We knew where Cora was, or had been, and now with the help of Lilly, Ulric and Siddehlee we had an idea of where he was. I walked over to my room closing the curtain as I went in.
I sat down in my chair; I could hear everyone offering ideas and opinions. I was scared; I didn’t know what I was supposed to do.
I was more or less going with what felt right, or trying to at least. I sighed, leaning my head back, closing my eyes meditating, listening to the waterfall and voices melding together.
Garrett came over sitting in the other chair, taking my hand. “Jasper is getting cozy with Josilyn, looks like we won’t have to worry about him anymore.”
I attempted a smile, of course I wanted Jasper to be happy but I wasn’t sure how I felt about him and the sultry tropical blonde, but I wouldn’t tell Garrett that.
“I’m relieved. I would rather have him as a friend than nothing.”
“What would you rather have me as?” I looked at him, wondering where he was going with this. “What do you mean? I would rather you be where you are now…by my side,” Garrett smiled at me, dropping to his knees.
“Reighlyn, we haven’t known each other for long, yet my heart and soul feel as if they’ve known you for all of eternity. I know we’re about to face down the devil himself…but more importantly I know that I can’t go on not knowing if we may or may not die…I would much rather know if you would marry me more than anything Reighlyn, I would like to know if you would be my wife.”
Garrett pulled out a huge diamond ring. It was gorgeous; the biggest princess cut diamond I had ever seen--bigger than the ones I had seen on commercials--surrounded by alternating begets of white and pink lining the band.
I must have stared to long because someone cleared their throat. I looked up at Garrett, tears shimmering in my eyes as I searched his face.
He smiled expectantly, and patiently. Garrett looked like he wanted to say something else; he opened up his mouth to speak when I crushed him in a fierce kiss, wrapping my arms around him as he lifted me out of my chair crushing me to his chest.
I heard cheering behind me, I turned to look to see the people I loved the most standing there, the people I had begun to think of as my family.
Garrett put me down, dropping back onto his knee, He took my left hand smiling at his parents and mine, placing the ring on my finger.
My mom ran over to me crushing me in a hug, my Dad wrapped his long arms around the both of us. Telling me how proud he was, how grateful he was to be here to see this moment.
Blaine squeezed me, followed by Luke, Ben, Bethany, Lilly, Willy, Ulric, Jess, Josilyn, McKenna, Siddehlee and lastly Jasper.
Coming to a complete circle where I ended up back in Garrett’s arms. I smiled at him, as everyone broke out cake, and punch. I laughed; they had hid all of this in my room without me noticing.
I must be distracted. “Thank you all so much for doing this,” I said.
“After the party Garrett I’d like to see if we can all take a short field trip.” Garrett seen the serious look on my face and nodded.
For now I was going to enjoy this ‘normal’ moment with my ‘normal’ family.
CHAPTER 46
I stretched as I woke up, I could smell breakfast coming from the commons.
It had been a month since Garrett asked me to marry him. We hadn’t made any plans yet as far as an actual wedding date which is fine by me, we had enough planning and conspiring going on as it was.
I rolled out of bed, pulling on clothes. Smiling to myself as I looked around my room my home…never in a million years would I have imagined myself begin happy in a place like this, living in a cave next to a waterfall and a river with no cell phones or electricity.
I think I liked it better this way.
I pulled my brush through my tangled curls trying to pull them into a pony tail at the crown of my head, we had been attempting to infiltrate Deutermont’s establishment for the past month, counting, plotting, planning, and looking for weaknesses.
Last night we found one.
The sewer system. This entire month we had been looking above when we should have looking below. I didn’t want to literally walk or crawl through fecal matter to get to this guy, but what choice did I have, what choice did any of us have?
So far it was the only way we could figure to get in. The only way we could end this crazed man’s reign of terror.
CHAPTER 47
I walked into the kitchen, feeling extraordinarily perky today. Grabbing my plate of biscuits and gravy and a glass of milk, I sat down next to my Dad.
“Where’s mom at?” I asked taking a bite of food.
“She had something planned for this morning, I’m sure you’ll see her around some time soon,” he said.
“So, I was thinking that we could go tonight. We’ve been watching for a month now and reports we’ve collected from people who’ve come in recently aren’t good. It’s getting worse out there, this guy is taking non-gifted people Dad and using them as slaves and forcing them to basically be fodder in his army and god knows what else,” I said watching my dad set down his fork as his brow furrowed.
“Reighlyn, don’t be hasty. We have to take all caution. Deutermont isn’t an easy target. I know the reports have given us a better look at the man, but caution is key here.”
“I understand that, and we are being overly cautious, but I really think that if we can take him out then the whole Militia would fall apart. Honestly I get that the war won’t be over. I know that there will be others who still think and feel like Deutermont does, but I think now is the time to strike,” Dillon smiled at Reighlyn.
“How did my daughter get so wise?” He laughed. “We’ll go over your plan with the others before lunch. We’ll see what everyone thinks and I have a few ideas I’d like everyone to hear also.”
