by Jaymin Eve
Lallielle’s face fell. “I’m so tired of hearing that my children have yet another thing to deal with, another trial they must overcome.”
“No, Lalli, this is a gift. Aribella is one of the few Walkers not bound by the doorways,” Josian said.
I was with Lallielle. All these new powers kind of stunk. Well, it wasn’t that they were so terrible. It was not knowing how to use them, and what new one would pop up when I least expected it.
“And it’s also instantaneous.” Brace was close.
I could feel that heat he always generated.
“You don’t have any time-delay, as there is to walk between the worlds using the doorways.”
I sat up straighter. Could I actually have a skill that was beneficial and not just a pain in my butt?
“So what exactly is tracing? And don’t ask me to do it again. I have no idea how I did it the first time.” I spoke artlessly, but on the inside I was extremely interested.
Josian smiled.
Sneaky Walker could probably read my excitement.
“Every object, whether alive or inanimate, contains energy, which you already know. But what I haven’t taught you is that they’re all connected to each other and to the planet they inhabit. This is part of what allows Walkers to open doorways. Our energy isn’t connected to any planets. We’re not held down in ways that other races are.
“Those ropes you saw attached to your room are the energy tethers that allow this room to exist in this house and on this planet. If the energy wasn’t tethered down, it would disperse and no longer exist in the manner in which you understand it … as a bedroom.”
I held up a hand to interrupt. My Walker brain was having no problem keeping up, but my Earthling side was going: What the hell?
“So without these tethers nothing would exist? Well, not in the form our brains could see, process and understand.”
Josian nodded. His deep voice rose in timbre. “Yes, it’s quite a concept to wrap your mind around, but the sole reason that the planets exist, that things are formed as trees, lakes and all of that, is because of these tethers.” He took a deep breath. “And that’s why you also should not be possible.”
He has such a way with words.
“I mean, how can something be tethered to a planet, and then not tethered to anything like the Walkers? Obviously, your dual nature has found a balance, as have the other halflings, but because of this it’s as if all the general laws that govern energy don’t apply to you.”
I ignored that for the moment. I was a freak, not exactly a new concept.
“What are the planets tethered to?” I tried to picture them swinging off a star or something. Lallielle’s lips lifted in a gentle smile as she answered.
“Well, you know all of the younglings are tethered to First World. And First World is tethered to the star system itself. The effect just continues to ricochet backwards.”
I gasped, my hands covering my mouth in shock. “That’s what the Seventine do, isn’t it? They sever the tethers.”
Josian looked impressed.
Geez, I must look slow.
“Yes, Aribella, that’s exactly what they do. Their entire aim is to eliminate all existence except Walkers. And once this happens, all of that free, untethered energy is ours for the taking. Since we have no tethers, we cannot easily be undone, or reformed.”
I wondered where that left me in the scheme of energy tethers and not existing. I pictured half of my body floating away.
“So, if First Worlders are tethered to their planets, how can they travel to other worlds?”
I thought of Lallielle going to Earth and ... what about Lucy? She’d been traipsing all over the place.
“Tethers are not bound by space, time or distance. As long as the object of tethering still exists, then so does everything tethered to it.”
Brace groaned and ran his hand through his dark hair in a jagged manner. It fell messily across his forehead again.
I had to restrain myself from moving forward and pushing it off his face.
“My father is a purist. He’s adamant that the Walker line is being polluted with the mortality of others.” His words brought back my anger.
“Can I have a few minutes alone with Brace?” I asked the room, my eyes locked on his perfect Walker features.
I alternated between wanting to kiss him senseless and wanting to smash him one in the jaw.
Lallielle and Josian touched my arm briefly before they exited. They were so tall and graceful. I never had enough of watching the love and trust between my parents. But right now it felt a little bitter-sweet.
