by Andy Lewter
I cleared my throat and smoothed my hand over his cheek. “There is something else that’s wrong, though.”
His eyebrows furrowed as I distracted him from his rant. “What is it?”
The morning sun peeked through tiny crevices in the dense clouds above, casting vibrant rays of light down upon us. One ray rested on Miles’ back, outlining his handsome frame in a brilliant orange.
“I need to tell you something.” I stepped close and brushed my hand from his cheek to his chest. His features turned curious and they softened from my gesture — he swallowed and watched my every move.
“I’ve been a fool, Miles. You’ve always been my friend — that’s always been a given. But now that I’m able to look back?” I shook my head. “I should have realized sooner how deeply in love I am with you.”
He clasped the hand I held over his heart, and his expression swelled with desire. Taking a step closer, his eyes swimming with fidelity, he licked his lips and pulled in a breath. “That moment you confessed your idea of love? I knew then you were mine — my Abbs. I just had to wait for you to figure it out yourself.”
A warm smile raised my cheeks as I tilted my chin toward him. “So doting you are, Mr. Kavin.”
“I will always be patient with you, Abby. That’s a promise.”
“And you’re going to need that patience.” I grinned. Standing on my tiptoes, I teasingly closed the distance between us, hovering my lips just above his. “Holding strong?”
He smoothed his hands down my back and rested them on my hips. His green, playful eyes focused intently on mine, and his lush lips curved into a confident grin. “I could do this all day, love.”
“Hmm.” I bit my lip. “I guess that’s where I fall short.” Giving in, I touched my lips so softly to his it was like kissing a whisper.
Miles smiled and pecked the corner of my mouth, my cheek, jawline, and chin — he showered me with small, intimate kisses before pulling away and looking deeply into my eyes. Youthful, emerald irises peered lovingly into mine, looking at me like I was a dream come true.
I brushed my thumb over his brow and traced my finger down his strong jawline, admiring the sight before me. The keeper of my heart.
With much anticipated fervor, he captured my lips with his. He took his time, his mouth moving like a gentle wave, tenderly massaging and caressing my lips like everything he’d ever wanted led up to this moment.
A hungry breath rushed past his lips as his fervor ignited. He released a low moan as he cupped my cheek and pulled me closer, deepening the kiss as he sensuously slipped his tongue in my mouth.
Butterflies erupted in my stomach, and I gripped his shirt, pulling him flush against my body. Our tongues twisted and danced, desire and need burst into an unquenchable fire within us.
My mind went wild, my cravings begging for more. I wrapped my arms around his back and traced my fingers up his spine.
Miles broke free and grinned dashingly with swollen lips. “Let’s not get too carried away,” he chuckled, running his hand over my arm. He touched his lips to my forehead and held them there a long moment. “I love you, Abby. Let’s go get you a fresh pair of clothes.”
Licking my lips, I stepped back and laced my fingers with his. Glancing down at my charred attire, I shook my head. “So he’s gone?”
“Moui was packed and ready for him the moment he barged in the front door.”
“Good.” I said, relieved. “He’s not coming back, is he?”
He shrugged in thought then glanced at me, hesitating before going on. “What did you fight about?”
I frowned. “I told him we weren’t good together and broke it off.”
Smirking angrily, he shook his head with disgust. “Well I’m glad you’re okay. And that he’s gone. Because I may have to hurt him.”
We both stopped walking and turned an ear toward the sky. “Do you hear that?”
Miles made a face. “A plane?”
“Planes don’t come this way.” We met each other’s gaze and set off in a brisk jog toward the house. Weaving in and out of trees, we picked up our pace as we heard hollers and shouts.
Edmund and Navi came into view, and we watched as they hurriedly directed Brooks, Hailey, and Silas into the house. Edmund was the last to go in, but Navi stayed outdoors looking into the sky.
Miles shouted, and Navi looked our way — her green eyes pierced through the morning light. Her attention bounced between the sky and us and the intensity grew thicker in the air as the seconds ticked by. As the plane neared, she looked our way and pointed in the direction it came.
