Rebirth: The Sacred Isle Series

by K. E. Miller

  I went into the dark room and turned on the light, closing the door behind me. Without Aaron, the room seemed even barer than it had before, which I wouldn’t have thought possible. He had some books on his desk, but it appeared they were only his textbooks.

  There was nothing else sitting out anywhere in the room, except for two books on the small bookshelf in the corner. If his textbooks were all out on his desk, what could he possibly have on the bookshelf? I walked over to it. As I got closer, I realized that it was full of large old books. They seemed to appear out of nowhere. I took a step back and it once again looked like two lonely books. I stepped forward again and the large tomes reappeared.

  “It’s a displacement charm.”

  I jumped and spun around to see Aaron standing in the doorway, dressed in all black. He shut the door behind him.

  “I didn’t mean to…I wasn’t snooping…much,” I said, stumbling over my words in an effort to explain myself.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I trust you. After all, you’ve sworn to protect my beloved and if that doesn’t make you worthy of my trust I don’t know what will.”

  It surprised me to hear him call Shaylee his beloved. I’d known he had feelings for her, but he’d never expressed them so openly.

  Gesturing to the bookshelf he said, “I keep my most important books there. I placed the charm on them so any students who got a look in here would think it’s empty.”

  “Some of them look ancient.”

  “Well I’ve been around a long time, Jaden,” he said with a chuckle.

  “Yeah I know,” I replied. “It’s just easy to forget how old you really are.”

  “Why are you here, Jaden?” he asked, his smile disappearing.

  “Well, ever since I promised to protect Shaylee…ever since when I’m in the same room…”

  “You can sense what she is feeling. You feel her emotions as though they were your own,” Aaron finished for me.

  “Yes,” I replied with relief.

  “I’m no Warrior, but I believe that usually happens with the Warrior’s Oath.”

  Having it confirmed, a great deal of tension left me. Even though I’d been pretty sure that was what happened, I’d needed someone to confirm it so I knew I wasn’t crazy.

  “I guess you spoke to Shaylee,” he continued, sitting down on his bed.

  “I did. She has a huge welt on her arm in the shape of a hand,” I said, sitting down on his desk chair. “She also told me that last night at dinner, the reason she screamed was that there was a voice telling her to run. She says it’s the same voice as the man in her dream.”

  Aaron took the news calmly, but his face was slowly taking on a greenish tint.

  “What do we do now?” I asked.

  “What we can,” he replied, which didn’t sound promising to me.

  “What does that mean? I pressed. “I know I said I didn’t need to know everything, but this is about protecting Shaylee. That means I need to know. You said you trusted me.”

  I was starting to get frustrated. I didn’t need or want to know every single detail, but if I was going to put myself in harm’s way, I needed to know more than what he was telling me.

  “I do trust you, Jaden.” His expression and voice had softened. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to keep things from you, I just wanted to think it through before sharing.”

  “Oh, sorry,” I said, feeling ashamed by my pushiness.

  “Someone is tracking Shaylee,” he said, carefully studying my face as he spoke.

  “What do you mean?”

  “The spell that was used creates a connection. He can use it to find her. Anywhere. It has to be a member of the Council.”

  “The entire school is loyal to the Council,” I said, about to panic.

  “The school is loyal to the Council, but not directly involved,” he replied, not sounding at all concerned about the school. “Shaylee’s been safe here for years. I doubt anyone here reported our activity. If they had there would be Council Mages and Warriors all over this place, not one man using a spell. Do you know anything about the Dream Spell?”

  “I don’t really know anything about magic,” I replied.

  “It’s old magic,” he explained. “Rarely used. It was regulated long ago so that only the Council or someone of higher rank could use it, because once the connection is made it’s almost impossible to undo. I assure you; I didn’t do it. That only leaves…”

  “The Council,” I said, finishing for him.

  He nodded.

  “What do you mean it’s almost impossible to undo?”

  “The only way would be if the person responsible released Shaylee from the connection, or if he died.”

  “Great,” I said, dejectedly. “What if we contacted the Resistance? Maybe they could help us.”

  “It’s too dangerous. Right now, the Council only suspects she’s a threat, otherwise they would have torn this place apart by now. If we contact the Resistance and the Council discovers it they’ll destroy this place in order to make sure she never makes it through the transition. Or if we managed to run and the Mage tracking her followed her to the Resistance, the Council would destroy them.”

  “Then what are we going to do?” I asked, more concerned than ever.

  “Two days,” he said. “We only have two more days.”

  Seeing the determination in his eyes, I realized for the first time the depth of his feelings for Shaylee and how far he was willing to go for her.

  “All we can do is make sure she’s as safe as she can be,” he continued. “We shouldn’t leave her alone. It’s even more critical now that we know she’s being tracked.”

  I nodded in agreement. After what I’d just heard, I was determined that no matter what they couldn’t pry me away from Shaylee. I would die first.

  Chapter 16

  Shaylee

  I walked down a long corridor. The large windows to my right were allowing the late afternoon sun to stream in. I paused and admired the meadow and distant mountains that were visible. My heart filed with a deep sense of love. I felt at peace in this place.

