What was the use of telling her he was more in control now than he’d ever been before?
He wasn’t sure of all he could become, but he knew there was no going back to what he had been.
Something had shifted inside him, as though his memories of all he’d done and seen had given him new purpose and drive.
Just one look at his brothers and sister, one look to make sure his parents were well, then he’d leave and try to figure out how to keep a lid on his feelings towards Merrin.
As long as Skylar was around, as long as Merrin didn’t trust him, he was treading water, testing out his abilities, relishing them and trying to understand why he’d been called.
After everything he’d done, everything he’d given up, why was Onom even bothering with the likes of him?
He would never be able to wash the blood from his hands. Never. He ground his back teeth together as a pang of longing hit him again.
His body stiffened as he stopped beside a broken-down farm gate. Merrin halted beside him, and she followed his gaze to where a teenaged girl sat reading outside a thatched roofed cottage. He studied her for a moment before he sucked in a breath. If she’d not been sitting outside his home, he’d have never recognised her.
“Cali,” he whispered.
Merrin’s hand was on his forearm, a caution on her lips. “No closer. She’s well. That’s enough.”
With a reluctant tug to his chest, his feet moved away from the sister who wouldn’t know who he was even if he were standing in front of her.
His throat thick with emotion, he left his sister sitting, oblivious to the pain wracking through his body, tearing at him as he pulled away.
Could he really bear to see his younger brother Jed? All grown up, when he’d just been a skinny, dirty-faced little boy when Tarquin had been taken? What of his older brother?
Was he strong enough to see his father and mother one step closer to the grave? After so long away, so long not remembering them, what was the use of even seeing them when they no longer cared?
A sob locked inside his throat, he did his best to hide from Merrin’s questioning gaze.
“Can you really do this? Can you see them and walk away?”
Tarquin bit the inside of his lip, his forehead lined as he struggled to control the emotions rising in his chest. His eyes snagged on another familiar figure from his past: his mother, hair greying, face a little more lined as she called to Cali.
From his spot beside the gate, he knew they couldn’t see him, so keen was his eyesight they’d never even know they’d been watched. He couldn’t hear what his mother was saying, but from her posture and the gentle swipe she gave Cali, he knew his sister was being scolded for something.
He should have taken comfort from the normalcy of their interaction. But as he watched them head inside the cottage he’d helped to build, all he could feel was a tremendous sense of loss.
Merrin’s voice interrupted his misery. “Do you want to see more?”
Tarquin turned slowly and shook his head as he lost the last part of control at the tenderness playing on her face.
She smiled a sad smile that only served to make him feel worse for all the similarities between them. Her fingers found his, and she gave him the slightest of squeezes, warmth rushing through him at the contact they’d not had in days.
Tarquin’s heart sped as she swallowed and dipped her chin, so she wasn’t looking at him directly. “We’re your family now. I know that doesn’t make it any better—"
Her eyes drifted to his before she drew her fingers away leaving him feeling even more empty.
The slightest trickle of cold, ran down his spine as Merrin sucked in a breath. “You feel it too? We need to go. They’re close.”
Tarquin nodded. With a last look at his family home, the place he’d learned how to hunt, how to mend and fix things, he turned away, knowing he might never see any of them ever again.
Merrin’s words lingering as he hurried back towards Skylar.
We’re your family now.
Chapter 13.
Two days later.
With legs shaking, Merrin ascended the steps to the great hall. The beauty of the lush fields surrounded them, the yellow and pink followers sprouting, all lost in the uncertainty flowing through her.
Too many questions lay unanswered, too much doubt still cloaked her mind. Was Tarquin sincere? Was he still holding her to a promise made when she was desperate for his help?
Since they’d found his village, Tarquin had stayed away, barely making eye contact, making sure they had what they needed and not giving her any hint of how he was feeling about everything that had happened between them or what he’d shared.
Every time she’d sought him out to see how he was doing, every time she snuck away from Skylar’s watchful eye, Tarquin shied away as if he was afraid to be near her.
Or is it Skylar that he’s afraid of?
The entire two days travelling through the forest, she’d tried to brush it off. But that he could so easily give her the cold shoulder after letting her see a hidden part of him stung more than she wanted to acknowledge.
With each day since evading Tartarean’s men, he’d grown more and more aloof, neither complaining or joining in as Skylar’s easy conversation met with stony silence.
The unresolved tension had grown incrementally. Skylar’s presence, however timely, seemed to have loosened the hold Tarquin seemed to have over her, but try as she might, there was still something magnetic about him. Something that drew her towards him, even after what he’d done, there was still a pull that she was desperate to escape.
While Skylar was calm, steadfast and reassuring as always, Tarquin was wild, unpredictable and no matter how much she tried to quash the residual emotion his presence caused, it was almost impossible to forget what they’d been through together and what he’d shared with her only a few days ago.
She squinted against the bright sun, annoyed at herself for still being so easily distracted when her thoughts should be on the apology she needed to make.
As quickly as she forced her mind to stop thinking about him, her thoughts were of her charge once more. She was responsible for not bringing him here sooner. She was responsible if he harmed anyone.
