by Kristen Day
As I shifted the precious load in my tired arms, a dull creaking sound quickly escalated into an agonizing moan; stealing my attention away from the gorge of doom. I spun around to look for the source, but was utterly unprepared for the horrifying sight before me. The thick tree trunk rushing towards me as gravity took it hostage had every intention of killing me. As my legs took action and jumped out of the way, the silver box slid from my grip and tumbled back onto the ground...directly beneath the plunging tree.
My ankle twisted awkwardly and I pitched to the side with dread, helpless to watch the majestic tree slowly descending to its death. With a horrendous thud, it struck the ground; inciting a thunderous shockwave through the surrounding trees as if they had gasped in horror at their fallen comrade. My attention remained on the box that was now lost beneath the tree's weight. I scrambled to my feet and pressed my palms against the bark as if I was strong enough to roll it over. As expected, it didn't budge. A boiling cloud of rage thickened within my mind and I spun around in indignation; accusing the trees with a pointing finger.
"Is this a joke to you?! Are you trying to kill me? Do you know how important that box was? And now it's gone! Gone!"
As the last word washed over my lips, I felt my essence become razor thin as it shot out from my hand and delivered a strike of electricity into the side of one of the trees. The bark cracked and sizzled as the energy diffused itself downward and into the ground.
"Now look what you've done!" I hurled at them; knowing full well they didn't deserve the severe lashing I'd just inflicted, but not able to swallow my pride enough to admit it.
Deciding to attempt once more to roll the downed tree off of the Key, I braced my feet and prepared to throw my weight against the bark. Just as I leapt forward with as much force as I could muster, the trunk rolled over of its own volition; leaving me face down in the dirt. I lay there, helpless and defeated, as I wiped a finger across my now-bloody lip.
"I have every intention of turning each and every one of you into reams of paper! And then I'm going to rip you to pieces and burn them all until you are all turned to ash! You've messed with the wrong warrior this time, you bastar-"
My fruitless barrage of threats was cut short as my eyes followed the fallen trunk across the length of the crevasse and onto its fan of branches, which had landed on the opposite side to create a bridge. Not sure what to think about this sudden turn of events, I inspected the destroyed box, or what I thought would be the destroyed box. However, somehow its silver finish and compact sides were all intact. There wasn't so much as a scratch on it.
"This changes nothing. You just got lucky," I accused stubbornly, although my tone lacked its earlier harshness. Then, in a quieter voice, "But...thank you." Feeling the forest watching me, I lifted my chin and placed a foot onto the tree bridge. It was broad enough that I could easily walk across, as long as I didn't completely lose my balance. But that was a big 'if'.
Keeping my eyes trained on the rough bark just ahead of my feet and willing them not to glance down at the hungry chasm below, I noticed the tree's trunk was glistening. My bare feet became sticky with each step I took, and I realized the tree was coating itself with sap; creating a gripping surface for me. With crushing guilt weighing me down and my own stubbornness leaving me speechless, I inched my way across the trunk, not allowing my eyes to sway from the exact spot I planned to place each footfall.
After several excruciating minutes of visualizing my freefall into the river below, I finally reached the other side. The tree's canopy stretched out flat and lifeless before me, tugging at my heart strings. Did it really sacrifice itself for me? On solid ground once more, I knelt within the canopy and placed my hands on one of the more substantial branches.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," I repeated, this time with genuine appreciation. Its leaves rustled ever so lightly and I sensed a weak, yet refreshing, essence wash over my hands in a humble response. I peered into the forest to ensure no one but the trees were watching, leaned down, and gently pressed my lips against the branch. I felt my cheeks flush as I stood hastily and continued on my way. It was possible I'd been transported into an alternate reality. It was the only explanation. A tree had just sacrificed itself for me, and I just kissed it. Soon I'd be braiding my armpit hair, ditching deodorant, and driving a Prius.
