Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series

by Tia Silverthorne Bach

  Reagan wasn’t sure when or how, but Papa had already arranged payment and secured rooms. Good thing since nobody carried any kind of identification or credit cards. After a few moments of organization, everyone scattered to their rooms. Sam and Ricardo were going to be in one, Papa and Rowan in another, and then the four ladies were to figure out how to split up the last two rooms.

  “I’ll room with you, Madeleine, if that’s okay.” Jessica’s suggestion was met with a nod and half smile from Madeleine.

  For an awkward moment, everyone stood in silence.

  “I’m exhausted. I’m going to head to the room,” Winona announced.

  Ricardo took her hand. “I’ll walk you there.”

  “You coming?” Winona asked.

  “Madeleine and I will catch up with you in a few,” Reagan said.

  Winona nodded and headed down the hallway, followed by Sam and Jessica.

  Reagan hesitated for a moment, not sure where to begin. Then, she decided not to sugarcoat things and just go for it, knowing Madeleine respected that approach. “I wish I had the right words to say, other than telling you how sorry I am about Sasha.”

  “You know, after I lost my sister, or thought I’d lost her…” Madeleine reached up to push a stray hair away from her face, and Reagan noticed her friend’s hand shaking. “Sasha was my sister. She held me after the baby was gone.”

  Madeleine looked skyward and pursed her lips before continuing. “As much as I love Rowan and Ricardo, I needed a female, a sister.”

  Reagan reached out, hoping to offer a comforting touch or show of support. Madeleine took two steps back and began to pace. “You know, my gut tells me there’s more to today than we know. Sasha was trying so hard to tell me something, and then her eyes got huge, almost like she’d seen a ghost, and she shook. I’d never seen her afraid like that. Then… then, she was gone. She said Ricardo’s name, but I couldn’t get him over to her in time.”

  Thoughts scrambled through Reagan’s already troubled and exhausted psyche. Incomplete images nagged at the back of her mind.

  “I can’t imagine what he’s going through right now. Sasha and Ricardo have always been so close. For years, I thought they’d end up together. But I never doubted their love.”

  “We’ll all be here for him. Winona, too.” When she first discovered Winona’s interest in Ricardo, Reagan wanted him to bring some happiness into Winona’s life. With the turn of events, he’d need her to move forward.

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted,” Madeleine stated. Her voice had lost its tremble and took back on the familiar, commanding tone.

  Although Reagan wanted to do more for her friend, sleep sounded amazing. Plus, Reagan really needed to check on Winona.

  “If you or Jessica have any trouble settling down, come by our room. Having Winona’s powers around is like having an endless source of sleep aids.” Reagan tried to lighten the mood and be helpful.

  “Sounds good. And thank you.” Madeleine’s hand brushed the top of Reagan’s shoulder, and the two women went their separate ways.

  They were only a few doors away from each other. Each lifted a hand to knock, since neither had gotten keys from their roomies, and then exchanged a quick wave as their doors opened.

  “How’s Madeleine?” Winona asked as Reagan moved past and plopped down on the nearest bed.

  “You know Madeleine. She’s trying to be tough, but I can tell this is killing her. I feel awful. She’s just lost so much.”

  “Ricardo is devastated, too.” Winona sat next to her sister on the bed.

  “I bet. So—” Reagan shifted to a sitting position “—Madeleine mentioned getting a strange feeling from Sasha just before she died. And, well, when I was trying to find a pulse on her, I was getting some strange vibes, too. I think, because I was so weak, I couldn’t hone in enough to really see her memories.”

  “Maybe tomorrow we should sit with Madeleine, and see if, together, we can retrieve something from those last few moments she and Sasha shared.”

  Reagan nodded. “Sounds good. It’ll help to get some sleep and get back some of our energy. Did you sense anything strange from Sasha before all hell broke loose?”

  Standing, Winona rubbed her hands together and paced in the small area at the foot of the bed. “Right before we took off, I heard Sasha and Ricardo arguing over the best course of action. But you know them; they loved each other, but they could fight like brother and sister. Or at least how I imagine siblings would fight.”