A Valens dove out of the plane without a parachute. Plunging head first, his momentum rapidly increased. At the last moment, he raised his hands and hit the ground in an earth-shattering crack.
The explosion lit up before we heard it. Wind rushed by my ears, and I ducked down as an unprecedented wind gust pressed against my body, making my eyes squeeze shut and my hair blow wildly. Once all was still, I dug my fingers into the ground and got to my feet.
And I lost my breath as I took in the sight before me.
Trees were leveled, and the house lay in a horrific pile of rubble. Panic thrummed with the beat of my heart as Valens I didn’t recognize made their way up to the scene through the trees. Except one… and the deep scar running from one eye to the corner of his lip gave him away. Benjamin Bose — Head Valens.
Frantically, I searched for Miles. My hands started to shake with shock as I lifted the fallen branches around me. “Miles!”
I turned around when I heard a rustling behind me. Shoving a branch away, he appeared with scratches across his cheek and anxious green eyes. “Are you okay?”
I swallowed thickly. “I’m fine.”
He shook his head as he stood, his features turning grave at our surroundings. “This can’t be good.”
“Do you think everyone is okay?” I asked, hunkering down as I peeked through the tree line.
Just then, Athena burst into view like a furious rocket. As she approached a tall Valens, she dropped down and slid on her leg, kicking up loose rubble in a gray cloud.
With her momentum, she grasped onto his ankle and twisted violently, causing him to spin midair and tumble to the ground. Another attacker started toward her back, but she bounded into a backbend tumble and clocked him in the jaw with her feet.
But then two Valens I recognized stepped forward— the one who bears the gift of electrocution and the Russian man who causes pain with sound.
When Bridger and Hailey appeared, I couldn’t stand back a moment longer. Bridger held up his hands and immobilized Athena’s attackers. Hailey stood in concentration as ice started to encase each Valens in a frozen prison.
I trudged forward with clenched fists, my eyes on the attackers ahead. Just when I was about to step out in the open from the tree line, everyone around me dropped and screamed in searing pain.
The Russian Valens bore haunting eyes flushed solid black — eyes I had just seen on Nicholas the night before. Glancing at Miles writhing in pain next to me, I set my eyes fiercely on the perpetrator ahead and ran.
Upon my arrival, he and his loyal Valens faced me with frightening sneers. “Let them go!” I ordered, my features shifting into a deep, dangerous scowl. “Just take me if you want me.”
The Russian man smirked then, his lips twisted into a dark, menacing smile — his frightening black eyes enhanced the hostility on his aged features. Throwing his head back, he released a boisterous laugh. “You think we came for you? What ignorance plagues that useless mind of yours? You’re of no use to us now your alliance with the humans is permanently destroyed.” He shook his head, his crooked grin remaining.
“Take us to Sanchez before I lose my temper.” His dark eyes glanced at my friends as they writhed in agony around me. “I’d hate for your worthless minions to hurt much longer.”
I set my jaw and lowered my chin. “If you release your hold on them, they can tell you where the entrance is since
you destroyed the only passage I knew of.”
The Russian man glanced back at Benjamin for an order. Benjamin watched me intently, his deep scar across his face made him appear dangerous.
With one curt nod from Benjamin, the Russian man’s eyes flushed white and everyone under his spell slowly started to stand.
Miles and Athena were instantly by my side, and the victims wore identical trails of blood from their ears and down their necks.
Miles wrapped a protective arm around me and held me close. I glanced up at Miles like I had a bad taste in my mouth. “I need to know how to get in. They’re here for Cade.”
“How did you find this location?” he asked Benjamin, ignoring me.
Benjamin huffed. “Do you think it would be difficult to discover a manipulated lightning storm?” He stepped closer, his expression unamused. “It is a shame our sides cannot unite. Every Valens life is precious, each one just as important as the next. It’s a shame when a Valens loses their life over something as pathetic as a human.”
