tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90091607991370566862024-03-05T12:42:40.315-06:00The Second Time Around- A Bring Me to Life ChallengeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-6571895120889401012015-01-30T23:00:00.000-06:002015-01-30T23:08:58.091-06:00This is the Open EndingI'm afraid that I won't be continuing to the next generation of The Second Time Around. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read and leave comments! Your feedback has never failed to put a smile on my face. Creating this story has been a blast, and I had an infinite number of ideas on where to take it next.<br />
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However, my priorities in life have changed. I have decided to quit the Sims. Seriously. I'm uninstalling all the EPs and deleting all my saves after I post this.<br />
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I've been thinking about this for several months. I second-guessed myself a few times partially because I loved this story and I really wanted to continue. But ultimately, I decided that this is what's best for me. I've lost far too much time to this game that I really want to use to pursue other things.<br />
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I'm still planning on keeping up with all of my favorite stories, so this isn't quite goodbye. The sims community is a really talented, creative group of people and I had lots of fun being included among you for the short time that I was.<br />
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As a parting gift, (and to burn just a bit of the creative fuel that I'm tossing out) I've made a few (<i>a reaping plumload, </i>actually) lovely pictures for you to enjoy!<br />
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All of the Reecephia kidlits:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Evangeline Lewis</b></span><br />
<b>Brave, Loves the Cold, Daredevil, Unflirty, Natural Born Performer</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: Master Acrobat</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bowen Lewis</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Brave, Athletic, Sailor, Good, Angler</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: Seaside Savior</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gawain Lewis</b></span></div>
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<b>Perfectionist, Loves the Cold, Heavy Sleeper, Avant Garde, Good Sense of Humor</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: Blog Artist</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odette Lewis</b></span></div>
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<b>Disciplined, Virtuoso, Cat Person, Socially Awkward, Nuturing</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: One Sim Band</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christopher Lewis</b></span></div>
<div>
<b>Good, Slob, Handy, Genius, Computer Whiz</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: The Tinkerer</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anastasia Lewis</b></span></div>
<div>
<b>Loves the Heat, Excitable, Bookworm, Hopeless Romantic, Ambitious</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: Made the Most of My Time</b><br />
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And the Liefaria kidlits:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yasmin Woods</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Family Oriented, Loves the Cold, Loves the Heat, Dog Person, Night Owl</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: Surrounded by Family</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Irwyn Woods</b></span><br />
<b>Artistic, Loves the Outdoors, Disciplined, Proper, Charismatic</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: Golden Tongue, Golden Fingers</b><br />
<div>
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</div>
And the Harina kidlits:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Moses Mystic</b></span><br />
<b>Loner, Good, Kleptomaniac, Brave, Loves the Heat</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: International Super Spy</b><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Undine Mystic</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Photographer's Eye, Excitable, Artistic, Eco-Friendly, Loves to Swim</b><br />
<b>Lifetime Wish: Visionary</b><br />
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<br />
CC free versions of these sims have been added to the exchange and posted on my <a href="http://thesecondtimearoundbmtl.blogspot.com/p/downloads.html">downloads page.</a><br />
<br />
My favorite EA ghosts resurrected with Reece's ritual and given the complete Ally-Makeover:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jasper Remington</b></span></div>
<div>
<b>Death by Electrocution</b></div>
<div>
<b>Riverview</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Florinda Torres</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Death by Drowning</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Isla Paradiso</b><br />
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<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sinjon Frank</b></span><br />
<b>Death by Thirst</b><br />
<b>Bridgeport</b></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Donna Parr-Teague</b></span><br />
<b>Death by Starvation</b></div>
<div>
<b>Appaloosa Plains</b></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Minerva Goth</b></span><br />
<b>Death by Old Age</b></div>
<div>
<b>Midnight Hollow</b></div>
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</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Jared Ferris</span></b><br />
<b>Death by Time Anomaly</b></div>
<div>
<b>Oasis Landing</b></div>
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</div>
Each of the Reecephia kids paired with a ghost!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Evangeline Lewis and Sinjon Frank</b></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bowen Lewis and Florinda Torres</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gawain Lewis and Donna Parr-Teague</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odette Lewis and Jasper Remington</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christopher Lewis and Minerva Goth</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anastasia Lewis and Jared Ferris</b></span><br />
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Thanks again, everyone! Love yall! <3<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-34657026720362909012015-01-30T22:23:00.001-06:002015-01-31T12:18:15.291-06:00Epilogue: Calling<div class="Standard">
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After years of tireless searching, we had found only one.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece and I spent dozens of evenings walking through
graveyards. The wrinkles forming around
his mouth grew deeper every trip we took, and at the end of the night he could
only shake his head.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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“It’s no use.” He sighed,
kicking the snow at his feet. “I don’t
know what’s happened. I can’t sense
anyone. I haven’t sensed anyone in
years.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEELcEc61aQcZgKTQtP-wMRx5dw_Jx2VjdYapehUG6Pqpss4Ph4MRmYwjSS-bhuoFEkH_V_S1Pw7UhWW893cyhw08CVMokl1wsT54MnYZ2EAXAvSct7Ge47e7w4WwhPRidCqTdR5IvfQf/s1600/Nar25.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEELcEc61aQcZgKTQtP-wMRx5dw_Jx2VjdYapehUG6Pqpss4Ph4MRmYwjSS-bhuoFEkH_V_S1Pw7UhWW893cyhw08CVMokl1wsT54MnYZ2EAXAvSct7Ge47e7w4WwhPRidCqTdR5IvfQf/s1600/Nar25.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I put my hands on his shoulders and tried to smile, though my own heart
was sinking faster with every year that went by. “We will keep looking. We cannot give up.”</div>
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Mr. Peter called us back to Dragon Valley on one such
night. He had a lead on where we could
find a second Philosopher Stone. We met
him in Harmony Hospital, where I worked.
His health had taken a turn for the worse and the diagnosis was growing
even grimmer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEudX_CymGsSsQhWMUFRBSZX0X3hyWZ8YUHDzyzdafeC0xPU5Af5Q0LYIisrsaStwT5wRSKEzRCYHlVz_l5g-A2OiZFhlPVYFK2HMc85us37ayPiBlo6aF27sCgaFvy29iJziKn6GCNHsy/s1600/Nar25.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEudX_CymGsSsQhWMUFRBSZX0X3hyWZ8YUHDzyzdafeC0xPU5Af5Q0LYIisrsaStwT5wRSKEzRCYHlVz_l5g-A2OiZFhlPVYFK2HMc85us37ayPiBlo6aF27sCgaFvy29iJziKn6GCNHsy/s1600/Nar25.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Here.” Mr. Peters
said, coughing as he handed me an address book.
“I’ve written down his number and address. He lives in Bridgeport. His collection is extensive, but I’m not sure
how much you would need to offer him in order to get him to part with such a
valuable artifact.”</div>
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He dissolved into a fit of coughing. I ran to get him a glass of water, and patted
his back as I lifted it to his lips.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He fell back onto his pillow, his brow slick with sweat. “It seems that I might soon join the souls
you seek in the Netherworld.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnGvttBkEFWySzbTDspgpAYlTCxgLr-KnMCzKHWSpTg9h6ZkWOEKfKSGrJYTVjEwR1tcaLZLUUOo_COoMysJQprUKTBZ0RQ0vNjzc8qirkWkbc7_sxnugc1Uud8waPReN8-80ZjMn1nPp/s1600/Nar25.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnGvttBkEFWySzbTDspgpAYlTCxgLr-KnMCzKHWSpTg9h6ZkWOEKfKSGrJYTVjEwR1tcaLZLUUOo_COoMysJQprUKTBZ0RQ0vNjzc8qirkWkbc7_sxnugc1Uud8waPReN8-80ZjMn1nPp/s1600/Nar25.06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I set the glass on the table, and smiled. “The Netherworld is not all there is.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgG8l0YzcVTojdicjG13JAh4YIiSCj8lUjkXI05qYN1hfCoL7oh_I3o6cDhLIc5RrB-0BxW51GlQtQa15h9g8eawVQY9vT45asSEqqfGVRP4lCttL8OzVikdqAZHwFDyoFiB3i8_zVCIu/s1600/Nar25.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgG8l0YzcVTojdicjG13JAh4YIiSCj8lUjkXI05qYN1hfCoL7oh_I3o6cDhLIc5RrB-0BxW51GlQtQa15h9g8eawVQY9vT45asSEqqfGVRP4lCttL8OzVikdqAZHwFDyoFiB3i8_zVCIu/s1600/Nar25.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Mr. Peters looked up at me. “What else is there?”</div>
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I leaned back in my chair and sighed. My eyes misted over. “ <i>‘White
shores… and beyond them a far green county under a swift sunrise.’</i> ”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZbhVsMj6qouw-IalEgsb38-Jl4nE_IgzOLHOTjm1TEPS4xz7GHjD8OStONefju9D2J-GKI6TjiW2ovNO90clkOuz2RJz_7g4TcnvPUfekLxZje81rGW1IUz4TIAwPr-94r4U_6OITXVy/s1600/Nar25.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZbhVsMj6qouw-IalEgsb38-Jl4nE_IgzOLHOTjm1TEPS4xz7GHjD8OStONefju9D2J-GKI6TjiW2ovNO90clkOuz2RJz_7g4TcnvPUfekLxZje81rGW1IUz4TIAwPr-94r4U_6OITXVy/s1600/Nar25.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Mr. Peters closed his eyes.
“Ah… I knew it.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQak7PNjqvxaZ0_dBFkwSwCbrsAF52bCn5fdHY7Th8UxfIcpzUXC1QHr1D31UZVmL2KcBGQCQb02qE9u0L_S4djIniPg7-hnp2fhluQDdRFBljSGl6cwyRTF0v9vgScmDZh7sSEsO1qHb5/s1600/Nar25.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQak7PNjqvxaZ0_dBFkwSwCbrsAF52bCn5fdHY7Th8UxfIcpzUXC1QHr1D31UZVmL2KcBGQCQb02qE9u0L_S4djIniPg7-hnp2fhluQDdRFBljSGl6cwyRTF0v9vgScmDZh7sSEsO1qHb5/s1600/Nar25.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecRbv6kAxt4NEbaYina2dtNj1J5k3RrzXAzpiacW6un_p8gh665GQTzWTS52Eb_WvEe59REE8hQvjQULiVEBtCtmnd_4ZQeSkSbV0Hqkqe_RRCgCLbmXiV6PzlFIkZHvDyJANfENVVLrS/s1600/Nar25.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecRbv6kAxt4NEbaYina2dtNj1J5k3RrzXAzpiacW6un_p8gh665GQTzWTS52Eb_WvEe59REE8hQvjQULiVEBtCtmnd_4ZQeSkSbV0Hqkqe_RRCgCLbmXiV6PzlFIkZHvDyJANfENVVLrS/s1600/Nar25.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“We are gathered here today to honor the life and memory of
Edmund Peters, beloved bookseller, professor, scholar, and friend.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4kFvh1ispy3Do0Ta-eisYGMa69DC4-XYxivGaI0ZlihB3OSStk6kSDAQ9nb34CMZtP0VAZR8UKVsBL8ParJBqcy_MC5NFGkfaDGtfzs3wya2ZV3nhShoH1Y3sTo-eZTtEfLd_rguH43H/s1600/Nar25.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4kFvh1ispy3Do0Ta-eisYGMa69DC4-XYxivGaI0ZlihB3OSStk6kSDAQ9nb34CMZtP0VAZR8UKVsBL8ParJBqcy_MC5NFGkfaDGtfzs3wya2ZV3nhShoH1Y3sTo-eZTtEfLd_rguH43H/s1600/Nar25.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Mr. Peters asked that I read this sonnet at his
service. During his life, it was one of
his favorites…”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQG0KIFvrxx11WQJ2V26eUPMii5Yk1f_6TgoXdzoE1BmEc0XkhiM3PmJKbPydvRUjuXyvUHlpH_WbQSrLlMwRh4SElqjRcnCoEJI98D9180nM5fmuvaldnAUwLwBpBwDQFP2LYkUzJiwt/s1600/Nar25.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQG0KIFvrxx11WQJ2V26eUPMii5Yk1f_6TgoXdzoE1BmEc0XkhiM3PmJKbPydvRUjuXyvUHlpH_WbQSrLlMwRh4SElqjRcnCoEJI98D9180nM5fmuvaldnAUwLwBpBwDQFP2LYkUzJiwt/s1600/Nar25.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
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<i>“Death, be not proud,
though some have called thee<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>Mighty and dreadful, for
thou art not so;</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_Jegl9CQC5LfPpbaivmxlpV6rrsTszjCyDiLqeQnK1BfQD_gsX1n80SJM_MiKtttU1aU2KeV4ZoAiG6-jawWBYFCPLWZQDKFug2EQLr20TrqHi5wjGkMBLfSxai4AHwklng6UtRvPTDQ/s1600/Nar25.Funer02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_Jegl9CQC5LfPpbaivmxlpV6rrsTszjCyDiLqeQnK1BfQD_gsX1n80SJM_MiKtttU1aU2KeV4ZoAiG6-jawWBYFCPLWZQDKFug2EQLr20TrqHi5wjGkMBLfSxai4AHwklng6UtRvPTDQ/s1600/Nar25.Funer02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i></i>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T9N204xCv7v5CB0V4CevPC5XbHyo81wCt-uvaRp842JZa5G9y_pF2zkIJJfZTiqKKSrZ7iuugWgCDP-ypqllCtiTFblPXNg0rRJw6evbmSge6Lf-Kl9Y8BhOu8F9UxX05-baih6s68cY/s1600/Nar25.Funer03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T9N204xCv7v5CB0V4CevPC5XbHyo81wCt-uvaRp842JZa5G9y_pF2zkIJJfZTiqKKSrZ7iuugWgCDP-ypqllCtiTFblPXNg0rRJw6evbmSge6Lf-Kl9Y8BhOu8F9UxX05-baih6s68cY/s1600/Nar25.Funer03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></i></div>
<i><i>For those whom thou
think'st thou dost overthrow</i></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>Die not, poor Death, nor
yet canst thou kill me.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba7ZVuUriM2IgHuTJXTEg9tZacaKvW3P7JPDxEpYncO-Va-nAfL0gVqNkjpuMPS59AmeS_fCykt8k9AXf4pt_AC8RVofe9-AcZLx5Sxsp_-DP6rF6HHNuuTcKHjqREmj1tU-7v-ErfWeW/s1600/Nar25.Funer08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba7ZVuUriM2IgHuTJXTEg9tZacaKvW3P7JPDxEpYncO-Va-nAfL0gVqNkjpuMPS59AmeS_fCykt8k9AXf4pt_AC8RVofe9-AcZLx5Sxsp_-DP6rF6HHNuuTcKHjqREmj1tU-7v-ErfWeW/s1600/Nar25.Funer08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>From rest and sleep, which
but thy pictures be, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>Much pleasure; then from
thee much more must flow, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFc5JOsBoMuMJ-r0C30tZKxkXhhLZI8E7frZmlPzYNB231ftvlt-zkw_U0n9T7OrjlH9gpA3kCBgvUahyphenhyphengKTGnDxgITkVGTkgmnwDq2CDREpYa99Ql7R_6CMgi1_JYjmmGKqeTdStTgNo/s1600/Nar25.Funer01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFc5JOsBoMuMJ-r0C30tZKxkXhhLZI8E7frZmlPzYNB231ftvlt-zkw_U0n9T7OrjlH9gpA3kCBgvUahyphenhyphengKTGnDxgITkVGTkgmnwDq2CDREpYa99Ql7R_6CMgi1_JYjmmGKqeTdStTgNo/s1600/Nar25.Funer01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>And soonest our best men
with thee do go, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>Rest of their bones, and
soul's delivery. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Thou art slave to fate,
chance, kings, and desperate men, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>And dost with poison, war,
and sickness dwell, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcF385i7HwQD-RVH8b9LXljrXo02pbUqVUNs7iXTmovagVLx8qw_TQAS1taapQQhXNhnYOchW9XLfz6n3iVXK9uc2xfSSzZDs5afYT8C7dX7ZDjqALj7yBAfWD5whp7LiDF_P9j7CNX6Q/s1600/Nar25.funer09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcF385i7HwQD-RVH8b9LXljrXo02pbUqVUNs7iXTmovagVLx8qw_TQAS1taapQQhXNhnYOchW9XLfz6n3iVXK9uc2xfSSzZDs5afYT8C7dX7ZDjqALj7yBAfWD5whp7LiDF_P9j7CNX6Q/s1600/Nar25.funer09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>And poppy or charms can make
us sleep as well <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>And better than thy stroke;
why swell'st thou then? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdl6Jsj5z3RHZ9TNSvvq847_qSJHks29cPu2tSiDAjG5ZKFAj_cBAGiAQU9EnFqYjZXn1gHTBmONCsFC7Cx5_KOdS0OC2Tt-bDCibcEsJk8Jm3tY4jP-9LPtSI2IzlHI3pSik0IAqPsKz/s1600/Nar25.Funer05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdl6Jsj5z3RHZ9TNSvvq847_qSJHks29cPu2tSiDAjG5ZKFAj_cBAGiAQU9EnFqYjZXn1gHTBmONCsFC7Cx5_KOdS0OC2Tt-bDCibcEsJk8Jm3tY4jP-9LPtSI2IzlHI3pSik0IAqPsKz/s1600/Nar25.Funer05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>One short sleep past, we
wake eternally <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<i>And death shall be no more;
Death, thou shalt die.</i>”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7Y80BD-T4WSGxoWt-GIIjRF3_wNSRxYTUfhWViJctkAzqNhYEHtKT6vCa6i4kvSwwp2uv2jPsOMcChzWZtmqL2nXGAIv6IVL-m7wsj3MjObEgxu7eONtzvXggqepTJCmRLS2oRcbeu4b/s1600/Nar25.Funer06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7Y80BD-T4WSGxoWt-GIIjRF3_wNSRxYTUfhWViJctkAzqNhYEHtKT6vCa6i4kvSwwp2uv2jPsOMcChzWZtmqL2nXGAIv6IVL-m7wsj3MjObEgxu7eONtzvXggqepTJCmRLS2oRcbeu4b/s1600/Nar25.Funer06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
When the service was over, I folded up my notes and pressed
my lips to Mr. Peter’s coffin.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Say hello to Mother for me.”
I whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2JUbq2Gp567nLDEONPEVU6I72y6Mt5DpWO8LagLXAZQ4PW7huq-LUD1NmqoputT0JhWzsc2p4F4osLkxHsSKcuiT7CDI1M1G_70eJdYx5j_EeX4x3ukfMzkz-WtLB1RidgfKHXS157lX/s1600/Nar25.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2JUbq2Gp567nLDEONPEVU6I72y6Mt5DpWO8LagLXAZQ4PW7huq-LUD1NmqoputT0JhWzsc2p4F4osLkxHsSKcuiT7CDI1M1G_70eJdYx5j_EeX4x3ukfMzkz-WtLB1RidgfKHXS157lX/s1600/Nar25.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Snow was falling when we emerged from the church. </div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Did you realize that today is the winter solstice?” Reece whispered in my ear. I
silently shook my head, and he kissed my cheek.
“Happy anniversary.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqk5o5T4cNQMgnhQzCgkfHQzHTbBEXy0EBHqavoSebjVrROj3KOIRutlYOsgVzY6Vuogbsf5M16Iii9hDj-NCdXvjUF1PDCpXcNPYFfInZfcOLPe4wDqToT2mxpH5pbyM9WpcRY4qPS6Gu/s1600/Nar25.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqk5o5T4cNQMgnhQzCgkfHQzHTbBEXy0EBHqavoSebjVrROj3KOIRutlYOsgVzY6Vuogbsf5M16Iii9hDj-NCdXvjUF1PDCpXcNPYFfInZfcOLPe4wDqToT2mxpH5pbyM9WpcRY4qPS6Gu/s1600/Nar25.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
So much had happened in the last eighteen years. Already, my second life was full to the
bursting with love, success, and fulfilled dreams.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
But one dream still eluded me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnhzK_HtKVtGaagA19wSTCTZPOfXVQXRa-7d-EfH_YStwzfoOhxrXM2MlRtQV30kQAIuotcR_kYIVUB0LeI70R9rahCnAr6naJ1VqGlhsb_UzVAvt5Hu6B8AHy7EwSbeenIDwWiu93-mW/s1600/Nar25.14.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnhzK_HtKVtGaagA19wSTCTZPOfXVQXRa-7d-EfH_YStwzfoOhxrXM2MlRtQV30kQAIuotcR_kYIVUB0LeI70R9rahCnAr6naJ1VqGlhsb_UzVAvt5Hu6B8AHy7EwSbeenIDwWiu93-mW/s1600/Nar25.14.0.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I sighed, and glanced back at my children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Evangeline ran her hands through Gawain's hair. Bowen was growing so tall. I had no doubt that he would soon surpass
Evangeline. Maybe even his father.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja_Nx332vD69X9ooTtN5SfIyaRajOpc2y0-P6Xl63zO53V96e3u9ft123BR5LpxdutCbN6SiOaeyAb98ZREKWFxydZw39S2A4tkSAFmuUtcTkL2BKI1jWZUkfyhNvIJJuj83mnc2DiaLb/s1600/Nar25.14.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja_Nx332vD69X9ooTtN5SfIyaRajOpc2y0-P6Xl63zO53V96e3u9ft123BR5LpxdutCbN6SiOaeyAb98ZREKWFxydZw39S2A4tkSAFmuUtcTkL2BKI1jWZUkfyhNvIJJuj83mnc2DiaLb/s1600/Nar25.14.1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
One, two, three…</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I frowned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Seeing the look on my face, Evangeline looked down and
around. Her face paled. “I swear she was right here…” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2b4izb87ds7xAOMi90mC5jUs9BBvVKjFDTDqR75jCH3q1A-dOEE6MiqY0thIpYrq1QtPvlPd3KTTuA2SfDTN4sbxlRCzUCj1J05aheqYnOcUSttC2zj5z2iLm0r2HkWB8LhX_w7Cb3G_/s1600/Nar25.14.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2b4izb87ds7xAOMi90mC5jUs9BBvVKjFDTDqR75jCH3q1A-dOEE6MiqY0thIpYrq1QtPvlPd3KTTuA2SfDTN4sbxlRCzUCj1J05aheqYnOcUSttC2zj5z2iLm0r2HkWB8LhX_w7Cb3G_/s1600/Nar25.14.2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“You have been a bad influence on her.” I sighed, shaking my head. “Come on.”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Reece, Evangeline, and the boys split in different
directions, calling out and kneeling down to peer behind tombstones. I searched along the stone fence and crossed
the bridge to the other side of the graveyard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
At last, I spotted my four-year old daughter staring intently
at the freshly dug dirt beneath a tall gravestone. She sucked on one thumb and used the other to
draw circles in the air.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LkAFKJdPhqAUkzwVVwnwP6t8ncYHbJ-Fm6bZFuNYGSlUGXk4HueoUe7J8_YEz0WCFzfLrX7QnU0M94txg7GPlxaoRXhFfeDmZ9Za4LGcvpev2OiHUoE_bhsQi6kAiVfiGwVo9Bl38V5z/s1600/Nar25.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LkAFKJdPhqAUkzwVVwnwP6t8ncYHbJ-Fm6bZFuNYGSlUGXk4HueoUe7J8_YEz0WCFzfLrX7QnU0M94txg7GPlxaoRXhFfeDmZ9Za4LGcvpev2OiHUoE_bhsQi6kAiVfiGwVo9Bl38V5z/s1600/Nar25.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Odette!” I called.<br />
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
She turned around and smiled at me. With the thumb she had been sucking, she
pointed back to the gravestone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Mommy, who is that man?” </div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkufX6GnAF8pU-AO11X5uONHKh6_THray_o6XC5Xg6QxP2nsuBvvMAWuwOSN7V3oK8D3KUlChl0vgSiKAjbPARnCIfRqcLukBrD6-xCQH2SyMciCTffiLxD1plykJyyH54kxQy6DoVhJ4/s1600/Nar25.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkufX6GnAF8pU-AO11X5uONHKh6_THray_o6XC5Xg6QxP2nsuBvvMAWuwOSN7V3oK8D3KUlChl0vgSiKAjbPARnCIfRqcLukBrD6-xCQH2SyMciCTffiLxD1plykJyyH54kxQy6DoVhJ4/s1600/Nar25.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I knelt down next to her.
“What man?”<br />
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“That one.” She
pointed again. Her thumb drew circles in
the air, outlining a shape at the base of the gravestone. “He’s right there. Is he sleeping?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“I do not see anyone.”
I said, lifting her up in my arms.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QUFeu_hksbD6dZu2BgQ1z3rk1kJ8-NB6eq5cbKcMmQJPDn-5UYMfpjIuowHvV0_vUPg-NEfd0pbpFUA0rVLEjqtw9SbvRB6uoPaD7v9vzKuPhhie_sjtT2_Qvcir770xacruTVbDuNB0/s1600/Nar25.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QUFeu_hksbD6dZu2BgQ1z3rk1kJ8-NB6eq5cbKcMmQJPDn-5UYMfpjIuowHvV0_vUPg-NEfd0pbpFUA0rVLEjqtw9SbvRB6uoPaD7v9vzKuPhhie_sjtT2_Qvcir770xacruTVbDuNB0/s1600/Nar25.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I heard running footsteps behind me. I turned my head and Evangeline skidded to a
halt a few feet away. Her eyes widened,
and she let out a little gasp.<br />
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uDLCCwE2N_W-TyAnEFPSiiVVYZlBQdhVtwrUBjpcFq0u_TRIXJOztWOmgKAKRJlzzk-ruO_fUzSCRK6-qWOjGcv0D9lr31VCiZzT2ihfOcZm1RHZsDr01IFA-AHsgbrj3jaEr-qq9WNS/s1600/Nar25.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uDLCCwE2N_W-TyAnEFPSiiVVYZlBQdhVtwrUBjpcFq0u_TRIXJOztWOmgKAKRJlzzk-ruO_fUzSCRK6-qWOjGcv0D9lr31VCiZzT2ihfOcZm1RHZsDr01IFA-AHsgbrj3jaEr-qq9WNS/s1600/Nar25.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Odette frowned and squirmed in my arms. “Oh… well I don’t <i>see him</i>. But I <i>feel him</i>. Right there.”<br />
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
She pointed again. I
stared at her with my mouth agape.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“I… I feel him too.”
Evangeline whispered. She stepped
forward, reaching out with one hand.
“He’s… he’s an old man, I think.
Just… sitting there at the base of the…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Reece!” I cried,
interrupting her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
My husband and my two sons came running. Bowen’s expression changed as he got closer. He pursed his lips together and furrowed his
brow, staring at the gravestone.
Gawain’s eyes widened, and he hung back behind Reece.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xhTLI__B3qzZInJMKiACy4h8gpGC_aNYZ9241SyWyZOeUfURG7ZeoA6SYnzgowdAeQXoOGbCIU7zmjh_k4RMnFJ_ITPgrPCoA6aq11R5NrAoWycEiiF60LyrhPKzxx0k722VQCB6E4Qi/s1600/Nar25.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xhTLI__B3qzZInJMKiACy4h8gpGC_aNYZ9241SyWyZOeUfURG7ZeoA6SYnzgowdAeQXoOGbCIU7zmjh_k4RMnFJ_ITPgrPCoA6aq11R5NrAoWycEiiF60LyrhPKzxx0k722VQCB6E4Qi/s1600/Nar25.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Reece, do you feel him?”
I asked, pointing at the grave.<br />
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Reece blinked in confusion.
He slowly shook his head. “No… I
don’t feel anything…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmD4rrHbmnh_bNH-I2zaXXQNOahIP1IF57rGkH-4MlheSj2HSHoi1Iyo1DEt4502-bMuIjr3ROpV2Us6Ec5ky3qWOiaa-wQDg6XRz5ECSgCGAbk6yvzA6XXc7bETg-DMjdVG3of1-UxOG/s1600/Nar25.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmD4rrHbmnh_bNH-I2zaXXQNOahIP1IF57rGkH-4MlheSj2HSHoi1Iyo1DEt4502-bMuIjr3ROpV2Us6Ec5ky3qWOiaa-wQDg6XRz5ECSgCGAbk6yvzA6XXc7bETg-DMjdVG3of1-UxOG/s1600/Nar25.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p> </o:p>“I feel him.” Bowen
said, stepping forward next to Evangeline.
He reached out, just as she did, tracing a line in the air. “Who… who is he?” He turned back to me. “What’s going on?”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvz5YvyRKv0oF8AmvuOXhdBxXPxqn-nWn91Jux5_astH30Kwsudj8-Q9ImNT3mjB5XqMn3p-wiP-m51brfYLFUvyjJ_UT0MWTE_Z5cOExH6KmKp8mgwDKHe-KuB0-jupvolkPZmt_P3VZ/s1600/Nar25.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvz5YvyRKv0oF8AmvuOXhdBxXPxqn-nWn91Jux5_astH30Kwsudj8-Q9ImNT3mjB5XqMn3p-wiP-m51brfYLFUvyjJ_UT0MWTE_Z5cOExH6KmKp8mgwDKHe-KuB0-jupvolkPZmt_P3VZ/s1600/Nar25.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Gawain!” I called,
setting Odette down on the ground. “Do
you feel him too?”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Gawain nodded his head, his eyes still wide.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6EQaY6enCXFmEMf8iLzD88W3aUZt8yHYCEtq8qWU2eNAQEXmYMLk3VhoFJiJO8RrZvRTcnGDMv7WatV8Dc0Evqwvg00EORcIYeMP_m-s9pAn77iDNiE8nZj9fCfOrtrMFmPdxboQB6YS/s1600/Nar25.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6EQaY6enCXFmEMf8iLzD88W3aUZt8yHYCEtq8qWU2eNAQEXmYMLk3VhoFJiJO8RrZvRTcnGDMv7WatV8Dc0Evqwvg00EORcIYeMP_m-s9pAn77iDNiE8nZj9fCfOrtrMFmPdxboQB6YS/s1600/Nar25.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I turned back to Reece, barely able to contain my
excitement. “All of them!”<br />
<br />
<div class="Standard">
“But I… I don’t…”
Reece said, his face falling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I touched his shoulder.
“Maybe the gift faded with time!
Maybe that is the reason you have not found anyone in years!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Reece bit his lip.
“Maybe…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Wait…” Evangeline
said. She stretched out her hand, her
fingers grasping at thin air. “He’s
moving! He’s…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Her fingers froze and her face fell. I heard Gawain let out a sigh behind me. Odette’s head bowed down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="Standard">
<o:p> </o:p>Evangeline turned around and stuck her hands back in her
pockets. “He’s gone. I… I don’t feel him anymore.”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Me neither.” Bowen
whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I tried not to let my disappointment show on my face. I had already been planning to call our
friends back and try to get the Philosopher’s Stone here this very night. But if the old man had left the Void, there
was no drawing him back from this side. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I smiled at the bewildered faces of my four children. There might be hope for that old man
yet. He may return to the Void where we
could reach him tomorrow, next year, or within the hour. In the meantime, there were likely thousands
of others waiting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I reached down and wound my fingers through Odette’s. “Come.
I want to show you something.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our footsteps crunched through the snow. I led my children to one old, weathered
gravestone.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Mom?”
Evangeline asked, pursing her lips together as she glanced around. She recognized this area of the cemetery,
though we had not been here in years.
“Why are we here?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I stopped in front of the grave, <i>my grave</i>, and smiled.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was born here." I told her, turning
around.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Bowen chuckled, shaking his head. "I thought you were born six hundred years
ago on the fields of Tryblith while your mother used one arm to stab a dozen
drag-!"</div>
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"Not the first time.” I said, interrupting
him. “The second time."<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My children fell into a somber silence. Reece reached out and rubbed my shoulder, a
warm smile on his face. I took a deep
breath, starring out into the flurries of snow falling over the night street.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
"I've been to the Netherworld. It's a wasteland of hopelessness.” I took a wandering step back towards my
grave, and a smile cracked at the corners of my mouth. “But I've also been to the place on the other
side of the Netherworld, the place where faith and dreams collide. And it was breathtaking. It was as if my eyes were finally opened, and
all the mist had at last been stripped away.
It was <i>home.</i> It was the
place that we were really made for. I
ache for the day that I can return."</div>
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</div>
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I continued, my eyes downcast. "But there is a shadow on that ray of
joy. When I wandered the Netherworld,
there were others like me. Hundreds,
thousands... I could not number them.
They will never reach the other side because it cannot be reached. Not through the Netherworld." </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I stared down at my own grave, shaking my head in
dismay. "I'm not sure what traps a
soul in the Netherworld. Unfinished
business, unanswered questions… an
unfulfilled prophecy.” I finished, throwing a smile towards my children. I caught the glimmer of a grin on Reece’s
face. “What I do know, is that they
will never find their way to <i>home, </i>not without help."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFdSPm3P3TLorgpo7iHRGAaXJJLDdl3nfDcS2m0H8iiEyh1GIOnV3g-Uam70U3BkLBMaM4cTT-SC5dbIfWAU-9ui6ln7N83I-vSWZGi6uoRQN4flJuC5eeP3fzNYR2b-bRmIPcvI0hGnY/s1600/Nar25.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFdSPm3P3TLorgpo7iHRGAaXJJLDdl3nfDcS2m0H8iiEyh1GIOnV3g-Uam70U3BkLBMaM4cTT-SC5dbIfWAU-9ui6ln7N83I-vSWZGi6uoRQN4flJuC5eeP3fzNYR2b-bRmIPcvI0hGnY/s1600/Nar25.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Evangeline and Bowen exchanged a glance. She stepped forward, biting her lip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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"What would you have us do, mother?" she
asked.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi3u-UB8WAnzDVCo7mP5lnrnzEPsOTcYGjCz-0CCc5j0cl7by3E2c_yBvdZgPYWTiIl2wP4ClrpdWXwP1hykMusicEDAsn9x4g6RqvPKi_GFL6Pe2fjGWXnFAfD4wX_tssd1ZuEKUdJEG/s1600/Nar25.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi3u-UB8WAnzDVCo7mP5lnrnzEPsOTcYGjCz-0CCc5j0cl7by3E2c_yBvdZgPYWTiIl2wP4ClrpdWXwP1hykMusicEDAsn9x4g6RqvPKi_GFL6Pe2fjGWXnFAfD4wX_tssd1ZuEKUdJEG/s1600/Nar25.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I looked at each of them in turn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
"Find a soul.
Wake them up."<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-73713756203555823012015-01-22T21:55:00.000-06:002015-01-22T22:05:20.369-06:00Chapter Twenty-Four: Gateway<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4abcfhxiAMk20Um3pinyxjVEXKIZNIE0LkeJApvLwOMPj_lXteJoOz1gHASRujze0UM9x_M-O3QrZTZGY1TGzFPHFR5NcwEZzJK-sHN0Pr6J3vItxZaOFxyVc0lKY9Z1qbrjtVFs1f8w/s1600/Nar24.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4abcfhxiAMk20Um3pinyxjVEXKIZNIE0LkeJApvLwOMPj_lXteJoOz1gHASRujze0UM9x_M-O3QrZTZGY1TGzFPHFR5NcwEZzJK-sHN0Pr6J3vItxZaOFxyVc0lKY9Z1qbrjtVFs1f8w/s1600/Nar24.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Sophia…” a voice called to
me. </div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I knew that voice from somewhere… but where?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Was this the Netherworld?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It was not how I remembered.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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The first thing I felt was warmth. A
sweet, soothing warmth that wrapped around me and made all the pain fade
away. Silk caressed my skin and cradled me
in its embrace. I took a steady breath
in, and I tasted honey on my lips. Music
drifted through my ears, and I stirred, sighing with the sheer beauty of
it. It was like a chorus of a thousand
breathtaking voices, and I could not only hear it, but feel it and smell it, a kaleidoscope of sensation and sound.</div>
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Sophia…” the voice called to me again.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
That voice… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It was strong and smooth, and it beckoned me back to
a time before prophecy, before war, and before dragons. It called me back to the days where I would lie curled in front of the hearth with <i>The Illiad</i>. Safe, happy, and held in the unshakable arms
of the first person that I had ever loved.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mother…” I
murmured, turning over.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The aching in my muscles was gone. My skin had never felt so clean. I felt as new as a babe, as fresh as morning
dew, and as beautiful as the sunrise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I was not a ghost.
This was not the Netherworld.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My eyes shot open and I bolted upright. The tresses of my hair fluttered around my
shoulders, so light and airy that I had to resist reaching up to touch
them. Color and light flooded every inch
of my vision, and as I opened my eyes wider, blinking in disbelief, the image
only came more into focus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There she stood.
Her wrinkles and scars were gone.
Her eyes were a brighter gold than I remembered, and her skin glowed
with an inner light.<br />
<br /></div>
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She smiled, and her golden eyes sparkled with love. “Sophia.”</div>
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My lips trembled. I had a fleeting
thought that I must be dreaming, that it was impossible for her to be standing
before me now. But every sense I had was
singing with the music, sighing with the warmth, and dancing with the colors,
all the while screaming, <i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Real! Real!
REAL! </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Nothing in my life had ever felt as real as this.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Mother?” I
asked, and the sound of my own voice startled me. It was my voice, but feathery and elegant. Not the voice of a woman who
had ever screamed in pain or wept in anguish, but clean and unbroken. New, like everything else.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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“Welcome home, Sophia.” My mother said, and she held out her arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I launched from the silken covers of the bed where I
lay and wrapped my arms around her. I
wanted to weep, but the joy bubbling up inside me could not allow for
tears. I buried my face in her long,
golden hair and breathed in her scent.
She smelled like spice. Like sunlight in the center of a storm. Like home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“I have missed you…”
I sighed, “So… so much.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPsKlsd5YjoJppTT7t-FNgQYndiyaZJgP7aD_XNN24mD863rLG8W-mdri8e9PNQAOXhV2619fpwUBwEMq2ffln6rlMJRUyGTlfMfLvysSP6sNy1pD4zqIK_lGP5XAQzOGbG4YG9K7N91D/s1600/Nar24.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPsKlsd5YjoJppTT7t-FNgQYndiyaZJgP7aD_XNN24mD863rLG8W-mdri8e9PNQAOXhV2619fpwUBwEMq2ffln6rlMJRUyGTlfMfLvysSP6sNy1pD4zqIK_lGP5XAQzOGbG4YG9K7N91D/s1600/Nar24.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“It is all right now.” she replied, rubbing my back. “I am here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I lifted my head and looked into her eyes. “I have so much to tell you! I have a husband… and children! You would love them…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mother’s smile only widened. “I have seen them. And I already love them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My brow furrowed.
“But… how?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mother nodded over her shoulder. A massive bronze gate stood in the center of
the rolling hills. I stepped towards it,
and a cold wind swept my hair back over my shoulders. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H_FgMdFhyphenhyphenUQvxhWd_vnWNxHfULC4UR_hpPdAaW_aTnOIhb4M263_oxN1yPy-GdJxu6OgsTxLPesteWQJAnTxKZN-dAsQ4yVdusBvS0fM4kuJql2tvQerx23rJwlx0tystVaLnbcRYfqL/s1600/Nar24.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H_FgMdFhyphenhyphenUQvxhWd_vnWNxHfULC4UR_hpPdAaW_aTnOIhb4M263_oxN1yPy-GdJxu6OgsTxLPesteWQJAnTxKZN-dAsQ4yVdusBvS0fM4kuJql2tvQerx23rJwlx0tystVaLnbcRYfqL/s1600/Nar24.06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Looking into the gate was like staring into a well
and trying to see the bottom. The
Netherworld hung over the earth like an ink-black shadow, twisting and changing
with every ripple that ran over its surface.
If I blinked, I thought maybe I could see the people who still
lived. But their images were wrapped in a bleak
fog, and the vivid colors of the reality around me called my eyes back to them.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I shivered, stepping back from the gate and into the
meadow’s warm embrace. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“It seems so small.”
I whispered.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7WHxEF59qT8-IQ-bCkzPpFb2oSC71swjJPBkVR0FLq5QJFRas8RiE8uq72Eldj3xvwiTqSTh_8RMaYOyT_FFXC9lwOpINFSFzwYkhETQMg3evjJR_FFWHLbeiNrevLK7USQEyYdRXml2/s1600/Nar24.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7WHxEF59qT8-IQ-bCkzPpFb2oSC71swjJPBkVR0FLq5QJFRas8RiE8uq72Eldj3xvwiTqSTh_8RMaYOyT_FFXC9lwOpINFSFzwYkhETQMg3evjJR_FFWHLbeiNrevLK7USQEyYdRXml2/s1600/Nar24.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Mother laughed.
“That is because it <i>is </i>small. Everything is small in the face of eternity.” She held out her arms again. “Come, beloved! There is so much you must see!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I laughed along with her, and wrapped my arms around her again. In life, when I held her in my arms for the
last time, she seemed as though she might crumble into dust. Now, her shoulders felt stronger than
steel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I felt a chill against my back. Mother unwound her arms from me, and stepped
away. Her smile was gone. I turned my head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Light shined out from the gate. It was an empty light. The rays that brushed against my skin felt
cold. Still, it seemed to reach straight
for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gsCJQCYBrDqJ3lLpwF20uTyuAGujaCLiRikDW9-Woj3kR88nXCjI4p0n_RT7LNYvfcLVWXqQGtecDny2VpvUG-HoGeyXHspnMmW5fyZpULCGjiu2ZzJk0K_RCq6aanoYeIm-I58bxDl_/s1600/Nar24.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gsCJQCYBrDqJ3lLpwF20uTyuAGujaCLiRikDW9-Woj3kR88nXCjI4p0n_RT7LNYvfcLVWXqQGtecDny2VpvUG-HoGeyXHspnMmW5fyZpULCGjiu2ZzJk0K_RCq6aanoYeIm-I58bxDl_/s1600/Nar24.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Reece has cast the sunlight
charm.” Mother said.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I held my hand out into the light. “He did
it.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mother nodded her head once. “Yes. He has illuminated a path for
you, straight through the Netherworld.
If you pass through the gate, you will be able to return to Earth and
live again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I pulled my hand back and frowned. “I could go back?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mother’s expression did not change. “If you so choose.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPEdnmT4AauUT4Uk7Dx4tkiiA-dv0SfzI7x0ZTqWWxnTWGhF3_hkHsfIFojeO1lzMVd3avtDRxL9SFC5GyeVeTJEeYWxfLqpy5ltn8sVmIpPUN5m2tLuCa5t2bTEXJ78PxLO05XRcw8No/s1600/Nar24.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPEdnmT4AauUT4Uk7Dx4tkiiA-dv0SfzI7x0ZTqWWxnTWGhF3_hkHsfIFojeO1lzMVd3avtDRxL9SFC5GyeVeTJEeYWxfLqpy5ltn8sVmIpPUN5m2tLuCa5t2bTEXJ78PxLO05XRcw8No/s1600/Nar24.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
I stared into the gate. The longer I looked, the more it seemed the
light shining from within it was darker than the world that surrounded me. A small part of me thought of Reece and the
children, but my heart did not ache for them. It could not ache, it was too full of
happiness to allow room for sadness. How
could the pain of tearing myself from this place ever compare to the tiny
hollow thought of missing them?<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And Mother…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Come with me.”
I whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe4ZYhhDSyZGl9fFEHdwBKeS_qD_PK4ZPfx7yPuHMictl9guYMlkAiECbL8PPB94smX1ft4a_8o1kGypV93dKI_W4x8_TeT5JQDWjhLZhKeedT7k-8Vgeozl6BEfIHx7KjJNMprdW0BRZ/s1600/Nar24.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe4ZYhhDSyZGl9fFEHdwBKeS_qD_PK4ZPfx7yPuHMictl9guYMlkAiECbL8PPB94smX1ft4a_8o1kGypV93dKI_W4x8_TeT5JQDWjhLZhKeedT7k-8Vgeozl6BEfIHx7KjJNMprdW0BRZ/s1600/Nar24.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
She shook her head. “No, Sophia. I am at rest
here. This is the place I belong. You belong here too, Sophia.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I breathed in, drinking in the honeyed air and letting it warm my
heart. Butterflies with breathtaking
iridescent wings danced on the breeze with music that I could <i>see, </i>music that shimmered like starlight
on the ocean waves. Mother was here, a
thousand times more vibrant and alive than she had ever been in her youth. I breathed in again, and closed my eyes. This place was perfect, and in it, I was
whole and new again. Yes, I belonged
here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But, standing in the shadow of the gate, one dark memory echoed in the back
of my mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fDYEHQDNkx1ZxMMAUaVYJXO1H0B6AfNsOYLBHVtREG0oUP4O5hjxpYSN75Wybqwp7QYv3zStSit67FdAhRM9cnV1jNmhqUouNcZzLEznoaFf4xbcIiSfVu2qyuk7I72SgLfg6gXTMhyE/s1600/Nar24.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fDYEHQDNkx1ZxMMAUaVYJXO1H0B6AfNsOYLBHVtREG0oUP4O5hjxpYSN75Wybqwp7QYv3zStSit67FdAhRM9cnV1jNmhqUouNcZzLEznoaFf4xbcIiSfVu2qyuk7I72SgLfg6gXTMhyE/s1600/Nar24.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Black mist. An endless
corridor. The smell of ash and rain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWBS6saUlJHajjHye9nOwvjR6mldT9CPLoC4cVyUrANAAZ9M0huBBMpQkD64QTjmeWkUIJFb_APLL7mpUTWi8HS3cyADkwZ6duRlejK_vzbZ_Md7-0ufT7gYluSDN1_YS3a1tQisJ81Jv/s1600/Nar24.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWBS6saUlJHajjHye9nOwvjR6mldT9CPLoC4cVyUrANAAZ9M0huBBMpQkD64QTjmeWkUIJFb_APLL7mpUTWi8HS3cyADkwZ6duRlejK_vzbZ_Md7-0ufT7gYluSDN1_YS3a1tQisJ81Jv/s1600/Nar24.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
And a thousand other glowing figures in the night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmp1Su0DDfBEdAab21SvZcTC64eTYy_XDtpTsoTvoXzYXEFPOo0kRkNIbep7hXfwVXd3b5HML2h9QQFP32fjGenJqEReg2wf1E2bs3IkOW1pcyoDVufhJ3tXuMQhP9ipW5fnktiB-KxDs/s1600/Nar24.000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmp1Su0DDfBEdAab21SvZcTC64eTYy_XDtpTsoTvoXzYXEFPOo0kRkNIbep7hXfwVXd3b5HML2h9QQFP32fjGenJqEReg2wf1E2bs3IkOW1pcyoDVufhJ3tXuMQhP9ipW5fnktiB-KxDs/s1600/Nar24.000.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Yes.” I said, opening my eyes. “All souls belong here. That is why I must return.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtlUl9zHwC2ErkWUCBAgjQuRJg5l0tR9RekpBoP79nr1wC9ttRbZZ1jcw4ZughNlZ3Et2wFNBxqlj6V58d2PgONZ704l8Y-0Q5fTWpJTl-CkYhtQyhsGUG0EvwitCyF6BNcml0OstA3Je/s1600/Nar24.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtlUl9zHwC2ErkWUCBAgjQuRJg5l0tR9RekpBoP79nr1wC9ttRbZZ1jcw4ZughNlZ3Et2wFNBxqlj6V58d2PgONZ704l8Y-0Q5fTWpJTl-CkYhtQyhsGUG0EvwitCyF6BNcml0OstA3Je/s1600/Nar24.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Mother nodded her head once. I walked into the light of the gate, still
looking back over my shoulder at her.
With every step I took, she seemed to move miles and miles away. The warmth in the center of my
chest faded, as though a candle next to my heart had slowly gone out.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Goodbye, Mother.” I said, my voice shaking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpqPQzWpma2Vf6jdl45HG7J_vnNfwhY1rWa6pY2tUAoJ50nBXWOFmuo0UnnAv0MNnUJ8xWxiSRIAdvP36gWJmM6mFofPqTtiuRy08jdQdnve1erLs9POflqexPdgJiS7VBtB374vyvIP-/s1600/Nar24.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpqPQzWpma2Vf6jdl45HG7J_vnNfwhY1rWa6pY2tUAoJ50nBXWOFmuo0UnnAv0MNnUJ8xWxiSRIAdvP36gWJmM6mFofPqTtiuRy08jdQdnve1erLs9POflqexPdgJiS7VBtB374vyvIP-/s1600/Nar24.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mother shook her head. “No, Sophia. This is not
goodbye. This is not the end. We <i>will
</i>see each other again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn0xnbWBK38G38gTpFo3a662qPVqAb8xIEPhWPTeQEKGEXZxuPRe5Qd1-EMzulWRc50cQGDC49b640XZYUPg8x9LjZXysFHc8fx_flnnjawoOcIAOyxnBhyphenhyphen-4ma9kz73CFrqiMgYTvExJ/s1600/Nar24.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn0xnbWBK38G38gTpFo3a662qPVqAb8xIEPhWPTeQEKGEXZxuPRe5Qd1-EMzulWRc50cQGDC49b640XZYUPg8x9LjZXysFHc8fx_flnnjawoOcIAOyxnBhyphenhyphen-4ma9kz73CFrqiMgYTvExJ/s1600/Nar24.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Her words gave me the courage to take the
final step across the threshold.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
A sob shuddered through my voice. “I will
miss you every day until I do.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjzhFfC1qgqCO8qagdJFw0h2gXSj3dzufIZb4L1SLUqemhrWxMpnT9RT9u1U2_2sRGNgQVnBRi7pWrnUeSEv-SsucQfkF5INkxBi9tae3MFAa9dgARHCOsnXi_OH1QPvbzRWXbsbEZEVk/s1600/Nar24.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjzhFfC1qgqCO8qagdJFw0h2gXSj3dzufIZb4L1SLUqemhrWxMpnT9RT9u1U2_2sRGNgQVnBRi7pWrnUeSEv-SsucQfkF5INkxBi9tae3MFAa9dgARHCOsnXi_OH1QPvbzRWXbsbEZEVk/s1600/Nar24.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It felt like falling. As soon as my feet left the soft ground of <i>home</i>, they were swept away. The cold seemed to penetrate straight through
my flesh and burn away all sense of feeling.
The color drained from my outstretched fingers until all that was left
was a hollow, golden shell. Flames
lapped at the surface of my skin, but I felt nothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt5TCjtKgZRk8eQoMNP09D24-buBm89UrKf2-Ajk6tcUW5kPa3Wc_Ekyg3J_6NZ4DOQg_CiuZn-2b-0GobTxlvT_h8BDTHtvPZsEu7IpxNloZOw5yRJRb5HzbuYHE2WO7DzXZQ92JEXr_/s1600/Nar24.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt5TCjtKgZRk8eQoMNP09D24-buBm89UrKf2-Ajk6tcUW5kPa3Wc_Ekyg3J_6NZ4DOQg_CiuZn-2b-0GobTxlvT_h8BDTHtvPZsEu7IpxNloZOw5yRJRb5HzbuYHE2WO7DzXZQ92JEXr_/s1600/Nar24.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Beneath me, ash and fog swirled around my feet like
a rushing river. Each step felt like
dragging my legs through tar. The path
twisted and turned in circles. Shadowy
archways and corridors flew by my head, and other ghosts flickered in the
darkness that lay on either side of me. </div>
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But I kept my eyes on the light just ahead, and I
kept my hand stretched out towards it.</div>
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The mist at
my feet crept up higher. The stone walls
on either side of me grew blacker. The
numbness in my skin sunk down into the core of my soul until I felt nothing and
heard nothing. Even the light ahead of
me dimmed.</div>
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Then, I awoke.</div>
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The dark and dreamless void was gone. A pair of turquoise eyes stared down at
me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoyirEavbpiKboZDEx0gl-LzA9MhZ5_J3Iq93PoHy1_newjBDkvVb8F1dp7RulHMPv26OEdSwD-6vtIMtC4aqK7IWz2GdaniBgKO-JQYjD2F4cyHg21-ShKe2aRMjdIyPXYkTdhi04Fa-/s1600/Nar24.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoyirEavbpiKboZDEx0gl-LzA9MhZ5_J3Iq93PoHy1_newjBDkvVb8F1dp7RulHMPv26OEdSwD-6vtIMtC4aqK7IWz2GdaniBgKO-JQYjD2F4cyHg21-ShKe2aRMjdIyPXYkTdhi04Fa-/s1600/Nar24.22.jpg" height="250" width="640" /></a></div>
Hot tears ran down his cheeks. He let out a shaking breath and pulled me into
his chest, wrapping his arms so tight around me that I felt I could not
breathe. And I did not want to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I told you I would just bring
you back.” He whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Mommy!” Evangeline cried.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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She launched herself at me, burrowing through Reece’s arms to
curl in my lap. I laughed, clutching her
shoulders and pressing my tear-streaked cheek into her hair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We stayed locked in each other’s arms for an eternity, crying
and whispering ‘I love yous’ until the sun rose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhISN2h-ton7lJJSvoDixIBOSiIFdWLVnHLo-DjSum2pdnjoStrq4BR-y7uPSYqwpTf4X1-BJinOnpXOegVjSF3NLGMSXOGswk7n7yCITS7w1rj6lJfFbmMJkuxTFcD6XI3I0kZTM19Nk/s1600/Nar24.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhISN2h-ton7lJJSvoDixIBOSiIFdWLVnHLo-DjSum2pdnjoStrq4BR-y7uPSYqwpTf4X1-BJinOnpXOegVjSF3NLGMSXOGswk7n7yCITS7w1rj6lJfFbmMJkuxTFcD6XI3I0kZTM19Nk/s1600/Nar24.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Down in the catacombs, Orland had gained the upper hand over what was left of the Lucian coven. </div>
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While a number of the Lucians were captured and successfully
imprisoned, one figurehead was notably missing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4Yy0olCwIEJUE0x5w_oMbL97ZGe61OsXYUYb7sVyVgEJ373KnGh19QngnNMUd9P3PZCh4IZ-91EXdG-JUQnCw86ZECBExPMmvlgILzwlr9Qq2Ba4zW3stfCXBg9Q2hznKZd3Pzht4Gi_/s1600/Nar24.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4Yy0olCwIEJUE0x5w_oMbL97ZGe61OsXYUYb7sVyVgEJ373KnGh19QngnNMUd9P3PZCh4IZ-91EXdG-JUQnCw86ZECBExPMmvlgILzwlr9Qq2Ba4zW3stfCXBg9Q2hznKZd3Pzht4Gi_/s1600/Nar24.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gaia had escaped.</div>
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Even more disturbing, the tome with the Apocalypse
Curse scrawled across its pages had vanished, and Constantine's broken body had
not been left behind.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCyZBZ-dFc1Q9qTf75jmi91iAiixXvyznQmNsINDqY6iqYz2HrFkTEtsPymAsRCPEzXDhDVHZ_DBj4c6lKnniJ-CrQtsblsoOVthMpVKOiKjFszZscN5r3i2qDiDUkjjzZ9LIPrmkDgtT/s1600/Nar24.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCyZBZ-dFc1Q9qTf75jmi91iAiixXvyznQmNsINDqY6iqYz2HrFkTEtsPymAsRCPEzXDhDVHZ_DBj4c6lKnniJ-CrQtsblsoOVthMpVKOiKjFszZscN5r3i2qDiDUkjjzZ9LIPrmkDgtT/s1600/Nar24.27.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
For the moment, the Lucians that were left were
quiet. The cold war that had raged for
decades fell into an eerie silence.
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The bodies were buried and the rubble was cleared. Orland and Eldora began preparations for the
trials of the captured Lucians. Hale and
Nirina set about planning their wedding.
I returned to work. Things seemed
to be back to normal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooy6y7cOL_nGIhY8je7NQjsGNnCQP-zyhccI0483uuL66p6t0ihueGw2LPd7NeuTAYwehzg0nwzo2m0SacxSzEnjfYtnfnHzsnLvlcW7MohC8Vdu6KW09sqNxr9LsGsxM2KKkwqcNRb5G/s1600/Nar24.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooy6y7cOL_nGIhY8je7NQjsGNnCQP-zyhccI0483uuL66p6t0ihueGw2LPd7NeuTAYwehzg0nwzo2m0SacxSzEnjfYtnfnHzsnLvlcW7MohC8Vdu6KW09sqNxr9LsGsxM2KKkwqcNRb5G/s1600/Nar24.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
But inside my mind, a plan was taking shape. I had a new mission to complete.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd9Sx9ATsxiu3E1WyHmZi4GIxFoKgn-E5Y8l1XjMlRc4L1TQjR8kJsEb4BrPMiIFCw9By_dqumhQB5MwuPpf8AWALjp71yfR-RS_C6ciSJSn1pntc1c8lb2_6-JbY87JiMbwJr7W9npLp/s1600/Nar24.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd9Sx9ATsxiu3E1WyHmZi4GIxFoKgn-E5Y8l1XjMlRc4L1TQjR8kJsEb4BrPMiIFCw9By_dqumhQB5MwuPpf8AWALjp71yfR-RS_C6ciSJSn1pntc1c8lb2_6-JbY87JiMbwJr7W9npLp/s1600/Nar24.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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One morning, weeks later, I walked into Tome Traders. Mr. Peters beamed the instant he saw me, and
rushed out from behind the counter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“<i>‘Eyes that fire and
sword have seen, And horror in the halls of stone, Look at last on meadows
green, And trees and hills they long have known.’</i> It is wonderful to see you, my lady! My humble bookshop is honored by your
presence.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhNV6dlvG9bFfnkCxIE0Rg2XohC5IW51jkwL1JZ6kt_nGQHbgzcPXuKzFQaGJgg-5Wd4zR-VNHEzEV7205r_92AIpSVdSipZc40dZJ9ozfdy5F0ormDq8gLQgekdXVS1eAwmQsvVb2xul/s1600/Nar24.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhNV6dlvG9bFfnkCxIE0Rg2XohC5IW51jkwL1JZ6kt_nGQHbgzcPXuKzFQaGJgg-5Wd4zR-VNHEzEV7205r_92AIpSVdSipZc40dZJ9ozfdy5F0ormDq8gLQgekdXVS1eAwmQsvVb2xul/s1600/Nar24.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Oh please, Mr. Peters!”
I laughed and hugged him. When I
let go, I looked down at the ground and spoke in a low voice. “I require your help again.”</div>
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Mr. Peters nodded his head and touched his hand to his
heart. “Anything you ask, my dear.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I need to find Philosopher Stones.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcJvPGhPLvM14p41yaJWlsKlKAc3OGC6gjETsOuViq4KUGoFSaYf61z83xWK1kjrHginoDUTnskBIIcanDehE-LIuS2F3NG-87yzn0FCaXcTT8eTkYSfOCxRpW7NSD9u2d7F5q2Y_qVre/s1600/Nar24.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcJvPGhPLvM14p41yaJWlsKlKAc3OGC6gjETsOuViq4KUGoFSaYf61z83xWK1kjrHginoDUTnskBIIcanDehE-LIuS2F3NG-87yzn0FCaXcTT8eTkYSfOCxRpW7NSD9u2d7F5q2Y_qVre/s1600/Nar24.31.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Mr. Peter’s mouth twisted.
