Soft fingers grazed my shoulder. “I’m here, Chayah.”

  “Cade.”

  The throbbing grew stronger, almost unbearable, as a new face appeared—a man’s. One I’d seen before.

  I braced my skull, the sound of my own blood rushing through my ears. Jumbled words I couldn’t make out rumbled around. Nothing coherent.

  The pounding increased, but I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to focus on the man’s face.

  “How do I know you?” I blurted.

  He had wings. And a strange aura. Shadowed, though not completely dark. And it had a color. Dark blue—almost black, but not quite.

  “Wake up, Chayah.”

  I leaned down on the table, holding my head like a vice as the aching pulsed to an unbearable level.

  “Stop it.” I cried out as faces raced through my mind.

  Then I had a vision.

  Cade.

  Brennan.

  Brennan stabbed Cade.

  Cade’s aura faded, and his lifeless body fell to the ground.

  I balled my fists, my head buried in my arms, leaning onto the table.

  Why didn’t I fight this vision again?

  Heat raced to my forehead.

  My body shook. I couldn’t stop it.

  “Wake up, Chayah.” The voices grew louder. Screaming at me. “Help him.”

  “It’s time to wake up.”

  “Stop it.” I let out a growl, gripping my head.

  Crack!

  A loud boom crashed in the distance. I glanced up just as lightning flashed across the Italian sky that was now grey and ominous. Clouds had moved in fast. Too fast.

  Something popped.

  Snapped in my skull, like a rubber band.

  My head jerked as a flood of rain poured down over our heads.

  People around the café jumped up from their tables and ran inside the restaurant.

  Everyone but us.

  Cade just stared at me, eyes wide.

  I tried to read his expression. His heartbeat spiked erratically. Fear, maybe? I couldn’t tell, but I knew it wasn’t good.

  I narrowed my gaze, scanning around, taking a deep breath and blowing it out slowly. The brief downpour went from a light drizzle to nothing. The clouds began to fade and a few rays of sun shown down on the rocks beside the shore.

  Eternals at our table stared at me in silence.

  I closed my eyes briefly as the pounding in my head faded away. “What?”

  “We need to train you,” Sophie said. “Immediately.”

  Everyone looked at each other, visibly shaken.

  “What is it?” My chest was tight. Every muscle tensed. Fists clenched, I didn’t even realize I was grinding my teeth.

  For the first time, I agreed with them.

  Something felt—off.

  “Your emotions,” Raz said. “They’re out of control.”

  Workers from the café came out with towels to dry off plates and refill food and drinks.

  “That wasn’t me.” I pointed at the sky.

  Raz pursed his lips, nodding his head.

  “I’ve only witnessed that happen once.” Cade glanced to Raz. “Stay as long as you need.”

  My mouth popped open, and my heart dropped into my stomach. “But…”

  Cade pushed his palm toward me, shutting me down.

  “No,” he said, voice stern and unwavering. “No arguments, Zoe. Not on this.”

  “Cade.” I stood, shoving my chair back, running my hands through my dripping wet hair. “You promised.”

  “Things have changed,” he said. “You’re not safe. Not you, not me—nobody.”

  “What are you talking about?” I asked, rougher than I intended. I stood straight, trying to get myself in check

  My emotions were off the grid.

  Cade pointed at the sky. “That is a warning.” He barked, eyes wide.

  I stepped back, eyes narrowed, mouth open.

  He’d never yelled at me before. And although that wasn’t technically a yell, it still kind of stung.

  “I’m sorry, Chayah.” He pushed out his chair, lowering his voice. “That was a warning, one we all must heed.”

  Cade made to stand, but I pushed down his shoulder, shaking my head.

  I turned to leave, but he grabbed my hand and stood. “You’re not going to disappear, Zoe. Not this time.”

  “Yes, this time. And whenever I need some space.” I pursed my lips. “You’re not my keeper, Cade.”

  I pulled from his grip and set off out of the café down the Marina.

