Gifted

by Andy Lewter

  I narrowed my eyes in deep thought. "All those stormy, rainy days… I remember the news talking about how the weather was impossible to predict — that was you!"

  Nicholas smiled tightly. "Something about you triggered my senses," he said sweetly, running his fingers through my hair. "After I left Newton, I was able to collect myself and gain control. That was how we were able to come and get you undetected."

  "What do you mean undetected?"

  "You're confused and frightened… why?" he asked as he studied me.

  I realized right then he must have been sensing my feelings.

  "What do you mean you were able to come and get me undetected?" I pressed.

  "Oh — that," he sniffed. "We heard rumor of your sister Olivia and became curious. Having a turned Everett would have made a world of a difference to people like us. But we had to keep our distance. That's why Ray and I came to Newton. We were looking for Olivia but instead we found you, the first born of Liam Everett Jr.," he stated proudly as he placed a gentle hand on my lap.

  He readjusted in his seat and an angry expression crossed his features. "Those mindless Kavins have had their eye on your family for years. If we got close enough to their precious Navi, she would have seen us in town." He swallowed sourly. "But we found a way. Once I was able to master the weather, we got around her," he bragged.

  "And how did you do that?" I scowled. I hated the way he talked about the Kavins and it took all I had to bite my tongue.

  "She can see people like us coming from miles away. I heard she sees lights when we come close…" He released a dangerous smile and sudden bright flashes of lightning cracked simultaneously through the windows. "So I improvised. She apparently can't see past lightening storms. And look… here you are, safe and sound," he smiled.

  I instinctively placed my hand on the side of my head. "I am not safe and sound. Hitting me that hard was completely unnecessary!" I snapped. "And where are you taking me?"

  "Hey, hey…" he sang, attempting to soothe me, "You're right — my parents shouldn't have done that. I swear I'll never let anyone touch you again. Would you believe me if I said they were protecting themselves?"

  "Protecting themselves from what?"

  "From you, Abby. I'm not making excuses for them, but they were taking a precaution, that's all."

  By the way he felt about the Kavins, I realized I was right and it was best I didn't tell him I already knew about the Valens world. He could keep on thinking I was clueless.

  "Where are you taking me?" I repeated angrily, crossing my arms.

  "Shh," he crooned, brushing his thumb across my jaw line.

  "But what about my mother? I said horrible things to her! Because of your dad's compulsion!"

  "You'll see her again, I promise you that. But I think you need to focus on gaining your strength as a Valens before going back into civilization. You're too vulnerable and you need to know how to protect yourself."

  "You can't keep me from going home." I pulled away from him.

  Right then, he placed a hand behind my neck and crushed his lips to mine. I melted to his touch as his tongue slipped into my mouth. Within his grasp, all my anger slipped out of me. He moaned deeply and placed the sweetest of kisses on my lips, trailing them to my cheek and ending on my temple.

  "You're so worked up…" he whispered a moment later. "We can be together now, there isn't a worry in the world," he assured me sweetly.

  He softly cupped my cheek with his hand, looking into my eyes with complete adoration. "We're taking you to Salvus Island, where we can teach you how to get to your prime as an Elite Valens.

  Chapter 13

  I was surprised at how much better I felt when Nicholas was with me. No unbearable dull ache in my chest — just sweet, innocent bliss. The flight was long and went on through most of the night. We changed flights in Portland and boarded an even smaller plane. I noted before departure that the pilot was Valens. I wondered how I got away with flying without proper ID, but I'm sure the Ludovics' forged some documents or used compulsion on someone so there wouldn't be trouble.

  I was just about to fall into a deep sleep when I felt a soft hand on my shoulder.

  "Hello, Abby. Care to come with me for a minute?" Nicholas’ mother beckoned toward the back of the plane.

  The quietness of her voice took me off guard. The wicked snarl in her tone that I last heard from her echoed in my mind. I stood hesitantly, it didn't matter if I wanted to go or not. I was outnumbered and Nicholas was fast asleep. The look on her face was relaxed and cautious. I wondered if it was an act.

