Fly: A PORTAL Chronicles Novel (The PORTAL Chronicles)

by Melissa Aden

  Except Benson is no longer with me. Gone! He is gone. I slumped to the floor, depleted. Weeping.

  “I’ll find you, Benson. I swear it. I’ll find you.”

  I stated it out loud. It was my oath. I would find him if it was the last thing I did.

  Growing increasingly light headed, I grabbed my cell phone from my pocket and texted Sal, “9-1-1.”

  Hope flitted through me as “Message Sent” flashed across the screen before darkness again encumbered me, and everything went black.

  Chapter 43

  Home

  I watched the sun slowly break over the horizon. Against the stark white of the snowy fields, it was a magical sight — the whitewashed fields a perfect canvas for the sunrise’s bright, beautiful colors. The citrus skyline of yellows, oranges, and pinks slowly spilled into the room in a tie-dye of colors, giving me a much-needed shot of optimism after the unsettling dream I’d just had.

  For the first time since arriving at Brightman, I’d had a dream that didn’t revolve around me. It instead centered on Everett and Benson. I marveled at how my brain made up features for Benson although I had never seen him, and how the very story Everett had told me before I fell asleep played out so vividly, as if I was there.

  I smiled to myself recalling the night. I knew it would be an evening to remember the moment I stepped into the nightclub with Mia, but never did I imagine this. Everett saving me from Hagen, whisking me away to a magical, old train station, then proceeding to admit his feelings and the story of Benson. It was the stuff of fairy tales — unbelievable and undeniably romantic.

  I silently sat up and peeked at Everett, admiring him in peaceful slumber on the couch opposite me. He was beautiful. I knew it wasn’t the most masculine way to describe him, but there was no better way. With dark, tousled hair, tan skin and chiseled features, yes, he was beautiful, indeed!

  I wondered how he rested so tranquilly, how he slept at all after what he’d been through and witnessed. Though, I definitely preferred the pacified expression he wore now versus the heartbreak that colored his face while recounting the dark night of Benson’s kidnapping.

  The story was more awful than anything I could have imagined, though Everett’s face was more telling than his words: bewilderment upon discovering his twin brother — his best friend — had drugged him, horror as he described helplessly watching Benson’s brutal beating, and remorse at finding he had no choice but to leave the person he loved most behind — with a hoard of demons, no less.

  Everett then spoke of his regrets: that he should have reported Benson before it was too late, that he shouldn’t have drank the poisoned coffee, that maybe he could have saved Benson if only he’d tried a little harder.

  He admitted he often played that night over in his head, reliving the nightmare again and again in an attempt to figure out a different ending. But what was done was done, and he’d done everything he could. I assured him of that much.

  What a terrible decision to have to make. What would I have done in his situation? Say Dad had made a horrible decision with even more horrible consequences. Could I sacrifice him for the greater good, for strangers I would never meet?

  How brave and honorable of Benson to sacrifice himself and of Everett to respect his brother’s wishes and help him right his wrong. I was proud of them. They were heroes.

  “This was your doing wasn’t it?” I whispered to Dio as the thought dawned on me. How else could I explain my quick turnabout — all that had worked itself out in only one night?

  Emotion flooded me as I reflected on my sudden change. How had I gone from a depressed, hopeless mess who was entertaining the idea of taking her life to this fulfilled, hopeful girl? Relinquishing control to Dio, I suddenly found all the puzzle pieces falling into place and all of Divaldo’s bankrupt lies falling to the wayside.

  I’d thought I was alone, and Dio revealed how many people loved me. I was convinced my relationship with Everett was forever ruined, yet now we were dating. I’d accepted that Everett would never open up to me, only to find him whisking me away to this sacred place and spilling his heart and soul.

  There was only one possible explanation: Dio! He had orchestrated it all.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, gratitude washing over me like the sunrise about me. I sighed, surrendering to its warm embrace, savoring the feeling that everything was going to be okay.

