4. Chapter 4
Eden
F ive empty boxes sat on the top of a single bed against the wall. Eden placed jars of herbs on the small dresser that she had brought from her family home on the other side of campus. The sounds of chatter of a few of her housemates trickled under the door. After placing the last jar down she eyed the box she had accidentally dropped on her way up. Thankfully, none of the shattered glass had found a way out.
She moved to the bed and opened her phone. It was her third mission mostly alone. She had trained to be a hunter almost every night for well over a decade with her adoptive mother, Eloise Miller. Now, they were on one of the biggest missions The Salvamari had attempted in their generation. Exterminate each of the seven supernatural schools and societies from within.
When she was sixteen, Eloise had brought the family to the grounds. Every night for five years Eden prepared to walk among the community. Eloise started teaching while her brother, Basiten attended classes on an assignment for The Salvamari. Eden remained inside the house where she would prepare for her next step as the next Matriarch with her grandmother, Stacey. During those five years, Eloise would tell the others she wasn't interested in attending due to her “desire to travel.” Where in reality, she wasn’t old enough to fit in as a college student. It wasn’t until she was almost twenty she joined Bastien. With only five years between herself and Bastien, they acted and were viewed more like siblings.
After all the years of training, the family fit in well. They allowed four years to pass to gain trust among the others on campus. The Salvamari had planned the mission to go slow and now that every member was settled in place it would be time to start moving forward. It was easy enough with a common name like Miller to cut off any connections to the well known hunter clan.
The Millers, a matriarchal family within The Salvamari, with a widespread reputation of being some of the most heartless of hunters around the globe. Each with their own Head’s of Family, their unit was run by Eloise. Eden, her only child, adopted or not, was next in line for the position of Matriarch. She had trained since the age of seven to take over for her mother at a moment’s notice as was tradition. The Salvamari were mostly made up of various families, and occasionally others who had been hurt in some way by the supernatural world.
In 1852, the Miller family started hunting independently when Eloise’s great-great-grandfather, Roy Miller, died leaving his wife and daughter behind. He had been fishing on the nearby coast when a siren happened to cross his little boat and lure him into the water. Roy’s death caused his wife, Ethel Miller to start trying to get revenge on any siren she could find, which soon progressed to all supernatural creatures. After twenty years of hunting, Ethel met Atlas Holloway during one of hunts for werewolves with her daughter, Astrid. The two families had built a name for themselves by being called to several towns to rid them of dangerous creatures.
The Salvamari wasn’t created until the second chance meeting of the two families when a town had called both to deal with demons and vampires plaguing them. It was after three weeks of working together that Ethel and Atlas decided they would be able to accomplish their missions and protect each other as a unit. From then on, Atlas, his wife Nymeria and children traveled beside Ethel and Astrid from town to town. For ten years the families offered five more spots to spread themselves further than anyone had done before, their cruel ways being sung about in taverns and followed them everywhere they went. Thus, upon the death of Ethel, Astrid and Atlas created The Salvamari with three matriarchal families, Donovan, Miller, and Reyes, and four patriarchal families, Holloway, Belmore, Sullivan, and Moore.
Eden walked over to her desk and scooped up the intel notebook she had kept over the years. The red spiral spine held together well however the pages were well worn after all the notes from Bastien. Opening the book, she scanned the names she had taken down. Each with a note beside telling what species of creature they were. The next target could be anyone of these. As she continued to flip through the book she spotted the list she kept of all her victims. Her amethyst eyes fell on the most recent name, Felix Toll.
