Dia interrupted. “ I agree.”
Yolanda chimed in. “So do I.”
I sighed. It probably was a trap. But it would be highly suspicious if I didn’t go.
Nia sensed my decision before I could even say it. “Be careful,” she said, nodding at me. “Lean on Yolanda. Remember to try and fake your way through whatever it is she’s asking you to do.”
I nodded and stood up. “Can you send me the short way? I’m in no mood to take the bus right now.”
“It’ll probably be safer anyway,” Nia agreed. She opened a portal in the kitchen and turned back to me. “We’ll monitor our DiGis while you’re away. If you need anything, send us a quick note. We can’t follow too closely and not raise questions.”
I gave her a thin smile. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Rowena hasn’t made a move yet. I think she’s waiting to see if I crack.”
Nia gave me a hug. “You’re stronger than that, sis. Show her who’s boss.” I barked a short laugh to stop from crying and then ran into the portal before any of us could change our minds.
As soon as I stepped out of the portal, my entire body tensed. Rowena was standing there with a wide, friendly smile on her face. Her brown hair was pulled back in the usual messy bun and she had a smudge of flour on her cheek. I should have guess she baked during her spare time on Turgor. She had that domestic goddess vibe about her.
It was her companion standing next to her who made my blood pressure spike a bit. Erika smirked and folded her arms, her hazel eyes flashing at me.
“What’s up?” I said, feeling the cool air of the portal closing behind me. “What are we doing here?”
“Another training session from the Senior Council,” Rowena chirped.
I frowned. “Why wasn’t it scheduled? This seems a bit dangerous. And I was hanging out with my family.”
“I know,” Rowena said, sighing. “I was in the middle of making a blueberry pie. But as you know, the Council doesn’t need to schedule a training session; they can call you at any time. Especially during war time.” She clapped her hands and gave another smile. “I’m excited! I rarely get to work with you two at the same time. You’re two of my strongest students.”
Erika rolled her eyes and I shifted from one foot to the other. Rowena studied us for a few seconds and then continued. “Okay. Today we’re going to work on Awakening Death Walkers. Erika has been mastering her current studies easily, and the Council thought it would be a good idea for her to learn how to do a harder spell. They suggested that you, Kathleena, would be a great teacher since you’ve mastered it so far.”
I stared at her, panic ricocheting through me. The Senior Council thought what?
Rowena didn’t seem to notice my hesitation. “Now, we have a ton of willing participants. The Council spoke with the Melneur family and they agreed to donate a Death Walker to the cause. But they didn’t specify who. Here is the entire family’s gravesite.” She pointed to the row of graves marked with beveled granite. “Feel free to pick whomever you’d like and go from there.”
I stared at the graves for a moment, my pulse going a mile a moment. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Erika holding back a laugh. She knew I was in trouble.
Yolanda buzzed against my skin, sending soothing waves of magic through me. I took a deep breath and forced a smile on my face. “I pick that one,” I said, quickly pointing to the one marked Marneth Melneur. I walked over to the gravestone and placed my hand on it, pretending to sense energy and clear my mind. In truth, my mind was racing a mile a minute. How on Turgor was I going to pull this off?
After a few minutes, I knelt and touched the grave, forcing a wave of nausea back. This was so gross. Who the heck wanted to be standing there touching graves?
“Death Walker,” I announced in what I hoped was an official-sounding voice. “You are alive, strong, powerful...awaken!”
Of course, nothing happened. Yolanda began to warm the soothing pulses she was sending out on my skin. For a few minutes, nothing but the dense fog and sounds of cemetery birds floated through the air. Finally, Erika made a noise of annoyance.
“Is this the best she can do?” she snapped, turning to Rowena.
I stood up and faced them both. Rowena’s happy smile was now replaced with a frown.
“Kay, what’s going on?” she asked. “I thought you were proficient in this.”
I shrugged. “It’s not working, I guess. Maybe it was a one-time thing.”
Erika snorted. “I think you’re a liar. I think you didn’t raise anything that night. You’re a fake, just like your sister. The only one in your family capable of accomplishing anything remotely interesting in your grandfather...and he’s a desk jockey now.”
