by K. K. Allen
“We’ve never seen anything like this. He’s marked with dark energy, and it’s re-energizing within him, making recovery impossible, at least while Erebus is around … It’s as if he’s cursed Brent with an inescapable darkness.”
The answer seems simple. “Then let’s remove it!”
“Katrina, I’m sorry. There’s no way for us to remove it. We’ve done everything we can do from our end. Magic simply isn’t working on this young man. After everything we did for him, he should be jogging circles around this building by now. It’s like the darkness has put him under a sleeping spell.”
“There’s no such thing as a sleeping spell,” I mutter, annoyed. I know my anger is misplaced, but I can’t help it. Alessandro is a doctor and an Enchanter. He should be able to do something for Brent. Instead, it’s like he’s just giving up.
I look around at the solemn faces in the room. Everyone is giving up.
Chapter Six
My feet hit the pavement, and the impact brings instant gratification. It’s been a while since I’ve used my magic—I mean really used my magic. It feels as if a bundle of emotions are winding tighter and tighter within me as the energy builds. Running always helps. I pound the balls of my feet into the asphalt, picking up speed but not going nearly as fast as I’d like. It’s midafternoon, so I have to regulate my speed so as not to attract unwanted attention from Normals.
Running has always been a form of therapy for me, releasing toxins of the mind and body, exerting old energy and restoring it with new. Since learning of my heritage, it’s also become an escape from this crazy, magical world that I love and hate all at the same time.
Leaving the beachfront neighborhood of Amalias, I head straight onto Stavrou Boulevard toward the north side of Apollo Beach. This part of town has always intrigued me due to its history, which I still don’t completely understand. Rose revealed that the few beachfront homes leading to the nature trail were deserted after disaster struck the town nearly twelve years ago. I know now the disaster was a year filled with a staggering rise of pollution in the bay, mysterious murders of Elders, horrifying vandalism, and arson that eventually killed my grandfather. It was devastation to the community that completely transformed the thriving and tranquil town of Apollo Beach into what it is now: a town on edge, threatened by an enemy that had once been thought of as a long-lost ancient myth.
Erebus likes to leave his symbol in the wake of his destruction in an effort to keep us aware of his existence and fearful of his return. A decade passed before he made another appearance, the night of the Fourth of July bonfire. The night I almost drowned trying to save Iris from the deathly blaze that caught her hair on fire. Of course, I later learned, the entire thing was a scheme concocted by Erebus.
He managed to convince Johnny I was part of the group that killed his family and had him save me from a near drowning just to remove my mother’s pendant from my neck. From there, he was to toss me back into the water so that Erebus could possess me. The plan didn’t work out the way Erebus would have liked, thanks to Johnny’s change of heart. Now, my pendant is sealed to me with magic. I am the only one who can remove it.
My steps grow heavier as I push myself to the maximum—at least the maximum allowed in public.
I reach the first uninhabited house, and then the second, then the third, until I’m driving my sneakers through the community beach and onto the nature trail. I love being surrounded by the self-sustaining mangrove swamps and endangered species, supported by a bursting population of microorganisms. It goes to show how nature always finds a way to adapt and thrive in an ecosystem threatened by seemingly impossible circumstances. It gives me hope.
The daylight is waning by the time I round the nature trail and head back toward Summer Estate, but I’m in no hurry to head home. I slow to a walk, this time studying one of the abandoned homes more closely. It’s easy to see the beauty behind the cracks in its exterior. My imagination transforms the pebbles that cover the yard into a bright green lawn, landscaped with rosebuds in bloom and miniature palms decorating each side of the house. I can almost hear tiny voices and giggles echoing around the lawn as children play and parents sit by with watchful eyes.
My dreamlike vision clears to the reality before me. I frown. How can something so destroyed feel so warm and inviting? Unable to process any more of the loss witnessed by the seaside town of Apollo Beach, I begin to turn away. In that same moment, a movement catches my eye, forcing my focus back to the front of the house. Curtains in the front windows sway, and a dark shape moves within. I still. There’s a light behind the curtain, and then a flicker, as if someone is passing by the light. Someone is in there.
