Luka sighs and reaches for my hand. I pull away with a shake of my head. I did what I needed to do to survive, and yet I crossed some ethical line I didn't even know existed until now. A line I never gave much thought to until now. So, he is upset with me?
A shake rattles the building. Everyone huddles to the ground as part of the roof crumbles. Luka is next to me in an instant, pulling me beneath him.
“It’s the Wraiths,” Kasik announces. “Everyone to their posts. They have commandeered the eastern portal. We must secure the city.” Kasik kicks at some debris as he walks toward the door. “Luna, sound the alarm.”
Luka pulls me off the ground and begins to pull me toward the doors. “How does he know?” I ask as we race down the stairs.
“Alec. He’s able to get messages anywhere instantly,” Luka says through breaths.
“Where are we going?” I race to keep up with Luka.
“Home. We will await orders as to our next move. More than likely this is an isolated attack. Every few years they stumble across one of our portals and attempt to enter the city through it.”
“They can't come through?” That’s news.
“No, only a Shade or someone with a Shade can get through. All part of our magical protection.”
So, who brought Talon through the portals?
Chaos has erupted in the city of Hollows Ground. Everyone is in panic mode as they race to their desired destinations. A howling noise echoes through the streets, alerting everyone of the possible breach. Gates slam shut around the markets as parents scoop their children up and run for their homes.
Another shake rattles the city as we turn down Luka’s street. For the first time, I see others out as they to head to their homes. We bound up his stair and with a swipe of his finger, we’re safely tucked within his four walls. Luka slams the door behind him with a deafening click and then sags against it, blowing out a harsh breath. Our eyes meet and for a moment nothing else exists. I’m so confused when it comes to Luka. When it comes to my loyalty. When it comes to who to trust. I just don't know what to do anymore.
“I can feel your anxiety. It’s pouring off you in waves.”
I slide to the ground and hug my knees, my eyes still lost in Luka’s brown ones. He doesn't move, just assesses me from the door. I know I will need to make some decisions today. Whatever is going on outside isn't an isolated attack. I can feel it in my bones. The Wraiths are coming and they won't be leaving without a fight. Do I trust Luka, trust what he’s told me, shown me? Or do I go with my gut? The gut that's telling me the Shades aren't as good as Luka thinks. That everything he thinks they are is a lie. Everything he’s fought for, trained for, isn't true. Or maybe I’m wrong. Maybe, maybe I'm missing something.
“I don’t know what’s right anymore,” I blurt.
Luka slides down the door and mirrors my position across from me. “You’ve changed so much these past few weeks. The first day we met you were scared of everything. Scared to live.” Luka scoots closer to me. “Now―”
“It’s not my visions I fear most. They haunted me, controlled every second of each day. I never tried to control them. It never even crossed my mind I could. My visions were a curse, not some magical gift.”
Luka’s eye follow my movements as I push a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “But now, after just a few weeks you have control.”
“Some.” I shrug. “For the first time I am able to see other aspects of my life. It’s not just nightmare after nightmare. I can see a future. I can have things I never knew I could have before.”
“And that scares you?” Luka asks.
“The decisions I know I’ll have to make scare me.” I drop my eyes from Luka’s. “I’m not sure I can be in this fight. I don’t know who is right and who is wrong. I don’t know who to trust.”
“I’ve lived my entire life as a Shade. Neither the Shades nor the Wraiths are innocent. But I do believe the Shades are true. I trust their beliefs, their goals. We don’t want innocents to get hurt. We don’t want a war. We just want to live.”
Luka only knows one side. Of course, the Shades would want him to believe they are the good side since they need him in their fight. And they could be the right side, the side I should be on. But I just don't know. The faces of the Gypsies being hoarded into the safe house haunt me. The comradeship I observed between the Gypsies and the Wraiths. None of it makes sense.
“I brought you into this. Before me, you were so innocent. You knew nothing of this war. It was me who put you in this position,” Luka mutters.
