“It’s stunning. Just like its owner,” Evan whispers, pulling me out of my trance. “When we come back, we’ll redesign the things in your chest,” he promises. I nod my head, appreciating the man standing before me. As we make our way out of the Elders’ estate, I quickly glance back and a slight pang of guilt strikes me in my chest for leaving. Now that the casters have found their chosen one, I feel like I should be focused on protecting them and preparing myself for the war that’s on the horizon. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” Evan asks sweetly, as he leads us through the colorful forest. “I just feel like maybe I should be here preparing for the battle and the Caster Matches instead of going back to the mortal world, pretending like casters aren't in danger,” I admit. Saying it out loud made me feel like I'm correct in my analogy. I should be training day and night to ensure that we succeed. But as Evan shakes his head in disagreement, I question myself.
“No, love. The last thing you want to do is lose yourself in the process of becoming who you really are. Baking is something you're phenomenal at. And you worked hard to get into Syracuse. Don't throw that away by getting ahead of yourself. Remember, just because we’re going to be in the mortal world, it doesn't mean we won’t be training and preparing for the prophecy to unfold. The schedule Jade made us should remind you just how busy we’re going to be,” he reassures me. I pull him closer to me as we walk side by side through the enchanting forest. When we come to a tree and Evan tells me to look up, I can’t help but gawk. Directly above us is a small circular pond that looks like it’s being held up by invisible glass.
“Ready?” He simply asks me. With wide eyes, I nod my head and hold on tight to his hand. He chants a cast, and we suddenly get sucked into the small pond. For a moment I feel disoriented, but in the next second my feet are back on the ground. I blink my eyes a few times to acclimate them to the dullness of the mortal world. Now that I’ve seen what Eden looks like and feels like, being here is a slight disappointment. Although, seeing my roommates has me extremely excited, I know they're already asleep. When we finally make it to the townhouses, Evan decides to sleep in his own dorm. He says he wants to give us girls time to reminisce in the morning. I thank him and leave him with a breathtaking kiss as we separate to sleep alone for the first time in days. As I get in my room and see my comfortable bed, I drop all of my things and lay down, quickly letting sleep take me.
The smell of blood is strong. I can practically taste its metallic source. I'm in my cave, and I'm looking outside of the one-way window. I see a thick stream of blood halfway in the cement path and halfway disappearing into the glamoured entrance of my cave. Slowly I walk to the door, moving like I'm walking under water. I finally make it to the entrance, where a puddle of blood rests under a lifeless body. The body is facing down, but I know it’s a woman. I can see her pretty wavy hair as it cascades over the side of her face. I fall to my knees in agony and bring my hands up to my face to feel the torrent of tears. Clearly, I'm sobbing, but I don't understand why. How could I be in such heartbreak and not feel a thing? Just as I'm about to move the woman’s hair from her face, a voice startles me. I stand up in fear as a figure in a crimson velvet, hooded robe whispers to me from the other side of the cave’s entrance.
“We’re coming for you, Scarlet Winter.” The voice spits out my name like it’s an unpleasant taste. As the figure begins to walk forward, I stumble backwards onto my elbows, trying to move away from the hooded caster. But with a snap of his fingers, he suddenly appears behind me. Taking my hair in his hands, he hooks his fingers and pulls so he’s dragging me. The figure snickers and punches me in the head. The last thing I saw before blacking out was the dead woman’s blood as it pours out of her body.
My alarm goes off and wakes me out of my horrid nightmare. As I sit up slowly, I bring my hand to my temple and retract it just as fast. It feels sore and bruised. I can already feel the headache coming on. I sit there for a minute and think back to the terrible dream that had me feeling sick to my stomach. A knock at my door brought me back to the present. I don't want anyone seeing this bruise on my face, so I quickly find my power. And I cast a temporary glamour over it. “Come in,” I say groggily. Charlie shuffles her feet into my room and gets into the bed with me. She slides under the covers, and I see a tear fall from her eye onto the pillow. She sniffles and finally speaks.
