Two Halves Box Set

by Marta Szemik

  “Easier to keep,” Eric explained.

  “It’s okay. It’s not like I was used to it.” I half smiled, pulling my hand away from my head. The effort to move any part of my body tired me. The new heartbeat was irregular. I only felt it sometimes. Not attuned to the new pulse, I listened but couldn’t hear the rhythm in my chest, nor William’s.

  “Sarah.” Eric shifted from one foot to the other. “I’m not sure how to get your body back. We can fix this one a bit, but I don’t know if you can ever be who you were—back in your skin.” He kept his gaze on the floor.

  I held back the tears. “I’m still me, in here.” My hand pressed to the middle of the chest where a pinkish scar was visible just above the collar of a cream shirt. I raised my chin. “No matter what happens, they have to believe it.”

  “They will.” He smiled.

  “Then what do we do?”

  “You, rest. I’ll get everything ready.” Eric propped up my pillow and covered my legs with a fluffy blanket. It matched the baby-blue colour of his shirt.

  I looked around the room. The few smokeless candles didn’t illuminate the space, but it was bright. A two-storey opening in the wall, about twenty feet wide, provided enough light. It appeared as a white rippling sheer and I realized a waterfall flowed beyond the hole in the wall. We were behind a waterfall. I found it odd not to hear the rush of the falling water as clearly as I thought I should. My new ears were to be blamed for the unified sounds.

  I swung my feet down to the plush red carpeting with its gold star border. “Eric? Why now? Why couldn’t you help me in Pinedale? And why do they call you the evil-bender?”

  “I change bad things into good things.” He sighed. “I thought the siblings would be fine when I was needed elsewhere. When it became clear your fate had turned for the worse, it was too late. Not only did Aseret ruin the last institution the vampires had good relations with, but he also tampered with the prophecy that can save all kinds. He’s gone too far.”

  “You said ‘we’ before. Who’s ‘we’?”

  He took a deep breath, then paused to hand me a pea-sized pill. “It will calm your new pulse. You may feel dizzy.”

  I swallowed the white tablet. The swirling in my head reminded me of how intoxicated I was when I first met William. When I thought about William, I saw them again:

  “Come. It’s not far.” Xela pulled William’s arm. His eyes were closed.

  “I smell flowers,” he said, “sunflowers. Sarah, I thought you said—”

  “There’s no need to worry. Mira and Xander ran the perimeter. It’s safe here.” She smirked. She was about to ruin the prophecy. She didn’t want William—she’d had her designs on Xander all the time, in all my visions. William was just an obstacle she had to deal with first.

  William did not follow, standing frozen at the edge of the golden field. “It’s not safety I’m worried about.”

  “What’s the problem?”

  “I pinky-swore,” he answered.

  “Don’t let some silly, childish game ruin our day. It’s the perfect spot. Look.” She pointed to a small clearing in the field where a picnic basket was set on a blanket.

  At the word “silly,” his head jerked up. He stared at Xela, then at the blanket. “Sarah, you know I love you, but this is not the right place,” he whispered.

  Xela came back to his side. She stood on her toes to kiss him. The kiss increased in intensity, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer. William closed his eyes again and followed her to the picnic blanket.

  “No!” I screamed, shooting to my feet. The body I had dropped to the plush floor.

  Eric picked me up, propping me down on the bed and sat at my side. “What you’re seeing is not happening.”

  I felt my forehead crease. “What do you mean?”

  “You’ve been having nightmares, talking in your sleep.” He handed me the peppermint tea.

  “They’re not nightmares, Eric. They’re real.” I sipped.

  “I know they’re real, but their timing is off. I’ve been listening in.”

  Listening in?

  Yes, listening in.

  “How did you do that?” I placed the steaming cup on the side table.

  “It’s part of being bound to you. I can hear your thoughts and you can hear mine.”

  “All the time?” I asked.

  “No, only when it’s needed. What you’re seeing is real, but it won’t happen until a week from now.”

