The geneva project comp.., p.105
The Geneva Project- Complete Series Boxset, page 105
People can fall in love in so many mysterious ways, a touch, a glance, a word. But I fell in love with you before we ever met. You are a part of me, you are my soul. I found myself when I found you. I love you, Nova. I always have and always will. I love you with every breath, every heartbeat, every touch. You are my heart. You are my soul. You were a part of me before I even knew who I was. You knew me before I knew myself. You believe in me even when I cannot. Your existence sustains me. And trying to isolate myself from you has been torture. I love you and I can’t hide it anymore. Whether we were destined to be together by some force of fate or if the madness that loving you has set upon my heart is completely from this world, I’m done fighting it. I love you.
Please know that everything I’ve done, I’ve done because I love you and I thought I was protecting you. If you take one thing from this note, let it be that.
I wish my love for you was all I needed to confess in this letter. But there’s more.
First, I have to apologize. I hope you can forgive me, but I’ve made a horrible mistake. I trusted my sister. You were right, I shouldn’t have let her veil my powers, because when she did, she did it with a motive—to get me away from you. Jemma deceived me. She used you as the talisman for my powers. It’s why I’ve been avoiding you ever since we left the forest. Jemma told me I couldn’t be near you, talk to you, touch you or I’d get my powers back. I know that was a lie now. She doesn’t even know how or if I will ever get my powers back. It was all a ploy to get me to stay away from you so she could fill your head with lies about me and have you to herself. I don’t doubt that she loves you in her own way, but she should never have put you in danger. I don’t know what she’s told you, but I promise you I didn’t know she planned to use you as the talisman when she veiled my powers or I would have never agreed to it.
Second, I don’t think we can trust her. I’ve tried so hard. I’ve tried for you and for my mother and for any shot at having a real family member in my life. But Jemma hurts me every time I give her a chance. And now I have a sinking feeling that she is working against us and may be leaking information to Malakai. Be careful what you share with her.
Last, I want you to be happy, Nova. Above all, that’s what I’ve always wanted. We all deserve the freedom to follow our hearts. If yours should lead you to Jemma, so be it. But you deserve the truth so you can be free to make your own choices. Free to be the man you want to be. The man I always believed you to be. You are not Kull. You are Nova. We write our own destiny.
I love you, Nova. I will always love you. If tonight doesn’t go our way, promise me you’ll remember that. Tonight I can’t simply be the girl who loves you. I must be the Eva. And if that means that I shall die so you can live, it will be worth it because I loved you and now you know.
Viamor ternis, (in this life and the next)
Tippy
Tears streamed down Nova’s face as he stared at the fragile paper trembling in his hands. He concentrated on his breathing. If he didn’t, he knew his powers would run wild with the anger that surged through him every time he read the note. The tiny burn marks on the edge of the paper were evidence enough.
• • •
The first time Nova read the letter from Geneva he hadn’t been able to control himself. He’d woken up in a cave in the rainforest. When he sat up on his cot a dull pain stitched his side. He lifted his shirt to see the bandages covering his ribs. Fading bruises were all that remained beneath them. Someone had healed him. Suddenly the memories of what happened came rushing back—the dance, the Locker, their escape through the tunnel, the discoveries in the prison, leading everyone to Hollis, the whistle of arrows, Geneva’s screams . . .
The last thing Nova remembered was being dragged from the square in Lux where Geneva had just agreed to marry Kai in exchange for the lives of her traitorous sister, along with Mala and himself. Nova shook his head trying to clear the heavy grogginess. This couldn’t be right. He’d just gotten Geneva back. She’d finally told him the truth when they were in the Locker. She loved him. They’d torn down the unspoken barrier between them and found their way back to each other. He was convinced they could conquer anything together. It wasn’t supposed to end this way, but the sinking feeling of despair in the pit of his stomach told him otherwise.
“Sorry, mate. They had to sedate you.”
Nova looked up to see Journey approaching. “What happened?”
