Destiny Series Boxed Set

by Bronwyn Leroux

  Kayla surprised Jaden with her response. “Did Zareh tell you what you had to do?”

  Considering a snarky comment, he nipped it in the bud. “No. All he said was we had everything we needed.” He remembered something else. “Oh yes, Zareh also said that we had to close the gate after they left. I guess that means we need not go up there to do it.”

  “You were with the usurper for some time. Did he hint at anything?”

  Jaden cringed at Atu’s question. It touched on the edges of him confessing the lengths he’d been willing to go to.

  Kayla’s sharp eyes didn’t miss his discomfort. She rolled her eyes. “Now what? Jaden, when will you learn that sharing everything with us, with this team, is the only way we finish this?”

  Jaden winced. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you. It’s that . . .”

  “He’s afraid of how we’ll react,” Iri finished for him.

  For once, Jaden was grateful for her gift. He nodded affirmation when Kayla raised an eyebrow. But he couldn’t put this off any longer. They were out of time.

  Taking a breath, Jaden plunged into the core. “Slurpy hinted I was the ‘Gatekeeper’—the same term Zareh used. Perhaps that was Zareh’s way of telling me I had to share what happened while I was up there with Slurpy.”

  Kayla’s tone was mild. “And that was?”

  “Slurpy somehow gained control of my mind. He made me see things—abhorrent things—things that weren’t real for the sole purpose of torturing me. He used the love I have for all of you against me. He made me doubt myself, made me believe I was inadequate. He took away any hope I had that we might still win this thing.”

  “Hmm,” Kayla said, looking thoughtful.

  Iri interjected. “If Slurpy had control of your mind, how did you free yourself?”

  Jaden dreaded this part, the part he wasn’t sure the others could forgive him for.

  “Well?” Kayla pressed. Her eyes were guarded.

  “Remember, I love you.” Jaden snatched Kayla’s hand up with his own. “You’re precious to me.” Noting Kayla had accepted his words, Jaden turned to Iri and Atu. “You’re both special to me too, as are my other friends and family. I wouldn’t have done what I did if I had another option.”

  Iri put things in perspective. “If you hadn’t done it, we wouldn’t all be standing here. Because of what you did, Kayla got her medallion back giving us the only way we had any chance at all against the Gaptors. So tell us what you did. It might be the piece Zareh wanted us to focus on.”

  Jaden sighed. “I doubt it, but here’s the crux of the matter. I realized Slurpy craved our fear. My fear, the fear of what he was showing me, was pumping him up. Making him more menacing than he truly was.”

  Iri’s giggle was unexpected. “You’re saying he wasn’t scary?”

  Jaden had to smile. “Not entirely. He was still formidable—just look at what he did! But he became invincible when we added fear to the mix.”

  Iri’s smile was knowing. “You still haven’t told us what you did to escape.”

  “Fine!” Jaden took a deep breath. “I had to let go of my fear that something would happen to all of you because of me. Fear imprisoned me in that artificial world. So I relinquished everyone I loved in the only way I could think of to keep you all safe.”

  Jaden waited for a response. He could see them working through his words. Kayla’s eyes widened. “You had to let us go? You mean allow him to kill us to escape his trap?”

  Kayla’s agitation was too much. Jaden’s gaze fell. “If he believed I didn’t care what happened to you, he’d have no hold over me. He was only hurting you because he wanted to torment me. If I released that fear, I freed myself. That meant I could get back to the real world where I might actually save you.”

  When Kayla’s arm wrapped around his waist, her other hand nudging his chin up so she could gaze into his eyes, Jaden stiffened. But love shone there. There was no sign of the accusation he’d dreaded.

  “That must’ve been incredibly difficult. Thank you for being willing to do that for us.” Kayla leaned in and kissed him gently before pulling back. “But that wasn’t the part Zareh wanted us to focus on.”

  Jaden gaped. “I spill my guts, and you tell me I didn’t have to?”

  Kayla’s laughter was the balm his bruised soul needed. It lifted his spirits, filling him with that she could still laugh. That she understood. “All bullies are really cowards in disguise. Why do you think Slurpy wanted to keep you afraid?”