In the back of my alarmed mind, I think of Erebus and his return to Apollo Beach. My pulse quickens as I search my surroundings, hoping to find a car parked in the driveway, a “sold” sign in the lawn, a moving truck, anything to reassure myself that someone should be here.
I see nothing.
Panic seizes my every move as I fail to come up with a reasonable explanation for the intruder. The only thing that comes to mind is Erebus.
And then I run, increasing the pace of my steps, propelling myself to a speed I’m sure I’ll be scolded for.
“Why do you insist running on that side of town? Dear girl, you are too curious for your own good.” Rose flutters her eyelashes and purses her lips to tell me she’s annoyed at more of my questions.
We sit facing each other at the dining room table. My dad hasn’t joined us yet, and Charlotte conveniently stepped out of the room. I haven’t told Rose what I saw, just that I’m curious about the abandoned homes. If I tell her what I saw, she’d have my dad raiding the house in seconds, putting him in danger.
“I’ll stop running on that side of town if you tell me why those homes are deserted.” I smile at her, fluttering my own lashes in return.
This gets her attention. She lets out a deep sigh and shrugs. “I’ll tell you what I know, Katrina. Only because I trust you to care for your own safety. Your runs should be contained to our development and Summer Island. No more gallivanting in the dark.”
I have no patience to argue about what Rose considers to be dark because it most definitely was not dark when I was running. “Okay.” As infuriating as Rose is, my insides want to burst with excitement at finally prying some secrets from her.
“I guess it’s been almost twelve years now since the destruction we refer to as the Devastation. Too many were killed. Too many families torn apart, businesses ruined because of what the Equinox brought to this town. It wasn’t until after the Summer Island Ball, the night the Equinox learned their magic was dead on the Island and exposed their true selves to us all, that we heard something strange was going on at one of the homes on the north side of town.
“The detectives in town received a call regarding strange activity from one of the neighbors who spotted a large group of people of all ages escaping late that night and climbing aboard a speedboat. They never returned.”
That’s strange. “Did they all live in the home?”
Rose nods. “They left behind everything, including their clothes, but nothing inside the home revealed much. Except, in the center of the living room floor, they left the only clue we needed; the only clue they wanted us to find.”
Blood drains from my face. “The Infinity Snake.”
The look Rose gives me now is one of disappointment, as if their late discovery was a failure on her part. “We call it the House of Equinox. There were twelve of them, two of them children.”
My stomach roils; I think I’m going to be sick. And then I remember the story Rose told at my first Enchanter and Friends event on Summer Island. “What ever happened to the Equinox that revealed themselves that night of the ball?”
How could I have missed this piece to the puzzle? Rose shared the story of the Devastation and the night she saw Erebus and the other Equinox for who they truly were, but she never said how that night ended.
Rose
looks as if she’s preparing herself for what comes next. “We made a deal with Erebus.”
I gasp.
She nods. “We were desperate to get rid of him,” she defends, “and we knew no other way. Your grandfather told him to leave us and we’d cause no harm to him or his Followers. We just wanted to live in peace, and too many had died that year.”
“But he came back. And he’s back now,” I say desperately.
“He was after the same thing then as he is now.”
“The energy source,” I breathe.
She nods. “Except now, he’s found a way to get what he wants. You were five when all of this was happening, living in North Carolina with your mother. Erebus knew… about you, about your mother, where you two lived. He never threatened to hurt you, but him knowing was enough of a threat. George and I didn’t know how or when, but we knew you’d come to Apollo Beach and that we’d eventually see Erebus again.”
A chill radiates through me. “Then why didn’t he just capture me when he killed my mom? Why wait until I’m here? Why kill more people when he believes I’m his weapon?”
