by Jen L. Grey
A loud knock at the door startles me. A butler joins us, his face red from exertion or embarrassment. I'm not sure. "Good afternoon. The Elder Couple has requested the presence of the two of you." He points at Luke and me. "They request a full council to discuss what happened here earlier today."
Oh great, now I have to see them and act like an Elder.
"We will be right there." Luke nods and grins. "Are they in the meeting room here?"
"Yes, they are there waiting on you both." The butler bows and scurries out of the room.
That's so stupid. They shouldn't be bowing to us. Hell, they are part reapers after all.
"Do I need to go with you two?" Dax is frowning and popping his knuckles.
"No, that would cause more trouble than it's worth." Luke focuses on me and nods to the door. "Come on. We better get moving. They get ornery if they have to wait."
"Sounds like someone else I know." I roll my eyes and smile. "And don't worry, Dax. I can take them."
"I'm sure you can." He chuckles as we leave the room.
All too soon, we enter the same room where the council threatened me not even three months ago. The Elder couple are standing on the side of the room, deep in conversation.
Today, the lady has her gray hair in her typical updo. She's wrapped an arm around her waist, making the long lavender blue dress bunch.
The man is shaking his head and tugging at his black suit jacket. Whatever they’re discussing, they seem to be riled up.
"Well, good afternoon." Luke's voice is charismatic, and he smiles at them like they are good friends.
They both smile at him, but when their eyes turn to me, the smiles fall from their faces.
"You." The lady points at me, and her voices quivers. "You've been a member of this council for a short time, and you've already messed up our Mansion."
Why did they even agree to allow me on the council? Luke still won't tell me the answer to that one. "No big deal. I hear the emergency crew is on the way. If you threaten the right people, no one will ever find out what happened."
"Christina." Luke's tone is chastising, but I can see the humor in his eyes. "Even if you are part of this council right now, it is temporary. You should remember that and be nice."
"You, little girl, need to learn respect." The Elder man looks down his nose at me. "Even if you have similar powers as we do, we can still squash you." Even as he says the words, the elements around him attempt to jerk away from him. Almost as if they are afraid of him touching them.
Opening up my senses, I connect to the air and earth in the room. Even though the elements don't speak, I can tell how they are feeling, and right now, they can sense how desperate this couple is to control them.
"I don't understand how she could be the one able to control these strong artifacts." The lady wrinkles her nose and glares. "Someone of my caliber should be that person."
Oh, hell no. I'm tired of how she cuts me down. "See, that's where..."
Luke grabs my arm and squeezes hard. "That may be true, but the fact remains, if we want the power of the artifacts on our side, then she is part of us."
Dammit, he's trying to be reasonable, but I just want to smack her.
"Not if she doesn't get the fourth one." The lady arches an eyebrow and gives me a menacing smile.
Nice, she wants me to implode. I'll make sure she's standing right beside me.
"Well, the witch came to visit her before we left for Hell." Luke frowns and pulls me closer to her. "She knows how to disperse the artifacts back to their original places."
"What?" The elder man clenches his hands. "I thought..."
The lady raises a hand and hisses. "Shush."
Is this why Luke has been nice to me? He's playing this part a little too well right now.
"This has been very problematic, and now you can see why we are in the situation we're in." Luke drops his hand from my arm and runs a hand down his face. "Unfortunately, we need her to get the fourth artifact and fast. Otherwise, the life we know is over."
"Fine." The lady paces the area in front of us. "You can use our resources to find a way to get her there, but I want her back here to me as soon as it's done."
Does she think she I will come back here to her when it's all said and done? I bite my tongue to keep from laughing. "Don't worry about it. I don't need your help."
"Christina..." Luke narrows his eyes at me.
Oh, no. His little act here as made me doubt him more. "I don't trust any of you."
"It doesn't matter if you trust us." The lady lifts her head high and snarls. "You will take our help and come back to us so we can save the world."
