“You’re early for once.” Sam walks over and kisses my forehead. “They’ll be here.”
“We need to meet with our small group first.” I bite my lip.
“Get them all here then.” Ryland chuckles.
I quickly close my eyes and yank on the cords as I find them. When we’re all here, I’m bouncing in anticipation to tell them about the book we found.
“We were working in the library today and found something really interesting.” I grin as everyone stares at me in confusion.
“Explain?” Mrs. King’s eyebrows scrunch together.
“The hidden library has a book on how the throne was created. Finn thinks he can use that information to make a device to test everyone for gifts so we can maybe train people in them.” I glance over at Finn.
“I might need Whisper’s help, but it should be possible from what Treyton has translated.” He nods.
“That’s wonderful news!” Aunt Nellie beams proudly at both of us.
“I met someone else with foresight this morning. I can’t tell you who it was as I promised to keep their identity a secret. But she saw the same vision I did. She did tell me visions can be altered. Gandore was right, the future isn’t set in stone.” I sigh, relieved that we have a chance to change that as the horrible scene pops in my head.
“That’s incredibly good news indeed. Is there anything else you need us for?” Aunt Nellie asks.
“I don’t think so.” I shake my head as people start appearing in the meadow.
“We will see you later then. We have some training to do of our own.” Roderick winks at me.
I turn to Lydia. “Can you teach me how to fight?”
“Sure, come on.” She grins and grabs my hand, pulling me to an open patch where we won’t disturb anyone.
We spend the rest of the night going over basic moves and Lydia knocking me on my ass until it’s sore. By the time morning comes, I regret my decision even though I realize it’s essential. Hopefully, this gets easier in time.
Chapter 16
The next three weeks are full of traveling back and forth between school and Coventry’s. I’m so exhausted by the grueling schedule, but at least I have my guys and friends at night in our dreams.
The resistance is coming together as more and more students join. There are at least one hundred of us and four times the adults. The majority of our numbers are made up of Dissident and Caballine students, but there are a few Fury and Empyrean students who have Dissident parents that decided to join.
We spend hours every night working on our combat skills and the same amount of time practicing our gifts. We will become strong enough soon to stand up against the tyrant and his bigoted ways.
I’m back at Coventry’s at the moment, the only bright side is my time with Treyton. He fits in so well in our group it’s almost as if he’s been there all along.
Standing in front of the full-length mirror in a long elegant off the shoulder emerald green dress watching the maid fight with my untamable hair, I wonder who will be at the dinner tonight. I know Coventry mentioned all of his elite Empyrean friends would be in attendance. So, does that mean Max will be here with his parents? God I can only hope.
The servant pulls me from my thoughts when her brush gets tangled in my hair so badly that it is literally just hanging there.
“Please give me the brush.” I take a deep breath, trying to push down my frustration. I don’t need to be attacking someone who is as much a victim of circumstance as I am. “You’re hurting me and I’m trying not to snap at you.”
“Sorry Miss, but the Praesidium has given direct orders that you look a certain way, even down to your hair.” She grimaces as she gently works the brush out of my hair and apologizes again.
“It’s fine just hurry please. I’m ready to get this dinner over with.” I can think of a thousand ways to get payback on Coventry for making me his barbie.
She battles my hair into submission, being gentler this time on my poor scalp, then cakes the makeup on my face with a putty knife. Not really, but that’s what it feels like. Then finally, she’s finished with me.
I carefully make my way down the stairs, proud of myself for not needing assistance this time. When I reach the bottom step, a hand snakes out and grabs me around the waist, while another one covers my mouth, muffling the surprised scream that comes out. I’m twirled around into an alcove and Max is smiling down at me.
“What are you doing?” I hiss as I glance over my shoulder.
“I miss you, so I’m stealing a kiss.” He smirks.
He wraps his arms around me and leans in, his lips meeting mine with an explosion of intense tingles running from my head to my toes. I lose myself to the sensation before the realization of where we are hits me again.
“Max, not here.” I push him back; afraid Coventry will catch us.
“It will be fine. Besides, Coventry won’t care. He practically offered me up to you on a plate. It would please him if you dated a golden boy like me.” Max winks and earns an eye roll from me.
“Still. If he thinks I care…” I shudder at my unfinished thought.
Coventry would be more than happy to dangle Max over my head to make me cooperate. And I don’t know if it would work or not. I can’t voice that thought out loud.
“You’re right. Why do you have to be so logical?” Max sighs and runs his hand through his curls. “You’ve spent too much time with Finn.”
“I wish I could spend time with him.” His words make me realize just how little I’ve seen of my Fury lately. I need to remedy that and soon.
We make sure the coast is clear, then join the party in the dining room. Coventry smiles up menacingly as we walk in. I smile back meeting his eyes. I refuse to let him intimidate me anymore. I can’t preach that we fight back and lay down like a dog and take his abuse. He leaves his group and saunters towards us. I stand up tall but my stomach churns. Come on Whisper be brave.
“Miss Lawrence, Mister Sutton, so good to see you getting along.” Coventry’s eyes bore into me. “I hope this dinner doesn’t bore you too much.”