  Now, for the first time in a long time, I anticipated the future. The world was suddenly a place where dreaming and reaching my potential were possibilities. And while the road ahead might be perilous, I trusted Dio to fulfill me and care for my every need and had peace that everything would work out as long as I walked in the power he gave me.

  Hope. What a beautiful thing.

  Sitting up and stretching, I saw that Everett was awake. Or was he? His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling.

  “Everett? Are you awake?” I whispered. It seemed like a stupid question, but considering all I’d recently learned about PORTAL and Everett’s true identity, a secret agent trained to sleep with his eyes open wasn’t so far-fetched.

  “Yeah,” he answered, his voice wavering just so.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I just had a bad dream about Benson.”

  I gaped one moment and was by Everett’s side the next. “I can’t believe it!” I breathed, realizing the miracle that had occurred. Everett groggily frowned at me. “Did you dream about the last time you saw Benson? At the portal door?”

  He sat up. “Yeah. Maybe it’s because I talked about it last night, but I dreamed about what happened the night he was taken. It was crazy. It all felt so real. It was like—” He stared out the window into the distance. “It was like I was really there on that very same night. I lived it, moment by moment, all over again.”

  “Me too,” I said, hardly able to stand it.

  “What?”

  “I dream shared with you!” I laughed, so happy I could cry. “But this time, instead of you looking in on my dream, I was in yours.”

  “Fascinating!” Everett whispered, a smile on his lips. “I wonder what changed to allow you to see into my dreams, or what it is that allows me to see into yours.”

  “I don’t know, but it’s exactly as you said. I saw and felt it all. Benson, the portal, the men in suits, the demons.” I sobered recalling the image of Benson’s bloodied body being dragged away. Snuggling next to Everett, I wrapped my arms around him. “I’m so sorry. Hearing about it was terrifying enough, but actually seeing it… ”

  “Thanks,” he said, hugging me back. “After enduring such scrutiny over what happened, it’s nice to know someone truly believes me.”

  “Thanks for trusting me enough to share what happened with me. I was told you witnessed what happened to Benson, but I never imagined it being so gruesome. It’s a miracle you came back from it as quickly as you did.”

  “It was a really dark time,” Everett agreed, studying the sunrise a while before adding, “Dio helped me a lot, and so did you.”

  “Me?” I looked at him. “How?”

  “Seeing you in Portland illuminated my world. I had never experienced depression — darkness — quite like what I felt after losing Benson. I was drowning in it. I couldn’t shake it.” Everett then smiled. “But then I accepted a mission in Portland, Oregon, and met a miracle named Sophie.”

  “A miracle, huh?” I could hardly breathe.

  He broke his gaze from the skyline to face me. “Suddenly the world had color again, and I had joy again. You helped me realize there’s life after tragedy, and while it might not be the same, it can be just as good.”

  I smiled. “So this is just as good?”

  Leaning in, Everett put his forehead to mine before whispering, “Maybe better.”

  Then his lips were on mine, soft and sweet. I closed my eyes and let him kiss me.

  “Okay. Definitely better,” he whispered against my lips.

  I laughed and we kissed again, thi
s time a little longer, more passionately. I surrendered to the moment, allowing myself to be fully present, entirely experiencing the gentle warmth of his mouth on mine and the soothing sensation spreading through my body, like warm honey coating every last insecurity, every last care.

  Pulling me closer, Everett tenderly kissed my forehead before looking me in the eyes. “I love you, Sophie.”

  The words sounded normal, like I’d heard Everett say them to me a thousand times, like I’d known them all this time. “I love you,” I replied, surprised it was as easy to say as it was to hear.

  Sighing, Everett rested his cheek on my head. I relaxed into him, relishing the comfort of his strong arms around me. There was a death threat on my head and my world was turned upside down, but in Everett’s arms, somehow none of it mattered. Nothing could touch me. I was safe here, havened away in a stronghold for just us two.

  Again, I thanked Dio, for after feeling lost and misplaced for so long, I had finally found the place where I belonged.

  I was home.

