I couldn’t see very well in the dark, only their white hair truly noticeable. And their teeth. Both had uncommonly white teeth. They must brush after every meal like my mom always told me to do. I wobbled on my feet but turned away. I started marching through the forest at a fast clip. Away from them. “Don’t forget to watch for those wires!”
Flute-man grunted behind me. “Holy hell.”
Randor chuckled. “That’s correct.”
“Samuel’s going to despise this.” Flutey snickered.
“And that’s correct.” A pause and I kept moving. “What are you waiting for?”
“She’s frightened. We’ll wait until she hits the clearing before catching up.”
My legs worked faster. I leaned heavily on the trees—and puked behind one—but dang if my feet didn’t keep moving the entire time. I hollered over my shoulder, “Stay back.” I blinked. “Or my mom will kick your ass!” My mom, she was scary as hell when she was all-protective. “I’m serious!”
When I shoved past the last of the trees and stood on the lawn, I sighed in relief. The full moon was shining down bright on the grass, turning it a beautiful shade of deep green, almost silver in hue. The man I had hopped over first entering the forest nodded his head to me and never stopped playing…until a branch broke behind me.
My feet trudged forward again. I didn’t spare a glance back. No need to. The dude playing the flute on the ground did enough for me, his gaze darting back and forth behind me. Two men. No guesses needed on who they were. I yanked my bag up higher on my shoulder, growling, “I said stay back.”
“Yes, we heard you.” The sleeper-man snickered, following directly behind me. “So we are. We are exactly one pace back from you.”
I sighed, the castle so far away. “That wasn’t what I meant.”
“What’s your name?” he asked.
When neither man advanced on me, I answered, “Kenna Julius.”
“And your mother’s name?”
“It’s Juliet Julius,” Randor answered for me. “It looks like Juliet became an Outsider the night after her Blood Tree almost fourteen years ago. She checks in every year with her superior, as is required.”
I glanced back over my left shoulder. Randor was flipping through his phone, the glow shining up and on his face. He was a handsome guy, with strong features. And way too old for me to hang out with. I turned my attention forward, my steps stronger with each foot forward, my strength returning. “Is that the database you were talking about?” My mom had some explaining to do. A lot of explaining. “And who are you people? I’ve never met you, but mom trusted me to come here.”
Sleepy-head answered, “Yes, it is the database for all Light Elves.”
My feet halted. No one bumped into me. They were quick on their feet. “Light Elves, huh? Like immortal Light Elves?”
“Yes,” he answered simply. “The database even includes those who are not twenty years of age. Those who have not reached their immortality from the Blood Tree.”
I blinked, unmoving. “Huh.”
Randor cleared his throat, his words quiet. “Actually, Ms. Kenna Julius is not in the database.”
There were literal crickets chirping from the forest.
“She’s not,” music-man hummed. “That is interesting. Apparently, her mother doesn’t follow all of the Outsider rules.”
I dug my cell phone out of my pocket.
Dialed. Listened to its ring.
Only to get voicemail.
I put my feet back into motion as I left a swift message. “Mom, these people are cracked. Like, I really think they’re on drugs. They’re talking about all sorts of weird shit, and it’s honestly freaking me out. Get here as soon as you can. I love you. Hope everything is all right.” I hit ‘end’ and stuffed my phone back into my pocket. I decided ignoring the drugged-up men would be my best option.
Another hum. “Her mother hasn’t done much.”
Randor snorted. “Agreed.”
A full minute passed in creepy silence before sleepy-hummer asked, “I know your name, Kenna. Do you wish to know mine?”
“Not really,” I muttered, squinting at the windows of the castle. Lights were bright behind the glass. There were people inside talking or watching television.
All with white hair.
I glanced down at my long black hair.
I stood out like a sore thumb here.
“I’ll tell you anyway,” he murmured gently. “My name is Julius.”
My brows furrowed. “Like my last name?”
“Correct.”
