? My fist pressed hard against my chest as I tried to rationalize through the heavy beats of my heart. I couldn't accept that - couldn't trust that.

Yet it kept me from pulling out the blade sheathed to my thigh and threatening to slice my own throat in order to slip out and run for it. Sio might revoke that deal if I tried something so risky.

My fingers found the slit of the dress, weighing the options.

Torment crossed Reks’ face, like something tore deep inside him. It warped his cold expression into one of pain. “Sio… this is a lot to take in at once. I would need time to prepare for the potential risks involved in a dangerous procedure. Furthermore, you’re ordering me to force Amelia to end her life so Ellison Lucil can be restored.” he looked at me, gaze cast in shadows. “Surely there are other explorable options.”

The responding hiss sliced through the air. Nikoe snatched Reks by the shoulder, gripping it tight in his spiderwebbing hand. “You will not disobey, Reks Arlen. To do so is to defy the empress's will. Do you wish for the last of your race to be slaughtered? Even the girl couldn't bear the weight of that burden on her shoulders, to live on knowing she breathes because they do not.”

I paled. Now it was a choice between me... or the last of the orleizen race?

"You're basing that on one of several future outcomes, Sio." Reks said, voice haunted. "If everyone sits here in their waning barrier until time runs out, then yeah, they'll be slaughtered. But they can just as easily grow backbones and find allies - those with a strong desire to take on The Full Spectrum."

"Without the empress, the people will gain favor from no otherworldly nations. Power seeks greater power while the weak latch to crumbs. As it stands, the only thing one can gain from this broken empire is more enemies."

"You forget who you're arguing with. I can think of several nations who'd jump at the opportunity, if it meant securing a contract of sorts with The Moon's Fangs." Reks bit back, hitting Nikoe's hand away from his shoulder.

By that, did Reks suggest he'd sell himself?

Sio's scales rippled in a rageful arch down its spine.

Nikoe’s mouth opened to answer, but he was cut short when a black, gurgled cough erupted from his throat. Tainted blood spilled from his mouth, splattering across the marble between us.

I gasped out, and others around did the same.

“You need to let Nikoe go.” my voice shook but somehow still held enough ground to be heard. “You’re killing him. Let go.”

“That all depends on you, reincarnation.” a slow-crept smile twisted his black-stained mouth. “Nikoe Rhosyn may yet live if my terms are met. Continue to delay, and this one will soon lose his life. And then…” his depraved eyes roved over the ground before finding their mark. “Then I will use Shion Udaya. And if it persists further, I shall use Danika Daario. Their souls are precious to me, but I will go through as many temporary hosts as needed until I am bonded to you. Make your choice.”

Sacrifice yourself to save them.

That is what Sio wanted me to do. Sio would corrupt as many as possible, starting with who I’ve had contact with, just to entice me to do its bidding. It wanted me to die. It wanted to implant Ellison Lucil into my body, where it would completely rewrite my soul.

Rewrite me.

Tears streamed hotly down my cheeks, running haphazardly down my neck. I touched the earring Reks had given me, squeezing Blaire's gem between my shaking fingers. Nox pressed against my neck.

Why. Why did Sio have to say everyone would die if I lived? And Reks. Would I really risk him selling himself off to another nation, that'd use him like a weapon? Damnit. Damn everything.

Sio forced this to happen with an audience on purpose. Forced me into this inescapable corner. Choosing myself meant they would be hurt. I didn't want that.

His handsome face blurred in my vision as I took it all in. “Reks... promise me you won’t sell yourself. You’re not a weapon, and you do not belong to Ellison."

“Amelia…” his voice softened, pain striking his features.

"If I’d known how…” my throat squeezed, making it hard to form the words I wanted to say. I sucked in a sharp breath, forcing my gaze up to his, and smiled through the tears. “No matter what happens after this, I want you to know that you meant so, so much more to me. And I am so happy I met you.” my last sentence barely made it past the tightness in my throat.

He stepped over and snagged my hands in his, dark eyes sharpening. “Don't you dare. You're not allowed to give up. I'll convince Sio to give us more time. To find an alternative solution.”