Her hand brushed over the underside of her left wrist where lay a matching tattoo to the rest of her family. The Compass, an all black needlepoint star with a curved letter “S” tilted vertically along the center. One one curve sat three dots and on the opposite side sat four more to represent the seven families. Originally, it was designed with magic by Atlas when he learned families had become separated during missions for multiple days and made an easy way to reunite with each other. This would only be given by each Head of Family when the next generation reached the age of fifteen. The oath lasted a lifetime as did the connections through The Compass. That was until the first Heretic, Nikoli Miller, son of Matron Astrid Miller and Baron Sterling Welsh. As she knew the story, the man had helped to free an angel that had been caught by Cyprus Cade and the Miller’s. The night Nikoli was banned from the family, Stacey the Matriarch at the time, grabbed his wrist. He had let out a scream of pain and a large “H” appeared over his tattoo. His ability to track the family, lost.
When Eden arrived at the family home, she and Bastien became all but attached to the hip. They spent their years being trained by Eloise, Stacey, Richard, and Arthur. Each had their roles to prepare for and as Bastien a Baron he would train to fight alongside and protect Eden during her duties before and after becoming Matriarch.
Flinging herself onto the bed, she stared at the ceiling as scenes from the other night played in her mind. Felix with his head poked around the corner to find the Elder already shackled and yelling for the student to make a run for it. She however, had been faster. With a tug of the internal blue thread, she blocked his exit with a gust of wind. Suddenly, Eden’s phone buzzed demandingly from her bedside table. As she looked to see who it was she saw her mothers name flash across the screen.
Mom- Meet me at Crossroads Coffee Shop in 15? -Sent 10:21am
Eden Miller- Sure, I’ll be right there -Sent 10:22am
Eden approached the coffee shop just outside of the school gates. The small gray building with large red windows spelled out the words ‘Crossroad Cafe’ in big white letters on the glass. It sat between a local bookstore and convenience shop. The windows were barley covered by a few trees and bushes in front of the windows. The raven-haired girl opened the door and peered around the shop for Eloise. There were only a few small tables spread around the shop, her mother sat in one off to the side. The woman was easy to spot no matter how much she tried to blend in. Her medium length brown hair as per usual was tied into a bun. The look was paired with her classic royal blue turtleneck and black jeans. All that was missing was the weapons belt that only left her waist when she was inside the school. The perfect blend into the wall outfit.
Eden made her way over to the table and sat across from her, allowing a smile to come to her face. Eloise read over the menu in front of her as she turned the black star sapphire ring on her finger. Set in yellow gold with a beaded halo around a dark stone that showed its beauty in the light momentarily before it returned to the regular onyx color. The Matriarch’s ring looked as ordinary as any other jewelry however. Set inside the ring was the very stone stolen by Ethel. A treasure won from the siren who killed Roy. A trophy. One that held the ability to give the wearer magic. Now, the Miller line used to give them magic. It was only a few seconds before Eloise peered over the rim of her black framed glasses.
“A few minutes early, good.” Eloise praised as Eden sat across from her. “How are you settling into your new dorm?”
“Good, I’ve met my dorm mate. Plague, Horseman of disease. Although some of my herb jars seem to have shattered in the process of the move.”
“We’ll get you some new ones.” The Matriarch waved her hand. “Such accidents are bound to happen.”
“It’s how we pick up the pieces.” Eden quoted her mothers words back.
“What can I get you two?” A male voice asked, halting their conversation.
Eloise looked over as the young centaur stopped at their table. She quickly put on a fake smile which Eden knew disguised disgust. “Coffee black please.”
“I’ll have a macchiato, cold with extra espresso.” Eden requested.
“Coming right up,” he smiled at them and made his way back towards the coffee machines.
Eden turned to Eloise, happy to see her. Each had spent the summer on separate missions in various countries with other members of The Salvamari. Her mother was usually pretty cold towards everyone, except for her. Even then, her softness was only in her eyes as she watched over a spell or training. This was a stark contrast from Greer Donovon, the Head of the Matriarchs. Eden had spent the summer with the family a few years back. Greer had a kind demeanor. She was surprised at first. However, it was soon stifled when they went on their first hunt of the summer the day after she arrived accompanied by her daughters Victoria and Rosemary.
