I nodded in approval and we walked toward the billowed smoke in the sky.
“How about a faster method of travel?” he posed and raised his eyebrows.
I gave a timid grin at my previous sporadic successes at transporting. I held his hand and closed my eyes, focusing on the images of the town.
I opened my eyes… and frowned.
“Was worth a shot,” he shrugged.
I dropped my shoulders in failure. “Why didn’t it work? It doesn’t make sense!” I pouted.
“Maybe it’s tied to your emotions? Here, try this,” Orion reached over and pinched me hard on my arm.
“Owe!” I cried and pulled my arm away. “What was that for?”
“I thought a little pain might help the process,” he said laughing.
I grabbed his hand and closed my eyes, focusing back on the town.
Nothing.
I dropped his hand and slugged him in the arm playfully. “You didn’t actually think that would work, did you?”
He shook his head and laughed.
I reached back for his hand and we continued to walk through the forest.
Chapter 14
I awoke to the shower of rain drumming on my roof. The weather outside was dreary with a gray haze in the air, yet there was something comforting about snuggling in my warm bed on a cold November day. I thought about the people of Onasius who lost their warm beds to the fire. By the time Orion and I got back into town yesterday, everyone was working together to repair the damages. Most of the townsfolk knew Orion was somehow involved, although no one knew to what extent. Even still, they treated us with respect and kindness. There were no hidden whispers or stares among the community, like there would be here. It was apparent how respected and appreciative everyone was to each other.
I let out a yawn and crawled out of bed. My stomach was empty and swimming in distaste. Apparently the soup last night was not enough substance to hold me through the night. I shuffled into the kitchen for some toast and coffee, and then reluctantly started to get ready for class.
Sitting at the desk, I fought to keep myself from distraction. After what seemed to be endless lectures, I walked to the gym for my tennis lesson. My once satisfying hobby no longer occupied my restless mind. I shifted through the moves watching the time. My thoughts wandered to Orion and the life that was dangled in front of me, teasing and taunting me - close enough to touch with my fingertips but not close enough to embrace. I was sickened with frustration. I tried to snap out of it and focus on the tasks at hand, but my concentration kept drifting.
I knew Erebus would come for Orion again. His looming attack was inevitable; the only question was when. Anxiety gnawed at my stomach and shot waves of nausea every minute I was away from him. It wasn’t fair; we were meant to be together but were kept worlds apart.
Why was I being punished? Why was I being introduced to a life I could never have?
I stared again at my watch. The day dragged on and on. Time had frozen over like a scorpion’s paralyzing venom. I could feel every agonizing second of the day ticking forward with monotonous repetition. I wanted to quit school, but I knew I would just go stir crazy sitting at home when my mind wouldn’t let me sleep any longer. The phone rang and pulled me back to the present.
“Hello?” I droned.
“Hi honey. You must be feeling better today?”
“Hi Mom. Yeah, feeling better - but still a little tired.”
“Well, how about I come over tonight to make you dinner? I have something I want to talk with you about…” her voice trailed off.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“Yes,” she responded a little too eagerly. “Everything’s fine. I’ll be over at six.”
“Um, okay. See you tonight.”
“I love you honey,” she sang.
“Love you too Mom,” I grumbled as I hung up the phone.
I hoped she doesn’t stay over too late. I preferred to get to bed early these days.
The day continued to drag on uneventfully. Mandy invited me to lunch with a group of other girls I used to have lunch with occasionally. That is, before the dreams began. I brushed them off, a little too obviously, and ate alone. I didn’t see the point in trying to play nice in a world I didn’t belong in anymore.
Tennis lessons finally came to an end. I drove home in the rain, listening to the gentle drumming on the car. By the time I arrived home, it had lightened to a sprinkle. Instead of heading inside, I strolled into the courtyard and lifted my face to the sky. The cool water kissing my eyelids felt nice. It stirred up a yearning to be in my other world. I took in the scent of the rain and let Mother Nature bless me with her cherished creation. I watched the tiny wet crystals slide down the silken petal of a red rose and caress its delicate thorns. Before I realized it, I was smiling - the weight of this world didn’t seem so heavy, for a moment.
