Damn, Dom totally rocked. He knew exactly what was going on, and I just hoped they’d be able to figure it all out, in case I failed.
Kade remained silent.
“Kade, you did what you had to. You’re her Guardian, and you gave up your immortality for her. I know she sees that, and she’ll make the right decision. Just don’t bail out and make the choice easy for her. You love her. Just be sure she knows it, alright?”
“Alright,” Kade answered. “Thanks, man. I will make sure she has no doubt, but I’m not going to force her either. I just want her to be happy, and to make her own decision. I guess I’ll have to prove that actions speak louder than words.”
“You already have, bro. Look at you. I think you’ve spoken loud and clear,” Dom said in a more serious voice. “So, are you hungry now? I just found some roast beef, and I am totally making a sandwich.”
I almost laughed out loud, but covered my mouth. He was too much.
“Sure, man. Why not?” Kade agreed.
There was no way I was going to get food or water with them here. I wondered if I should just head back up to my room. But I couldn’t. I had to go. After hearing Kade and Dom’s conversation, I knew I needed to get to Midway as soon as possible. I needed to find some answers.
Starting to feel a little dizzy, I glanced down and realized I was invisible. The suit was aiding in my escape. To be sure, I stayed low to the ground and crawled my way out of the kitchen. As I exited the doorway, I stopped and turned back to look at him one last time.
Kade was standing at the counter, his beautiful face dimly lit by the kitchen light. He tried to smile while talking to Dom, but I could see his mind was elsewhere. His hazel eyes emitted a deep sadness, and I had to turn away.
It was time to leave.
I made my way toward the front door and when I touched the knob, I became terrified. I was leaving the safety and protection of my Guardians, and Samuel and Alaine. I would be out there all alone, with only the suit and dagger to guide me and keep me safe. Am I making the right decision? My mind said no, but my heart said yes. I’d learned to choose my heart. So far, it had never led me astray.
I took in a deep breath and turned the knob. The door squeaked as it opened and I paused. No one came, so I quickly slid out, quietly closing it behind me.
Outside, the air was cold and they sky was crystal clear; millions of sparkling stars gently illuminated the world around me. I glanced up to the tower and noticed the light was on. I could feel Ethon. He must be up.
I looked down at my arm and saw I was still invisible. Then something moved in the tower. It was Ethon, staring out the window right at me. Maybe he could feel me too. I quickly stepped back, pressing my back against the door and waited a few moments. When the feeling subsided, I checked again, and he was gone.
I felt bad for Ethon. Because of the bond, which found us compatible, I did have strong feelings for him. If it were just him in the picture, it would have been an easy decision. Easier, of course, without his evil incarnate father hovering above us.
Even though Ethon wasn’t like him, he still grew up in that world. It was all he’d ever known, and some of it had to have rubbed off on him.
Soon, I would have to choose, but first, I had to get to my destination and make it back alive. Hopefully, with questions answered.
I unsheathed the dagger. Holding it to my lips, I whispered, “Where is the portal to Midway?”
Although the dagger was invisible in my grasp, I started to see a dim glow. As I moved it around, pointing it in different directions, the glow would disappear and then reappear straight ahead of me. I hoped it would be guiding me in the right direction. By the looks of it, I’d be starting my journey into the dark, unwelcoming forest.
A loud shrieking caw caused me to jump. I glanced up, and Ash was flying directly above. His glossy ebony wings were outspread, soaring in the dark, cold sky. Ash was Lucifer’s eyes, and the thought of him watching me sent a skin-crawling shiver through my core. I started to second guess myself, but I couldn’t let the fear overcome me.
I waited another few moments until he finally disappeared over the tower.
Taking a step forward, I was embarking on another journey, determined to find answers and hopeful to regain control of my future.
Once the whole crew found out I was missing, I knew they’d immediately start a search party. Moving quickly was key, especially with Lucian’s legion out there. If they found me, I was as good as dead.
HURRIEDLY, I FOLLOWED THE DIM glow of the dagger which led me into the forest, further and further from my safe haven. There was no turning back now.
I ran through the never-ending spruce, as fast as my feet could carry me. Branches scratched and snapped at me; my heart and pulse thrummed faster and faster as I ran deeper into darkness. The dim glow from the moon and stars was almost immediately snuffed out by the thick boughs above, making it nearly impossible to see.