Riftkeepers: Prime

by Carrie Whitethorne

  “Your turn.”

  She opened her hand and her little violet flame flickered.

  Hello you!

  “What am I meant to do with it?”

  “Dunno… try a heart. Just think it. It'll do what you ask.”

  She felt silly, but she closed her eyes and thought heart. She opened her eyes to see if anything had happened and saw the flame change into a shadow like Dane's. It shimmered and wobbled slightly then took its form. A perfect heart shape as she'd imagined.

  She couldn't keep the glee from her face. “Look at that,” she whispered.

  “It'll do anything you ask it to. It can even move things. You just have to learn how.”

  “Anything?” she asked as a small flower formed in her palm. Then a bird.

  “That's it!” He laughed at the awe on her face. “Just keep it small and build up slowly. We don't want any accidents. I can't put that stuff out.”

  She instantly snuffed it out.

  “Why did you stop?” he frowned, clearly disappointed.

  “It's dangerous.”

  “No, it isn't. Not with you. You won't abuse it. You would never harm anyone, Lottie. It's safest with you. One more and we'll go for some lunch.”

  Reluctantly, she summoned another flame.

  “Can you make it any bigger?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

  “Why? This is big enough.”

  “Because I want to try something.”

  Placing her flame on the ground she pictured a bigger fire in her mind. Eventually the fire was as high as her hip. Dane crouched beside it, his silver eyes flashing violet in the firelight. Gently, carefully, Dane fed his shadow into the flames.

  “What are you doing?” she hissed.

  “Playing,” he muttered with a shrug. He swirled a finger in the air. Charlotte wasn't sure what he was doing but the shadow and flame began to spin. In seconds, it was a swirling mass of heat. “Yours is the stronger of the two, but mine can merge and work with yours. The same with fire,” he explained. “This is what he wanted. One push down from you and the power from this site will be sucked up for you to absorb.”

  “Why are you showing me this?” she whispered, staring at the swirling mass.

  “Because you needed to see it, to understand why it's so important that you learn to use it safely. Stop him from ever taking it. Zander can defend against this, that's why he's so important.” He pulled his shadow from the flames and they settled.

  “I can't handle all that,” she murmured, putting out her fire again.

  “Yes, you can. Look at everything you've achieved. If anyone can, it's you.” He draped an arm over her shoulders and said, “I'm starving. What shall we have to eat this time?”

  “I really fancy chicken, can we get it to take away though? I'm tired again. I don't think I'm that much better.”

  “I'll take you home first.”

  He came back with enough food for five people.

  “That was amazing! I feel sick, but it was amazing.”

  “Really? Deep fried chicken is your thing?”

  “It's the gravy. We don't have one where I grew up so it's a treat.” She was sprawled on the sofa, too full to move. “What now?”

  “You look like you need to sleep that off! Film?”

  “No, play that stupid game if you want. I'll watch.”

  Chapter 27

  He must have carried me up. I need to stop randomly falling asleep!

  He was asleep next to her, arm around her waist as usual.

  I'm really going to miss him.

  Carefully, she turned over and checked the phone.

  Three am? I've slept over twelve hours. I'll be going home soon.

  “Morning. Big day today, you ready?” he mumbled, still half asleep. He didn't open his eyes.

  “Yeah. I can't wait.” Excitement fluttered in her stomach. “What time are we leaving?”

  “When you're ready,” he shrugged.

  Springing from the bed she rushed for the bathroom. “I'll have a quick shower.”

  He stretched and swung out of bed. “I'll be downstairs,” he said with a yawn.

  Checking herself in the mirror she sighed. Her eyes were still black beneath, her lip still had an angry red split but the swelling had gone down.

  Get back, spend the day with the kids. Spend the evening explaining. Don't mention the fire.

  For the first time her body didn't ache all over. Her ribs were still painful if she coughed but that wasn't often now her chest had cleared up. Dane had fixed her.

