by Carly Marino
We soared over a brilliant sapphire-colored lake. I’d never seen anything like it. The water looked like a giant round mirror, yet, without a single reflection.
The plane dipped, and I jumped, grabbing Cole. He tucked me under his arm, and I nestled into his chest. Around him, my fear drained away. If I didn’t know better, I’d mistake him for an Inflexaen who managed emotions.
We descended. The water changed from bright blue to a gorgeous turquoise the closer we came to our destination. With a swift landing, the floatplane kissed the water.
I laughed, more relieved than anything. I’d lived. Logan smiled over his shoulder at me. I already liked him. He had a silly aura, and I knew we’d get along great.
I snuggled tighter to Cole. He rubbed my arm, and he kissed the top of my head. My chest warmed. He brought so many wonderful, unexplainable flutters to my heart.
The plane docked, and Logan jumped out. I exhaled and slid from the back seat. My legs shook, but I managed to stand without toppling over. I blew out another swift breath. I survived my first floatplane experience. If I could do that, I could surely handle a bunch of ancient Inflexaens. I copied Logan’s award-winning smile and followed him and Cole to shore.
****
After we checked into the lodge and grabbed a quick lunch in the hotel restaurant, Cole carried our bags up to the rooms. He and Logan had a conjoining one with mine. By the sound of their laughter, I had a feeling I wouldn’t get much sleep tonight. I shook my head and dragged my bag into the bathroom.
The shower felt incredible. I found my toothbrush in the side pocket and sorted through the bag to find a change of clothing. He brought everything I’d need for the cooler mountain weather. Jeans, sweaters, hats, and gloves. Even a pair of boots stuffed in the bottom.
When I reached the panties, I cringed. Cole had packed my bag, which meant he went through my underwear drawer. I plucked the frilly, lacy, and ruffled pink, purple, and black panties from the bag’s inside pocket and rolled my eyes. Seriously? Guys.
I imagined him sorting through my intimate drawer. He had to really dig through the grannie panties to find the prettiest ones. I should have been embarrassed, but I couldn’t help laughing to myself.
As I freshened up, I dialed Wynter’s number. She’d texted a dozen times, asking if I made it to the art expo okay.
Wynter didn’t say hello, she just squealed. “Hey. How’s New York City?”
New York? I painted my lashes with mascara. “Uh, great. Busy. How are you guys?”
She snickered. “Surprisingly, I’m not that hungover. Ethan on the other hand—”
“How is he?” I couldn’t hide the worry in my voice. After what he’d gone through… “Is he feeling better?”
Wynter grunted. “I guess. He went home and hasn’t called. But whatever. I’m tired anyway. When do you get home?”
I fidgeted with my blush brush, amazed Cole had packed my makeup too. “A few weeks.” Hopefully. I might not make it. I gulped the dryness from my throat at the thought of never seeing my friends or family again. “Wyn…”
She hummed in response.
“I’m sorry things changed after freshman year. I just want you know I appreciate your friendship.”
Wynter breathed quietly on the other end for several minutes. Her silence tensed my neck and shoulders. Why wasn’t she saying anything? I’d just apologized. “Wyn?”
A long sigh. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t bug you to change. We’ve known each other forever, and you’re my soul sister. Things will change even more after graduation, and we can’t let distance come between us. Promise.”
A hollowness pained my chest. Things would have to change sooner than graduation. I couldn’t drag Ethan or her into a world where they’d have to fear every shadow. It wasn’t fair to them. “I promise,” I whispered.
“Good. Well…” Shuffling and scratching noises came from her end. “Just a minute,” she yelled. “My mom’s calling me. I think someone’s here. Hopefully Ethan. Call me when you can. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
We hung up, and I strolled out of the bathroom. I jumped, hand pressed to my chest, at the sight of Cole leaned against the middle door frame, leg crossed over the other, hand shoved in his jean’s pocket, and his lips tilted to the side. His camel-colored leather jacket over a tight-fitting black t-shirt broadened his muscular shoulders.
“Sorry I scared you.”
“Uh … that’s fine.” I tried not to ogle him. I failed. “You’re always waiting for me. Aren’t you?”
