Vala Heritage

by J. F. Jenkins

  Teague nodded and then whispered back, “I’m not a bad person for lying am I? Halyn told me that’s what happened with her parents. I thought it was safe, but I don’t want to be bad.”

  “You’re doing the right thing. Sometimes lies are necessary. They’re not good, but they’re necessary. No matter how bad you think a lie is, what they’re going to do to you is a lot worse. They are more bad.” She glanced at Pierce, who was waiting impatiently at the stretch limousine, the door open for them to get in.

  “You two love birds can talk sweet nothings in the car,” he said.

  Jewl shook her head. “I’m sure we could do a lot of things in the car.”

  “It’s a big car,” Teague commented. He got in first and took a good look around, his eyes wide in awe.

  She didn’t say anything as she followed him in. Finding a spot on one of the far benches. She lay down. “I’d get comfortable. It’s going to be a couple of hours.”

  “Oh,” Teague said. His body relaxed, his shoulders slouching slightly also getting comfortable where he sat.

  “There’s probably going to be a slight jolt. The car has an enchantment on it. It makes it travel faster over water, through mountains and other things that might get in its way,” she explained. He blinked, his mouth hanging open.

  “I didn’t know cars could do that!”

  “Only this one.”

  He stared out the window and sure enough, the car lurched forward and they were traveling at the speed of a plane-on the ground. It took her a while to get used to the first time she rode in it. She’d stared out the windows and silently prayed that they wouldn’t crash because something in the enchantment went wrong. Now it didn’t bother her. Whatever happened would and she had no control over it.

  “Are you going to sleep?” Teague asked.

  Her eyes felt heavy. “I was going to give it a try. It’s the best way to kill time.”

  He nodded, playing with his hands. Then he moved to a seat closer to hers. “I’m scared. We’re in danger, aren’t we?”

  “We are, but you’ll be fine. I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

  She hoped she could keep that promise.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The two teens were led through her Aunt’s massive brick castle. Jewl had to drag Teague along because he kept stopping to stare at the elaborate woven tapestries hanging from the walls and the large stained glass murals for windows. She could hardly blame him. The building was beautiful. When she was younger, and her family had been on better terms with her aunt, she always enjoyed looking at the classic decorations.

  Off in the distance, Jewl saw her younger half-sister Sonnet. Her stomach turned at the sight of the girl. She looked so much like their parents it broke Jewl’s heart. She barely recognized Sonnet anymore. She was growing up fast.

  Sonnet’s flowing mass of curly dark hair swished to the side in one elegant motion, as she spun to face her sister. A fake smile was on her face as she moved forward to embrace Jewl. The image was an almost exact mirror of her step-mother.

  “It’s so good to see you again.”

  Jewl hugged her sister back with more feeling than she received. Maybe if she could still find a way to show Sonnet she still loved her, the girl could be swayed.

  “Yeah, I’ve missed you,” Jewl said.

  Sonnet’s smile seemed more genuine for a second before her eyes trained themselves on Teague. She raised an eyebrow and smirked seductively at the boy, her eyes lowering ever so slightly.

  “Who is this?” she asked, moving past her sister and grabbing hold of Teague’s lean, developed arms. “I’d heard rumors about you bringing a friend, but I didn’t realize you actually had them. Is this your boyfriend?”

  “No,” Jewl said. Her jaw tightened as she watched her sister fawn all over Teague as if he were a thing. He blushed profusely and shook his head, turning his face down and away from both of the girls in an effort to hide.

  “Good, I don’t want to be a man stealer. After all, it's not in my genes to do so. I mean, I’d heard you had one. Is that true?”

  “Once upon a time. Not so much anymore.”

  “You’ll have to show me a picture anyway. I want to hear all about it. I’m completely bored with the gossip here. Not fun at all.” She pouted playfully, traced Teague’s cheek with a finger, and then bounced her way back to Jewl’s side. “Auntie wants to see you right away. Come on.”