  I continued down the corridor and turned at the last door. I walked into the large library and sighed, the sight of the vast book collection filling me with happiness. I walked past many aisles of shelves and stopped suddenly when I saw someone standing at the other end. I walked down the aisle and smiled, as he looked intently for a book, unaware of my presence.

  “May I help,” I asked.

  Aaron turned and smiled mischievously. His light brown hair was longer and almost obscured his eyes. His light clothing made him look extremely young.

  “If you like,” he replied. “Although I have a feeling the book, I’m looking for is already in your possession and most likely hidden in the piles of books you like to keep lying around.”

  He wrapped his arms around me and I relaxed into his embrace.

  “What book?” I asked.

  “It doesn’t matter. There are plenty of others to choose from. I’m certain I’ll be able to read it when you’re finished.” He reached up and gently brushed my hair away from my face.

  “I won’t know which book to finish if you don’t tell me the name,” I pointed out.

  “Don’t worry. There is plenty of time for me to read it when you’ve finished.”

  Just as I was about to suggest a book, I heard a noise.

  “Did you hear that?” I asked, pulling away from him.

  Feeling a presence at the end of the aisle, I turned to look. Aaron pulled me behind him, protectively. Fear gripped me, not because of the intruder, but because of Aaron’s reaction. He was tensed for a fight. I leaned to the side so I could see around him, but I couldn’t make out who approached us.

  I sat up and looked around my dark room. I immediately realized that I’d been having another dream. I was relieved that this dream hadn’t turned into a nightmare, but I was disturbed that it seemed
like it had been very close to becoming one.

  I got up and went to the bathroom. I turned on the light, aware that Jaden’s bed was empty. I turned on the faucet and got a glass of water. I turned off the light and walked back to bed.

  Just as I was about to get back into bed, there was a loud knock on the door. I jumped at the unexpected sound, almost spilling the water in my glass. I placed the glass on my nightstand and went over to the door and unlocked it.

  I opened the door, but no one was there. I looked out into the hallway and didn’t see anyone in either direction. I shut the door and went back to my bed. Just as I reached it, there was another knock, this time louder. I sighed and walked back over to the door and opened it. Again, there was no one. I glanced down the hallway and saw Katie Collins walking from the stairs to her room. I guessed that she was returning from her boyfriend’s room on the fifth floor.

  “Did you see anyone just now?” I asked.

  “No,” she answered, her annoyance obvious.

  I closed the door and waited. After about a minute, nothing else happened. I shrugged and turned to go back to bed.

  I froze, seeing his tall frame in the moonlight. I backed up against the door and fumbled around as I tried to find the doorknob.

  “Were you looking for me?” he asked, reaching for me. “You should have run when you had the chance.”

  Not knowing what else to do, I screamed.

  I sat up in bed, covered in sweat and still screaming. Comforting arms held me and I broke down into tears, overwhelmed by my nightmare.

  “Everything’s okay, Shay,” Jaden said as I cried on her shoulder. “Do you want to tell me about it?’”

  I shook my head, gripping her tighter at the thought of having to talk about it. We sat together for a long time. Finally, after I’d cried myself out and my eyes had dried, I pulled away. Even in the dark, I could see the concern in her eyes.

  “It wasn’t really that bad,” I said, trying to ease her concern, but faulty due to the rawness of my voice.

  “Shaylee Neale,” she said, looking suspicious. “I’m here to make you feel better. Don’t you dare lie to me in an attempt to make me feel better.”

  “Am I really that obvious?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

  She didn’t reply. She just continued staring at me with suspicion.

  “Alright,” I conceded. “It was a bad dream.”

  “Will you tell me about it?” she asked.

  I shrugged and looked away. I was embarrassed enough. I wasn’t sure I wanted to add to it.

  “Please, Shay. Just tell me what happened.”

  I sighed, knowing I was going to give in.

  ***

  A few hours later, I opened my eyes and saw the bright red numbers of the alarm clock glaring back at me. I had less than fifteen minutes before it would go off. I looked over at Jaden and saw the she was still asleep. She had never changed her clothes and was still wearing her rather crumpled looking uniform.

  Jaden had been obviously concerned by my dream, but she hadn’t made me feel worse about it. We’d stayed up talking until around three o’clock. I really didn’t understand what going on with my dreams, but at least Jaden didn’t make me feel crazy.

  I stared at the ceiling, not wanting to get up, but knowing I didn’t have enough time to go back to sleep. Right before the alarm went off, I turned it off. I dreaded the thought of going to class, but as much as I disliked the idea of listening to my teachers all day, the idea of detention was worse. Plus, the only way I would see Aaron, was if I went to class.

  I thought back on the first part of my dream. It secretly pleased me to have him be in my dream. I hardly recognized the feelings I was experiencing. Whenever I looked into his eyes, I got that strange familiar feeling that had been haunting me since his first day at Ardara. There were times I could almost hear what he was going to say before he would say it. I felt strangely connected to him.

