I’m surprised to hear that they weren’t always this way. They never talk about their past, but always do of their future. This is the first time I have heard anything about their past. I smile softly. “I understand, but if I am of Light, then isn’t Light supposed to help when it can?”
Garcia nods. “Light is a strong force and it does lye within you. You are strong and powerful and that is because you embrace Light to defeat the Darkness of Malvent. But even Light must take care of itself. How can one take care of others, if one doesn’t care for one’s self? Besides, there is more to you than the power of Light.”
“I guess that’s true.” I agreed.
Thatch smiles, “Now that that’s settled, let’s get something to eat and head out. We have a lot to do today.”
We all agreed.
After letting Thomas sleep for a few more hours, we gather in the woods outside the hotel to come up with a plan to locate the clearing in the Black Hills.
Thatch and I will take to the sky, flying several miles apart parallel to one another. Once we see a clearing that looks like what Katrina described, I will call Garcia and let her know. She will use the location on my phone to find us. Then Donavon, Garcia, Thomas and Zach will take Katrina to the spot and see if it’s the place or not. Once we find the place, we will go from there.
After taking off and getting high enough that no one on the ground will notice us, Thatch and I separate and start our search.
Being this high up, everything looks so small. I’m amazed that I have come so far with my fear of heights that I don’t care how high I am.
I watch as the ground passes under me as if I’m not even moving. I love the way the wind always feels under my wings, taking me as high as I want. It’s such a freeing feeling.
It’s beautiful up here. The fall leaves are all about gone and laying on the ground. The smell of the air is one of the reasons I love Fall. Fresh air and crisp leaves.
I pass over a few clearings in the woods, but none of them are large enough the way K described.
Thatch and I fly a few more miles until we come upon a large clearing, both spotting it at the same time. There are very few trees within the clearing. It’s fairly round in shape and surrounded with large pines. Just like K said.
We land in the clearing and Thatch turns into his human form. I fold up my wings and place them back into their hidden place between my shoulder blades.
“I think this may be it,” Thatch said as he looks around.
“Me too,” I said pulling out my cell phone to call Garcia.
She answers immediately. “Did you find it?”
“I think so. It looks like what K described, but she’s the only one that will know for sure.”
“Alright, we are on our way. See you shortly.”
“Okay.”
I turn to see Thatch looking down at the ground on the other side of the clearing. I walk over.
“They’re on their way.”
He is so focused on what he’s looking at, I don’t think he heard me. I look down and see what he’s looking at.
There is a bare spot of dirt about five feet across. It is perfectly circular and not one blade of grass grows within it. When I look closer, I see something strange. The grass at the edge of the circle is brighter green than the rest and what looks to be a pathway of bright green grass leads from the circle toward the tree line. I follow it and it stop just in front of a large maple tree.
I turn around to see Thatch watching me from the blackened circle. This is the place. The dirt is where Malvent stood when Harmony threw the white ball of light at him, meaning to destroy him, but she failed. She injured him badly that day though. They didn’t hear from him for years after the last war. But since then, he has only grown in strength and growing his army of creatures. All the missing hikers over the years… because of him so many have lost their lives. Because of him, many live in fear, such fear that they don’t dare speak his name aloud.
I’m hoping the rein of Malvent will come to an end tomorrow. He needs to be stopped and the peace brought back to the Supernatural World.
Ten minutes later, everyone comes through the wall of pines.
Katrina is at the front in Donavon’s arms. She stands up and I know by the look on her face that this is, without a doubt, the place…
Clearing
“He’s coming from that direction.” Katrina pointed across the clearing. “He’s bringing his army with him. There were so many…” Katrina is lost in thought for a moment. “That woman… the one in white is with him. But she’s chained as a prisoner…” Something seems to dawn on her. “She’s the woman who sent you that message. The prophecy…” She looks at me for a moment. I’m sure she sees the knowing in my eyes when she asks her question. “Lexi, who is she?”
I know I won’t be able to hide it from them, there really is no point. I promised Harmony I wouldn’t tell Bree and Bree isn’t here to be told….
“She’s my mom.” I take in all their faces. Shock, surprise, confusion… “Her name is Harmony, the White Angel who fought him here before.”
“Harmony?” Donavon questioned. “She was killed. Malvent killed her and her Vampire mate eighteen years ago. How is she still alive?”
I sigh, “He didn’t kill her. She has been imprisoned in his world. She has come to me several times trying to help me,” I explain.
Everyone is quiet for a moment.
Thatch thinks for a second before he speaks, “Harmony is alive? We knew fighting him before almost took her life and she wasn’t able to defeat him. But why would he keep her alive?”
I sadden, “To get to me. He found me when she came to me in the hospital. He used her connection to me to find where I was.”
Zach goes from sitting to standing in horror. I’m sure he is remembering the night I was taken to the hospital and I was fighting for my life, unknown to anyone around me. I shiver at the thought.
I give him a small nod to confirm, I’m sure, what he is already thinking.