“I’m going to find Sammy.” Lucy paused in front of me. “Follow your heart, Abbs. If it says not to trust him until he proves himself then go with that.” She leaned in even closer. “I know he’s hot, but so what? Lucas is also hot and he seems a damn sight more trustworthy. And the way he lost it when you were taken and all the questions he asked, well, Brace definitely has a little competition.”
The mention of Lucas still gave me a strange jumping sensation. But honestly I was about ready to write men off completely. A low growl sounded from where Brace was standing, but a quick glance at him didn’t reveal any obvious emotion.
Lucy turned then and, moving almost Walker-quick, was in Brace’s face ... okay, more like his navel.
“If you hurt Abby again, Mr. Liarkins, you’re going to have to answer to me. And trust me, I do not play nice. I can get down and dirty with the best of them, and you will eat every one of your lies.”
I smiled. She was as tenacious as a pit-bull for those she loved.
Brace refrained from smiling, although his eyes were laughing. “I promise you, young warrior, Abby is my reason for existence. I will never knowingly hurt her again.”
She stared at him for a few moments. Something in his words must have mollified her because she turned away. As she reached my side she stretched up to kiss my cheek and left the room.
Brace and I stared at each other from across the room. He’d straightened infinitely but didn’t move closer. I liked that he didn’t ask for forgiveness or beg. That would have just been pathetic. Words couldn’t undo the hurt he’d caused me. They couldn’t regrow the trust he’d damaged, and they sure as hell couldn’t govern any forgiveness.
He seemed to read my thoughts.
“I won’t apologize to you again, Abby. I know I effed up, as Lucy would put it.” He looked so serious, his eyes almost black. “I want to show you ... no, I need to show you what you mean to me. You can’t possibly understand. You’ve not grown up as a Walker. You’ve not spent hundreds of years searching. You’re the light to my darkness.” He finally took a step closer. “I never thought I would find you. I hoped, of course, but my life hasn’t led me down the road of gracious gifts. And you ... with your beauty, your strength, you’re the most gracious gift I could ever have hoped for.”
Again, it was as if he had a direct link to my mind, as if he plucked out the most perfect words that anyone could hear. I wanted to bawl my damn eyes out or fall at his feet and beg him to love me forever. But the burning in my heart reminded me of one thing: I had responsibilities, big ones.
I’d continue to be hunted and hurt and would probably die in a huge fiery war at the end. And right now, with all my anger, I needed to step away from the intensity that was Brace. But I knew, without any doubt, that it was going to be agony to not have him close by. My soul felt him now, and it wanted him by its side forever. Maybe I just needed some time. Time to finish my mission, and deal with all the crap that was my life.
“I can’t say I understand why you lied to me for so long. I really don’t. Maybe I wasn’t raised Walker, but I know the concept of right and wrong. And what you did was wrong.”
I turned away from him then; I would never be able to get these words out while I continued to drown in his beautiful, depthless eyes.
“My soul tells me that we’re mates. But my heart needs some time, Brace. I need so
me time to figure out who I am and to go on these missions. I have to find the halflings. There’s no other option.”
“I understand that. I would never ask you to stop being who you are, even though I want to wrap you up and never let anything touch you. Let me help you, Abby. We’re partners, and we’re stronger together.”
I shook my head in short stuttering motions. My heart ached. I was so afraid that because of me Brace would be hurt or killed. Yeah, he was Walker, but he could still be destroyed.
“I need you to leave, Brace. I need time to think about everything.”
I was surprised when a grin crossed his face. “I’ll be gone for a brief moment. I have a certain family member to confront. But I’ll be back. You can’t get rid of me that easily. I won’t leave you, Red. Not ever.”
And then he was standing before me. Reaching out, he pulled me hard. I landed against firm muscles, and then his lips were on mine. The kiss was scorching, burning me to the depths of my soul. Brace kissed as if there was nothing else in the world but me, as if I was the very substance he needed to exist.
