by C. A. Bleu
Blinking away the vision of his father’s demise, he headed up the stairs toward his room. His father had prepared him for this day, and he knew what he had to do. Nearing the top step Lorcan stopped and closed his eyes, feeling the surge of adrenaline and power in him from his anger toward Dimitri. He continued toward his room, smirking when the golden framed mirror in the hall caught his attention. His dark black hair was long, hanging just over his eyes. The cold black eyes of his father stared back at him. They had the same crooked nose, chalky white skin, but was he as strong as Erebus?
Turning away from the mirror, his father’s black cape billowed behind him. It had been the only thing that remained untouched under the pile of his father’s ashes. Breathing in deep, he could still feel the power and energy that seeped into his body after his father’s ashes disappeared. He had never felt anything like it before.
Knowing his father had some type of power was one thing, but feeling it for himself was another. It was as if his father’s powers had passed into him when he disappeared. Turning into his room, his body pulsed with a new purpose. Continuing his father’s work until this world was destroyed, but first he would destroy Zara Trinity and Dimitri along with her.
Erebus had conveyed his plans to Lorcan in secret meetings over the years. What Lorcan lacked in physical strength and ability he made up for with intelligence. Erebus had prepared for the day that he may no longer be there. With one phone call Lorcan now held all his father’s accounts and properties, as well as the names and numbers of all his contacts all over the world. Lorcan also had the information used for blackmailing each of them in order to keep them working reliably for him.
Living in the shadows for far too long, he thirsted for revenge, Lorcan was ready. After Erebus’s death, he had begun calling each contact one by one. Instilling fear in them and commanding respect, assuring them that although his father was gone, they would never stop serving him. With a cloud of menace surrounding him Lorcan had begun setting plans in motion to end both Zara and Dimitri, they were going to pay.
Chapter 32
Zara and Dimitri awoke the next morning still wrapped in each other’s arms. Dimitri raised his eyebrows, surprised Aaron had not come bursting through the door in the middle of the night to make him go sleep in his own room. As they began to get ready, he could tell something was off with Zara, but he waited, hoping she would share what was on her mind. Worrying they had taken things too far last night, fear grew in his heart, maybe she was filled with regret. He looked up at her when she turned from the dresser and headed straight for him.
Leaning in, she gently caressed his face, giving him a kiss that touched his soul. Relief washed over him, maybe last night was not what was weighing on her. “What’s wrong? Did something happen I don’t know about?”
Confused, he began to feel a shiver of alarm creep into his veins. Sitting down on the bed, taking his hand, she filled him in on everything that had happened. When she got to the part about Lorcan, Dimitri’s blood boiled. He knew Lorcan and knew of his extreme jealousy.
Dimitri had not seen Lorcan in many years. The last he had heard Lorcan had been in prison, but Erebus had easily been able to get him released. That was a long time ago, but Lorcan had never come home. “I never thought about Lorcan at all Zara, he has been away for so long. The last I heard, many years ago, he was living somewhere in Germany.”
“He must be back, he called Carson to tell him about Erebus’s death.” Zara looked worried as she stared at the ground. “He told Carson he was coming for us.”
Placing his arms around Zara, trying to offer reassurance he didn’t quite feel, he said, “I met Lorcan when I first went to live with Erebus. I had just turned thirteen, a year older than him. I knew right away that he was jealous, angry even, but I didn’t care. Erebus spent a lot of time with me, teaching me to do things that Lorcan never could. There was a time that we did seem to grow closer, mostly when Erebus was away. Until it became obvious that Erebus was spending most of his time with me when he was home. Lorcan had never been very strong or athletic, but he was smart and manipulative.”
Turning, he looked Zara in the eyes. “He is ruthless, Zara, and if he is back, I can only imagine he wants revenge and will do anything to get it.”
Fear for her safety rushed through him. He knew that Lorcan was a formidable opponent. Though he was not a skilled assassin himself, he had his father’s intelligence and the skill of manipulation. Realizing the weight of the world was back on Zara’s shoulders, he sighed. Their night of peace might have been all they would have, one night. Dimitri knew they needed to find Lorcan before Lorcan found them, he also knew they could not stay there.
Dimitri saw the worry in the space where Zara’s eyebrows creased in the middle. Leaning forward, he kissed the top of Zara’s head and held her. After a moment, Zara stood, reaching her hand toward his. “Well, let’s go talk to Aaron, we can’t sit here all day while Lorcan is making plans.”
Knowing he could not give up hope for a better future, for themselves or the world, Dimitri took her outstretched hand and together they walked downstairs where they found Aaron in the kitchen.
As soon as Aaron’s eyes met Zara’s he looked down toward the floor. He felt shame for his actions the night before and knew he had taken things too far with Carson. Aaron cleared his throat with a nervous cough and let them know there were pancakes warming on the stove. Placing a reassuring hand on Aaron’s shoulder as she passed him, she reached for a plate.
“Smells good, thank you Aaron,” Zara replied.