He gives out a low growl.
If only he knew…
Garcia speaks up, “Clearly this is not only a destroy mission, but a rescue mission. We will do what we can to rescue your mother from his grasp.”
I nod, “Thanks.”
Getting off the subject of Harmony, Katrina starts talking about how Malvent is going to enter and where everyone will be placed.
I know she can see my discomfort about the subject of Harmony and I’m grateful she moves onto other things. I give her a small smile as thanks.
“Hey!” a voice yells from behind us in the trees.
We all stand on guard as movement rustles in the fallen leaves.
“Lexi? You there? I smell you,” the now familiar voice calls.
I yell back, “Kasey!?” I’m excited. I haven’t seen him in such a long time.
He enters the clearing pushing the last of the branches out of his way.
My face lights up as I’m happy to see him.
He comes bounding over and leans down to hug me. I hug him back tightly.
“How have you been? Where have you been?” I ask happily.
“I have been wonderful thanks to you and your friends. Freedom has done wonders.” He grinned. Then he looks closer at me. “You have changed, become stronger… and those eyes… beautiful…”
I smile brightly. “I have learned a lot since I saw you last. But, how is everyone else?”
He nods, “So it would appear...” he smiles, “and everyone is doing just fine.”
“What brought you here today Kasey?” Thatch asked.
Kasey grins, “Lexi of course.”
I hear Zach grumble and I smile. I have to admit, I like when he gets jealous.
Kasey turns toward me, “I have something to show you.” His face beams.
“Okay…” I said warily.
He raises his hand into the air and snaps his fingers together. At that moment, the woods come alive. Movement comes f
rom all directions around us.
I have to admit, I become a little nervous as people start coming out of the woods. Zach stands so close to me that his fur is brushing against my arm.
As more pour out of the woods, Katrina becomes excited. She’s smiling wide.
“The backup I promised.” Kasey grins looking around at the huge crowd behind him.
Everyone gathers into a pile, all standing together. They watch me mostly, some seem wary as others seem happy to be here. There has to be at least a thousand people in the clearing with us.
“They are here to help you. The word spread about you and your friends. They wanted to come see for themselves and aide you in your battle.” Kasey turns toward the huge crowd and places a hand on my shoulder. “Supernatural Beings, meet Lexi… Lexi, meet the Supernatural Beings.”
I’m not sure what to say but, “Thank you. Thank you all for coming and fighting with us. With you all here, we might actually have a chance.” I smile.
A young man steps forward and asks, “Can we see your wings?”
Kasey shakes his head in slight annoyance then speaks to me. “Most of them are very curious about you. I know they have many questions too.” He smiles slightly like he might be in trouble.
I laugh. “They are here to help me, so I am more than happy to answer their questions.”
I step away from my friends a little bit facing the young man in front of me. Zach moves with me. “It’s okay, I’m fine.” I whisper to him. He backs away a little. “What is your name?” I ask the boy. He reminds me of Thomas, just a little older.
“Luke,” he replies.
“Well Luke, I will be more than happy to show you my wings.” I smile. “Ready?” I asked him.
He nods his head in excitement.
I grin as I allow my wings to explode from my back. Everyone in the crowd gasps and stares in amazement at my beautiful white feathered wings. Then mumbles start across the crowd.
Questions start coming my way at this point…
“How did you escape as a baby?”
“Where have you been hiding?”
“What powers do you have?”
“What is your intention tomorrow?”
“How did you survive all these years?”
“Can you show us…”
“Why, when, what, how… “
It’s going to be a long day.
Everyone had gathered around us and asked me question after question. I felt like an experiment but it was nice to be so interested in. I was glad they wanted to know about me and about my past. I hope it will only make them want to fight with me even more and maybe change their minds about Hybrid’s not all being bad.
It was getting dark, so one of the Werewolves lit a large fire and we all sat around it. The questioning slowed down and things seemed to turn into a gathering of friends all having a good time.
The War, forgotten for the time being.
Kasey comes to sit beside me. “So how are you doing?”
“Much better now. Thanks for everything you did for us. I can’t thank you enough.”
Kasey starts laughing. “You don’t need to thank me. You have done more than enough.”
I smile. “I do have to ask… Where did you find all these people?”
He laughs again. “I have been very busy traveling across the country spreading the word.”
“How many are here? It looks like thousands!”
“There are one-thousand, one-hundred and twenty four to be exact. But more are expected tomorrow.”
I look around to the crowd before us. So many have come together for one reason… to defeat the monster that has held everyone hostage for years.
I can’t help but look out over the crowd and watch them. Groups gather around the fire and talk and laugh with one another. They are normal and happy in this moment. I know tomorrow things will change and the laughter that fills the clearing tonight will turn into screams tomorrow…
I shake my head sadly. I don’t know how I can allow all these people to fight and possibly lose their lives.
“How are you doing Lexi? I mean really doing?” Kasey breaks into my disturbed thoughts.
