"I know she's off, okay!” he said throwing his hands in the air. “Why do you think I was imprisoned? Tell me? I promise the reasons you think aren't the truth.” Eric said more forcefully than he intended.
He walked closer to her eyes pleading, softening just a bit. "I betrayed her Avery.” he said slowly.
"I tried to overthrow her and I failed, but her feelings for me are the only thing that kept me alive. She bonded me to her in my sentencing. I felt it! She doesn't have a clue that I know, but I have all along. She wants a puppet, and as long as I have to pretend to be loyal, I will.” he said searching Avery's shock filled eyes.
"She knows I loathe her. I told her myself, but she knows that she owns me too. I can't do anything about it for now and I don't know how to get my life back! I'm working on it believe me, but you gotta trust me." he said moving closer and placing a hand on her heated cheek.
He took deep a breath and she did too. She nodded with tears escaping her bright green eyes and turned to kiss his palm. She looked at him and spoke softly. "Okay, fine, whatever you decide, whatever decisions you make, I trust you. But I won’t take you distrusting me lightly. There is no one and I mean no one on this planet that you can trust more than me. You doubt me, you doubt us and that’s bull." Avery said with every muscle in her body tensed.
Eric sighed and looked at her apologetically and leaned into her pressing her to the wall. He took control of her lips before she could react and claimed them for his own. No questions no explanations just the feeling of what they shared pulsing between them like an electric current.
Avery pulled back breathing heavily and Eric smiled at her crookedly. I trust you Ave, I will never doubt you again.” He said with conviction. Avery nodded and dazzled him with a bright smile.
"One question though. What do we do about our promise marks?” she asked sagging into his chest finally. "If she sees them she may not let us leave.” she said with her head spinning slightly. "I can't lose you again.” she whispered.
"I'll figure it out, I'm working on that too. Don't worry.” he said kissing the top of her head.
###
"I have to go soon.” Darragh said reluctantly. He'd brought Savannah up to speed and now he was out of time. "Come with me, so I can introduce you to Nia and her friends.” he told her.
She nodded glancing at the bathroom, "In a moment."
Standing slowly Savannah walked to the bathroom shakily and placed both hands on the counter after splashing water on her face. She'd never stopped going to dreamscapes but she had no need to transport. It had been a long time since she had and she forgot how sick it makes you at first and how disorienting it can be. She had come to enjoy travelling like a mortal and it helped her to blend in anyway.
Always certain Lilith had a price on her head that only few knew about she stayed off the radar as much as possible. She had to kill a hunter last year that had attacked her and she got information out of him beforehand but it was very little. Normally you can't just kill their kind but she's not normal. She can summon a soul stone, any soul stone as a matter of fact. As for getting a true name out of someone, well she has other abilities that give her access to that fairly easy. That's the main reason Lilith fears her and chooses not to take audience with her.
Savannah summoned her weapons and with a snap of her fingers had an entirely new outfit. She was dressed in her hunter blacks now. She attached her weapons and slipped on her onyx ring and they quickly faded. Concealed until she needed them. She took a deep breath, "Here goes nothing.” she said to her reflection. She just knew Avery was going to lose it when she saw her.
She opened the door, "I'm ready but whatever happens with Avery just let it be. Okay?” she said warily to Darragh.
He just smiled, "You have my word on that.” he agreed and opened the door to his room, she sighed heavily and followed him out the door. They walked across the hall and Savannah took a deep breath, Avery was not going to be necessarily happy to see her but she couldn't help that now.
###
Avery felt a twinge and went to the door almost feeling drawn there. She looked out the peephole to see Darragh and Savannah walking towards her.
"Holy crap!” she said and yanked the door open. "What the heck are you doing here?” she spat at Savannah and Darragh just came through the door nodding a hello at Eric, who was standing there wide-eyed.
"Can I come in or have your manners left you Avery?” Savannah asked sarcastically.
"Whatever." Avery said stepping aside and glaring at Darragh with arms crossed.
"I'm here to help.” Savannah told her with hands raised in mock surrender.
"Oh, really well that makes up for your abandoning me when I needed you. Thanks.” Avery huffed out.
"Avery you know I had to go. Lilith left me no choice. She knows how I feel about her and that I'm powerful enough to do something about it. Why do you think she leaves me alone? Seriously! How old are we?” she said looking around the room.
"Look we are going to leave you two to talk, we don't have long though. So make up or make peace.” Darragh said motioning for Eric to follow.
Eric nodded and kissed Avery on the cheek. "It's nice to see you Savannah.” he said to her in passing.
"Thanks we will talk later, Ri... Eric.” Savannah said almost forgetting to call him by his new name. That'd definitely take some getting used to. The guys headed out to Darragh's room to have a conversation of their own.
Savannah turned to Avery, "I really don't know what to think. Why are you really here? Boy, Darragh must have offered you top dollar.” Avery blurted.
