Amber Smoke

by Kristin Cast

  “Then why is he dressed in that skin suit? The other creatures I encountered while training were in hiding and looked as they always had.”

  “There are many ways a monster hides itself. Spells, potions, possessions, and this.” Crone looked disgusted. “My least favorite. The skin suit, as you called it, is a very fitting description.”

  “It also offered a valuable lesson. Not all of your foes will appear in their true form. You must learn to trust your instincts,” Mother said.

  “Now, we wait for Tartarus,” Maiden said.

  “Wait for Tartarus?”

  “She may be weak, but Tartarus knows better than to allow such filth to inhabit her outside of the cell,” Mother answered.

  Faint hissing erupted and Maiden clapped her hands together. “Here it comes,” she said gleefully. “Mind your feet.”

  The hissing grew louder, and Alek shuffled away from the fast approaching noise.

  Beetles raced toward the body. In the candlelight, they looked like a shimmering shadow as they gorged themselves on Alastor’s flesh.

  “Not what I expected,” Alek mumbled.

  Maiden took Alek by the arm. “We let this mess distract us, but we must show Alek what has happened.”

  The Furies buzzed with excitement and pulled him along.

  Maiden spoke first. “We were gathered in the Hall of Echoes, checking the status of the fast draining pool, when there was a great burst of amber light.”

  Mother continued, “Clouds of beautiful gold rolled through Tartarus. Their winds knocked us from our feet, and the sound of thunder pummeled our ears. It disappeared as fast as it came, and when Tartarus calmed—”

  “The most beautiful gifts were left in its place,” Crone finished.

  The women parted and Alek peered into the hall. Small pools rippled on the once barren floor.

  “I don’t believe what I’m seeing,” Alek said.

  “You must, for it is because of you,” Crone said.

  “The power you awoke in Eva granted us this gift.” Maiden’s voice sounded happy and light.

  “Tartarus can feel its warriors uniting. Together, you and Eva will heal our realm, our home,” Mother said.

  “The curse is far from lifting, but this is an extraordinary beginning,” Crone said.

  Alek walked between the small pools. “It’s just as it was in the stories you told.”

  “Almost,” Maiden said. “It is not as magnificent. But it will be fully restored one day.”

  Like small, rippling mirrors, they each played a moment in time.

  “Eva?” He stopped and crouched down to get a better view.

  She looked peaceful in the hospital bed. The same serene expression rested on her face as it had when he placed her on the grass. The woman next to Eva held her hand and lovingly patted her head. She turned as a blond young woman rushed into the room, dropping her oversized purse on the floor as she entered.

  “Bridget,” Alek whispered. “It was the same Eva.”

  She and Eva’s mom hugged for a long time. Their bodies shook as tears streamed down their face. A woman in an oversized white coat and sea foam green pants came in followed by a young man in nice jeans and a button-down shirt. Bridget and Eva’s mom stood in a huddle with the doctor while the young man went to Eva’s side. Alek recognized him as one of the detectives who arrived shortly before he came home. He tightened his jaw at the sight of the detective leaning close to Eva, studying her. The doctor left and the women returned to Eva’s bedside. They both looked relieved and smiled as they spoke to the detective. Eva’s mom shook his hand and hugged him.

  Alek had seen enough. He stood and continued his walk around the pools, trying his best to hide his jealousy from his mothers.

  Get it together, Alek. You don’t even know her. There is no reason to be jealous. You are an immortal. He is just a cop. Besides, you don’t even know her. He ignored the thoughts, and continued on his way back to the entrance of the Hall of Echoes.

  “It’s amazing, Mothers. I can’t wait to see it fully restored.” He put his arms around the three of them, and squeezed them tightly.

  Twenty-One

  Eva blinked the sleep from her eyes and yawned. Her neck was sore, and she turned it to the side in an attempt to get a deep stretch.

  “Well, hey there!” Bill said, smiling gaily down at her. “You dozed off for a little bit. Happens sometimes. The whole process can be tiring.”

  “What are you doing?” she asked sleepily.

