Chapter Twenty-One

Piper

“It’s time to pay the piper, Piper. Play Tut’s Trumpet of Peace.” Aaron used a red, sacred cloth to wipe the blood from his hand. “It’s time to forge your link with the Akh and with me, your sacred leader.” He held out his hand wanting to shake on a deal. A blood-bonding deal. “It’s time to face your destiny.”

The quaking inside me stopped. This was no time for timidity or anxiety or doubt. Resolution stamped on my mind and my soul. He was correct. It was time.

Time to take action.

Time to do what was right.

Time to possibly die and the risk was worth the possible cost.

Wrapping my hands tight around the trumpet, I brought the mouthpiece to my lips.

The members stopped chanting. Their beady gazes gaped through their hooded cloaks. Aaron’s eager expression led with a joker smile. He leaned forward, urging me to play.

Playing wasn’t a fear because I’d played before when I put the professor, Aria, and Olivia to sleep.

That was my plan. I’d play. Aaron and the members of the Order would fall asleep. I’d escape and run away taking the trumpet with me. I didn’t know where I’d go. Far from the Order and from Math. Maybe I wouldn’t die. Mom would leave me forever because I’d played the trumpet before her death. Not during the ceremony. And I’d never worship an Akh the way Aaron expected.

Goodbye, Mom.

I wished I knew whether she could hear me. I wished I had time to say more. To tell her I didn’t blame her for the way she’d acted when I was a toddler, or the way I was raised. To tell her I empathized with her torture because I might experience it soon.

How long would it take the internal torment to start? I’d played the trumpet yesterday and hadn’t felt anything. I mean, besides the grief of my mother’s death and the loss of Math’s affection. My heart wept at what I’d lost.

A trembling warmth grazed my cheek. I was wrong, Piper. You should follow your own path.

I squeezed my eyes tightly closed, feeling the burn of emotion. Mom?

Yes, Piper. The trembling touch stopped at my shoulder. I thought by leaving Egypt I’d escaped your father and the Order. But I was weak. I turned to drugs to numb the pain. And when Aaron found us when you were seven, I went willingly. Anything to get rid of the torture.

Emotion welled under my tightly closed eyelids. Mom had tried to save me when she’d run from Egypt while pregnant. She loved me.

I put the trumpet to my lips. I’m going to get out of this. I’ve already played the trumpet.

Yes, I know. Mom’s words seemed to leave her soul with a smile. We wouldn’t be communicating unless you’d already played.

Hope flittered. So, Aaron doesn’t know we’re talking?

No.

My hope was squashed by another thought. A dark thought. I’d doomed my mother. Because I played, are you stuck in this half-life forever? Are you an Akh?

Not yet. You haven’t used my Akh powers.

I let out a breath wheezing into the trumpet and made a short, squat noise. Firming my shoulders and back, I puffed my cheeks ready to play. I’m not going to Mom. I won’t use your powers. You’re going to the Afterlife.

Mom deserved peace.

Blowing into the trumpet, I let the music soothe my uncertainty. My hands warmed. I’d play and wait for Aaron and the members to fall asleep. Then, I’d sneak out the secret passage, never using Mom’s Akh. She’d be free. And I’d be on the run.

Alone.

Without Math or Mom.

I played.

And played.

And played.

Aaron’s super-concentrated expression focused on me. He didn’t move. Didn’t speak or chant. The rest of the members stared at me, too. No one’s eyes closed.

Panic slithered in my veins, causing my blood to curdle in concern. Why aren’t they falling asleep?

Mom’s trembling warmth touched me. They’ve been protected against the effects of the trumpet by your father.

My father?

I heard Aaron talking. Your father is arriving in San Francisco soon. He’s a danger to you.

The curdling blood became waves of terror, making my head woozy. My breath faltered, and the trumpet sputtered. My father would cause me harm. He was probably worse than Aaron.

Aaron flashed a suspicious look. Did he guess my plan? Math had mentioned a way to protect yourself from the trumpet’s effects. Everyone in this room must have taken the precaution.

My gaze darted between Aaron and the exit. Between the members and the exit. Knowing I couldn’t live under his command, I vowed to fight. I’d worry about my father later.

And I will fight with you.

Working with Mom and her powers, I’d be invincible against the Order, except I refused to sacrifice her. If you use your Akh powers to help you’ll be forever in this state.

I know the rules of the game. Mom’s touch felt warm, but the tone I sensed was frigid. I wasn’t able to protect you during my life. I will protect you now.

Hysteria spiked in my dizzy head. No! I won’t let you. I was the one in charge of the Akh, that’s what Aaron had said. Not quite understanding how it worked, I knew she had to listen to me. I don’t require your assistance.

I refused to sacrifice Mom when she could go to the final reward. When she could live in heaven and finally find peace.

Aaron’s glare narrowed.

Piper, I want to help. Mom’s desperation fell on deaf ears.

I refused to risk her soul. Leave, Mom. Go to your final resting place.

You can’t ask this of me. You’re my daughter. I want to help. The determination in her voice matched my own.

You suffered enough. Please, Mom. I can fight on my own.

I know you can. You’ve grown so much in the past few days. Pride sounded in her tone. She was proud of me.

My chest filled with courage from her. She might not be my Akh, but she strengthened me. I love you. Now, go.

I love you too, Piper. Mom’s touch slipped away. My sweet, brave child.

I wavered, feeling only emptiness. A deep, black hole of loneliness. A blank nothingness of sad. I knew I was alone. Knew I’d fight alone. Knew I’d probably die alone, too.