“You gave me the chance to have a life.” I pause and look back over at Luka. His eyes are focused on a spot on the floor. “And I was no innocent. I’ve always been a part of this war and I didn't even know it. I’m responsible for thousands of deaths. Thousands. Not once until that day we met did I ever try to stop one. I owe you. And in return, the Shades. It’s because of you that I now have a chance.”
The realization hits hard. I do owe the Shades. Without them I’d still be hidden away in my room being terrorized day after day.
“I’m sorry for what I said earlier.” Luka pulls my arms from my knees and tugs me closer. “I never saw your gift as a weapon. I saw it as a way to save lives. I didn’t realize you also could kill.” He blinks down at me.
He still only sees the good.
“I didn’t either. Not until I saw it. Saw the choice was mine,” I mumble against Luka’s chest as he pulls me even closer to him.
“I still never should have been angry at you. You're alive.” Luka squeezes my shoulders. “Luna would have killed you, I have no doubt. Wait.” Luka pulls back and looks at me. “You really saw her death?”
I nod. “It wasn’t today. I haven’t saved her yet.”
“But you told her she would die by your hands.”
I nod again as the vision replays in my mind. Nothing around me looks familiar. I have no idea when this takes place. But it’s my knife that ends her life.
“It just adds to my confusion with all of this. I just don’t know what the right decisions are.”
“In the end, it’s your choice. I will stand by whatever choices you make.” Luka’s fingers twirl my hair.
“Even if I choose to go against you? Against the Shades?” I pull back to see his expression. Unlike him, I can’t feel what one feels.
“I can't make you believe what I do. All I can do is show you what I know, what I feel.” His hand finds my cheek as he caresses my cheekbone. He pulls me closer and rests his forehead on mine. “I just want you to be happy, and for once in your life, you can be.”
I breathe in Luka’s scent as I reiterate his words. Happy. Until Luka, I was anything but happy. I spent my days looking forward to when Ana would stop by with new materials. The few minutes a week I’d spend with her was the only respite I ever received. To this day, I never knew why she took care of me and now I may never know. I wonder if she misses me, if she had also looked forward to our brief moments together.
“Hey.” Both of Luka’s hands frame my face. “What just happened? Your feelings are all over the place.”
“I was just thinking about the brief moments I thought I was happy. Truth is, they don't compare to some of the moments I've had with you these past weeks. You’re right. I forgot what it was like. The nightmares just drowned out everything I once knew.”
The pads of Luka’s thumbs wipe away the tears I didn’t know had begun to fall. “Things are different now. You have me, and I promise you always will, no matter what choices you make.”
Luka’s lips meet mine in a soft caress. It’s over quickly, but the feeling behind it lingers.
“We should―” Luka clears his voice. “We both need to get some sleep. Who know what the next few hours will bring?”
I am exhausted. With little sleep the last few nights and then the fight with Luna, I’m running on fumes. Nodding, we untangle from each other and stand. Luka strokes my cheek with his fingers as he attempts to pull himself
together. His emotions are high, just like mine. I don’t need to be an empath to feel them. His eyes show me everything.
“You just left the hospital,” I laugh as I scrub my hand over my face. “I’m sure you’re supposed to be taking it easy, not traipsing all over the city and now a fight or whatever is about to happen.”
Luka smiles. “I’m fine. Remember we have magic here. Magic can fix almost anything.”
With a smile, I retreat to my room. I go to shut my door and a hand stops me. I look over my shoulder to Luka. His fingers thread through his hair, leaving his blonde hair sticking up. His eyes are clouded. An unknown emotion hits me.
“I am sorry, Ela. I should have never reacted the way I did. If something had happened to you, I’m not sure what I would do. To know my own could hurt you.” His chin drops to his chest with a sigh.
“None of that was your fault.” The need to comfort him is undeniable.
“I know. Doesn't mean it doesn't feel like it is.” He pulls me into a tight hug and breathes in my hair. “Sleep well. If you need anything, I’ll be right down the hall.” Luka loosens his arms around me and drops a kiss on the top of my head.
