by Tanya Dawson
“No. Well, I’m not sure actually.” I smiled because I was nervous. I knew of no better way to tell her than to step back and let her see for herself.
“Go ahead.” I stepped aside and pointed my finger towards the window.
She walked past me cautiously and opened the curtain. It was daylight so she would only be able to see the vampires close to the tree line.
“Who are they?” She asked stunned, more than likely.
“Vampires. Other creatures possibly that they enlisted.” I stood beside her and looked outside as well. If I hadn’t seen them last night, I would say there were only around a hundred.
“What are they doing there?” She leaned forward as if she was looking for someone, possibly Henry.
“We don’t know for sure. We think they have come to make you pledge with them.” I said closing the curtain, as if that would cause her less stress.
“How could they make me pledge?” She looked scared.
I guided her back to the bed and made her lay down. She pulled the covers over her body for protection.
“They could force you.” I sat down next to her on the bed and laid back on the pillow. “You’re pledge is a big deal for everyone, because we don’t really know what will happen.”
“But grandmother pledged and she is all fae. Why would anyone think different of me?” She asked squeezing her blanket.
“It’s an unknown power to most. It excites people, I guess.” I offered as I stared at the ceiling. I wanted to tell her what it could mean to have a fae power and a vampire power, but I didn’t want to scare her even more.
“Would it help the fae if I had both and pledged with them?” She asked and her voice quivered.
I sighed and weighed my response carefully. I had hoped that she would not ask me this. I didn’t want her to think that I was only nice to her to get her to pledge with us. The truth was that we did need her, we could not chance her gaining powers from both sides and pledging to the vampire.
The council would not let that happen. I needed her to pledge with us willingly before they intervene.
“It would help us, in the event we needed it.” I said and turned on my side to face her. “But I don’t want you to make your decision based on that.”
She was very quiet as she lay on the bed. I imagined all the things that she must be thinking right now. I didn’t want my loyalty to her to be one.
“Do you know what you want to pledge yet?” I blurted it out as I hadn’t planned on asking her at all. My stomach rumbled as I waited in silence.
“I don’t want any of this. I’m so mad at my mother for not preparing me. For not even telling me anything.” She sat up on the bed and I couldn’t see her face, but I knew she was fighting off tears.
“I think she tried to do what she thought was best. Not that I am sticking up for her.” I said.
I loved my mother, or what I knew of her. She didn’t seem like the person that Olivia described to us. I remember her playing with us and having tea in the grass outside. I envied her in a way. For having spent more time with Mother.
“I know where she is.” Olivia blurted out and turned around to face me.
“How do you know where she is?”
“Well I think I do. Skylar found her name in a register along with a Vernon Savoy. It can’t be a coincidence.” She said looking more awake than she had these past few days.
“What kind of register?” We had been looking for Mother ever since we heard that she had disappeared. We feared it was the vampires but hadn’t found any clues.
Olivia got off the bed and grabbed her backpack. She dug into it, throwing books on the floor until she found a folder.
“Here. It’s all in this folder.” She walked over and handed it to me.
I grabbed it and flipped it open on the bed. There were several sheets and she found the one with Mother’s name on it.
“See, right here.” She pointed at the entry.
“Where did he find this?” I asked. I knew what this register was and was stunned it was that easy to find. I picked up the paper and walked away from Olivia with it. I scanned the other names and most were on the fae’s wanted list.
I plopped myself down in the chair with a big sigh. I would have to show this to Grandmother and it would hurt her more than anything to see her daughter’s name on this list.
“You know what this is?” She asked as she followed me. I was never good at keeping secrets.
“Yes. This is a list of protected creatures. They are also some of the fae’s most wanted.” I regretted my decision to tell her instantly, I worried she would hold her mother’s decisions against the Fae.
“What are protected creatures?”
“It can mean a few things, but in this case I would guess that they are working with a coven and they have sought asylum with them.” I said glancing out of the window, where a sliver of curtain was open.
“So my mother left me to think she was dead so she could start a new life?” Olivia’s face was red from anger.
“We don’t know why she needed to do it, Olivia. I’m not sure who this Savoy person is either. My guess would be from your father’s side.” I said folding up the paper. “In any case I must take this and show it to the council.”
“But they might hurt her.” She looked shocked at my response.
“Grandmother won’t let them.” I stood up and tried to walk to the door but she blocked me.
“You’re no better than any of them!” She yelled and went over to the bed and flung herself onto it.
“You have been through a lot this week alone, Olivia. Please sleep on it. You can trust me. I’ll make sure we find mother and that you see her.” I offered, but she would not look at me. I stood there for a moment watching her lay on her bed and thought back to when I pledged.
It was a much different experience. I knew what I wanted and was proud to be pledging as a fae. I remember Grandmother’s huge smile as I made my pledge and was given the power of insight, along with the regular Fae designated powers. I could enter anyone’s mind but knew that I couldn’t abuse it, as there were consequences. I was the first seer in our family for generations.
