by Tanya Milne
‘Unfortunately, we’re not going to get lost,’ he said.
‘How can you be so sure?’
‘We own this land and believe it or not, I’ve spent a fair bit of time out here.’
‘You own this land as well?’
‘It’s part of the property.’
I’d known Ezra’s family were wealthy, but just how rich were they?
‘No big deal,’ he said quickly.
‘No big deal?’ I raised an eyebrow. ‘You own a mansion, a Porsche, all this land and who knows what else.’
‘It’s no big deal, Eva, because we both know that money doesn’t buy happiness. Sure, there’s a few creature comforts, but I’d give it up in a heartbeat for a family like yours.’
My mouth was open, ready with a retort, but the truth in his words closed it quickly. I wouldn’t give up my family for all the gold in the world.
I leant forward and kissed his cheek. ‘You have my family now too, remember?’
‘I remember,’ he said, his face staining a darker shade.
‘Can you take me to the river?’ I asked. ‘I think I’ll be able to get most of what I need there.’
Ezra raised his eyebrows. ‘Come with me.’
We weaved our way through the forest of tall pine trees, whose thin, round trunks left strips of patterned light on the ground covered in spindly pine needles.
‘How did you find out people were sick?’ said Ezra, jolting me back from my thoughts about the ingredients we’d need.
I recalled what I’d seen inside Max’s eyes. I didn’t want to lie to Ezra, but I knew how he’d react if I told him about Max.
‘No secrets, remember?’ he said, slowing down.
‘It was Max. He was going house to house, checking who was sick.’
I glanced up at Ezra, whose eyes penetrated mine.
‘Tell me everything.’
‘Look, there’s nothing to worry about, okay? He doesn’t even remember who I am.’
‘I don’t trust that creep after what’s he done. If he so much as thinks about you, he’ll have me to answer to.’
I rolled my eyes. ‘Really? Come on, Ezra.’
Ezra stopped walking. ‘Tell me he doesn’t frighten you – that he hasn’t already looked at you in that way again.’
I turned away as memories of the day he tried to find me in my bedroom returned.
‘What did he do? Tell me, Eva.’
I tried to find my voice. ‘Nothing I can’t handle.’
‘I know that, but I want to take care of you too, and I need to know what he’s done.’
Quietly, I told him about what had happened at the house this morning, how he’d singled me out and the way he’d stared at me. By the time I finished speaking, Ezra was drained of colour and his hands were balled into fists.
‘Like I said, I can handle him,’ I said.
‘The only person who can handle him is my father,’ said Ezra. ‘At least now Dad is thrilled you’re my girlfriend, he’ll make sure you’re protected.’
‘He’s what?’ I said.
‘I told my parents when I got home last night, before Dad got sick. They were delighted.’
‘You’re kidding me,’ I said, trying to imagine a world where Ezra’s dad liked me.
Ezra laughed. ‘Quite the surprise, hey. His only son dating a witch. His worst nightmare.’
As I laughed, I heard a twig crack from behind me.
Crap! Had someone else heard Ezra? Had they just learned that I was a witch?
Chapter Eleven
I swung around and there was an enormous white wolf – whose golden eyes were fixed on me.
‘Boy,’ I yelled, and in seconds, he was nuzzling my hands and face.
‘I don’t know who’s more excited to see who,’ said Ezra, crouching down to pat Boy, who lay on his back for a tummy rub. ‘Life with you is never going to be dull, is it?’
‘Right back at you,’ I said. ‘Now, come on, let’s make a move.’
The shadows were falling as I gathered the last ingredient for the potion – the death cap mushroom. Ezra eyed it warily as I placed the mushroom into an airtight bag with tongs.
‘I can’t believe you actually use part of the poison in the cure,’ he said.
I packed it away in my backpack, along with the other roots, berries and plants that were already there. ‘I know, it’s incredible, isn’t it?’
‘I want to show you something,’ he said.
