by Cici Wickens
Iris sniffed, and I put a hand on her shoulder. “I wanted to tell all of you sooner, but I was just afraid.” Minerva and Blaze were silent. “I thought I wasn’t ready to tell you all, but now I’m glad that I did, and I wish that I wouldn’t have taken so long to do so. I feel like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders.” She wiped the tears from her eyes and managed a tight smile.
I assume that the woman who came to stand at the threshold is Keisha. They’ve got to be related, I realize, recalling the conversation from earlier. Maybe Minerva was right and that was her aunt. Their resemblance was uncanny.
“Iris, meet me in the library please. I need to speak with you.” Keisha said and then walked off.
Iris clenched the stone in her hand. She stood up and left the room without another word.
Chapter 27
Sometimes All You Need Is a Hug
Iris
Meet in the library? I wonder to myself. Kind of ominous in my opinion.
I shake my head and take a deep breath to calm my nerves before pushing the library door open. “Iris, is that you?”
“Yeah.” I reply as I take a few more steps into the room, looking around for her.
“I’m over here. Come and have a seat please. I’ve got something for you. Well, two things really.”
I take my time walking over to her. “Don’t tell me you’ve got me a birthday present.” I ask, crossing my arms.
Keisha laughed, not deterred by my attitude. “You’ll see. You look very beautiful tonight by the way.” She said, her eyes glistening with a level of adoration that leaves me fidgety.
“Thanks.” I say, cheeks flushing at her praise.
“How was your birthday today? I wanted to attend your dinner, but I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. Maybe you’ll let me take you to lunch one day, hm?”
Her voice was so hopeful that I couldn’t help but say, “I’d like that.”
She rummaged around in her bag and placed a sealed envelope on the table between us. Her expression turned serious. “I hope that this letter will help you understand how much…” She trailed off, unsure of herself.
I pick up the envelope, prepared to open it.
“No!” She held up a hand. “Wait until after.”
“After what?”
“You’ll know when the time is right.” She left it at that.
I stare at the letter in my hand. A weight had settled onto it at her words. I begin to get the feeling that I might not ever be ready to open it.
She placed another item on the table. “This is the token.”
I look down at it. The clear case is thin, and inside lies a small piece of parchment. My stomach plummets when I realize that a black and white sketch of the same pocket-watch Minerva had drawn was etched onto it.
I abruptly stand up, nearly knocking over my chair. “No, no, no. I don’t want that.” I say, shaking my head.
“So you know of the token and the fate of Aurum, but you still choose to ignore it?” She gave me a pitying look and opened the case.
“Yes.” The answer is simple. There’s no hesitance in my voice.
She slid the paper from its resting place and it begins to smoke. In a matter of seconds, it folds in on itself, the edges burning red. There’s a quiet phoof and then I see the golden shine of the token glisten through the smoke. That didn’t just happen. That didn’t just happen.
“You must accept it. Your future has already been forged by Fate. There’s no escaping it. If you continue to ignore it, then you will likely end up getting hurt or worse. I never wanted this life for you, sweetie.”
“Don’t call me that! You don’t even know me, so don’t pretend to.” I give her a hateful look.
Her eyes filled with tears as she stood up. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just going to leave these with you.”
I turn my head away from her, burning with rage and fear.
“Iris?” She asked into the silence.
“What?” I snap.
“If you ever want to talk…find me.” She left the library with those words.
I stare at the watch for a while, not making a move to pick it up. Because if I picked it up and held it in my hands, then that would mean that this is really happening. It would mean that Janelle wasn’t as crazy as I wrote her off to be. It would mean that I could no longer deny the things that had been happening to me.
I don’t want to pick it up. I don’t want it to be true.
“You okay? You’ve been in here for a while. Cameron’s downstairs.”
I turn and look at my dad. There was something else that’s been bothering me about this whole ordeal. “Janelle said that a family member was supposed to give me this. How is Keisha related to me?”