I look toward him and I see the same look in his eyes that I saw in Zach’s this morning.
I try to smile. “The best I can I guess. I hate putting people in jeopardy like this and letting them risk their lives. It’s a lot to bear...”
“They are all here of their own accord. They all want to be here to fight, to take their freedom back. There is no reason for you to bear anything that comes about tomorrow. You just worry about you and we will worry about ourselves. Besides, there are a lot of strong fighters here.” He wraps his arm around my back pulling me closer into a tight side hug.
Next to me I see Zach’s look of death written all over his face.
“Everything will be okay,” Kasey smiled.
I give him a small smile and change the subject. “Where are you all staying the night?”
He laughs, “Out here in the woods. This is our home for many of us who don’t like to stay in one place, like your family.”
I smile.
Zach yips quietly to get my attention.
He shifts his head toward Thomas and his new friend Luke. They are across the clearing a little ways goofing around. I smile. I’m glad Thomas has someone around his own age, even if it is before all hell breaks loose. Garcia and Thatch are in a large gathering of people. Someone is playing a guitar and they are dancing, seeming to have a good time. I smile when Thatch dips Garcia when she wasn’t expecting it.
Katrina and Donavon are mingling with some others close to the fire. She’s laughing. Almost everyone here knows her grandmother. They are treating her like royalty and I have to laugh.
Donavon seems totally disinterested in the whole thing. I think he just wants to whisk her away from it all. He is just staying by her side to make sure no one hurt her or makes her into a snack. I shake my head with a smile. I have such strange thoughts at times.
I look up again to see Donavon actually leaving Katrina with the group of people. He is walking toward me. As he gets closer, I know something is on his mind. His eyes seem unrested.
“What is it Donavon? Is everything okay?” I ask when he’s close enough.
He is quiet for a second before he speaks, “You know Katrina is not like us. You know she can’t fight like the rest of us.”
I nod in agreement. I think I know where this is going.
“I want you to understand that she is my first priority tomorrow,” Donavon says in a hardened voice.
“I understand, and I don’t expect anything less Donavon. You do what you need to do to protect her.” I look behind Donavon to see K throw her head back in laughter. “Keep my best friend safe for me.”
“Thanks for understanding.” He goes to turn away, but I catch his arm.
He turns back toward me and I give him a hug. I caught him off guard for a moment but he hugs me back.
I whisper only for him to hear, “Take good care of her when this is all over.”
He leans his head back to look me in the eyes. He is searching for something and apparently he finds it. “I promise,” he whispers back. “But don’t you dare say goodbye. You’re not dying tomorrow,” he says sternly.
“You don’t know that for sure. Now go on, Katrina is watching.” I let him go.
He stands here for another second before saying “I won’t let you die.” Then he returns to Katrina.
I smile. I know underneath all the sarcasm and attitude, he likes me, maybe even as a sister. But that could be pushing it a bit.
K wraps her arm around Donavon’s waist and reaches up on her tip toes to kiss him.
I turn away and sit back down between Kasey and Zach. They both watch me warily trying to figure out what that was all about.
I didn’t direct my attention to either one of them when I said, “Don’t worry about it.” I smile putting the exchange between Donavon
and I behind me.
“He doesn’t like very many people, does he?” Kasey asked.
I laugh lightly. “No, not really. I think it’s more trust issues than anything really.”
“He likes you.” Kasey stated.
I smile, “I think so too.”
The bonfire starts to die out and things slow down. It’s ten o’clock and we all need to get some rest for tomorrow.
“It’s time for us to leave child,” Thatch calls toward me.
I nod.
“Are you sure you won’t come back to the hotel with us?” I ask Kasey.
He shakes his head. “Out here is where I belong. I spent too much of my life indoors. I love watching the stars at night anyway. You can’t do that with a roof over your head.” He grinned.
I laugh. “That’s true when you put it that way.”
I stand up and stretch.
“We will see you tomorrow before the sun’s dark.” Kasey smiled glumly.
I hug him. “Promise you will be careful tomorrow?”
He squeezes me back, “I will do my best.”
We all look back before we disappear into the tree line. Mostly everyone in the clearing waves goodbye as we depart.
I know looking back that all of this will be different tomorrow…
Dooms Day is here and all hell is going to break loose…
Love
When we get back to the hotel, I feel very restless like I had the night before. I can’t calm myself down and I know this time, I can’t rely on Thomas and his amazing gift. I have to deal with this on my own…
Zach and I lay on the bed as I hug him, hoping I don’t lose myself to my emotions again. The gathering in the clearing helps to distract my mind, but when I’m alone or with Zach it’s hard to be distracted. I know he tries to keep distracting me, but it doesn’t work.
I close my eyes and take myself into the darkness behind my eye lids. I need to blank my mind out and lose myself in the quiet and empty space that I enjoy. It has been a little while since I’ve meditated. Now cannot be a better time.
Sapphyre: Rise of an Angel (Sapphyre Saga Book 3) Page 15
