by Kelly Hall
“Oh, it’s fine for me to glow and look like a freak, but oh no, not the fabulous Owen Riley?” I frowned, dropping my hands and sending the Light away.
Owen’s face fell. “What? No, I didn’t mean it like that.”
Talon laughed. He knew how touchy the subject was.
Ray clapped his hands bringing us to attention. “No. Now look you two, get that Light back up and let’s get this done,” he snapped.
“How am I supposed to draw her energy? I have the power to do that?” Owen met my eyes, appearing as confused as me and unsure of how he could suddenly do the tasks.
Ray sighed. Then all of a sudden he turned on his heel and threw his right arm out. Blue sparks flew from his fingertips and across the room. The kitchen table levitated then fell to the ground, all with a flick of the wrist and perfect ease. Owen’s eyes widened at his father. Talon’s jaw dropped.
“What the hell?” Owen said.
“Never forget who you are, son.” Ray pointed at Owen. “You’re a Guardian. Have you not been paying attention? Our family comes from a long line of magic.” He smiled wide and continued. “What you did before was just a parlor trick, much like I just showed you, but you are blessed—born into greatness. You just have to be coached. That’s what I’m trying to do.” He clasped his hands together. “Look, let’s try this. Just do as I say: arms out, hand in hand, shut your yap and concentrate on the energy. Lily, you need to focus and try to push towards Owen. Owen, just try to draw from Lily. It’s the same thing, really, just with the two of you sharing the Light.”
I quickly called the Light, perching it above my head and taking Owen’s hands in mine. Sparks popped between us. “What about my visions?” I studied Owen, not quite sure he’d want to be pulled into one. I knew I didn’t want to be, especially with Kevin around, but we couldn’t explain that to Ray.
Ray gave me a reassuring smile. “Just the Light, Lily. That’s all we’re focusing on for now. The rest will come later.”
I closed my eyes and tried to imagine pushing towards Owen just as Ray had said.
“Look at him, Lily. Use your eyes to focus.”
I looked deep into Owen’s eyes and saw the worry. A strange wave of emotion came over me. I couldn’t explain it, but I felt a strong connection with him. He relaxed and leaned in to me, as if to rest his head on my shoulder and suddenly it happened.
Owen’s fingers tensed as he felt it. He looked up to my glowing green eyes with his own, as his skin lit dimly. “Owen,” I whispered. “Oh my gosh!” I felt a sudden, intense current of energy pass between us, throbbing and sparking. We broke our concentration and backed away, both staring wide at the other and laughing.
“What are you doing?” Ray said, sounding like we’d just ruined everything. “Don’t break your connection.” We exchanged high fives and continued laughing until my cheeks hurt.
A wave of pride swelled between us as we were filled with amazement and possibility for us both. It filled my chest with such warmth and joy, I bounced into his arms and we hugged, rocking back and forth on our knees.
Then I noticed Talon who stood looking dumbstruck with his blank stare. I broke free of Owen and ran into his arms. He stayed stiff as a board and finally after a moment he put his arms around me too.
“Did you see that?” I screamed. “We did it! Owen actually glowed!”
Talon’s brow furrowed as he glared at Ray. “Yeah, it’s wonderful.” His voice was monotonic.
“You’ve got to remember, do not break your focus!” Ray gave up and sat down, shaking his head at our silly display of excitement.
I dusted myself off, straightening my jeans. “Can you tell us a little bit of our history now? I’d like to hear some more about what we are and what to expect.” I hoped to see some old pictures or the ledgers, anything that could teach us more.
Ray grimaced. “Maybe some other time.”
My face fell into a frown. “But I just want to know more about Light Keepers. Where did we come from, what else can we do? Sure you know lots being a Guardian and …”
“I’ve told you, you guard the Veil. You use your light to banish dark spirits.” He stretched his arms up over his head and kicked his feet up as he reclined his chair.
Talon spoke up. “So the Shadows are afraid of your Light.”