  Chapter 44

  The Alphas

  “Haven’t you heard of a cell phone?” Mia shrieked, hands on hips. “Where. Have. You. Two. Been?” Her angry expression quickly changed to one of relief as she grabbed Everett and me in a tight embrace. “I was worried sick.”

  “We’re fine,” Everett laughed.

  Then Mia grimaced, looking us over. “What are you wearing?”

  Everett and I were quite the pair, I still clad in his navy blue sweat suit with puddles of fabric around my bare feet and he in grey sweats, accented by his expensive dress shoes — not that anyone besides Mia would notice his mismatched attire for the distraction of his handsome face and disheveled bedhead.

  “I took Sophie to the old train station last night,” Everett explained. “It was the only comfortable clothing I had there.”

  “What!?!” Mia looked shocked. “The train station? Are you crazy?”

  “Chill.” He kissed the top of her head on his way into her dorm. “It was totally fine. Nothing happened,” he said from behind her, then shooting me a look that said, well, not exactly nothing.

  A love drunk fool, all I could do was laugh, joy bubbling from the depths of me. Mia narrowed her eyes at me before looking over her shoulder at Everett, who was already straight-faced again. Turning back to me with a frown, she motioned me in, watching as Everett and I settled a little closer than normal on the couch. It was all I could do not to grab his hand or put my arm through his.

  “Something’s up,” she said, looking back and forth at us. “What are you two not telling me?” Everett maintained his innocent expression, but I broke, smiling guiltily. Mia gasped. “No! You two? You told her? He told you?” The looks on our faces must have confirmed her suspicions for she exclaimed, “Finally! Sophie, this boy has been talking my ear off about you for the past six months. It was about time he made a move.”

  “Mia!” Everett said, looking embarrassed.

  “You’re in love with her. She’s in love with you. So what?” she said, dismissing him with a wave of her hand. “How ‘bout we make some breakfast to celebrate?” Famished, Everett and I nodded our agreement. “Good. You two can cook,” she said, heading for the kitchen.

  Everett chuckled at her, shaking his head. “Not to be a party pooper, but I should check in with Sal,” he said, holding up his cell phone.

  “Go. I’ve got it covered,” I said. “You can use my dorm if you need some privacy.”

  “Thanks. You’re the best.” He kissed my cheek before leaving.

  I was secretly thankful to be left alone with Mia, allowing me to recount my amazing evening — and morning — with Everett while cooking breakfast.

  “Oh, Sophie! Wow!” she collapsed against the kitchen counter in response. “Those Sinclair boys sure can kiss, huh? I think it’s their soft, pillowy lips,” she said, puckering exaggeratingly.

  “Mia!” I laughed, swatting her with a spatula.

  “What? It is! It’s all in the lips,” she laughed. “I’m so happy Everett finally told you. I’ve been rooting for you two since I noticed him changing in Portland.”

  “How so?” I asked, carefully flipping a slice of French toast in a pan.

  “He seemed happier there. After seeing him in such a deep depression here, it was like night and day. He was suddenly upbeat and laughing.” She paused in thought and smiled. “And the way he talked about you — he’d never spoken of a girl that way. But he wouldn’t admit anything, so I talked to his mom.”

  “You did what?” I asked, mortified.

  “Relax! Victory’s cool. She agreed Everett was acting differently, so I knew my instincts weren’t far off, and, sure enough, he admitted he liked you shortly after you came to Brightman.”

  “Well, it makes sense that Victory knows. I thought she was watching me closely when I saw her last month.”

  Mia laughed. “She probably wanted to get to know the girl who turned her overly serious, responsible son into an obsessive, bumbling idiot.”

  “He’s not that bad off, is he?”

  “Uh, yeah! Believe it or not, I didn’t tell Victory that Everett liked you. I mean, she had her suspicions and all, but he told her himself.” I gaped. “I know, right! What nineteen-year-old guy does that? When he turned to Victory for advice, I knew it was serious. You are what changed Everett this summer, and we’re all glad you did. He truly cares about you, Sophie.”

  “Thanks. I feel very fortunate.”

