Emerge- The Betrayal

by Melissa A. Craven

  Sounds like a lot of work. When does the bronze part happen?

  It is a crap ton of work. Allie tapped the hot needle to the wax one more time to get the last of her dragon scales just right. When the whole thing is covered in plaster with tons of vents and openings, it will go in the kiln to melt the wax.

  So, you’re going to destroy what you’re making now? How does that even make sense?

  The wax is just a tool to build the plaster mold. Once all the wax drains out of the mold and the vent tubes, it goes back into the kiln to harden the shell and clean out any residual wax. Then it get’s buried in sand while the bronze is melting in the crucible. Once the bronze is hot lava ready, it takes several people to carry the crucible and pour the liquid bronze into the molds.

  Oh, I get it, the bronze takes place of the wax and you’re left with a dragon. But if the wax runs out when it’s first fired, how does the bronze not run out, too?

  That’s why it’s buried in sand. Allie turned her wood burner off. The sand keeps the metal inside the mold until it hardens and cools. Then we dig it up.

  And then you just crack it out of the mold and it’s done?

  I wish. Allie laughed. I’ll have to beat the hell out of this thing to get it out of the mold. I’m kind of looking forward to that part. After all the hours of backbreaking work to get this thing cast, it still won’t be done. I’ll have to scrub all the plaster off with rough steel wool and cut the bronze tubes from the vents. Then I have to grind those spots down until they’re smooth. And then I might finally finish the damn thing.

  Allie and power tools? Aidan rolled onto his side. That sounds like a terrifying combination.

  I am not a spaz, Aidan Loukas. At least not when it comes to art. I’ve used a grinder before, thank you very much.

  I’m glad I’m a music major. It’s hard work, but it will never require the use of power tools.

  Don’t you have that piece due today? Allie asked.

  Yeah, I’m not happy with it, though. I’m not sure I achieved the assignment.

  Are you ever going to let me hear it?

  Sure, let me get my violin. He groaned as he rolled out of bed.

  Fitzy’s going to kill you for playing at six in the morning.

  My brother’s getting used to the noise at all hours of the day and night. He goes around mumbling about “creatives” like it’s an expletive.

  Let’s hear it then. I’m sure it’s better than you think.

  Shouldn’t you be in bed, baby? It’s late, and I can feel you’re tired.

  I am exhausted. I don’t know how mortals survive college without cracking.

  Well, most people don’t do double majors in fine art and art history. Go get in bed, and I’ll play for you.

  Allie tiptoed into her room, careful not to make too much noise to wake Darius. When they first moved into their little cottage near campus, Liam and Darius remodeled the master bedroom into a Syntrophos suite. They had their own individual spaces but never closed the sliding doors between their rooms. Neither one of them liked to be apart.

  “I’m wide awake, Red,” Darius said.

  He was in bed reading. “Can’t sleep?”

  “Not until you do, apparently. It feels weird falling asleep alone, even when you’re just in the other room.”

  “I’m headed to bed now,” she whispered. “Night, Darius.”

  It’s super weird you two are sharing a room. I would be totally jealous if I didn’t know anything about Syntrophos. Not that I’m not jealous. I still am, but I get it. Sort of. I’m trying, anyway.

  I know it’s difficult, Aidan. But I love you for trying so hard.

  Love you, too, babe. Now listen and tell me if I’ve butchered this piece beyond repair.

  Allie climbed into her bed, letting the muscles of her neck and back relax from the tension of the last hours bent over her sculpture. As Aidan began to play, she smiled. She would recognize the voice of his violin in a crowd of violinists. It was distinctly his, and it was her favorite sound in the whole world.

  She listened, letting the music wash over her, hearing the tone of his violin and the emotions he poured into it in a way only he could do. Aidan always left a piece of himself in the music he played. The melody was familiar but with an unfamiliar twist. It lulled her into a tranquil state of mind. She would sleep well tonight.

  So what do you think? he asked when he’d finished.