Eden knew where her mother had gotten her demeanor from. The apple never fell too far from the tree, especially in this family. Her Grandmother and Matron of the Miller family, Stacey, wore the same neutral expression permanently on her face. That was however until she saw Eden. The Matron had retired from most hunts allowing Eloise to take over. Though, much to her daughter’s distaste visited often to check on the family. During her visits, she would make it bluntly obvious Eden was her favorite. She had even come in to check on her while she was with the Donovan family to see how her training was progressing, always excited to see her magic transform.
The centaur made his way back over to the silent table with their coffees and swiftly left. Both women lifted their coffees and took a few sips. Eden glanced at her mother and noticed she was deep in thought about something. It was then she started to connect the dots. This wasn’t just your average catch-up. Something had happened and Eloise had to tell her something she didn’t want to. Eden opened her mouth to speak but Eloise raised a finger. The black stone momentarily glowed dully. The world around them fell into mostly muffled silence.
“Do you have your silver knife?” Eloise questioned her as if this were a test.
Eden kicked her leg lightly and motioned toward it with her head. “Has something happened?”
“Are your mental wards secure?” Another question, another attempt to avoid the topic.
“They are iron clad. Mother, what-”
“Everyone is fine, Eden I-” Eloise’s face fell. “This is the year we start the mission.”
“I know, we’ve already started.” Her eyebrows joined in confusion.
Eloise paused, her eyes scanning her face. “Have you seen anything of interest?”
“Aside from the new Head of Kappa? I thought everyone here was of interest to us.”
Before she spoke Eloise let out a long breath, watching her daughter’s eyes intently. “There is someone of interest here. Specifically to you- Your birth mother . She attends this school and I think it’s time, due to the mission at hand…And she’ll be a target… You should know.”
Eden fell silent for a moment, the words birth mother hit her like a smack in the face. Every person she had met over the last year in Omega Alpha ran through her mind. How does she know? How long has she known? She felt her smile fade, replaced by shock as she shifted in her seat.
“If she’s here… That means she’s one of them-”
“Yes Eden, I’m afraid she is.” Her tone was flat but Eloise shifted as if uncomfortable with the conversation, looking at her almost apologetically. “I did some digging some years after I adopted you and found her… Well, it . Come to discover, it was a crossroads deal gone bad.”
That only leaves a handful of possibilities. Eden’s eyes didn’t move from her mothers face. She’d always known she was adopted. Everyone within The Salvamari knew it too. It was something Eloise never hid. But this she seemed to have known for years until it was necessary to be told. Her stomach turned with the taste of betrayal but quickly shoved it aside. Eloise isn’t a woman of many words, she has her reasons.
“Who is she?” Eden asked, unsure if she wanted the answer.
After a very short pause she gave her the name, “The Head of Omega House, Lennox Cade.”
Her body went stiff and she sat back in her seat, clenching her jaw as she looked at her mother. She had always wondered who had abandoned her at the orphanage, even though Eloise had always been her mother in her eyes. How could she allow me to go to school here for a full year and not say anything? At first she had wrongly assumed that whoever it was had just arrived. A good excuse as to why this never mattered before. Now, she came to understand it was because she had walked past Lennox every day. Eloise had purposefully left this fact out of the briefing they had the day before going after the Elder and Felix.
Eden grew up knowing most demons were self-interested, soulless manipulators and nothing more than a void. However, with all of this knowledge she had, she couldn’t help but feel slightly conflicted. Lennox didn’t seem like one of the bad ones. In fact, she had never seen her mad even when Felix hid every one of her textbooks across campus. Although, her mother had always told her they seemed normal until they came across a human to manipulate.
“If you found her… Do you know why she left me there?” Eden asked, only allowing her tone to break on one word.
