Suppliant

by Laura Tree

  Chapter 18

  As we depart from his chambers, Dean Worthen bids us good luck. Most of the professors stay behind and situate themselves in the sitting area where the fire is crackling and dancing across their glasses.

  I’m thinking about how nice a fire would be as we reach our rooms. As I stop to unlock the door, Damien places a hand on my shoulder.

  “Can I come in?” he asks.

  It starts where his hand is placed on my shoulder, and moves down my breast bone toward my heart. This is what I have been waiting on, acceptance.

  Looking into his eyes, I can feel his desire to protect me; I know that he is the right person for the job. If there is some other Protector out there, I don’t think he will go to the same lengths for me like Damien already has.

  Damien was searching for me before he knew who I was. He came to my Realm and found me.

  He got close enough to me to develop a friendship, all while protecting me. Then when things started to get hairy, Damien brought me back to my real Realm to find the Pendant and find my parents.

  I’m so confused and don’t really know what to think. I like Damien as a friend, but I still want to be more than friends. I just don’t know how Damien being my Protector is supposed to fit into all of this.

  Then I have to think about the fact that every time we touch, I get this burning sensation that is getting stronger. I can’t help but think it’s forcing a relationship on us that I’m not ready for just yet.

  I push open the door, and Damien follows me in.

  “Are you headed out to the office tonight?” I’m still upset that he won’t let me tag along, but I understand his reasoning.

  I sit on the edge of my bed, and Damien joins me. I glance outside and see the sun is setting.

  “Damien, I would really like to go with you,” I say, already aware of what the answer will be. I scoot back to prop my back up against the wall and wrap arms around my knees.

  “It’s too risky,” he replies. “You can’t get caught.” Damien settles back on the wall; his shoulder touches mine, creating the now familiar sensation.

  “The Dean knows about us,” I say. “If we get caught, they’re going to take it up with him, and he won’t kick me out for snooping. He said it himself: we’re his last hope.” I’m really hoping that this will be enough to convince him.

  “I don’t want to have to explain why you are with me to Jessice,” he says. I know it’s a good argument, but I have a more valid point.

  “You can just stick with our cover story; besides, how can you protect me if I’m not near you?” I ask.

  I’m starting to think he’s right and I should accept his protection, but I want to get to know him better, and what better way than to see him in action?

  I know he’s looking in my head when his features change.

  You’re right, Lay, if I’m going to be your Protector, you should be with me. We need to get to know each other better, and build a stronger bond. You also need to learn how to trust me and my judgment. I can tell that you’re not there yet, so you can come.

  Really?! I practically squeak internally. You mean it? This is going to be so fun.

  I tune out his thoughts for a moment to relish my debating skills. I really want to get a piece of the action. I have spent my whole life reading fiction novels and can’t believe that I get to have some adventure like the characters always do.

  I look at Damien’s clothes trying to decide what I should wear when the world goes black. We’re standing in the school office. Damien is going through the files, Jessice is the lookout, and I’m holding the flashlight.

  I catch the glimpse of Zeke’s file and the title “Protector”. Thoughts of Zeke are on my mind when I feel a sharp sting in my ribs. Panic and pain are rushing through my system as dark red blood drips down my side.

  I clutch the envelope opener that’s stuck there and turn to see Jessice’s evil grin.

  “You will not succeed; I will kill you. Long live Queen Nema!” Jessice throws a magic blast, an orb of red energy, at me and all goes black.

  I feel fear coursing through my blood. I have never had that kind of experience in a vision before. Did she just kill me?

  I awake to Damien clutching my shoulder with a firm grip. It’s okay, Lay; she can’t get you. I won’t let that happen.

  “Damien, oh my goodness!” Panic is coursing through me as I try to push Damien away. “I just had the weirdest vision.”

  Listen, Damien interrupts internally, hissing at me. Don’t say it out loud. There are people listening; you have to trust me. Repeat after me: The Pendant is in Abais; the Vampires have it.

  “The Pendant is in Abais; the Vampires have it,” I repeat out loud.

  Now let’s go; we need to get somewhere safe to talk. Damien pulls me up and out the door in a hurry.