I have a wonderful, glorious feeling it’s going to be a long day.
Or is it night?
I have lost track of time completely.
Vestige of a Seminal Flower
Time seems to loop around episodes of sleep and erotic interludes. I don’t know where one side of me starts or the other ends, and frankly I don’t care. The only thing that matters is that Justice and I are together. His hands are free to touch me without worry, and my body is free to let him without fear.
A knock at the door alerts me out of a dreamy sleep, but Justice answers it before I can even lift my head off the pillow. A secret part of me hopes its breakfast, but by the looks of it, I have no such luck.
Standing in the doorway in only boxer briefs, Justice’s face twists from ethereal and serene to disdainful and defensive.
“Who is it?” I ask, but he doesn’t answer me. He just glares smugly, and then speaks abruptly, “You had it wrong, it’s you she doesn’t want anything to do with, and if I catch you around her again I will fucking drown you in a pool of hot metal!” Then he slams the door.
“Justice!” I immediately bounce off the bed clutching the sheet, unintentionally fashioning myself in a golden gown. I shimmy to the door and swiftly open it to find no one there. Siberian is gone.
“Did you have to be so mean?” I ask flabbergasted.
“Of course I did!” Justice gapes. “You are aware he wants to hold you captive in Candyland for the rest of your life, right?”
“Yes,” I say with emphasis. “I’m fully aware of his intentions, but he’s never acted on them, so I have no reason to be disrespectful.”
“Well I have plenty of reasons,” he folds his arms with a dangerous glare. “And besides, when it comes to you, I’ll be mean, disrespectful, malicious, vicious, wicked, or murderous if I have to. Siberian should consider himself lucky that he got away with all his limbs intact.”
Whoa. That’s so…hot.
“What about sweet, tender and heroic?” I ask, as I trickle my finger down the center of his chest, tracing the cuts and curves of his body.
“I can be all those things too,” he says, pulling me close to him.
I run my hands through his wild, dark hair as he gazes down at me with piercing blue eyes.
“Can you give me everything I want, and more?” I sigh seductively.
“Of course,” he skims my neck with his teeth, his muscles tensing around me. “Anything you want.”
“Anything?” I glance up at him with a sly smile. He nods, aroused.
I draw my mouth to his ear and moan. “Good, cause I’m craving room service.”
***
I wake up to Justice nudging me. “Liv, it’s time.” “Time for what?” I rumble around the bed.
“The Seminal Flower. It’s blooming.”
I pop my head up, shaking off sleep, and then jump off the mattress.
My hair is still damp from an earlier shower, and my skin smells of white amber and water lily. I throw on some jeans and a casual top, right before Justice hands me a purple robe.
“What’s this for?” I ask appalled. I hate wearing purple. “Ceremonial garb,” he tells me as he pulls the hood over his
head.
I look out the window to see a migration of pixies clad in purple heading for the temple of Saint Nikolas; each holding a flickering candle under the onset of twilight.
“Why does it have to be purple?” I mutter. “What’s wrong with purple?” Justice asks.
“I don’t know,” I say scathingly. “It only makes my eyes look scary.”
“No one will notice,” he says passively. “Your eye color isn’t that unusual here.” Justice smiles and gives me a reassuring kiss. I think his statement is only partially true. My thoughts wander back to
yesterday, to the art gallery and Evangeline. Siberian saw the
resemblance, and I wonder if anyone else did, too; if anyone else speculates I’m a Vis Vires?
“Do you think it’s safe for me to go out there?” I wonder aloud, as I watch the cloaked groups moving along the street.
“Probably not,” Justice divulges, adjusting his belt. “Your confidence is so encouraging.”
He smirks. “Don’t worry, if anything happens I can just fly you out of there.”
“Now I’m really scared.” I glance between him and the window.
Justice drapes one arm around me after he finishes smoothing his shirt. “We could always stay in, and figure out another way to occupy ourselves,” he says with an insinuating look.
I shake my head at him. Insatiable.
“I sort of want to see what all the fuss is about.” “Then we’ll go. Tempt fate, see what happens.”
I bite my fingernail deliberating what’s worse, facing the Darklings or being burned alive.
“Stop worrying,” Justice pulls my finger away from my mouth. “I’m here, the others will be there, and you thoroughly unleashed your bad ass side. Everything should be fine.”
I put my finger back in my mouth, I’m not so sure I want to venture back to my bad ass side. I remember the pull of the darkness and the seductive draw it had on me. On some level, I’m
still questioning my true nature.
Justice runs his thumb under my jaw. “What is going on in that head of yours?”
“Way too many things,” I say distracted.
“Everything is going to be fine,” he reiterates. “After the flower blooms the Darklings will be gone, and we can go home.”
“Will I have anything to worry about when we get there?” I insinuate.
“I’m sure you will, but it won’t have anything to do with me.” He understands my implication. “You won’t be able to get rid of me even if you try.”
I breathe a silent sigh of relief. I guess, deep down I’m still a little apprehensive he’ll bolt on me again.
