by M. R. Polish
In time and with nourishment, she was certain she’d be fully ready for whatever came her way. And the baby! She’d now have efficient strength to grow her precious gift.
Flinging open the tent door she stepped outside, without becoming winded. Alexis rushed to her side. “Karis, are you okay? You’re up and walking. My goodness,” she said. The biggest smile captured her face as she stared at her.
“I’m much better.” She opened her hand to reveal her necklace. “It’s funny how something so little has such an impact.” Pulling the chain in either direction, she clasped it around her neck and touched the humming pendant at the hollow of her throat. To have it back felt perfect. Its circle nestled against her skin as if it was made to hang there. And, as far as she knew and after what she went through without it, it was made for her.
Zeus walked into camp with Magnus and Evan. “Oh good. I knew you’d be up and around in no time. I’m glad you’re here. I just told these two about what’s happened, and now I can tell you.”
Magnus greeted Karis with a big hug. “My girl, you sure scared me.”
She embraced him heartily as well. “I think I scared myself.” They both chuckled and pulled back.
“Brady was gonna kill me for sure if you hadn’t gotten better.” Evan winked at her before grabbing her around the waist and pulling her close. “You know, he might kill me anyway.” Pulling her closer, he pretended to lean in for a kiss before hugging her. “But it won’t be for betraying your trust,” he whispered in her ear.
“I know.” She pulled away. “Thank you all so much for helping me while I’ve drained. But, now I must know, where is Brady? Where are the others?”
Sitting down next to her and the campfire, Zeus told her about Brady and Azul, and how Atty refused to come back without him.
Zeus shrugged. “So I came back. Poseidon is in Perditus, and I’m sure faring well, but Brady couldn’t wait for him to return. He needs you.”
“Then we must leave.” She stood and stared out over the sea. The orange hue of the sunset cast a brilliant shade over the rolling water. “I need to let the Syrenae that we’ll be back for them. I can’t make a portal. I’ve just barely retained my strength, and without Brady I’m not sure I can even do it.”
Zeus nodded. “Ok, I understand. I have to make a few calls to contact the others. They have the means of rallying the other immortals here on Earth. We’ll need them to fight with us. Shamike isn’t in any shape to fight this battle alone. I haven’t even seen Aridam. Who knows how they are getting by.” He blew out a long breath. “Meet me here in an hour? I already have plane tickets for us.”
“Us?” Alexis asked?
“You do not want to stay here, do you?” Zeus countered.
She giggled. “No, definitely not. If I have anything to say about it, I’m never camping again.”
“Alright then, it’s set. We’ll leave in an hour. Karis, you talk to the Syrenae and tell them we aren’t leaving them behind permanently, and Alexis, can you gather things that we can take? We don’t know how long we’ll be gone so anything personal.” Zeus didn’t wait for a response before walking away.
Alexis raised a brow staring at his back. “That man is frustrating.” Turning around, she clasped hands with Karis. “But you just got some energy, are you sure it’s a good idea to go out there and change? I don’t want you to relapse.”
Karis smiled. “I’ll be fine. Each minute I feel myself getting stronger. I know it’s hard to understand, but I’m grateful my recovery won’t take days. It doesn’t sound like Brady has that long. I won’t be gone long. Would you be able to pack mine and Brady’s things in our bag?”
Alexis nodded. “Of course. You just be safe. We’ll be ready when you get back.”
Karis wasted no time leaving the small camp. The surf on her feet chilled her but she knew once she changed the water would no longer be cold. Running out into the tide, she dove under and let her body change. Forgetting all about the clothes she wore, she let the tingle of the gift rip her jeans and knit her delicate skin together into a beautiful pink tail.
Diving deeper, she swished her tail to swim faster. She knew where she needed to go, but she hoped she wouldn’t have to go that far before running into a Syrenae.
A flash of blue then bright red swam in front of her. “Wait!” she cried out in her mind, hoping they heard her.
