Fathom(48)

I could see the beach. I didn’t know where it was, but I would recognize it anywhere. Once the vision appeared before me, my body filled with electricity. Seconds later, a tremendous force slammed into me, throwing me forward as if I’d been hit by a car. When I opened my eyes, I found myself on the beach, its warm sand filtering between my toes.

It was just the same as always - the white beach, green palm trees and the turquoise ocean. The sun hung high in the sky and I knew I had to be very far from Idaho. It was still night time back there. Seagulls hovered in the toasty breeze, calling out to one another.

I did as I always had done and scanned the beach both ways. When I heard the screaming, I knew where to go. Sprinting toward the figure lying half submerged, I recognized Thayde in an instant. He looked just as he had in my dreams - too thin, the skin sucked tight against his muscles and bones. He was curled on his side, his arms pulled into his chest, his fists clenched against the pain.

“Thayde!” I cried, kneeling next to him. He didn’t open his eyes. He was breathing so rapidly I knew the amount of pain he had to be in was great.

I placed my hands on his forehead and his side closing my eyes. I tried to ignore his shaking as I focused on trying to take away his pain. His body instantly attempted to reject my touch and power, but I concentrated harder and forced Mom’s healing powers through. The power hesitated before flying into Thayde’s body. Instantly, he grew still. Thank you God!

Rolling him onto his back, I pulled his limp body into my arms. The waves lapped against his tail, spraying me with salt water. I stared down at his beautiful face and buried my head into his neck. I knew what was coming next.

“We must leave,” the voice instructed.

This time I ignored it.

“They are on their way.” It persisted.

“Thayde,” I began, looking back to my love lying heavily in my arms. “I can’t do all this alone.”

I brushed my hand against his face, sweeping the particles of sand away from his sunken cheekbones and grabbed his hand, holding it tight. His wedding ring hung loose around his finger. My gaze fell on the scars around his wrists. Guilt wracked me to the bone. Why had I waited all this time to bring him back? I leaned forward and kissed his forehead

“Morgan,”

Thayde’s dark blue eyes had changed – they were lighter, almost the same pale grey as his skin.

“Baby, are you still in pain?” I asked.

“No,” he relaxed in my arms. “How did you find me?”

“Shhh…” I hushed him. “We’ve got to get you home. Can you hold onto me?”

He struggled to put his arms around my shoulders, barely able to embrace me. I pulled him as close as I could, his icy skin making me shiver. He was so skinny, I was scared to hold him too tightly.

Again, I focused, slowing my heart rate, getting ready to leap. The golden orb returned, surrounding us in its heat. Thayde groaned and I pushed the energy harder in hopes that it would speed the leap. Seconds later, we were hit with the tremendous force and Thayde cried out in agony.

When I opened my eyes, we lay on the beach at the house on the lake. Thayde lay unconscious on his side, naked and curled in my arms. Leaping had obviously forced him to phase.

Mom and Lars were running toward me with Aletheia bringing up the rear. Leaping was easy, but it took too much out of me. I felt sick and the world began to swim. My body gave out just as Mom reached me. Feeling myself collapse into the sand, I was barely able to focus on Thayde as unconsciousness dragged me under.



“It shouldn’t have been allowed.” Clearly, Aletheia was upset.

“What would you have suggested? I tie her to a chair?” Mom’s exasperated voice was the easiest to hear.

“No, she would have just burned through the ropes,” Lars chuckled and Aletheia’s voice rose.

“It’s not funny, Lars!”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t see what the big deal is! She did just fine.”

“What if she hadn’t?”

“Do you live your whole life by ‘what if’s’?”

“Lars, it’s something we have to think about all the time!”

“You guys aren’t giving her much credit.”

“Do you have kids?”

“No.”

“Then hush.”

Time to wake up.

Lars stormed from the table in frustration with Aletheia hot on his tail, trying to explain what she had meant. Mom began to pace the kitchen, but she came to an abrupt halt.

“Thayde! What are you doing out of bed?” Her voice squeaked, as if she’d just had the fright of her life. “You scared me.”

“I’m sorry.” His voice was so different - quiet and frail. “Can I get some water?”