Violet Eden Chapters 04 - Endless

terrifying wingspan all ablaze, a vampire, a human snake, a fairy-vulture… All moving into my space from the side, behind and above!
    I can’t breathe!
    They surrounded me, infiltrating my mind – whispering and taunting. They kept coming, creatures of treacherous darkness and creatures of the brightest light equally frightening. None of them meant for human eyes, none of them meant for this world.
    My breathing was shallow and fast and the terror started to consume me as they took over my mind. They would not stop.
    I forced my mind to work for me and called on my power. It flowed from me, out and over the room. Exiles hissed and moved closer, never ones to run in fright, even though they could sense my strength building.
    Utilising my power, I set my will free and painted the room back to truth. The exiles returned to nothing more than human form and I concentrated on breathing. My view to Lilith cleared. She was watching me with fascination.
    She clapped her hands. The drumming stopped and the exiles, following an unspoken command, reluctantly moved back to the shadows edging the room.
    ‘You do not know who made you, do you?’ Lilith asked.
    I refused to answer. I didn’t want her to know just how little I really understood about the Sole and my angel maker.
    She laughed, the sound echoing around the room.
    ‘Areyou ready?’ she went on.
    This was it. ‘Once I have your oath,’ I said.
    Lilith’s eyes widened a fraction, but her smiled followed quickly. ‘Clever girl. What would you have my oath on?’
    ‘That the children saved tonight will never again be hunted or harmed at your hand or by your order.’
    She tilted her head curiously. ‘You’re my prisoner. Why would I adhere to such a demand?’
    I gave her a sharp smile. ‘Because you want me to agree to your terms. You want to shove my free will down my throat.’
    Her eyes narrowed.
    ‘I warn you, I tire of restraints being put on my desires. For too long I’ve had to abide by the oaths I once gave to angels. Trinkets and necklaces have caused me many missed opportunities.’ She lifted her chin. ‘I’m not inclined to agree.’
    A shiver ran down my spine, thinking about how many children’s lives had been spared by such trinkets as the amulet my mother had left behind for me.
    Now my eyes narrowed. ‘You already swore it would be so through Phoenix. Are you willing to go back on your word in front of everyone here? Have you not promised rewards and spoils to many exiles here tonight? Do you expect them to follow you when your word holds no weight?’ I looked around the room. ‘It could be a costly mistake.’
    The small man holding the briefcase cleared his throat. Lilith’s birdlike glare snapped to him, but he seemed unaffected.
    ‘I for one should like an assurance of your word,’ he said. ‘Since I’ve paid such a great deal for it.’
    Fury hardenedLilith’s features. Something about the briefcase man unsettled even her, which made him that much more unnerving.
    ‘My oath is yours,’ she spat out each word. ‘No child released tonight will come to further harm by me or mine. Now, for Hell’s wretched sake, someone shoot her!’
    Olivier moved quickly towards the golden table, but Phoenix was already there, bow and arrow in hand.
    Lilith smiled at the sight. ‘My son?’
    Phoenix nodded. ‘I believe I’ve earned the right,’ he said, casting a dark gaze in my direction. It was so real, for a moment, I almost doubted him.
    ‘I must admit, I do like what you bring out in him,’ Lilith said to me, reassuming her place on the throne.
    I braced myself for what was to come.
    ‘Lilith, this is between you and me!’ Evelyn screamed. ‘It always has been! Let me take her place!’
    My heart squeezed for my mother. Even though her words were useless, it was her way of telling me she loved me.
    Lilith swam gleefully in Evelyn’s pleas, her smile indulgent. ‘You’re right, Evelyn. But you brought her into it and now you can live the rest of your days knowing that this was all your fault.’
    Playing his part perfectly, Phoenix did not delay. He loaded the first arrow steadily and took position about five metres away from me. His expression was blank, but his chocolate eyes burned into mine as he raised the bow and took aim.
    The first arrow pierced my thigh.
    Exiles hissed.
    The arrowswere small but they were fierce. I felt the sharp tip embed itself in the muscle that contracted around it. I bit down on the