"Actually, you're going to all stay away from me and leave me to my own devices." I'll be damned if I take another resource from them.
"Like hell." The lady stomps her way over to me and stabs a finger into my chest. "If you don't stop this nonsense, your parents and lover boy will pay the price for your disobedience."
I grab her finger and twist it. She yelps and tries to tug away, but I hold firm. "No, you won't do a damn thing to any of them. If you do, I'll make sure your life is a living hell." I smirk and let my hatred bubble up. "After all, I do have Hell's Flame burning inside me. Would you all like to feel?" My power begins to flare inside me, and I let a little flow through me.
She whimpers and yanks her finger away harder. "Stop, that hurts."
"If you think that hurts," I say as I let her go and take a step into her personal space, "if you or anyone else lays a hand on anyone I care about, imagine what happened outside today focused on you."
Her face turns a shade of white I've never seen on her before, and the elder man's mouth is dropped open. I turn on my heels and walk out the door. I don’t bother to look at Luke.
I close my eyes and focus on my apartment. Within seconds, I've transported myself there. When the room comes into view, Charlie is sitting down on my couch, reading a book.
His blond hair is messy from his day at work, and his lips are pursed over whatever section he's reading.
"Hey there." It seems like it's been forever since I've seen him, but in reality, it's only been a few hours.
He tosses the book on the couch and stands. "Hey, what happened today? Something felt off, and I came straight here." He takes a few steps and pulls me into his arm.
"It was a crap day." I fill him in on everything and bury my face into his chest. I'm so glad I have him.
"Oh, sweetheart." He leans back and brushes his fingers across my face. "We're going to figure this out. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. It can't. I love you so damn much."
How I wish that was true. Once upon a time, I did think it. Hell, it was only four months ago that I thought if I succeeded and somehow obtained my parent's love, everything would be okay. Shit, I wish I could be that naive girl again. But those days are long gone, and I'm not even sure I'm going to make it out of this alive.
Chapter Five
As I wake up the next morning, I can feel that my body and mind are well-rested once again. I hadn’t even realized how much my little episode took out of me yesterday. It’s kind of scary what took place, and it’s going to continue to get worse if I don’t get the Water Artifact and soon.
An arm wraps around me and pulls me against a warm firm chest. “Hey, beautiful.”
I’m so glad Charlie stayed with me last night. I needed him. I snuggle into him and grin. “Hey, yourself.”
He lifts his head and peppers my neck with kisses. “I’m not done with you yet. You can’t leave.”
My heart speeds up in my chest, and I giggle. “I don’t want to, but there is some stuff I have to do.” It’s so hard to say those words, but every minute I lay here is another second closer to a meltdown.
His lips are still on my neck. “Exactly what all do you have planned?” His arm stiffens around me, and his breathing picks up.
He already assumes I’m going without him. But after last night, I can’t leave him behind
again. Time and time again, he’s proven we’re stronger together than apart. “Well, I was hoping that you’re up for some traveling.”
“What does that mean?” He sits up and looks down at my face. “What are you asking me?” He tilts his head, his hazel eyes guarded.
“I think it was my fault that we couldn’t get to the water world yesterday. I was worn out like I was in Hell when I couldn’t locate the Flame.” All along, we thought Dax was the problem, but now I’m sure it was me. “I’m positive that with Dax, I can get there now.”
He shakes his head and huffs. “So… you’re leaving again.” He runs a hand through his hair. “At least I should be happy that you’re telling me ahead of time.”
“That’s not fair at all.” Did he not hear me earlier? “Don’t make me take back what I said. I thought you going would make me stronger, but if you’re going to bicker with me, then maybe it’s a bad idea.”
“You referenced you and Dax going; not me.” He points at me and narrows his eyes. “I thought at first you were going that direction, but that last sentence seems to take it away. In my defense, what am I to think based on your history?”
“I get it, but why don’t you ask before just assuming the worst?” He does have a point, but I’m not going to take all of the blame. “So yes, I was hoping you might want to join us this time.”