  “Teague,” Jewl said, wiggling her finger for him to follow her to her aunt’s chambers. She loved Sonnet, but didn’t trust her much. Aunt Eyde’s private chambers were in the same place as they had last been, at the end of the hall, behind a large, ominous oak door. She grabbed his wrist and was about to take him inside with her, but Sonnet quickly snatched him away.

  “Nope, he’s staying with me. Don’t worry. We won’t do anything he doesn’t want to,” Sonnet said, practically flinging herself onto him. He blushed again and she giggled, batting her eyelashes up at him. “Isn't his shyness adorable? When you get done, we’ll catch up. Bye, sis.” Then she pulled him away from Jewl.

  As usual, Teague had a puzzled expression on his face almost, as if he were unsure whether he should fight to stay or not. Jewl gave him a nod in an attempt to be reassuring. Sonnet was many things, but dangerous wasn't one of them. Anyone else would have left her worried.

  “Sure thing,” Jewl whispered before sighing. Pierce opened the door for her and she entered the room.

  Aunt Eyde liked to keep her chambers dark. Heavy plum curtains covered the windows, flanking her large mahogany desk. Her furniture was all dark stained wood. The ceiling was high, but it made little difference in brightening up the room and making it feel homier. Her mission was to make her guests feel afraid. She sat at her desk, smiling at Jewl. Her aunt was beautiful on the outside, with the same dark hair her father had. It was long and straight. She had enticing black eyes and full pouty lips. Inside, however, she was disgusting.

  “Close the door on your way out, Pierce,” she said and stood. She walked to Jewl, beckoning for the girl to come closer to her.

  Jewl stepped quietly on the stone tiles, petrified to see her aunt again. She tried her best to hide her fear, because she didn’t want to give the woman the satisfaction of knowing she still had that kind of power over her. The nearer she got to her aunt, the harder it was to do.

  Jewl waited until Pierce was gone, and then move closer. She only did it to end the awkward silence filling the room. She wasn’t sure what her aunt would have done had she disobeyed.

  “You’re doing well at the school. I’m impressed. Last year your grades left more to be desired,” Aunt Eyde said, firmly placing her hands on Jewl’s shoulders. She toyed with some of her springy, blonde curls.

  “I've always tried to be exceptional. My classes are easier this year, and I'm a lot more focused. College is a priority of mine,” Jewl said. If she could get into a good school and get a degree, then she might be able to break away from her aunt completely. She could make her own success and not have to rely on her mother’s leverage to make a name for herself in the world.

  “I’m noticing. I know you’re confused as to why I asked you here after so many years of not caring. I realized it’s been some time since we last spoke. While I have my people check in on you for me, it’s also good for me to do it myself. Along with that I wanted to ask a favor of you, but we will talk about that tomorrow. Today we’re going to talk about your daddy.”

  Jewl knew. She swallowed hard, trying to not let her emotions get the better of her. Still, she couldn’t help but feel as if she’d completely failed in keeping her father a secret, and she couldn’t live with that feeling stirring inside of her. Her instinct was to lash out at her aunt. Jewl could potentially take her on, maybe, but she wasn’t sure what the repercussions of such an action would be. And what would happen to Sonnet? The rest of her family? Her friends? Her people? All of them could, and possibly would, suffer under the woman’s wrath.r />
  “You do remember the deal, yes? You were to disown him as your father and never speak to him again,” Aunt Eyde said. Her seemingly playful pulling at Jewl’s hair became more aggressive.

  “Yes,” Jewl said, wincing. “I remember. I’ve never forgotten.”

  “So why did you see him recently?”

  “He found me and just showed up.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She stepped away, no longer wanting to take the woman’s abuse. She had to make her aunt think she was on the same side. So instead of projecting her fear, she attempted something resembling more of being insulted. “I couldn’t stop him. I indulged him because I thought maybe it would make him weaker and more pathetic, sloppy.”

  Aunt Eyde must have bought it, because she smirked, her body relaxing. “I’m glad you enjoy toying with his mind as much as I do. Your sister will also be glad because now she won’t have to suffer any more of your punishment.”