I felt my blood begin to boil. “Shut. Up.”
“Why should I?” Erika sneered, looking at Rowena. “It’s pretty obvious that little Ms. Superstar here has been lying to all of us.” She took a step forward and came face to face with me. I felt my hands clench. “You’re a loser, you know that?” she said. “Showed up here and tried to get attention just like your snotty sister did. But you can’t fool me.” She poked me in the chest and I took a step back.
A loud buzzing was growing in my head. I stared her down, my fists clenched so tight, I could feel my nails biting into the flesh of my palms. I was so sick of having to prove myself. I was tired of having to be tested all the time. I was tired of not being able to enjoy my time on Turgor. And I was fed up with Erika Williams.
“Don’t touch me,” I warned, the buzzing in my head so loud, I could barely hear myself say it. “I mean it.”
Erika chuckled. “Or what? You gonna fake a power to get me off of you?” She reached out and poked me again. I took another step back and closed my eyes. The buzzing in my head was so loud. It was vibrating my entire body.
“Kay?” Yolanda called out, panicked. I couldn’t answer her, though. The strength of the buzzing was so loud, my face was beginning to go numb. I thought I heard Rowena shout, but it sounded far away. Screw them both, a voice whispered in my head. You don’t need them. You could Awaken all of these souls if you wanted to. But could I? I tried to take a calming breath but found I couldn’t breathe. You are one of the most powerful beings on this planet. They...should...bow...to... you!
A blast of energy rippled through me and I fell back, the cool, damp ground breaking my fall. The buzzing left just as quickly as it arrived. I felt much better, my head clear and my anger abated. I sat up and locked eyes with Rowena. Her face had gone white.
Frowning, I looked past her. Erika was on her knees, staring at me in horror. And surrounding her were twenty Death Walkers...all very much alive.
Chapter 15
I turned and ran out of Giza Graveyard. I didn’t stop until it was far behind me and I decided I was far enough away to be safe. I knelt behind some trees and put my fingers up to my lips, indicating for the trees to be quiet. They winked and straightened, pretending that I wasn’t there.
I leaned against one and put my head back, tears pouring down my face. What had happened? How had I been able to awaken so many without even touching a grave? What did this mean?
Exhaustion hit me. I felt like I had been running a marathon. My entire body ached. The clarity in my head was now replaced with a thousand questions and a sense of dread. Whatever had happened in Giza Graveyard was not good.
“It’s time to go,” a deep voice said. I shook my head. Whoever it was could go away. I wasn’t going anywhere.
“Girl. This is not the time for self-pity.”
My head snapped up to see Kris standing in front of me, his arms folded across his chest. His mouth was turned down in its usual frown. I jumped up and hugged him. At that moment, I needed someone...anyone...to help ground me.
“It was so bad.” I sobbed into his chest, not caring that I was getting his shirt wet. Where had he gotten the money for it anyway? “I didn’t mean to.”
He stiffened under my touch for a moment before rel
axing and patting me cautiously on the head. “It’ll be fine.”
I hiccupped. “No, it won’t. I ruined everything and I have no idea how I did it. I wasn’t trying to do it. The power just came from nowhere.”
He sighed and seemed to struggle internally for a few minutes. A fresh wave of tears hit me and I held him even tighter, allowing my misery to take over.
Kris blew out a breath I didn’t realize he was holding before he wrapped his arms around me and rested his cheek lightly on the top of my head. “You’re OK, Kathleena. We’ll keep you safe.” I pressed my face into his shirt and inhaled his scent, noticing that his smell wasn’t entirely unpleasant.
I pulled away enough to look up at him. “It’s not me I’m worried about. I put all of you in danger.”
Kris’ chuckle didn’t hold its usual bitterness. “You don’t think a little display of your power means all is lost, do you?” I paused. That was exactly what I’d been thinking.
He shook his head. “No, you silly little girl. We’ve been preparing for something like this. It was only a matter of time. You need proper training. Otherwise, these things will keep happening.”
