“I am in need of a few items, and you can bring them to me.”
“Why would I do anything for you after all you have done to me? Find them yourself.”
“Listen, foolish girl,” he yells. “You will do this or you will suffer the consequences.”
“No, you listen,” Lyla yells back. “The only thing you will get from me is a one-way ticket to hell.”
Damien’s hand touches her shoulder, and a wave of pain drifts throughout Lyla’s entire body. It is as if she has been struck by lightning and she is being electrocuted as it runs through every nerve of her body. The pain finally stops and she falls to the ground. She doesn’t move for fear that the pain will return. He looks down at her and grins.
“In time, you will do as I say and will wish you did what I asked the first time. I have more power over you than you think.”
The room begins to spin and Lyla drifts back into the darkness.
Lyla saw sunlight as she opened her eyes. Thomas had both of his hands intertwined with her left hand; his forehead was leaning against them. She lightly squeezed her hand in his and his head shot up. He looked terrible. His hair was messy and he had dark circles around his eyes, but to her he was still handsome, and she was glad to see him.
Lyla moved to get up, but he told her to stay lying down. Her arm was wrapped with a cloth where she had been bitten, and she could feel the soreness from the bruises that were spread across her body.
Thomas went to get up and inform the others that she was awake, but she wouldn’t let go of his hand. He sat back down in the chair.
“Where are we?” she asked.
“Arthur’s house. He was the only one that would have been able to heal you, so I brought you here.” He cupped his right hand to her cheek and she pulled her hand to his. “How do you feel?”
“My body aches, but most of the pain is gone.”
“Let me inform the others that you have awoken. They will all be very happy to hear.” Thomas kissed her forehead and tingles flowed through her body. She watched him as he got out of his chair and reached for the door handle.
“Thomas,” Lyla said. “Did you mean what you said before? Before the attack?”
“Every last word,” he said. Lyla gave a slight smile as he opened the door and walked into the other room. She heard muffled voices and loud shouts. Lilly ran into the room full of excitement, followed by Giselle, William, Arthur, and Thomas.
Everyone was smiling at her, trying to talk to her all at once.
“I’m so glad you are awake,” Lilly said. “I knew you would pull through.”
“Let me through, let me through,” Arthur said calmly. “I have to make sure she is stable. I don’t want her to lose consciousness again.”
Arthur asked her a series of questions as he checked her temperature and vitals. Her temperature was still above average, but other than that, she seemed to be all right. He still expected her to rest for a few more days until her body fully recovered. He informed them that someone would have to change her bandages until her arm fully healed to prevent the venom from spreading again.
Thomas quickly volunteered.
Lyla looked surprised at the word venom, so Arthur explained how the venom from the bite could turn her into a Demorite. The venom in her was now contained, but she would have to take more of the potion. Arthur had made two vials for her to take over the next few days.
“It is imperative that you take both of the doses or it won’t completely rid the venom out of your system,” Arthur said.
Lyla nodded in agreement. She looked down at her clothes. She was no longer wearing her torn shirt and pants anymore. Lilly noticed her observing.
“I took the liberty of changing your clothes, with some help from Giselle,” she said. “I wanted you to be as comfortable as possible. Thomas stayed by your side most of the time and he even stitched your arm up.”
“Thomas, you didn’t have to do that,” said Lyla. “You must be exhausted.”
“I wanted to. I couldn’t miss my sleeping beauty waking up, now could I?” Lyla smiled. She quickly changed the subject, looking all around her.
“How long was I out?”
“You were in and out of consciousness, it seemed,” said William. “Sometimes you would whisper names in your sleep, but you were out for five days.”
“Five days?” Lyla yelled.
Everyone was taken aback by her outburst.
“It was a very serious injury,” Arthur said. “You could have died. You’re lucky it was only five days with as much venom that coursed through your body.”
“I am grateful. It’s just that there’s still so much to do.”
“All of which you can do once you have fully healed. Going out like this can be very dangerous for you. Continue to rest, at least for tomorrow. That is not a suggestion.” Lyla fully understood, but she didn’t like the idea of lying around.
“What about the venture to Dresden?”
“It already happened,” said Lilly. “Sorry, Ly.”
“Without me?” Lyla was disappointed. She had worked very hard to win the tournament just so she could go, and she missed it, but she knew there was no way she could have gone in her condition.
“I’ll tell you all about it,” said Lilly. “I promise.” Lyla smiled knowing that Lilly wouldn’t leave out a single detail.
Now that she was awake they were able to transfer her to her bed at the Langston household. Lyla thanked Arthur for all that he had done for her as everyone helped her out of the house. She could walk, but she was a little wobbly.
Arthur loved the company from all of them over the past five days, even if it was under the worst of circumstances. They pulled up the carriage for her, accompanied by Lilly, William, and Thomas. Giselle volunteered to ride Thomas’s horse back to the house.
Lyla was in her bed reading the book Lilly gave her. This was the third time she had read it since then. Thomas wanted to stay with her, but she told him to go to his room and get some rest. He needed it more than anyone. He hesitated, but he knew it was for the best and she would call for him if she needed him.