“Philosopher Stones? Those… those
are difficult to come by. How many do
you need?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhxdbLUtHzq4V0ovgi_j4Dh4LwitRvguY2NUeqtHPJ1I2ccXMDKKYxjQGdWdXiIJufpRYAAk3gOVzH9UR9K0zzdkhC350BT5oq-4Fo_wDOZmOtY8fEr0nkHOJXHkUJNJ2HkBikTllFwTU/s1600/Nar24.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhxdbLUtHzq4V0ovgi_j4Dh4LwitRvguY2NUeqtHPJ1I2ccXMDKKYxjQGdWdXiIJufpRYAAk3gOVzH9UR9K0zzdkhC350BT5oq-4Fo_wDOZmOtY8fEr0nkHOJXHkUJNJ2HkBikTllFwTU/s1600/Nar24.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“As many as I can find.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4dxZ-6eIkMUQl4i4-_lIjEAEvaPIx5mr4RDndSdVp51Cu3VS0ldTs9tEfgQ2L2NJakjQTdA3RlydAaQ5cJR2Ca8vHUFM2CeS67gGsTSJcbDqosfXNipU_7bGJnC9bIYT6H4F9z9fMOeS/s1600/Nar24.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4dxZ-6eIkMUQl4i4-_lIjEAEvaPIx5mr4RDndSdVp51Cu3VS0ldTs9tEfgQ2L2NJakjQTdA3RlydAaQ5cJR2Ca8vHUFM2CeS67gGsTSJcbDqosfXNipU_7bGJnC9bIYT6H4F9z9fMOeS/s1600/Nar24.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-80734153408423758682015-01-20T22:25:00.000-06:002015-01-20T22:25:13.110-06:00That Awkward Moment When... Thought I would post some goofs, outtakes, and <i>what-the-reaper</i> moments.<br />
<br />
Originally, I moved Kitsune Star out of the household and forgot about her. But then, she kept showing up where I was taking pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb27P3WVxA1l6bxd9gpctRcieYLUMHHq_IsXQiB64XhW5GVwX2tOUd8zc5caVMZ2vven-Huio48Ur1CdMiXWvFiG_zPvm7H8qP0h0Hb5MIotsW9-ZT73GaLxJp_2vMx0XGJ1eYNEG78U3a/s1600/KitsunePhotobomb.jpg" height="360" width="640" /> </div>
I figured if she wanted to stay in the legacy so bad then I would just let her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0IyWzAwnmo7t3_qmEps1RBeQvg9sJcEuEyxx2qo_vluEnC1zo8tRfC2EwNpF6xADkbswjQfzo5XrAzxyIw2Mn9TBYjcQhvLj9jEruiGwK8yPwDeQIGV6eOn8jcyS1PELzC2S2-sEp2L8/s1600/Screenshot+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0IyWzAwnmo7t3_qmEps1RBeQvg9sJcEuEyxx2qo_vluEnC1zo8tRfC2EwNpF6xADkbswjQfzo5XrAzxyIw2Mn9TBYjcQhvLj9jEruiGwK8yPwDeQIGV6eOn8jcyS1PELzC2S2-sEp2L8/s1600/Screenshot+(2).jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><u>Kitsune:</u></b> Sup.<br />
<br />
Mini-Sophia did the same thing. But keeping her in the legacy would defy all laws of logic. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe7_yIk68wlhWnmTa-I9JFU7q3H5FumrqK7gvBVy0qwkd8kNHqRTBo0jH-Ls1VK0O8qcneMp6Jz2EdWQnLmV8vhLRIv-BpdTSA50q93A3FeykkfyonhfzKF6Yy94Jdpw5H80ZOBl1_hvQ/s1600/MiniSophiaPhotobomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe7_yIk68wlhWnmTa-I9JFU7q3H5FumrqK7gvBVy0qwkd8kNHqRTBo0jH-Ls1VK0O8qcneMp6Jz2EdWQnLmV8vhLRIv-BpdTSA50q93A3FeykkfyonhfzKF6Yy94Jdpw5H80ZOBl1_hvQ/s1600/MiniSophiaPhotobomb.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Yes, you're cute. NOW BEGONE! *deletes*<br />
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*le sigh* This is what I get for taking pictures on public lots. Oi! Reece! What are you doing here? You have no part in this scene, get out!<br />
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<u><b>Reece:</b></u> I'm keeping an eye on this here <i><b>SHADY CHARACTER</b></i>. He's after mai lady!<br />
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And this is Jade Clearwater, an extra from Presentation. Story Progression turned her into a paparazzi, and she then proceeded to <b><i>stalk Thane's every move. </i></b><br />
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<b><u>Jade:</u></b> Don't mind me, I'm just invading your personal bubble.<br />
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<b><u>Thane:</u></b> I'm trying to make seductive eyes at Sophia! Quit ruining my vibe!<br />
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Sophia was coming out of class one cold winter's day when she stumbled upon this scene: A poor sim who'd just frozen solid! <br />
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Don't just stand there taking pictures! For Watcher's sake, somebody save him! <br />
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Oh, REAL MATURE, sir! Real mature.</div>
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<b><u>Sophia: </u></b>I'll save him! </div>
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Sophia Carol, heroine of Dragon Valley. Moral Alignment: <i><b>LAWFUL GOOD</b></i></div>
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<u><b>Frozen Sim:</b></u> I feel better.</div>
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PILLOW FIGHT!</div>
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Umm... you know chess is not actually that exciting, right?</div>
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I was so stoked to get Sophia all dressed up for the flashbacks. But she had a tendency to look strange when she did all sorts of perfectly normal things autonomously.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-bYAP_WUS8ODQ_4GDD-TK4UxO-eaowVj4s_E4qGqiEdt27ZERos8x4g-KM7KS9AAnJuyZVnTyYBpVd87i6ou6A9RKBhjudTlbvAKrfs_PWjsjOqF0ZyqcE1NkUz_w8b-Pyw_I9Yrvpw8/s1600/Screenshot-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-bYAP_WUS8ODQ_4GDD-TK4UxO-eaowVj4s_E4qGqiEdt27ZERos8x4g-KM7KS9AAnJuyZVnTyYBpVd87i6ou6A9RKBhjudTlbvAKrfs_PWjsjOqF0ZyqcE1NkUz_w8b-Pyw_I9Yrvpw8/s1600/Screenshot-29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Umm... that looks painful.</div>
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<u><b>Sophia:</b></u> I declare this toilet needs cleaning!</div>
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<u><b>Toilet</b></u>: <i><b>HAVE MERCY!!!</b></i></div>
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<b><u>Sophia</u></b>: Duuuuude... you're like.... all up in my <i>spaaace</i>. And it's kinda creepy, ya know?<br />
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... I'm glad to see you're so proud of yourself, Gaia. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3vTVnpuQ8zVqWJ_LfZBFvzVRm5H89frJuN228VQAoaSFsUPhyoUwJPg1WTAEJpftBCAR4LCAUjt5nr9bI4-XakO2PuBdbu5bdi7P_piaKY7nW3C6b0fHc5NAnTOcRvY1x657qmzOxx_9/s1600/Mwahaha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3vTVnpuQ8zVqWJ_LfZBFvzVRm5H89frJuN228VQAoaSFsUPhyoUwJPg1WTAEJpftBCAR4LCAUjt5nr9bI4-XakO2PuBdbu5bdi7P_piaKY7nW3C6b0fHc5NAnTOcRvY1x657qmzOxx_9/s1600/Mwahaha.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><u>Thane:</u></b> MWAHAHAHA!!! I shall show mai true colors! <b><i>FEAAAARRR ME!</i></b><br />
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Hey look! It's that punk kid from Presentation and Freshman! The one who called Daria a vegetable and wanted Jaye to challenge Sophia to a rematch! Story Progression has turned him into a <i><b>pop singer</b></i> of all things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAsp-_RZw1GqcZtm0a6IOhumtwuHHJQVKk-TVJIzFFNv24nhu48reBdNIUvjqDGseNx1fyHGkOO1ff5wNF4EKSM236byi9sKFp2bvyahFZqO-roB8YHgIu4V8HMV0ORUVKkaOOZxiDaqp/s1600/Screenshot-3+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAsp-_RZw1GqcZtm0a6IOhumtwuHHJQVKk-TVJIzFFNv24nhu48reBdNIUvjqDGseNx1fyHGkOO1ff5wNF4EKSM236byi9sKFp2bvyahFZqO-roB8YHgIu4V8HMV0ORUVKkaOOZxiDaqp/s1600/Screenshot-3+(2).jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
... could it be that with his new career change he hopes to turn his life around?<br />
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No way! Is he begging for forgiveness from Sophia?</div>
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Well Sophia, are you going to forgive him?</div>
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<b><u>Sophia: </u></b> Hmmm.... I dunno....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D0TkV-FHAhXwjFSpb6S4xfSYuIkz_gBKbX9Z6_nDrqj-UmFP6eiwOVtYt5Y0W_TV2sVjC-psbTbRu056wBOBS8H58kQc7xVe19p4PCup1KGKNCJeVxjW6Ck82rSrojeyWeQA3i2RfpEA/s1600/Screenshot-7+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D0TkV-FHAhXwjFSpb6S4xfSYuIkz_gBKbX9Z6_nDrqj-UmFP6eiwOVtYt5Y0W_TV2sVjC-psbTbRu056wBOBS8H58kQc7xVe19p4PCup1KGKNCJeVxjW6Ck82rSrojeyWeQA3i2RfpEA/s1600/Screenshot-7+(2).jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a> <b><u>Sophia:</u></b> What do you think I should do, Kitsune?</div>
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<u><b>Kitsune:</b></u> I'm Quintessa now. Ignore my contacts. Run him through where he stands!<br />
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<b><u> Sophia:</u></b> HEY! Who invited you to the party, Thane? Go be creepy somewhere else!<br />
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And now a few pictures that did not particularly fit anywhere, but were pretty enough to share<br />
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My epic Sophia vs. Dragon picture! I shared it on the forums, but I don't think I've posted it in its full glory on the blog.<br />
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Kyra Lucian lounging in a fountain. Just... cause I thought it looked cool and it came out pretty good.</div>
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A Reece and Sophia snow pic that I always liked.</div>
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An extra from the flashbacks of Reece's childhood that I liked but couldn't fit in.</div>
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And then of course, after I'd created an aged-down Reece, I wondered what he would look like next to Mini-Sophia. Then... suddenly this cute thing was happening.<br />
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Hey... who's that? What's she standing around in a graveyard looking sad and contemplative for?</div>
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Guess you'll have to wait to find out. =D</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-35660883453073562442015-01-18T23:32:00.000-06:002015-01-18T23:48:39.669-06:00Chapter Twenty-Three: Phoenix<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">All of the pieces fell into place.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
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History had never told me what happened to
Emrys. During the last eight years, I
had searched tirelessly through books to find some closure, but it was all in
vain. After my death, the songs and
poems told of a gradual shift in power.
Hordes scattered, eggs were smashed, and Emrys silently vanished from
record.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thane’s strained conversation with Gaia flashed in
my memory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“I would have reigned if it had not been for
him.”</i></div>
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<i>“There was finally nothing in my way.”</i></div>
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Me. I had
been in the way.</div>
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And when I was gone, Constantine had entered the
picture.</div>
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It must have taken powerful magic. Magic almost as powerful as that which was
needed to cast the curse, and Watcher only knew if it could ever be
reversed. But somehow, Constantine brought
the immortal master of dragons down from his high peak and locked him in human
form. Without him to lead them, the
order of the ancient dragons weakened and the beasts faded into extinction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thane raised his hand, his wicked smile growing
wider. Flames appeared above his fingers,
crackling with mad fervor as he clenched his hand into a fist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Burn.” He
whispered, and he lifted the fire to his lips and blew.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An inferno cascaded from his mouth. My heart stopped. In my memory, I saw the moment he opened his
gaping jaws and drowned me in his hellish breath. The heat pierced straight into my bones
before a single spark could touch me.</div>
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“MOTHER!”
Evangeline screamed. The sound of
her voice sent life surging back into my limbs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsaqkyuPj3TGQ2AtUPair4GpwlhXXq1VyXJLLk6driCpH_CN1ofBrZCV3w-59ToxCADVZST2rPijBPkNCpX3oeX3o1JFVXCTRom0rsCeXostNT3g2hL0MXCs4LJDOXM23HMqDRdyHl6PE/s1600/Nar23.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsaqkyuPj3TGQ2AtUPair4GpwlhXXq1VyXJLLk6driCpH_CN1ofBrZCV3w-59ToxCADVZST2rPijBPkNCpX3oeX3o1JFVXCTRom0rsCeXostNT3g2hL0MXCs4LJDOXM23HMqDRdyHl6PE/s1600/Nar23.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I dove to the ground and rolled away. The fire surged over my head, sizzling
against the hood of my tunic. I covered
my head and curled my legs against my torso, pressing my body into the cavern
wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The onslaught was over just as quickly as it had
begun. When the skin of my back cooled,
I leaped from the floor and whirled back around.
Thane’s wicked smile did not fall for a second. He brought his hands up, and a hissing cloud
of dark magic rushed towards me. It
clenched around my neck. My back crashed
into the wall. I grasped at the phantom
hands that tightened around my throat.
The roaring in my ears drowned out Evangeline’s frantic cries.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmGFwrpwovHAw_VRw-QTzk1xuYyrn4bEj_jvBaYuJNKNK-e542po8Rc1yhyphenhyphenMbtOZUhedhf4m0jTVT8EMv2Xto6iQ_mXpbS9v8OCuXT_wzfRfZJOsVHaX6hHKay50CaSaRTTfSxK9nIBtS/s1600/Nar23.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmGFwrpwovHAw_VRw-QTzk1xuYyrn4bEj_jvBaYuJNKNK-e542po8Rc1yhyphenhyphenMbtOZUhedhf4m0jTVT8EMv2Xto6iQ_mXpbS9v8OCuXT_wzfRfZJOsVHaX6hHKay50CaSaRTTfSxK9nIBtS/s1600/Nar23.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Then suddenly, I plummeted to the ground and gasped for
breath. One hand pressed to my
thundering heart, the other groping along the cavern floor for my sword, I
looked up.</div>
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Thane’s head was thrown back, and his eyes burned
with white light. He struggled, ripples
of magic pulsating across his arms.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSoLAlcYLOqSR5toF-ItbRoAGa0lxvVzQM9PQUMx_SriLeO4HpaSQIGliC66osoqXnH09j-h1i2gpKYpv87_dnXErylez9eOiuign5B7iFMYRAD6dxuMW4PNpB6_9IVvgThcloTwPy5Hu/s1600/Nar23.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSoLAlcYLOqSR5toF-ItbRoAGa0lxvVzQM9PQUMx_SriLeO4HpaSQIGliC66osoqXnH09j-h1i2gpKYpv87_dnXErylez9eOiuign5B7iFMYRAD6dxuMW4PNpB6_9IVvgThcloTwPy5Hu/s1600/Nar23.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
There was a sound like cannon fire, and the spell was broken. His arms were back up, and his attention was
directed to the entryway.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Dude, what the <i>reap</i>
happened to you? Did you sell your
wicked awesome car for fairy powers and a hideous bad-boy makeover?”<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Hale stood in the arch, his arms crossed over his chest and his
genie magic sparking from the tips of his fingers. His face was covered in scruffy stubble and
he smelled worse than ever, but I had never been so happy to see him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0LK2ak3O87L9uCl4z6ajIQ8yY_vPms6YmVAvTq1XxeUW8YjJB8g04CJMs2ttN9pY3FEn_7rMNFSU7SRVcbd2GIiztWv93qjmFvZ1H7e0bEZVaH7eUX79NJwMUC4E7DM6bKTJWos7duei/s1600/Nar23.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0LK2ak3O87L9uCl4z6ajIQ8yY_vPms6YmVAvTq1XxeUW8YjJB8g04CJMs2ttN9pY3FEn_7rMNFSU7SRVcbd2GIiztWv93qjmFvZ1H7e0bEZVaH7eUX79NJwMUC4E7DM6bKTJWos7duei/s1600/Nar23.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Just behind him, Reece and Orland rushed in with their
wands at the ready. A straggled cry
escaped my throat. I reached out towards
my husband. His eyes were on me, his
face twisted in terror and confusion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb2ygVzzGdFdkVvXDOafW-XEKiQF0UX8e6eanFpuy-4dUvBQHjRfZ-Q5x6DGlL_ofmYKxF-B7V8BOrqR0-Cc6crQFbIIkU7ZrXscZRoEeyxtcQ_oyFo0mb7xQge36-W-4NIvFYwX_nRet/s1600/Nar23.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb2ygVzzGdFdkVvXDOafW-XEKiQF0UX8e6eanFpuy-4dUvBQHjRfZ-Q5x6DGlL_ofmYKxF-B7V8BOrqR0-Cc6crQFbIIkU7ZrXscZRoEeyxtcQ_oyFo0mb7xQge36-W-4NIvFYwX_nRet/s1600/Nar23.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Daddy!”
Evangeline cried.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja23OdIwqpDaQ_1ffciVvNMWuhWUJgY_OdF21NUvBNRNWLwkohhSJtHTnht4H6PwoLYsXwIu9GwWVokTv-Vkn3qhVPsUC2JIgPn6ICrScH3yTgZxsxlyKvaMFOvnM2aMpbqtXIROhseVdi/s1600/Nar23.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja23OdIwqpDaQ_1ffciVvNMWuhWUJgY_OdF21NUvBNRNWLwkohhSJtHTnht4H6PwoLYsXwIu9GwWVokTv-Vkn3qhVPsUC2JIgPn6ICrScH3yTgZxsxlyKvaMFOvnM2aMpbqtXIROhseVdi/s1600/Nar23.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Reece’s head jerked towards her and his mouth
dropped open. He glanced back from me to
her in quick succession. I threw up my
hands and shook my head.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Oh, if we live through this you are so grounded!” he murmured under his breath as he spun his
wand in tight, twisting circles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHf_HAMESgq7DJKavNwFNQGnWq1sXPazJj7mfKLjaJQN3HkXe5eHoqBNxQGhvI7jnXOdqgPHcpgZGvHTb_n5amOs3m_0npC8i3Cl7nix7RSxcKkBAR3sh-NmNDM4crfWiwXGJBtRYIX5Y/s1600/Nar23.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHf_HAMESgq7DJKavNwFNQGnWq1sXPazJj7mfKLjaJQN3HkXe5eHoqBNxQGhvI7jnXOdqgPHcpgZGvHTb_n5amOs3m_0npC8i3Cl7nix7RSxcKkBAR3sh-NmNDM4crfWiwXGJBtRYIX5Y/s1600/Nar23.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Crackling sparks flew from the tip of his wand
towards Constantine. The dark wizard’s
lips merely twitched, and he stepped backward as Kyra hurled herself in front
of him. She held her wand like a warrior
wielding an axe. In one swift cut, she
sent the magic crashing back towards Reece.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP1LJ4BjFX7HvojQTAQa3geD5Jq0frDIy4EWJvdWOwd3r_h4PG-8oNzopAuZXE_232Ahelvvh9D35cNpC1V-KyN5n-p8bCf0vdMOn4WWYuWMZxxEhSKVQn7Xi4NQvCeIBleHhuTgWv1AK/s1600/Nar23.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP1LJ4BjFX7HvojQTAQa3geD5Jq0frDIy4EWJvdWOwd3r_h4PG-8oNzopAuZXE_232Ahelvvh9D35cNpC1V-KyN5n-p8bCf0vdMOn4WWYuWMZxxEhSKVQn7Xi4NQvCeIBleHhuTgWv1AK/s1600/Nar23.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I screamed, leaping up from the floor. Before I could take two steps, an icy blast
of air slammed into me from behind and sent me rolling back onto the
ground. Quintessa stood over me, frost
flickering from the tip of her wand, though it could hardly match the coldness
in her eyes. She pulled her wand back
for a second strike. I raised my sword
and held my breath.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk6AG8MB3yTHVuJ_r5Zjxelq8yemOq9i9AagRVSwL0onJ3gI5aPlJjT_USBgD9lENvTnKln0Kk218q2YaXzC79S_XsyFBWdyyyYyRRpn0W1pB98W8hJ7qy5ekOoai7nllPgxScXg2aMXA/s1600/Nar23.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk6AG8MB3yTHVuJ_r5Zjxelq8yemOq9i9AagRVSwL0onJ3gI5aPlJjT_USBgD9lENvTnKln0Kk218q2YaXzC79S_XsyFBWdyyyYyRRpn0W1pB98W8hJ7qy5ekOoai7nllPgxScXg2aMXA/s1600/Nar23.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Something whizzed by my head and smacked into the
side of Quintessa’s face. She grunted in
surprise and the frost on her wand melted.
The object hit the ground with a flutter of pages. I stared at it, dumbfounded. It was Mr. Peter’s book of maps.</div>
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A pair of feet vaulted over my body and hit the
ground next to the book. Droplets of
blood trickled onto the cavern floor.
Regan stood with her wand clenched in one hand and her arm cinched
against her bleeding abdomen. Quintessa
raised her wand again to strike, and Regan tackled her into the floor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6MZNZfI27ZmK4z_3KJZZ0QVOrTvB8_QIBAQHGY6wo1Gbf3Pxuo9lCFHP5E4OrB7UFfzHvdsLhXV5ac-EG76ENN256tw0y0uvOwEGUC8lh3VU_Gko3kX02rpzUUmQoz9H5snKAxmCnVv5/s1600/Nar23.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6MZNZfI27ZmK4z_3KJZZ0QVOrTvB8_QIBAQHGY6wo1Gbf3Pxuo9lCFHP5E4OrB7UFfzHvdsLhXV5ac-EG76ENN256tw0y0uvOwEGUC8lh3VU_Gko3kX02rpzUUmQoz9H5snKAxmCnVv5/s1600/Nar23.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I whirled around.
Orland and Kyra had locked wands.
Reece slammed his shoulder into Constantine’s abdomen, and Evangeline
scrambled away towards me. I held out my
arms for her.
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Strong tanned fingers seized Evangeline by the
hair. She screamed, struggling with
tears dripping down her face. I felt the
pit of my stomach drop. My eyes followed
the curling reptilian tattoos up the length of his arm to his simmering gaze.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi403LePoFsf8MQebMFowJVPDVTRHrD2JPoEwkViWJXba59otuPDlrN6jjVA1c-brfjit9z9nmC0N-qPZfYv7fk9wg5FwXiDw93CEGjiwCseh1TCyoQnnSP-fCBo88AgYbhvICgRzgVRg/s1600/Nar23.191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi403LePoFsf8MQebMFowJVPDVTRHrD2JPoEwkViWJXba59otuPDlrN6jjVA1c-brfjit9z9nmC0N-qPZfYv7fk9wg5FwXiDw93CEGjiwCseh1TCyoQnnSP-fCBo88AgYbhvICgRzgVRg/s1600/Nar23.191.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Let her go!”
I shouted, but my voice shook as much as my hands did as they clasped my
sword.</div>
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Thane lifted his other hand. A ball of flame gathered above his fingers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Above the crackling of magic and the thundering of
my heart, I heard the sound of my husband cry out my name.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I turned my head.
Constantine had seized Reece by the throat and slammed him against the
cavern wall. Reece’s feet kicked in the
air. His eyes squeezed shut in
pain. He gasped and wheezed for breath.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cNnn0iQyBFnbHHBZHqKtfPkRZRyaO88-28-XW3zt0NmCnXWls0D9x0y59fpG4h6Fr3gqprOr7pbSFeL-Kid2zFdCox37fPWw7mnkLM7KpPw70ZstcmtBXkiQeWwlY-uG1CF-cfUnfZ9V/s1600/Nar23.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cNnn0iQyBFnbHHBZHqKtfPkRZRyaO88-28-XW3zt0NmCnXWls0D9x0y59fpG4h6Fr3gqprOr7pbSFeL-Kid2zFdCox37fPWw7mnkLM7KpPw70ZstcmtBXkiQeWwlY-uG1CF-cfUnfZ9V/s1600/Nar23.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I felt a searing fire rip my heart in two. Evangeline struggled in Thane’s iron grip
before me. Reece suffocated in
Constantine’s embrace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lkgueKGU78PqFQzipTHXIOvnBhTY7TPgBOhEjywsRvJpWy_Yv5RGX8wzC3EYHwh9X-tetck1NBQBFCC5coJ5hj_KfHpPUVJE2F8Y9OQxICt4FbptKuIVWC0xSJwwfcwBzzDjGZPUIOUD/s1600/Nar23.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lkgueKGU78PqFQzipTHXIOvnBhTY7TPgBOhEjywsRvJpWy_Yv5RGX8wzC3EYHwh9X-tetck1NBQBFCC5coJ5hj_KfHpPUVJE2F8Y9OQxICt4FbptKuIVWC0xSJwwfcwBzzDjGZPUIOUD/s1600/Nar23.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I screamed out his name. His eyes opened, meeting mine. His fingers steeled around his wand. </div>
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In one desperate motion, he plunged the sharp point
straight into Constantine’s heart. There
was a sound like lightning striking.
Reece’s wand let out a wild surge of power, and Constantine’s body
shuddered. His eyes widened and his lips
parted. His face froze in that
expression.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1oIHZrDI6nohghc5mSglJ9rEjXhTZ_zRxMhSu-ISa58uKYiFqxYsxXSd6h9-YMwYL2SzAMFJ115Qoogur6StODWn-yfgYayaeNRMlGz3dyQGKWwk0TFGzuDmgVAI250xRZMP2QWAVUf_/s1600/Nar23.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1oIHZrDI6nohghc5mSglJ9rEjXhTZ_zRxMhSu-ISa58uKYiFqxYsxXSd6h9-YMwYL2SzAMFJ115Qoogur6StODWn-yfgYayaeNRMlGz3dyQGKWwk0TFGzuDmgVAI250xRZMP2QWAVUf_/s1600/Nar23.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Across the room, Gaia screamed. Her hand curled against her own chest as she
watched her husband’s body fall to the ground.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“CONSTANTINE!”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Jv1gJrqRLy-4_QaW08n_nMIlNQUdtajKeogj2hmX7EBK4-wctPE5tnkqAsj_CLH-vji8vOUCElkF7uQ8xqgiL9_7RhARUGqTh-NrZedfnlkyoqyC8CiumnCAkpgibPU_w9B0L3-vFzYM/s1600/Nar23.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Jv1gJrqRLy-4_QaW08n_nMIlNQUdtajKeogj2hmX7EBK4-wctPE5tnkqAsj_CLH-vji8vOUCElkF7uQ8xqgiL9_7RhARUGqTh-NrZedfnlkyoqyC8CiumnCAkpgibPU_w9B0L3-vFzYM/s1600/Nar23.23.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Her voice rang with insurmountable anguish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then the room was suddenly quiet. Even Thane turned to watch as Gaia sprinted
across the circle of candles on the floor, his mouth open in shock. Evangeline wretched herself free from his
grasp and threw herself into my arms. I
held her tight against my chest and backed away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece staggered away as Gaia knelt down on the
ground. His
wand was slick with blood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR_Dh2J9QHFAROjTkeuAmQzCg-7U2NKYXVSDIP8UywAsHpiH-olAtx-2bGsw1b_T_YDJQKEe-XeyK9aWaulkDLtCbO9IgRezXOHPcGx_YaC5uC60twzUAN6gPg_LeGCdi0e1dGyTWcSh6/s1600/Nar23.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR_Dh2J9QHFAROjTkeuAmQzCg-7U2NKYXVSDIP8UywAsHpiH-olAtx-2bGsw1b_T_YDJQKEe-XeyK9aWaulkDLtCbO9IgRezXOHPcGx_YaC5uC60twzUAN6gPg_LeGCdi0e1dGyTWcSh6/s1600/Nar23.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Gaia gathered Constantine’s head into her arms and
held it close to her heart. She held out
her wand and recited in a shaking voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>“</i><i>Sun
flame and phoenix fire,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>May this light quench death’s desire..."<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The sunlight charm?</i> I bit my lip and took another step backward. Reece had told me it could bring someone recently deceased back from the dead, ages ago when he first explained resurrection to me. <br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>"...Banish the shadows that surround the gate,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>And through the dark, Illuminate.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYWDD_muA6O1GbLwpC4RkDOBBAaA2zF03qElLengIqgeV5YDUH6lRujmjJGZigUQRo7DgSQdqjva0CTpW-9qZZI3uHosigwrYtBWhTXVPk3IHO8lsidGouUUsmkKlHytIeQNla-f-6DDo/s1600/Nar23.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYWDD_muA6O1GbLwpC4RkDOBBAaA2zF03qElLengIqgeV5YDUH6lRujmjJGZigUQRo7DgSQdqjva0CTpW-9qZZI3uHosigwrYtBWhTXVPk3IHO8lsidGouUUsmkKlHytIeQNla-f-6DDo/s1600/Nar23.25.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
A torrent of light burst from the tip of her wand
and engulfed Constantine’s limp body.
His vacant eyes glowed for a breadth of an instant.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then the light faded. Constantine remained still.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVWxO72jUyHVfvAWKLl85XWXo07wI8isHhrH2qXHRZd-AX0bmISDhDTgwODaF7SevSJzEUSOs7s0T3BRLqM5VgEvGKYoBq7zxItYkGr21FN4hDXLmDzXipeDOkzNXXWfBccySGNHow2dy/s1600/Nar23.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVWxO72jUyHVfvAWKLl85XWXo07wI8isHhrH2qXHRZd-AX0bmISDhDTgwODaF7SevSJzEUSOs7s0T3BRLqM5VgEvGKYoBq7zxItYkGr21FN4hDXLmDzXipeDOkzNXXWfBccySGNHow2dy/s1600/Nar23.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Gaia’s lips trembled, the wand shook in her
outstretched hand. She clenched her
teeth and recited again, louder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>“</i><i>Sun
flame and phoenix fire,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>May this light quench death’s desire,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>Banish the shadows that surround the gate,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>And through the dark, Illuminate.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Once again, light flooded over Constantine’s
body. It wrapped around his torso like a
shroud and entwined itself around each of his fingers. Then, it seemed to breathe back into his
skin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But once the light was gone, Constantine still lay
unmoving on the ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGJ93dTmtZYW2gHd3_1QsLygapGdUASn9wxOqzdTqZhQuQAOS3_5gwyYILGVgKFZGkrYBmpzv9C9oGPgV8quKYRLlHe_un9qPcHJE3fNbfzpofMaZ1p_shAw_gOuDfyaHvlPQ-eE4PFDq/s1600/Nar23.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGJ93dTmtZYW2gHd3_1QsLygapGdUASn9wxOqzdTqZhQuQAOS3_5gwyYILGVgKFZGkrYBmpzv9C9oGPgV8quKYRLlHe_un9qPcHJE3fNbfzpofMaZ1p_shAw_gOuDfyaHvlPQ-eE4PFDq/s1600/Nar23.27.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I glanced back.
Evangeline and I were only a few feet from the entryway. My eyes met Reece’s across the room. I curled my fingers around my sword, but
Reece shook his head. His lips mouthed
one word. <i>“Go!”</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQmvyiv-kYWl8ZMsOt_V0W3cRWb01gsMxUDfnBIAGn9ah4IFL-DG57iqPxrb44t0kWbnVE1CTScS587MwPJ-EZDOiQrKD8inMxrAYyiyWAPT71aro05AzGJGpf1GVuxCtMLR_6oX4rGJg/s1600/Nar23.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQmvyiv-kYWl8ZMsOt_V0W3cRWb01gsMxUDfnBIAGn9ah4IFL-DG57iqPxrb44t0kWbnVE1CTScS587MwPJ-EZDOiQrKD8inMxrAYyiyWAPT71aro05AzGJGpf1GVuxCtMLR_6oX4rGJg/s1600/Nar23.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Gaia slowly rose to her feet. Her shadow seemed to stretch out over Reece
and swallow him. Her wand glowed
white-hot and somewhere above ground, thunder rolled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KqCykuHvC-uszpiBXqxrW6EosS9I5lV50L-Ja0QcTNUej4O1vL7LG2GM_JBxYDKepCadrgoIcByCWP8F6lAtcjBjEwPW3RQSS9EhHxOBsEpZz1Z9TD0L-yfXzwnmk6XIBt64c-QmJtMf/s1600/Nar23.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KqCykuHvC-uszpiBXqxrW6EosS9I5lV50L-Ja0QcTNUej4O1vL7LG2GM_JBxYDKepCadrgoIcByCWP8F6lAtcjBjEwPW3RQSS9EhHxOBsEpZz1Z9TD0L-yfXzwnmk6XIBt64c-QmJtMf/s1600/Nar23.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I clutched Evangeline’s hand, and tried to keep my
voice steady as I whispered to her.
“Eva… on the count of three… we are going to run. Okay?” </div>
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Evangeline nodded her head, whimpering softly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ToMrqb7Nzx-D-wuMC8W6bWBwrWD5fck4slMtUvfXUPMs9VYH-ZI3ET1cRkbAi7NRY5_UEnuWXMJHoD5Lv1pRJu843jgWh2kpx-U1X9wNfV3gJEWJ5er0XrmONTvkIJZwmOp0em4ZnsZN/s1600/Nar23.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ToMrqb7Nzx-D-wuMC8W6bWBwrWD5fck4slMtUvfXUPMs9VYH-ZI3ET1cRkbAi7NRY5_UEnuWXMJHoD5Lv1pRJu843jgWh2kpx-U1X9wNfV3gJEWJ5er0XrmONTvkIJZwmOp0em4ZnsZN/s1600/Nar23.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“One…” I
breathed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gaia turned her head towards Reece. Her jaw was clenched and her knuckles were as
white as the tip of her wand. I felt a
sick twist in the pit of my stomach.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“T-two…” I
stammered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV27dM7HqeSV86UHzjQk5v1eruN-CfMS8OGs5wreBuLyPSl0BU_yr9NGqpMShgvprakoTXE4iEDGt30WhYTE7ibdX5I8x2GW_IkFOBavKplWSkvn9zYF8h8eZuflDfojJ4qsToGB8csRki/s1600/Nar23.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV27dM7HqeSV86UHzjQk5v1eruN-CfMS8OGs5wreBuLyPSl0BU_yr9NGqpMShgvprakoTXE4iEDGt30WhYTE7ibdX5I8x2GW_IkFOBavKplWSkvn9zYF8h8eZuflDfojJ4qsToGB8csRki/s1600/Nar23.31.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I felt the flutter of Evangeline’s heartbeat quicken
against my chest. Reece let a steady
breath out and raised his wand.</div>
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“Three!” I
finished.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At that moment, Thane’s eyes snapped on me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gzQhhxtOIksd7zchpl-w81eAo2PUxOzYUC8c2M85zEUfZnMFW2yIih34X58jiFTmbbP3BMHe4vAEWMR6RUYJcychiewZxHP9WAKFTEBHK1vUCII7LkFdJLJi6hsgGjwb_l9ser1xIxVc/s1600/Nar23.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gzQhhxtOIksd7zchpl-w81eAo2PUxOzYUC8c2M85zEUfZnMFW2yIih34X58jiFTmbbP3BMHe4vAEWMR6RUYJcychiewZxHP9WAKFTEBHK1vUCII7LkFdJLJi6hsgGjwb_l9ser1xIxVc/s1600/Nar23.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Evangeline and I bolted through the archway and took
off running down the long dark corridor.
Behind me, I heard the sound of Gaia screaming in rage followed by a
deafening crackle of magic. I swallowed
down the bile rising up my throat, tears dripping down my face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWOX7d_kJYR0Tu4tmN9A95HB4z8Q0xJpGgxPQdzSOFhTkUhqghOoZGq6jiagAGfPcmn4uC16gzq_ABVucFrE0YeK2k3l5G86HRgkTZY8mPhvxOD8B3oqQ7pjtIYs1QmuvBYRaNgewY8to/s1600/Nar23.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWOX7d_kJYR0Tu4tmN9A95HB4z8Q0xJpGgxPQdzSOFhTkUhqghOoZGq6jiagAGfPcmn4uC16gzq_ABVucFrE0YeK2k3l5G86HRgkTZY8mPhvxOD8B3oqQ7pjtIYs1QmuvBYRaNgewY8to/s1600/Nar23.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
The corridor shuddered. I smelled smoke.</div>
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Red flashed in the corner of my eye. I screamed, and yanked Evangeline back just
as Thane came vaulting into our path. He
crouched down in front of us, his arms wreathed in flame.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I said… BURN!”
He threw his hands out, and fire consumed the entire hall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OcVQknzrltaIHz0vwp0mSrNNM9p5KE5r7fgbeCUM80e2Ixisa-2FHvw_w9oXqs3NFJ73qlqXGE9RlKEze8C4bTzjeudj68WCYpbxIr-JxBjB4PuijK2vbiyYZtNUurxKszEQ5f8YeL41/s1600/Nar23.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OcVQknzrltaIHz0vwp0mSrNNM9p5KE5r7fgbeCUM80e2Ixisa-2FHvw_w9oXqs3NFJ73qlqXGE9RlKEze8C4bTzjeudj68WCYpbxIr-JxBjB4PuijK2vbiyYZtNUurxKszEQ5f8YeL41/s1600/Nar23.34.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I did not think, could not think. I only acted.
I wrapped both arms around Evangeline, pulled her straight off her feet
and ran. The heat grasped at my feet,
growing hotter and hotter until at last I found a fork in the corridor and dove
into it. The fire surged by, roaring
with all the power of a horde of ancient dragons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK5Bi2yZdQJaujnhYlDI6h3DtJ8yY8GXp3YkPsHcpS8u8u5FxitSaKYlo1ZGF5tx_Ko1whiE5Vcv26n9zBCzqH00wLDlRwvitO7XLXIT3C2pplV5CYEKMULtgdBDwve6H0QNqYfLlwthH/s1600/Nar23.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK5Bi2yZdQJaujnhYlDI6h3DtJ8yY8GXp3YkPsHcpS8u8u5FxitSaKYlo1ZGF5tx_Ko1whiE5Vcv26n9zBCzqH00wLDlRwvitO7XLXIT3C2pplV5CYEKMULtgdBDwve6H0QNqYfLlwthH/s1600/Nar23.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Come on!” I
shouted, breathlessly tugging Evangeline up to her feet and taking off running
down the corridor.</div>
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I took one turn.
Then another. Did I remember the
way correctly? The twisting turns of the
catacombs all looked the same, and as I ran the air grew thick and black with
smoke.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Evangeline stopped suddenly, pointing towards a
light flickering at the end of the tunnel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“There!” she
shouted.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRKvGeSLzYszN3mqt0BNuHNZomxewHRSUMFFU5_unJfOzerAItgwdjD219hW01yHf7yaS6zdnWTNwId0Qpw86PWQkGzAOC2QUdoYChtGcHVSRd-HrGPT6UXetissXnNcFTaYxz7Mb5p1m/s1600/Nar23.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRKvGeSLzYszN3mqt0BNuHNZomxewHRSUMFFU5_unJfOzerAItgwdjD219hW01yHf7yaS6zdnWTNwId0Qpw86PWQkGzAOC2QUdoYChtGcHVSRd-HrGPT6UXetissXnNcFTaYxz7Mb5p1m/s1600/Nar23.36.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I squinted in the dim light. There was a flash in the direction Evangeline
pointed, and I heard thunder. My heart
surged up into my throat. We took off
racing towards the flickering light of the storm outside. I could see the stairs where I had entered!</div>
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The cavern walls glowed orange.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I quickened my step, taking the stairs in four-step
bounds. Evangeline lagged behind, her
head turned behind us and her face frozen in terror.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I felt heat curl against my back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Come on!
Come on! Up!” I screamed.
“Up!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I lifted her into my arms and took the final bound
into the open air.<br />
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Just as we emerged, I
felt the inferno rumbling beneath my feet.
I dove to the ground and rolled away, through the crackling green
puddles that lined the street.</div>
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Fire roared out from the trapdoors, rocketing high
into the sky. Sparks caught on the
surrounding trees. Glowing embers
dripped down onto the ground, and the grass around the golden statue ignited.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A shadow rose in the center of the flames. Thane stepped out of the fiery geyser, his
skin and hair untouched by the heat. He
took a deep breath in, his eyes wandering over the burning city square. The corners of his lips twitched upward.</div>
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I pushed Evangeline onto her feet. My heart was pounding at such a mad pace that
it felt as though my lungs were collapsing around it. Smoke burned in my eyes, and ash mixed in
with the tears and sweat dripping down my face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“G-go! Run!” I stammered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Evangeline took off racing towards the street. Thane’s head snapped in her direction, and he
lifted his arm. A stream of flames
pulled away from the blaze behind him and streaked into Evangeline’s path. She covered her face with both arms and fell
backwards.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“No!” I cried.</div>
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Thane’s eyes
turned to me. His face shimmered in the
extreme humidity, and I could have sworn I saw the crimson scales that once
covered his steel hide. When he lifted
his hand, I could no longer tell whether or not he bore fingers or claws. My head was reeling between the past and the
present.</div>
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“This time…”
Thane growled, his hand curling into a fist and flames flaring
around his fingers. “You won’t be coming
back.”</div>
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His voice reverberated through the memories cycling
in my mind. His words transformed into a
deafening roar. The hellish column
behind him curled into his colossal wings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I lay frozen in the heat, my eyes wide as I stared
up at him. All the sights, sounds, and
smells were the same as the first time.</div>
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Just barely audible under the rumble of fire and
memory, I heard a tiny cry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Mommy!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I could still see her face through the curtains of
flame that separated us. She stared up
at me with her wide, pleading eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another memory pushed its way through the inferno of
claws and teeth that had been my first life, drowning out the roaring of
dragons with the sound of soft, winter wind.<br />
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I remembered the moment I had first awoken, and saw
her father's eyes staring down at me.</div>
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I saw the childish spark that lit them when he
spoke of growing up reading stories about me.
It was the same spark that I had seen in them when I told him I was
pregnant the first time. A spark I
recognized in Gawain’s eyes when I tickled his sides.</div>
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Then the memories came in an avalanche. Misty-eyed wonder in Mr. Peter’s face when he
said that he would hire me. Long
afternoons Daria and I spent in the university library, drinking books in like
other students guzzled caffeinated beverages.
Swimming with Nirina while the summer sunset cast a golden glow over the
ocean waves. Laughing hysterically for
hours when Hale got himself turned into a toad.
Reece’s arms wrapped around me when he told me that he loved me. </div>
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My wedding day.
Holding Evangeline in my arms for the first time. Graduating after months of sleepless nights
studying in the nursery. Landing the job
at the hospital. Welcoming my two sons
into the world and watching them play with Daria’s children on the floor.</div>
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I had been alive again for eight years, less than a
quarter of my first life. But the memories were so much brighter, so
much stronger, that they drowned out the memories of war and fire.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I turned away from Evangeline and stared back into
Emrys’s burning eyes. His entire body
burned, lit like a torch against the night sky.
There would be no getting close to him without being burned.</div>
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I knew that even if he failed to cast the curse
tonight, he would try again one day. He
would not rest until he held the world in his wicked talons once more. There was no blade that could pierce his
immortal heart, no soul who could slay the master of all dragons.</div>
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Save one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“No…” I
swallowed, shaking my head as I staggered to my feet. I lifted my sword. “Not this time, Emrys. You will never burn Dragon Valley again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Emrys’s eyes narrowed. He threw his hands out. Fire rushed through his fingers, devouring
the stone beneath us and the sky above us.
I heard Evangeline scream.</div>
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I clenched both hands around my sword and dove
straight into the storm.</div>
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His eyes widened for just a moment. I forced my feet to move, even as the waves
of heat rushing over me turned into agonizing waves of pain. My blade passed through his outstretched
hands, glowing red hot. I threw all my strength
into my final step. My sword sliced straight
into his heart.</div>
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Heat seared into my skin, my flesh, my bones. I held onto the sword and clenched my teeth
together, refusing to scream even as the fire surged through me. Scarlet coils of flame wrapped around my
body, burning into my lungs, scorching into my heart. It filled my vision, until all I could see
was the raging inferno and Emrys’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had been here before. Burning to death while the blazing eyes of a
dragon watched me. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But this time was different. This time, his eyes did not glare down at me
in triumph. His head bowed down. His eyelids fell until only a silver of light
shone through them.</div>
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Then he was gone, his broken body falling from my
sword.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As he fell, the green droplets of rain striking his
skin seemed to melt through him. Magic
crackled within the blood flooding from his chest. The fire surrounding us folded into his
flesh, turning the flames into sizzling emerald waves. With one final burst of light and power, his
body disintegrated. Magic flashed up
through the air and into the storm clouds, spreading out over the sky.</div>
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I stood, even as the fire consumed me. Even as my body shrunk away and my skin
melted into ash. The vast, cold hands of
the Netherworld pulled at me. For a
moment, I stood on the threshold between life and death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I let go.
The charred remains of my body fell, and all plunged into darkness.</div>
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“Ice!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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A blast of cold air swept over the blaze. Frost gathered on the statue of the warrior
woman until icicles dripped down from her arms, but the onslaught did not stop
until every last spark of the inferno had gone out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HVZVjIY0BAlWYLtDLGuiHATPaYfCuzkJgI6neKTyrKSw9TXEkZmJ0QnFzazqAs_2rLjQ23bkqNNBSgn_nXxI1mVcoMd-q6AgCZ4XeR2uza9fpY3d8c__nDK8jnuav4Zpdm5HIba3yGaU/s1600/Nar23.64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HVZVjIY0BAlWYLtDLGuiHATPaYfCuzkJgI6neKTyrKSw9TXEkZmJ0QnFzazqAs_2rLjQ23bkqNNBSgn_nXxI1mVcoMd-q6AgCZ4XeR2uza9fpY3d8c__nDK8jnuav4Zpdm5HIba3yGaU/s1600/Nar23.64.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Evangeline knelt on the ground, tears streaming down
her face. Her gaze was fixed at the foot
of the statue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoLJaYumkw_6yqZvuzOfkDMOSUeRARSt7KKsAp8NVDj3zQFavYtPq0OMtgVBEAlAzhezl3JnW976EirHMQ_RmKcrGNHXVSp77_SF0DtXoRe986ljEaUiX_nb3_GW1aE4dDJ9u_1E2PZ3o/s1600/Nar23.65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoLJaYumkw_6yqZvuzOfkDMOSUeRARSt7KKsAp8NVDj3zQFavYtPq0OMtgVBEAlAzhezl3JnW976EirHMQ_RmKcrGNHXVSp77_SF0DtXoRe986ljEaUiX_nb3_GW1aE4dDJ9u_1E2PZ3o/s1600/Nar23.65.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Reece raced across the city square. His lips bleed and he favored one leg. He stopped at the base of the statue and let
out a straggled cry. A charred body lay
crumbled in the blackened grass.</div>
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<div class="Standard">
He gathered her blistered, burned body into his arms, his
wand still clenched in his trembling fist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Oh, Watcher…” he breathed, his
voice shaking. Tears glistened at the
corners of his eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBq8Hi8S4leOtMxta415aj2wlvl9YjtoNk16kXkdQEYgeHr8aPiA1UMKhiBE8BaNOGBYa0M5KlFuxGATSdBAvcQus2vEmLfZNrb9QC6Z21GBljPDNhIPbhCsC7BlsCDEshHjeMOq2Yi01/s1600/Nar23.66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBq8Hi8S4leOtMxta415aj2wlvl9YjtoNk16kXkdQEYgeHr8aPiA1UMKhiBE8BaNOGBYa0M5KlFuxGATSdBAvcQus2vEmLfZNrb9QC6Z21GBljPDNhIPbhCsC7BlsCDEshHjeMOq2Yi01/s1600/Nar23.66.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Evangeline crawled closer.
“M-mommy?”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece pressed his forehead against the charred flesh of the
body he held. “Sophia…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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His wand glowed, and he whispered a chant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“</i><i>Sun
flame and phoenix fire,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>May this light quench death’s desire,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>Banish the shadows that surround the gate,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>And through the dark, Illuminate.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG1xEyi5YRZYf5wXho66fJtWBtG1GnMKKa1y-uFssHalpZUgR01gSL8s8giasLtVNOKPrDs2R-c_zjL5LG-_Qg6dJTbOO-yuZEDK2bDGVVZhxM9fmF1dkbYs3Tg3__rwc8Fu2ncAxZhhY/s1600/Nar23.67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG1xEyi5YRZYf5wXho66fJtWBtG1GnMKKa1y-uFssHalpZUgR01gSL8s8giasLtVNOKPrDs2R-c_zjL5LG-_Qg6dJTbOO-yuZEDK2bDGVVZhxM9fmF1dkbYs3Tg3__rwc8Fu2ncAxZhhY/s1600/Nar23.67.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
He pointed
the wand forward, and the sparks dancing from the tip went out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpliENgBPCcz7h2Bq21dX3PuqjU4Lr1c8FaB9VnTbvOdzyFNyk8aR6HEfeNaEZ6oTSJRfeno-BVJVQpk_xq_8KHdGTKrCcVCghqXmHgYaeQQJKJjcpchscEj-GdcP_bX_qzYKfcZHSXqeN/s1600/Nar23.69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpliENgBPCcz7h2Bq21dX3PuqjU4Lr1c8FaB9VnTbvOdzyFNyk8aR6HEfeNaEZ6oTSJRfeno-BVJVQpk_xq_8KHdGTKrCcVCghqXmHgYaeQQJKJjcpchscEj-GdcP_bX_qzYKfcZHSXqeN/s1600/Nar23.69.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
He grit his teeth and squeezed the wand even
tighter, waving it again, choking out the words of the incantation through his
gasping sobs.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>“</i><i>Sun
flame… and phoenix fire…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>May this light… quench death’s desire…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>Banish the shadows… that surround the gate…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>…</i><i>and
through the dark… Illuminate.”</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXGKPiNnyCQqgpbA8Q6bslX8lYbnDj6TP_KsWVsMcY3wOGHwPOCsVql-u1vV6aM6aq5ha-vLHzJwZEMlhjxump_Km_9qS7BdU4HrmSdStJa61RSO7_4NsalmLLycCvIKA6fmjw0oCqzA0/s1600/Nar23.76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXGKPiNnyCQqgpbA8Q6bslX8lYbnDj6TP_KsWVsMcY3wOGHwPOCsVql-u1vV6aM6aq5ha-vLHzJwZEMlhjxump_Km_9qS7BdU4HrmSdStJa61RSO7_4NsalmLLycCvIKA6fmjw0oCqzA0/s1600/Nar23.76.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pO47bgXG6XgV6ZPNem71WifSuUZ9yAX7zXAnG8oWbpKUmgbwajo8znYa2lJnt2XrjU3OEU8Fk2tnZYRBWlupvCh-ai2ahuWX054BczaZf7dYyzOaZgCXRoYa2BhyphenhyphenKIc894-7vZ6WntnJ/s1600/Nar23.71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pO47bgXG6XgV6ZPNem71WifSuUZ9yAX7zXAnG8oWbpKUmgbwajo8znYa2lJnt2XrjU3OEU8Fk2tnZYRBWlupvCh-ai2ahuWX054BczaZf7dYyzOaZgCXRoYa2BhyphenhyphenKIc894-7vZ6WntnJ/s1600/Nar23.71.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>There was a shower of sparks. Then,
silence.</i></div>
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<i>"</i><i>Told you she was too old.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>"Hang on! I'm going to try a double trigger spell."</i></div>
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<i>"Reece, what if it doesn't work?"</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD9nAiuw5IvWcX81ns5-mAVY-5Wg7lBQFkCD9zkVAR4BfHQd75h8AMcPD48rLfz9w2p9nf_VX6cxBAGEuzCThSc_OHW7Fp-19ZXhEZtwMd6_e7U557QXSWGx5GkIB1GHvBS_qHZackj9F/s1600/Nar23.Final01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD9nAiuw5IvWcX81ns5-mAVY-5Wg7lBQFkCD9zkVAR4BfHQd75h8AMcPD48rLfz9w2p9nf_VX6cxBAGEuzCThSc_OHW7Fp-19ZXhEZtwMd6_e7U557QXSWGx5GkIB1GHvBS_qHZackj9F/s1600/Nar23.Final01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><i>“It'll work this time." </i></div>
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<i>"It has to."</i></div>
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“ILLUMINATE!”<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-32306820106139727972014-12-17T12:46:00.000-06:002014-12-17T12:47:55.023-06:00Chapter Twenty-Two: Fate<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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I pounded my fist against the door of Tome Traders.</div>
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“Mr. Peters!”
I shouted.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Please still be here. Please still
be here.</i> I prayed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I raised my hand and pounded on the door again. Just as I struck it for the third time, the
door swung open and Mr. Peters peeked out at me with bewilderment in his soft
brown eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Sophia? What
are you doing standing out in the rain?”
His eyes drifted down to the golden sword I held at my side. “<i>No
commoner carries such weapons…</i>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I have no time to explain!” I stepped inside and Mr. Peters shut the door
again. “You know Dragon Valley better
than anyone. Are there catacombs beneath
the city?”</div>
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<i>“They retreated to the lowest level of the city.” </i>Regan had said. It was my only clue as to where she had gone.<br />
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“Catacombs?”
Mr. Peters scratched his head. “Well
yes, there are Catacombs. Beneath city hall,
commissioned for by the Mithrilen
family in 1839 to serve as the burial place for-!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Do you
have a map?” I asked, already hurrying
towards the back of the bookstore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes…
yes of course.” Mr. Peter stammered,
rushing ahead of me and rummaging through the shelves.</div>
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I paced
back and forth as I waited for him to locate the correct book. The longer he took, the harder my heart
pounded.<o:p></o:p></div>
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BOOM!<o:p></o:p></div>
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An
explosive crack of thunder shook the building.
I whirled around, clasping my sword in both hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When
the lightning faded, it was replaced by a new light. The raindrops that battered against the
window changed, taking on a soft green glow. </div>
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My grip
on my sword loosened, and I stepped forward, my eyes widening in disbelief. “What sorcery is this?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I heard pages rustle and a book snap shut. Then, Mr. Peters appeared at my side, his
mouth drawn into a taunt line.</div>
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“Bewitching rain.”
he whispered, shaking his head. “I’ve
only read about it. The atmosphere has
been charged with an overpowering volume of residual magic. There must be a large group of spellcasters practicing
their arts nearby…”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_CmOphp6ySF97WH5xCQK7qrLRE66lKElsEdMM-fB9PXzqnQIyWPi7XpIF0vbrfw-DYBF2cjxBcoLcY2AZXZMYtmGUajTKUakiwImzAFlA5Fnxu3v37luopfKfNBMOyFqn4n2a7_OYMEL/s1600/Nar22.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_CmOphp6ySF97WH5xCQK7qrLRE66lKElsEdMM-fB9PXzqnQIyWPi7XpIF0vbrfw-DYBF2cjxBcoLcY2AZXZMYtmGUajTKUakiwImzAFlA5Fnxu3v37luopfKfNBMOyFqn4n2a7_OYMEL/s1600/Nar22.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
He held out a book to me, his finger still tucked
between the pages. I opened the book to
the page he marked and saw an extensive series of maps, precisely what I had
been looking for.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“… or one
very powerful spellcaster.” Mr. Peters
murmured, tapping his fingers to his lips.
“Very… very powerful.”<o:p></o:p><br />
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I fought to swallow down the bile rising up in my
throat. Was I too late? Did this rain mean the Lucians had already
cast the curse?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I shut the book and yanked the front door open. Immediantly, I was assaulted by a storm of
the cracking green rain. I gasped, and
fell backward. Every single drop felt as
though it were charged with electricity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I took a moment to catch my breath. Then, biting my lip, I held my sword arm out
and let the rain pour over it. It was as if a hundred pins and needles danced across my skin. The sensation was strange, and startling, but
not unbearable. I gripped my sword in
both hands and stepped into the doorway.</div>
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I turned back to look at Mr. Peters. “Thank you.
I-!” My voice broke with emotion
and I was forced to stop and swallow down the sob that threatened to burst from
my throat. “I do not believe I ever
properly thanked you for everything that you have done for me. For the job… and the books… I love you dearly, Mr. Peters. I wanted you to know that… before… before…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE31oB24lxHuIBK8xXLGrUQvdz_YyYAVITZucVS1VBN5ZIpHLazr4MOyqx3B92yzLSwb3IWEEN3VoeHlbdeIQHK8y5hBiTPIjkCKJgXwdIhrUIADO-YftGzZeYFk5zTKI7ylb3EVBZLe1M/s1600/Nar22.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE31oB24lxHuIBK8xXLGrUQvdz_YyYAVITZucVS1VBN5ZIpHLazr4MOyqx3B92yzLSwb3IWEEN3VoeHlbdeIQHK8y5hBiTPIjkCKJgXwdIhrUIADO-YftGzZeYFk5zTKI7ylb3EVBZLe1M/s1600/Nar22.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Mr. Peters stared at me with the same lost, far-off
look in his eyes that I had seen a hundred dozen times. I sighed, my sword arm dropped back down to
my side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qkk9yuhjXK7l1S_oxnprqovmMIcwTYtJwk25kYabQjRfuN5qhJREk3I2BYW15KVmigx89QS_bs_s2H_C7TQ-Q2yi_n95Tt2PpTgg0VJdi7nOxtN1SWq0LeQV9lU9AvFxJjIPw0RneM0E/s1600/Nar22.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qkk9yuhjXK7l1S_oxnprqovmMIcwTYtJwk25kYabQjRfuN5qhJREk3I2BYW15KVmigx89QS_bs_s2H_C7TQ-Q2yi_n95Tt2PpTgg0VJdi7nOxtN1SWq0LeQV9lU9AvFxJjIPw0RneM0E/s1600/Nar22.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
A hundred horrible images flashed through my
mind. Daria’s lush green leaves turned
shriveled and brown. Nirina’s scales
blistered and bleeding from thirst. The
round baby faces of Bowen and Gawain turned gaunt and pale.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99gAl8MZcZCVM-AfUiQA-sXSaPFh6lOPKsK8e762irK8gzaHZAomDPi8hnUC0f8pA711Ph5ytPnJTrYUTgxFT5NLIyKTiNfiQVwFAvU2HxEk0dSsYHANNj0W9yju7AygEa7xWT-AUYqJd/s1600/Nar22.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99gAl8MZcZCVM-AfUiQA-sXSaPFh6lOPKsK8e762irK8gzaHZAomDPi8hnUC0f8pA711Ph5ytPnJTrYUTgxFT5NLIyKTiNfiQVwFAvU2HxEk0dSsYHANNj0W9yju7AygEa7xWT-AUYqJd/s1600/Nar22.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Promise me… promise me you will be strong no matter
what happens.” I said, lifting my eyes
up to Mr. Peters. “That you will take
care of and watch over my children as you did for me? I… I am not sure that I…”</div>
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I could not force the words from my mouth. Mr. Peters remained silent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Mr. Peters?
Can you promise me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I wanted him to say something. Anything.
But he just stood there staring at me.
A crease appeared in the space between his brows.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_L1FTImiyBjBfO_PJnt442L_CO9nKSF-Y7ymCwSOSTSxnJ3TvQplPsRChayWQ-hlLncCDREMdrRHHJVxB6Lq9hfQLrxiIbB3Bk0tgiVRFKdvGxvktSc5D32-nB1Zoo-rzzmr8jeetrc9/s1600/Nar22.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_L1FTImiyBjBfO_PJnt442L_CO9nKSF-Y7ymCwSOSTSxnJ3TvQplPsRChayWQ-hlLncCDREMdrRHHJVxB6Lq9hfQLrxiIbB3Bk0tgiVRFKdvGxvktSc5D32-nB1Zoo-rzzmr8jeetrc9/s1600/Nar22.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I shuddered, and squeezed my eyes shut, stepping out
into the rain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“<i>For that time
it was his destiny to die…”</i> His voice was
little more than a hoarse whisper.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I stopped, turning back to him. He leaned up against a bookcase, his eyes
closed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“…or, as some say, to be carried off to Avilion,
where he could wait for better days.”</i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwX9a1Ml4_vaVNaejJzCYkO-Xr-ttc-uik_u2K0XnZZvNqpKlIXLpYmViXq5Y2eh7ElbXsP-iRHohvVz1jqqJJsWfgr91PLUKKk-inbT84RG-xLQfyx2X0TrBt3REQ5SjFTvvQEPzbPZG/s1600/Nar22.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwX9a1Ml4_vaVNaejJzCYkO-Xr-ttc-uik_u2K0XnZZvNqpKlIXLpYmViXq5Y2eh7ElbXsP-iRHohvVz1jqqJJsWfgr91PLUKKk-inbT84RG-xLQfyx2X0TrBt3REQ5SjFTvvQEPzbPZG/s1600/Nar22.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“T. H.
White.” I said softly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He
smiled, his eyes still closed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“<i>Here lies Arthur, king once and king to be.</i> The Once and Future King. I've always loved that part of Arthurian
lore… the part that says though he is dead, he will one day return to complete
his mission. It leaves the ending open. An odd thought, isn’t it? That a mythological figure might return from
the grave, and have a second chance.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I blinked,
and my lips parted. I almost spoke, but
despite the racing thoughts that flooded my mind, I had no words. His eyes cracked open, and his small,
delicate smile widened just a sliver.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He
knew.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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"Yes... impossible.” I said at last.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BRbMyLH7Nrs4Y6ul6M2rLwrMuJZHhys1G22vbrvDvfjB5OGOS4gXBM0XqvaGItF_jHIX3fW8kV4iTrh8-mqK0mhgRDwWFQ1DZZdueBrVM_uWS4ZtXXRHtUxczH7UAPX6kmdm-QWyhyOf/s1600/Nar22.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BRbMyLH7Nrs4Y6ul6M2rLwrMuJZHhys1G22vbrvDvfjB5OGOS4gXBM0XqvaGItF_jHIX3fW8kV4iTrh8-mqK0mhgRDwWFQ1DZZdueBrVM_uWS4ZtXXRHtUxczH7UAPX6kmdm-QWyhyOf/s1600/Nar22.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
His
head moved, just a tad, from side to side.