  “A week! We only have a week to stop them!” My hands trembled; their veins pulsed thicker.

  “Sarah, calm down.”

  “This is calm. How do you calm down in this body? My family is gone, my friends are gone, my life has been stolen!”

  “Take another one.” He handed me a second pill.

  I felt like a druggie—first the serums, now pills. Would I ever control my body through my own will? Of course not—I don’t even have my body!

  We’ll help you fix things. I promise.

  “Who is ‘we’?” I demanded.

  Eric cleared his throat. “Hold my hand and close your eyes.”

  I placed my hand into his.

  Now concentrate. Think about your loved ones and open your eyes, he instructed.

  I did as he asked. Then I brought the new hands to my eyes to wipe away the fog. I still wasn’t used to this new blurred sight.

  “Hello, Sarah.” The familiar voice didn’t resonate. I shook my head from side to side, in case I was dreaming. The hushed voice felt comforting. Mira’s cat purred with love when its kitten suckled its milk. This voice purred. It was a voice I’d heard as an infant, then later in my dreams—or what I thought were my dreams.

  “Mom,” I said. The new body collapsed. Eric caught me from behind and supported my back. I was glad to remain sitting. The new legs were numb and weren’t responding to my desire to run and hug the ghostly figure standing in the doorway.

  My throat ached, not from thirst or hunger, which felt different now, but with the hoarseness I remembered after I’d cried all night, when I’d found out I was the reason she was gone: as if I’d swallowed sand. I realized how much I missed not having her in my life to share secrets, wipe my mouth when fresh blood dripped off a vermin I sucked, tell her about my dreams, cry and laugh at the same time.

  I realized how much I loved her.

  I wanted her to be alive, and hold me, brush my tears away and whisper that everything would be all right. I wanted her to place a band aid in the spot where I injected my first serum, even if it healed instantly, and kiss my forehead good night. I wanted to know that when I woke up, she’d be there in the morning—not dead.

  My mother floated like a dandelion’s parachute toward me. “Darling, I’m sorry you’re in so much pain.”

  How?

  She’s a ghost for now, Eric answered.

  For now?

  I’ll explain later. Just know that she’s always with you. So is your Aunt Helen. He nodded to the woman behind my mom. She wore her favourite flower-printed dress.

  “Hello, Sarah.”

  Happy for the first time in this body, I expected a premonition, but nothing happened. I don’t understand, I said to Eric.

  Stay still. Spirits are fragile, especially ones whose destiny has not been decided.

  I didn’t pretend to understand. Even if I wanted to, this body was too shocked to move. After sucking in a quick breath, I let it out slowly. The pills were working. The intoxicating feeling returned.

  So did William and Xela.

  “So, when do you plan to fulfill the prophecy?” Xela didn’t bite her lip or blush the way I would have.

  “I haven’t seen you hunt in two days. You’ve lost your colour.”

  “I just like the human food better.”

  “But you’re only half human. You need to hunt. You need to be you.”

  “I’ll just take the serum.” She shrugged, then winked, looking hungrily at William. The gesture reminded
me of our motel hostess. “Prophecy?”

  “Soon, I hope.” William kissed her nose.

  I don’t want to see this, I thought.

  Then stop thinking about him for a moment, Eric said, breaking my concentration. Your mother’s ghost cannot appear often. The spirit can only do so when it’s safe in their realm.

  What do you mean she’s a ghost for now? How is their destiny not decided?

  Their bodies were stolen before their last breath sounded and are being held captive. Their spirits remain hovering between the now and hereafter.

  My focus shifted from my own troubles to my family.We need to find them

  That’s what has kept me so busy, and away from you. I’m sorry. Looking for their bodies is not our priority now, Sarah. I thought I had to find them first to help you, but I’ve been wrong. We have to get you back first. We have to switch what’s been wronged. Hence, the evil-bender. Eric squeezed my hand, most likely trying to ease the tension he must have seen on my face. I couldn’t control this face as well as my old one.

  What you say is impossible. I whispered in his mind.