I smiled at how much that day meant to me. I wished I could make Olivia feel the same pride that I had. I slipped out of the door quietly.
I unfolded the paper that Olivia gave to me and noticed a phone number next to her name. Without thinking I pulled out my cell and dialed the number. My heart raced as the phone rang.
“Hello?” A woman’s voice said on the other line.
“Is this Grace?” I asked as my voice was low and childlike.
“Wrong number.” The woman said and I heard a click as she hung up.
Did I just speak to my mother? My hand trembled and I felt weak. I should have said more. I should have told her who was calling. I looked at my phone and quickly dialed the number back.
My heart pounded with every ring, anticipating when she would answer it again.
“You have reached 792-8865. Please leave a message.” Then a long beep. All I could do was breathe heavily as I tried to determine if that was the same voice as the person who answered before.
I quickly hung up then swore under my breath. I should have left a message. I pulled up the number again and debated pressing call.
“They are coming!” I heard Lily scream as she ran up the stairs, taking two at a time. “They are surrounding the house.”
I turned around quickly and ran into Olivia’s room, but she gone.
CHAPTER 19: OLIVIA
I COULDN’T STAND BEING locked up in that room anymore. I needed fresh air and a change of scenery. Mostly I wanted to be alone, the alone where no one can find you.
Luckily I was able to slip past Ruby while she was on the phone. I took the back stairs that no one ever used and made my way downstairs. I expected for no one to be in the kitchen, however when I entered there were several people there that I did not know. It seemed like they were havi
ng a party while I was sick and the vampires held us captive.
The people in the kitchen just watched me, so I made my way into the sunroom and hunkered down in the dark corner. I closed my eyes and listened to the soft whispers of people throughout the house.
Then I thought that I heard someone that I knew. I got up and followed his voice, through the kitchen, down the hall and into the foyer. It was Skylar.
“What are you doing here?” I asked frantically. I was scared that the vampires would hurt him and he would learn what we were. Surely Lily would have sent him away when he came to the door.
“Olivia. I’m glad you’re feeling better.” His warm hand slid up and down my arm and I felt at ease.
“Who let you in? You shouldn’t be here right now, Skylar.” I grabbed his arm and started marching to the door but he pulled back.
“Can we talk somewhere?” His face was serious and I was sure he would want to talk about Henry.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have time right now. We’re going through some family issues.” Again I tried to pull him towards the door but he stood steady.
“Let’s talk.” He slid both his hands down my arms until he grabbed my hands. His eyes were steady on mine. “This way.”
I looked around at all the people that were downstairs confused at why they were here and decided if they were here, he may as well be. I followed him to a little room off the foyer.
“Don’t hate me.” He started. Got to love when someone starts a conversation like that.
I stepped back from him and started to feel weak again so I took a seat on the couch. He sat down on the opposite end and turned sideways to face me.
“I know things are weird around here and I have to confess that I know more about that than I was saying.” He looked at me as if I should know what he was trying to tell me.
“I have no idea what you are saying.” I dipped my chin and gave him a hurry up look. He needed to leave before anything happened. I couldn’t live with myself if he got hurt.
“I know what really happened to your neck.” He said stone faced, waiting for my reaction.
“Please Skylar. I think its best that you leave.” I wasn’t really paying attention to what he was saying. My mind was on the wall of vampires outside.
“I’m fae, too.” He blurted it out as I was just about to reach the door handle.
I was shocked and hurt that everyone knew but me. I turned back around to him and nothing would come out of my mouth. I had no words for his betrayal.
“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t tell you because you wouldn’t believe me. Then you found out and we figured it would be best if we kept it a secret until closer to your pledge.” He said as he tried to touch me but I pulled away from him.
“Don’t touch me.” I said sternly. “You mean my family knew? Ruby and Lily?” I was fired up now. My anger started to show itself by way of a red neck and face.
“Yes, but...”
“Leave!” I yelled and grabbed the door and flung it open. I began to run into the hall but he was quick behind me. I didn’t want him to see the tears that had started to run down my cheeks.
He grabbed me with one swift movement and gently pulled me back in the room and closed the door. He had me against the wall huddled into him as I sobbed. He whispered in my ear, “I’m so sorry,” as he stroked my hair.
It felt good to be in his arms and I hated that, but I felt safe for the first time in a long time. After a few moments I pulled back from him and wiped my face with my sleeve. I retreated back to the couch and sat down.
Skylar came towards me and got on his knees in front of the couch and leaned on my legs looking up at me. His eyes were red and I could see he had been crying, too.
“I didn’t want to hurt you.”
“You know about the vampires? About Henry? That’s why you wanted me to stay away.” I asked finally having that missing piece.
“Yes. I was to protect you from him and his family. But my feelings for you are real.” He said wrapping his fingers around mine.
“You have pledged already?”
“Yes. When I was sixteen.”
