“This legend is a fairytale we tell our children, which is why I chose to show it to you the way I did for these two when they were little, but it still contains a great deal of truth. We don’t really know how or why we came to be. Most likely, the legends of Zeus’ Mount Olympus, Odin’s Valhalla, the Underworld of Osiris and Isis, and countless other mythologies, are just the first recordings of Immortal activity among mortals. I could speculate all day about our origins, but in the end, I can only tell you what we believe to be true. We are descended from the earliest humans and for whatever reasons we have remained powerful. Regardless of how we came to be, it is our duty to use our gifts to care for the mortal race. I cannot fathom why we would exist for any other purpose. We will teach you our ways, but you will always be encouraged to question the world you live in and never believe blindly,” she said firmly.
“So if this myth is about our origins, what’s with the Complement thing?” Allie asked.
“The ‘Complement thing’ is the most significant part of our very long lives.” Gregg smiled. “We each have a counterpart, a person who exists only because we do. Naeemah and I share an extraordinary bond that goes far deeper than just husband and wife. As you age, you will be drawn to the one who binds you to this earth.”
“What?” Allie snorted.
“Allie—”
“Gregg, you’re talking about soul mates?” she wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“Lex!”
“I’m just supposed to fall for some random guy? What if he’s an idiot?”
“Alexis Ann, you are crushing my hand!” Aidan snarled. She heard the faint sound of popping bones and immediately relaxed her grip.
“OH MY GOD! I BROKE YOUR HAND!”
“Relax, it’ll heal.” He carefully flexed his injured fingers.
“It’s not okay! I’m so sorry!” she cried.
“Lex, it’s fine,” he laughed. “Trust me, that’s not my first broken bone.”
“Aye, he’s certainly seen worse.” Gregg waved it off as if it were nothing. “Sweetheart, you must understand the Complement bond is a vital part of our lives. Naeemah and I share a connection you couldn’t possibly fathom at your age. For the first three centuries of her life, before I ever laid eyes on her, I sensed her, I knew her, and I loved her. From the moment she drew her first breath.”
“Imagine living thousands of years alone, watching the mortals you love live and die while you hardly change. The enormity of loss couldn’t be born without the promise of something greater. You may feel averse to the idea now, but in time you will long for your true companion.”
“I don’t even have a choice about who I marry?” Allie felt a surge of anger as she leapt to her feet. Something warm and powerful surged within her. “Has my whole eternal life been decided for me?”
“Did you see that?” Sasha gasped. “She’s touching her power already! That’s not possible!”
“Allie, you need to calm down,” Gregg said gently.
“I don’t think I can!”
“Deep breaths, sweetheart. You’ve every right to be upset.”
“I don’t feel well.” Tears burned her eyes.
“Breathe for me, Red.” Gregg grasped her hands. “It seems your power is responding to that feisty temper. You’re extremely volatile right now. It is very important that you settle down. You are safe here, Allie.”
“I’m okay.” She took another deep breath. “I just don’t feel like me.”
“We’ve thrown enough at her tonight,” Naeemah said. “You’ve had a big day and I am afraid it will be a difficult evening as well.”
“How can I go home? How can I possibly explain the vanishing scars?” She gestured at her arms.
“Wear long sleeves tonight and we will take care of it soon.”
<><><>
“Enjoy your birthday, honey?” Carson asked as Allie shuffled into the kitchen.
“Yeah, it was…fun.” Her parents had to know something of what transpired over the past few days, but she was bewildered by their casual indifference.
“It was so nice of your friends to throw you a party,” her mother prattled.
She expected to find them out of their minds with worry, but they were oblivious—too oblivious. They only acted like this when they had something to hide.
Is no one in my life what they appear?
“I’m glad you’re home safe, Allie-girl,” Lily said softly. Allie promptly burst into tears, sliding to the floor in a heap. It was the “Allie-girl” that sent her over the edge. Her mom only called her that when she was feeling particularly nostalgic.