I huffed. “What’s your last name?”
“I do not have one.”
I threw my hands in the air. “Of course, you don’t.”
He chuckled quietly. “You find that odd.”
“Uh, duh.” My nose crinkled. It wasn’t nice to say, but this whole situation wasn’t nice. “And you talk funny.” I waved a hand in the air, regal and stiff, imitating him, “Once a millennium ago, I came to be. For I am immortal. A damned soul to walk this dreaded Earth for all of time…”
Randor chuckled but grunted just as quickly.
Julius ordered, “Acquire a new book on current slang.”
“I’ll put it on the list.”
“You’re supposed to tell me when I’m outdated.”
“Sorry, sir.”
Julius growled, but then stated softly, “If my language offends, I apologize, Kenna.”
“Apology accepted.” I eyed the first door. It was open like all the rest. I was almost there. “If I’m stuck here for a while, will you all be serving dinner? My mom and I usually eat at the cabin…but that went to hell.” I paused. “Oh! Who do I need to talk to about getting a bedroom here tonight?”
“Randor will take care of it.”
I skipped ahead. “Wonderful.” Yeah, I would have to sniff all my food first. Who knows what one of the druggies might put in it. “Maybe someone else can take care—”
“No, Randor will attend to your needs,” Julius stated, just as close as before.
I quickened my skip.
“Kenna, may I inquire as to your age?” he asked evenly.
“I’m thirteen-years-old.” My lips twitched. “Seven years until I’m immortal, right?”
He sounded immensely pleased. “Ah, finally you understand.”
I stopped just inside the doorway, light pouring over me. I breathed a sigh of relief. Other people were milling around the entrance that had a literal red carpet leading further indoors. A grand welcome for all. I snorted and tried to pretend I didn’t notice how the chatter stopped as everyone inside stared.
At my hair.
I turned to say farewell to Julius.
But my entire body froze as I caught sight of him.
The brilliant overhead lights cast him into the spotlight.
Or maybe it was just him.
He was…perfection.
His white hair partially hung over his right eye, though his dark black gaze peered down at me with the same intensity as when he had first woken up. His eyes were large yet precious, with curling black lashes. His nose was straight except for the tiny crooked bump, like he had broken it once. His cheeks were flushed on his olive colored complexion. His lips were full, a little smile curving them—just for me. He was tall, way taller than I was. And his simple gray t-shirt and jeans looked expensive—even with the fresh grass stains on them. His toes peeked out of his flip-flops.
And he was far too old for me.
Luckily, he seemed to know this. He kept a good distance between us. No perv vibes.
My blink was ever so gradual. I swallowed. “Um, Randor? Food?” I sure as hell was flustered if I was asking a drug user to help me, instead of one of the others standing nearby. “I think I’ll eat in my room until my mom comes.”
Julius’s red lips twitched. “I’m sure she won’t arrive until the morning.”
I blinked once more. “Because of the full moon?”
And
he grinned. A full one. I had trouble tearing my eyes from it. He nodded. “Yes, because of the full moon.” He waved a hand behind me. “And all of the men here.”
My head swung back. Sure enough. There were only men standing around. Very handsome men. All too old for me. “Boy, my mom must really trust you guys.”
“Nothing will happen to you while you are here.” Julius placed his right hand over his heart, bowing his head. “I give you my word of honor.” Those eyes flicked up from his bow, catching on the men behind me.
I took a quick step back…because gone was his gentle and polite nature. A dangerous man, with dangerous thoughts, lay behind those eyes.
In a quiet voice as he straightened, he spoke softly to the others. “She is mine. No one touches her.”
My gaze widened, and I grabbed a handful of Randor’s sleeve. I walked away from Julius, yanking Randor behind me. “Time for a tour. And food.”
My mouth gaped open.
I didn’t even care that it was embarrassing.
The castle was amazing.