Journey knelt next to him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. The mixture of kindness and sorrow in Journey’s warm amber eyes told Nova what he recalled was true. But he had to ask anyway. “Where’s Geneva?” he rasped trying to keep the fear from his voice.
Journey only shook his head. “Still in Lux.”
“We have to go get her! Jaka has to have a plan, a way, something—”
“He does. He’s been waiting to talk to you about it.”
Nova moved to stand and Journey put a hand on his chest stopping him. He pushed him back down on the cot and sat next to him. “We need to talk first.”
“About what?”
“You’re sorta on lockdown at the moment, mate.”
“Lockdown! What do you mean?”
Journey sighed, shaking his head. “I hate when they mess with our minds,” he muttered under his breath. “What’s the last thing you remember?”
“Geneva,” Nova said instantly. “Being pulled away from her in the square. And . . .” His eyes glazed over, like he was searching for a memory beyond his grasp. “And Hollis.”
“Yeah, figures you’d remember Hollis. Do you remember almost setting him on fire from the inside out?”
Nova rubbed his temples. “What?”
“You and Remi had quite the throw down over Geneva. It was all we could do to keep you two from killing each other. By the time we made it to the forest you’d set a few rooms inside Hollis on fire. Great news though, Sadie’s gotten really good at controlling her powers squelching all your fires. But anyway, you’re sort of public enemy numero uno around here after nearly choking everyone to death with smoke inhalation.”
“That’s why I’m on lockdown?” Nova asked.
“Partly.”
“What’s the other part?”
“Jaka doesn’t want you running back to Lux first chance you get. It’s not safe. Malakai issued an all out war against the Betos and anyone who’s seen as a threat to his regime.”
“Regime?”
“Yeah, he’s declared himself the sovereign ruler of the whole island. He’s had the Ravinori terrorizing the citizens for information about our whereabouts since we left. Jaka ordered everyone we smuggled from Lux to stay in the forest for fear that Malakai would think they’re Beto spies if they returned to Lux. They’re pretty pissed about it.”
Nova scoffed. “We saved them from a filthy prison. What is there to be pissed about?”
“Not all of them. Some were students from the Troian Academy and they want to go back to their homes in Lux.”
“Well maybe they can help us get into the city and get Geneva back,” Nova said trying to get up again.
“I’m not finished.” Journey pushed him back. “You tried to kill Remi when we first arrived. And Jemma—not that I blame you on that one. Anyway, Vida sedated you and put a block on your mind to calm you down. Then Jaka locked you in here once we got to the cave. There’s an invisible perimeter around your cot. If you try to leave it won’t feel pleasant.”
“What?” Nova scratched his head in confusion. “How long have I been locked up?”
“About a week.”
Nova winced at the idea of Geneva being trapped and alone with Malakai that long. This was all his fault and he couldn’t live with himself if any harm came to her. Fuzzy memories of he and Remi pummeling each other came floating back. Along with a phantom ache in his jaw. “Did Remi hit me?” Nova asked massaging his face.
Journey chuckled. “Yeah. He’s got an invisible right hook. It was kind of a cheap shot. You didn’t even see it coming.”
Nova shook his head with disappointment. “He has every right to hate me. I couldn’t protect her.” Nova rubbed his temples again as the haunting final images of Geneva standing alone in Lux seared his mind.
“Vida says the block will wear off soon. You’ll start to get your memories back slowly,” Journey said. “But a word of advice, mate? Try to keep calm or she’ll do it again. That woman scares me. Plus we’ll need you if we’re going to get Geneva back.”
“So we have a plan?”
“I’ll tell Jaka you’re awake,” Journey said dodging the question. As he stood he pulled something from his pocket and handed it to Nova. “Found this in your pocket the day we arrived. Has your name on it, so I thought you should be the first to read it. Maybe it’ll offer you some peace,” he said before leaving.