  “What did you do to her?” Jewl asked, clenching her fists together.

  “You can ask her about that tonight. I know she’s eager to tell you all about it,” Aunt Eyde said nonchalantly, then went back to her desk and sat down. She gestured for her niece to do the same in a nearby chair.

  Jewl did so, swallowing. “You better not have hurt her or I’ll…”

  “You’ll what? Go cry to your mommy, who last I checked, you wanted nothing to do with?”

  “I’ll do something.”

  “You will,” she said, resting her head in her chin and smiling ever so sweetly at Jewl. ”But that will be what we talk about tomorrow when we discuss my favor. You can consider it paying me back for not simply killing your sister and generously giving you the benefit of the doubt.”

  She had no idea what the favor could be, and it worried her. Would her aunt try using her as bait against her father and try luring him in? Or would it have something to do with a political favor from her mother? The possibilities were endless. She wished Anj was here. She could have used a lot of his strength and callousness, not to mention his advice. Maybe then her aunt wouldn’t have such a strong hold over her.

  “Is that fair, Jewl?” Aunt Eyde asked after another long silence had passed.

  “Yes, more than fair,” Jewl whispered.

  Her Aunt gave a sweet smile. “Tell me about your friend, all of your friends. What are you up to over there? No lying. I’ll know.”

  Jewl crossed her legs, trying to settle into a position that displayed more power and confidence. “My friends at school are as normal as kids can be. You’ve no doubt heard a little about the twins from Sonnet. I know I’ve mentioned them to her in passing a few times. They’re quirky, adorable country bumpkins. Denver is a street rat. I met some female friends recently. Halyn is from the Philippines where she did lots of grub work in the jungle, and her roommate Cheyenne is your typical city slicker snob.”

  Downplaying her friend’s more positive attributes was a necessity. She especially couldn’t let her aunt know that Cheyenne was also one of the Divine. That was just the sort of information the woman was looking for. She wanted to see who else she could use through Jewl to get more power.

  “Colorful group,” Aunt Eyde said without interest.

  Jewl nodded, relaxing with the thought that she had succeeded in getting the woman at least slightly off of her back. “Yes, the boy I brought with me is also from outside of the United States of America. He’s cute, but dumb as a brick. I can see why Sonnet enjoys him so much.”

  Her aunt laughed. “Her flightiness is one of the things I adore the most about her. She’s finally exhibiting abilities. For a while I thought that perhaps she would be plain and ordinary like everyone else. I know she’s only your half sister, but I still hoped, you see. No one in my family has been known to be special, I suppose you could say. Apparently, I was wrong in thinking so. We do have supernatural genetics. She’ll be joining your school next fall as a sophomore. I thought about continuing her home schooling, but I decided she needed to learn how to use her abilities.”

  Jewl didn’t know how to react. Her jaw dropped in surprise. She quickly recomposed herself, deciding to adjust her hair as a cover up. She leaned forward toward her aunt, showing much interest. “What can she do?”

  “I can’t ruin the surprise. She’s been waiting for so long to show you herself.” Her aunt held her smile.

  Jewl wasn’t sure how to feel about that, or if she should be more worried.

  “Anything else you want to talk about?” She was getting tired of the fake pleasantries and being grilled. Teague was also more of a concern. Who knew what Sonnet would try doing to the poor guy.

  “No, you can go. I’m sure you’ve had a long journey and would like to rest some. We will talk more tomorrow.”

  Jewl took her opportunity to leave before her aunt changed her mind. She needed to get out of the room and go someplace that felt warm and filled with light, as well as a place where she could get some decent cell phone reception because she needed Anj.

  She dialed his number, and waited to see if he would bother to pick up his phone for her. They hadn’t parted on the best of terms, but hopefully he’d know she would only call him if it was some kind of an emergency.

  “Yes?” came his cool reply, though she sensed a hint of eagerness in his voice. He must not have minded her call too much. “You do realize you’re interrupting our grand feast.”

