Promises

by Lisa L Wiedmeier

  The howling was almost unbearable; it was echoing my cry, my misery. I poured out my soul, the anguish over all that had been taken from me. Everything I’d ever loved had been ripped from my hands and now I was going to stop it all…I’d never let it hurt me again.

  Then a faint voice called out above the wind. It was desperate, pathetic, begging me to stop.

  It was Callon.

  I blinked, and glanced down. Callon was holding on to my leg. Blood was matted in his hair, cuts were across his cheeks.

  “Cheyenne, please stop!” he begged. “You’ll kill us all!”

  I fell to my knees and collapsed over Colt’s body. A thickset gloom washed over me, smothering and constricting. I heard the voices, but nothing really mattered now.

  “Come back to me, Colt…come back to me,” I murmured.

  “Cheyenne!” Callon dragged me from Colt’s body. My head flopped back as his arm secured itself around my waist. It didn’t matter anymore…nothing mattered anymore.

  Trackers were slowly rising and heading towards us. Daniel flashed in front of Colt and attempted to lift him. Maes pushed Daniel away and pointed towards the forest. Koda neared with Midnight to help and Maes shifted, letting out a mournful howl.

  I looked upon the hill for Marcus. He was sitting on the ground, a large gash running down his cheek. A mere graze compared to the suffering he’d forced upon me.

  “Never…forgive…” I mumbled.

  Daniel’s eyes met mine, filled with the crushing sorrow that was wrapped around my heart. He’d lost his brother, and I’d lost my true love…

  My gaze remained locked on Colt’s body lying on the hillside—alone.

  I’d truly lost everything.

  Chapter 23

  Koda held me tight as we rode Midnight into the black forest. The others ran alongside us. I didn’t catch any sounds of pursuit, but we rode hard until dusk. It was almost a surprise when we stopped by a small stream. People were waiting there, but I barely acknowledged them. The one person I wanted to be here was gone forever, leaving me with a deep hollowness within.

  I could still see the lightning bolt charging towards Colt, and how I’d tried everything to stop it from hitting him. And how watching his lifeless body had ignited my fury. Marcus had done this on purpose. He’d taken away everything that I loved, provoking me to release my power. He’d won in so many ways…but he had also made a grave mistake. There’d be no forgiveness in my heart for him—ever.

  Koda helped me off Midnight, and I glanced around. Each of my guardians bore battle wounds…wounds I’d inflicted from my earlier display. Daniel was resting against a tree, covered in dirt and cuts. A large gash ran down the length of his left arm. He hadn’t even looked at me since we’d left the valley, since we’d left Colt’s body.

  Koda was washing his burn at the stream; his face had bruises and blood across it as well. Maes remained in his Tresez form, but even his thick coat couldn’t hide the matted fur and blood-encrusted patches.

  I kept my head down, listening to footsteps approach. Callon grasped my wrist, but I couldn’t look at him. I’d already seen his injuries; another reminder of how useless I was. I couldn’t save Colt, and I’d almost killed everyone as a consequence.

  Callon didn’t linger. He released me, heading to the newcomers. Colt’s bracelet sparkled around my wrist, and I heard quiet voices. I didn’t recognize most of them, but I caught every word of Callon’s as he told them what had happened. A woman gasped, but I didn’t look up. I couldn’t.

  My fingers traced the bracelet stones. They reminded me of that day in the cave. I’d been so happy then…and now that happiness lay shattered on the battlefield. I sucked in a shaky breath. Nobody had wanted us to be together; they’d had their wish granted. And it was all because of me.

  Callon returned and gripped my arm. Slowly I stood up, and he tenderly brushed the hair from my eyes. He traced the cuts on my neck and cheeks, then probed the wound on my back. He lifted my chin, and his lips moved, but I didn’t hear his words. I only saw the misery we were both in, his hazel eyes dull and grey. I heard their names—Clayton, Skylar and Nakari—but that was all I took in.

  My knees felt weak, but it wasn’t from the explosion of power I’d released. Colt was gone…and I was completely lost. I was nothing without him. Who could I turn to now? He’d been there for me when my parents died. He’d been the one to pull me through everything. And now he was gone…my guiding light extinguished.