Miles lost his cool and stepped in front of me. His body shook with rage and he looked as if he was about to snap. “Says the man who blasted a camp he knew housed Valens, taking at minimum one life!”
Benjamin released a smug grin, shaking his head. “We didn’t realize your security defense would be so… lacking.”
I grasped the inside of Miles’ arm. “C’mon, let’s go get Cade.”
Miles stood firm, unaffected by my gesture. “You take him and leave or so help me, you will regret stepping foot on this ground.”
“You can’t let them get away with this, Miles!” Athena yelled vehemently, glancing at me for my say. Anger and revenge flashed across her features. “Abby?” she asked, awaiting my command.
I glanced at the Elite Valens standing in front of me. I thought of Bridger and Hailey — how they yearned to prove themselves. A protective wave came over me.
It was then I felt the astounding pressure of a leader, having to choose between revenge and reality. No doubt, we were over our heads at this moment.
I swallowed hard as I made up my mind. “We’ll get him. Then you will leave.”
Benjamin gave me an arched look. “Deal.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Athena roared, throwing her arms up. “They destroyed everything! We’re going to give them what they want and let them go?”
“Athena,” Miles warned, setting firm eyes on her.
She flared her nose and pressed her lips in a straight line, focusing on me. “I cannot sit idle after what they’ve done, Abby.”
The man with electricity started chuckling. “Let the girl play if she wishes,” he taunted with a snap of his arms. A current of blue electricity arced around his body in turn.
I held up my hand toward him and concentrated gravely on Athena. “We will get our chance,” I said as quietly as I could muster. “But today is not that day.”
She pursed her lips at me and ripped herself from my side. Stomping in the direction she came, she grumbled, “I’ll get the vermin.”
18
“I expected you sooner,” Cade announced to his allied Valens upon arrival to the scene. He smoothed his collar while wearing an egotistical smirk.
“Deciphering your location was easy once the Ludovic boy wielded the sky with his… explosive nature.” Benjamin grinned at Cade knowingly then shifted his attention on me.
“You’ve gotten much, much stronger, my dear. You would indeed be a great asset to us.” His eyes twinkled with delight as they held mine, then a thumping sound of a helicopter drew near. “That, my friends, is us. I do hope we shall meet again soon. On a more friendly basis, of course.” The other Valens traveled toward the sound before he turned away, certainly to assure we stood firm on our bargain.
Edmund and Dara stood in the tree line behind us as we watched them leave. Everyone but Cade boarded the helicopter. He turned toward us and dipped in a gallant bow before flashing a daring grin and hopped on. The helicopter took flight not a moment later.
Turning toward Miles, I watched as the fierce façade on his features shifted into a dark, vulnerable shade of mourning. “Oh, Miles…” I said as I pulled him into a tight hug. Tears spilled from my eyes as I felt his pain — Navi.
“Is everyone okay and accounted for?” Dara asked, counting heads.
“My mom and siblings are inside,” Silas stated, walking up behind us.
“Navi…” Hailey murmured in a quiet tone. “She saved us. She saw the Valens coming and told us to run. If it weren’t for her…” she trailed off, crying quietly to herself. Bridger pulled her into a soothing hug.
“We need to relocate,” Edmund announced, sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose.
“I’ll phone Dave and inform him of current events,” Dara stated soberly, pulling out her cell.
I loosened my hold on Miles and glanced at everyone around us. Athena was lamenting to herself, Dara was distracted with her phone, and Edmund’s eyes were somewhere far away. Hailey and Bridger talked amongst themselves, and I assumed Brittney and the rest of her kids were still securely in the bunker.
“Is everyone else okay?” I asked a little too loud. I was trying to distract everyone from their reverie.
Edmund met my gaze. “Yes. Just…” he trailed off and his eyes fell to the ground as he choked on his words.
“And that is exactly why Navi deserves a funeral.” I said.
“Honey, we don’t have time. We need to leave ASAP,” Dara crooned, her eyes filling with tears.