  It’s beautiful as always.

  I think you’re biased, baby. You have no idea how fierce the competition is here.

  I have an idea. She thought of the insane level of talent surrounding her as an art student at one of the best art schools in the country. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like at the level Aidan was competing.

  Put your critical ears on. You have such a great ear for music without the complication of all the technical BS to cloud your judgment. Your opinion is important.

  It’s Dvorák, but not in the traditional sense. It sounds like Humoresque, but it’s almost like there’s a touch of Coldplay in there, too. Am I losing it? That can’t be right. A frown creased her forehead.

  Yes, you totally got it. His grin was infectious. This is for my modern music class. We’re supposed to create an arrangement of a masterpiece from the Romance period with a subtle contemporary influence, and this whole time I’ve felt like I’ve butchered Dvorák beyond repair.

  You nailed the assignment, Aidan. It’s perfect, so stop obsessing and go wow your peers with your mad skills.

  Aidan snorted. You’re adorable, Lex. I always thought conservatory would be a breeze because I’m so far ahead of my mortal peers. But they make me work for it. There is some amazing talent here.

  Aidan … When are you coming home? And that was the bad thing about their telepathic link. She couldn’t always filter her thoughts. Never mind me, she rushed to say. You know I just miss you. She tried so hard not to make him feel guilty for staying in Germany longer than expected. It was selfish of her to begrudge him anything he wanted for himself and his music.

  I’ll be there for Christmas, Lex. I promise.

  I don’t mean to pester you. I’m so happy seeing you live your dream. You deserve this time, Aidan.

  I miss you, Allie. More than you could possibly know. I do love it here, but I’m so ready to come home.

  Allie constantly worried about him. When Aidan left, her clairvoyance had reared its ugly head, telling her this separation would last years, not months. It was ludicrous. Her gift was rarely so cut and dry; Allie refused to believe it would actually happen. Not when there wasn’t a single piece of evidence telling her things were headed that way. She could see his mind. He was just as homesick for her as she was for him. Still, the idea that some unseen force might keep them apart made her a panicky mess inside. A mess she tried to shield him from.

  Aidan simply would not do that to her. Not after all they’d been through. Her gift was wrong.

  Then why didn’t he come home at the end of summer like he promised? She cringed at the errant thought. Sorry, I didn’t mean that either. When he’d told her he wanted to stay for just one more semester, Allie had fully supported his decision, but it scared her.

  It’s okay, Lex. I’ll be home before you know it, and then you can help me find a place near Oberlin that’s not too far from your school.

  You can totally move in with me and Dare. Quinn, Sasha and Santi are all down for it.

  Well, those three make it work, but me, you, and Darius will need to take it slow considering your reaction every time we’re all in the same room together.

  You’re probably right. Before Aidan left, she tended to leave the room whenever the three of them were alone. But that was months ago. She understood her relationship with Darius so much more now. It helps now that I know not to feel guilty for my bond with Darius. It’s not romantic. He’s just my ride or die guy.

  Nice way to put it.

  I know this isn’t easy. Allie winced, hoping
she hadn’t screwed up yet another attempt to explain to Aidan how she felt about his brother.

  I’m trying. He sighed. It’s just … I know you love me, but I want to be your ride or die guy.

  You’re my, I can’t live without you guy.

  Okay, say more things like that. His smile warmed her insides and she knew they’d be okay. Good night, baby, sweet dreams.

  Love you. Have a good day. Allie rolled over and closed her eyes with a smile. At least they had this.

  “Can we go to sleep now?” Darius asked through a yawn.

  “Sorry, er … phone call’s over, night, Dare. Love you.” Humming the last few bars of Aidan’s song, Allie fell asleep, content and confident in their love despite the physical distance between them.

  Chapter Five

  Aidan

  Cologne, Germany, October

  Aidan’s head snapped back with a painful crunch of Naomi’s fist to his jaw.