  I'd completely misjudged him.

  She washed her hair with his coconut shampoo and quickly dried and dressed. Throwing what few things she had in a bag, she tossed them on the bed and picked up the phone. She tapped out a quick message to let Callan know she was going home and skipped down the stairs.

  Dane had a slice of toast and mug of tea waiting when she arrived in the kitchen.

  “You've picked up. Get this down you and we'll be able to get there for five.” He drained his mug and put it in the sink. “Have you sorted your things?”

  “You mean a pair of pyjamas and a toothbrush?” she laughed. “Thank you, for getting me those. And the phone. I've left that by the bed.”

  “That's yours. You need to be able to text me for a rant when the wedding planning gets too much.” he smirked.

  “Don't. I'd rather just disappear and come back married.”

  “I thought all girls wanted the whole princess thing?” he asked, raising a brow.

  “Nope. Me, him, a couple of friends. Done. I don't want the attention. I don't like frills, dresses, or tiaras. It's just not me,” she said, shaking her head.

  “You've picked the wrong family,” he laughed. “I'll go and get your stuff.”

  She couldn't finish her breakfast. She was too excited.

  “Okay, we ready?” Dane asked, taking her hand.

  “Yep!” She grinned up at him and said, “Thank you, Dane. You've been amazing.”

  He leant down a brushed a gentle kiss on her split lip and murmured, “I know.” His silver eyes shone as he smirked and ported them out.

  It was pitch dark outside Callan's house. They stood on the doorstep and she tapped lightly on the glass.

  “Why are you knocking? You live here,” Dane whispered.

  “I don't know,” she whispered back with a nervous giggle.

  The light came on in the hall and he opened the door. Before he could react to Dane being there, Charlotte threw herself at him.

  “I've missed you so much,” she murmured into his neck as he lifted her and carried her into the lounge. Dane stayed where he was.

  “I've been so worried,” he said between gentle kisses. Putting her down he pulled away, his eyes searching hers. “Where have you been?”

  “With Dane. He tracked him down. Found me. Where is he?” She looked past him, confused.

  “I'm here, was giving you a minute,” he said quietly, entering the lounge. He stood in awkward silence, with his hands in his pockets, by the door.

  Callan bristled. “You kept her for over a week,” he growled.

  “He had to, Callan, I was really unwell. What he did. What he…” A lump formed and she couldn't speak.

  Dane cut in, “When I got to her she had less than an hour left in her, Callan. She was dying. She was physically burnt out from what he did. I needed time to put that right. I'm sorry.”

  Callan's shoulders sagged. “What did he do? What did he want?” He ran a hand through his hair and sat on the arm of the sofa.

  Charlotte shot a nervous glance to Dane.

  “Whatever he was after he didn't get it.” Dane relaxed and crossed to the fireplace, then said, “He'd kept her in a filthy little house, tortured her with shadow-fire and beat the shit out of her. He broke a couple of ribs, she developed a chest infection and, well you saw her face. That was with a fair few days healing.” Shrugging he looked to her. “She was dehydrated, hadn't eaten properly for
at least a week and needed some time before she came home to you and her kids.”

  She knew he had a mask firmly in place. She knew how it had really affected him.

  “Dane's been great. Really, he's looked after me so well,” she said, smiling at him across the room. “I'm so sorry, Callan. I didn't know that was going to happen. I didn't know who he was.” Tears pricked her eyes as she tried to apologise for what he'd been through.

  Callan tried to speak but Dane interrupted, “I have somewhere to be. Since someone decided to get me up at three am out of excitement, I have a head start on my day.” Half smiling, he crossed the room to her.

  Charlotte stood and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you, Dane, for everything.”

  He kissed the top of her head and murmured, “I'll be back in a few days, to check on you.”

  Callan stayed silent until Dane released her and walked out of the room. She heard murmured conversation at the front door before it closed.

  She pulled her feet up beneath her as she curled on the sofa, waiting for Callan.

