by Jen L. Grey
Not needing any further encouragement, I head out the door, being careful not to step on the glass from the broken vase. Things are spiraling out of control again, but what’s bothering me the most is the man who has the Earth Crystal. Who is he and how could he see me?
12
As I drive home, I can’t get the guy holding the stone out of my head. Who the hell is he? Can he see me, or am I imagining things? I mean it has been a long day, but some things I can’t just make up like that with Margaret breathing down my neck.
It just doesn’t make any sense. Why steal the stone but reveal yourself to me? Is he trying to play games? I don’t think I can handle being another person’s pawn. The apartment complex comes into view, and my stomach grumbles. Thank god I’m almost home.
I pull into my parking spot and walk up the stairs into my unit. I grab a pair of black workout pants, sports bra, and tank top and head to the bathroom. For some reason, I have a feeling I’m not going to be sleeping tonight. I turn the shower on hot and strip out of my filthy clothes. I’ve been craving a shower since we got through training today. It’s taken way too long to get to this point.
After the water is hot, I jump in and clean my hair and body. The hot water runs down my body, relieving my tense muscles. The man jumps back into my mind ruining the little bit of relaxation time I had. Dammit. I yank the shower knob turning the water off and grab my towel. I dry off my body and put my clothes on in a hurry. After I brush my hair, I walk out of the bathroom and head into the kitchen and warm up some leftover pizza from the night before.
There is no getting around this, I’m going to have to try and locate the crystal again. I need to see if I can find it and if that man is still there with it. I take my last bite of pizza and throw my paper plate in the garbage. I got this.
As I walk past the kitchen table, I grab my drink and head to the couch. I settle down and set my Coke on the coffee table. I close my eyes and picture the crystal once again in my mind. Unlike all the other times, I lock on it right away.
I’m not sure whether I’m horrified or relieved the guy is still there, holding the crystal. This time he is in the sunlight and his dark, translucent skin reflects the light.
Holy crap. He is from the same realm as the crystal. I look at his eyes and can now tell his whole eye is pitch black. How did he even get here? This doesn’t make sense.
His gaze never wavers, and he stares at me as if he can see me. His eyebrows furrow. “Hey.”
My heart speeds up. Don’t tell me there are two of them that figured out a way here? I scan the area around him. Is he working with another supernatural here or Damien? What are the odds?
He steps in stride as I turn. “What are you doing?” His eyes are still right on me.
Wait. No. Is he really talking to me? “I’m going crazy.”
“Are all you humans this weird?” He shakes his head. “Why would you think you’re crazy?”
No way. “You can hear me?” This can’t be possible. I’m alone in my apartment.
“Yes,” He scratches the top of his head. “We are talking to each other. I don’t understand your concern.”
If anyone saw me right now, they would think I’m a complete nut job. Let’s be real, I’m thinking I’m one crayon short of a full box right now myself. “This is impossible.” My eyes go back to the precious artifact in his hand. “Is it safe?”
He glances down at it in his hand and looks at it in reverence. “Yes, it is now.” He cuts his eyes to me and frowns. “It wasn’t before I retrieved it. I’m trying to ensure it remains in good hands.” He tilts his head. “Why’d you take it?”
That’s the million-dollar question and a fair one. I was the one who put it in danger. “I … I had to.”
“Really?” He raises an eyebrow.
So, the short answer won’t cut it. Okay then. “I messed up. The person I was supposed to reap, well I brought her back to life. The council found out and said if I didn’t bring the artifact back to the council, then my parents would suffer, and I would have wound up in the dungeon. Granted, I wound up there anyways. Long story short, I made a deal with a demon in order to find the crystal since you all had it blocked and the person I brought back could realm jump.” Okay, so I’m pouring out my heart to this stranger. “But when I got back I couldn’t give it to them. I wasn’t sure they were the right people to give it to. So … I hid it. But when I finally went back to get it, someone had found it and stolen it from my hiding place.”
His black eyes stare at me and his lips part. “Are you after the Angel’s Breath next?”
How the hell does he know that? That’s not just common knowledge. But, for some reason, I don’t want to lie to him. There’s something about him. “Yes, I am. That is to be my next priority.”
“So, it’s begun.” He closes his eyes and rubs his forehead.
What in the world does that mean? I want to ask, but as much as I want to know, I don’t. Because at the end of the day, I think I have something to do with it. That sounds completely self-centered, but I can’t shake the feeling. Why else would the council keep involving me and now Margaret is telling me she’s a finder, too? That’s just too damn coincidental. I mean out of all the reapers in the world, they are asking me to find these artifacts. Granted, we are the main community, thus the council resides here, so they would want someone more local. There are a few other groups scattered throughout the world, but they are smaller in numbers and live more in conjunction with the humans. Ours is the only one big enough to really have a city and that’s one reason why other supernaturals tend to flock here. We don’t have to hide our differences as much and worry about blending in.
The crystal begins to shimmer, the black energy inside shining like chocolate diamonds. My eyes lock on it. It’s the most beautiful item I’ve ever seen.