“Karis? Is that you?” A Syrenae woman with crimson hair and an azure tail torpedoed toward her. “I can’t believe you’re here. You look so much better than when I saw you last. Is everything okay?”
“No, it’s not okay. But, yes, I am doing much better, thank you.” Karis proceeded to tell Zeus’s story to her. “Now, you must retell the entire pearl. Let them know that I’ll be back as soon as I can to transport everyone. Please, can you do this?”
“Of course. We’ll be here, waiting for your return. Just go find Brady.” The woman’s eyes danced with flakes of red. “We’ve been here this long, a few more days won’t make a difference.”
“Thank you. I mean it.” Karis hugged her and smiled. “I’ll be back,” she said as she pulled away.
Chapter Fifteen
Brady opened his eyes, blinking against the light. Even though the room was dim, the brightness shined through the open crack of the door. Darkness peered in through the window with only a hint of moonlight. When his vision cleared, he saw a woman bending over him. Tensing, he flinched back on the bed, attempting to move away.
“Where am I?” He stared at her for a moment longer before recognizing her. “How did I get back to Earth?” And what was he doing with Arika, the portal guard?
“Shhh,” she cooed while wiping his brow with a damp cloth. “You mustn’t strain yourself. You’re just starting to heal from a near fatal poisoning.”
He couldn’t help but notice her revealing cleavage as she leaned heavily over him. If he didn’t hurt so badly, he’d have laughed at her obvious attempt to “show off” for him. Her long hair tickled his skin as it hung loosely in soft curls over her shoulder. It was hard not to observe the exotic pools of green mixed with the blue in her eyes as she fluttered her lashes. The last time he saw her he never got a good look at her, not that he was looking, but the midnight darkness didn’t do her beauty justice. He grabbed her wrist, stopping her from furthering her nursing skills.
“Where are the others?” he asked.
“I’m not sure I should be the one to tell you. Azul thought it would be better to leave you here, considering the circumstances.” She pulled her hand back and dipped the rag in the bowl sitting on the table beside the bed.
“What circumstances? What happened?” Brady tried to sit up, but the pain in his stomach ripped through him to his spine, forcing him to stay down. “Why do I hurt so bad?”
Wringing out the water, she folded the cloth, setting it to the side. “You were poisoned with Grazier. You’re lucky to be alive.”
His insides burned deeper. “I don’t feel lucky.” Groaning, while holding his middle, his eyes widened. “Karis. Is she okay? The necklace!”
Arika touched his shoulder. “Zeus went to her. I’m sure he’s taking good care of her.”
Brady sat up, despite the pain ripping him apart. “It should be me who’s taking care of her.”
Arika’s mouth flew open and she grasped his arm. “Brady, I assure you that she’s fine. You must rest. Don’t worry about her.” She pulled him down. “Here, let me help you.”
Brady’s arm prickled where she touched it. He brushed her away. “I don’t need your help, but Karis needs mine.”
Gazing into his eyes, she leaned over and ran her hand over his head. “Brady, she is fine. Zeus will take care of her.”
Brady’s mind hazed over. Her eyes pierced his mind, and he couldn’t stop staring back into hers. Nothing he did could break the intense moment between them. Deep inside he knew he should be worried about Karis and depart to her side, but he couldn’t make himself leave. “You’re ri
ght. I should rest.” He relaxed, letting his head sink into the pillow. Why couldn’t he leave?
“You rest now,” she said, sitting back up, breaking her gaze.
Resting was the last thing he wanted to do. The mark he shared with Karis throbbed, letting him know something was wrong. It was hard to think with Arika so close. All he wanted to do was look into her eyes once more.
She smiled. “I promise. I’ll be here when you awake. We can talk more then.”
Silver slivers sparkled in the depths of her irises. His eyelids got heavy, making it almost impossible for him to stay awake. Closing them, he allowed himself to be taken away in sleep. His heart led the way and soon he was in Karis’s arms.