One painstaking hour, two thorny bush attacks, and six blisters later, I had to take a bathroom break, which sounded more simple than it really was. Knowing the trees were not only alive, but watching my every move, I couldn't just hike up my skirt and relieve myself on their roots. I rolled my eyes at myself. The trees would just have to get over it. Unless I was going to hold it until I made it to an actual bathroom, I had no choice. I was just glad no one was around to witness any of this.
I found an area of exposed dirt containing no discernable roots, grass, or even clover before tucking away my remaining inhibitions and squatting. As an affectionate breeze blew across my bare cheeks, I imagined the trees laughing at me. Their lush branches swished and rustled one by one before it occurred to me that they were probably communicating with one another. Maybe I should have peed on their roots after all. I finished my business and cut my eyes skyward in case they were making fun of me.
Out of nowhere, my stomach clenched and cramped with a ferocity I'd never experienced before. Excruciating tremors of pain rippled through my mid-section like an earthquake, and I was quickly brought to my knees in agony. I cried out as my muscles charlie-horsed again and again. Deepening the misery was a single, sorrowful voice wafting into my ears. Hot tears sprang to my eyes, spilling onto my cheeks and careening silently to the grass beneath me. The voice spoke no words; it simply wailed with an essence-shattering despair that took my breath away.
I screamed once more before the pain finally relented and my stomach was released from its torment. Though the pain receded, the emptiness and hopelessness remained. Several ragged, deep breaths later, the fog of sorrow gradually lifted but I continued to sob uncontrollably. I vaguely registered the symphony of leaves chattering above me in response, and then immediately noticed their roots shifting beneath the ground where I lay curled into a ball. A solitary root extracted itself from the earth and commenced to wrapping itself around me with a gentleness I didn't realize was possible. The invigorating smell of fresh soil blanketed my senses and I leaned into its cooling embrace.
A few short moments was all it took for the calming energy of the root to restore my emotions and give me the motivation I needed to keep going.
"So did you guys hear that, too?" I asked the towering giants nearby. My only answer was a deafening silence and the racing of my own thoughts. I peered down at my palm with alarm, but saw no change in my all-seeing eye trace; meaning Stasia still wasn't in imminent danger. That was most important to me, and everything else was secondary. The sky above boasted beautiful pinks and oranges as it prepared for its departure beyond the horizon. I needed to hurry. I swallowed my pride like a thick spoonful of caramel and scanned the awning of branches reluctantly.
"Help?" I shrugged uselessly. That was one word in particular I was not fond of using, and it felt completely foreign and prickly on my tongue. My jaw turned slack at the instant response that stared me in the face. In the blink of an eye, the forest took action. An ovation of leaves preempted a swath of trees that actually twisted back and away, revealing a perfectly visible path intended for my journey.
"Whoa," was all I could muster, although I wished I would have thought to ask for help earlier. Far off in the distance, the sinking sun glinted off of a golden structure that could only be Maera's castle. It glowed like a beacon in the night, promising the comforts of home. I let out a sigh of relief and began to walk.
STASIA
"They're back! Ms. Stasia, they're back!"
The excited trill of Maera's youngest daughter woke me from a woefully unsuccessful night's sleep. I felt the exhaustion pulling me down, but I couldn't relax enough to allow my mind
the reprieve it longed for. Her tiny feet thumped down the hallway before skidding to a stop at my door. She paused before knocking with three quick raps. Not waiting for me to answer, the door slid open silently and a red-haired angel smiled in at me; flecks of honey dancing within her kelly green eyes.
"They're back, Stasia!"
"I'll be out in just a moment," I beamed back at her; unable to resist her excitement. Her face lit up even more and then promptly disappeared as she clamored back down the hall. It had become quite evident that my bedroom was handpicked by Maera herself. It was truly fit for a Queen...or a very exhausted Goddess. Two mammoth columns divided the sitting area, complete with a hand carved fireplace flanked by an armchair and ornate chaise lounge, and the luxurious sleeping quarters on the other side of the room. Luxuriously silken fabrics of lavender and gold covered the walls in between gilded panels and cornice molding that showcased a picturesque alcove of scalloped windows overlooking the lagoon. The early morning light of the sun stretched through stained glass French doors that opened out onto a private veranda overgrown with elegant trails of ivy.