Ray glared across the room at Talon but didn’t respond. I couldn’t help but wonder why he was being so mysterious. “Ray? You said the Shadows can manifest using my Light, so if that’s the case, how do I use it against them?”
He exhaled and his shoulders slumped as he responded. “The Light banishes on contact, but your Light’s energy is so strong that it reveals them if they get close. You have the power to see them in their most basic form.”
We weren’t about to tell Ray about Kevin, considering the truth could land us all in trouble, but we needed to know as much as we could. “So that’s why I see them and other people don’t?”
Ray tilted his head giving me a narrowing gaze. “Spirits have to manifest with quite a bit of power for just anyone to see them.” We exchanged glances around the room and my eyes met Owen’s just as he was about to speak.
Fearing he’d mention the Shadow people, I shook my head and mouthed the word no. “I guess we should be going, then. I still have homework.” I lied to get us out of there.
Ray told us to come back and try again the next evening. He stressed we’d have to stay more focused and have less distractions, which probably meant Talon should stay home.
In the car I leaned back in my seat, and strapped on my seatbelt. “At least we got some information out of him. I just wish he’d tell me more about my history.”
Talon leaned up from the backseat. “I’m more concerned about the here and now, and I told you so about the Shadows being afraid of your Light. If they get too close, your Light sends them packin’. I’d say that’s a good reason to run.”
Owen hit the main road and headed home. “Well, what I want to know is, if Kevin is so afraid and the Light banishes him, then how the hell does he expect to steal it?”
“He’s found a way into your visions, too,” Talon said, his brows pinching tight. “What’s so special about Kevin that he’s got that ability?”
Owen glanced my way. “I wanted to ask that but you stopped me.”
My face twisted as I shook my head. “I just don’t think we should include Kevin’s death in our list of things to tell Ray. We agreed on this when it happened, not to tell a soul.” I poked at his shoulder. “We could all get in serious trouble and Talon could end up in jail. I say we just learn all we can and use it however we need to.” I glanced back to Talon, who nodded.
“What if Ray can help? I mean, we don’t have to tell him that Talon killed Kevin …”
Talon popped Owen on the back of the head. “I didn’t kill him, you ass …”
“Enough!” I threw my hand between them. “We’ve got to watch who we trust with this.”
Owen’s chest heaved and he glared in the rearview at Talon. “I’m just saying, we don’t have to tell him everything, but he’s my dad and he’s helping. I say we think about it.”
“I say the next time we get a chance we get that Light as close to the Shadow as possible and see who the hell it is. It might not be Kevin.” Talon sat back in his seat. “Then we’ll know what we’re dealing with.”
“Sorry, but I hope there’s not a next time.” Feeling restless, I turned to stare out the window knowing there’d be many more times, like it or not. Once Owen came into his powers he’d be in the same boat. I wondered what it would be like and realized just how much my life started to change again. The whole concept of magic awed me, and I was still getting my head around it. I was just getting used to paranormal, but I welcomed the excitement hoping knowledge would come with Owen’s magic.
***
We beamed about the day’s excitement for the rest of the evening and I talked Holly’s head off when she got home from work. I figured
Owen told Hunter everything too.
“You should have seen it,” I said, changing from my bathrobe into my oversized t-shirt that I loved to sleep in.
Holly had a million questions. “Really, he glowed? Like you do? He made his own sparks?” Her eyes widened as I nodded in response and then she bit her lip and thought for a second. “And he says Hunter could do it, too, maybe?” She pursed her lips.
“I don’t know. Well, maybe. He said Owen is the Guardian, though. It was so amazing.” Talon walked in as I finished my sentence.
He released a moan as he rolled his eyes. “Yes, amazing,” he mocked. “Now, get some sleep. You’re gonna wear yourself out. You haven’t settled down one bit since Ray’s. If I didn’t know better I’d say you took a caffeine injection.”
I raised my hands and fluttered my fingers, “I know! I’m feeling so... charged.” Every part of me had become animated; twitching, fidgeting. I couldn’t keep still.
