by Bailey Dark
She wasn’t kidding. The terrain was rougher once we were on the trail. The van lurched, throwing Holly into my leg as Mallory swerved to miss a few boulders. The only positive was that the council appeared to be out of bullets, as the gunfire had ceased.
“They’re still on us,” Lance informed Mallory.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got that covered,” she said, grinning through the rearview mirror.
I looked at Holly and quirked my brow. Her eyes widened back at me.
Through the windshield, I saw that we were approaching a deep ditch filled to the top with water. My hand gripped the ‘oh shit’ bar and squeezed tightly. I shut my eyes, not wanting to see what came next.
“Mallory,” Holly squeaked.
“Trust me,” she said.
My eyes flew open and I realized she had every intention of trying to jump the ditch, but there was no way we’d make it. Even if we did, our landing on the other side was going to wreck the van.
“Mallory, I don’t think you should…”
Before I could even finish that thought, the van hovered in the air across the water and landed with a rough thud on the other side. Despite my previous concern, the van was fine and so were we. We’d officially lost the SUVs and shouts and hollers rang out as we all cheered for this small victory.
“And that’s what you get for being without magic,” Holly jeered at the council members sitting idly on the other side.
“Nice work, Mallory,” Lance said, sighing. “I hadn’t even thought of that.”
Mallory smirked at me through the rearview mirror. “I told you I had it under control.”
I smiled back; thankful she had been on her game. My mind had been all over the place and I was no help. Looking out the window, I wondered where we were going. What would this place be like? Would we be safe?
“Where are we headed, Holly?” Lance asked as though he were reading my mind.
“We’re still too close to the school. I don’t trust that they don’t have people out here watching,” she half growled. “I think we need to lead them in the opposite direction. Or at least make sure we’re not being followed.”
We all agreed with her plan, settling into our seats, hoping that the worst was behind us. For the cabin only being sixty minutes away, we drove for what felt like hours. My head rested against Lance’s shoulder and his arm draped across my back. I was snuggled into his side but couldn’t help fidgeting.
“Are you okay?” he whispered into my hair.
“No.”
It was all I could say. I was exhausted mentally and physically. Dream walking had already drained me, but learning of Tristan’s deceit and then being chased away from Avalon was too much for anyone to handle.
“I’m sorry I let him get close to you,” Lance whispered.
I sighed wearily, not wanting to get into it, but knowing Lance meant well and was probably beating himself up over something he had no control over.
“It wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t have stopped me.”
He was silent for several seconds before finally saying, “you’re in love with him.”
My eyes tilted up to meet his. “I don’t feel anything but hurt right now,” I offered in hopes that he’d let it drop. My feelings for Tristan didn’t just vanish, even if they should’ve, and I didn’t want to hurt Lance.
He squeezed my side. “I’m here for you. Always.”
“Ugh,” Holly said from the backseat. “Get a goddamn room, why don’t you.”
I laughed because she was ridiculous, and Lance joined me. Pretty soon all of us except a sulking Holly was in hysterics. “Pull over,” she commanded.
“What? I’m not stopping out here in the middle of nowhere,” Mallory squeaked.
“Just pull over,” she said more forcefully.
Reluctantly, Mallory did as she was asked. Holly jumped out, slamming the car door. Lance and I watched from the van while the two girls argued. Eventually, Mallory relinquished the keys.
“What’s going on?” Lance asked.
“I’m tired and I’m also the only one who knows the way to the cabin, so I’m taking over.”
He nodded in understanding and an hour later, we were pulling onto a deserted dirt path, leading into a thickly wooded area. We traveled the makeshift road for about a mile before a one-story cabin came into view. It wasn’t exactly cozy looking, more like cabin-in-the-wood’s-thrasher film scary, but who was I to bitch in our current situation?
“Are you sure nobody will look here?” Lance asked skeptically.
“This place looks deserted. I’d say we’re good,” Mallory said.
“It’s not the council I’d fear out here,” Holly said strangely. Her insinuation falling too close to my prior thoughts for comfort. “There are only two bedrooms so we’re bunking up,” she barked.
“It’s your cabin, so I think you should have your own room,” Lance offered.
“Let me guess, you’re shacking up with her,” she spits in my direction.
“Have I done something to offend you?” I say climbing out of the van and meeting Holly at the front. “The way I see it, you’re mad at me, when if anything, I’m the one with the proper reasoning to be pissed.”
She quirked her eyebrow at me.
“Lance and I were seeing each other when I caught you with your tongue down his throat.”
She glared at him. “Yeah, well, that wasn’t what I thought it was,” she said icily.
I pushed down my anger, realizing that didn’t matter anymore. “We need to work together, Holly. Whatever happened in the past needs to stay there. If we’re at odds, we won’t stand a chance of getting out of this unscathed.”
She blew out a harsh breath and a little of the coiled tension appeared to melt away from her at the mention of the real enemy. “A truce?” I extended my hand, but she stared at it for several minutes.
Finally, she huffed. “Fine, truce.” She grabbed my hand squeezing a little harder than necessary before turning on her heels and stalking off. I rolled my eyes but decided it was better to grab my bags and see what awaited us inside. Lance walked to me carrying both of my bags.