  “And between you and me, I later regretted confronting Everett about liking you, because he hasn’t shut up about you since!” She mimicked, “Mia, I just don’t know what to do. I like her so much, but what if it’s not right? What if I screw up our friendship? What if it’s not Dio’s will? What if she doesn’t like me back? What if! What if! What if! Blah. Blah. Blah.”

  We laughed. Girl talking about such frivolous things was a nice reprieve from the dire circumstances we all faced. I’d always thought it odd to talk about boys in the past, but just like kissing Everett and proclaiming my love, this, too, felt natural.

  Everett walked into the kitchen then with a cocky smirk. “I know I’m amazing and all, but you two really ought to stop talking about me. I might get a big head.”

  Mia and I shared a look before bursting into laughter again.

  Everett grimaced, realizing what he’d meant as a joke wasn’t far off. “Sorry to leave you hanging, Sophie.”

  “It’s fine. You’re not the only one who can cook,” I said, plating the last piece of perfectly browned French toast. “Besides, you were busy with more important matters.” Holding out his plate, I turned to face him.

  “Thanks. This looks great!” He planted a zealous kiss on my lips before heading to the dining table.

  I steadied myself on the kitchen counter feeling like I might melt like butter. With big eyes and a stifled smile, Mia quickly grabbed her plate and scampered away. Somehow getting my wobbly legs to work, I managed to follow after her.

  “How was your phone call?” Mia asked, plopping into a dining chair.

  “Phone calls,” Everett corrected. “I talked to my dad, Sal, and Dr. Smitherson, explaining and apologizing for our abrupt disappearance. Dad wasn’t thrilled, but don’t worry, my head will grow back.”

  Mia winced. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Thankfully, Sal and Dr. Smitherson were a little more forgiving.”

  “Does that mean Sal will awaken Sophie soon?” Mia asked, excitedly.

  Everett looked to me. “It’s up to her.”

  “The sooner the better so you can help the rest of us figure out our powers.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked Mia.

  Everett groaned, shooting Mia a reproving glare. “Is it too much to ask for a lighthearted breakfast without talk of death, demons, or Divaldo?”

  “Sorry, but she’s going to find out sooner or later,” Mia shrugged.

  “What are you two talking about?” I as
ked.

  “Mia can do the honors since she deemed it necessary to open this most gratuitous can of worms.”

  “Why certainly, Everett,” Mia played along with a roll of her eyes. Sighing, she turned to me. “Sophie, there are a limited number of powers or gifts that we at PORTAL are aware of. No two people in a generation have ever had the same power. Traditionally, older, more experienced PORTAL agents, known as Alphas, mentor the younger agent who has the same power as them. This process worked fine until about ten years ago when Divaldo saw how detrimental your mom’s death was to PORTAL, sparking the idea for the Alpha Project, a campaign to kill all of PORTAL’s Alphas, thus crippling the agency’s progress.”

  I nodded, catching on. “So, Divaldo killed off the Alphas to prevent them from teaching incoming younger PORTAL agents about their powers?”

  “Exactly,” Everett said. “Long story short, Divaldo got to everyone save my parents, Sal, and a few others. The Alpha Project wiped out an entire generation of PORTAL agents, and with it, knowledge and resources on the powers they’d mastered, leaving the incoming generation, like you, me, and Mia, clueless about their powers.”

  “Explaining why you’re largely unfamiliar with your gifts and slowly discovering them through trial and error,” I deduced.

  “Yup. Take me, for example,” Mia said. “I’m a Mantler, someone who can open the mantles of the sky so new portals — new connections — can be activated between Earth and Alethia. Angels use these portals to travel to Earth, helping in our fight against Divaldo.

  “Unfortunately, the last Mantler was killed in the Alpha Project, forcing PORTAL to totally change its strategy. The agency used to fight offensively, blanketing the world with open portals, which allowed angels access to various locations more quickly, but now that PORTAL no longer has the ability to create new portals, we’re deduced to merely protecting a few remaining good portals so Divaldo can’t steal them, while guarding the bad portals to prevent any more demons from infesting Earth.”