“Honey, she’s a demon now. If that tells us anything it is that she’s selfish now and was selfish then. She is a Sold Soul demon. The most self-serving, conniving species of them all. I think we should be thankful she left you instead of corrupting an innocent soul. You are a human dear, I made sure of that. As far as I know, your father was also human but died before you were born. However, for your mother, I believe she’s also some kind of witch which is why your magic came so easily to you.”
Eden chose her next words very carefully, knowing how some of this might seem. The sensible part of her screamed at her that none of it mattered. No matter how much she wanted to go ask Lennox everything she ever wanted to know. Every why and get out all the pent up anger she hid from being left. Eloise was right, she should be grateful, and she was but her curiosity got the better of her.
“What if she’s not like them? Is there a chance she’s different? I mean Lennox has never done anything to hurt anyone there.”
The Matriarch’s eyes darkened. “I thought I taught you better than to question me like this? I’ve given you all of the information I've gathered, there’s nothing more and I don’t think we need to go digging further.”
“I- Yes mother. You’re right… Thank you.” Eden nodded looking at her coffee still sitting between her hands.
“Now, onto the smaller fish to fry. You have a housemate named Rue, yes?”
Her heart sank into her stomach as guilt made its way to the surface. “Yes-”
Eloise shot a glance around the room before giving her daughter a satisfied look, with her compliance she spoke again. “That’s the Eden I know. This could be your revenge on Lennox. Crumble her world to the ground before we go for her.”
Get your target alone, they will never be able to win against the many. Eloise’s words reflected in Eden’s mind. This was her chance to prove that this new information wouldn’t shake the morals that had been trained into her.
“I won’t let you down, mother.” Eden agreed to the mission without pause.
“Good, I’m sure you won’t,” Eloise said approvingly while drinking her coffee. “Now, what classes are on your roster?”
Eden pulled out her phone thankful for the switch in conversation. “I have Predator and Prey Studies, Witchcraft and its Applications, English Literature, and Psychology.”
“Smart choices,” her mother sipped her coffee. “I have a feeling they will come in handy this year. Especially after the stunt you and Bastien pulled at Kappa Theta. Maybe you’ll be able to do it, cleaner. You know how to lead, I’ve shown you that. You should have taken charge and made Bastien help you move them to the woods.”
Eden’s words caught in her throat as well as the coffee she was drinking, shit. She had told Bastien they needed to move to a different location. However, they had seen the security team close by and didn’t want to risk being seen. She wanted to defend herself and Bastien but she knew it wasn’t any use. They had killed them right inside the dorm where anyone could have come in to discover them. The scent of fresh blood or even a locked door could have drawn the werewolves to them.
“Yes, Mother- it won’t happen again,”
“Good.” Her mother finished the rest of her coffee. “I’m sorry to leave you but I have to go to my class room and finish setting up my classes. I will see you tomorrow.”
“I understand.” She eyed her own barely touched coffee, understanding she was expected to sleep at Omega tonight.
The woman stood and made her way out of the coffee shop, heels clicking lightly on the floor. A few people took notice as Eloise passed them. She always walked with her eyes up, moving with an air of confidence and power. The bell at the top of the door sounded as the woman left. Eden let out a deep breath and went back to her coffee. I can’t believe this… I need to tell someone.. But who can I trust? Her head spun and she needed someone who wasn’t her mother. Within seconds she had her phone out, her fingers dancing across the letters.
Eden Miller- Are you alone? I need you to meet me somewhere. –Sent 11:28 am
Bastien Miller- I swear if you’re just trying to get me to move something in your room, I’m going to smack you. I’m not on campus but I’ll be at the house around 4, is that okay? -Sent 11:32 am
Eden Miller- Fine, I’ll see you then. - Sent 11:40 am
Eden took her coffee and left to get back to the Miller home. Swiftly, she made her way through the gates to campus, past the chapter houses and main building, to the street leading to the Elder’s homes. Each house was slightly different but made from the same fieldstone and brick of the school. What if he doesn’t believe me? What if someone else hears us? All the thoughts of how this could go wrong filled her mind. However, their home was the safest place for this conversation despite the potential risks. What if he thinks I’m not human? The thought shoved its way to the forefront of her mind causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand. Death . That’s what it would mean.
