“How was Europe?” Mom asks.
Wait. What? Kieran must have told them something about my absence. “Long. I’ll tell you guys as much as I can, but for now, I just need to hold you guys.”
Once my parents settle down, we stop crying, and of course after Mom made me a quick sandwich.
“Go rest, but then you’re going to have to give us something.”
I excuse myself to go rest. I couldn’t tell them where I was, who kidnapped me, or why. Plus, Kieran or Shay needs to tell me what, if anything, they’ve told them, so our stories line up.
Taking the steps up to my bedroom, I stop in Stella’s room and grab her cell phone to text Shay.
Stella: Zoe here. Can you come over later? I’m going to rest for a bit.
Immediately, I get a response.
Shay: I’m already here.
I push open my bedroom door and find Shay leaning against the windowsill. God, I’ve missed him.
He’s dressed in all black: boots, jeans, and T-shirt.
“Close the blinds,” I say as I shut my door. With everything that I now know of Aiden, the last thing I need for him is to spy on me through his own window. “I left my family downstairs because I didn’t know what story you’ve told them. They haven’t asked me anything except to inquire about Europe. I’ll probably have to go into the police station and give a report or something.”
“No, Zoe, you won’t have to do that.” Shay opens his arms. I step into his embrace and place my head in the crook of his neck. “Kieran’s taken care of it. As for your parents, we told them that you went on a trip. A few days after ... when ... Michael stopped by and Mind Wiped them.”
“Is that why my Mom was acting all weird?” I look up into his aqua eyes. I’ve missed them so much.
“Probably. He used only a bit, just enough to cloud memories. They know you’ve been gone, but it’s like a day to them.”
“And Stella?”
“She was a bit harder to wipe because she believed so strongly you were kidnapped.” Shay brushes my hair from my face. “Michael told her that you’re on a summer trip, and it was a deal of a lifetime, and that’s why you missed your last weeks of school.”
“I don’t think she bought it. I watched her in the speculo. She knows something.”
“Possibly. I’ll let Kieran know.” He presses his forehead to mine. “Can I see your wings again?” He grins sheepishly.
Every time I need my wings, they appear faster. I don’t need to really think about them anymore. They are a part of me now.
Purple light bounces off my walls as I extend my wings to their full height. They tower over Shay. Memories of my first encounter of his wings rushes to my mind. Heat bubbles to my face as Shay’s stare penetrates straight to my soul.
We stand across from each other as he inspects my wings. He makes a slow circle around me just as I had done to him.
He glides his fingers lightly on my wings.
I shudder.
His familiar smirk appears on his lips.
Not only is purple light pulsing in the room, it’s met by a faint silver color. Shay’s T-shirt disappears and is replaced with brilliant, white wings springing from his back. With my enhanced vision, the silver specks aren’t just silver, but varying shades of gray, too.
We stand with our wings out, and I wrap mine around us, shielding us from prying eyes.
Footsteps make their way up the stairs.
“Shay, get into the closet. Someone is coming.”
“You can hear that?” His wings disappear as he steps into the walk-in closet.
“Yes. I don’t know if they—” I tilt my head. “—Dad will come in here or not, but I told them I was going to lie down.” I flip the switch to my light off and leap into bed, pulling the covers over my body and making my wings disappear.
The door cracks open, and a head pokes through.
“Zoe?” Dad whispers and doesn’t say anything more. “I’m glad you’re home.” He quietly shuts the door.
We wait a few minutes and listen to the retreating footsteps as they head back downstairs. I hear the TV volume click and know that they are settling in for the evening.
“The coast is clear, Shay. You can come out.”
“You must have gotten enhanced hearing, too?”
“Yes, so now you’re not the only superhero in the room.” I give him my best smirk. “Plus, my vision is better.”
I scoot over and peel back the covers, so Shay can join me in bed.
“I love your wings,” he says. “I knew they would be purple.” I turn on my side and nestle into his. “You’ve learned a lot, haven’t you?”
