Page 17 of Terror at the Gates

I took the stairs two at a time, thinking if I got far enough ahead, I might be able to shut myself inside my apartment before Zahariev caught up, but when I arrived at my door, I couldn’t slide my key into the lock. It was a little bent, so it always took some maneuvering to get it to work. On top of that, I was so frustrated, my eyes were blurry with tears.

I didn’t want to cry in front of Zahariev, which only made me more desperate to get inside before he noticed, but then his arms came around me, and his hand closed overmine as he guided the key into the lock like some fucking magician. For the briefest moment, his warmth surrounded me, easing into my bones.

Then he let me go, and I shivered, even with Gabriel’s jacket on.

“Lilith,” Zahariev said, his voice quiet.

I didn’t want to look at him. I turned the knob and entered my apartment, but Zahariev jammed his foot in the doorway.

“Fuck off, Zahariev,” I snapped, but he didn’t move. He waited until I met his gaze. His eyes seemed brighter, maybe because he stood in the semidarkness, only part of his face illuminated by my pallid porch light.

“Praise, two p.m.,” he said, removing his foot from the door.

My eyes widened, and a flush of adrenaline raced from the pit of my stomach to my chest.

“You mean it?” I asked.

“I never say things I don’t mean,” he said and started to walk away but paused to look back at me. “Let me know if you lose your nerve. I hate wasting my time.”

I glared. “Why would I lose my nerve?”

“Because,” he said. “You’re going to dance for me.”

Zahariev

“That girl’s gonna be the death of you,” said Felix.

I didn’t need to be told something I already knew.

“The owner of this apartment complex,” I said. “Find out where he lives. We’re going for a visit.”

Chapter Three

I was cold, shivering so deeply, I couldn’t stay upright. The wind sliced through me, carrying bits of sand. They struck me like fine shards of glass. I kept my head turned, my eyes gritty. All around, dunes rose like cresting waves, dark against the star-filled sky. I could only guess that I was outside Eden, somewhere beyond the gates in the Nara-Sin Desert.

I didn’t know what kept me going, but I knew I had no choice.

The sand moved like serpents at my feet. I followed as if they were my guides. Ahead, in the indigo night, something gleamed. It caught and held my attention. Mesmerized, I continued toward it. The wind slowly ceased until the night was still and quiet. The silence pressed against my ears like physical hands gripping either side of my head.

The pressure built, like my brain was swelling, pushing against my skull. My temple throbbed. The pain was so intense, my eyes watered, and as the first few tears spilled down my cheeks, I reached the glimmering treasure at my feet.

A gold dagger, set with radiant gems. I dragged my tongue over my dry lips. The metallic taste of blood turned my stomach.

I took the blade in hand. It was heavy, already a burden. At my touch, the wind picked up again, roaring around me, carrying words of warning.

Beware she who bleeds, bound in chains.

Beware the exile, the young winged beast, who dances unafraid before fire.

Beware the woman with many names, the maiden, the whore, the scarlet serpent. Beware the temptress who whispers in the dark.

She is the beginning and the end.

She is peace and chaos.

She is terror knocking at the gates.

My head pounded, pounded,poundedwith each strike as I stared down at the blade, unable to look away. Tears trailed down my face and spattered the knife with blood.