  “Seriously?” He glared at her, spitting blood on the floor of the gym he shared with Naomi and his brother, Scott. “That was a cheap shot.”

  “Sorry,” she mumbled, looking anything but contrite.

  “What’s gotten into you lately?” Naomi had been on a tear since their lunch nearly a month ago.

  “Nothing,” Naomi insisted, taking her stance on the mat. They were sparring as a warm up for their training with Scott later in the afternoon before Aidan’s evening rehearsals.

  “It’s obviously not nothing, Naomi. I know when something’s bothering you.” Aidan took his position across the mat, crouching in a defensive pose.

  Naomi came at him like a freight train, slamming into his chest and wrapping her arms around him in a vise grip. She had him down on the mat again in seconds.

  “You’ve been pissy ever since I told you I’m leaving after this semester.” He broke her hold and grappled with her across the mat until he had the upper hand. “I know you think I should stay permanently, but I’ve made my decision.”

  “You still haven’t told her the truth.” She shoved him hard, sweeping her leg under his and flipping him onto his back. “I’ll support your decision when you start acting like an adult and be honest with your girlfriend about what this decision of yours means. I’m not letting you give up your one chance at this school so easily. Not for her.”

  “Fine.” Aidan slapped the mat and relaxed the tension in his arms. Naomi did the same, rolling onto her back with a thud. “I will tell Allie everything. But it’s a conversation I want to have with her in person. I will tell her what it means to give up Germany, knowing I’ll probably never have this experience again, but I’m also telling her I do not want this anymore. I know you don’t understand, but it’s the right decision for Allie and me. I’m going home after the final symphony.”

  “I still have six weeks to change your mind.” Naomi shot to her feet, a scowl plastered on her face.

  “Why do you hate her so much?” Aidan snapped. “What did Allie ever do to you?” Aidan had never wanted to get in the middle of Allie and Naomi’s angst, but he couldn’t understand why they’d hated each other on sight. Neither of them had ever given the other a chance. It made his life a living hell. “I need you to get past this petty bullshit, Naomi.”

  “Petty?” she snarled. “That girl … never mind. Let’s just spar, I’m in the mood to kick your ass.”

  “Clearly.” Aidan rubbed his jaw where a bruise was forming.

  “Don’t be a baby, you’ll heal before your rehearsal tonight.”

  “Finish your thought, Naomi.” Aidan stood, relaxing his stance. “Let’s hear what’s so bad about Allie. Tell me what awful things she’s done to make you hate her so much before you ever even met her. Let’s get it all out, so we can move past it.”

  “You don’t want to hear it.” She shook her head, pacing to the other side of the gym for a bottle of water. It was just a pretense to put some distance between them. That was Naomi’s tell. Whenever things got a little too real, she left.

  “You’re not running away from this conversation. Not this time.”

  “Fine.” She whirled around, her clear blue eyes filled with emotions he’d never seen in her before. “I thought you of all people would get it, but you will always be blind where she’s concerned.”

  “All right,” Aidan said in a softer tone. “Tell me what bothers you about Allie and my relationship with her. I mean … you and I have a history … but you walked away from me, remember?” And despite his love for Allie, it still hurt, the way Naomi ended things with him and then flaunted her new relationship with Liam. Aidan ran his hand through his hair in frustration. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he still had feelings for Naomi and it killed him to see her so hurt.

  “We both know I walked away before I could get hurt. Again,” Naomi said, her tone defeated.

  There wasn’t much Aidan could say to that. As much as he cared for her, it was always Allie and always would be. “You left me to be with Liam. Do you know how screwed up that is, to get dumped for your two thousand year old uncle?”

  “It was never like that with Liam. We were just friends. I flirted, he thought it was cute, but he refused to take it any further. That was it. The only bonus for me was it made you jealous and Allie insane with anger.”

  “So all that crap senior year was just a way to mess with Allie?”

  “You have no idea what it’s been like since she came into the picture.” She hung her head. “You’re right, it is petty bullshit, but it still hurts.”