“I had to. No one else was there to teach me.”
“I’m sorry, Zoe.”
“For what?” I prop myself up on my arm. “It wasn’t you who kidnapped me or held me prisoner for two months.”
“I know, but I should’ve been the one to be with you and teach you how to use your gifts.”
“I’m here now, so we can start tomorrow. I need tonight to be just us.” I kiss his cheek.
We remain silent, and I return to his side, content to listen to his breathing. I can tell he wants to say or ask me something. His silver Light swirls like an aura.
“I know you went to Las Vegas.” I bit my lip. “And in our last Dream Walk, you had mentioned that you were looking for someone, and that someone said she knew of me being held by someone high up.”
“Are you jealous?” Shay asks. I can feel his smirk and his eyes staring at me through the darkness.
“No.” It’s a bit too quick. My face flames. I have no right to be mad or jealous of him. “I’m not. Really.”
“I was looking for Oriana. She’s a Knight who I’ve helped a couple of times years ago. She keeps up on most demon gossip, and I thought she would know something. That’s all it was.”
I don’t respond. I’m afraid if I do, something will blurt out that’s irrational. I bite my tongue.
“How did you escape?” Shay asks.
“Aiden arrived in my room and watched me transform—”
“I want to hear more about that, too, after your great escape.”
“As a parting gift, he created a window. I guess you could say that it’s like a speculo mirror because it showed me landscapes that I wished to view. It could fill the room with sound and smells. I kept it on an ocean scene so different fragrances would waft in. Sometimes I’d hear waterfalls. Birds chirped or would fly by.” I trace swirls on his bare chest. “After my wings appeared, Aiden left to go take care of something. It got me thinking that if Aiden could conjure the window that I should try escaping. Before all this happened, I had to dig for my Light, but now it’s always there, just within my reach. Power surged through me. I took a chance that the window would shatter, and I could fly away.”
“You’re so brave.” Shay kisses my forehead. “It must have worked because you’re here with me now.”
“Yes, it did. The moment I broke free of the room, I felt it. My wings flared with Light, and I launched through the protection barrier. I flew around, trying to get my bearings. I was in Four Corners, and I made it home. That long trip is where I learned how to make myself invisible and how to fly.”
“We should go tomorrow to a vacant field or something, so you can show me what you’ve learned. Maybe there is still some things I can teach you.”
“I’d love it if you would.” My mouth finds his in the dark. “And maybe we can figure out more of my powers.”
“Do you think he let you go? I mean, I’m really glad you’re here, but your escape seems too easy.”
“Yeah. I thought that, too. Maybe he did, or he forgot to ward it against me. Or maybe he can’t contain me.”
“I won’t ever leave your side again. That, I promise you, Zoe.” Shay tightens his grip around my waist. “So, tell me about your transformation. I want to hear all the details. Don’t leave anything out.”
“Well. It must have been the t
ime of my birth because I felt power run through my body. It was like nothing I ever experienced before. My Light was always a floating dot that shot around inside, and I had to look for it. But this was different, my whole body tingled, and Light danced around every part of me.” I shiver thinking about it. “My back prickled, and purple wings sprouted. My hearing and eyesight became enhanced. I could hear Aiden’s voice in my head.” I sit up onto my knees. “Wait. No. I could hear Aiden before my change. We touched twice in that room, and both times an electrical shock coursed through us. It’s the same shock that you and I feel but different. I questioned it in my mind. I know I didn’t voice it, but Aiden answered me, telling me that he knew what it meant. But he disappeared and never came back.”
“Do you think he’s your soul mate, too? I’ve never heard of anyone having two in the same lifetime.” He rakes his hand in his hair. “I guess it’s ... possible. If he is, he’s going to have to go through me to be with you.”
“I honestly don’t know. We’ll have to ask Kieran tomorrow. Oh, let me talk to K in my mind. Maybe it’s an angel thing.”