Sunlight poured in through the window, warming Brady’s face. Opening his eyes, he recognized the room from the night before. Thankfully, Arika wasn’t there. Grasping his middle, he sat up. The pain burned so bad he thought he’d pass out, but the spinning room only faded to black before returning to its morning brightness.
Swinging his feet to the side of the bed proved to be a larger feat than he thought. Searching the room from where he sat, he saw his boots in the corner and his clothes stacked neatly beside them on the chair. Looking down, he realized for the first time, that he wore nothing beside his briefs.
Damn woman. She didn’t respect anything private. He never asked for his clothes to be removed. Grasping the post of the footboard, he attempted to stand. He couldn’t stay there. He needed to get to Karis. Whatever Arika did to him last night confused him and he wanted no part in anymore of her hospitality.
“Oh, Brady, you shouldn’t be up. Here let me help you back into bed.” Arika rushed into the room, grabbing his elbow.
He shrugged her off, despite the pain. “I’m fine. I’m leaving. Karis needs me.”
Arika scowled. “This world doesn’t revolve around Karis. You should be just as important.”
Brady glared at her. “This world might not revolve around her, but mine does. She’s my other half and only when we are together do I feel complete. Besides, she is needed for so many reasons. There are many worlds out there that need her help and guidance.”
She raised her hand in the air. “Forget I said anything. I’m just tired of seeing you put yourself behind her.”
“Neither of us are behind each other, we are equals, beside each other.” He sat back down on the bed. The small exercise exerted him.
“And when she is queen, do you think you will still be considered equal?” Arika scoffed. “She’s gonna step on you like the sand on the beach.”
She squatted down to see him better. Touching his unshaven chin, she turned him to look at her. Her gaze penetrated his mind. He couldn’t look away—didn’t want to. It was strange to be so irritated with her one minute then mesmerized the next.
“Now,” she started. “Lay back down and get some rest. You are still healing. I am not a healer so I can only do so much.”
He nodded, still locked in her stare. Scooting back, he pulled the blanket over his legs and relaxed in the bed. Why was he doing what she said when all he wanted was to grab his clothes and leave? They were in the corner, why couldn’t he get to them?
“Good. I’ll be back to check on you soon. Promise.” Arika stood and walked to the door. “Go ahead and get some more sleep. Rest will be what helps you the most.” She stood there in the door for a few more seconds before leaving.
He hated how he felt. He wanted nothing more than to run to his things, get dressed, and leave, but his body was weighted down as if it were cemented to the bed. He saw his clothes, taunting him from the corner, begging him to put them back on, but he couldn’t even move a finger off the bed.
Oh, Karis, he cried out in his heart. My love, I’ll find a way to get to you.
Chapter Sixteen
“So just where is this Arika chick at?” Evan paced the sidewalk in front of the Roman Baths. He snickered. The city of Bath, England was definitely named correctly.
After two planes, hours of traveling, and being separated while near death for days, Karis understood his frustration. She gave him a smile, but the smell of rotten eggs lingering on the air made it quick. The water was so green that she wondered who could’ve actually bathed in such water. The smell alone was horrendous. When she opened her mouth she could taste it.
Small sulfur bubbles boiled to the top of the water. Zeus laughed. “I’ve seen much worse.”
Karis shivered. “I’m sure you have. But even when I was banished I still had clean water. I can’t imagine using this to clean myself.”
Zeus touched one of the pillars that lined the pool. “Back then it was all different. The mortals of Earth were still figuring things out. Like I said, a sulfur bath isn’t the worst I’ve seen.”
“Ah, man, I don’t want to know what was worse.” Evan plugged his noise. “I don’t know if I can stay here much longer.”
Alexis took in a deep breath, not gagging as they were. “I think it’s amazing. I love the history behind this place. It reminds me of Atty. I think she’d like it.”
Magnus chuckled. “That’s the woman I married. Somehow I knew you’d like it.”
“You made it,” Arika said, coming around a pillar.
Her hair hung down her back in loose curls and her eyes sparkled with the water’s reflection. Her hips swayed with each step, accentuating her narrow waist. She was not how Azul described her, and a ping of jealousy stole Karis’s breath. She was who Brady had spent the last few days with?