“What is this room for?” I asked in full awe. There were brilliant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. White love trees grew up from the floor in sporadic locations. Mirrors encased one wall, making the enormous room appear even larger. No furniture sat on the floor. It was all open space.
Randor chuckled. He lifted a finger and touched the bottom of my chin, closing my mouth. “It’s for dancing, kid.”
My eyes widened. “You mean it’s a ballroom?”
“Exactly.”
I sighed and twirled in a circle, my bag swinging out from my body. “It’s beautiful.”
He cocked his head, eyeing the room. Shrugged. “I guess it is.”
I crossed my arms. “This whole place is incredible.” I tapped my foot with each word said. “You have ten entertainment rooms, three kitchens—six chefs, just as many dining halls, parlors all over the place, hidden alcoves from what I could see, probably secret passages too, bedrooms all over the second and third floors, and you have a freaking ballroom! This. Place. Is. Amazing.”
Another shrug. “I’ve lived here a long time. It’s just home to me.”
My black brow lifted. “Oh. The whole immortal thing again, huh?” I snorted. “Just how old are you, Mr. Randor?”
The edges of his eyes crinkled. “My name is Randor Julius, not Mr. Randor. And I’m far older than you can imagine.” He chuckled, his blue gaze running over my face. “Or seem to believe.”
“Hit me. Just say it.” I wasn’t going to call him Mr. Julius. That was absurd.
“Let me just say I saw Christ come and go.”
My mouth bobbed and my arms dropped to my sides. “Well, if you’re going to go with the whole immortal story, you might as well include Christ, huh?”
He laughed outright. “Come on. I have one more room to show you before I show you to your room.”
I held up a finger. “And eat. Those chefs looked like they knew what they were doing.”
“I believe they do since they’re as old as I am.”
I huffed, following him out of the room. “So…your last name is Julius too?”
“All Light Elves have the last name of Julius.”
“Of course, they do.” I adjusted my bag on my shoulder as we maneuvered around all the white-haired men lingering in the hallways. “That’s unfortunate for Julius then. Julius Julius. Sounds like a drink.”
Randor patted my shoulder, shaking his head in humor. “No. Remember? He doesn’t have a last name.” He spread his arms wide. “Julius is the original Light Elf. All came from him.”
My brows furrowed, caught up in the stupid story. “Um, I’m pretty sure it takes a guy and a girl to make another being. If he’s the original, how did all of you come to be?”
Randor nodded. “Nice catch. When Julius and Samuel—the original Dark Elf—were born, they were each allowed the power to create ten new beings. Both Julius and Samuel made five men and five women.” Randor flicked a finger at himself. “I was one of them.” His smooth gate contradicted his arrogant tone. “I’m also Julius’s head of security, his personal bodyguard.”
I stared. “What would an immortal need a bodyguard for?”
His lips twitched. “Imagine being tortured for three hundred years. And never being able to die.”
I shivered, my shoulders hunching in. “Okay, let’s skip over the ways an immortal needs a bodyguard.” Nightmares…here I come!
“True enough, kid.” Randor stopped walking and tipped his head to the room we had entered. “This is the grand hall. It’s where most of the Light Elves spend their time when we’re not having fun on land.”
Yep. There were a hundred men sitting in here, all conversing or on tablets or using their cell phones. Just simply enjoying themselves. “Wow.” I spotted two people in the group…I leaned closer to Randor, and covertly pointed, whispering, “Hey! They have black hair.”
Like me.
Randor winked. “Every so often an offspring of a Light Elf will show traits of a Dark Elf. It is a rarity, but proof positive that you’re indeed Light is the fact you found our realm. Only a Light Elf will know the way.”
I opened my mouth. Shut it.
It probably wasn’t best to tell this guy my mom had given me directions.
Wait…was I really believing all this crap?
Randor spoke, pulling me from my musings. “I believe Julius wants to have a word with you before you eat and sleep.”
I snapped out of it, lifting my gaze to him. “Huh?”