  This was just what Callon had wanted. His whole plan was to remove Colt from my life, and he’d succeeded, although it wasn’t the way he’d planned. He wanted to prove that I had no other choice but him, and he had.

  “Cheyenne…” Callon began.

  The words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them.

  “You got what you wanted Callon.” I tugged free of his hold and turned my back on him.

  Tears streamed down my cheeks as Callon’s arms came around me.

  “I never wanted this, Cheyenne,” he croaked, his voice raw. “I never wanted Colt gone like this…”

  “We need to leave,” Koda said. Sighing, Callon took my hand, and I was led to Midnight.

  We waited as the others mounted their horses, and then Maes led our desolate party away. Koda wrapped me in his cloak, and I sank further into the darkness, wishing it would swallow me up so I wouldn’t feel the hurt anymore.

  Colt’s death rested on my shoulders. I’d been the one to run away, the one who refused to be with Callon. I’d been the one to place myself in Marcus’s grasp. Everything I’d done since the moment I found out I was Timeless had led to this moment…

  Koda sighed heavily. I clenched my fingers into a tight ball. A familiar scent clung to me like fragrant flowers, Colt’s scent…it was as if the cloak carried a part of him.

  Koda’s chest rubbed against my back, and I dug my nails into my palms, trembling. They were too much alike. His strong arms that held the reins and kept me close became too much to bear. It was too much like being with Colt…

  I began to sob uncontrollably, and we came to an abrupt halt.

  Koda touched my arm. “Cheyenne, I’m so sorry. I should’ve realized…”

  Callon quickly neared and plucked me from Koda. My legs dangled to the side as he pulled me into his chest and rested his head on mine. My arms wound around his neck, and I buried my face in it.

  My tears began to slow. Cheek to cheek we sat, and I felt his tears mingle with mine. He took hold of the reins, and the horses began to walk once more. My eyes remained open as I stared at the ground, but I didn’t take in what I was seeing. All I knew was the haze of darkness and the emptiness within.

  I wouldn’t open myself up again. I wouldn’t allow anyone close. I never wanted to feel like this, ever. I’d stand alone and stop others from getting hurt because of my carelessness.

  Days and nights merged together in a distant blur. A sun rose and then a sun set; I didn’t keep track of time.

  “We’re almost at the rental,” Callon said quietly. “We’re going to pick up the cars and leave immediately.” He sighed wearily. “Nakari already packed your things.”

  I could have cared less about my things. Without Colt in my life, nothing held meaning anymore. Every day would be cold and unfeeling without his light.

  When we arrived, Maes helped me down and shuffled us into the garage. He opened the Camaro door, and I was pushed into the backseat. As Callon pulled out, I watched Koda and Daniel climbing into the truck. Nakari, Clayton and Skylar were standing to the side with the horses as we drove off.

  Callon had no qualms about using the gas pedal once we cleared the driveway. I flopped further into the seat, my head hitting the leather. Motionless, I stared into the abyss. Maes’s gaze never left me, but I didn’t look back.

  I wanted to sleep, but oblivion wouldn’t come. I wanted the darkness to overtake, swallow me, but instead it sat before me, teasing, flaunting itself beyond my grasp.

 
I remained in the same position, numbed to my surroundings. At one point, Daniel appeared and placed a water bottle in my hand, but I let it flop beside me. Neither thirst nor hunger troubled me. My body yearned for the one thing it could never have, and without it, I’d remain this lifeless husk.

  “Do you know the last time she ate, Maes?” Callon’s words were riddled with anxiety.

  “Not since we were together as a group,” Maes said.

  “Any fluids?”

  “A very small amount, but that was days ago.”

  Callon reached back and grasped my hand. “Cheyenne, we’re almost to the cabin. You’re going to need to get cleaned up while we get things ready to leave.” He hesitated, unsure if I was listening. “Can you do that for me?”