“Yes, it’s beautiful.” His tone is one of reverence. “It only shines like this with ones that are able to sync with its power.” He tilts his head and examines me. “Would you be willing to not go after the Angel’s Breath?”
Why is he making me feel as if I’m under a microscope? I bite my lip. I mean that’s a good question. What does the council have against me now? They’ve already stripped my parents of their rank and title, and hell, Margaret is already mad at me. So, what’s the worst thing that could happen? “You know what? I’m okay with that. I’ll tell them I won’t be able to help them after all.” I have no clue what I’m going to tell them. Maybe I just can’t find a realm jumper and there is no way to get there? Or something. Ugh.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” A dark, twisted voice I know so well comes from my kitchen.
Once again, the guy with the crystal shakes his head. “Do not let him know who I am and be careful.”
Yeah, you don’t have to tell me twice. I open my eyes and am surprised to find Becca there with him. However, I’ll be damned if I show it. “And why shouldn’t I tell them I won’t get it?”
He walks into the living room and plops on the couch next to me. His normal smell filling my nose. The shadows swirl around him and one of them brush against my arm. Goosebumps pop up from the cold caress.
“If you don’t bring them the Angel’s Breath soon,” he raises an eyebrow, “they are going to kill your parents.”
Oh, yeah. I’m sure. Like I’m going to fall for his lies this time. “Sure they are. I think I’ll take my chances.”
Becca sashays into the room and perches on the couch next to Damien. She smirks and flips her blonde hair. “I’d listen to him if I were you.”
Who the hell took over her body? And the last time I listened to him I wound up in a worse off situation. “No, I think I’m good.” I stand wanting to get some distance from both of them. “You two can leave now. I’m heading to bed.”
“I wouldn’t be so quick to walk away.” His tone is amused whenever he thinks he has me where he wants me.
Not wanting to play anymore games I ignore him and flip
down my covers. They have to leave at some point, right?
“Listen, I overheard the orders myself.” He stands and comes over next to me. “Please, let me show you. Then you can decide for yourself and I’ll leave you alone.”
Wait. He is going to show me? Maybe I better let him. What if he is telling the truth and something does happen to my parents? Dad’s already been in a car wreck. “Fine.”
Becca comes over and he reaches out to both of us. Soon the dark black shadows swarm us and we’re falling.
Shit, I forgot about this. The feeling is awful. It’s like I’m falling to my death and my stomach rolls. Just when I think I can’t take anymore, we’re right outside the mansion. However, Damien doesn’t let the shadows leave us completely. They hover around us hiding us in the night. It’s odd, I can see through them. It’s almost like the windows where the people standing on one side can see through but the ones on the other side just see a mirror. So, I’m sure the darkness is reflecting back or either blending in with the surroundings.
We’re right outside the sitting room window. Margaret is still inside with Selena and they are both sitting on a couch drinking something.
The councilwoman takes a sip of her drink. “What the hell happened today? I counted on you.”
“I know, I’m sorry.” Selena lowers her head and slumps her shoulder. “I messed up. I had the stone for a minute, but it slipped away. Then that demon attacked me with all his supernatural buddies. They locked it down, so I couldn’t get out.” She then barks out a bitter laugh. “Then that Malone girl showed up and somehow was able to fight decently and get us out of there.”
“That girl better get us that Angel’s Breath soon. I’m getting tired of waiting.” Margaret sets her cup on the table hard. “And don’t let the last name Malone bother you anymore. They are nobodies. We made sure of that.”
Selena’s head jerks up. “What?”
“They were pretentious for no reason. They didn’t have anything more substantial than any other common reaper.” She snorts. “So, if their rebellious reaper daughter that is worth something doesn’t bring that second artifact soon, you get to kill her parents.”
“But she saved me.” Selena’s mouth dropped open.
“Only because I told her to.” Margaret raises an eyebrow. “Are you saying I can’t count on you?”
“Oh, no.” Selena shakes her head, causing the red hair in her ponytail to whip back and forth. “Of course, you can.”
“Good,” Margaret picks up her glass again. “If she doesn’t come back in three days with what I need, then you take care of her parents.”
“Got it.”
Holy shit. Damien wasn’t lying. No matter what, I’m still their puppet and I can’t do anything about it. If I don’t go after that stone, then my parents’ lives are over.
The shadows begin to swirl faster and soon we’re falling again. For once, it doesn’t bother me. My mind is still stuck back at the mansion.
We land back in my apartment and Damien smirks at me. “See, I told you the truth.”
Is he being serious right now? “This isn’t something to be smug over, asshole. This is my parents’ lives at stake.”
“Okay, so you go retrieve it and give it to the council.” He shrugs.
Something is not adding up. Does he think I’m that stupid? “So, just out of the goodness of your heart you’re wanting to make sure the council gets the artifact?”
“Uh….” He taps his finger to his lips. “Sure.”
Yup, he thinks I’m an idiot. “Not buying it. What’s in it for you?”
“Okay, fine.” He walks over to Becca and winks. “We plan on stealing it from the council.”
Of course, they do. “That’s just lovely. Sounds like good times.”
“Oh, stop it Christina.” Becca pouts. “You know it’s all in good fun.”
I’m sure it is.
