Souls & Spectres: The Spectral Chronicles: Book 1

by Heather Wendlowsky

  I interrupt her when I hear that. “Touch thing? What touch thing?”

  “You didn’t know?” Juniper asked, “She is pretty well recovered, but she can’t handle being touched or touching someone. It’s a major trigger for her. The trauma just envelopes her. Though, I will say, she has gotten way better over the past day. She even gave me a hug before the battle. I was shocked. I guess now I understand her change in heart.” She looks pointedly at me.

  Wow. My mind is reeling. It’s a lot to process, so we drop back into a comfortable silence. A few hours pass, and the two of us are too worried to get any sleep. When the sun rises and shines through the canvas of the tent, Juniper nudges me.

  “You should go,” she says. I start to protest but she stops me. “I just don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to be here when she wakes up. She’s gonna need to process this, too. Plus, you look like hell.” She gestures to my uniform covered in dried blood. I want to argue, but she’s right. Soleil will need time to process, and she will need her friend.

  “Fine,” I agree, “But you come find me the minute she wakes up. I mean it.”

  She agrees and I stand from my chair, stretching my stiff muscles. I exit the tent, and find Wren standing outside in a clean uniform waiting for me.

  “How is she?” he asks.

  “Sleeping. She lost a lot of blood, and it’s going to be a long recovery period,” I tell him, “How are things going on your side?”

  “It took a while to broker Soleil and Juniper’s release,” he relays, “Soleil wasn’t too bad because she’s Gifted to the prince. We just had to agree to allow a Geochroman royal delegation visit the Mont Tien palace to meet her and stuff. Juniper was much harder because General Fazenda didn’t understand why he should lose a soldier just so she could hang out in a palace. After a few back and forths, Mont Tien agreed to send Geochroma some medical supplies.

  “You, Soleil, Juniper, and I will have a military escort back to Mont Tien court as soon as Soleil is awake. In the meantime, I had some guys set up a private tent for you behind the hospital tent so you can be close to her. There’s a change of clothes and some stuff to clean up with. And a cot so you can grab some shut eye.”

  I give him a clap on the shoulder. What would I do without him? I head to the tent Wren set up for me, and go straight into cleaning mode. I peel off the dirty uniform, and wipe myself down with a clean, scented towel. Content that I’m clean, I pull on a white t-shirt and a soft pair of sleep pants. I sat on the cot, and am hit with just how exhausted I am. I’ll just lay down for a minute then go check on Soleil. I lay back, pull the thick blanket over me, and sleep takes me.

  Chapter 15

  Icarus

  I’m jarred awake by somebody grabbing my shoulder. I sit up instantly, prepared to fight off an attacker, but instead am met with Wren’s smiling face.

  “Rise and shine, Reese,” he says, “Juniper just informed me that your Soulmate is awake.”

  Well, if I wasn’t awake before, I certainly am now. I leap out of bed, pull on some shoes, and charge out of my tent. I don’t even notice the eyes on me as I rush into the hospital tent. All the other patients from the battle have been discharged, so it’s just Soleil and I, alone in the hospital. I take a deep breath, and walk slowly over to her cot. She is laying back with her eyes closed. I guess she must have dozed back off.

  “Oh thank god you’re back, I’m starv-” Soleil looks up from the bed and stops when our eyes lock. For a moment, we are frozen, neither of us sure what to say or do. Finally, she clears her throat and sits up. “Sorry, I thought you were Juniper. She was gonna bring me some dinner,” she says casually. My mouth quirks up in half a smile. She is trying so hard to be nonchalant about the whole thing, and it is painstakingly obvious.

  “Clearly,” I say, “Should I go find her?”

  “No!” she spouts quickly, “I mean, no, that’s ok. I’m sure she will be back soon.”

  My half smile spreads into a full grin. She wants me to stay. “Okay, angel,” I say smoothly, “Can I sit?”

  She gives a gesture to the bed, and I sit beside her. She is staring at my chest, and I realize that I’m still in my sleep clothes. “Oh, sorry. I was sleeping, and Wren said you were awake, and I guess I forgot to change,” I ramble.

  “Well, considering that I’m wearing a paper hospital gown, we’ll call it even,” Soleil smiles at me. I smile back at her. Even though we are both totally out of our element here, she finds a way to make me relax a little.