That knowing smile returned to his face.</div>
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“<i>Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible
things before breakfast.</i>” he whispered.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3vYJH3xu-4Bl_2ALTwuVvtpStDdtRiRYaVK-P19sxHJlhVPRJ7Yh4N9MJSPDtkU0jIIXiPe6o_sFqKLb7Hn_Zfedhgt5b9JQa0FHhR5X8XYpio_3TsVo6kqzi3wIed3zmxvoVfp4X4lX/s1600/Nar22.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3vYJH3xu-4Bl_2ALTwuVvtpStDdtRiRYaVK-P19sxHJlhVPRJ7Yh4N9MJSPDtkU0jIIXiPe6o_sFqKLb7Hn_Zfedhgt5b9JQa0FHhR5X8XYpio_3TsVo6kqzi3wIed3zmxvoVfp4X4lX/s1600/Nar22.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I clasped my hand to my mouth, tears brimming at the
corners of my eyes. Until that moment, I
had not realized how much I longed to share this part of myself with him. There were a hundred questions I wanted to
ask him. How long had he known? How had he figured it out? And what did he <i>mean? </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7w2fFljQbBlZnv8iuY8rJVLnXyB4VT2TrK3cUwNsDNU15zzuprQjHhMxUssPxb5opdFpU1m0W4-Xh8cVbvDIga-y4Dsj4WHFbwOWtKTN-QOIoQIk6K0tZsiOmuuYXq6pivPO-0uJ3UXZ/s1600/Nar22.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7w2fFljQbBlZnv8iuY8rJVLnXyB4VT2TrK3cUwNsDNU15zzuprQjHhMxUssPxb5opdFpU1m0W4-Xh8cVbvDIga-y4Dsj4WHFbwOWtKTN-QOIoQIk6K0tZsiOmuuYXq6pivPO-0uJ3UXZ/s1600/Nar22.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>KA-BOOM!</i></div>
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The heat and light seemed to strike an instant
before the overpowering noise. I whirled
around and saw a tower of light and smoke surging up from somewhere near city
hall. I spared one glance backwards at
Mr. Peters. His serene expression was
gone, he clasped both hands to his ears and stared back at me with wide eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Goodbye…” I
whispered, stepping backwards and plunging into the storm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The electric rain striking my skin sent shivers up
my spine. I clutched the book of maps
close to my hammering heart, and ducked my head down. The water rushing down the street now lapped
at my ankles, and took on a sick, almost radioactive, green radiance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hInO8ez4mCE6-qcjwnv3FmUINXZvE6no0_MtDfSraMe7OmBzq7KKb6LFVdGwih-rVImZyrpeg-SuEdsUj0caq0Xl_HIeMnvdG2ahm17cNXnHYtL-aphvZCiyjJjEdjm-jHqGncJBQwj5/s1600/Nar22.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hInO8ez4mCE6-qcjwnv3FmUINXZvE6no0_MtDfSraMe7OmBzq7KKb6LFVdGwih-rVImZyrpeg-SuEdsUj0caq0Xl_HIeMnvdG2ahm17cNXnHYtL-aphvZCiyjJjEdjm-jHqGncJBQwj5/s1600/Nar22.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Through the downpour, I could still make out the
familiar shadows of town square. That
ridiculous golden statue shimmered with the light of the rain. I spotted Regan’s car crookedly parked next
to the curb, the headlights still on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7QZ7Fui8hqellMKpFUwpAKxgaGELQmEKC9EVfc2GBVlrmuX0mBU8fbPGaWAreL4ZWzP34IsjKHwGE2-nKiXJ3OwQZgZnLkdHvhkioIr2BPVfvWg9MF2xR7McApbn5vFhY-myQTlLY9F-/s1600/Nar22.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7QZ7Fui8hqellMKpFUwpAKxgaGELQmEKC9EVfc2GBVlrmuX0mBU8fbPGaWAreL4ZWzP34IsjKHwGE2-nKiXJ3OwQZgZnLkdHvhkioIr2BPVfvWg9MF2xR7McApbn5vFhY-myQTlLY9F-/s1600/Nar22.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
My heartbeat quickened. I surged forward and slammed into the back of
the vehicle. My hands fumbled for the
handle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Evangeline!”
I screamed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I threw open the trunk. <i>Empty.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A rumble shuddered beneath my feet. I looked up just in time to see a flickering
column of light appear behind the statue.
I walked towards it, my breath caught in my throat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In the back corner of one of the garden plots, a
large space had been cleared. When I
grew closer, I could see that the bushes and trees had been reduced to smoking
heaps of ash. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYV0PeN2gtKzc8a6KMVKRZQ60_dlDo78vzcwoE__8dtmGDs-jSdOUVZDOgql2Y0piYdQ6U57vtig5WkUogoaRw86uBZ694yZXUnjwLg8c6wnrS4BJ-5LlsvMI5fKiY8No42Bc321wVgwW/s1600/Nar22.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYV0PeN2gtKzc8a6KMVKRZQ60_dlDo78vzcwoE__8dtmGDs-jSdOUVZDOgql2Y0piYdQ6U57vtig5WkUogoaRw86uBZ694yZXUnjwLg8c6wnrS4BJ-5LlsvMI5fKiY8No42Bc321wVgwW/s1600/Nar22.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
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The smell wormed its way into my lungs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The forest in flames. My village an
inferno. Mother</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ7WkQmf3R99nQ6GKZ5zLJtaa5eMqRwPwRv5Zz087iMCQkHEenzmS9ZCfoQKUlEoD4y85IE8kHd9r778CeX6nOY4UOfPZxmyDmW10nedzOfzyWqpjTlIkfIhyJZzUzCr5yFI3vyCXAnYz/s1600/Nar22.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ7WkQmf3R99nQ6GKZ5zLJtaa5eMqRwPwRv5Zz087iMCQkHEenzmS9ZCfoQKUlEoD4y85IE8kHd9r778CeX6nOY4UOfPZxmyDmW10nedzOfzyWqpjTlIkfIhyJZzUzCr5yFI3vyCXAnYz/s1600/Nar22.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
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I bit down on my lip until I tasted blood. My feet gingerly trod through the charred
remains of the garden.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
At the center of the smoking brush, there was a pair
of open trapdoors, and a stairway that lead down into darkness. The smell of smoke was even stronger within.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I took one step down at a time. Light flashed on the steps from beneath the
staircase. As I descended, the sound of
the storm faded away and was replaced by the sound of magic crackling from some
distant place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Safe from the onslaught of the rain, I opened the
book Mr. Peters had given me. I held it
up to the light of the torches that lined the walls. The air in the tunnel turned colder the
deeper I descended. The sounds that
echoed against the walls grew closer.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG_73nDBAZl78dwuUt9IikP6KUhPjVW1_dmkoWsrsmrAV3PrzMYh2NUyVrJ-D12FodlSMFrNMYevEurvAJAYezaxng4T9Rhew3I0dROiD9oOvw8kSrXRGZxMzcxMqKa0tTUtguM4NE6Wu/s1600/Nar22.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG_73nDBAZl78dwuUt9IikP6KUhPjVW1_dmkoWsrsmrAV3PrzMYh2NUyVrJ-D12FodlSMFrNMYevEurvAJAYezaxng4T9Rhew3I0dROiD9oOvw8kSrXRGZxMzcxMqKa0tTUtguM4NE6Wu/s1600/Nar22.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
My foot hit something soft and I stumbled. I dropped the book with an oath. I had tripped over a body.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It was a woman.
I had never seen her before. I
brushed her dark hair from her neck and felt for a pulse. There was nothing, and her neck was cold. Her eyes were open and vacant, staring at me
with the same icy blue irises as Constantine.
I shuddered, stepping around her and searching along the floor for the
book.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vXoHr2KkPzxsEUISJvwBDf7aaK-txQWJJaYeCFtTDP5O1Vn4IvfQK9ZtBnkZpxgfpmbySOKVaE82s1m2OFfW30ypyTxOD5H_DRC9GTGA_y9jtPV7olGCOOSZ0tsqNg0XTYySm04BcNm8/s1600/Nar22.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vXoHr2KkPzxsEUISJvwBDf7aaK-txQWJJaYeCFtTDP5O1Vn4IvfQK9ZtBnkZpxgfpmbySOKVaE82s1m2OFfW30ypyTxOD5H_DRC9GTGA_y9jtPV7olGCOOSZ0tsqNg0XTYySm04BcNm8/s1600/Nar22.31.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I saw another body just a few feet away. A man.
I caught sight of a third as I lifted myself to my feet. I held my breath, my sword gripped in one
hand and the book of maps in the other.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IrsGj1V0y8nQsLCfDpwRn5BriSBHJaP2OUS0DFoDJi0fu6siKjCncop25IKj9U2FrYbg5MBMFbVlPq0bPmQBNZP9C4ZvGZdoqHjkZ_sxSiorQVLDI7IipUQJKXYrlxvs4dD5scdu61Rz/s1600/Nar22.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IrsGj1V0y8nQsLCfDpwRn5BriSBHJaP2OUS0DFoDJi0fu6siKjCncop25IKj9U2FrYbg5MBMFbVlPq0bPmQBNZP9C4ZvGZdoqHjkZ_sxSiorQVLDI7IipUQJKXYrlxvs4dD5scdu61Rz/s1600/Nar22.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
A new sound was echoing against the walls. Raised voices. One high-pitched, another rough, and still a
third that blended in between them. A
shot rang out like cannon fire and the hallway was flooded in green light. I froze, my fingers tensing around my sword.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0BKooiM-EdejTOg6XED438-6hd1P7rFgbQ1kagCV3rBva3Pcly_wpupvBFNl32Vng5lB8355rgXW35xDgcJHzFDD_f2aEeZEJQQ3hfg9O8H4t_VUJYT5OGj-0xKaiBbms6uWmQxUVbiD/s1600/Nar22.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0BKooiM-EdejTOg6XED438-6hd1P7rFgbQ1kagCV3rBva3Pcly_wpupvBFNl32Vng5lB8355rgXW35xDgcJHzFDD_f2aEeZEJQQ3hfg9O8H4t_VUJYT5OGj-0xKaiBbms6uWmQxUVbiD/s1600/Nar22.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
One of the bodies on the floor moaned. I gave a start. The body shifted, and I saw that it had
frosted sapphire hair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Regan!” I hoisted her up into my
arms. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Her eyelids fluttered. “He’s… too powerful…” She coughed.
Blood dripped from her mouth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Who is?
Constantine?” I glanced behind
me, in the direction of the flashing light.
“Where is Evangeline?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UcnZVe5x_UxaSjVv1Lv0yil6yFyoB-AyyMbfbcGnmG7ZZkH2n7-SeZgsQeWff-wJucUP02L4GemiMpBR3utIn-9Ha-cowwG_sOjmxOzzbdmJ-yqLLqjH1wJRrOmT_ESJ57ye63-FjJp2/s1600/Nar22.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UcnZVe5x_UxaSjVv1Lv0yil6yFyoB-AyyMbfbcGnmG7ZZkH2n7-SeZgsQeWff-wJucUP02L4GemiMpBR3utIn-9Ha-cowwG_sOjmxOzzbdmJ-yqLLqjH1wJRrOmT_ESJ57ye63-FjJp2/s1600/Nar22.34.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Regan closed her eyes, her head shook from side to
side. “I’m so sorry, Sophia. I tried… I tried to catch her...”<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>That fiendish little imp! </i>I thought scornfully, even as my stomach twisted with fear. I turned back to Regan, my grip on the sword
loosening as I bent to inspect her abdomen.
“Where are you injured?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Stop…” Regan
murmured. She pushed my hands away. When I tried again, she seized my arm with an
iron grip. Her eyes were wide with
fright. “Leave me! <i>You have
to stop him!</i>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8MHRsnxwLeKdD3CFVw9kRVDdAtxjVmyR-v6UXnFo4w1IdbXPFjZrOoE0kvH4zm8BJ7WG9b8xGlBJoJ71-rQtwg73TdkCjAZmvXLi2lqjbNEl9pqpOcTLpLm_TIFG0qI5E5AZzJ4d3lyf/s1600/Nar22.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8MHRsnxwLeKdD3CFVw9kRVDdAtxjVmyR-v6UXnFo4w1IdbXPFjZrOoE0kvH4zm8BJ7WG9b8xGlBJoJ71-rQtwg73TdkCjAZmvXLi2lqjbNEl9pqpOcTLpLm_TIFG0qI5E5AZzJ4d3lyf/s1600/Nar22.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
At that moment, there was another rumble in the
floor. The hall was illuminated with
light. A shrill scream echoed among the
raised voices.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
A little scream I knew too well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Evangeline.”
I whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I bolted upright, clutching my sword in both
hands. Regan’s body slumped to the floor
and the book of maps thudded down next to her.
I took off running down the corridor, closer and closer to the light.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Evangeline!”
I screamed, bursting into a room at the end of the corridor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Someone attacked me from behind, her arms going for
my throat. I whirled around and ran her through, casting her body off to the side.
I turned, and there was a wand pointed in my direction. I swept my blade through it, sending its sparking
pieces to the floor, and slammed my fist into the face of the wizard who held
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZN19H5Ji-cWnHwY4vI7pyysgSkjttVlkUjBDaKo26ormNxbb2asb1detM75PSRhglJuGlxFMxm_oRqSG2J3y5d8oTYrBcQk-Y3-bDvB0IEdqHlGyHPadWCuynkhKR9WfiZP4BdD0vwat/s1600/Nar22.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZN19H5Ji-cWnHwY4vI7pyysgSkjttVlkUjBDaKo26ormNxbb2asb1detM75PSRhglJuGlxFMxm_oRqSG2J3y5d8oTYrBcQk-Y3-bDvB0IEdqHlGyHPadWCuynkhKR9WfiZP4BdD0vwat/s1600/Nar22.36.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Mommy!” I
heard a cry across the room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My little girl stood shaking in Constantine’s
shadow. He squeezed both of her forearms
in his massive, calloused hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
A sly smile curled at the corners of his lips. “Well… isn’t this interesting.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXtykCnYjR-bBXCKS8r5h-y83Z1aTvXKB8tkfs7gY-j_2meOjaZinf4cwBhFa3VXLShSko8AsQNBcXRMCJnlGtTmpx0B_ZrtrWiWhOGRESSCY19DEHLmNgrBbsGp22fUGDdsqq3mxDC6t/s1600/Nar22.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXtykCnYjR-bBXCKS8r5h-y83Z1aTvXKB8tkfs7gY-j_2meOjaZinf4cwBhFa3VXLShSko8AsQNBcXRMCJnlGtTmpx0B_ZrtrWiWhOGRESSCY19DEHLmNgrBbsGp22fUGDdsqq3mxDC6t/s1600/Nar22.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
From the center of the room, a low, rough voice
spoke. Every word quivered with rage. “What is <i>she
</i>doing here?”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I stared back at my daughter’s wide eyes, and then
focused on Constantine’s hands clenched around her arms. Both hands.
He was not practicing magic. Then
who…?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I turned, my eyes darting around the room. Gaia stood in front of an open tome, her jade
eyes narrowed at me. Quintessa was just a few feet away, her wand at the ready. At
the back of the room, in front of a boiling cauldron, was a woman I did not
recognize.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC07hKArkOIjRizFUcXePlyHCH5rxuXgHoGKWIOGK_wMlBW4_QHqUaEkE1U4hrunqeS-wxkAMnrIXk_aXWX8oKX_jyEbo5b2itV0joOW4i1_P8GXuAUJWSsujmxvXvyCCXwxtApOFoMtOX/s1600/Nar22.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC07hKArkOIjRizFUcXePlyHCH5rxuXgHoGKWIOGK_wMlBW4_QHqUaEkE1U4hrunqeS-wxkAMnrIXk_aXWX8oKX_jyEbo5b2itV0joOW4i1_P8GXuAUJWSsujmxvXvyCCXwxtApOFoMtOX/s1600/Nar22.39.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Hundreds of candles formed a circle on the floor,
and in the center of them…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VU3PIY_m4ewXcE5eiTOLHfWOFeLaGYrUeYqRTIdGh1sntAWjdDl0GZdU9RwDWYxnG3lgXgLXYWIfoDSVlWz4tRtAG6atpHzlhq7TvAcTFWdjmDi_tS0oIrHe2zWgwpQvSWwNnK1t4ZGh/s1600/Nar22.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VU3PIY_m4ewXcE5eiTOLHfWOFeLaGYrUeYqRTIdGh1sntAWjdDl0GZdU9RwDWYxnG3lgXgLXYWIfoDSVlWz4tRtAG6atpHzlhq7TvAcTFWdjmDi_tS0oIrHe2zWgwpQvSWwNnK1t4ZGh/s1600/Nar22.40.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Quintessa.” the
rough voice spoke again. The towering
figure in the center of the room squeezed his hand into a fist and the veins that
lined his muscled arms bulged out. “What.
Is. She. Doing. Here.”<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I ceased to breathe.
My eyes were locked on the tattoos that encircled his arms. His skin was a tapestry of claws and
teeth. The heads and tails of dragons
were intertwined on his shoulders and wrapped around his wrists.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BgZS_bSnEuNkWhOVuPtG21JWI4_Ik2VT6QPSJboulO6g21JUM4ltRQHcuKRNNh3ugXw_lqpNeKFtKH7W6nKBAQ-2n-zDkqzvP_ESzvSHZnwH0XP6D2rRIf8rCWFrbKJGlThDqayJnABV/s1600/Nar22.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BgZS_bSnEuNkWhOVuPtG21JWI4_Ik2VT6QPSJboulO6g21JUM4ltRQHcuKRNNh3ugXw_lqpNeKFtKH7W6nKBAQ-2n-zDkqzvP_ESzvSHZnwH0XP6D2rRIf8rCWFrbKJGlThDqayJnABV/s1600/Nar22.41.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Quintessa shook her head, her mouth open. “I… I can dispose of her, my Lord. Please, continue the ritual…”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But her wand made no move towards me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHxAHNlukdLpQVdEpokw-Av6xofEetr4ki5JLhFeT9JvKipJG76mPiHKlg6yWrpHLcUOSqoke9Bf8-xGorhqUtNuV40hdTRemPKCRl1gA4fp97L-la0xkSmrwsqqStZuC5aG9YEY_jFSE/s1600/Nar22.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHxAHNlukdLpQVdEpokw-Av6xofEetr4ki5JLhFeT9JvKipJG76mPiHKlg6yWrpHLcUOSqoke9Bf8-xGorhqUtNuV40hdTRemPKCRl1gA4fp97L-la0xkSmrwsqqStZuC5aG9YEY_jFSE/s1600/Nar22.43.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“You told me you would <i>take care </i>of her.” The man
in the center of the room said, turning as he did. “That was the only reason I agreed to this!”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He looked different without his elegant suit and his
finely combed hair. Like some deeper,
more feral side of him had been unleashed.
But staring at him now, it was hard to believe I had ever known him any
other way. The rich young bachelor had
been nothing but a façade.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPC3-v2bHztfviK75WUx5T6Ng3BiRPZ717pcnKQ48i302A3CaqHAPMRm-ayZ-vZEwRSMFrhu3xsu2qgkmFhhBwxu0ZAr85sOY0j5qnQcsS-4wxIvGDYlG0_1NUUOWM8-ied3mzfmbWsrj/s1600/Nar22.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPC3-v2bHztfviK75WUx5T6Ng3BiRPZ717pcnKQ48i302A3CaqHAPMRm-ayZ-vZEwRSMFrhu3xsu2qgkmFhhBwxu0ZAr85sOY0j5qnQcsS-4wxIvGDYlG0_1NUUOWM8-ied3mzfmbWsrj/s1600/Nar22.42.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Thane!” Gaia
snapped, drawing her wand out. Her eyes
were on me. “The ritual! We only have until-!”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Thane shoved out his hands and light exploded from
his fingertips. Quintessa was blown off
her feet and sent hurtling into the wall.
Every inch of the room crackled with magic. I felt the energy send tremors through my
bones.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
He had no wand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVkXrnmVK3NEJvTH2KnhszcKY2f6k7LWd-TVFjs9uvuOwV00vj_0TDdyMMNNrVCmSQDRPb2lLkofd0cYVW8i8pJHSHcXWNUS8EbF5zgRRTTL6CgU_k9JT6wjC8nJ_Myno9bawITfO2MgJ/s1600/Nar22.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVkXrnmVK3NEJvTH2KnhszcKY2f6k7LWd-TVFjs9uvuOwV00vj_0TDdyMMNNrVCmSQDRPb2lLkofd0cYVW8i8pJHSHcXWNUS8EbF5zgRRTTL6CgU_k9JT6wjC8nJ_Myno9bawITfO2MgJ/s1600/Nar22.44.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Stop!” Gaia screamed. “Stop it!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Her voice sounded like it came from the end of a
long dark tunnel. I took an instinctive step
backward, my eyes trailing up the walls as tendrils of green mist floated up to
the cavern roof. The flashing in the
catacombs, the residual magic turning the rain outside into a bewitching storm
of horror, it had all been him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My lungs were constricting into my chest, my blood
turning to ice in my veins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I told you, it doesn’t matter!” Quintessa shouted, coughing and sputtering as
she lifted herself from the floor. “Kitsune
was nothing but a greedy lunatic! We all
knew it! Tell him, father!”</div>
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I was screaming for my feet to move, but they would
not budge. I was paralyzed. I could not breathe, but I still smelled
smoke.</div>
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“Shut up!”
Thane shouted. His hands went up
again, and once again Quintessa was blasted into the wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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His eyes.
Those fiery eyes that had always brewed unease in the pit of my stomach.</div>
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“Enough!” Gaia
pointed at me with her wand. “Kyra… get
rid of her!”</div>
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The young red-haired witch in the back started
forward, her wand drawn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“No!” Thane
held his arm out in front of the red-haired witch. </div>
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His mouth curled into a blood-chilling wry smile. He glared down at me, and I was entrapped in
the heat of his eyes. </div>
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“I’m going to kill you again.”<br />
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How could I have ever forgotten those eyes?<br />
<br /></div>
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“Emrys.” I breathed.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-38879580216020399642014-11-28T00:16:00.000-06:002014-11-28T00:17:47.722-06:00Chapter Twenty-One: Beached<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Evangeline skipped up to me with an excited grin on her face as I walked back down to the bathroom holding a stack of towels. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Mommy! Mommy!” she cried, her eyes wide with wonder. “There’s a mermaid in the bathtub!”
</span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOL5TmG8u3NcyECDZzwhntlB2GKpTk6tlS8k_LW4zKTpqT3QitTJZ4NE_4ibRNR3faus9VroG6w_BkUR-PbevMXI6HtM7PTkejLs7ldCWxWEO2wG-j_YNKw__8aUmfD1AihXesr2-ptPw/s1600/Nar21.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOL5TmG8u3NcyECDZzwhntlB2GKpTk6tlS8k_LW4zKTpqT3QitTJZ4NE_4ibRNR3faus9VroG6w_BkUR-PbevMXI6HtM7PTkejLs7ldCWxWEO2wG-j_YNKw__8aUmfD1AihXesr2-ptPw/s1600/Nar21.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I smiled, patting her on the head as I passed her. “Yes, dear. There is.”<br />
<br />
Reece stood at the doorway to the bathroom looking lost and confused. He raised his eyebrows as I walked in.<br />
<br />
“Why is there a mermaid in the bathtub?” he asked.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCSFhqLbnQ6UjctV6yoet7PQQSWqPdiPLL2R6fzIykxUwX9Lw6RXP6B5a_XaBMYvktf_PMCGP3KI0mSwj2oLZ3cmNba7xGyU_Jmym_qPBD_Wn50WIxyG6Bjz8ymGtWYv79-VJrBwt9Djz/s1600/Nar21.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCSFhqLbnQ6UjctV6yoet7PQQSWqPdiPLL2R6fzIykxUwX9Lw6RXP6B5a_XaBMYvktf_PMCGP3KI0mSwj2oLZ3cmNba7xGyU_Jmym_qPBD_Wn50WIxyG6Bjz8ymGtWYv79-VJrBwt9Djz/s1600/Nar21.02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
I smirked at him, putting the towels down on the counter. “Are you not glad to see her alive and well?”<br />
<br />
“Yes,” Reece said slowly, glancing at Nirina out of the corner of his eye. “But why is she in our bathtub?”<br />
<br />
“She is giving birth.” I answered, kneeling down next to the porcelain tub. “Is there enough salt in the water for you?”<br />
<br />
Nirina managed a meek nod of her head. Her face was still twisted in pain.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1PPi24SWkvcMYd9OFg7onrI-riCyZBRMWbk3ovUynZNcT_iBxcXCVNLiGPnCGxUtl_tEo2VrHVNE6WpFlMDQ3QqQCet7mDIItH2REMyjJXdTyRDz75SKGUBRjbgKQx6mWa1RcmvpvTgH/s1600/Nar21.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1PPi24SWkvcMYd9OFg7onrI-riCyZBRMWbk3ovUynZNcT_iBxcXCVNLiGPnCGxUtl_tEo2VrHVNE6WpFlMDQ3QqQCet7mDIItH2REMyjJXdTyRDz75SKGUBRjbgKQx6mWa1RcmvpvTgH/s1600/Nar21.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>“What?” Reece exclaimed, his eyes growing wide as he stepped away from the tub. “Don’t fish lay eggs?”<br />
<br />
Nirina shot him a very cold glare. “I’m not a fish, I’m a marine mammal!”<br />
<br />
“Reece, turn the other light on, will you?” I said, removing my shoes and stepping into the bathtub. “Turn over for me, Niri?”<br />
<br />
“She can’t give birth in the bathtub...” Reece grumbled as he crossed behind me. “Mermaids don’t even have- oh.” he stopped dead as he flipped on the light switch, his eyes bugging out. “Oh.... oh I guess they do…”<br />
<br />
“Do you mind, guppy?” Nirina snapped.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEaYfJys5-abfbj4zWAaUJZr2A7FRrrbVmj01KBZIvCk9GIAg4h7swCEqYoehBpJaJjtnIpbug7RGlHtNJFAUHwEVXWSjKxUW6DsdkWB5oXi4ccgoFlM1ZdkpdTUj3L9f79h8EzFRFiJb/s1600/Nar21.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEaYfJys5-abfbj4zWAaUJZr2A7FRrrbVmj01KBZIvCk9GIAg4h7swCEqYoehBpJaJjtnIpbug7RGlHtNJFAUHwEVXWSjKxUW6DsdkWB5oXi4ccgoFlM1ZdkpdTUj3L9f79h8EzFRFiJb/s1600/Nar21.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
Reece covered his eyes and turned away.<br />
<br />
“Sorry.” he grumbled.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8YGLa8bIpk1xszRmUqzGGZhQ1fUV20WHykZHTLLcRg4x6itjHuI3wF9jCDEDxmEDsHZm3myUpVric8aFBB5emJIdpLhay4h7rm8317t7Y-iUPAlIUIUO4uhfQOdh9s2Yf7v1RrcIBFmu/s1600/Nar21.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8YGLa8bIpk1xszRmUqzGGZhQ1fUV20WHykZHTLLcRg4x6itjHuI3wF9jCDEDxmEDsHZm3myUpVric8aFBB5emJIdpLhay4h7rm8317t7Y-iUPAlIUIUO4uhfQOdh9s2Yf7v1RrcIBFmu/s1600/Nar21.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
“Nirina,” I said softly. “Where have you been? What happened?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQUSXPt8dmZXlCRcJllvslUdwMYC2wn8zfxqwBRLE5OUDIM44UyZumO1ZUcsI3MfxXyxtdReVzIhcDcYRLJzC1Z8XtMZEpnJkv0c2o5mkGW1WoIEP6Gnpl1GLD6qM1IRyhVPyvc5bg_RV/s1600/Nar21.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQUSXPt8dmZXlCRcJllvslUdwMYC2wn8zfxqwBRLE5OUDIM44UyZumO1ZUcsI3MfxXyxtdReVzIhcDcYRLJzC1Z8XtMZEpnJkv0c2o5mkGW1WoIEP6Gnpl1GLD6qM1IRyhVPyvc5bg_RV/s1600/Nar21.04.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
Nirina pressed her forehead up against the side of the tub and hissed through her teeth. I rubbed her shoulder until her expression relaxed and she opened her eyes.<br />
<br />
“It was… six months ago? I think. I’ve lost track of the time…” Nirina murmured, lifting her head. “Hale and I were… umm… walking home from work and were attacked…” She paused to breathe, and I glanced at the clock against the wall. “They were witches. Lucians.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPsS0UwTqXkkZ3DG2rTxrRGaOE_FFLG2rp3ZXM5cradwW8emOTUv6suuZ44B7Y3dsnUNq_zTkc8oZ8pt8UCO8aZHMFz-S3udkhDc5Jna-heySxaFw4BpjhObY7-Kd4XsGCK3xtcBwjDtI/s1600/Nar21.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPsS0UwTqXkkZ3DG2rTxrRGaOE_FFLG2rp3ZXM5cradwW8emOTUv6suuZ44B7Y3dsnUNq_zTkc8oZ8pt8UCO8aZHMFz-S3udkhDc5Jna-heySxaFw4BpjhObY7-Kd4XsGCK3xtcBwjDtI/s1600/Nar21.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
Reece knelt down next to the tub. “What did they do to you? Were either of you hurt? How did you escape? What happened to Hale? Where is he?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaHoZT9SAUuEnWsuZ6QaRLRnxPb_OjLNIxkiJgsz7WzO7nWIAkm5k7xgM7DTQYjNiqB8QxCTrTEHphbhj5i_jZprHO97u-nC7dJCuLahr3coJ90cpaTe8RT4Q8KjTdCnyzG9XWtCVQWxA/s1600/Nar21.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaHoZT9SAUuEnWsuZ6QaRLRnxPb_OjLNIxkiJgsz7WzO7nWIAkm5k7xgM7DTQYjNiqB8QxCTrTEHphbhj5i_jZprHO97u-nC7dJCuLahr3coJ90cpaTe8RT4Q8KjTdCnyzG9XWtCVQWxA/s1600/Nar21.06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
The secondhand of the clock reached twelve and Nirina let out a cry.<br />
<br />
“Easy!” I said, and Reece bit his lip and backed away.<br />
<br />
Nirina fisted her hands against the side of the tub and I tried to coach her as she breathed. The secondhand had completed a full circle before Nirina relaxed again.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKkAxkW0vUb-ZfiG3nI0xULulm_X4TF19C90-6pekpPFpqDPtkUWDDq48fx5up_ACn8xeroRbZJQJt1VHDk1d5Fbi7ngxL6APy9L4nGmNqQpg_bEQJ3LVZf8GJUn3adBKIwaGm27tOLLC/s1600/Nar21.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKkAxkW0vUb-ZfiG3nI0xULulm_X4TF19C90-6pekpPFpqDPtkUWDDq48fx5up_ACn8xeroRbZJQJt1VHDk1d5Fbi7ngxL6APy9L4nGmNqQpg_bEQJ3LVZf8GJUn3adBKIwaGm27tOLLC/s1600/Nar21.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“Reaper- what in the seven seas possessed you to do this this more than once?” Nirina groaned, stumbling over her words. “Salt… I need salt.”<br />
<br />
I backed up and reached for the box I’d lain by the side of the tub.<br />
<br />
“Wait!” Nirina shouted. Her eyes quivered. “Will the saltwater hurt the baby?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uDhTAfegFmUtYVYI2qe2P2PZFnLohW7VyfnR0BN3l6V1tAJCi4Q_kelRXNDKU1nz3T5r21D-I5Xp51EDw6lGEw_sxmMyvVtx86J1kej6fEBCO4CmwnAoo0qlPsrbbMXPCotOGj5zI3Id/s1600/Nar21.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uDhTAfegFmUtYVYI2qe2P2PZFnLohW7VyfnR0BN3l6V1tAJCi4Q_kelRXNDKU1nz3T5r21D-I5Xp51EDw6lGEw_sxmMyvVtx86J1kej6fEBCO4CmwnAoo0qlPsrbbMXPCotOGj5zI3Id/s1600/Nar21.23.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I shook my head. “No… merfolk require saltwater for childbirth, do they not?”<br />
<br />
“Yes but… but the baby might not be a mermaid. It might be a… it might be a…” Nirina bit her lip and her voice dropped down to a whisper. “The father’s a genie.”<br />
<br />
"A genie?” I asked, raising my eyebrows. “What genie?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy7V5-uE7q_dIbTXTiKviFPiT8-GXICzaPBA3iVNgZqbtj_rAvz3NlxcLcKGx_G0Q25CkYwTHHahkDK_UaDGmmzRh_D1wJpXor1eqEYoJodMUTLSsMuO44lfLB3gCsEmRQOUTuxkze6hY/s1600/Nar21.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy7V5-uE7q_dIbTXTiKviFPiT8-GXICzaPBA3iVNgZqbtj_rAvz3NlxcLcKGx_G0Q25CkYwTHHahkDK_UaDGmmzRh_D1wJpXor1eqEYoJodMUTLSsMuO44lfLB3gCsEmRQOUTuxkze6hY/s1600/Nar21.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Nirina leaned her head back with a breathy snort.<br />
<br />
"Hale…” she muttered, so low I could barely hear it.<br />
<br />
"Hale?” I exclaimed, laughing. I glanced at Reece, who was covering the smirk on his face as he looked back at me.<br />
<br />
Nirina’s cheeks tinged red and she sunk lower in the bathtub.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnktigU9OY0ZsuGD6Q44Cih_0tubB7QY5YK86r7t4wwAqhhyphenhyphenhhWrDu_qCVD-sTtQ4BLT6C0xp6KH2KDc24gszEapYP67cFtVXiciLjwK6H376VaVoAv1Qq0wxxMAy3Uejj4qUxOIJuTk8T/s1600/Nar21.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnktigU9OY0ZsuGD6Q44Cih_0tubB7QY5YK86r7t4wwAqhhyphenhyphenhhWrDu_qCVD-sTtQ4BLT6C0xp6KH2KDc24gszEapYP67cFtVXiciLjwK6H376VaVoAv1Qq0wxxMAy3Uejj4qUxOIJuTk8T/s1600/Nar21.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
"I did not realize the two of you were lovers!” I said, smiling.<br />
<br />
"Lovers…” Nirina muttered, her mouth so close to the waterline that her words gurgled with bubbles. “Ha…”<br />
<br />
"Oh, but this is a joyous match!” I exclaimed, giggling. “I always thought that there was <i>tension </i>between the two of you.” I frowned, working out the math in my mind. The child must have already been conceived by the time that Nirina had sent her last e-mail. “Why did you not tell us?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oW75Ja_jJzJFVZQ498aRlr-ilHP1mgXA4Na4d3onAW96USQEd4_N9SZaw-Zr6v3pN3Kprsc8yv0qeJJXnm_PtHEyHiZWKLg5XtiBmViprANvvrbQU5Q_31bgvrc28lVMCA-4OsQSl38R/s1600/Nar21.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oW75Ja_jJzJFVZQ498aRlr-ilHP1mgXA4Na4d3onAW96USQEd4_N9SZaw-Zr6v3pN3Kprsc8yv0qeJJXnm_PtHEyHiZWKLg5XtiBmViprANvvrbQU5Q_31bgvrc28lVMCA-4OsQSl38R/s1600/Nar21.25.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“I was embarrassed. Reaper, that sounds so stupid now..." Nirina said, her voice breaking as she spoke. “All that high and mighty talk I made about not needing guppies on my fins.” Nirina’s eyes misted, and she touched her bare stomach. “It’s okay, guppy. I don’t mean it now.”<br />
<br />
“The Lucians…” Reece cautiously put a hand on the side of the tub and leaned closer. “What did they do with you? Where were you?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrcc8nxUB9HnNhTpsOcLfi7ZTevRVcaftqNhKaF4KsCP0Jo8uzKo4sKoP95PsIOmXGis_sAJAnlzt6Q97W8ZY-d3VEi3EXyHvVJXDW12jCARjC0rFtOBSnDkHCiWRw7LqcbcOptEzCo0N/s1600/Nar21.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrcc8nxUB9HnNhTpsOcLfi7ZTevRVcaftqNhKaF4KsCP0Jo8uzKo4sKoP95PsIOmXGis_sAJAnlzt6Q97W8ZY-d3VEi3EXyHvVJXDW12jCARjC0rFtOBSnDkHCiWRw7LqcbcOptEzCo0N/s1600/Nar21.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“They moved us around. I never could quite tell where we were… it was always dark and they sedated us half the time. And reaper there were so many of us. Hardly any food…they took so much blood...” Nirina murmured weakly. She smiled for an instant, stroking her stomach with one finger. “Hale gave me half his portions. He always made sure I was okay.”<br />
<br />
Reece frowned. “Well that sounds… awfully <i>noble </i>of Hale. Are you sure they didn’t do some sort of crazy experiment on his head?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsSa2MiMy0Y2iZyP9yIta8yln6VdZAMbyOUZyo4Ourp0I2X11gk5TXnUjGTJOzHlCfGPsKHqW7ek9lO-gie3GMV3FTNpoKA5Z5RUl6uetOaOEw3H5NXBUy-YmhbsYFDfWRssHNlofPvMD/s1600/Nar21.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsSa2MiMy0Y2iZyP9yIta8yln6VdZAMbyOUZyo4Ourp0I2X11gk5TXnUjGTJOzHlCfGPsKHqW7ek9lO-gie3GMV3FTNpoKA5Z5RUl6uetOaOEw3H5NXBUy-YmhbsYFDfWRssHNlofPvMD/s1600/Nar21.27.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Nirina curled her hand into a fist next to the porcelain wall of the tub and laughed through a strained gasp. “Not entirely… <i>no…</i>” Nirina’s face twisted and I squeezed her hand. She relaxed again when the secondhand of the clock had made its full circle. “… but I only escaped because of him. They were moving us again. He distracted the guards, and I ran. The contractions started when I was in the middle of the woods. I was so scared. I wandered around for ages before I recognized the landmarks and made it to the outskirts of town.”<br />
<br />
Nirina paused, and I squeezed her hand again. She gently shook her head.<br />
<br />
“I… I think they were about to get rid of us. I overheard them talking… there was this dark-haired lady with super creepy eyes giving them orders. She said something about… not needing us anymore. That we were plan B…” Nirina lifted her eyes to mine. “… and plan A had finally come around.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWSZbHGWkGBO0lm3wDHTTpt33OM_cU87v2VuYG2A7JctQtfmeKpLhiaaZbGXfAVIhlS8-pVy1uYHtB8Sm5pFS1jtDtdkqvBK-vb75AEUiJ4IFtFkiWPUMkQnVeD925PQcLwRiGI0245nG/s1600/Nar21.0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWSZbHGWkGBO0lm3wDHTTpt33OM_cU87v2VuYG2A7JctQtfmeKpLhiaaZbGXfAVIhlS8-pVy1uYHtB8Sm5pFS1jtDtdkqvBK-vb75AEUiJ4IFtFkiWPUMkQnVeD925PQcLwRiGI0245nG/s1600/Nar21.0000.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I felt a sudden chill. The dark haired lady Nirina saw could only be Quintessa.<br />
<br />
Nirina bit her lip and whimpered. Her head dropped down to her chest.<br />
<br />
“He could be dead by now…” Nirina mumbled. “Oh, Watcher… let him still be alive.”<br />
<br />
"Mommy?” I heard Evageline’s voice by the door. “Is she gonna be okay?”<br />
<br />
Bowen was peeking under her arm.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiK4WwhM_54aGie8h2DXvsB8zF9fTRCyUCvf5j-q9EwGhZ40frpxqikg_24FqgPulMWEUAH4xpJyCSGlNZv5_L2DWC6d0tKIjjPO5_C8yN3DzhMt4TBEZ7hCJNvULMeEl_J86si_mZ99n8/s1600/Nar21.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiK4WwhM_54aGie8h2DXvsB8zF9fTRCyUCvf5j-q9EwGhZ40frpxqikg_24FqgPulMWEUAH4xpJyCSGlNZv5_L2DWC6d0tKIjjPO5_C8yN3DzhMt4TBEZ7hCJNvULMeEl_J86si_mZ99n8/s1600/Nar21.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>I pressed a finger to my lips. "She will be fine. It’s past your bedtime, sweetheart.”<br />
<br />
Evageline’s eyes widened in pleading.<br />
<br />
"But <i>Mommy!</i>” she cried.<br />
<br />
"I promise, you can meet the mermaid tomorrow.” I said, shaking my head. “Reece?”<br />
<br />
Reece jumped up and slung Bowen on his hip, then clasped Evageline by the hand. “Come on, Eva. It’s bedtime.”<br />
<br />
Evageline grumbled, glancing behind her and craning her neck to see Nirina through the open door as she turned the corner.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIlssAn-uXKAuTPLv0CTKK7IaRzbaw9pdN0aCn5cGSVOo_4QDZ4UKh-VP75ic3NvIVV-k-xVwPGyPYpP5vTpO9i44WIeI5yixym3sTjPJP9_yS1xZ34p3i45lgtcaahYKPewjA3UC-qqh/s1600/Nar21.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIlssAn-uXKAuTPLv0CTKK7IaRzbaw9pdN0aCn5cGSVOo_4QDZ4UKh-VP75ic3NvIVV-k-xVwPGyPYpP5vTpO9i44WIeI5yixym3sTjPJP9_yS1xZ34p3i45lgtcaahYKPewjA3UC-qqh/s1600/Nar21.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Nirina’s breathing was growing increasingly labored by the minute. She leaned against the side of the tub, shaking her head. "Sophia, I’m scared.”<br />
<br />
"Just breathe.” I said, putting my hand on her shoulder. “I promise it will be over before you know it.”<br />
<br />
"But Sophia, what if it’s a genie?” Nirina said, lifting her head to look me in the eye. “I don’t have any idea how to raise a genie!”<br />
<br />
"Worry about that once the child is <i>here</i>, Nirina.” I said, glancing down into the salty water. “Alright, you have dilated enough. Now push.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xliPrhv1c_YMmazrbkllMuuICdwvftUG4Q8u9CK7vitfZyjhSKciXHmoDCedF8phTZjYhqCdryYOGL3F6NaPzphYnG2x9hJabPsXbD-HXd_65hL0SdM1jbW0Iq0FNtOGK3AfWUeTZD81/s1600/Nar21.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xliPrhv1c_YMmazrbkllMuuICdwvftUG4Q8u9CK7vitfZyjhSKciXHmoDCedF8phTZjYhqCdryYOGL3F6NaPzphYnG2x9hJabPsXbD-HXd_65hL0SdM1jbW0Iq0FNtOGK3AfWUeTZD81/s1600/Nar21.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Nirina groaned, gritting her teeth together. She exhaled with a whimper, and then after some coaxing, clenched her fists at the sides of the tub and pushed again. The fluke of her tail flipped up and then splashed back down again, sending streams of water cascading onto the floor.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gwe5m7do-p0i5aafUhsa2FH1rJa0eHtajDss4hMZBKUctT72X6ZHn-z1S0ev0vvO3qdmNIfnT0h4BKFolka3Mjrm7CSLwG34UO8TttYYBKD1JNvU7Eh-Dd1H_GZb7dm1de9VdGqWRDSE/s1600/Nar21.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gwe5m7do-p0i5aafUhsa2FH1rJa0eHtajDss4hMZBKUctT72X6ZHn-z1S0ev0vvO3qdmNIfnT0h4BKFolka3Mjrm7CSLwG34UO8TttYYBKD1JNvU7Eh-Dd1H_GZb7dm1de9VdGqWRDSE/s1600/Nar21.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
"Come on, Niri. Again.” I said.<br />
<br />
Nirina lifted her torso, clasping onto the side of the tub with a groan that turned into a scream as it echoed through the bathroom. She dipped her head back down into the water.<br />
<br />
Reece reentered the bathroom, cringing with the last echos of Nirina’s scream. He shut the door.<br />
<br />
"I don’t think they’re going to get much sleep.” he muttered.<br />
<br />
Nirina could only answer with another ear-piercing cry. After every push, she would fall back underwater again. Her fluke would twitch. Water would overflow from the sides of the tub and splash onto the floor.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDXf0ewIMW1VePPXzzIucq0NEgvpH3oFQe8UpgLeDBj4blAqGH09VrnfLCWCHGp3Rx0wi0bnDGidgbFYrOqENI8MwBJssINX3ApkgMOm93CDoh67WN1w9VaMxrxlUXvxbYc0FyBtEuciT/s1600/Nar21.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDXf0ewIMW1VePPXzzIucq0NEgvpH3oFQe8UpgLeDBj4blAqGH09VrnfLCWCHGp3Rx0wi0bnDGidgbFYrOqENI8MwBJssINX3ApkgMOm93CDoh67WN1w9VaMxrxlUXvxbYc0FyBtEuciT/s1600/Nar21.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
"That’s it!” I finally cried. “Another, Niri. Come on!”</div>
<br />
Nirina obeyed. This time, as her scream died in her throat, I lifted her child out into the open air. As soon as his mouth broke the surface, the baby was screaming and squirming in my arms.<br />
<br />
Reece breathed a sigh of relief, clasping his hands to his head.
"Oh thank Watcher.”<br />
<br />
"It’s a boy! He looks just like his father!” I said, holding the child closer to me. “Reece, get me a towel and my surgical scissors.”<br />
<br />
Reece did as I asked. Nirina lay back in the tub, her chest heaving. I cut the umbilical cord and she looked up at me with wide-eyed terror.<br />
<br />
"Sophia…” she said, her voice shaking.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLa1iy8rlBLlfdEMns_KWvnNzK8kwvuZHMVqFaWtBStdmKNkCwwx4tbIsIQDEhOFySR5PZnMrdWYwQQT6GbPj0pnTkja9sfzSmZd7xMJ0dUwBTYgBE2qrLo9hdd-ZdDEdSXhtmn0Xmecg/s1600/Nar21.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLa1iy8rlBLlfdEMns_KWvnNzK8kwvuZHMVqFaWtBStdmKNkCwwx4tbIsIQDEhOFySR5PZnMrdWYwQQT6GbPj0pnTkja9sfzSmZd7xMJ0dUwBTYgBE2qrLo9hdd-ZdDEdSXhtmn0Xmecg/s1600/Nar21.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I wrapped the baby boy in the towel Reece handed to me. “It’s just the afterbirth, stay calm.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWowua5YRmLU7H-IHs11jMfa4rtLYv8JeKw5IKzJc6dwki53HMVHxNhhoMSdpd0ZKqASoDij_Ke0Eb-MG6HXxKOkB4Eqqdj0KBC34CBVtRw9BzqMZ4Es4H8Dtj-ckOmOTqPm6631GfLxe8/s1600/Nar21.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWowua5YRmLU7H-IHs11jMfa4rtLYv8JeKw5IKzJc6dwki53HMVHxNhhoMSdpd0ZKqASoDij_Ke0Eb-MG6HXxKOkB4Eqqdj0KBC34CBVtRw9BzqMZ4Es4H8Dtj-ckOmOTqPm6631GfLxe8/s1600/Nar21.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Nirina squeezed her eyes shut, groaning. “I <i>really </i>don’t think so!”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXV5vhyphenhyphenV93mI7l-o-xVUV1NqUZyUqGiYtjgUG0f4sVZ0lqQxhm7rVZOsDgK-uXkbCHhNFD4FRSQiRJEkWTVWXgwMkcScsALuMzOZk1ZgK6KAyhDSvEt3qDQ333Ffx98tkYkIrDi1X78x7/s1600/Nar21.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXV5vhyphenhyphenV93mI7l-o-xVUV1NqUZyUqGiYtjgUG0f4sVZ0lqQxhm7rVZOsDgK-uXkbCHhNFD4FRSQiRJEkWTVWXgwMkcScsALuMzOZk1ZgK6KAyhDSvEt3qDQ333Ffx98tkYkIrDi1X78x7/s1600/Nar21.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I took my eyes away from the baby boy’s scrunched up face. I whispered an oath under my breath and held the baby out towards Reece.<br />
<br />
"Take him.” I ordered, shoving the baby against his chest.<br />
<br />
"Take him?” Reece said, his eyes widening as he slowly, much too slowly, cradled his arms to hold the infant. “Take him, what? What’s going on?”<br />
<br />
"The twin is crowning.” I said, turning back towards Nirina.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp_UM-UH9Bv5LuQmL_MvV0DcJ_Fry6qa4n0el3eIzIffVYEt9ME-Oc7gHavkMJGXu4M2__KzQMgC_ecASsPkR88_gheQQSVYYe0j_7aNB3yd77LkcTxkoOe6oKVLMlMgwnZpzPLaquD8c/s1600/Nar21.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp_UM-UH9Bv5LuQmL_MvV0DcJ_Fry6qa4n0el3eIzIffVYEt9ME-Oc7gHavkMJGXu4M2__KzQMgC_ecASsPkR88_gheQQSVYYe0j_7aNB3yd77LkcTxkoOe6oKVLMlMgwnZpzPLaquD8c/s1600/Nar21.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“<i>Twin?</i>” Reece shouted.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCobcXEWo8ieNvf9F2rZK4x7MSE9YqZ1ybFnk2td3O-HSGRisNaViui2quT8akVwM8ZQxsSTj4X-9RCeNSYD5gjSeItXcmtOfItrB2seKoO6-1_ZdEhBoBihnV1pXN_wud8_6jpNfE1rR/s1600/Nar21.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCobcXEWo8ieNvf9F2rZK4x7MSE9YqZ1ybFnk2td3O-HSGRisNaViui2quT8akVwM8ZQxsSTj4X-9RCeNSYD5gjSeItXcmtOfItrB2seKoO6-1_ZdEhBoBihnV1pXN_wud8_6jpNfE1rR/s1600/Nar21.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I plunged my hands back under the surface of the water as Nirina let out another ear-splitting scream. Reece backed up against the wall, holding the howling boy close. My hands caught the baby girl’s head just as she emerged.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFs1CeGSPDnR73fFCXgL1vlkfF133PDs80lwXb_turVNoDHj8dE_9dBC8N3lDQbp45Ye4BmTiJOvSVCuqFEZunVXidSg9lvvWphdPF2kbo6YltOwhu3Z31uhy16p48Z-Fckcu_NW6Dn0q/s1600/Nar21.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFs1CeGSPDnR73fFCXgL1vlkfF133PDs80lwXb_turVNoDHj8dE_9dBC8N3lDQbp45Ye4BmTiJOvSVCuqFEZunVXidSg9lvvWphdPF2kbo6YltOwhu3Z31uhy16p48Z-Fckcu_NW6Dn0q/s1600/Nar21.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Water pooled around the bathtub, dripped from the counter tops, and fell from the ceiling. Nirina lay back, panting, in an almost empty tub, sweat coated on her brow.<br />
<br />
And two beautiful babies wailed.
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<br />
<br />
The next morning, I led my ecstatic young daughter down the stairs and into the bedroom where Nirina was resting.<br />
<br />
“Hey guppy junior.” Nirina whispered. “Long time no see. Wow… you’re bigger.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMDuaiOfCflASp9gp0ZBjvcdBwvVqee8OJeMfzOiEXvuuXyRYhexzCpHIkVb_XnFS8RF_0g7wrywVPjpksNVdFtDaDFmTMsBqtl_0vWF7Q2SdAW-4FfUvpNn21TSTXZPwZk_lK49pcoQA/s1600/Nar21.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMDuaiOfCflASp9gp0ZBjvcdBwvVqee8OJeMfzOiEXvuuXyRYhexzCpHIkVb_XnFS8RF_0g7wrywVPjpksNVdFtDaDFmTMsBqtl_0vWF7Q2SdAW-4FfUvpNn21TSTXZPwZk_lK49pcoQA/s1600/Nar21.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“Hi!” Evageline said, tugging her hand from mine and racing across the room.
Her eyes widened as she stared down at the newborns who snuggled against Nirina’s chest. “Are they merbabies?”<br />
<br />
“Maybe.” Nirina said, kissing her son’s forehead. “Still too early to tell.”<br />
<br />
“Can I hold one?” Evageline asked. She glanced at me for approval. I nodded my head.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesCs2wuZJOBMZnvIM4vAqufpeHaCJFBp7a6quuPUp1P166WJfDN_Ebn5-TIxWyqRdqhrERCAuqLXXRyw9D1fGFJ8ay2c_c3ZkRnTuPe8zScy-cnYXdfnFPl4GQeb4j4cEMDYFtKs9vPQJ/s1600/Nar21.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesCs2wuZJOBMZnvIM4vAqufpeHaCJFBp7a6quuPUp1P166WJfDN_Ebn5-TIxWyqRdqhrERCAuqLXXRyw9D1fGFJ8ay2c_c3ZkRnTuPe8zScy-cnYXdfnFPl4GQeb4j4cEMDYFtKs9vPQJ/s1600/Nar21.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Nirina shifted and Evangeline held out her arms.<br />
<br />
“This is Undine.” Nirina said, placing her daughter in Eva’s hands. She stroked her son’s brow. “And this is Moses.”<br />
<br />
“Undine.” Evageline said, bouncing the baby girl in her arms with a sparkle in her eyes. “You’re pretty.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqM85xZiCOpJgMgvSBRgdhEvtIDyVWxcooeOdOUaV4PLuxnwHf1I7rJxdoRnDyNazhm_jdmJ8sFezekmrGfMRl-oRNTdldr6Ne4ogdnYrqP2sffrHYBV5vBnN1GrqrmXAtM-wT1qCCMB3/s1600/Nar21.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqM85xZiCOpJgMgvSBRgdhEvtIDyVWxcooeOdOUaV4PLuxnwHf1I7rJxdoRnDyNazhm_jdmJ8sFezekmrGfMRl-oRNTdldr6Ne4ogdnYrqP2sffrHYBV5vBnN1GrqrmXAtM-wT1qCCMB3/s1600/Nar21.34.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>I beamed, leaning against the door frame. I heard Reece shuffling around in the kitchen behind me, and turned my head.
He dropped a backpack down on the table and shoved a few elixirs into it. When he noticed me watching, he pursed his lips together and shook his head.<br />
<br />
“Can’t reach Regan.” He zipped the backpack up and slung it over his shoulder. “If the supernaturals were being herded through the Western Wood less than forty-eight hours ago, they might still be nearby. I can try to pinpoint where with a magical tracking spell.”
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"No!” I said, glancing back behind me for an instant. Nirina looked up at me, concern on her face. I stepped away from the doorway and lowered my voice. “By yourself? Do you even know how many Lucians are out there?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAObGM2oU8Xd1Aedc2k9uvsAOJ1L7nwx4hQJ-IudNJe89izJ7xa7vh2yRreWcoDqEKrkAIPrdYAqWiCPmafLdV15Z_Zy5_qn3raahyphenhyphena3ryuJtsD7T64ino0oCCqxWhjAjYBiypEJV0M3S/s1600/Nar21.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAObGM2oU8Xd1Aedc2k9uvsAOJ1L7nwx4hQJ-IudNJe89izJ7xa7vh2yRreWcoDqEKrkAIPrdYAqWiCPmafLdV15Z_Zy5_qn3raahyphenhyphena3ryuJtsD7T64ino0oCCqxWhjAjYBiypEJV0M3S/s1600/Nar21.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“Dad is out on the river just north of the woods… we can track them together.” Reece said, pulling his cell phone from his pocket and dialing.<br />
<br />
I yanked the phone out of his hands.<br />
<br />
“No!” I repeated. “If he is already out there, ask him to go! You cannot leave now! What about the children?”<br />
<br />
Reece’s shoulders slumped. He turned back towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist, laying a kiss on my neck. He tilted his head towards Nirina and Evageline, who held the two newborns close.<br />
<br />
"What about those children?” he asked softly.
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My fingers around the phone loosened. Reece held out his hand, and I reluctantly dropped the phone into it.<br />
<br />
Reece started dialing again, turning away from me.
I grasped his chin and pulled him back, pressing my lips against his.<br />
<br />
“Stay safe.” I whispered.<br />
<br />
“I will.” he whispered back.
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He put the phone to his ear and backed away. My arms fell limp to my sides.<br />
<br />
I felt something tugging on my leg and I looked down to see Gawain staring up at me with his father’s turquois eyes.<br />
<br />
“Ma-ama!” he laughed. It was the only word he could say.<br />
<br />
I lifted him up and pressed my cheek to his feathery blonde hair. I heard Reece speaking in a low voice behind me, and then the front door slammed shut.
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Hours later, I watched my children play together on the floor. Nirina knelt by the crib and watched the sleeping faces of her twins.
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Daria came to the front door, Yasmin and Irwyn in tow. She and Nirina had a tearful reunion.<br />
<br />
“I was so worried…” Daria whispered, rocking Nirina back and forth.
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Evangeline started chattering excitedly to Yasmin about finding Nirina in the bathtub last night. Irwyn waddled over to where the other little boys were playing, flowers blossoming in his wake.
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Thunder rumbled outside. A second storm front was blowing in. I sighed, pressing my forehead to the window. For the hundredth time, I prayed that Reece and his father were all right.<br />
<br />
“Is that Daddy?” Evangeline said, jumping up to the window. “Is he back?”<br />
<br />
I jolted upright and squinted through the misted window. A car was pulling up to the curb. Was it that ugly rust-bucket Jalopy? It was too dark to tell. I spun on my heels and raced down the stairs.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET1FgtWwOZYY3L7Lq4uGMS277elT-UOqykZBHefn39Lia1FphKE3O35SPO6elZSepLuYgMXoTrFlZVPJE-mocj3RV7gD8BaA7e_Td_OsFJ15sLF1GYBxQFL8jTihD3H4jRMGWCCzdAW8O/s1600/Nar21.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET1FgtWwOZYY3L7Lq4uGMS277elT-UOqykZBHefn39Lia1FphKE3O35SPO6elZSepLuYgMXoTrFlZVPJE-mocj3RV7gD8BaA7e_Td_OsFJ15sLF1GYBxQFL8jTihD3H4jRMGWCCzdAW8O/s1600/Nar21.46.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I threw the front door open, letting in the roar of the wind, just as a figure came racing up the walkway.<br />
<br />
“Regan?” I shouted in confusion.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUB-is_UoDEGHNafmNfjyiYUCsIhhKtLUNbmSTJprJPHwHzM42ysSIdjWC7gG3q9PsH-7eJdo9yY64cYCuAMse4zJG50Ta8nPL-tHg4d3WDgURH-NxUtpFB0qgqqHXwumxLP47oI_YeBy/s1600/Nar21.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUB-is_UoDEGHNafmNfjyiYUCsIhhKtLUNbmSTJprJPHwHzM42ysSIdjWC7gG3q9PsH-7eJdo9yY64cYCuAMse4zJG50Ta8nPL-tHg4d3WDgURH-NxUtpFB0qgqqHXwumxLP47oI_YeBy/s1600/Nar21.47.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Regan held up her hands as she approached the doorway. “Get back inside.”<br />
<br />
I backed away, and Regan slammed the door shut behind us, twisting the dead bolt into place.
Evangeline and Yasmin appeared on the stairway behind me. As soon as Evangeline caught sight of Regan, she grinned from ear to ear.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QiD1fCQ1qqyHLwc8LlQWcv23UZb8ryJHoBr4rYj5wiirj8kod0GiRJIYugevjCCsYNX0LmNnVGadW7Gx1Al3pGVhjbBNB6MxEYcQGr0PCVUASwNIQbrXV5TorWe9hY_OPPcAhjTH0x8P/s1600/Nar21.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QiD1fCQ1qqyHLwc8LlQWcv23UZb8ryJHoBr4rYj5wiirj8kod0GiRJIYugevjCCsYNX0LmNnVGadW7Gx1Al3pGVhjbBNB6MxEYcQGr0PCVUASwNIQbrXV5TorWe9hY_OPPcAhjTH0x8P/s1600/Nar21.48.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“Auntie!” she squealed.<br />
<br />
In three large bounds, she rushed across the room and hugged Regan’s leg.