“Sounds good, I’m going outside for some practice. Could I interest you in a few rounds?” Reighlyn asked mischievously knowing her dad couldn’t pass up a good spar.
Dillon laughed. “I would, I defiantly would love to…but I can’t today. I promised your mom I would help her with a few things.” He stood to leave.
“Next time then,” Reighlyn shot her dad a comforting smile as he moved to leave.
CHAPTER 48
Listening to the wind howl blowing off the last few leaves that hung onto the trees, she methodically moved through a rhythmic dance in the crisp cool air. The snow would be falling soon.
I allowed myself to get lost in the movements, blocking out all thought relaxing and relying on pure impulse and instinct alone.
The crunching of leaves under boots alerted me to someone approaching me from behind, I stayed in my warrior dance not wanting to alert whoever it was that I knew they were there.
The sounds grew louder--they were almost directly behind me--I launched myself in the air spinning and flipping coming to hover above and away from the would be assailant.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I shouted at Jasper as soon as my eyes locked onto him.
“Do you know what I could have done to you?” I yelled at him as I lowered myself to the ground.
“You’re getting good,” he said flashing that cocky smirk of his. I couldn’t help but smile myself.
“Thanks, what are you doing? Come to get your butt kicked?” I asked playfully.
“No I just wanted to see you.” he said taking a step toward me.
“Jasper if you’re thinking of doing anything you’re sorely mistaken.” I eyed him taking a step away from him.
“Reighlyn, I care about you, I’m just worried you’re rushing things…the last thing I want to do is attempt to offer some relationship advice, but I’m just suspicious.”
I laughed at Jasper, a full belly shaking laugh. “Seriously you make it sound like I’m about to marry Garrett tomorrow…don’t get me wrong I would, but that isn’t going to happen. We have so much going on right now, we’re going to wait until things calm down…honestly we ha
ven’t made any plans or anything.”
“I’m sorry; this is me trying to be a good friend. I told you I would stand beside you no matter what you choose and I meant it.” I almost see the sadness dripping off of Jasper and it made my heart sick knowing I was the one who made him feel like this.
“I liked you, and I do care about you Jasper. Had I not met Garrett do I think I could have felt more for you? Yes… a thousand times yes…but it didn’t work that way. I’m so sorry I’ve made you feel like you do. The last thing in the world I wanted to do was hurt you.” I looked at Jasper, hoping that what I said eased his pain, even if it was just a little.
Jasper gave me a nod, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans as he turned to walk back to the caves.
I watched him go, knowing that we needed this war over soon, for all our sakes.
CHAPTER 49
I sat at the table in what I deemed the war room waiting for everyone else to show up. Tonight was the night. We needed the element of surprise. I just hoped that I could get my Dad one hundred percent on board. After all he is the one with all the military experience.
I began sifting through some of the Intel papers that had been laid out on the table, looking over at the blue prints and some other important papers that now took up residence on a large board.
Sighing to myself as I began to hear the shuffle of feet nearing, I began to steel myself for what I hoped didn’t end up a shouting match.
I watched as everyone began entering the room, clearly seeing worry etched onto their faces. I knew it was going to be difficult but if I was the leader, the one that was supposed to lead everyone back to a peaceful existence I needed to step up and they needed to accept my leadership.
The room was quiet as everyone took their seat; I walked to my chair between my mom and dad at the head of the table and looked at each of their faces before I spoke.
“Thank you all for coming. You all know the newest information we’ve come across, you know we’ve found a way into the castle. I think we should move now…tonight.” I paused, knowing the last part of my speech would cause an issue with some.
Everyone who sat before me who had been quiet now began to speak at once.
Some agreeing some not, I sat in my chair rubbing my hands over my face. Ben who had remained as quiet as I had slammed his fist on the table as he stood,
“Quiet!” He yelled making more than a few people jump.
“Reighlyn, I understand your need to act I myself want nothing more than to take out this vagrant vile man and all those who serve him but please listen to reason. The last group that came in…they had new information. We just finished talking to them,” Ben said motioning to Beth, Lilly, Ulric and my Dad.
“What did they have to say?” Blaine asked.
“A man came in with a group from the East,” Ulric began to explain. “He was a part of the rebel alliance, small fractions are popping up everywhere as you know, seeking to free those who’ve been taken captive, and to end the reign of Deutermont. They were defeated…badly defeated. Those who could get up and run did so. They came to Texas searching for something or should I say someone.” His gaze focused on me.
“He and others…who you say escaped came to Texas looking for someone? Who are they looking for and why?” I asked.
Lilly reached over from her seat to pat my hand. “Dear, they came here for you.”
I jumped up so quickly my chair flew out from behind me smacking the floor with a loud bang.