  The revelation floored Jaden. “He wanted me distracted. He didn’t want me thinking about the quest—or how I could finish it.”

  Nodding, Kayla said, “What he didn’t realize is that you’ve learned a thing or two since all this started. That no matter what we do in life, there’s no way to avoid pain or loss forever. Like life, we can’t escape loss. For that reason, we have to face it. We have to deal with the pain.”

  Jaden knew she was speaking about Bree. She didn’t know about Tarise. Or is that true? Slurpy told him about Tarise while Jaden was under his spell. A tiny spark of hope flared.

  Kayla smiled. “Yes, hope. Slurpy didn’t want us having that. Or faith to do the impossible. I’ll bet he also never bargained on the power of love—that it’s strong enough to drive out all fear.”

  Kayla’s understanding was almost too much to accept. Gratitude shone in Jaden’s eyes. “You know I would never have left you behind if there was another way?”

  “I know.” Kayla’s voice was as gentle as her kiss. Her eyes, however, danced with repressed mischief.

  “What?”

  Giggling, Kayla said, “You still haven’t worked it out? I thought you were analytical.”

  Jaden was even more annoyed when Iri and Atu suddenly laughed too. He glared at them.

  Iri sobered. “Jaden, stop worrying about letting Kayla down. She’s already forgiven you. Forgive yourself and move past that. Focus on what she said.”

  Huffing, Jaden mentally ran through the conversation. Shock rippled through him. “The words on the leather strips!”

  “Yes!” Kayla’s eyes glittered with victory, reminding Jaden of Vicken. “And of all the things we found or were given on this quest, what are the only things we have left? The only things not consumed when we destroyed the Gaptors?”

  “The artifacts!”

  Kayla grinned. “There’s hope for you yet.”

  Jaden ignored her. Now that he knew the answer, he wanted to get on with it. “Where are they?”

  “Before I give them to you, do you know what to do with them?”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty obvious. I have to become the ‘Gatekeeper.’” Jaden smiled wryly. “Now that we’re at the end of this, I’m realizing Zareh must think we’re all idiots. It’s so simple.”

  “Let’s hope so.” Kayla reached into Jaden’s pack.

  The moment she produced the artifacts, the remaining light vanished. Jaden darted another glance upward. The darkness spewed past the shimmering rim of the gate, charcoal billows pumping out like they couldn’t move fast enough.

  “We have to hurry,” Jaden urged.

  Atu produced a flashlight, and Kayla placed the three artifacts on the flat rock. Then she, Atu, and Iri stepped back, allowing Jaden access. Sinking to his knees, Jaden gingerly lifted the ink pot. It was so tiny and delicate he was afraid he might crush it. Ever so carefully, he twisted the cap off. Picking up the quill, he dipped it in the ink, then handed the pot to Kayla.

  “So it doesn’t spill,” Jaden said. He glanced at his friends. “Everyone in agreement about what I should write?” They all nodded.

  Jaden felt a sense of awe as he put the quill to the paper. The ink was the bond between them. The same way love was the thread linking their faith in him to his hope he could finish this for them.

  Believing with faith

  Living with hope

  Conquering though love

  An earsplitting explosion rocked the darkness. A sliver of lig
ht danced across the dark mountain. Jaden’s body jerked.

  The last time—the only time—he touched the gate, it sent some kind of power surging through him, rendering him unconscious when the gate snapped shut. The same power coursed through him now, that terrible sensation of expanding beyond his body’s limits. Am I going to die after all? Is this the delicious secret Slurpy was salivating over? Or was it the failsafe he left for us?

  Jaden was struggling to think. He forced his eyes open. He had to say goodbye. His eyes snagged on the obsidian clouds overhead. They were being sucked back into the gate. As they diminished, the power within him swelled. Spots danced in front of his eyes. Something would have to give, and soon.

  Jaden tried to speak but found he couldn’t. Stared at the ominous blackness disappearing back behind the gate. Like someone was holding a suction hose at the other end. Abruptly, the sun’s heat warmed his face. Its light blinded him. He couldn’t hold it back. The rising tension could not be contained.

