“I like her. She is perfect for you.”
“We just met and you’re trying to make me give my Rah away.”
“You should.”
“She is kind of cool.”
“She lights up when you walk in the room.”
“That’s because she found someone she could argue with.”
“She’s seems really special. What would be so bad about the two of you getting together?”
“Girls and missions don’t go well together.”
“She can handle herself. You won’t have to save her every few seconds like Marcus has to do with me.”
“C’mon baby girl, you’ve saved him a few times.”
“I just buy him a few seconds here and there.”
“Well whatever you did, you got him hooked.”
“Jay, how does the team feel about Marcus? Are you guys mad because we fell in love?”
“Mad or not, it’s done.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“I kind of get Marcus a little more now.”
“How’s that?”
“When we were battling and I saw the Swan go after Isabelle…”
“Awwwwww... My favorite Guardian is falling in love!” I playfully tease him.
“Hey, slow down okay. I haven’t even introduced her to Siren.”
“Your car?”
“Hey, that car and I go way back. If she doesn’t like Isabelle…I’m not sure what kind of future we have.”
I laugh at him and whisper softly in his ear.
“Take it from me, Jay, don’t fight it.”
Just then Rio enters the room and tells us Ameana has texted him. She and Wolf arrived safely in Daraquin. Wolf is on the mend although the injuries were extensive and will take time to heal.
“Can I ask you something?” Jay says to me.
“Sure.”
“How long do you think one being can be committed to another?”
I turn toward Marcus who is in the corner diligently plotting a strategy to enter the castle.
“Hopefully forever.”
*********************
It takes nearly five hours but finally Marcus and Isabelle come up with a possible way to enter the castle. Jay and I convince them to let the team recharge before we head out. Miku stands guard just outside cave.
I am about to drift off to sleep when I hear someone call my name. Looking around, everyone in the cave is laying still on the ground. I lay my head back down and assume it was all in my imagination. Then I hear it again. I think it may be Miku. I get up and walk towards her.
“Emmy, over here,” the voice whispers.
I look off to the side, a few yards away from Miku and there’s a being standing in the midst of the forest. It calls out my name yet again. I try hard to make out who it is but it’s too dark. The being is tall and wearing light clothing, but for the life of me, I can’t see its face.
The being signals for me to come over. Normally, I wouldn’t, it could be a Demon. But there is something very
familiar about the figure. I slowly walk towards it. When I get close enough to make out who it is, I’m too shocked to do anything other than stare.
“Reese?”
The Angel beams at me. I look him over from head to toe and it’s actually him. He’s wearing light casual clothing that makes him look like a perfect J Crew model. His easy smile and warm eyes look back at me. I rush to him and he holds me tightly. Tears fill my eyes. He pulls me away and says he’s missed me.
“Wait…what are you doing here?”
“I think what you mean to say is ‘Wow, Reese you’re more handsome than I remember,’”
“Wait, you’re dead…”
“Rio was dead. He got another chance. Why shouldn’t I?”
“They told me there was no way you could come back.”
“Well, they lied to you. I’m here and I’ve missed you so much,” he says, embracing me again.
“I’m not dreaming?” I ask.
“I could pinch you? You know I would enjoy that,” he jokes.
“How is it you’re alive?”
“I had something to live for—you.”
“So, Lucy just let you go?”
“Let’s not talk about it. Let’s just focus on us.”
“Wait, don’t you want to talk to the team?” I ask.
“I can do that later. Right now, I just want to be with you.”
“Wait, Reese, there’s a lot I have to tell you. A lot has happened while you were …gone.”
“You mean like you and Marcus becoming a hot item? I heard.”
“I’m sorry, I really am. I didn’t even know you liked me until—”
“Yeah, I know.”
“I never meant to hurt you. I love you. I mean, like a friend.”