‘You sound like the Big Bad Wolf.’ I stood up and patted Boy, who hadn’t left my side all afternoon.
He took my hand. ‘Come on, it’ll be dark soon.’
We walked on in silence as the world around us grew darker by the minute. I was about to suggest we head back when we walked out into a large clearing next to the river. Outside the canopy of trees, the sky above us was a swirl of apricot and pink, and the water below a reflection of the world above.
My breath hitched. ‘It’s so beautiful.’
Ezra stepped behind me and wrapped his arms around me. ‘Like you.’
I was about to laugh when I gazed up into his eyes, which smouldered. All of my thoughts left me as I turned around. He leant down and softly kissed me on the neck, making my heart race.
‘I’ll never get used to this,’ he said before his lips found mine.
As the sun farewelled the day and welcomed the night, Ezra and I were completely lost in each other. It was the sound of Boy growling from a distance that broke us apart.
‘What is it, Boy?’ I said, calming my breath before investigating what Boy was upset about.
I pushed back a small bush as I neared the edge of the water where Boy was pawing at the ground. In front of Boy was an old pipe pushing what looked like salt into the river.
Ezra gasped from behind me and I turned to him.
‘So, this is what’s polluting the bay,’ I said.
‘And it’s on our property.’
‘Surely no one would deliberately poison our river.’ I stepped away so Ezra could take a closer look.
After a while Ezra turned around, deep lines etched on his forehead.
‘What’s the matter?’ I asked.
‘This is no accident.’
I had the sinking feeling that I knew what he was about to say.
‘My dad has been poisoning the river,’ he said.
I remembered the speech Orpheus had given last night, demanding information on the evil person responsible for poisoning the river, when all along it was him.
‘I saw a truck pull up the other day and start unloading bags. Dad went nuts, told them to pack it back up and sent them on their way. I thought it was a mistaken order, but clearly it was just delivered to the wrong location. He’s been pumping the salt out through these old storm-water drains.’ Ezra ran his fingers through his hair and turned to look out to the place where the river met the sea. ‘I can’t believe he’d do this.’
Twilight had disappeared and taken the magical colours with it, leaving behind cool grey waters that frothed with dead fish and sea life that had been killed so that Orpheus could inject more fear and hate into the people of Melas. Anger simmered deep inside me, and my hands filled with heat.
‘How could he?’ said Ezra, the same words he’d no doubt used all of his life.
I put my hands on either side of his face and left them there. ‘I won’t lie, your dad may be my least favourite person in all the world, but you’re fast becoming one of my favourites.’
The big round yellow moon was rising from the sea, casting a glow on Ezra.
‘Really? How is that even possible?’
‘Because you’re not your father.’
Ezra blinked away tears. ‘I never thought anyone who knew my father could still like me.’
‘Well, you’d better believe it,’ I said, gently bringing his lips down to mine. It was the sweetest, gentlest kiss in the world.
When we broke away, Ezra took my hands. ‘We can deal with this later, b
ut right now we’d better head back. Your parents will wonder where you are, and I’ve got to go see my dad.’
I glanced up at the near-full moon. There were still two more nights before it would be full and I could perform my spell on the potion. Two more days for people to suffer. Each hour they would get sicker. In two days, the lives of the very old and weak might be at risk. The thought made me feel sick to the core.
‘Come on, let’s go. I’d better show my face at the hospital as well,’ I said, my stomach churning.
Ezra squeezed my hand. ‘It’s going to be okay, you know.’
I nodded, the idea of curing every sick person of death cap poisoning feeling impossible.
‘We’ll work it out together,’ he said.
Together.
That one word. It took away the growing sense of isolation inside me.
‘Let’s go,’ I said, before we turned and walked back into the woods where the shadows had been replaced by the darkness.
Walking back to the car was slow going. Ezra used his torch and compass to guide us, and Boy never left my side. The wind picked up, making the pine needles above us sound as if they were whispering. I didn’t spook easily, but the sound was eerie and all I wanted was to find the car and get the heck out of there.
