Eden's Mark

by D. M. Sears

  Just then, a gust of warm air circled around my companions. It was searching them for the same sincerity as Gregor and I had displayed. Apparently, she liked Maiya and Koren, as the ground opened up and formed a cave for us to walk into. I bowed my head, “Thank you for such a great gift. You have honored us.” I let my love flow into my energy and back into the ground, showing my gratitude for her coming to our aid. I let the aura go and joined everyone in the cave.

  Once we were inside, soil and rocks closed off the front while the ground before us expanded into a wide cave, giving us plenty of room to stretch out. Other spaces off the main area created places for us to deposit bags and change clothes in privacy. The earth was so warm that we wouldn’t need a fire. I felt at home here, in the ground. The minerals hummed to me and I could feel my energy restoring.

  “That was terrific, truly. It is such a gift to be accepted by the one who governs the earth and the life of our world.” Koren was putting bags down and Maiya held her hand against the soft dirt of the walls, eyes closed, muttering something in her own language. Koren noticed my staring, “Maiya is giving thanks her own way.”

  I watched as the two of them went around the corner into one of the rooms. I went into another of the openings and went through my bag of drenched clothes. I stripped down to my undergarments, hoping to find something dry. I ended up slumping down on the dirt frustrated. Everything was wet. I tried to remember the spell Val taught me to dry things, but my mind was mush and I felt my limbs grow heavy. Warm hands wrapped around my upper body, making me jump.

  “Did I scare you, my heart?” I turned to see that sultry look on Gregor’s face.

  “Maybe. I wasn’t expecting you to come over here, I am changing, you know.” I tried to act nonchalant about the whole thing, but I was a terrible actor.

  “I see no changing; I see you slumped over on the ground in distress. What is wrong?”

  I leaned against him and the light that showed our love glowed dimly around us. “All my things are soaked and I can’t remember, for the life of me, the spell to dry things.” I was getting upset for no reason at all.

  “These things will dry, there is no need to be so upset over some wet clothes. Here, try this…you know how you hold an image in your mind when you want to change form, well , do that same thing, only imagine clothes instead of an animal.”

  “You mean, like glamour?” I had never tried that before. That was not on my top to do list of spells to learn.

  “Sort of, imagine the cloth, the texture, the color, any detail you can.”

  I closed my eyes and thought of the jersey sweatshirt I wear when it’s cold outside, the familiar jeans that are so worn in they are like a second skin on me, my wooly socks, and my favorite Chuck Taylor’s. I felt every stitch of clothing as if it were really on me. I closed my arms over my chest as I thought of these and felt long sleeves on my arm. I quickly opened my eyes and saw myself clothed. I beamed at Gregor. “How did I…what did I do?”

  “You have powers of the fey as well, remember, Marcus was full Fey. They can cause anything natural to appear, material made of natural fibers, things out of wood, metal, stone…these are fairy traits. Their clothes are much sought after in our world. It only seemed right that you could do this as well.” Gregor squeezed me and I snuggled into the nook of his arm.

  My vampire.

  Yours forever, my heart.

  “You will have to tell me other things I might be able to do.” I kissed his cheek as I laid my head back against his shoulder. “I love you.”

  I closed my eyes and enjoyed feeling him behind me, unafraid of our light attracting attention. He tightened his grip around me and we fell asleep in our little alcove.

  The small girl with the dark curls invaded my dreams. I saw her running to Gregor laughing. They were in our meadow by the stream and he was spinning her in the air. The toddler looked at me, my heart swelled. I knew she was my child and I felt so much happiness that I began to weep in my dream. The pair of them sent my heart soaring.

  I must have really been crying because Gregor woke me with a start. “Eden, what is it? You’re crying.”

  “It’s nothing bad, it was a good dream. I saw you, in our meadow, with a small child. She had long jet-black curls that hung to her waist. You were spinning her around by the stream. I think she was our daughter.” My voice was hushed and I was trying to keep from crying.

