The Locket

by K J Bell

  “You think I’m going to let him leave so he can go get your Paramour and that weak excuse for an Aegis?” he asked, hauntingly.

  “Reese is not weak,” I spit.

  He glared at me with huge dark eyes – definitely not human – without a single speck of light behind them.

  “Oh, but he is, Claire. His weakness is how I was able to find you. Jealousy, you see, is the ultimate weakness. He was so hurt Brent was the only one that was allowed to be near you. He could feel that Brent developed feelings for you. It was so easy to get him to tell me a way to find you,” he continued, speaking in a haunted tone, causing the hairs on my arms to stand.

  I returned his glare, challenging him. “It’s you that is weak, using people to do your dirty work.”

  If it was anymore possible, his stare grew darker – his voice more haunting. “Maybe, but Mandy was a jealous soul also, Claire.”

  “She’s just another innocent person you used to get to me,” I snapped, refusing to believe his words.

  He laughed and the sound was deeper and darker that the menacing stare he had bestowed on me. “Yes, but the Adherent I sent manipulated her so easily. She had so much hate in her heart towards you, but so much love for Brent. Stupid girl. Once the Adherent was done with her, the poor thing actually believed Brent had slept with her,” he admitted cockily, knowing he had manipulated me.

  I shook my head frantically, hoping I had misunderstood. But there it was – the truth – Brent hadn’t lied to me at all. I suddenly felt no hope. Stubbornness had controlled me and I acted foolishly again. We really were just chess pieces in Kace’s never ending game. He manipulated all of us square by square, playing on our emotions and our fears until only two pieces remained – Kace’s and mine.

  Kace circled, assessing me, head to toe. “You were just as easy to guide, Claire. You’re longing and need to have Brent solely for your own, led you straight to me,” he gloated with pride.

  His words made my insides crumble, wet sand through fingers, like the castles I used to build at the beach. He was right. I selfishly disregarded listening to Brent – only focusing on the fact there may have been a point in his life where I was not the center of his world. I wanted to sink to the floor and drown in a puddle of my own tears. However, I remembered I was the one who was designed to end this game for good. He was playing on my emotions to weaken me. I had to stand tall. Standing tall is what I did, shelving my feelings so I stood a chance at defeating him.

  “I think you are the weak one, Kace,” I said, struggling to sound confident. “You spend your time haunting humans for your own amusement.”

  “Is that what you think?” he asked surprisingly.

  My confidence was growing and I stood a little taller. “That’s exactly what I think. You are no different than a playground bully, choosing the weakest and instilling your will,” I surmised, watching him as he continued to circle me.

  “Humans are weak. They need to be reminded of that,” Kace stated. He stopped pacing and took an authoritative step toward me, sending my new found courage to the floor.

  I balled my hands into fist until my nails dug into my palms – clinging to faith.

  “Humans don’t need anything from you, except peace. They have a purpose and The Realm exists to ensure they complete that purpose,” I said, keeping my head down, avoiding his black inky stare, refusing to let it intimidate me further.

  “But people don’t even try anymore. They gave up years ago. Haven’t you paid attention to the hate in the world today, the way humans behave?” he questioned cynically.

  I intended to keep my voice calm but the words came out brash. “It’s not up to you to judge them, Kace. You are not God.”

  “Enough,” Kace shouted thunderously, freezing me in place.

  Fear rolled through me. Because of my insecurities and my inability to trust, I was going to face him alone – no Aegis or Paramour by my side – the way it was supposed to be. I had a choice when I left Layken’s house and I chose wrong. I could’ve chosen to trust Brent and listen to him but I didn’t. I didn’t know how to trust anyone. I would rather run. I knew how to run. I did run, right to Kace, and he was going to hurt me. I felt it, seeing it in his black, penetrating stare. He tasted victory. Approaching me, he rubbed his index finger across his top lip contemplating his next move and I flinched. He analyzed me, the final piece on the chess board. One final move and the game would be over, the ultimate checkmate. Would that be enough for him, just to win the game? I wasn’t sure if it would be. He was a man that needed more than an easy ending.

