“Where to next?” Lydia leads the way off the ride. “I told you any ride you pick.”
“Hmmm…” I place my hand on my hip and tap my finger on my chin as I let my eyes scan over the fairgrounds. “What about that one?”
I point to the tower shaped ride that raises you up and then you free fall straight down called the Superman.
Lydia’s eyes light up. “Let’s go!”
After riding just about every ride at the fairground at least twice we decide to grab something sweet. Lydia goes for the cotton candy and I grab a warm funnel cake with extra powder sugar on top.
We sit down on a bench in the thoroughfare and I take in the moment.
The haunting yet comforting music echoes from the rides and mixes with the sound of children's laughter tinkling through the air. I smile as it warms a part of me.
As I reach down and pinch off a bite of the warm funnel cake, I realize I haven’t told Lydia about almost dying today.
“So, I just remembered, I kind of forgot to tell you about something that happened to me today.” I licked the powder sugar off my fingers.
Lydia grabs her chest and sticks her bottom lip out in a pout before busting out laughing. “It’s ok, What’s up?”
“Well I almost died.” I brace for her reaction.
“You almost died! What happened?” Her face grows serious as she reaches over and lays her hand on my arm.
“I hadn’t fed my Nightmare side since the last time you and I fed together at school. I didn't think anything about it. I thought if it were that important, they would have sent someone to accompany me to the feeding room. Well I fainted, and they couldn’t get me to wake up, so they took me to feed. When I finally came to Brennus, Treyton, and Coventry were all standing around me.” I pop another delicious bite of funnel cake into my mouth.
“I’m so glad you’re ok. You have to remember to feed your Nightmare. We could have lost you!” She wraps me in another tight hug, her shoulder digging into my windpipe.
“Can’t… breath.” I tap her on her arm.
She loosens her grip but doesn’t let go for a moment. I’m so lucky to have found a friend that cares so much about me. Except for my sister, Lydia is the first female friend I’ve had.
“So how are things with you and Korbin?” I change the conversation back to her.
“Have you ever been to Paris?” She smiles ear to ear.
“I can’t say that I have.” I give her a confused face.
“Korbin took me to Paris on a dream walk. It was a....mazing.” She gets a faraway look in her eyes like she is reliving a special moment.
“Ahem… I’m waiting for the deets.” I clear my throat bringing her back to the here and now.
She jumps and her cheeks redden. “I just want to say thank you for teaching us how to dream walk. It’s been the only way we have to see each other since the separation took place.” She stands up and begins to pace back and forth with a determined expression on her face.
“Lydia, what’s wrong?” I stand along with her and stop her in her tracks turning her to face me.
Unshed tears shimmer in her eyes as she stares at the ground. “I just miss the real touch and warmth of another person. Something has to be done soon. Things are not getting any better with the other houses at school.”
My heart drops. I can totally relate to what she means. It's nice to see everyone through our dreams but being able to actually feel the warmth and skin of another person is simply different and much better.
“Change is coming soon. Keep your head held high.” I pull her into a tight hug.
Chapter 14
We part ways with the promise to catch up again soon. I miss my best friend terribly. It doesn’t feel like much time has passed so I return to the meadow.
Ryland is running training with a large group of adults and students alike. There are so many new faces it brings a smile to my own. Midnight Rising is coming together so nicely. I just need to figure out more gifts we can share with everyone. We need every tool in our arsenal if we intend on meeting Coventry in a head on fight.
“Hey everyone.” I call out.
Sam, Max, and Treyton walk over and join me next to the willow.
“Where’s Finn?” I glance around but don’t see him anywhere.
“No clue. He hasn’t shown up yet. Where have you been?” Sam brushes a piece of straw off of my sleeve. “Rolling around in the hay?”
“I had some girl time with Lydia.” I grin. “She had built a fair in her dreamworld and it was a blast.”
“I’m glad you got to enjoy yourself a little bit.” Max smiles, his eyes lighting up.