All of Nova’s memories came flooding back after he read the letter that first time. Geneva’s confession of her true feelings for him lit a flame within his heart, and Jemma’s betrayal set it loose. When Jaka came to the cave to see him, Nova was trembling. “Where is she?” he demanded.
“You know where she is, my son. Clear your mind and give the memories permission to come back to you.”
“Not Geneva. Jemma,” he spat waving the note at Jaka. “I need to see Jemma.”
Jaka took the note and frowned as he scanned it.
“Your anger is misdirected. Jemma has realized her mistakes. Malakai exploited her weaknesses. She is committed to working with us against our common enemy, the Ravinori. We must all work together if we are to change the past.”
Nova was shaking with rage. Jaka couldn’t be serious. He was holding Nova prisoner and coddling Jemma? She was the one who betrayed Geneva!
“You once told me that you would do anything to save Geneva. Do you still feel this way?” Jaka asked.
“Of course I do,” Nova replied.
“Then you need to put aside your differences and work with Jemma. Can you do that, son?”
Nova closed his eyes and pictured Geneva’s face. A single tear streamed down his cheek as his disappointment swallowed him. He could hate Jemma all he wanted but it was his fault that Geneva had to surrender to Malakai. If he hadn’t gone back for her, if he’d just trusted her like she’d asked . . . she would be here with him right now.
Nova bit his tongue and nodded to Jaka.
“Good, we have work to do. Come with me.”
Nova followed Jaka out of the cave and into the green tinged sunlight of the forest. He searched the crowd of Betos, catching glimpses of his friends. But when his eyes locked on Jemma, he lost control.
Startled faces backed away in fear as Nova rifled through the crowd. He wasted no time closing the distance between himself and Jemma. He grabbed her by her throat—his body, molten hot with rage. “How? How could you do this? Did you really think that I could ever love someone who would do something like this to her own sister? She’s your sister and you used her! You used me! You disgust me!”
Nova barely heard the voices of his friends screaming at him to get off of Jemma. They could do nothing to stop him. He was emanating a low glow of flames that kept them away. His image blurred, like heat wavering on the horizon. Nova stared at Jemma’s dark frightened eyes waiting for some explanation. Somehow, she seemed immune to his scorching flames. After a moment the fear crept out of her eyes and it was replaced by her own rage.
“You’re a fool just like she is! I can’t believe I ever wasted my time caring about you. You two deserve each other. You and your precious, Tippy! She’s not the chosen one. She’s nothing. She can’t even save herself.”
Suddenly Nova’s powers dulled, and then he was on fire! Jemma echoed his powers, rebounding them back at him in a powerful surge. When had she learned to do that? Did she still have access to Geneva’s powers? He didn’t understand how she was overpowering him. He could barely catch his breath as Jemma burned the oxygen from his lungs. Nova recoiled from her as she turned his flames against him, scorching his barely healed skin. He vaguely saw Sadie before they were dosed with a deluge of water. Jemma’s hysterical laughter was the last thing Nova heard before Vida ordered him to be cuffed and sedated.
Chapter 2
The world I knew—or at least thought I knew—no longer existed. My memories of Lux, the glimmering city I’d always dreamed of, were shattered—carried away by smoke when the city burned. The horrifying images of my near execution were only the beginning. As painful as it was to be alone, I was glad my friends weren’t here to see the destruction.
Shortly after my capture, Malakai unveiled the existence of the Ravinori, bringing his secret society out of the shadows and declaring an infamy of terror on the city of Lux. My battle with Malakai and the Ravinori had terrified the citizens. Malakai’s display of power left them in shock as they realized the whispers about the legendary secret society were true. Malakai took the opportunity to seize power for the Ravinori, declaring himself the reigning sovereign of Lux and Hullabee Island. He ordered all citizens to comply with his new regime or face death. Then Malakai sent the Luxors to storm the sacred Tower of Lux and commandeer it in the Ravinori name.