My body relaxes, and I kick out my legs and sit yoga-style. I only think of Kieran. His blue eyes, the soft smile he wears, the wavy blond hair, and his gentle soul. It’s like I’m tuning into his frequency.
“K, can you hear me? Let me know if you get his message. I’m testing something.”
We wait for a response, but nothing comes back to me. I lie back down on the bed, and Shay wraps his arms around me as my body again molds to his. We fall asleep in the protection of each other’s arms.
Chapter Thirty
Aiden
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, one day after Zoe’s escape.
I SLINK AWAY, LEAVING my father to pour over the old tomes and scrolls I just dropped off. It has gotten me thinking why he’s not released yet. Zoe’s birthday was yesterday, and yet he still sits in his prison.
Something is definitely wrong. Maybe she’s not the one who will fulfill the prophesy. The fairies have been wrong before. It’s rare but does happen.
Before continuing with Quinn’s phase three training, I decide to check in one last time with Zoe. She should have her full powers by now.
As soon as I approach the vocivus room, my body tells me something is not right. I appear inside the room, and Zoe is not in it. Broken glass lays scattered on the floor from the window. A breeze blows in smelling of stagnant, musty air.
She finally managed to escape. And it only took her a day. She’s going to be strong. Maybe as strong as me. I wonder briefly how she got out of the room. Did she sit and think about the window? Did she use trial and error and try breaking the glass? Did she use her Light for her getaway?
I guess it doesn’t really matter how she got away. She’s out, and I know exactly where she’ll go first. Phase three of my plan is underway.
TRAINING WITH QUINN has been very productive, now to lay the groundwork for slipping her back into Zoe’s life. I’m hoping that Zoe remembers me telling her that Quinn is a Nephilim. Knowing Zoe and her friends, they’ll take Quinn under their wings and guide her.
“What are we going to do today?” Quinn’s eyes shine with excitement.
She’s been doing really well, but there still is sadness in her. I know she wants to get her Nephilim Sword, and I’m befuddled as to why she hasn’t received hers yet.
“Nothing you’re going to like.” I drive into the school’s parking lot.
“Why are we at school? It’s summer.”
“I know, so it’ll be empty, and we can use the track and field.”
“Yeah, I don’t think I’m going to like this.”
I park the red Spyder, and we proceed to the fence. It’s not locked because I came early to make sure. I don’t need more questions from Quinn as to why we’re breaking in. Also, we don’t need prying eyes watching us, so I had created a repel ward around the field. In case someone does wander over here, they’ll see and hear nothing. But if they try to come onto the field, they won’t be able to. The invisible fence will deter them and strongly suggest that they don’t need to be here today.
“Let me guess. I’m going to do a lot of running and jumping and stuff today,” Quinn says.
“Yes, that’s the plan. We need to build up your endurance, so you can survive upcoming battles.”
“Are there some coming?”
“Soon, but we’ll get to that later today. Think of it as your prize for completing today’s phase and doing well. You need to pass my inspection before I can throw your name into the hat for the next assignment. Now is the time to impress me. Don’t hold back because it’s between life and death out there after training.”
“I understand, I think.” Quinn stands on the grass and begins to stretch her hamstrings and arms. “So what’s first?” She doesn’t need me to tell her anymore about warmups; it’s become second nature to her. The time it takes normal Ordinaries is cut in half with Nephilim. After a couple of minutes, she’s ready.
“I want you to run until you can’t stand anymore. Push past it and keep running until I tell you to stop. I need to know where your endurance ends and push it further. It won’t be timed. Do a couple of laps at a sprint and start running at full speed.”
She nods, walks to the track, does some leg lifts, and trots down the lane, gradually picking up speed.
The first lap around, I note her pace is about two minutes. Pretty quick considering she’s sprinting. By the third lap, her legs are moving in a blur. I know she’s pushing herself to her limits. This is what I’m really interested in. She should be able to do at least six or seven laps at this speed. Quinn rushes by me on the fifth lap and on a whim, I decide to join her. Maybe feeling my presence pushing her on will tip her over the edge.