“I can take them,” I said holding out my hands.
“You need to get inside and rest. You’ve had a long day.”
“We all have,” I said growing more exhausted with every word spoken.
“Just please let me do this,” Lance nearly begged.
I smiled up into his weary face.
“After you,” I said relenting and gesturing toward the cabin.
When we got to the front door, he opened it and motioned for me to go in. “Nope,” I said shaking my head emphatically.
He raised his brow at me in question.
“Seriously after you. This place looks like it’s home to a mass murderer,” I explained. Lance chuckled. “The danger has passed for one day,” he assured.
No matter how much I wanted to believe him, I couldn’t help the feeling of foreboding.
No matter how much I wanted to chalk it up to the events of the day, it wasn’t just that. There was something about this place—aside from the creep factor—that had me uneasy. Maybe it was because it belonged to a coven that’s hated sorcerers for centuries.
Yep, probably that.
Lance fumbled around before flicking on an overhead light. To my relief, the place was clean and even cozy inside. The open floor plan featured a small kitchen in the far-left corner that opened to the main room where we stood. White wicker furniture with yellow and red pillows warmed the room considerably as the rest of the place was all dark wood. The high ceilings showcased two large beams with a skylight just above the kitchen. At a quick glance, it appeared to be free of dust and other buildup that would be evident for a deserted cabin this deep in the woods.
“Has someone been here recently?” I asked.
“My aunt comes once every couple of months to clean and check on things. She must’ve just been here. I’m going to bed,”
she said suddenly. “There’s the other room, you three decide the arrangements.” Without another word, she stalked off, shutting her door just a little too hard.
“Have you talked to her since,” I trailed off, not feeling the need to specify that I was referring to him kissing her only to extract information. He blew out a harsh breath, running both hands down his face in frustration.
“I will. I promise.”
I pursued my lips.
“I swear,” he said raising his hand with two fingers in the scout sign.
“Soon,” I demanded, and he nodded.
“Soon.”
A shuffling behind us had both of our heads turning toward an awkward Mallory.
“What’s the deal?” She asked, nodding toward the open room.
“You two take the room. I’ll grab the couch,” Lance offered.
“But,” I started, but stopped myself. No matter what had happened and how desperately I needed my friend, I couldn’t send mixed signals. He offered to sleep on the couch, I needed to let him.
Her eyes shifted back and forth between Lance and me before she said, “um no, I get too damn hot at night. I’d prefer to sleep out here if that’s okay,” she said quickly. My eyes narrowed at her change in demeanor.
“Are you sure?” Lance asked.
“Seriously. Besides, you two are like a thing, right?”
My cheeks heated and I took a step away from Lance. “No,” I said flustered. “We…” “We’re just friends,” he finished for me. His words came out too harsh. Too pointed. “Oookay. So, you or me on the couch?”
“You can stay with me,” I assured Lance, despite my better judgment. We had slept in the same bed hundreds of times over the years. Even after everything, it wouldn’t be weird, right? I needed the comfort of my closest friend. I just hoped he’d understand that this was simply platonic.
“Thanks, Mallory,” he said.
“I’m going to quickly shower,” I said, before grabbing my things and making my way to the bathroom. There was only one shower in this cabin and right now it was open. I wasn’t going to squander the opportunity. I was a mess and I wanted to wash off the memories of the day.
When the water was warm enough, I stepped in allowing myself to be blanketed in the warmth. Every muscle in my body ached, my heart included. Every event of the day splashed over me and I finally succumbed to the agony. Slumping to the floor, I hugged my knees to my chest and wept for Chancellor Andrews and the uncertainty of all of our futures. I allowed the agony of Tristan’s treachery to envelope me to a point so unbearable I almost gave in and begged for life to end. I cried every tear until no more came.
Chapter Two
“Just give me a few minutes to change?” I asked Lance when I finally pulled myself off the shower floor and crept to the bedroom. He sat up from his sprawled position on the bed, frowning. I knew he saw the red splotches that gave me away. He knew me too well and with my light complexion, I’ve never been able to hide when I’ve cried.
“Gwen, come here,” he said opening his arms to me and I went gladly to him. I needed his comfort, despite how wrong it might be.
Our basic breakup was only a short time ago. I didn’t want him to misconstrue this to me wanting that again. We’d been intimate for months, but those days seemed like a dream. Our time fading from my memory, replaced with all the things that had happened since.
Tristan. That voice deep within me whispered and my inner bitch shot her a glare.
Tristan’s betrayal had tarnished all of the good memories.
“Do you want to talk about everything?” he asked sounding unsure.
“No. I need to be strong and attempt to move on from it all.”
I felt his head bob. “If you ever change your mind, you know I’m here for you.”
“Thank you, Lance,” I said, grateful for everything he’d done for me through the years.
He’d always been my rock and it would appear that this time would be no different. His life was uprooted just as mine was. Who was going to be his rock?
“I’m here for you too, you know. He betrayed us both…again.”
He sighed deeply. “This time was different. I can tell you had very real feelings for him.”
“Yes, but that was poor judgment. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Just…” he trailed off. “Let me know if I can help.”