Sio wouldn't wait much longer. It already dolled out those threats. Arguing further would further hurt the people forced to witness. Nikoe might die soon.

"I rescind our conditions." I squeezed his hands back, finding comfort in his warmth. If he was forced to perform the switch between Guides, then our conditions would only get in his way. Something I didn't want hanging over his head or burdening him afterward. I pressed my lips together to slow the trembling. “If you see a way Nox can be somehow saved in this, will you take it with you? See the stars with Luk and Nox in my place.”

He stared at me like I had stabbed him in the chest. His face hardened as he fought a rise of emotion underneath. Anger driven by fear.

Reks tugged me against him, hard and sudden, hands grasping like he feared if he didn't hold tight, I'd slip through his fingers. A kiss full of demand clashed between us. A kiss so raw and desperate, it dissolved any traces of uncertainty I previously held.

I melted into the kiss, into him, wishing nothing more than to remain frozen in that state forever. For time to grant me that one small mercy.

Reks pulled away and lifted a hand to my face, cupping the side as he used his thumb to wipe tears away. "I should have never doubted you. I was caught off guard... Blinded by the past. By what she did. But don't for one fate-damned moment believe I'd give up everything we have because of something you can't control. Even knowing the truth, I don't see her when I look into your eyes. I see you, Amelia. I see my stargazer. My lucky star. My flame." A wrathful resolution darkened his gaze. "And I'll be damned if I allow the empress or Sio take one more person from me. It will not end like this."

Hope poured into me from every word. I could feel him returning to me, could feel the raw power behind his statement. His resolution alone demolished that corner Sio ensnared, turning it to rubble.

Flecks of light disintegrated in his black stare as he glared through the puppet, right to Sio. “You hear that? Threaten all you like. You want to kill those devoted to you? Have at it. I don't care. You can either drop your hostage and come back to the lab with us while we search for another solution, or you can take your anger out on innocent people. That is your choice to make, Sio. Not hers. Not Amelia's." he spat its name like a curse word.

“Foolish vitiate.” Sio hissed, and Nikoe’s flesh turned sickly grey under the spidering black veins. “Ellison will be most unpleased to learn of this hesitation. She will not tolerate your disobiediance, nor this egregious show of disloyalty.”

“Find another damn reincarnate.” Reks took a protective stance in front of me. “You can’t have her.”

Something in my chest swelled at what he claimed, what it meant. But if Sio refused to come with us, how many would die instead?

Something rippled under Nikoe’s skin – as if the poisoned blood slithered in agitation. “I will not revert back into fossilized form.” Sio snarled through the black stream. “I will not ask again vitiate. Refuse me one more time, and I will force your han–”

Reks didn’t wait for Sio to continue with its threat. His boot planted against Nikoe’s chest, driving him backward with sharp, sudden force. Sio and Nikoe fell, sliding fast against the marble, streaking black blood in their wake. A sharp hiss sliced through the air.

Reks snagged his gate ring from his pocket and threw it in the air, grabbing my wrist as chaos ensued around us. Screams of all degrees consumed the room as their forced silence had broken.

My heart hammered against my chest, the drums of my ears as I stared wide-eyed at the back of Reks’ head, watching him pull me towards the opening gateway.

Escaping. We were running away.

I couldn’t tell where our friends were amongst the spiking terror.

I wanted to live, but if Sio spoke the truth, so much more was at stake. So many more lives. Reks made it out to sound like that was Sio’s choice to make, not mine. But were we signing others' death sentences by fleeing?

And taking this action in front of The Circle along with so many high-ranking witnesses? It would mark Reks and I as enemies of the empire. Worse, an enemy to Sio.

“Reks, wait! What about–”

~Danger! We're being shot at!~ Nox dove back under my skin and attempted to influence my body out of the line of fire.

But Reks had a hold of my hand, guiding us toward our narrow escape. No room for evasion. No time to relay the warning.

Pain.

Hot, molten pain punched the center of my back. My knees caved in with instant numbness, gravity pulling me down before we could make it to the gateway.