Page 102 of Tempt

“This is…,” Anger trails off, knowing as well as any of them whatthisis.

At last, it’s what they’ve been striving for. It’s what they’ve been campaigning for.

Wonder examines these faces, and she thinks of the Archives combat, and the Hollow Chamber’s destruction, and the unarmed death of an outcast. With that, the clench on her soul eases, if only for this moment.

She speaks from her heart, from the place where Malice resides. “This is an alliance.”

***

That’s what this is. These gods and goddesses from the Peaks have journeyed here, defying the Fates in order to side with a small band of celestial rebels.

Although Hope had been present to witness it, neither she nor Joy had to report a word; yet news of recent events had traveled quickly. A substantial population of the Peaks spurn Wonder and Malice for trespassing on sacred ground during Stellar Worship. By the same token, the populace blames them for Chamber’s downfall.

Whereas others—who were already questioning their positions, especially after hearing the infamous tales of Love and Anger’s respective romances—condemn the Fate Court for taking down an indefensible god. No matter how anarchistic Malice had been, to target a disarmed deity and shoot him in the back is dishonorable.

Over the past year, Wonder’s class had beseeched allies, making progress with outcasts in the Celestial City. As for residents of the Peaks, they hadn’t recruited as many, the majority of the candidates either hedging or not answering the call.

But now, this. Standing behind Hope and Joy are dozens of archers, those who have heard the tales of love and destiny and choice. Realities that may be possible for all.

There is much to impart. At Anger’s suggestion, the convocation elects to change location, agreeing upon Stargazer Hill, where the participants can spread around the sycamore tree, under twilight and amidst a sleeping Carnival of Stars.

Wonder chooses to remain behind with Malice. She’ll join the assembly later, once he has faded.

On their way out, they pay respect to the fallen exile, passing Malice’s table and inclining their heads. The sight peels tears from Wonder’s ducts. As she escorts the masses out and then pauses on the library’s backdoor threshold, Harmony kisses her cheek, Merry gives her a hug, and Wonder receives nods of support from the rest. She watches them travel into the Celestial City, a collection of renegades bleeding in with the night and heading for the twinkling theme park.

Her chest flutters. The air shifts, along with the sky’s inky light.

Awareness and dread pierce through her. She rushes down the aisles, dashing past books and vines of ivy. Rounding the corner, her feet slam to a halt, a lamentation climbing to the rims of her mouth.

Malice is gone.

***

Now she knows what loss feels like.

Her bare feet sink into the earth, the high grass tickles her ankles, and petals brush her calves. And when a breeze rustles her gown—dyed the green of a calla lily stem—the little pirouette of air billows the material, the hem flapping in a farewell gesture.

Something akin toGood-bye.

Of all the forbidden words that she’s ever written, she has never penned that one. She’s never had a reason to do so. Not until today.

Lupines sprout across the vista, a landscape not of her childhood, nor of adulthood. It’s a realm caught somewhere in between, a pasture of budding fruit rather than flowers, of moon beams rather than sun beams. Hence, it’s not her place.

No, this is his place. Or this used to be his place, back when she hardly knew him.

Back when she hardly knew herself.

He’d once growled an inquiry at her, demanding a truth that she hadn’t been able to grasp.

Who are you?

It has taken a long time, but she knows the answer.

Yet it’s too late. He’s too far from her, too far away.

What she wouldn’t give to have that demon back, to tell him she wants the lightness and darkness. She yearns for that angel’s face and devil’s heart. She wishes to tell him the past doesn’t matter as much as the present.

She wants to call him by his name and mean it.

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