“What do you think it all means?”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know, but my nerves have been on high alert ever since. I can’t shake the feeling that there is something out there. When I was in science yesterday, I could have sworn that the lightning was in the shape of a hand, reach across the sky.”

  “Do you think that the dreams are warning you of something that is coming?”

  My stomach twisted and I shoved my sandwich away.

  “That’s what I’ve been afraid of.”

  “I hope you’re wrong because it doesn’t sound like there’s a good ending for males in the story.”

  I raised an eyebrow and shot him a look. “The guy had a power too, but thanks.”

  Gabriel held his hands up. “I’m sorry. We’ll figure out what it all means though.”

  “I feel like the only way we’ll figure this mess out is when it is too late to prepare.”

  “Have some faith.”

  “Hard to do when I almost became the cream filling between two cars yesterday.”

  “I could start driving you home from now on if it would make you feel better.”

  Gabriel’s smile was gone. It was odd seeing him appear serious.

  “Thanks, but I don’t think that’ll be needed.”

  “Offer stands if you change your mind.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

  “Hey Blair!” a voice behind me caused me to turn around.

  People pushed and shoved around me to get out of school for the day. I stood in the middle of the hall until Anjuli made her way to me. Her long skirt spun with each step that she took. Her dark hair was out and flowing today.

  “Hey.”

  “I feel like we haven’t spoken in a while.”

  “Yeah sorry, I haven’t really seen a lot of people. I’ve been enjoying the fresh air lately. When I do, I don’t always bring company with me.”

  She laughed. “Oh, I get that. I figured I’d see how you were doing and adjusting to the new school.”

  I shrugged. “I’m doing alright I guess.”

  “That’s good. I was curious if you wanted to hang out sometime.”

  What was with everyone always wanting to hang out?

  “I guess so.”

  “How about today?”

  “Um, how about another day.”

  Her face fell. “Oh, are you sure?”

  I nodded my head as I started to head out the doors of the school to head to my bike. Anjuli followed right behind me. If I wore a skirt like the one Anjuli was wearing I probably would fall flat on my face. I could smell the floral scent flowing off her. Did she bathe in perfume or fabric softener?

  “Yeah, my mom had to have a phone conference then to run a few errands, so I have to watch my sister after school.”

  Thankfully, none of it was a lie. My mom’s latest edits were in, and the editor wanted to talk shop about the changes and possible cover ideas. It was easier when someone was looking after Winnie and was ready to be on the defense when Persephone got home.

  “Do you need some help?”

  I glanced over at her.

  “No, I should be fine thanks though. Winnie is easygoing for the most part. She’s less than two so it’s pretty easy to distract her.”

  Anjuli laughed. “That sounds pretty easy. You know I never got your phone number.”

  I paused next to the bike rack. Anjuli took out her phone and handed it to me.

  “Okay.”

  I placed my helmet that I’d been carrying on the handlebar of my bike. Taking her phone, I keyed in my number. Then I handed it back to her.

  “I’ll text you and you can save my number.” Anjuli smiled.

  “That works for me.”

  Her eyes were glued to her screen. I didn’t realize that she meant she would do it at that moment. I heard a ding go off in my bag and Anjuli was looking at me. Her eyes were more catlike than round. Her tanned skin seemed to glow in the sun. Looking down at my jeans and t-shirt I felt underdressed compared to her long skirt and peasant blouse.

  “I’ll probably text you later. Since you can’t hang out, I’ll probably work on the garden.”

  “Your family has a garden this close to the beach?” I questioned as I positioned the helmet on my head.

  She laughed. “A small one but yes. We have a small greenhouse too. That was our addition last year. My grandma got my mom into it when she was growing up, then the two of them taught me. My grandma had a real green thumb. It’s so relaxing to tend to the vegetables. Plus, with a greenhouse, I don’t have to worry as much about animals getting into our food now.”

  “I believe it. I’m good with what few green things I’ll eat from the food store. I don’t know if we have lived anywhere long enough to start a garden.”

  Anjuli’s face softened. “I’m sorry. Well, if you ever want to experience one don’t be shy.”

  “Thanks. I’ll stick to the sand and saltwater.”

  “I believe it.” She smiled.

  My eyebrows drew close together.

  “Okay? Well, I’ll see you tomorrow I’m headed home now.”

  I pulled my bike off the rack and headed towards home.

  Standing on the edge of the cliff outside of town the winds blew strong. The skirt of my black dress waved and wrapped around me. My hands were in tight fists at my sides. The skies were dark. It had not been sunny since that being had been here.

  “Where are you?” I yelled, letting the wind carry my voice out like a message.

  A gust blew from the ocean and onto the shores, but my feet stood grounded. The cool grass pressed into the soles of my feet.

  “You do not know what you are facing. Are you sure that you want to start a fight with me?” The voice was light and deep behind me, there almost seemed to be a hint of laughter in his voice.

  Turning around there stood the man across from me. He was head to toe covered in black material. A black cape fluttered behind him. He was taller than me, slender build. There were a few lines etched in his face, around his eyes.