  A tinge of regret laced Winona’s words. Reagan knew how much she and her brother fought growing up; it drove their mother crazy. But when she lost him, her greatest wish was for one more day of him annoying her. Reagan and Winona didn’t get to grow up together and fight over clothes or who got the best bedroom.

  “I think we’ve had enough drama for one day. I’m hungry. You?”

  Winona nodded.

  “But I’m more tired than hungry. Let’s get a few hours of sleep and then hit that diner. Sadly, Brew and Stew sounds like some good grub.”

  Before settling down, they took turns taking showers. Sunshine filled the room, but thanks to drawing the thick curtains, it didn’t deter the ladies from sleep. As Reagan drifted off, she felt a twinge of sorrow for Lucent and his men, that they could never bask in the warmth of a beautiful sunny day.

  ***

  A slight nudging pulled Reagan from her dreams.

  “Reagan, Rowan, and Papa will be here soon.”

  Pushing up from the bed, she shook off the cobwebs in her brain. “What time is it?”

  “4:15 p.m.”

  She couldn’t remember the last time she slept a day away, and guilt set in. How could she sleep with so much at stake? “So sorry. I can’t believe I slept that long. We should go check on everyone.” Pushing the covers aside and hitting the floor in one swift movement, she grabbed the sword, which had been under the sheets next to her, and strapped it to herself.

  “Did you sleep?” she asked, hoping Winona hadn’t just spent the last few hours in a dark room wishing for her sister’s company.

  “I did. Just got up a few minutes ago when I heard the knocking on the door. It was Sam with word about Rowan and Papa.”

  Reagan chastised herself for not hearing the knock. What kind of world-saving hero could she be if she slept through a knock? Pushing doubts and reflection aside, she focused on the next steps.

  “Guess we should get down to the lobby.”

  Winona nodded.

  As they made their way to the front of the hotel, they ran into Madeleine and Jessica coming out of their room. They arrived together to an empty lobby.

  “You looking for your friends?” the hotel clerk asked, his eyes narrowed.

  “Yes,” Madeleine answered.

  He pointed to the front door. “Outside.”

  “I’m sure it’s his award-winning personality that keeps the clients coming back here to this fine establishment,” Jessica whispered into Reagan’s ear.

  Grateful for the moment of humor, she chuckled and stepped out into the sunshine, shielding her eyes from the intense brightness. Even in the winter, Colorado boasted beautiful, sunny days.

  Sam leaned against the outer wall, one leg propped behind him for support. He pushed off his heel, lowering his foot to the ground as Jessica moved into his arms.

  “Everyone’s at the diner. Figured we’d grab something to eat before we set off.”

  Every once in a while, moments of normalcy crept into their lives, offering a moment of welcome respite from battle. Reagan knew it wouldn’t last long, but she’d treasure it just the same.

  “Could someone make sure and stand close to me? Pretty sure the restaurant prefers to stay a weapon-free zone,” Reagan said, motioning with her head toward her back and the sword hanging there.

  “I got ya covered,” Sam said.

  Just like the name implied, Brew and Stew offered beer and soup. Sandwiches and typical dinner food, too, bu
t the menu boasted several Colorado beers and a “known throughout the county” beef stew.

  Forgoing the beer—after all, she wasn’t twenty-one, but she doubted anyone would deny her with the crew surrounding her—she ordered beef stew, french fries, and a soda. She sat closest to the wall in their booth with the sword repositioned in her lap, hidden by the table.

  After shoveling food into their mouths for half an hour, Papa paid the bill and suggested meeting in one of the rooms. Rowan slipped his hand into Reagan’s as they headed out of the restaurant.

  “How’re you doing?” he asked.

  “It’s been a hard day, but some sleep did wonders.” As soon as she said it, she realized he probably hadn’t had any. “Sorry, you must be exhausted.”

  “A bit,” he said, his lips turning up a bit into a crooked smile. “I won’t have any trouble falling asleep. Good thing, too, since Jed snores loud enough to wake the dead. I don’t know how your grandmother…”

  Reagan glanced down. Nana. Just another reminder of all they’d lost.