The expression on Rose’s face is sobering. She’s so strong to have endured so much, losing her husband and continuing to lead the town amid all of the heartbreak. “It’s simple. You weren’t sixteen yet. You were wearing your mother’s pendant. And you didn’t have the knowledge to access what he wanted. Believe it or not, Katrina, you’re right where you’re meant to be, with or without Erebus’ influence.”
“But so many have fallen victim to all of this. Look at Brent; he’s unconscious in a hospital bed with no sign of recovery. I was with him yesterday.” I begin to get choked up as I think of his limp body and the Infinity Snake branding his stomach. “Have you ever seen anything like it before?”
“The Equinox marking on Brent? No. I’ve never seen anything like that before. Erebus has quite outdone himself this time. The energy spiraling through Brent is very dark. It’s what Erebus is made of. Other Equinox members are clouded by the dark energy and live their lives fighting between the darkness and beliefs instilled in them at a young age.”
An unwelcome thought crosses my mind. “What if Brent can’t beat this? Will Brent turn into an Equinox?”
Rose shakes her head. I’m glad she doesn’t find my questions amusing. Perhaps she’s asked herself the same questions already. “Brent is a Normal. He isn’t built to cope with such energy.” She frowns. “I assume Brent can only handle the darkness for so long before we lose him completely.”
Chapter Seven
I’m in no mood to celebrate or socialize, but how can I turn down Alec’s invitation to spend Christmas Eve together? It’s been almost seventy-two hours since Brent was admitted into the hospital, and his condition hasn’t gotten better—though it hasn’t gotten worse either, so that, I guess, is positive.
Alec told me he badly wants things to go back to normal, but that’s where he and I disagree. I will never consider our existence normal. Besides that, it’s too early to let our guard down. Erebus could reappear at any minute, and that’s something that will always be a burden on my mind.
At least Alec and I agree that a distraction is necessary to try and cope with all of this. My only annoyance is his stifling need to be with me constantly. He says it’s to ensure I’m safe; however, I’m not sure whether his reasons are honorable or stem from distrust and jealousy. Not that he has anything to worry about—right? Since our focus has been on Brent’s recovery, there hasn’t been much time to think about anything else. Or anyone else.
Johnny hasn’t tried to contact me since his visit to Summer Estate. Dejected thoughts in the back of my mind tell me it’s possible he has no intentions of talking to me again. A year and a half is a long time to be apart. But not even an apology? The weight of my heart grows heavy at the thought. Why should I expect anything different? This is the guy who left town without a backward glance and without so much as a phone call to tell me he still cared. For all I knew, he could have been dead.
I enter the Island Grille behind Alec, who has a firm grip on my hand. As much as I try to deter them, my thoughts continue to drift toward Johnny. It’s only natural he met other girls along the way, girls who are more his speed. He could have fallen in love. But he tried to kiss you, dummy. He still cares. He’s been gone for so long, it’s hard to make sense of anything, but I shouldn’t have to—I’m with someone else. Therein lies the problem. While I may be with Alec, I never actually moved on. I attempted to with a wide open heart and grand intentions, but it’s clear now: I could never get Johnny off my mind.
Now here I am, considering that I may not be the right person for Alec. How can I be? Alec is such a great guy, yet here I am stranded between fantasy and reality. Reality is simple: Johnny didn’t care enough to contact me while he was away, let alone to stay here with me. I’d be a fool to think he’s spent any of our lost time thinking of me, waiting for me, knowing he’d one day come back. That’s the fantasy.
I feel sick.
Looking around desperately, my eyes fall on the bathroom doors, and I take off toward them without giving Alec an explanation. I just need a minute to myself. But no such luck. It’s a crowded venue tonight since Roy hired a band, and there’s already a long line. I exit immediately and aim for some fresh air.
“Hey darlin’!” Roy calls as he walks by me, carrying a tray with one hand and wiping sweat from his forehead with the other.
I tilt my head at him in surprise. “Roy? Are you serving tonight?”