  I didn’t reply. Instead I turned my head and stared out the window. The roads were becoming familiar, and a tightness gripped my chest. So many memories…

  Dawn broke, and we arrived at our destination. Callon got out, then pulled the seat forward for me to exit. I didn’t move. He grasped my wrist and sat me upright. Instantly my head began to spin, and I clutched the seatback to steady myself. Slowly, I crawled out, and raised my head.

  The swing where Colt and I had sat together so many times swung in the breeze, and a lump rose in my throat. My eyes shot to the porch where we’d talked. Where I’d watched Colt and his brothers desperately trying to capture my attention and make me smile.

  I couldn’t do this…

  Callon tugged at my wrist. Surprisingly I fought back. I pushed myself against the car, but he drew closer, his fingers locking on my forearms. “You can do this, Cheyenne,” he said. “You need to come with me. We haven’t got much time.”

  Daniel, Koda and Maes were watching. I inhaled a shaky breath, before attempting to step forward.

  My legs instantly gave way, and Callon caught me. I caught sight of the cabin fully, and an ache came to life in my chest. I could almost hear Colt’s voice teasing me, and I choked out a sob.

  Callon wrapped me in his arms. “Shh, it’s okay,” he whispered.

  I bawled, shaking as the tears soaked into his shirt. Callon softly stroked my back, trying to ease my breathing.

  “Deep breaths, sweetheart. You can do this.”

  Eventually I stopped crying, but the trembling didn’t stop. Gently Callon helped me along, but when we came to the porch steps, it became too much. I all but collapsed, and so he picked me up and carried me inside. I curled against his neck, my eyes pressed shut. I didn’t want any more painful reminders.

  My legs dropped to the floor, and Callon pried my arms free. We were in his bathroom. He simply stood there, staring at the floor. His eyes held the same emptiness I felt inside. At last he sighed.

  “You’ve…You’ve got to get cleaned up quickly,” he said, fighting to keep his voice level. “Don’t leave this room until I come back for you.”

  He looked back at me—a broken man. To see him in such a state only made the pain worse. I could only nod, unable to find the words.

  I didn’t look in the mirror as I shuffled towards the shower and dropped my dirt-encrusted clothes to the side, watching them hit the tiles. I wished I could cast aside the numbness in my heart so easily as well.

  Callon was so much stronger than me. He faced the same grief I did, yet had still found the resolve to get me to safety. If it hadn’t been for him, I would’ve just stayed with Colt. I would’ve remained with his body until he came back—or I went with him. I didn’t want to live without him.

  I dressed, tears flowing down my cheeks as each piece of clothing brought back a memory. Colt and I had shopped together for these khaki pants. He’d helped me pick out the entire outfit, the white shirt, sandals and jacket. I hadn’t not worn them in a long time because it reminded me of what was, of what could have been before I knew I was betrothed to Callon and Marcus.

  I turned, taking account of myself in the mirror. There was no brightness anymore—only grey emptiness. I forced myself to turn away before another bout of tears could take over. I clasped my fingers together until my knuckles turned white. Callon had told me to stay put, but I couldn’t.

  I ventured out and headed for Colt’s room. The instant I opened his door, his scent swirled around me, and I began to shake. I stared at his bed. His covers were rumpled and pillows tossed to the floor, the outline of his body still intact on the mattress. He’d only slept on top of his comforter…

  I turned towards his dresser, and my hand flew to my mouth. There before me was the other half of my bracelet. He’d found it after I’d left.

  I forced my hand to move. With trembling fingers I picked up the bracelet and slid it on my wrist. The instant the two stones touched, the magical light appeared. If they were together, it would always light my way—if we were together, he’d always light my way.

  I closed my eyes as I removed it and placed it back on his dresser. Tears splashed onto it, dampening the notepad placed there. I hadn’t even had the chance to say goodbye. Marcus had stolen that from me, too.

  My hands shook as I reached for a pen and began writing on the top sheet.

  You’re my one and only true light, Colt. You’re my sunshine, my hope and my love. A part of me died with you upon that hillside, and I shall never be whole again.

  You stole my heart from the very first moment, and it’ll always be yours to have.

  I love you, Colt O’Shea. I choose you. I wish with all my heart that you’d come back to me.