“Me?” I asked no one and everyone. “What do they want with me?” My dad stood up and walked over to me grabbing me by my shoulders forcing me to look him in the eyes. “Reighlyn, they came here because the people, those who have chosen not to follow Deutermont gifted and non-gifted alike know the Seven have come together, the prophecy has spread, they know you are the girl who will lead them out of hell on Earth. They have come here seeking the woman they are calling their Queen. They want you to Usurp the Usurper.”
My jaw must have hit the floor at the speed of light. Me? A Queen? I was already the leader of the Seven who were prophesied to end this and I didn’t even know how I was going to be that but apparently everyone else believed in me more than I did myself.
“I…what do you mean they are calling me a Queen? Seriously? What year do they live in?” I asked to no one in particular, but Ben responded anyway as my dad angled me back into my chair.
“They have faith in you. We have faith in you, in the Seven. There has been a call to Rally in the East to take over the main castle that Deutermont has raised, the same castle we have planned to take. I say if the people want a Queen, a worthy ruler who cares what year it is. There is no hope of restoring the world to its former glory, what has been done cannot be undone. The things we had known are gone, we must forge a new way, a better way…and you have support of others. We here are but a few. How long do you think it would take us to over throw Deutermont with just us? Years. We have others now—numbers--we can do this, we can make it happen. What do you say?” Ben had obviously won over everyone.
I looked at each of their faces, ending with Garrett. He was proud, they all were. They all believed the prophecy, they all had hope and her name is Reighlyn D’Crey, Leader of the Seven, and Prophesied to end the hurts of this world restoring the balance.
I sighed, searching within myself for answers as I had so many times before. There was truth in Ben’s words as there was in the eyes of everyone around me.
I thought of everything that had happened, how it felt like the world had stopped moving the day Deutermont and his minions took over knowing in my heart of hearts this was it, that this was right.
We would end him. I would end him, if it was the last thing I ever did. It would be worth it to end him and save those I loved.
I looked up at everyone with a new sense of resolve. If this is what they wanted, they could have it, as long as I could get to the people responsible.
“I’ll do it,” I said meeting their unwavering gazes, watching as they stood smiling. My dad yanked me into a hug squeezing me so hard I could hear my ribs creak. When he set me down my mom grabbed me up fresh tears staining her face and a smile plastered on her face so big her cheeks had to be in pain.
“I’m so proud of you,” she told me, but I hadn’t done anything that I thought would warrant pride. Garret sought me next pulling me to him as I wrapped my arms around his massive girth.
I still couldn’t believe he loved me, that he wanted me. I buried my head into his neck smelling him, he smelled of electricity, outdoors and leather, everything that was right in my world. He kissed my temple and released me to soon.
I turned went down the line embracing each and every one of my closest companions, my family, the six counter parts to this prophecy.
I would do anything to protect them, whatever it took, to right the wrongs of this new world. I was willing to sacrifice it all.
CHAPTER 50
I can’t believe it has been one year, one year since they came…we had no chance…we didn’t see it coming from a mile away. Literally…we were no match for them but we would not give up that easily.
One year of death and pain. One year of war, of having to relearn everything I thought I knew about life.
Everything innocent about me had been erased overnight. The person I thought I had been was nowhere near the woman I have become.
The woman I had to become. I had to be strong.
My name is Reighlyn D’Crey and I am the Leader of the Seven, uncrowned Queen of the new world. Happy birthday to me.
Dear reader,
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CHARACTERS
REIGHLYN D’CREY-18
GIFTS- ECOLOGICAL EMPATH- TELEKINESIS – CONTROLS NATURAL ELEMENTS AND WEATHER
LEADER OF SEVEN
ROWAN D’CREY-42
UNTOUCHED-NOT GIFTED
MOTHER OF REIGHLYN- WIFE OF DILLON
DILLON D’CREY-45
MILITARY SPECIAL OPS (GIFTED DIVISION)
BELIEVED TO BE DEAD SINCE REIGHLYN WAS 6- UNTIL A LETTER FOUND REIGHLYN AND ROWAN AND HIS RESCUE.
ROB DACKO-45
VOLTAGE
CAPTIVE OF MILITIA—SHOT BY MILITIA—DEAD AFTER ESCAPING
TRISH DACKO AGE- 42
SHEILD
CAPTIVE OF MILITIA—COMA AFTER BEING SHOT WHILE ESCAPING
BECCA DACKO-17
VOLTAGE ONLY DISCOVERS HER POWER AFTER HER FATHER DIES AND HER OTHER IS UNRESPONSIVE.
CAPTIVE OF MILITIA—ESCAPES WITH MCKENNA
BLAINE DACKO-19
VOLTAGE
REIGHLYN D’CREY’S EX BOYFRIEND AND BEST FRIEND
1-7
WILLY CORBIN-75
LILLY’S FATHER IN LAW
JASPER’S GRANDFATHER
FIRE
LILLY CORBIN-45
WIDOWED
MOTHER TO JASPER- BRITISH
GLEANING
The Genesis Project Prophecy of the Seven Page 15