“Were you supposed to sway me to pledge as well?” I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer. The more I remembered our time together the more hurt I felt. I didn’t know what was real and what was forced.
His eyes stayed down and just as it looked like he wasn’t going to answer, he said, “Yes.”
I pushed him off my legs and stood up, stepping over him. I paced back and forth shaking my head. “You were the one person, Skylar. The one person.”
“It was done to protect you.” He said staying on the ground.
“To protect me.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“I wanted to tell you sooner. I did.” He lifted himself up and sat on the couch, giving me room to pace.
“And the stuff about my mother? Did anyone give you that paper to give to me?” I asked as the anger began to build up inside me again.
“That I found on my own and I didn’t talk about your mother to anyone. She was off limits.” He sounded sincere.
“You know about the vampires outside?”
“Yes, that’s why we are all here. We are all fae.” He said.
“So Garrison, Eve and Amber?” I asked hoping at least someone was human like me.
“All fae and all here to fight for you.” He again quickly watched me walk back and forth.
Suddenly we heard yelling and a commotion in the hallway. Before I knew it Skylar had me in his arms. The light was off and he whispered in my ear to keep quiet. The noise got louder and Skylar moved to the door and peeked outside.
“I’m going out there to see what’s happening. Keep the light off and stay in here no matter what. You’re the only one in this house that doesn’t have a power. Let us handle this.”
He didn’t leave me much time to respond as he left and closed the door behind him. The noise got louder and I slid into the corner to the ground with my hands over my ears.
I was terrified at what or who could come through that door and found myself wanting Henry to be here to protect me. I wondered if he was out there and ready to force me into pledging to his side. No, he wouldn’t do that. Would he? My thoughts were jumbled and I couldn’t think straight. I still felt betrayed by Skylar.
Suddenly the door flew open and the light flicked on. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust and I saw Ruby, Lily, Grandmother and Skylar.
“Olivia!” Ruby yelled and immediately ran towards me and hugged me. “I thought they took you.”
I instinctively hugged her back as the trio looked at us. Lily looked annoyed as usual and Grandmother looked relieved.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare anyone. I just needed to get out of that room.” I said getting off the floor.
“That’s ok my dear, you just gave us a little scare.” Grandmother smiled as she hugged me. Lily scoffed then headed out of the room.
“I’m afraid we may be running out of time.” Grandmother said pulling me aside. “I had hoped that you would have a week to gather your thoughts before you could pledge, however it needs to happen sooner.”
“When?” I could feel myself starting to shake. I was nowhere near ready to make such a big decision. I wasn’t ready.
“By early morning. If we can hold out tonight.” She stated hugging me with the one arm she had over my shoulders. “I’m sorry we didn’t do better by you, Olivia.”
“The vampires are advancing and we can’t be sure what they have planned. It’s obvious they planned something for tonight.” Ruby said giving me another hug.
“Can they come in?” I asked feeling scared.
“No, they have to be asked in.” Ruby said.
My heart fluttered as I remembered back to asking Henry to come in. I was too scared to say anything to them about it right now. He wouldn’t use that against me now. He said he would protect me. My mind spun.
“Sit down, Olivia.” Skylar sai
d as he helped me to the couch, “You look like you’re going to faint.”
“Thank you.” I grabbed a blanket that was on the seat and wrapped it around me.
“We’re putting together a plan to get you to The Stacks unnoticed.” Grandmother said tightening the blanket around me.
“Once we are there, you will be protected. Even though the local vampires will be allowed in.” Ruby added.
“What if they disobey the rules?” I asked. Never mind knowing what to pledge, I may not even make it there.
“They won’t be able to. All powers are left at the door, so to speak.” Ruby said.
“So what’s the plan?” I asked. I needed to be prepared to do this and know how long I had to make my decision.
“We need to hold out the night. It will be safer to transport you in the daylight. There is a secret tunnel that will get you to the middle of the city. The most dangerous part will be leaving the tunnel and going to The Stacks.” Ruby said.
“How far is The Stacks from the tunnel?” I asked.
“Fifteen minutes. We will have a car waiting and are moving people into surveillance. Once they are certain no one is in the area that is when we will make our move.” Ruby added.
“Once we are in The Stacks we will call the pledge meeting and wait for the den members to arrive.” Grandmother said.
“I will be there with you the whole time.” Skylar said as he put his hand on my knee. I could see Grandmother and Ruby smirking in the corner of my eye. They were very happy with their matchmaking plan.
“OK. We have no choice so let’s do it.” I surprised myself. If pledging meant I could get back to a normal life, I wanted to do it now.
“I pray you make the right choice for yourself my dear. I will love you no matter what.” Grandmother placed a kiss on my forehead.
“I love you, too.” I said back for the first time. I caught her off guard and her eyes filled with tears. I knew how much it meant to her to hear that from me.
“Well, let’s go out and face this together everyone. Chins up. Let’s get the coffee pot going and food rolling out.” Grandmother did a little dance and we all laughed.