He throws the purple cape around my shoulders and ties the string around my neck.
“I love the color of your eyes, by the way,” he gives me a quick peck on the lips. “You shouldn’t feel self-conscious about them.”
“Oh I’m not,” I clarify. “I just don’t like going out of my way to accentuate them.”
We trail hand in hand down the long red hallway towards the never-ending flight of stairs. Justice walks onto the steps and presses a gold button on the railing that I never even noticed was there.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“Calling for the elevator,” he says simply.
Elevator!
I gawk as a cylindrical structure with glass walls and golden doors glides weightlessly down to us.
How did I not know about this!?
“Come on slow poke! Or you’ll have to climb,” Justice says, as the doors magically slide open and he yanks me inside.
In the elevator, Justice slips me into his arms, my back to his front. It seems neither of us can stand to be physically separated for too long. I wrap my hands around his forearms and rest comfortably against his chest as we make the long plunge to the ground floor.
Cuddling together, we make our way out the grand doors of the White Tulip and onto the cobblestone street that begins our trek towards the forest, following the trail the carriages usually take. I’m once again swept away by the haunting splendor of Century city and the majestic beauty of Devonshire itself; the vivacious autumn color of the trees, the vibrant greens of the grass and the silvery purple of the sky. And as we get deeper into forest, the candles create a festival of lights that radiate all throughout the woods. We are soon joined by Derrin and Melenia, Jocelyn and AJ, and Aayden and Jayden, all clad in purple cloaks; even Danika is dressed in her own child-sized attire.
I clutch onto Justice as once again the energy of the forest
invades me. Tiny beads of sweat mar my forehead as I fight for
control of my own mind. The vigor seems extra vivacious tonight.
“Are you alright?” Justice whispers, gripping me tighter. “Yes, ju
st keep walking, I’ll be fine.” I hope.
We finally make it to the temple, and not a moment too soon.
Guards are stationed all around as we pass through the illustrious gardens and up to the church’s grand entry. The inside of the structure is just as magnificent and breathtaking as the outside. The entire interior is overtaken with nature. The ceiling is vaulted with light-colored stained glass fashioned out of pinks, purples and greens, all arranged in that same intricate pattern as the headboard in my room, the entrance of the White Tulip and doors in Keelin Castle. Now I understand why that pattern is so significant.
The walls are covered with climbing moss and the floor is a vibrant lawn of garden artistry. The center of the temple holds a magnificent two tiered pond, where a gentle waterfall spills from one pool to the other. Following Melenia, Justice leads me to the front of the congregation for a bird’s eye view. I stand anxiously between them. Melenia’s sharp hazel eyes are wide with excitement, contradicting the calm I feel inside her. In fact, the energy of the entire crowd is swept over with an all-embracing concord of religious adoration, devotion and respect.
Between the last remnants of daylight and the inauguration of nightfall, the ceremony begins. The candles are blown out, and for one split second everything is dark.
Then the light comes.
Each tier illuminates in an almost melodic way, as a visual symphony of color erupts around us. The living orchestra projects notes and rhythms of some inexplicable melody; a sound I can only describe as intense classical music. It’s a masterful sight that leaves the entire room in awe. When the pools are finished performing, it once again goes dark.
I squeeze Justice’s hand as we wait, cloaked in darkness, silent and delayed.
The pond at our feet finally starts to glow with a warm, pink hue. And then, the Seminal flower slowly rises. A blushing pink bulb that levitates right out of the water’s surface, it is striking, frail and delightful; and as if time has pressed fast forward, the perennial begins its delicate transformation from bud to bloom. Right before us, it peels from sepal to petal, to stamen to style.
The flower itself is large and showy, with spectrums of color running outwards from the center to its tips. Every pixie eye is alight, drinking in the spectacle unfolding before them. When the Seminal flower reaches its full bloom, it rotates freely through the air. I marvel at the extraterrestrial sight. Then after several revolutions, it stops. Its petals begin dropping away, and then,
abruptly, when the last has fallen, it combusts into an umbrella of
colored orbs that float weightlessly, twinkling down to the peaceful pond.
There is a moment of silence, then all the candles are re-lit right before our eyes, shrouding the temple in a soft, whitish glow.
Utterly. Amazing.
As we leave through the huddled mass, I look up just before reaching the exit. A magnificent throne is perched above the crowd. Upon it sits a regal being, small like Melenia but with long black hair and fair skin. A crown of vines and jewels sits upon her head. It is the first good look I’ve gotten at the pixie queen. She nods at Justice, with a dark brooding stare, a pang of jealously vibrates through me.
They have a past. We have no future.
I squeeze his hand and he immediately looks down at me. I give him a shy smile, knowing he can feel my green-eyed emotion.
That’s what happens when we touch; a constant stream of energy flows between us.
Siberian is sitting beside the queen, his expression impassive, but his eyes are radiating something I can’t quiet interpret. It scares me, and I quickly glance away from him and back to the queen. Her stare is just as cold and brutal.
Scary.