He smiled. “And I always will.”
His words rippled in my stomach. I draped my dress over the arm chair and set the duffel on the floor.
“I—wanted to check on you.”
“I feel so much better. I needed a shower.” The thought of the Resparé—Jonathan’s—hands touching me gave me a dirty feeling. I wanted to forget the way his eyes rolled back in his head when he’d stolen a piece of me.
“Good.” He slid a strand of hair behind his ear. “Logan’s going to check out the zip line, but I thought, maybe, you and I… Do you … wanna check this place out with me?”
His shyness tickled the nape of my neck, and I averted my gaze to my mismatched socks. Homecoming hadn’t ended with the romantic kiss I’d hoped for. With him standing in my room, I had a hard time thinking about anything else. “Shouldn’t we hang out after we go to The Mirrors?” I hated suggesting we postpone spending a day together, but I also wanted to get this over with.
Cole straightened. “Logan said we can’t go until sunset. We have the afternoon to do whatever. If … you want.”
“I’d like that. Let me put on my boots and grab my jacket.”
“Cool. I’ll wait for you outside your door. To give you a minute.” His eyes lit with the grin on his face.
I withdrew the tan calf boots and soft fleece coat from my bag. After a glance in the mirror and a quick fluff of my blonde hair, I forced myself not to run to the door. Excitement won and I scurried, tripped, and collided with the armchair. “Ouch!” I rubbed my shin.
“Thea, you okay in there?” Cole asked from the other side of the door.
“Fine. Just a minute.” I hobbled to the door. My torn and dirty dress lay crumpled on the floor, the photo of the little girl peeking from the belt, her honey eyes studying me, begging me to tell someone about her. I pressed my lips together.
The sight of her face churned my stomach. I didn’t want to look at her anymore. She confused me. I should ask Cole about her, but I didn’t want to talk about her. Something about her bugged me. Plus, telling him about this girl might endanger him. Whoever she was, she was in a lot of trouble. So was I if I didn’t figure out how to convince Larc she wasn’t me.
I opened the door. Cole grabbed my hand, and we strolled the hall, fingers intertwined. I glanced up from the acorn-patterned carpet to his beaming face every few seconds, giddy.
We stepped outside into the chill of the fall afternoon, and my heart leaped. This was going to be fun. I’d never been to Whistler, British Columbia. Mountains stretched to the clouds. Sporadic red, orange, and yellow leaves painted the landscape as the trees shed their summer green.
The town bustled. Surprising, considering it wasn’t quite ski season. People walked their mountain bikes. A group of guys passed, boasting about how they rode the zip line. I shuddered. Heights and I did not go well together. Thank goodness Logan hadn’t forced us to tag along.
A wooded trail separated the resort from the quaint storybook village. We strolled over a grassy courtyard to the Olympic Rings. Cole withdrew his phone and told me to pose in front. I threw my arms to the sides and smiled. He laughed, snapped a photo, and waved me back. After dropping an arm around my shoulders, he turned the screen to take a selfie.
We looked so happy. Not in fear for our lives or the dangers ahead. Just … happy.
Kids threw footballs while parents huddled nearby, sipping warm beverages. Loud music and l
aughter reverberated around the village from bars and restaurants. I inhaled sweet scents of freshly made waffle cones and gelato.
Despite the angst niggling the back of my mind, I was enjoying myself with Cole.
He squeezed my hand. “Wanna grab an ice cream?”
I giggled. “Sounds amazing. The smells are killing me.”
He nudged my shoulder with his arm. “Me too.”
Due to the cold weather, the coffee shop next door had a longer line than the gelato shop. Cole ordered mint chocolate chip for me, my favorite, and a toffee caramel swirl for himself. He walked me to a table beside the window and pulled out a chair for me to sit. Too sweet. Sweeter than the ice cream. I licked the creamy goodness, savoring the rich mint flavor.
Cole chuckled. “Do you always make those noises when you eat?”
I licked the ice cream, again, hoping the cold would freeze the warmth in my face. Without meeting his eyes, I replied, “Do you always read girls before taking them out?”
He spat a cough-laugh. “That obvious, eh?”