I felt it then, that moment of pure unadulterated joy between us. Something changed; the ties cemented between us. In the way that I saw pink circling Josian and Lallielle, strands of gold, shining the brightest I had ever seen, surrounded Brace and me.
“I’ll leave you now, Red. But don’t get too comfortable without me.” He kissed me gently on the corners of my lips. “So soft and full, tempting me every day.” His expression was stoic as he visibly devoured me, like he was memorizing every tiny detail. “You have lips built for sin.”
Then, with another gentle caress, he walked out of the room.
I stood there for a moment, my finger tips touching the smoldering of my lips. I knew when his presence left the room, and then when he left First World.
My heart shattered, and my soul screamed. With a groan I dropped to my knees. The tears spilled over then. I wiped at them quickly, but they were flowing fast. I knew I’d done the right thing. Resting my face in my hands, I let the pain free. Barely holding back a scream, I sobbed out my heartache.
“Damn.”
The softly spoken word broke through my hurt. I’d been crouched on the floor for so long that my legs protested as I straightened to face Lucas.
“I’m sorry to intrude.” He looked uncomfortable. “It’s just for some reason I felt your pain, and it’s hard for me not to respond.”
Rubbing a hand over my hot, swollen face, I took a step back. My head was heavy, and I felt a little slow.
“How did you ... What is our connection?” I demanded.
He shrugged, his eyes tight. “You’re the chosen Empress of First World, Abby. I’m the chosen Emperor. We’re connected and have been since birth.”
My nose wrinkled as I attempted to digest his words. Was he still riding that gravy train?
“Lucas! I’m a Walker. I can’t be the Empress.”
“Abby!” He mimicked my tone. “You are half-Walker. Tell me why your First World side can’t be the Empress?”
I stopped dead at those words. No ... oh, my fricken gods. Could my life be any more complicated?
“So you’re telling me that my Walker half is Brace’s mate, and my First-World half is the Empress connected to you?” My voice was almost hysterically high by the time I‘d finished that sentence. A ridiculous sentence, which unfortunately explained a lot.
“I’m not sure about the Brace part, but you and me, that’s a sure thing, gorgeous.”
I rolled my eyes. Always with the sweet-talking.
“I find it difficult to take you seriously, Lucas. I’m not going to be your dalliance for this month. Not my style.”
I couldn’t even think of anything beside the ache deep down for Brace. I couldn’t stand not knowing if he was okay. I straightened my shoulders. This was my choice. I had to get it together.
“Let’s get this straight, gorgeous, you and I are cosmically connected.” He leaned in closer, the light icy blue of his eyes darkening just slightly. “Not to say I don’t enjoy the occasional dalliance, if that’s where you want to take this.”
Shaking my head, I gave him a shove. “Dream on, Lucas, you and I – never going to happen.” I waved a hand dismissively. “You should probably attempt to think with the head on your shoulders. The other one is leading you astray.”
He laughed. “Don’t say that. You’ll wound his humongous ... pride.” He winked. “And I mean humongous.”
I blushed. Of course I did, and of course he noticed.
“You know red is your color, gorgeous.”
My next derisive comment was interrupted by Josian entering the room. He didn’t acknowledge Lucas, just strode forward to stand before me.
“We have trouble, baby girl; you might want to head downstairs.”
Chapter 9
I stared at Francesca, gobsmacked by her words.
“You’re freaking kidding me, right?”
She shook her head, her demeanor apologetic, but the chill in her eye spoke of something different.
“I know before you left I said two of the Seventine were released, but apparently the second one wasn’t quite free. Now it is. And the first tether has been severed.”
“The Seventine are on the countdown to the final battle,” she had told me the moment I stepped into the room, her creepy soothsayer voice washing over us.
And apparently we were now missing a few landmarks on Earth. The French population was probably stunned by the sudden disappearance of the Eiffel tower.
“And I have to leave straight away, to both collect Talina and move on to the other worlds?” My cup was running over with crap today.
