by Jaymin Eve
“I think that if the worlds wanted your opinion on their current path, they’d have probably asked for it.”
He stared at me without saying a word. I tightened my energy around my mind, and hoped he couldn’t break in. He flicked his fingers then, and the ropes binding my hands and feet fell free.
“You’re no longer my prisoner. If you can find your way from here, without the use of Walker doorways, then you’re free.”
I rubbed my chafed and bleeding wrists together. The ropes had cut me during my struggle, but by the time I looked again the skin was starting to heal. Within moments there was just creamy unmarked flesh. No sign of any injury.
“You’re quite magnificent.” His words washed over me.
I leaned back from all the creepy he was emitting.
“Is the Abernath your mate?”
I was confused for a second before I remembered him calling Brace that.
“What’s an Abernath?” I demanded as dozens of thoughts flickered through my mind.
His eyes widened in surprise. “He hasn’t told you of his family?” His expression grew calculating. “The Abernaths are the most powerful clan. Even without his marks displayed, the power he released was impressive. He has to be a high-ranking member.”
I’m a little slow at the moment, but is he saying what I think he’s saying?
“Brace ... is a Walker?” I spluttered out, my words almost incoherent.
Pain and anger flooded through me. I felt betrayed at the highest level. Why hadn’t anyone told me this? Why had Josian kept it from me?
The Walker interrupted the flood of betrayal that was dragging me down. His laughter echoed around the stone of the room.
I got to my feet in one blinding lunge of anger. I was standing before him so quickly that I realized for the first time I’d utilized Walker speed.
“Answer me,” I yelled, my energy bubbling over.
He was a liar. He had to be, otherwise I was the world’s biggest idiot. I was going to kill Brace when I got my hands on him.
“You said his name is Brace?” A flicker of ... fear maybe … entered his eyes. “Then he is Que’s son. The Princeps of the Abernath line.” He lowered his head until we were almost at eye level. “I think I was lucky to escape with you when I did.”
My head hurt again as I thought back to the moments in Silver City before I blacked out. “What did you do in the city?”
All I had were disjointed memories, flickers, images – all terrifying.
“I dissolved the bonds that formed the water dome,” he said, his tone casual.
At that moment my heart stopped beating. As it stuttered to life again, the full repercussion of his actions flooded me and I dropped to my knees. I attempted to suck in some air. My protesting lungs were starving, but nothing was responding.
“You killed my friends,” I stammered out through gulps. “They couldn’t have survived that.”
He shook his head. “I have no idea. Brace will have survived; nothing would take out an Abernath. But the rest – collateral damage.”
“Noooo!” I screamed long and loud.
Sobs broke from me as I stumbled back to my feet. I couldn’t escape the mental images; all that water crashing in on them. Lucy, especially, could not have survived. My energy filled me up, expanding my insides until it was forced from me, along with continued screams of outrage.
I shot everything I had into the blond Walker. My energy was irrevocably tied to my pain. The walls began to shake as dust fell from the roof. The stones groaned as they began to shift free. The room around me was crumbling to the ground.
Despite the depth of my pain, the ache in my heart and the burning in my eyes, I could not sustain the flow for long. I collapsed again, and as I fell forward my arms cushioned my face before it hit the floor. At that moment the walls came down. I waited to be crushed under the heavy stone ceiling, but nothing landed on me. I sobbed uncontrollably. I was so tired and the shock of my loss crushed my ability to fight. Bruising grips encircled my biceps and lifted me to my feet.
“Your power is remarkable, baby Walker.”
He held me up off the floor, and my exhaustion was such that I let my head hang limply.
“And I’ve changed my mind. Since you’re such a surfeit of secrets and intrigue, I’m going to keep you for a while. If anything, you’re a good bargaining chip with the Abernaths.”
And as quick as that I was back tied to the chair. And he’d disappeared again.