Glancing at Zara and seeing her smile, his body finally relaxed. Grabbing his cup of coffee, he sat down at the table beside Dimitri. Aaron and Dimitri began to talk about Lorcan, providing a welcome distraction for Zara to slip outside and enjoy her breakfast on the back porch, she wanted to spend as much time as possible with the forest that had become home to her over the past eighteen years.
Taking in the sights around her while she ate Aaron’s delicious homemade pancakes, he could really cook. She smiled, watching butterflies dance through the wildflowers surrounding the porch. The tall magnolia trees seemed to wave at her through the breeze.
Putting down her empty plate she decided to walk out to her favorite spot in the forest. Feeling the grass beneath her bare feet and the warm summer sun already shining high in the sky she could feel that familiar hum of power. Nature was calling to her, it was a part of her, in her blood. Smiling, she breathed in all the lavender and sandalwood scents she so loved. She would miss this place immensely, but knew wherever they ended up would be home as long as she was with Dimitri and Aaron.
Zara found herself walking further toward the west side of the property. Stilling when her swath of destruction came into view. Huge trees were still down from the sweeping strong winds and the thick poisonous red-tipped vines were still present. Closing her eyes, a tear fell and she called on her powers. When she opened her eyes, glowing amber and gold shined through.
With her palm stretched out toward the forest she began the work of healing it. Slowly at first, the vines began to recede. Slithering around one another until they sank back deep into the earth from where they came. She sent a surge of strength toward the downed trees, stitching and repairing their broken roots as one by one the tall beautiful trees once again stood strong and proud in their home.
Zara’s shoulders relaxed, taking in the beautiful forest surrounding her, there were no longer any signs of her previous destruction. New growth sprouted around her with purple wildflowers and pink daylilies swaying to a gentle breeze. A lone butterfly made its way to her, fluttering near her head as if in thanks.
Feeling a tug in her heart she saw the flicker of a golden ball of light she knew instinctively to be someone trying to call on her, maybe her mother or her grandmother. Opening herself up, the golden ball of light appeared, growing quickly into the shape of her mother, Isabella. Zara missed her so much. Reaching for her mother, tears fell, they quietly held eac
h other in a long, loving embrace.
“I thought you could use some extra support right now, honey,” her mom said, holding her tight. “No matter where you go, I will be there for you. I’m so happy for you and I’m happy you have found Dimitri,” her mother said as she began to hum a song that touched the edges of Zara’s childhood memories.
Basking in the comfort of her mother, she let go of the constant need to feel strong and in control. As her mother hummed, Zara felt safe in her arms. The vibrations of the familiar tune connected with her soul, spreading the feeling of love and hope within her. When her mother slowly began to pull away, Zara felt overwhelming gratitude for the gift of being able to see her.
“Thank you,” she said, looking at her mother adoringly the same way she probably had when she was a little girl.
After her mother disappeared Zara looked around taking in all the sights and smells knowing she may never be back. Heading toward the cabin, she was surprised to realize how long she had been gone. Aaron and Dimitri had been packing up clothes and supplies, anything they thought they may need.
Aaron had been working in the tech room, turning on safety measures that would erase vital information about the Trinity line and the Protectors in case Lorcan sent someone there. They all slept that night, a little nervous and unsure about what the future may hold. Zara and Dimitri held each other through the night, finding comfort in knowing they would be together wherever they may go and whatever they may face.
At dawn Zara heard a light tap on the door before Aaron poked his head in to wake them. Staring, momentarily stunned, he fought the urge to run over and kick Dimitri out of the bed. “We need to get going, Zara,” he whispered from the doorway.
Nodding, she moved to get up, waking Dimitri. As she dressed for the day, Zara was overcome with the feeling of hope. Somehow, she thought everything was going to work out in the end, she could feel it. She would stay strong for Dimitri and Aaron and they would find Lorcan.
Dimitri saw her staring at him and saw the rise of a soft golden glow around her. Stepping toward her, he enveloped her in a tight embrace, he too could feel the overwhelming feeling of hope for their future.
“Zara, your tattoo.”
Turning to look in the mirror, she could clearly see on her right shoulder another word was beginning to form around her tattoo. With the Trinity symbol in the middle she now had the words Faith, on the bottom, Love, on the right side, and the word Hope had now formed down the left side.
Overcome with emotion, she felt she had been on a journey to learn about herself, her family and her powers. Yet somehow, along the way, she had found what she had really been missing all her life on a deeper level, faith, love, and hope.
Smiling, she grabbed her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder before reaching out to take Dimitri’s hand. They met up with Aaron downstairs and the three of them loaded up in Aaron’s SUV to begin their long journey. As much as they wanted to take down Lorcan now, they decided to regroup and strengthen their numbers.
They were heading out to Crescent Beach, California to meet with the other Protectors of the Trinity at their main headquarters. Aaron told Zara that the property sat on the oceanfront and backed up to a state park with some of the largest trees Zara would ever see. She was excited to get there.
Chapter 33
Aaron, Dimitri, and Zara were on their third day of driving, having traveled across the country over mountains and through long stretches of desert, places Zara had never seen or heard of. Staring out the window she often wondered about where they were going, what it might look like and if her mother or her grandmother had ever been there.