“Extremely. Mint chocolate chip isn’t exactly vanilla or chocolate. There were fourteen flavors, and you coincidentally picked the right one. Sorry, buddy, not in this world. I’ve learned there are no coincidences.”
“You’re right about that one. And the other one.” His gaze followed a mom and her son as they strolled past the big front window. The shimmer of sadness in his eyes. I opened my mouth to ask why but he continued, “I snagged that memory from you at the party. Figured it’d be useful someday.”
I gulped another mouthful of gelato. This time, I was thankful my brain did freeze. Blush would’ve been an understatement for what I imagined my face looked like. He’d stolen that memory from me in hopes of taking me out for ice cream later, which meant he had wanted to, or thought about doing so. Maybe Nora was wrong. Maybe we could have two Yuanfens. I prayed we could. The fire swirling inside me didn’t feel like puppy love.
He may not reciprocate, at least not today. But hopefully someday…
“What are you thinking about?”
I snapped from my daydream. “Um…” The first question that popped into my head I’d probably regret asking. Sometimes going into things clueless made them easier to handle. Then again, sometimes it didn’t. “How do they choose who the Ancients will be?”
He raised an eyebrow. “That was random.”
I shrugged. “I’m curious. And a little nervous.”
We pushed from our chairs and threw our napkins in the trash before exiting. He snuggled me against his side, and my shoulder slackened into him. “They’re the only ones of our kind born with three out of the four abilities. The day they find out, they’re shipped off to The Mirrors where they live the rest of their lives. There aren’t many Ancients left. Some think they’re a dying breed.”
Four? I’d forgotten to ask about the fourth ability. “You never told me what the fourth ability was?”
His hand rolled up and down my arm. “I guess I didn’t think it was important. For some reason, the ability doesn’t survive on Earth. It requires a lot of essence and those born with it die within a few years. It’s sad, really.”
He guided me through crowds of people to ensure they didn’t touch my hands or face, the only skin still exposed on my body. White and tan wood panels covered the outside and chocolate-brown shutters lined large windows. Smoke puffed from brick chimneys to remind patrons of the warmth inside. The buildings in the village reminded me of a scene from Beauty and the Beast.
I looked at Cole. “How are there Inflexaens still born with it? I thought abilities were passed down?”
“It’s the only ability that’s not. I guess it’s the luck of the draw.” He lowered his arm to clutch my hand. We walked up the concrete steps leading to the wooded trail. “Or unluck.”
I thought about the families that lost loved ones born with this ability. I kicked a pinecone and watched it disappear into the brush. “That’s terrible.”
“As terrible as it sounds, it’s probably a good thing the ability can’t survive here.”
“How could any ability be worse than death? What could they do?” I imagined the worst possible abilities. Maybe they made others sick, or they caused famine by affecting the weather.
“The Inflexaen term for them was lost over the years. Parents worried if they spoke the word out loud, it’d happen to their unborn children.”
“Like a superstition.”
He nodded at a couple passing. They smiled in return as if they knew him. Inflexaens, perhaps? Sucked I couldn’t sense them like he could.
I glanced up, expecting an explanation, but he continued with his story, instead. “We now call them Roamers. They are Mems with the ability to push time forward. They can actually bend the future. From what I’ve heard, they can take away a person’s free will.”
I bit my lip, replaying the night before in my mind. Had I done that with Ethan and me? No. I’d be dead if I did. I let go of Cole’s arm to adjust my winter hat and make sure I didn’t drop my mask, allowing him to read my thoughts. I wanted to tell him, but then again I didn’t. We had no clue what The Mirrors had in store for us. If they knew what I was capable of, they might want to kill me. If he carried this knowledge, they might do the same to him. I couldn’t allow that.
We ambled the paved road to the lodge. Colorful flower baskets hung from poles along the way. The sun peeked through the tops of pine trees, casting triangular shadows on the ground. I stepped through them and shivered.