“I'm so glad you're okay. I’ve had such a bad feeling, and I thought something happened to you. Luke said you finally got your power, but he didn't tell me much else. I was so worried.” I face her, getting emotional myself. The love I have for her has grown so much. I see her as a sister. Someone I can trust, always. “I'm all right. It’s been a really crazy weekend. Luke’s right. My power has come. But it came with so much more than what a normal caster would receive. I'm part of a prophecy. And there’s more, but I can’t even speak about it, not yet anyway. I'm scared, Charlie. And I have to succeed. I have to. So I can get back to the way things were before. I’ve missed you guys so much.” I admit.
“Wow. That sounds incredible, Scar. And it does sound kind of scary. But whatever it is that lays ahead for you, you'll come out on top. I know it,” she replies. I place my hand on hers and give it a gentle squeeze. She wipes her eyes, suddenly looking shy. “Well, I haven't told Mack yet, but over the weekend Lucas could tell that I wasn't feeling right, so he took me out and we had a magical date. We came back here ‘cause Mack and Derek were at the guys’ place. And, well, we made love, Scar. And it was everything I ever thought it would be and more.” She gushes as my eyes grow.
“Oh, my Ava! No way!” I squeal with her, as we both giggle under my sheets. “Wow. Lucky guy. I know he loves you a lot, and that makes me so happy for you,” I tell her, as I get a quick pang of envy. I am happy for her. I just wish I was here with Evan the way she was with Lucas. “By the way, that tattoo by your eye is so cool.” She compliments me. “Thanks. It’s the Mark of the chosen. I have a few more and apparently more to come.” I explain.
“Well, you know I'm an ink addict, so I’ll love them all. A lot happened here, too. There was a suicide on campus yesterday, a sophomore. They say it was because of the exams coming up. But she was in one of my classes, and she was really smart, and her grades were good. She told me herself recently. I don't know. She just didn't seem suicidal.” Charlie says sadly. “Some classes are canceled today. All of mine are. I took a shift at the café, so I could stay busy. Check your emails. It'll tell you which of your classes are canceled.” She waits for me to get my phone and check.
“My first one is still on. But my second one isn't,” I answer her as she nods her head in understanding. “Okay. Well, let me know if you want to work after. Joe said he could use the help. I guess with classes being canceled, it’s going to be busy,” she says, as she stands. “I'll be out of the shower in ten.” She leaves the room, and I stare at the ceiling. I want to send Evan a message to make sure we’re driving together to our class. But when I opened my phone to check my emails, it strained my eyes. And my headache felt worse. I wonder if I could mind speak with him if we’re not in the same room. Like Hunter said, it won’t hurt to try. I find my power instantly, and I focus on Evan, thinking of his flawless face. I think of his caring heart. And I think of his matching love for me. “I heard about the girl that died yesterday. Our first class is still on. Are you picking me up?” I wait a few moments for a reply. And when nothing happens, I try again, repeating the same message until Evan answers back.
“Wow. I didn't think this was possible to do. You amaze me more and more every day, love. Yes, of course. I will be there in thirty minutes. Luke and Derek are going to be busy today with the mini contest for the Caster Matches. So it looks like I'm going to be your sole protector. I heard about the death, also. I think there’s more to the story, though. I’ll keep an eye on the situation. How are you feeling today?” He sweetly responds. His voice is thick and raspy, so I know I must’ve woken him.
“Okay. I had anot
her nightmare last night and woke up with a pretty bad headache, so I'm probably going to live on caffeine all day.” I quickly answer him. “I'm having a hard time believing these are nightmares you're having. We’ll talk about it when I pick you up. Jumping in the shower. Wish you were with me,” he says, as a knock sounds on my door again. “I'm out of the shower, Scar. You're up!” Charlie shouts through. I get up slowly, afraid fast movements will make the headache worse. And when I get to the bathroom, I cast myself the same two pills Mack gave me when we first moved in. When they appear in my hand, I quickly get in the shower, hoping the pills kick in fast.