  Rowan lifted her chin so their eyes would meet. “I’m sorry.”

  “No. Don’t be. We’ve all had loss. I had a chat with Madeleine, although I don’t know how much I helped.”

  “I’m sure you did,” he said as they resumed their walk back to the hotel.

  “What about you? Sasha was one of your oldest friends.”

  Reagan could feel his hand tense. “Rafe has a lot to answer for. It’s hard to believe such evil came from my parents. I wish I knew more, wish there was something I could’ve done to prevent it way back then.”

  Before she could respond, try to say something to ease his guilt and sadness, they were at the hotel door, which was being held open by Papa.

  “Room 112, everyone. I promise to keep it short,” he said.

  “Cover my back,” Reagan said to Rowan.

  She didn’t even bother to glance toward the creepy hotel manager as they walked through the lobby and down the hall.

  Once everyone had filed into the cramped space, Papa began.

  “Our new location is a week away from being ready, so we can’t head there yet. It doesn’t seem safe to stay in one spot too long, so first thing tomorrow morning we’ll head out. I’ve plotted a course with good stopping points for us to take. We’ll head out in groups. Everyone meet downstairs at six.”

  “What about Mom, Dad, and Aunt Sarah?” Reagan asked, eager to see them all again.

  “We’ll meet up with them in two days. They’re on their way, and I’ve sent word for them to hang tight.”

  “Sent word?” Would they be safe? Reagan wouldn’t settle down until they were all back together.

  “Don’t worry, they’re safe.” Papa’s eyes roamed the room, as if he wanted to make eye contact with each person present. “Any questions?”

  Everyone shook their heads.

  “Good. I suggest you all get a good night’s sleep and be ready to go bright and early.”

  “You ready?” Winona said.

  “Sure, just a second.”

  Reagan gave Papa a quick hug and kissed Rowan on the cheek. “See you in the morning.”

  Once out in the hallway, she noticed Winona leaning into Ricardo as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. As Reagan came closer, Winona straightened up and let her arms drop.

  “See you in the morning, Ricardo.”

  She turned to Reagan, and they headed to their room.

  “I’m glad you two have each other,” she said.

  “Reagan, there’s something I want to tell you.” Winona clicked the door shut behind them after they entered their room. “When we were staying together, well, when we were with Sasha, but not while she was around…”

  Eager to help her through her stammering, Reagan prodded. “Yes?”

  “Well, we, you know…”

  It hit Reagan. “You slept together?” Even though they were the only two in the room, Reagan whispered it, as if the walls themselves were listening.

  Winona nodded, still avoiding eye contact. “I don’t regret it, but I do wish it had been under different circumstances. I guess not too much of my life lately is how I imagined it would be, so…”

  Reagan remembered her first time with Dex. It seemed like a lifetime had passed since then. She wished their night together had been different; that it had never happened. What a waste of something she could never have back.

  “Are you okay?”

  Winona nodded. “I feel like I fumbled thought it, although Ricardo was sweet. It’s not like Cheveyo ever really told me about, well, any specifics.”

  An awkward, fifth-grade video, and an even more cringe-worthy parent-led discussion, flashed through Reagan’s mind. Feeling protective of Winona, Reagan wanted to go punch Ricardo in the arm. He knew how Winona was raised. Reagan would’ve expected a little more from him.

  “I promise he didn’t do anything wrong. I wanted to, but—”

  “But, what?” She was definitely going to have a little chat with Ricardo.

  “I think that’s what he and Sasha must’ve been fighting about just before everything happened. She was pretty mad, and I can’t imagine any other reason she would’ve been so angry with him.”

  “I’m sure she was just looking out for you,” Reagan said. Something I should’ve been doing, she thought.

  “I know. I just feel bad that they were fighting right before… I can only imagine how much he’s beating himself up over it.”

  Reagan slipped an arm around her sister’s shoulder. “Sasha knew Ricardo loved her.” Hoping to distract her, and not quite tired after sleeping away most of the day, Reagan offered to turn on the TV. They found some home decorating show and got lost in talk about what kind of homes they’d like to have someday.