Nodding, I turn and walk into my room. I decide to leave the door open. For once, I don't want to hide away. I quickly shower, change and jump into bed. An eerie light illuminates my room from the dulled moon, and the sound of the siren can still be heard outside. I wonder when the threat will be over.
I close my eyes and think about the threat ahead and whether or not I can actually fight off the Wraiths.
***
I wake up in a cold sweat. My heart rate spikes as I fall out of bed and onto the ground. A vision. One I had hoped to never see. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, Luka will die. The Wraiths will kill him. And I can’t stop it.
I barrelled down the hall and through Luka’s door. I don’t bother to knock or announce myself. My body trembles as I take in his sleeping form. How am I to save him? He looks so peaceful. Alive.
“Ela?” Luka’s groggy voice pierces my thoughts. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?
Stumbling over, I drop down on the side of his bed. Being the gentleman that Luka is, he is by my side in an instant. He grabs my face and tilts my head back until his eyes meet mine.
“You’re crying. What happened?” He wipes my tears away.
“I saw it,” I mumble, taking in his own glistening eyes.
“Saw what, Ela?” he asks, pulling me into his side.
“Your death,” I whisper, afraid to say it too loud.
Luka’s body relaxes beneath mine as he lets loose an audible sigh. “Everyone dies. It makes sense you’d see mine eventually.”
I shake my head. “You don’t understand. I know when and it’s soon.”
“Lucky for me I know this super powerful woman with the gift of second sight.” He tightens his hold around me.
“I can’t stop it. Not unless you leave. Leave with me. Tonight. Right now.” My voice raises. Why didn’t I think of this before? If Luka isn't here to fight then there's no way he could die here.
“Slow down. Tell me what you saw.” He drops his forehead to the top of my head.
“Tomorrow, there's going to be a fight. It’s the Wraiths. They kill you.”
“Are you sure?” Luka pulls back from me a bit. “We need to let Kasik know. He must get the soldiers in place. Do you know where it is? The fight, where are we?”
“Are you crazy?” I jump off the bed. “You need to leave. You can’t be anywhere near that fight.”
“I won't leave, Ela, this is my job. What I’ve spent my life training for.”
“You will die. Do you understand that? I can't save you.” I pace in front of him.
“I can’t leave. But I won't stop you from leaving.”
“Leave? You think I'm just going to leave you here to die?” Figures now that he’s giving me the chance to leave, I’m going to stay.
“You’ve saved how many Shades already? Tomorrow you can add me to the list. I trust you and your gift.” He blocks my path.
“I can’t save everyone,” I whisper.
“I know. But I can't leave.” His hands find the nape of my neck and he holds me in place.
“And if I lose you too?”
“You’re strong.” His forehead rests on mine. “And now you have a home. A home where you're no longer alone. With or without me, you will survive. Just as you have the past eight years.”
“I―”
We tumble to the ground as the floor shakes beneath us. Luka grabs me and pulls me to the doorjamb just as another quake hits us. The clinking of pictures and knickknacks falling surrounds us as the ground beneath us groans. The Wraiths are getting closer. If they aren't already here. A second siren echoes through the hall, this one much higher and urgent.
“We have to head to the great hall. We’ve had a breach. The Wraiths are here.”
Luka pulls away and throws open one of his drawers. He throws me a black jacket and two knives. “Let's go.”
We stumble through the debris in the hallway and make our way out the door. My hands slap to my ears as the sirens roar. No one but other soldiers are around. We are quickly ushered to the great hall where Kasik is pacing, barking orders.
“You two.” Kasik points to Luka and me. “Head north. All four portals have been compromised. We are setting a perimeter around the city. No Wraith must enter.”
“Yes, Sir,” Luka answers and spins back around.
I race behind him, struggling to keep up. Luka is focused and ready for battle. His impending death is all I can focus on. I think about what’s north. Maxwell’s farm. I would have recognized that area if that was the setting of my vision. I blow out a rough breath, thankful for a familiar terrain.