  Our short moment of sun had begun to disappear as I wandered along the beach, staring out at the huge ships in the harbor, trying to settle my nerves. Scattered rays of light shimmered off the waves crashing onto the shore.

  Cade ran up behind me.

  “Please.” I stopped, closing my eyes. “I just need a minute.”

  “No.” Cade stepped up behind me, gently reaching for my shoulders. “We must discuss this now. You need to…”

  “No?” I turned around and glared.

  “You need to listen.”

  My fingers dug into my hips. I closed my eyes, inhaling a breath, trying to keep from losing my temper.

  “For once, I may know better than you. And you need to do as you’re tol…”

  The second the word almost spilled from his mouth, his face went flat.

  My eyes went wide, mouth open.

  “Go on. What are you waiting for?” I leaned forward, arms across my chest. “Say it.”

  He knew he’d messed up. “Asked. Chayah. I didn’t mean…”

  “Yes. You did. That’s exactly what you meant. What, am I your kid now? Was Lilith right about you?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Stop. You’re acting like a child.”

  “A child.” I scoffed. “I can show you a temper tantrum if you really want to see one. Because right now, I sure as hell feel like throwing one.”

  I closed my eyes for a second, trying to settle my nerves, to shove down the knot in my chest that was making me want to punch Cade in the face.

  My emotions were off. Way off.

  “You promised me we could have time to get to know each other. First it was three months. Then one. Then two weeks. Why are we even here? We could have done all this in Aravot.” I began pacing the beach, talking with my hands. “You’re my husband, for all intents and purposes, and I hardly know you. How are we supposed to make this work if we can’t spend time together, getting to know each other? You said yourself, it was important for us to bond so we could work together. How’s that working out? For us or anyone?”

  “Things have changed.” He reached for me, but I pulled away and turned toward the ocean, arms over my chest.

  “I’m sorry if you think I’m acting like a child. Maybe it’s because just a couple months ago, I was.”

  I stared at the waves rolling up over the shore and blew out a breath.

  “I don’t remember her, Cade.” I uncrossed my arms, dropping them to my sides. “I’m not her.” I blew out a breath. “I’m just a girl who had her entire life ripped away. And everybody—including you—expects me to be this fearless leader I have no idea how to be.”

  I closed my eyes as his hands braced my shoulders, slowly spinning me around, pulling me into his arms.

  “I’ve always been on your side, always.” He gently grabbed my chin and lifted it. “Look at me, Chayah.”

  I blew out a breath and opened my eyes.

  “I cannot teach you if you don’t trust me enough to listen. You are and always will be my first priority. Your protection, however, must come before your happiness.” He ran his thumb over my bottom lip. “We’ll have time together, but first, you must balance your emotions. “

  A tear slid down my cheek.

  Cade wrapped his arms around me, and I buried my head into his chest. “Let me help you. You must trust someone, love. Let it be me.”

  A light breeze moved between us. The clouds had filled the sky and the haze from earlier had returned.

  “I’m sorry.” I stared at his chest. “I thought I was doing so good.”

  He lifted my chin. “I don’t mean to sound angry,” he said, though his voice was still gruff. “But your protection is my sole responsibility. It’s not often I ask you to follow my lead. But when I do, I expect the same respect I give you when I follow yours.”

  “Okay.”

  I surrendered, though I didn’t really understand what he meant.

  There was obviously no winning this fight. I was quickly learning when it came to protecting me, Cade had little patience for my feelings.

  “We shall have our holiday. But first, you must gain control of your emotions. Stop blocking out your visions. That was a warning. Instead of embracing your gifts, you’re fighting them. Your Origin is desperately trying to reach out and pull you back. It’s speaking to you, love. You need only listen. Your gifts are humanity’s only true defense against the darkness. There’s beauty in them, but you cannot utilize your powers if they control you.”

  “Just promise we can take breaks? Maybe some training, then we go away for a night or a weekend? I feel myself pulling away from you. From everyone.” I glanced up, and he wiped away my tears.