“Allie.” Her father pulled her onto his lap. As she wrapped her arms around him, he winced. Then it clicked, she’d hugged him too tightly when he gave her the car.
“Oh, Dad! Did I…hurt you?” She must have cracked his ribs.
“Nah, I’m just old.”
“I-I don’t know how to do this!” she sobbed.
“I know, honey. It isn’t fair, but you have to accept that your mother and I can’t be part of this. We’ve kept this from you to keep you safe. Now it’s our turn to look the other way.”
“How could you not tell me?”
“It was for the best.” Lily slid to the floor beside them. “I’m so sorry. Your friends and their parents can’t know we suspect anything. We can never talk about this after tonight. Just promise me we won’t drift apart?” She cried as she held her daughter.
“Of course,” Allie whispered, but she feared she’d never be able to keep that promise.
<><><>
Back in the comfort of her room, she flung herself onto the bed and let the tears flow unchecked. They were tears born of fear and anger over the loss of the normal life she’d thought was finally hers, only to discover it was all a lie.
She flinched at the sound of Teenage Dirtbag. She’d forgotten all about her new iPhone and rolled her eyes at Aidan’s choice of ringtone for Vince.
“Hi!” She prayed she sounded normal.
“Hey, Allie. Sorry I didn’t call yesterday. I got stuck at work.”
He instantly had her at ease and Allie realized he might be a small portion of “normal” she could keep.
“Come over tomorrow for a homework date?”
“Sure, we’ll do a real date soon. But it’ll have to be a weekend when I don’t have an away game,” he said. “I work every day I don’t have practice. I hope you can understand if I don’t have much free time.”
This might actually work. If he’s busy, I won’t have to lie.
“I get it, you’re a busy guy. I’ll just have to settle for some boring homework dates in the evenings.”
“Have I mentioned you’re awesome?” he laughed. “Most girls flip out when my schedule gets crazy.”
“You should know by now I am not most girls.”
“No, you are definitely not.”
“Night, Vin. See you tomorrow.”
Allie felt better after talking with Vince. She thought she might actually survive this if she could keep him as an escape back to reality.
Her phone chirped with a text from Aidan.
Aidan: Meet me out back in five. I have food.
Allie: How did you know my stomach was trying to eat itself at this precise moment?
Aidan: Get used to it. Now get down here so I can feed you!
Allie: Patience is a virtue, you know?
Aidan: Alexis Ann!
Allie: Keep your hair on, Aidan Loukas!
As she trudged down to the beach, she felt better—like she’d accepted this monumental shock and was ready to move on.
Or I’m just happy about the prospect of food, she laughed.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d hear that laugh again anytime soon.” Aidan materialized from the darkness. He was loaded down with grocery bags and a huge bucket of chicken wings, which she immediately attacked.
“You certainly know how to win a girl over.”
“Yeah sure, let me know if that actually works.”
He reached into a bag for a huge metal tin.
“This concoction will save your life.”
“Trail mix?”
“It’s full of protein and calories and I added extra dark chocolate pecans. When you’re starved, grab a handful to tide you over. Let me know when you’re running low and I’ll get you a refill.”
“I’ll have to get a j-o-b just to feed myself. I can’t keep taking from your parents.”
“Sure, try saying that to Naeemah El Sadawii,” he laughed. “Trust me, you won’t win that argument. Besides, your free time is officially a thing of the past. Training is your new full time job.”
“It’s too much, Aidan. I can’t expect your parents to foot the bill for me too.”
“You seem to be doing better this evening?”
“Well, I was feeling really sorry for myself, but then I remembered I have really great friends and I’m not alone. I just can’t think about anything else right now.”
“You’ve got this, Lex.” He grinned.
<><><>
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
Allie knew she faced a lonely sleepless night and wasn’t looking forward to it. As she stowed her groceries at the back of her closet, she noticed a small leather bound book tucked in with the protein bars. A slip of paper fell from its pages.