  “I don’t think you know who you are dealing with either.” I retorted.

  A wide grew on his face.

  “Oh, I can just feel the hatred radiating off of you.” He closed his eyes and seemed to take in a deep breath. “The anger. It all fuels me.”

  “What are you?”

  He nodded as he stared at me. “That is fair enough. You might as well know who is going to kill you. I’m one of the four horsemen of death.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “I thought it was of the apocalypse?”

  He shook his head. “We have many names. We prefer death, because if the world ends, what fun would there be in it for us? If all your pathetic humans died off, then where would we get our powers from?”

  “You don’t get it as we do?”

  He shook his head. “Yours is from the center of the world. Ours is from all the pain, anger, and darkness that seeps through every part of this place. Like right now, the hatred you feel towards me is only helping strengthen my powers on the inside.”

  Taking a deep breath, I wondered if there was any truth to what he was saying. My gut told me he, unfortunately, told the truth.

  “I can see the battle within you. I also see I won’t be changing your mind. I’ll even be nice and let you have the first shot.” He waved towards him. “Come on.”

  Gradually I raised my arms to shoulder level then shoved my arms forwards with all my might. High winds from the water, blew past me towards the being in front of me. His brown hair fluttered as his foot slid him a foot from where he had been standing. My heart raced. That was almost everything I had, and it wasn’t enough to get him. Had I bitten off more than I can chew?

  “That’s it? Well, my turn.”

  He raised his hand and his feet drifted above the ground once again. His fingers curled into his palm. Pain radiated through every inch of my body. I gritted my teeth. My eyes were squeezed shut.

  “Still alive? I am a little impressed by that. You’re stronger than that boy of yours was.”

  Ian.

  I let out a yell and snapped my arms out from my sides. My fingers broke free of their invisible restraints. Winds broke out from behind me. I kept focusing on him. Throwing my arm at him over and over. Burst flew past me towards him. His footing started to falter. Using both hands I grasped in front of me and lifted them. The being started to rise off the ground. My arms began to tremble.

  “How is this possible?” He questioned, muttering.

  “Never underestimate me.”

  “I will not make that mistake again.”

  His eyes shifted down to me. He vanished for a split moment then reappeared right in front of me. I gasped and my hands fell to my sides. Sweat dripped down my face and my insides shook.

  “Sweet little girl. You have no idea what you’re up against.”

  I was forced down to my knees. A force was pulling me down. I could hear the waves crashing below me. He could force me over the cliff, and no one would be any of the wiser. The people in town may or may not find my body, it depended on the current. Would he go after the people once he got rid of me? He lifted his hand, and I was forced to stand up. My feet started to drift off the ground. Glancing down the grass below my feet started to get closer to the edge of the cliff. My heart pounded in my ears. A force held my arm down. Every muscle trembled as I fought it and pulled the dagger from the waist in the back of my dress. With all the energy inside of me, I drove the silver blade into his chest.

  He roared and I dropped to the ground. His eyes narrowed down at me.

  “Mystical being let that dagger drive clear through you. May it curse your existence as you wander, dying slowly in agony.”

  He vanished before I could finish my spell. I fell onto my knees breathing heavily. I was able to injure, but not kill him. I might have made it worse. He could heal tomorrow or five hundred years from now. When I wasn’t around to get back at him. My eyes turned towards the town. The people were at least safe for now, but for how long?

  18

  Blair

  “Look at that shiny ‘A’ on our project.” Gabriel had his computer screen open in homeroom turned towards me.

  I smirked and raised an eyebrow. “It is on the computer it isn’t shiny, that’s just the glare from the fluorescent lights.”

  “Please, if this was elementary school, we would have a large scratch and sniff sticker on this sucker.”

  I laughed.

  “I’m partnering up with you in every class.”

  “We don’t have all the same classes.”

  Gabriel shook his head. “Minor detail. The teachers will just have to suck it up and just face it that you’re my permeant partner for the rest of high school.”

  “What did I do to deserve that punishment?”

  “You’re just so gosh darn lucky.”

  “Man, that’s a great grade Ms. Paff grades really harshly. She does the AP classes and grades her other classes close to that.” Anjuli commented as she took a seat near us.

  “See! I’m trying to convince her that we need to be partners for every project from now on.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Don’t encourage him.”

  “It doesn’t take much for me,” Gabriel commented with a grin on his face.

  “I believe it too.”

  “How’d you get to school since it was raining?” Gabriel randomly asked.

  Glancing over my shoulder the water was coming down in sheets.

  “My mom said I could borrow her car for the week. She has to work on revisions for a new book and it’s supposed to rain all week.”

  “That was nice of her.”

  I nodded my head. “It was, by Friday she’ll be itching to get out of the house though.”

  “I would.”

  “I feel like that would be the case if you were stuck in a house for an hour.” I retorted.

  “I can understand that. If I’m inside for too long my skin crawls, I need to be outside.” Anjuli commented, shaking her head as she crossed her skinny-jeaned covered legs.