She shook her head fighting off the thoughts and turned to the last two-story house on the tiny street. She made her way past the garden and up the three stairs to the red front door. With a quick click of the lock, she pushed the door open. Eden took off her shoes and went to the stairs, avoiding the paintings clustered all over the hallway of various members of The Salvamari. The smooth wooden handrail slid under her hand as she went to the first door on the right, slipping into her room.
Walking in, her eyes drifted around to the various gold frames, mirrors, and candle holders on shelves along deep blue walls. She snapped her fingers and the candles around the room sparked to life with soft light. Shells she had brought back from various countries shone light off their smooth surfaces. Coupled with the light from the windows, it was bright enough to see clearly. Eden turned to her desk and opened her laptop which sat between two large gold candles. An extra large selenite tower easily seen from behind the screen, her favorite in her collection.
A feeling of calmness washed over Eden as she put in headphones turning on her favorite playlist. The music finally silenced the racing thoughts that threatened to overtake her. Within seconds, she started to daydream about what her life would have been like if Lennox wouldn’t have left her at the orphanage. Would they have been happy? Would she have ended up a demon as well, doomed to repeat her mother’s mistakes? Would Lennox even have made that deal? Shoving the questions aside, she focused on the lyrics of her favorite masked British alternative metal band. She felt the air warm a little as she slowly relaxed and was able to start her studies on her next target, Rue.
The meeting room with paintings of various generations of the family was lit by her mother’s favorite chandelier that was brought back from a hunting trip in France. Eden examined the dangling crystals as she waited for Bastien to meet her. The utter silence sent her thoughts in circles as she attempted to reconcile everything she knew. The things she had been taught growing up didn’t meet what she knew about Lennox. After only a few minutes he entered the room with a skeptical look on his face.
“Oh Heiress Miller, your knight has arrived!” A smirk appeared on Bastien’s face.
“More like the Bard,” She taunted half-heartedly.
“Better add Bard to my title.”
“Bastien, the Baron Bard, singing his songs as he puts a silver knife through a werewolf’s heart. I suppose there’s a ring to that.”
His chestnut gaze traced her face, his eyebrow lifting. “Why did you really call me here?”
Eden’s eyes drifted to his and she drew in a shaky breath. There was no dancing around the subject now. “Eloise told me who my birth mother is…”
“Who is it?” His face changed instantly and he moved next to her. “By the look on your face I don’t think I’m going to like the answer.”
“Lennox Cade.” She let the name hang in the air, watching his reaction.
“Shit… OH SHIT!” His voice raised, looking at her in surprise.
“HEY! SHUT IT!” She scolded venomously. “All I need is someone hearing this I don’t intend for.”
“I know,” he tried to calm the situation, keeping his tone even. “No one else should be home right now.”
She didn’t break eye contact with him, waiting for any reaction. His expression was neutral until she noticed the fearful look that made its way into his eyes. No… I knew this would happen.
“I’m sorry, I just didn’t expect this- Are you both sure?”
“Eloise seems pretty sure.” Eden felt the tip of her pointer finger dig into her palm.
“Are you okay?” He asked, his hand going to her shoulder.
Eden debated her next words. “I’m conflicted… We were taught that these creatures were nothing but trouble, but I’ve never seen Lennox or her girlfriend cause anything.”
“Don’t let my sister hear you say that.” He teased, a smile finding its way back onto his face. “You know better than to trust a demon, Eden. They’re all nothing more than snakes.”
“I know that… That’s why I’ll be getting my revenge with the next pin to knock down. Rue.”
“And you’re okay with that? Killing your birth mothers partner because Eloise told you to?”