  Finally deciding that I’d stalled long enough, I called Jaden’s name. My voice was raspy. I cleared my throat in the hopes that it would help and said her name again. A small crease formed on Jaden’s forehead.

  “I know you’re awake,” I told her.

  Jaden groaned and rolled over so all I could see was her back.

  “Get up, Jade.”

  When Jaden made no other sound or movement, I took one of my pillows and threw it at her. It landed skillfully on her head and she sat up.

  “What gives?” she asked.

  “It’s time to get up,” I explained.

  “Yeah, I got that. I don’t see you getting up.”

  I sat up and got out of bed.

  “I’m up now,” I laughed.

  We got ready for class, laughing as we teased each other. It had been ages since we’d had such an easy-going morning. I was enjoying myself so much that I was almost sad to go down to breakfast. It was only the thought of seeing Aaron there that kept me going.

  When we got there, I decided against food and just got a cup of hot water and a tea bag. We walked over to our table and I released a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding when I saw Aaron already sitting there.

  I sat down next to him and leaned my head against his shoulder. He surprised me by kissing the top of my head. I felt safe and peaceful by his side, unlike how I felt anywhere else.

  I sat up and began brewing my tea, barely aware of the conversation Aaron and Jaden were having. I tried to allow myself to feel happy, but my contentment seemed to lessen with every second as my mind began going over recent events. I hoped the future would be less of an adventure.

  Chapter 17

  Aaron

  I quickly noticed that Shaylee wasn’t paying attention. She seemed to be in her own world and it suddenly occurred to me that it might be better for the time being. Jaden and I shared a look and I knew she saw it too. She continued chatting about one of her homework assignments and commented at the appropriate times.

  After a few minutes of meaningless, conversation, Jaden seemed to run out of things to talk about. Our table became silent and Jaden picked at her food as she watched Shaylee stare off into space.

  “She had another dream,” Jaden said softly, starring at Shaylee as she spoke.

  “Bad?” I asked.

  Jaden nodded.

  “Started off as a dream about you in a library. Then she thought she woke up, but it was still a dream. The same guy was there.”

  I pushed aside my fear, knowing it wouldn’t be helpful for me to dwell on my inability to protect her in her dreams.

  “I’ll patrol the grounds tonight,” I said. “I don’t know why he would cast the spell again when he’s already made the connection, but we can’t be too careful.”

  “It should be me,” Jaden said. “As a Warrior, I’m better at picking up on movement and sounds that shouldn’t be there.”

  “I want you to stick close to Shaylee,” I argued.

  “Aaron, I’m the one best suited to patrolling the campus. We both know it. You stay with, Shay.”

  “She’ll be safer with you.”

  “Oh, please.” Jaden rolled her eyes.

  “Jaden, I know you believe that I am strong and powerful-“

  “If you’re going to tell me that you would be less capable of handling anything the could happen,” she said, cutting me off. “stop right there. It’s a load of crap and you know it.”

  “I am not denying who I am or what I’m capable of, but I know if something happens you won’t see a familiar face and hesitate. You’ll simply do what needs to be done to protect her. If they send someone I’ve known for centuries, I’m not sure what I’ll do.”

  Jaden stared at me, as though she were trying to read my thoughts. Her eyes narrowed as she contemplated her response.

  “You’re not being fully honest with yourself if you think you’re going to hesitate to do what needs to be done to protect her,” she finally said. “I’m patrolling tonight and that’s final. You can h
ave a night of guarding Shay to come to terms with how you really feel. Hopefully you’ll finally realize that your fear isn’t doing us any favors.”

  Her ability to read me caught me off guard. Perhaps she was right and my fear was clouding my judgement.

  “I’ll see you guys later,” she said and left the table.

  “Are you ready to go to class?” I asked Shaylee.

  She nodded and we made our way to Anatomy, my thoughts a whirlwind of activity as I worked to get a handle on my fear. I wasn’t just afraid that Shaylee would be killed or harmed, I was also afraid that at the end of the day I would be right and she was just a human. Even though I’d decided to stay with her regardless, it would still be a hard blow.

  ***

  Shaylee barely spoke during Anatomy. I walked her to her English class and stood outside the door. After the bell rang, the few students still wandering the hallway glanced at me suspiciously, but none of the teachers seemed to notice I was there, or if they did, they knew better than to get involved in my business. I kept watch and was fully aware that my day was going to be extremely boring.

  The bell ran again and I walked Shaylee to her government class. She didn’t seem surprised to see me waiting for her in the hallway. She barely seemed to notice me at all. Again, I stood in hallway during her class. Leaning against the wall, I allowed my mind to wander as I waited for the hour-long class to end.

  We sat in our usual seats when we got to Italian. I was glad I got to stay with her for this class. Once Andrew released us, we went to the library as usual. Shaylee took notes as we went through the vocabulary, but she didn’t seem to really be present. It was obvious that her mind was focused something else. It wasn’t until we had finished the assignment that I finally decided to get her attention.

  “Shaylee, are you alright?” I asked.

  “Yeah,” she responded right away, but it was obvious to me that she had barely heard what I’d said.