“We?”
“I need to get you home. Your grandfather sent me. Let’s go.”
I stepped away and dried my tears, suddenly embarrassed by my show of emotion. I couldn’t look him in the eye. “I’m sorry I got your shirt wet. And I’m sorry I cried. I’m sure that makes you uncomfortable. Maybe Grandpa should send Jala next time.”
Kris made an indistinguishable noise and grabbed my shoulder. I caught my breath as the world went spinning again until we found ourselves standing outside of Dia.
I closed my eyes until my stomach caught up with the rest of me. When I opened them, Kris was standing next to Grandpa and Jala, who both looked very worried. Before I could say anything, Grandpa came up to me and gave me a tight hug. “You didn’t do anything wrong, ladybug,” he said.
I nodded, a new set of tears coursing down my face. He kissed both of my cheeks and rubbed my back until they subsided.
Jala cleared her throat. “Lamont, we should get going.”
He nodded and stepped away from me. “Kay.” He sighed. “The Council has issued an edict. They want you brought in.”
“Brought in...like for a meeting?” I asked, hopeful.
“Captured, dear.”
I gave a nervous laugh. “Uh...captured?”
“Yes. They want to study you. But we’re not going to let that happen.”
Jala stepped forward. “We’re going into hiding.”
“There’s no way I’m leaving Dia,” I said, folding my arms. They could have me, but they wouldn’t lay a finger on my innocent house. I straightened my back, ready to argue with both of them. Kris rolled his eyes.
“You won’t have to,” Grandpa said. “She’s coming with us.”
Before I could squeak out my surprise, Nia walked up behind me. “I heard what happened,” she said in greeting. “Let’s get this over with before the suns begin to set.”
I ignored her tone and moved to the side so that she could work. She closed her eyes in concentration, holding her hands up in front of her.
“Don’t worry, Dia. This won’t hurt,” she murmured. The space around Dia began to distort. Trees bent away from her and the ground seemed to struggle not to give out under her weight. Nia frowned a bit and then moved her hands slowly apart before quickly clapping them together again. A surge of energy surrounded us and with a poof Dia was gone. Nia opened her eyes and turned back to me. “OK, now us. Kris, you take Kay and Grandpa. I’ll take Jala.”
Kris nodded.
“What about Rena?” I asked, dodging his grasp.
“She’s already there.” Kris gripped my shoulder. The world spun again, but this time I was ready for it. I waited until my head stopped spinning before opening my eyes. We were in front of Dia...but she looked different. Gone were her square shape and pleasant blue shutters. Now she was a small log cabin, her wood made from the trees around her. There was a small porch in front of her, but that was the extent of her charm. I was pleased to see that Nia had remembered Steve, who was now facing Dia instead of looking out at passersby.
“I figured she could use the company,” Nia said softly, reading my mind. I hadn’t heard her arrive with Jala.
I walked over and squeezed her hand in gratitude.
“Come, let’s get inside to meet the others,” Jala said, walking up the small steps. We followed and I noticed that most of Dia’s insides looked the same...except it was a lot roomier. I glanced up the stairs and noted that there were more than the two rooms Dia had originally had.
“The outside is an illusion,” Nia explained at my questioning glance. “I actually Created more space inside of Dia to accommodate everyone since we’ll be living here now. I can add more rooms at will, of course, but you’ll need to Awaken all of them tonight. And any additional ones going forward. Dia won’t allow anyone but you to.”
I patted Dia’s door frame and smiled at her content rumble.
“Ah, good to see you here,” came a musical voice from the kitchen. I turned to see Mimi Lafaye smiling at me. “We were wondering when your grandfather would finally put his foot down.”
I chuckled and hugged her. “It’s good to see you, Mimi.”
“It’s good to be seen, sweet girl.” Her translucent wings fluttered behind her. “These are dark days. And I’m afraid they will get darker.”
“Try not to scare her too much,” a large man said, coming out of the kitchen as well. He had dark blue skin and what looked like three slits on each side of his nose. His pupils were a slightly lighter blue shade.
