I place the stone in his hand and open my mouth to start asking him questions then an idea pops in my head. I turn to Mason. “Why don’t you question him, so you don’t think we are staging this for your benefit?”
“Really?” His mouth opens in surprise. I nod and he walks up to Max, his face steeled. “Why are you here?”
“Since meeting Whisper my view on the world has changed. Everyone deserves to be treated equally and Coventry is a threat to that.” Max meets his eyes as he speaks.
The stone grows purple.
“Are you going to report what happens here back to any Empyreans or Coventry?” Mason fixates on the stone in Max’s hand.
“No. The only Empyreans I will speak to will be ones that have joined the resistance and have been vetted by the truth stone.” Max smirks as the stone glows purple again.
“It seems like we can trust him.” Mason turns and addresses the other students, before swiveling his head and staring at me. “You can never be too careful. I’m ready to listen now.”
“How do you plan on making any of this work? We’re just kids.” Violet wrings their hands together as they shuffle back and forth from one foot to another.
“That’s a good question. The adults are meeting as well, to stay updated on what’s going on outside of the school. When the timing is right, we will join them. Our first step is to make sure everyone willingly attends military training. I know it sounds like the opposite of what we should do, but if we go willingly, then Coventry is training the sword that will cut him down.” I lock eyes with Mason and try to exude confidence. This leading stuff is harder than I thought it would be. Inside my stomach is churning, but thankfully, no one can see that.
“That’s quite clever. If we go along with their plans, they will think we are mindless sheep.” Catherine smiles, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Why is a first year leading us?” Violet asks, her voice small and mousy. “You’ve been here the same amount of time I have, and I know nothing.”
“Duh, she isn’t just any first year, she’s the chick with all the houses.” Lee, a tall scrawny guy, elbows Violet.
“I stepped up because I refuse to lie down and become Coventry’s weapon. I’m asking you all to do the same.” My voice rings loud and clear across the hollow. “The next thing we need to do is grow our numbers. The bigger we are, the stronger we will become. And we will need to be strong to win against Coventry.”
“I’m sure several Caballine will want to join. Coventry wants us to be war horses.” Korbin spits. “Like it’s not disrespectful to allow random Nightmares to ride us.”
“I would ride you, Korbin.” Lydia winks at him.
“You could ride me anytime.” He chuckles at her before wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her tight to his body.
I smile at the PDA, then continue speaking. “I agree that we need to recruit from other houses, but we need to know we can trust those we can bring in. Some of you may know students in the other houses that come from Dissident parents. If you feel that you can trust them, please leave their names with the person who recruited you. That way we can take all necessary precautions to ensure our safety as a group.”
The group erupts into a cacophony of noise as everyone lays their objections at once.
“Quiet!” Gandore booms, his voice ringing clearly over the din.
The students silence immediately and turn to the former headmaster.
“Miss Lawrence hasn’t finished apprising you of her plans.” He smiles and motions for me to continue speaking.
“We have learned something that could give us an edge. A long time ago the ancients had powers that slowly disappeared, until we were left with the houses you see today. Before that, everyone had multiple gifts and powers.” I walk back and forth in front of the group, making eye contact with as many as I can. “They were like me. I have learned how to use some of these powers. We theorized that because they disappeared slowly over time, maybe they also reappeared slowly and unnoticed, so we tested it. I’m excited to say some of you will be able to learn what we’re about to teach you. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t feel discouraged. We are still researching and there might be something else special you are capable of.”
“Show us.” Violet's brown eyes light up with excitement.
“Ok, everyone find a place to sit and listen carefully.” I smile as the students hurry to follow my instructions, eager to learn.
I take the instructions step by step and watch as the students manage to accomplish their goal. All twelve of them have the ability to use the tendrils in a physical way. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Finn concentrating hard on the notes he’s jotting down.
I turn to watch and notice Mr. Wells standing with the other adults not participating.
“Don’t you want to give it a try?” I walk over to him.
“I’m much too old to have this work.” He shakes his head, watching the students with an expression akin to envy.
“You might be surprised. You won’t know if you don’t try.” I shrug, not wanting to press a teacher.
“You should do as she asks. We are setting an example after all.” Gandore says from behind Mr. Well’s shoulder.
“Alright.” He nods and sits down.
Almost immediately a tendril snakes out and smacks the ground in front of him. He opens his eyes wide, his face full of surprise. “I didn’t… That was easy. It’s like teleporting but missing a step.”
“That’s a really good way to describe it.” I smile at him then address the group. “Keep practicing while we’re here. Please keep it to the dream world because we can’t risk being discovered. We need to have perfect control of this skill.”
I sit down with the others and allow my tendril to come out and tap Finn on the shoulder before drawing it back in. With practice I hope to be able to do it on command without closing my eyes.
After everyone has been practicing for a while, I decide to close the meeting.
“Thank you all for coming. I hope you decide to return and help Midnight Rising. Please keep everything we discuss here secret. It’s vital to our success. If your friends decide to join, we will teach them the same skills if they are able. Have a good night.” A weight lifts off my shoulders to see how well this first meeting went.
