"I'm not. Tell them."
Trix nods. "Alright, N, but if you ask me, you need to focus on something smaller first. Something that can show the leaders you can win this war."
She's got a point. I'll have to make a list of possible small victories that could draw the leaders' attention. I need them to help end the Inquisition. But first, I need them to stop their daily attacks. They are foolish, and innocents are dying.
"More Nephilim would draw their attention." Zorin sips from a silver cup. The drink is also red, but it's not wine. The scent stirs my hunger.
I rein it in. "We won't create new Nephilim, but we can search for old ones." I point at Zorin. "You were kept alive. There must be others."
The door behind me creaks. A parched voice speaks. "You will find none." I spin, drawing my mother's sword. An old man, cloaked in black, a thick shackle on each wrist, stands before me. "You will find none," he says. "Except me."
CHAPTER 3
THE WAYS OF NYX
Zorin puts a hand on my shoulder. "I know him," he says. "His name is Carter. He served me, long ago. He can be trusted."
I don't trust anyone. Not since my parents ripped apart my life with secrets. "What are you doing here?" I ask Carter.
The man frowns at my hostility. "I thought I was the last, but then I saw you on the networks. I wish to help."
His eyes are gentle. If he's a Nephilim, then he's on our side. He must be. "Show me your wings."
"I'm afraid I can't."
"What do you mean—"
"Nightfall." Zorin squeezes my shoulder. "He is Nephilim."
"It's alright, Zorin," says Carter, and Zorin lets go. "I can't show you my wings, because I don't have them. They were taken from me."
Such a thing is possible? "How?"
"Nightfall." Zorin tilts his head at Trix and TR. "There are things we don't discuss outside our kind. Weaknesses we do not divulge."
TR frowns. "Are we enemies now?"
"Not yet," growls Zorin.
"I don't care about your weaknesses." TR relaxes in his chair, waving his hand dismissively. "If I wanted you dead, you would be."
Zorin chuckles. "I would crush your bones and cut the eyes from your sockets."
TR smirks. "I've killed Nephilim before. I can do it again."
There is silence. This information is new. TR stands and walks up to Zorin, poking him in the chest with his finger. "I'm here because of Nightfall. I know that Zeniths and Nephilim are people. I know they need to be treated like people. But I also know that not all people are equal. So if you get in my way, I'll put a bullet in your head."
He waits, and Zorin says nothing. TR walks out, slamming the door closed. I want to follow him, ask about his past, but he needs to cool off first.
Carter clears his throat. "Perhaps I'll return later."
"No," I say. "Walk with me." I lead him out the room, down the stairs, and we walk the cobbled paths together.
***
"Your wings were taken. How?" I ask.
He frowns, his pale face creasing. "Long ago, I was an Emzara."
I raise an eyebrow. "Emzara?"
"A soldier of the Twilight Throne," he explains. "I fought many battles. I killed many people. One day, I could kill no more, as if there was a limit to sin, and I had reached mine. I was asked to burn down a church. I could not. Of course, I was captured and sentenced to be executed. Zorin defended me. My sentence was changed. My wings were taken… I do not know the process... and I was ordered to serve Zorin."
"So he became your master?"
"At first, and later he became a friend." His eyes turn fierce. "I would do anything for Zorin."
I point at the thick shackles he wears on each wrist. "What are those?"
"A reminder of my sins," he says jangling them. "When you live as long as I, it is easy to forget."
I stop near the gate, turning to face him. "We have many warriors here. It's time we are joined by someone more… gentle."
He smiles, bowing. "I have served Zorin many years. I look forward to serving you."
I nod. "You may stay at the Cathedral. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must retire for the night."
"Before you do," he says, "may I offer a word of advice?"
"You may."
"Before you seek to challenge the Orders, you must unite the people here. Your commanders may quarrel, but they must not quarrel needlessly."
I nod. He refers to Zorin and TR. They are like the other rebel groups, torn apart by different methods, even when their goal is the same. I must unite them all, or see everything we've built crumble.
***
Next morning, I find Zorin on the Cathedral roof overlooking our budding town. He sits, his legs hanging off the edge, the golden sun lighting up his face. He looks more Sunrise than Nightfall. I walk up beside him and study the dark clouds in the distance. "Do you worry the Angel will return for you?" I ask.
He shrugs. "No point in worrying about what you can't control." He leans back, letting his elbows rest on the roof. "Out of curiosity, what will you do after you find the Angel?"
"Kill it."
"No. After."
"I'll…" I pause. I've never though about it before. I try to imagine a life after my revenge is complete. I can't.