  “A daughter, really? How do you know she was ours?” I heard his voice go a little higher in excitement.

  “I don’t know for sure, but it was a feeling I got. This isn’t the first time I have seen her in my dreams either. The night we…um…well, that night, I saw her again. I first saw her when we kissed months ago, only this time it was much clearer.” I rolled over facing Gregor.

  “I, too, had a similar vision when we kissed, but I have not had any other images of the child. Why didn’t you tell me? You have the sight, this could really mean we will have a daughter someday. Guess this means you are stuck with me.” His mile warmed me and we kissed, causing a spark of light to ignite between us.

  “I am definitely not ready to be a mom yet, so just reel in that train of thought. Somewhere down the line, I would love to have our baby, but right now, I am just too young.”

  “We have plenty of time; besides, you may get sick of me before that happens.”

  I nudged him in the ribs gently, “That, my broody vampire, will never happen. I will never let you go, unless I am dead, and even then I will find a way to haunt you”. I giggled and snuggled in as close as I could.

  Gregor got serious and tightened his grip, “Do not even joke like that, Eden. I never want to think of you that way. I will make sure you live for a very long time.”

  “Our poor daughter, when she is here, she is going to have a rough time with dear ol’ dad.” I laughed a little harder. “Our poor child will never be allowed to date…ever.”

  “She will not need to date, no one will be good enough anyways.”

  “And so it begins, before we even have conceived her.” I rolled my eyes and felt Gregor’s full lips on mine.

  I kissed him back, putting my arms around him. He shifted me onto his lap and held me against his chest. I relaxed and let myself connect to his essence. His life was so bright and when it touched mine, it was like an explosion. Wave after wave of love crashed through me with every touch of his hands, lips…I let myself be taken away in the tide of our desire for each other. I was bound to him by his unbreakable oath to be my protector, warrior, and mate for life. Gregor was tied to me by the essence I absorbed that was his. No matter what we had planned for ourselves, we were now and forever each other’s.

  I rested my head on his bare shoulder, marveling at his muscles, his perfectly broody face, his coal-colored hair, and his turbulent eyes. I was feeling lucky; this gorgeous man lying beside me finds me appealing enough to pledge himself to me.

  I find you more than just “appealing” Eden. You are my weakness. Never have I come across another female that lights me up on the inside. You are my first and only, forever.

  You’re a good liar. With all the beautiful women that I have seen here, there is no way you have never had a girlfriend before.

  I tell you true. I have never dated, nor looked upon any other woman as I do with you. You are my only “girlfriend,” as you say.

  How did other females like that?

  I had only one female friend as a youth. I lost track of her when I came to your world to protect you.

  I see. Poor woman. I bet it killed her that you never made a move, or the oath for that matter.

  I told you that oath binds forever. To make that oath with someone that isn’t meant for you would cause both people to turn to darkness.

  Wow. I guess I didn’t think about that. Hmm, so we really are meant for one another.

  We are, and I am thrilled. You are my wife, by vampire law, and I am your husband. I know the mages have their own ceremony that Valora and
I were discussing. We will follow through with it once things are settled. Then, by both sides, we will be official, even though it already is.

  So then “husband,” why did I not get a honeymoon?

  Well, “wife,” I thought our little meadow was as good of a place as any for a so-called “honeymoon.” That word makes no sense at all, if you want to get right down to it.

  Gregor sat up and put on his serious face.

  Do you really need to go to a different location to moon over your honey? I ask you; can you not show admiration to your loved one in your own home? This makes no sense to me.

  Gregor, it’s not like that. The honeymoon gives you a chance to be together in a place that makes you happy without everyone and their brother getting in the way. You know, it’s your own piece of heaven for a while. Besides, you are right.

  I am?

  Yes you are, our meadow was the perfect place. I want to put a house there for us. It will be perfect and ours alone.

  Ours.

