148| DARK LIGHTS

I settle into a chair from the same table Dr. Chambers had sat in last time I was here. It really seems like more than a few months ago that I came into this restaurant and spoke to the leaders of Darklight. So much has happened…and so much has *yet* to happen. The reminder of what I need to accomplish today weighs heavily on my shoulders. Someone comes bustling through the back door from the kitchens, a mini blur of forms that pause on the other side of the table.

The dual auras nearly choke me, but since I’ve felt them before, I know what to expect. Even as my skin prickles with awareness from the power radiating off the man and younger L-Class supernatural beside him. I’m surprised to see them- well, Akira at least. My meeting was scheduled to be with Dr. Chambers and Shola.

“Shola is dealing with another matter that came up rather suddenly,” Dr. Chambers informs me when I shoot him a quizzical look. I nod, trying to to fidget at the sudden drop in temperature in the room. I was counting on Shola to be here and be on my side.

“Glad you could make it today,” Akira speaks next, her dark red eyes glowing with inner light the way I’ve seen in only a few supernaturals before. But unlike with Cole or Kazamir, the thing that sets Akira apart from the other *draki* I’ve met is her aura. The feel of it and scent of her bombard me and attempt to comfort me all at once.

“I appreciate the invitation to speak to you both in-person,” I tell her, but look right at the one who’s really screwing with my senses - especially my predatory fear. Dr. Chambers inclines his head in acknowledgement, but his blue eyes are flinty and sharp.

This is a small curtesy, nothing more. I suck in a deep breath, allowing some of the sheer terror burbling in me to turn the motion into a trembling one. Akira and Dr. Chambers take the seats opposite mine, and it’s only now I see that one of them has brought over the usual basket of freshly made bread. Though I’d normally never pass up delectable carbs, my stomach is too twisty for me to even think about eating at a time like this.

“You both know why I’m here,” I begin, taking control of my voice and body to ensure that I don’t so much as twitch as I speak. *It’s time to put on my Alpha-pants!* “There has been a lot of progress recently and many of the events that threatened us have been averted for the time being. However,” My gaze swings from Dr. Chambers back to Akira.

The woman’s face is unreadable, her glowing red eyes nearly black the light in them is so dim. A blank emptiness in them makes me want to take back the direction of my words. *Can she handle more?* The woman seems to be struggling enough as it is- and it’s not even the worst part of the job she needs to do. *Enforcers have a rough time keeping the peace among their peers, sure, but imagine having to become the Executioner on top of that? To have to wander around the home you live, watching those who you see every day and wonder who’s going to slip up next…who you - the Executioner - will have to kill if they step out of line?* I don’t envy Akira one bit.

“The biggest and most pressing issue is still on the horizon.” I continue, mentally steeling myself for my next words. “When Akira became the Enforcer, she bought us some time, but that time is coming to an end. The event is still coming, still going to kill thousands.” Dr. Chambers is glaring openly at me now while Akira’s impassive expression is almost completely empty of all life. Her amber skin’s gotten a grey-ish undertone to it - mix that in with the vacant look in her eyes and I’d swear she was dead- if her chest didn’t rise and fall in a slow rhythm.

We all tense as a chatting couple wander into the restaurant, a teen in toe and toddler skipping along behind them. The family is completely oblivious as they settle into one of the tables and start up a conversation. Dr. Chambers’ left eye twitches and his jaw tenses, the power of his aura dying down along with Akira’s. They can only reign in their power so much, but I can see the affect the people have on the Enforcer as the normal spark of light blooms in her irises. She blinks, as if coming out of a long sleep, before her eyes focus on me.

“I know that I’m asking a lot from you,” I speak directly to the woman in question and not the leader of this very dangerous town. “Believe me, if there was another way, I’d be trying that before having to come to you. But there isn’t.”

“There must be some other option we haven’t explored.” Dr. Chambers insists coolly, his temperament showing in the clipped edge of his voice. I’m walking a thin line right now, and he’s letting me that if I push too hard, shit will go down…even if there’s a family in the room.

A chill rolls down my spine as I study the man, this supernatural who’s supposed to be an insanely rare and dangerous creature from legend. One that’s lived on through generations of fear-riddled tales…and here I am…pissing him off. I swear my life flashes before my eyes as I look warily at the Nordic man.

“The only way to make sure the world keeps turning and there aren’t anymore needless deaths is for Akira to take on the role of Executioner as well.” I state plainly, my voice whisper-quiet but firm. Akira shifts back in her chair, cringing or flinching back at my words. The haunted look flares back up in her eyes, her expression going blank once more - but not before I see the horror on her face.

“I need- no - the *world* needs for Akira to be Enforcer *and* Executioner.” I restate firmly, holding the glare from the Nordic man who looks like he’s one comment away from reaching across the table and strangling me. And I know for a fact that, should he want to kill me, he’d have no problem doing it.

The whole room stills, tension ratcheting up as Dr. Chambers and I stare each other down, my words hanging heavily in the air. Akira clears her throat, forcing both Chambers and I to look at her.

“I’ll do it.” Akira states calmly, though I register just the hint of a tremor in her voice as she speaks. Dr. Chambers starts to protest, but the woman turns her frosty gaze on the older man, her expression hardening as they lock eyes. “I’m not a child, Chambers. You can’t tell me what to do anymore. If I want to take on more responsibility, then I will.” The edge of steel I’d heard last time enters her tone, showing everyone in the room that this woman means what she says.