  She stood there, unsure of what to say. She had forgotten it was Thanksgiving. Every year she’d joined the twins, the whole family went to their house. It was good for the boys. Their grandparents from their father’s side doted on Zes endlessly, and treated Anj like the big boy he was. She felt bad for taking that away from them.

  “Jewl? I know it’s you. Just because I don’t read my caller ID, doesn’t mean I don’t have a special ring-tone for you,” he continued.

  She laughed, wiping away tears of frustration. “I know. I just wasn’t sure what to say. I forgot you were eating with your family. It can wait.”

  “Something’s wrong.”

  “What dorky ring tone did you assign to me?” She hated how he could read her so well.

  “I’ll tell you after you tell me why you’re upset. You laughed instead of being your charming sarcastic self. Talk to me. We just finished with the main meal anyway. My stomach will be happy for the break. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much corn in my life. I hate corn.”

  “Mommy thinks you’re low on starch or something?”

  “Who knows? She kept shoving it onto my plate every chance she had. I’m pretty sure she was this close to spoon feeding me. Stop trying to quibble me away from the subject. What’s wrong?”

  She sighed. “Big words.” She wasn’t sure how to explain what was going on without making him overly worried. The last thing she needed was for him to freak out and come storming across the country to try and rescue her. Still, was there any way around it? She told herself she was going to try and be more honest with him, and now was the time to live up to her word.

  “I’m at my aunt’s,” she said casually. If she could make it sound like not so big of a deal, then maybe he would believe her.

  “Why are you visiting Satan?” he asked. Her story must have really resonated with him if he thought of her aunt as the devil based on just the one tale.

  “I’m visiting my sister, actually. She’s going to be coming to the school next fall. Apparently she’s produced abilities or something.” Jewl sighed and stepped closer to one of the stained glass windows, trying to get some kind of sunshine.

  “Intriguing.”

  “I thought so as well.” She felt herself beginning to calm down.

  “Nothing bad has happened, right? She didn’t try to hurt you?”

  “It’s nothing I can’t handle.” A little hair pulling was the least her Aunt Eyde could have done.

  Anj sighed. “I’m not feeling reassured by that answer. You do realize that right? Are you trying to torture me? I’m worried enough about you
as it is. Do you need me to come over there and get you?”

  Which was the thing she had been trying to avoid most. “No, I’m fine. I doubt I’ll be forced to stay for much longer. Teague is with me. If something happens, I bet he can blast her with a lightning bolt. He claims to control the weather, after all.”

  “Teague is with you?”

  “Yes, he is. I didn’t exactly have a choice in the matter. If you had been around, you’d have been kidnapped too.”

  “Kidnapped?”

  “I’m okay. I just wanted to hear your voice. Is that all right? Can I call you to do that?”

  “I have been told I'm rather pleasant to listen to,” he said coyly. “Given the state of our relationship, I suppose it’s fair. But it’ll cost you.”

  Jewl groaned. “Why do you always have to make this some kind of game?”

  “It’s more fun Just hear me out,” he said. His tone became more serious. “I’ve been doing some thinking since we’ve been apart these whole two days. Sometimes being away from school helps me have a clearer head. I simply want to be allowed the privilege of taking you out.”

  “Fine,” she said. A date sounded exactly like something she needed. Even if she and Anj were still on shaky ground, the thought of going out and spending time with him put a smile on her face. She hoped he was smiling too, because his smile was beautiful. The thought of fighting with him even made her happy right now.

  “And we’re going to talk. I will tell you all I’m allowed and you will tell me all you’re allowed.”

  Jewl’s smile widened. He was actually willing to start sharing some things? What happened in the short time they were apart to make him have such a change of heart? “Yes, we can do that. Thank you for indulging in my impulsive desires.”

  He laughed. He actually laughed, a real, light-hearted, happy-sounding one at that. She had to check her phone to make sure she really had dialed Anj’s number and not Zes.