“Julius.” He pointed a finger toward the front open door…and up. “He wants to speak.”
My eyes traveled up. And up. “Holy shitballs.”
Julius was sitting three stories up on an overhang, his head almost touching the domed ceiling.
“How did he get up there?” I squealed, grabbing Randor’s hand. I pointed and jumped up and down, drawing everyone’s attention toward me. The room quieted, but I didn’t care. I waggled my finger at Julius. “What kind of drugs is he on? He’s going to kill himself if—”
A scream caught in my throat.
Julius shoved his body off the ledge. And fell feet first.
He landed.
He didn’t go ‘splat’ either.
My mouth snapped shut with an audible click.
His fall had been graceful. His landing had been beautiful—and silent.
His flip-flops clicked in the hushed room as he strolled easily toward the two of us.
Randor quickly released my hand, holding his behind his back.
I wasn’t blinking. I couldn’t even twitch my toes in my tennis shoes.
Julius stopped directly in front of me, in all his attractive glory, not one white hair out of place. He lifted his hand, and gently tugged on a lock of my black hair. With an adorable smile on his lips, he whispered, “Breathe, Kenna.”
I swallowed and sucked in a large lungful of air. My words were so quiet. “Was that a trick?”
“No.” He released my hair and bent to place his face in front of mine. “Everything Randor has told you is true.”
My brows snapped together. “How do you know—”
He lifted a cellphone, waggling it in front of my face. “I told him to.”
“Oh.” I lifted a hesitant finger…and poked his left shoulder. He was flesh and blood. “Light Elves are real.”
His words were patient. Kind. “Yes, we are.”
My brows furrowed even further. “My mom lied.”
“I’m sure she had a good reason for not saying anything.” His dark eyes flicked to my hair. “She was probably waiting to see which you were. Light or Dark.”
She had still lied.
Age 16
“What’ll it be today, Kenna?” Mack asked. He adjusted his grease-stained apron around his rounded belly. The scent of cigarette smoke drifted on his breath and pieces of his brown hair were sticking out from under his hairnet. The heinous neon green light from outsi
de my favorite small diner flicked through the window, casting a garish glow onto his wrinkled face. “The usual? Or do you only want desert today?”
I tucked a strand of my black hair behind my ear. “The usual today, Mack.”
He tossed a burger onto the fryer. Sizzling steam lifted in front of his face. “Gotcha.”
A menu entered my line of sight on the left. The man sitting next to me at the bar glanced at me, asking, “You sound like you know this place well. What’s good here?”
I peered to the side. The guy was in his twenties, with black hair and dark eyes. His features were simple yet elegant. He was handsome in an obscure way. You had to look closely to really see that his features were designed flawlessly. Otherwise, you would look right past him as ordinary. The light in his eyes sent a chill down my spine. My tone was dry. “Are you hitting on me? Or are you being serious?”
His lips pinched, and then he laughed. “I promise I’m not hitting on you.” He lifted the menu again. “I’m new to this town. I have no clue what’s good here.”
His tone was honest enough. I pointed to the ham and cheese melt on the menu, but still left a good foot of distance between us. “That’s good.” Another point at the waffles. “Those are excellent. It depends on what you’re looking for, breakfast or dinner.”
“Thank you.” He bowed his head in appreciation, and then looked at the lone cook. “Um, how do I order?”
“He’s the owner, chef, and waiter. Just holler your order.”
The man blinked. “That’s new.” He cleared his throat and stated loudly, “Hey, Mack!”
“Yep?” He flipped my burger.
“I’ll have the waffles.”
“Coming right up.”
I twirled the salt shaker on the counter, watching my burger and fries being prepared. “So, you’re new here, huh? What brings you to Jonas, Florida?”
He removed his black leather jacket and placed it on the back of his chair, and then slouched on his seat, getting comfortable. “I travel a lot in my line of work. Jonas was just the next place to scout.”
Blood Tree: Silver Edition Page 2