***
Walking into my English class with Evan felt odd. After going to Eden and finding out about who I am, being here seems unreal, unreasonable, and mundane. It’s incredible how fast things can change. I decided to wear my hair down, so I can cover the bruise on my temple. My glamour didn't stick, and I didn't have the energy to keep placing it. Evan leads me to the same two seats that we sat in last week. And as we wait for the rest of the class to fill in, I sip on my triple espresso, but it doesn't seem to be helping. And it’s putting me in a cranky mood. Evan rubs my back to comfort me as the professor announces that class has begun. He addresses the suicide and asks for a moment of silence before moving on to the lesson. But before he could tell us what we’re going over, the door loudly opens.
A guy with a guitar strapped to his back saunters in. His black hair and matching dark eyes compliment his caramel skin. He has a cigarette placed in the crook of his ear and a neck full of tattoos. He is handsome, but he looks like trouble. Of course, he sees me staring as he slowly makes his way to a seat. It feels as if the rest of the class, including Evan, has frozen in place. He walks past me and gives me a nod as the noise returns to the world around us. He takes a seat a few rows behind Evan and me, and I can’t help but notice my headache is gone. I bring my fingers up to my swollen temple and feel nothing. There is no pain there. It doesn't feel sore anymore.
I swing my head towards Evan with my eyebrows coming together, as confusion hits me. “What the hell? My headache is gone. And the bruise, it doesn't feel like it’s there anymore,” I say in awe. Evan leans forward and matches the look of confusion on my face. “Bruise? What bruise?” He asks me, as I realize I snitched on myself. “I woke up with one on my head, ironically in the same place that I got punched in my nightmare last night,” I admit, not thinking it’s a big deal. Evan’s eyes grow, and I see his jaw tense. “You woke up bruised? From your nightmare?” He seeks clarification, I guess. I softly nod my head and shrug my shoulders. The professor clears his throat as he stares at Evan and me, silencing us. Evan leans back in his seat and mind speaks with me. “Scarlet, we must continue our conversation. If you're waking up with pain from a vision, then you're dream walking. And that is rare, very rare,” he warns. I nod my head to agree with him.
After class, I check my phone to find six messages from Charlie and Mack, asking if I could come and help at the cafe. I'm not doing anything else, and Evan said he had to stop by the Village for a while. I'm sure he could trust that I’d be safe there. “The cafe really needs me. You can drop me off and pick me up after you're done at the Village,” I suggest. “That’s fine. I won’t be long. I know you’ll be safe because it’s a busy place. Promise you'll call me if anything changes.” He asks, snapping his fingers. A sleek blade appears in his hand. The hilt is covered in small red rubies, and the sharp tip is serrated like shark teeth.
“Take this, just in case.” I slowly take the blade out of his hand. “My first weapon,” I whisper. “I was going to give it to you after your ceremony, but I want to make sure you'll be prepared if anything were to happen,” he explains. “I love it, Evan. Thank you.” He lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses it. “When you're not using it, think of your chest in Eden and cast it to rest there. If you need it, think of the blade and cast it back into your possession. The chest only works that way with weapons. Everything else has to be taken out physically.” He drops me off in front of the cafe doors, leaving me with a quick and passionate kiss. “I love you, Scarlet,” Evan says as he pulls away. “Love you more,” I respond, meaning every word.
An hour goes by, and I'm thankful for the short break of customers. I prepare myself a nice cup of hot cocoa, as Mack comes around the corner from the storage room with her hands full of supplies. Suddenly, I spin my head towards her when I hear them fall to the floor. “Mack? Are you okay?” I ask her, full of concern. She’s staring at the entrance of the café. And when I follow her line of sight, I see why she dropped her things. It’s the guy from my English class. He’s here, still carrying the guitar case on his back. He walks straight to the small stage and sets up, looking confident. His short straight hair is rustled and pointing in all different directions. But it looks good like that on him, unintentionally messy. I didn't notice I was staring until someone at the counter waved their hands in front of my face. A girl that comes in regularly is ready to place her order. And I was too busy checking out tonight’s gig.
Why was I even checking him out, especially when I have someone as wonderful as Evan? My brain feels a little foggy, and it doesn't fade away until I finish ringing her up. I begin making her cappuccino, shaking my head one last time to get that hazy feeling out. And when I turn around to give her what she ordered, I almost drop it. He’s standing right behind her, waiting to talk to me, to place an order, I mean. Why is he making me feel so flustered? The girl, impatient as ever, snatches the mug out of my hand and walks back to her couch, annoyed. “She must be cramming,” he slurs to me. He has an accent that sounds Latin. And he sounds very proper. Intelligence rolls off of him in waves. He still has a cigarette tucked behind his ear, and I can smell the vile stench of tobacco on him. But instead of being grossed out like I usually am, I find myself enjoying it.