Justice returns their foreboding stares, then squeezes my hand with reassuring pressure, feeling my unrest; our faces getting lost in the darkness as we leave St. Nikolas’ temple.
We are once again joined by the others as we walk through the forest, and I find myself craftily surrounded by a defensive partition of supernatural muscle. I believe this is Justice’s way of covertly protecting me without trying to alarm me.
It doesn’t work.
I can feel everything, the forest’s essence, the creatures that live within it, the Darkling’s residual call, the unvoiced threat of the pixie queen and the perilous wants of her brother.
At least I can go home now.
It has been a long week, no month, sorry, year and I think I just need a restful night’s sleep.
I wrap my arms around Justice’s waist as we trek. Hugging me tightly, he uses our psychic bond to communicate with me.
I may need to withdraw my last statement. I don’t think a restful night’s sleep is in my immediate future.
I can totally live with that.
“What did you think of the bloom, Liv?” Melenia asks. “Fantastical,” I answer quickly, grateful for the conversation. “What’s even more fantastical is its meaning,” AJ chimes in. “Meaning?” I ask.
I can’t see Melenia’s face, but I can feel her admiration.
“It’s symbolic,” she says simply. “It’s a reminder that no matter how long you live, there is always a chance for a new beginning.”
The answer hits home.
“That’s a good thing to remember,” AJ comments, and I know the simplicity of his words hold so much more meaning for the two of us.
“We think so,” she says, so tranquil and calm. I have never felt her more at peace.
“You’re my new beginning,” Justice whispers to me in the darkness, causing my mind, body and soul to flare.
“You’re mine too.”
I am ridiculously love struck.
AJ glances over at me, and for a short moment our eyes meet; his smoldering softly in the darkness. For the first time, he glows inwardly with happiness and light; instead of bitter darkness and despair. It fills me with joy; contented in the fact that I was able to help him move on. This one moment makes twenty years of suffering all worth it.
Justice tugs on my hand as if to ask what I’m so cheerful about. I stop walking, stand on my tip toes, and gently kiss him.
“You changed my life,” I tell him gratefully. “And now I can help change others.”
He runs his finger along my hairline. “At least I’ve done one
thing right.”
“You do a lot of things right,” I whisper.
***
Back in my hotel room, I am content, warm and lovingly sated as Justice and I stare out over Century city. The back of my head is resting against his chest, his arms draped in front of me. It is a perfect moment. It has been a nearly perfect day.
“Will you promise me something?” I ask as we admire the lights of the town.
“Anything.”
“When this is over, you’ll let me go, and move on.” His arms stiffen.
“Why are you always worrying about the end?” He glances down at me with his eyebrows pulled together. “Can’t you just enjoy the now?”
“I am enjoying the now, it’s just that I know the possibilities of the aftermath.”
“Liv, I love you, fully aware of the consequences. I’m not scared of the aftermath and I’m stronger than you think.”
“I don’t doubt you’re strong,” I retort.
It’s just emotions can overpower even strongest of us all. I know that unquestionably. It has brought down gods and kings, and Cullens and Greys.
“Please don’t waste the time we have worrying about what’s out of our control,” he implores. “Be here with me, now.”
How can I not worry, when he himself told me not so long ago that love is a scarce commodity in his immortal life, and that’s why it’s held onto so tightly? I know the full weight of that grip. I felt it. AJ needed magical measures to move on; it’s almost like a soul sickness.
Who will take away Justice’s pain?
You will, that sinister little voice echoes in my head. My heart drops into my stomach.
“I can do that,�
� I concede. “But please promise me you’ll remember there’s always a new beginning.”
He sighs and rolls his eyes. “I promise.”
It doesn’t really matter what he promises or what I vow, there will always be the soft tick of the clock in the background, the clock that reminds us time is running out. That I have an expiration date and Justice will live forever.
It’s a reality I must accept.
Justice turns me around to face him, then kisses me ardently on the lips, purposely pulling me away from my troublesome thoughts; he knows just how to distract me. My senses light up, and without any control I snake my arms around his neck. Indecent desires run rampant between us, taking total control of our bodies. I suddenly find myself wrapping my legs around his
waist as he pulls me off the floor. Hot, passionate energy flows
between us, as our worlds crash together; the sensation is almost too much to contain. As I pour out all the desire, love and devotion I have, Justice reciprocates. Twisting my limbs, and my emotions, he forces me to surrender all my worries and all my fears; evaporating them as he touches me.
My mind goes blissfully blank as I lose myself in him. My salvation, my angel, my immortal.
Suspended Animation
We travel through Century city in a horse-drawn carriage, bumping and shifting over the cobblestone street. I stare distractedly out the window, planted on Justice’s lap. His arms are wrapped around me, my body resting lazily against his. Derrin and Melenia are sitting across from us, Melenia also on Derrin’s lap. Jocelyn is sitting beside me and Justice, AJ across from her bouncing a happy Danika on his knee. I can’t help but smile at the sight. In the darkness of tragedy, there is light.
Gravitational Pull (Vis Vires, book 2) (Vis Vires trilogy) Page 17