They led me here too I pause, taking a deep breath and looking away, preferring to take in the room than meet his quizzical gaze. They were at Avasor at least Rayne was. Romy was out I shake my head and start again. She was out trying to help you when you
I close my eyes and sigh, deciding to just show him instead. Everything. All of it. Including the parts I was too ashamed to put into words. Projecting the events of that day until there are no more secrets between us. Letting him know how hard they fought to save him, while I was too stubborn, refusing to listen.
But instead of being upset like I feared, he places his hands on my shoulders, gazing at me with forgiveness as he thinks, Whats done is done. We have to move forward, theres no looking back.
I swallow hard and meet his gaze, knowing hes right. Its time to get started, but where to begin?
Its better if we split up. He nods, his words a surprise to my ears, and Im just about to speak when he adds, Ever, think about it. Youre trying to find something to reverse the effects of the elixir I drank, while Im trying to save you from the Shadowland, not exactly the same thing.
I sigh, disappointed but having to agree. I guess Ill see you back at the house then. My house, if thats okay? I place my hand over his and give it a squeeze, reluctant to revisit his depressingly barren room and unsure where he stands on the whole karma curse thing now that his memorys returned.
And no sooner has he nodded and closed his eyes than hes vanished from sight.
So I take a deep breath and close my eyes too, thinking:
I need help. Ive made a huge and horrible mistake and I dont know what to do. I need to either find an antidote to the antidotesomething thatll reverse the effects of what Romans doneor find a way to get to him, convince him to cooperate with mebut only in a way that wont require me toumseriously compromise myself in a way Im not comfortable with . . . if you know what I mean . . .
Focusing my intention, replaying the words again and again. Hoping itll grant access to the akashic records, the permanent record of everything that has, is, or ever will be done. Praying I wont be shut out again like the last time I was here.
But this time, when I hear that familiar buzz, instead of the usual long hallway leading to a mysterious room, I find myself right smack in the middle of a cineplex, its lobby empty, snack bar abandoned, with no clue of what I should do until a set of double doors opens before me.
I step inside a dark theater with sticky floors, worn seats, and the scent of buttery popcorn permeating the air. Squeezing down the aisle and choosing the best seat in the house, the one halfway down and dead center, I prop my feet on the chair just before me as the lights go dim and a big tub of popcorn appears in my lap. Watching the red drapes retract as the large crystal screen begins to flicker and flare in a profusion of images that quickly race past.
But instead of the solution Id hoped for, all I get is a series of clips from movies Ive already seen. Resulting in a sort of homemade montage of my familys funniest moments, lifted straight from my old life in Oregon and unfolding to a soundtrack that only Riley could make.
Watching a clip of Riley and me, both of us hamming it up on a homemade stage in our den, dancing and lip-synching for an audience consisting of our parents and dog. Soon followed by an image of Buttercup, our sweet yellow lab. Tongue straining toward her nose, licking like mad, trying to get to the chunk of peanut butter Riley had dabbed there.
And even though its not at all what Id hoped for, I know its important all the same. Riley promised shed find a way to communicate with me, assuring me that just because I cant see her anymore doesnt mean shes not still around.
So I push my quest aside, and sink down in my seat. Knowing shes sitting beside me, silent and unseen. Wanting to share this moment together, two sisters sharing the home-movie version of what used to be.
CHAPTER 9
By the time I make it back to my room, Damen is waiting, sitting on the edge of my bed, cradling a small satin pouch in the palm of his gloved hand.
How long was I gone? I ask, plopping down beside him as I squint at my bedside clock and figure the math.
Theres no time in Summerland, he reminds me. But on the earth plane, Id say you were gone for a while. Did you learn anything?
I think about the home movies I watched, Rileys version of The Bloom Familys Funniest Videos, then I shake my head and shrug. Nothing useful. You?
He smiles, handing over the silk pouch as he says, Open and see.