  I yawned as he spoke to me.

  Let’s try to get some actual sleep, my heart, the rain is still coming down and we cannot do anything but rest and wait.

  We snuggled down together and I imagined a down comforter the color of Gregor’s eyes. As it covered us, I let the song from the earth sing me to sleep.

  Chapter Twenty

  Two days passed while we stayed dry in our little cave underground, wondering when the storm was going to lighten up. I couldn’t complain too much. Snuggling with Gregor every night was amazing.

  I knew that we would have to make a plan, no matter how much I was enjoying my vampire cuddle time. The second night we all gathered to discuss our new strategy.

  “When the storm passes, we could shift into flying forms and fly the rest of the way. It would be easier and Gregor, you could ride. It makes sense.” Koren passed around strips of salted dried meat and small red fruits that tasted like kiwi.

  “We will be too exposed in the air if Gregor rides. I think it is wise to continue as we were until we reach the forest; it can’t be more than a few hours from here. The real question is, once we get to the forest, how will we pick up Amend’s trail?” Maiya took a small sip from her waterskin and looked at Gregor for answers.

  I looked at my three traveling companions and felt guilty for dragging them into this. Who knew if we would actually find Amend, or what would happen if we were attacked? This was turning into a hot mess very fast.

  “Koren has a point with flying. The three of you could fly to the forest edge and I could catch up at dusk. You wouldn’t be out of place nor would you look suspicious to anyone traveling nearby. Once I reached you, we would try and pick up a trail from there. If we cannot, our best bet would be to spread out and comb the forest. Each night we agree to meet at a rendezvous point and share what information we have gathered.” Gregor made eye contact with each of us as he spoke. “Does anyone have any qualms with what I have said?” He sat quietly waiting for a response.

  “I do.” I gazed at my vamp across from me. “I don’t think I am comfortable splitting up. I am still new to my powers and let’s face it, I tend to get into trouble. I would feel safer with everyone together. Also, why leave in the morning? I say we leave at dusk and you can follow under us or I try a cloaking spell and you can ride. It is worth a shot.” I want to show that I can strategize as well. It is hard being around people that always know more and can do better than you all the time.

  “She has a point, Gregor. Eden has been targeted. There is no telling what is tracking her. If she were to get attacked, who would be able to get to her in time if we are all separated?” Maiya gave me a quick wink that no one else seemed to notice. I knew she would understand.

  “I had no intentions of letting Eden out of my sight. She will be with me no matter what. I will not allow anything to harm her.” Gregor set his smoky gaze on me causing my body to heat. “We will leave at dusk tomorrow and we will try the cloaking spell. If that does not work, I will travel on the ground and you will fly ahead of me. Are we agreed?”

  In unison, we all agreed. We tried resting and repacking for hours to get us through until dusk. By the time we were ready to leave, we were all a little stir-crazy. The cave opened up and we each stepped out one by one, thanking the earth for her protection and shelter.

  The crisp night air blew around us, making a whistling sound. Something felt off to me. I pushed it to the back of my mind, but my wrist flared up in alarm. Danger was lurking somewhere, I could feel its slimy essence in black shadows.

  Gregor, do you sense what I do? I have a horribly uneasy feeling.

  What do you feel, Eden? I am not sensing anything, but if you tell me something is amiss, then I believe you.

  I can’t put my finger on it, but something is out there. I just know it. We need to cloak and right now!

  Do it, I am here to protect you. Koren…Maiya…be ready to shift when Eden cloaks us. She senses something foul out in the dark.

  We will be ready.

  I nodded at my companions and raised my hands in front of me. Grounding myself, trying to ignore the stench, I repeated the phrase in my head taught by Val. I felt the burn take over my body and the funnel of energy surround me cloaking us. Maiya and Koren were already birds in the air flying towards the forest. As the heat and energy dissipated, two shadows came at our location. They sniffed around trying to pick out our distinct smells from the sulfuric stench given off by the blue rocks.