  “Don’t worry, it’s almost over,” he assured.

  “I don’t even want to look at it,” Lori groaned. “I never should have come with you.”

  Bill clucked his tongue. “I think it’s turning out to be quite the masterpiece.”

  Eva sat up and looked around. Fogginess draped her thoughts and blurred her surroundings. “Mom, what’s going on?”

  “Pay no attention to her grogginess. I’ve seen it hundreds of times. Every morning from first grade on. It’ll wear off soon enough.”

  “Bill, let go of me.” She struggled to free her arm from under his grip. He leaned over it, pinning it down with the weight of his body.

  “Who’s Bill?” Lori asked.

  “Must have been someone you were dreaming about. Huh, Eva?” He set down the tattoo gun and peeled off his latex gloves.

  “Hey, Alastor.” A tall blond appeared. His curly hair hung in his eyes, and he tossed his head back to clear his vision. “There’s someone here to see you.” He hooked his thumb in the belt loop of his jeans and waited for further instruction.

  “Thank you, Alek. Always there when I need you.” He pushed the metal tray away and stood. “Eva, remember to keep that clean. You don’t want that beautiful artwork getting infected.”

  “Thanks,” she whispered.

  “Oh, and Lori, I’ll be over in a few hours to get you. I got two tickets to the ballet, but I thought we could get a bite before the show. I’ll call you when I’m on my way.”

  Lori smirked. “Bye, Alastor. Thank you for permanently scarring my daughter.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to get back to the office. Lots of work to do before my date. I can’t take you home, but I sent Bridget a text asking her to come get you. She’ll be here soon.” She kissed the top of Eva’s head and disintegrated into a pile of sparkling confetti.

  Eva coughed as she breathed in shimmering mom dust.

  “Don’t worry about the mess. I’ll clean it up. It’s part of my job,” Alek said, pulling a broom out of his pocket.

  Eva unbuckled the strap around her wrist and wiggled her fingers. “It’s kind of weird around here, isn’t it?”

  Alek shrugged. “Are you sure you’re not just hung over from the party?”

  Eva thought for a moment. “I do feel kind of strange.”

  He swept a hand through his tangled curls. “It’s been a while since he’s done a tree design. I think it looks nice.”

  “Yeah, I like it too.” The fresh tattoo looked alive as it danced with the motion of her moving fingers. “I didn’t even feel it.”

  “That’s a plus.” He chuckled and awkwardly pulled at the pendant hanging around his neck.

  “I like your necklace. Is that a crystal?”

  The door alarm jingled and cold air blew Bridget into the room. “Let us leave. There is much to learn on your journey home.”

  “Sorry about her. She likes to make an entrance.” Eva picked up her purse and threw the strap over her shoulder.

  “I’ll see you around.” He waved as she rushed to catch up with Bridget.

  “I think you can work on being a little less rude, Bridge.” Eva closed the car door and fastened her seatbelt. “That guy in there was really nice and majorly cute. You totally acted like he didn’t exist.”

  “You will find him again.” She drove the car around the block and parked in front of an open gas pump.

  “Yeah, if I ever decide to get another tattoo.” Eva gently traced the tree’s bar
ren branches. “And I don’t know whether or not that’ll happen. I can’t even remember why I wanted this one.”

  “To remind you of your strength.”

  “Hey!” a muffled voice shouted and tapped on the glass. “Want to roll down your window?”

  “Sorry.” Eva pushed the button, and the window sank into the car.

  “No problem.” He winked at her, his hand twirling a crystal pendant. “Just need to know what kind of gas you want. We have green, pink, or gold.”

  Eva couldn’t take her eyes from his fingers caressing the smooth stone. “Your necklace looks so familiar.”

  Bridget erupted into laughter, and Eva’s tattoo prickled with pain. Her throat felt like it caught fire, and she coughed violently. Black seeped from the tree and formed a puddle on the floorboard. Eva kept her feet away from the paint and wrapped her oozing arm in the bottom of her shirt. When she looked up, the gas station had vanished, and her porch appeared in its place.