I ambled through the courtyard and into the house, switching my damp clothes for a pair of jeans and a sweater. I washed my face and ran a brush through my tousled wet hair. A time check said I had an hour and a half until Mom came for dinner; enough time for some tea and a book for distraction.
I stared at the pages in a daze, thinking about Orion. I wished I could see him. I thought about taking a quick nap, but was afraid that would only result in me not being able to sleep later. I heard a tapping at the door. I glanced at the clock, 5:51 P.M.; must be Mom. I crossed the living room and opened the front door.
“Hi honey,” Mom said cheerfully.
My stomach twisted into a bitter knot when I saw his leering eyes from behind her.
“What the hell is he doing here?” I muttered through clenched teeth.
Jeremy rolled his eyes and tugged at Mom’s sleeve. “I told you this was a bad idea Mom, let’s just go.”
“Great idea,” I shot back and swung the door shut.
“Wait!” Mom shouted and caught the door with her hand.
“No Mom! What were you thinking?” I yelled. “And aren’t you supposed to be in jail?” I sneered as I waved my hand at Jeremy. I was too disgusted to look at him.
“No - thanks to you Sis,” he taunted with a grin.
“What is he talking about?” I hissed at Mom.
“Okay you two, calm down! Alexis, can we please come inside for a minute?” she insisted.
I hesitated.
“At least let me put the dinner in the fridge before we go,” she pled.
I sighed and stomped into the kitchen, leaving the door wide open. Mom took that as an invitation and Jeremy scampered in behind her. She put the food away in the fridge while Jeremy remained hovering in the entryway. I stood next to the breakfast bar with my lips pressed firmly together and my hands shoved aggressively on my hips.
“Explain please,” I demanded.
“Well, honey, I didn’t know how to tell you… but Jeremy was released,” she replied sheepishly.
“I can see that Mother, WHY was he released? Did you forget that he tried to strangle me?” I scoffed.
“He said that was a misunderstanding…” she began to rationalize, but quickly changed her direction when she saw the anger flash across my face, “regardless… since the witnesses failed to appear in court, the case was dismissed.”
“The witnesses?” What was she talking about? “There were no witnesses other than Mich… Oh… are you talking about Mitchell and me?!” I gasped.
Mom peered at the floor for a moment then shifted her stance and looked up at me.
“When was there a court appearance?” I attacked.
“It was a week ago,” she mumbled.
“They didn’t notify me!”
“I think they sent a notice… I saw something in the mail from the courthouse and left it on the counter for you to read a few weeks ago…” she said innocently.
“What?! You saw a letter and didn’t say anything? You know I wasn’t checking my mail then,” I scolded.
“How was I supposed to know you weren�
��t reading your mail? I just assumed you would do what any decent sister would do and not press charges.”
I let out a cry. “I cannot believe you would do this! You would betray your own daughter just to keep your precious son out of jail!” I accused.
“Now wait just a minute,” she scoffed.
“No! Don’t even try to talk your way out of this one! This is so typical of you! I want you both the leave now!” I yelled.
“Alexis please,” Mom reached for me, her eyes wet with tears.
I yanked my hand away and took several steps back, “Don’t.”
Jeremy walked over and took Mom by the hand, “Come on, Mom… give her some space.”
I turned away as walked out the door. I was so furious. How dare they! I paced angrily up and down the hall. Once again Mom ran to Jeremy’s rescue. I was so mad and I had no one to calm me to down. Usually that was Mitchell’s job…
The rain stopped momentarily. I threw on my running shoes and bolted out the door to burn off my anger. An hour later, I came back home, annoyed, but too tired and hungry to be mad. I made a sandwich, ignoring the bag of food Mom brought for me. I ate it quickly then took a long hot shower. The food and shower helped calm me some and I crawled into bed for an early night’s sleep. Once my body hit the sheets, the excitement of seeing Orion overshadowed the negative feelings from my family.