She was interested in her book, but she continued to get lost in the pages as she thought about her dream. It was the first dream other than the death of her mother, and it seemed so real. It seemed like Damien, so he called himself, really did want her to find something for him. What was it though? Was it the same item her mom told her to find in her other dream? There had to be some sort of a connection. And what did he mean when he said he had power over her? In her dream, he caused her pain. What if he really did have that power?
On top of that, she was thinking about her grandfather. It had been several days since they had arrived to Armoria. Lyla and Lilly had been so entranced with how good they had it there that they were not focusing on the reason they came in the first place. They needed weapons that would kill the Demorites when they went to rescue him. Armorian weapons. They needed to prioritize. She promised Arthur she would stay in bed the following day, but after that they needed to leave this place.
The next day was worse than the previous day for Lyla. She had taken her potion and felt like she was ready to get out of bed, but William wouldn’t allow it. Thomas looked well rested and bathed when he came to visit. This time when he came into the room he was glowing. He was still handsome even when he was exhausted, but Lyla loved the freshness that he carried with him now. She could smell the scent of soap and peppermint on his skin and she loved it.
“I hate sitting around doing nothing,” Lyla said.
She hated feeling like a pouty little girl, but she felt fully rested. The only reason she had to stay in bed was because of Arthur, and William would not go against anything he said.
“Would you like me to run some bath water for you?” said Thomas.
“I would love that. It’s very much needed at this point.”
“I didn’t want to say anything, but you’re right.”
Lyla punched him i
n the shoulder as they both laughed about it. Thomas filled the tub and walked her to the restroom. “If you need any further assistance, yell for me.” Lyla glared at him. “I’m only kidding.”
Lyla was biting the inside of her cheek. She wanted him to kiss her, really kiss her, but it wasn’t something to be rushed.
Lyla got into the tub and let her body relax. She tried to keep her arm out of the water, not knowing how her wound would do just yet with the stitches.
Another scar most likely.
That’s just what she needed.
Horror struck her. Thomas must have seen her scar by now. What did he think about it? Hopefully, he didn’t find it gruesome and disgusting. It wasn’t large or deforming in any way, but it was the one part of her that she hated.
Lyla felt much better after taking a bath. After getting into bed and pulling the blankets over her, she called for Thomas to wrap her arm. After a few minutes, he came in and sat at the edge of her bed.
“Thank you for taking care of me,” she said as he pulled the cloth around her arm.
“Isn’t that what people do for the ones they love?” Lyla was not used to a boy saying he loved her. It was a new feeling, but a good feeling nonetheless. He looked up at her. His blue eyes staring into hers. “I know you would do the same for me.”
“I would do anything for you.”
They continued to stare at one another until Thomas looked away and broke the connection. She looked down at the blankets that were pulled to her waist. Thomas tied the knot on her bandage, causing Lyla to wince.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said.
“No, it’s quite all right,” she half smiled.
She looked at him, then away again. He slipped his hand under her chin and slowly turned it toward him. Without warning, he pressed his lips to hers. His lips were soft against hers. Her heart was pounding as she took it all in, and tingles rushed through her body. This was her first kiss. It was her moment, the moment she had been waiting for. It was the best moment of her life, and nothing could compare.
Thomas pulled away. Their foreheads were against each other, their eyes closed.
“I’m sorry,” Thomas said.
“For what?” Lyla breathed as she pulled her head away and looked into his eyes.
“I didn’t mean to rush things. I want to wait until you feel comfortable with us and our relationship.” He looked down as if he had made a mistake.
“I wanted it too, so don’t feel like you are rushing things, because I felt the same way. I want this if you do.” Before she could say another word, he kissed her again. This time was even better than the last.
“I love you, Lyla.”
“And I love you, Thomas.”
A knock came at the door and Lyla told whoever it was to come in as she slid her hand into his. It was Lilly, and she had a smile on her face that made her look like she had a secret that only she knew.
“Lyla, I would like to try something if you don’t mind.”
Lyla looked confused, and Thomas was getting up to leave.
“No, you can stay, Thomas,” Lilly said. She sat on the opposite side of the bed from Thomas. “I need you to put your crystal necklace on.” Lyla did as she asked. She reached for her necklace that was lying on her nightstand, and pulled it over her head. “Now I need you to close your eyes and clear your mind. Try not to think of anything.” Lyla still had no idea what was going on, but she complied.
Thomas watched as they both closed their eyes and waited for something to happen. Lyla cleared her mind and sat for a few minutes waiting.
“Lilly what is going on? This is silly.”
“Wait, just a few more minutes. I just need a little bit of time.”
“Time for…” Lilly cut her off. “Please, just trust me.” Lyla looked at Thomas who was staring at them in curiosity. She closed her eyes once more and waited. Three minutes. Four minutes. Five minutes. Just when she was about to give up, she heard something. “Can you hear me?” It was Lilly’s voice, and she hadn’t said it aloud. It was in her head. She repeated, “Lyla, can you hear me?” Lyla hesitated, but she tried to answer back. “I can hear you, Lil.”
