First World(84)

Without warning, Josian took my hand and pulled me in. I was encased by the familiar sucking sensation. But it was different this time. Instead of an over-abundance of energized cells, moving at the speed of light, I simply drifted with the currents. It was a much shorter trip and at the end we exited onto my bed. No drama.

“That was amazing.” I smiled in achievement.

Josian, demonstrative as always, pulled me into a tight hug. “When all of this is over, I will show you the right way to open a doorway and walk between the worlds.

“And remember, if you need to transport more than one or two people, you have to make sure your doorway is strong enough. At least two rounds of energy per person.”

I nodded as I pulled back. “Thanks. And I’ll be careful, I promise.”

He smiled and moved to exit my room. “See you in the morning, baby girl.”

My power hummed as I walked into my wardrobe to finally take off the dress, leaving it bunched on the floor. Everything I left on the floor here was washed and back in my wardrobe the next day. Magic – or housekeepers.

I showered and climbed into bed. I couldn’t be bothered with pyjamas, so I just wore fresh underwear. My marks continued to pulse at me. I raised a hand above my head so I could see them more clearly.

The enlightenment had not gone to plan, but I needed to get some sleep before tomorrow. I closed my eyes, only to find that strange new depthless pit of energy tugging at my attention, like an itch that wouldn’t go away. It wanted me to explore, coaxing me closer. Shaking my head, I slammed a heavy roof onto it for now. I was scared to traverse those depths, to know what was there, deep down.



The next morning my eyes flew open. My newfound internal alarm clock had just woken me. It was early in the morning. I had quite a few hours until it was time to leave. As I sprang out of bed, I found my energy was boundless. I dashed into my dressing room. I felt stronger, faster and I knew exactly where I wanted to be right now.

Ten minutes later, I quietly walked out the front door and down to the water. The sun was mid-rise, its golden hue highlighted in the now familiar indigo sky. I dropped my drying sheet – the material they used to dry off from the ocean – onto the sand before stepping into the cool water. I’d left my hair loose and wore a simple black two-piece swimsuit. It was skimpier than I would usually wear, but I wasn’t expecting company.

I stopped before the calm water reached my waist; I still wasn’t a strong swimmer. Palms down on the water, I crested with each small wave, enjoying the fresh air and rays of the rising sun. All too soon, I had to leave; it was time to prepare for the next adventure. I froze as heat traversed my spine to settle at the base of my skull. It was the heat of a stare, and I recognized the signature warmth. I turned away from the horizon, and was not surprised to find Brace standing on the beach, watching me. He looked as if he had been going for a morning run and with my newfound senses I could see the sweat beading on his sun-kissed skin. By the time I made it out of the water he was gone.

My skin felt flushed and too tight over my entire body. That kiss last night had set off fire-works. And I couldn’t help but wonder if that chemistry had anything to do with the marks now permanently visible on my skin.



Back in my room, I stood in the bathroom and stared in the mirror for a few minutes. My skin was gleaming. The luminosity was fainter than Josian’s, but there was a definite glow. My hair was more vibrant, especially against the red marks pulsing back at me. My lips were even naturally redder. Everything I had been before was further enhanced.

I showered quickly before dressing. Ready to leave, pack on back, I made my way downstairs. Lucy and I had co-ordinated our outfits. We were going with ‘bad-ass explorer’ – faded blue jeans, stylishly torn; black combat calf-high boots; a white t-shirt; and a black combat vest – the kind that had pockets everywhere. Coats and other essentials were packed.

As I walked along, I could hear everyone in the kitchen, long before I reached them. These new senses were going to take some getting used to.

I dumped my pack with the group near the door and walked into the room. I took a plate and filled it before sitting down. The food was so amazing here; Lallielle’s staff, local women from Angelisian, should all receive daily awards. I was not looking forward to being on the road again, although I was likely to start gaining unwelcome weight if I continued to eat this way. I glanced at Josian. Or maybe not. The way he ate, it appeared as if Walkers had an over-active metabolism.

Lucy raised her head for a moment and waved her hand in my general direction before going back to stuffing her face. For a tiny person, she was a champion eater.