His brows furrowed and he took my hands and held them still. “You’re starting to worry me—now relax.” Talon tucked me in bed and kissed me goodnight. Then he plugged in my nightlight, the little green hummingbird he’d gotten me months ago, and turned out the lights. After he’d gone, I talked to Holly until she had fallen asleep and probably a little while after. It was three-thirty before boredom got the best of me and sleep proved to be the only solution. For once I dreamed of beautiful things.
***
“Please, teach me to tend the fields, Sister,” the young girl begged. “I want to make the world lovelier too.” She folded her hands and stood by the stone well.
“You make the world lovelier just being in it, my heart.” The older girl giggled and tweaked her sister’s nose. “Besides, you know it’s difficult. None of the others have had any luck and you’re too young.” The girl’s face fell.
It seemed that neither of them saw me. The older one, who looked only a bit younger than me, seemed familiar, and when I turned to the village behind me, I realized why. I’d been to the village of the Light Keepers before in a different dream. I turned to the girls as they lifted the water pails, filled with the bluest water I’ve ever seen, and headed toward a small sod cottage. I followed along beside them.
The younger girl’s big, unnaturally blue eyes pleaded to her sister. “I just want to heal the flowers like you do, Hyacinth.”
“I’ll tell you what, let’s take the water inside to mother and we’ll go the field and try. But you have to promise me no tears if it doesn’t work. You know it’s rare, Birdie.” My heart beat faster hearing her name, and then the two left the water for their mother at the door and skipped off into the meadow on the other side of the village. I followed, still not being seen as they sat among the flowers. Suddenly I got lifted up and began floating higher and higher, my view of them growing farther away until they were tiny specks.
***
“Wake up.” Talon shook me. “What’s the matter with you?” I pinched my eyes tight, fought hard against him, and tried to pull the covers over my head. Talon stopped me, pulling them too far from my reach.
“Lily, you’ve got school.” Holly’s voice called from the bathroom.
“I don’t know what’s gotten into her,” Talon said. “Ever since I met her, I’ve been able to wake her up without any problems.” Usually all it took was a simple forehead kiss from his warm lips and I’d wake up, but for some reason, though I hadn’t felt any kisses, I must have disregarded his usual attempts because of the dream. “Lily.” He shook me again. “Wake up.” I heard the anguish in his voice as he worried, so I mustered up the strength to open my eyes.
“Ah, she’s alive.” Talon smiled. “I’ve been trying to wake you for half an hour.” He helped me sit up and I rubbed my eyes.
I could barely sit up straight as if my spine had become a rubber band and my head a bowling ball. “I feel drained.” The details of the dreams faded as I focused on him.
“Yeah, well we’re going to be late if you don’t hustle. I’ll get you something with caffeine while you get ready.” He kissed my forehead and walked away to the kitchen.
“Bathroom’s all yours,” said Holly. “You better hurry.”
I picked myself up went to brush my teeth.
An hour later I sat in homeroom waiting on class to begin with my head slumped on my desk and my eyes closed.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Holly said. They’d ridden to school together, but somehow Owen was later than usual getting to class. I heard the scrape of his chair behind me, and then the thud of his forehead hitting his desk.
“Don’t talk, Holly,” he managed to say, though his usual sarcastic tone sounded like more of a plea. Then I heard his breathing level off with mine. He sounded just as exhausted. We managed to stay upright once class started only to collapse again later at the lunch table.
With my eyes closed every little noise in the cafeteria seemed louder than normal. I could hear the loud chatter in the lunch line and the screeching of chairs across the linoleum, not to mention my friends who had more than enough to say about me and Owen.
“I heard it was awesome,” Hunter said. “But by the looks of these two they had one hell of a party.” He laughed.
“Lily was too wound up to sleep last night,” Talon said.
“She dang near talked my ear off,” Holly complained.
“Sounds like Owen. I wondered what he was on for a while and even started preparing my big brother “Drugs are bad” speech,” Hunter joked.