  Disturbing dreams kept Reagan tossing and turning most of the night. Each time she woke up she had a pressing desire to run around and check on everyone at the hotel. Although the dreams differed slightly, one thing remained constant: vampires.

  Lucent’s face never appeared, but she’d felt an ominous presence, something more than a fledgling bloodsucker. Whenever Reagan was around Lucent, she felt his strength in a different way than other vampires. She assumed it was her connection to him after what happened with the angel of mercy. But she wondered, as she shook the cobwebs off and tried to get moving, how she’d feel around another vampire as old as Lucent. She had yet to meet one.

  “Are you okay?” Winona asked.

  For a moment, Reagan forgot anyone else was in the room, she was so caught up in her own thoughts.

  “Yes, sorry. Lots of dreams last night.”

  “Do you think they were visions like your mom’s?” Winona asked, coming over to sit on the edge of Reagan’s bed.

  When Sam had first disappeared, Reagan’s dreams become intense. Rafe and Rowan both appeared during her night torments, even though she hadn’t met them yet. But Nana had helped Reagan focus and figure them out. Never really visions, they were more the wolf inside of her awakening. Still, she’d never really talked to Rowan about them.

  “I’m not sure.”

  Winona reached her hand out. “Do you mind?”

  Knowing she wanted to see what Reagan had seen, she took the offered hand and steadied her breathing, trying to clear her mind for easier access. After a few minutes, Winona let her hand drop.

  “Did you feel that?” Reagan asked, wondering if Winona sensed the same ominous presence.

  “I did. I had a similar feeling when we were attacked a few days ago. Something different than I’d felt any other time, except when…” Her voice faded away.

  “When we were with Lucent.” Reagan finished her sister’s thought, knowing without a doubt that was what she was about to say. Taking a deep breath, Reagan continued, “I thought the same thing.”

  A moment of silence hung in the room.

  “Ever since Sam disappeared, I’ve had to trust my gut about who to trust and not trust. Something told m
e not to trust Rafe, just as something told me to take Rowan’s hand and run off into the woods with him. Heck, I had to go against my own mom and trust Nana.”

  Winona’s eyes narrowed, her eyebrows arching with the inner tips almost touching the top of her nose, one eyebrow slightly higher than the other. “Really? Nana?”

  “It’s a long story. My point is, I trust Lucent.”

  Winona looked to the side and shook her head. “I don’t know what to think about him right now.”

  “Whenever something happens that makes me doubt him, I remember the forest. The angel of mercy. With faith, we fight,” Reagan said, reaching out for her sister’s hand again. “Faith isn’t easy. Nana told me once it’s called a leap of faith for a reason. You can’t have it standing still.”

  “Wise woman.”

  Reagan smiled. “Yes. Definitely.”

  A knock at the door startled both women. First to her feet, Reagan went over and checked the peephole. Rowan. Grateful, and breathing a little easier, she opened the door and stepped into his arms.

  “Well, good morning,” he said.

  Reagan closed her eyes and indulged in a few heartbeats before pulling back. “A long night of dreams. Sorry. Are we ready to go?”

  He nodded. “You’ve got about fifteen minutes, but I wanted to make sure you were both up. There are a few stale pastries and some lukewarm coffee in the lobby if you’re interested.”

  “Well, after a sales pitch like that, who wouldn’t be?”

  His smile, and the way his eyes lit up, warmed Reagan’s heart.

  “Okay, smart aleck, get moving.”

  When he turned to go, Reagan resisted the urge to stare. After all, every detail of his body and face were seared into her memory. Well, not every detail, she thought. Her mind immediately went to Winona’s confession from the night before, glad she’d felt comfortable enough to confide in Reagan. Although she didn’t think Ricardo would hurt her sister, Reagan decided she’d have a chat with Rowan about it and see if he’d have a good, big brother type talk with his friend. Make sure he handled Winona with care. In actuality, Reagan didn’t know who was older, Rowan or Ricardo. She realized every day how little she knew about the people she trusted with her life.