“We’re almost out of time, Aribella.” She stood, her white eyes boring into me. “I know you’re not stupid; I shouldn’t have to explain this to you.”
What the eff? I wasn’t taking that from anyone, especially not a know-it-all soothsayer. I moved closer, getting in her face. I was taller than her by at least two inches.
“You better check that attitude, Francesca. I’m on my last sliver of patience, and it’s been a long day. Which includes, but isn’t limited to, me being kidnapped and tortured.” I huffed in a few breaths. “So if you don’t want to find yourself trekking to other worlds, dealing with the natives, and basically copping the crap we have, then be very careful about how you phrase your requests.”
My power flew from me again, encasing the room. I recognized this energy. This was the dream thing I’d done before. When I looked around, I saw everyone was frozen to the spot. Josian shifted almost instantly. His eyes flew open in concern.
“What did you do to them, baby girl?” His brow was furrowed.
He moved toward Lallielle and gently nudged her.
“They’re fine, Dad,” I hurried to reassure him. “I did this once on Spurn. It appears to be a variation of Mom’s power. I can project a dream out to people and they’re virtually frozen in time whilst they relive moments of my life, or whatever I shoot at them. I don’t know what they’re seeing; I didn’t mean to do it.” I snorted. “Which pretty much sums up my energy.”
Josian didn’t leave Lallielle’s side, his expression a combination of concern and a little pride. “Well, baby girl, I have to say Walkers don’t possess the ability to freeze people or trap them in dream worlds. Once you grasp this power you’ll be in control of something very useful and dangerous.”
“Will you help me learn how to control it?” It was no use having a power if it only randomly sprang from me.
He nodded. “Of course. Like any ability or muscle, you just need to practice the projection, learn what triggers the release, and then you’ll be able to dictate when it happens.”
That sounded good to me, his words instilling a confidence that one day I’d be strong enough to control my half-Walker nature. I hoped we could start as soon as possible.
It took differing amounts of time, but eventually everyone started to stir. Anger poure
d off Francesca.
“I don’t appreciate being included in your Walker energy show, Aribella.” Her movements were stiff as she took a step away from me.
“Shouldn’t you have seen that coming? You know, being an all knowing soothsayer.” Sometimes smart comments just fall out of my mouth without my consent.
“Did you mean for us to see that, Aribella?” Lallielle interrupted Francesca’s tirade by moving to my side.
I shook my head.
“I have no idea what you all saw. The power seems to adapt to whatever is annoying me at the time.”
Lucy had slouched into Samuel’s arms; he rubbed her back in soothing circles.
“Your torture, Abbs. We got to relive your torture by Captain Insano Walker.”
I bit my lip, the memories a little too fresh. When I tasted blood I realized I’d clenched too hard. Setting my poor abused lip free, I looked for a distraction. Lucas was perched in the doorway, observing the room. Well, observing me, actually. I ignored the annoying tummy-jump; he was not the distraction I wanted.
“Sorry about that, Luce. Just remember, I’m half-Walker. I’m tougher than I look.” No point clueing her in to how agonizing and debilitating that torture was.
She laughed into Samuel’s shirt front. Before tipping her head back to face me.
“Don’t lie to me, Abigail. I know you, and I’ve never seen you like that. Those screams were pure anguish.”
I waved a hand to dismiss her worries. There was nothing she could do now, plus something she’d said reminded me of important information I was yet to share. My dismissal had fury flashing across Lucy features, but with a sigh she let me get away with it today.
“Dad, the Walker who kidnapped me, he said he was going to be the one to cleanse the worlds. He was starting with Spurn. I think that’s where we’ll find him.” I couldn’t let Walkers destroy their world; they deserved to be saved.
“He’s probably responsible for that dragon creature,” Lucy muttered, still looking annoyed.
I locked eyes with her, my emerald green and her baby blue clashing as we reached the same thought.