‘Not far now,’ whispered Ezra, as though reading my mind.
I was about to reply when I heard the sound of footsteps crunching on the pine needles, coming towards us. We froze and I bent down and whispered to Boy, ‘Go.’ He immediately ran off into the cover of the darkness. The footsteps came closer and my heart raced in my chest. Ezra and I stepped closer together so that our arms were touching.
Who would be out here now, in this part of the woods? Had someone followed us? Surely they wouldn’t find us?
‘Who’s there?’ came a voice I recognised, but never wished to hear again.
Neither Ezra nor I replied as the dark form of Jet stopped in front of where we stood.
‘Eva?’ said Jet.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’ I said, my words like venom.
‘Nice to see you too. I could ask you and Ezra here the same question.’
‘We’re going for a walk on Ezra’s property. What about you?’ I said.
Jet glanced between us. ‘Is that so?’
I’d only seen Jet a handful of times since the night he’d dobbed Elijah in to the police, and the sight of him made my blood boil.
‘Yes, that’s so. And you still haven’t answered my question. What are you doing out here?’ I said.
Jet out a long breath. ‘Love to walk at night – you never know who or what you might see. Why, last night I was out walking in the woods when I saw an explosion.’
Oh no!
‘Word on the street is that it was fireworks, but it didn’t look like fireworks to me. Looked more like flames.’
I tried to swallow before replying. ‘Sounds like you’ve been spending a bit too much time in the woods to me.’
Jet pulled the corner of his leather jacket closer and laughed. ‘Right back at you.’ Jet’s eyes, which glowed in the darkness, took in our intertwined hands.
‘How cosy, being out together. I know a few boys who’d like to be in your skin right about now,’ said Jet.
‘Is that so, and I guess you’re one of them?’ asked Ezra, who puffed out his chest.
‘Damned right I would,’ he said. ‘Sweet as sugar if I remember.’
‘Shut up, Jet,’ I said, the memory of kissing him flashing through my mind, making my hands sweaty. I pulled my hand from Ezra’s and crossed my arms.
‘Sorry, sweetheart, but I know it’s true, and it looks like Ezra’s had a taste as well. I’m allowed to be a bit jealous, aren’t I?’
‘No, actually, you’re not. Ezra is my boyfriend. There was and is nothing between you and me, and there never will be. And since you dobbed my brother in to the police, you’re dead to me.’
For a moment Jet’s smart-alec mask dropped, and I saw pain in his eyes. In the past, I would have felt bad. Not anymore.
‘So, why don’t you go back to wherever it was that you came from and leave us the hell alone,’ I said.
‘I’m sorry, okay. I had no idea what would happen. If I could take it back, I would,’ said Jet.
‘The thing is, Jet, some things can’t be undone and this is one of them. Elijah was tortured and he may never fully recover. Can you live with that?’
Jet’s mouth opened, but no words came out.
Tears filled my eyes, and I turned away and saw Boy’s amber eyes staring at me from a distance. Jet’s gaze followed mine and he took a sharp breath. Did he see Boy?
Jet dragged his gaze from Boy back to me. ‘Truth be known, I’m not sure I can live with that, but what about lover boy here? It’s his father who ordered Elijah to be tortured. Can he live with that?’
Tears trickled down my cheeks.
‘Why don’t you take a hike?’ said Ezra, his voice unrecognisable.
‘Or what? You’ll get your father onto me? I hear he’s not doing so well. Be a real shame if something happens to him.’
Ezra walked forward until he was in front of Jet’s face. They were around the same height and build, and the air crackled with tension.
‘Get going and don’t come back,’ said Ezra.
Jet put his hands on Ezra and gave him a light push.
Ezra immediately placed his hands on Jet and shoved him hard so that he fell to the ground. Jet was back on his feet and striding towards Ezra in a heartbeat. I stepped between them, put my hands up. ‘Stop it, both of you.’