  “Why don’t you tell me?” Aidan said, forcing himself to be patient. She was entitled to feel her feelings, as much as he might not understand them.

  “I have so many reasons to hate her.” She stood, fists clenched and eyes bright with anger. “The little golden girl of Kelleys Island.”

  “Golden girl?” Aidan wanted to laugh but thought better of it. Naomi believed in whatever was bothering her. She meant the world to him—even when she was being a brat, and he needed to try to see her point of view. “Okay, tell me. I’m listening.” He folded his arms across his chest, taking a moment to strengthen the block in his mind that kept his thoughts from waking Allie. She didn’t need to hear this.

  “Do you have any idea what it’s like to come in second place with literally everyone in your life? And you want to know who’s first? Go on, take a guess?”

  “Allie? That’s not—”

  “Oh, yes, it’s true,” she spat. “I know you love me in your own way, but it doesn’t hold a candle to what you feel for Allie. Second place.” She started pacing across the small room; the light streaming in through the high clerestory windows caught the golden undertones of her hair. She was beautiful, but she was broody and angry and he knew how that felt more than anyone.

  “Liam does care for me. At one point, it seemed like we were heading toward something real, despite the age difference holding him back. Then he bonded with his little redheaded sister, and he’s been distracted ever since. Second. Place. I used to babysit for Kahlynn all the time. I love that little girl, but she prefers Auntie Allie now and I hardly ever see her even when I’m home.”

  “She’s Kahlynn’s aunt. Of course they’re close but that doesn’t mean Kahlynn doesn’t love you too.”

  Naomi shrugged, sinking back down to the matt to sit across from him. “Darius and I have been on and off again since middle school. We suck at relationships, but we’ve always been close. Allie shows up and forges a Syntrophos bond with him, and he barely notices me anymore. Second place.

  “When Allie arrived, my whole world changed. I grew up with your family, but I was always on the outside looking in. Always wanting to be part of the group but I never had a place. And she just waltzed in and took her place.”

  Aidan scooted across the mat to sit next to Naomi. He didn’t have the words to make her feel better, but he needed her to know she was important. Without a word, he draped his arm around her.

  “And Quinn was captured becau
se of her. We finally got him back and we lost Imogen—my mentor because of Allie. Imogen and Lucien have been at Soma since the battle and we’re no closer to bringing them home than we were when they were first taken. Not to mention what happened with Ming Lao and her parents. Allie got them killed, Aidan. And now Chloe and Jin are an absolute wreck.”

  “None of that is her fault,” Aidan interjected, his temper rising. Naomi had a point in some ways, but she’d crossed a line in blaming Allie for the battle last winter. “She didn’t willfully cause those things, and she fought like hell to keep them from happening at all.”

  “None of it would have happened if she never showed up,” Naomi snapped, and Aidan fought to keep his own emotions in check. Some deep and hidden part of his soul fractured under the pressure of loving two women who seemed to naturally oppose one another.

  Love? I don’t love Naomi. He wasn’t sure he could ever attribute what he had once felt for Naomi as love. The feelings he still harbored for her didn’t make any sense.

  “You have your father, Naomi. A father who loves you more than you give him credit.”

  “Don’t get me started on Dad.”

  “Greyson loves you. His world revolves around you, but you don’t let him get close enough to see it.”

  “I know he loves me. But do you know what it’s like to live in the shadow of your own mother? A mother you’ve never met or bonded with? I will always be second best to Isebeau Hauser. And I hate myself for being jealous of her. But it looks like these days I’m coming in third with my father.”

  “I don’t even know how to respond to that,” Aidan said.

  “I called Dad last night. Guess who answered the phone in my own house?”

  “Allie.” Aidan closed his eyes. She was Greyson’s new intern, but what was she doing at his house, answering his phone?

  “Apparently, she’s helping Dad with his lesson plans for the semester and feels comfortable enough to answer my damn phone in my damn house while my damn father is cooking her dinner!”