  He struggled to say something. To reach for Kayla. The world exploded.

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  Kayla held Jaden. Beyond words, her mind raced. How did this happen? How did we not consider closing the gate might kill Jaden? She glanced down at him, his head supported in her lap. There was no color in his handsome face.

  Atu’s hand hovered over Jaden. His eyes were closed and there was no sign of that golden light that had been so prevalent when he had examined Slurpy. Kayla studied his face for any sign as to Jaden’s fate. All she saw was exhaustion. If it comes down to it, does Atu still have enough strength to heal Jaden?

  Atu exhaled, then sat back, opening his eyes. “He’ll be fine.”

  Kayla didn’t think she’d heard right. “He’ll be okay?”

  “He will.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “But how do you know?”

  Atu scrubbed a weary hand over his face. “Because this is exactly the same as last time. All the symptoms match up perfectly. And he woke up last time, didn’t he? None the worse for wear and not remembering anything.”

  “What about brain damage, though? Surely a brain can’t keep taking such punishment and not suffer trauma?”

  Atu sighed more dramatically this time. “For any normal brain injury, I would say that was true. But that gate isn’t of this world. And I doubt its effects work on the brain in the way you’d expect.”

  Kayla opened her mouth to ask another question, but Iri placed a hand on her shoulder. Kayla stared at the hand, trying to make sense of it. Iri leaned down so her face was directly in front of Kayla’s. “Kayla, Jaden’s fine. Atu said he is. If you don’t trust his diagnoses, hear what my gifts are saying. Jaden’s colors and scents are normal. He’s just in a deep sleep, not unconscious. That means no effect on the brain, right?”

  Kayla’s face crumpled. “I don’t know.” Appalled when it came out as a wail, Kayla tried to calm down. Girl, get it together! Kayla ran her fingers through his hair. Why won’t he wake up already? Aware she was on the verge of a meltdown, Kayla kept one hand wrapped around Jaden’s and the other on his chest. Closing her eyes, she meditated.

  Three breaths in, something distracted her. Kayla struggled to identify it. Movement under her hand!

  Her eyes flew open. She gazed down into impossibly blue eyes. Dark blue like the deepest part of the ocean. Clear and sparkling and wonderful. A slow smile spread across Jaden’s face. A sob burst free as Kayla wrapped him in a hug. “Jaden!”

  He laughed, hugging her fiercely. “Yes, I’m happy to see you too.” He savored Kayla loving on him a second longer before pulling back. “What happened?”

  Atu’s laughter was pure exultation. “Didn’t I tell you?”

  Jaden’s smile widened. “Tell her what?”

  “That you’d wake up and not remember anything,” Iri supplied.

  Jaden’s head turn to find Kayla. She really should let him go. Dragging her arms away from Jaden was an effort. Not wanting to lose contact entirely, she kept gripping his hand. Jaden grinned at her. Kayla basked in that glorious smile that lit his whole face. That lit her from within. That made her own joy burble to the surface.

  “That’s better,” Jaden murmured. “You needed to smile.” His hand squeezed hers. Then he glanced at Atu. “And what was it I wouldn’t remember?”

  Atu grinned. “What’s the last thing you do remember?”

  “Let’s see. The medallions vaporizing all the Gaptors. Then . . . Zareh coming and—” Jaden’s face fell. “Our gliders!”

  “What else?” Kayla prompted, her voice raw.

  Jaden frowned. “Brightness. Darkness. Smashing together. Ow!” His hand went to his head.

  Immediately, Kayla was alert. She glanced at Iri, then Atu. They both shook their heads, confirming it was nothing serious.

  “My head! It felt like it exploded.” Jaden’s fingers probed his scalp. A second later, he grinned. “I guess it didn’t. I’m not even sure why I thought it had.” His hand went back to his neck, massaging along the side and then around the back. “It sure feels like it blew the back of my head off, though.”

  His hand moved his long hair aside, and Kayla gasped. He’d been lying on it before, and when he sat up, his hair covered it. But now, with his hand lifting his hair out the way, there it was.

  Jaden continued massaging as he looked at her quizzically. “What?”