  The door to the hospital tent flies open and the two of us snap our heads toward the movement. In skips little Juniper, carrying a tray filled with food.

  “Hello there, my Gifted cuties,” Juniper says with a lilt, “Wren told me Reese came charging in here, and given that you two have been asleep forever and Miss Soleil lost her lunch, I brought dinner for two.” She drops the tray filled with two of everything on the bed by Soleil’s feet.

  “Wait,” I look to Soleil in alarm, “Why’d you throw up? Should I get the medic?”

  Soleil turns red and glares at Juniper. “Thanks a lot, Junie,” she mutters, “No, don’t get the medic. I’m fine, I swear,” she reassures me, “It was just the blood loss and I got a little overwhelmed, but really, I’m okay.”

  I look at Juniper for confirmation, and she nods. “I just said I’m fine!” Soleil butts in, “You don’t have to ask her!” I look at Juniper again, and she shakes her head. Soleil groans and falls back in the bed. Juniper giggles and I let out a chuckle at her dramatics.

  “I’m gonna clean up and get some rest,” Juniper says in a yawn, “You two good?”

  I look to Soleil for confirmation. When she nods at me, I give Juniper a smile. “I think we’ll manage,” I confirm. She gives me a thumbs up, and leaves the tent. I turn back to Soleil. “Alright, angel, let’s get some food in you.” Soleil sits back up and I pull the tray of food onto her lap. She bites a roll filled with cheese and chews thoughtfully. I grab the other cheese roll and hold it for a moment. “I can see your wheels turning,” I comment, “You have a terrible poker face. Care to share?”

  She slowly swallows, and looks down at the roll in her hands. “I was wondering,” she starts, “Why do you call me that? Angel, I mean.”

  I consider how to respond. Worried how she would feel about me calling her a name I gave her based on how she looked dead in the water, I just promise to tell her some other time. She looks at me like she’s trying not to argue with my decision, but eventually sighs and goes back to her roll. I can’t help but smile at her frustration.

  After we stuff our faces with Juniper’s delivery, she looks back to me. “So, Reese- I mean, Prince Icarus,” she starts. I cut her off.

  “Just Reese,” I say, “My friends call me Reese. That includes you, Soulmate.” I wink at her. She fights back a smile and starts again.

  “So, Reese,” I smile at her use of my nickname and she continues, “What happens now?”

  “Well, Sol,” she smiles at my shorthand, “As soon as you’re ready, we will head back to the Mont Tien palace.” I force my smile to stay in place when I mention the palace. Her face instantly becomes concerned.

  “What? I can’t just go! I have to fulfill my enlistment! And I can’t just leave Juniper!” she cries out.

  “Whoa, whoa, let me stop you there,” I soothe, “Wren took care of everything. You and Juniper are both released from duty, and Juniper will escort you to the palace as your lady-in-waiting.” She just stares at me in a stunned silence. “I hope that’s okay,” I say quickly, “I just thought you would want Juniper to come, and as a future princess and queen, you get a lady-in-waiting of your choice.”

  “No, no, I do want her to come, thank you,” Soleil stutters out, “I’m just processing. This is a lot.”

  Reese, you idiot. “Future princess? Queen?”

  “Oh god, Soleil, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have- I mean, obviously we have a lot to talk about and-” I put my head in my hands. “
Listen, angel,” I whisper, “I know certain things are expected of us now that we’re Gifted. But this is your choice too. I won’t take that from you.”

  The silent pause feels like it’s crushing me. Then, I feel small, shaky hands wrap around my fingers and pull my hands from my face. I look up and see green eyes just inches from mine.

  “Reese,” she says softly, “Yes, this is a lot to process. And I appreciate you trying to give me a choice, but we’re in this together now. Might as well get used to it.” Soleil gives me a soft smile. I try to give her a smile back, but I’m completely lost in her eyes. Without thinking, I lean forward just slightly. Then I remember what Juniper told me the night before about Soleil’s aversion to physical contact. I immediately jump back and got off the bed. I’m forcing a life on her, and what, now my touch? No. I’m not going to do that. I look over at her and for a split second, I think I see hurt on her face. Just as quickly as it appeared, it’s gone, leaving me wondering if I just imagined it.