  Kace stood back, smiling, and I knew by the look on his face he had decided. He was going to end this, killing me and continue his life haunting the human race. Fear took hold, and I decided to run, even though I knew it was useless. In my weakened state, holding up my own body weight was difficult, but panic propelled me to move. Launching myself towards the door, I felt a surge of energy from behind, like a ray of light through glass. My body rose from the floor and shattered back to the ground, shooting pain down my legs. My head smashed into the wall behind me, hitting a splintered piece of wood, and I felt the wet droplets run down the back of my head. I saw blood spatter on the floor below me. The shock overpowered my body so much, it no longer allowed me to feel the pain. I was stunned, unable to fully control my limbs.

  Kace walked toward me slowly.

  “That was foolish, Claire. You are much too weak to outrun me,” he said, examining me like a bird with a broken wing. “I’ve decided this was too easy. Our story has to end with a bigger challenge. Don’t you think? I thought I had given you enough time since our last encounter so you might at least make things interesting.”

  I ignored Kace, staggering backwards, and leaned up against the wall. He had confirmed that our last encounter was real. I was never certain he was really standing in the road on the first day of school or if it was the beginning of my visions. He was real and he could have easily killed me that morning. It wasn’t enough for him though. I felt his fingers curl around my arm, digging his nails in so deep I thought he had broken the skin.

  “Excuse me,” he snarled. “It’s not polite to ignore someone.”

  I shrieked.

  “Did you want to answer me now, Claire?” Kace cupped the back of my head and I heard my piercing scream as the pain in my head finally registered with his touch. The wetness was warm and began pooling in the cup between my shoulder and collar bone. What was his question? My mind was too clouded with pain and hate to remember.

  “Answer me, Claire,” he snapped, through gritted teeth.

  “What do want?” I asked timidly. The smell of my own blood was making me want to vomit and I heaved a little in my mouth.

  Kace snarled once again. “A challenge. That is what I want. You need to bring him to me. Call your Paramour, Claire.”

  Kace wanted to draw this out. He thrived on the game between us. That was why he didn’t kill me that morning. That was why he wanted Brent here, so he could continue playing. He must have grown bored all those years toying with human lives. He looked forward to the excitement of a battle with me and I disappointed him when I came alone. It would have been too easy for him to kill me now. He wanted the bragging rights to my defeat. Kace was the ultimate narcissist. He required a big story to tell after he finished with me in order to feel good about himself. I refused to give him the satisfaction.

  “I won’t do it, Kace,” I shouted at him.

  He squeezed the back of my arm harder, and this time I knew he broke skin as the warm, wet droplets trailed down my arm, dripping onto the floor.

  “You will. Call him now, Claire,” he commanded.

  “Okay, okay,” I resolved. If Brent came, I would be stronger. I could do this because I had seen it in my visions. If Kace wanted a challenge, he would have one.

  “Phone, I need a phone,” I said, tripping over my own words.

  Kace gripped the front of my shirt, lifting me just off the flo
or, and slammed me into the wall, sending a searing pain through my head. I yelped.

  “You stupid human! You don’t deserve the gifts you have. You don’t need a phone. Call him, call him now, Claire,” he ordered.

  What was he saying? Panic set in. His jaw clenched firmer. I didn’t know what he meant or how to do what he said. I inhaled sharply trying to focus.

  “Do it now,” he roared, causing me to flinch.

  I centered my thoughts, calling to Brent in my mind, focusing on my need for him, silently pleading for his rescue. I begged him to somehow hear me. My mind felt light and clear. I heard him, frantic and terrified.

  “Claire, oh God baby.”

  I opened my eyes wide, searching the room for him, but he wasn’t there. I was still firmly in Kace’s grasp.

  “Good girl, you did it,” Kace said in a pleasant encouraging voice. “Tell him where to find you and don’t tell him I’m here.”

  “Claire, Claire,” I heard Brent’s panicky voice in my head again. I don’t know why this surprised me with everything that had happened, but it did. It felt so good to hear his voice. Firmly I set my legs under me, causing Kace to release me.

  “Brent,” I said breathlessly.

