Kaleb stood strong and didn’t shed a tear. I on the other hand was completely hysterical. Garrison was my protector. He wasn’t supposed to be gone. I needed him. I managed to walk over to Kaleb, who remained as hard as stone. I wrapped my arms around his large frame, leaving wet marks on his shirt as I cried. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe this.”
Kaleb never made a sound. He simply placed his arms around me and held me close. I felt the pain he was in even though he never said the words aloud. Feeling all eyes on us, I broke out of the embrace and led him into another room where he’d be able to grieve the loss of his brother in peace. We entered the other room and I closed the door. I sat him down in a chair and looked into his strong eyes. My heart broke seeing all the pain they held.
“Kaleb,” I explained softly. “It’s okay. He was your brother.”
He started to cry. It was distressing watching him. I’d thought of these two as invincible; after all they were my protectors. Why couldn’t I protect them from this? I hugged him tightly as he mourned the loss of his brother.
Jayce came into the room a while later and walked over to where we sat. “I’m so sorry. I really can’t believe this happened. I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s okay,” Kaleb said.
I rubbed his broad shoulders to comfort him.
Kaleb spoke proudly, “He died protecting because it’s what we do. We knew the risks involved and yet we still made the choice to face it head on.” He paused for a minute. “My brother will always be remembered as a protector. He never gave up. A protector, forever.” He was done being vulnerable and turned back into stone right before our eyes.
All I could do was support him. “I agree. Protector forever. He’ll always be known as my protector.”
Jayce relaxed his pose as he came a bit closer to us. “Meriel’s back now. She’s in really rough shape. It’s a miracle Kael got her back here in one piece. She’s pretty weak.”
Kaleb and I looked at each other, wiped away our tears, and got up so we could head into the front room with Jayce and check in on our friend. Everyone crowded around Meriel. She was conscious and asking for Kaleb. Kaleb and I squeezed our way through the crowd to get near her.
“I’m sorry Kaleb. Garrison was protecting me,” she gasped as she tried to breathe properly. “Lakylee attacked when she saw the others come. The guys moved in for the attack because they didn’t realize she was only talking. She panicked seeing them closing in. Kael fought with her, but she threw him back. He flew so far and couldn’t get over to us in time.”
I looked at Kael, who held her hand, blood covering his clothes. Was it hers? Maybe it was Garrison’s? I felt sick to my stomach and couldn’t swallow down the lump rising in my throat. I couldn’t stand the sight of him like this, so I focused back on Meriel.
She had tears in her eyes. “Garrison was helping me, but she came from behind. She was strong, angry, he couldn’t fight her off.” Her voice grew quiet. The severity of her weakness was evident as she spoke. Blood covered her shredded clothes. Lakylee had gone unhinged, clawing a good portion of her. Poor Meriel was in pretty bad shape.
“Don’t worry, Shanntal. I’ll heal, I just need time.” She smiled weakly and closed her eyes.
Aiden, Makan and Terran began pushing everyone out of the room to give Meriel some space. “She needs to rest,” Terran said.
I nodded and tightly held onto Kaleb’s arm as we made our retreat out of the room. Jayce was the last one out. I overheard Terran speaking with him before he got through the doorway. “Please, you will need to keep guard tonight. We must keep her safe. She’s too weak to fight.”
Kaleb also overheard and looked back nodding. He wanted to show Terran that he was ready. He unclenched my arm and went into the group to find Kael. The two spoke as they stood by the big window and stared into the dark night, waiting to see what would happen next.
Decisions
~ Chapter Eight ~
The night felt as though it would go on forever. Kael and Kaleb never strayed an inch from the window, not even for a second. They were on guard and nothing was coming past them tonight.
I let out a yawn, quickly followed by another. I felt bad being tired after everything that had happened earlier in the evening, but it was getting quite late. I got up off the couch, walked over to Kaleb and gave him a hug. “Night Kaleb.”
He returned the hug and gave me a nod. He didn’t have to say anything. I knew he was still in pain.
I made my way towards the stairs, Jayce following my lead as I retreated up to his bedroom. I laid my head down on the pillow. I was so tired, yet I couldn’t fall asleep. So many thoughts went through my mind. Jayce played with my hair and grazed his fingers along my skin to try to help soothe me. I rolled over, the room was dark; all I could see was the outline of his face. I felt along his jaw-line until I found his lips and ran my fingers over them.
He moved closer, propping himself up as his body pressed gently against mine. He traced along my shoulders and down my arm with his fingertips. I squeezed in closer, enjoying the shocks from his touch. He continued teasing until I couldn’t stand it.
“Jayce, please.”
He obliged, pressing his lips down intensely. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him on top of me. I could get lost in him. This is the life I wanted to live. Kissing him, tasting the sweet sting of our electrifying passion. I longed for it. I needed it.
A light knock came upon the door, yet another interruption. I moaned in protest as he got up to open the door. It was Makan. The hallway was quite dark, but I could see him clearly.