  Instead of sitting back on her bed, I pull over a chair. Trying to keep things light, I ask her inane questions, like her favorite color (green) and her favorite food (cheese rolls). For the next week, I spend as much time at her bedside as I can, continuing small talk, never letting things get heavy. She shouldn’t have to be forced into something like this, and feel like she has to comfort me. I try not to be alone with her so she isn’t uncomfortable, so I have Juniper and Wren join us as much as they can. The four of us together really hit it off, especially Wren and Juniper. The thought of those two together has Soleil and I smiling but terrified.

  After a long week, the doctor informs us that Soleil is cleared for travel as long as she takes it easy and keeps her arm in a sling. I’m not sure if I’m more excited to get out of here, or nervous about finally taking Soleil home. Once we leave the bubble of this camp, everything will catch up to us: the Gift, our kingdoms, our future.

  The doctor gives us strict care instructions, and I’m already brushing them off. Mont Tien is the most medically advanced country in the continent. While I appreciate this doctor’s work, I know Soleil’s recovery will be significantly expedited under the care of our royal physician. The doctor leaves the four of us alone, and I stand.

  “Wren and I are going to arrange a transport and notify the palace of our imminent return,” I say.

  “I’ll go gather Soleil and I’s things from our bunk,” Juniper declares as she rises from the bed beside Soleil, “Will you be okay on your own for a minute?” she asks her friend.

  “You guys worry too much,” Soleil rolls her eyes, “I’m just going to take a little nap before dinner. I think I can handle that myself.”

  The three of us grin at her and leave the hospital. Outside, we head our separate ways to make our preparations. Juniper goes to their company’s bunk, Wren heads to the generals’ meeting tent, and I stop off at my tent to change from my civilian clothes into my uniform for the meeting. Looking around my tent, I realize the place is trashed. I decide to do a quick clean up before meeting with Wren and the generals. Someone will be coming to pack my things soon, and I don’t want them to think their prince is a slob.

  I’m almost done organizing some documents on my desk when a cold feeling hits my chest. Hard. Something is wrong. The rational side of me butts against this feeling, but the feeling hits me again, this time knocking the air from my lungs. Holding my chest, I barrel out of my tent, straight into Wren.

  “Reese, what’s wrong?” Wren demands, seeing the panic in my eyes.

  “I don’t know,” I gasp, “But something is wrong. I need to go.” I start staggering to the edge of the plateau and down into the woods.

  Wren walks after me. “Go where? What’s wrong?” he insists.

  “I don’t know, Wren!” I burst, “But I know I have to go this way!” I point to the woods.

  “Okay, okay,” Wren agrees. He and I head down the plateau into the woods. The farther we go into the woods, the easier it is to breathe, but the colder my chest feels.

  When we jog past a large willow, I realize that we are going to the pool. With that revelation, air is forced back into my lungs, pushing me into a sprint. Wren is close on my heels, and we burst into the clearing. A sling and boots are laying on the beach by the water. Standing in the pool under the colors of the sunset is Soleil and… me?

  Any shock gives way to panic as I watch Other Me scowl at her and say something in her ear. Tears stream down her face, and she takes a meaningful step off the underwater ledge and sinks.

  Immediately, I’m sprinting to the pool and toward Other Me. I watch Other Me’s face look at me and contort into a maniacal grin. He lets out a shrieking laugh and starts to shimmer in the setting sun. Spectre.

  “Wren, get Soleil!” I yell.

  The two of us charge into the water. Wren dives beneath the surface, and I go straight to the spectre wearing my face. The creature is fading, but not fast enough. I reach out and graze it’s cold arm. As soon as I touch the freezing thing, a burst of cold air blows me back. I close my eyes against the freezing wind. When I open them, I’m on the beach next to Wren holding a shivering Soleil. The entire clearing has turned white with frost. I watch a layer of ice crawl over the pool and freeze it solid. In less than a minute, the entire clearing is silent and still.

  I look at Wren, and he gives me a curt nod to confirm Soleil is alive. With that weight off my shoulders, I turn my attention to the spectre hovering over the pool. It’s no longer my face that looks back at me. The creature has returned to its original form: a humanoid apparition, impossible to focus on. Its skin constantly shivers between pale colors, and its face is every face and no face.