  “Claire, God baby. Where are you? Are you okay?” he asked, his voice tainted with worry.

  I responded keeping my eyes on Kace, judging his reaction trying to determine if he could hear our conversation in my head.

  “I’m at Logan’s loft. Can you come get me, please?” I asked, attempting to keep my voice from breaking.

  I heard a muffled growl. “God Claire, you sound terrified. Did he hurt you?

  I watched Kace react and had a sinking feeling he could understand what was being said. Kace wouldn’t allow me to tell Brent the truth. I hated the thought of trashing Logan, but it was a lie Brent would believe.

  “Logan got really drunk and went crazy. He’s passed out now, but I’m not sure when he’ll wake up. I’m afraid Kace will find me if I leave alone. Please hurry.”

  I heard a sharp exhale. “I’m sorry, baby,” he soothed. “I know how much helping him meant to you. I’ll be right there. Don’t go anywhere, please, Claire.” My mind went silent. He was gone.

  My heart sank with his plea. The word please meant he didn’t trust I would stay put. I couldn’t blame him for that. I had bailed on him too many times before, a life pattern, always running. In my current situation, I wished I could run.

  Logan stirred on the other side of the room and I scrambled to get to him. He was gripping the side of his face and wincing.

  “Logan, thank God.”

  “Crap…my head hurts,” he groaned, and then his eyes bugged out when he saw me. “Kace, where is he?” he asked.

  “Still here,” Kace sang out, waving from a few feet away.

  “Claire, you’re bleeding.” He twisted his head and regarded Kace cold and hard. “What did you do to her, you fucking psycho?”

  “That’s right Logan, get angry, and show us all who you really are,” Kace snarled.

  Logan started to launch toward Kace and I slid in front of him.

  “Logan, no. Don’t do it. He’s trying to bait you by playing on your emotions. You can’t let him do that,” I pleaded.

  He balled his hands into fists. “But look what he did to you?”

  “I know, Logan, but you’re not strong enough to stop him, so please don’t try. Please, for me.” I begged him with my eyes to hear me. Kace would surely bring out the ugly demon inside of Logan. The one I had buried deep. Kace would use Logan and dispose of him. I wouldn’t be able to cope if that happened.

  “Fine,” Logan muttered, pacing silently behind me, not making a move towards Kace.

  “Very impressive,” Kace said, flashing a smooth smile. “Claire, you might be stronger than I thought, if you’ve tamed this one.”

  I glared at him, disgusted by his words. “I didn’t train him. He’s not a dog.”

  Kace shrugged, his expression amused. “Not far from one.”

  “Fuck off,” Logan spit.

  Kace frowned. “See?”

  “You have done enough to Logan. Just leave him alone, Kace,” I said, feeling the overwhelming need to defend my friend.

  He shook his head and took a step towards me, my discomfort exciting him.

  “Logan makes his own choices,” Kace offered.

  “Yes, he does, but he doesn’t need you twisting his emotions to do that. He’s a good person. I didn’t train him. I merely helped him see who he really is.”

  “Much stronger than I thought, indeed,” he repeated. “You don’t have an inkling of the power in your abilities, which is going to make ending you so much fun.”

  Kace was going to enjoy my demise way too much. I played right into his hands. He was ready to make his final move and claim his success. He was right. I didn’t begin to comprehend the abilities I obtained, let alone when or how to use them. Brent and Reese would be here soon and he would finish off everyone, including Logan, capping his victory.

  I couldn’t let him do that. With all of the energy I had left in me, I pushed a giant bubble around Kace and locked us in, keeping my friends out. I learned from Omni the bubble was an energy source. It looked so much like a giant version of one that I would have blown as a kid after it landed on the wood floor without popping – rounded on top – yet flat against the floor. I discovered my ability to create the bubble when the Couriers came to get me as a way to keep them out and protect myself. Now, I would use it to keep my friends out, protecting them from Kace. If he wanted me then he could take me. However, he could not have those I loved. I would not give him the satisfaction.

  I saw Logan’s horrified face as he ran towards the glass. “Claire, what are you doing? No! Goddammit, no!”