I raised an eyebrow. “And you are...?”
“My name is Nahime,” he said, bowing. “I am a wizard and a supporter of your cause.”
“Uh, thanks. Nice to meet you.”
He gave a small bow again before moving around us to the living room, which was now farther down the hall and to the right.
Mimi turned back to me. “You’ll meet Sterrey later. He’s a Creator.”
I nodded and followed Mimi to my newly expanded living room. Everyone, including Rena, was comfortable on couches or chairs with a warm fire blazing. Rena jumped up and gave me a quick hug before returning to her seat. They all looked at me as I settled into an armchair next to Nia.
“So...” I began, twisting my fingers. “What now?”
“We train you girls and prepare for the next battle,” Jala replied immediately. “Make no mistake, the KaKonians will only get stronger and more aggressive. They want you dead.”
Grandpa cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, this means that you, Nia, and Rena will no longer be able to attend your classes.”
“What?” Nia shouted, sprinting from her seat. “That’s ridiculous.”
“No, it’s not,” Nahime answered, shaking his head. “It’s time to go underground. Being out in the open leaves you too exposed. We can’t be sure who is on our side.”
“And who the Council has working for them,” Mimi added. “I know it’s a loss, Nia, but your safety is our utmost priority.”
“We need to bring you up to speed and get you in control of your powers,” Grandpa added gently. “Nia, you know this.”
She shook her head. “I can train and be a functioning member of society. I’m not going to let those bullies stop me from living my life.”
Kris stood, drawing himself to his full height. His eyes flashed as he studied Nia. “You’re being incredibly selfish. You realize that you Created this space.” He waved his hand around. “This is all thanks to your mind. Do you know what would happen if you were captured by the enemy? They have ways of making you talk. And despite what you think you know, their ways are brutal and relentless. They will make you tell them where we’re hiding.” He snarled. “You defying your grandfather puts us all at a grave risk. And for what? So that you can gain more accolades? Do you hear yourself?”
I opene
d my mouth to defend Nia, but then stopped. Kris was right. It was time for Nia to realize her career aspirations were not the most important thing happening. Nia stared at Kris for a few minutes before turning on her heel and storming out.
Grandpa stood as well and sighed. “Don’t worry, I’ll talk to her. Rena, Kay? Try to get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us.” He walked out after Nia, leaving us in tense silence.
My throat was dry, but I swallowed and asked, “Kris? What’s going to happen to the Death Walkers I awakened?”
“We’re taking care of it,” he bit out, moving towards the door as well.
“We?”
“Yes. We.” He stomped out, slamming Dia’s door behind him.
“Where is he going?” I asked no one in particular.
“He’ll be back,” Mimi answered, coming over and patting my hand. “Your grandfather is right, of course. You need your rest.”
I nodded and made my way upstairs, touching everything in my path until the entire wing was awakened. Finally, I found my room (all the way at the end of the hall) and was relieved to see everything was the same. I placed Yolanda on the nightstand near my bed before falling into it face-first, instantly falling asleep.
Chapter 16
I tripped over something hard, landing on my face with a comical “oomph!” Groaning, I brushed myself off and stood up, squinting until the dust around me settled and my eyes adjusted to the low light. A tingle of dread made its way up my spine. Where was I?
I started to move, but something caught my foot. I looked down and realized I was standing on someone. Standing on someone? Huh? Nausea hit me as I rolled the body over to gaze into the dead, glassy eyes of Rena. I screamed and fell backward, landing on another body. Sobbing, I turned around to face Grandpa’s bloody gaze staring back at me. Before I could react, a white ball of energy was fired directly at my chest. The world began to darken as I heard Jarem’s laughter in the background—
I woke up with a start, covered in sweat. What was happening to me? Why were these dreams so lifelike? I reached over with shaky hands and grabbed my glass of water off of my nightstand. The cool liquid slid down my parched throat but did nothing to quench the sense of terror in the pit of my stomach nor to settle my pounding heart. I took a couple of deep, cleansing breaths before placing the water glass back down on the nightstand.
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