“Meriel is really weak, however, her condition does seem to be improving. Also, I checked in earlier with Kaleb and Kael and they said tonight’s covered. So, there’s no watch for anyone else tonight.”
Jayce nodded in agreement. “Sounds good. Good night.” He started closing the door but paused. “Makan, let me know if there’s any change with Meriel, okay?”
“Will do. Good night, Shanntal,” Makan said, before retreating back downstairs.
Jayce closed the door and came back to bed. He wrapped his arms around me and we both drifted off.
I saw Garrison, only to watch in horror as Lakylee attacked. It felt like I was there, hiding in the trees, seeing it all unfold. She came up without any warning while he was bent over helping Meriel and pounced on him. He swung trying to fight her off, but lost his balance from the unexpected blow. Lakylee seemed so enraged and out of control. In her fit of anger, she clawed savagely at his throat. Then without warning, she turned and disappeared back into the night. The way she attacked, he never stood a chance of properly defending himself. I continued watching as he lay still on the floor of the forest bleeding to death.
The atmosphere changed. Now, I stood down on the beach. Garrison was in front of me and unharmed. He looked perfect, just as he always did. I smiled as he thanked me over and over for giving him such a fulfilling life. He finished his thanks by telling me he’d always be in my debt.
I asked what he meant. How was it so fulfilling? What had I done that was so special? He never got the chance to answer my questions because a bright flash lit up the area where he stood. I looked around. I couldn’t see him anymore. Garrison was gone along with the light.
I was alone on the beach when I heard my name being chanted over the blowing wind. I looked in the direction the sounds were coming from just as a dense fog rolled in, covering everything. My blood began to run cold. I knew he was near. I tried to make my escape, but my body didn’t co-operate. I froze.
I saw him clearly. I wanted to get away, but something pulled me in closer. When I was within his reach, he touched my neck and began sensually running his icy fingers over my throat. As much as I wanted to escape, I was no match against him. He effortlessly tilted my head to the side. I fought to straighten it, but it wouldn’t move. I watched helplessly as he leaned in closer, his cold lips and breath trickling along my neck. A moment later he bit dow
n. I felt the painful burning as he spilled his venom and drank my blood.
“No Daray, please don’t!” I yelled at the top of my lungs. My voice started loud only to become weaker the more I fought. It was no use. I went cold and limp as he sucked my life away.
Jayce had woken up from his sleep when I yelled out. He connected to me and saw what was happening when I said those words. He squeezed his eyes shut placing himself into a trance-like state. A moment later, he gently entered my dream.
I saw Jayce out of the corner of my eye. He started to dim as everything around me went dark. A new kind of peacefulness took over. Was this what death felt like? It wasn’t so bad. The darkness liked me. It wanted me. Daray had almost drained my blood. It was just about over.
Jayce walked over to us and grabbed my hand. His touch warmed my cold burning skin. I felt so weak and couldn’t manage to pull myself away. Luckily, he was strong enough to break the hold Daray had. I fell into Jayce’s arms and he carried me away. Daray shouted and hissed as Jayce led me down the beach away from him. He never followed, which surprised me, nor did he put up the fight I’d expected.
Jayce spoke calmly as he continued luring me away. “You’re okay, Shanntal. Everything’s going to be all right. You are going to wake up.” With a gentle nudge, I opened my eyes.
I gasped out, choking for breath, feeling like I’d just awoken from the dead. My skin felt cold and my neck hurt badly. It was as though everything I’d dreamt had really happened. I jumped out of bed and ran into the washroom in Jayce’s bedroom. I flicked on the light, only to freak out when I saw my reflection in the mirror. There was no way. No way! My neck had two red marks, like I’d really been bitten.
I raced back into the bedroom. “What’s this?” I lifted my hair to show him my neck. “How’s this even possible? How did you know and how did you save me?”
“I connected. Daray is getting more powerful and he wants you. I don’t think he’s going to stop until he succeeds. Don’t worry, this is his method now because he knows he can’t get closer due to all your protection.” He grabbed onto my arm and pulled me back into bed. “It’s only dreams, he can’t really harm you. This is the worst he can do, and trust me, I’ll always come for you. I will save you.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.” He kissed my neck. His warmth soothed the cool sting of the bite mark.
Jayce fell back asleep, but I couldn’t. I really missed Garrison. I thought he would come walking through the door to let me know he was okay. Let me know it was all a horrible hoax. I lay there in bed, with Jayce’s arms wrapped around me. I waited and waited, but Garrison never came. He was gone and once again I felt my heart break into pieces.
The night dragged on and I tossed and turned for the rest of it. I found myself envious of Jayce as he slept peacefully beside me. I felt afraid to sleep. What if Daray was in my dreams again? What if Jayce didn’t get to me in time? Why did I have to lose everyone that mattered to me? I shuddered. How many more lives was mine going to cost? That was it. I couldn’t stay in bed any longer. I got up, looked back at Jayce as he lay motionless, and I let out a sigh before heading downstairs.
