Falling (The Soul Collectors Series Book 1)

by Tara Benham

  This made me grin. “I think we’ll be okay.”

  Hannah gave me a strange look before shrugging and walking towards the falls. The last time I was in the cave, Declan had kissed me. And oh, what a kiss it was. I could feel flutters in my stomach just recalling how his lips felt against mine and how he had pressed my body between his and the wall. I could feel heat rising in my face. Oh my Grace! What was he doing to me?

  “What are you thinking about over there? You look like a silly girl in love.”

  “What? No. I just…” I didn’t know what to say. Did I love Declan? I didn’t think I did. “I was just being dreamy. Sorry.”

  “Declan?”

  I blushed, “Yeah.”

  She released an audible sigh. “Y’all are like a real life Romeo and Juliet, doomed to not be able to be together. I don’t like it.”

  “Shakespeare, now that was a fun guy.”

  “You’ve met Shakespeare?” She stopped in her tracks staring at me incredulously.

  “No, but I have read him. I did meet John Astor though, on the Titanic.”

  “Shut. Up. You were on the Titanic?”

  “I was. I had a mission to collect the souls of those that didn’t survive.”

  “Is that your job? To collect souls?”

  “It’s a part of my duties. I’m a collector of souls, but I also make sure that all events happen as they have been written. Some people need to survive, such as Gray, for some purpose. Others are destined to die. The souls who die and belong to us follow me at the end of the event.” She seemed to be pondering this information. I jumped behind the falls into the cavern, and not much longer after that, Hannah followed. I brought my wings out, just enough for them to illuminate the area but not to overtake the space.

  “That’s awesome!”

  “I thought you might like that. Shall we go see where this tunnel leads?”

  “I hope it’s safe.”

  “If not, I have my short sword on me, and you are behind me and can run to the exit if necessary.”

  “Not the reassurance I was looking for, but I’ll take it. Can you tell me about some of your other missions? It might help calm the jitters I have going on right now.”

  “I have been to every major event since Pompeii. Before that my predecessor took care of them. There’s only one collector at a time. My most memorable mission may have been the fall of Rome. The ancient Romans were a lively people. I loved walking through the street markets watching them interact with each other. I didn’t socialize with humans back then. I only observed to make sure things went as planned.”

  “How old are you?”

  “The same age as you technically. I really shouldn’t be telling you all of this. I could get into big trouble.”

  “Then let’s discuss something else. How about Declan?”

  “I can actually hear the smile on your face. You think you’re slick huh?” There was humor in my voice. “There’s nothing to discuss. He’s handsome, he’s charming, and he is a major distraction.”

  “Not to mention a demon.”

  “Figured that one out, huh?”

  “I put two and two together. What I don’t get is why he is so willing to help you?”

  “Me neither.” About 100 yards from the main cavern, we came into a second cavern area which had a rotunda roof. The room could comfortably fit about twenty people, and the roof was at least ten feet high. It was a great place to hide the group if needed. I could hear water trickling down the sides of the walls. We had to be under the creek, and with the roof that tall, it was likely there wasn’t too much ground between the bottom of the creek and the top of the roof. My research had told me that inside a cave was safe during earthquakes and that the movement of the ground would barely be felt. “I think this would be a great place to camp if it was cooler outside.”

  “You’re avoiding the topic of Declan too, huh?”

  I grinned at her. She shook her head. There just wasn’t much I could say to her. Even when I didn’t say anything, she was smart and would figure things out. I liked Hannah. I’m glad that she’ll be with us and safe, or safer than she would be in town. “I know you think I’m being coy. I honestly can’t reveal everything. I just can’t.”

  “I understand. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t fun to tease you about Declan.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Let’s head back. If you had to, do you think you could find your way here to this place again?”

  “Yes, without any doubt. We didn’t really run into any other tunnels that would cause too much confusion. I should be good. I will probably pack a flashlight in case you’re not around the next time.”

  “Probably smart, unless you’re hiding wings I don’t know about.”

  “Is it possible for humans to get wings?” Her eyes widened.

  “No. Father Paul is the only human in history to be granted Angel status.”

  She pouted a little but was quickly back to her happy self as we returned to the opening of the tunnel. She made sure to observe and note which turns we made and trailed her fingers along the walls to help identify her location, in case she had to do it in the dark. These were all things she decided upon herself. She was smart and quick, and even though she was a human, I couldn’t have a better partner to help with all this planning.

  The roaring of the falls grew louder the closer we got to the opening, and with one final turn, we could see the opening as well as the sky that had started darkening some. I went to the falls, slipped out to make sure we were in the clear and signaled for Hannah to follow. We made the climb back up the same path we came down. The way up was a bit more challenging. I had to occasionally turn and help pull her up, and we were both breathless by the time we reached the top.

  “If I survive this, I totally need to get in shape.” she said between gasps.

  “You’ll survive, but I agree.” I sat beside her and lamented that we hadn’t brought a bottle of water with us. I wasn’t sure what effects there would be of drinking from the creek so all the water was just teasing my thirst. “We need to be heading back to the cottage. We need a lot of rest before tomorrow gets here and the fun begins.”