  Cade pulled me back into his chest. “I promise, we’ll complete your training quickly, so we can have a semblance of a holiday. So you can understand how much I adore you.”

  Resting my head on his chest, I relaxed in his arms, letting his heart beat beneath my cheek.

  “I love listening to your heart.”

  “It’s not my heart beating,” Cade whispered. “It’s ours.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Cade

  “It’s been three days, and she’s made only minimal improvement.” Raz exhaled loudly. “I’m beginning to think there’s something else going on we’ve yet to discover.”

  I leaned against the door frame watching Zoe. She sat outside beneath a pergola with Sophie and Elijah, working on meditation techniques to clear her mind.

  The weather had cooperated lately, remaining in the mid-fifties, and only raining for a few hours each day, so Zoe was able to work outside. She was the sort that flourished in open spaces, not confined ones, so being outside was often the best place for her to focus.

  Zoe had been training tirelessly, attempting to access her Origin, the very source of all her gifts, which were grounded within her mind. The greatest downfall of her Origin was an unclear consciousness, making it damn near impossible for her to use her powers at all.

  Being new to this life and not having her memories intact had proven to be our greatest enemy at present. Unfortunately, due to the particulars of this situation, it’d been impossible for us to bond and return to our duties as we should. And given the darkness lurking in the shadows, the situation concerned us all.

  “I’m at such odds over what to do. It’s clear she needs time training, but on the other hand, we need time alone. Time, even she understands we don’t have.”

  “She’s made some progress, though not enough to impact the situation. Perhaps this will be just enough, and you can help her practice the skills in the upcoming weeks. Then when you return to Aravot, she can continue to use them while we determine what is going on with the breaches.”

  I folded my arms across my chest. “Perhaps.”

  A moment later, Zoe rose from her chair and meandered toward me, eyes cast to the ground.

  Elijah and Sophie stood behind Zoe. Elijah shook his head, and Sophie turned and walked toward Lailah standing just beyond them in the garden.

  Raz set his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll keep working.”

  “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.” Zoe released a sigh. “When it came to Eli, all it took was meeting Lailah. Realizing what happened with them. But this?” She shrugged. “I just don’t get it.”

  I reached out and drew her into my arms. “It may just take some time.”

  I led her inside the villa, into the open great room overlooking the terrace. I sat on the sofa, pulling Zoe into my lap.

  She wrapped her arms around my neck and laid her head on my shoulder. “There’s so much to learn. I feel like such a failure.”

  “Your mind is very powerful,” Raz said, sitting down across from us. “While human, you were unable to harness your innate intellect, but now, you’re more in touch with your Origin. Perhaps your protective instincts have become so strong, you’re having a difficult time moving beyond them. You’re obviously afraid of something.”

  “Of what?” She sat up, staring at Raz. “What’s there left to be afraid of?”

  “Perhaps yourself. I wonder if you’re afraid of the duty that lies ahead, though I cannot say for sure.”

  “Maybe.” She shrugged. “You know, I thought once we rescued Cade, things would get easier. They haven’t. I just don’t know what I’m doing.”

  “We start now.” I reached for her chin and tilted it up. “I’m going to work with Raz this evening. We’ll plan a training module, then you and I will work through it together.”

  “Okay.”

  Sophie came inside, and Lailah followed behind her. “Tonight, the ladies have plans of our own.”

  “What kind of plans?” Zoe narrowed her gaze.

  Phoebe and Remie entered the door to the villa.

  Zoe’s expression lit up. She hopped from my lap and moved quickly, reaching out to hug her best friend. “Phoebs.” Zoe’s voice shook. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you and Remie on your honeymoon?”

  Phoebe laughed. “We are. Here.”

  Zoe narrowed her eyes. “Here? But what about…”

  “Look around, Zo. This place is amazing. Besides, I was jealous. We went to a ski resort in Colorado, and you get Italy? So unfair.” She nudged Zoe’s hip.