  “Well, well,” the monster’s voice, though quiet, reverberates in my skull, “It’s been centuries since a victim has escaped me.” A small mist emanates from the spectre, slowly, then it rushes through my ears. Oh my god, it’s splitting my skull apart. I hold my hands against the side of my head and scream against the pain. Suddenly, it stops. I'm panting on the ground, and reach up to feel my ears are wet. Pulling my hand away, blood coats my fingers. I look at Wren and Soleil and see them in the same state.

  “Ah, you’re Gifted to the Daughter,” the voice rasps in amusement, “No wonder you caught me, Prince Icarus.” Daughter? I can’t even form a coherent thought. I feel like every thought I’ve ever had has been ripped from the recesses of my memory by that mist. “As my captor,” it says to me, “You are given one answer.” Captor? Answer? I can’t THINK. A demented giggle rattles my head again. “Oh, of course. You are in no condition to ask a question,” the thing taunts, “Though, I have seen your innermost desires, so I will instead offer you an answer of my choosing.”

  The glow the spectre gives off permeates the clearing. I feel like I can see every single blade of frosted grass, the wings of every insect frozen midflight, and every single fleck of color in Soleil’s terrified eyes. Sol. I stretch myself across the rocks and grab her hand. She grips my fingers so hard that it hurts, but this pain I welcome. Our eyes lock for a brief moment, and we turn back to the creature hovering over us.

  “The Gift has brought you together, but the Curse will tear you apart.

  The blade will be wielded by the Prince, and sheath in the Daughter’s heart.

  Armed with the Curse, the Gift will depart.

  The world at rest, and a choice for the Gift to restart.”

  Prophecy given, the spectre vanishes with a final crazed cackle. The clearing immediately thaws and the sun warms us. “Wait!” I call out to the air the spectre had just occupied, “What does that mean? Come back!” I try to get up, but my head is still reeling, and I fall forward on all fours. I groan and look over to Wren, who is still cradling a shaking Soleil.

  I take a deep breath. “Does anyone want to explain what the hell just happened?”

  Chapter 16

  Soleil

  Wow. So, it’s really happening. I’m going to the palace. It’s been a lengthy week, and
while I’m sick of living in the hospital, I’m not sure I’m ready to trade it in for a royal featherbed. It seems I don’t have much choice in the matter, though Reese has tried to convince me otherwise. Honestly, it’s probably a good thing I don’t have to make that kind of decision. I don’t exactly do well when choices back me into a corner, and I’d wind up doing something stupid.

  “Wren and I are going to arrange a transport and notify the palace of our imminent return,” Reese announces.

  “I’ll go gather Soleil and I’s things from our bunk,” Juniper concurs, “Will you be okay on your own for a minute?” she asks me.

  I roll my eyes at her concern. “You guys worry too much. I’m just going to take a little nap before dinner. I think I can handle that myself,” I assure them. This has been a long week, but those three have been at my side every waking moment. It has made the time go by much faster, and once they leave to go tackle their self-mandated chores, I admit that the solitude is a tad disconcerting. Ugh, one week in bed and I’m already a codependent mess.

  As I’m settling in for the nap I promised Juniper I’d take, the door to the tent opens and in stomps a very angry looking Reese. I sit up in alarm at the urgency he’s walking toward me with.

  “Hey, Reese, are you okay?” I ask in concern.

  He looks over me in disdain and I suddenly feel extremely self-conscious. “Can we walk and talk?” he hawks gruffly. Startled, I nod and pull on the boots I have next to my bed. I’m grateful that they let me change out of my hospital gown the day before in exchange for a green long sleeve shirt and soft black pants. I stand slowly, adjusting my sling, and Reese stands stiffly at the end of my bed.

  “Okay, I’m ready,” I confirm.

  He gives a curt nod and spins toward the door. I stand there startled for a second, then hustle after him, careful not to jarr my bad arm. We leave the hospital tent and he immediately heads to the edge of the plateau. Before I can ask where we’re going, he is already at the bottom, forcing me to follow. I sit down and slowly navigate my way to him. I brush the dirt off my back and we walk in silence into the tree line.