The students all stand up their eyes scanning the meadow for an exit.
“Um, how do we leave?” Mason raises his hand and asks.
“That’s a good question. Miss Lawrence, could you answer?” Gandore turns and addresses me.
“Just close your eyes and picture the dream you came from and you should end up back there. Next time you can just picture this place and come on your own.” I explain. “Thank you all again for coming.”
One by one, everyone blinks out until my guys, Lydia, Korbin, the teachers, and Gandore are all that remain.
“That went better than I expected.” I admit to them.
“You’re a natural-born leader, dear.” Mrs. Bradbury beams at me. “I can’t wait to see the woman you grow into.”
“Whisper, we forgot about someone.” Finn smiles at me expectantly.
“We’ll be off as well. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything.” Mrs. King glances between Finn and me as if she’s trying to figure something out.
“Thank you, I will.” I smile at her.
As the adults blink out of the meadow, I close my eyes and find Treyton’s cord and pull him to us.
“Hey Treyton.” I smile at him when I open my eyes. “Meet the gang. Gang, this is my ancient language tutor, Treyton. He’s going to work with Finn.”
“Nice to meet you all.” He glances around nervously. I have a feeling his social skills are close to Finn’s… nonexistent.
“Let’s move somewhere private so we can work in peace.” Finn suggests.
“That would make things easier. Can you tell me more about this resistance while we are at it?” Treyton asks him.
Finn glances at me and I nod my approval. “That we will do, my friend.”
The two disappear and I’m left wondering what I’ll do with the rest of my time. Sam steps up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist and leans his chin on my shoulder.
“I have a surprise for you,” he whispers in my ear as we disappear.
I find myself standing in a valley between two green rolling hills. Small wildflowers spring up randomly across the valley. A warm spring rain falls on my upturned face. It’s peaceful here, although I’m not quite sure where here is, but I like it.
“Whisper.” Sam calls from somewhere behind me. “Sorry, not sure how we got separated.”
I spin around to see him coming towards me dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt. The rain causes it to stick to his muscular chest as his dark shaggy hair falls into his eyes.
“Sam? What is this place?” I run towards him wrapping my arms around his neck. I miss the chance to have real physical contact, being locked in my room away from everyone else will cause you to miss the warmth of another person.
“It's been a while since we spent some time alone together. I thought you would like a trip to Ireland. I have a few things planned that I think you will love.”
“Ireland! I’ve always wanted to go there.” I jump up and down and throw my arms around his neck again. Sam wraps his arms around my waist and spins me in a circle then leans in and places a small tender kiss on my lips.
I stare into his eyes longer than I should have because warmth is pooling in my lower stomach. I glance down, breaking eye contact and feel my face heat.
“Let’s go. First stop we will make is to change into dry clothing.” He winks at me and slips his long slender fingers between mine.
We walk across the valley and it suddenly wavers and fades away and we are left standing in the biggest closet I’ve ever seen. Clothes of every color, style, and shoes to match.
“You change in here and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He gives me a quick peck on the cheek then walks out the door.
I choose a pair of black jeans, black tank top, and an off the shoulder oversized t-shirt that says, ‘I’m Fabulous’.
Then I step over to check myself out in the mirror and try to tame my red locks that have frizzed out everywhere because of the rain. As I finish there’s a knock on the door.
I walk over to the door and open it just a crack to see Sam’s smiling face staring back at me.
“You ready?” His eyes sparkle with mischief.
I don’t know what he’s up to but I’m excited to find out. “Yes, I can’t wait.”
We stroll down the hall as the huge closet fades away to reveal an ancient castle with moss growing on the decaying stone walls.
“Oh! I know where we are. This is Blarney Castle. Are we going to Kiss the Blarney stone?” I tug him towards the entrance and because this is all in a dream there is no line. We’re able to rush up the stairs to the castle's peak.
Sam stops abruptly, causing me to stumble back a few steps. “What’s wrong Sammy boy, scared of heights?” I jab him in the ribs urging him forward. “Here, I will go first. Hold my feet so I can hang upside down and kiss the stone. Maybe it will bring me good luck. Lord knows we could use some.” I giggle and then lay down on the ground and scoot to the edge. Sam’s big hands wrap around my ankles.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” He leans forward checking how high off the ground we are.
“Stop being a big baby. I’m doing this.” I pin him with a hard stare. I finally get close enough and place a kiss on the stone. “Ok, pull me back up. It’s your turn.”
“Whisper, you won’t be able to hold me.” Sam hesitates as he takes a seat in front of the stone.
“No worries, I got you.” I wink at him and firmly grab his ankles.
Sam slowly inches off the edge and then quickly places a kiss on the stone. He sits up and scoots away. I see his pulse beating erratically in his neck as sweat runs down his brow. He takes a few moments to let the vertigo settle before trying to stand up.
“You ready?” I ask after the color has returned to his handsome face.
“Yep, I never want to do that again.” He stands, takes my hand, and leads me back down the stairs then out the back of the castle.