  I'm going to have to explain it. He's going to want the full story, deserves it.

  “Do you need anything?” Callan asked as he came back into the room.

  “No. Just you,” she smiled, patting the seat beside her.

  He knelt on the floor before her, his eyes scanning her face. “I'm sorry, I should have…”

  “Don't. You couldn't have found me. Dane only did by chance, Callan. I'm sorry, it was my fault. This is all my fault.” Crying, again, she buried her face in her hands.

  “Come on, before Enya and Zander get up,” he said and gently carried her to their bedroom and sat her on the bed.

  “How have they been?” she asked quietly.

  “Okay. They've missed you, there have been a lot of awkward questions. They know you were, unwell, and that you're coming home. We've just kept them busy between us.”

  She looked around the bedroom, her bedroom.

  Finally, home.

  “And you?”

  He didn't answer.

  “Callan. I'm sorry.” She closed her eyes to stop the tears.

  “I got you something, before you, well I got it for when you came home. You're home now.”

  He was holding a small black velvet bag. “If you still want to.”

  “You know I do,” she sniffed.

  He opened the bag and slid the ring onto her finger. Through bleary eyes she looked at the glinting stones. “It's perfect,” she whispered. The oval topaz was the shade of his eyes, surrounded by tiny diamonds, exactly what she would have chosen for herself. “Thank you.”

  His kiss was so gentle, as if he were afraid she would break, that the tears she was fighting to hold back fell. “I love you so much, I thought I was never coming home,” she murmured against his lips.

  “So, did I,” he said quietly, his voice rough.

  “I'm going to go and see them,” she said eventually. He nodded and wiped her tears.

  Standing by the door she watched them sleep. Their perfect little faces untroubled and relaxed, mops of copper hair tousled on their pillows.

  Thank god, they weren't with me.

  Zander woke first. He dove from his bed in silence and wrapped himself around her. “I'm back, baby, it's okay,” she whispered as she cradled him.

  “Where did you go Mama?” he said, his wide eyes searching hers.

  “I just got a bit poorly and had to stay away for a few weeks, that's all. I'm all better now.”

  Enya heard them whispering and shot from her bed in tears. “Mummy we thought you were gone!” she cried.

  “I'm here. I'm home.” Gripping them in a tight hug and said, “I'll never leave you again!”

  Enya looked past her, “Daddy, what's for breakfast?”

  “Can we have pancakes?” Zander asked pulling out of the hug.

  And as quickly as that it's forgotten. Kids are amazing!

  “Yep, I'll make a start!” He looked to Charlotte, brows raised, and asked, “Hungry?”

  “I'll try some,” she smiled.

  They spent the day at home. The children couldn't wait to show her their new swing and climbing frame in the garden and spent a lot of their time out playing on them.

  “That's probably the biggest set I've seen in a garden in my life!” she laughed, watching them play.

  “They needed the distraction. We stayed here a few nights, then they'd stay with Alayna or Ma while I helped with the search.”

  “I'm sorry I didn't contact you sooner. I was really unwell and…” She fiddled with her engagement ring.

  “You're here now. You're home safe, thanks to Dane.” He came closer but didn't make contact.

  “You aren't angry at him?” she asked. Closing the gap, she leaned into him.

  “No. I was, but he saved your life. I owe him everything.”

  “Callan, I won't break. I'm fine,” she smiled up at him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  “No, I know, I just don't want to…” He sighed, wrapping her in his arms, “I know.”

  An afternoon of films, lounged on the sofa made her so tired but she fought it. After dinner, the children went to their room to play on their tablets.

  “Do you want me to cancel their training tomorrow?” Callan asked as he brought her a mug of tea.

  “No, I'll come and watch. I've missed so much and it's important they don't miss too many sessions. We need to get back to normal.” She sipped her tea and thought of her own power. Callan had gone back into the kitchen.

  How is he going to react?

  She picked up her new phone to see a message from Dane.