  She rocked in the comfort of the familiar black rocking chair. “My throat hurts. I need a drink.” A glass materialized on the table next to her.

  “Ask for aid and it will come.” Bridget smiled.

  Eva and Bridget sat in silence. The sweat from Eva’s glass slowly dripped glittery purple onto the stone.

  “Who’s that?” Eva shaded her eyes from the sun as a van sputtered to a stop in front of her house. The bright decal on its side advertised Protective Lawn Care. “When did we hire Alek’s Lawn Care?”

  The van’s door opened, and a tanned man stepped into the sun. He kept his eyes on Eva as he pushed the lawn mower up the driveway.

  “Go to him. He is needed to keep you grounded. To keep you safe,” Bridget said.

  Eva picked up the glass and stepped off the porch. The cut grass felt like spring, cool and moist beneath her feet.

  “You were watching me,” she said, standing in the shadow of his strong frame.

  “Would you like me to stop?” His eyes studied her face, the plunging neckline of her dress.

  “No,” she said, offering him the glass.

  He gulped big mouthfuls of liquid. Water trickled off his chin and slid down his bare chest.

  “You need a towel. Come inside and I’ll get one for you.” Eva led him through the living room and into the kitchen. She picked up the dishtowel from the counter and dabbed it against his chest. She looked up and met his hazel eyes. “Your pendant. It’s beautiful.”

  He swept the hair from her face and lifted her mouth to his. She kissed him with newly discovered longing, and he returned her desire. Anticipation tangled her thoughts as he brushed the straps of her dress off her shoulders. The soft cotton caressed her back as it floated to the floor. His hand slid from her shoulder and traveled down the deep curve of her back.

  He lifted her, placing her gently on the counter. The firm granite cooled the back of her legs.

  “You’re so soft…so beautiful,” he whispered, his breath hot against her neck.

  His rough fingers dug into her hips as he pulled her closer to him. His warm mouth explored her breasts, and she bit her lip to keep from crying out. His scent was intoxicating. She drew in a breath and held it, not wanting to let go of the moment. She wanted more of him. Slowly, she forced air out from between pursed lips.

  His fingers teased her with unrelenting promises.

  “Please, no.” He paused, and she pulled him close to her again. “I mean yes.”

  Her fingers fumbled blindly with his zipper. His heat and hardness pressed against her, and she relaxed her thighs, inviting him in. She arched against him, her legs trembling. Her mouth welcomed his with ravenous exploration.

  The room melted around her, and the sound of their bodies filled her ears. She felt free and wild. Her body pulsed with pleasure and she moaned softly. The talisman bounced against his chest as he thrust deeper into her.

  “Eva!” Passion flooded his voice. “Eva!”

  White light engulfed the room and brought with it a crowing laughter. The space around her emptied, and she stood fully clothed in a box filled with white.

  She squinted against the brightness of the room. “Hello?”

  A voice rang out. “Have you found him yet?”

  “Found who?” Eva shouted back.

  “No,” the voice replied, sadly, “you haven’t. When you find him is when you’ll truly awaken.”

  Twenty-Two

  “Something is wrong. The Mortal Realm’s sun has risen and set three times, yet she remains asleep,” Alek said, crouching over one of the newly formed pools in the Hall of Echoes.

  “And you have exhausted yourself looking over her. You must rest, and she must do the same,” Maiden replied calmly.

  “I can’t rest now. I have to go to her. I have to make sure nothing more happens to her so she can help me to restore Tartarus.”

  “Her body is working harder than you or I could ever imagine. Eva is being rebuilt as the new Oracle. Be patient, my son.”

  “Patience,” he grumbled. “Something I possess little of.”

  Goose bumps appeared on Alek’s arms as Maiden lightly traced his back with her fingertips. “As a little boy, anytime you were scared or sad or restless, I would gently scratch your back like this. It used to relax you. Sometimes it would even send you straight to sleep.” A smile lightened her voice. “Do you remember?”