As we walk through a high moss-covered arch way, the most beautiful gardens come into view. The aroma of different flowers floating on the breeze is the sweetest thing I’ve ever experienced.
“They’re beautiful.” We stroll through the gardens until we come to a clearing.
There's a red and black checkered blanket spread on the ground with a picnic basket set in the center. I gaze at Sam as a sheepish grin spreads across his face.
“You did this? You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet.” I walk over and take a seat on the soft blanket. I close my eyes and lean my head back letting the warm sunshine down on me.
“You know you are beautiful sitting there like that.” Sam’s voice brings me back to the present.
“Nah, I just think you are biased.” I smack his shoulder.
“How are you handling things?” He shoots me a serious stare.
“It’s hard. I’m thankful to have you guys and this place, but I miss being in the real world together. It’s just not the same. I’m also scared that I won’t be able to live up to the expectations everyone has of me. I know I started this movement, and it needs to be done, but…” I let my voice trail off and swallow hard. “What if I’m not enough?”
“Oh Whisper.” Sam wraps his arms around me. “You will always be more than enough. You are going to be harder on yourself than anyone else. Succeed or fail, we do it as a team. You aren’t alone and you don’t have to bear this burden alone. We will always support you.”
“That actually helps.” A small smile spreads across my face.
Sam lays back and places one hand behind his head and motions for me to join him. I tuck in close next to him enjoying the breeze and watching the trees sway. Sam runs his long fingers up and down my back, causing heat to pool in my lower belly. These guys are going to be the death of me or at the least drive my hormones mad.
I bolt upright in my bed. Ugh, I don’t want to wake up. I don’t want to be here. I fall back on my bed wishing I could just go back to sleep but there's a knock on my door.
Chapter 10
“Ugh.” I groan, pulling the pillow over my head.
The knocking continues. I remove the pillow from my face and check the time. It’s eight in the morning. I wanted to sleep in since it is Saturday, but no dice.
“I’m coming.” I call out as I crawl out from under my warm covers and grab my dressing gown.
I stumble, blurry-eyed, to the door and open it to find a grinning Max in front of me.
“What are you doing here?” My eyes widen in surprise.
“We’re getting out of here today. I got it cleared as a surprise.” He grins. “Hurry up and get dressed so we can get moving.”
“Give me fifteen minutes.” I shake my head but smile at the thought of getting out of this virtual prison.
I close the door, run to the bathroom, and wash my face. I quickly brush my teeth and try to tame the rat’s nest on my head. When I’m as happy with my red tresses as I’m going to be, I move on to my closet.
Standing in front of my clothes, I become nervous as to what I should wear. I should have asked Max what we are going to be doing. I chew on my bottom lip for a moment then pull out a pair of faded, ripped jeans and a purple long-sleeved top with a unicorn on it that reads, ‘Trot Along Bitch.’
I quickly wiggle into the jeans, pull my top on, and straighten it, then find a pair of socks. I open the door back up for Max to come in, then sit on the floor and squeeze into a pair of black combat boots. There, I should be ready for anything he can throw at me.
“Looking good, hot stuff.” Max’s eyes roam up and down my body, making me feel suddenly exposed.
“Thanks.” I smile as
I feel my cheeks heat.
I study him closer and notice he’s wearing a pair of designer jeans and a plain white t-shirt that hugs his body in all the right places. His curly hair is getting shaggy, hanging over his ears and his hazel eyes sparkle as he grins at me. The arrogant asshole I met months ago is turning into a heartthrob. Crazy what a personality change can do.
“Where are we going?” I ask as I grab my leather jacket.
“I thought I would show you my hometown.” He says as he walks towards the door. “We can grab breakfast then I’ll show you the sights.”
“Sounds like fun. I can’t wait.” I grin as I follow him, shutting the door behind me.
As soon as we are in the hallway, he grabs my hand and wraps his tendrils around us. We arrive at the entry point and walk through to the grassy fields outside the pocket universe.
“So where is your hometown?” I ask before we teleport again.
“It’s called Onyxmoor. It’s the Empyrean capital and the entry point is gorgeous; especially this time of year.” His eyes sparkle as he grabs my hand.
“That didn’t answer my question. I knew what town you were from, but not where it is.” I tilt my head and smile at him.
“It’s a surprise.” He winks.
His black tendrils wrap around us and suddenly we are standing next to a snow-covered mountain with the ocean in front of us. The sun is low on the horizon, but it’s not dark quite yet.
“What time is it here?” I spin in a slow circle, my eyes scanning the horizon. “And where is here?”
“We are in Norway, and it’s around three in the afternoon. Since we’re farther north it gets dark sooner in the winter.” He smiles. “Let’s go grab breakfast then in a couple of hours the real show will start.”
“Lead the way.” I chuckle as he grabs my hand and pulls me excitedly behind him.
When we get a bit closer to the mountain, he pulls me through the entry point, and we exit out into a large, modern style town. We teleport and arrive in the shopping district, in front of a small brownstone building with one large window opening to the street. The sign reads Bertha’s Diner.
Obstruction By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 3) Page 8