“Hell yeah, I do.” He places his arms on both sides of me, trapping me in. “For once, it would be nice not to be worried sick the entire time you’re gone.”
“It’s not that it’s ever been on purpose.” Things always seem to happen outside of my control. “This time, I want to be ahead of the game with us dictating who’s going and when.” It also doesn’t hurt knowing I have three artifacts running inside me and that I can protect him.
A smile fills his face. “I am onboard with that suggestion, and you’re right. We need to get moving before something bad happens. But first…” He leans down and kisses me, leaving me breathless.
I enjoy the moment but then pull away. There is no telling when my powers will get screwy again. “I hate to do this, but I’m going to get up and take a quick shower.”
“Yeah, okay.” He lifts his arms and gets out of the bed. “While you’re getting ready, I’ll get dressed and grab some things to eat on the way. I’m assuming Dax is at the Mansion.”
“That’s where he should be, but I’ll locate him before we go.” I grab some clean clothes and head into the bathroom. “I should only be a few minutes.”
Within five minutes, I’m out of the shower and slipping on my blue jeans and tank top. It may not be the most comfortable for some people, but this is what I like to wear. I put my hair into a ponytail and then brush my teeth. When it’s all said and done, I walk out and find Charlie stuffing food and water into a backpack.
He’s dressed in jeans as well and a fitted shirt that shows off his lean, muscular chest. He glances at me and licks his lips. “I wish we weren’t rushing off.”
Me too. And to think I had that body draped over me last night. A repeat sure would be nice this morning. “We’ll make sure to make up for lost time when we get back.”
A loud knock at the door echoes between us.
“Are you expecting someone?” Charlie glances at the door and back at me.
“No.” It’s still early in the morning, so I have no clue who would be here at this hour.
“Hey.” Dax smiles as I open the door. His eyes search the room behind me; as soon as they land on Charlie, the smile disappears. "Oh, I didn't realize you had company."
The air around him seems a little off today; there is a hint of light gray in his aura. That's odd. "I wouldn't say he was company. He's practically here as much as I am."
Charlie steps up beside me and wraps an arm around my waist. "That's a very true statement. I mean, I even sleep over almost every night."
Oh my God. Did he go there? Granted, I get that Dax puts off a weird vibe sometimes, but that's pretty much proclaiming we have sex without saying those three little letters out loud.
Dax winces and clears his throat. "Ummm... Sorry I interrupted, but something felt off. I had to come over and check on you."
Something doesn't add up. "Is the council watching me or something?"
"What?" HIs mouth drops open, and he shakes his head. "No."
"Really?" Charlie's arm tightens around me, and he lifts his chin. "We were about to leave to find you, and all of a sudden, you're at our door."
"You guys were coming to find me?" Dax focuses back on me. "Are you okay?"
If one more person asks me that, I might scream. "Yeah, but how did you know to come here. It does sound fishy."
"Hell, Chris." Dax throws up both hands. "You're one of the council members now. They can't watch you like they use to, or it would look bad."
"Don't be fooled. They don't trust me." The elder lady would throw me back in the dungeon if she could.
"I didn't say they trusted you." He drops his hands again and sighs. "Only that they can't watch you like they used to. They have to save face."
"I don't know." Charlie looks down at me. "His timing is really suspect."
"Look." Dax steps into the apartment and into my personal space. "I had a feeling earlier that woke me up and sensed you needed me for some reason. I'm not sure why, but I couldn't shake it. That's the only reason why I'm here."
"Chris..." Charlie's tone is low.
Yeah, I get he doesn't trust Dax, but in all fairness, he doesn't know him. I take in Dax's stormy gray eyes and search for something. I'm not sure what, but the elements inside me do.
He stands tall, letting me search for whatever it is I need. "I'm not going anywhere, so take your time."