  Sweat beaded my forehead as Gregor and I quietly worked our way through the rock piles away from the shadows. I was nervous, to say the least. I worried that my steps were too loud.

  Easy, Eden. Do not get worked up. Slow and steady. Just follow in my exact steps.

  I am trying.

  You are doing great, my heart.

  A drip of sweat fell from my brow and hit a rock sending my scent into the night air. The shadows’ heads went up as they caught my smell. Frenzied wails came from their overly-stretched mouths, signaling others. Shadows came out of nowhere, tracking my scent, coming right at me.

  Gregor, go! I will keep them busy.

  Absolutely not! I will not let you become bait. I will busy them and you get out of here.

  They want my scent. Get to the forest and I will lead them to you.

  I allowed myself to be seen by the shadows. Almost immediately, they were frantic to reach me. I took off in my super-speed, hoping to get them away from Gregor.

  Eden, you must shift, it will be safer. They can’t reach you in the air.

  Gregor was following behind me and we raced on towards Yoli Forest.

  I can’t focus enough to change. Go around me, Gregor. I won’t let them hurt you.

  I am not leaving you! You have to train yourself to change no matter the circumstances. It may be the one thing that saves your life! Now do it!

  Gregor…I want to, but at the moment I am a little busy trying to run.

  All I cared about was getting the shadows away from Gregor and towards my friends to help me fight. My pulse was rapid under my skin and my mark burned, wanting to release the built-up energy coursing through my veins.

  Eden…NOW! You must, my heart, it is the only way.

  I chanced a peek behind me and saw shadows emerging from unknown places extending claws as we rushed past them. Gregor was right; I had to be able to shift at a moment’s notice. I tried to focus on a large bird, a hawk. I pictured a huge golden hawk in my mind with fierce talons and a razor-sharp beak. I pushed at myself to focus and call on my energy. I felt the change happen and I began to take flight. I dropped the bags on the ground and made my way towards the shadows that were filing in behind Gregor.

  EDEN! Don’t go after them. Just fly to Koren and Maiya. Stay safe!

  I will not let them have you!

  I yelled this so all would hear me. I got their attention long enough to confuse them just a bit. I flew at one using my lethal talons to grab his arms. My claws sunk deep and the shad
ow screamed at me scratching my hawk legs with his own vicious nails. I raised him high above the ground and dropped him, bones crunching as he hit. Gregor seethed at me from below. There was no time to deal with that now.

  I felt the shade’s poison in my scratches. I pushed the weakness down and summoned my energy to help block the pain. My vamp was in trouble and I was going to help. I went after another but he ducked away from me and I let out a scream of frustration. My hawk whipped around to come at the shadow from the left.

  The cloaking spell I put on Gregor kept him just outside their reach, but it would soon wear off and then we would be in trouble. I continued to dive at the shadows and injure them with my beak and talons. We were approaching the forest edge when I heard two large birds come to our aide.

  We are here to help, Eden, what do you want us to do?

  Get them away from Gregor! The cloaking spell is fading!

  As soon as I passed that on to my friends, a shadow raked his infected claws down Gregor’s back, leaving a bloody trail. I watched my vampire turn in mid-run and grab the shadow by his throat. The fetid flesh melted off the shade’s throat, around Gregor’s hand, locking them together. It took everything I had not to lose my form and vomit right there. Gregor reared his head back and called on Mother Earth for help. Army ants and botflies materialized under the shadow, crawling up his leg and over his rotting flesh. Before my eyes, they devoured the shadow until nothing remained.

  I lost my train of thought as I watched the insects eat the shadow. I fell from the sky towards the earth in my human form. Maiya was quick to catch me. I fell onto soft feathers as she continued the assault on the remaining two shadows. Gregor ran up beside her and I leaped into his arms. We ran to the edge of the forest and watched the last two shades ripped apart by Koren and Maiya.