Perilous Waters
Page 35
“I don’t,” he said, each word an aching rasp. “I don’t think I will be okay.”
“Of course you will,” she said, tears muffling her words. “The monsters are gone now.”
His scalp tingled as her fingers stroked back his hair. He cherished the feel of her soft, loving caress. But his body wouldn’t stop shaking. His mind begged for darkness. Silence. “I’m… I’m cold,” he said, surprised that the words were barely a whisper.
“Restore,” she said on trembling lips. “R-r-restore.”
Whatever spell she cast, it wasn’t enough. He could feel his spirit slipping from his body. His eyes slid shut. “I love you, angel,” he managed.
Wave upon wave of memories washed over him. The confusing years of his early youth; the orphanage; the day he met his adopted parents; bedtime stories and Christmas mornings; his first day of school and many more to follow; the first time he saw Angie on the playground; afternoons in his treehouse; his first basketball game; their first kiss.
“David.”
The wail was Angie’s.
The lapping water swallowed his wounds, which no longer pained him. He saw with his eyes closed. He saw a warm, welcoming light.
He heard someone say, “It’s too late,” and he heard someone else say, “No,” and “Restore,” over and over again.
A conflicted feeling rose in his soul. Ahead of him, the light beckoned, and he longed for the peace it offered. But something held him back. A small hand that clung to him. A begging voice, urging him to fight.
“He will die, Angie,” another voice said. “But that doesn’t mean he will no longer live.”
David could make no sense of the man’s words.
“Bind him to you,” the voice continued.
Wind picked up, carrying each ghostly syllable across David’s mind as though the idea itself were too haunted to be carried through mortal senses alone.
“Turn him into a Wanderer.”
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Writing a sequel, I once thought, would be easier than writing the first story in a series. My characters already exist, my world is already built, so theoretically, most of the work is already done, right? As I sit on the cusp of my sequel’s publication, I know I couldn’t have been more wrong, and I can’t be the first author to laugh at herself for being so naïve.
Thank goodness I am fortunate enough to have a small army of friends and loved ones who couldn’t have been more supportive. Some of these wonderful souls have been with me since the start of my writing journey, and others have joined my crazy adventure along the way. From online friends who bring a smile to my face whenever we cross paths on the interwebs, to family who cheer me on and tell everyone who will listen about my books, I’m lucky to have each and every one of you. Thank you!
Amalia Dillin, I cherish you so much. Your friendship, reassurance, and love have helped me through some of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face in life. Without your unfailing support, I don’t know where I would be. Your advice has helped me see clearly and, as always, my stories are stronger because of you. I’m forever grateful to you, my friend!
Tina Sandoval, I don’t know how I was lucky enough to earn your loyalty and love, but your friendship means more to me than you could ever know. Brave woman that you are, you read my stories before they’re fit for human consumption and help me see that they’re worth fighting for. Thank you for always cheering me on and never letting me lose sight of my dreams.
Sam Sandoval, a new addition to Team Timespell. Your excitement motivates me, and I find myself wanting to write because I know you can hardly wait to read. Thank you so much for loving my characters and my stories almost as much as I do!
Trisha Leigh, superhero of the writing world, your encouragement is inspiring beyond words. Talented and vibrant, the fact that you think I can accomplish my goals helps me remember to believe in myself.
Jason Beymer, thank you for coming to another book’s rescue. Your eagle eyes and creative guidance are invaluable, and I hope to have your support for many projects to come.
Ariana Paz, from the moment I knew you would be a part of my life, I have loved you with all of my heart. As you grew, I dreamed of the day you might pick up a book I had written, and I wondered what you would think. Now, you have become my biggest fan, and to my surprise, one of the newest additions to Team Timespell. Thank you for your typo-catching eagle eyes, your thoughtful comments, and most of all, for being the most wonderful daughter a mom could ever be blessed with.
Kevin Poythress, I could never have imagined the impact you would have not only in my life, but in who I am as a person. Your enthusiasm and total support for my decisions and my career are a constant source of confidence and artistic nourishment. An incredible creative talent in your own right, you went beyond simply reading my work, going through my story scene by scene, plot point by plot point, turning ideas over in your mind to help me see how to strengthen the world I created. This story is dramatically better because of you, and so is my life.
To Kirstie Ader, Karen Amanda Hooper, Emmaline Hoffmeister, Carlos Paz, Eileen Pierce, and everyone else who read my book throughout its various stages, helped me promote, or encouraged me in whatever ways they were able, thank you for providing positivity and light in what can be a daunting industry.
Finally, to my mother and my biggest fan, Olga Cedeño. Thank you for being a model of joy and grace throughout my entire life.
An accomplished procrastinator, Diana Paz has always dreamed of freezing time. Born in Costa Rica and raised on Miami Beach, she moved to California in her teens and has never lived farther than a hundred miles from one ocean or another. She completed her BA in Liberal Studies at California State University, San Marcos, and lives in sunny Southern California.
Visit her at www.dianapaz.com.