“I think it’s the energy transfer. They both got charged, and then all wound up after, and now they’ve crashed. It’s got to be a side effect.” Talon’s serious tone sounded full of concern.
“Should we tell Ray then?” Hunter asked.
“I think it’s worth mentioning. I don’t want Lily to be like this all the time. She’s no fun. Look at her.” Talon gave a soft chuckle.
“I’m right here, ya know. I can hear you.”
Hunter broke out in laughter.
I peeked over my arms and found that Owen had his head down too.
“You know, I just noticed that Owen isn’t snoring,” Hunter said, letting us know that Owen had probably soaked in every word too.
Owen gave a little “Mhm.” to let us know he had. Everyone laughed, including me.
Chapter Thirteen
Talon convinced me not to go to Ray’s after school, even though I had perked up, gotten some color to my cheeks, and felt stronger and more alert. I didn’t protest too much and thought it best to choose my battles, since he’d decided to try.
“I don’t want to see you drained like that again,” Talon snapped. “You should take a day to rest. Cate is going to notice that her daughter is a zombie and I don’t think she’ll like it.” He led me straight to the couch to lie down and he kicked back in the recliner with a magazine.
“What are you reading?” I asked, noticing the magazine from his paranormal collection.
He flashed the front cover. “It’s just a magazine. I found it at the library near my mom’s house. They got rid of some old issues.”
“What’s it about?” I scooted up to his shoulder to get a better view, hoping to learn all I could.
“It’s called Paranormal Probe and tells all about ghost sightings with real stories from eye witnesses. It covers everything from demonic haunting to ghost hunting equipment.”
“Ghost hunting equipment? Like thermal cameras and EMF detectors?”
We exchanged a glance. “Yeah, ‘cause not all of us have that crazy built-in juju,” he teased.
“Is this the only one you got?” I wondered if he’d tell me the truth.
“No, I got a few more. You should check them out.” Feeling a bit of relief I exhaled. Maybe I’d over-reacted; about the magazines, not the girl.
I reached over, grabbed the corner of the pages, and took a longer look at the front cover. Talon obliged and used his hand to mark his place. This one had a feature on shadow people, so I c
ouldn’t understand why he’d never mentioned it. “What made you pick this one in particular?” Talon had always been the skeptic, which changed after he saw the Light for himself. Then my gift arrived. It’s kind of hard to be a skeptic when your girlfriend glows.
“I guess I just wanted to see what else is out there. After Kevin, I thought about how Alyssa came to you. I wondered if he could do the same, especially after my dreams followed me to Houston. I figured out it’s not only connected to Bragg Road, Lily. Now that we know about Ray and Owen and even Hunter, maybe—what else is possible? Knowledge is power.”
“I should be learning right now,” I sighed.
“Oh, so you’d rather be with Ray and Owen than here with me? I mean, I thought you’d prefer an afternoon alone with me instead.”
“Well, if all you’re gonna do is read ...” I said, sitting up to nudge his shoulder. “I had another dream. I’ve been going over and over it in my mind and I’m just not sure what it means.” I waited for Talon to argue with me about my dreams again and how it didn’t mean anything, but this time, he didn’t.
He dropped the magazine to his lap. “Did it involve Kevin?”
“No, it’s strange. I’m in this village that I’m certain is too beautiful to exist and there are these girls. They have these intense eyes like mine, only the one girl, hers are blue. Anyway, that’s not the weird part. The one girl can make flowers come back to life. It’s like she’s got a whole meadow that she tends to and her younger sister wants to learn to do it too. Guess the little girl’s name.”
Talon shrugged.
“Birdie. Her name was Birdie. I can’t help but wonder what it all means. In my first dream about them, the village was attacked.” I wrapped my arms around my stomach and nestled closer to him.
“Maybe it is a message or maybe you just really want to find Birdie, you want the power to fix things, and you’d rather be anyplace but here.” He returned to his magazine as the back door opened. Talon peeked over his shoulder and frowned as Owen walked in.