“When this is finished, we need to find Finn and have a serious discussion. Treyton mentioned overhearing things while working at Coventry’s that I think we should all hear.” I glance at Treyton and he nods.
“You go find Finn; I’ll have Ryland send everyone to the circle.” Sam gives me a quick hug before walking off.
I close my eyes and find Finn’s cord then go to him. He’s standing in a lab mixing various chemicals together. “I almost have it. I know I do,” he mutters to himself.
“Hey Finn. Can you take a break and come back with me?” I step forward and try to see what he’s doing.
“It wouldn’t hurt. I’m almost ready to try this in the real world now. I just can’t figure out the last ingredient.” He takes his safety goggles off and sets them on the counter. “Before you ask, I want to make sure it works before I tell anyone about it.”
“You and your secrets.” I shake my head and smile.
I grab his hand and we appear under the willow, the meadow now empty except for my group. Ryland is strangely absent as well.
“Ryland went to track down Lydia and Korbin. You should probably grab your aunt and the teachers as well for this.” Treyton puts his hands in his pockets and rocks back and forth.
“Why didn’t you just pull everyone here?” Finn asks. “I appreciate the escort, but you usually don’t do that.”
“That’s a good question. Maybe I just wanted to see what you were up to.” I wink at him.
Closing my eyes, I find all the cords I need and give them a tug. Ryland returns with Lydia and Korbin, so I sit under the willow.
“Sorry to interrupt you all, but Treyton has some information I think we all need to hear.” I say, then nod at Treyton.
The group takes a seat and gives him their attention. Treyton, who squirms under the attention clears his throat before speaking.
“I was telling Whisper that I hear things being around Coventry. I don’t actively eavesdrop, but he doesn’t pay attention to the staff. He is planning on creating an Empyrean Utopia. His plan, as I’m piecing it together, is to somehow alter the pocket universes so that only Empyrean’s can enter the capitol and become the ruling class. Though, I’m not sure who would clean his house and do his dishes then. He thinks everyone else is inferior. He wants Dissidents to become his army and send them off to battle the Baku since we know they can be killed. I also heard him say something about leaving the new seventh sons and daughters in the human world to fend for themselves.” Treyton plops down his face red when he finishes speaking.
“It’s worse than we had feared.” Gandore shakes his head, his eyes heavy with concern. “We should ramp up training. We need everyone in tip top shape.”
“We will double down on researching in the secret library.” Lydia volunteers. “My reading skills are rudimentary, but I can at least finish cataloging the books when Whisper is away.”
“That’s a good idea. I hope Coventry lets me go back to the school soon. Finn, you and Lydia should work with Treyton as much as possible here to make sure your learning progresses as fast as possible.” I suggest.
“Now that we know what he’s up to, we need to pull out all the stops and find a plan of when and how to strike.” Aunt Nellie speaks up. “We can’t let him mess with the magic that contains our cities. The idiot will probably dest
roy them, and we won’t know how to fix it.”
I’m suddenly pulled out of my head and into a hazy landscape. There are people running around shouting as the Baku descend upon the city. I survey my surroundings, trying to get my bearings. Where am I?
I locate a sign that says Rift Jewelry. Crap we are in the shopping district of Crowfall. But it’s daytime and I was just asleep. How could this be happening?
The Baku are chasing people through the streets, occasionally catching on and spearing them in the chest with their long trunk and sharp claw. The herd thins out as they stop to savor their victims. I shudder in horror.
“Whisper!” Sam snaps his fingers in front of my face.
“What’s happening.” My eyes dart around, my heart beating out of my chest, the adrenaline from the moment still rushing through my system.
“Did you have another memory?” Lydia asks, staring at me concerned. “You behaved different this time.”
“It wasn’t a memory. It was a hazy scene, like it existed but didn’t at the same time.” I try and explain, and it clicks. It’s exactly like the foresight I read about. “I think it was a vision of the possible future. But it wasn’t good. Aunt Nellie’s comment about Coventry breaking the pocket universe triggered it.”