The oversized canopy bed stretched almost to the high ceiling, with silk embroidered drapes embracing the hand carved posts on each corner. The sheets smelled of white lilies and the plush down comforter felt like a cloud.
Yet, regardless of the opulence, I felt as if my heart was torn into jagged pieces, stolen from me in the form of Fallon, Olivia, and Finn. No sooner had I pulled on a pair of fresh white linen pants and a matching top did I feel Finn's dark essence reaching out to me. My pulse quickened as the warmth shrouded me in safety; calling to me. I jerked open the heavy wooden door leading into the hallway and my breath caught in my throat.
"Pasha," Finn's silky voice mumbled before smothering me in an embrace. His left hand slid up my back and under my hair, cupping my head and holding me to his chest. I fell into him in a rush of exhilaration and overpowering relief. He smelled of salt water and sweat, a heady aroma that reminded me where he'd been. I pulled back and inspected his square jaw, shadowed by stubble and smudges of dust and dirt. Lack of sleep had dulled his usual piercing blue eyes and his hair was wilted to his scalp, with an occasional unruly strand sticking out on its own. I could feel the fatigue in the very arms that held me tight.
"You look like hell," I joked lovingly; running a hand through his dark hair, causing a tidal wave of hair to stand straight up. I stifled the urge to kiss him as I watched his lips move in response.
"I spent a lot of time getting ready," he chuckled wearily. "I'm trying out this new cologne called Stench du'Jour."
"I like it." I kissed him gently on the cheek. "It really speaks to the gag reflex."
He responded with an alluring smile and tugged me closer as his soft lips eclipsed mine with tenderness. When he pulled away, he searched my eyes with concern and a hint of apprehension. "So...how are you feeling?"
"You mean, is an evil moon Goddess currently hitching a ride in my mind?" I snickered.
Although I knew that was exactly what he was worried about, he sidestepped my question with lowered eyes. "No, no. I was just...worried about you."
"I'm more worried about Fallon and Olivia," I prompted gently.
"We didn't find them." His shoulders sagged and his face fell in defeat.
"Which means you didn't find any bodies," I added immediately, searching for the silver lining. "Which means they're still alive, right?"
"Ideally."
"Then there's still hope."
"That also means it's likely that Selene has them. And God knows what she plans on using them for."
"I'll try to find them in a reverie again tonight."
I had attempted repeatedly to find either Olivia or Fallon through my reveries, but it was becoming painfully obvious that Selene had them and was keeping them hidden from me somehow. It was both disturbing and promising all at once. If she was hiding them from me, that meant they were still alive.
I latched the bedroom door behind me as we traversed a breezeway back toward the main part of the fifth floor. Or it could have been the sixth. It was difficult to tell with the many sections, turrets, and landings of the castle. If I lived here, I'd need a map for sure.
"Again? Stasia..." Finn's patronizing tone was thick with overprotective intent. "I don't think you should risk it."
"I can hold her off," I assured him easily; slightly annoyed he didn't think I could face Selene without allowing her to take over my mind. "I know what to expect now. I can handle it."
"I think you need more rest," he pressed. We padded down a spiraling staircase to end up on the second floor of the castle.
"I can't rest when I know they're in trouble," I countered as we walked through the baroque, arched entrance to the main dining hall. The intoxicating aroma of eggs, bacon, and biscuits sent my stomach grumbling and my mouth watering. The castle staff had set out an extravagant spread, arranged on silver platters and accompanied by crystal glasses filled with glistening water. Three ostentatious crystal chandeliers were required to light the impressive wooden table that stretched the length of the hall. They hung from a domed ceiling, yawning three stories high and flaunting a mosaic of vibrant oil paintings depicting life on Atlantis.
"...leave again tonight," Sebastian was detailing emphatically for Carmen, Avery, and Phoebe, who were attacking their breakfasts like a pride of lionesses after the kill.