  “Five more minutes.”

  I chuckled, stood up and pulled her up to her feet. “You can stay with me tonight if you want.”

  “I think I’m going to spend my last night in my home. Is it okay if I pack some things I would like to keep?”

  Even in the pending darkness, there was light shining off the tears sliding down her cheeks. I had spent the whole day doing what I needed to do, yet I hadn’t even stopped to think about what she needed. “Since I’m all packed, why don’t I go to your house with you, help you pack what you want, and then in the morning, we can bring it over with my stuff before we meet the group.”

  “I would like that. Thank you. I know my parents will be okay. They’re still in Ohio with my grandma, but I’m still nervous. Doesn’t it change the course of history for them to not be here?”

  “Things have a way of working out.” I gave her a side hug as we came around the corner of the cottage.

  “I seriously cannot fathom what you have to deal with, but you are so strong. Thank you.”

  “It’s nothing, really. Let’s go find Declan so he’ll know where I’m going.”

  The cottage was dark inside, but all of his stuff was piled next to mine by the door. He must still have been running whatever last minute errands he needed. I wrote a quick note to let him know I’d be back in the morning, but I didn’t say where I was going to be, just in case it got into the wrong hands. Hannah was going to be in enough danger tomorrow, and I didn’t want to needlessly add to that. I grabbed an overnight bag, threw in some things that I would need before the morning, and we headed to her house.

  Secrets are made to be found out with time. ~Charles Sanford

  Hannah’s house was small and cozy. We spent the whole night talking and going through her things, as well as some of her parents’ items that she
thought they might want in case she was able to find them again after the earthquake occurred. She showed me pictures of her childhood, of her and Gray throughout their relationship, and other friends. She even showed me a picture of Oliver. She packed up the albums and put them in the trunk of her car. She was hoping that maybe they would be safe in the plastic sealed tub even if we didn’t have time to bring them into the valley. I reassured her several times that none of her friends would hate her for knowing, and we created a story of why she had packed them up just in case she didn’t want to tell them when the time came. We didn’t sleep the whole night. Neither of us wanted to waste her last night in her home sleeping. There was lots of laughter and tears throughout the evening. She spoke to her parents on the phone, and they confirmed they’d be up there until Sunday evening. By the time the sun was rising, we had gotten our second wind of energy. We were loading the remainder of her things in the back of her car when Declan pulled up with Alissa.

  “Hey guys, we were going to head the café for breakfast. Do y’all want to join us?” Alissa seemed super perky this early in the morning

  I thought I noticed Hannah roll her eyes before turning and presenting them with a grin. “Sure. We’ll meet you there after we drop some things off at Bayla’s cottage.”

  “See you there. Sadie and Everett are heading there now too so don’t take too long.” I could only hear her gleeful squeal as Declan speed off.

  “She can be annoying.” I stated in a matter of fact voice.

  “I agree. Let’s go drop this off and head to the café.” Hannah responded as we climbed into her car.

  We made good time getting to my cottage, unloading her things and getting back to the café. Gray already had coffees waiting for us at the table. He didn’t have to work this morning, but he was still behind the counter helping so that we didn’t cause too much extra work. Everyone else had already ordered their breakfast before we got there. Neither Hannah nor I were very hungry, so we just grabbed muffins before joining them.

  The mood was light, and soon Hannah and I were able to adapt and join in the fun. Declan didn’t seem to be able to let go and relax any. I knew he had reasons to be stressed too, but I had made a deal with myself to relax until necessary. I would remain alert and ready, but I wasn’t going to let this last chance of real teenage fun pass me by. I knew tomorrow would begin the fight of a lifetime. I was as prepared as I could be, and there was no point of over-stressing about it.

  “What’s the plan for when we are going to head out?” Sadie was the first to bring up the camping trip.

  “We need to grab the rest of our stuff from the cottage,” I pointed to both Hannah and Declan, “and then we can go.”

  “Didn’t you just come from there?” Alissa said, oozing the snark.

  “Well let’s finish eating, and then we can all gather up our gear. How about we meet at the parking area just south of the hill in about twenty minutes?” Gray jumped in before anything else could be said.

  We waved our goodbyes as we each headed our separate directions. Hannah and I made sure to get to the cottage before Declan and Alissa in order to get her extra stuff put up before Alissa noticed. We had gone out to the woods, and lowered it halfway down the falls so that it was there in the tub for safe keeping. We quickly got back to the cottage and put the camping gear and bags in her trunk just as Alissa and Declan were pulling in. We helped them load Declan’s stuff into Alissa’s car. I didn’t notice anything that was shaped like my sword. He must have hidden it somewhere yesterday when he was out on his own.

  I went into the kitchen gathering up the remaining waters from the refrigerator as well as some quick foods like chips, marshmallows and cookies from the pantry. As I closed the door, Declan was right in front of me. I dropped all of the things in my arms.

  “Didn’t mean to scare you, Angel.” He bent down to help me retrieve everything I had dropped.

  “It’s fine. I was just going over a mental list and not focusing on the present reality.”

  “Are you okay?” Declan whispered.