  I looked at Logan and watched as fear and panic replaced the warm amber tone in his eyes.

  “It’s okay, Logan. I have to do this,” I reassured him. He pounded the glass trying to penetrate it, recoiling backward with each attempt. “Go, Logan! Run!” I yelled to him.

  “No, Claire. I can’t leave you,” Logan said, continuing to pound the glass.

  ”Logan, please, you have to get out of here now. Go!”

  Kace closed in on me, stalking me like prey, surprise evident on his smug face.

  “A final move of my own,” I told him as he stopped just short of touching me, anger radiating from his body. Kace wanted to finish this game by ending my life and the lives of my friends. I was determined he would not get a victory on his terms.

  “It doesn’t end like this. Remove the glass,” Kace demanded.

  He was fuming mad because it was impossible for him to escape the dome around us. His fury grew, filling the bubble with hostile energy. I had grown stronger. I held the glass bubble firm with very little effort and was able to move about inside. I stretched it six feet around us.

  “The bubble stays, Kace. This is our fight, no one else’s,” I answered, backing away from him fearfully.

  He paced the enclosure, cursing under his breath. I played the one hand he didn’t expect, sacrificing myself to save my friends.

  “Do it,” I shouted. My voice was feeble as I willed him to kill me, to get it over with. I heard a knocking sound and it took me a moment to realize the sound was coming from my knees as my legs shook wildly.

  Kace ambled toward me, sneering as he got close, backhanding me across my cheek. The force of the surprise blow caused my knees to buckle. I swiftly made contact with the cold floor. I heard Logan screech and saw him trying to reach me. The horror on his face was too much to take. I turned away from him just as Kace landed a kick to my ribs. The snap was loud, echoing off the sphered chamber. I was positive I had broken at least one rib. Sharp pain penetrated my side as he kicked me again. Every ounce of air left my lungs, leaving them shriveled and dry. I struggled to fill them. Managing a few small breaths, the searing pain repeated with each inhale. I met Logan’s stare once again. He had his pa
lms placed on the glass, ignoring the energy trying to force his hands away. It had to hurt.

  “Please, Claire. Please,” Logan pleaded.

  CHAPTER 22

  “Most people have more than one soul mate. You may already be in several soul mate relationships with friends and loved ones. A soul mate can come in the form of a life partner, treasured friend, child, or lover. A soul mate can be someone with whom you share a spiritual path, a joint work in the world, or a commitment to be parents to certain souls. It can be someone whose growth you are sponsoring, such as a child.” – Sanaya Roman

  I thought for a minute I should release the bubble, not wanting Logan to live with this memory. Then I heard what sounded like an animal herd pounding through open plains. The stampede grew louder as the door swung open. Brent and Reese entered but it was not only the two of them. The girls had come as well. Layken, Brooke and Mandy watched in disbelief. Why the hell was Mandy here? The color left their faces as they took in the scene before them but it was Brent who called the loudest.

  He sprinted to the glass placing his hand on it, screaming my name, slamming his palm into the side of the encasement. Still on my knees I reached up, putting my hand on his through the wall as he begged me to release the cast. I wanted to but what would Kace do to all of them? Brent and Reese had been born into this fight as I had, but the girls would be innocent victims. Kace would surely hurt them if I let the bubble fall. If I just kept them out then Kace could rid his world of me and any danger he thought I posed to him. My friends could escape and go far away from Kace.

  Brent’s expression grew terrified, his eyes stormy blue. I knew he read my thoughts.

  “Claire, no,” he begged sliding down the bubble, joining me on his knees. “None of us are leaving you here. Kace won’t let them live, even if you sacrifice yourself. Think about this please. The only way is together…God, please trust me, Claire,” Brent begged.

  With those words I released the bubble and my heart, falling into Brent’s arms, crushing myself into him. Everyone was shouting around us. It was chaotic and I struggled to concentrate, unable to focus on anything but Brent’s safe embrace around me. My body instantly reacted to his touch as energy shot through me, healing me. I felt the gash in my head close and a wave of power engulfed me. I was fortunate he was able to heal me so quickly, as I would need all of my strength.