Regan patted Evangeline on the head, and muttered an acknowledgement. She kept her eyes on the window. It was then that I noticed she had her wand clenched in one hand.<br />
<br />
“What are you doing here? Did you get Reece’s message?” I asked.<br />
<br />
“Yeah.” Regan replied. She turned around, breathing heavily. Her face was pale.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlWqve6OO2t4DFYF-zySBKJwLSwEMkXuoFZc6ylD8rqirVCgL_UaU4tJGjxSKFkvJBc3Ttfv5C1szD0dntdg4_DnODgw9ig1kgMBzb2YLD_dnrkQHyBBjk7iawg5C4GbxsRUN5hJZfTzg/s1600/Nar21.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlWqve6OO2t4DFYF-zySBKJwLSwEMkXuoFZc6ylD8rqirVCgL_UaU4tJGjxSKFkvJBc3Ttfv5C1szD0dntdg4_DnODgw9ig1kgMBzb2YLD_dnrkQHyBBjk7iawg5C4GbxsRUN5hJZfTzg/s1600/Nar21.49.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“Well did you get a hold of him?” I asked, my heart pounding faster.<br />
<br />
Regan nodded her head, brushing past me to the alchemy cabinet in the kitchen. She went straight for the strongest elixirs on the top shelf. With one thumb she popped the cork out of an Essence of Magic and downed the entire bottle in a single gulp. Then, she shoved a pair of bottles in the pocket of her jacket.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF9n_hmkAE4t3EFewMaz91tyuu-9VmkokLN6Q-qrF8CxwKxQeQ5CoYZkT_Sy-yB5cVZdyYuFaMN74XMCrkfOMW2-1qf7fDFm5Tca_nb293eWJyAXbN4bhkql4xEYPwwVEybeGstSfmz09/s1600/Nar21.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF9n_hmkAE4t3EFewMaz91tyuu-9VmkokLN6Q-qrF8CxwKxQeQ5CoYZkT_Sy-yB5cVZdyYuFaMN74XMCrkfOMW2-1qf7fDFm5Tca_nb293eWJyAXbN4bhkql4xEYPwwVEybeGstSfmz09/s1600/Nar21.50.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
The pounding in my chest turned cold. I felt as though I were sinking into the floor.<br />
<br />
“Something happened.” I said, stepping forward. “He is in trouble.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyoR3OtWvkAg3uM8s-aFxT-r78kSIoD2x47C6NZUEn319rKXFXfj4gElG7p5OIO-asU3ojLAhfGzI_O_n6O4Om3o04x_P684xHZ8P-Hk9uN06RC_REDs4geNgH1n-8r8-oC4qu4zkh0-M/s1600/Nar21.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyoR3OtWvkAg3uM8s-aFxT-r78kSIoD2x47C6NZUEn319rKXFXfj4gElG7p5OIO-asU3ojLAhfGzI_O_n6O4Om3o04x_P684xHZ8P-Hk9uN06RC_REDs4geNgH1n-8r8-oC4qu4zkh0-M/s1600/Nar21.51.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“No...” Regan said, slamming the cabinet shut. She turned towards me, biting her lip. “...yes. We are <i>all</i> in trouble.”<br />
<br />
I stared back at her, clasping both of my hands together at my chest. I heard shuffling behind me, Daria and Nirina coming down the stairs. Regan’s eyes flickered up to them. She swallowed, a pained expression on her face.<br />
<br />
“Our prison was ambushed. Gaia and Constantine have escaped.”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyydK4zLjppeGtNRnj7X8KUQVF8sNys8N6267Bdo-sRfCgwM2XhEA1vEKMiHuVR0rlqkBcNDJjKWBmKJbDhdIA79IYcI7a_2JpkQn21LBPVXRHmVH659uWN4rjd2bK7plV6up6zfj-PSyo/s1600/Nar21.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyydK4zLjppeGtNRnj7X8KUQVF8sNys8N6267Bdo-sRfCgwM2XhEA1vEKMiHuVR0rlqkBcNDJjKWBmKJbDhdIA79IYcI7a_2JpkQn21LBPVXRHmVH659uWN4rjd2bK7plV6up6zfj-PSyo/s1600/Nar21.52.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
My mouth dropped open. <br />
<br />
Of all the horrible scenarios that had been circling around in my mind, I had never once even considered <i>this</i>.<br />
<br />
“What? How long ago?” I asked.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MSuFX752WqdgK0R8XFBKY2N6d4L0avDrpwtamn_Z7oKbmSmmt-GYYRk0k68wCkJBVIqPyZIC6AEpv1PLVy1IFflGeQRA_nD8Ct_DFnPa7wEQuHOwz8EgupkHOEk_Z2kxFcaaYaas0GQq/s1600/Nar21.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MSuFX752WqdgK0R8XFBKY2N6d4L0avDrpwtamn_Z7oKbmSmmt-GYYRk0k68wCkJBVIqPyZIC6AEpv1PLVy1IFflGeQRA_nD8Ct_DFnPa7wEQuHOwz8EgupkHOEk_Z2kxFcaaYaas0GQq/s1600/Nar21.53.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Regan tossed her wand over her shoulder and reached up to take one of the wands from the high shelf. She shook her head as she did, wiping the sweat and rain from her brow.<br />
<br />
“A few hours…” she murmured. “They’re not far… but they literally have their <i>entire force</i> guarding them. Gaia had the tome. They retreated to the lowest level of the city.”<br />
<br />
She backed away from the shelf, gripping the wand in one hand and clenching a fist with the other.<br />
<br />
“I think… this is it.” she said, lifting her head. “They’re going to try and cast the curse.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f0t6gjDVU4h9Idu7KAkf-vxCUMI2N1QfFe0nWnm6Yu5fhwpb8oTAV2VBWTo_vXx2xP4qytHlXGZQMxtqEV2rwYqEs-GPzPsbWoMriHKo0I_N1zw6VwhItWALbO-GUS4WGrRI6sQQ-Eoj/s1600/Nar21.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f0t6gjDVU4h9Idu7KAkf-vxCUMI2N1QfFe0nWnm6Yu5fhwpb8oTAV2VBWTo_vXx2xP4qytHlXGZQMxtqEV2rwYqEs-GPzPsbWoMriHKo0I_N1zw6VwhItWALbO-GUS4WGrRI6sQQ-Eoj/s1600/Nar21.54.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I instinctively reached back for Evangeline’s hand. But my daughter was too far away, still standing by the front door. Yasmin reached up and curled her fingers in mine. She stared up at me with her big green eyes and I could see in her face that she did not understand what was going on, but she was still scared.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF05-dK8eLWXvaUl20YkCSEJH_gdDlWpXJ8wpMt5q-i9qVTmGMamUXyPgClCcjtHS_FfHg7Bmt3jTph6UWdDX_5kkAqheK63V1u51OdB77H4l2QK2QlkMF_Zr70c_dgQIZyv1dy4QhHZDr/s1600/Nar21.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF05-dK8eLWXvaUl20YkCSEJH_gdDlWpXJ8wpMt5q-i9qVTmGMamUXyPgClCcjtHS_FfHg7Bmt3jTph6UWdDX_5kkAqheK63V1u51OdB77H4l2QK2QlkMF_Zr70c_dgQIZyv1dy4QhHZDr/s1600/Nar21.55.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“Do you… do you really think they can do it?” I asked, my mouth dry. “You said you didn’t think the elixir would work…”<br />
<br />
Regan shook her head. “I don’t know anymore.”<br />
<br />
She brushed past me to the front door. Her fingers were shaking as she twisted the deadbolt.<br />
<br />
I squeezed Yasmin’s hand. “What happens after the curse is cast?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DsBA4L-JTf6cDog05NkuY-xN2xoL3i94BJtNHCC4kDgukfAcK_n9P9mSUt1QFQ9iV6UjsfVfDDW2ZyTfijRfWr3vUweN_R57EU1MYWhdU-U4HIZKBXHbNeaAP01fob8sMB9hIXlLq-7c/s1600/Nar21.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DsBA4L-JTf6cDog05NkuY-xN2xoL3i94BJtNHCC4kDgukfAcK_n9P9mSUt1QFQ9iV6UjsfVfDDW2ZyTfijRfWr3vUweN_R57EU1MYWhdU-U4HIZKBXHbNeaAP01fob8sMB9hIXlLq-7c/s1600/Nar21.57.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Regan snorted. “All abyss breaks loose.”<br />
<br />
<i>“Drought, famine, disease... it would turn the world into a wasteland where only the Lucians had control of any natural resources.” </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I recalled Reece telling me over a game of chess all those years ago.<o:p></o:p></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCg-WPDGjD5ntU_31LOOVoPQmtyW2a09xX0BFUJu-kbcsNY6DPx9ALTjGso7W1HnZsUKYSVibzi52gLpEtHnmhY3cW5_bpKEx2EFfhnU7qGgY_dCodrHIWk-_sgewwBrk9aKwuHmL0xSow/s1600/Nar21.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCg-WPDGjD5ntU_31LOOVoPQmtyW2a09xX0BFUJu-kbcsNY6DPx9ALTjGso7W1HnZsUKYSVibzi52gLpEtHnmhY3cW5_bpKEx2EFfhnU7qGgY_dCodrHIWk-_sgewwBrk9aKwuHmL0xSow/s1600/Nar21.56.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“For how long?” I asked.<br />
<br />
Regan opened the door a crack and a gust of wind blew it out of her hands. It banged into the wall and Regan muttered an oath.<br />
<br />
“Regan, for <i>how long?</i>” I repeated.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL0kvu3Duv-zmUzqmJidm1BQwrma4fPxuK0W6I2Xd06EA6gxusLx-tnlZWS_P4_dz2FdiDSlxHksV2_gVCeJTfYOoAO4jQxcArnkhSTArw1oj8dKhXmgtr1mBlCpMd35YYaMCxax9Qrll/s1600/Nar21.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL0kvu3Duv-zmUzqmJidm1BQwrma4fPxuK0W6I2Xd06EA6gxusLx-tnlZWS_P4_dz2FdiDSlxHksV2_gVCeJTfYOoAO4jQxcArnkhSTArw1oj8dKhXmgtr1mBlCpMd35YYaMCxax9Qrll/s1600/Nar21.59.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“A hundred years!” Regan shouted, spinning around to face me. Her face softened for a moment, and she lowered her voice. “The curse has a lifespan of one hundred years.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoGZG38bakGK4_2h9IAHmPLG1vk-RgsupSVGVKphJxgb7i-tWKOwrC4TPIo7t0C5FzzKxaDUfb813T7DYyc_hioZ1TENiTLPjZLTUPck7oNqJdpolgwiEr3Xv7EeiT0I1_pZHVlbNWNMa/s1600/Nar21.60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoGZG38bakGK4_2h9IAHmPLG1vk-RgsupSVGVKphJxgb7i-tWKOwrC4TPIo7t0C5FzzKxaDUfb813T7DYyc_hioZ1TENiTLPjZLTUPck7oNqJdpolgwiEr3Xv7EeiT0I1_pZHVlbNWNMa/s1600/Nar21.60.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
The room was quiet for a moment. Even the babbling of the toddlers upstairs fell silent.<br />
<br />
One hundred years. My children would spend the rest of their lives scavenging and starving. How long before they would turn to the Lucians and beg to be spared? Even if they could live apart from the Lucians, they would be slaves to survival until the day they died. My grandchildren would be old before the curse ended, assuming any could even be born in this frightening, and chaotic world.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIcnrXl6xI4gwond3OwcGh_Yp9ElUTsmTwxkNeAQwoKdN28okiOVIpn2zwBAMr62LmZToqvDisZQX7X3IWnS9_JlVSj-uAhYOzqM6EnLLBuj3eQLGi8rDpCpIyedzjQIWSMCNR2sapWY2/s1600/Nar21.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIcnrXl6xI4gwond3OwcGh_Yp9ElUTsmTwxkNeAQwoKdN28okiOVIpn2zwBAMr62LmZToqvDisZQX7X3IWnS9_JlVSj-uAhYOzqM6EnLLBuj3eQLGi8rDpCpIyedzjQIWSMCNR2sapWY2/s1600/Nar21.58.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Regan reached out and clasped the door handle.<br />
<br />
“Stay here.” she said firmly. “Get the candles out, electricity will be the first thing to go. And take as much fruit from the garden as you can, the plants will all be dead before sunrise. Lock the doors. Lock the windows. Get out that little sword you practice with all the time… pray to the Watcher.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgJODARc9Zi3frZL3rkvqSRI-ehg4GFGWjP8TgVkbfZvUcZFa2TLy_Wehxi70DdTRDn7kQi4i7uOH2Ss6S79wH2op1M1CziXHauIKtE_6M2MEjf8zY6oTd-ZisZaKtz7ZtHx_X2aDZFAv/s1600/Nar21.61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgJODARc9Zi3frZL3rkvqSRI-ehg4GFGWjP8TgVkbfZvUcZFa2TLy_Wehxi70DdTRDn7kQi4i7uOH2Ss6S79wH2op1M1CziXHauIKtE_6M2MEjf8zY6oTd-ZisZaKtz7ZtHx_X2aDZFAv/s1600/Nar21.61.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>She turned to go.<br />
<br />
“Regan!” I shouted.<br />
<br />
She stopped and turned around. The rain battered her freckled face, and lightning illuminated the street behind her.<br />
<br />
“Good luck.” I whispered.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKKgWSNyLEqa2s1gFtD83oXMfbOwWdIQZ78JwkXTmfniD3z9hCIAP7f9bMABxMuj_KJ7Scmuygwm7elp0_lTJ1x6bAbLbVt5tulEMLINp301WfcmkdTmb9KdyJZZIn8_LtO1YCNiwbPr1/s1600/Nar21.62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKKgWSNyLEqa2s1gFtD83oXMfbOwWdIQZ78JwkXTmfniD3z9hCIAP7f9bMABxMuj_KJ7Scmuygwm7elp0_lTJ1x6bAbLbVt5tulEMLINp301WfcmkdTmb9KdyJZZIn8_LtO1YCNiwbPr1/s1600/Nar21.62.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Regan nodded her head. “You too.”<br />
<br />
She turned and shut the door. The sound of the storm outside was muffled.<br />
<br />
Yasmin stared out the window. She started tugging on my hand. “Miss Sophia!”<br />
<br />
“One moment, Yasmin.” I said, taking a deep breath and turning around. “Daria, gather as much from the garden as you can. Niri, start filling up bottles of water.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vf04XI4Lwe1nIVgJiskwDe2RX0YtMSJf9R8FjFl1ExfxHpGj0nayJ37Gq6kHMd_4Z9HjM0EZ_ofzhpHnDB3Q-sDxiObQ-NTbE26iQVA2-5ojxtg_KXJUrNhE827KKVVIb2-xBWQkqqj9/s1600/Nar21.63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vf04XI4Lwe1nIVgJiskwDe2RX0YtMSJf9R8FjFl1ExfxHpGj0nayJ37Gq6kHMd_4Z9HjM0EZ_ofzhpHnDB3Q-sDxiObQ-NTbE26iQVA2-5ojxtg_KXJUrNhE827KKVVIb2-xBWQkqqj9/s1600/Nar21.63.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
Daria and Nirina both nodded their heads. I clutched Yasmin’s hand and started leading her up the stairs.<br />
<br />
“Miss Sophia!” she shouted again, pointing back towards the front door.<br />
<br />
“Hold on.” I said, helping her up the final step and leading her over to where her brother and my two sons played. “I need you to do something very important. Watch your little brother, and keep an eye on my sons. I’ll be back up as soon as I can.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBBnPNy4qO192c3qXEJuR4keSg7sBeYz_KfBGtur2fut6O8EIdHyHxpM1M83UUt3TEmisRrg1_gQLFCmH2y-j9weXwye_K6C-mMBxBcv2jJ2A8heHeuiIfLE7duqqlNwm1SE0rwI94csd/s1600/Nar21.64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBBnPNy4qO192c3qXEJuR4keSg7sBeYz_KfBGtur2fut6O8EIdHyHxpM1M83UUt3TEmisRrg1_gQLFCmH2y-j9weXwye_K6C-mMBxBcv2jJ2A8heHeuiIfLE7duqqlNwm1SE0rwI94csd/s1600/Nar21.64.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I let go of her hand and backed up, surveying the group of children.<br />
<br />
There was Yasmin, Irwyn, Bowen, Gawain… Moses and Undine were sleeping in their crib.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7odpRtzLSTOZXN5fLHU-nJqC0XC_rGd3iHRScZCBo85riANWoi-SwoNSEwS2GX-_t77Aopf30-3HmHVguF8DvVgAXXeG_2oXnC5c7lTz-n2UGjok7GYNSOvSbqXClovz-qAxj8pNBoe-/s1600/Nar21.65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7odpRtzLSTOZXN5fLHU-nJqC0XC_rGd3iHRScZCBo85riANWoi-SwoNSEwS2GX-_t77Aopf30-3HmHVguF8DvVgAXXeG_2oXnC5c7lTz-n2UGjok7GYNSOvSbqXClovz-qAxj8pNBoe-/s1600/Nar21.65.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I blinked. “Where is Evangeline?”<br />
<br />
“She climbed in Aunt Regan’s trunk!” Yasmin finally finished, pointing out the window.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_qGF-hfewTxKCkOG30V8wK9yvBIoicQCE1R0QMEhdNmYM4sftz0o75_Y7oazwPXMErRrHff7tJ8c8GoYrUUne1Zd2PrrWHnDi5R5Sc6E9X-DUSXv4-Y9qCRC0HkqiD4lqTR_3umpnL1A/s1600/Nar21.66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_qGF-hfewTxKCkOG30V8wK9yvBIoicQCE1R0QMEhdNmYM4sftz0o75_Y7oazwPXMErRrHff7tJ8c8GoYrUUne1Zd2PrrWHnDi5R5Sc6E9X-DUSXv4-Y9qCRC0HkqiD4lqTR_3umpnL1A/s1600/Nar21.66.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
For a moment, I stared at her, shell-shocked. “What?”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZTiRgsxkuubmIjwZvAstSmkGTjGvZm5z4fQUqPtKGy3EdryMvLOEn2U-ZyTgM4M80NTeusjhirrUefyArUzjuTnG6OlhjWyy74dWSuGNR9tGZWUfhc4TFLk2EigJD09PzeXl6_wEDWnh/s1600/Nar21.67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZTiRgsxkuubmIjwZvAstSmkGTjGvZm5z4fQUqPtKGy3EdryMvLOEn2U-ZyTgM4M80NTeusjhirrUefyArUzjuTnG6OlhjWyy74dWSuGNR9tGZWUfhc4TFLk2EigJD09PzeXl6_wEDWnh/s1600/Nar21.67.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>Yasmin crossed her arms. “I was trying to tell you.”<br />
<br />
My mouth went dry. My chest went numb. Would my five-year-old daughter do that? The answer was, of course, <i>yes! </i>My five-year-old daughter, who never wore her coat in three feet of snow, picked fights with boys twice her age, and cursed grown men in the name of the ancients<i>, would do that!</i><br />
<br />
I raced over to the window and pressed my hands up against the freezing glass. The headlights of Regan’s car were already disappearing around the street corner.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yoxEepynkuZP6SHqFMeEPT3FT6fnmBjd1sU9izU6W0zzLyw2_DrNF8oXZ9TTocw8ywPJJiGQRPTEq5uPLbtlePX-9-uuq4u5MnRO-wXZVw1og_oIRJAtPoA1XDbLbSpz2WERGE33Tg9v/s1600/Nar21.68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yoxEepynkuZP6SHqFMeEPT3FT6fnmBjd1sU9izU6W0zzLyw2_DrNF8oXZ9TTocw8ywPJJiGQRPTEq5uPLbtlePX-9-uuq4u5MnRO-wXZVw1og_oIRJAtPoA1XDbLbSpz2WERGE33Tg9v/s1600/Nar21.68.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
<i>Plagues! Plagues! Plagues! PLAGUES!</i><br />
<br />
I bolted down the stairs and tore through the front door. Rain cascaded down my face.<br />
<br />
Daria stood upright in the garden.
“Sophia? What is it?”<br />
<br />
“Evangeline!” I screamed over the sound of the storm.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxOARRj8dHamxHjbq-USEIHJUz6UAqAAc9dVn12UwzozuEEs67EMQB2cDdY_dDFYTUvZ8Ve1Y-QfHI11Tm2-wI8V-j_WQSBRZsXMAhDLsmodIkGED8RClwlU89dAd1Ma4jvC6rTaU_sbI/s1600/Nar21.69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxOARRj8dHamxHjbq-USEIHJUz6UAqAAc9dVn12UwzozuEEs67EMQB2cDdY_dDFYTUvZ8Ve1Y-QfHI11Tm2-wI8V-j_WQSBRZsXMAhDLsmodIkGED8RClwlU89dAd1Ma4jvC6rTaU_sbI/s1600/Nar21.69.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
I had a small, dim hope that Yasmin had been making things up. I would find Eva lingering by the front door or splashing outside in the puddles. But she was gone.<br />
<br />
I was hyperventilating now. I could feel the cold, frantic pounding of my heart in every inch of my being. Lightning cracked the sky, and the following clap of thunder seemed to shake the earth.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOy4TU9b7jpfaHT9OT_1d-Ip39DehDryM8FZGHbbpHN4miFOUIFfrUrLJRBm4UEGnEY_jS1xKqM8qD7dPSg5a_0W4aGdUdwAKeGcOFRQTBPtA0J-lG93qoDLKB5jy9QAV-6pyL2KtKDGe/s1600/Nar21.70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOy4TU9b7jpfaHT9OT_1d-Ip39DehDryM8FZGHbbpHN4miFOUIFfrUrLJRBm4UEGnEY_jS1xKqM8qD7dPSg5a_0W4aGdUdwAKeGcOFRQTBPtA0J-lG93qoDLKB5jy9QAV-6pyL2KtKDGe/s1600/Nar21.70.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
<i>“Stay here.” </i>Regan had said.<br />
<br />
Well, <i>grim reap that!</i><br />
<br />
I whirled around and raced back inside. Water dripped from my hair and my shoes squeaked on the floor. Daria was racing behind me.<br />
<br />
"Sophia, what are you doing?" she shouted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6tYzr4iLUZKo5XCu8gUanCEakAkatslxdiRznDeFtZG375BuNgjHODHV8GBUcg1bm1DqA4Nl3b5ZNoMbDDkw-K9Gazyjiic_qQyMMgsNaxZV5U-y51FVv4iDahV2QvcoACezbXjXulbl/s1600/Nar21.71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6tYzr4iLUZKo5XCu8gUanCEakAkatslxdiRznDeFtZG375BuNgjHODHV8GBUcg1bm1DqA4Nl3b5ZNoMbDDkw-K9Gazyjiic_qQyMMgsNaxZV5U-y51FVv4iDahV2QvcoACezbXjXulbl/s1600/Nar21.71.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Timber trilled with joy when I came sprinting into Reece’s elixir crafting room. He leapt up off the floor and settled on my shoulder, rubbing his scaly head against my neck. I ignored him, and threw open the chest next to the window.
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“Sophia…?” Daria peeked her head into the room. Her eyes immediately bugged out of their sockets.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA9aoFno-abGMOgGxvX3SAA-n7Btj7jxALE-Ssce0TqCxNTT53OTEDhEDSeAGt15ULimnsX7q3sxffFu_a-wz_ISR5zjp5QNOCClbesy62VMajL9LLdJY88NNZ1j6t0ij25_2gl6ztop3/s1600/Nar21.73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA9aoFno-abGMOgGxvX3SAA-n7Btj7jxALE-Ssce0TqCxNTT53OTEDhEDSeAGt15ULimnsX7q3sxffFu_a-wz_ISR5zjp5QNOCClbesy62VMajL9LLdJY88NNZ1j6t0ij25_2gl6ztop3/s1600/Nar21.73.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
With practiced ease, I drew out the shining golden sword I had kept since graduation. Curling my fingers around the hilt felt so familiar, like clasping the hand of an old friend.<br />
<br />
“I am going to save my daughter and my husband.” I said, turning around and facing Daria.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRDCzZXek7s8f3Jh3J344cb5h0L5q7EZoqj8JkrbygztOIMLJyf6r2mYihtVD-3yl2B6qPZS0lqH7-B9ipK206N0QqnGk7u7vTJxGbgvXWtnPtYhr3ZHARN5sY_tCO5K93eU4Z1-nxLjx/s1600/Nar21.74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRDCzZXek7s8f3Jh3J344cb5h0L5q7EZoqj8JkrbygztOIMLJyf6r2mYihtVD-3yl2B6qPZS0lqH7-B9ipK206N0QqnGk7u7vTJxGbgvXWtnPtYhr3ZHARN5sY_tCO5K93eU4Z1-nxLjx/s1600/Nar21.74.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>
“But the Lucians-!” Daria stammered.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IczH18de9O9psf7lSqPlpj_FY-feVP-rVIkWVoIY3LzSQ81yZuXTBo83i02FP-HOZLwAG00Eg5zEdwcSTXZygQZWhcQjkt9zd7No2oswroYo-VYI3fsx981e0eURum8-mGYbpo3ggqdA/s1600/Nar21.75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IczH18de9O9psf7lSqPlpj_FY-feVP-rVIkWVoIY3LzSQ81yZuXTBo83i02FP-HOZLwAG00Eg5zEdwcSTXZygQZWhcQjkt9zd7No2oswroYo-VYI3fsx981e0eURum8-mGYbpo3ggqdA/s1600/Nar21.75.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>“Lucians do not frighten me.” My expression hardened. “I have slain dragons.”
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtfLtb-8rtwQLkVmBCUGvuBLs3W-yIv6a6Sxkwu7TYtd97rS2JdkKGVWS8hODyzq8w9qpUFjMF3T2iqUefnhFM4lb6QnxqZQvY9Ywm3SgjoH_-vV_26a20UjZgV5hCP4misfaQjPcmZ6T/s1600/Nar21.76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtfLtb-8rtwQLkVmBCUGvuBLs3W-yIv6a6Sxkwu7TYtd97rS2JdkKGVWS8hODyzq8w9qpUFjMF3T2iqUefnhFM4lb6QnxqZQvY9Ywm3SgjoH_-vV_26a20UjZgV5hCP4misfaQjPcmZ6T/s1600/Nar21.76.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-33335207923851589962014-11-19T21:32:00.001-06:002014-11-19T21:32:45.583-06:00Chapter Twenty: Family<div class="Standard">
<div class="Standard">
She threw our lives into chaos. Neither of us got a decent night’s rest for
months after we brought her home. She
would wake us in the wee hours of the morning and fuss all through the daylight
hours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
And she was perfect.
Screaming, squalling, complete perfection.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8eAY-UUeewPRDWDhxr8WQRuFxIDPg7VVwUGJXTVnpY90UP8zwt7JbOPhj3lBHT6IglMzBNZ5biwoGochvDot8OUJDN7MJ3XWU2Te1FsI1OBugGB39GwWjgkHAyvfSqmWz-WAjaU46-kg/s1600/Nar20.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8eAY-UUeewPRDWDhxr8WQRuFxIDPg7VVwUGJXTVnpY90UP8zwt7JbOPhj3lBHT6IglMzBNZ5biwoGochvDot8OUJDN7MJ3XWU2Te1FsI1OBugGB39GwWjgkHAyvfSqmWz-WAjaU46-kg/s1600/Nar20.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
Maintaining the house by the university with our
little miracle soon became too much.
Regan invited us to move back into the Lewis estate, and we agreed. With all three of us doting on her,
Evangeline was pacified and we could all get just enough rest to get by.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I returned to my internship and my studies in the fall. It was agony.
I rocked Evangeline to sleep in the evening and studied into the
daylight hours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="Standard">
And my little angel grew.
The wisps of sapphire hair around her head thickened and fell to her
shoulders. </div>
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Her golden eyes shone
brighter with every peal of laughter that rang from her little chest. The freckles over her nose multiplied across
her skin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupFVaY6DfB4lWZqhUHxbzxTXZw7T2cRQoOHoC4nvAlknUHZ2OWwpOohlhCt5F5-ocbBc2UYwDBljQlVaohtgC7X7gJ8Z-bNOCXt5b6P8tA86fdj6mDBGnmWD2VI0DhlyS9dVrzcZrX5hyphenhyphen/s1600/Nar20.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupFVaY6DfB4lWZqhUHxbzxTXZw7T2cRQoOHoC4nvAlknUHZ2OWwpOohlhCt5F5-ocbBc2UYwDBljQlVaohtgC7X7gJ8Z-bNOCXt5b6P8tA86fdj6mDBGnmWD2VI0DhlyS9dVrzcZrX5hyphenhyphen/s1600/Nar20.04.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
Her tiny hands grew strong and
sure, and much to my dismay, she delighted in using them to playfully tug on Timber’s
tail.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Standard">
She was almost a year old before Orland and Eldora returned,
frustrated and empty-handed, to meet her for the first time.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Standard">
Yasmin was only a few months older than she was, making her
the perfect playmate. The two of them grew
to be best friends, and would carry on entire conversations in their
baby-babble.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before I realized it, she was walking. Then running.
She prattled all over the house in her little bare feet as though she
owned the place. There did not seem to
be enough hours in the day to care for her and to see to my studies.</div>
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But study I did, until I could no longer count the times
Reece carried me back to bed from the nursery.
Until all I could dream about were drug facts and infectious
diseases. But one sleepless night after the other, I made it. Until finally, I was able to
walk across the stage and collect my diploma.<br />
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And not a moment too soon.
Reece and I had grown a little too careless in the final weeks before my
exams.</div>
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I had been offered a permanent position as a resident at the
hospital, but almost immediately after I accepted, I had to go on maternity
leave.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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My son, Bowen Lewis, was born the following winter.<o:p></o:p><br />
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He had the famous Lewis hair and his grandmother’s
rose-colored eyes. His tiny hands were
balled into fists the instant he came into this world, and his pudgy little
arms packed quite a punch. He was taking
his first steps long before he started talking, and months before Evangeline
had.</div>
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Catch-up time with friends was quickly becoming a daycare.</div>
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“You two are spawning like killifish.” Nirina muttered,
shaking her head.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“When are you gonna settle down and have a few of your
own?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nirina rolled her eyes.
“When tadpoles grow wings. I don't need guppies hanging on my fins right now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece and I shared a knowing smile. “Children have a tendency to happen when you don't need them.”</div>
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Sadly, as time progressed and responsibilities loamed, I
found our once close-knit circle of friends was drifting apart. Nirina and Hale migrated away to chase more
promising job leads in Sunlit Tides, and Daria cut down on her working hours to raise her
children. We still kept in touch through
a few scattered phone calls, letters and postcards, but it was not the same.</div>
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Evageline’s first day of kindergarten was an emotional moment
for me. She insisted that she could wait
at the curb by herself, and refused to wear a jacket. Together with Yasmin and a few of the
neighborhood boys she only remotely tolerated, she waited for the bus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I fidgeted by the front door with tears brimming on my
eyes. Snowflakes caught in her sapphire
hair and her cheeks flushed. The
wide-eyed excitement with which she spoke reminded me so much of her father.</div>
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Reece wrapped his arms around my waist and I leaned
against him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“She looks just like you.” I
murmured.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece shrugged. “But she acts like you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I frowned, turning around to glare at
him. “She acts nothing like me.”</div>
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At that moment, I heard a piercing
scream from the children and I almost jumped clean out of my skin. I relaxed when I saw that one of the
neighborhood boys was merely waving a worm in Yasmin’s face.<br />
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Eva set her jaw and stood directly in front
of him, but when confronted, he threw the worm at her.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Plagues! Plagues and pestilence and murder!” Eva swore, shaking the worm from her shirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Just like you.” Reece murmured
into the crook of my neck.</div>
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Eva held an accusing finger
up at the little boy. “A pox upon
your household!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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A smile cracked at the corners of my lips.</div>
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I gave birth to my third child just a few short weeks later. We named him Gawain.</div>
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I had a high-stress job that called for precision,
dedication, and night-shifts. At home,
three children demanded every ounce of my attention. My days were full to the bursting with love
and excitement, and I would not have had it any other way.</div>
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But sometimes, when the children were tucked away in bed and
Reece worked late at his elixir crafting, I lay awake and wondered if this all
there really was to life. I had almost
everything I had ever wanted, and yet…<o:p></o:p></div>
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There was something missing.
A tiny hollow lived in the back of my heart, a constant reminder that
there was something left undone…</div>
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“Three fairies in Moonlight Falls, two genies in Starlight
Shores, and one werewolf in Hidden Springs.
That makes over twelve known abductions in the last week, and close to a hundred since they began last August.” Orland’s voice drifted in through the
doorway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I glanced at Daria out of the corner of my eye. She was preoccupied with her son, Irywyn,
reading him a cardboard book about colors.
Bowen appeared determined to shake his Robo-Teddy’s head off. I scooted closer to the open door and lay my
head against the wall.</div>
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“… if Belinda’s spies in the inner circle are correct, the
Lucians <i>have </i>completed the
rites. They have a full curse already,
have since before the Gala, and the plan was to use this new elixir of theirs
to provide Constantine with enough power to cast it.” Eldora continued.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“But <i>we </i>have
Constantine.” Regan’s voice broke in. “Surely
they don’t believe that Quintessa could…?
Well even with the magic of the adducted supernaturals… the elixir couldn’t
give her that kind of power… could it?” There
was silence for a moment, and I heard the shuffling of paper and glass. “Reece… did you finish the analysis? It’s not nearly that powerful… right?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Well…” My husband’s
voice sounded weary. “… they’ve got a
lot riding on some very theoretical elements of alchemy, but potentially,
yes. It could be that powerful.” Regan let out an audible groan of frustration
and Reece quickly backpedaled. “That is
to say… it’s still a long shot. I’m
certain they would have much more luck with Constantine… or Gaia. But even then…”</div>
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“Forget the curse mechanics for now.” Orland interrupted. “We need to work on locating the missing
supernaturals. Reece… we’re going to
need the sample back.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Right.” I heard the
shuffling of feet and I looked up at Reece as he entered the room. Bowen immediately abandoned his efforts to
decapitate his teddy and prattled after Reece, stretching up his arms. Reece picked him up and kissed him on the
forehead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Daria looked up, her expression somber. “Still talking about the missing
supernaturals?”</div>
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Reece nodded his head, shuffling through his alchemy cabinet
with one hand. “Barnacle Bay… Aurora
Skies… Sunlit Tides… we have reports cropping up from all over the place now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece shut the cabinet and turned to go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Sunlit Tides…” Daria
repeated under her breath, her hand curling tighter around her son’s shoulder. </div>
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“Something wrong?” I
asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Daria nodded her head, shutting the book in her lap. “When was the last time you heard from
Nirina?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I furrowed my brow. “She
sent me an e-mail…” <o:p></o:p></div>
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I stopped. That e-mail
had been months ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seeing the look on my face, Daria leapt up and grabbed the
Lewis’ home phone. “I’m calling her,
right now.”</div>
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I nodded my head and stood to
my feet. I paced back and forth over the
floor, bile rising up in my throat.
Daria tapped her fingers against the receiver. Her shoulders slumped.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Voicemail.” she whispered,
the phone dropping back down to her side.</div>
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“She has barely kept in contact the past two years.” I said, though I was unconvinced by my own
words. “She could be overwhelmed by work…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Daria raised her eyebrows.
“Nirina? Overwhelmed by <i>work?</i>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I shrugged my shoulders and rubbed my temples. “Well I had thought since the two of them had
found employment in the same establishment and both had been lax about keeping
in touch, that they found the job demanding.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Daria’s eyebrows rose even further. “Hale and Nirina… took a job… that was <i>demanding?</i>”</div>
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My hands dropped back down to my sides. “Agreed.
Not possible.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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I took the phone from Daria and thrust it into Reece’s hands
when I met him in the kitchen. “Call
Hale. Now.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“O-ho-kaay…” Reece
said, handing Bowen back to me and dialing in a number. Reece pressed speaker so that we all could
hear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I tried to breathe deeply and keep my thoughts from running
wild.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There was a clunk, and I heard Hale’s voice on the other
end. “Sup.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I let out a sigh.
Reece shook his head. “Dude,
Daria and my wife were <i>worried</i> about
you. You shouldn’t drop off the face of
the Earth like that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Aw… really?” Hale
laughed.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yeah, really. So when
are you and Niri coming back to visit, anyway? I doubt Eva even remembers you-!” Before Reece
could finish, Hale’s voice interrupted him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Cool story, bro. Well I can’t come to the phone right now,
leave me a message.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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An earsplitting beep sounded, and Reece flinched away from the
phone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“The mailbox is full
and cannot accept new messages at this time.” </i>A mechanical voice declared
on the other end. “<i>Goodbye.</i>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I felt a sinking in the pit of my stomach. Reece set the phone down, biting his lip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK_gnBf4J4rB3ziwAWBobuU1Mg280TFhBYbVVLIJydcn2sOOAer5PagtQTLgFy2V_V8nt8grhdHQjzjdHTSDkgDd85vJQVsWznE3pMejSkCM6stvmuhi7uvdXYlw-Ma8nh6SBCyIp3stG/s1600/Nar20.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK_gnBf4J4rB3ziwAWBobuU1Mg280TFhBYbVVLIJydcn2sOOAer5PagtQTLgFy2V_V8nt8grhdHQjzjdHTSDkgDd85vJQVsWznE3pMejSkCM6stvmuhi7uvdXYlw-Ma8nh6SBCyIp3stG/s1600/Nar20.40.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Look… there’s no need to jump to conclusions.” Reece said slowly. “They’re probably fine.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eva ran up behind me and started tugging at the bottom of my
t-shirt. “Mommy!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I patted her on the head.
“But maybe… when Regan is there investigating… she can…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’ll ask her.” Reece
said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Mommy!” Eva shouted
again and I finally turned to her. “Is
it true that your sword was a gift from the three wind fairies? Made from the ashes of the fairies’ home
trees and welded together with their tears?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWJkMxjjXnOIrAa55_A9i0l9KpGT0HFcdQ8OV_Fo4GnMQFwnJlbk2Od6lGjC9eSdf8w4msTWMr6j7zr5HaleWwZ3eI-JgasgFvQP7oz0S15pidgG8jv0UKmZPd75RkN717hXIfbCKmzAD/s1600/Nar20.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWJkMxjjXnOIrAa55_A9i0l9KpGT0HFcdQ8OV_Fo4GnMQFwnJlbk2Od6lGjC9eSdf8w4msTWMr6j7zr5HaleWwZ3eI-JgasgFvQP7oz0S15pidgG8jv0UKmZPd75RkN717hXIfbCKmzAD/s1600/Nar20.41.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I stared at her, open-mouthed. Reece coughed nervously, and Daria stifled a
giggle.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“What? No… that is
preposterous. Who told you this?” I crossed my arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“It’s in the book Daddy gave me! See?”
Evageline held up one of Reece’s old childhood favorites and flipped the
pages to point at a certain picture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I glared at Reece, and he let out a nervous laugh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s enough folklore for tonight… time for bed!” Reece said quickly, shutting the book and nudging Eva along.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiQDjL3wJ2vjMaFx0fd0oC3lgLgBFaPy1aTLf-YrT46DxC78ZMcTDgDFOb9Ejv38ohNtOS_SAMXPeXzPCWC5EOOcX-jA94FjMwErnTd9NWGjiqhUPa6e-yipjswr85rbE7PamDBZXi15X/s1600/Nar20.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiQDjL3wJ2vjMaFx0fd0oC3lgLgBFaPy1aTLf-YrT46DxC78ZMcTDgDFOb9Ejv38ohNtOS_SAMXPeXzPCWC5EOOcX-jA94FjMwErnTd9NWGjiqhUPa6e-yipjswr85rbE7PamDBZXi15X/s1600/Nar20.42.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Weeks later, after dinner was over and my children had all
dispersed to play in their own corners, I sat reading at the dining room table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6wXreh4uxbXLlbeix2EtLQePnBZdtfnnN_APvNjVuN-COnUL_FYgTqNVFlfv9CesEaYj4x3ImapcZc5VLS2ecQoAnDSVrI-3zZK2vuB8ljfgdK90QeujvsDuD2LqeoKvo6sHogolVwHY/s1600/Nar20.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6wXreh4uxbXLlbeix2EtLQePnBZdtfnnN_APvNjVuN-COnUL_FYgTqNVFlfv9CesEaYj4x3ImapcZc5VLS2ecQoAnDSVrI-3zZK2vuB8ljfgdK90QeujvsDuD2LqeoKvo6sHogolVwHY/s1600/Nar20.43.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">My phone rang.
I pulled it out and looked at the ID.
It was an unknown number. I
almost hit ignore, but I had a fleeting thought that perhaps Regan was trying
to get into contact with me. I picked it
up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Hello?” I
answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dM4-sqfwuQoBaXhRj8iPm6wgzx6UsjU-VYrerjfAAEgEZR4aDViYC9juED9if2RQ8QkIan5iu1kpq4pyzIm66w_jq23vek-coO3xk9lseHyfmxPfUb-i0hoXs29q_16jpBBNa6g2NjeO/s1600/Nar20.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dM4-sqfwuQoBaXhRj8iPm6wgzx6UsjU-VYrerjfAAEgEZR4aDViYC9juED9if2RQ8QkIan5iu1kpq4pyzIm66w_jq23vek-coO3xk9lseHyfmxPfUb-i0hoXs29q_16jpBBNa6g2NjeO/s1600/Nar20.44.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sophia?” a
broken, weak voice crackled through the other end.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I sat up straighter.
I could hear the howling of the storm in the background. Broken, labored breathing echoed in the
foreground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Yes…” I said,
laying my book down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sophia, it’s Nirina.” the voice on the other end said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Niri?” I
jumped to my feet. “Niri! We've been trying to get a hold of you for ages… Where have
you been? Are you alright?” I heard a gasp and a sniffle on the other
end, and I stopped where I stood. “Niri,
what is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I… I need help.”
Nirina said. “The past few months
have been… have been…” Her voice broke
and I heard a muffled sob.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Nirina, where are you?” I asked.
“Are you in Dragon Valley?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuzFLdNp-Xx7oqQZJgXeJSCmHI4yZLKPq_yAIRVdOkQohEjY29Ng_V6eXj8BBGPT1uDqlPNhQBemBSJFlwzGQjhdOPF-_ht3gtLB2imGy_zPqs9yxAnaSX5qZYFMJANoUsaDyn98e0nfy/s1600/Nar20.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuzFLdNp-Xx7oqQZJgXeJSCmHI4yZLKPq_yAIRVdOkQohEjY29Ng_V6eXj8BBGPT1uDqlPNhQBemBSJFlwzGQjhdOPF-_ht3gtLB2imGy_zPqs9yxAnaSX5qZYFMJANoUsaDyn98e0nfy/s1600/Nar20.45.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Nirina took in a deep breath. Her shaking voice held steadier. “Yes, I’m… I’m at a pay phone just outside of
the market plaza… I… I don’t have a
car…”</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">That’s alright.”
I said, grasping my keys on the counter and heading towards the
garage. “Stay there, I’m coming for
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Thank you…” Nirina whispered on the other end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I drove, the rain battering against my
windshield. I slowed down on the
deserted streets of the market plaza, narrowing my eyes to search the darkened
sidewalks. I spotted a figure curled
against the side of a nearby building, and I sped towards it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtndcNIWocH11wxPP0l7eUjfKhDgyJYSj1PRO0gp_HxQEpH6aq5jWDjsHaWyYUPACtuWrK0ruLX2sOaHgbF76bschsbk0H1xHQRUvDQ3wZEzulgMo5qqyoN3CusnPZPnMab8pmy1o_8rZg/s1600/Nar20.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtndcNIWocH11wxPP0l7eUjfKhDgyJYSj1PRO0gp_HxQEpH6aq5jWDjsHaWyYUPACtuWrK0ruLX2sOaHgbF76bschsbk0H1xHQRUvDQ3wZEzulgMo5qqyoN3CusnPZPnMab8pmy1o_8rZg/s1600/Nar20.46.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Stopping the car, I opened the door to get a better
look.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Nirina!” I
called out through the storm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The shadowy figure turned towards me. She stood shivering under the cover of a lone
awning, her arms clenched around her waist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-jlkxwbXK46jnsIUHIoYHZHZfiYiU-YZALVn2-vzs20QmPNbMQM3a333Ymy0GX8Zoy0Tvwyq3PAwrIq1jk2K92zYfkwyKjtpRqCnuzwDEBWmKNz4pw7HWscExs5RlKAk40BoxWbnhd0p/s1600/Nar20.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-jlkxwbXK46jnsIUHIoYHZHZfiYiU-YZALVn2-vzs20QmPNbMQM3a333Ymy0GX8Zoy0Tvwyq3PAwrIq1jk2K92zYfkwyKjtpRqCnuzwDEBWmKNz4pw7HWscExs5RlKAk40BoxWbnhd0p/s1600/Nar20.47.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Nirina, it's so good to see you! I was so worried!” I cried out, rushing towards her and wrapping
my arms around her shoulders.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">She was frozen in my embrace. Holding her shaking body against mine, I felt
the solid bulge of her stomach. I let
go, stepping back to get a good look at her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Nirina, are you... pregnant?” I asked, smiling with
excitement.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKVp4FWT-axGIQO-7O9nXSIAM0-slGbB_-T4aZI-EgvLzhAyyAhlLEYf6v_RTcZVCANdDQXd4iX2EjLk22J8yPQEJ7mzenhSzitUsSggdM4m1wW9ka6Ftxm9GlCu_1fQYhcIOPTjNWLlm/s1600/Nar20.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKVp4FWT-axGIQO-7O9nXSIAM0-slGbB_-T4aZI-EgvLzhAyyAhlLEYf6v_RTcZVCANdDQXd4iX2EjLk22J8yPQEJ7mzenhSzitUsSggdM4m1wW9ka6Ftxm9GlCu_1fQYhcIOPTjNWLlm/s1600/Nar20.48.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Yes…” she murmured, nodding her head. The pained
expression on her face gave me pause.
Tears brimmed on the corners of her eyes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvJmoDDNlNJSFg5haXXM4onTRyL6REpGf9CN9hUpKy0JN_eZ22ZlewtqNBkYfVKjSPI6hxQm2bF5Cys61NP0x1qb_82B2qYFAYl0asKWjDO6XwOWpaJ4FhIvy5RI2JQ3T73kJnwSZ0nXM/s1600/Nar20.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvJmoDDNlNJSFg5haXXM4onTRyL6REpGf9CN9hUpKy0JN_eZ22ZlewtqNBkYfVKjSPI6hxQm2bF5Cys61NP0x1qb_82B2qYFAYl0asKWjDO6XwOWpaJ4FhIvy5RI2JQ3T73kJnwSZ0nXM/s1600/Nar20.49.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
My smile melted away.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Are you in labor?”
I asked, clasping her shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Yes!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">” Nirina shouted, her arms curling
around her midsection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Good Watcher...”
I whispered. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Come with me...” I said, slinging
her arm around my shoulders and staggering back towards the car. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-7812157605537189522014-10-22T17:54:00.000-05:002014-10-22T17:54:12.566-05:00Chapter Nineteen: Expecting<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nausea.<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Weight gain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Missed period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The symptoms had all lined up. My diagnosis was textbook-simple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stared at myself in the mirror. The flutters in my stomach could be the last remnants of morning sickness, or nerves. I tried to gauge what I was feeling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Happy?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">No.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Worried?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">No.</span><br />
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There should be a word for being both delirious with joy and terrified beyond reason.
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I flopped back down on the bed. Reece slept on, as he did every morning, breathing a slow steady rhythm that I had memorized.<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDotXIY_jt_LIcwolTHVjQMk90jTgkX8ekIHMISlXDQ58Uu_1Ubv10ON0DNguqy0KaWtCYn9a-2VIpGskT_M3RKHR1LEQ7SCirfsOC99AtAglhFjGMp0iEKqkbQg37wbrlGb7iSAcaHgpy/s1600/Nar19.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDotXIY_jt_LIcwolTHVjQMk90jTgkX8ekIHMISlXDQ58Uu_1Ubv10ON0DNguqy0KaWtCYn9a-2VIpGskT_M3RKHR1LEQ7SCirfsOC99AtAglhFjGMp0iEKqkbQg37wbrlGb7iSAcaHgpy/s1600/Nar19.02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>"Reece…” I said, stroking his cheek.
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Reece stirred, a smile tugging the corners of his lips. “Mmm…”
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“Reece, love.” I repeated, glancing at the clock out of the corner of my eye. My class would begin in just under an hour. Though class was the farthest thing from my mind at the moment, I did not wish to be late.<br />
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"Five more minutes…” Reece mumbled, turning over to put his face into the pillow.<br />
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I frowned and tugged his arm. “Reece, we must speak.”
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Reece’s eyes shot open and his head snapped up. “What?”</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I am pregnant.” I said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece blinked twice, and his mouth dropped open. “You… you what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I sighed and pushed myself up off the bed. “</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hale was right… perhaps I have ruined all my chances of ever graduating.”</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece seemed oblivious to my mutterings. He stared at the wall, his eyes still wide. “You’re <i>pregnant?</i>”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“And even if I am able to graduate… it will be difficult to find employment. I shall have an infant to care for!” I continued, pacing the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You’re pregnant…” Reece whispered. A small twinkle appeared in his eyes.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> “Am I even ready to be a mother?” I whirled around to face Reece as he rose from the bed. “My own mother was absent so often during my childhood. I do not wish to become her… but oh how I wish she were here! She would have warned me against acting so rashly...”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece silenced me with a peck to the lips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Stop that.” he said. “Look… we might not have planned it this way, but that doesn’t mean we can’t handle it.” He frowned. “And Hale is never right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I let out a nervous laugh and nodded my head. Reece wrapped his arms around me and I lay my head against his chest. “But I worry…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Don’t.” Reece said, shaking his head. “We can figure this out. Somehow.” He rubbed slow circles into my back, and the small twinkle was back in his eyes. “I bet she’ll have your eyes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I pursed my lips together and ran a hand over my stomach. “What makes you believe it will be a ‘she’?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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“My wizard’s intuition.” Reece said, wiggling his eyebrows.</div>
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I giggled, my fears momentarily forgotten.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But such fears cannot be forgotten forever. For the first month, I grew ecstatic with anticipation. My mind filled to the bursting with dreams and I grew drunk from all the congratulations and well-wishes. Other than the spats of morning sickness, I felt as strong and healthy as ever. I even dared to hope that I could carry my child to term with no interruption to my education.</div>
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Then the stretch marks appeared and the backaches began. My feet swelled, my head ached, and my emotions went on a wild rampage. I missed deadlines, was late for my internship, and spent the majority of my class time running to the bathroom. Some of my professors were sympathetic, but others were not. My grades suffered.</div>
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Daria and Nirina visited one evening just before finals, and I was a tearful horror to behold.</div>
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“I think it would be best if you took next semester off.” Daria advised me. “You can’t take a full credit load all the way into your third trimester.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, what did she know of trimesters? <i>Her child</i> was taking root in the backyard!</div>
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“But then I will not be able to graduate in the spring!” I sniffled. “I wanted to walk the stage with Nirina...”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nirina shook her head and squeezed my hand. “Awww… no. That tickles my scales, really. But you’d just make me feel bad for taking so reaping long.”</div>
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I held out hope until my finals were in and I officially failed two classes. Defeated, I told my advisor that I would not return until the following fall and went on official leave from my internship.</div>
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All winter long I sat on the couch and ate whatever I craved while reading Harlequin novels and watching soap operas. By the time January arrived and the academic year carried on without me, I was feeling marginally better about my decision. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Daria’s baby sprouted at the first sign of spring. And what an adorable little sapling she was! Daria and Lief named her Yasmin.<br />
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But her arrival only served to compound my own fears. Holding her squirming, squalling body both kindled my heart and put my nerves on edge. I worried that I would do something incorrectly like hold her too tight or feed her too much, and inadvertently hurt her.<br />
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“Relax!” Daria said, taking Yasmin back after I had voiced my concerns. “You were doing just fine. You shouldn’t worry too much.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I did worry. Her words of reassurance did not comfort me, though they were precisely the words I wanted to hear. </div>
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Only, I did not want to hear them from Daria. I wanted to hear them from someone <i>else.</i> Someone who was not present, and whose absence I was beginning to feel more and more each day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Monte Vista.” Orland hissed, his finger crushing into the disconnect button on his cordless phone. “The bastard liquidated his assets and moved to <i>Monte Vista.</i>”</div>
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“It’s not all bad, dear. At least we know where he went.” Eldora patted him on the back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Orland grunted an acknowledgement and dialed a number into the phone. “Small blessings. Pack your bags… we’ll take the first plane out of Dragon Valley tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Tomorrow?” I exchanged a worried look with Reece.</div>
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Reece stood up, shaking his head. “You can’t leave! You’ve been home less than a year, and it’s the longest you’ve stayed in one place since I was in high school! Sophia’s about to give birth! Don’t you want to see your grandkid?”</div>
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At the mention of my child, Eldora’s eyes seemed to dim with sadness. Orland sighed, and hung his head, but pressed the phone to his ear.</div>
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“If we don’t act now, while we have a solid lead, then we give him time to slip away from us.” Orland said, his voice low.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“But is it really that important?” Reece’s hand clenched where it rested on the table. “Gaia and Constantine are locked up! Whatever Thane might have or might not have been doing for them is kind of a moot point now… isn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Someone who dismantles a multi-million dollar company and then flees the country has <i>something to hide.</i>” Orland said firmly. He pressed a hand to the receiver and shook his head. “I’m sorry son.” He put his hand down and turned from the dining room table. “I need to book a flight to Monte Vista….”<o:p></o:p><br />
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I put my hand over Reece’s and his fingers relaxed. He glanced down and flashed me a weak smile. I tried to smile back, but my own heart was quickly sinking. My weekend with my beloved in-laws was already over before it had really begun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I waddled around the master bedroom, helping Eldora pack. When at last her suitcase was full, she patted my protruding stomach with a few coos. </div>
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“I expect to meet you when I get home. A little one needs her grandmother.” Eldora lifted her head and winked at me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Grandmother.” I repeated, my expression growing blank.</div>
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Reece went out to stand on the sidewalk and wave to them as they drove away, but I shuffled into the bedroom and plopped down on the bed. After a few minutes Reece peeked his head in the doorway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Sophia, are you okay?” he asked. I did not reply. He slid into the chair by the bedside and scooted closer. “I’m pretty angry at them myself, and they’ve been doing this to me since I was a kid…”</div>
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“Not them.” I said, shaking my head.</div>
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Reece stopped, pursing his lips together. He scooted closer and wound his fingers through mine. “Then, what’s the matter?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I turned over to face him, and found myself fighting back tears as I spoke. “It’s just… it’s all overwhelming and I want… I need…” I closed my eyes and shook my head, the tears running freely down my face. “Oh, pestilence and murder! I tire of aches, the fears, the constant desire to turn to her! One of the most important experiences in my life and she should be here! And she <i>isn’t!</i>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“She…?” Reece blinked, and then his voice dropped lower. “Oh. Your mother.”</div>
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I breathed out and brushed at the tears at the corners of my eyes. "Yes.”<br />
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"Sophia…” Reece sighed, squeezing my hand.<br />
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I sat straight up. “I miss her. I think about her sometimes and I wonder... if she wanders the Netherworld as I did. Maybe she lay down centuries ago… and let her soul waste away into oblivion.” <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify_twKnlOM861wJ9OTU8zRqgGiUHNs8kuQSF4cDhcsTYLAm6Y4Ge3VjXfoIKysel2ovjQ4HkHT5SazTCdUKd39FDw3bw2jXWEfzkcXTG3tlStZveVXKYda5XHx1t2GVKMEpzsgXxKAJve/s1600/Nar19.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify_twKnlOM861wJ9OTU8zRqgGiUHNs8kuQSF4cDhcsTYLAm6Y4Ge3VjXfoIKysel2ovjQ4HkHT5SazTCdUKd39FDw3bw2jXWEfzkcXTG3tlStZveVXKYda5XHx1t2GVKMEpzsgXxKAJve/s1600/Nar19.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Reece’s eyes widened and he shook his head. He reached out to touch my forehead. “Oblivion? No… Sophia... she’s in a better place.”<br />
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I flinched away. “What better place? The Netherworld?”<br />
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Reece’s hand dropped back down to his side. His voice lowered to little more than a whisper. “I don’t believe that the Netherworld is all there is.”<br />
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I clenched my teeth and struggled to push myself up off the bed, swatting Reece’s hands away when he reached out to assist me. “And what basis do you have for this belief? Have you died?”<br />
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He watched me stride across the room to the door with a helpless expression on his face. “It can’t be all there is, Sophia. It just can’t be how it all ends.”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIm2R0aNvVnVh1wGXX1LbVXeghqjWZarU4K43aDZ97WULffnsKc39nUDPcRzR60tAG6aMTb6eN0fPNAWdz1iF13RXF-Fmw9Yl3zWczaFrIW42_2R5JBvO0BMYquHyHi1TPVzfhOmGU-Vq/s1600/Nar19.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIm2R0aNvVnVh1wGXX1LbVXeghqjWZarU4K43aDZ97WULffnsKc39nUDPcRzR60tAG6aMTb6eN0fPNAWdz1iF13RXF-Fmw9Yl3zWczaFrIW42_2R5JBvO0BMYquHyHi1TPVzfhOmGU-Vq/s1600/Nar19.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I clenched my teeth, and threw the door open. It slammed into the wall with a thunderous bang that made Reece flinch. “Believe it! The Netherworld is where the soul goes to die.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sophia!” Reece shouted after me, but I quickened my pace.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Leave me alone.” I whispered, grasping the car keys by the front door and racing out to that dreadful Jalopy by the front curb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece raced after me until he was a tiny speck in the rear-view mirror, and when he disappeared my phone rang again and again in my front pocket. I drove aimlessly, and finally stopped at the center of town. When I tired of driving, I parked the Jalopy and heaved myself out of the car.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My phone rang again. I pulled it out of my pocket and shut it off with an oath. For the moment, I just wanted to be alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I wandered through the plaza, and found myself trudging down the pathway to town square. With the sun dipping low on the horizon, the park was quickly emptying of people. A couple brushed past me, hand in hand. Behind them, a young girl clasped the corner of the woman’s skirt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Mommy! Look!” she shouted.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The sound of her sweet, innocent voice sent a stab of pain surging through my heart. I ducked my head down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stopped in front of the towering golden statue. My eyes stayed fixed on the ground, on the golden plaque inscribed at the warrior’s feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sophia Carol, Heroine of Dragon Valley.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Heroine. I sniffled and dabbed at the corners of my eyes. Where was my mother's statue? She had been a warrior too. She had slain dozens of the beasts before she too tragically perished by fire. She deserved recognition more than I.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I turned around, winding my arms around my swollen midsection. A lone figure sitting at one of the picnic tables on the far side of the square caught my eye, and I started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She was looking back at me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I glanced back behind me, and then turned to face her again. Her eyes remained fixed on me, her expression unreadable. I took a deep breath, and took a few cautious steps in her direction. Her eyes stayed on me, moving up as I walked closer. My palms began to sweat. I stopped just in front of her, and opened my mouth to speak, but said nothing. I bit down on my lip. What should I say?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She stared back at me, unblinking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Um... hello.” I said at last, shifting uncomfortably on my feet. “This might sound strange... but... have we... have we ever met before?”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She was silent for a long moment. I shifted back, biting my lip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“So you do remember.” she said, a dry smirk curling at the corners of her lips.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A chill crept up my spine. Was it really possible?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Who... who are you?” I asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Her smile vanished. “I guess it was too much to hope that you would also remember my name.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She rose to her feet, her black hair shifting over her shoulders as she did. “But I knew you the instant I first saw you. It was here... in this park. Almost four years ago now. My, my... it's miraculous how much you've accomplished in such a short amount of time. An almost full university education, wed...” Her eyes drifted down my form. “... pregnant even. Remarkable. For a dead woman.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My hands suddenly felt ice cold and goosebumps prickled over my arms. I draped my arms protectively around my womb and took a step back. Now that I looked her straight in the eye, I could see even more of the subtle differences between her and Kitsune. Her jawline was stronger, her expressions were somehow harder. Her face reminded me of someone else, though I could not think of who...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Who are you?” I asked again. “You look like Kitsune, the prophetess of the Valley, but you are not.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She laughed then, the corners of her lips turning up again. “It's been so long since anyone's pointed out the resemblance to my grandmother. I'd forgotten.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Grandmother?” I repeated, my brow furrowing. No, that was still impossible. It had been too long. All of Kitsune's grandchildren must have surely perished by now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I don't expect you to remember me. We met so briefly. And I was only a girl. But I never forgot your face. You are a difficult person to forget, Sophia Carol. My father said so too, the first time he recognized you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Father. </i>I swallowed down a sudden surge of bile in my throat. Who could her father have been? </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I shifted through my memories, struggling to remember the faces and the names of Kitsune's granddaughters. Gwenivere? No, that young woman had borne Kitsune’s famous amber eyes, I was certain of it. Hwin? But that little urchin had possessed red hair... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There was only one dark-haired granddaughter of Kitsune that I could recall. Her name had been… Tessla? Tessa? It was so long ago, and the memories flickered in and out of focus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I shook my head. “It's not possible... any granddaughters of Kitsune would be.... should be...”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She laughed again. “Long dead. As should you.” She smiled then, and held out her hand. “Why don't you come back to my apartment with me? I can explain everything.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I looked down at her outstretched hand. Unease fluttered in the depth of my stomach. Or was it my child moving? I could no longer tell. My instincts screamed that I could not trust this woman. Still... I craved answers more than anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I lifted my hand and reached for hers. Her lips curled up into a smile. Our fingers were inches from touching.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia!” I heard Reece's voice behind me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I pulled my hand back and turned. Reece raced towards me, his expression one of relief. I smiled when I saw him, and I stepped in his direction. Though I had run to avoid him, seeing him running towards me soothed my wayward heart.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The woman beside me let out an oath and jerked backwards. At that moment, Reece's eyes shifted from me to her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His eyes widened in terror. He jerked his wand out of his tunic, light bursting from the tip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia, get away from her!” he shouted in a panic.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Why... what...?” I stammered, stumbling backwards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When I turned my head to glance back at her, the woman had a wand in her hand. Her eyes were narrowed, and she crouched into a fighting stance. In one lightning quick motion, she seized me by the arm. I let out a scream, and she pressed the point of her wand into my neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Take one more step, and I'll send her back to the Netherworld!” she hissed.</span></div>
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“Let her go...” Reece said, his voice shaking.</div>
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“I don't think so! I'm the better spellcaster and you know it. I can take off her head in less time than it takes you to cast a deflection!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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She dragged me backwards as she spoke. My heart was pounding, my fingers clawing at her hands. All the while my mind was reeling as I stared back at my husband with wide-eyed terror. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece <i>knew </i>her? How was that possible?<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I said let her go!” Reece repeated, the end of his wand glowing molten hot.</div>
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“She's coming with me.” The woman shouted. A spark snapped at the end of her wand and I let out a cry of pain. Reece flinched, his eyes widening as he stared back at me. “So drop the wand, you sniveling little thief and I might let her live a little while longer!”<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i>Thief.</i> The word ignited a flash of memory in my mind.</div>
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Quintessa. That had been the name of Kitsune's dark-haired granddaughter.</div>
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Memories snapped into focus. A tall, ebony haired man with ice-blue eyes who scavenged the corpses of dragons with a rusted iron sword.<br />
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When he looked at me, I felt as though a shudder ran through my soul. His gaze had always been cold, empty. I believed they served as a window to his black conscious. He was the kind of man who would stroke the cheek of his child with hot dragon blood still dripping from his fingers.<br />
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I do not believe I had ever known his name, but that did not matter. I knew it now. Constantine. He had been the husband of Kitsune’s eldest daughter. What had happened to Kitsune’s eldest and when Gaia had entered the picture to become his wife, I did not know.</div>
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But the fate of the dark haired little girl who lingered in his shadow was clear. She had taken the youth elixir with him, and survived. She had followed his lead as he raged a cold war against the other clans. She had been the woman Reece had stolen the Philospher's Stone from.</div>
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“You're... Quintessa Lucian!” I gasped out loud.</div>
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She clasped her hand over my mouth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Shut up!” she hissed.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Her ice blue eyes were narrowed at me. Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, Reece surged forward, icy vapor flooding from the tip of his wand.</div>
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“<i>You </i>shut up!” he snapped.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Quintessa screamed, flinching backwards and letting me go. The vapor poured over her face and icicles formed on her teeth and eyelashes.</div>
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She took off racing towards the street. Reece bolted after her, muttering a string of curses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At that moment, I felt as though two iron hands clenched themselves around my womb. I doubled over, crying out.</div>
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“Reece!” I cried. My knees grew weak beneath me and I fell forward, my hands slamming into the pavement. “Reece!” I cried again, frantic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1iIz3YIiSPzTLfruIir9My9eAVuMXZcdt0152hEa8jjafdPT3cnUAPuXQty9KNXZ4Egj1ChVVXkcwFAWRb9_qiGVxf4C6Q9f0AFdtUBfk7zIivzgh0iNCtiJ4NSF49QKNCAFUWjlOlD5/s1600/Nar19.63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1iIz3YIiSPzTLfruIir9My9eAVuMXZcdt0152hEa8jjafdPT3cnUAPuXQty9KNXZ4Egj1ChVVXkcwFAWRb9_qiGVxf4C6Q9f0AFdtUBfk7zIivzgh0iNCtiJ4NSF49QKNCAFUWjlOlD5/s1600/Nar19.63.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>I clenched my hands into fists on the walkway, breathing heavily. A second surge of pain coursed from my back to the center of my stomach, and I whimpered. All of the blood seemed to drain from my limbs, leaving me quaking with cold, uncontrollable fear.</div>
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I heard Reece’s and Quintessa’s footsteps pounding farther and farther away. My eyes watered from pain, and dread. I crumpled against the ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Reece… please…” I gasped, my voice barely audible to my own ears.</div>
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Warm arms wrapped around me, and I felt his lips press into the base of my neck.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Shhh! It’s okay. I’ve got you.” he whispered in my ear as he lifted me up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The ordeal lasted twenty-six agonizing hours. It was early morning when I finally heard the cries of my newborn daughter. She was early, and underweight, but otherwise healthy.<br />
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Daria managed to worm her way into the team of nurses who assisted me. She cut the umbilical cord and cleaned my daughter up shortly after she entered this world. Then, she wrapped her in a white blanket and gave her back to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Told you she would have your eyes.” Reece said, kissing my ear.</div>
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“What are you naming her?” Daria asked, smiling at she stared down at the newborn baby.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I exchanged a knowing smile with Reece.</div>
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“Evangeline. Evangeline Lewis.” I whispered. Then I kissed my daughter’s wrinkled forehead.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-38574412353453735672014-10-03T22:06:00.001-05:002014-10-03T22:07:32.157-05:00Chapter Eighteen: Junior<div class="Standard">
“How long ago was this?” Orland Lewis, Reece’s father, asked
as Mr. Peters scanned through Tome Trader’s hold records.</div>
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“Before I entered university…” I answered, glancing at Reece out of the
corner of my eye. “Two years ago…. At the
most. It was the first time I’d ever met
Thane.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The strange, tense scene replayed in my mind. I recalled the way Constantine’s face had
twisted when I asked for his name. The icy
chill of his eyes as they studied me.<br />
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<o:p> </o:p><i>“You look familiar.”</i>
He had said. <i>“What’s your name?”</i><br />
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An older memory flashed in the recesses of my mind. Those same icy eyes. Dark ebony hair.</div>
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It was gone before I could lay hold of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I lowered my voice to a whisper, so that only Reece could
hear me. “I think… he knew me. Before.