“See if you can’t learn more about this ability. Even if Coventry finds out about it… We need to know more.” Gandore’s forehead creases in concern. “Are you ready to talk about what you saw?”
I nod my head and take a deep breath. “Baku were filling the streets of Crowfall. People were running away, but they were being picked off one at a time. We have to stop him soon.”
“I hope this is just one possible outcome out of many.” Gandore gently strokes his beard. “I can’t believe the future can’t be changed.”
“I agree.” Mrs. King chimes in. “We can see if we can…”
My eyes fly open. Damnit! Why does this always happen when someone’s talking?
“Miss, it’s time for breakfast. Coventry won’t be joining you today, but you need to eat and get to your studies.” The maid shakes my shoulder.
“Why do you always wake me up when it’s just getting good.” I groan and cover my face.
“Don’t shoot the messenger.” She holds her hands up.
“That’s why people send a messenger.” I grumble as I take the pillow away from my face. “I wish I could just stay in bed.”
“He’ll have my head if you aren’t on time.” Her voice trembles.
“And how’s that my problem?” I snap and immediately regret it. I was raised better than that. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I’ll get up.”
I sigh as I swing my legs over the side of the bed and sit up. She nods quickly and scurries out of the room before I can bite her head off again. I can’t say that I blame her.
I make quick work of getting ready then head downstairs, thankful for the fact that at least I don’t have to face Coventry yet. I make quick work of breakfast, then head to the capitol to start my lessons.
The day flies by in a flurry of ancient texts. Each new book is geared towards an ancient power that’s been lost to time. I can’t believe they are keeping all of this secret from the general public. Everyone should have access to the same information.
Finally, the day is over. My eyes ache and my head is pounding. I just want to take a nice relaxing bath and curl up and watch TV, but then I remember the stupid dinner Coventry expects me to attend.
As I climb the stairs to my room, my stomach drops. I have to play nice and be on my best behavior. If I embarrass him in public, things could go really bad. Why did I ever think I would be ok with letting this asshat collect me? I’ve messed it up with my attitude pretty bad lately. I’ll never get him to trust me enough to divulge his plans now, not that it matters anymore. We already know what he’s up to, it would just be nice to have confirmation.
“Oh well, spilled milk and all that.” I say out loud.
“Excuse me, miss?” The maid pokes her head out of my bedroom door.
“Oh nothing. I was just talking to myself.” I shake my head.
“Hurry up. We need to get you presentable. A lot of important people will be at this state dinner. All of the assembly will be in attendance.” She motions for me to move faster.
I go through the doorway and am met with a station set up for hair and makeup.
“What’s all this?” I spin around.
“Like I said already, we have to make you presentable, now sit.” She pushes me towards the chair.
She lacquers my nails then I spend the next hour trying not to wince as she beats my hair into submission then cakes so much makeup on my face that I don’t recognize myself. Damnit, I’m so going to break out after this! I never put this crap on my face.
“Now, get dressed. You are supposed to leave in a few minutes.” The maid orders.
I walk over to the garment bag and open it up. Inside is a long, flowing purple dress with rhinestones stitched in a diamond pattern. As I take it out, I see that it’s strapless. Shit! I don’t own a strapless bra, and I’m not going without one.
I open my mouth to protest and the maid hands me one. I check the label and it’s the right size, so I don’t say anything. She slips out the door and I wrestle into the torture device then unzip the dress and slip it on.
“Are you still nearby?” I call out, unable to reach the zipper on my own.
“Do you need something, miss?” The maid pokes her head in the door.
“I can’t zip this.” I turn around and show her my back.
She slips in the room and zips me up then does up a clasp at the top I hadn’t even noticed. I glance in the mirror and my jaw drops. I appear at least ten years older and more elegant than I thought possible.
“You are stunning, miss. You’re going to break a lot of hearts tonight.” The maid nods her approval. “Your shoes are on the bed.”