I tried desperately to direct power toward my tethers, but I was empty and the wisps did nothing except float around me. Accepting a semblance of defeat, I dozed for a while, my thoughts dark, my heart heavy. I tried to block Brace from my mind, but I couldn’t rid myself of those moments – playing in the netting and the stolen kisses. I felt as if the person I was then was gone.
Brace. I trusted him. How could he have lied to me about something so fundamental? How could no one know, not even Josian?
On top of this I also couldn’t shed thoughts of Lucy. But until I saw her lifeless body with my own eyes, I would never accept her death. I was stubborn and single-minded that way.
Eventually I pulled myself together somewhat, and the tears stopped flowing. There was only so much ‘pity party’ I could throw without being very annoying. I knew, once I was free, I’d have ample opportunity to drown my sorrows, but until then I needed to get myself together.
I found the strength to open my eyes before lifting my head to once again see my surroundings. My earlier burst of temper had collapsed all four walls so I could see beyond. I was on a small island, surrounded by the large stone blocks that used to form my prison. The stone room must have been set up as a sole dwelling. The island was surrounded by large cavernous turrets and huge gulleys. The Walker had never planned on setting me free. No way could I have traversed this type of unforgiving terrain without the aid of a doorway.
I opened my mind then, dropping the energy encasing my thoughts. No way was I sitting here like this for all eternity. I was not a fan of crazy nut jobs. I’d spent enough time with Olden, the psychotic Earth compound leader, to know that could only end in tears, or near-fatal stabbings.
Josian, Dad ... I need help ... Can you hear me?
I knew it was a long shot, but if anyone could save me it was my father. Of course, I was only guessing, since I’d never bothered to learn the mind-speak thing.
Brace, I said tentatively, uncomfortable but willing to try the liar. I’d take rescue from anyone at this point.
“There is really no point in screaming quite so banshee-like. This is my realm, and no one can hear you.” He appeared before me again, but this time I was too exhausted to react.
“I have finally figured out what bothers me about you, baby Walker.” He paced a few steps before spinning around to face me. “You’re not a Walker. Josian is slumming it with a First-World ape woman, and you called him father.”
He shook his head. “But it’s not possible. You cannot be a halfling. We were told it was a legend and that no one could bring Walkers to heel.” He muttered like the crazy he had inside was spilling out.
I watched a myriad of emotions cross his face, and suddenly all I could see was fear. I could tell he was not happy about it. I held my breath, knowing this was about to get really bad for me.
He threw out a hand, and I screamed as the agony of a lightning bolt coursed through me. The pain burned, charring me from the inside out until my body was on fire.
I glanced down to see if my skin had been crisped from my bones. I gasped as I noticed small burn marks littering my arms. They almost looked like exit wounds. Strangely, none of these round, red burns marred the lace design. I was distracted from all thoughts as his assault continued. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop my screams. I hated giving him that satisfaction. The moments blended together. Minutes or hours, I could no longer tell one from the next. There was just pain.
“Tell me what you are. Give m
e an explanation that doesn’t go against everything I’ve known.” He lifted his hand, allowing me a small reprieve from the agony.
My entire body shook as it burned.
“Must be a trap.” His mutters grew louder.
His tone wasn’t exactly panicked, but for the first time some of his confidence wavered.
His hand shot out again, only this time I tensed. It did nothing to quell the agony. My screams echoed, bouncing off the acoustics of the surrounding landscape. Over and over he burnt me alive, peppering me with questions I would not answer. I would not set this psycho against my father or Brace. I would protect my remaining loved ones, if it was the last thing I did.
Eventually, my voice was barely a whisper, the screams faded to hoarse gasps. I knew if I looked down again I would see more of the burn marks scattered all over. But I didn’t look.
“You’re strong. I respect that, and I’ll leave you for the moment. I don’t want to break you before I enjoy you.” He studied me, his violet eyes dark. “Try and remember, I can do this for all of eternity. It will be easier if you simply give me the answers. You don’t have to suffer.”