Though… I cannot remember him.”</div>
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Reece gave me a warm, reassuring smile, and squeezed my
hand. I could not help but smile in
return, and I stroked his knuckles with my thumb as I lay my head against his
shoulder.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“It wouldn’t be the first time Constantine had forged an alliance
with someone in a position of wealth and power.” Eldora, Reece’s Mother, remarked. She scratched her temple and leaned up against the counter. “Though… from what
you’ve told us of Thane’s conversation with Gaia… it seems Constantine wanted
more than a dog to fetch books for him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I frowned, my brow furrowing. “They did not appear to like one other
very well… now that I think of it…”<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I remembered Thane’s clenched fists and raised voice the
night of the Gala.</div>
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<i>“You can tell your two-faced bastard husband that I’m done
with him. He’ll get no more help from
me.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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I bit my lip. Perhaps
I had put it too mildly. It seemed to me that Thane held a <i>very powerful </i>grudge against Constantine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX5n94R8LxanrG3pnppnvBneIHjnxaC6uoPIypQCljEKzPan9qna2q5fPQ9zgnjMDPGrEXOxAlSVloG3W-AGi0B_Zmi3pYNwuduUtoGPcAZ59khmMZayfTVKmXVLlPTovyYNDaE68ABjy/s1600/Nar18.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX5n94R8LxanrG3pnppnvBneIHjnxaC6uoPIypQCljEKzPan9qna2q5fPQ9zgnjMDPGrEXOxAlSVloG3W-AGi0B_Zmi3pYNwuduUtoGPcAZ59khmMZayfTVKmXVLlPTovyYNDaE68ABjy/s1600/Nar18.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Orland shook his head, sighing. “It’s a shame we can’t ask the man. His secretary told me that he’d departed for
an <i>extended business trip.</i>” Orland’s frown deepened. “Rather convenient, if you ask me.”</div>
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“Ah!”
Mr. Peters exclaimed, looking up from the computer screen. “Lord Alexander’s <i>The Law of Magic. </i>One of
only three copies in the world.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg539EUW6FpFXs5v7xxgpJ7FW0jsSm3iG9A3Lgdy4lcE0n-BymJnm36ISckms5nTwOfmT7Id9UWSFHl-0lNg7ayjD0XICpnM0bEugRPLRBV3VlMMk6Lq9Hw6h4wScVil9j8iN6jbXEYgO3p/s1600/Nar18.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg539EUW6FpFXs5v7xxgpJ7FW0jsSm3iG9A3Lgdy4lcE0n-BymJnm36ISckms5nTwOfmT7Id9UWSFHl-0lNg7ayjD0XICpnM0bEugRPLRBV3VlMMk6Lq9Hw6h4wScVil9j8iN6jbXEYgO3p/s1600/Nar18.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Who has the other two?”
Orland asked.</div>
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“Oh, we know that book, love!” Eldora put her hand on her
husband’s shoulder. “The Crumplebottom
sisters have one.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhDeq1O8ETrvy1I48dX6q5b8TXFoKh8J9QHMos63aZu7hzjc5rU5K3j7QghOOpaQZ4AfBvUi5FCV66tqn4A7FJDZYhpMIkUQwf8Qup1ECFu6Cbk1HqeDGdgd6UAqiRBtbdSZW_FuGTdoy/s1600/Nar18.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhDeq1O8ETrvy1I48dX6q5b8TXFoKh8J9QHMos63aZu7hzjc5rU5K3j7QghOOpaQZ4AfBvUi5FCV66tqn4A7FJDZYhpMIkUQwf8Qup1ECFu6Cbk1HqeDGdgd6UAqiRBtbdSZW_FuGTdoy/s1600/Nar18.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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“Good.” Orland
grunted, turning away from the counter. “I’ll
have to find out what old Constance has been reading.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eldora rubbed her husband’s back as he stepped away and threw
a gracious smile towards Mr. Peters. “Thank
you for all your help.”</div>
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Mr. Peters ducked his head down sheepishly. “It was no trouble.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I whispered a goodbye to Mr. Peters and followed the group
out the door, nestled under Reece’s arm.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we exited the building, I turned to Reece. “What is this ‘law of magic’? I have not heard of it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx2COj0O5JeJpmp49UJCfTIhtyjJWYcpJqrXwFyiFmEUjU1ywYzIhoTCUHklL8gX2vljiyNc-R5TdVOUDYB9cNTWtRd4bxYoIEFb4DqrEbGH8Se_e7wbEp9STpBExYWQ-lGc9O-QbhF5O/s1600/Nar18.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx2COj0O5JeJpmp49UJCfTIhtyjJWYcpJqrXwFyiFmEUjU1ywYzIhoTCUHklL8gX2vljiyNc-R5TdVOUDYB9cNTWtRd4bxYoIEFb4DqrEbGH8Se_e7wbEp9STpBExYWQ-lGc9O-QbhF5O/s1600/Nar18.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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“I think the theory has only been
around for the last two hundred years.”
Reece answered, pulling me in closer.
“Essentially what it says is that magic is like energy or
mass. It’s never truly created or
destroyed, simply converted from one state to another.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I pursued my lips together as I thought on this. More old memories replayed in my mind.</div>
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“Kitsune used to bottle the blood of slain dragons to brew
elixirs.” I said, my voice barely above
a whisper. “She said dragons were
teaming with magic, it was what gave them their strength and power over fire.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece nodded his head, not really looking at me. “The same reason the Lucians have often
killed unicorns. Ancient creatures have an
abundance of raw magic power. It doesn’t
dissipate when they die. The Lucians have attempted to use the unicorn blood to
enhance their own magical power, but thankfully… there’s only so much magic an
ordinary human being can hold.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>“Intriguing…” I
murmured, but my mind was miles away.</div>
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Kitsune had been the only true witch that I had known in my
past life, but she had birthed multiple children with magical potential. I’d even met a number of her grandchildren, now that I thought of Kitsune often
gifted them with dragon blood, and even after her passing several
of those children had continued to collect it in her stead.</div>
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“Sophia is staying for dinner… isn’t she?” Eldora said, interrupting my thoughts.</div>
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“Umm…” Reece
stammered, flushing red. “I-I-I guess
so. I mean… if she wants to.” He turned to me. “Do you want to?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I insist!” Eldora
said. “I must be properly acquainted
with my future daughter-in-law… after all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reece flushed even redder, and I laughed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I would love to stay for dinner.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dinner with Reece’s family was delightful! Eldora and Orland cooked while
Regan related numerous tales of Reece’s boyhood, much to Reece’s great embarrassment. </div>
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Eldora dominated the mealtime conversation
with bubbly stories of their world-travels, and Orland grunted and nodded his
head on occasion. I stayed with them, laughing
and listening until late into the evening.</div>
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Reece walked me home at the end of the night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Sorry to keep you out so late.” Reece murmured. “Family reunions… you know…” He rolled his eyes with a nervous laugh.</div>
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I smiled, clutching his hand in mine. “It was an honor to be a part of your family
reunion. I love your family.” I flushed, ducking my head down. “I cannot wait to call them <i>my family</i>, as well.”</div>
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Reece beamed, and pulled me up into his arms. We kissed under the light of the stars.</div>
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“Daria told me there’s a ring!” Nirina said breathlessly when I finally
returned to the dorm for my junior year.
She grabbed my hand and held it up, then squealed. “There
IS! Oh, it’s beautiful!”</div>
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“Wait… there’s a ring?”
Hale asked, his eyes bugging out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Have you set a date?”
Nirina asked, admiring the way the star sapphire shined in the light.</div>
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I shook my head, giggling.
“Not quite. But we were thinking…
maybe… in the spring.”<br />
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“Spring?” Hale
exclaimed, his eyes growing ever wider.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Eldora has been making most of the arrangements. I would be honored if you would be my
bridesmaid.” I said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nirina’s face lit up and she bounced on her heels, opening
her mouth to reply, but Hale interrupted before she could speak.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Whoa whooooa! Hang on one second! You’re getting married? Like… <i>married
</i>married?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I frowned, fingering the ring on my finger. “Yes.
Reece and I are to wed. I thought
you had been made aware…”</div>
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Hale scratched the back of his head. “Umm… well I was aware that you finally had a
thing… but married? Don’t you think you’re…
you know… rushing things? I mean… when
school let out last semester you weren’t even dating. There’s
no need to skip straight to…to … to being wed!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nirina snorted and rolled her eyes. “You wanted to skip straight to babies.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I stared back at him, furrowing my brow
in confusion. “…is not the
purpose of courtship to choose a partner with whom to spend your life? I do not understand your generation’s
aversion to marriage.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nirina crossed her arms and glared at him. “Yeah, Hale.
What’s you problem with marriage?”</div>
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Hale held up his hands and stammered. “I-I-I have no problem with marriage!” </div>
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Nirina raised her eyebrows at him, and he fidgeted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Really.” he insisted.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nirina rolled her eyes and huffed, slumping back against the
wall. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hale coughed and turned back to me. “But you’re in college! You know what happens to kids who get married
in college? They get bogged down by too
much responsibility too soon. The bills
rush in… birth control fails. They never
finish. Besides, now’s the time to… you
know… shop around. Experiment. Live a little.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I stayed quiet for a long moment, starring down at the ring
on my finger.</div>
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“I have already lived ‘a
little.’” I said, looking up at him. “Now
I desire to live fully. Life is
fleeting, in the space of a second it can be snuffed out. I want to spend all of the time I have, be it
days or decades, with the one that I love.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hale’s eyes darted down to the floor and he shuffled his feet
under him. “Well… I guess when you put
it that way…”</div>
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As the school year progressed, I realized that a number of my
classmates and professors shared the same sentiments. My fellow students reacted to my engagement
with stunned silence, demeaning questions, and open ridicule. </div>
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One of my professors gave me a very long, <i>very patronizing</i>, lecture about the irrationality
of marrying young. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I arrived for work that day in tears, and when prompted, I
spilled all of my pent-up frustrations onto Mr. Peters.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU0yPE0q_4cvqudJQf3So8ctvd_rG3Pz-nGdHcJPM81cffzs6gLRyEjeJMz-uq5IZhyOBT69qe3iwAp37ri0ZZOB70f4i05emr9bbvXYEninf60_Faq8K_7hkan-VlexCvXp41UvRLIK_/s1600/Nar18.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU0yPE0q_4cvqudJQf3So8ctvd_rG3Pz-nGdHcJPM81cffzs6gLRyEjeJMz-uq5IZhyOBT69qe3iwAp37ri0ZZOB70f4i05emr9bbvXYEninf60_Faq8K_7hkan-VlexCvXp41UvRLIK_/s1600/Nar18.50.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“She said that I was letting my ‘pretty little head’ get the
best of me!” I said towards the end of my spiel, sobbing and gasping every
other word. “That I would wake up five
years from now and regret that I had tied myself down so soon. Tied myself down! Oh, but it seems a thousand of my peers agree
with her! Do you think me foolish?”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl6fV5_ML2xCaZ_ltq5roszMoTkixS3mfDrhJ_JtrdvrJLoa1Fn6q7ViRKFRc-lovakKTYVSgrhbh3MhDTb5aDipm5S1QFRVp9EfZM4-k0VEvLu3YKZNAjlwfkJJsWuADls34q3V4h81X/s1600/Nar18.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl6fV5_ML2xCaZ_ltq5roszMoTkixS3mfDrhJ_JtrdvrJLoa1Fn6q7ViRKFRc-lovakKTYVSgrhbh3MhDTb5aDipm5S1QFRVp9EfZM4-k0VEvLu3YKZNAjlwfkJJsWuADls34q3V4h81X/s1600/Nar18.51.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<o:p> </o:p>Mr. Peters patted me on the shoulder, somewhat
awkwardly. But he gave me the same warm
smile that I saw on his face every time Reece showed up to walk me home from
work.</div>
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“<i>My children, fix it well in your noddles that you are on the right
course. Love one another. Be foolish about it. Love is the foolishness of men, and the
wisdom of God.” </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jq3aBQn1YDeJpLQkfGiTc3Hq3y79q2owYZ8o_8tpO5Y7qk-wL5-3AFObAbpvbgQMWy2gsvOEgKNh1DvljNG0YpPKVNaMkcgp7u7CF2MpIK1C8lXQD7ocViOBxroKu_1Z_JcsuagwRRO5/s1600/Nar18.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jq3aBQn1YDeJpLQkfGiTc3Hq3y79q2owYZ8o_8tpO5Y7qk-wL5-3AFObAbpvbgQMWy2gsvOEgKNh1DvljNG0YpPKVNaMkcgp7u7CF2MpIK1C8lXQD7ocViOBxroKu_1Z_JcsuagwRRO5/s1600/Nar18.52.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
My face brightened. “Oh, I knew you would understand!
Thank you!”</div>
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I threw my arms around him, and he started in surprise, but
patted me on the back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Anytime, my dear. Now
tell that old crone to <i>go reap her own
soul</i> and don’t let anyone else rain on your happiness.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0nWqmF8l_4Dot77I7i4p7U7b_l4KqfQxB0Xuy4lZwmYzku11jsHlK7IvQoTiYum1sfELq6MLGqWKFBdfdpz6zB_va1hIunSh4b05YoBf0_BbqswLlA-4YPx2ObLTGXnZU5DQ-crFHMIQ/s1600/Nar18.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0nWqmF8l_4Dot77I7i4p7U7b_l4KqfQxB0Xuy4lZwmYzku11jsHlK7IvQoTiYum1sfELq6MLGqWKFBdfdpz6zB_va1hIunSh4b05YoBf0_BbqswLlA-4YPx2ObLTGXnZU5DQ-crFHMIQ/s1600/Nar18.54.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<o:p> </o:p>Reece and I set a date that very evening.</div>
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From that moment on, I flew through my classes and laughed in
the faces of anyone who gawked at my ring.
By the time my wedding day arrived, I was soaring higher than the
clouds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_9kWtJng86E6Clg5wsqMRnCG7v8M3QsRZuVKnmCGbp41bX_qD7YqJaVuQYtpKfU6Ou9UPyciUDKfKoizFevyK2Ws9XawktH6SEHpjqJi5tELDRlgGGH_Qn5N2nW1-buYe-igMdBxwPKD/s1600/Nar18.55.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_9kWtJng86E6Clg5wsqMRnCG7v8M3QsRZuVKnmCGbp41bX_qD7YqJaVuQYtpKfU6Ou9UPyciUDKfKoizFevyK2Ws9XawktH6SEHpjqJi5tELDRlgGGH_Qn5N2nW1-buYe-igMdBxwPKD/s1600/Nar18.55.0.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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“Sit still!” Daria laughed, pressing my shoulders back against
the chair when I squirmed too much. “I
know Reece will still love you with bedhead, but I was hoping your hair could
look <i>nice </i>on your wedding day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHQlufBVXcOIM9tlBMms3sM_AI6e1bU-QUDkxW0WfXHH1Ye1P9REgF0HrFv7KQJv1N7M7T61qliAhSDlPsLwVfDSfB1AGL3dsneATSDUVv3rN9cWxMyfSWGhyphenhyphen4KbpkNMLGgSgaFYJqcoY/s1600/Nar18.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHQlufBVXcOIM9tlBMms3sM_AI6e1bU-QUDkxW0WfXHH1Ye1P9REgF0HrFv7KQJv1N7M7T61qliAhSDlPsLwVfDSfB1AGL3dsneATSDUVv3rN9cWxMyfSWGhyphenhyphen4KbpkNMLGgSgaFYJqcoY/s1600/Nar18.55.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I took a deep, calming breath and forced
myself to remain motionless, but all the excitement and anticipation was
bubbling over. A bright, silly grin was
plastered on my face. My feet would not
stop their spirited dancing.</div>
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The decorations were up. My friends were all dressed in their finest,
and they all looked so elegant and beautiful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I looked at Daria in the mirror. “So when are you and Lief going to be wed?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Lwb-hlhRja_HVexP_kdUKw-fKUF518XwVeXal0W3_nR0g6sUJ4ZbrcfNcPhbVA2s61yptrnVunTNjWOLrPj3ZZiGKoF25J2jeIIuwWLSUiVzoCefLJ1w3RFhB1QcKzEJHdZ76Gv8qjv_/s1600/Nar18.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Lwb-hlhRja_HVexP_kdUKw-fKUF518XwVeXal0W3_nR0g6sUJ4ZbrcfNcPhbVA2s61yptrnVunTNjWOLrPj3ZZiGKoF25J2jeIIuwWLSUiVzoCefLJ1w3RFhB1QcKzEJHdZ76Gv8qjv_/s1600/Nar18.56.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<o:p> </o:p>“Oh… very soon.” Daria said, nodding as she wound her fingers
through my hair. “There probably won’t
be much of a ceremony. It’s really not
part of our culture to have a whole lot of pomp and circumstance. But… we’ve bought a house close to the beach with
a large backyard. Soft, fertile soil… it’s
the perfect place for the garden.”
Daria flushed red even as she smiled.
“You know… the <i>special </i>garden.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5UFMysBna6jsGBeFxKzA9dVBV93UMdez_twdIcSzgMEwPUHgz9t1kCGmcM6H-28_T3VJAaTZbPoiYWfsRh_CPzzmoN29NQzL-53S0weBYnH-SNR950k8gZ9knIwQbRjxuBbbQldGk7F9/s1600/Nar18.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5UFMysBna6jsGBeFxKzA9dVBV93UMdez_twdIcSzgMEwPUHgz9t1kCGmcM6H-28_T3VJAaTZbPoiYWfsRh_CPzzmoN29NQzL-53S0weBYnH-SNR950k8gZ9knIwQbRjxuBbbQldGk7F9/s1600/Nar18.57.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
My mouth dropped open.
“You mean… with <i>little sprouts</i>?”</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Daria nodded her head, her grin growing even wider. I squealed and jumped up to wrap both arms
around her.</div>
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My hair was not finished for some time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwCP8PChSRdumOdtnwwGGKnaevfxi__Vhl0n_eZEs9JJuRLlfrEoIXg3KcsHVoir2ZS2kQeCvNrwBpdg9XMIB5Rte3wUqzRxjArVC0x-28mJgla0t5TLfUEoEGkM0y0YY2BkQHVmdqaAB/s1600/Nar18.60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwCP8PChSRdumOdtnwwGGKnaevfxi__Vhl0n_eZEs9JJuRLlfrEoIXg3KcsHVoir2ZS2kQeCvNrwBpdg9XMIB5Rte3wUqzRxjArVC0x-28mJgla0t5TLfUEoEGkM0y0YY2BkQHVmdqaAB/s1600/Nar18.60.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSF8GvMHXf63-JBBGPXANaGUYyM4b0rlXHUfgBlsMpE3qDB5Yt0Iw8g8b72wr1Ps09H5R9qnBEpip_1CekYJ51xW_4BXGn4YErgeVmixK9gfYc8eia0HW-dPdTJA2qBgOtjyzIilmRsRGB/s1600/Nar18.65.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSF8GvMHXf63-JBBGPXANaGUYyM4b0rlXHUfgBlsMpE3qDB5Yt0Iw8g8b72wr1Ps09H5R9qnBEpip_1CekYJ51xW_4BXGn4YErgeVmixK9gfYc8eia0HW-dPdTJA2qBgOtjyzIilmRsRGB/s1600/Nar18.65.1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Sophia… I promise to love and to cherish you. Respect, honor, and serve you." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSglcyJTSVYRxn2yI-79snNHf4m4Ymd1miJks4ilI9wP22R-lrX97dQpPp4-S4zh7HVE4cbyiKYqaYWvLplO_bD-zeoNhg5qiEk6g-3CQJ5FraZLLQG3Lkc6zROPiTIKt-SjU22qhJEtU/s1600/Nar18.64.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSglcyJTSVYRxn2yI-79snNHf4m4Ymd1miJks4ilI9wP22R-lrX97dQpPp4-S4zh7HVE4cbyiKYqaYWvLplO_bD-zeoNhg5qiEk6g-3CQJ5FraZLLQG3Lkc6zROPiTIKt-SjU22qhJEtU/s1600/Nar18.64.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
"To be your rock and your shelter through all the
storms that we must weather."<br />
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<div class="Standard">
"For richer,
and for poorer. In sickness and in
health.”</div>
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<div class="Standard">
“With this ring..."</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uQz0iCeuKa5aY40K7YaLY-ZCNLeZEl8IM0GMBQsuV__wk6yfYRS4baW6r9EnUzFdSE4hPguaZza9z2kcdtrqZTdbFU_RXtjRF3k45S_OCvxeRKisaFZqdctFtcqieU-KGcEqgP22BdBL/s1600/Nar18.60.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uQz0iCeuKa5aY40K7YaLY-ZCNLeZEl8IM0GMBQsuV__wk6yfYRS4baW6r9EnUzFdSE4hPguaZza9z2kcdtrqZTdbFU_RXtjRF3k45S_OCvxeRKisaFZqdctFtcqieU-KGcEqgP22BdBL/s1600/Nar18.60.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
"I thee wed.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSEuH1fvD_LMwllW53VztxDNVEv_mEHQmy_lZFuGPGY4d-dT3MNJBCjCfj5RBTW4TjhhdhErxB5jOgFF0YMpR5WZLV6rvmDVZCYy5pQkG-iQ3nqYwsb8CR4EAAMjH5GZymz52Nw9Lg2RQ/s1600/Nar18.655.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSEuH1fvD_LMwllW53VztxDNVEv_mEHQmy_lZFuGPGY4d-dT3MNJBCjCfj5RBTW4TjhhdhErxB5jOgFF0YMpR5WZLV6rvmDVZCYy5pQkG-iQ3nqYwsb8CR4EAAMjH5GZymz52Nw9Lg2RQ/s1600/Nar18.655.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Reece. I love you
with all of my heart." </div>
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"I promise to be
your counselor and your confidant."</div>
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"To live,
grow, and dream with you."</div>
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"To forsake all
others for your embrace."</div>
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"To stand by
your side, come witches and dragon fire.”</div>
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“With this ring, I thee wed.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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“Until death do us part.” Reece said, closing our vows.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>“Until death do us part.” I repeated, tears glistening in the corners
of my eyes.</div>
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Reece flashed me a mischievous smile. He whispered as
he pulled me closer. “And you know, if you die
again... I'll just bring you back.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometime after the honeymoon, I drifted back to Earth. Eldora and Orland gifted us with a cozy little
house close to university.<br />
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I had to
resign from my position at Tome Traders in order to put in more hours at school
and at the internship, but Reece’s Elixir crafting brought in enough funds to
cover our expenses and Mr. Peters and I remained good friends.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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I could not recall a time in either of my lives where I had
been so blissfully happy. I awoke every
morning in the arms of my beloved, and I would kiss his sleeping face before I
left for class in the morning. </div>
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He was
waiting for me when I got home. No
matter what kind of day I had, just seeing his smile in the evening made
everything better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By the time my senior year began, the internship was getting
easier. I felt as though I was rising up
in the ranks. More and more of the
younger students turned to me for assistance, and my supervisor had even hinted
at the possibility of a more permanent future for me at Harmony Hospital.</div>
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I was on the Dean's list.
My dream job was just a few credits and a diploma away. I had already married the love of my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Everything was utterly perfect.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-88817375090284150132014-09-14T21:17:00.001-05:002014-10-20T23:20:52.302-05:00Chapter Seventeen: Patriarch<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a clean, untarnished silver that bloomed around one deep blue stone.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I turned my hand under the soft light of
the library's lanterns, two lines of white light crossed over each over on the
stone's surface.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a star sapphire!</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PHDuEY5u8I3dqb78Yetfe6YrL3eBTVvvxxaa21e403GgTifeD2GX2zZxQEGGsQx-Mf4I4Q1GAO5qsYXGqw8iQCTr0kkXJQ97JLkipaIIOycNGFTXVUKO3VaqrjPQ-83DwryGNvewRU9y/s1600/Nar17.01.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PHDuEY5u8I3dqb78Yetfe6YrL3eBTVvvxxaa21e403GgTifeD2GX2zZxQEGGsQx-Mf4I4Q1GAO5qsYXGqw8iQCTr0kkXJQ97JLkipaIIOycNGFTXVUKO3VaqrjPQ-83DwryGNvewRU9y/s1600/Nar17.01.2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Daria stepped back, a hand pressed to her chest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Did Reece just... did you...?” she stammered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Yes!” I
breathed, my eyes lighting up with my joy.
I turned around, breathless with excitement. “Reece, YES!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But Reece was not there. My heart plummeted, and a felt a sick twist
in the pit of my stomach. Reece had
rushed out the ballroom doors to face the patriarch of a powerful witch
coven. Icy chills ran up my spine, but
now they were from fear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A rumble of thunder shook the building and the
crystalline chandeliers in the ballroom rattled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No.</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I
thought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Heated rage boiled in the depths of my blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I whipped around and snatched the sword from the
floor. Icicles cracked under my palm and
cold drops of water ran down my fingers.
I did not care. I grit my teeth
together and shoved my way through the crowd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia!”
Daria screamed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I heard her running behind me. She caught me by the arm and pulled me around
to face her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"What are you doing? Stop!" she shouted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I have to go after him.” I said, turning to face her, tears brimming
at the corners of my eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My breath caught in my throat as I stared up at the wall-length windows. Dark clouds rolled across the glass, blotting out the starry night sky.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a sharp,
sudden crack and a flash of light flooded the ballroom, illuminating every terrified face.
Daria and I both jumped, and Daria clasped her hands over her ears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Wait... just wait for a second!” she shouted over the growing noise. “That's a WITCH battle out there. They have magic, Sophia. You don't!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The floor lurched beneath us. I shifted my stance by pure instinct to steel
my feet. Daria fell to her
knees. The doors behind me blasted open,
swinging wildly on their hinges. The
murmuring roar of the wind turned to a howl and a storm of rain came
splattering against the marble floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Daria looked up at me with wide, pleading eyes. I gripped the sword in my hand, and shook my head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I have battled beasts with more strength than
I.” I answered her. “I have to try.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I turned from her, swallowed down all my fear, and
raced through the open doors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rain assaulted my skin. I pressed my back up against the closest pillar
and peered around it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL75nQg5mMZArK27MzxIvcuAtcD11LE1EiU1KfSzINHKfl2E6WQ5NXqvLB5ssJ9m3Oh5NQgCAV945ovllR37QUAWCGnqpbTGvTYes-nUGOZBCwemOKkTdw5ZKaOCSKDnDN7NqvjGqFlYry/s1600/Nar17.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL75nQg5mMZArK27MzxIvcuAtcD11LE1EiU1KfSzINHKfl2E6WQ5NXqvLB5ssJ9m3Oh5NQgCAV945ovllR37QUAWCGnqpbTGvTYes-nUGOZBCwemOKkTdw5ZKaOCSKDnDN7NqvjGqFlYry/s1600/Nar17.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Through the mist, I
could see figures flashing like lightning in storm clouds. They gathered around one, central vortex.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I ducked down and fought the roaring wind to slide
into place behind the venue's fountain. I heard shouts, women screaming over the
melee. I shielded my eyes with one hand and squinted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A man stood in the center of the storm, thick gray mist swirling around him in murky waves. I saw him lift a crystal wand above his head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Light flashed. The clouds
thickened. A witch came tumbling out of the darkness and rolled to a stop on the road. Bright white headlights
silhouetted around her head as she turned over, groaning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The car stopped before it reached her, and Regan burst out of the driver's side, leaving the door swinging and the car
engine rumbling. She knelt down and
grasped the witch's hand to pull her up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I heard a crackle, and felt heat tickle across my
face. I turned back around and saw the
mist pull back from the man in the center of the field. He held out his arms, and flame licked the
tip of his wand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His shoulders were broad. Gray hair fell over his armored back. Gaia crouched in his
shadow, one arm entwined around his waist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I raised my sword. My heartbeat was thundering in my ears, drowning out the sound of the wind and the rain. My eyes frantically searched the mist for Reece, but all I saw were shadows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Dad!" I heard Regan scream.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Her voice was shrill, hysterical. She drew her wand up and held one arm out in front of the witch she had helped, backing away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A second figure emerged from the car, an older gentleman with a shaggy mop of frosted blue hair. He rushed out with his wand extended, screaming out spells in an ancient language. There was a flash, and the entire scene was bathed in a sick green hue. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Regan clasped her hands to either side of her head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the light faded, Constantine has not even turned in their direction. The elder warlock shook his head, and I saw his lips moving in what I can only assume was a string of curses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"How are we even supposed to get close to him?" Regan shouted over the noise of the storm, grasping her father's shoulder. "I can hardly even see him..."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHXIifj1tikz3Htk-HdsUCseZaF0y1gAqVn0MSIBWP7Ew7FotOKTJUVXx9OrUtoMe5ZmgnuQ87Ec6yEVDnddIHIA16YN0yA7wsilfIHdAa6lm50UmVWhtSzh8LVJ7JJYr1PCsSohuhf6Q/s1600/Nar17.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHXIifj1tikz3Htk-HdsUCseZaF0y1gAqVn0MSIBWP7Ew7FotOKTJUVXx9OrUtoMe5ZmgnuQ87Ec6yEVDnddIHIA16YN0yA7wsilfIHdAa6lm50UmVWhtSzh8LVJ7JJYr1PCsSohuhf6Q/s1600/Nar17.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The elder shook his head, his eyes darting from side to side. I could see the same look in his eyes that I had borne before my own comrades a hundred times. His mind was working overtime, calculating the risks, tearing together some semblance of strategy, all the while trying to appear calm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I squeezed the hilt of my sword and took a deep, shuddering breath. When I stood before monsters of immeasurable strength, I had found the best strategy was to find the beast's blind spot, and go straight for its throat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But the black clouds that engulfed the field made <i>me</i> blind. <i>Pestilence! </i>I would have to figure out a new strategy...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"<i>Sun flame and phoenix fire, may this light quench death's desire....</i>" I heard the elder shouting over the noise of the storm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I recognized the words of the spell in an instant. Reece had practiced, and failed, the same incantation a thousand times my freshman year at university.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lGrMTbcnhNd4o6SHvfKUyEaFJBpwFMRqzHEzD5OwZRiPZP7VuUE7o0ysKIgghq0_LjIYdzZcJ3N3WpI52iqkiIbczrdz0jh_LGcOKWo2pISCg0eiXm1GkEso9GENRj-EA2dpNc1N21Xz/s1600/Nar17.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lGrMTbcnhNd4o6SHvfKUyEaFJBpwFMRqzHEzD5OwZRiPZP7VuUE7o0ysKIgghq0_LjIYdzZcJ3N3WpI52iqkiIbczrdz0jh_LGcOKWo2pISCg0eiXm1GkEso9GENRj-EA2dpNc1N21Xz/s1600/Nar17.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Banish the shadows that surround the gate, and through the dark...</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was the sunlight charm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Illuminate!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Burning white light surged across the plain, cutting straight through the livid darkness that surrounded Constantine. For a moment, everything on the field was engulfed, and I saw every figure on the plain. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig1JiGO3wsHmwjXHOBGs0USJCH8DXsji48qZ4_Su1MLMepaXugr-mS4V9dvdihkgkdxaLpeVedQ-hlchyphenhyphenc49cggWFiqIV0YIITodLfsv5MganGcU-v4s8rngt_mdxKZOzeDfS5AHW40QY/s1600/Nar17.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig1JiGO3wsHmwjXHOBGs0USJCH8DXsji48qZ4_Su1MLMepaXugr-mS4V9dvdihkgkdxaLpeVedQ-hlchyphenhyphenc49cggWFiqIV0YIITodLfsv5MganGcU-v4s8rngt_mdxKZOzeDfS5AHW40QY/s1600/Nar17.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It only lasted for that flash of an instant, and then the mist crept back in, swelling from Constantine's outstretched wand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But it was enough. I had spotted Reece.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I bit down on my tongue to
keep from crying out to him. He stood not five feet from Constantine's tall, foreboding form. A flash of magic sparked from his wand, striking at Constantine's wrist. Constantine's head snapped in
Reece's direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reece!</i></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBx6cbyyDGlqvSE8FEoy5E78pQ1yo01nUSq-j79wsNlcoD5xfWp4id1jDhERPo3Xw3GekLObo88G3vYlto_IX0l8It4Rwjz21AFyH6Nn0pKax-XDoOvk3fvbvYlgpa4_tC4jdOPow_gCL/s1600/Nar17.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBx6cbyyDGlqvSE8FEoy5E78pQ1yo01nUSq-j79wsNlcoD5xfWp4id1jDhERPo3Xw3GekLObo88G3vYlto_IX0l8It4Rwjz21AFyH6Nn0pKax-XDoOvk3fvbvYlgpa4_tC4jdOPow_gCL/s1600/Nar17.23.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I tore out from behind the pillar and vaulted over Regan's car, not giving a single backward glance when I heard Regan cry out in alarm.</span></div>
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I sprinted at full speed towards Constantine. He kept his eyes ahead, not even seeing me. As I suspected, this warlock had a blind spot just as any dragon did.<br />
<br />
But there was a slight problem with my plan. Gaia was in Constantine's blind spot, and she had definitely noticed me. <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She turned in my direction and unwound her arms from around Constantine's
waist.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPit9XHIRKoFR1UEdObYaeRkI9csIZ8XdwDxM2bRKbNPrmxjaqZzrV4vl6g1rV_YPFRgvI-hbAnl47oD4HdrHGzsYbk2szBSMeomAyibUsmOaeFV_I5xjf3RmBsXNwC77rqp5_Bgqv4JLE/s1600/Nar17.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPit9XHIRKoFR1UEdObYaeRkI9csIZ8XdwDxM2bRKbNPrmxjaqZzrV4vl6g1rV_YPFRgvI-hbAnl47oD4HdrHGzsYbk2szBSMeomAyibUsmOaeFV_I5xjf3RmBsXNwC77rqp5_Bgqv4JLE/s1600/Nar17.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I pulled back the sword and swung it at her. She caught the blunt blade in her
hands and pushed back. I grit my teeth
and steeled my feet beneath me. She
would not catch me off guard again! I
spun around, yanking the sword out of her hands and pulling her off balance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Constantine's head turned just enough for me to see
the dark of his brow. Reece jumped
forward with his wand extended.
Constantine's momentary distraction was over in a matter of
seconds. He uttered a low, raspy command
and with one flick of his wrist, sent Reece reeling backwards, his wand sailing
from his hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“No!” I
screamed.</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I turned and clubbed Gaia in the face with the hilt
of my sword. Her head snapped back and
her eyes fluttered as she slumped to the ground. With Gaia out of my way, I grasped the tip of
my blade and then vaulted onto Constantine's back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I wrapped my legs around his chest and looped the
sword over his head. I pulled it tight
against his neck, even as his clawing hands dug into my arms. I pulled tighter, and he gasped momentarily
for breath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He twisted and writhed. His wand glowed with molten
heat. There was a crimson flash and an
explosion of energy sent me flying backwards.
Constantine slipped from my grasp and I fell back onto the ground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I gripped the hilt of my sword and pushed up to
strike him again, but at that moment he turned to face me.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvfLSwWzK0VQdSBPffD8iK_qIiAvzCsb7Vhy0kkvn3vlDFwNsrolhP_1Oaa6sI4kPl4vMUgw68YepY1LW1QjpKUibkYw_8Or0w1YlSiFthHagapZGJ8Lkm9iGGW07ctekOz2RmdtwhqAa/s1600/Nar17.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvfLSwWzK0VQdSBPffD8iK_qIiAvzCsb7Vhy0kkvn3vlDFwNsrolhP_1Oaa6sI4kPl4vMUgw68YepY1LW1QjpKUibkYw_8Or0w1YlSiFthHagapZGJ8Lkm9iGGW07ctekOz2RmdtwhqAa/s1600/Nar17.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And I recognized him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sSbqTkg31dQn7dQcmTLXWoSiOBNBUlOyN6rcD1bn6dI5L4U_me612hTxrAXR-P-zUe2ORgkg2uNnByIXitrbXq3J4fUaoljr_TWQuAoYcGXJ-fKlfc_8iMzlFHsbwKZwKvsY83D8wBXh/s1600/Nar17.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sSbqTkg31dQn7dQcmTLXWoSiOBNBUlOyN6rcD1bn6dI5L4U_me612hTxrAXR-P-zUe2ORgkg2uNnByIXitrbXq3J4fUaoljr_TWQuAoYcGXJ-fKlfc_8iMzlFHsbwKZwKvsY83D8wBXh/s1600/Nar17.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My mouth went dry.
My heart pounded. He stared back
at me with his striking blue eyes and his ageless face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He seemed just as shocked to see me as I was to see
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ2IarOAEoIGA3rgLABi1IFip9ShMwyNJR-ucy_p_ctwba-zrTcInxsOqmIAbK4JRYhMCXbcopd8mbTlH-xpxC6YIbQDDyYlq5WqiipjgyadVY3hyphenhyphenM5nKzAW6_xj-CHzIHktKesUo4b88/s1600/Nar17.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ2IarOAEoIGA3rgLABi1IFip9ShMwyNJR-ucy_p_ctwba-zrTcInxsOqmIAbK4JRYhMCXbcopd8mbTlH-xpxC6YIbQDDyYlq5WqiipjgyadVY3hyphenhyphenM5nKzAW6_xj-CHzIHktKesUo4b88/s1600/Nar17.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Reece push up
from the ground and lunge at Constantine.
He seized the tip of Constantine's wand. Constantine snapped back to attention and
tried to wrench his wand away, but Reece held fast. The two wrestled back and forth, sparks
igniting from the wand's tip.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvKPlAzrDKYI5b-KSpdYaeghvXa0SMiKJG-_wpaPc5hdTWCEPkGS4NgYGlFlHuYf8CM2KvtP8UnZps3fKqoaMNpYOhlNEZDwtzwW5u5GY0sD1c_rlqzZBX5RhOSjKCfTpYpxQ-rUp6j7C/s1600/Nar17.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvKPlAzrDKYI5b-KSpdYaeghvXa0SMiKJG-_wpaPc5hdTWCEPkGS4NgYGlFlHuYf8CM2KvtP8UnZps3fKqoaMNpYOhlNEZDwtzwW5u5GY0sD1c_rlqzZBX5RhOSjKCfTpYpxQ-rUp6j7C/s1600/Nar17.31.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Regan came running through the mist without so much
as a backward glance at me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Illuminate!”
she screamed, striking out with her wand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlsaM7tTiDj6rJZId67el-QGskIsZRSTtio88asOn_DTBg0o-VFYbNf6pg1BEh_pqWWxXcp4y7_z1Myuh4M8hbik8SNV5aQ1AOMhgd8BZsHI85N2zs5Qoh2ZESpvq-vBOHg0IecPqt-BO/s1600/Nar17.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlsaM7tTiDj6rJZId67el-QGskIsZRSTtio88asOn_DTBg0o-VFYbNf6pg1BEh_pqWWxXcp4y7_z1Myuh4M8hbik8SNV5aQ1AOMhgd8BZsHI85N2zs5Qoh2ZESpvq-vBOHg0IecPqt-BO/s1600/Nar17.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Light hit Constantine in the back, and he buckled
for a moment, but did not let go. Nor
did Reece. He held on with a death grip,
even as Constantine wrenched backwards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Ice!” a witch
shouted from the other side, and I turned to see Beatrice whipping out her
wand.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnCClM_RAOsxts2ubl_mBvvs8NBw9KFJtvY7ASUc-hIdYJk356aoI2HuW3BKZ1iSbe0mtlg38Tv2movtyAKMyRibQr8sZN3wW9R5IOqAUnz0vP5f_v7OMgKpLOOZPm6oDqkze-akey9eI/s1600/Nar17.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnCClM_RAOsxts2ubl_mBvvs8NBw9KFJtvY7ASUc-hIdYJk356aoI2HuW3BKZ1iSbe0mtlg38Tv2movtyAKMyRibQr8sZN3wW9R5IOqAUnz0vP5f_v7OMgKpLOOZPm6oDqkze-akey9eI/s1600/Nar17.34.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A torrent of frost burst from the tip of her wand
and wrapped around Constantine. He
clenched his teeth and tightened his grip.
Reece tightened his and pulled back.
The wand was slipping, slipping from Constanine's fingers and through
Reece's until finally...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5curHwu6lNeJdcOhOc4l__Mgh9QfbZT_mSJILFs5WzI3Q7WKjowrpBFxemSKyb3NHIu3tQ0pYDlPrQ4ZAeTmNNDDvcAEG6nsm4FUpLNrJXQxLkmBsMwDJFLgpI6OHTHELwPfNx4cCGfd/s1600/Nar17.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5curHwu6lNeJdcOhOc4l__Mgh9QfbZT_mSJILFs5WzI3Q7WKjowrpBFxemSKyb3NHIu3tQ0pYDlPrQ4ZAeTmNNDDvcAEG6nsm4FUpLNrJXQxLkmBsMwDJFLgpI6OHTHELwPfNx4cCGfd/s1600/Nar17.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Darkness!” the elder shouted. The ink-black magic that tore from his wand seemed to suck all of the light out of the air.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFCcdlZLGSKcyEoO8swzqauIFZR-1rXxKRJPPxnh2-x5x2aAbDSXkQmSd-75ZQjAfkbt8Xioweh_6FhNoUcTf6Hf6S5QS9oWZsNTkA0EO_Bt8XWgFyem7qWgsViZmxEGk6j_3twejLBAB/s1600/Nar17.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFCcdlZLGSKcyEoO8swzqauIFZR-1rXxKRJPPxnh2-x5x2aAbDSXkQmSd-75ZQjAfkbt8Xioweh_6FhNoUcTf6Hf6S5QS9oWZsNTkA0EO_Bt8XWgFyem7qWgsViZmxEGk6j_3twejLBAB/s1600/Nar17.36.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Constantine was struck in the back. A flash of light snapped from his wand, and
he and Reece tumbled to the ground. The
wand flew from their fingers and clattered into the mud next to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did not hesitate for a moment. I pulled back my sword and slammed it down. With an explosion of light
that knocked me from my feet, the wand shattered.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWD6xR6Sh-b_x4kkA_GdiEKL9yLUFQ8LY8sw8KB0f4IW9kLduPECwuMmf1M__XnJXP7JF2ksLHnq3dR7TZhfzh9OZatOFB19xZondzoblRFcqmqwhT121wk3TAHCrX1E1xctUkOfU_jKYq/s1600/Nar17.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWD6xR6Sh-b_x4kkA_GdiEKL9yLUFQ8LY8sw8KB0f4IW9kLduPECwuMmf1M__XnJXP7JF2ksLHnq3dR7TZhfzh9OZatOFB19xZondzoblRFcqmqwhT121wk3TAHCrX1E1xctUkOfU_jKYq/s1600/Nar17.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Constantine stared down at the scattered pieces of
his wand, his expression blank. Then, in one sudden motion, he lurched up and seized Reece by the throat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reece gagged, his hands clasping around
Constantine's thick, muscular forearm as his feet were lifted off the ground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptG33qAqRyzryCldJUZJQRHa8-Hsw4xOMQxevBINDZW6x6CMKQlBwjBlwUcVy9T2bZgdLyWBHpVrLMaM_DtMD8yhq4_Y1bmN1GrxBX2DdhLsGrOcP2VETZrZhXbkhdpVrVKWKKhXKVxCB/s1600/Nar17.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptG33qAqRyzryCldJUZJQRHa8-Hsw4xOMQxevBINDZW6x6CMKQlBwjBlwUcVy9T2bZgdLyWBHpVrLMaM_DtMD8yhq4_Y1bmN1GrxBX2DdhLsGrOcP2VETZrZhXbkhdpVrVKWKKhXKVxCB/s1600/Nar17.38.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Let him go!”
I screamed, drawing back my sword.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I swept the sword through the air and slammed it into Constantine's face.
Blood spurted from Constantine's temple, and he released Reece. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjs_w9JGDgMX2mz93c2naS5A5GZQp5qcJmSNR9FQl-qqIt_-_A6x4SS9wLtjVJDqWo9EYmwVfSg984poBfM-sO4c0JZxiMq4UOt5oyzsAm99VJQpEGihSF_A_s7u3zfg8IidJa7CPPWjb/s1600/Nar17.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjs_w9JGDgMX2mz93c2naS5A5GZQp5qcJmSNR9FQl-qqIt_-_A6x4SS9wLtjVJDqWo9EYmwVfSg984poBfM-sO4c0JZxiMq4UOt5oyzsAm99VJQpEGihSF_A_s7u3zfg8IidJa7CPPWjb/s1600/Nar17.39.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I tensed to strike again, gritting my teeth. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If my sword had been sharp then I would have had his </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">head!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Stand down, you reaping bastard!” Regan shouted, clasping the back of
Constantine's collar and yanking him backward.
With the help of Beatrice and Bella who flanked her on either side, she
wrestled Constantine away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-_H3mgckdTG7RR3aC3poU8lF5Yx0Nl8iDN2-pNVnvZNXjKEYk5hbqikloO7nevDeH92TdAO4Y4fSIKqTGJuxA1VWT2KOsETk5yTVDB-ngh-V3ccJ85bFyS51RgHWAW20AxrvmxrdTr26/s1600/Nar17.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-_H3mgckdTG7RR3aC3poU8lF5Yx0Nl8iDN2-pNVnvZNXjKEYk5hbqikloO7nevDeH92TdAO4Y4fSIKqTGJuxA1VWT2KOsETk5yTVDB-ngh-V3ccJ85bFyS51RgHWAW20AxrvmxrdTr26/s1600/Nar17.40.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reece stood up from the ground gasping and choking. He rubbed his neck, taking long, deep
breaths.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Reece!” I
shouted, dropping the sword and catching him as he swayed backwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He managed a half-smile at me. I dabbed at the mud and blood that ran from
his mouth, laughing with breathless relief.
I brushed the hair out of his eyes and kissed him. He rested his forehead on mine, his
shoulders heaving with every panting breath he took.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“So does that mean...” he said, his voice
hoarse. “... you love me too?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Uy-qJyJUwBTuGgfAm6gryTtuIRvc0BDx-FDWwvt0fdNjGDAD0OgWDCXZq4Z3YALyyth1WX2gYHLmETUcmmvIf2VQ8apuH_1oODY8uIwHuHY-nN3egnswqWOWb0coP-TkB81anwiJnHl-/s1600/Nar17.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Uy-qJyJUwBTuGgfAm6gryTtuIRvc0BDx-FDWwvt0fdNjGDAD0OgWDCXZq4Z3YALyyth1WX2gYHLmETUcmmvIf2VQ8apuH_1oODY8uIwHuHY-nN3egnswqWOWb0coP-TkB81anwiJnHl-/s1600/Nar17.41.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>“Yes!” I said,
laughing and winding my arms around him so I could clutch him tighter. “Reece, <i>yes!</i>”
I repeated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqnHa5_dDE1ugV_7-6TFaJVpLg598DFQR2V6e5NdphlFocMEnn7EkYm8PQxvybbxf38EoEDNSWxOlLUMEKX9XHoqTXmWVukNeE62_87Vyywkf11jkcJ6bJYK12N0dQZa2EChxfzpepmwE/s1600/Nar17.42+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqnHa5_dDE1ugV_7-6TFaJVpLg598DFQR2V6e5NdphlFocMEnn7EkYm8PQxvybbxf38EoEDNSWxOlLUMEKX9XHoqTXmWVukNeE62_87Vyywkf11jkcJ6bJYK12N0dQZa2EChxfzpepmwE/s1600/Nar17.42+-+Copy.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His eyes brightened. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“You mean like... </span><b><i>yes</i></b><i> </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">yes?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Yes!” I said
again, pressing my lips against his once more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This time Reece slid his arms around my waist to pull me up against his chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Once again, you have the most astounding sense of
timing.” Bella muttered, kicking the
ground and rolling her eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We ignored her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was some time before we
broke apart, both of us breathless. I
lay my head against his chest and sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia and Constantine stood in the center of a circle
of witches. Gaia reached out her hand, and Constantine seemed to automatically
wind his fingers through hers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Constantine's blue eyes bore right into me, and
a chill ran up my spine. I snuggled
closer into Reece's embrace, and looked away.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I caught sight of Regan on the other side of the
circle. Her lips cracked into a small
smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Thank you.”
she mouthed.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSBktoBeEJ0hmxl11hWae186pAEhvhOm6jrZyYq_ZgdnjSaSPgP1K1EwFbxY8dKazHXsubJnXLXEEvMlNgfkPpYGE-P2g0yjirE_4_Dsv8ei591tiA6URARfyxs1pc-ZE9mBUmVRspYi6/s1600/Nar17.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSBktoBeEJ0hmxl11hWae186pAEhvhOm6jrZyYq_ZgdnjSaSPgP1K1EwFbxY8dKazHXsubJnXLXEEvMlNgfkPpYGE-P2g0yjirE_4_Dsv8ei591tiA6URARfyxs1pc-ZE9mBUmVRspYi6/s1600/Nar17.48.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I would have replied, but the elder with the same
frosted blue hair as Reece stepped forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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"You have a great deal to answer for," he said to the two Lucians. He gave me the briefest of glances out of the
corner of his eye. I could see traces of
Reece's face behind the sunspots and lines of age that adorned his
features. He held up his wand, his gaze
fixing on Constantine. “Bind them.”
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-29549030782133687412014-08-31T22:15:00.001-05:002014-09-01T12:39:52.332-05:00Chapter Sixteen: Matriarch<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Which of the clans do you work for?” Gaia demanded, her wand stabbing into my
stomach. “The Goths? The Durwoods?
Answer me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“N-n-no…” I
stammered, gasping as she tightened her fingers around my throat. “I d-d-don’t…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“No?” she
said, raising her eyebrows and then dropping me down to the floor where I
coughed and sputtered with a hand pressed to my chest. “Well then I don’t care who you are. Goodbye.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90u3cnyEy1f8teB-PRL6MWGofwdbo1aglezlEUy3MDTMN6h7WI2zUuuhXYr5q-mzl_b5FEIMmbU4VrAAr0qGpvq5Zj9N_PW7Px460y712opr4Yhyphenhyphen_1nmhKQFTeADuZZxj4tvYKquJ9W7P/s1600/Nar16.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90u3cnyEy1f8teB-PRL6MWGofwdbo1aglezlEUy3MDTMN6h7WI2zUuuhXYr5q-mzl_b5FEIMmbU4VrAAr0qGpvq5Zj9N_PW7Px460y712opr4Yhyphenhyphen_1nmhKQFTeADuZZxj4tvYKquJ9W7P/s1600/Nar16.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She drew her wand back, light igniting at the
tip. I dove away. A burst of emerald magic exploded behind me,
its heat searing into the skin of my back.
Gaia's wrist snapped back and she pointed the wand at me again. I twisted, rolling away to the opposing wall,
the seam of my dress splitting with a loud rip.
My eyes flickered up to the twin swords beside the mantle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia watched me through narrowed eyes, the tip of
her wand glowing with a faint hum. In
one quick motion, I leapt up and snatched one of the swords, leaving the other
to clatter to the floor. I spun in the
air to face Gaia and landed on both feet.
Gaia's eyes widened in surprise for just a moment. I thrust the sword forward, towards her
outstretched wiry hands, and she darted backwards out of reach, her expression
hardening.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP8UwHBQgf9N4mxzktQyk-5bwZOSKv49gTMGg_OOD7b5y82ECd2-PsL1v3l7QQfk1KvV8rdJB1zUGbM-wRJZYQ7526MpAwKVbxKfzAUyG2mLFxRFFUnFiJgmnnihyphenhyphenZ-L3nq9dxDoXV6BA/s1600/Nar16.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP8UwHBQgf9N4mxzktQyk-5bwZOSKv49gTMGg_OOD7b5y82ECd2-PsL1v3l7QQfk1KvV8rdJB1zUGbM-wRJZYQ7526MpAwKVbxKfzAUyG2mLFxRFFUnFiJgmnnihyphenhyphenZ-L3nq9dxDoXV6BA/s1600/Nar16.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I ducked down, sweeping the sword across her
legs. The sword hit at her knees with a
resounding crack. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Had the blade been
sharp it would have severed her calves right where she stood, but the sword was
dull as a spoon and little more than a great blunt club in my hands. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Still, Gaia let out a cry of pain and tumbled
to the floor, her wand spinning out of her hand. It landed just a few feet away. Gaia clasped at her knee, revealing a tear in
her dress and a dark angry welt swelled on her skin where the sword had
impacted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“Sanitas!”</i> Gaia hissed under her breath and there was a flash
on her hand. In one quick burst of
light, the welt vanished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She stood to her feet as though nothing had
happened, towering even taller than before.
My eyes widened as I stared up at her.
Her beauty was inhuman, ageless.
She looked like a cut diamond, utterly breathtaking and immortal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The pieces clicked into place in my mind and I froze
where I stood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You're a Lucian.”
I whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia took advantage of my momentary distraction,
pivoting around and snatching her wand up from the floor. In an instant, her wand was aimed at me
again.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjC2sQ3Fv_3cdcvzEKN_n1TyBxkDAsd6qZ1cpHQL5yf2dywIKsZTKAmXqWecvHgDKJQhYsoBhNztZIYrL8yVYq7r2ow3fhEMrKaOqdhsrHoWQIWSN299FwsIU7c2dWhFaxmUSQv2pnaJ8/s1600/Nar16.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjC2sQ3Fv_3cdcvzEKN_n1TyBxkDAsd6qZ1cpHQL5yf2dywIKsZTKAmXqWecvHgDKJQhYsoBhNztZIYrL8yVYq7r2ow3fhEMrKaOqdhsrHoWQIWSN299FwsIU7c2dWhFaxmUSQv2pnaJ8/s1600/Nar16.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With a flick of her wrist,she sent a stream of simmering
fire racing towards me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqCeCYOkHP-CE5CmrCFrQUiBKOR4Z-5vXSEjBh3iLZfPPQbcfuR89ZwTiHFy-V72BP0-yPoOu3WiQ3I_Rc9Ur7eoY3d8NsE-vutGxDtxQg-PSjztionOrB8wfpC3VJwgz7sBLYh4MRaM9/s1600/Nar16.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqCeCYOkHP-CE5CmrCFrQUiBKOR4Z-5vXSEjBh3iLZfPPQbcfuR89ZwTiHFy-V72BP0-yPoOu3WiQ3I_Rc9Ur7eoY3d8NsE-vutGxDtxQg-PSjztionOrB8wfpC3VJwgz7sBLYh4MRaM9/s1600/Nar16.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The heat hit me
in the face first, then the smell of smoldering ash. My eyes widened, my hands felt thick and
swollen on the hilt of the sword. The firelight danced in my eyes for one agonizing second that seemed to stretch on
into eternity.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKZxlUGbR1jzaLk_Ge_odF2f2bUk3nELGPo3od-BJ4GnaBSBTZE-yxwP1yjvUOdeJ3HpXHwri33R1S01CvGO3q5ZKL_xMlzZgSShNAuSPzbH7fE1cI6xBntZiShNa9FyMY1zBwSUKStXE/s1600/Nar16.08.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKZxlUGbR1jzaLk_Ge_odF2f2bUk3nELGPo3od-BJ4GnaBSBTZE-yxwP1yjvUOdeJ3HpXHwri33R1S01CvGO3q5ZKL_xMlzZgSShNAuSPzbH7fE1cI6xBntZiShNa9FyMY1zBwSUKStXE/s1600/Nar16.08.2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a thunderous bang, the back doors to the
room catapulted open. I felt a rush of
cold air sweep straight through me, tendrils of frost and snow curling around
the free strands of my hair. Just as the
heat of the inferno seemed to singe the skin on my nose, the blast of ice
rushed forward to meet it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VOaTzXa0EbB9mHCHRuuNow2UD75tFRbR_DS_a8JkKZDF-GNmIkz6MTpIo2g1wueaL10b2dLUaujoh4SE3FtLcKddUquWgl0HUFNPMLRyhYAU4A4IAd1iuSYW4dsbdIa0DdXa_hX7-D55/s1600/Nar16.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VOaTzXa0EbB9mHCHRuuNow2UD75tFRbR_DS_a8JkKZDF-GNmIkz6MTpIo2g1wueaL10b2dLUaujoh4SE3FtLcKddUquWgl0HUFNPMLRyhYAU4A4IAd1iuSYW4dsbdIa0DdXa_hX7-D55/s1600/Nar16.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The two
opposing forces extinguished each other and my knees felt weak beneath me. I dropped towards the floor, my body wracked
with shivers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFqlbPc2154LMN4e4uyX5ypfrWrINan8RdqOX7GjlB7fGAqsydaqP8EqYjpmRRvD6JVJu01gcB6LFPofKS8UuzbmPdSlSttxLGjzKunO2rAodylsH9wAE_I_x2-4i8Mf8q7t6EXBzdzJZ/s1600/Nar16.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFqlbPc2154LMN4e4uyX5ypfrWrINan8RdqOX7GjlB7fGAqsydaqP8EqYjpmRRvD6JVJu01gcB6LFPofKS8UuzbmPdSlSttxLGjzKunO2rAodylsH9wAE_I_x2-4i8Mf8q7t6EXBzdzJZ/s1600/Nar16.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Gaia!” I
heard a shout behind me.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Clasping my quaking arms against my curled body, I
turned my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Three people stood in the doorway, each holding a
long, slim wand in warning. The woman
who stood at the front was clad in scarlet with ebony hair spilling over her
shoulders. The second woman was older,
lines of age etched into the places where her scowl was most prominent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The third figure was Reece.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp9fNv_lHOD5M5dyIqhs_9dwXY5RdJ8yZ7LRtPXGsAqjXwFlkth0xVQvylhIkJVbnsiU3xDgm-0ogvmo4GeXQ7WeFfiynShq193iUc3v4IH9oJKFtgxxLH7wJEE0YmwoNvtfu_dTWXlUW/s1600/Nar16.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp9fNv_lHOD5M5dyIqhs_9dwXY5RdJ8yZ7LRtPXGsAqjXwFlkth0xVQvylhIkJVbnsiU3xDgm-0ogvmo4GeXQ7WeFfiynShq193iUc3v4IH9oJKFtgxxLH7wJEE0YmwoNvtfu_dTWXlUW/s1600/Nar16.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I opened my mouth to cry out to him, but my teeth
could only chatter. The skin of my back
felt numb and goosebumps raised on my arms.