We arrived into the courtyard garden. The breeze carried wafts of herbs and flowers. A stone path led to the back door of the lodge. On either side, edible plants of all varieties grew in square wooden boxes. Yellow, orange, and burnt-sienna mums spotted the walkway. Strings of lightbulbs draped overhead. A saxophonist bundled in winter clothes played a jazzy tune under a wooden trellis. The tune welcomed guests to explore the garden. An open case lay in front of them. Coins shimmered against the black velvet.
Cole tossed in a few coins. He pulled me to him and hugged me tightly to his chest. His heart beat steady against my ear. I clutched his back and we swayed, listening to the smooth sound of the instruments.
Cole kissed my forehead. “Come on. Let’s go warm up.”
We walked to the entrance. He slipped his key card into the box on the outside, and then opened the lodge door for me. I frowned, not wanting our outing to end. It was too short.
He stopped, turned, and backed me to the wall. His hands cradled my face. “I wish we had more time.”
I peered into his Caribbean blue-green eyes. They were hooded with intensity, and I hoped he’d kiss me.
As if reading my mind, he leaned down and angled my chin upward. I prepared myself for my first kiss with the guy I cared immensely for, but the door next to us opened. A man walked out. He flinched when he saw us embraced against the wall.
We giggled and hurried down the hallway and into Cole’s room.
I laughed. “That was embarrassing.”
“More like inconvenient.” He moved a bag off one of the double beds. Their room had clothing strewn about the floor and smelled of cologne. I raised an eyebrow at a large knife on the opposite wooden bedside table. I shook my head.
Cole dropped onto the bed and patted next to him. “I wanted to teach you to control your ability before we went to The Mirrors.”
I sighed. Finally.
Grinning, I took off my coat and slid in next to him.
He faced me. His finger trailed my bare arms until he held both of my hands. I moved in closer. His lips hovered just above mine. “All you have to do … is close your eyes.” He kissed one side of my mouth. “And tell yourself.” He kissed the other. “Not to read them.”
My eyes flung open. “You’re kidding.”
He laughed. “Seriously.”
“I’ve tried that already. It never worked.”
“Once you can mask memories, you can also stop reading them. You just have to
take a deep breath, lock your armor again, and think about not reading others. Then you can do it when you choose to. It’s that simple.”
I narrowed my eyes and did what he said. I inhaled, rebuilt my memory mask, and locked the armor. While the armor was in place, I enclosed my abilities in a box and chanted to myself. I will not read memories unless I want to.
Cole touched my cheek. “I released my mask. Don’t read me.”
I wanted to read him. Would he know if I snuck a peek at his Yuanfen? I frowned, knowing I couldn’t betray his trust. Wait… I hadn’t read his memories. I groaned and shoved him. “You ass! You refused to teach me so I couldn’t do anything with Holden, didn’t you?”
He chuckled with a shrug. “Maybe.”
“I can’t believe you.”
“Well…” He leaned closer me. “I wanted to be the first one to do this.”
His lips captured mine. I sank into him. Our mouths moved in sync, increasing with passion. His hands cupped my jawline, and mine held tight to his lower back.
He guided me down to the bed, not taking his gaze off my face. We tangled together. His hands drifted up my body and under the back of my shirt. His gentle touch warmed my skin.
My first real kiss was so easy with him. No teeth bumping or awkwardness like Wynter had claimed. We fit. Being with Cole truly felt right, and I wanted everything with him. But more than that, I wanted to be his Yuanfen.
Light show or not, he completed my heart. Did I love him? We’d only met a few weeks ago, but the sweet dizziness in my head told me I could.
His fingers caressed my skin, and his lips left mine to my neck. He trailed soft open-mouth kisses down to my shoulder and along my collarbone. I moaned. Warmth flooded my body, tingling in places I’d never thought possible.
I clawed at his jacket. I wanted to feel the heat of his skin. He shrugged it off, and whipped his shirt over his head. Our mouths crashed together. He grabbed the hem of my top and pushed the fabric up, exposing my stomach.
Leaving my lips, he kissed around my belly button, the scruff on his jaw prickling my skin. My toes curled, and I dragged my fingertips up his shoulders. His muscles flexed, and I took in the moment. The softness of his lips and teeth pecking and nipping my skin. How my heart sped up every time he touched me. No one could’ve made me feel this alive the first time they kissed me. No one.