I didn’t move as his presence disappeared from the small island. I gasped in small breaths, my aching throat protesting even the light presence of air through the raw space. Despite the fact I had no moisture left in my body to cry tears, I sobbed in my mind.
One face continued to appear before me. My body and soul were battered and bruised and they were screaming for Brace. I hadn’t forgotten that he had deceived me, lied with every breath he took. But my soul didn’t care. It ached for the comfort of its mate.
Brace.
The scream of a soul in agony was stronger than anything I could have ever imagined. There was no answer, and this time no blond psycho even appeared. I was well and truly alone. Shifting my aching shoulders, I could not move and find comfort. Slumping forward again, I closed my eyes. Again I drifted. For endless moments I was semi-conscious. I needed to pull myself together. I was stronger than this, and after I found Brace and killed him for his deception, I’d have to get used to being alone.
“Red.”
I thought for a moment I was still dreaming. The familiar voice, the annoying nickname, it was too much to believe that he had found me.
“I will always find you, Abby. Always.” When he answered, I realized I’d spoken my thoughts out loud, my voice rasping over each word.
The ropes binding me fell free, and if strong arms had not encased me I would have fallen forward to the floor. I found a sliver of strength to lift my heavy head. Brace’s beautiful face was close to mine as he held me up. His eyes were black again, fury burning in their depths. But his features remained gentle as he pulled me even closer, his scent brushing across me as he let out a relieved sigh. And in that moment my soul began to sing.
“Shit – sorry, Abbs – I’m just ... not sure where to hold you.” He shifted his arms in an attempt to avoid the obvious burns.
My entire skin blistered like it was still on fire. Why weren’t the marks healing?
“Hang on, baby. I’ll get you out of here. And then I have a Doreen to eliminate.”
Fury crashed in around me, and I realized that Brace was just barely holding onto his self-control. His aura was pulsing blood red, and despite his gentle hold I could somehow feel his unrestrained rage.
His anger awoke my own, and as clarity returned I began to struggle in his arms.
“Get your hands off me, you big lying liar,” I murmured past the rawness in my throat.
I pushed at his chest, which did not move him even one fraction of an inch. A flash of fear chased some of the heat from his eyes.
“Your voice, Red? What the hell happened to your voice?”
His concern brought tears to my eyes. I managed to stop them from spilling over. He pulled me closer.
“I need to know ... what did he do? He’s already to be destroyed. But I haven’t decided if I’ll make it quick, or take my time.”
“Don’t ... just, just don’t.” Weariness spilled from me.
His lips brushed against my cheek, whether by accident or design, I wasn’t sure. He inhaled deeply as he rested his face in my neck.
“I promise I’ll explain everything to you. I don’t know what the Doreen told you, but I have my own side to this. Swear to me you won’t reject us until you hear the entire story.”
I lifted my head slightly to examine him. His vulnerability appealed to me in a way I couldn’t fight. I knew that Brace was an exceptionally strong man. He contained himself and his emotions, but his power was always apparent. Vulnerability was not something he generally displayed. But how could I trust his words again?
“Lucy?” I had to ask, even though I wasn’t sure if I could handle the answer.
“She’s fine. Sammy and Lucas as well.”
My heart stopped. I clutched at him for the first time, pulling him closer.
“Swear to me that they’re all fine. Where are they? How did you survive the city collapse?”
“I swear to you, Red. I would never lie to you about something so important.”
I snorted.
He continued, although his expression held something ... shame maybe ... and pain. “I opened a doorway and pulled everyone through. They’re on First World. Josian returned just after as well. For some reason he knew you were in trouble. Right now I’m pretty sure he’s out destroying worlds trying to find you.”
“How did you find me?” I asked, my husky voice high with relief.
No one had died. I hadn’t lost those few people who made my world complete.
“I don’t know. I was going crazy, calling in every favor I’ve ever had to figure out who the Doreen was that took you.”
I held up a hand to halt him.