“Look, if you don’t want me to steal it from them.” Damien raises his hands. “I’ll make a deal with you.”
Nope, not happening. “Sorry, not interested.”
“You didn’t even hear his deal.” Becca glowers at me.
“I don’t care to even hear it.” Wow, she’s all pro Damien now. What has he done to her? “We’re just going to stick with your original plan.”
“Okay, so are you ladies ready? Becca will take you.” Damien rubs his hands together.
Wow, he’s eager and of course Becca will now take me. I want to roll my eyes, but I have something to focus on. Before we go, I need to talk to the man that has the Earth Crystal. “No, can you guys give me just a few minutes to use the bathroom?”
“Yeah, hurry up so we can get it and get back.” Becca sighs. “Damien and I will get the portal going.”
Of course, they will do it together. They are best friends. I rush to the bathroom and shut the door. I turn on the water and let it run. I’ve got to make this fast. I sit down on the edge of the tub and close my eyes locking in on the crystal.
A whimper almost escapes me when I see the man is still there. For once, luck is on my side.
His dark gaze turns to me. “Have you reconsidered?”
“I…” I lick my lips and lower my tone. I hope he can hear me. “I have to. They are going to kill my parents.”
“But.” He shakes his head.
“Look,” There is shuffling in the other room, “I don’t have long. Damien is here, and he plans on stealing the Angel’s Breath from the council.” He must agree to this. There is no other way. “I need you to get it from them like you did the crystal.”
He leans back against the building behind him. “How do you know that’s possible?”
That’s a good question, but for some reason, I do. “I’m not sure, but can you do it?”
“I guess I have no choice.” He then begins covering the crystal with his hands making my view fade. “You’re not leaving me any other option.”
Then my vision goes dark.
13
I shake my head and my eyes adjust back into the bathroom. I hurry over to the sink and wash my hands. I need to at least give the appearance I used the bathroom. I reach up and use the teal, cotton wash towel in my bathroom.
My sunken blue eyes and pale complexion stare back at me in the mirror. This whole thing is taking its toll on everyone. I lean down and splash some cool water on my face, hoping that revives me just a little.
A loud pounding comes on the door and Becca huffs. “What’s taking so long?”
“Just needed a moment.” I wipe my face off and open the door.
“You do look rough.” She tilts her head. “I bet Charlie hasn’t come around as much with all that’s going on.”
Has she always been this way or has Damien done something to her? “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah,” She spins and heads back into the main room, “I came in here to get you. We need to get going so we can get back.” She smirks. “We don’t want something happening to your parents, right?”
“Becca, be nice.” Damien tsks. “We are here to help Christina out. We don’t want anything happening to her, right? She did save you after all.”
This is weird and I’m ready to get out of here. “No, she’s right. We need to get going.”
“Are you going to be able to show me like last time?” She arches an eyebrow. “I have no clue what this place looks like.”
I nod. “Let me just get it locked in first.” I close my eyes and the vial pops in my mind all at once. It’s in a blue tube hovering in some kind of pedestal in a dome-like container. I pull back, so we get a good look over the place. The building is white and looks almost like Styrofoam.
The ground appears to be one large fluffy cloud. The sun is high above in a light purple sky and it sparkles against the moisture of the ground giving it a magical appearance. Angels fly from place to place as they go about their business. It’s almost as if you’re looking at a picture of someone’s depiction of heaven.
&nbs
p; “Any day now.” Becca mumbles.
Shit, what’s going on with me. My parents’ lives are at stake and I’m over here just staring at where I need to go. I reach out and touch Becca’s arm pushing the picture towards her.
She takes a sharp intake of breath. “Wow.” She clears her throat. “Okay, got it.” She tightens her grip on my hand and then lifts her other hand out in a circle. As her fingers make the motion, a trail of purple color follows her fingertips. When she connects it, the purple begins to swirl and shift. She drops my hand. “Let’s go”
It’s strange. I’ve been wanting her help for weeks, and now that I have it, I’m not sure it’s for the best. She has to go with me, but she’s not the same. At this point, I don’t have a better option. “I’ll go first.” I step through the portal as fast as I can. Maybe some distance from Damien will do Becca some good.
The instant my foot steps down on the other side, I sink. Holy crap. Am I going to fall through? Is that why all the angels were flying instead of standing? I search around for something to grab onto but there is nothing there. However, my body is going forward at such a fast speed, I can’t prevent the rest of me from falling through. I land in a puff as some clouds catch my fall. Oh, thank god, I didn’t fall through. There is no telling how far I would fall.
A second later Becca comes through the portal and slips face first.
I scramble up and waddle my way over to her. “Hey, are you okay?”
“What the hell is this?” She attempts to push herself up.
“It’s clouds.” I shrug. “I guess.” I grab her hand and help her up. “It has a little give, we just have to get used to walking on it.”
We both take a few minutes and make a slow trek to the white building in the distance. It looks just like the one where the vial should be. After a few minutes, the sinking begins to feel more normal and we stop struggling as much.
“You okay?” I shouldn’t care with her bad attitude toward me and all, but I still feel responsible for how everything turned out for her.