  I followed her a few seats down and sat where she motioned.

  "I wanted to apologize for our rudeness earlier. Nicholas failed to mention to us that you were Amitto until after you were unconscious. I trust your head is well?"

  "What is Amitto, if you don't mind me asking?" I remembered Nicholas mentioning this word before.

  She laughed softly. "Glad to see he wasn't joking." She smiled. "Amitto is when a Valens is lost or confused — they don't know what they are or know there are others like them. Sometimes there's one that turns up out of the woodwork, one that doesn't have Valens parents. But they usually keep to themselves because they don't want to appear different to the humans."

  "Oh… umm… thanks," I answered nervously.

  She tucked her pointed, black hair behind her ear. "When we arrive at Salvus, we're going to send you for training straight away," she ordered. "We need you at your prime quickly. It shall be interesting to watch you grow stronger."

  She eyed me carefully, observing my every feature. She reached her hand over and gently grasped my hand, squeezing it slightly. "I truly am sorry for the way we responded toward you. It was unfair for us to act that way given our miscommunication. But no worries sweetie, we're here to protect you — to guide you to be the leader you were born to be." She smiled.

  I pulled my hand away. "If you're here to protect me, then why did you kidnap me?"

  "We didn't kidnap you, sweetie. We're helping you excel further than what you could in Newton. Your mother is human. She doesn't know of our world. In order for you to fully get the true Valens experience, you need to live like one," she answered gently.

  She was still for a brief moment. I imagined she saw the sorrow I felt at the thought of parting from my family.

  "You'll see your mother again. Emerson had you say those things so she'd let you go. It was the only way." Her brown eyes were kind and sincere.

  Suddenly, Kayla disappeared before my eyes. I saw my house in Newton and my mother was on the porch swing, drinking a glass of ice water. The weather was warm and there was a slight breeze that rustled through my hair. She was smiling at me, waving for me to sit next to her.

  The image slowly faded away and Kayla came into sight once again.

  I narrowed my eyes and blinked in confusion — what just happened?

  Kayla released an assuring smile. "Everything will be just fine," she promised.

  Huh. I guess she has the gift of vision.

  I scowled. "If coming with you was for my own good, then why did you have to knock me unconscious?" I pressed. Either she was going to love the courage I had to ask such questions, or she was going to hate that I dared to put her on the spot.

  She laughed lightly. "That's a trick question. We know the Kavins have followed your family for quite some time — we didn't know how much they poisoned your mind about us. Our intentions are not as awful as they say," she said with an accusing tone. "But seeing your Amitto, there's no problem after all. They've surprisingly kept their distance. Therefore, you were never misguided to begin with," she concluded. "And yes, we were also intimidated at what kind of gift you may possess. A Young Elite Valens can be very dangerous if not given the proper training. We were protecting ourselves, sweetie. Again, I'm very sorry we acted in such a way. Ray can sure come in handy sometimes." She winked.

  I nervously ran my fingers up my arm and came across several clumps of m
ud stuck to the sleeve of my sweater. Feeling mud stuck to my sleeve reminded me of how I got here. I instinctively placed my hand where there was no longer a battle wound, thanks to Ray.

  "Is there anywhere I can clean up?" I asked, gesturing at the dried mud on my clothes.

  "Of course. You are welcome to all of our resources, Lady Everett." She motioned her hand toward the back of the plane.

  I blinked at the mentioning of… that name. I guessed it was something I was going to have to get used to now that I was Valens.

  I sighed and assumed by the gesture of her hand that the shower was at the back of the plane. I stood and turned in the opposite direction of where she motioned. I wanted to grab my bag at my seat to get some clean clothes. A quick hand braced my inner arm, stopping me in my tracks.

  "That won't be necessary, Lady Everett. We can accommodate your needs. Please, use our facilities to your comfort," she smiled, directing me toward the back of the plane.