I pull on the drawstring, slip a finger inside, and retrieve a black silk cord bearing a cluster of colorful crystals held together by thin gold bands. Watching it catch and reflect the light as I dangle it before me, thinking its beautiful if not a bit odd.
Its an amulet, he says, watching me carefully as I take in the individual stones, each of them bearing a different shape, size, and color. Theyve been worn through the ages and are said to hold magical properties for healing, protection, prosperity, and balance. Though this particular one, being created solely for you, is heavy on the protection element since thats what you need.
I look at him, wondering how this could possibly help. Then I remember the crystals I used to make the antidote that saved him, and how it really couldve workedif Roman hadnt tricked me into adding my blood to the mix.
Its completely unique, assembled and crafted with your own personal journey in mind. Theres not another one like it, not anywhere. I know it doesnt solve our problem, but at least itll help.
I squint at the bundle of rocks, unsure what to say. Just about to slip it over my head and give it a go, when he smiles and says, Allow me. Gathering my long hair and draping it over my shoulder as he reaches behind me and secures the small golden clasp, before tucking it under my tee where no one can see.
Is it a secret? I ask, expecting the crystals to feel cold and hard against my skin and surprised to find them quite warm and conforting instead.
He brushes my hair back over my shoulder, letting it fall just shy of my waist. No, its not a secret. Though you probably shouldnt flaunt it either. I have no idea just how far Romans advanced, so its better not to draw his attention to it.
He knows about the chakras, I say, seeing the surprise in his gaze and choosing to omit the fact that hes actually responsible for that. Having unwittingly revealed all kinds of secrets while under Romans spell. He feels badly enough already, so theres no reason to make it any worse.
I tap my fingers against the amulet beneath my shirt, surprised by how solid it feels from the outside, compared to the inside, the part that rests on my skin. But what about you? Dont you need protection too? Watching as he unearths a similar amulet from under his long-sleeved tee, smiling as he dangles it before me. How come yours looks so different? I ask, squinting at the cluster of sparkling stones.
I told you, no two are alike. Just like no two people are alike. Ive got my own issues to overcome.
You have issues? I laugh, though seriously wondering what they could possibly be. Hes good at everything he does. And I mean every single thing.
He shakes his head and laughs, a wonderful sound I dont get to hear nearly enough anymore. Believe me, Ive got my share, he says, laughing again.
And youre sure these will keep us safe? I press it against my chest, noticing how it feels like a part of me now.
Thats the plan. He shrugs, getting up from the bed and heading for the door as he adds, But, Ever, please do us both a favor and try not to put it to the test, okay?
What about Roman? I ask, taking in his long, lean form as he rests against the jamb. Dont you think we should come up with some kind of plan? Find a way to get him to give us what we need and be done with all this?
Damen looks at me, gaze narrowed on mine. Theres no plan, Ever. Engaging with Roman is exactly what he wants. Were better off finding a solution on our own, without relying on him.
But how? Everything weve tried so far has been a total bust. I shake my head. And why should we run ourselves ragged, searching for answers, when Romans already admitted to having the antidote? He said all I have to do is pay the right price and hell hand it overhow hard can that be?
And youre willing to pay his price? Damen asks, voice steady and deep as his dark eyes sweep mine.
I avert my gaze, cheeks heating to a thousand degrees. Of course not! Or at least not the price that you think! I bring my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around them. Its just I shake my head, frustrated at having to plead my case. Its just that
Ever, this is exactly what Roman wants. His jaw tightens, his features harden, before meeting my gaze and softening again. He wants to divide us, make us question each other, break us apart. He also wants us to go after him and start some kind of war. Youve no reason to trust him, hell lie, manipulate, and make no mistake, its a very dangerous game that he plays. And while I promise to do everything in my power to protect you, you have to help me here too. You have to promise youll stay away from him, ignore all his taunts, and wont rise to his bait. Ill find a solution. Figure something out. Just please, look to me for the answers, not Roman, okay?