"Save some for the rest of us," Finn chuckled, receiving three unamused glances from the girls as they shoveled one of every delectable delight into their mouths. Sebastian briefly met my gaze and smirked at Finn's comment before quickly lowering his eyes in shame. His features were taut with defeat, and it appeared he and Finn had a matching pair of black circles under their eyes. After forty-eight long hours of no sleep, I didn't know how either one of them were able to function at all.
The glaring fact that I still couldn't feel his essence made me uneasy, but it was obvious which side he was on. That particular mystery ranked fairly low on my growing priority list. An equally disheveled Natasha, who had been pacing the floor, headed my direction and graciously pulled out an empty chair for me.
"How are you feeling, Stasia?" Phoebe asked tentatively at the same time Natasha spoke as well.
"Have a seat, Stasia." Natasha settled a placid hand on my lower back and ushered me towards the seat. "You need to take it easy." Irritation flared under my skin and I became insulted at her inference. I suppressed my urge to argue defiantly and ducked out from under her direction.
"I know I've been...out of it... but treating me like a fragile piece of glass that could break at any moment isn't what I need." I stood taller and met each of their stunned gazes. "I don't need rest. I don't need to take it easy. I don't need to be quarantined just in case Selene tries to take over my mind again."
"But Stasia-" Carmen started, but I cut her off with a stern look. She bit her lip and sat back obediently.
"Now that I know what she's done, I can anticipate it. I can feel when it's happening." I paused and clenched my fists. "And I can fight it."
"But what if-" Carmen tried again.
"You're just going to have to trust me," I snapped back, and then I took a deep breath and tried again with more restraint. "I really appreciate everyone taking care of me and protecting me. I needed you and you didn't disappoint. You wouldn't leave my side and you all stepped up in my place." Finn put his arm around my shoulders and grinned down at me proudly as I continued. "She wants me to be weak. She wants me to back down. And that's exactly why I must do the opposite. Even if some of you don't like it." I shot Finn a sideways glance and he looked over his shoulder playfully as if I was referring to someone else.
"I'm just glad you're back," Phoebe broke the silence with a giggle. "Comatose Stasia wasn't a lot of fun. Especially when you were trying to kill us."
"You can say that again," Carmen added with a stabbing motion to Phoebe's chest; instantly lightening the mood and causing everyone to v
isibly relax. "I was sleeping with one eye open every night."
Finn and I sat opposite the girls and began filling our plates with steaming food as I surveyed the room for Maera. Our only company in the hall consisted of two nicely dressed waiters, standing guard at the kitchen door in case we had any requests. Natasha continued to pace, this time along the back wall of windows that overlooked an outside sitting area.
"So tell me what happened," I prompted Sebastian with a nod. "What did you find?"
"Nothing." He appeared to be juggling the sting of failure along with the stunned realization that it was actually possible. His eyes focused on something far away and his frown deepened. "Absolutely...nothing."
"We searched that beach for hours," Finn clarified. "Turned over every rock, every boulder... But they weren't there. We even found the passage Selene and Menoetius used to escape the collapse, but it was completely vacant; just leading to another empty beach."
Natasha sighed from the windows and continued solemnly, "Which means that either Fallon and Olivia are somewhere lost on their own, or Selene has taken them...which is my assumption."
"Tonight we're searching the surrounding islands as well as Cyprus, in case Selene retreated back to Eventide." Sebastian's shoulders flexed as he leaned forward and put his head in his hands.
"Tonight? And when do you plan on getting any sleep?" I drilled them with disapproval.
"You've been up for two days straight," Avery observed between bites. "Your coordination and judgment will be the first to go."
"I'll rest when everyone is safe!" Sebastian argued vehemently; a conviction my own stubbornness could agree with. He peered around the table to make sure no one else decided to try and persuade him. "No sooner."
"Bullheadedness must run in the family," Carmen mumbled under her breath. Before I could decide if I heard her correctly, Maera breezed into the dining hall like a breath of fresh air. Two streaks of red, laughter, and energy tumbled in after her and set to running laps around the dining hall. Their unruly crimson hair had been tamed into a long, intricate braid running down their backs; baby's breath woven within to match the floor length, satin white dresses they wore.