Allie,
This history is vital to your education. I hope it will serve as a distraction on this first of many long nights. Please join us tomorrow morning when you are able. Don’t dwell on unpleasant thoughts tonight, my darling girl. You are so much stronger than you know.
Love,
Naeemah
“Just what I need.” She paced to the surround sound to sync her new iPhone. She launched the Spotify app intending to browse the playlists Aidan made for her. She smiled when she saw the one titled “First Night Alone” with Philip Glass’ Metamorphosis leading the list. She curled up in her armchair beside the tall balcony windows. The moon was bright enough to read by, and the carefully selected book and music were a strong reminder that she was not alone.
She reverently flipped through the delicate pages of the priceless, illuminated manuscript and began to read.
Long ago, before the most primitive of mortal man existed, a mighty race of humans inhabited the earth.
In those days, the Power was pristine and the forest city of Indriell was the greatest in all the world. Governed by the beautiful Indriell Queens, the city prospered. Queen Fáelynn reigned for centuries, preceded by her mother, the Dowager Queen Alyvia and her mother, Celyn, and her mother, Ashlyn. All royal daughters of Indriell, ruling in an unbroken line of succession stretching back further than living memory.
As Queen Fáelynn’s reign drew to an end, she prepared to pass the kingdom to her only daughter, the Lady Eiselynn, First Princess and the fifth of her line.
She was a shy but powerful young woman who dreaded the day she would be coronated and forced to marry Lord Teigan. He was her equal in skill, but a man she could never love.
One morning, she rode through the meadows and came upon a young farmer. She watched as he called upon the Power to plow his fields. He was not strong, but the intricacy with which he handled his task was breathtaking.
She absently mimicked his simple manipulation, reaching out to his more refined touch. He saw her and inclined his head in respect, but continued working. Mesmerized, her curiosity grew and he responded to her inquisitiveness with his own. He was confused when she fumbled with the simple chore.
As their Power mingled, she felt a jolt of surprise from the contact that was far more intimate than anything she had ever experienced. His eyes widened in disbelief when her strength bolstered his, while his delicate simplicity corrected her firmer hand.
In that moment, she reached for him, knowing he was the one she would choose—had she a choice. She could see the same realization burning deep within his silvery eyes. As their Power flowed, isolating them from the world, an unbreakable bond formed between them. It was as if they had always belonged together.
For months, they met privately and their love grew strong. She knew Ían could be a compassionate ruler. Despite his limitations, he was capable of the most astounding feats. Somehow—impossibly—he was learning. She wanted to present him to the council as her equal, but she feared their response. As months passed, the Queen grew suspicious and sent Lord Teigan to follow the princess.
As Eiselynn retreated to their special meeting place, she was unaware that her betrothed and his manservant, Tomás, followed. When she eagerly leapt into the arms of her beloved, Teigan was furious to witness her betrayal. Heedless of the bond that united the lovers, he attempted to drag her home. Enraged, Ían stepped between them and a brawl ensued.
A powerful connection formed between the angry men. Ían felt a surge of strength rise within him but his opponent recoiled from the invasion, as if an agonizing pain reverberated through his mind. When the extraordinary link subsided, Ían rose, profoundly altered. Somehow, he had taken a portion of Teigan’s ability for his own. He swiftly brought the stunned man to his knees, thrilling at the strength that now made him Eiselynn’s equal.
As they fled, Teigan demanded his servant’s silence, but the incident intrigued Tomás. He had lived in subjugation all his life, treated like a beloved simpleminded child, never allowed to make his own decisions, while Ían had simply taken what he desired.
That night, Tomás discovered he was very much like Ían—he could learn.
For months, he practiced until he was prepared to choose his first victim. He preyed on those weaker than himself, and never failed to defeat them.
Tomás took a few select individuals into his confidence and taught his secrets. For years, they worked together, traveling outside the city to select their targets, growing evermore powerful. They called themselves the “Enlightened” and were determined to usher in an Age of Reason.
