Free Fearless by Marianne Curley Page B

destroyed it.’
    Michael clarifies. ‘During my time on Empyrean, I learned otherwise.’
    Jez asks, ‘Everyone knows how vital time is in these circumstances, so how do we get our hands on it and do we know it still works?’
    Michael explains, ‘The hanival is secured in the High King’s vault under the guardianship of the Twelve Sentinels.’
    A collective sigh of relief eases the tension in the room. It’s the knowledge that there’s a weapon that can blast through Skade’s gates – and probably anything. It’s exactly what we need. I wonder who these ‘Twelve Sentinels’ are, and if they have the potential to get in our way.
    â€˜The hanival will function correctly in the right hands, but there are complications,’ Michael adds.
    â€˜Such as?’ Isaac asks.
    Even I can think of one. ‘If the Dark Prince gets his dirty hands on it, we may as well kiss the Earth goodbye.’
    This time when their heads turn to me there’s no hostility, and Michael says, ‘That is essentially correct, Jordan.’
    They start murmuring, but as soon as the Monsignor clears his throat, the room goes silent. ‘Our purpose in being here is to facilitate Avena’s angels of light in their promise to protect humanity, but we are also Guardians of Earth.’
    Thane says, ‘As the home of humans, Earth is our concern too, Monsignor. We share a common goal.’
    The Monsignor nods but squirms uncomfortably. ‘My desire is not to offend anyone in this room, but the question must be asked: is the life of one angel worth the price ofpossibly billions of human beings?’
    I can’t believe what the Monsignor just said. I jump out of my seat. ‘Well, I’m a human being, and I say she is!’
    â€˜Jordan.’ Thane lifts his hand and motions at me to sit down, his eyes clearly telling me he’s gonna wait until my ass is back in the chair. ‘Monsignor, let me put it this way – should Ebony remain in Skade for a hundred years, the risk to Earth would be immeasurable.’
    â€˜How so?’
    â€˜Prince Luca plans to build an army of Soul Readers from the combination of his and Ebony’s bloodlines. When he has enough descendants they will infiltrate Earth and place an invisible mark that only the Soul Readers can see on every child who has the potential for dark acts. These Luca plans to take young, train and build his armies in secret locations in preparation to invade Earth.’
    â€˜I did not know this,’ the Monsignor murmurs, his face turning as white as his robe.
    And from the gasps and sudden chatter, neither did most of the others around the table. Amber catches my eye. Horror fills hers. Like me, she would be thinking of Ebony being forced to bear Luca’s children.
    The Monsignor shakes his head. ‘This changes everything. We will assist you in any way we can.’
    Thane releases a deep sigh. ‘Thank you, Lawrence.’
    â€˜How soon can you get your hands on this weapon?’ I ask.
    Thane looks straight at me. ‘Immediately after this meeting, Michael and I will travel to Empyrean to see the Sentinels.’
    Gabe says, ‘There’s a certain protocol that has to be followed, Jordan.’
    â€˜But this is an emergency.’
    â€˜Yes,’ Thane says, ‘and I will ensure the Sentinels appreciate the urgency.’
    Gabe scoffs at his brother. ‘You can’t just knock on the Sentinels’ chamber door, Thane, and expect an immediate audience with the High King. An audience could take weeks to arrange. Some have waited months, even years.’
    â€˜ What? ’ Amber gasps. ‘Nathaneal, there must be a way to make this happen sooner.’
    â€˜We’re trying our hardest to bring Ebony home,’ Gabe yells, shifting his eyes from Amber to me, ‘and you two are not helping. Can you do anything except complain that we’re not fast