Lance had never looked so frustrated since I’d known him. I wondered at what he wasn’t saying, but I was too emotionally overwrought to press.
“I’ll help Mallory get situated,” Lance finally said, releasing me and walking toward the door.
“Thank you, Lance,” I said to his retreating back, not knowing what else to say. Was he waiting for me to open up to him? Did he want me to split my heart open and pour out every last feeling to him? If that was what he wanted, he’d remain disappointed. I had nothing left to give.
With him gone, I could finally breathe. He was a great friend, but I felt smothered in this small cabin. There was nowhere to hide and right now, that’s all I wanted to do. I took in our shared quarters.
The room was tiny. A queen-sized bed sat against the back, blanketed in yellow and red linens and pillows. There was barely enough room for a small nightstand to fit on the right. It held the only light in the room, which cast low lighting, giving a romantic vibe.
“Great,” I said aloud. The last thing Lance and I needed was an intimate setting.
I set my bag on the bed, taking out my sleepwear when the note I had found in my room back at Avalon dropped out. Tristan’s handwriting glaring up at me. I stuffed some of the clothes that had spilled out back inside the bag, opened the closet and threw the duffle inside, trying to distract myself.
The entire time I was dressing for bed, my mind stayed on the offending letter. What could he possibly have to say? Sorry, Gwen. I played you all along. Did he want to pour salt in the gaping wound? I sat on the bed and contemplated. Then stood to pace. I couldn’t sit still; I was a ball of energy.
After pacing for several minutes, I sat on the bed, flipping the note over in my hand. The longer I stared the more it called to me. Whatever was within that note could break me further and right then, the others in this cabin needed me to be strong. We have a hard fight ahead of us and I couldn’t allow the letter to compromise that. Nope. I wasn’t going to allow him any more room to hurt me.
“Hey, Gwen?” Lance called from the other side of the door. “Can I come in?”
“Yeah,” I yelled, shoving the note underneath me. I wasn’t ready to share it with anyone since I hadn’t even worked up the nerve to read it myself.
The door opened and a concerned Lance popped his head around the door frame. “Is everything okay?” he said still not coming fully inside.
This Lance was about to drive me crazy. I didn’t need a babysitter. I wasn’t suicidal.
Space was all I asked for and yet he seemed determined to give me anything but.
“Of course, why wouldn’t it be?” I smiled hesitantly, taking in his tired expression.
“You’ve been in here for over an hour.”
I jerked back, shooting him a look of incredulity. “What?” I had just taken out the letter and had been contemplating whether or not to read it. There’s no way an hour went by. It was impossible. Surely, he was exaggerating.
I picked up my watch, looking at the time and I gasped. He was right, I’d been sitting in there for an entire hour. How had I lost sixty minutes?
“How?” I ask confused. Could exhaustion cause me to lose so much time? My head hung low and I avoided Lance’s heavy gaze.
“What’s going on?” he said, coming to sit next to me.
“I- I don’t know how that happened. I came in here, unpacked a few things, took out this letter and then you were knocking on the door. I don’t know how an hour has passed.”
I looked up in time to see his eyes catch on the letter half-hidden under my leg. “What letter?”
My mouth straightens into a thin line as I contemplate whether to tell him the truth or lie. He’s always been there for me and the thought of shutting him out hurts, but with everything that’s happened, I don’t know exactly where we stand. At the last minute, I decide to confide in him as I’ve always done.
“I found this in my room before we left Avalon,” I say, grabbing the letter from beneath me and showing Lance. “It’s from Tristan.”
His eyes widened. “What did it say?”
I shook my head. “I didn’t read it.”
“Why not?”
Huffing out a breath, I told him the truth. “I’m just not in the right mindset. After everything that’s happened today and after everything he’s done, I don’t want to read it.” My eyes lower to the ground once more. “What if he says terrible things to me and I just hurt more?” The question comes out barely audible.
Lance’s hand rubs soothingly up and down my back for several minutes as we sit in silence both seeming to contemplate the situation. “What if what we think, isn’t what actually happened?” Lance offers.
My heart swelled at his words. After everything we’d been through, after the hurt I’d caused with Tristan, he was still looking out for me. He knew that was my heart’s deepest desire and he was willing to offer it up as a solution in order to appease me. But that’s not what I needed. Right then, I needed facts. I needed to face reality. If we were going to beat the council at their game, we needed to have our heads on straight.
“There’s nothing that he could say that could take back the things that he did,” I said bitterly.
“You can’t know that when he never had a chance to give his side of the story.” I looked at Lance with narrowed eyes.
“Why are you defending him?”
“I guess after all these years, and all of the hurt from him leaving, it seemed like there was hope that things could be like they used to be,” he sighed. “Seeing you two together I thought that maybe there was a chance that the old Tristan was finally back,” he shrugged his shoulders. “He was my friend too, Gwennie.”
“I know,” I said, wrapping my arms around him and pulling him in for a hug. “He’s done a number on both of us,” I drew in a deep breath. “Can we not talk about him or the council? Nothing heavy tonight? I’m exhausted and I just want to be with my friend,” I said squeezing his hand.
