I rub my eyes; they ache with fatigue. “I know. I know. I’m just so terrified to tell her. I don’t know what’s the matter with me.”
“It’s simple, sweetie. You’re scared, and it seems like you may love her.”
I go still, and my chest trembles.
Squeak.
I drop my hand to see Eliza exit my room.
She closes the door behind her. She’s still covered in filth and blood. She focuses on me and my mom; worry drowns her face. “Ember is asking for you, Aiden. I can’t convince her you’re safe.”
Of course. Ember practically killed herself to obliterate Jill, but she’s worried about me. “How is she?”
Eliza joins us by the living room. “She’s exhausted. I don’t know how long she can stay awake, but, like Rose said, she just pushed herself too far. Especially after what you said that Johnny guy did to her. She’ll have to make sure she takes it easy for the next couple weeks.”
“It’s lucky you’re friends with Nurse Pumpa and she could spare a moment before assisting at the hospital.”
Eliza nods. “Yeah, we go far back. She agreed; if I took Ember to the hospital, the press would be waiting outside for her, like a pack of hungry hyenas. She doesn’t need that right now.”
The thought of the press bothering Ember makes my skin boil. “No. She doesn’t.”
“Go to her.” Eliza chuckles. “Before she tries to crawl out here.”
I shake with nerves but walk between Eliza and my mom to my room. I take a deep breath before opening the door. My room looks the same as I left it—empty other than the desk, dresser, and bed. I packed everything before I left for college, hoping my mom would turn the room into extra workspace for her and Dad to work on their robot projects.
Ember lays underneath my blue sheet. She shifts and inches up her head. “Aiden! You’re okay!”
I close the door behind me and rush to kneel by her side. “Of course, I am, but don’t worry about me.” I grab her hand and stare into those wonderful emerald-colored eyes of hers. Her face is clean, but it’s white as a ghost. “You’re the one that’s hurt.”
She attempts to shake her head, but the gesture is weighed down by exhaustion. “No. The rain. It-it almost killed you.” Tears run from her eyes, like a running faucet. “I could’ve lost you.”
I kiss her gently but fiercely, savoring her soft lips. After a moment, I break away. “I could’ve lost you.”
She sniffles, and I notice her eyes flitter, fighting to stay open. “Do you know about Erik? Was it true?” she asks softly.
If I tell her he’s gone, she’ll never be able to rest. “Em, get some sleep. We can talk more later.”
Her lips tighten, like she wants to push for an answer, but her eyelids fall. She takes a deep breath and softly strokes the side of my cheek, like a feather. “Does your face hurt? It’s blotchy.”
I shake my head. “No. Nurse Pumpa gave me some ointment before she left to numb the stinging.”
She attempts a nod. “Aiden?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you.”
My breathing becomes shallow, and a tingling sensation travels through me. I shouldn’t be happy about this, but my heart is elated at hearing that this fierce, beautiful, and strong woman actually loves me.
Color returns to her cheeks. “I just needed you to know. I’m—”
My lips cut her off, moving gently with hers, but there’s a deeper desire. We separate simultaneously, breathing hard. I nuzzle my forehead against hers. I’ve been too terrified to admit it to myself, let alone her, but I can’t deny it any longer—especially after everything we just endured. “Ember … I love you too.”
“Stay with me?”
I pull back. “What?”
She closes her eyes, too tired to fight off sleep anymore. “I know you have to be exhausted too … Stay.”
I eye my door. What would my parents think if I stayed in here with Ember? If I fell asleep by her side? Or Eliza for that matter? Then it occurs to me; I don’t care. I kiss her forehead. “Okay.” I crawl into bed and wrap my arms around her.
She sighs and molds against me. Her hair still smells of smoke and dirt, but it doesn’t bother me. She’s so warm, and holding her feels like the most natural thing in the world.
I close my eyes and let myself enjoy the moment. Tonight, my past doesn’t exist.
Chapter 35
Ember
A parade of people, reporters, and photographers dressed in dark clothes head for the lake on campus. The bench outside the student center gives Aiden and I front row seats to watch the crowd as they go to Erik’s service.
I lean against Aiden, and he wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah.” I chuckle. “Sleeping for almost a week straight definitely helped.”
Aiden follows my gaze. “It’s disappointing they’re letting the press on campus.” He pulls me closer to him. “I mean, I do understand why. The university is the only possible location to host something like this right now. It’s the only place that didn’t sustain any kind of damage from the attacks.”
“It is what it is.” I adjust my sunglasses, which seem stupid to have on for such a cloudy day. I scan the area in the opposite direction down the path to the entrance, trying to find a familiar face. “I hope Stella heard me correctly when I told her where to meet us. The connection was so spotty trying to talk to her the other day. I wonder how long it’ll take them to repair all the phone lines.”
“Well, thankfully, only a few benches are around here, so, as long as she heard you say, ‘outside the student center,’ she should find us.”
“You’re right.” I behold the view of Aiden next to me. He’s dressed in black pants and the same black button-up he wore when we went to The Garage. His hair is in a ponytail, showing off his strong jawline, and his ice-blue eyes manage to shine, even on this cloudy day. It’s hard to believe that this handsome, strong, and intelligent man actually wants me.