  "But my clothes—"

  "Will be waiting for you when you're ready," she interrupted, smiling gently. "We will be landing in forty minutes. I presume that is enough time?" She quirked an eyebrow in question.

  "Should be, yes," I answered, taken back. Where was the hate-filled woman I met in my bedroom?

  "Wonderful, enjoy."

  She led me to the bathroom and released my arm, closing the door behind me. I was surprised at how spacious it was. The sink was made of sparkling pale blue granite and there were plush towels folded neatly to one side. The light above expressed a deep gold that complemented the elaborate framework of the brass edged mirror. I took a moment to evaluate my reflection. I had noticeable bags under my eyes and my hair was a knotted mess, I guessed from the mud puddle. The mud puddle…

  I scowled. How could they hit me like that, then immediately treat me like royalty? I angrily rustled my clothes off and left them scattered on the floor. I turned the water temperature to the perfect degree of scalding hot and decided to take my merry old time. When I had used all of the hot water, I hesitantly shut the nozzle off and opened the door.

  I wasn't expecting to see what was waiting for me as I stepped out of the shower. I quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped it around me, studying what was neatly hung on the brass clothes rack.

  There was a knee-length jade-green sundress with capped sleeves. It had a high-waist belt that was white, with an elaborate silver buckle to finish it off. At the bottom of the clothes rack rested a pair of white, strappy wedges that were a little too high for my liking along with carefully folded undergarments that looked too risqué for my taste.

  A moment later, a gray-haired woman in sweatpants entered and shut the door quickly behind her.

  "What the—"

  "Shh — give me no grief. I'm here to help you, honey." She waved me off, dismissing my comment. I could hear a faint Korean accent in her voice and she looked about sixty. I assumed by the luminance in her skin that she was an Elder Valens.

  "My name is Moui. Here, remove that." She stepped toward me and pulled at my towel.

  "Don't touch me!" I snapped.

  "You're giving me grief," she argued.

  "Let me get dressed first… where are my clothes?" I asked, looking around frantically.

  "You're so stubborn." She handed me the dress and undergarments from the rack and pulled the towel away from my body.

  "I said don't touch me!" I snapped.

  But she was fast. She waited impatiently for me to get my underclothes situated, and then she had the dress securely over me and was towel drying my hair in an instant.

  "I'm pretty sure I'm old enough to dress myself," I noted dryly.

  "Yes, honey. But I get you ready fast." She smiled.

  And that she did. She brushed and blew my hair dry in a matter of minutes — which is saying something given how long and thick my hair is. She meticulously curled pieces, which resulted in voluminous waves that framed my face and draped down my back. Opening a drawer beneath the sink, she sorted through an array of different shades of makeup. She made her selection and started applying the makeup quickly.

  I sighed impatiently. I wasn't completely incompetent and I was sure I could help, but every time I opened my mouth to speak she started yelling something in Korean.

  "You are a natural beauty." She beamed as she applied the finishing touches of my blush. She then reached into her pocked and pulled out a square, velvet box. She studied the box for a short moment, lost in thought. She opened the box slowly, revealing a string of pearls and a pair of earrings.

  "These were mine when I was young like you." She smiled.

  "You can't give those to me…" I said warily.

  "Not give, honey. You borrow. For today," she dismissed as she strung the necklace around my neck. Surprisingly, she let me put the earrings in myself.

  "You are beautiful." She giggled as she abruptly spun me around to face the mirror.

  My eyes grew wide in astonishment. She had polished me up like a runway model.

  "Wow, thanks Moui… but what is the occasion?" I asked.

  "You are giving me grief. There's no time — plane is landing," she pressed, anxiously pushing me out of the bathroom door and forcing me down in a seat. She started to latch my seat belt but I beat her to it.

  "You will be great." She smiled before scurrying off to her seat.

  "Look at you…" a voice I'd recognize anywhere sang.