I lay in bed, staring at the shadows dance across the wall, as the wind blew the branches outside my window back and forth. I closed my eyes and snuggled deeper into bed. Relaxing my muscles, I focused on my breathing and let the darkness envelop me.
The scent in the air changed. I opened my eyes to a clearer world. My nose and throat no longer burned but the faint scent of smoke still lingered. I was standing in the forest but didn’t recognize my surroundings. I surveyed the area and spotted a quaint wood cabin fifty yards to the North. It was a modest home made of pine planks with a sea green roof. As I approached the cabin, something moved over my right shoulder. I paused, used my hand to shield the sun above and squinted for a better look. There was a man perched on the trunk of a fallen tree. His back was toward me with his knees parted. He hung his shoulders low across his solid frame. He was holding a crooked stick and digging aimlessly at the dirt.
I walked closer for a better look, remaining cautious and stealthy. Unfortunately, I was about as quiet and inconspicuous as a rhino, and instantly called attention to my presence nearly sixty feet away. He jumped to his feet and whipped around his head.
Oh no, Leyland!
I froze for a moment; my mind tangled with fear. The red flag waved in my head longer than it should have before I began to run.
“Alexis, wait!” he called out.
His voice was desperate. I slowed and turned slightly toward him. He did not pursue me. His hand was outstretched, as if to beg me to stop. His eyes were pleading. I halted with my feet firmly planted in the ground, ready to run again if warranted. He lowered his hand and took several steps forward. I shifted uneasily at his advance but remained where I was.
“That’s close enough!” I ordered.
He stopped twenty feet before me. “I’m not going to hurt you, I promise.” His stature didn’t look as threatening as before.
“Are you really… you? I mean… normal?” I asked.
“Yes, it’s me, Leyland,” he assured, and he reached out his hand in introduction.
Unsure how to respond, I cautiously walked closer, lifted my right hand and placed it in his. He gave a gently shake with his massive hand and released it. He appeared relatively harmless, but the vision of his once savage eyes was still burned into my memory and reminded me to remain attentive.
“I feel terrible for what I did to you and Orion. I betrayed my comrade and delivered him to that brute and his mule,” he cried and dropped his eyes in shame.
His face swam in guilty turmoil, yet his tongue spoke with resentment. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to tell him that it was okay; that I forgave him. But I didn’t forgive him. He nearly ripped away the most precious thing in my life. Did I have to forgive him? Why wasn’t he strong enough to resist Erebus? How did I know he wouldn’t try to hurt us again?
“Is Orion alive?” he asked eagerly.
“The last time I saw him he was,” I answered as I looked around the forest. I then realized that I had not seen Orion yet.
“Oh, thank God,” he blurted out as he placed his hand in the middle of his chest. “I don’t know what happened. I was with Orion at the campsite… I heard a noise in the bushes and the next thing I know I woke up in a cave, but something was… different… I felt a rush of… well, I don’t know how to describe it other than Hate… but not hate for Erebus. It was pure hatred of everything- of people, the land, even myself. It was a powerful feeling of anger and excitement.
“Then, Erebus ordered me to bring Orion back to him alive and without thought, I obeyed. It’s like my mind was fightin’ with the obedient ‘me’ and the other tiny piece of me who was screamin’ to resist. It’s hard to explain…”
“It’s not your fault, Erebus has that effect,” I caved and consoled him.
“He doesn’t seem to affect you or Orion,” he refuted.
“No, I suppose not. Not in the same degree at least - but I have felt a glimpse of what you describe.”
“But you’re able to withstand him. I’m no better a person that he is,” he mumbled and dropped his head.
“Leyland,” I caved in pity. I moved toward him and placed my hand on his shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up over this.”