Eiselynn and Ían were married and ruled together for many long years. The duel faded from memory and Indriell prospered under their reign, until the attacks on the nobility began. They immediately recognized the signs and grew nervous when murmurings of the Enlightened grew louder.
Soon it was unsafe to walk the streets of Indriell as this influential group called for the complete destruction of the nobility, claiming it was time for tradition to die in the name of reason and logic. Time to progress into an age where those who proved capable of learning and growing could be given the opportunity to reach beyond their common birth to become more than the simple minded servants of those born to better circumstances.
As this Age of Reason gained momentum, the city fell to the Enlightened. Eiselynn and Ían were hidden safely among their advisers, but the world was now at war.
New weapons were created with the Power, causing strange imbalances in nature. An odd illness spread among those exposed to these destructive magnetic forces.
For a century, there was little peace among the nations as the Enlightened fought for dominance in the name of their cause. Ían and Eiselynn chose to fight against the overwhelming, unnatural strength of the few Enlightened who had long ago become drunk with a Power that was not their own.
Years of war and violence took a toll, and the human race was in danger of extinction. The earth suffered greatly from the effects of such reckless warfare. Massive earthquakes fractured the land, creating huge oceans between kingdoms. Lakes and rivers dried up, leaving famine and hunger in their wake. Even time was disrupted by the corruption of the Power that was once so pristine. The slow tranquil days of the past, when the sun traveled leisurely across the sky, were no more. Now the sun and moon passed swiftly on their journeys, causing confusion among the living.
Tomás took the throne for himself, murdering Eiselynn and Ían in a mad display of violent executions, but their young daughter, Alísun, survived to carry on in her parents’ stead.
In her grief, young Queen Alísun led her forces to victory, capturing the remaining Enlightened a
nd ending the Great War. She was just a child; a child who knew nothing of the Power that should have been her birthright.
Out of the ashes, the beautiful forest city of Indriell was rebuilt and life moved on, but many of Alísun’s generation remained feeble. Her advisers feared the years of violence had destroyed the gift.
On the dawn of her sixteenth year, Alísun’s Power awakened in a violent, sudden onset. A rare few of her generation suffered similarly and were limited in ways that baffled their parents, but many remained untouched by their heritage.
Alísun, and those like her, found a way to flourish despite their limitations, but the afflicted children were an anomaly and their lives were taken before they lived a single century.
For years, the births of mortal children escalated while the births of normal children declined. Alísun feared if this epidemic were left to spread, it would eventually leave them extinct.
She chose to banish the afflicted to the furthest corners of the world and within a few short years, the disease died out among those left behind and they finally began to grow in number.
Meanwhile, the banished mortals struggled under harsh conditions as they learned to survive on their own. Life was difficult for them and a hatred for their Immortal brethren was born.
As memory began to fade and young mortals no longer recalled their gifted ancestors, a select few Elders vowed to keep the hatred alive.
In time, the mortal race thrived as they learned a rudimentary way to survive as hunters and gatherers. Immortals withdrew from their once great cities to live among their cave dwelling brothers and sisters, watching over them in secret, protecting them with their powerful gifts. Those who hated the Immortals, hunted them, using their own weapons against them.
As Indriell dissolved into the stuff of legends, the rein of the Great Queens came to an end with Queen Alísun, the greatest of them all. Thousands of years have passed and the Immortal race still thrives, despite the damage caused by one man’s misguided pursuit of Enlightenment.
The Power is corrupted, and will remain so until a new generation is born with the strength of their ancestors, led by one with an unsullied, natural connection with the Power. His heart will guide him, giving him the restraint to wield his Power wisely. He will gather his equals and together they will stand against those who persist in the corruption of the natural order. He will be strong and fierce in his beliefs, and steadfast in his love. Born the second child of the seventh daughter of his line, he alone will possess the skills and the knowledge to heal what has been broken. He alone will have the courage to judge unbiased and mete out the ultimate punishment. Until the time of his birth, may we prepare the way and hope for the future of all the races of men.
Emerge: The Awakening Page 10
