Read Sunset: Pact Arcanum: Book One for Free Online Page A

stain my hands with the blood of millions, but you did it anyway. You weren’t sure what I was, but you risked breaking the treaty just to give me the chance to know the truth, so that I wouldn’t die the way you died—alone, in the dark, without ever knowing what happened to me or why. You gambled your life to show me mercy, and you gave me a reason to keep living. The least I could do was follow your example.”
    Nick smiled sadly. “Everything you said about me was true, and you succeeded in giving me a perfect memory that I will cherish forever. You’ve offered me a measure of hope I had lost.” He held out his hand. “For that, I thank you.”
    Jeremy shook his hand. “We’re even now.”
    “Yes, we are.” Nick let his hand drop. “We owe each other nothing.”
    “I guess that offer of sanctuary has expired.”
    “I guess it has.” Nick’s tone was neutral. “What will you do now?”
    “I suppose I’ll get used to looking at the world through bars.” Jeremy gazed at the unconscious bodies littering the floor around them. “Maybe I’ll learn to play chess with the other inmates. I always meant to figure out that game. Now, I have nothing but free time.” He grinned at Nick. “I’m glad you survived, Nicholas. You’re all right, for a bloodsucker.”
    Nick sighed. “Rapier, bear witness.”
    “Forensic recording enabled.”
    “I affirm and attest that Sentinel Jeremy Kenneth Harkness has demonstrated to my satisfaction the ability and willingness to think beyond the behavioral imperatives of the Sentinel Gift and, as such, has fulfilled the requirements of the Test of Reason set forth in the Armistice Declaration of 2021. Subject to his agreement to abide by the terms of the treaty, and ratification by the Triumvirate, he has my complete support and sponsorship should he desire to make an application for full citizenship among the Free People. Set and done this date over my seal and signature, Nicholas Lawrence Jameson Magister Luscian, called Soulkiller’s Bane, called the Prince of Thunder.”
    Jeremy gaped at him as the AI spoke again. “Sentinel Harkness, do you accept this offer of sponsorship?”
    “Before, you were going to hide me for a few months at most, until the heat died down,” Jeremy said, staring at Nick. “Not my entire life.”
    “I changed my mind.” Nick gazed steadily into the younger man’s eyes. “Nothing is as precious as a second chance, Jeremy. What are you going to do with yours?”
    Jeremy turned to look at Medusa’s unconscious body. “I accept the offer.”
    “The sponsorship agreement has been duly registered and recorded,” said the AI. “Sentinel Harkness, you are required to present yourself to an Armistice Security facility within six hours for entry processing into the Armistice Zone. Failure to comply will result in severe penalties, up to and including imprisonment, forcible deportation, or final death. On behalf of the Triumvirate Council of North America, I welcome you among the Free People. Walk in the Light, Sentinel. Forensic recording terminated.”
    Nick turned to face Scott. “Can you take him to the local chapterhouse?”
    Scott shifted back to human form and nodded. “Come with me, Jeremy,” he said with unconcealed hostility. Ignoring the Sentinel’s bristling fury, Jeremy walked over to Scott, who placed his hand on Jeremy’s shoulder. The two men vanished with a crack of displaced air.
    Nick was left on the stage with Ana, surrounded by the fallen terrorists.
    “So, now what?” Ana gestured to the mess of bodies.
    “Well, obviously, this didn’t work out exactly the way I planned.”
    “Yeah, I kind of guessed that. It’s certainly going to put a crimp in all of our lives.”
    “Things are different now. The humans know we’re here. We won’t be able to hide from them anymore.”
    “We can try.”
    “It’s too late for that.” He took a deep breath. “Well, I think my concert tonight is going to be