I snuggle against him and place a hand on his chest over his heartbeat. “Thank you for everything this week.”
He holds my hand. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you barely left my side until I was out of your bed. It meant a lot that you took care of me even when you had so much else on your mind.”
“Of course.” He kisses the top of my head. “I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.”
I swallow back the sting of guilt. I believe him, but I also know he was concerned about someone else. “How’s Billy doing? I heard you talking to him last night.”
Aiden sighs. “He’s … okay. I couldn’t talk to him too much, since he was at the hospital.”
“Is his brother okay? Ian, right?”
“He’ll be fine … eventually. He has to have surgery on his leg. It got messed up pretty bad when a section of their house collapsed. I feel so bad for him. He dreams of playing for the Stalwarth Stallions one day. He’s such a sports nut.”
“Hey guys!” Stella shouts.
I direct my attention forward to see her heading for us with Lime on her shoulder. She’s dressed in a long maroon dress with lace detail and a black belt. Her curls bounce with her steps. Lime is dressed in a little black suit and half hidden in Stella’s hair.
“Stella!” I rush to her and attack her with a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
She squeezes back, and Lime jumps on my shoulder, embracing my neck.
“Yeah, we were lucky. There was only minimal damage to our area, but we live pretty far from where most of the explosions were.” She pulls back. “I know we couldn’t talk too much the other day, but it sounds like you had quite the ordeal.”
I nod. “Aiden and I both did.” I glance behind, and Aiden is standing, focused toward the lake. “But we’re doing fine.”
“So … you spent the week at Aiden’s house then?” I hear the smirk in her voice.
Lime squeaks a little laugh and jumps to Stella�
�s shoulder.
Warmth tickles my cheeks. “It wasn’t some romantic adventure, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
She giggles. “I know, but it seems like you two are closer. You looked pretty cozy with him on the bench.”
My chest tightens. “Well, we still have some things to discuss, but with everything that’s happened, that’s been put on hold for the moment. However, it’s a safe bet to assume we’re together.”
“Well, well. If it’s not the most popular girl on campus.” A pair of silver eyes emerges through the crowd toward me, and the guy they belong to has a tilted grin. “What an honor to run into you again.”
It’s the jerk from the lake who harassed me; I already forget his name.
Stella snaps in his direction. “Can we help you?”
Lime places his hands on his sides and frowns.
The guy stops by my side. He smells strangely metallic. “Of course not. I figured I would see why this one here is trying to hide. I mean, those glasses, hat, and every inch of you is practically covered in black.”
“I’m not trying to hide,” I lie. “If you’ve failed to notice there’s a funeral going on and you can just move along. There’s nothing to see here.”
He surveys behind him at all the people heading for the lake. “Oh! I get it. Reporters, right? We can’t have the Guardians’ daughter spotted!”
Stella points in the direction where everyone’s walking. “You need to leave.”
“Is everything okay here?” Aiden’s hands come to my shoulders. “Can we do something for you, Scott?”
“Oh, are you her bodyguard now?” Scott laughs. I notice his hair doesn’t move with his movements, like it’s actually made of silver. “Don’t worry, Aiden. I won’t try to take your girl. Even though I’m sure I could if I tried.”
“Okay, Scott.” Aiden remains calm and reaches for my hand. “I think we all should get going.”
Scott raises his hands in surrender. “Fine. I’ll go.” He smiles with malicious intent. “I guess the daughter of Emerald Blaze and Digger has better things to do than to talk to a lowlife like me!” he shouts. “Isn’t that right, Ember Vulterra?”
I freeze, and instantly, the heads of numerous reporters snap in my direction.
“Scott! What the hell!” Aiden releases me and moves threateningly toward him.
I reach for Aiden and pull him back, not caring at all about Scott anymore but by the new eyes on me.
One man with ragged blue skin points at me. “Did he say Ember Vulterra?”
“Digger and Emerald Blaze’s daughter?” a woman with a hoarse voice yells.
“Yes! That’s her! She’s always trying to cover herself up!”
No. No. No. My worst nightmare is coming true.
They rush for me, pushing people out their way. A swarm of cameras and notepads head in my direction. Their shouts are unintelligible.
Aiden pushes me behind him, and blue energy rushes from his hands to create a cylinder forcefield around us and Stella. “You guys can stop right there! We’re here to remember The Regenerator! Not for you to harass Ember!” Aiden yells with strong authority.
I think I may have just fallen deeper in love with him.
The forcefield around us gives me a moment to breathe. I glance around. A crazed hint shines in almost all the reporter’s eyes. Other people on their way to the lake notice what’s transpiring. Some have stopped to watch, while others glance over their shoulders with mild curiosity.
It’s time. I can’t keep avoiding the press anymore, especially since I’m now committed to my future plans of working toward being a Guardian. I lay my hand on Aiden’s arm. “Hey, it’s okay. I got this.”
His glowing eyes are etched with worry, but they soften when they look into mine. “Are you sure?”