“Happy to be here, sir.” Max lays the charm on thick.
I smile demurely, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. Coventry walks off and we find our seats. Surprisingly, Max and I are seated together this time. I wasn’t expecting that. I stay quiet through the meal, as the courses are brought out and the adults talk about the driest conversations possible. How does Max sit through these insufferable meals without nodding off?
Coventry’s phone must ring because he excuses himself and steps into the hallway. I’m dying to know what he’s talking about. A memory quickly flashes in front of my eyes, and I have an aha moment.
I close my eyes and focus my tendrils to become invisible. They snake out and make a path to the hallway. I open my eyes and fight the smile that wants to raise the corners of my mouth. The tendrils act as an extension of my ears and I can hear what they are saying like I’m standing right next to them.
“Are you positive? There’s no other way?” Coventry’s voice comes through clearly as if he’s standing next to me.
“Positive sir. After extensive testing there are no known technologies that can alter the magic.” A mousy voice speaks quickly.
“So, the girl is the key. She’ll just have to learn faster.” Coventry growls and ends the phone call.
I pull the tendrils back in, glad that no one has noticed my eavesdropping. The good news is he hasn’t figured out how to manipulate the pocket universe, the bad news is he is going to push me to do it now.
Coventry slinks back into the room and turns a predatory smile on me. He lifts his wine glass and taps on it with a knife.
“I would like to propose a toast.” He calls out. “To Miss Lawrence for bringing back the old ways, may we all be able to harness them.”
“Cheers.” The crowd raises their glasses in response.
What the actual… What is he on about? I’m not teaching them t
o harness anything. Coventry sits back down, and dessert is served. Thank God. It’s almost over. Even with Max by my side, I have no desire to sit here a second longer than I need to.
Once people finish their dessert, they stand mingling through the crowd to say their goodbyes. Max gives me a sideways glance then reaches over and takes my hand.
“What do you say, you take a walk and get some fresh air while I mingle for information? I know you have to get tired of all this.” He surveys the room in all its grandeur.
A smile forms on my lips at the gesture. I hate being the center of attention and it makes my heart soar that he noticed.
“That sounds like the best thing I’ve heard all night. Come find me before you leave Mr. Sutton.” I give him my best sultry face and giggle.
We stand and I make my way out of the dining hall and down the hallway that leads out the back of the house. Once I’m out the backdoor, I remove the torture devices on my feet.
“Feel better?” Treyton chuckles and steps part of the way out of the shadows. His voice holds a dark and mischievous tone that causes heat to rush through my body.
I snatch my head in his direction. “What are you doing out here?”
“Shhh, I’m not supposed to be here.” He makes it the rest of the way out of the shadows and offers me his arm. “There's a guest house at the back of the grounds that Coventry lets us use but we are under strict orders not to make an appearance during any dinners.”
“Then what are you doing out here? Someone will see you if they come out the backdoor.” I give him a pointed glare.
“I knew you would be here, and I wanted to see you. No one will see me if we are in the middle of the pond.” He smirks. Then leads me over the small wooden bridge to the gazebo.
It’s lit up with small fairy lights and inside is a couch that goes all the way around with plenty of cushions to sit on. Treyton takes a seat and then pulls me down beside him tucking me close to his side and kissing me on top of my head.
“Won’t Brennus be looking for you?” I worry that he will have to leave soon, and I’ll have to go back to my room alone. I miss having real life relationships. I mean dream walking is awesome and all, but nothing can beat the feeling of another person.
“Nope, he’s a heavy sleeper and out like a light.” He leans his head back against the cushion. “Are you trying to get rid of me so soon?
“Never, I enjoy your company.” I playfully nudge him in the ribs and lean my head against his chest.
“How are you holding up?” Treyton’s voice turns serious.
“I’m doing the best I can. I have you guys and so many others to back me up.” I sit up and peer into his green eyes. “How are you holding up? I know I’ve dropped a lot in your lap, and I want you to know I appreciate you helping us.”
“I’m just glad I can help. Even though I’m breaking my oath by teaching the ancient language to people outside my family.” He turns his body, so he is facing me.
“I can talk to them on your behalf if you would like?” Worried I may have gotten him into trouble with his family.
“But I would be willing to bet they will forgive me this time. He runs his knuckles down the down the side of my face.
“So, tell me more about your family. Do you have any brothers or sisters?” I reach over and intertwine my fingers with his.
“Well… I have a sister. But she’s never shown the ability or interest in the ancient language. It’s passed down on the paternal side, so I guess she got lucky.” He runs his hand through his hair.
“What do you mean she got lucky? Would you rather be doing something else?” I ask. “I mean are you even allowed to choose a different profession?”
Treyton’s brow creases. “To be honest, until I met you, I would never have bucked the system. So now that you mention it, I don’t think I have ever given that a thought.” He cocks his head to the side and stares at me with those emerald green eyes. “What about you? Did you think you would be leading a resistance when you first learned you were a Nightmare?”
I stare at him like he is nuts. “Of course not, I have never liked to be the center of attention. Then I got to the academy and that all changed. I became the face of this resistance and now people depend on me.” I rub slow circles on the palm of his hand.