He shrugs. “I’ve got no one tonight. Trisha’s at the hospital. It’s Cyndi’s birthday, so that leaves me one cook, one bartender, and two people on the floor. I need a third, so,” he winks at me, “here I am.”
Our bartender, Francesco, catches my eye from where he stands, rimming a glass with salt. “Clock in, Summer. Good tips tonight.” He grins, and I catch Roy looking over at me.
“You’re welcome to clock in if you’d like. This old man could use the break to check on things in the back.” Roy’s eyes lift, hopefully.
I laugh at his persuasiveness. This would be a great excuse to get out of socializing for a few hours. Besides, Roy has probably been through a lot this week with Johnny’s return. It wasn’t easy on him when Johnny left town. We only broached the topic once and promised each other we’d leave at that.
This could be the perfect distraction. “Okay.” I roll my eyes. “I’ll pick up a shift.”
“Great!” His eyes move to what I’m wearing: black leggings and a light, cream sweater. “Think you can throw on one of the holiday shirts? I’ll serve this table and then hand over my tickets.”
After a quick detour to inform my friends of the sudden change in plans, I head to the back to change clothes. I try to ignore the disappointment on Alec’s face and a glowing Khloe beside him. It’s a selfish move on my part, I know this, but I’m not trying to hurt him. I’m just trying to deal with everything the only way I know how.
It seems I’m not the only one who’s been duped into covering tonight. When I enter the break room, Johnny is standing at the lockers, his back facing me, applying deodorant beneath his shirtless arms.
For a second, I’m transported back to one of our first encounters. He made me so uncomfortable with every scowl and glare. He affected me then, and I could never figure out why. I’m not even sure I realized I was attracted to him until the day we rescued a manatee together. Before that, every time he was near confused me.
Looking at him now, it’s beyond clear why he caused me to have such intense feelings. He’s gorgeous. Strong, guarded, and flawed to perfection. Beneath it all, which I didn’t come to learn until later, is his compassion for sea life and nature in general, his most attractive quality.
His body hasn’t changed much. He’s still packed with the same strong arms and toned body that wrapped so well around mine, as if made for me. And his scar … still perfect.
He must sense my presence because his head turn
s to look at me over his shoulder. His shockingly blue eyes meet mine, gently pulling me from the clouds onto firm ground.
Instead of turning on my heel and heading back for the door, which I’m tempted to do I proceed to my locker, his eyes radiating heat in my direction. I manage to avoid his eyes, just as I used to. It was the only way I knew to control my emotions around him—before we got to know each other and I couldn’t pull myself away.
A thick sheet of silence separates us. It drives me crazy, but I won’t let Johnny know that. Secretly, I’m thrilled to be in the same room with him, alone. He’s still in town. My anger with him hasn’t dissipated though. How can it? He’s done nothing to show he’s sorry. I’m just so conflicted.
I silently command my locker pad to unlatch, then yank on the door and peel off my shirt before exchanging it for my work shirt. I know what I’m doing. If I ask him to leave, then I’d have to speak to him first, and I will not speak to him first. What I’m wearing now is not much different than a bikini top anyway, and he’s already seen me in that.
With a quick movement, I slip on my work shirt, then slam the door before facing him. I feel my face growing flush. “Enjoy the show?” I ask, surprising myself by my confidence.
He smirks down at me, that same Johnny smirk that sends my heart on an erratic journey. “I did. Did you enjoy giving it?”
As much as I want to glare and leave him to himself, I can’t. Now, embarrassed by my boldness, I raise my chin, debating whether to yell or cry. He evokes these buried emotions in me, and I never know how to deal with them. In a world where I’m trained to manage my control over everything, the lack of control I have with Johnny is … refreshing.
I hope he doesn’t expect an answer because if I say anything right now it will carry the weight of my feelings, and I can’t do that. Not to Alec, and not to myself.
We’re standing close enough to hear the beating of each other’s hearts. It’s as if they’re crashing against one another in an epic battle, feelings whooshing, anger pounding. It’s everything we want to say but don’t.