  Never say never.

  Our conversation seemed like it lasted minutes, but the exchange of thoughts between us took seconds.

  “Don’t be afraid, darling,” my mom said. “We cannot stay long in this form. It takes too much energy. We have to return to our realm.”

  “Where are you?” I asked, taking a step closer. Eric held me by the elbow.

  “We don’t know,” they answered together.

  “Then how can I find you?”

  “You can’t, not now. You have to get back to William first. Once you have him back and the witch is gone, you’ll know how to find us. We’ll deal with the witch then.” My mother’s spirit flickered, angered.

  “How do I get back to William?”

  “The ruby ring will show your true self. It’s the only way you can get them to see the real you,” Helen said, floating closer to my mother’s side.

  “You have to be quick. The two of you don’t have a chance against the siblings and four vampires. Wear the ring and go see them, Sarah. They’ll recognize the real you.” My mom explained.

  “We have to go, Saraphine.” Helen placed her hand on my mom’s shoulder.

  “Not yet. Please!” I reached out, crying. “I need you.”

  “You will always be here.” Mom pressed her hand to her chest.

  “We believe in you,” my aunt encouraged me. “Remember, everyone has a purpose in life. You’re about to be tested.”

  “Will I see you again?” I asked.

  “I hope so.” My mother smiled and blew me a kiss. My forehead warmed.

  Their ghostly figures disappeared like a fresh fog blown by the morning wind.

  I sucked in a quick breath and plopped down on the bed. When my mother vanished I expected to feel empty, but I didn’t. Instead, she gave me hope beyond what I’d imagined. I no longer felt alone.

  Chapter 25

  “Have you vortexed before?” Eric asked.

  “No. I just heard about it.” I lifted my head higher to seem brave, but nausea came to this body quicker than to my old one. The idea of travelling to another continent through a time hole sounded dangerous, but at least we were doing something to get my family back.

  The past three days of resting, regaining strength, and learning how to use this body in its human form had been exhausting. I popped vitamins, gained five pounds, and fought the urge to use vampire skills I no longer had. It was like having a urinary tract infection: waking at night to pee, but when you tried, nothing came out. Only my infection was a human body I didn’t understand. Even when I had tried to suppress my vampire instincts, I had unknowingly used them. They had been responsible for the clarity of a mockingbird’s perfect pitch, the intense smell of Helen’s pancakes, and the crisp shapes of flower petals, leaves, and stems at my store. And all of it was gone, stolen by the witch.

  “It will only take seconds. Don’t close your eyes or you’ll vomit,” Eric warned. “When the mist clears, we’ll be in front of the cabin’s remains. Don’t waste time—find the ring. You said in your sleep last night that they’re planning to visit the cabin to recover what they can. I’ll guard the front. Put the ring on as soon as you can. Ready?”

  “No.” I snorted a laugh.

  “That’s good. Xela would have been snobbish, too ashamed to say she’s afraid or nervous. Don’t worry, they’ll see the real you.”

  “I hope you’re right.” A long breath escaped my lungs.

  Eric squeezed my hand. I strained to keep my eyes open as the waterfall room began to spin, the liquid blending with the walls, the tapestries swirling into new patterns, the ceiling mixing with the floor until everything spun together and I couldn’t distinguish one piece of furniture from another. The blue and red tones of the room mingled into a purple mist that shifted toward green and gray.

  The contours of our burned home came into view, with taller grass and ever-blooming orchids behind it. Seconds later, we stood on an overgrown lawn. The sun filtered through the canopy to speckle everything below with sunshine. Beautiful.

  “Go,” Eric ordered in a whisper.

  I ran, wishing I could have my vampire speed—the ability I’d taken for granted when I had it. Every step took more effort, like running through solidifying tar.

  Half-burnt stumps of the logs propped the remains of the cabin. Charred skeleton of our home cracked when a swift gust of wind blew. The smell of the smoke still overpowered the jungle’s natural scents. Finally, I made my way to the foyer. Nothing was spared, but I knew the fireproof door to the underground apartments had protected my parent’s room.