Savannah looked her in the eyes and saw the hurt that mingled with her anger. She could push deeper into Avery's mind but she was certain that would upset her far too much. She quickly banished the thought, for now.
"Darragh summoned me to a dream and asked if I would help him. He fears someone is trying to track Nia. And if she's the one well then he's probably right. Also he wants me to train her in the elements and see how powerful she really is," she explained.
"Well I guess we could use your help, did he transport you?” she asked.
"Yes. I haven't travelled that way in a long while.” Savannah answered. She took a deep breath, "Avery please, we have time to mend this. It's what mom and dad would want right?” she said hating to bring their parents into it. Avery cringed at the mention of their parents, they had disappeared long ago, but were said to have been found two days later, deceased. No one knows what happened to them and it has never sat right with Savannah or Avery.
"I guess but you have a hell of a lot of making up to do. When Rian was taken I had no one! Do you understand that? NO ONE!” Avery said.
"I... I'm sorry Avery. I found out about that six months after it happened. I wasn't exactly up to speed on the matter.” Savannah tried to explain.
Avery scoffed clearly not buying Savannah's story.
"I couldn't go back.” she whispered.
"What?” Avery asked a bit stunned. "What do you mean you couldn't?” she asked going to stand directly in front of her older sister.
Savannah cleared her throat. "Lilith is scared of me because I possess powers very few of my generation do. There's even fewer in your generation. I confided in her when I was stupid enough to think she was my friend. Power changed her Avery, as my powers developed I could see her fear and feel her jealousy. When I looked into her mind, I knew, she tried to pretend and she plotted against me. I had to leave. She was trying to decide whether to let me live.” she said pausing to let it sink in. Avery moved back and sat on the sofa behind her feeling like reality was suffocating her. She hated Lilith but that was growing into something more with every word Savannah spoke.
"I confronted her and told her I was leaving. She said she couldn't let me leave and I told her I wouldn't let her stop me. I made the water in her glass hover then turn into a frozen stake and without touching it I held it at her neck. I let it fall because it wasn't what I wante
d. But in that moment she knew, she knew she couldn't stop me so she agreed to let me go. Telling me I could be a free Guardian and Hunter at my own discretion. She gave me a stipulation though, I had to leave right then, and she made me swear not to return. I had to give my oath.” Savannah said staring at the carpet.
"I found a way to break that though but it requires her blood. I just have to get her to come near me and her stupid stipulation will be history.” Savannah said as she sat next to Avery, who took in all of the information she had just been given, and weighed it. She had the answer that she and Eric were looking for and they had access to her but they would have to plan this out in detail.
"I sent word to you because I had no other option. I was bound by the oath not to tell of my reasons, but my abilities allow me to override that part of it now. Avery I'm sorry I never meant to leave you. I just had no choice.” Savannah explained with pleading eyes. Avery searched every part of Savannah's mind looking at her and weighing if this was true.
"Savannah I will try to forgive you. I really want to. I do love you and I am glad you're here and that you're safe. I'm happy we're together again.” Avery said with a small smile, "I really have missed you.” she added.
Savannah sighed in relief, "That's good enough for me I have truly missed you too little sister.” she said giving Avery a huge hug.
There was a light knock on the door and Savannah told Avery, "Its Darragh and Ri... I mean Eric.” she got up and opened the door, not bothering to look through the peephole.
Avery smiled at Eric and he smiled back, "Everyone ready?” Eric asked. "I'm not going with you of course and please take these.” Savannah said manifesting three thin necklaces.
"This will block your thoughts and memories of me so that Lilith remains unaware of my presence.” she explained to them. They took the thin iridescent chains and placed them around their necks gasping as they disappeared immediately.
"Let's go get you introduced to Nia and Aaron.” Avery said leading the way out the door.
###
Nia and Aaron were in their room waiting, the walk had been refreshing and calming or maybe Aaron was sending her those vibes. Either way she was ready for the meeting with Lilith and whatever would come of it. There was a light knock on the door and Aaron went and answered it. It was Avery, Eric, Darragh and a woman they hadn't seen before and Nia looked at them questioningly.
"Nia this is Savannah, she has abilities similar to your own and she can train you precisely in the elements. She can also teach you other things. She is acting on her own so Lilith can't know she's here.” Darragh quickly explained.
"She's my sister and it's a long story for another time.” Avery blurted and then sat quietly.
"Okay...” Nia said slowly. She extended her hand to Savannah and she didn't take it.
"Lesson one kiddo, you're pretty important and I wouldn't let just anyone touch me that I didn't know or trust. You don't know what abilities they may possess.” Savannah said then grabbed Nia's hand and shook it. Releasing it rather quickly.
"Thanks for the info.” Nia replied.
"I'm not going with you to see Lilith we don’t exactly see eye to eye and these are so that she doesn't know I've been in contact with you. I will answer any questions you have tomorrow.” Savannah said handing Aaron and Nia their necklaces.