I let out a laugh and try to get my bearings together. “What can I get you today?” I ask, a lot shakier and quieter than I wanted to sound. He smirks, and I get slightly more dizzy. “I'm about to perform, and I could really use some green tea.” He drags his words, sounding like he’s hypnotizing me. And by the way my head is fogging up, I’d say that’s exactly what he was doing. He clears his throat and extends his hand, handing me a five-dollar bill. I numbly ring up his order and return his change. And like a robot, I get to work on his order.
When I'm done, I give him his drink as he puts his other hand out to me. “I'm Julian Jett. Just transferred here from out of the states.” I stare at his hand, not moving. Mackenzie to the rescue, loudly snaps her fingers. “Scar, I believe this fine gentleman is waitin’ for your hand,” she says. Still in a haze, I shake Julian's still outstretched hand. “Scarlet.” I give him a quick smile and race out from behind the counter and into the bathroom. What is happening? I love Evan. He’s my Anima Partem.
I splash my face with cold water. When I walk back out of the bathroom, taking only two steps, the strumming of a guitar sounds throughout the café. And I instantly felt like I was in another world. I was losing my balance, and my vision was fading in and out. I sloppily find the closest couch and fall down onto it, gripping the armrest as hard as I can. Then the silkiest singing voice I’ve ever heard amplified all around me singing Put Your Head on my Shoulder. It was the final step to setting me completely off.
Lyrics to a song, that I’ve been in love with since I was a child. gently blares through the speakers. Julian's voice is like syrup, so deep, so smooth, and so rich. The room around me gets foggier and foggier as I listen to him. The people around me disappear, and all I see is Julian as he sits on the stool, strumming his guitar, and singing with his velvety voice.
I picture him getting up from that stool and asking me to dance. I accept, as he sways me around the entire cafe. Spinning me around couches, completely avoiding anything in the way. In the background I can still hear his voice clearly. And for a moment I could swear I heard someone shouting my name. We slow down, and he bends down to kiss me. And j
ust as our lips are about to touch, a glass hits the floor in the distance.
The shattering noise snaps me from my too-real daydream. Blinking a few times to wake myself completely up, I look at Julian ,and he’s staring right at me, still singing. Something isn't right. The more I look at him, the closer I get to that foggy dream place again. With my heart beating way too fast, I run to the front door, peeking one more look at him, and regretting it immediately. He sends a wink to me, making my heart flutter. I push on the door and eagerly take a deep breath of fresh air. Putting my back against the wall of the cafe, with my hands on my knees, I try to slow my heart rate down.
Get a hold of yourself, Scarlet. You're strong, and you're brave. You're a Marked caster for heaven’s sake. Show some strength. After giving myself a pep talk, I push open the door. My plan was to go behind the counter and distract myself with my side work. But again, I'm placed in a trance the minute my ears hear his voice again. I slowly walk in and hear him play his guitar. As he sings Stand by Me, another one of my favorites, my legs feel like jelly. Somehow, I’ve made it to the counter. and Mackenzie moves to stand in front of me.
“Scar? Are you okay? You look really pale,” she says honestly. I have to get out of here. I quickly grab my bag and turn to Mack. “I have to go. I'm not feeling so good. Call Evan for me, please.” It was the truth. I know I'm not coming down with anything. It’s just Julian. I get to the door, and I could swear I heard him laugh while in the middle of his set. Without one look back, I race out of the cafe and quickly skate my way to the dorms. I know I'm supposed to be protected at all times, but I couldn't stay there another minute. I need to get home, quickly, far, far away from Julian and his hypnotizing voice. If only I knew the danger that was lurking around the corner, I would’ve rather stayed inside of the cafe, under Julian's odd trance.
Winter's Awakening (Light Coven Chronicles Book 1) Page 28