He barely glanced in my direction.
Like the two female witches who stood out in front of him, his eyes were
fixed on Gaia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Drop the wand.”
the woman at the front said, stepping forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0SAqfnenTopi4VHodRY07WVqTQfJMqP7F0-jOsvtKajPjZqKjp51fZlqat1O-AtcM4N2G6VJrFImvhzib6dxEvmpWCRDHW2P_e3O9sh4NxSpFmV-v1PA-iUEpBJluO7i7bN8XVNaTVdB/s1600/Nar16.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0SAqfnenTopi4VHodRY07WVqTQfJMqP7F0-jOsvtKajPjZqKjp51fZlqat1O-AtcM4N2G6VJrFImvhzib6dxEvmpWCRDHW2P_e3O9sh4NxSpFmV-v1PA-iUEpBJluO7i7bN8XVNaTVdB/s1600/Nar16.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“My sisters are at the front entrance. Orlando guards the second door. There's nowhere to run.” the second woman added, creeping along the
side of the wall.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkSzemrPcMyf5fxws9mDc4HcY82o8wuqjzWe6oAm0Pag3JUQZKuK0ELBg9mKB6uGxxKJqNs_r3tn92Di2XC4VniEUaUz1FAhc6SrLKED7HRI7WOZWcSk0Yu1Q1INVH9BH1AetBraIKNwH/s1600/Nar16.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkSzemrPcMyf5fxws9mDc4HcY82o8wuqjzWe6oAm0Pag3JUQZKuK0ELBg9mKB6uGxxKJqNs_r3tn92Di2XC4VniEUaUz1FAhc6SrLKED7HRI7WOZWcSk0Yu1Q1INVH9BH1AetBraIKNwH/s1600/Nar16.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia's eyes scanned back and forth. Her arm tensed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXUBpyCDa0vLWHajllXDbT7YhmiFvSuFB_x3BTt9U547JEFxQEMK-2KAEaAxFZD96jvbBwbob4liOogQ6BBSPW0Ly2IIuA5tAvzRFUEGiROa4uxDOn0yb6MKDXehZcRH5JlqU7457xtIZ/s1600/Nar16.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXUBpyCDa0vLWHajllXDbT7YhmiFvSuFB_x3BTt9U547JEFxQEMK-2KAEaAxFZD96jvbBwbob4liOogQ6BBSPW0Ly2IIuA5tAvzRFUEGiROa4uxDOn0yb6MKDXehZcRH5JlqU7457xtIZ/s1600/Nar16.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The older woman lashed out first, a torrent of
swirling storm clouds dancing from the tip of her wand and slamming into Gaia's
body. Gaia clenched her teeth and steeled
her feet beneath her. Her wand went up
and with a shout, light cascaded from the tip and crashed into the other
witch. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE6HR9h0ft_owm-vRm8okTougDhGdCru7LH-jzqlYVPLQTQjHsAcRl1Bi1waET5Xkr7C_TWM7AvLjKHI2UE3PYHFiHnUIbCnQEqJXeZgdEEDeV-y4xeq0d1dUPkOzzIxHwDm_RmBwJFdu/s1600/Nar16.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE6HR9h0ft_owm-vRm8okTougDhGdCru7LH-jzqlYVPLQTQjHsAcRl1Bi1waET5Xkr7C_TWM7AvLjKHI2UE3PYHFiHnUIbCnQEqJXeZgdEEDeV-y4xeq0d1dUPkOzzIxHwDm_RmBwJFdu/s1600/Nar16.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She was blown back off her feet and her body tumbled to the ground.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa_tyJ9Nph5YV9Jgea5bTD4rq2CTusATgNr2GX4cka2zN0E2qr-JFPGfkHoD-6bBGe6_AhyphenhyphenKljVR1a_ENklL-Fa7RJcMPfe-Ztfxz-ck_qZKl7jRljR4Mn636vmZOh72SHrOk-KX5Zxuj/s1600/Nar16.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa_tyJ9Nph5YV9Jgea5bTD4rq2CTusATgNr2GX4cka2zN0E2qr-JFPGfkHoD-6bBGe6_AhyphenhyphenKljVR1a_ENklL-Fa7RJcMPfe-Ztfxz-ck_qZKl7jRljR4Mn636vmZOh72SHrOk-KX5Zxuj/s1600/Nar16.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Immediately, Reece and the young witch lurched
forward. The witch sprang, a raging
inferno of sparks that danced like mad fireflies bursting from her wand to
streak towards Gaia. Gaia tumbled
headlong into the floor, and then was up again, her wand held high. Reece bounded into her path, sending a wave
of cutting light into her face. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQESnGUTumn-b77-xcU4OR9_uKjK85rrcijUDRE1fJtWFv4s0aRIwmUipsiwi2KDrdfcZUkMussOIfEencNzVL-0bt6wJmAyieIq71cN6UNE6iSLnhMz6iMgBu2O2xv1Kt1JP7fx4MsRsZ/s1600/Nar16.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQESnGUTumn-b77-xcU4OR9_uKjK85rrcijUDRE1fJtWFv4s0aRIwmUipsiwi2KDrdfcZUkMussOIfEencNzVL-0bt6wJmAyieIq71cN6UNE6iSLnhMz6iMgBu2O2xv1Kt1JP7fx4MsRsZ/s1600/Nar16.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia
deflected it with an annoyed flick of her wrist. She raised her wand again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKhT1YhyOpqXeVRvz6QckVn0Cb8E62xyyPaJaCtZKrycRaT-26iIUQ38mtkLNZL2-HPv2Y5yRFP9dOyd7cGMSjV5rqgijKrtp2ohLhBbEkzzMao5d2fhBEX8W0VhyphenhyphenVAG_i1hgnaVtwN0S/s1600/Nar16.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKhT1YhyOpqXeVRvz6QckVn0Cb8E62xyyPaJaCtZKrycRaT-26iIUQ38mtkLNZL2-HPv2Y5yRFP9dOyd7cGMSjV5rqgijKrtp2ohLhBbEkzzMao5d2fhBEX8W0VhyphenhyphenVAG_i1hgnaVtwN0S/s1600/Nar16.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Don't touch him!”
I screamed out, my shaking hands clasping around the hilt of the sword as I leapt to my feet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia only had one instant to turn her head towards
me, her eyes wide and surprised, before I struck her outstretched wand with the
blade. It flew from her fingers, sputtering sparks of magic, and
clattered to the floor in two splintered pieces.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7QX7TtRxJsT3-YZDJ5gFYhxoCQaFwWf7P0ZS5JshpNBaYNwMuUyIRQyRvBU8PnD9wj73ZkzXVY53j3GP0fR9d40Ef9rxvUuI2IgqC3g-UK5Zze30RKk_zQnidm9a7yPU36ERiwuGvP7C/s1600/Nar16.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7QX7TtRxJsT3-YZDJ5gFYhxoCQaFwWf7P0ZS5JshpNBaYNwMuUyIRQyRvBU8PnD9wj73ZkzXVY53j3GP0fR9d40Ef9rxvUuI2IgqC3g-UK5Zze30RKk_zQnidm9a7yPU36ERiwuGvP7C/s1600/Nar16.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia's eyes narrowed at me, and I could practically
feel their heat simmering into my frozen core.
She slammed her fist into my face.
I was stunned by the sheer amount of physical power she threw into that
punch, it sent me crashing to the floor with stars dancing across my
vision. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzi7bcj4B-fyRAgymGRsBchZVDA1KMfrE4v20CZ6KWvo_kRfMK5SGLv51yIaF2WXFsrtBkzuNYTg-Ss9m4V4A3ro3K0Absne2AOdarJBCbbf3g0064dn67otiUxN9yklxD1zEjagVREQd/s1600/Nar16.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzi7bcj4B-fyRAgymGRsBchZVDA1KMfrE4v20CZ6KWvo_kRfMK5SGLv51yIaF2WXFsrtBkzuNYTg-Ss9m4V4A3ro3K0Absne2AOdarJBCbbf3g0064dn67otiUxN9yklxD1zEjagVREQd/s1600/Nar16.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A high pitched ringing sounded
in my ears, and I clasped my hands together against the carpet to keep the room from spinning. I was
vaguely aware of Reece lunging at Gaia. I heard the other two witches' shouting in a
frenzy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPG_IPdoiBq1_0aGOTcQI1BoFmOVvxPl_kLdt7mr8FhGK6PA-vug6-unIj0NNf59b4E9STa3xWwWn0Z3wK0_EuwU5gICf2jRyucyMb1h8S8v9R62nQxUL_Qyt6TdvJ780PUVFvt_YFEwx/s1600/Nar16.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPG_IPdoiBq1_0aGOTcQI1BoFmOVvxPl_kLdt7mr8FhGK6PA-vug6-unIj0NNf59b4E9STa3xWwWn0Z3wK0_EuwU5gICf2jRyucyMb1h8S8v9R62nQxUL_Qyt6TdvJ780PUVFvt_YFEwx/s1600/Nar16.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When at last my vision cleared and I was able to
lift my head, still holding one hand to my throbbing cheekbone, I saw Reece
clinging onto Gaia with a choke hold.
She wriggled in his grasp, drawing something out of the bodice of her
dress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Oh, bloody abyss... no!” the young witch in red screamed, throwing her
wand back to strike.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia threw the object down on the floor and a
kaleidoscope of colors sprang from her feet and wrapped around her form. Reece's arms fell through her as though she
was as insubstantial as mist and he hit the floor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia's body seemed to fragment into a stream
of wispy vapor and she went streaking through the library doors as though they
were not even there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Reaper take her!”
the young witch cried in frustration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The older witch was getting up off the floor,
dusting herself off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“She doesn't have enough magic to get far. I'll alert my sisters. Make sure she doesn't come back this way to
escape.” she said, pulling a phone
out of her pocket as she rushed towards the doors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“But, Beatrice-!”
the young woman started, following the other witch part of the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Do as I say, Bella!” the witch snapped, throwing the
doors aside and plowing straight through the crowd of Gala attendees who had
clustered around the doorway, no doubt to investigate the noise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I ambled to my feet.
Pain shot up from my left knee and I was still wracked with
shivers, but I limped in Reece's direction.
He stood with his head still pointed towards the door, his wand falling
back down to his side.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Reece!” I
cried. “When did you get
back? When you did not reply to my letter
I was so worried you-!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece whirled around quite abruptly, clasped his
hand against my neck and pulled me towards him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And then his lips were on mine. My heart, which had been pounding at a
frantic, wild rhythm, seemed
to stop dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My eyes fluttered closed. Warmth trickled into my frozen blood and
crept from the center of my chest to my numb, cold fingers. My knees were weak beneath me and I leaned
against him, coiling my arms around his neck and pressing my lips tighter against
his.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“By the abyss... what the reaper, Reece?” Bella shouted, snorting in annoyance.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGkliXUek9DKeXPMtjVBttYXI23jPSyVzYTqpw_4RF8Qj9bxMmbnd1zQV-SGOBDVH6n-agbttQxDKQv2wNfndU7IEPjbexlzB80-3ZeoC01XGMQNx7pEv1LcsC1lHd1Y4K88jg5S3aYJE/s1600/Nar16.32.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGkliXUek9DKeXPMtjVBttYXI23jPSyVzYTqpw_4RF8Qj9bxMmbnd1zQV-SGOBDVH6n-agbttQxDKQv2wNfndU7IEPjbexlzB80-3ZeoC01XGMQNx7pEv1LcsC1lHd1Y4K88jg5S3aYJE/s1600/Nar16.32.1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was vaguely aware of the dozens of bewildered eyes
that must be on us, watching from outside the doors, but I did not care. Reece ran his hands down my neck and around
my torso, trailing heat and life into my quivering body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He broke away all too soon. I was breathless, and so was he.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Good Watcher, I should have done that ages ago!” he
said, panting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“You're such a great judge of timing.” Bella muttered in annoyance, crossing her
arms over her chest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I opened my mouth to speak, but found my teeth
chattering. Reece pulled me back into
his embrace and rubbed my back. I closed
my eyes and let his heat seep into me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh... sorry about that.” Bella said, her tone of annoyance giving way
to one of apology. “My ice blast went
straight through you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“It's... okay...”
I said, nodding my head. “Cold... is better than heat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mmmm, maybe not.
Snuggling into Reece's arms and letting his body warm mine was without
any doubt much better than the cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia...”
Reece said, pressing his cheek against the top of my hair. “I need to tell you... I've been such an
idiot for not saying it sooner. And I've had one too many
near-death experiences the past month to keep this bottled up anymore...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Reece...” I
said, drawing my head back to look at him with wide eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I love you, Sophia!”
he said, pressing a finger to my lips.
“I've loved you since I was a kid staying up way past my bedtime reading
books about you. I've loved you since I
first felt your soul lingering in the Void by your grave. And I've fallen even more madly in love with
you since the night I first held you in my arms. You are brighter, better, and more beautiful
than anything I ever imagined about you before I brought you back, and I'm just
falling more in love with you looking at you right now.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Oh, Reece I-!”
I started to say.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A rumble of thunder shook the floor, and my words
died on my lips. Anxious murmurs rippled
through the crowd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Problem!”
Beatrice shouted, shoving through the crowd of congregating people. Sweat dripped down her brow and her fingers
were clenched around her wand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“What?” Bella
asked, whipping her head around. “Her
wand was broken! She was low on magic,
you said so yourself-!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“It's Constantine.”
Beatrice hissed, almost as though she were cursing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It fell deathly silent, as though all of the air had
been sucked out of the room. Clutching Reece's body close to mine, I felt Reece's heart skip a beat. That split-second felt like a
block of ice slamming into the center of my chest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Constantine.
The Lucian Patriarch. The one
Reece believed was centuries-old, perhaps even older than myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Th-th-that's not....” Bella stammered, her eyes growing wide. “N-not possible! None of our agents have seen him in fifteen
years-!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“He's here!”
Beatrice shouted back, though her own eyes were wide with terror. “I'm not sure if she called him or if he was
waiting here this whole time... but he's going to blast my sisters into next
century. Come on!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Reap it.”
Reece whispered, a quiver of fear in his voice. He pulled back from me, his arms unwinding
from around my own. “I have to go.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Wait, Reece I lo-!”
I shouted, clasping his arm as he pulled away. He turned back and silenced me with another
kiss, this one harder, insistent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It felt like goodbye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Lover boy, come on!”
Bella shouted, grasping the back of Reece's tunic as she rushed by.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece's lips pulled away from my own, but he kept
holding onto my hands. He pressed
something onto my finger, but my skin was still so numb I could not feel what
it was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I'll be back as soon as I can.” Reece said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">His hands were shaking as he tore them from my
grasp. He gripped his wand and allowed
Bella to drag him to the doorway. He
looked back at me until they crossed the threshold. Then he turned, and followed Bella, sprinting
down the ballroom floor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Daria pushed through the crowd, doing a double take
on Reece as he raced away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Reece?” I
heard her ask, but he was already gone.
She turned her eyes back to me, and then rushed across the room. “Sophia?
What happened? Your dress! Your fingers... What happened, where did you go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I stared at the doorway where
Reece had disappeared in bewilderment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I was... I was trying to get away from Thane.” I whispered, pressing my hand to my
temple. My eyes snapped open and I
gasped, clasping Daria's forearms.
“Thane! Oh Watcher... I have to
tell Reece what they said! It could be
important...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Wait, slow down!
Thane left a few minutes ago. What
happened? Watcher, your hands are
freezing!” Daria said, clasping my
frozen fingers in hers. Her eyes
widened. “Sophia... what...?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I looked down at my hand. My heart pounded in disbelief.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reece had put a ring on my finger.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-29080221369170495782014-07-28T23:51:00.000-05:002014-07-28T23:57:03.600-05:00Chapter Fifteen: Gala<div class="Standard">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwIEIFcU6XwfghHUv1rJcmsFbOR8AFZduNZD8EG_wPZQV1-FfzAi_HC9rChTBzO8xxP0dRE0xJ3Ae2xWXTjOYvgAiHkg_QzTPDrmNJw-NqChHsbNx93OSpWYJCNf7SrD_ms9IWiE2XurU/s1600/Nar15.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwIEIFcU6XwfghHUv1rJcmsFbOR8AFZduNZD8EG_wPZQV1-FfzAi_HC9rChTBzO8xxP0dRE0xJ3Ae2xWXTjOYvgAiHkg_QzTPDrmNJw-NqChHsbNx93OSpWYJCNf7SrD_ms9IWiE2XurU/s1600/Nar15.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Come on, don’t bail out on me
now!” Daria said, nudging me forward.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I took a deep breath in and twisted the chain of my necklace
in my sweating fingers. With some
reluctance, I walked through the open doors and into the vast ballroom. The air inside was cool and fresh, and music
echoed against the towering pillars.
Daria’s heels clicked against the marble floor, and she barely
restrained a squeal of joy as she stepped next to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Watcher on </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">high!</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is
incredible!” she whispered, bouncing on
her heels.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I smiled a little. It
was incredible, like stepping into a fairy tale.
A small quartet played classical music in the corner. The smell of fresh sweets drifted in the
air. Elegantly dressed people danced in
the center of the ballroom floor while others dined at round tables covered in
lace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But all I could think was that I was supposed to be here with
Reece. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q4XxzbZsPqFgyOXeY8bRreCxxFw6LVJLe8hkDsn2okdbz1Eu_5UpOUX_quzW3_BkpnGw2oIxzscALoMZRDCphaunthii3e6gh72osdqDaRqCC-aNCv12PA7K7KhAUukewFBVEga7SQKc/s1600/Nar15.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q4XxzbZsPqFgyOXeY8bRreCxxFw6LVJLe8hkDsn2okdbz1Eu_5UpOUX_quzW3_BkpnGw2oIxzscALoMZRDCphaunthii3e6gh72osdqDaRqCC-aNCv12PA7K7KhAUukewFBVEga7SQKc/s1600/Nar15.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Look, there's Lief!”
Daria grabbed me by the elbow and led me across the ballroom.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Her tall, dark handsome oak greeted her with a gentle peck on
the cheek. She wound her arm through his
and snuggled into his side. I crossed my
arms and stared down at the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I want to dance before we see the things up for
auction!” Daria gushed. She glanced back at me, biting her lip. “Unless... Sophia wants to sit and eat
first?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I shook my head.
“That's alright. You two go on ahead.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I gave her a smile.
Daria was so aglow with joy it was difficult not to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wudIhbVpv7F593D6-3vk6OK-aboCwnF9zzvlyy_A00wwz6GAbpjOmTfWKfdLRsaXnHgtRwKasYQWoF2Pt1-9unBt-_V7emPxabvkeiJ42LGvqqPXedDdIcpVKYgoh8zhllYROVpBQb9E/s1600/Nar15.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wudIhbVpv7F593D6-3vk6OK-aboCwnF9zzvlyy_A00wwz6GAbpjOmTfWKfdLRsaXnHgtRwKasYQWoF2Pt1-9unBt-_V7emPxabvkeiJ42LGvqqPXedDdIcpVKYgoh8zhllYROVpBQb9E/s1600/Nar15.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She pursued her lips together. “Are you sure? We don't mind waiting...”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I made a shooing motion with my hands, and Lief pulled her
out onto the ballroom floor. She glanced
back at me a few times, but eventually settled into Lief's embrace with a
contented smile on her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLeJiXu3PM8Oy_kIOLbiwW6CZ-CNbKQm7XoXqqO4zaw0pb-K1JfNvidulfYeMMGBlHNOI1MU_rgtXAb0up89u-M_Uk9jKQn8-28g28zB01H-gXVqZpB_muYRDktm7KON-8fjJfrOc67fp/s1600/Nar15.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLeJiXu3PM8Oy_kIOLbiwW6CZ-CNbKQm7XoXqqO4zaw0pb-K1JfNvidulfYeMMGBlHNOI1MU_rgtXAb0up89u-M_Uk9jKQn8-28g28zB01H-gXVqZpB_muYRDktm7KON-8fjJfrOc67fp/s1600/Nar15.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I paced down the length of the buffet tables, but could only
muster up an appetite when I found the chocolate fountain. After a few tastes, I was beginning to think
I might be able to enjoy this evening after all. The violin started a bouncing, joyous tune
and I tapped my foot to the beat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You look ravishing this
evening.” a low voice said behind me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I gagged on the chocolate and clamped my hand over my
mouth. Swallowing the sudden sour taste
in my throat, I turned to face him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO0KPtvV6sWZceuQ0bN6lvfQiAuIa2XrZidKCS7Shh5zt16Bt8jXV8ccks-1jle8rAyyNOY9_lpbmMk-OINN3Be-bASm8Q96Klzq6l1hgGqXP7n43ZHhS2haqBdxNIE7QuGTw5CtQsdCB/s1600/Nar15.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO0KPtvV6sWZceuQ0bN6lvfQiAuIa2XrZidKCS7Shh5zt16Bt8jXV8ccks-1jle8rAyyNOY9_lpbmMk-OINN3Be-bASm8Q96Klzq6l1hgGqXP7n43ZHhS2haqBdxNIE7QuGTw5CtQsdCB/s1600/Nar15.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thane looked all the more handsome in his clean, pressed
suit, though the narrow-eyed scowl he wore on his face almost ruined the
effect. I laid the chocolate stick down on the buffet table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“As do you, Mr. Stenberg. If you
will excuse me…” I whispered, turning to
walk away.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbYTObBgNVT9kTW-LQzXrfng52SSfy5IT38wcCyMgPCfihdAw5Jn_WbLVie8iuNmKP74CcEicg9fvUzZVgrXkYo3mzKjqg7CurkUJvWS8EF5J6sw6TpLwARjeT3jGJXCon6vXX-tsncbC/s1600/Nar15.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbYTObBgNVT9kTW-LQzXrfng52SSfy5IT38wcCyMgPCfihdAw5Jn_WbLVie8iuNmKP74CcEicg9fvUzZVgrXkYo3mzKjqg7CurkUJvWS8EF5J6sw6TpLwARjeT3jGJXCon6vXX-tsncbC/s1600/Nar15.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He caught me by the hand with an iron
grip and pulled me back towards him. “You’re
not running away from me again. Dance
with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I tried to plant my feet, but I felt as
though my flats were only sliding further along the glossy floor after
him. “Mr. Stenberg, I must
decline!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He turned back to me, and the corners
of his lips turned up. His eyes
narrowed. “I insist.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His hand pressed into the small of my
back and his fingers wound around mine.
I gulped and stared over his shoulder, avoiding his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I was rather put out when you
fled the night of the bonfire.” he said, stepping in time to the music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The hand I held on his shoulder curled
into a fist. I felt my face flush. “I apologize for my behavior. I did not… I did not feel well that evening.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“And I must assume your busy schedule is the reason you never
called to explain this?” Thane tilted
his head to the side and raised his eyebrows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought of the crumpled phone number I had immediately
tossed in the wastebasket and bit my lip to avoid smirking at him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Yes.” I lied. “So... how did your business
trip go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane was silent for a moment, his
scowl relaxing. He sighed, and stared
out at the quartet as they finished the song.
“About as well as it could have, given the circumstances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane's steps slowed as the song came
to a close, but he did not let go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh... I am sorry.” I whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The musicians began again, a much slower piece that I did not
like in the slightest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane started leading the dance again
as though the music had never stopped. “Tell
me, how did you come to Dragon Valley?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CdF5NGnkFnKZA5N_X5Rx7r0o8RIui6CL880LK_7894M8k2feSOrkdwGpjFm4sU9SMJx6IPaXuZKsWnkRxhISJ2NX_-tG3BnwQVJS_sxmzAGeE939T6w71IxrQENjBCGHR-l8ZDIKUNHL/s1600/Nar15.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CdF5NGnkFnKZA5N_X5Rx7r0o8RIui6CL880LK_7894M8k2feSOrkdwGpjFm4sU9SMJx6IPaXuZKsWnkRxhISJ2NX_-tG3BnwQVJS_sxmzAGeE939T6w71IxrQENjBCGHR-l8ZDIKUNHL/s1600/Nar15.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My heartbeat quickened, and my mind
scrambled for a believable answer. I
thought of my visit alibi, the one that Daria had thought up for me. “Oh… I am an exchange student. From London.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane let out a low chuckle, and shook
his head. He pulled me closer to him and
whispered in my ear. “I have
difficulty believing that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The cool air of the ballroom suddenly
felt hot and stiffing. “And why is that, Mr. Stenberg?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Because an old classmate of
yours, told me something rather… <i>intriguing</i>.” Thane hissed in my ear, making me flinch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jaye’s face flashed in my mind, looking grumpy and vengeful
in the firelight all those months ago. I
felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His grip on my hand tightened and he pulled me close to
him. His breath felt hot against the
skin of my neck. My throat went dry and
I felt sweat forming around the fingers he clasped at my back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“So tell me… <i>Miss Carol,</i>" Thane whispered in my ear. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hearing him say my name, my </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">true </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">name, made me feel as though a storm of fire and ice shuddered in the center of my chest. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"...who are you </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">really</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">?”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fegwwHoSZPiBEQbMKjW33KvfPgEx-ZFabUn2IyEkwzJmWLr-DtE3zWThUdCWa1pAreXW8LHacqvoOyH7X-Ov892iejiEtugJgrbNf1RPaC8w09CYOkGUGup7rkmy9Gh4OunCardMp1F2/s1600/Nar15.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fegwwHoSZPiBEQbMKjW33KvfPgEx-ZFabUn2IyEkwzJmWLr-DtE3zWThUdCWa1pAreXW8LHacqvoOyH7X-Ov892iejiEtugJgrbNf1RPaC8w09CYOkGUGup7rkmy9Gh4OunCardMp1F2/s1600/Nar15.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I wrenched my hand from his grasp and backed away. A couple dancing nearby gave us a quizzical
look. Thane curled his now-empty fingers
into a fist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sweat trickled down my brow and I was
breathless. “Why are you
interested?”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblzLHa1qMlFoXeeHAttvnwWcfqUBZR4_2xxKJz7DEf6k4EmhGR34-m7_FzPXSrmgndjXMtQYU7c12mitTN9EWZG5SzDH1MEO50XGIvqDfJtZgxulOdPwQSAqnFSy9enExI445KwJp1Ru0/s1600/Nar15.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblzLHa1qMlFoXeeHAttvnwWcfqUBZR4_2xxKJz7DEf6k4EmhGR34-m7_FzPXSrmgndjXMtQYU7c12mitTN9EWZG5SzDH1MEO50XGIvqDfJtZgxulOdPwQSAqnFSy9enExI445KwJp1Ru0/s1600/Nar15.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane crossed his arms over his chest, his mouth twisting
into a frown. “Why are you evading
my question?”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2d_jgzsi3wm74j0w2MEZYnV5-3393hHa5pDwxSSRaXRuYqrgYRabrEfiCG1xJAXvTjC95MHNmpaAaCzPOj-_7o1ad3O6Y8AKQ3u9EPhWAJYlP1JmsP-FSJwM6lgMJ7EnWg6-_7vZ8hHN/s1600/Nar15.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2d_jgzsi3wm74j0w2MEZYnV5-3393hHa5pDwxSSRaXRuYqrgYRabrEfiCG1xJAXvTjC95MHNmpaAaCzPOj-_7o1ad3O6Y8AKQ3u9EPhWAJYlP1JmsP-FSJwM6lgMJ7EnWg6-_7vZ8hHN/s1600/Nar15.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I swallowed. I could
feel my heartbeat pounding in my throat.
With shaking fingers, I brushed a stray lock of hair back behind my ear
and turned away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I… I feel poorly.” I whispered, hoarse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia…” Thane’s voiced darkened in warning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I clasped the skirt of my dress and practically <i>sprinted </i>from the ballroom floor. Bystanders threw concerned glances in my
direction. I paused by the refreshment
tables, pressing a hand to the center of my chest and panting. I searched the faces of the guests for Daria,
or Lief, or <i>anyone </i>I knew, but they
were all unfamiliar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnsi39N0nDbr1STAC9QWW4PCmlh-Og0suJCokMasnM3-6Y8kTFs2YP3hotYrVtAch8TkXqnmvlAUmj2WbjN9ahXFt6_pwGzHhDk39lsA10XRpJwDQ4fOJ2hz5Ksz7UBILODgkQOaMuZIw/s1600/Nar15.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnsi39N0nDbr1STAC9QWW4PCmlh-Og0suJCokMasnM3-6Y8kTFs2YP3hotYrVtAch8TkXqnmvlAUmj2WbjN9ahXFt6_pwGzHhDk39lsA10XRpJwDQ4fOJ2hz5Ksz7UBILODgkQOaMuZIw/s1600/Nar15.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I glanced back at the dance floor out of the corner of my
eye. Thane strode in my direction with a
tight-lipped frown. I rushed around the
refreshment table and stepped over the velvet ropes that separated the ballroom
from the hallway. Turning the next
corner, I came to a pair of large, ornate double-doors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I could just feel the heat of his body pressing against my
back, but when I turned around there was no one there. I gripped the handle of the door and pulled
it open, making as little noise as possible, and ducked inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Grand bookcases lined the walls, filled to the brim with
gold-embossed leather spines. I was in a small library. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My heart would have
ached with wonder, had it not been beating so fast. I pressed my ear to the door and waited.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Footsteps thudded in the outside hallway. I whirled around, clasping the handles of the
door behind my back. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVQA-WktZQIC6gHh0jwfPR-8hg8r9peZsQqcuZt4KoKNzvWvW1f4Jru_yVPVhix45lXCtiPTgEXp8t0UryMJ1UsrfZpHL0P0U2a7qmpPI_nKiE7oQS76GE816S5ZquNiF-sZpsyUMA2Nt/s1600/Nar15.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVQA-WktZQIC6gHh0jwfPR-8hg8r9peZsQqcuZt4KoKNzvWvW1f4Jru_yVPVhix45lXCtiPTgEXp8t0UryMJ1UsrfZpHL0P0U2a7qmpPI_nKiE7oQS76GE816S5ZquNiF-sZpsyUMA2Nt/s1600/Nar15.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My eyes darted
around the room, and settled on an oak wardrobe. A<i> wardrobe</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It seemed almost ludicrous that anyone would keep a wardrobe in a library but its lavish wine-red wood blended in so well with the room’s other finery that it appeared right at home. I could only assume t</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he owner of this venue was either mad or as bookish as Mr. Peters. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I heard a thump behind the door, and I launched across the
room. There was a moment, when I pulled
open the door to the wardrobe and stared at the empty space within, that I felt
almost foolish. I was playing hide and
seek, like a child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The door handles rattled, and my heart leapt into my
throat. I could almost smell the smoke
that thickened the air around last winter’s bonfire. Within the fire, my memories flickered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The stench of burning flesh.
Scales reflecting the inferno. My
mother’s blackened body in my quaking arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWS3mw8fDNC-tO-wT-BJ9YxtH68EAPnMTIDJ76XyWikQmrMfxRoKM0W5_KfuIj8yjlUay8bI0H8D7kkYpBJ3NcS2Xet_H4vfFnlcOqzBJQWnMVZKL56qElIdw2S3IZiJzJREgEIWkhHJ-/s1600/Nar15.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWS3mw8fDNC-tO-wT-BJ9YxtH68EAPnMTIDJ76XyWikQmrMfxRoKM0W5_KfuIj8yjlUay8bI0H8D7kkYpBJ3NcS2Xet_H4vfFnlcOqzBJQWnMVZKL56qElIdw2S3IZiJzJREgEIWkhHJ-/s1600/Nar15.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I scrambled into the wardrobe and pulled the door all but a
finger’s width shut. I crouched down and
backed against the wall. A single band
of golden light shined across my face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdExYVxJGEPZew_mB-qg8A9ok-fcrYCihIAOeELRr3s1ZB4QlUnppBIK-X8QpPz_OczK3LK3Fc3eZbzJNv0A1NHEa1Gg2QZCK24ZDccOq481vIh7E9hP2A8wxW693ZWGXXcxPfZBiRPFu2/s1600/Nar15.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdExYVxJGEPZew_mB-qg8A9ok-fcrYCihIAOeELRr3s1ZB4QlUnppBIK-X8QpPz_OczK3LK3Fc3eZbzJNv0A1NHEa1Gg2QZCK24ZDccOq481vIh7E9hP2A8wxW693ZWGXXcxPfZBiRPFu2/s1600/Nar15.27.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For a moment, all was silent.
The images flashing in my mind slowed to a crawl, and then quieted
completely. I let out a quivering breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Staring through the crack between the wardrobe doors, I had a
thought that if Mr. Peter’s could see me now, he might say, "...<i>she remembered, as every sensible person does, that you should never, never shut yourself up in a wardrobe.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A smile cracked at the corners of my lips. I almost giggled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafzPwM_W5_6aev1eOIijbMOFT3gHbWAQHP89oyi0Fw0bIqFVr5JpafRsdvVyXX53wkxm0ia5hiJZs1w6EPTqFzhYflng31HUuzhseBxAuIEEe6WiLr2ZT0aT4vxKbZGSwYVBAd6xfNXY9/s1600/Nar15.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafzPwM_W5_6aev1eOIijbMOFT3gHbWAQHP89oyi0Fw0bIqFVr5JpafRsdvVyXX53wkxm0ia5hiJZs1w6EPTqFzhYflng31HUuzhseBxAuIEEe6WiLr2ZT0aT4vxKbZGSwYVBAd6xfNXY9/s1600/Nar15.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then the door to the library swung straight open and banged
into the wall. I stopped breathing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane strode into the room.
He looked up and down the bookshelves, his jaw clenched and his hands
balled into tight fists at his sides. I
pressed my body up against the smooth, glazed back of the wardrobe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWl1NFonshE91aDsBUg8hTfAq1vNpf2FePOGNHX3STY5VrP2ZLVeFsporxn-tvfzQ_uqQd5HT1ymfUv8A23szxPvXJ-dWmZR0ed8HG9jaqeub59Sq9zusufSGZ4JZH6jjKv_7Lj8ybxgX/s1600/Nar15.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWl1NFonshE91aDsBUg8hTfAq1vNpf2FePOGNHX3STY5VrP2ZLVeFsporxn-tvfzQ_uqQd5HT1ymfUv8A23szxPvXJ-dWmZR0ed8HG9jaqeub59Sq9zusufSGZ4JZH6jjKv_7Lj8ybxgX/s1600/Nar15.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His eyes passed over the wardrobe. My heartbeat thundered in my ears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He turned in full circle and his shoulders slumped. He ran a hair through his copper hair and turned back towards the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Hello, Thane.” a smooth, seductive female voice spoke from
the doorway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane’s body tensed.
His eyes widened. He took a step
back, bowing his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Gaia.” he said in a shaking whisper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ARix0GsX0l3WKIwXZO6dqkkgH2Jv9-01mlSlyeUBv-0GayA1_-MmVpCsywhaz_32ShiadR4AjxoZ00_GllRYRvww46gq3v6MP7mWshmdodj608Uf1cZFDjXI0ZHMDhEecKUIjljOzr6q/s1600/Nar15.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ARix0GsX0l3WKIwXZO6dqkkgH2Jv9-01mlSlyeUBv-0GayA1_-MmVpCsywhaz_32ShiadR4AjxoZ00_GllRYRvww46gq3v6MP7mWshmdodj608Uf1cZFDjXI0ZHMDhEecKUIjljOzr6q/s1600/Nar15.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I bit my lip, and crept back up, pressing my eye to the crack
between the wardrobe doors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTLkZV7rNSLoPke5PP0XFy3WCr6A589dfGTzjwZzXznXtymQH0SFT2ekMKQhSLngRR80g0EjcDYzPoWbq_oOQDTY1KBTq3_4N1egWZFmj6-fBOQsp-ORDDF6c2Gkgsf7-yQ65F25AdoYK/s1600/Nar15.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTLkZV7rNSLoPke5PP0XFy3WCr6A589dfGTzjwZzXznXtymQH0SFT2ekMKQhSLngRR80g0EjcDYzPoWbq_oOQDTY1KBTq3_4N1egWZFmj6-fBOQsp-ORDDF6c2Gkgsf7-yQ65F25AdoYK/s1600/Nar15.31.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A woman stood draped against the doorframe, and my breath
froze in my throat at the sight of her.
She possessed a ferocious sort of beauty, like that of a feral cat. She wore a form-fitting black gown lined with
crimson satin. Her hair draped about her
shoulders in lush scarlet waves. The
most striking thing about her though, was her eyes. They were a pure, polished jade that shined
so bright I could see them even across the distance that separated us.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjG33nsqecqmNBUhjisLuu7LEWWTQ3zLNYIemO6TCZQPgk9-XIYnbt-N7ZlEEUZYJVODuZNJMXa02rZh8piiqbqjy87ZkWKItYvk6Fbh6iMix75D4PqekwubcdbrmkF9ecrwXnQn5EgIs/s1600/Nar15.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjG33nsqecqmNBUhjisLuu7LEWWTQ3zLNYIemO6TCZQPgk9-XIYnbt-N7ZlEEUZYJVODuZNJMXa02rZh8piiqbqjy87ZkWKItYvk6Fbh6iMix75D4PqekwubcdbrmkF9ecrwXnQn5EgIs/s1600/Nar15.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“It’s good to see you
well.” she said. Her tone was snide, almost mocking. She turned around and pulled the doors shut
behind her. They closed with a
resounding thud. “How many of these
charity-events have you attended this year?
Five? Ten? Do you tire of them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“What are you doing here,
Gaia?” Thane snapped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia whirled back around, her vibrant hair swirling about her
shoulders. She strode closer, her lips
curling into a smile. “You know.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The answer is no.” Thane replied, his voice darkening.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9C7jUy-cunI2WOe9R_Q4CscgvwSEL39u-dG_DVwn2Vq-kSSFe1nIMOJSxMGrp9kE0k7fbOAyeux966e3hdgpHXGUOkAbkgQxARsKiy2-ey35jux8kyKVSS3nujDoyuOgmKhNHKeuAXS8/s1600/Nar15.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9C7jUy-cunI2WOe9R_Q4CscgvwSEL39u-dG_DVwn2Vq-kSSFe1nIMOJSxMGrp9kE0k7fbOAyeux966e3hdgpHXGUOkAbkgQxARsKiy2-ey35jux8kyKVSS3nujDoyuOgmKhNHKeuAXS8/s1600/Nar15.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia let out a soft, contemptuous laugh and rolled her
eyes. “It usually is.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My mind was racing as I watched them. I scarcely dared to breathe. Who was this woman? An old lover of his? She seemed to carry herself with an air of sensuality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You can tell your two-faced
bastard husband that I’m done with him.
He’ll get no more help from me.”
Thane straightened up to glare down at her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Husband. Help.</i> Was she a business associate of his? If so, why the secrecy? Why catch him alone at a public event?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia smirked. “But
you’ve never even given him the help he <i>really
</i>asked for-!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6iATnOTaXjGRIRZhuZQWs9MHKFY_j8kswXHKSTMED2WpXpmfXhNqWDGJj90nNqkErGT8aKwcp0PhRRAqBFXcWTTNptt8NRTF8KtkFW8ML5xWpUe5-7jwoid4E_Y01Z5BCbxxfYfFAtAK/s1600/Nar15.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6iATnOTaXjGRIRZhuZQWs9MHKFY_j8kswXHKSTMED2WpXpmfXhNqWDGJj90nNqkErGT8aKwcp0PhRRAqBFXcWTTNptt8NRTF8KtkFW8ML5xWpUe5-7jwoid4E_Y01Z5BCbxxfYfFAtAK/s1600/Nar15.34.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Are you armed?” Thane cut her off.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the second time, I stopped breathing. <i>Armed?!? </i>Thane suspected this woman had brought <i>weapons</i> to a peaceful gathering?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia’s eyes widened and she feigned a look of hurt. “<i>Thane.</i> Dearest, how long have we known each other?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane reached out and patted down the folds of her
dress. Gaia’s face hardened into a cold
sneer. Thane drew an object out of the
fabric and raised it to eye-level with his lips pressed into a thin line.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoZvC69uJfpk58gbfu24Ao0wdpwcBHsWvzxRUp-glDDaYOXW1wVRjd83UYgHUVboWo8Q5-p0EiJJ0eWyOB6mCzdkxPYghX-krtv_6xy3MwLvrZQCfvvQGl-mFJSAuF3XSyqA41s5KOxOJ/s1600/Nar15.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoZvC69uJfpk58gbfu24Ao0wdpwcBHsWvzxRUp-glDDaYOXW1wVRjd83UYgHUVboWo8Q5-p0EiJJ0eWyOB6mCzdkxPYghX-krtv_6xy3MwLvrZQCfvvQGl-mFJSAuF3XSyqA41s5KOxOJ/s1600/Nar15.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I squinted. Thane held
the object higher. My blood ran cold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzPv_Is_A4jXK2242rH-HKUVFOSH6s1Tx7zj3cOaDL1B6-87DkaKHN4xpmIG04eZxhYI-BGKDtUxGdB5fZ68nRRL0KYmG8-etuPgGucWJozQDZsMGdOwJtnP992XwOmN_6Hp4dw80Ow9M/s1600/Nar15.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzPv_Is_A4jXK2242rH-HKUVFOSH6s1Tx7zj3cOaDL1B6-87DkaKHN4xpmIG04eZxhYI-BGKDtUxGdB5fZ68nRRL0KYmG8-etuPgGucWJozQDZsMGdOwJtnP992XwOmN_6Hp4dw80Ow9M/s1600/Nar15.36.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a shining crystal wand. As Thane held it in his hand, it hissed with a faint hum of power and thin lines of vapor drifted up from it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dwQTSXa2oVg931CNVleo4akuFfqRwV6XfJ6FU-LWgKnECrRmnvsQ6Vo9HSmWRHIwiXdKSnymhcti6TKIROGO9WXmQPx6eTpPJCr-M1DeQQQ7R6uFq8yrdggl-mhxVrL8iV7BGdbZMcpl/s1600/Nar15.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dwQTSXa2oVg931CNVleo4akuFfqRwV6XfJ6FU-LWgKnECrRmnvsQ6Vo9HSmWRHIwiXdKSnymhcti6TKIROGO9WXmQPx6eTpPJCr-M1DeQQQ7R6uFq8yrdggl-mhxVrL8iV7BGdbZMcpl/s1600/Nar15.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Far longer than I care to remember.” Thane said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia raised her hand and curled her fingers around his. “I don’t want you dead, Thane.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKOs-1ie59d6d_gpgUUw8hbgOZcxNKmypZBEkU24F2_Xg4TwnVJQzfmZ0nUvIB03dF_Z_yqnN4BSJ8xSrWxGHaUYKTryFJfDOIqU6vtyb8qatMh4Uinn1-8m7jb2fVg02Ml-iaKGEj1uf/s1600/Nar15.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKOs-1ie59d6d_gpgUUw8hbgOZcxNKmypZBEkU24F2_Xg4TwnVJQzfmZ0nUvIB03dF_Z_yqnN4BSJ8xSrWxGHaUYKTryFJfDOIqU6vtyb8qatMh4Uinn1-8m7jb2fVg02Ml-iaKGEj1uf/s1600/Nar15.38.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane let out a long, low laugh and shook his head. He let go of the wand and Gaia cradled it
close to her chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“No. You don’t.
Your husband wants me to live.
Live and do what <i>he</i>
wants.” Thane’s arms tensed. I could see the veins pulsating in his
temple, his jaw clenched tight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7QF3AoPWVuV3Fb6ZkqshUUy1d2Jy2OksqQnMNwt5ROl_xJHipuiRFGg7hoY0MTJw4QPk-DpQ1i-VGi3LRCX1tyrxdF5YRlejjA43OqXIHeXNykRvo8HdHAJSoD4Ae81meIrAxqso0xhF/s1600/Nar15.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7QF3AoPWVuV3Fb6ZkqshUUy1d2Jy2OksqQnMNwt5ROl_xJHipuiRFGg7hoY0MTJw4QPk-DpQ1i-VGi3LRCX1tyrxdF5YRlejjA43OqXIHeXNykRvo8HdHAJSoD4Ae81meIrAxqso0xhF/s1600/Nar15.39.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia lowered her wand back to her side. “You owe
him. He saved your life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“He <i>destroyed </i>my
life!” Thane shouted, his voice booming
against the walls of the library, so loud and sudden that I flinched. “He ripped all of my power and glory away and
left me to rot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You would have been dead if it had not been for him,
and you know it!” Gaia snapped back,
standing up taller to match his simmering gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli49jlVwxIgt-Ec5NffFMf02yX9Dqgm-R2TeplDQ_OJYoh5QKTZIgZaLVjZCr3BMN76pZtSMuTb8pYcCQhbuL47QdhoaOIun2agxaLbN5I0ISG-yNhknQFIhaWe9_lHof1eUwPByAox6-/s1600/Nar15.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli49jlVwxIgt-Ec5NffFMf02yX9Dqgm-R2TeplDQ_OJYoh5QKTZIgZaLVjZCr3BMN76pZtSMuTb8pYcCQhbuL47QdhoaOIun2agxaLbN5I0ISG-yNhknQFIhaWe9_lHof1eUwPByAox6-/s1600/Nar15.40.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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My mind was reeling, my stomach twisting into knots. I heard everything they said, and yet none of it made sense. <i> Power. Glory. Debt. </i> The words echoed in ears.<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I would have <i>reigned
</i>if it had not been for him.” Thane’s
eyes narrowed as he glared down at Gaia.
His voice dropped into a low snarl.
“There was finally <i>nothing</i> in
my way.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeKq5ktU0r02gyFRPbCGuYaa-wOiPndvskNSw7_uT3mvbzsvs9st6OkUP-zEaTml9aAR5hQoZJGmOw0RK-INqI3qIOOQ6CiGl0f6yK-RhBISwj7UJtL26k-27ZGkk4x3bkSQiBsl12Cuj/s1600/Nar15.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeKq5ktU0r02gyFRPbCGuYaa-wOiPndvskNSw7_uT3mvbzsvs9st6OkUP-zEaTml9aAR5hQoZJGmOw0RK-INqI3qIOOQ6CiGl0f6yK-RhBISwj7UJtL26k-27ZGkk4x3bkSQiBsl12Cuj/s1600/Nar15.41.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia stared back up at him, her jaw set. She sighed, her eyes dropping down to the
floor. Her head gently shook from side
to side.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“It seems the two of you remember history
differently.” she whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane’s fists uncurled at his sides. His voice lowered. “Yes.
It seems we do.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The two of them were silent for a moment. I let one shaky breath out and squeezed my hands together in my lap. If I turned my head just a tad, I could see the back doors to the library, but there was no way I would be able to sneak out of the wardrobe and get to them.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“If I told you…” Gaia said, her eyes closing as she
breathed out. “…how <i>close</i> we are…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The answer is no.”
Thane said before she finished, brushing past her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She caught him by the arm and pulled him back
towards her. “You could have all that power and glory again…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Not by taking a deal with you.” he snapped. “I know what you want from me. You want me to spend a century as… as…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia pressed a finger to Thane’s lips. She spoke in a low, seductive voice,
caressing his shoulders as she walked around to stand at his other side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“And what is a century when you have all of
eternity?” she whispered close to his ear.
“Come now, Thane. You could align
with us. You could have everything that
you lost, and more.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Century. Eternity. </i>I felt as though the walls of the wardrobe were bearing down on me. I wanted to back away, but I sat with my eye fixed against the crack between the doors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I had to get out of here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gaia stepped back, narrowing her eyes. “Or… you could spend the next millennium of
your life as what you are now. Dragon
Valley’s prized bachelor, visiting charity galas for Slainte Chugat Harmony
Hospital.” A wicked smile curled on her
face. “Rich, charismatic, and <i>weak.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane jerked his shoulder from her grasp and turned
towards the door. Gaia wound her arms
against her waist. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Think about it.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx3cR_qJ_DHlARA1Na6YiYWz8ac6tHjP1DOvMppqYW66VygGwMDm_6CGAfBnGC4AmXOPCm8y7vzXovX9tIkhTZEPPGfd9S0hNiK82QOuv-Li7SWJPqnW9Dag2TJUn_NRysuNhzPr7ztF7/s1600/Nar15.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx3cR_qJ_DHlARA1Na6YiYWz8ac6tHjP1DOvMppqYW66VygGwMDm_6CGAfBnGC4AmXOPCm8y7vzXovX9tIkhTZEPPGfd9S0hNiK82QOuv-Li7SWJPqnW9Dag2TJUn_NRysuNhzPr7ztF7/s1600/Nar15.46.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thane paused at the door for a single moment, his
head still tilted in her direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“We have time.” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHuOdTTR3FQSD7jJjGfwYGhtrZFcCYGzxYgWRfbrfdl46fL8CXaryf212J-YqNMdHeym9rbpqLbXN8OGByWE8xeW8cuhpBhshbx37JP5P8jzSrjHdRFoMxGAC2mth9Ie1O4SIkxWicJgO/s1600/Nar15.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHuOdTTR3FQSD7jJjGfwYGhtrZFcCYGzxYgWRfbrfdl46fL8CXaryf212J-YqNMdHeym9rbpqLbXN8OGByWE8xeW8cuhpBhshbx37JP5P8jzSrjHdRFoMxGAC2mth9Ie1O4SIkxWicJgO/s1600/Nar15.48.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There was silence.
Thane was still, his hand lingering in the air. Then, he slammed his fist against the door
and it flew open. He stormed out, leaving
the door to bang closed in his wake, its hinges rattling.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQJUGjq2kVonWYOK_6PPs-ycvdhRH3GCbUHzWGQkB1pMeoT1u7B5zYynxOwx31Vpyk67yMlOWhgWFBtv0CN59FntDIvnyvZ_Q6KgGBBBgSQBmxiqd51nXSG0w7SZUdykqjU-xBzn8Q-bz/s1600/Nar15.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQJUGjq2kVonWYOK_6PPs-ycvdhRH3GCbUHzWGQkB1pMeoT1u7B5zYynxOwx31Vpyk67yMlOWhgWFBtv0CN59FntDIvnyvZ_Q6KgGBBBgSQBmxiqd51nXSG0w7SZUdykqjU-xBzn8Q-bz/s1600/Nar15.49.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia stood in the center of the room for a moment,
a wry smile on her face. Before I had a chance to breathe a sigh of
relief, she whirled around and wrenched the door of the wardrobe open, clasping
her thin, wiry fingers around my neck and throwing me against the wall. I only had time to choke out a gasp, and then
all the breath was knocked out of me again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFxfVTsJNuImlgfUjqUYDaxS5BnHv-eMb6rZD7hAWJTZxRkgWnJHyojrGNDlxQ4kgwbMsCH7KgpNtQsxftYu5uz4GWZcYSgiPs5tObC2solOhh5EOyCbdcaMpS4anqlZRyICONROINd6y/s1600/Nar15.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFxfVTsJNuImlgfUjqUYDaxS5BnHv-eMb6rZD7hAWJTZxRkgWnJHyojrGNDlxQ4kgwbMsCH7KgpNtQsxftYu5uz4GWZcYSgiPs5tObC2solOhh5EOyCbdcaMpS4anqlZRyICONROINd6y/s1600/Nar15.51.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gaia’s unworldly eyes narrowed at me, simmering with
rage. I felt the sharp point of her wand
press into my abdomen.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"What’s this?”
she seethed. "A fly on the wall?”</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-42991632084947890952014-07-17T23:18:00.001-05:002014-07-19T12:12:24.000-05:00Chapter Fourteen: Separation<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“What?” I
exclaimed, straightening up. “Why? And go where?”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFP7nP_ENZiy9xEii0m9QgVQRcXRKqJH3dcvRfg8b8Rl17JGg-OAOY5UdN9ue80RL6kFzX4P0obJusqQkGJ-8nZ20Lw61jLNMrXhl067hSKqjRLO9Qb9gNlL48vUsxsA9BMA5pJ2MebP7/s1600/Nar14.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFP7nP_ENZiy9xEii0m9QgVQRcXRKqJH3dcvRfg8b8Rl17JGg-OAOY5UdN9ue80RL6kFzX4P0obJusqQkGJ-8nZ20Lw61jLNMrXhl067hSKqjRLO9Qb9gNlL48vUsxsA9BMA5pJ2MebP7/s1600/Nar14.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“It's...”
Reece ran a hand through his hair and glanced at Regan out of the corner
of his eye. “I'm kind of... being
drafted.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOPfkTew5rd0wyr_YdFfP-pEzOULwTcLF1rVYG01sg4gMQ2J1HPBwPJ-TuiJhcANlodm-ltA7xXQnnmchEF-6zp1NgiRHwuaStZIvAo2o2cKXWF87gQEtdk2uQ03GqsAWXlNkn6fmi00p/s1600/Nar14.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOPfkTew5rd0wyr_YdFfP-pEzOULwTcLF1rVYG01sg4gMQ2J1HPBwPJ-TuiJhcANlodm-ltA7xXQnnmchEF-6zp1NgiRHwuaStZIvAo2o2cKXWF87gQEtdk2uQ03GqsAWXlNkn6fmi00p/s1600/Nar14.02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> “<i>Drafted?” </i>Regan
shouted, making Reece flinch. “Is that
how you’re going to put it?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Asked politely with an insane amount of guilt laid
on. Whatever.” Reece rolled his eyes and sighed, his
shoulders slumping. He stared at his
hands in his lap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“What is going on?”
I said, standing up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece started to speak, but Regan held her hand up to
silence him. “I need him. You don’t need to know any of the details.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcTO29WX_zFBVl5LGke61jJ11mIMF9RwHE6O9jElvLfOM-oUNkIGofCCkne_AJBIA3pL_UO43S1wouccJ4N6lda-KrLuDZiUkNMxoNMJZFGpQVxYofTQcanMV0o2C-rxeFtCiL3W0TOuf/s1600/Nar14.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcTO29WX_zFBVl5LGke61jJ11mIMF9RwHE6O9jElvLfOM-oUNkIGofCCkne_AJBIA3pL_UO43S1wouccJ4N6lda-KrLuDZiUkNMxoNMJZFGpQVxYofTQcanMV0o2C-rxeFtCiL3W0TOuf/s1600/Nar14.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I demand to know the details!” I straightened and clenched my fists. My eyes were still burning, tears gathering
in my lower lashes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MgMIBEH8jtaWoV7ATjeSImHb24PG0DT8MZ9J_J-Sw9YLS2fEKlTMsd-5Jznrm-PMZ-EmcZhCD-yYcptJxjlTOyIcI3lJcVfZ4XV3jy7BBmE3NfqTugazFWwDwbCiqq4xJVWB2xJsRMyw/s1600/Nar14.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MgMIBEH8jtaWoV7ATjeSImHb24PG0DT8MZ9J_J-Sw9YLS2fEKlTMsd-5Jznrm-PMZ-EmcZhCD-yYcptJxjlTOyIcI3lJcVfZ4XV3jy7BBmE3NfqTugazFWwDwbCiqq4xJVWB2xJsRMyw/s1600/Nar14.04.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You’re not in a position to demand <i>anything-!</i>” Regan snapped,
but Reece clasped her hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He stood to his feet, shaking his head. “I’m not keeping secrets from her. Let me explain.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Regan bit her lip and slumped back, looking away. Reece took both of my hands in his and spoke
in a low, solemn voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The Matriarch of the Lucians was in Moonlight Falls two
days ago. It’s been decades since anyone’s
seen her. She stole…” Reece paused, swallowing. “… she stole a Ravendancer Tome. That’s one of the final ingredients they need…
to cast the curse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1QA0ZgBZAIfE4sDIjSQyGazPtlxHRklhXfO0-BsoAoKJ9cbUYr_Ksa_eNW37-s0IV4WRl_XCZWh6WZYnhjBIIW_FdSk5OCahbOTKBL358X9ELhRwHseh_we8Vnpa1zJQn56zkGYU2p2f/s1600/Nar14.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1QA0ZgBZAIfE4sDIjSQyGazPtlxHRklhXfO0-BsoAoKJ9cbUYr_Ksa_eNW37-s0IV4WRl_XCZWh6WZYnhjBIIW_FdSk5OCahbOTKBL358X9ELhRwHseh_we8Vnpa1zJQn56zkGYU2p2f/s1600/Nar14.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Regan sighed, leaning her head back on the pavilion’s
support column and staring at the sky. “Not
sap more magic, not put a witch on steroids, but cast the curse itself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stared down at my hands. My throat felt dry and my head was swimming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You believe they found a way to cast it.” I whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWPD83Wp3FPKokE6AcggRoabh1x6E3Ir50mnxuAInFESFM7WJMvdIsOOOtsXDP_1vt96AAioCxSCnZJMN0HZVYaSimMegJpKMSNp32BPIV2e4JypFlrQQmuj7oqrEZEJH6jZH8wKCGqXi/s1600/Nar14.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWPD83Wp3FPKokE6AcggRoabh1x6E3Ir50mnxuAInFESFM7WJMvdIsOOOtsXDP_1vt96AAioCxSCnZJMN0HZVYaSimMegJpKMSNp32BPIV2e4JypFlrQQmuj7oqrEZEJH6jZH8wKCGqXi/s1600/Nar14.06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“We… can’t be sure.”
Reece said, biting his lip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“It’s too close for comfort.” Regan said, pushing off and turning around to
face me. “And I can’t let that old witch get away
again.”</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6tB37te7XfyW-UjjSj_Hw0UU3hI_L8CHk6wupg59vbc6OZkjyKmM9qyFglj7twIQvRFG8AYAu7Xka57_im1zE0aFuNY7u1QGR-X5niuPoRgfmMmWUM-zatTyJftafhoFsd8ouEA1H9JZ/s1600/Nar14.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6tB37te7XfyW-UjjSj_Hw0UU3hI_L8CHk6wupg59vbc6OZkjyKmM9qyFglj7twIQvRFG8AYAu7Xka57_im1zE0aFuNY7u1QGR-X5niuPoRgfmMmWUM-zatTyJftafhoFsd8ouEA1H9JZ/s1600/Nar14.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece nodded his head and looked up at me. “Regan asked me to join the search team. We’re leaving for Moonlight Falls in the
morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I brushed my fingers at the corners of my eyes. “When are you coming
back?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece sighed, hanging his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I don't know.