And if Tarquin had been who he said he was, he’d most likely done horrific things that didn’t bear thinking about.
Did she even want to know what he’d done while under Tartarean’s control? What horrors he had witnessed? What he had forced others to do?
Her muscles were quivering with anticipation and dread when she joined Tarquin as he climbed the stairs, his eyes darting about as he scanned the doors. Skylar took the lead, ready to knock and announce their return with a new Luminary.
Just like she should have done the second she’d suspected him.
Unlike the last time she’d been here, her failure was no longer holding her. Though she was nervous, she trusted Skylar’s words enough to know he was right.
She’d exiled herself, pushed for something that no one else wished for her. Yes, there were rules, but as Skylar explained more to them both as they walked, they were for good reason.
No law was passed, no rule made, that didn’t have sound reasoning behind it. If she’d bothered to study instead of being so interested in her freedom and the powers Luminary had, she’d had found out the truth years ago.
There was so much more for her to look forward to than a solitary life. She’d been wrong. And she’d wasted so much time, trying to fill a role that she wasn’t meant to take.
Tarquin’s fingers brushed hers, and she jerked her hand away, hoping he didn’t notice the slight. She cared for him; she was attracted to him. Where they fit into all of this remained to be seen. But she was sure of one thing. Onom had called them together for a purpose.
That was all that mattered. She wasn’t alone anymore. Tarquin sent her a backwards glance that stirred up too much, considering all she’d been through.
Merrin shook off the feelings that plagued her. She was not a heartsick, lonely girl any more, that yearned for her family, for company, for love and acceptance.
As she stepped inside the great hall, her eyes began to shine, warmth surged through her body and the wind whispered truth as she pulled her shoulders back and walked with confidence not of her own.
She was Luminary, a warrior of light, and with Tarquin’s vital information, Tartarean was as good as defeated.
They just needed to find a way to work together.
***
Tarquin’s nerves increased as they approached the long table at the front of the hall. Weak sunlight filtered through the small windows at the top of the wooden structure.
If he weren’t currently trying to regulate his breathing and stop thinking about the redhead beside him, he’d have been more impressed by the craftsmanship of the enormous building.
As if expecting them, a solitary man sat at the middle of the table. His dark head was shaved, his eyes almost glowing as he rose to his feet. His posture seemed regal and commanding despite his simple linen tunic. “Skylar, Merrin. Good to see you both.”
His gaze shifted to Tarquin and his weathered brow furrowed. “And you are?”
Tarquin’s nerves shuddered through him as the man walked towards him, his eyes dimming as he looked him over. “Tarquin. Merrin tracked me and…”
The man cocked his head. “Illuminated you. Despite not being given permission to.”
His gaze slid towards Merrin. Tarquin’s muscles tensed, ready to defend her. But the old man chuckled and extended his hand in greeting, his eyes crinkling as he smiled warmly. “My name is Jensen. But most just call me the Chief.”
His fingers grasped Tarquin’s before his smile lessened. “You…you are not what I expected.”
Tarquin eased his fingers lose, a knot forming in his middle as Skylar stepped forward. “Tarquin saved my life.”
Jensen raised a thin eyebrow before his eyes shifted to Merrin again. She hesitantly eased herself to his side. “I’m sorry I didn’t get permission. I was so close already. I didn’t want to waste time.”
The Chief shook his head, a sigh that spoke of his disapproval. “Merrin. What you did was impulsive. But worse than that, you worried me.”
Her mouth slackened, eyes popping wider as she stuttered a response. “B-but I—I should have asked you first.”
The Chief chuckled, confounding Tarquin further. “You should have, yes. But you brought a Luminary home, and you won’t make the same mistake again, now will you?”
Merrin frowned then slowly shook her head. “No.”
Jensen shrugged his narrow shoulders. “Then you learned a valuable lesson. We’ll speak no more on it.”
He nodded and gestured to the only door at the back of the hall. “It’s time you met the rest of your kin, Tarquin.”
Tarquin managed a level of composure he wasn’t sure would hold for too much longer. “There’s something you need to know before you welcome me.”
The Chief pivoted, his stance still relaxed as his eyes scanned his face. The slightest look of amusement about him. “And what is that?”
Tarquin’s nerve began to fail him, his bravado crumpling as the wizened old man, so unlike Zolten had been, seemed to peer inside his very soul. “I’m not…entirely…”
Merrin stepped closer, her own uncertainty etched on her creased forehead. “Tarquin is…well, he’s special.”
Skylar snorted. “Chief. He’s a half-light. Possibly from Templeton’s clan, if Zolten’s correct.” Skylar paused, his tone softened. “Zolten was killed, Chief.”
If the Chief was surprised, he hid it well. “Come inside. There is much to talk about.”
Tarquin stole a look at Merrin, only to find his own confusion written all over her face. Skylar, however, shrugged and took his place alongside the Chief as he pushed open the door.
Tarquin froze as a dozen sets of eyes landed on him, none of whom seemed friendly. A chill crept over his skin as he scanned the faces all carrying wary expressions, save four men and two women who’s expressions seemed eerily bland. Merrin’s encouraging smile enough to propel him towards the very people he’d been trained to hunt.