“Hey, babe,” I say as I catch up to her. “Thought you could use some inspiration on these next laps.”
“Thanks,” she huffs. “I think I’m about burned out, so anything you can do to distract me will help.”
We continue running like the Hell Hounds are chasing us. Lap after lap, we go around and around. I notice her waning, but her mouth is set into a grim line. She’s powering through. We’ve just completed the eleventh lap, well over my expectations.
Quinn slows a bit, and I zoom past her, looking back to make sure she’s okay. Her pace is still declining to a jog and then to a fast walk. I wait for her at the finish line as she shuffles past.
“I did it. How many laps was that?”
“Twelve, which is very good.” She collapses on the cool grass. Her chest is heaving. I give her a couple of minutes to recoup but not long. “All right, time to get up.” She blinks at me like I’ve grown horns out of my head. If she only knew. “Come on, endurance training, remember?”
“I don’t think I can walk.” She rolls over on her stomach and pushes herself up onto her knees. “Okay, maybe I can.” She presses forward and stands. “Can we do something with my arms for a bit? I just need a couple extra minutes.”
Driving her past exhaustion today is probably not the best idea, so I relent.
“All right, let’s use those arm muscles you have hiding.” I lead her to a table of spear and javelins. Even though men and women use different lengths and weights, I only have the men’s equipment displayed. “You’ll use this,” I say, selecting the javelin, “to throw. While this is about distance, it’s also about aim. See those lines? Don’t hit them. The head, which is the tip here, must land within the sector. The body, or shaft,” I say, running my hand the length of the pole, “cannot land on its side. Got it?”
“Yes, I think so.”
Quinn picks up the javelin and bounces it in her hands, feeling the weight, balance, and length. I didn’t tell her about pose, form, or actually how to throw it. Gripping the shaft, she takes a couple of steps back. Bringing her arm backward, the javelin flies forward. With deadly accuracy, the head buries itself into the ground by a few inches.
“Again.” Thinking it might be a f
luke, I watch as she hits the sector in the same spot. The javelins are poking out of the grass, side by side. “Again.” The same thing happens, repeatedly. “Back up a few yards.”
A cluster of spears now nestle together. No matter the distance, short or long, she’s hitting the mark. I’m impressed.
“Huh,” I say.
“That’s good, right?” Quinn waves her hand toward the javelins.
“Yes.” I nod. That’s all I can say. I’m a bit awestruck. “How are your legs feeling? Think you can run a bit more?”
“Yeah, they aren’t too sore. I won’t be setting any marathon records.” She shrugs. “Whatcha thinking?”
“That you should run across the field.” I point in the direction to one of the end goals they use for football.
“And what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to try to hit you.” I pick up the duffle bag from the ground and unzip it, revealing knives, a slingshot, bean bags, and arrows. “You better get going because all of these hurt from this close of a range.”
That got her moving. She dashes to one of the goals as I load the bow with arrows and launch them in her direction. She easily side steps the first arrow. What she didn’t account for is that this isn’t a game, and I’m not an angel. Loading multiple arrows, I fire them off in rapid speed, sending a volley of them careening toward her. There isn’t anywhere to run, but I’m still careful that she doesn’t get, injured or killed.
But I don’t stop there. Taking the slingshot, I blast bean bags at her moving target. She’s fast, dodging them quickly, but my ears hear her grunting. Some are finding their mark. She is going to be very bruised tomorrow. And even that doesn’t make me stop. Quinn rushes toward me and darts to my left as I fling a knife at her. She dodges it at the last second, but more knives come flying her way.
What I haven’t prepared her for are the invisible blasts. I know she can’t create them, but she doesn’t know that. Sending a wave of air in her direction, her body sways, and she loses her balance. She glares at me while stumbling to upright herself. I shrug. No one said battles were going to be fair.
Wars & Wings (Enlighten Series Book 3) Page 15