“What is an Abernath and a Doreen? And don’t even think about hesitating. When I ask a question about my life, I deserve to know the truth.”
I’d had enough of being the last to know. That ended today.
“They’re two of the Walker clans. You’re a Doreen – red marks. I’m an Abernath; we have black.”
“Like Talina?” I questioned.
He nodded once. His eyes locked on mine as he continued to hold me close. There wasn’t one inch of space between us. And, despite my anger, and the pain of the burns scattering my skin, I couldn’t find the strength to pull away.
Brace examined me closely. “I heard you – you were with me for a moment – in my mind. I felt you calling for me, and a doorway appeared. I didn’t think twice, I just stepped through.”
“Impossible!” The angry word echoed around us but with the acoustics here I couldn’t tell where the blond Walker was. “How did you find her? I have this realm barred to all doorways.”
My kidnapper strode out of a crevice to stand before us. Damn freak must just hang around in the caves.
Brace lowered me to the ground, but my legs refused to bear my weight and crumpled. Without a pause, he simply shifted his stance and brought me back up into his arms.
“Sorry, I think my arms and legs are asleep from being tied for so long.” I had tingles through them now, but they felt like they weighed a ton.
“Don’t apologize, Red. I can hold you up and rip his head off. No problem.” His smile was confident.
I resisted the urge to touch his perfect white teeth. At least one thing was explained: his unnatural looks: he was Walker.
The ground began to shake beneath our feet. I turned my anxiety toward Brace. He smiled. A large crevice began to divide the space between us and the Doreen Walker.
Could Josian ex-communicate Walkers? Because this psycho needed to go.
“Your pathetic little power show does nothing but tire you,” the Doreen said. “I have claimed the baby Walker. Leave now and I will forgive your intrusion.”
I expected Brace to lose it then. Instead he threw back his head and laughed. With a twinkle in his eyes, the stormy black faded slightly, not qu
ite back to his beautiful brown, but closer.
“How can you have spent any time with Red and not know that she’s owned by no one? I only wish she knew how to use her powers. She’d have ended your sorry ass.”
My lips turned up in a half-smile as I lay my head against his shoulder. Hearing him swear was a novelty; he usually didn’t use much slang. Only what he’d picked up from me and Lucy.
Exhaustion was getting the better of me. I started to miss bits and pieces of their words. Whatever lightning thing he’d zapped me with earlier had really knocked me around.
“You cannot escape. Why would you start a clan war over a halfling?” The Doreen’s words were interrupted by a bolt of energy smacking him straight in the face.
He was knocked backwards, off the island and into the endless abyss below.
“Shi – did you just kill him?” I struggled to sit up.
“Come on, Red. He’s a Walker. That wouldn’t have even scared him. I’m just looking to buy us some time until I figure out how to get out of here.”
Okay, I felt a bit stupid, but it wasn’t my fault I continued to forget that they weren’t human. I wasn’t raised to believe in Walkers.
As Brace strode us closer to the edge of the deep gulley, I could see his mind working away, trying to figure out how to save me.
Since I wasn’t the type of person that generally waited for a knight to rescue me, I decided to see if I could access a doorway. Brace had said I’d brought him to me, so maybe I could send us home. I gathered some energy. It responded far quicker than the last time. My power was growing.
Picturing my bedroom back home, I was about to draw from my sticky taffy energy and create a doorway when I noticed something. Around the image of my room were these long, dangling and glittering threads, a bit like strings that anchored it to ... something. I hadn’t noticed them before, but maybe I just hadn’t been paying attention. Without much hesitation, with instinct guiding me, I latched on to one of the tethers and yanked hard.
“What the hell, Red? – ”
My eyes were still closed, but they flew open at his exclamation. I was in his arms, but we were no longer on the island of crazy. Instead we were standing on my bed, in my room, on First World. In the exact spot the cord I pulled had been attached. Brace and I stared at each other for a moment. My eyes were so wide with shock I was sure they were about to fall out of my head.