He slowly looked down at the token on the table, and then met my eyes. I watch as he swallowed. The library seemed to darken.
He was beginning to scare me.
“Answer me.”
“Iris…we’re not your real parents. Keisha is my sister. She had us look after you, to keep you safe from Valencia.” He began to tear up. “I’m so sorry. So sorry that we never told you.”
In that instant, I swear that my heart stops. Suddenly, my eyes are filling with tears too. My chest is burning. My hands are shaking. My world is crumbling. And it was all because of the token. I pick up the watch and throw it across the room as hard as I can, reeling with anger.
“I never wanted any of this!” I scream.
My dad jumped.
“Take it back dad! I don’t want any of this! I wish you wouldn’t have let her give me the token! Can’t you see it’s ruining our lives!?” I holler, waving my hands around. I shake my head in denial, pacing back and forth. “This isn’t real. This isn’t happening.” I mutter.
“Iris, calm down.” My dad pleaded.
“Calm down!?” I yell. “My entire life has been a lie!”
My dad tried to pull me into a hug, but I push him away.
“I just can’t right now. I just can’t.” I shove open the library door and march out, right into someone.
“Hey, your friends told me you were in here. They’re an interesting bunch. I—” Cam went quiet. “Are you alright? What’s wrong?” He asked worriedly.
I roughly wipe the tears from my eyes, not looking at him. “I’m fine.” I walk past him. I just want to be alone.
“Well, I got you some flowers for your birthday.” He held them out for me to take. “I bet you thought I forgot. Oh, and I set your water bottle on the counter for you.”
I barely register taking the flowers from him. “Thanks.” I mutter.
Cam grabbed my shoulders and made me meet his eyes. “Can you just stop walking for a second? Come on. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I sob, breaking down. My heart hurt so much, I don’t think I can bear it anymore.
Cam leaned back a little. “Okay, okay, we don’t have to talk about it!” He rushed. “I’ve got a second present for you.” Cam pulled me into a tight hug, crushing the flowers between us. I bury my face into his chest, crying even harder. He awkwardly patted my back. “It’ll be alright.”
Chapter 28
I Want the Opposite
Iris
“You know your friends are out there waiting for you.” Cam murmured after a while.
“I know…I just don’t feel like I’m up for tonight anymore.” I lean back and fiddle with the flower petals.
“I think you should go hang out with them. Sometimes, the best way to deal with things is to just forget about it and have fun.” He shrugged.
I manage a smile. “Of course you would say that.”
“Hey, it works for me.” Cam reached up and wiped the stray tears from my eyes. “It’s your 18th birthday, Iris. It only happens once. Go enjoy it.” He tilted his head towards the living room.
I nod my head. “Only if you stay for a while.” I bargain.
“Deal.”
Cam set the flowers he’d gotten me on an end table in the living room. My friends were in the middle of a debate. Their lives were so normal. I feel tears prick at my eyes again but blink them away before anyone notices.
Ron held up two, both scary movies. “We’re torn between Hell is Within Us and one of the massacres.” After looking between the two again he said, “I’m leaning toward Hell is Within Us myself.”
“I second that notion.” Thomas supported.
“I want the opposite of what they want.” Blaze remarked as Ron put the movie in.
Jen shook her head at Blaze. “I’m with Ron on this one.”
I’m envious of their normalcy. My world lay in pieces around me, and they have no idea. They know nothing of the burden on my shoulders. Of my fears. I want to tell them, for them to help me, but I don’t want to put them in any danger. I don’t want them to be dragged into this frightening world alongside me.
“Um…aren’t you going to officially introduce us to the mysterious guy who brings you roses on your birthday?” She put her hands on her hips.
“Right. Everyone this is Cam. Cam this is everyone.” I say unceremoniously.
Minerva sighed. “I’m Minerva. This is my pessimistic brother, Blaze. Goody-goody Thomas. Jen the Clever. And The Ronster.”