“I don’t really have much of a choice. This is the final year of the mission. What I want doesn’t matter right now. What matters is taking down these schools and protecting humanity from these creatures.”
Bastien’s hand dropped back to his side. “Has Eloise put you up to this or are you doing it because you want to?”
“Both.”
The sudden sound of footsteps on the wooden floor echoed down the hallway. The sound was quickly followed by the front door being opened and shut. The response was immediate from Bastien. In one fluid motion he had his gun from the weapons belt hidden under his clothes and had it trained towards the sound. His full attention locked on the doorway to the entrance hall as he stepped beside her. He paused waiting for Eden’s instructions. In the absence of Eloise, she was in charge. The heiress already had her own gun pulled from her own hidden belt when she silently caught his eyes, a storm building within her irises.
“What was it you were saying about no one being home? Go-” She instructed, motioning to the door.
He moved forward towards the door and Eden followed close behind. He put his hand on the doorknob and swung the door open, aiming his weapon as he turned the corner. She followed and was met with empty space and dropped her guard after she heard nothing moving inside the house.
“Great, Bas. Whoever that was probably heard us.”
“Or not, we can’t skip to the worst-case scenario.”
“Don’t tell me how I should react to this,” Eden snapped.
He put his hands up, pointing his weapon to the ceiling without thinking and running a free hand through his short brown hair. “Eden, I’m sorry.”
She paused as she realized her hand was shaking. She still had her weapon trained on the front door where he stood. He took a cautious step towards her. He slid the Glock into his belt with one hand, putting the other on her wrist. As soon as his hand made contact with her skin she quickly shoved her gun back in its holster and turned away. Get your shit together, someone could have walked in and gotten shot. Worse yet… Who heard us?
Allowing herself all of ten seconds she turned back to her uncle. “It’s okay. We don’t say any of this to my mother, got it?”
“No, of course. This is between us as always.” He promised. A strange pause followed his words until he decided to change the subject. “What are you wearing to the party at Club Crossroads tomorrow?”
“I’m not going,” she folded her arms over her chest.
“No, no you’re going. I refuse to let you sit in your dorm all alone this year. You are going to live some of your life and not just for Eloise.”
“I live my life,” she frowned and put her hands on her hips.
“Eden, Eden, Eden, you are a people pleaser. For once, let’s go have fun even if we are surrounded by them .”
“I am not, how dare you suggest that… Although, I do need to go after her girlfriend, Rue.” She paused considering her options.
Bastien let out a scoff as she spoke. “Living for Eloise.”
She rolled her eyes and moved to turn toward the stairs. “I can do both.”
“Fine, I’ll distract Lennox and the others while you get Rue alone, BUT!” Bastien held up a finger to her, “Party FIRST kill AFTER.”
“I’m not making any promises,” she retorted.
“Party FIRST, murder AFTER!” He repeated himself looking exasperated. “If I see you wearing some uptight outfit I’m not going to speak to you.”
“Well, I don’t really have party clothes-”
“Wear that skirt you hate and something fun on top. I’ll even let you borrow my leather jacket to go with it.”
“But it’s too tight around the legs!” She complained.
“That’s the whole point of it, it’s a pencil skirt,” Bastien’s phone started to ring. “I have to take this but I’ll see you after classes tomorrow,” he started making his way toward the kitchen.
“Wait, Bas! How am I ever gonna do anything in it?!” Eden called after him. “You can’t just walk away!”
“Hold on-” He told the person on the other end. “Yes I can, figure it out, you know you can text me but only if you really need help not looking like a prude.”
Soon he was up the stairs and out of sight. Eden turned back towards the door and sighed. She truly didn’t want to go to the first traditional party, but the two houses at Club Crossroads would probably be the best way to get Rue alone. Eden turned toward the front door, remembering she was supposed to be sleeping at Omega. Picking up her backpack from the side table, she slid out the front door. At least I get to steal his favorite leather jacket.