“Yes, we’re here. I’d like to see Brady though, can we leave now?” Karis asked, folding her arms.
Arika stiffened as she looked Karis up and down. “He’s resting. We can take in the sights.”
“No, we’re done here,” Evan said. His glare broke through the awkward size up between the two women.
“Fine. I’m not too far from here. You’re not opposed to walking. Are you?” She asked the group but stared at Karis.
Zeus started for the entrance. “If we get out of here, I’d say we’re up for anything.”
Arika darted after him, clearly wanting to take the lead. “I just didn’t want the princess to get tired. She’s been sickly after all.”
Anger bubbled under the surface of Karis’s skin, and her nails dug into her palms as she clenched her fists.
“She’s the Queen, not the princess,” Alexis spoke up.
Arika frowned over her shoulder. “Well, whatever, I was just looking out for her. No offense.”
Sure. Karis held her head high, keeping her mouth shut. Since yesterday her energy had returned fully, and she was no longer a hindrance. Not only was she able to walk, but also take care of herself.
Arika climbed the steps to the front porch and unlocked the door. She paused before letting herself or anyone else inside. “Please, he’s still hurting. He needs rest so don’t rile him up.”
Karis had enough. Thrusting herself past Alexis, she grabbed Arika’s hand that stopped everyone from entering. Flinging it out of the way, she pushed past her and into the house. The odd smell of sulfur and a pungent spice mixed in the air, assaulting her entrance.
“You can’t just come in here, this is my house!” Arika barked, trailing after her.
Karis spun around to face her, stopping both of them. “Do you know who you are talking to? I don’t like playing the royal card, but right now you are stopping me from finding the person I love, who needs me. He is dying and every time I turn around you are trying to procrastinate his healing. Now, take me to Brady before I play the full deck of cards.”
Arika straightened. “He’s in there.” She pointed to the door in the back.
Karis ran to it, opening with her heart beating rapidly. His body called to her as the door flung open. The still frame on the bed made her run faster. “Brady,” she said, dropping to her knees beside him, next to the low mattress. “I’m here.” Leaning over him, she kissed his lips softly.
His eyes fluttered open, relief washe
d his face. “Karis,” he whispered. Lifting his hand, he sought hers. “I tried to get to you. I honestly tried. But when I’d get up, Arika told me to stay.”
Karis sat back on her knees. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know, but it’s not safe for you here.” He licked his dry cracked lips then cried out in agony, wrapping his arms around his middle.
Karis was jarred back into the moment and reality of why they were there. Throwing off the covers, her blood boiled even more. Stripped down to his under garments, it was easy to access his body. Red welts that bubbled from under the skin covered his torso, many of which had already broken open and leaked pus.
“I’m going to kill her,” she whispered to herself. “Brady, I know you’re in pain, I can feel it in my arm. I felt it even more before I had my necklace. But trust me, you need to move your arms. I’m going to help you.”
His eyes rolled back in his head, but he gave a short nod. “I trust you.”
Hovering her hand barely above his skin, she started at his neck and moved down. Slowly, inch by inch, she pulled the infection from his body, careful not to take any into herself. The closer she got to his stomach, the hotter her connection to him became. Her palm burned as she hovered over him. Steam rose from between them and she cried out against the pain.
Evan rushed through the door, and to her side. “Shit, Brady.” He looked from Brady’s stomach to Karis. “What can I do to help?”
She heard his words, but she couldn’t reply. Her focus was on Brady and pulling the infection. And the pain. Oh, the intense burning in her hand was beginning to trump all focus.
Evan seemed to have understood her silence because he never asked her again. He sat there, quietly, staring at his friend. “Hang in there, Brady. She’s fixin’ ya. You got a great woman here, so you just gotta hang on.”
His words fell on unconscious ears, and Karis knew it. Brady passed out minutes ago, but maybe it was Evan’s way of coping so she continued to ignore him.