  ~C

  I dropped the pen, then set the bracelet on top of the paper. My fingers drifted over the stones one last time. Footsteps neared, and Callon gently gripped my shoulders.

  “We’re all going to miss him, Cheyenne. He meant the world to all of us.” His voice began to falter. “He was more than just my brother. He was my best friend.” He inhaled a shaky breath. “He loved you more than you’ll ever know. He was willing to defy me for you.”

  Callon drew us apart and walked us out into the hall. Daniel held my jacket and backpack, his blue eyes devoid of all their usual mischief. I glanced at Koda and instantly felt faint. I turned into Callon’s shoulder, unable to face him. He looked too much like the man I loved and lost.

  I didn’t look back as we neared the truck. Callon helped me in and slid beside me. I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see what I was leaving behind forever.

  Soon we came to the airport terminal. We exited the truck, but Koda remained in his seat. Though it hurt to look at him, I managed to tamp down my emotions.

  “I’m sorry, Cheyenne,” Koda said. “I can see this is too hard for you right now. I don’t want to make this any harder than it already is.” He hesitated but met my gaze. That was too much. Tears sprouted once more, and I turned away. It was eating me up inside to see those baby blue eyes.

  Callon stepped forward, shaking his hand. “Keep safe until we meet again.”

  Koda nodded, and then drove off. Callon took my hand and led us into the airport. We proceeded to some benches, and I sat as Maes moved in closer, placing his arm around my shoulder.

  “I’m going to get our tickets. Maes is going to sit with you until I come back. We’re on our way home now.”

  I watched as Callon and Daniel took the luggage and made the travel arrangements. I had never felt so empty and alone as I did at that moment. I stared at my wrist, twisting my half of Colt’s bracelet. Wishing for the light to come back.

  I swallowed, holding back the flood of emotions. If was as if something had left my body as I held Colt that one last time while my tears trickled down his cheeks. A part of me remained with him—a deep part I’d never known I’d had. I would have willingly given up everything for him—everything.

  Callon and Daniel returned, and we began walking to our departure gate. I still didn’t speak, even as we passed through security. I went through all the motions, but I didn’t really acknowledge what was going on. I was a robot following instructions; there was
nothing for me to feel anymore.

  We sat in first class, and I stared out the window. Callon held my hand, his gaze fixed on the seat in front of him. I watched the landscape drift by, as all I had known was left behind. My home, my life…my Colt.

  The hours slowly passed, and we landed. Callon said something about a layover, but I didn’t care to hear the rest. He left me with Maes in the waiting lounge. Soon he came back and placed a sandwich on my lap. I didn’t even look at it. Food wouldn’t fill my emptiness inside; only Colt would.

  “Cheyenne,” Callon said softly, rubbing my arm. “You need to eat. You haven’t had anything for a long time, and you need to keep yourself strong.” He sighed. “I know you’re hurting. We all are. But I need you to do this for me. Please.”

  He unwrapped the sandwich and looked at me expectantly. Sighing, I picked it up and took one small bite. I didn’t chew—I shoved it to the side of my mouth. I handed him the sandwich as I rose. They didn’t follow as I headed to the bathroom, once inside I spat it out. It was repulsive. I felt ill, and headed for the sink, splashing cold water on my face. As I looked up, I saw myself in the mirror.

  Daniel’s earrings were sparkling, and I lifted my hand to touch them. Then my fingers glided next to my necklace; the ruby-stoned necklace from Maes. The necklace I’d thrown back at him when I thought he’d betrayed us.

  I glanced down at my left hand, stroking the ring Callon had given me. I saw the scar on my right wrist just below where Colt’s bracelet had once been. I couldn’t even bring myself to cry now. The well was dry; there was nothing left to give.

  I didn’t meet Callon’s eyes as I emerged from the bathroom. The uneaten sandwich remained out, waiting on the chair. I ignored it, staring through the terminal windows. People and planes moved around us, but they held no meaning to me.

  Callon wrapped the sandwich again and slid it into my pack. The call to board came, and we stood up. If he hadn’t pulled me along, I would have just remained in the same seat—just as I would have remained with Colt and let whatever happened come my way.

  I had no reason to live anymore.