I press my lips together and look away, wondering why I should promise any of that when the cure is right there for the taking. Besides, Im the one who caused this situation. Im the one who got us into this mess. So I should be the one to get us both out.
I switch my gaze back to his, an idea beginning to formone that might work.
So were clear about Roman? He tilts his head and lifts his brow, unwilling to leave until I consent.
I nod, just barely, but still enough to convince him to head down the stairs so fast I cant distinguish his form. The only hint of his having been here are the stones against my chest and the single red tulip he left on the bed.
CHAPTER 10
Ever?
I close the window on my computer and switch it to the essay Im supposed to be writing for English. Knowing Sabine would freak if she caught me running a Google search on ancient alchemical formulas, rather than the homework shes expecting to see.
Because as nice as it is lying beside Damen, the beat of our hearts connecting as one, in the long run, its just not enough. Itll never be enough. I want a normal relationship with my immortal boyfriend. One with no barriers. One where I can truly enjoy the feel of skin as opposed to the way I remember it in my head. And Ill pretty much stop at nothing to get it.
Did you eat? She places her hand on my shoulder as she peers at the screen.
And since I didnt prepare, didnt guard myself from her touch, thats all it takes to see her version of the infamous Starbucks meet and greet. Which, unfortunately, is not so different from Munozs versionthe two of them acting all happy and giddy, smiling at each other with an abundance of hope. And even though she seems really happy, and no doubt deserves to be happy especially after all that Ive put her through, I still comfort myself with the vision I had a few months backthe one where she clearly ends up with some cute guy who works in her building. Wondering if I should say or do something to temper her excitement since its not like this little flirtation is going anywhere. But knowing Ive already taken too big of a risk by outing myself to Munoz, I dont say a word. I cant afford to tip her off too.
I swivel around in my chair, releasing myself from her grip. Wanting to avoid seeing anything more than I already have, waiting for her energy stream to fade.
Damen made me dinner, I say, voice steady and low despite the fact that its not exactly true. Unless you count the elixir I drank.
She looks at me, gaze suddenly troubled as it narrows on mine. Damen? She steps back. Now theres a name I havent heard in a while.
I cringe, wishing I hadnt just put it out there like that. I shouldve broken her in slowly, gotten her used to the idea of seeing him again.
Does this mean youre back together?
I shrug, allowing my hair to fall in my face so its partially hidden. Grasping a chunk and twisting it around, pretending to inspect for split ends even though I no longer get them. Yeah, um, were stillfriendly. I shrug. I mean, actually, were more than friends, were more like
Dating and doomeddestined to spend an eternity in the abyssmadly in love but unable to touch
Well, yeah, I mean, I guess you could say were back together again. Forcing a smile so wide my lips practically split down the middle, but holding it anyway, hoping itll encourage her to join in.
And youre okay with that? She runs her hand through her golden blond hair, a shade we used to share until I started drinking the elixir which turned mine even lighter, then perches on the edge of my bed, crosses her legs, and drops her briefcase onto the floorfour very bad signs that shes settling in for one of her long, awkward talks.
Her gaze moves over me, taking in my faded jeans, my white tank top and blue tee, searching for symptoms, hints, clues, some kind of telltale sign of adolescent distress. Having only recently ruled out anorexia and/or bulimia when my elixir-fueled growth spurt added four inches to my height and bulked up my frame with a thin layer of muscle even though I never work out.
But this time its not my appearance thats got her unnerved, its my on again/off again relationship with Damen thats rung her code red. Having recently finished yet another parenting book claiming that a tumultuous relationship is major cause for concern. And even though that may be true, nothing about Damen and my relationship could ever be condensed into a chapter in a book.
Dont get me wrong, Ever. I like Damen, I do. Hes nice and polite, and hes certainly very composedand yet, theres something about that cool self-assurance, something that seems rather odd for a young man his age. Like hes somehow too old for youor She shrugs, unable to place it.