"Oh, how rude! I'm sorry, this is Aaron he's my Guardian.” Nia said with her cheeks flushing pink.
"And her boyfriend.” Aaron said finishing her sentence with a smile.
"Nice to meet you. You're promised?” she asked noticing the markings circling both of their wrists.
"Yes.", Nia answered simply.
"Interesting.", she responded.
"Well do you think you would mind keeping an eye on my friends while we're gone?” Nia asked.
"Of course. Though I believe an introduction would be in order.” Savannah suggested.
"Aaron and I will take you.” Nia said. They went to Rhea's room and Nia introduced them, they needed to hurry back. It was time to go see Lilith and she left Savannah with Adam and Rhea.
Chapter 17
Aaron and Nia laid side by side on one bed and Eric and Avery on the other. Darragh laid on the couch as Eric began to slowly pull them all into the dreamscape with him.
Nia didn't think she would ever get used to the feeling associated with dreams now. The world shimmied and wobbled as her skin began to tingle, while her eyelids fluttered. She grasped Aaron's hand for a feeling of stability. He gave her hand a small squeeze and she felt gravity kick in as she opened her eyes. The world spun slightly as she regained her balance quickly.
Aaron was leaning up against the wall and pulled her closer to him so she could lean slightly against him. Darragh had his hands on his knees and shook his head briefly, standing strait up and regaining his always proper posture.
"That was rough.” Avery said taking deep breaths. Eric gave a sheepish smile, "Sorry I wasn't sure how hard I needed to pull. It's been awhile since I've brought so many through at once.” he said giving Avery's hand an apologetic squeeze. She steadied herself by grasping Eric's arm and he gave a small laugh, "Everybody okay?” he asked.
He got nods all around as Avery righted herself and Aaron and Nia stood ready to go.
They were standing inside of a room that looked like someone's bedroom and Avery spoke up first, "What are we doing here?", she asked Eric in a tone that was surprisingly hostile.
"Whoa,” he said backing away from her glare. "I brought us here because I knew we would have a moment alone. We need to make sure these necklaces Savannah gave us work.
Avery relaxed, "Oh, okay.” she said with relief in her voice. Eric looked at Darragh, "Probe away and see what you come up with.” he told him.
Darragh proceeded to sift through thoughts of everyone in the room and he smiled, "I'm not seeing anything about her at all.” he informed the group.
"Okay, now for these.” Eric said motioning to his and Avery's wrists.
He removed a small tin that he had in his pocket and smeared a salve on his fingers. He then placed his hand around Avery's wrist and rubbed it into her skin. Her promise marks began to glow a pinkish hue. Then they disappeared into her skin like they were dissolving, with a small collective gasp from everyone but Darragh. He then proceeded to do the same with his own promise marks. "I can't risk Lilith finding out. I don't know what she would do.", Eric told everyone touching Avery’s cheek gently. Nia felt embarrassed to be watching the scene, it seemed intimate to her.
She turned to Aaron who she noticed was staring at her, "What?” she asked.
"You're beautiful, when you blush.” he told her quietly.
"Oh, hush!” she whispered back.
"Are we ready?” Darragh asked, "She knows we have arrived. She's waiting.” he said with a slight nod.
Eric was already placing his hand on the wall opening the door to a now familiar hallway. They rounded the corner and Alana smiled at all of them, "She's ready for you.” she said with that sugary sweet tone Nia was used to hearing from Lilith.
"Thank you Alana.” Darragh said sending her the nod that always seemed to Nia like more than what they were making it out to be.
"Oh, I am pleased to see you are in good health Nia my dear.” Lilith cooed crossing her office to meet her. She took Nia's hands and studied her Promise Marks and her Bond Marks, "This is exciting indeed! Promise Marks!” she said in a sing song tone that was the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard to Nia. Lilith released hert wrists and grabbed Aaron's next.
"Oh, my!” she said as she looked at Aaron's wrists. "Well? Have you decided if you want to be joined to your Fated, Nia?” she asked going to stand behind her desk with a superior look on her face.
Aaron was taken aback a bit by her question. And he looked at Nia who looked dumbfounded. Eric spoke up before either could answer. "I think they're trying to take it slow Lilith. There's no need for them to rush into this. They hardly know each other.” he
said glaring at her.
Nia sighed in relief, "Yes, we are taking it slow. We haven't decided anything right now we are just trying to get through everything else we're dealing with.” Nia said quickly.
Aaron smiled at her, 'Please don't take it wrong Aaron, we really haven't talked much about it and she's pushy.’ Nia sent him through the bond.
Lilith cleared her throat, "It's rather rude to mentally communicate in a room full of people but I will overlook that since you both are new to all of this.", she said sounding cold and giving Nia a chill down her spine.
"Sorry." she said to Lilith sincerely.
Nia was worried about upsetting Lilith and she could tell Aaron was too. They may not know exactly who she was to their "people", but they knew she held power.
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