  I'm bored and out of doughnuts.

  So, get more doughnuts! You can never have too many doughnuts.

  I'll be at the cairn tomorrow for training. We need to talk to Callan.

  Tomorrow?

  Yep. Needs to be done. Have the kids collected, they don't need to know yet.

  Fine. Tomorrow. Thank you again xxx

  “I just had a message from Dane, he's coming to the cairn tomorrow too,” she called into the kitchen.

  “What for?”

  “He's interested in Zander and Enya's progress I think,” she said, more quietly.

  It isn't a complete lie.

  Callan came back with biscuits on a side plate. Taking one she added, “And I think he wants to speak to you about what happened.”

  He nodded. “Would you like me to run you a bath once Zander and Enya are asleep?”

  “With that lovely oil?” she asked, grinning.

  After three stories, countless cuddles and promises that she would be there in the morning when they woke up, they were finally asleep.

  “I've slept every afternoon until today, I'm absolutely shattered,” she groaned as she flopped onto their bed.

  “I've run your bath, with oil as requested. I got you some new nightwear yesterday. Do you need anything else?” He lay beside her, his hand propping his head.

  She shook her head, and laughed softly, “There's plenty but it isn't the week.”

  “Did you get to a shop okay?”

  “I sent Dane. He didn't even flinch. Honestly, it's been like staying with a big brother. I had him all wrong,” she laughed.

  “Oh. Well, cuddle and sleep it is.”

  Once she was in the water she called Callan through.

  “What's wrong?”

  “I don't want to be on my own,” she shrugged.

  He brought her nightwear with him and sat by the bath quietly while she soaked.

  “Can you pass me a towel?” she asked, standing.

  He brought one of the fluffy sheets from the chest and held it open for her to step into. His eyes settled on the remaining mottled bruising along her ribs and his face set with anger.

  “Callan.” She wrapped the towel around herself and stepped back. “I'm fine.”

  “I know,” he flashed his beautiful smile. “I'll give you a minute”


  When he left the room, she took a deep breath.

  The sooner this heals the better.

  Once she had dressed she took her hair brush and sat on the bed. “I know it looks bad but it's almost healed up now. Is there a GP surgery I can register at soon? I need to see someone.”

  Callan looked confused.

  “The pill,” she explained.

  “Oh, right. It's Aoife. Call her in the morning.”

  What? My GP is Aoife?

  Callan quickly showered and joined her in bed. “Do you need anything else?”

  “No, no I'm fine now.” She shuffled closer to him, settling her head on his arm. “Everything's fine now.”

  “Charlotte. About the wedding…”

  “What about it?” She'd been dreading this conversation.

  “I don't want to wait. After the last three weeks, I want to marry you as soon as possible.”

  “Okay. That's perfect for me. How soon?”

  “Two weeks. Let you recover. Quiet, just family, close friends.”

  Relief flooded her. She pulled back to look at him. “That sounds perfect. Thank you.”

  “Whatever you want. Anything. I just want you to be happy, need you here. The rest doesn't matter to me.”

  Chapter 28

  There was an elbow in her back.

  That is definitely an elbow.

  Turning over, carefully, she was met with a face full of copper curls.

  Enya.

  Pushing up on an elbow she could see Zander at the far side of the bed. Callan wasn't there.

  frowning, she picked up her phone from the bedside. 6.30am. She tapped out a message.

  I'm really nervous.

  There's nothing to be nervous about. It's part of who you are. He's going to be fine with it.

  I've hidden it from him!

  And you're telling him today so calm down. I'm going to be there with you.

  I know. Thank you. But I'm so scared he's going to be upset.

  He's a big boy, Lottie. He'd do anything for you. He's going to be okay with it.

  You'll definitely be there?

  I promise. 9am. I'll spend some time with the kids, see how they're coming on then when Ally takes them for lunch we can talk to Callan.

  Okay. I couldn't do this without you.