“We will leave after the funeral,” I said firmly. Edmund and Dara exchanged nervous glances and nodded.
Miles and Edmund spent the majority of the afternoon retrieving Navi and finding a safe location to lay her to rest. We all gathered together at dusk, our eyes resting on her grave.
A gentle breeze rustled the grass and trees around us, and no one breathed a word for the longest time. After a tranquil silence, Edmund spoke in a gentle tone. “I knew eventually a loss would come, never did I think it would be so soon. Her absence from our family will be hard, lonely, and she will be sorely missed. If anyone would like to say something, your words are welcomed.”
“I feel like I need to say something, if I may,” I spoke up, my eyes glancing respectfully to Dara and Edmund.
Dara smiled. “Of course.”
I dropped my gaze back to Navi’s final resting place. “Since my turning, I was privileged to get to know her more. One impression of her stuck out to me most. It wasn’t her gentle, caring nature. It wasn’t her sweet smiles or the way her eyes would light up as anyone she loved came close. It wasn’t her green eyes that have been inherited for two generations. No… if there’s one memory I could remember her for, it’s the firm hope held for the future of mankind.
“The hope she held was empowering. Even in my darkest moments — the moments when I’d see no reason to press forward as your leader, Navi pushed me. She gave me inspiration I didn’t know I needed — her logical words were the reason I treaded forward.” I glanced at each person solemnly before carrying on.
“We have to carry on her legacy. Keep the hope she held until her last breath. Do what we know needs to be done for our children’s future. It is, after all, what she would want — and we all know it’s what’s best. May she rest in peace, and may the hope she showed us live on for many generations to come. ”
Miles looped an arm around my waist and pulled me against his side. “Thank you,” he whispered, smiling warmly down at me.
“Thank you for your words, Abby,” Edmund said, his eyes glistening with tears. “Shall we head back?” he asked, glancing at Dara.
Dara met my gaze. “Actually, while we’re all gathered, I think we should talk about what we should do next.”
“Oh, um,” I stammered, realizing she wanted to know the game plan. All eyes widened, their focus bouncing between Dara and me. “We need to go after Damian and Olivia. Do we know where they are now?” I asked Miles.
Miles slipped his phone out of his pocket and checked. “Looks like they’re in Washington, D.C.”
I sighed a quick huff, nodding in thought for a moment. “We’ll collect a handful to go after them.” I met Edmund’s placid gaze. “We need to get into contact with Dave. Kayla is planning something huge, and we need to get to her before she heads out.”
“So… where are we relocating, then?” Athena asked, her eyes narrowing in thought.
Placing my hands on my hips, my eyes shifted from Navi’s grave to all the eyes focused intently on me. “Salvus Island. We’re going to take them down at Salvus Island.”
19
Sorting through the already scant clothing in my dresser, I held up the best attire I could find and quickly slipped it on. Plucking my phone off the bed, I pressed the tracker app and found just the person I was looking for. Slinking out of my room, I jogged down the stairway and made my way to the floor where the emergency food was stored.
Folding my arms and leaning against the doorframe, I peered into the dim room and laid eyes on the beautiful blonde I’ve forever envied. “Can we chat?”
Athena threw her hand up sarcastically but otherwise stayed silent.
I pulled up a metal chair and rested my arms on the table. “What’s up?”
She raised a foiled bag with a disgusted look on her face. “Sucking eggs from a pouch.”
“Mmm, appetizing,” I said with a quiet laugh then dropped my humor and lowered my tone. “No, I mean, what’s going on with you?”
Her uneasy eyes met mine. Sadness and bitterness surrounded her, and it was then I realized how vulnerable she was in this moment. “Don’t worry about it.”
“But I am,” I argued. “You’ve been non-existent for weeks.”
She dropped her pouch and slouched in her chair with a glower. I could practically see the argument she held in her mind. Moments passed and she pursed her lips, waiting to speak. “You and Miles?” she asked.
Ah, so this is what it’s about. “Yes, we’re official now.”