  A moment later, an entourage of Eternals filed in behind Elijah—Firstborns from each incarnation along with their Gemini.

  “What’s going on?” Zoe looked around.

  “Well.” Phoebe started. “We thought it was time for a girls’ night out. None of us ever got to have bachelorette parties, so—yeah.” She raised up her arms. “Girl’s night.”

  “Are you serious?” Zoe smiled wide.

  “Yes. It’s time you get to know your family,” Sophie said. “The men are going too, though we’re all going to keep to our sides. We’ve secured entrance into a nightclub in Naples. It’s going to be a wonderful evening.”

  Zoe turned to me, smiling.

  I held up my hands. “I had nothing to do with this.” I pointed to Phoebe. “It was all your best friend. She coordinated with the ladies.”

  Zoe’s lips trembled.

  “We’re family.” Sophie bowed.

  Zoe hugged Sophie. “Thank you.”

  “Now, it’s getting late.” Sophie set her hand on Zoe’s shoulder. “You’ve worked hard today, and it’s time for some fun. Take Cade and get dressed. We’ll be kidnapping you in an hour.”

  Zoe chewed on her lip. “I can’t wait.”

  ~

  “Now don’t go flirting with all the beautiful Italian ladies.” Zoe popped up to her toes and kissed me. “I’m taking you home tonight.” She winked then strolled off to sit with the rest of the girls.

  “She hasn’t lost her sense of humor.” Raz slapped my shoulder.

  “No.”

  “And you’ve still not found yours.” He chuckled. “Come on, brother. She’s safe. Let the girls have their fun.”

  I followed Raz to the other end of the Naples’ nightclub and took a seat between him and Julian.

  “What’s up?” Julian picked up his beer and took a drink.

  I folded my arms over my chest and glanced at Zoe.

  “Come on, boss. Give the girl some space.” Julian shook his head.

  I turned around and glared at him.

  He let out a laugh. “I know you missed her, but she’s a modern girl. Things are different here in the twenty-first century, mate. She needs some room to breath.”

  “Julian, give the man a break.” Loren spoke up. “Cade just got her back. And you know how he gets.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Julian grinned, slapping my back.

  I glared around the table. “You all think I’m one of those men, don’t you?”

  Seven weak Eternals got straight expressions on their faces. Not one had the courage to say anything.

  “That’s what I thought.”

  “Still got it, brother.” Raz braced my shoulder.

  “Seriously, though.” Loren cleared his throat. “How is Zoe doing? Hannah says she’s having trouble. There is some concern among the Eternals due to the lack of progress with Zoe’s training.”

  I looked to Raz, and he eyed me knowingly.

  Only Julian had the nerve to say what we all were thinking. “So you agree. This isn’t just a coincidence.”

  “We don’t think so,” Raz said. “I believe this is intentional, though neither Zoe nor any of us know why.”

  “What do you mean?” Julian asked.

  “I think something happened before she—” Raz stopped and pursed his lips.

  “What aren’t you telling me, Raziel?” I sent the unspoken message toward him, eyes wide.

  He slapped my shoulder. “We will talk. I’m unsure if I should share it with the group, though.”

  “Alright, we all know something’s going on,” Loren said. “You won’t tell us, though. Will you?”

  “Once I know what to tell you, I will,” Raz said. “Until then, we all must be vigilant. Training the Newborns. Training Chayah.” He looked to Remie and Micah. “You two are going to be sent out on missions with the seasoned Firstborns.”

  “I’ve been ready.” Micah scowled, folding his arms over his chest. “You guys have been dragging your damn feet. I’m getting grey over here.”

  Remie turned and narrowed his eyes to Micah. “What’s your deal?”

  “Yeah. Like the Eternal Golden Boy doesn’t already know.” Micah groused.

  Raz and I glanced at each other.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Remie leaned back into his chair and picked up his beer, taking a slow sip.

  “Forget it.” Micah scoffed, rising to his feet. “I need some air.”