Thomas and Blaze grumble at their nicknames.
“How did you two meet?” Jen inquired.
Cam and I share a look.
“A fire.” Cam answered for me.
“Ooookay. Let’s watch the movie now.” Minerva suggested after a period of awkward silence.
“Nice place.” Cam complimented while everyone was getting comfortable.
I glance around the living room. Elegant furniture was set meticulously upon a soft red carpet. Retro paintings adorned the wall, and a flat screen hung over the fireplace. Keisha had good taste. Keisha, my—I squeeze my eyes shut tightly. “Thanks.” I manage to say, feeling the urge to puke.
Thomas sat in the black recliner next to the fireplace, looking far too comfortable. Ron and Jen were sitting in the two-seater on the far right. Minerva sprawled out on the remaining couch, leaving only two cushions. Blaze sat on the floor and leaned against the couch in front of her, seemingly used to it. Cam and I take our seats beside Minerva.
“I’ve got popcorn n’ seaweed!” Charley yelled once the previews began to play. Everyone perked up a little. He came into the room with bowls full of buttery popcorn and a plate of seaweed. “Here ya’ go. And here’s yours. And one for you.” He went on, passing bowls out in silly manners. By the time he’s finished doing his little elaborate show, I’m grinning from ear to ear.
“Seaweed?” Cam murmured to himself in disgust.
“Thanks, Charley.” I tell him.
“Anytime, Princess.” He said with a dramatic bow.
I can feel Minerva and Blaze watching me, but I don’t meet their eyes. Does Charley know? Is that why he always bowed to me? I had thought it was a joke, part of his personality, but now I’m not so sure. Don’t think about it, I think forcefully and clench my fists. Focus on right now. Enjoy today.
Charley turned the lights off upon his exit, giving us a theatre feel. The built-in surround sound shook the room each time someone screamed. The movie was frightening and made me question my sanity even more. But it was also a nice distraction. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the glowing screen, save a pair of blue that sometimes turned green.
Cam murmured, “If you get scared you can hold onto me,” and leaned a little closer.
My stomach flips and my cheeks warm. “I might take you up on that offer.” I say, smiling up at him.
What I said was true. About halfway into the movie, Minerva ended up burying her head between my back and the couch. I was clinging on to Cam’s arm so tight that I was sure that the circulation was being cut off. Even Ron was hanging onto Jen for dear life. Blaze jumped every once and a while too, although he played it off as stretching. Thomas didn’t seem frightened at all. He was actually laughing at the effects.
When the movie was nearly over, I decided to get everyone more drinks.
“I’ll help.” Minerva said, and followed me into the kitchen.
She leaned against the counter as I start rummaging through the bottom drawer of the fridge for drinks. I hand a few to her and then take the rest for myself.
We start to leave the kitchen, but then she asked, “Did Keisha give you the token?”
I shoot her a look, upset that she keeps bringing it up. “I want to talk about this stuff tomorrow.” I say with finality.
Minerva winced, holding her hands up. “My bad.”
I’m glad she didn’t press it further. The movie ended shortly after we passed out the drinks. Cam decided to hit the road once it was over.
“Thanks for everything.” I tell him, standing outside in the cool night air, my arms wrapped around me.
“Don’t mention it. It was the least I could do after everything that happened the other day.”
I grin, recalling everything about that day with clarity. “Yeah, it was the least you could do.”
He rolled his eyes. “I’ll see you later.”
“Drive safe.” I wave.
A deadly pillow-fight breaks out as soon as I step into the living room. Eventually, it turns into more of a wrestling match between the guys, and I can tell that it gets kind of personal. Even a blind person would notice the way Thomas and Ron teamed up on Blaze. That was my motive for pretending to yawn and ask if anyone else was tired.
Minerva and Jen were going to sleep with me in my room. The boys slept in the spare downstairs. Ron had jokingly said that he and Thomas would be cuddling, and Blaze announced he would sleep on the floor to avoid any risk of exposure. I had given him a futon.