Lilly and Lyla looked up at each other with wide eyes. Thomas looked at them as though he had missed something drastic.
“Did that just happen?” Lyla asked.
“Yes,” Lilly said excitedly. “We can read each other’s minds.”
Chapter 16
Lyla and Lilly sat on Lyla’s bed and continued to practice their newfound power. Thomas was impressed. No one that he knew, or in the history of Armoria for that matter, had the ability to do that. Not even Arthur, and he had acquired several skills over the years himself.
Thomas suggested that Lyla and Lilly go to Arthur the next morning. He would be able to tell them more information better than anyone could.
The night was getting late, so Lilly went back to her room to get some rest for the next day. Thomas stayed for just a few more minutes, making sure Lyla didn’t need anything before he went to bed. He kissed her once more and went to his room.
It took a while longer for Lyla to fall asleep than she had anticipated. She thought about her powers and what more she might have. Arthur had said before that they were a special case. No one could possibly know how different they were or what they might have the ability to do.
She thought of Damien and the power he possessed over her. How he made her fall to the ground in pain just by a single touch. She had not mentioned her dream to anyone. It was only a dream, so it couldn’t have been real. Damien couldn’t have power like that. Could he? If he did, they were all in danger. She could only hope she would be able to stand up against him when the time came.
The next morning couldn’t have come soon enough. Lyla had been in bed for several days and felt overrested. She got up before the sun even started to show in the distance, and walked downstairs to the kitchen.
The lights were on. She peered around the corner and saw William, who was already awake and sitting at the table drinking coffee. She wondered if he had done that every morning before making them all breakfast.
His hair was disheveled and he looked tired. She concluded he must have had a rough night.
“Good morning,” he said. His tone was flat, and his grim expression remained the same.
“Are you all right? It looks like you didn’t get much sleep.”
“I’m fine. How are you?” he said, changing the subject. “It is your first day out of bed, you must feel fully rested.”
“Too much rest, actually. If it were not for Arthur, I would have been up yesterday.”
“He knows what he is talking about.”
“I know! That is why Lilly and I are going to see him today.”
William raised his brows at her. “Oh, really? And why are you going to his house? I fear we have bothered him enough these past few days.”
“I think he enjoys the company. Besides, Lilly figured out that we can read each other’s minds. Isn’t that great?”
William didn’t answer right away. Lyla’s smiled faded as he walked to the fridge. He leaned over, pulled out a basket of eggs, and sat them on the counter before turning back to Lyla.
“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to have power, but it can also be dangerous. You’re making a wise decision going to Arthur.”
Lyla nodded her head and sat silently while William made breakfast. The sun was slowly coming up and Lyla wondered if she could communicate with Lilly from downstairs. She cleared her mind and asked if she was awake. A few moments later Lilly responded saying she would be down in a minute and how amazing it was that they could communicate this way.
By the time William had finished breakfast, Lilly, Giselle, and Thomas had made their way to the kitchen. Giselle was still in her pajamas and her hair was in tangles. She held her arms above her head stretching as she walked to the fridge and poured herself a glass of orange juice. Thomas had come down fully refr
eshed and wide awake.
While they were eating, Lilly told Giselle of their new power. Giselle was happy for them, but she also expressed a hint of jealousy. Lyla was talking to Thomas about their plans for the day. She was disappointed when Thomas told her he would not be escorting her and her sister to Arthur’s house. He wanted to go to the training arena and get some practice in, since he hadn’t been for a few days because he was looking after Lyla. Lyla knew she needed to give him space, but she hated the idea of being apart. She planned to meet him at the arena once they were done speaking with Arthur.
Lyla and Lilly arrived at Arthur’s house with a knock on the door. Arthur was surprised to see them, but was glad to see that Lyla was back on her feet. He guided them into the sitting area by the fireplace.
“What do I owe the pleasure of your visit today, my dears?” Arthur asked.
Lilly told him of her theory of mind communication between her and her sister. She explained that she had read about it in a book, and that is when she went to her sister’s room to test it.
Lyla didn’t even think about asking Lilly how she had come up with the idea to try it out. She was gaping at her sister, who didn’t seem to notice. Of course, Lilly knew how to read, but she had never picked up a book of her own will.
Arthur was not surprised to hear that they had successfully administered it. He pulled out one of the books from his shelf. It seemed that he had a book for everything, and contained answers to any question that might be asked of him. “Telepathy, my dear girl,” he said as he looked down, flipping through the pages. “That is the proper name.”
Lyla and Lilly were sitting forward in their chairs, eager to hear more.
“Many people have come to believe that twins have either the power to read one another’s minds or feel what the other is feeling. Pain, for example. There are no known human twins that have this ability, but it does not surprise me that the two of you do. You are witches, after all.” Arthur had stopped on a page and was skimming through the reading.
“William said that witches and wizards are not like most people think; that the only power they acquire is the energy from their symbols and from each other. If this is true, then why do we have more powers than most?” Lilly asked. Arthur moved his eyes from the pages to the girls. His head was still down and he was peering above his spectacles.
Aftermath_The Armorian Chronicles Page 15