  I smiled.

  Nicholas took a seat next to me. He was dressed in khaki colored slacks and a black dress shirt. His familiar cologne filled my lungs and he unleashed a smile that warmed me to my core.

  "Are you ready?" He beamed, reaching for my hand.

  I blinked. "Ready for what?"

  He grinned lightly. "For your entrance as Lady Everett." He squeezed my hand slightly. The warmth from his touch calmed my nerves.

  "What am I supposed to do?" I swallowed, looking down at our interlaced fingers. The plane started to descend.

  His free hand brushed my cheek admiringly. "You don't have to do anything but show your presence. Everyone is simply elated that you even exist." He eyed me carefully, watching my reaction. "Just do as I do. I won't leave your side. We're in this together. And that's never going to change." He pulled me toward him, firmly pressing our foreheads together.

  "We're always going to be together now," he whispered, closing his eyes. He pressed his lips softly against my forehead.

  A breath I didn't know I was holding escaped. The plane descended further toward the earth and landed on the runway.

  An unfamiliar voice came over the intercom.

  "Thank you for flying Valens Airlines. Because 'through the mind, the possibilities are always endless', right folks? I would normally disperse the weather predictions at this time, but with Mr. Nicholas Ludovic arriving, it would be completely pointless" —he paused as the passengers on board chuckled— "And may the newly found Lady Everett be the light and leader we as Valens have been waiting for. Welcome to Salvus Island."

  Nicholas recognized my feelings, either by his gift or from catching sight of my foot tapping repeatedly below us.

  "Hey." He adjusted in his seat, facing me. "You're going to be great. And you look" —his eyes looked me over, starting at my hair, down to the seam of my dress, then my shoes, and back up again— "absolutely breathtaking," he breathed. "This place is amazing — anything is possible here. We don't have to hide who we are. I want to show you so much, and I'm going to be with you every moment of the way. You won't believe what all you're capable of." He smiled and stood from his seat, offering his hand in an elegant gesture.

  I peered up at him, hesitant for the first time. Not about him, but what I was about to do.

  "It's time," he announced, his expression inviting and trusting.

  I placed my hand in his, feeling my stomach rise into my throat.

  I nodded bravely and stood from my seat, tightening the grasp I had on his hand. I peered over the tall seats and saw th
at we were the last on the plane.

  But Nicholas was with me. I can do this.

  I pulled in a deep breath and gestured for him to lead the way toward the exit. I stepped into the doorway behind Nicholas — the setting sun on the horizon sending gleaming rays into my eyes. I shielded my face with my hand, almost pleased since it would spare me another moment before I saw what was waiting for me down the stairs below the doorway.

  "Oh, sorry," Nicholas chuckled. He raised his hand, focusing on the horizon in deep thought. The thin wispy clouds that were spread sporadically throughout the sky now moved rapidly together, creating a thick, dense cloud. Nicholas slowly moved his hand, the cloud above following his exact movement, and covered the sun. He then raised both hands, turning the setting sky to a brilliant gold, with pink-rimmed edges to the cloud he just created. Then finally, he traced an upside down U shape above his head, creating a brilliant colored rainbow that seemed impossible with the lack of sunlight in the sky.

  He turned toward me, grinning sheepishly. "All for you, love."

  I lowered the hand that was once shielding the gleaming light and became lost in the beautiful sky he created.

  Just for me.

  But my moment of bliss was short lived as I took in the sight before the horizon.

  People were everywhere. Well, not people.

  Valens.

  Kayla stepped toward the bottom of the stairwell with a cordless microphone and gestured her hand toward Nicholas and me with an exuberant smile.

  "Salvus Island, my fellow trusted Valens, please put your hands together for the one — the only — Lady Abigail Everett!"

  Chapter 14

  The crowd roared.

  An intense feeling of excitement and anticipation from the crowd threatened to take me under, but I started taking slow breaths, assuring my vision remained in check.