We hit the dirt path leading to Maxwell’s at a dead sprint. The ground beneath us is at a constant roll as quake after quake hits Hollows Ground.
“Stop!” I scream toward Luka as a vision racks my body.
Luka stops immediately just as two Wraiths jump in front of us. I saw them kill Luka, but that’s not how I saw it last night. Is this one of those times I’ve already changed? This is all so confusing, but now is not the time to think about it.
Both Wraiths charge toward Luka, long swords held in front of them. Luka spins his 8-inch knife in his hand as the three of them dance around each other. Both Wraiths completely ignore me. My own knives feel heavy in my hands as I watch the first Wraith attempt to take Luka’s head off. He successfully ducks under the sword and charges at the Wraith, plunging his knife into the man’s gut. As if in slow motion, the other Wraith sneaks up behind Luka, ready to make a deadly plunge.
Without thinking, I jump on the Wraith’s back. I try to pull him to the ground but the man is easily twice my size. I hang on for dear life as he attempts to dislodge my arms from around his neck. Unfortunately, my knives are pointed down instead of in. My legs dangle above the ground as the man tries to knock me off.
“Why are you here?” Luka grunts at the Wraith I’m hanging from.
I jump off and hold my knives out in front of me behind the Wraith. Luka’s bloody knife is out and ready to fight as he awaits his answer.
“To stop the Shades. The same reason we have been fighting you for centuries.” The Wraith growls as he takes a step toward Luka. His broad, muscular frame tenses as he prepares to fight.
“Stop them from what?” I ask, my eyes not leaving the enormous man.
“Killing those who do not make them stronger. Anyone who they deem lesser.” He punctuates each word.
“You have it wrong. It’s you who kill.” Luka flexes his arms, preparing for battle.
“You are an empath, are you not?”
Luka’s eyebrows arch as he takes in the knowledge that this Wraith knows who he is.
“Then you feel the truth. I have no reason to lie to you.”
“But you do to her.” Luka’s chin arches toward me. “You’d love to convince her to join your side.
”
“Once she sees the truth, neither of us will have to convince her of anything.” The Wraith drops his sword and opens his arms out wide. “You want to kill me? Go ahead and try.”
“Thank you.” Luka swipes his knife toward his head only to be met with air. Just like that, the Wraith is gone. “Ugh. I knew he was too calm.”
“He left his sword.” I nod toward the handle sticking out of the dirt.
“Leave it, it’s probably cursed or something.” Luka rushes toward me. “Are you okay?” His eyes travel the length of my body.
“Yeah, I’m fine. They basically ignored me. Guess I’m not that high of a threat to them.”
“I don’t believe that for a second.” He grabs my hand. “Let’s keep going.”
Wilted corn stalks greet us the closer we get to Maxwell’s. Debris litters the driveway. In the distance, we can hear the Shades fighting off the Wraiths as they attempt to breach the city limits.
“Mirela,” a gravelly voice calls from behind us.
I quickly turn and come face-to-face with a green-eyed Wraith. One I’ve met before.
“Talon?” Luka questions from beside me.
“Now’s not the time.” Talon glares at Luka. “We must go.”
Luka steps in front of me. “Where exactly do you think you will go?”
“You’ve turned your back your whole life, Luka. I’m not here for you. It’s Mirela who needs to see. She is the one who can help.”
“Help what?” I ask as I push Luka to the side. If Talon was going to hurt me, he already had the perfect chance to do so.
“The safe house as the Shades call it. The Gypsies are being slaughtered as we speak.”
“By your own kind,” Luka interjects. “Call them off. Go home.”
“The Shades are killing them. Something you would know if you had ever opened your eyes. The truth has been dangling in front of you since the death of your parents.”
“My parents aren't dead. What you did to them is worse than death.” Luka flexes his knife.
Second Sight (Hollows Ground Book 1) Page 11