  Our heads were very close in the position, it made it hard from me to process my thought. “I am, just trying to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything I might need since this is the last time I’ll see the cottage. I know it’s not really my home, but it still feels weird. How about you? Are you ready for all of this?

  We both stood up, my arms were full, but neither made a move for what seemed like an eternity.

  “Since the beginning.” He winked and turned to leave the cottage.

  As I got to the door, I turned and took a glance around one last time at the place I had learned to feel. This cottage reminded of the last memories I would have of Hadraniel, not knowing if he had survived, made this all the more bittersweet. I had to blink back the tears that were burning my eyes. I closed them, took a deep breath, counted to ten and then walked through the door, closing it one last time behind me. It was meant to be symbolic, but it just made me feel sadder. Today would be the last day of normalcy for any of my friends for a long time. I needed to hold it together.

  As I climbed into Hannah’s car, I heard her singing something silly. “Don’t judge me, but I need to relax, and this song helps.”

  “As I am not familiar with what is cool or not, there will be no judging done here.”

  “This is why you’re awesome.”

  “Well, I’m glad to have finally found a reason.” I gave her a deadpan look.

  She laughed and proceeded to sing at the top of her lungs. She had rolled all of her windows down and opened her sun roof. Since it was starting to be a little chilly in the mornings, she had the heat blowing on our feet. I didn’t know the music, but I was enjoying the fun she seemed to be having, and her mood became contagious. By the time we pulled into the parking lot, we were both dancing in our seats to our heart's desire. Gray was shaking his head.

  “Confirmation that my band and I have no competition in this town.” he said with a laugh. He was quick to open and unload the trunk of Hannah’s car.

  We got out and unloaded the back seat making sure that we had our tents, sleeping bags and bags of food. We had strategically placed some items inside our rolled tents and bags to help hide the amount of items we were bringing. I threw on my backpack, picked up my supplies and headed to the hill. It was a difficult walk when not carrying anything so the trek with all the gear was going to be almost grueling. Gray led the way up, followed by me, Hannah and Declan. Everett was in front of Sadie with Alissa bringing up the back. Declan carried Alissa’s extra stuff in an attempt to keep her whining to a minimum. It didn’t work. We had to stop several times so she could catch her breath. Even Sadie seemed to be getting annoyed with her, but no one said anything. It was getting warmer as the day advanced, and during one of our breaks I had to shed the long sleeved t-shirt I’d put on this morning. I noticed Hannah had taken hers off too, leaving us both in tanks. Gray, Declan, and Everett had removed their shirts too. Hannah was having fun teasing Gray who took it in good stride, flexing his muscles and posing.

  It took every ounce of restraint I had not to just stare at Declan with his shirt off. He was in excellent shape, and he looked good shirtless. I started watching my feet as a distraction. Hannah was giggling at me profusely every time she looked at me. I could feel my face change from pink to deep crimson. Thankfully, I knew if anyone else asked, I could blame the flush of my cheeks on the exertion of the climb. Once we reached the top, Alissa needed another break, which at this time elicited a collective groan from the whole group. We were so close to the valley that none of us wanted to stop, but we did. Once people got over the grumbling and looked around, they noticed the valley. Everyone was remarking how beautiful it looked. Everyone but Gray, that is.

  “You sure you’re ready for this?” I asked Gray in a hushed tone, in order to avoid drawing too much attention to our conversation.

  “I’m ready, but try to imagine if something had happened to Had. That’s h
ow I’m feeling right now. I’m happy to have this opportunity, but it’s bittersweet.”

  It was a like a shock of pain shooting through me because Had was my brother, even if not by blood. Therefore, I understood him completely. I couldn’t speak, so I nodded, and gave him a quick hug which he returned.

  “Bay, you’re kind of awesome.” Gray said. His voice was filled with sincerity.

  “Hannah, we now have two reasons!” I hollered back trying to lighten the mood some.

  She shot me a thumbs up, eliciting a look of confusion from Gray. “With you two, I don’t even think I want to know.”

  “Probably safest.” Declan added.

  “Hey, Michelangelo called, he needs his model back.” Hannah threw back at him in response, causing the entire group to fall into a fit of tired laughter. Even Declan laughed at the jab at his perfectly chiseled body.

  “We need to be heading down into the valley, so we can get our tents set up. We need to find some firewood too.” Declan reined us all back in.

  Gathering all the gear we had dropped during our rest, we trudged on back down the other side and into the valley. It was fun watching everyone else see this place for the first time. Everyone seemed genuinely taken by the beauty. Gray was smiling, but I could see some sadness there too. Hannah had moved closer to him to provide silent support. They moved very well together, giving each other what they each needed with little to no words exchanged. It made me happy to know they would continue on together even if I would not. I led them into the valley, and everyone agreed it was a great place to set up camp.

  Declan put up Alissa’s tent first before setting up his, and Everett helped Sadie get hers up. Hannah showed up the rest of us girls by putting her tent up alone and even came over to help me while Gray was setting up his. We made fast work, mainly because Hannah knew what she was doing. I was of little help to her. I had never even really seen a tent before, let alone put one up correctly. She was telling about camping with her parents and Gray growing up.