The cliffside fortress, turned museum, displayed the ancient history of the island, paying homage to noble rulers from a bygone era. But Malakai had no respect for such history. He and his army took up residence in the Tower. He was in his glory, stalking the hallways of the lavish palace rumored to have once been Ravin’s home. The stone marvel stood on the highest cliff of the city, jutting out toward the sea—its spiral tower, a menacing beacon of fear. I shivered as I remembered catching glimpses of the castle when the Ravinori dragged me here. I had no way of knowing if this was the legendary home of Ravin, but I couldn’t stop the visions of Mora being thrown into the sea by the raving madman who’d doomed me to this fate.
Malakai’s quest for power and dominance frightened me to the core. He was even worse than I’d imagined. With Kobel at his side, he seemed to have unfathomable powers. I watched in disbelief as they made the same greedy mistakes as their predecessor and the eerie feeling of history repeating itself deepened within my soul, calling out the prophecy that only I could fulfill. I would be the one to deliver Lux or watch it fall.
My plans of retaliation and escape became impossible as I witnessed the strength of the Ravinori, making my words to Nova nothing more than an empty promise—another lie. It crushed me, but I reminded myself that I’d done it to keep him alive. I would find a way to make my words true or I’d die trying.
Chapter 3
“The Blood Moon is months away, Kobel. Keeping the Eva here that long won’t be easy. The Betos will fight for her. And then there’s the issue of the rebels.”
“We’ve dealt with the Betos, and as long as we keep the Eva hidden, the rebels will lose hope. This will work, Master.”
“It had better! We’ve worked too long and hard to get where we are to let her ruin this.”
There was a knock at the door and a Luxor poked his head in. “Master, it’s your son again.”
“Send him away,” Malakai grumbled.
Kobel frowned as the soldier left. “Is he still asking to see her?”
“Relentlessly,” Malakai groaned.
“We’ve been over this. It’s not advisable for him to be near her,” Kobel warned.
“I know how to handle my son,” Malakai bellowed. “And I’m not sure I agree with your plan. Things were working quite well when Kai was feeding us information about the Eva at the Troian Academy.”
“Yes, but now that he knows we can read his thoughts he’ll be more careful. We shouldn’t let them get too close.”
“Too close? You plan to marry them!” Malakai yelled.
“Yes, in name only. They don’t need to court each other. Tethering their soles through the dark magic the Blood Moon provides will allow us to control the Eva the way we control Kai. Once their souls are joined we can command her to open the veil between worlds. It will be at it’s thinnest under the Blood Moon, making it easy for Ravin to cross the bridge between realms and use Kai’s body as a host.”
“What does the Book of Gods say about this plan?”
A wicked smile cracked across Kobel’s lined face and he limped over to his desk to retrieve the prophetic book.
‘The blood bathed moon shall cast a shadow of light. Call forth what you desire on the red night. Voices echo far through all realms. Blood spilled, blood created, fate crosses destiny’s helm.’
“And this means something to you?” Malakai asked, staring at the riddle.
“Of course. It’s telling us to seek out what we want under the Blood Moon. We’ll join Kai and Geneva’s blood and use Kai’s unique ability to find Ravin and call him forth.”
“I think you overestimate his power,” Malakai grumbled.
“Master, it’s time you come to terms with it. Your son is gifted. We’ve both seen what he can do.”
“Kobel, no one can know. If word gets out that Kai has powers my reign would be in jeopardy. The Ravinori society was built by stamping out those with the power to challenge Ravin. They would lynch us both if they knew we’d been hiding him. And if I hear whispers of any such rumor, I’ll know you are to blame. Believe me when I tell you that I will make sure your head is severed before my own.”
“I would never betray you, Master,” Kobel rasped. “I serve you and our cause. Kai’s abilities only aid us. He guarantees we’ll be able to find Ravin when the time comes. He’s an even more integral part of our plan now. That is why it’s paramount that you keep him and the Eva apart. We must keep him safe.”
“Let me handle my son, Kobel. You worry about your own work. I imagine the preparations for the Blood Moon ceremony will keep you busy.”