  Leaning forward, Kayla moved his hand out the way, using her other hand to lift his hair. Atu whistled.

  “What?” There was alarm in Jaden’s voice.

  “It’s nothing to worry about.” Kayla rubbed a finger over it. No raised or inflamed skin she would’ve expected. No tenderness. Just the brand on his skin, a perfect replica of their medallions, in full-color detail.

  “Can you all stop gaping and tell me what you’re seeing?” Jaden demanded.

  “It’s an image of our medallions—right here,” Kayla said, still running an incredulous finger over the spot.

  “Like a tattoo?”

  “You could say that.”

  Jaden growled. “Get a mirror and show me!”

  Iri giggled but dug in her pack and produced one. She handed it over.

  Jaden angled it so he could see the brand. “Aw, man! Why did it have to have colors? It makes me look like a girl!”

  Kayla burst out laughing. “You get a magic tattoo, and that’s what you have to say?”

  “Well . . . look at it!” Jaden blustered. “It’s all sparkly and shiny!”

  It wasn’t only Kayla collapsing into uncontrollable laughter this time. The more they laughed, the more Jaden’s face scrunched up, and the redder it grew.

  “Fine for you lot! It’s not on your skin!” Jaden touched the brand, angling the mirror back and forth. “I’m doomed to long hair forever.”

  That did it. Kayla took the mirror away. “Stop obsessing. Be grateful you survived closing the gate.”

  “Not that I’ll ever be able to forget.” Jaden rubbed his neck again.

  Kayla didn’t think any of them would forget. What would’ve happened if Jaden hadn’t been able to close the gate? Hadn’t been able to stop the blackness from poisoning their world?

  Jaden quirked an eyebrow. “Now what’s on your mind?”

  “Do you think it would’ve affected people eventually?”

  “What?”

  “Whatever was coming through the gate.”

  Jaden shrugged, noticing Atu and Iri were paying attention. “Does it matter? It would’ve affected all the animals, then possibly the plants. Which begs the question—would the plants and animals have remained a food source, or would the roles have been reversed?”

  “Ugh, Jaden!” Iri objected.

  Kayla grimaced. “I agree with Iri. A chilling thought I don’t care to dwell on. Now that the gate’s closed and with it the chance for further contamination, let’s hope Shianna and the people she’s working with can find a cure for the m
utations.”

  “Let’s hope.” Jaden’s face soured. “If they don’t, those poor beasties face termination.”

  “Delightful,” Iri murmured. “Can we try and stay on the positive side of the scale? I’ve had enough negative experiences this week to last a lifetime.”

  “Yup, it’s been grueling for all of us,” Kayla agreed. It was several minutes before she broke the silence, standing as she spoke. “If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that time is not something we can count on having indefinitely. Life is precious. I need to get to the hospital and check on my dad.”

  Jaden rose and took Kayla’s hand. “I’ll come with you.”

  “Us too,” Iri said after an inquiring glance at Atu. “Except how do we get there?” Iri hadn’t added because we don’t have gliders anymore. But they all felt the words.

  “Luckily, I have an answer.”

  Jaden’s face lit when he heard the voice on the comm. “Stovan? I thought you were with Kayla’s parents.”

  “I was until Sven arrived and took over. You know how he is—wanted to make sure Kayla’s parents were secure. When he said he didn’t need me, I came back here. Thought I might help.”

  “Glad you did, bro. It’s good to hear your voice.”

  “Relieved to hear yours too, dude. You had us all worried there.”

  Kayla saw the flash of emotion across Jaden’s face. “I’m fine. You’re all . . . okay?”

  “Yeah, we’re all here.”

  Was it Kayla’s imagination, or had those last words been a little somber? Then she remembered. Bree. She hadn’t imagined it. Kayla glanced at Jaden.

  He hadn’t missed that note in Stovan’s voice either. “She’d be proud of all of us.”

  Stovan’s voice was infinitely quieter this time. “She would be, wouldn’t she?” No one spoke for a while. Then Stovan cleared his throat. “It’s time we got out of here. To answer Iri’s question, I remote-commanded our family’s terraporter as soon as you closed that gate. It should be here any moment.”