  “It is something I’ll never forget.” He arched his back and groaned quietly as he stretched. “It was simpler then.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “The curse. I didn’t understand it like I do now. There was no threat of the mortals being overtaken by evil, and Tartarus was only my home. Not a realm I was tasked with restoring.”

  “Do you blame me?” Maiden asked quietly.

  “What reason would I have to do so?”

  “The curse would not exist if not for my foolish behavior, and we would not have had to beg Hera for an answer.”

  “Then I would not be here.” He wrapped a comforting arm around her. “Pay no attention to my complaints. I’m just weary of waiting with no way of helping.”

  They sat in silence for a moment, watching Eva lay motionless in the hospital bed.

  “There may be one thing worth attempting,” Maiden said. “However, you must not be upset if nothing comes from it.”

  “Anything will be better than this spectating. What must I do?”

  “Your talisman holds a power from this world that you do not carry within yourself,” Maiden explained. “It is the reason you are able to travel between realms and speak to us or others when you are in need. Like an invisible bridge binding us together.”

  “And the longer I’m in another realm, the more I use my abilities, the faster its power drains. Then I have to come here where we both recharge. I know this already,” Alek said, barely keeping the frustration from his voice.

  “What you do not know is that the same properties that allow you to contact this realm when you are away, can also be used to reach those who are in a dream state.”

  “So with this,” he pulled the crystal out from under his shirt, “I am allowed entry into people’s dreams?”

  “Yes and no,” Maiden answered. “Dreaming is a gift reserved for mortals. In the past, it was used as a way for them to speak directly with our Gods, Goddesses, and Oracles. They have since lost their way and now see only what they want.”

  Alek released the talisman. “If Eva is dreaming, will I be able to help her wake?”

  Maiden smiled. “Perhaps. However, you must be gentle in your approach. While in them, dreams are very real to mortals. Eva may not know she is asleep. The dream world she has created will be her reality. She must realize on her own that it is not where she belongs and that she has to awaken.”

  “How do I reach her if I wasn’t given the title of a God?”

  “You must know that Pythia is watching.”

  “Yes, she helped me before when I was in the Mortal Realm.”

&
nbsp; “If given an opportunity, she will assist again and speak to Eva on your behalf. Pythia will not let the new Oracle be lost in the dream world for too long. She will always be there for her.” Maiden’s smile glowed, and Alek felt a renewed sense of hope.

  “Thank you. At least now I will know that I’ve done everything within my power.”

  Her skirt brushed against him as she stood, releasing her syrupy citrus scent. “Anything for you, my son.” She leaned over and kissed the top of his head before exiting the hall.

  “Use Pythia’s energy to reach Eva in her dreams. A simple enough task.”

  He removed the talisman from around his neck and held it in both hands. He straightened his posture and grounded his legs to the earth beneath them. Alek closed his eyes and caressed the crystal’s smooth surface with his thumb. He pictured a smiling Eva, awake and well.

  “Pythia, I hope you are listening. I am in need of your help. Again.” He inhaled a large cleansing breath and spoke without reservation.

  Wind carries the truth.

  Seek, listen, know with your soul.

  Look within, stay strong.

  A tunnel of air encircled him and brought with it the scents of the Furies. Maiden’s saccharine aroma returned, filling his nostrils, sharpening Eva’s image. Then Mother’s gentle lavender vanilla soothed him while Crone’s woodsy-sage scent cleansed the worry from his mind.

  Your sleep must now end.

  Destiny awaits your touch.

  Awaken, Eva!

  The wind ceased and Alek remained still. “Pythia?” He waited for her unsettling laughter, but only silence hummed against his ears.

  Alek put the talisman back around his neck and dipped his fingers into the small pool. Ripples blurred the loop of images playing.

  “Please, let my efforts be rewarded,” he whispered.

  • • •

  “Found who?” Eva spun around. “Where are you?”

  “Quiet!” The room flickered a brilliant gold as the bodiless voice punched out the word.

  Eva flinched.

  “With time, you will learn there is no need to fear me.” The woman’s voice was smooth and nourishing. “We are of the same cloth. Sewn into the fabric of this world as foretellers of truth and protectors of the weak.”