Maybe never.” he murmured.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDQpO36c3PE5jRHUcrhLLJvq0P3JElu4HsF-QSu002KEcV_l7tW8rDoClglt8k3dfrNFTAZiQxINAbtuDzdA-s4q46QUxVbxneJ0p1QijqPZkJ8F1RobUJEMSa5fauWaxGp0noLGZgJN_/s1600/Nar14.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDQpO36c3PE5jRHUcrhLLJvq0P3JElu4HsF-QSu002KEcV_l7tW8rDoClglt8k3dfrNFTAZiQxINAbtuDzdA-s4q46QUxVbxneJ0p1QijqPZkJ8F1RobUJEMSa5fauWaxGp0noLGZgJN_/s1600/Nar14.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He looked so torn, and so scared. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and never
let go, but my hands remained limp at my sides. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Take me with you.”
I said, the words out before I had much time to think about them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tkrRVFvs72RL6CMqcDX762YCWqkYIALBBIGJgqdHPAT-qLxZUXWPh0ZyiTKdZlcBkCO9sjB6B8lhFoDNnH70otYIuKQYzo8GPXVpri1tL8DSChJZWqdJ0F_5symkwTnfkSxTEsN3GyN3/s1600/Nar14.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tkrRVFvs72RL6CMqcDX762YCWqkYIALBBIGJgqdHPAT-qLxZUXWPh0ZyiTKdZlcBkCO9sjB6B8lhFoDNnH70otYIuKQYzo8GPXVpri1tL8DSChJZWqdJ0F_5symkwTnfkSxTEsN3GyN3/s1600/Nar14.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“What?” Regan
shouted, making a sour face. She shook
her head. “No!”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeOcrxzYrheORfiRmiIhTI7txAF6Y5oc-fmNkBqlSb_FLLonm1U1mvEVcE2QwM3JRzTE7GAqqGodIU7NSKiSvV0sb9o265UOPm7HhtePGgvRogpN8pUNPk48cVXS1vsPQDcHnwzP-d7Uc/s1600/Nar14.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeOcrxzYrheORfiRmiIhTI7txAF6Y5oc-fmNkBqlSb_FLLonm1U1mvEVcE2QwM3JRzTE7GAqqGodIU7NSKiSvV0sb9o265UOPm7HhtePGgvRogpN8pUNPk48cVXS1vsPQDcHnwzP-d7Uc/s1600/Nar14.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“If there is a war that threatens the entire world,
then it is my duty as a warrior...” I started, my heart racing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s7ccOx98UH5-0ELsn5ujQMLoKmeFVxTxGCHcBlv0X0kVn7T2VqfysSymyw2BwswEdoaBhyGU0lophg9kdk_Lwlwk_bNmeCx55HHynChTfZ0-1oCwybOwQgas57gb4b0IgUUTA6IaHUbK/s1600/Nar14.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s7ccOx98UH5-0ELsn5ujQMLoKmeFVxTxGCHcBlv0X0kVn7T2VqfysSymyw2BwswEdoaBhyGU0lophg9kdk_Lwlwk_bNmeCx55HHynChTfZ0-1oCwybOwQgas57gb4b0IgUUTA6IaHUbK/s1600/Nar14.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“No!” Regan
shouted again, shoving Reece off to the side so that she could tower over me. “That's not your duty. This isn't your war. I can’t have some little girl hanging on my
brother and slowing us down!”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9PWby8zlD8riSlxZpnR0HNyrmdwhzDJlE144hmJntl9zSK1cK2e_EBXYHlBiZd1MvSzzt-CG2rC4NHs_gKdcifQ-_xE0F2oup1h5u01apsU-hdg7hUH-r4gowI5AL8z30h_sRGb989wt/s1600/Nar14.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9PWby8zlD8riSlxZpnR0HNyrmdwhzDJlE144hmJntl9zSK1cK2e_EBXYHlBiZd1MvSzzt-CG2rC4NHs_gKdcifQ-_xE0F2oup1h5u01apsU-hdg7hUH-r4gowI5AL8z30h_sRGb989wt/s1600/Nar14.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My face flushed with embarrassment and rage. “If the threat these Lucians pose is to the
whole Earth, then it is as much my war as it is yours. And I will have you know that I am a
warrior! I have battled and slain the
most powerful beasts known to man! I am
Sophia Carol, the dragon slayer!”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlolJrg3BC6Gly1rMFMstqLNzgUCWQTBoNeH3ZyszXnz6gssBtvlu5jTrh3bWkZmeOBiVjfUBR6nB6yKKDOBC26hRQKPu_bU-7bExRqNJT_eOLHXBIKiPJsrUxVMmCstAHZ1azXMS2qTF/s1600/Nar14.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlolJrg3BC6Gly1rMFMstqLNzgUCWQTBoNeH3ZyszXnz6gssBtvlu5jTrh3bWkZmeOBiVjfUBR6nB6yKKDOBC26hRQKPu_bU-7bExRqNJT_eOLHXBIKiPJsrUxVMmCstAHZ1azXMS2qTF/s1600/Nar14.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Regan just rolled her eyes. “Well <i>whoop-de-reaping-do</i>
for you, but I don’t need a dragon slayer! I need an alchemist!”</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiTH6eS2W9txquB5dbyPFiWZeRKB1ebSdoxkPykl0QZrp1XJN_hlo87hDCcZzmyPXs4xRCjHNT2SaZBsR-wK6vXhXYrCcxDOgrZRzgirJyjllkLdB_NCXVR5JKbwGDFtrwbI5ShjOKKfN/s1600/Nar14.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiTH6eS2W9txquB5dbyPFiWZeRKB1ebSdoxkPykl0QZrp1XJN_hlo87hDCcZzmyPXs4xRCjHNT2SaZBsR-wK6vXhXYrCcxDOgrZRzgirJyjllkLdB_NCXVR5JKbwGDFtrwbI5ShjOKKfN/s1600/Nar14.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece put a hand on her shoulder, “Sis…”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“And are there no other alchemists?” I shouted, my voice
shaking. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizedXnFZM9yrfEHSJ6ZKiigmOchbF15aV3tcomHekIkxWtDsDHhGiFxDRoAZNhWLrtB8N5dgreyJ0i-XGv0IooEiB7LnPmV3_ipKH4aNAToO61n6hMw5Jx9Rd12xH1amlyq0p9KG4wY5e5/s1600/Nar14.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizedXnFZM9yrfEHSJ6ZKiigmOchbF15aV3tcomHekIkxWtDsDHhGiFxDRoAZNhWLrtB8N5dgreyJ0i-XGv0IooEiB7LnPmV3_ipKH4aNAToO61n6hMw5Jx9Rd12xH1amlyq0p9KG4wY5e5/s1600/Nar14.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“No one I trust!” Regan snapped back, and her voice
broke. I stared back at her,
open-mouthed. She took a shaky breath
in, pursing her lips together. “I need… I need Reece.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGc6crL767uJdR2v4g5Zxh1hDt2CJhPethrPREPBQxmvjLLrjUhva7NXJODj35HBKWW9yhUUjwjdftu24kkIOmbO8qHFW4pKpt28aWYg9WIYOy6g8g_GxsFTMYVUm2RpurXNz5q_8OOYn/s1600/Nar14.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGc6crL767uJdR2v4g5Zxh1hDt2CJhPethrPREPBQxmvjLLrjUhva7NXJODj35HBKWW9yhUUjwjdftu24kkIOmbO8qHFW4pKpt28aWYg9WIYOy6g8g_GxsFTMYVUm2RpurXNz5q_8OOYn/s1600/Nar14.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was silent.
Reece squeezed her shoulder and she stepped back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia…” Reece
sighed, shaking his head. “I want you to
come. Watcher, this would be so much
easier if I had you with me…”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWtbTQ5mcyEIy82pF5gRk-5Vf6A-eG4-dYB7syzPMQedNFxqyYk6rXPl3XnsGibRk72JbkxgqHgw2yviInaO5tr9dCqauxopywYk1ig-7LFNcHwNxyldgdpAboek3nThwIjRUoWvFm0Rs/s1600/Nar14.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWtbTQ5mcyEIy82pF5gRk-5Vf6A-eG4-dYB7syzPMQedNFxqyYk6rXPl3XnsGibRk72JbkxgqHgw2yviInaO5tr9dCqauxopywYk1ig-7LFNcHwNxyldgdpAboek3nThwIjRUoWvFm0Rs/s1600/Nar14.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He fell silent for a moment. I wanted him to say more, to tell me what was
really in his heart. I felt as though
the center of my chest was freezing into shards of ice.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi37tNT5wPGN9YfFtHAiC0rOI5GR2pblNVsnG40jfnLaND_lvcd5pgsZiP0oEuZ7fgcbqJQLoFdUolM7MCbi54O9LjRxm7WrkC3LGkbI5sj16TTVIl1mDhcv_Zao7Rzv-rRBb9WMPJM-rC/s1600/Nar14.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi37tNT5wPGN9YfFtHAiC0rOI5GR2pblNVsnG40jfnLaND_lvcd5pgsZiP0oEuZ7fgcbqJQLoFdUolM7MCbi54O9LjRxm7WrkC3LGkbI5sj16TTVIl1mDhcv_Zao7Rzv-rRBb9WMPJM-rC/s1600/Nar14.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He bit his lip, and looked up into my eyes. “But you made yourself depressed and
miserable being a warrior the first time you lived. I'm not going to let you let your obligation
to duty get in the way of you trying for your dream this time.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdx7zgyeFWAZwjF0qRfyZkdr1rz5_ZlugP8j-bvrL1vdQWuO-HoOf98zLSoc7f-SdWUUbsB6TZAG7kyUS4iwbzKbxP4ny4ZCvtzT8m6c1dLlsQZ20xRc_8AIpf-s5TH42UiKoBRekF9Vu/s1600/Nar14.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdx7zgyeFWAZwjF0qRfyZkdr1rz5_ZlugP8j-bvrL1vdQWuO-HoOf98zLSoc7f-SdWUUbsB6TZAG7kyUS4iwbzKbxP4ny4ZCvtzT8m6c1dLlsQZ20xRc_8AIpf-s5TH42UiKoBRekF9Vu/s1600/Nar14.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>But you are my dream this time. </i>I thought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I felt a warm tear trickle down my cheek. Reece started, brushing it away with an
outstretched hand.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q-FjCYa7mvdwdd2RGshtFOgWSUb-FfILimcJsUv5YlTUxBBqViWYg-P1ifg7gAI8kn1oUtUAv6p54Z1Dkv9GeAgdYCRMsSiMLKy3dERTZIhGgfTTchyVHiM4DFBgeBXbLQe8bK6WCBqC/s1600/Nar14.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q-FjCYa7mvdwdd2RGshtFOgWSUb-FfILimcJsUv5YlTUxBBqViWYg-P1ifg7gAI8kn1oUtUAv6p54Z1Dkv9GeAgdYCRMsSiMLKy3dERTZIhGgfTTchyVHiM4DFBgeBXbLQe8bK6WCBqC/s1600/Nar14.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“No... please don't cry...” he murmured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I clasped my hand against my mouth and shook my
head. Then, to his surprise, I wrapped
my arms around his waist and buried my face in his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> “I do not want you to leave.” I sobbed, clutching him tight and breathing
in his earthy scent.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVhTXDTrPXvZ4w9PBeYioZchh_TLdqrc4nGe8sRpKabuiGK1auPXZHfGMMifXwA8kPIrRbuYRD9J2IBT71_4DL-fjHL0auALa-R91SfM3oD3C1YZAINAIXfjLDtkyOjshDdfXeAvyhh5q/s1600/Nar14.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVhTXDTrPXvZ4w9PBeYioZchh_TLdqrc4nGe8sRpKabuiGK1auPXZHfGMMifXwA8kPIrRbuYRD9J2IBT71_4DL-fjHL0auALa-R91SfM3oD3C1YZAINAIXfjLDtkyOjshDdfXeAvyhh5q/s1600/Nar14.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I… I know.” Reece
sighed, delicately patting my back. “Sophia…
promise me you’ll finish out the term strong and you'll do well at your
internship.” he said, putting his
fingers under my chin and tilting my head up to look at him.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He was asking me not to follow him, I realized with a
sinking heart. I averted my eyes from
his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Promise me.”
Reece repeated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTtndtYgo0dMdV1JapTek5GDvjzpE0K67XJCkzfwO4lJgyYUo1vNzt-LFfK-vM_QACrDAIJ3bh34VH2FCVR4umH87rH-_Ffdqp9PhcbyBpNWYdv3H3tiDmG5rntwBPpwN5WLRcU7W3i3z/s1600/Nar14.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTtndtYgo0dMdV1JapTek5GDvjzpE0K67XJCkzfwO4lJgyYUo1vNzt-LFfK-vM_QACrDAIJ3bh34VH2FCVR4umH87rH-_Ffdqp9PhcbyBpNWYdv3H3tiDmG5rntwBPpwN5WLRcU7W3i3z/s1600/Nar14.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I promise.”
I said, but the words felt thick and bitter on my tongue.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY9yymziGVflUYrbN1r6huhsU5JyACBD1nhSJZSWVmiXFTbyeWEfV6e0BztWWVCXPDn150B-FO3upLoGz8-rf5dT9GFdpk1W_xKLIgT4gCnUPUPS-QzOA70iWpzeozLv0yx8nvnu88IaD/s1600/Nar14.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY9yymziGVflUYrbN1r6huhsU5JyACBD1nhSJZSWVmiXFTbyeWEfV6e0BztWWVCXPDn150B-FO3upLoGz8-rf5dT9GFdpk1W_xKLIgT4gCnUPUPS-QzOA70iWpzeozLv0yx8nvnu88IaD/s1600/Nar14.23.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece nodded, winding his arms around my shoulders and pulling me back into
his embrace. “I'm going to miss you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I will miss you more.” I whispered, closing my eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBxhpwrocRRGMt5dMjAwB5Lk0VxfW1uGMDUBROfYHy8X2c4phrXVp5R6tQVG5s2JJPVNTLbI9hJE3U6NSwidNd2cI7_TLJw0SMl4WkBbsLu4Vu2ivSRGGN-kGKW6S__ozJuSqX9CkkrMu/s1600/Nar14.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBxhpwrocRRGMt5dMjAwB5Lk0VxfW1uGMDUBROfYHy8X2c4phrXVp5R6tQVG5s2JJPVNTLbI9hJE3U6NSwidNd2cI7_TLJw0SMl4WkBbsLu4Vu2ivSRGGN-kGKW6S__ozJuSqX9CkkrMu/s1600/Nar14.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-yb2miBELDmQI9tfY1i9lj0OZt6pCbdiNFAbGs_pb6jysD0TfklwMkBqBLdtiKGw2NlBGGF10RfMD7307_wVTd-BZE-2Lk7r5CQzhkecSLZ1twzUeA8sM_EcfWHDhcKoNCDynDoIB4_A/s1600/Nar14.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-yb2miBELDmQI9tfY1i9lj0OZt6pCbdiNFAbGs_pb6jysD0TfklwMkBqBLdtiKGw2NlBGGF10RfMD7307_wVTd-BZE-2Lk7r5CQzhkecSLZ1twzUeA8sM_EcfWHDhcKoNCDynDoIB4_A/s1600/Nar14.25.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbMURBRjO_pzWnP4ZeMN9gQvwogEWni_KpD-hEJz1HZTn8yWyWC6s_D400Pj2ItKa5vrHeQzh1tjvJ3MW0HOXRW-Ch5ZHXX1ubg-ZUw1R_tA-HHquxCrABMrZmVxZhu-dG6H8SNr_lxg9/s1600/Nar14.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbMURBRjO_pzWnP4ZeMN9gQvwogEWni_KpD-hEJz1HZTn8yWyWC6s_D400Pj2ItKa5vrHeQzh1tjvJ3MW0HOXRW-Ch5ZHXX1ubg-ZUw1R_tA-HHquxCrABMrZmVxZhu-dG6H8SNr_lxg9/s1600/Nar14.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I came back to the house before sunrise the following
morning, hoping I could catch them before they departed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRYGf83jB-tn-SWBQdhpmqh5-thiuEtmr_q45CAqMuNnCjk_BgVyHEjKiqHSfWIqGsUW4iPJObwP797VfAzq-0eQEIrYQsmWmYsyEX7Cne294Iz7ih7UIUn3BbKUXPRD5-u7doP4TK6yb/s1600/Nar14.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRYGf83jB-tn-SWBQdhpmqh5-thiuEtmr_q45CAqMuNnCjk_BgVyHEjKiqHSfWIqGsUW4iPJObwP797VfAzq-0eQEIrYQsmWmYsyEX7Cne294Iz7ih7UIUn3BbKUXPRD5-u7doP4TK6yb/s1600/Nar14.27.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But they were already gone. All that was left was a note Reece had left
on the table with my name on it. He asked
me to take care of Timber for him, and left me the address of a safe house
where I could write to him.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43oiGf33OyD6Fk4Rw9sgXsVHeGDIgo0fnt3j-jFQEe6gtu6y_UhMEQpEIif1_o45UacO9Iog3RF4MquwnFvXxO6vVI_TZ2y3L_vXw8gzxh0R3Ch0ReOu_YARFsWgf5ft_yky_YrqqbHdd/s1600/Nar14.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43oiGf33OyD6Fk4Rw9sgXsVHeGDIgo0fnt3j-jFQEe6gtu6y_UhMEQpEIif1_o45UacO9Iog3RF4MquwnFvXxO6vVI_TZ2y3L_vXw8gzxh0R3Ch0ReOu_YARFsWgf5ft_yky_YrqqbHdd/s1600/Nar14.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Timber lay by the bedroom door and whined like a lost puppy. For the first time since the night I had been
resurrected, I picked him up.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I know. I did not
want him to leave me either.” I said,
rubbing my fingers in the space between his horns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He let out a miserable, dead trill.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE39kCeVCt2Eakbbp3uUxcwuimI8KRENWgu5_hgvN5kkq5HT8JARY5pQYammxl__mbuvkJPPA_HG23ZEHcVJSCQXgFJh_R6nNMjfmALtjk_yxyILxsRH8O15CaV1jNen0soISmsER_uTn/s1600/Nar14.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE39kCeVCt2Eakbbp3uUxcwuimI8KRENWgu5_hgvN5kkq5HT8JARY5pQYammxl__mbuvkJPPA_HG23ZEHcVJSCQXgFJh_R6nNMjfmALtjk_yxyILxsRH8O15CaV1jNen0soISmsER_uTn/s1600/Nar14.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Class resumed the following Monday, but I felt miles and
miles away.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina sat with me and tried to offer me words of comfort
while I wept.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf6SHgVJuWDO2UlMjZf5SyLYqfcos_sVPFHZBUXl7l4dYGSK50OjfvhXwGkmAEe_p5sBgVNq4TQ6g5zXjDSgxmgQxEoBZPHzE5AMtkAyw8QCdv1NKt3c-ml6I0bJ6LznNbD5jeHXzTVcW/s1600/Nar14.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf6SHgVJuWDO2UlMjZf5SyLYqfcos_sVPFHZBUXl7l4dYGSK50OjfvhXwGkmAEe_p5sBgVNq4TQ6g5zXjDSgxmgQxEoBZPHzE5AMtkAyw8QCdv1NKt3c-ml6I0bJ6LznNbD5jeHXzTVcW/s1600/Nar14.31.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
I found myself picking up the phone to call Reece, and
then feeling my heart sink when it went to voice mail, and I remembered.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxUSN4z_jrBFFklGVZ3dQL3FVcegT2Dres1ljXe-48UVj4ahW1TKGNYn2vc2swMwKJ5s5gZSLRR3n5IrXnbUFzp30tEeMRf0bBX-o25C764IZA0Fgf1bE3YBU_bj7iJGCvmqpBV2NWd1-/s1600/Nar14.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxUSN4z_jrBFFklGVZ3dQL3FVcegT2Dres1ljXe-48UVj4ahW1TKGNYn2vc2swMwKJ5s5gZSLRR3n5IrXnbUFzp30tEeMRf0bBX-o25C764IZA0Fgf1bE3YBU_bj7iJGCvmqpBV2NWd1-/s1600/Nar14.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wrote a number of letters to the address he left me,
telling him trivial things like what assignments I was working on, what the
weather was like, and what new mischief his little dragon was up to. I always closed by telling him I hoped he
was safe and well, and that I missed him.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C3VlFDv5fyvZ8Tw1N5fdAA1ukPc-Kt0JjWa8aY_-HLTt0usyWhVfbhDHtU5YEUWdvIYnJfejxtPU2p6e5vT5XLG3xQXuZy49WQlyMpra-hszEvUxEdQh__I21hM9NRy7-PczvzMODP4x/s1600/Nar14.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C3VlFDv5fyvZ8Tw1N5fdAA1ukPc-Kt0JjWa8aY_-HLTt0usyWhVfbhDHtU5YEUWdvIYnJfejxtPU2p6e5vT5XLG3xQXuZy49WQlyMpra-hszEvUxEdQh__I21hM9NRy7-PczvzMODP4x/s1600/Nar14.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was overjoyed when I found a letter from him in the
mailbox one afternoon. He said nothing
of clans, cold wars, or curses. He only
reassured me that he was well and that he hoped I was doing all right in my
studies.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SS2DA88W05GPVvl4mx43jYxk1O24a5BWgv4jADwD-W-JzDTR4KlKHvwC-Tjbyr0Ch8e984grpIjngRytfdgsTPtgpeq1ZpTVLlk7Z0IlNB7d93GmMnlutZ7ZfuU40on83InpRbHjs7Lt/s1600/Nar14.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SS2DA88W05GPVvl4mx43jYxk1O24a5BWgv4jADwD-W-JzDTR4KlKHvwC-Tjbyr0Ch8e984grpIjngRytfdgsTPtgpeq1ZpTVLlk7Z0IlNB7d93GmMnlutZ7ZfuU40on83InpRbHjs7Lt/s1600/Nar14.34.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I carried it with me everywhere. I read it to Nirina and Hale at the dorms,
and Daria when I went to my internship, all the while skipping with a smile on
my face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I sent dozens more
letters than I received replies, but it mattered little to me. I cherished every single word he sent
me. I clung to those letters like they
were the last fragile tether that could keep us together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A thousand times I
drafted the only letter that really mattered, the one that I wanted to say
everything that was in my heart. But in the end, I would crumple it up and throw it away.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLzky41IA7NBnMTaGYsAFX5nTTeE8_UVONz82iBgFsrKISdr-rx419jHKyIsONYP6WMJ6e3uLBbfHDmjv3o49OWwmKuz88-45Yl0VYf0EBIvQT5-46i9d-TXBf3YZNBsO8UHNr351CqHI/s1600/Nar14.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLzky41IA7NBnMTaGYsAFX5nTTeE8_UVONz82iBgFsrKISdr-rx419jHKyIsONYP6WMJ6e3uLBbfHDmjv3o49OWwmKuz88-45Yl0VYf0EBIvQT5-46i9d-TXBf3YZNBsO8UHNr351CqHI/s1600/Nar14.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I received one final
letter from him the day before exams, and then…</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nothing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEezJeYYjP4PmbURtj0nVbIWZht12cSUxvDF6tV0XHxyl9x1iCjFLbCnl0cR9iYRM3XlTc2QkttUkGd3PDB7K1iRB6X_iLQWoHG8MAy7ZcsvcKCu-7GY-5GycPePulpluTd_u7sFTLzBSK/s1600/Nar14.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEezJeYYjP4PmbURtj0nVbIWZht12cSUxvDF6tV0XHxyl9x1iCjFLbCnl0cR9iYRM3XlTc2QkttUkGd3PDB7K1iRB6X_iLQWoHG8MAy7ZcsvcKCu-7GY-5GycPePulpluTd_u7sFTLzBSK/s1600/Nar14.36.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The weeks passed, and only
bills arrived in my mailbox. My heart
died a little every time I opened it up.
I tried to reassure myself that he was just away from safe house, busy
with his mission, and he had no time to send me a new letter. It did not mean I needed to fear the worst.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But all the same, I
feared the worst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-76276709550348311312014-07-05T13:52:00.001-05:002014-07-07T22:39:36.859-05:00Chapter Thirteen: Hesitation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dXIqgB_IMaqY4JD8IG4E1kWPj_atFuFG_6JIJrH1bFHYj6R41-_d225SiP7Zl5-cqHMeGf2NxxPjHnTnU_Yf1loafA1GIYBw_wI-qEQwiHLdPZ6Dr5KzdsCeNyWxuipSlztc6OsCFhnx/s1600/Nar13.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dXIqgB_IMaqY4JD8IG4E1kWPj_atFuFG_6JIJrH1bFHYj6R41-_d225SiP7Zl5-cqHMeGf2NxxPjHnTnU_Yf1loafA1GIYBw_wI-qEQwiHLdPZ6Dr5KzdsCeNyWxuipSlztc6OsCFhnx/s1600/Nar13.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Hey!” Daria said as she emerged from the hospital
doors, squinting at the rising sun and yawning.
“Sorry. Night shifts. Not fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I smiled. “Thank you for meeting me anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAJBrAChXbE1axN5pKAS0MeEP5IWs7cU-uHCmf5_pUF6tUn48oO9tQilRyn0_cKLypEW2djm1JdbxHtbWuGtoyJ0OEGxgqGaboudNpFDSA9KIjj_sFjX1kBMZY9iawkNt52t0b7VAREbI/s1600/Nar13.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAJBrAChXbE1axN5pKAS0MeEP5IWs7cU-uHCmf5_pUF6tUn48oO9tQilRyn0_cKLypEW2djm1JdbxHtbWuGtoyJ0OEGxgqGaboudNpFDSA9KIjj_sFjX1kBMZY9iawkNt52t0b7VAREbI/s1600/Nar13.02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daria returned my
smile. “Hey, no problem! How’s your break going for you?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Blissfully dull.” I admitted.
“I did nothing but read in bed all day yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daria laughed, stretching
her arms up and yawning for a second time.
She shook herself and turned back to me.
“Good. You needed that. How’s Miser McCann's for breakfast
sound?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUf0SiFeqhUwCPopemG4Vhe4Y3dr2sSDhkVR_1oIRxuXHrnVZFCw1fMRlXJ5PKph7iKltpPz516zUrMifXNsxPJqbhtB99zog4B3rbKYk0RRHqUBLG9Vj-HsWFcMSQOFhDBv9RSS8QO5m/s1600/Nar13.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUf0SiFeqhUwCPopemG4Vhe4Y3dr2sSDhkVR_1oIRxuXHrnVZFCw1fMRlXJ5PKph7iKltpPz516zUrMifXNsxPJqbhtB99zog4B3rbKYk0RRHqUBLG9Vj-HsWFcMSQOFhDBv9RSS8QO5m/s1600/Nar13.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Lovely.” I said,
sighing as I walked beside her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daria slowed her pace.
“So how are you <i>really?</i>”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FqRYHRx1R7-mD1P989CIZpeIMGVvpmEeSEF0imwd1mwWKzfwOqPhyphenhyphenJzmdhrPkwEIAvl46Saee3MUC3DahTStN_srO3OdGek3_CVm7Wi3I2OANBA_p03vwnnf5H6Kmpmy3roFUX8TBx-g/s1600/Nar13.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FqRYHRx1R7-mD1P989CIZpeIMGVvpmEeSEF0imwd1mwWKzfwOqPhyphenhyphenJzmdhrPkwEIAvl46Saee3MUC3DahTStN_srO3OdGek3_CVm7Wi3I2OANBA_p03vwnnf5H6Kmpmy3roFUX8TBx-g/s1600/Nar13.04.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hesitated, biting my tongue. Only our steady footsteps against the
cobblestone filled the silence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I am fine.” I said,
breathing out a sigh. “As long as I
avoid fire… and smoke…” My mouth twisted
into a frown. “And minor dragons.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0D3lzH0AQVMUAYSYnGsJFosSqcKnud3PAPbEUXZXG3OVRUDhE5_BeqUOrX9g8qco_lXDXCThnbLDIIqy7y-Fj6cl2rDZ1DvL5C1jEM8rYc6_SJ0dPh5h_154jYaU-QLXcLxcFWuUFCae/s1600/Nar13.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0D3lzH0AQVMUAYSYnGsJFosSqcKnud3PAPbEUXZXG3OVRUDhE5_BeqUOrX9g8qco_lXDXCThnbLDIIqy7y-Fj6cl2rDZ1DvL5C1jEM8rYc6_SJ0dPh5h_154jYaU-QLXcLxcFWuUFCae/s1600/Nar13.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daria pursued her lips
together and stared at the ground as she walked. She nodded her head once, and then cleared
her throat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You know….” she said
softly. “You can’t avoid fire forever.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8_iU4GzGdMOUwv9ecU69ep6DL4Qh2kU50hcCfDNKFYkxl7v-LHNkyOeQri7Hcw4QIVmY4Y8xrPaopMeEHKTeyKJjpnQ7DQ0LnYecFL6jHs8-Lb6rC5bsnwGXmGUcj9QEZElNQBgzFo8V/s1600/Nar13.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8_iU4GzGdMOUwv9ecU69ep6DL4Qh2kU50hcCfDNKFYkxl7v-LHNkyOeQri7Hcw4QIVmY4Y8xrPaopMeEHKTeyKJjpnQ7DQ0LnYecFL6jHs8-Lb6rC5bsnwGXmGUcj9QEZElNQBgzFo8V/s1600/Nar13.06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I sighed, my shoulders slumping. “I know… but… even the thought of attempting
to be near it… it…” My voice shook as I
spoke and my feet froze beneath me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daria reached out and
touched my shoulder. “Hey… we’ll take it
one step at a time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4y2Epu9Bl_iIi3nx9X2OxtmR08JQOz_etsEUnPeV5GkR8_E7OltmLQkgo4NxG_hNvmhCd9Y2Qt91fxltPfGcCJEhwCoKIf2T0u5PuB6FNMBsyjC0gxLoS8Km0NxPwtQMa_3fHnyBB1Hvb/s1600/Nar13.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4y2Epu9Bl_iIi3nx9X2OxtmR08JQOz_etsEUnPeV5GkR8_E7OltmLQkgo4NxG_hNvmhCd9Y2Qt91fxltPfGcCJEhwCoKIf2T0u5PuB6FNMBsyjC0gxLoS8Km0NxPwtQMa_3fHnyBB1Hvb/s1600/Nar13.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbZeZVeTyQdzHcZuYnX5jEhyphenhyphenqOj8dZaMLEsbKQYCBZjjIdji4jtYuTRIsYZRIGtVMkHplDMiVMlcpJ_eXYeidADvBvgV15MXzyIf8zlMScEpMSFnKtw8OiJd62UMg7HT9wawJ1NjASLgN/s1600/Nar13.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbZeZVeTyQdzHcZuYnX5jEhyphenhyphenqOj8dZaMLEsbKQYCBZjjIdji4jtYuTRIsYZRIGtVMkHplDMiVMlcpJ_eXYeidADvBvgV15MXzyIf8zlMScEpMSFnKtw8OiJd62UMg7HT9wawJ1NjASLgN/s1600/Nar13.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was somewhat
disheartened when the school year began anew.
I mourned the loss of my inexhaustible free time, and then threw myself
into my work and my studies with renewed vigor.
Mr. Peters had been right though, the time off had been just what I
needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Mr. Stenberg dropped by
to inquire about you while you were gone.”
Mr. Peters told me when I finally returned to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGv0J26aDnEV1lHVnN6YdSEOKjK6PBFEIIuqNd61iTw3-463axnqcVd5Hjhkq43YcTnVm55-v-yexzyu68rXX4oOEDi4tPvhzItGRjSCO9R59WtOjodav4nw-ZG-KsQXHtl-b0rT43uFd/s1600/Nar13.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGv0J26aDnEV1lHVnN6YdSEOKjK6PBFEIIuqNd61iTw3-463axnqcVd5Hjhkq43YcTnVm55-v-yexzyu68rXX4oOEDi4tPvhzItGRjSCO9R59WtOjodav4nw-ZG-KsQXHtl-b0rT43uFd/s1600/Nar13.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stiffened, that
familiar feeling of nausea twisting in my stomach. “Oh?
Did he… did he say what he wanted?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mr. Peters shrugged. “Just asked where you were. He departed for an extended business trip, but
left a number in case you wanted to contact him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I tried to smile as I
took the slip of paper from Mr. Peters.
As soon as he turned his back I crumpled the paper up and tossed it in
the waste basket.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHd94X3pCb8b8DPlwlrCm5Ql8E1-j-LjBKSL0L6iZ6ZLOztxQ777mGPAHDxz2onbW2arZ6kZU24TU6vKm8F3XCXQwn7YNykE7RNFnlMBMbT92t87KrnaLxrTtmAlodL6OCEx3njcHVe2y/s1600/Nar13.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHd94X3pCb8b8DPlwlrCm5Ql8E1-j-LjBKSL0L6iZ6ZLOztxQ777mGPAHDxz2onbW2arZ6kZU24TU6vKm8F3XCXQwn7YNykE7RNFnlMBMbT92t87KrnaLxrTtmAlodL6OCEx3njcHVe2y/s1600/Nar13.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps it was the
practice from last semester, but the management of my responsibilities felt
easier this time. I was able to get up
on time, keep track of my schoolwork, and perform well at both my internship
and my job.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz7Dy99fR-bV9AHhX3zwK-_WWyPe9-aT3wIp2XWKPtv_LV4fkZbj8gFpCDedSDyTYTLIXlSOV-lZ4Pwa6MR1iL0jD1-zsomspjlHXEm-WUdHPoTIGAVw_tncdBPfFYEO6m_f1KSvQvqj8/s1600/Nar13.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz7Dy99fR-bV9AHhX3zwK-_WWyPe9-aT3wIp2XWKPtv_LV4fkZbj8gFpCDedSDyTYTLIXlSOV-lZ4Pwa6MR1iL0jD1-zsomspjlHXEm-WUdHPoTIGAVw_tncdBPfFYEO6m_f1KSvQvqj8/s1600/Nar13.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There was however, an
additional difference between this semester and last semester. Reece was almost always on my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadWeskRhtodqi0PBOin4-nf7SKVWh6TWLT38Y9JbAWkrze6UClr8cyrhK0roQO46AHrMxRn96ZdGVqMCbsPt7x-Fj3alasB6HCMvPN-rEx1Efc5uHO8qlaTRBF2ceQmSoJc3PCUFfLBpG/s1600/Nar13.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadWeskRhtodqi0PBOin4-nf7SKVWh6TWLT38Y9JbAWkrze6UClr8cyrhK0roQO46AHrMxRn96ZdGVqMCbsPt7x-Fj3alasB6HCMvPN-rEx1Efc5uHO8qlaTRBF2ceQmSoJc3PCUFfLBpG/s1600/Nar13.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I would catch myself
daydreaming in class, and aching to hear his voice. Sometimes I would call him up in the evening
and ask him to explain some modern-day concept that I already understood quite
perfectly, just to have an excuse to call him. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dsZIY_a3uF8kwsEScI04HmKWqYUNX096N3Coq3O3QVS8MSP4uVxE5J2RiWYJSjFFGHEOuY56xqZYLqJUfV9YEwKBHICjO_hYM0A-3IIUFJAU6wgDVPX_BVnZ6MI1li7K7xXqJYiL8uVn/s1600/Nar13.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dsZIY_a3uF8kwsEScI04HmKWqYUNX096N3Coq3O3QVS8MSP4uVxE5J2RiWYJSjFFGHEOuY56xqZYLqJUfV9YEwKBHICjO_hYM0A-3IIUFJAU6wgDVPX_BVnZ6MI1li7K7xXqJYiL8uVn/s1600/Nar13.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the weekends when I returned to Dragon Valley to work at my
internship or Tome Traders, I would drop by his house to visit. It broke my heart when he had too much work
to do to talk much, or was not at home at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One evening midway
through the semester, I meandered around the dorm kitchen in my bare feet with
my cell phone pressed to my ear. I
listened and giggled while I stirred soup.
I was eventually forced to hang up, and I carried the steaming bowl of
soup into the dining area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMzHScEwnOs4zqcrKV7Eb3HbfAV2Yj5qCOSVa4sYnSp_f4COULYTRoqo_QUI4MRsmWdKYT58KM0jkXHgbbarRL4eIlfN9zZQ45hKxdDn8t5tW_1ZZgDd2TjLz9R7e_W5XdvLcuboeHr_1/s1600/Nar13.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMzHScEwnOs4zqcrKV7Eb3HbfAV2Yj5qCOSVa4sYnSp_f4COULYTRoqo_QUI4MRsmWdKYT58KM0jkXHgbbarRL4eIlfN9zZQ45hKxdDn8t5tW_1ZZgDd2TjLz9R7e_W5XdvLcuboeHr_1/s1600/Nar13.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina and Hale sat
waiting at the table with suspicious narrowed eyes. I froze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina smirked, her chin
in her hand. “Was that Reece?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sRH29KqUlRnJ5P6bDGGubDlVGWX4Go1Sye5OuGv4-v1RlFoq4lOCyTahBmsSrQ4MRZi5ZdXUPdApL0f9DIjBM9fGUbClEiW4B5ZLi0nAISZG55znoqlIp2wjuCOH58R91f74wWI3OxSO/s1600/Nar13.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sRH29KqUlRnJ5P6bDGGubDlVGWX4Go1Sye5OuGv4-v1RlFoq4lOCyTahBmsSrQ4MRZi5ZdXUPdApL0f9DIjBM9fGUbClEiW4B5ZLi0nAISZG55znoqlIp2wjuCOH58R91f74wWI3OxSO/s1600/Nar13.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh… yes.” I said, putting the bowl down on the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjcFEdynFfxHQm_iSIz7ePXmsc-795PbyUQCn89QQoBQMVoUfKSQSffrGaHHuj5My9qyjzfOlnzg4PTYhNirB7rfpxWQsFDrNtAHI9AoP_zf_UkmCkbu50gHbFr-Ahgc9iXobDI_fNWg3/s1600/Nar13.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjcFEdynFfxHQm_iSIz7ePXmsc-795PbyUQCn89QQoBQMVoUfKSQSffrGaHHuj5My9qyjzfOlnzg4PTYhNirB7rfpxWQsFDrNtAHI9AoP_zf_UkmCkbu50gHbFr-Ahgc9iXobDI_fNWg3/s1600/Nar13.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina grabbed the
serving spoon and pulled the bowl towards her.
“You sure talk to him a lot.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I bit my lip and shrugged
my shoulders. “I suppose…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“And you wear a stupid
grin on your face whenever you do.” Hale
added.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEoqVnRf97eWhHfHZ3mMs0gd0D6nfSrjCU2n22Tvkc-yQ5GcD-pSKU9hstQslrevkcX7hNyOuF5hZZPsd5YbDUKmsqq9bjkvRqvykDmoA1WJCn0BLWFHyZxZNG6uGN2Pms1sjcbeElasN/s1600/Nar13.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEoqVnRf97eWhHfHZ3mMs0gd0D6nfSrjCU2n22Tvkc-yQ5GcD-pSKU9hstQslrevkcX7hNyOuF5hZZPsd5YbDUKmsqq9bjkvRqvykDmoA1WJCn0BLWFHyZxZNG6uGN2Pms1sjcbeElasN/s1600/Nar13.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina glanced at me and
her smirk widened. “She <i>does!</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I… I enjoy our
conversations.” I stammered, quickly
dishing a spoonful of the soup into my own bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You’re blushing.” Nirina pointed out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGhc2cleggayoR-LHTYTJggaJ8JVgcq5ouzykt5m-X0oEJNCfBFNCUvgJ38YHAHrMGlDI2jqFczbD_pQ2ONBFIWg41m4rzMDu3D918vHn-2bDIPsHGvbXZXgwLLWWDLW7kvGes5B9PSto/s1600/Nar13.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGhc2cleggayoR-LHTYTJggaJ8JVgcq5ouzykt5m-X0oEJNCfBFNCUvgJ38YHAHrMGlDI2jqFczbD_pQ2ONBFIWg41m4rzMDu3D918vHn-2bDIPsHGvbXZXgwLLWWDLW7kvGes5B9PSto/s1600/Nar13.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I fumbled with the spoon
and then turned to carry my bowl back up to my room. “I… I have studies to attend to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia.” Nirina said, stopping me in my tracks. She used her foot to push the chair across
from her out. “Come sit down.”</span><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reluctantly, I sat.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis2CaSmmZa7cITIQr66xeoIn4C6hRwRuM4Lw0lL67g5g4JXdp3SMLlX7zCGc8dJ07tNIDaFEVurNvnaL2JNQlhYc6tLyUYywFhhvxZ8ktgM453kHeYXOi0vKLCKtrV8YsAXAqaIlBJjuI/s1600/Nar13.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis2CaSmmZa7cITIQr66xeoIn4C6hRwRuM4Lw0lL67g5g4JXdp3SMLlX7zCGc8dJ07tNIDaFEVurNvnaL2JNQlhYc6tLyUYywFhhvxZ8ktgM453kHeYXOi0vKLCKtrV8YsAXAqaIlBJjuI/s1600/Nar13.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina tilted her head to
the side. “When are you gonna tell him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My mouth was dry. “Tell him… tell him what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hale raised one eyebrow. “That you’re dying
to have all his blue-haired babies.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDAw2sBIw9MUBh51ltcmnhgGLjmQzdNi1sx8SN0knhDqb7NkeLMqnePpum71ekzUC1HjgcpCJJF_FYsQIDIWFoeP5Q6ievoB3lDJYq2IoI19lkQEcOOwMIEXJ5-GCRSV0ER82Bk1pEH8q/s1600/Nar13.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDAw2sBIw9MUBh51ltcmnhgGLjmQzdNi1sx8SN0knhDqb7NkeLMqnePpum71ekzUC1HjgcpCJJF_FYsQIDIWFoeP5Q6ievoB3lDJYq2IoI19lkQEcOOwMIEXJ5-GCRSV0ER82Bk1pEH8q/s1600/Nar13.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina shot him a
death-glare. I flushed an even deeper
red.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I-I-I…” I stuttered for
a moment and then shut my mouth, swallowing to regain control of my voice. “I do not have the slightest idea what you…”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPMR12jer43EKJDciE9KbYdYZnLVUU6hTu_T3H1l-xiuntDbb_am_WexqohrwEG15Rkgvct4GzxmzGvoaOtqY5ZwKjRR-0yUAz6d7wXPujGN1b5coP1e_TdbpOjuEjlhNJBR11B6HvHma/s1600/Nar13.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPMR12jer43EKJDciE9KbYdYZnLVUU6hTu_T3H1l-xiuntDbb_am_WexqohrwEG15Rkgvct4GzxmzGvoaOtqY5ZwKjRR-0yUAz6d7wXPujGN1b5coP1e_TdbpOjuEjlhNJBR11B6HvHma/s1600/Nar13.23.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You can cut the
denial. We’re smart anchovies. You can’t fool us.” Nirina said, leaning in closer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I shut my mouth and
stared down into my bowl, my face growing hotter and hotter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina sighed, her
expression softening. “Tell me, because
the stories really tell us <i>nothing</i>,
did you have any kind of long-term relationship before you died?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3znT_pRGSzhwvl5tsabQBBNnq44iIQEBqA4EeQ79ikhCafUAoVRj-aWV0L9fLExoizar4dcIjbiCmXZKKh5LloIolBfkgft9difl8BhzNBDbOC7ym7MHB48vQUS5M9TXhBgOypjTvtit/s1600/Nar13.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3znT_pRGSzhwvl5tsabQBBNnq44iIQEBqA4EeQ79ikhCafUAoVRj-aWV0L9fLExoizar4dcIjbiCmXZKKh5LloIolBfkgft9difl8BhzNBDbOC7ym7MHB48vQUS5M9TXhBgOypjTvtit/s1600/Nar13.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A lump formed in my
throat. I squeezed my hands together in
my lap. “I had… flirtations. But… I was at war my entire life… it…”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It just never happened. </i>I thought, a hollow ache gathering in the center
of my chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO1xZu3wMMDpOGDVyKqjtLKbGmCP4RHCGE_0PlcwONB-sxYFHi_K_FDkhk0qNpN_K5M-fpnDYQMd80sfgAEE-_h4TFDjMhipd3WzGDn2BSppmf5-DJCa31kBTktGb4ew16kB_W3mdVwlH/s1600/Nar13.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO1xZu3wMMDpOGDVyKqjtLKbGmCP4RHCGE_0PlcwONB-sxYFHi_K_FDkhk0qNpN_K5M-fpnDYQMd80sfgAEE-_h4TFDjMhipd3WzGDn2BSppmf5-DJCa31kBTktGb4ew16kB_W3mdVwlH/s1600/Nar13.25.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A hand touched mine, and
I started, looking up. Nirina smiled at
me from across the table. “This is your
second chance! You have a whole brand
new life ahead of you!”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I began to pull my hand
away, scooting back from the table. “I…
I am not certain it would be wise to pursue any sort of courtship. My… my primary obligation is to my studies…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina clasped my hand
and pulled me back. “Sophia, you’re
doing the exact same thing you did in your first life! You’re letting your sense of duty get in the
way of what you really want.”</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGiv_ZyhHQvWOF6HMylz1c-MXL4iDXpSYJIPgUuPZXgzApFGXtc2QT1-3Yp9xpIuge19sPZYp1XkLqTuLPZWsjMdg4-_6l0zChemQ5hYdP-2Df1nA7l2p28EaiDjpyOgHAzYt6oxHMfeN/s1600/Nar13.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGiv_ZyhHQvWOF6HMylz1c-MXL4iDXpSYJIPgUuPZXgzApFGXtc2QT1-3Yp9xpIuge19sPZYp1XkLqTuLPZWsjMdg4-_6l0zChemQ5hYdP-2Df1nA7l2p28EaiDjpyOgHAzYt6oxHMfeN/s1600/Nar13.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I…” I shut my mouth and
swallowed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina sighed, her grip
on my hand loosening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Answer me honestly…” she
said softly. “Do you like Reece?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Yes.” I breathed out. It was little more than a squeak, but when I
said it Nirina smiled and I could not help but smile back. I felt strange inside, almost bubbly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3C8xwz7Micp2xR61WuPiRRIM1uDDFZRHG1OkGyd-d6bqsyr7qbsME6l4HBrbk9qDfJXGtRwjA84ppCbQ-0traiqD1Q4fAOq9Fb2EXaTpQV1BB2iVc_7G4APj4vmH68BYrkaoHv_81OG7/s1600/Nar13.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3C8xwz7Micp2xR61WuPiRRIM1uDDFZRHG1OkGyd-d6bqsyr7qbsME6l4HBrbk9qDfJXGtRwjA84ppCbQ-0traiqD1Q4fAOq9Fb2EXaTpQV1BB2iVc_7G4APj4vmH68BYrkaoHv_81OG7/s1600/Nar13.27.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nirina’s smile took on a
mischievous glint. She prodded my
hand. “Do you <i>more than </i>like Reece?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XvUV50QFTt3CsqKdZlJhREXGREVlaKeM6m6TRYtgEwjaaXL32GygJEVHr0qwQbNw-SFJ0JWf9yI8awWTh2dBiE2xHyVrfpkHeLJdCx992Fmn5ByVPvwo6FKMSEBsGfFJziOrBCseEFpg/s1600/Nar13.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XvUV50QFTt3CsqKdZlJhREXGREVlaKeM6m6TRYtgEwjaaXL32GygJEVHr0qwQbNw-SFJ0JWf9yI8awWTh2dBiE2xHyVrfpkHeLJdCx992Fmn5ByVPvwo6FKMSEBsGfFJziOrBCseEFpg/s1600/Nar13.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I flushed again, but
nodded my head. “Yes.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFMf7-QsNLzbDs-dp-6KUZA7QTD2Oz_J6dpaq39T-YAi4PGhfrCElsCRX4GIdk1f6_2lMFHduRDZWSpns6ToIhXPOCPMHROupcT6E9ZF-wIjWL4n4A3SsTXDo-n1O6BkmKDDVkDg_XHId/s1600/Nar13.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFMf7-QsNLzbDs-dp-6KUZA7QTD2Oz_J6dpaq39T-YAi4PGhfrCElsCRX4GIdk1f6_2lMFHduRDZWSpns6ToIhXPOCPMHROupcT6E9ZF-wIjWL4n4A3SsTXDo-n1O6BkmKDDVkDg_XHId/s1600/Nar13.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Then <i>go reaping get him!</i>”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIZjoQsqI7fBnJMdte6pR7tefYDLcjL6S8hZc7VUEz37WFjBxVYIG0eG6A2B0388y3bAJDTOTgUoLqG9GmfjIAPKgb7C6WrApmpuVvFdvluvCEBWpzI7GEC_A7LTQ7tFWNLLCeAc6pyL4/s1600/Nar13.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIZjoQsqI7fBnJMdte6pR7tefYDLcjL6S8hZc7VUEz37WFjBxVYIG0eG6A2B0388y3bAJDTOTgUoLqG9GmfjIAPKgb7C6WrApmpuVvFdvluvCEBWpzI7GEC_A7LTQ7tFWNLLCeAc6pyL4/s1600/Nar13.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgaJbTkx3EGFELVDezMwy7PmGI1O1htcgBQ6IpoZmCFV5ZDq6CcRSj6GCPJRIuWfbMO8KOuvGwC3xN9j1kqu9P6iYPEGXJesxbw3j-cifD2_WVoHhlWPObGxO4lRyWM9XjvqX5an9KM7R/s1600/Nar13.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgaJbTkx3EGFELVDezMwy7PmGI1O1htcgBQ6IpoZmCFV5ZDq6CcRSj6GCPJRIuWfbMO8KOuvGwC3xN9j1kqu9P6iYPEGXJesxbw3j-cifD2_WVoHhlWPObGxO4lRyWM9XjvqX5an9KM7R/s1600/Nar13.31.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The next day, I picked up
the phone to dial Reece. I took a deep
breath, trying to rehearse what I wanted to say in my mind. I stared at the screen until finally I put
the phone away with a frustrated sigh.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN-L8j1CXd9C2cpPwnq138QgIz1zg82thyphenhyphenbwuJyKn7AYcRWqZAkXQIGqihE-pMGjOBA7zD78GKil6GCrd5eLnyGCnEcwWw-96_bz7H9K-PpFzIFZxFtIJwhvtV26egyvyy3N3rN-wMi67/s1600/Nar13.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN-L8j1CXd9C2cpPwnq138QgIz1zg82thyphenhyphenbwuJyKn7AYcRWqZAkXQIGqihE-pMGjOBA7zD78GKil6GCrd5eLnyGCnEcwWw-96_bz7H9K-PpFzIFZxFtIJwhvtV26egyvyy3N3rN-wMi67/s1600/Nar13.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You don’t have to start
with a spectacular declaration of love, just ask him to dinner!” Nirina scolded
me after a week had passed by.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJhsg99IqvvjY5qgoKxsB4ZO_ZJH5p1r0dvuteSgLaAxhO1TJ8NBO_TFUwV4KP00FAQhVLgB7w1gJLTlpphVjoXanG54CatAWKatAcRMzqOciUT1dh-2vSibg84S4JuBtjRucLhGv7TVM/s1600/Nar13.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJhsg99IqvvjY5qgoKxsB4ZO_ZJH5p1r0dvuteSgLaAxhO1TJ8NBO_TFUwV4KP00FAQhVLgB7w1gJLTlpphVjoXanG54CatAWKatAcRMzqOciUT1dh-2vSibg84S4JuBtjRucLhGv7TVM/s1600/Nar13.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But I remained no closer
to confessing my feelings as the semester drew to a close. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUq2Dy5gstpr1WacaZRBwJTsZ6OLeLZ8iVkKsLROFiSlpCb8QZOhnD47sKmSY8t5ZhB0EyBkE329YW_NumAvHMbdzM0-fRIuhLtO8UB7hXu3S62aY0Ia3AEH7-JUNFdps-_HeWa17BWrZb/s1600/Nar13.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUq2Dy5gstpr1WacaZRBwJTsZ6OLeLZ8iVkKsLROFiSlpCb8QZOhnD47sKmSY8t5ZhB0EyBkE329YW_NumAvHMbdzM0-fRIuhLtO8UB7hXu3S62aY0Ia3AEH7-JUNFdps-_HeWa17BWrZb/s1600/Nar13.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Promotional posters
started popping up on the break-room bulletin board at my internship. The hospital was having a lavish charity gala
towards the end of summer and every resident, doctor, receptionist, and intern
was invited. At first, I paid it no
attention, deleting the e-mail invitation and carrying on about my work as
usual.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS-4CVHgWmiApxDuOAJEKO5gI2kPsFZiZUjkT6LKFXQF0fyX3hGhiD4EaodldtRllzL3MQLbvxawg85rFUA7Ghs0ROmcegoN_HAFmsg1Q-ASjJCgtvx0_y1EN4tm5Ztdkok35knD7iQv2/s1600/Nar13.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS-4CVHgWmiApxDuOAJEKO5gI2kPsFZiZUjkT6LKFXQF0fyX3hGhiD4EaodldtRllzL3MQLbvxawg85rFUA7Ghs0ROmcegoN_HAFmsg1Q-ASjJCgtvx0_y1EN4tm5Ztdkok35knD7iQv2/s1600/Nar13.36.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I’m excited.” Daria gushed when she met me for lunch one
afternoon. “I haven’t had a chance to
get dressed up for something since high school!” I nodded my head, my attention directed out
the window at an elderly couple who strolled along the sidewalk, hand in
hand. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtSf61TJ5uSzkD35PxwEWut8mo0JpYML8tJqjjjV8am06ePs52ErvzOeFeld74r75Nfta1iO0SZFO-I0nGzPyx3nmaNoateD-F0RQD-r_GeHLgs7UwPxgjEQi3l9qt63hyJDYhHvp885M/s1600/Nar13.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtSf61TJ5uSzkD35PxwEWut8mo0JpYML8tJqjjjV8am06ePs52ErvzOeFeld74r75Nfta1iO0SZFO-I0nGzPyx3nmaNoateD-F0RQD-r_GeHLgs7UwPxgjEQi3l9qt63hyJDYhHvp885M/s1600/Nar13.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daria tilted her head to the side
and leaned in closer. “You know, you
could ask a date to the Gala.”</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-CeM4s-GnvtKKmPcsjtUVoNsX7MoviOxzQqLlQ28UYVZRHxddP118g0V6F9HHKAJLkJIoC6u48U9J6XLWhwWo33-9cUfVycns2ajvtn3K4zOPXahAGwaJPllP4k940C1mXnHY3CkqMde/s1600/Nar13.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-CeM4s-GnvtKKmPcsjtUVoNsX7MoviOxzQqLlQ28UYVZRHxddP118g0V6F9HHKAJLkJIoC6u48U9J6XLWhwWo33-9cUfVycns2ajvtn3K4zOPXahAGwaJPllP4k940C1mXnHY3CkqMde/s1600/Nar13.38.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My head snapped back
towards her. “What?”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNSvfo6R2610fFqiSIj0DeX7L-iLV-9d6FO80vXWULK44A57MR5hlBUdVoK69s6de7GzoogeZosxuMkbfvtOhyphenhyphenoxvVjweTapkT098Btoi_etP2aGsXKv8orEYxSEmE2XAXHdSQIiPEtYm/s1600/Nar13.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNSvfo6R2610fFqiSIj0DeX7L-iLV-9d6FO80vXWULK44A57MR5hlBUdVoK69s6de7GzoogeZosxuMkbfvtOhyphenhyphenoxvVjweTapkT098Btoi_etP2aGsXKv8orEYxSEmE2XAXHdSQIiPEtYm/s1600/Nar13.39.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“A date.” Daria said, smiling innocently and lifting
her cup to her lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My eyes narrowed. “Have you been talking to Nirina?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daria shook her head and shrugged her shoulders as
she gulped. “Mmh-Mmh.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh-VUvg-d_xdk8_9O4imT6gevXM4I9mZOFAapjH8jBpD9DWXudnfFK7-PRWk8qLdKjI05RVn9qAg4ETduHobRN7MbXrmkp78P_isjU3rsPVbo-llq2SSonwQNJYJeGFqgbnSI2kpA-U0j/s1600/NAr13.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh-VUvg-d_xdk8_9O4imT6gevXM4I9mZOFAapjH8jBpD9DWXudnfFK7-PRWk8qLdKjI05RVn9qAg4ETduHobRN7MbXrmkp78P_isjU3rsPVbo-llq2SSonwQNJYJeGFqgbnSI2kpA-U0j/s1600/NAr13.40.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stared at the poster
hanging above the coffee maker for the rest of the lunch break. Even as I walked home, its image was burned in
my mind. My heart started pounding in my
chest, and my feet quickened beneath me.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0X9dU6fCP1ddhPx9Z6MKUH06P2ppti9lgBerQcJyDw0z7S6C6NVNHTIyyqKddIunfD3J0DS3lijvrZPEwca7uA8OmPFzM0bRrh4iQT3DWoWLhC8O9Id2WtJ9dD35NARhEcFVU5cXqoAK_/s1600/Nar13.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0X9dU6fCP1ddhPx9Z6MKUH06P2ppti9lgBerQcJyDw0z7S6C6NVNHTIyyqKddIunfD3J0DS3lijvrZPEwca7uA8OmPFzM0bRrh4iQT3DWoWLhC8O9Id2WtJ9dD35NARhEcFVU5cXqoAK_/s1600/Nar13.41.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I changed as quickly as I
could, and spent a half an hour in front of the mirror fussing over my hair. When at last I felt I looked presentable
enough, I took one deep, steeling breath, and held my chin high.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqM60rYK3iKJOTTdQ4GYc2mRxGATwr1YaSw8RGbvSGUXANDbBIEHGwJ6x8bENlB2PdIAmBMLqwP_PrFC7FUTEuNP0FvB8BHB_OMsHpRpIcLuewC7IV3_0g8lFDaJhBGVibGOhswKRXs20/s1600/Nar13.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqM60rYK3iKJOTTdQ4GYc2mRxGATwr1YaSw8RGbvSGUXANDbBIEHGwJ6x8bENlB2PdIAmBMLqwP_PrFC7FUTEuNP0FvB8BHB_OMsHpRpIcLuewC7IV3_0g8lFDaJhBGVibGOhswKRXs20/s1600/Nar13.42.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The sun was dipping low
in the sky by the time I finally headed out to Reece’s house. The air was fresh and cool, the birds were
chirping a happy tune. Warm flutters
bubbled up from the depths of my heart and I found myself smiling. My feet moved faster and faster, and by the time
I saw Reece’s house I was sprinting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkS4wHcMTo8jjt9WvXCqOPvnCQZSWyKQf5TQFDUej07VeSmKylioJ30sDyewYheiZk7FFRMSioncj9LkYsPcQQ9HJUKbg5T2uA0HX6Bv-nFSalUUpPcOrW8VJdin5RTGlGO3cW0sVIDLG/s1600/Nar13.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkS4wHcMTo8jjt9WvXCqOPvnCQZSWyKQf5TQFDUej07VeSmKylioJ30sDyewYheiZk7FFRMSioncj9LkYsPcQQ9HJUKbg5T2uA0HX6Bv-nFSalUUpPcOrW8VJdin5RTGlGO3cW0sVIDLG/s1600/Nar13.43.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I burst through the door, calling out as I raced into the
kitchen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Reece! I
have something to ask you! Will yo-!” I stopped dead as I turned the corner. The warm flutters in my heart evaporated in an
instant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKI8YJmifrVq1pciGG0vYHu0xzoLD1lKBJOP693aiNG3lHmBGShhRkPaae6sUdG3STpEUC4hlFLmMjKFcAu0_XU7WsPXn3FUiZzi4vs8rz15ulBIrWPcMetL3_lTdZoBjaJ8FkUS2ImfK/s1600/Nar13.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKI8YJmifrVq1pciGG0vYHu0xzoLD1lKBJOP693aiNG3lHmBGShhRkPaae6sUdG3STpEUC4hlFLmMjKFcAu0_XU7WsPXn3FUiZzi4vs8rz15ulBIrWPcMetL3_lTdZoBjaJ8FkUS2ImfK/s1600/Nar13.44.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A girl stood by the dining table. Timber sat on her wrist, trilling his tongue
as though he were cooing and rubbing his face up against her outstretched
hand. She tilted her head to the side,
giving me a quizzical look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“So... who are you and why did you just barge into
my house like you own the place?” she
asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfvAhNe4mkQEJe4GtD92tl_iAQpyhyphenhyphenfEOqlmIgXa-XHxedBTx0LgzRrS9UAjq_DSj_FMkWdVzNsIFApZC1PgyxxfeLFVm-pi-oB8KsoX-tPz5GJMFPDf8HEarmH2O7ipIk-r86wDcQYD3/s1600/Nar13.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfvAhNe4mkQEJe4GtD92tl_iAQpyhyphenhyphenfEOqlmIgXa-XHxedBTx0LgzRrS9UAjq_DSj_FMkWdVzNsIFApZC1PgyxxfeLFVm-pi-oB8KsoX-tPz5GJMFPDf8HEarmH2O7ipIk-r86wDcQYD3/s1600/Nar13.45.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I swallowed, looking from Timber’s contented face to her
bright, turquoise eyes. There was really
only one person she could be.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh...” I stammered,
holding out my hand. “You must be
Regan... I am sorry for my ill-manners.