Providing some background information about the Protectors along the way, Aaron shared about some of their properties and resources. Financially they were strong, funded through investments made over many years, they held accounts all over the world. The Protectors had been blessed with knowledge and an affinity toward sound financial choices according to Aaron.
When she asked if her mother had ever been there Aaron looked at her in the rearview mirror for a moment, but then looked straight ahead without responding. Zara had seen pain in his eyes so she didn’t push him. Though she felt they have grown closer recently, he was still closed off about some things.
Dimitri and Aaron however, seemed to have bonded over lengthy conversations about weapons and combat techniques. Zara was happy they were getting along. However, as much as she was loving this bonding time together, she could not disguise her relief when Aaron said they were almost there.
The further they traveled the more she had begun to feel something different within her, as if someone or something was calling to her, but it was like nothing she had ever felt before. Dismissing the feeling, it eventually seemed to pass, but it had crept up on her a couple of different times over the past few days while they traveled. Ready to reach their destination, she had begun feeling unsettled and nervous.
“There it is,” Aaron said, slowing the car at a stop sign, nodding toward a huge house that sat atop a hillside about a mile ahead of them, overlooking the ocean. Drawing closer, Zara could make out the pristine white exterior and what appeared to be statues on the rooftop corners that looked like what she thought were angels.
Meeting Zara’s eyes in the rearview mirror, Aaron could see her excitement. “I should warn you, the people here have heard stories about the prophecy all their lives. I’m not sure how they will react to you. It could be a little overwhelming at first.” Turning, he looked toward both of them and said, “We will stay here for a short time and plan our next move against Lorcan, but both of you need to be careful. I believe we are safe here, but after what happened with Carson, I’m afraid we cannot trust anyone else but the three of us completely.”
As Aaron slowly pulled up the drive of the sprawling estate, a man stepped out from a small guard shack near the entry gate, motioning for Aaron to stop. Dressed in full security gear; a gray and black uniform, black boots, and a gun in his holster, he stepped up to the car window. Without a word, he pulled out a hand-held retina scanner that he held in front of Aaron’s eyes.
As the scanner read, it prompted information to come up on the computer screen, the other guard was monitoring inside the small building. The reaction of the other guard was instantaneous as he jumped out of his seat and came running out toward the driver’s side door. “Sir, we have been waiting for you and Miss Trinity,” the guard said, looking awestruck as he bent his head trying to sneak a glance at Zara in the back seat. He set the gate in motion to open for them as Aaron nodded and eased the car forward.
Rolling his eyes, Dimitri tried to hide his jealousy. He was not used to feeling so many emotions, being with Zara had opened him up in a lot of ways, but letting his guard down also made him feel much more vulnerable than he was used to. She meant everything to him, and he was not about to let anyone get in the way.
Giving him a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder from the back seat, Zara leaned forward looking out the window. Excited and hopeful, she could not wait to get inside.
Driving along the sand-colored cobblestone drive, Zara saw that it was lined with large tall palm trees. The front of the home had a long covered porch with tall white pillars across the front. She felt an ominous feeling as it somewhat resembled the front of Erebus’s property. Something sparkled near the rooftop catching her eye. It was coming from the twin angel statues at each rooftop corner. They were both the same pristine white, matching the home. Each had long hair and robes that appeared to be elegantly captured in their flowing movement. Detailed large wings stood out behind them, and it felt as if they were watching her with their golden eyes. When the sunlight hit them, Zara noticed the wings also held golden shining flecks within.
When Aaron parked the car in front of the house, Zara took in the beautiful row of blooming red and white lilies and lavender that made her heart skip as it reminded her of her forest back home. Stepping out of the back seat, stretching her arms and l
egs, her mouth gaped at the large arched wooden doors at the front entrance. An ornate golden angel shaped knocker sat on the door just above an intricately carved Trinity symbol, it was beautiful, the same design as her ring. Just as Dimitri and Aaron exited the car, a tall, muscular man came striding out through the large wooden doors to greet them.
“Aaron,” the man said as he extended his hand in greeting. He looked to Zara and Dimitri, giving them a nod of greeting as well, though he seemed to pause longer looking at Zara. His teal green eyes sparkling as he took her in.
“Jake, it’s been a long time. Is everyone here?” Aaron asked while shaking the other man’s hand.
“Yes sir, they are ready and gathered in the conference room on sub-level D. I have given you security access to all levels again, sir. Miss Trinity, allow me to show you to your room so you can get settled,” he said with a bow of his head, his sandy blond curls falling over his teal green eyes as he bowed. He must have been in his early twenties, Zara thought. His boyish look seemed at odds with his perfectly pressed suit and formal speech. The ruffled hair and tanned skin invoked a picture in her mind of him spending his days surfing in the ocean.
Glancing at Dimitri with a smirk, she left with Jake, off to see her new room. Debating about going with Aaron and Dimitri to the meeting, she decided right now it was the last thing she wanted to do. Instead, her sights were set on a long soak in a tub to soothe her aching muscles. It had been a long three days in the car. Even though they had let her stretch out in the back seat, it was still cramped.