Kaleb and Kael were sitting on the couch, keeping watch by the big window. Kaleb was on edge and I startled him by coming into the room. “Shanntal, wow, didn’t expect to see you up so early.”
“Couldn’t sleep.” I looked out the window, just in time to see the sun break over the horizon. The sky was so beautiful, full of pinks, purples and oranges. One world entering as another was leaving and I was caught in the middle of the two. Light made me feel happy, but caused me pain. The dark comforted, but scared me at the same time.
Kael let out a stretch followed by a loud yawn. “Well Kaleb, seems how you’ve got company, I’m gonna head off. Catch some zzzs while I can.”
“Sure man,” Kaleb said, watching Kael get to his feet. “Catch you later.”
I gave Kael a little wave. I was glad he was heading to bed. I wasn’t in the best of moods and didn’t feel like talking to him. I curled up on the couch next to Kaleb and rested my head against his arm. “I really miss him, Kaleb. Do you think he went to the stars?”
“He’s in a better place. There’s no doubt in my mind.” He stared out the window.
We sat there for about an hour, just the two of us. We watched the shadows retreat as the light crawled over everything.
Kaleb broke our silence. “Did he come to you last night?”
I was confused by his question. “Did who come to me?”
“Garrison,” he said. “I heard when immortals don’t go to the stars they come back for a last visit. A final say, so to speak. He never came to me so I was wondering if perhaps you saw him.”
“Oh.” Now my dream made a bit more sense. “Yes, he did visit me last night. I dreamt of him.”
“What did he show you?” His eyes were so intense, as if they were searching through my soul to find the answers he longed for.
“He showed me the fight with Lakylee. She was so strong; they’d under-estimated her strength. Kael fought with her and she threw him back as if tossing around a football. Garrison was busy helping Meriel get back on her feet. They were making their getaway when Lakylee came from behind and savagely clawed Garrison’s throat. She was consumed with rage and he didn’t even know she was coming.”
Kaleb didn’t break his stare. “And?”
“And, then suddenly we were talking on the beach. He looked good and seemed happy. He thanked me for making his life so fulfilling. He told me he’d be forever in my debt. Kaleb, I don’t understand. What did he mean?”
“It’s simple, actually. You don’t understand how special you truly are. You’ll see in time, but he’s right, you know, he is in your debt. We all are.” He turned his head away and looked back out the window.
I never bothered to argue. Garrison’s words ran over and over in my head. I felt like everyone was speaking riddles to me. Even Kaleb was now. I sat pondering the meaning of their words, trying to interpret what they meant.
Makan came out of the room where Meriel was. From the look of him, it was easy to tell he’d been with her all night. He looked very tired.
“How’s Meriel?” I asked as he passed by.
“She’s improving. It’s been a rough night, but I think she’s through the worst of it now. She’s up if you want to go in and see her.” He motioned his head towards the room.
“Sure.” I got up and headed to the doorway. I spun around to see if Kaleb wanted to come and should’ve known better because he was on my tail, shadowing my every move. The bond between Kaleb and I had grown even stronger with the loss of Garrison.
We walked into the room. Meriel lay in the same place she’d been the last time we saw her. Her wounds were healing at a rapid rate, they all looked better. This made me both happy and mad. I was happy she was going to be okay, but mad that the same fate hadn’t come to Garrison.
Meriel looked over in our direction and smiled. From her weak smile, we knew she was still in a lot of pain. I held onto Kaleb’s hand for support as we moved in closer. It was difficult seeing her in this state. “How are you feeling?” I asked, even though the answer was obvious.
“I’m getting better. It’s coming along.” She eyed us both before continuing. “I wanted to tell you both how truly sorry I am for what happened to Garrison. I feel responsible and I’m honestly sorry.” Tears swelled in her eyes.
Kaleb let go of my hand and placed it on Meriel’s. “Garrison was doing what he knew to do. He was protecting you. He did what he needed to do in order to keep you safe. The world can survive without him, it can’t without you.”
In that moment, I understood the true meaning of his words as he said them. Garrison truly was a hero. He’d saved more than Meriel; he’d saved us all. Everyone needed water in order to survive. Without her, I couldn’t imagine what would’ve happened to any of us. My emotions and mood changed in that instant. All of my grief and sorrow was
replaced by pure pride. I was so proud of Garrison and what he did. He saved us all. We were forever in his debt.
Kaleb and I sat visiting for a while. We watched as she improved with each passing hour. She smiled as I turned to see Jayce standing in the doorway smiling back at me. The mere sight of him took my breath away. When he smiled, my heart beat faster and my knees weakened. It was a good thing I was sitting down, or I would’ve fallen over.
He walked towards Meriel, stood beside her bed and looked down as he examined her. “Meriel. Looking better, I see. That was a close one, don’t you think?” He rubbed her arm softly as he spoke.
“Yes, I’m beginning to feel much better. I’m very sorry, Jayce. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” She looked at him with pleading eyes.
Escaped the Night Page 16