It takes a moment, but something inside me stirs. Whether Charlie likes it or not, Dax is someone I can trust. I'm not sure how I know it, but I do. My instincts haven't let me down yet, so I'm going to trust them. "Fine, but only the essential information makes it back to Luke and the others." This is what I need to confirm. Dax is loyal to Luke, but at the end of the day, everything inside of me tells me he'll do what’s right.
"Are you sure?" Charlie whispers in my ear.
"I trust him.” I turn to Charlie and give him a small smile. "But this time, you'll be there to watch my back."
"Of course I won't run and tell them anything they don't have to know." Dax sighs and rubs the back of his neck. "Yes, I’m loyal to Luke but to you as well. You've saved my life more than once."
"Good. That's what I was hoping you'd say." It's now time to get moving. Time is running out, and I don't want to have any more accidents. "If that's the case, are you ready to head on to that water realm?"
"Oh, is that why you were coming to look for me?" He bites his lip and taps his foot. "I'm still not sure if I can get us there. I haven't figured out what the problem was yesterday."
"I'm pretty sure it was me." In fact, I’m positive. Yesterday was kind of crazy. "I was exhausted just like that time in Hell."
"Why didn't you say anything?" Dax's forehead wrinkles and he takes a step closer to me.
"Because you guys always push her." Charlie scowls at him and takes my hand. "If you all would let her breathe, it would be best for everyone."
"Hey, I went down there to protect her." Dax's nostrils flare.
"Guys, quit it." Dear God, this is ridiculous. "It wasn't Dax's fault we went to Hell. It was Luke's, but that's just because he knows I'm on a time crunch." I point to Charlie then Dax. "Both of you need to get along, or this trip is going to end in disaster."
"Wait." Dax's eyes widen. "Is he going with us?"
"Damn right I am." Charlie growls and puffs up his chest.
Dax is clearly not pleased over Charlie’s coming. "Stop it. Enough." I don't understand why Dax is acting this way, and Charlie is practically peeing all over me. Neither have acted this irrational before. "Yeah, Charlie is going to go with us this time. I'm not leaving him behind. Do you have a problem with it?
"
It takes a few seconds, but Dax finally lets out a deep breath. "No, let's get this thing on the road."
I can't agree more. "Charlie, I'm going to imagine the place, and then Dax is going to take us there. Be ready for it."
"Got it." Charlie tightens his grip on my hand. "I'm ready when you are."
I close my eyes and focus on the fourth artifact. The three round circles of water that float in the air appear in my mind. When I pull back to see the location again, I see water surrounding it, but it's in a protected area on a stretch of dry land. The water is reflecting some of the barriers, so I can't make out exactly how it's being held. Once I have the artifact locked and loaded in my mind, I project it out to Dax.
Dax grabs my hand and touches Charlie's arm, and soon we are teleporting to this new world. I'm not sure where we will land, but hopefully we can just grab the artifact and head back within minutes.
When we appear in the water world, my feet sink into knee deep, brown, crusty water. "What the hell?"
I take a look around, and see that there are low hanging trees everywhere and brown, swampy water all around us. It smells bad, and I'm holding in a gag. This isn't what I saw when I pictured the Water Artifact.
"Uh... babe." Charlie turns to me, making a splash. "Where is this artifact?"
"I have no clue." I glance at Dax. "Is that the image you saw when I projected it out?"
He shakes his head no.
Great, that's not what I saw either. We are nowhere near the freaking artifact but, instead, in the middle of a swamp.
Chapter Six
Crap, I hope we are at least in the right realm. I glance up at the sky and blink twice. “Is that two suns?” Granted, neither one is as bright as the one back home, but together they light up the entire sky.
Charlie lifts his head and gasps. “Holy crap, yeah, it is. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
“We’re in a different world. Things aren’t going to be the same.” Dax is glancing around on high alert.
That’s very true. Every world we’ve gone to has been different. For some reason, I expected this one to be more similar. Between all of the water and two suns, I’m not sure there is any land to be found. The water is a similar color and feel, and the trees are the same shade but larger. “Okay, true. But for some reason, that caught me off guard.”