I put the blue topaz on my nightstand before lying down in bed between Jen and Minerva and gazing at the ceiling. After laying there for a couple of hours, I realize that I might not ever get any sleep. I use the time I lay awake to reflect on everything. My dad…what he told me in the library earlier…I feel terrible for the way I reacted. I can only imagine how hard this must be for him. And how he must’ve felt when I pushed him away. He’s known all this time that I’d have to leave someday. Is that what drove my mom to do the things leading up to her death? Or worse, even caused it? Guilt settles on my chest.
I quietly wipe the fresh tears from my face so that I don’t wake Minerva and Jen. Strangely enough, I find myself thinking about Sammy and the scene from earlier tonight. He had been so intense and intimidating. Nothing like I’d ever seen before. He was determined to take me with him to some place. But why? I had been skeptical and unbelieving when he mentioned the token because I was afraid and still doubting the entire situation. Now, I wonder what he had to tell me that was so important. I wish that I had listened instead of panicking.
I sigh. There are many things that I’ve grown up expecting in this world. Ruling over a kingdom had never been one of them. I feel like my life’s already been planned out for me, and that I was born for the sole purpose of saving this kingdom. I had always planned to graduate, attend college, and become a doctor like my dad. My parent’s and I had already looked into colleges for goodness sake. All that work, all of the time I spent dreaming…was for nothing.
The dreams I’ve been having come to mind. Everything I’ve learned thus far, that I’ve come to accept, point to them being real. Hell-Cats…Spiritseekers…they must exist. Queen Valencia, Caesar, and Pippin are real too. They’re searching for me. I have serious doubts that my Calculus teacher is Queen Valencia though. She hasn’t given me any reason to suspect her.
Based off what Janelle said, I know that after tonight I’ll be getting my abilities. These ‘abilities’ worry me. I have no idea what’s going to happen tonight, or how I might change as a result.
I turn onto my side, getting more comfortable. I guess there’s no point in dwelling on it. I shouldn’t concern myself over matters I can’t control. I just n
eed to go to sleep for now and try to get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.
Chapter 29
The Golden Ax
Iris
My surroundings are different this time. There are many different creatures here of all different sizes and types. The brown grass gives me a sense of decay. Colorful trees lay their heads down, weeping silently from the lack of rain. Tiny beings cry openly while they walk, their finger-sized wings grazing the floor. Nearly touching the dark clouds, a vast castle looms in the distance. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, yet terribly sad.
I look at the person holding me. An older woman with an astonishing height watched the scene before us with an even gaze. Violet eyes were alit with ferociousness. Her white hair reached her waist and floated about her in an ethereal way. Radiant waves of energy ebbed from her very being and pulsated throughout my body. She brought me closer to the creatures. From the way their clothes hang off their skinny shoulders, I can tell they haven’t had much to eat.
A creature walked through me, and I gasp from the heaving sensation in my gut. I still haven’t gotten used to that. “What is that?” I ask the woman with me.
“A Troll.” She answered.
He’s gigantic, nearly eight feet tall, and has no hair on his wrinkly head. In his fist, there’s a spiked club. He wore cloth the color of charcoal and armor of a bright gold. Swinging his bulky arm toward a group of tiny men, that I recognize as Dwarves, he yelled, “Pay your dues to the Queen, little men!”
They trembled in fear. An older Dwarf, with an insanely long white beard, stepped forward hesitantly. “We have no more money. She’s run us dry.” He argued, voice hoarse and ancient.
The Troll rumbled with laughter, shaking the ground. “Well then Amadeus, in payment, I will take your eldest son. He will work for the Queen as a slave in the castle.”
The family gasped and murmured in dread. “Wait, please…will you take this instead?” Amadeus asked desperately, holding up a golden ax. “It has been passed down in our family for hundreds of years. It’s pure gold.” I swallow, overcome with sadness…and guilt.