  I punched in the four digit code, and the floor moved aside. Before going down the staircase, I looked at Eric, who stood still, his eyes half closed, listening to the sounds of the forest. No—he listened for any approach of two shapeshifters and two vampires.

  Scampering down, I hit every second step in my rush to my parents’ room—a room I didn’t want to stay in when I first came here, and now I wished I could never leave. I leaned back against one of the walls and closed my eyes, inhaling, hoping to smell jasmine, rose, and lilac with a woodsy, musky undertone, but this new nose wasn’t sensitive enough to pick out the few particles I was sure floated in the air.

  The drawer opened quietly, though I knew the ears I had lied. “There you are.” The ring shone, although not as brightly as I remembered. I pitied humans having to look at the world this way, missing its true beauty. Before I could put the ring on my finger, I heard voices. “Crap!” I tried to squeeze it on, but the band was too tight.

  My gaze flew toward the stairs, and I ran.

  Five steps before reaching the top, I froze and held my breath, afraid to release it.

  “What are you doing here, Eric?” Mira’s voice.

  “I’m here to make right what’s been wronged,” he answered.

  “You can’t rebuild the cabin. Why would you? It’s none of your concern.”

  “Not the cabin—Sarah.”

  “He’s a shapeshifter. He could be working for Aseret,” Xela suggested.

  “Shut up, witch!” Eric answered.

  “Witch?” Xander sniffed the air, then growled. “She’s here.”

  “Great, Eric. You don’t have time to make our relationship work, but you find the time to cozy up with the witch. How could you?”

  “This has nothing to do with us, Mira. She’s good,” Eric answered.

  “I loved you! I loved you, and you left me for a calling.”

  I didn’t need my vampire abilities to hear the quaver in Mira’s voice.

  “Nothing has changed between us, sugar,” Eric replied.

  “There’s your lover-boy.” Xander laughed, then sniffed again. “A two-timing lover-boy hiding the witch in the basement.” The pain in Xander’s voice couldn’t be camouflaged by the vibrating snicker.

  “You let her go downstairs?” Willi
am spoke for the first time. My heart pounded faster as if responding to his voice by itself.

  “Do not move, Xander!” Eric warned.

  “We can’t let her escape, not this time. I’ll kill her myself,” Mira growled.

  “Put your feelings aside, Mira. Think about it. Why didn’t you kill her before?” Eric asked. “You couldn’t. Your oath to Ekim to protect his daughter was stronger than you could understand. That’s why you left the body in the woods.”

  “Our oath has nothing to do with this, Eric. You should know.” The tone of Mira’s voice rose each time she spoke.

  “Xander, listen to the memories of the past,” Eric said.

  I peeked from the lowest step that placed my sight even with the floor. Xander turned his head to the left where Xela, posing as me, stood by William’s side.

  “Don’t even go there, lover-boy,” he hissed with anguish.

  I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to see them. They would see beyond the flesh. William would know. He’d read my face. I’m coming out.

  Stay there. They’re quicker than you think!

  “I have to tell them.” I stepped out into a patch of sunlight shimmering on the footprints left in the ash on the marble floor.

  “Keep her away from me!” Xela yelled. “She’ll curse us again, William!” The siblings rushed to stand in front of her.

  William was quiet. He stared at my face. My heart beat harder and all I struggled to concentrate on the breathing through lungs which felt smaller with each inhale.

  “Is it on?” Eric asked.

  “It won’t fit,” I whispered.

  “What won’t fit?” Xander asked.

  I pulled out my fist and opened it. The ruby sparkled in the sun.

  Don’t show them, Eric said in my head.

  Don’t worry; I know what I’m doing.

  “It’s your ring.” William squeezed Xela’s hand. “I knew it had magic, just like this one.” He picked up Xela’s hand with the blue gem that had remained on my old hand. I assumed she wasn’t aware of its power. “That’s what the witch came for.”