Treyton leans back against the couch and pulls me with him. “We are going to get through this and hopefully come out on the other side better for it.” He places a finger under my chin and tilts my head so that my eyes meet his. Then he slowly leans in and places a light, sweet kiss against my lips.
I feel the tension leave my body as I deepen the kiss. The sound of the back door opening has us pulling apart.
“You heard, that right?” I scoot to the edge of my seat clinging to Treyton’s hand tightly as my heartbeat picks up.
The lights from the gazebo only give off a warm glow before fading into the night. There are plenty of places someone could hide. The thought of being watched not only sends chills up my spine but causes my temper to flare.
“I know you’re out there. I heard the door open.” I let my anger come through in my voice.
“Whisper it’s just me. Hey, Treyton.” Max nods then walks into the gazebo and sits on the other side of me.
“Max? You scared the life out of me? I thought Treyton was about to be busted.” I take a deep breath and release it slowly.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to scare you. We were just getting ready to leave and I wanted to come finds you.” He reaches over and takes my hand.
Treyton takes that as his cue to leave and stands. “I better get going to. I’ll see you guys soon.” He glances back one last time before going back the way he came.
Chapter 17
“Miss Lawrence, come along. We need to talk.” Coventry calls out from the doorway.
“Looks like our night is over.” Max grimaces, glancing over at the Praesidium.
“I’ll see you soon.” I squeeze his hand as we stand up.
I follow Coventry into his study. He sits behind his desk and steeples his hands on the table.
“Miss Lawrence, you have until tomorrow to produce results. I’ve given you all of the resources you need. It’s time to prove your worth. We have it on good authority you contain powers the rest of us lack, so as your Praesidium I am ordering you to do as I say.” He grins manically. “The pocket universes need to be altered. I should control who comes and goes, and you are the tool I will use to do that.”
I stare dumbfounded at the man. I know Treyton told me he overheard this… Hell, I heard enough for this to make sense with my own ears, but I think he seriously has a screw loose. Why the hell would I mess with magic we don’t understand? What if it collapsed? We would all die from Baku attacks without these safe havens.
The images of people being eaten in the shopping district flash before my eyes and I shudder in horror.
I open my mouth to speak but nothing comes out. My mouth is dry, and my hands shake. What is going to happen if I refuse to perform? Or worse what if he manages to force me to do it?
“You’re dismissed.” He waves me off with the flick of his wrist. “In the morning you will not fail me. Oh, and Miss Lawrence, so there are no excuses. A meal is waiting for you in your room.”
I trudge up the stairs, my mind racing. The guy is crazy. Manipulating things he doesn’t understand just to push his bigoted agenda. As I open the door to the room I’ve been staying in, I see an older woman asleep on my bed. I lay down next to her and close my eyes then float out of my body and dive into the sleeping woman.
The woman is standing in the middle of a crowded room wearing a gorgeous black, flowing ball gown. She glances around as if searching for someone. A smile spreads across her face as her eyes land on me. Wait, can she see me? I twirl around and there’s a tall, thin man smiling back at her. She’s looking through me. I release my tendrils, feeling a little guilty for ruining her pleasant dream.
They snake out a
nd attach to the floor and creep up the walls. The room darkens and the people disappear. Now the woman and I are alone. She spins around, her eyes widening in panic.
“Anthony?” She calls out tentatively.
I follow as she takes off running out the door. My hand flies to my mouth as the scene plays out in front of us. A group of men wearing masks walk down the street carrying torches and pitchforks. The man she was searching for when I arrived in her dream is dangling from a pole that’s being carried in the middle of the street.
“No, no, no,” she wails, falling to her knees.
“We found the traitor,” a man yells. “Justice will be served!”
They carry him to makeshift gallows that appear.
Suddenly, I’m above the woman's body again as she sits up screaming. I dive back into my own and sit up next to her, wrapping my arm around her, trying to calm her down. She relaxes into my arms and sobs.
Damnit, I don’t like being a Nightmare sometimes. I rub circles on her back as she sobs herself back to sleep. The maid peaks her head in the room and regards me with questioning eyes.
“I’ve fed.” I roll my eyes.
The maid tiptoes in and gently wakes the woman up then leads her out, closing the door behind her. I finally ditch the emerald monstrosity I’ve been stuck in and breathe a sigh of relief as it falls away. Why are pretty things always so uncomfortable?
I hop in the shower and scrub the spackle off my face, and the hairspray out of my hair. Finally, I feel like me again as I put on my pajamas and crawl into bed. I drift off to sleep wondering what Finn is up to.
I grin and watch quietly as the scene in front of me comes into focus. Finn is wearing a lab coat and goggles, standing in front of a counter and other science equipment. He is hunched over a device, with a list of written instructions next to it.
He’s so adorable when he’s focusing so hard. I hate to interrupt him. As if he hears my thoughts, his eyes whip up to my face and widen.
“Whisper?” he asks. “Are you going to say anything, or are you just going to stand there and watch me?”
Obstruction By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 3) Page 15