I swallow back the tension in my throat. “Yes.”
He surveys the mob.
They continue to eye me like I’m the last piece of meat in the world.
“I’m not taking down the forcefield.”
“That’s fine. It may be for the best, but give me some room to address them.”
The forcefield extends a few more feet, forcing the press back.
A guy who has tentacles for arms hits the barrier. Zap! “Ah! Ow!” He flails his tentacle with his face creased in pain.
After seeing someone get hurt, some people back away a little from the sparkly clear-blueish wall between us. Then the cameras flash. The lights are blinding even with my sunglasses on, and a new sad realization crosses my mind; I can’t attend Erik’s service. The focus will be on me the entire time, not on remembering him.
My nerves are a parasite in my blood, and I quiver. I never wanted to be a puppet for anyone’s entertainment, but today, I must wear a brave face. I remove my hat and whip off my glasses. Here I am. The entire world will finally see me. I stand with a new confidence, even if my teeth chatter. “Yes. I am Ember Vulterra, and today, you-you all have demonstrated the ex-exact reason why I have avoided the press for so long.”
The flashes keep going off, and questions fly at me.
“Ember! Where were you when the attacks happened?”
“What do you think your parents would’ve done?”
“How do you feel about the capture of your father’s murderer?”
I don’t know who said what, and I ignore their questions. The urge to cry threatens me, and my eyes water. “I see now … that I won’t be able to attend th-this service of a dear family friend. The fo-focus should be on him and what he did for this city. Not me.” Tears streak my face.
To my surprise, a couple cameras drop from the photographers’ faces, and the shouts lessen. This encourages me.
“Today, please honor Erik Vast, The Regenerator, and don’t make the headlines about this encounter with me. I promise, at a later date, I will take all the questions you have.”
A consensus of nods and soft murmurs come from the crowd.
“She’s right.”
“The Regenerator is the one we’re here for.”
A man who has numerous eyes, like he is some kind of spider, shouts, “You promise? We’ll get answers?”
“How do we know you’ll keep this promise?”
“Why should we believe you?”
It feels like a snake is slithering around in my stomach. “I swear on my parents’ legacy. I will have a press conference later.” I turn to look into the only eyes I want to see right now. “Aiden, will you come with me? I want to get out of here.” My face is drenched with grief.
His glowing eyes soften. “Of course.”
“Do you guys want to stay or come with us?” I ask Stella.
Lime is now standing on top of her head, like an army general.
Her focus stays on the mob. “I want to make sure they don’t follow you guys.” She points at the forcefield. “Aiden, will you let me out of this thing?”
He nods and a portion of the forcefield shimmers like a thin veil.
Stella steps through.
The crowd eyes her but backs away.
Her hand moves up like she’s squeezing something intensely. The ground rattles, and rocks from all directions roll to her feet. They stack on each other in front of her, and more rocks tumble around the edge of the forcefield to add to what she’s creating. This continues for a few moments.
I stare in amazement at her ginormous creation.
The press and others rush away, wanting to put as much space as they can between them and the creature.
The ground goes silent. Stella takes a few steps away from her creation—a rock golem that’s easily double the size of Aiden. The golem could easily blend in with the side of a mountain with its ragged texture but has humanoid features.
The golem stares menacingly after the press.
A couple cameras go off again.
“Go away!” The golem growls so loud its breath pushes back people’s hair.
The flashes stop.
Stella win
ks. “I got this. You guys get out of here.”
Lime salutes me while bouncing up and down.
I stand with my mouth agape. “When did you learn to do this?”
Stella laughs. “I told you that you should go to the training field with me more often, didn’t I?”
The forcefield contracts, coming closer to me, and Aiden stands at my side. “Let’s get out of here. We can go to my dorm.”
Most of the press continue with their journey to Erik’s service, but many throw me one last look.
“Ms. Vulterra, remember what you promised here today!”
“We won’t forget! You’ll give us that press conference!”
“We will find you!”
Their shouts fill my ears, and I stand confident, not letting them see the sea of nerves washing over me.
Aiden rubs my back in small circles. “I’m so sorry, Ember. I know none of this can be easy for you.”
I close my eyes, enjoying the mini massage. “It isn’t, but I don’t know what else I could’ve done. I just didn’t want to risk this day becoming anything else other than remembering Erik. He deserves that. And so much more.” I sniffle. “Thank you for bringing me here.” I scan Aiden’s room from the viewpoint on his bed.
There’s no divider wall and no private bathroom either—a luxury for those who do have it, I admit. The room is separated for each person to have their own personal space. Each side has a wooden bed, matching dresser, and desk. Billy’s side looks like a twister went through everything. Clothes litter the floor and hang from almost every nook and cranny. Papers are also disheveled on the ground, and the bed is unmade. Aiden’s side is much neater, with just a few clothes hanging on the chairback. All the papers and books are stacked neatly on the desk with a lonely silver desk lamp.
“Of course. I figured my dorm room was the closest place for us to go where we wouldn’t have to worry about anyone else bothering us. Plus, I’m pretty sure no one followed us, so no one should know where you are right now.”
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