***
The room stilled around them, the councilmen and women all sending bold glances at the new arrival.
Merrin nodded at them collectively as they stopped mid-way through their conversations, her nerves overtaking her as she struggled to remember their names.
Skylar had always done the talking when she’d stood before them. Now, she almost wished she’d taken the time to memorise their names and write down who was responsible for what.
Only one elder gave her anything close to a smile, a man in his late thirties, flecks of grey in his black beard and curly hair. Jerald.
One name she did remember: he was responsible for overseeing training, though he was usually absent, preferring Skylar to lead.
The rest ignored her, too focussed on the newest arrival. Had she not known what to expect, she’d have felt snubbed. But the energy in the room was palpable as they waited to hear from the latest Luminary. Skylar already took a seat and sent her a look to do so too.
But she couldn’t just leave Tarquin standing there. On his own. Whatever had passed between them, he was still her charge.
She gave him a smile as she pulled a seat out for him, turning her head so she could whisper to him. “Sit down. I’ll be right beside you.”
He smiled was forced, but he nodded and sat. Chief Jensen issued the suggestion everyone else sit around the oval table.
Merrin took a moment to try to still her trembling hands and stop her thoughts from twisting in the wrong direction. She was here to make amends as well as introduce Tarquin. What she said would make a huge difference as to whether they accepted him.
Skylar flashed her a smile from his spot, his bruises almost faded, though she wondered why the Chief hadn’t asked him about them.
A tickle of uncertainty dripped down her spine. Come to think of it, why was everyone already assembled?
Her eyes locked with Skylar’s as she tried to read whether he had the answers. The slight shrug he gave was enough of an answer.
Chief Jensen took his seat at the head of the table and cleared his throat. “Our new arrival has impeccable timing it would seem.”
A murmur of acknowledgment resounded around the room, confirming her fears. Skylar asked the question before she could muster the courage to. “What’s going on?”
The Chief’s blew out a long breath. “Despite your assistance in Canden, Scarlett has been taken.”
Merrin sucked in a breath through her teeth. Scarlett was an experienced Luminary just like Skylar was. “How?”
The Luminary seated directly opposite answered, his voice oddly flat, his eyes missing their usual spark. “Tartarean has found a way to mask his foot soldiers. She wouldn’t have felt them coming.”
Merrin frowned, not sure how to react. Skylar had told her as much. Tarquin’s voice startled her before she could reply. “This Scarlett: is she young?”
Skylar stiffened slightly. “Why is that of importance?”
Tarquin’s voice was sure as his gaze swept around the room. “That’s part of his plan. He aims to corrupt young Luminary, gain control over them and send them back into your midst.”
The Chief’s eyebrows rose, his voice harsh as he spoke over the questions being fired in Tarquin’s direction. “Then what?”
Tarquin’s eyes slid sidelong to Merrin. “He will plant Sleepers who’ll stay dormant until he triggers them to do his bidding.”
Sleepers. Hadn’t that been what Zolten had called him? Sleepwalking through life, not really awake?
Cold swept through her as Tarquin held her gaze. “You wouldn’t even know until it was too late.”
Merrin swallowed, her heart thrashing against her ribs, hands growing clammy as Tarquin’s eyes flashed.
Is he trying to tell me so
mething?
Skylar’s eyebrows rose. “Spies? He means to plant spies?”
Tarquin gave him a nod.
The Chief’s voice held the slightest of uncharacteristic wavers. “How do you know so much about all this?”
No one moved. The air grew thick as the council of Luminaries waited with bated breath. Again, an uneasy feeling crept over her at the dullness in their usually bright eyes.
Tarquin’s voice was tight. “I was one of them, not so long ago.”
As the room erupted into an uproar, his fingers reached for hers under the table. Before she could pull away, he grabbed her wrist, and her body wouldn’t obey her command to move away. His emotions swirled through her, her skin blazing fire as his voice spoke into her thoughts.
Something isn’t right here. Pretend to be ill.
Her panic at being unable to move grew as he tightened his grip. We need to get out of here.
Confusion rang through her as she struggled to catch her breath through the light swirling through her. The faintest whisper of the wind called to her much the same as it had done the day she’d gone to track him.
Trust.
He pulled his hand away long enough for her to gather her scattered thoughts, her eyes on him as the light began to dissipate. He nodded slowly, took her hand again and rose to his feet, pulling her upwards with him.
“We just need a minute. Skylar? Could you help me? Merrin’s not well.”
Skylar wrinkled his nose, his eyes sparking. “Freckles?”
Merrin swallowed, her hands shaking as much as her voice. “I—I—I need to leave.”
Chief Jensen rose to his feet, his concern evident, though his eyes stayed dull. “I’m afraid that’s out of the question.”
Her throat constricted as she caught Tarquin’s eye, the slightest of nods giving her reason to do as he asked.
She doubled over and clasped a hand to her mouth. Tarquin grabbed her and drew her away from the Chief.
Skylar’s voice sounded in her ear as he apologised. “She’s been off for a few days. We’ll be back momentarily.”
Illuminate: Upper YA Paranormal Romance Page 14