They froze, but stared at each other with hate in their eyes.
‘I mean it,’ I said, looking between them.
Jet’s mask dropped back onto his face, and he stepped away and started laughing. ‘Sure, Eva, sure thing,’ he said. ‘Adios,’ he called out as he walked away. ‘See you soon.’
Ezra swore and moved forward, but I grabbed his arm.
‘Don’t. He’s not worth it,’ I said.
We turned and walked back to the car, but following us was the sound of Jet laughing.
Chapter Twelve
Our drive back into town was a quiet one. Before I knew it, we were out the front of my house, where the porch light was shining bright.
Confronting Jet had taken something from us, and we both knew it.
Ezra turned the car off, leaving us in silence.
‘Thanks for coming with me,’ I said quietly.
‘I hate to say it, but Jet’s right. Every time I look at Elijah, I’m racked with guilt. What my father did to him, I don’t know if either of us will ever get over it.’
My body flooded with heat. ‘I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive your father, or Max, but you did nothing wrong. If it weren’t for you, Elijah would have died that night.’
‘But he’s my dad. And even though I hate him for what he’s doing, I–’
‘You love him. Of course. I understand it – he’s still your dad.’
The front door to my house opened and Elijah walked out, a shadow of who he used to be. My heart felt as though it were being squeezed.
‘I know words will never be enough, but I’m so sorry,’ said Ezra.
‘It’s not your apology to own. Please, let it go.’
Ezra released a low, guttural sound. ‘I understand if you don’t want to be with me. Even Jet would be a better option.’
I laughed. ‘Those are two of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard.’ I unclicked my seat belt, leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. ‘Forget Jet. I’m not going anywhere.’
A small smile turned up the corner of his lips.
‘Now, go see your dad, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I hope he’s all right.’
‘You have a big heart,’ said Ezra, who kissed me quietly, hotly, on the neck. ‘And it’s all mine.’
I grabbed my backpack and opened the car door, bracing myself against the cold winds that wra
pped themselves around me.
Violet’s curtains flapped and I smiled. The sweet old bird didn’t miss a thing. I ran up my stairs and Elijah put his arm around me. I waved to Ezra, and he flicked his lights before turning back into the street and zipping off towards the hospital.
‘So, sweet little Eva finally has a boyfriend,’ said Elijah as we walked back inside. ‘I never thought I’d see the day.’
‘Me neither,’ I said, the warmth from the central heating and open fire taking the chill from my skin.
We laughed and for a split second, it was like old times. But as we continued into the kitchen, I took a good look at my brother. He was stooped and frail, like a much older man. Dark rings under his eyes stood out against his pasty face.
I set about making us some sandwiches and Elijah got us some drinks.
‘Guessing Mum and Dad are still at the hospital?’ I asked.
‘Yep, been there all afternoon. Haven’t heard what time they’ll be home.’
‘Must be horrendous in there,’ I said quietly, picturing a scene that could have been avoided if I’d done more.
‘It’s not your fault, sis. I mean, who cooks up mushrooms without checking them properly?’
‘I guess… But still. Apparently, Orpheus is as sick as a dog.’
‘That doesn’t make me feel as bad as it should,’ said Elijah, sitting down at the table.
‘Me neither, although I feel for Ezra. He might be a monster, but he’s still Ezra’s dad.’
‘Hard to believe Orpheus is anyone’s dad,’ said Elijah, painful memories haunting his face. ‘But there you have it.’
I cut up the sandwiches, sat down opposite Elijah and asked the question that had been bugging me. ‘Is it hard for you…that Ezra and I are together?’
Elijah dropped his head, his face even paler.
‘I hate his dad, but I have no issue with Ezra. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.’
My heart felt raw as I put my hand over my brother’s. Until that moment I’d managed to hide my tears from him, but I was powerless to hold them back now.
‘Eva,’ he said, his voice crushed. ‘Please don’t cry.’