He turned his rugged face toward me and I looked into his pain-stricken eyes. “You don’t understand,” he stammered. “I’m a killer.”
“You were defending your town,” I countered.
“No, not them…” His eyes filled with tears.
A knot hit my stomach. I didn’t want to ask, but I had no choice at this point. “You killed who?”
“It was six years ago. Raina and I had been married for almost a year… we were madly in love. She was so beautiful - tall and slender with dark skin and a big smile that would warm your heart. She was my whole life.
“I came home from helping my father at the shop one evening. Coming home to her was the highlight of my day. I walked throughout the house looking for her. When I entered the bedroom, I saw them…” he let out a soft breath of air and closed his eyes from the painful memory.
“She was sitting on the edge of the bed with her lips on another man, Clay. He was my best friend. When they saw me, Clay jumped to his feet to explain, but there was no point. I know what I saw. My wife and best friend had betrayed me. It felt like a ton of bricks fell onto my heart. Raina just sat there with her mouth open. She didn’t even try to explain. She probably knew it wouldn’t make a difference. I couldn’t stand to look at them another second. I had to get out of there.
“I turned to leave but Clay grabbed my arm. I didn’t plan on hurting him, but when he touched me - after touching my wife - I lost it. I was blinded with rage. I’m not sure how many times I hit him. Raina was screaming for me to stop. I threw Clay against the wall but he lost his balance. He fell back and knocked over Raina. I ran out of there before I did something else I would regret. I should have stopped… but I just ran, trashing whatever I could see on the way out. I ran into the forest to be alone.
“Not long later, I saw dark smoke gathering in the sky. I came back to find my house on fire. I circled the house calling her name, but there was no answer. I tried to run inside but the firemen pulled me back and held me down. I begged them to let me go, but they knew it was too late,” he said, as steady streams of tears rolled down his stubble face.
I paused, “Was… she…”
He nodded once and wiped his eyes with the back of his hands.
“Raina had something cooking in the kitchen. I can now recall the aroma that lingered when I entered the house. When I ran out, I didn’t realize I knocked a dishrag onto the burning sto
ve. Raina must have hit her head and both were probably knocked out cold when the fire began. My parents saw the flames from a few houses down and tried to get them out. Clay awoke in the commotion and crawled out. He claims that the smoke was too thick to see anything and that he didn’t know Raina hadn’t made it out.”
“Oh Leyland, I’m sorry,” I cried and put my arms around him.
“They died at my hands. My parents and my wife; my whole world was gone. It should have been me,” he cried.
“It was an accident. You didn’t mean for any of that to happen,” I whispered as I tried to comfort him.
“Regardless of the intent, their blood will forever be stained on my hands.”
His story brought back waves of guilt I had hidden away from Mitchell’s death. How could I convince him that he was not to blame, when I felt the same way? He had been living with this burden for six years; nothing I could say would ease the pain. I decided not to try, and let him cry on my shoulder.
“Don’t touch her!”
In a quick blur, Leyland was knocked out of my arms and flung across the ground. Orion swooped to the ground, pulled out a knife and held it to Leyland’s throat. His face smoldered with rage.
“Orion, No!” I yelled.
I fell to my knees by Leyland’s side and grabbed Orion’s wrist. The movement of my hand caused the knife to graze Leyland’s neck; droplets of blood oozed from the cut. Leyland seemed unaffected and lay motionless on the ground with his hand plastered to his sides. Orion looked crazed; his breathing was rapid and the muscles in his neck and shoulders bulged with anger. He locked his fiery eyes onto mine and then instantly relaxed his hand.
“He wasn’t hurting me,” I explained and loosened my grip.
Orion glared down at Leyland for affirmation.
“I’m sorry, Orion. Please forgive me,” he begged.
Orion climbed off Leyland and rose to his feet. He pulled me up beside him then extended his hand to Leyland, who graciously took a hold.
“Glad to see you’re back,” Orion said with a nod.
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