  “Some people just weren’t meant to be held up within walls.” Gabriel continued.

  “Anjuli, you know you just looped yourself up with Gabriel, right?” I questioned.

  Gabriel turned to look at Anjuli who just laughed at him.

  “Gabriel and I’ve had classes together since Kindergarten. I’m immune to just about everything he does or says.”

  “I know you ladies are trying to insult me, but I have two girls talking to me. I’m every middle school boy’s dream right now.”

  “Yeah, too bad you’re in high school.”

  “You can’t bruise this ego.”

  I had already changed and reapplied deodorant. I was standing out in the hall waiting for the bell to ring. Anjuli popped up behind me. She had her books balanced on her hip.

  “That was a great grade on your project.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So, my partner and I didn’t do as well as you two. I was curious if you could come over soon and help me study?”

  I shrugged. “We could study together. I do better on projects than I do on tests I’m afraid.”

  She laughed. “That’s fine the two of us can try to figure it out together.”

  “That’s fine, we can do that this weekend and be ready to go for the test on Tuesday.”

  “Sounds like a plan!”

  I was sitting on my bed with a sheet of polished metal the length of my forearms. The darkroom was lit by candles scattered around. The piece was flat and reflected my face on it. Hair was long blond braided and draped over my shoulder. My brown eyes stared back into mine. My skin was pale with freckles scattered over the bridge of my nose. My hands were steady, but my heart was hammering on.

  “I’m casting this spell and evoking the good magic that surrounds the Earth. There is something dark afoot, I was able to wound, but not kill him. I am asking you to let me come back again to help avenge Ian. He is too powerful for me to defeat on my own, I need help. Powers, please let me make this one last sacrifice to come back to save everyone then I will be laid to rest.”

  The words were fluid. My voice never faltered or even paused. Then the next thing I knew I was standing next to the blond girl that was staring at her reflection. Her shoulders rose and fell. She was wearing a white long gown. She placed the piece of metal down on her bed. She unbraided her fair hair to let the wavy locks free. The young woman stood up and walked out of the room slowly carrying a lantern that had been next to her bed.

  My feet were measured behind her. The girl’s steps were as if she was gliding across the meadow. The clouds were dense and murky. The wind was building up with each step we took. We passed a wheat field. The grains prickled my palm as I walked by. I could actually feel it. Then she turned and I jogged to keep up with her. Up ahead were cliffs, the land just stopped. The waves were earsplitting loud, the closer we got. The girl that has been haunting my dreams for weeks, paused her gaze out in front of her. The wind blew her hair around her. My stomach twisted. She just stood there for a moment. Then she glanced over her shoulder and for the first time looked at me. She nodded her head then gazed out towards the water. She spread her arms out wide before falling forward. I went running towards her yelling out.

  Rolling over my throat was dry, and my insides contrasted. My hands went to my face, moisture ran down my cheeks. I’d spent weeks watching through this girl’s eyes then suddenly I was outside of her body to watch. Everything felt real like I was there. I felt the wheatgrass, the wind, and the true horror that took over me when she took that plunge. What the hell did I watch her do? Was she casting a spell? What did that even mean? Hearing her voice though when she cast that spell, it almost sounded like the voice that gave me the warning.

  Sitting up my heart was racing. Was the girl in my dreams giving me warnings? How could that even be possible? I raked my fingers through my hair. The image of that girl’s dress fluttering behind her as she fell to her death popped into my head. The rocks were jagged, I’d seen them so many other times. Why did she have to die like that? I chewed on my bottom lip. I was about to hate myself, but I reached for my phone on the charger. I clicked on Gabriel’s name, and it started to ring.

  “Meh.”

  I smiled. “So, there is a point in time when you’re not running a million miles an hour?”

  “Blair?” his voice was hoarse. “Is something wrong? It’s one-thirty in the morning.”

  I drew my knees into my chest. “I’m kicking myself for calling you, but I can’t go back to sleep. The dream felt so real this time. It was almost like I was there.”

  “Brain no worky work at this hour, please start from the beginning.”

  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Do you remember the dreams I’d been having?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I had another one. I was looking into this metal plate, looking at my reflection, but it wasn’t my face. It was this pale blond girl who had freckles. She talked about not being powerful enough to defeat this guy.” I paused shaking my head. “She talked about wanting to come back to work with another to kill the guy. Then suddenly I was standing next to the girl. I followed her to the cliff, and she jumped.”

  “Jumped? As in, to swim or as in jumped?”

  “To her death. The weird thing is though, I swear right before she jumped, she looked at me.”

  “Were you in her line of vision?”

  “No! I was many feet behind her. She didn’t acknowledge me the entire time of the dream except for right before she jumped, she turned her head to look at me.”

  “That’s creepy.”

  “Yeah…it gets scarier.”

  “How can it get any worse?”

  “I’m pretty sure that the voice that was giving me the warnings was the girl in the dreams.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Not one hundred percent, because that would be completely crazy right?”

  “You’re able to move and manipulate water, I don’t know what is impossible anymore. Does this make me your animal sidekick?”