I open the box and there are three-inch, black strappy stilettos. How the hell am I supposed to walk in these things?
“No, nope, uh uh. Not happening.” I shake my head. “I’ll break my neck.”
“It’s what Coventry requested.” The maid wrings her hands nervously.
“Fine.” I growl through gritted teeth.
I plop down on the edge of the bed and slip on the death traps then attempt to stand. I wobble as my ankles turn in and out precariously before finding my balance. Step one down, but now I have to walk…
I step forward, and the heel turns to the side and I land hard on my ankle. Fuck! That hurt. I hiss as I right my foot, the shoe firmly on the ground. The maid rushes over and takes my arm.
“Let’s practice a few steps.” She glances at me with a worried expression on her face.
She keeps a firm hold on my arm while I take a few wobbly steps around the room, my ankle screaming in pain. I know Coventry won’t let me out of this dinner just because of a twisted ankle so I shove the pain down and try to ignore it.
After a few minutes she lets go, and though I’m still a little unsteady, I manage to walk without falling over. I leave the room and freeze when I approach the stairway. How am I going to get down these without dying?
As if she could read my mind, the maid appears at my arm with an encouraging smile. We slowly descend the staircase, as I make sure both feet are firmly planted on a step before moving forward.
When we reach the bottom, Coventry is standing by the door waiting for me with a predatory smile. Well, shit. I was hoping his arm candy he calls a wife would be a buffer, but she’s nowhere to be found.
“We should be off. You look absolutely delectable.” Coventry’s smile falls on me making me squirm.
“Thank you,” I reply, my voice devoid of feeling. I wish this night was over already.
He holds out the crook of his arm and I reluctantly take it. Black tendrils wrap around us and we appear at the capitol building. I sigh, the only silver lining is Benedict should be there. Maybe I’ll be able to slip
away and chat with him for a while.
We traverse the steps leading up to the building, me clinging to Coventry for dear life. Is that why he chose these torture devices for my feet? When we enter the building, he leads me to a large room filled with long tables. Tablecloths are spread across each announcing their house colors. Even here they are segregated, I shake my head. Black is not surprisingly absent. Coventry already pushed the Dissidents out of the government. There are way more people in attendance than I had imagined, all dressed as if going to a gala.
Coventry leads me to the front of the room where a shorter table is turned perpendicular to the rest. He takes a seat in the middle and motions for me to sit to his left. People begin to leave their groups and find their seats. My eyes roam over the faces, searching for a familiar one. Finally, they land on Benedict and Aunt Nellie is with him. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth, despite my desire to pout.
I raise my hand to wave at the pair, but Coventry grabs my arm and forces it back down.
“Not a word, Miss Lawrence.” He growls under his breath.
I purse my lips into a thin line, but keep my mouth shut. I know better than to provoke him in public. With my luck, he’d take it out on the people I care for. Now that everyone is situated in their seats, the room quiets down. Coventry stands up and all eyes are on him.
“Thank you all for coming this evening. A new era is upon us and I’m pleased to finally announce our plans.” Coventry booms, a suave smile plastered on his face. “I would like to introduce Whisper Lawrence, a very special Nightmare who is going to help bring back the ancient powers.”
He motions for me to stand up as the crowd breaks into applause. What the actual fuck is he up to?! Panic courses through my veins as I stand and do my best to force a fake smile. My panicked eyes meet Aunt Nellie’s, who is wearing an expression of pure horror. I will have to visit her tonight and explain I haven’t told him anything.
“Miss Lawrence tested into all three houses when she arrived, and we couldn’t be happier. After some research we believe she will be able to wield all of the powers lost to us by the ancients. I have personally been tutoring her in the old language and I’m confident she’ll be able to demonstrate her newfound abilities very soon.” Coventry leers over at me. “Now, let us eat and celebrate this monumental occasion.”
Obstruction By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 3) Page 13