I did not realize that you would be home.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYkmDnKZYqU8toPD0xxd2SStDahxHj6tVUZWLD-T23P8T9kZYkL9LWRKyPxqTO8NoB5c6SbpkP5KpgBWqAsIeV8KB-NGPiJhyphenhyphenVVhjrYCGzMs9fhIvTQ1CdGCI5eEK1uMeYnMbGSI1cvnS/s1600/Nar13.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYkmDnKZYqU8toPD0xxd2SStDahxHj6tVUZWLD-T23P8T9kZYkL9LWRKyPxqTO8NoB5c6SbpkP5KpgBWqAsIeV8KB-NGPiJhyphenhyphenVVhjrYCGzMs9fhIvTQ1CdGCI5eEK1uMeYnMbGSI1cvnS/s1600/Nar13.46.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“That's okay...”
Regan said, slowly clasping my hand and giving it one firm shake. She looked me up and down with narrowed eyes,
and frowned. “Is that my shirt?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUHs8nKp_WpIOXqMdbPjbUVJT7gxGbYQbIAub5CStjAvsn0DoJga_wXEp60Fj51H47VvwOFIgC8hbw14syqSkDM-6xLaQDNkxEMzKrZMdiCkV4i9NYxahbEvXRZvV04BD_7klDJHitHyI/s1600/Nar13.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUHs8nKp_WpIOXqMdbPjbUVJT7gxGbYQbIAub5CStjAvsn0DoJga_wXEp60Fj51H47VvwOFIgC8hbw14syqSkDM-6xLaQDNkxEMzKrZMdiCkV4i9NYxahbEvXRZvV04BD_7klDJHitHyI/s1600/Nar13.47.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I pulled my hand back and touched the hem of the blouse I
wore, my face flushing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Probably...”
I murmured, turning around and glancing through the open door to the
bedroom, and then around to the empty hallway.
“Is Reece here?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqwawGEOdgHjgyfsmnOHZEnZ1CbxmKzv6xPR1puRmq5QcWwdMFUN_DYUGba7Lz0K9JfDUrgwbtcNDWChuLi4KFHt9EfGol897fGSV8ffy0IITfx087X5vf5AvKcedIxCZAlJB0kMf-SP_/s1600/Nar13.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqwawGEOdgHjgyfsmnOHZEnZ1CbxmKzv6xPR1puRmq5QcWwdMFUN_DYUGba7Lz0K9JfDUrgwbtcNDWChuLi4KFHt9EfGol897fGSV8ffy0IITfx087X5vf5AvKcedIxCZAlJB0kMf-SP_/s1600/Nar13.48.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Regan’s
expression softened, and she looked down, stroking Timber's underbelly. “He’s out in the back.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was already turning to the back door as she spoke. “Thank you!”
I murmured over my shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I walked out again, I tried to muster up the courage I had felt racing up the walkway, but it was gone.
Regan’s presence had disarmed me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the
two years I had lived in Dragon Valley, she had never been home. She was supposed to be out trekking the
globe, hunting some powerful Lucian Matriarch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
What was she doing here now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbh09VQGbPDF9HEkA2kXDwoRjGzM9Q77rj-N3OtcIV54ferWPIwIwdhuqWrI7_Bi3GshVfEAfzzL0Q2KnndEjIaG50Dn4Q0OfyTjcIR7veb5wjfeOgOYQuQUYHWyMq4dXUdt6Xge6BWyno/s1600/Nar13.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbh09VQGbPDF9HEkA2kXDwoRjGzM9Q77rj-N3OtcIV54ferWPIwIwdhuqWrI7_Bi3GshVfEAfzzL0Q2KnndEjIaG50Dn4Q0OfyTjcIR7veb5wjfeOgOYQuQUYHWyMq4dXUdt6Xge6BWyno/s1600/Nar13.50.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I spotted
Reece sitting on the steps of his family’s backyard pavilion, and those
flutters in my heart came alive again.
He sat with his hands on his knees and his shoulders slumped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhSweHnUXgyu0pfQcbScVPKYBb1EFhSqlFVgvWOCG1wZf4Av-_bOIg6mj6V0VHX5fZ5HVIbSCCut5URpEo7G7yWOuFWZphUr3cl9f8r_WmjWHt2XtCzjUAupSuVyMCbdoXAwhZe9E_MYp/s1600/Nar13.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhSweHnUXgyu0pfQcbScVPKYBb1EFhSqlFVgvWOCG1wZf4Av-_bOIg6mj6V0VHX5fZ5HVIbSCCut5URpEo7G7yWOuFWZphUr3cl9f8r_WmjWHt2XtCzjUAupSuVyMCbdoXAwhZe9E_MYp/s1600/Nar13.51.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Reece!” I cried, skipping across the pavilion
towards him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He turned his head towards me. The corners of his lips flickered up for just
a moment, but then his expression turned somber.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh... hey Sophia.” he murmured.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUgpH-kzNoeQHmVSOObRfKxvANYzrahDOfJoc8SFpyZ_t4GfygXvalKKPeqMUYd74ylAbxSyKzkQ7ZLox9bW2uXqJOy4oHxJom5yvwgrDe3RKf40lixhfaNyU7ijiJ9FKJvXrq6XrHgdL/s1600/Nar13.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUgpH-kzNoeQHmVSOObRfKxvANYzrahDOfJoc8SFpyZ_t4GfygXvalKKPeqMUYd74ylAbxSyKzkQ7ZLox9bW2uXqJOy4oHxJom5yvwgrDe3RKf40lixhfaNyU7ijiJ9FKJvXrq6XrHgdL/s1600/Nar13.52.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I skidded to a halt, my face falling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Reece, are you well?” I asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxKh1sFEJSeV-sX6TMWlVzl8xPbz8vPeKBtl9b1XyPty7aVIdMUMJRt2ZaBrGYojIB-XD354y3Xr8eCTq65l-o0HXi7oeTztDzU9-oSZBYnE2YlomBLtdAcbL-ja8sjYtcYNYr_DSlkML/s1600/Nar13.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxKh1sFEJSeV-sX6TMWlVzl8xPbz8vPeKBtl9b1XyPty7aVIdMUMJRt2ZaBrGYojIB-XD354y3Xr8eCTq65l-o0HXi7oeTztDzU9-oSZBYnE2YlomBLtdAcbL-ja8sjYtcYNYr_DSlkML/s1600/Nar13.53.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece stared off into the distance, his chin in his
hand. I took a step forward, and he
blinked and looked up towards me again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“...what?” he asked.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkfPElvjTpDIC78YY-3Yg6NSYn4mDQO7ZtysZ7rlIY40o5OaVHAhAramq59cmbk58BXKFId-SMJ59cMOknZKe0EgAaBxhgI9he4bbVb-3ONFd26i5KmWdHghyphenhyphenQ83zjwWIM5xo4Lr4NVtt/s1600/Nar13.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkfPElvjTpDIC78YY-3Yg6NSYn4mDQO7ZtysZ7rlIY40o5OaVHAhAramq59cmbk58BXKFId-SMJ59cMOknZKe0EgAaBxhgI9he4bbVb-3ONFd26i5KmWdHghyphenhyphenQ83zjwWIM5xo4Lr4NVtt/s1600/Nar13.54.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I asked, are you well?” I repeated, the spring going out of my step.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh...” Reece
said, biting his lip and averting his eyes from mine. “It's...” he stopped suddenly, shaking his
head. “It's... it's nothing. How have you been? How's the internship going?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I tilted my head to the side with concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Are you certain you are well?” I asked again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYF7hrP31bS8_5lqRBisHFXncU5mXrRdpIaLJ0GuqnhfgY66_TVa5Eji36bLtU6-aYShmc2J-69drGQf29LNhzqK2iSiZXb7LErbabQYBSva8BDb4OZbNvwAxdKnx8QGvZnxIVKT48RyK/s1600/Nar13.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYF7hrP31bS8_5lqRBisHFXncU5mXrRdpIaLJ0GuqnhfgY66_TVa5Eji36bLtU6-aYShmc2J-69drGQf29LNhzqK2iSiZXb7LErbabQYBSva8BDb4OZbNvwAxdKnx8QGvZnxIVKT48RyK/s1600/Nar13.55.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece waved his hand, still staring off into the
distance. “Don't worry about me... tell
me what's up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hesitated, my heartbeat quickening in my chest. I felt as though all the confidence I had
talked into myself was draining straight out of the flushed pores of my
face. Reece remained still, his eyes
glazed over as he stared towards the distant horizon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I cleared my throat and lowered myself to sit down next to him.
“The internship is going well.
Splendid, in fact.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Uh huh.”
Reece murmured.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiLJR_Blldxk2MBdGtU2BS7qsZDxuSIPopvSfb7mFQgFtHd1yWXnlKFum43vCuXdcDnIDxKMEAMisEYAPOxGcXS2SbAUltsAPCk4LaT8rZjfDtzs89WiiA2GydHR2sdiqA6k-Kp2NZKR9/s1600/Nar13.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiLJR_Blldxk2MBdGtU2BS7qsZDxuSIPopvSfb7mFQgFtHd1yWXnlKFum43vCuXdcDnIDxKMEAMisEYAPOxGcXS2SbAUltsAPCk4LaT8rZjfDtzs89WiiA2GydHR2sdiqA6k-Kp2NZKR9/s1600/Nar13.56.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“We're all invited to a charity Gala at the end of
the summer.” I added, twisting my
fingers together with sweat coating my palms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece nodded his head once, still staring off into the
distance. My mouth felt dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“So I was wondering...” I said, swallowing and
taking one deep breathe to steel myself.
“If you would perhaps... accompany me.”</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8xZlmttBrOrHl4Es7tWoQg1VNLv_T-jvdsxmZPOpM3ghZqkSAnK_s_0pYWdiiyjAi8I46KtDKJkPaVmqlUrVCH2cW1rbAC7dbObxs2yyQNzTPkP8Y5oE7tQ5V7Z7apa5vxH3bQTlLjHu/s1600/Nar13.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8xZlmttBrOrHl4Es7tWoQg1VNLv_T-jvdsxmZPOpM3ghZqkSAnK_s_0pYWdiiyjAi8I46KtDKJkPaVmqlUrVCH2cW1rbAC7dbObxs2yyQNzTPkP8Y5oE7tQ5V7Z7apa5vxH3bQTlLjHu/s1600/Nar13.57.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece blinked and the glaze went out of his eyes. He turned back towards me, his eyes wider,
his lips slightly ajar. I finally had
his complete attention, but I had trouble reading the expression on his face.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4xGQSCsLMUJOfQJSq6yiKYguUIr4gIpRknkxhSIh3tIRYf7KUOvnOUi33UZziPCLHPems2SsdQh624XdkVcBtjK4HKZAKjiSRy3Y9pWS15wC07Hb5KgohT0BW7SKQWvVTRy15MOaY0_5/s1600/Nar13.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4xGQSCsLMUJOfQJSq6yiKYguUIr4gIpRknkxhSIh3tIRYf7KUOvnOUi33UZziPCLHPems2SsdQh624XdkVcBtjK4HKZAKjiSRy3Y9pWS15wC07Hb5KgohT0BW7SKQWvVTRy15MOaY0_5/s1600/Nar13.58.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“As my date?”
I added. My voice cracked over
the last word so that it came out sounding more like a question than I had
intended it to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I stared back at him, biting my lip. He was quiet for a moment.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DorgZ2C5Lhvl5jjfqkbzbPQtq1Z2cbNng6sqiFVCBR2324CUwDvB7Dk_lMiv7jIiKIi8uu8_v-zIvyruntd3TYvTwEyBLUi5J_mFT2RgvFbgRz4orzVKaqHhslhWrOef3z-SbDEUMZK9/s1600/Nar13.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DorgZ2C5Lhvl5jjfqkbzbPQtq1Z2cbNng6sqiFVCBR2324CUwDvB7Dk_lMiv7jIiKIi8uu8_v-zIvyruntd3TYvTwEyBLUi5J_mFT2RgvFbgRz4orzVKaqHhslhWrOef3z-SbDEUMZK9/s1600/Nar13.59.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia... I would love to... but...” he stammered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUa-2pPufvU4P_rM_0wI9D9FyfKDATOaH-1dkF5pRfKyF5JCXGuV8g4Wzyq-MUN2zSdClRHMNAcMDVLvULEFfJGAlCblIJM2hm-_z3KjlZzVBF8MU2pHUmjYj7dxf-5etsBoREYq1A84R/s1600/Nar13.60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUa-2pPufvU4P_rM_0wI9D9FyfKDATOaH-1dkF5pRfKyF5JCXGuV8g4Wzyq-MUN2zSdClRHMNAcMDVLvULEFfJGAlCblIJM2hm-_z3KjlZzVBF8MU2pHUmjYj7dxf-5etsBoREYq1A84R/s1600/Nar13.60.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My pounding heart slowed to a crawl and a cold rush ran
over all my limbs. I could feel the
corners of my eyes burning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“... but I can't.”
Reece finished, turning his head down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Wha-?” I
started, but I had to stop and swallow down the sob that threatened to break
through my voice. I blinked quickly to
keep the burning in my eyes from turning into tears. “Why not?”</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymJMTxO6lYCwcLhs_jeuwqz64OIgI6Yu2rbsvaZuAvB14Bt41A8UoARZO7v0wgFcywVidHmZkRvLCfpbVEO_PpaLBpq7lkJ4wV_JdcR-PoUx4LkSeG8fusXxdZBrExcu3fxW5p16A0zw5/s1600/Nar13.61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymJMTxO6lYCwcLhs_jeuwqz64OIgI6Yu2rbsvaZuAvB14Bt41A8UoARZO7v0wgFcywVidHmZkRvLCfpbVEO_PpaLBpq7lkJ4wV_JdcR-PoUx4LkSeG8fusXxdZBrExcu3fxW5p16A0zw5/s1600/Nar13.61.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Reece sighed, closing his eyes. He turned his body towards me and reached
out, clasping my sweating hands with one of his.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Sophia… I…” he stammered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He looked up into my eyes and his voice broke. His turquoise eyes seemed to glisten for a
moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGDU_oZlFegA8dLIFshuWe3SFDKluFkSrr6Gb-rX7mrrK0FrBXXcqn8IkMVAGvLdCeLMMz2J0qEDtc1mcXgFi6hbGjtlPMBkIQ5Fiun8PKnbJ7KMEUnPz66lVs46t1T9GtO2ZBHlzmwBd/s1600/Nar13.62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGDU_oZlFegA8dLIFshuWe3SFDKluFkSrr6Gb-rX7mrrK0FrBXXcqn8IkMVAGvLdCeLMMz2J0qEDtc1mcXgFi6hbGjtlPMBkIQ5Fiun8PKnbJ7KMEUnPz66lVs46t1T9GtO2ZBHlzmwBd/s1600/Nar13.62.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The back door slammed shut and we both gave a start. Regan started up the pavilion steps, her
heavy boots sending shudders through the entire structure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ISOSixRs2RwK_KqHaMVh38UHKjZH2Rl6b9BLYeUkTPhZES5bKLh4KG5tCKLZWz4HmgMFVNDrvYE6jukWOL9xBfUFOP6dWEgnkkHGANTIm49ZHqljOddtYj2dRl-SartrMmeEmo4ON2N8/s1600/Nar13.63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ISOSixRs2RwK_KqHaMVh38UHKjZH2Rl6b9BLYeUkTPhZES5bKLh4KG5tCKLZWz4HmgMFVNDrvYE6jukWOL9xBfUFOP6dWEgnkkHGANTIm49ZHqljOddtYj2dRl-SartrMmeEmo4ON2N8/s1600/Nar13.63.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“He can’t go with you… because he’s coming with me.” she
said, crossing her arms over her chest as she reached us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdEssvhYUqPZAHa8sRJLugpjvDk63fm1coOW4a2j5oPaCAni7TPAXIe4lezRQuHghvB-reJOKopRXPTtW0CeoQv1v29O6D7-g_s2_SDHa4RbfJntBPWjSdVf0SUeZ2FUFhzD-eKKMB04k/s1600/Nar13.64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdEssvhYUqPZAHa8sRJLugpjvDk63fm1coOW4a2j5oPaCAni7TPAXIe4lezRQuHghvB-reJOKopRXPTtW0CeoQv1v29O6D7-g_s2_SDHa4RbfJntBPWjSdVf0SUeZ2FUFhzD-eKKMB04k/s1600/Nar13.64.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I glanced back at Reece, my mouth falling open. “What…?
Reece… what is she…?”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP3wDFEO8dUVtHEnq6lr4U-y-6iXepoW-4YA1Wvvvr8wpWNiOLl7GNAhlWyhesTrCkFynB9kN9ymcodkH_pf2DHqB-ZeS-FpSrZnDwnrDC6M63G7C_vRZIruAZXmDcMbSevbGZKBd8ugk/s1600/Nar13.65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP3wDFEO8dUVtHEnq6lr4U-y-6iXepoW-4YA1Wvvvr8wpWNiOLl7GNAhlWyhesTrCkFynB9kN9ymcodkH_pf2DHqB-ZeS-FpSrZnDwnrDC6M63G7C_vRZIruAZXmDcMbSevbGZKBd8ugk/s1600/Nar13.65.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Regan did not give him a chance to speak.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“We’re leaving Dragon Valley.” she snapped.
“Tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2avOgdkDgyBlbNNetXDdmVVJvrBmxUlwXC_2O4zXHrDQlFw5_fYki03FFoqZUXniAuLCOlAEPNk8FkPAs1FTy8Y7yVRbOdcc6qNG03zd4zW7p9On_aI6lDUviRym6m4rR37SVAAk-idjN/s1600/Nar13.66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2avOgdkDgyBlbNNetXDdmVVJvrBmxUlwXC_2O4zXHrDQlFw5_fYki03FFoqZUXniAuLCOlAEPNk8FkPAs1FTy8Y7yVRbOdcc6qNG03zd4zW7p9On_aI6lDUviRym6m4rR37SVAAk-idjN/s1600/Nar13.66.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-16582673201955249412014-06-17T23:05:00.000-05:002014-06-17T23:05:10.516-05:00Chapter Twelve: Infatuation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtW4EGJej0y9bkf-9G3-BfT0TryDvMbyYftdEpyMJwkI2Nw4YWmJd_wtLqey_nzgdWGix3EaFMWNFqxpMUDOD6nNxA1zcx-ZBc-74ZKHrxuwsZLB_7oQY27BB8DbENxqnBbrk9PFH91NmV/s1600/Nar12.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtW4EGJej0y9bkf-9G3-BfT0TryDvMbyYftdEpyMJwkI2Nw4YWmJd_wtLqey_nzgdWGix3EaFMWNFqxpMUDOD6nNxA1zcx-ZBc-74ZKHrxuwsZLB_7oQY27BB8DbENxqnBbrk9PFH91NmV/s1600/Nar12.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I ran until my lungs broiled
and my legs felt as though they would give way beneath me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could still taste the heat of the ash on my
dry, cracked lips, and no matter how many breaths of the clean winter air I
gulped down, smoke still stung in my nostrils.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>
<br />
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">And the memories assaulted
my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how fast I ran, I
could not escape them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQAV4POa4TgReP4AriKOqjumWMkSpon7piGTl-UT29-sKUN9H5zo7Gwci-zhXb2AmPQABXo-faXV4aATP7mj6AcI6s5fIxs3g2eRcDb345t2nDbHeB5XoZ4d2XvGhT0CaFrocuGLrlKlx/s1600/Nar12.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQAV4POa4TgReP4AriKOqjumWMkSpon7piGTl-UT29-sKUN9H5zo7Gwci-zhXb2AmPQABXo-faXV4aATP7mj6AcI6s5fIxs3g2eRcDb345t2nDbHeB5XoZ4d2XvGhT0CaFrocuGLrlKlx/s1600/Nar12.02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Forests crumbling in the
inferno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teeth poising for the
attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scales shimmering in the
sweltering humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother’s burning
hand stretching out towards me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emrys’s
eyes glaring down at me as my body turned to ash. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPipiXChLWkCqFsEa0olAmV3GM62k9mUW2Pn2DKV_V_9L5O_ywvfYrTePsKj_EX6Np3yMVJL07mRizz-GKO7qXMGHzgqxI3IiuF-mdoZgP5tQaFv0nuShmPj5EN1UraB-s11rX3hZKH_Of/s1600/Nar12.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPipiXChLWkCqFsEa0olAmV3GM62k9mUW2Pn2DKV_V_9L5O_ywvfYrTePsKj_EX6Np3yMVJL07mRizz-GKO7qXMGHzgqxI3IiuF-mdoZgP5tQaFv0nuShmPj5EN1UraB-s11rX3hZKH_Of/s1600/Nar12.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I stumbled, and doubled
over, my chest heaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pressed my
hand to my heart and felt it drumming in my chest.</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Th-th-hump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Th-th-thump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Th-th-thump.</span></i><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
alive.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwaB1iupU7CJ0D7YS5Tujvvv7afkWSdnmu-sVUKTlWZ05WWEZTQGdFCUYprjbVBWHGfkyPPXn4SsR2Qas-MsXitD8FbKhM55k8vApTtD-arii_45HoiHMRRlSy92tNtzPQClX6QmyqnAk/s1600/Nar12.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwaB1iupU7CJ0D7YS5Tujvvv7afkWSdnmu-sVUKTlWZ05WWEZTQGdFCUYprjbVBWHGfkyPPXn4SsR2Qas-MsXitD8FbKhM55k8vApTtD-arii_45HoiHMRRlSy92tNtzPQClX6QmyqnAk/s1600/Nar12.04.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I lifted my head, forcing
myself to take one slow breath in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
cold chilled my heated skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The images
slowed down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I breathed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I breathed out.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I was still alive.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9yphpzVX_uh3zPDbeKuSvwGgcg1bH_e1qC-HnDN3HijQkcTwOkjEXt5YH79o8vXR6cYS_1zQNNrxpSTL6QLU3vlFRfSxiEVZ4fC5QDBH6i4FmI_IlN0eD661UDZy_wFxJFnzjM3j_av9/s1600/Nar12.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9yphpzVX_uh3zPDbeKuSvwGgcg1bH_e1qC-HnDN3HijQkcTwOkjEXt5YH79o8vXR6cYS_1zQNNrxpSTL6QLU3vlFRfSxiEVZ4fC5QDBH6i4FmI_IlN0eD661UDZy_wFxJFnzjM3j_av9/s1600/Nar12.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Flecks of snow caught in
my eyelashes, and I blinked them away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
lifted my head and looked around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cold
chill crept up my spine.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The gates of the cemetery
loomed overhead.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKzg5-TXn4ZOjPBD-f1SbZPKnMReoAR3tsxtqQ08tqL5rExOPBf-mMEtB4VabV-t6LxtRhxdHRGYiHqB8hB2vyPByWSzJtBWcsD0ZH2oC8YiD2dJuSyHfEAii1cuK-xXeohhNYzm9dMyE/s1600/Nar12.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKzg5-TXn4ZOjPBD-f1SbZPKnMReoAR3tsxtqQ08tqL5rExOPBf-mMEtB4VabV-t6LxtRhxdHRGYiHqB8hB2vyPByWSzJtBWcsD0ZH2oC8YiD2dJuSyHfEAii1cuK-xXeohhNYzm9dMyE/s1600/Nar12.06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I wrapped my arms around
my body and looked back down at the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The edges of my eyes burned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I closed
them, and took in one choking sob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
fumbled in my pockets and drew out my cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fingers shook as they hovered over the
keys.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I dialed the only number
I knew by heart.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgrYEGNOxqAAC0beJwlNCj4wafuBElM7iAold-4J0-d_dRH8HVituw_PMgKXkLxr5jPRbWKzMcU3swciDE-0pq8HIPcKH1TSz0jb0O6JACA6efFIW7pjjv2jP9AqMz3Vt7HHB9wgsGV7S/s1600/Nar12.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgrYEGNOxqAAC0beJwlNCj4wafuBElM7iAold-4J0-d_dRH8HVituw_PMgKXkLxr5jPRbWKzMcU3swciDE-0pq8HIPcKH1TSz0jb0O6JACA6efFIW7pjjv2jP9AqMz3Vt7HHB9wgsGV7S/s1600/Nar12.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Sophia?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard Reece’s voice on the other end.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I clasped my hand to my
mouth and shuddered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears dripped down
my face.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Sophia?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said again, sounding disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you really there or did you butt-dial me
again?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I let out a strangled sound
that was half-laugh and half-sniffle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m so glad to hear your voice.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkMfzpa3mwVnDv_2dFcpBMeR5q8-2ItTZSRkoYTK3ZswWU4uDFFfYhuiebvtqn07f1q7_ZZrGw07RzRJkNiMC4oH6HkfkHskOgh33vCWcNSswP4gOLyecunu5hHt5WHPPe0j-Snqv49s2/s1600/Nar12.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkMfzpa3mwVnDv_2dFcpBMeR5q8-2ItTZSRkoYTK3ZswWU4uDFFfYhuiebvtqn07f1q7_ZZrGw07RzRJkNiMC4oH6HkfkHskOgh33vCWcNSswP4gOLyecunu5hHt5WHPPe0j-Snqv49s2/s1600/Nar12.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Hey… hey, what’s the
matter?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece asked, his voice full of
concern.</span><br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I could not answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was I to say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That I had been scared senseless by a
perfectly normal, perfectly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">contained</i>
fire?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I pressed the phone
closer to my ear, just to listen to his calm, even breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My feet trudged over the snow automatically.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimTUH14iLjyQtJSUNdh3dv2scYx028c8-3o1K-eoB7o-TEmR4Ym_1Ws2paV7gOdiaeqIxYnGzoonF6MEMk9ChfxBEV9eXG2mSswjAJqwV4YkGMH26NBww3mDsnknTeX9m-CD0b_JR7agO/s1600/Nar12.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimTUH14iLjyQtJSUNdh3dv2scYx028c8-3o1K-eoB7o-TEmR4Ym_1Ws2paV7gOdiaeqIxYnGzoonF6MEMk9ChfxBEV9eXG2mSswjAJqwV4YkGMH26NBww3mDsnknTeX9m-CD0b_JR7agO/s1600/Nar12.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Sophia, are you okay?”
he asked.</span><br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes raised, over the clean, unbroken
snow, up the weathered sides of a headstone, and finally to the name inscribed
in its ancient surface.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sophia Carol</span></i><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said at last, my voice shaking as I spoke.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QEc2nQA2iWu_z1JomQJ5wQ04wsw5Nkaxl1WcOfzGy314l9PsS0LUPaFP6D9Mx2UEb6wFh6DHAkUlrQ7BV61ZKYXW2ghdFTRlAaYnqnEX-PeOJJC0FzMDZQIeN78FgPEGIsF3AFvhZEzK/s1600/Nar12.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QEc2nQA2iWu_z1JomQJ5wQ04wsw5Nkaxl1WcOfzGy314l9PsS0LUPaFP6D9Mx2UEb6wFh6DHAkUlrQ7BV61ZKYXW2ghdFTRlAaYnqnEX-PeOJJC0FzMDZQIeN78FgPEGIsF3AFvhZEzK/s1600/Nar12.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Where are you?” he
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a few thumps in the
background and the jingle of keys.</span><br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“The cemetery.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sniffled, and wiped the back of my hand on
my nose.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">There was a pause on the
other end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard door hinges creak.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I’ll be right
there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I nodded my head, and my
thumb hovered over the button to disconnect, but I did not push it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither did he.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stayed on the line, murmuring reassurances
that he was still there while I stood in front of my own grave and cried.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj207NjGBsbASAYdGxR90_1e-t5C3W7lOXbE69OXo1R4snRIIiyxuQB7ex21LbYJxmjUdsP0SbYLk1X4kHGEjqjRCqTU62FG2Uh6alzCYclAGuBV4SH1NQCz6Yk8Ed2zyOTWNhu2EPQLA3/s1600/Nar12.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj207NjGBsbASAYdGxR90_1e-t5C3W7lOXbE69OXo1R4snRIIiyxuQB7ex21LbYJxmjUdsP0SbYLk1X4kHGEjqjRCqTU62FG2Uh6alzCYclAGuBV4SH1NQCz6Yk8Ed2zyOTWNhu2EPQLA3/s1600/Nar12.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Then there he was, racing
through the gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the shame and
sadness knotted in the pit of my stomach let go, and for an instant my tears
stopped.</span><br />
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_jAL3_pqbD7g8Z6C4yZs-kV7EXiPy8LJ_N1o_JR3q5spJh5e8V4IMsm-VbGHGHKZ_2-DA-umpgGQBY1vUdFiNm4B1gh1DfQ-pCKlEMQgBAZfDoL3EZkIoAkSVrPBLjamUVH8vG2D2UUO/s1600/Nar12.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_jAL3_pqbD7g8Z6C4yZs-kV7EXiPy8LJ_N1o_JR3q5spJh5e8V4IMsm-VbGHGHKZ_2-DA-umpgGQBY1vUdFiNm4B1gh1DfQ-pCKlEMQgBAZfDoL3EZkIoAkSVrPBLjamUVH8vG2D2UUO/s1600/Nar12.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">When was the last time I
had seen him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not recall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The phone slipped out of
my hand and fell into the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
bounded towards him.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I wrapped my arms around
him and buried my face in his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He staggered backwards a step, then embraced me as well.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqNtGFW1rOjmznG1JDQMMOc8v_5xRQejYDHYmg1ohgpTCZbD88iNU84LFq7cFtLc9wfKVKEp6-DWYy2__u0t6DqI0a7wYXjbo5q__nNUA4ka0AKKic7wvXr6xwpw-cnRF6xzalzl-Czzz/s1600/Nar12.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqNtGFW1rOjmznG1JDQMMOc8v_5xRQejYDHYmg1ohgpTCZbD88iNU84LFq7cFtLc9wfKVKEp6-DWYy2__u0t6DqI0a7wYXjbo5q__nNUA4ka0AKKic7wvXr6xwpw-cnRF6xzalzl-Czzz/s1600/Nar12.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I missed you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whispered, trembling with each breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I missed you too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re so busy all the time…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece murmured, rubbing my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let out a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you doing here?”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBasMH4tWHZ6Mgmmf-nBItLKpsGFMXFi6aJaS2hmU3jLoKoAXZG5bvvbtOUI-D39cgaMZ6N1gzskWqKfxqoit4WzIX_06QiwnhGvx-MSJ3vWqQxN-v_nj6vfYbF2UMrdTbqSvnZRAZbSh4/s1600/Nar12.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBasMH4tWHZ6Mgmmf-nBItLKpsGFMXFi6aJaS2hmU3jLoKoAXZG5bvvbtOUI-D39cgaMZ6N1gzskWqKfxqoit4WzIX_06QiwnhGvx-MSJ3vWqQxN-v_nj6vfYbF2UMrdTbqSvnZRAZbSh4/s1600/Nar12.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I stayed silent for a
moment, biting my lip.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“There was a bonfire in
town square.” I said finally.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Reece looked down on me,
eyes full of concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you… did you
have a panic attack?”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I unwound myself from his
arms and stepped away, my eyes downcast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“You must think me
weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fearful of a few burning coals…” I
whispered.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC83ahdtQMjwqIfX9l077rMH6yPVinMG_RER5goPrAQHkVto4Ix3hEb0jOrlRLxxdsMsQxH9kAIMKshM-w5ImhRCm34Qzl6ncLaNcUNRgU-NJr2CqLNVx86CfWKGwlYw2j2sHqp_otaoS/s1600/Nar12.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC83ahdtQMjwqIfX9l077rMH6yPVinMG_RER5goPrAQHkVto4Ix3hEb0jOrlRLxxdsMsQxH9kAIMKshM-w5ImhRCm34Qzl6ncLaNcUNRgU-NJr2CqLNVx86CfWKGwlYw2j2sHqp_otaoS/s1600/Nar12.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“No, I don’t!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You went through so much in your first life
that you never had the chance to sit down and deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This kind of thing… it’s a natural human
response to trauma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t need to
feel ashamed.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A9tQjO5LbPu6LkzJahp2Q6dccZM3-DwLQJvHpy6x_sNO3NOsF2osZZxLXA5CAuHgo72gyLk8iEzJIoIoUDk3NCfyGxbJUHWnavUfw7-69MAvTDcJvQGl5COWTOGQp-sHh0nUHjwIEhoC/s1600/Nar12.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A9tQjO5LbPu6LkzJahp2Q6dccZM3-DwLQJvHpy6x_sNO3NOsF2osZZxLXA5CAuHgo72gyLk8iEzJIoIoUDk3NCfyGxbJUHWnavUfw7-69MAvTDcJvQGl5COWTOGQp-sHh0nUHjwIEhoC/s1600/Nar12.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I pursed my chapped lips
together and stared down at the snow, crossing my arms over my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Reece sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look, you might need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professional help, I mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know someone you could talk to about it-!”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, shaking my head and shuddering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How am I to explain my fear?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I to announce that I am a mythical figure
from the past and its long-dead dragons still haunt me? Bare my secrets and my
soul to a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stranger?</i>”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNR3EVccY2MfnADagsR650lJT16p_t5HvgeLgyT5fVZfi_UMgH1Pkc-s_yMs1DAbYRz71-jg8OVNxEBLWMHwFeNLQAZTXKZ53-lFqYENdbvlQueyGzXP0FXEIpPQQOipVUwlD79IyhQHF/s1600/Nar12.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNR3EVccY2MfnADagsR650lJT16p_t5HvgeLgyT5fVZfi_UMgH1Pkc-s_yMs1DAbYRz71-jg8OVNxEBLWMHwFeNLQAZTXKZ53-lFqYENdbvlQueyGzXP0FXEIpPQQOipVUwlD79IyhQHF/s1600/Nar12.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Reece held up his
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I get that the idea scares
you, but it might be what you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can listen, and I can try to help you… but I’m not a doctor.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s6QoGtWGpSCyjxPyvNwf0LpjZksXbh0dyiPN1Um9OOEZcA63ltvDDZJRqxJou1k09BOXHhZYPbEjrLsiLQhPw6lUXl2n-iJehvvTi2uZRfbxqx90K_cdLWs2Y0gQ69F8duOOl3C72l3n/s1600/Nar12.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s6QoGtWGpSCyjxPyvNwf0LpjZksXbh0dyiPN1Um9OOEZcA63ltvDDZJRqxJou1k09BOXHhZYPbEjrLsiLQhPw6lUXl2n-iJehvvTi2uZRfbxqx90K_cdLWs2Y0gQ69F8duOOl3C72l3n/s1600/Nar12.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I bit my lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes strayed to my grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The longer I looked at it, the louder my
heartbeat thundered in my ears.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVRt2YMQIc_QyUcx616Xk3p84O2anRNG2gGFcpVwbN8kIT0JX11nToe3ryxaexBthge3XqngS6dft9i9GD_4tvDgqVk8zywrSw_LrLcPqMqEicijY1pC1IfiFSg5-1C5PaIG6fkZyf85t/s1600/Nar12.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVRt2YMQIc_QyUcx616Xk3p84O2anRNG2gGFcpVwbN8kIT0JX11nToe3ryxaexBthge3XqngS6dft9i9GD_4tvDgqVk8zywrSw_LrLcPqMqEicijY1pC1IfiFSg5-1C5PaIG6fkZyf85t/s1600/Nar12.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Hey.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His warm fingers touched my chin and turned my face away from the
grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Or maybe you could talk to
Daria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not really her area of
expertise… but at least you trust Daria, right?”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwE-nivdDXUZTeSCLLCTrjhb8-SDTktw-KGj1UCcudNexTZ_R0c6TjSANM2STzE6qpGBNrMCxSscKzjRTsQe-bYQvSOF7qslg4Y7QytZDP5iGElLkso9C34CaC1ihrk5YRuNHxUv7y8en/s1600/Nar12.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwE-nivdDXUZTeSCLLCTrjhb8-SDTktw-KGj1UCcudNexTZ_R0c6TjSANM2STzE6qpGBNrMCxSscKzjRTsQe-bYQvSOF7qslg4Y7QytZDP5iGElLkso9C34CaC1ihrk5YRuNHxUv7y8en/s1600/Nar12.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I sniffled, and nodded my
head once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece smiled, his turquoises
eyes lit up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a flutter in my
thundering heartbeat.</span><br />
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I quickly wiped my eyes
and looked up at the sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>he moon had climbed to the highest point of it arc.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Ancients…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whispered, rubbing my freezing hands
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What time is it?”</span><br />
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Late.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, backing up and plucking my cell
phone out of the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dusted it off
and handed it back to me with a sheepish grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Got exams tomorrow?”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I nodded, tucking the
phone back into my jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared out
at the long, dark pathway through the cemetery, a lump rising in my throat.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l6AimP8vgKqIyTVXx_gyGyEPu1TGgAcNPpO722pZ12HnkvrJ8fTnnOw9ijjQwgplHK-EC9LIhypJwequwjc31i90E5bSyMq1zw2ij4oC-6e6mo-hIvkF-BO6MdeoUKL2uPpmJfSHKqM6/s1600/Nar12.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l6AimP8vgKqIyTVXx_gyGyEPu1TGgAcNPpO722pZ12HnkvrJ8fTnnOw9ijjQwgplHK-EC9LIhypJwequwjc31i90E5bSyMq1zw2ij4oC-6e6mo-hIvkF-BO6MdeoUKL2uPpmJfSHKqM6/s1600/Nar12.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I’ll walk you
home.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, touching my shoulder. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">There it was again, that
flutter in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>I cracked a
smile, and fell in step behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned towards the path ahead, and led the way.<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Then, something
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jerked his head to the right,
towards one looming gravestone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
shoulders tensed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mouth pressed into
a thin line</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I froze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">He stared at the
gravestone for a moment, shaking his head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Just... nothing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said, turning his eyes back down on the
ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get out of here.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I caught his shoulder,
and he froze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could still feel the tension
in his muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I trusted him with my
secrets, could he not trust me with his own?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Tell me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said softly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9SJiPfKkS2MM477tWbHaAsBYhZVbEoqt0dZvvoELhz-c9UXeSKq6qFULAJaNak7pci-6QjUdoc0Ng1d8yVN0V6vXbXGH6YL6LcD6cR-x2tvIuGw5BEV_UTqWH-yImI5TJ8XP8KMWaQ-B/s1600/Nar12.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9SJiPfKkS2MM477tWbHaAsBYhZVbEoqt0dZvvoELhz-c9UXeSKq6qFULAJaNak7pci-6QjUdoc0Ng1d8yVN0V6vXbXGH6YL6LcD6cR-x2tvIuGw5BEV_UTqWH-yImI5TJ8XP8KMWaQ-B/s1600/Nar12.23.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">He turned around, his
eyes still on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He swallowed.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“You'd... you'd think
I'm being crazy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he whispered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Even Hale and the girls think I'm crazy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice dropped lower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My parents think I'm crazy.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmYRGey88D0QOaBzpdbAGLxlZabrUb45QQdgz3YmYdnFVzPYWGgR-qcneGSeBAphquKbU5Rz9AMu0RchIZ32_FqF3sOTqSbeejUx-Xc3x-LZmCO3fCQgeWihMbGkjuwt7xvvHlGQHKPPP/s1600/Nar12.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmYRGey88D0QOaBzpdbAGLxlZabrUb45QQdgz3YmYdnFVzPYWGgR-qcneGSeBAphquKbU5Rz9AMu0RchIZ32_FqF3sOTqSbeejUx-Xc3x-LZmCO3fCQgeWihMbGkjuwt7xvvHlGQHKPPP/s1600/Nar12.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I let out a breath and
shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You speak to a woman who
burned to death once and are afraid she would think you mad?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece blushed, the
corners of his lips turning up just a tad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Maybe.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I giggled under my
breath and stepped up to the gravestone, brushing the snow away from the
inscription.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a much younger grave
than my own, but still weathered from decades of exposure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Niall </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Mithrilen</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read out loud,
pursing my lips together with a frown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Did you know him?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeBasnZG9J8TAuWzDcRbHkM0f40To9aFbLRecc745UbNHP-xSWsbmXSZ6205o9ff-WJ2R0xp7wxIgkjb0_lXsDCPd6bwqbfr1n7hSihHEQJpFXPVysdqEyisc3utT0-4BUE7RXvP80n75/s1600/Nar12.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeBasnZG9J8TAuWzDcRbHkM0f40To9aFbLRecc745UbNHP-xSWsbmXSZ6205o9ff-WJ2R0xp7wxIgkjb0_lXsDCPd6bwqbfr1n7hSihHEQJpFXPVysdqEyisc3utT0-4BUE7RXvP80n75/s1600/Nar12.25.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece shook his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But...” he breathed out, closing his eyes and
shaking his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He's... he's still
here.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">My brow furrowed as I
turned to look at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece shrugged his
shoulders, averting his eyes from my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I mean... he's in the void.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
outermost layer of the Netherworld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's
been flickering in and out of it since I was in high school.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece turned back to the path ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That's... that's the crazy thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can sense souls in the void.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or... at least I think I can.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he sighed, biting his lip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6iAn7UR3eI4TTfDM_5DRmiaYeMxV2Et4kAER-6XrLUJrKsVfBk4moNtRHJyhVLwtKHVMvHeemhBewpeu3tbGvyTc19Ah3NX3mCaF03OZsi874MwhOITZPLPbXi18yVBsqcP7OzQElxvG/s1600/Nar12.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6iAn7UR3eI4TTfDM_5DRmiaYeMxV2Et4kAER-6XrLUJrKsVfBk4moNtRHJyhVLwtKHVMvHeemhBewpeu3tbGvyTc19Ah3NX3mCaF03OZsi874MwhOITZPLPbXi18yVBsqcP7OzQElxvG/s1600/Nar12.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I glanced back from the
gravestone, to Reece.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Really?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, breathless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it like?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece chewed on his
lower lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like... I can feel him with
a sixth sense… a mind’s eye, almost.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, his voice falling into a low
whisper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I glanced at the grave,
and then stepped closer to Reece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How
do you know he's in the Void?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPXmmVtqXAFP41q8q-oqg6-kWbT1qR71qiyX_mbk47fAHfZJwqIapWhYAFKMjYaydl3Ge9umc_Bq7BOJY6p2lqMoZSZbcI1U2ZdlI7m-JdVyfidACCYjQfbPPYIdeNqiLUAqEV0VCeyH8/s1600/Nar12.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPXmmVtqXAFP41q8q-oqg6-kWbT1qR71qiyX_mbk47fAHfZJwqIapWhYAFKMjYaydl3Ge9umc_Bq7BOJY6p2lqMoZSZbcI1U2ZdlI7m-JdVyfidACCYjQfbPPYIdeNqiLUAqEV0VCeyH8/s1600/Nar12.27.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece stared at his
feet, twisting the toe of his sneaker in the snow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Well... I'm just
guessing really.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The whole
dreamscape-layers-of-the-Netherworld is really just my guesswork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well... my educated theory based on extensive
research from ghost testimonials.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece wiggled his
eyebrows at me, and I smiled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“It is a good theory.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I insisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece blushed, and turned his head down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cli8sjnggCcYp3qpQvzUEevmy5Eh78_EV3MJjcLoELXL8_4BvtSLRB-grEtxk7wXeWcT6Yu1JUsU54TkL1nZo-lU8yb3eyqymCTVWTH_B-vP3xcVDFKIWh8I0OCrRjrOfvnhSvEocWee/s1600/Nar12.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cli8sjnggCcYp3qpQvzUEevmy5Eh78_EV3MJjcLoELXL8_4BvtSLRB-grEtxk7wXeWcT6Yu1JUsU54TkL1nZo-lU8yb3eyqymCTVWTH_B-vP3xcVDFKIWh8I0OCrRjrOfvnhSvEocWee/s1600/Nar12.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I tapped my fingers to
my lips, my thoughts racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If he is
in this outermost layer of the Netherworld… does that mean you could resurrect
him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like you resurrected me?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">The smile vanished from
Reece’s face, and his shoulders slumped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Probably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean... I think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had a Philosopher's Stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don't.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece paused to take a breath and swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned away from Niall’s grave and started
back up the path out of the cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And
crawling around Quintessa Lucian's storehouses hunting for one I used to
resurrect you was the most nerve-wracking experience of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm pretty sure if she had caught me she
would have torn out my heart with her bare hands.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece gave a nervous laugh.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsETzYRPbRJhyU_XUkgu40p069zAWcKSP2y9Ew9_ZQ3Xk8duf9TzETNteNcyFrvEA2peR02OO8_Tc7qR2-1noyuWEfMYRDwJ606G6tKRAzRc6aL96PfBAn5WlPXeTFoVBoqz6-S5mnbpq/s1600/Nar12.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsETzYRPbRJhyU_XUkgu40p069zAWcKSP2y9Ew9_ZQ3Xk8duf9TzETNteNcyFrvEA2peR02OO8_Tc7qR2-1noyuWEfMYRDwJ606G6tKRAzRc6aL96PfBAn5WlPXeTFoVBoqz6-S5mnbpq/s1600/Nar12.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I shuddered a little as
I walked beside him. “Did you really risk such great danger to yourself for a
simple science project?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“It... kinda wasn't just
about the project to me.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said,
his eyes flickering up to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
coughed, and turned ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I stopped walking and my
brow furrowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Err...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece stammered, glancing back and
forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not really that important…”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I glanced back over my
shoulder at Niall’s grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do not
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You said you could sense him
too, for some time now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did you choose
to resurrect me, the ancient soul, when you could surely have had better luck
with a younger soul like him?”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTNqHSaLLXvtZ6KvXu2ZKoGrXXRaI1_wYT6NrFtxd8PIwhClq2RFa7Ub6d7iesQ0tro_NPKgxVZNVBk_Ziri4tfwQ2Ms9_CIxjImPK6Bz8gddPBpNalwTmM5xzcjlvVHxhj7Ijj-s5x3h/s1600/Nar12.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTNqHSaLLXvtZ6KvXu2ZKoGrXXRaI1_wYT6NrFtxd8PIwhClq2RFa7Ub6d7iesQ0tro_NPKgxVZNVBk_Ziri4tfwQ2Ms9_CIxjImPK6Bz8gddPBpNalwTmM5xzcjlvVHxhj7Ijj-s5x3h/s1600/Nar12.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face seemed to pale for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I... picked you cause... of... well...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared at the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice was little more than a whisper.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I told you... I grew up with stories
about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was... kind of an
understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was completely
obsessed with you.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catching the expression on my face, Reece
stammered, tripping over his own words. “I mean, as a kid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know... uhhh... kid phases?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew out of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean... you know how some kids get really into dinosaurs or
pirates?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just go through this phase
where they can't get enough of something... you know what that's like...
right?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">My face brightened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I loved the Greek epics as a child.”</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARLo49t2Dv2zFv_-0DWaTX_L_9upC_8Rr2XyxlXWaePB90Eof7ua78l-FQpTe4O-FjG0Ji-yPNsyd6dtCrcSXOZzuKx4N5lmjjDl_SNpVsPpcHPTlBzTUO_cxrjAg88JgT-L97mpzRLZJ/s1600/Nar12.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARLo49t2Dv2zFv_-0DWaTX_L_9upC_8Rr2XyxlXWaePB90Eof7ua78l-FQpTe4O-FjG0Ji-yPNsyd6dtCrcSXOZzuKx4N5lmjjDl_SNpVsPpcHPTlBzTUO_cxrjAg88JgT-L97mpzRLZJ/s1600/Nar12.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Right!”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reece said, breathing a sigh of relief and
smoothing back his hair.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Well I
loved... errr... My phase was Sophia Carol..."</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUfD2lTGhAUiAHbcsodbUxJj6hjSC8w91H6PJJsDfONOX-4ScD3aIvC6glFwrVNzXrdMI860wo9do__FDP_Mi2_OhN0r6FRmfobiinWLJ_IqE8PmEqdVBiY12VN9kBtDeh-1KliZyHRGl/s1600/Nar12.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUfD2lTGhAUiAHbcsodbUxJj6hjSC8w91H6PJJsDfONOX-4ScD3aIvC6glFwrVNzXrdMI860wo9do__FDP_Mi2_OhN0r6FRmfobiinWLJ_IqE8PmEqdVBiY12VN9kBtDeh-1KliZyHRGl/s1600/Nar12.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ57UQmXGo2YEv9e0NTFu6YOyY6BhSjLRye0WqWMOoLoFDTjV1_7b6eM2XI17Qqi2D62c3imilgy4zneHaSzm_frjLui99JIklxWwdM7oYtfKA20Bbpef7eIdlK33BfsmGbkNmDPB5KMyq/s1600/Nar12.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ57UQmXGo2YEv9e0NTFu6YOyY6BhSjLRye0WqWMOoLoFDTjV1_7b6eM2XI17Qqi2D62c3imilgy4zneHaSzm_frjLui99JIklxWwdM7oYtfKA20Bbpef7eIdlK33BfsmGbkNmDPB5KMyq/s1600/Nar12.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I read so many stories.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I spent
whole afternoons pretending that I was a dragonslayer... Timber didn’t really
appreciate it.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes I could get my
sister to play along with me and pretend to be you, but she was never as into
it as I was.”</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TeJI1e_UCWAaCzvgbosIsGcG1M8l1iIVnMoiju6s4k0XKpxZ8YuE0evkaQHOe16dF753WuRWKlKgPMpbI-bwUF5A7H_-zJBOnvSseFN7c0wB_L21J-H41_Vvj8z8nrRoRgMG_v5aubfI/s1600/Nar12.34.jpg" height="360" width="640" /><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I frowned again.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">More out of confusion than disapproval.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I could not imagine any children reading my
life as a story and then pretending to be me.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was too much to wrap my mind around.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reece saw my expression, and his face fell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“I know that might sound
a little... creepy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he admitted,
kicking at the snow under his feet. “But it was just... kid-stuff...
ya'know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So... it wasn't really all that
weird when I went to visit your grave.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece stopped, crossing
his arms over his chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When I walked
into this graveyard for the first time, and stepped up to your grave... I felt
you and I just knew that you were still here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somehow, even after all this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt almost as though I could just reach out and touch you with my mind's
eye.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeP5F5h4Pyw8VakjXQ_eMWPDopAGYkuM68jo5UZAybT2ajxFT5va-L8HJhZdZTVCjqWGQXAf7wX6FoceoKtk0ikf9UAx5wDi0UN82i8Ys6k-mdbCH2Gniv3Kiuj24AKdj48-n4_KtFY5C/s1600/Nar12.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeP5F5h4Pyw8VakjXQ_eMWPDopAGYkuM68jo5UZAybT2ajxFT5va-L8HJhZdZTVCjqWGQXAf7wX6FoceoKtk0ikf9UAx5wDi0UN82i8Ys6k-mdbCH2Gniv3Kiuj24AKdj48-n4_KtFY5C/s1600/Nar12.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I was silent, staring straight ahead I walked behind him.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJVjKstuXugEu4SQrQuxj9uHNhEP2nabuDPchd2nPYW7AsqTD4LoivtCQ_MR03slXOQbyi-t7RL11f7cNopG0neVt-Q6ob2esm0GpqT9K4fYkdYK5lGIzzlL7l4iuROkPWsoihHMnBbWx/s1600/Nar12.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJVjKstuXugEu4SQrQuxj9uHNhEP2nabuDPchd2nPYW7AsqTD4LoivtCQ_MR03slXOQbyi-t7RL11f7cNopG0neVt-Q6ob2esm0GpqT9K4fYkdYK5lGIzzlL7l4iuROkPWsoihHMnBbWx/s1600/Nar12.38.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“My parents... they said
I'd taken things too far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took away
my books about you when I wouldn't shut up about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it happened again, at my grandfather's
funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt someone, still
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I took to wandering through
graveyards looking for people.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
glanced back at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That's when my next
phase started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one Nirina likes to
call my '<i>very unhealthy obsession with the Netherworld</i>.'”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece let out another nervous laugh, and
scratched the back of his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
didn't... forget about you though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone else who studies the Netherworld says that souls just move on
after a certain amount of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
knew better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were still here, after
centuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had to be a reason for
it.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: ideograph-other; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">As he spoke, the gates
of the cemetery passed overhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
walked past the familiar neighborhood houses, their windows dark and
lifeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece rambled on, rarely
making eye contact with me.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Finally, Reece’s feet
stopped moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice dropped low. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I've always wanted to find a way to bring you
back, Sophia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The project was really
just my excuse to try.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wlmqtmj2VreFxYZI35TLDk1Npl708a3dAqwzVn-a3rudFnuFZp2rQGhSTTR1HpEKn4hLUZJDN4JSeeiyKfa9xx2BkRXGno0xqZKHu1ltTzgH5ZtCQTxvJtUOf5o_IaAZV9KvuOOJlx1k/s1600/Nar12.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wlmqtmj2VreFxYZI35TLDk1Npl708a3dAqwzVn-a3rudFnuFZp2rQGhSTTR1HpEKn4hLUZJDN4JSeeiyKfa9xx2BkRXGno0xqZKHu1ltTzgH5ZtCQTxvJtUOf5o_IaAZV9KvuOOJlx1k/s1600/Nar12.39.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He bit his lip, and then
glanced up at me.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I watched him with a
contemplative expression on my face.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He
squirmed under my gaze, gesturing over his shoulder.</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Um... home sweet
shack.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he murmured.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_Pkdys3Imv9lNSiOzBikcBgrkDbdlR050jMSQl7V8HSwcbpxoyc3fYCsQrX6N10Y7cX8bfSqE3ANhfvFera3P760ZythMsdR3gxn_rX67egvC0WFzLUFwmi0v3EHiMmXPF_7UqdrH8R0/s1600/Nar12.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_Pkdys3Imv9lNSiOzBikcBgrkDbdlR050jMSQl7V8HSwcbpxoyc3fYCsQrX6N10Y7cX8bfSqE3ANhfvFera3P760ZythMsdR3gxn_rX67egvC0WFzLUFwmi0v3EHiMmXPF_7UqdrH8R0/s1600/Nar12.40.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I glanced behind him at
my familiar little house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mere minutes
ago, I would have been glad to see it, but now looking on it made me feel hollow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I no longer wanted to go home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcn_FyXKJWdQsBIsVfVlPs0rHdlGk_dJ2oJCJ1Sy7j_Ib06XmSVyKnvNGg5_4Nqc9XsjcJqNKavNaQ9Bq-xPCZHrweDDcFLAhMAjqxvhDwvDUgb5M0FD874B8lz6G3xW9VPoPFmdDcd-h/s1600/Nar12.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcn_FyXKJWdQsBIsVfVlPs0rHdlGk_dJ2oJCJ1Sy7j_Ib06XmSVyKnvNGg5_4Nqc9XsjcJqNKavNaQ9Bq-xPCZHrweDDcFLAhMAjqxvhDwvDUgb5M0FD874B8lz6G3xW9VPoPFmdDcd-h/s1600/Nar12.41.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“So... I guess you're
going back to campus in the morning?” he asked, tucking his hands into the
pockets of his sweatshirt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“I… suppose.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, twisting my fingers together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">He opened his mouth, as
though he wanted to say something more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He sighed, and took a step backward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“So... goodnight?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I wanted to reach out to
him, to pull him back, but my fingers refused to uncurl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My arms did not move.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">He turned, glancing back
at me over his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clenched my
hands back down at my sides and trudged up the steps to my front door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Sophia?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, startling me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I turned back around, my
heart pounding faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Um…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece stammered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes were wide, and for an instant his
lips seemed to tremble.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5q8Yfth5oiula97aMWCudEmbAvX_HSdGXTls-k3wrd5Rq8sPXIMrZv8Ki_Pupm2q0X7Rxa6SLf94jA4JIQLpVJdGUJRXVNAvKLAG5pJUbNJoITkriE-JWH75hpXG20Cqby-xCiIpp67m/s1600/Nar12.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5q8Yfth5oiula97aMWCudEmbAvX_HSdGXTls-k3wrd5Rq8sPXIMrZv8Ki_Pupm2q0X7Rxa6SLf94jA4JIQLpVJdGUJRXVNAvKLAG5pJUbNJoITkriE-JWH75hpXG20Cqby-xCiIpp67m/s1600/Nar12.45.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I held my breath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">He bit his trembling lip
and took another step back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You… you
know you can call me anytime, right?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">My shoulders slumped,
and I nodded my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I whispered.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxTrqWR3N-I01laK_zaKEn8SQGZlNjOzm_kNKT5UHJ1MiODyQvShSggZVDxxYpUPkKzBNgiVAnf9-0OYwFbzx_XfyyaxCNpUU3UVpQyGGgi5Ly4LhxJpySDPgGZ7QJKy2TrBM659RvMD1/s1600/Nar12.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxTrqWR3N-I01laK_zaKEn8SQGZlNjOzm_kNKT5UHJ1MiODyQvShSggZVDxxYpUPkKzBNgiVAnf9-0OYwFbzx_XfyyaxCNpUU3UVpQyGGgi5Ly4LhxJpySDPgGZ7QJKy2TrBM659RvMD1/s1600/Nar12.46.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">Reece smiled, and turned
back around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See you later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goodnight.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">“Goodnight.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I repeated automatically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;">I turned around and
opened the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it closed behind
me, I sunk back against it and curled my arms around knees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Reece worried that I found his childhood fascination with
me ‘creepy.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in truth, I did not
find it unsettling at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought
filled me with warmth that curled in the depths of my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">And for the first time, I
admitted to myself that I was infatuated with Reece Lewis.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvgtgHjA711F3rjpmRyCnrKXekXEgDRMVyTNxXbziDTmDXDewONl5ApDFNL5eMpLWs263GFWXH0dtQI9CXAOLaR_9GG0NT4kiq5J_fVbnF-adO3xIly7u6_OFmrBBb2N2ru0LMwZyRg_6/s1600/Nar12.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvgtgHjA711F3rjpmRyCnrKXekXEgDRMVyTNxXbziDTmDXDewONl5ApDFNL5eMpLWs263GFWXH0dtQI9CXAOLaR_9GG0NT4kiq5J_fVbnF-adO3xIly7u6_OFmrBBb2N2ru0LMwZyRg_6/s1600/Nar12.47.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-3813364751609333532014-06-02T13:39:00.003-05:002014-06-17T11:36:44.730-05:00Chapter Eleven: Sophomore<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I caught a whiff of a
rancid smell and clasped my hand over my nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I looked up from my textbook and glared at Hale as he came into the
living room, a gym towel draped over his shoulders.</span>
<br />
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Hale!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the sake of our holy Watcher, bathe
yourself!” I said, my nose wrinkling.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXxmhWlx4zHZXmNxdfGyB4oU67L2-F_ysb3caA24pqFBMnKr4XEuojefSoSyN5WFRMRt3oKQyBfAjxUJwh4aSm0NEqk9cw8YNKSXeqTz-zX3FooQts_qt-MlIGNl4rJ-NaiA6TyMqo0N8/s1600/Nar11.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXxmhWlx4zHZXmNxdfGyB4oU67L2-F_ysb3caA24pqFBMnKr4XEuojefSoSyN5WFRMRt3oKQyBfAjxUJwh4aSm0NEqk9cw8YNKSXeqTz-zX3FooQts_qt-MlIGNl4rJ-NaiA6TyMqo0N8/s1600/Nar11.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Hale sighed and slid the
towel down from around his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
gestured over his shoulder to the open bathroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tub was full and only Nirina’s black tail
hanging off the edge was visible.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t know if you’ve noticed… but the fish is
hogging the bathtub.” Hale grumbled.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Nirina emerged from the water
and stuck her elbow up on the edge of the tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m not a fish, I’m a marine mammal!”</span> </div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Are there no showers at
the gym?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ancients, Hale!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You live in a century with indoor
plumbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use it!” I said, snapping my
textbook shut and scooting farther away.</span><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"> </span>
</div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Public showers!” Hale
whined, slumping against the door frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
can’t have everyone’s judgmental eyes staring at me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You two have it easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one can tell you’re weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t hide it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m green!” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Nirina lounged back in
the tub, closing her eyes</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cry me a
river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m dehydrated.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I snickered and opened my
book again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale leaned against the door frame and a mischievous smile lit up on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How about a compromise? I can join you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Nirina flipped her tail
and splashed him, but she smiled while she did it.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I pulled my legs up under
my book, and giggled under my breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was different in the dorm with Reece and Daria gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louder, oddly enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvs9RyiAiDJ-JzEXcsztlF4I6RqLEMcf8BmUCzw-EkS2at_0rKT9md39qln4OGdU69byzGt6P0w3-fen_a8vEOA_SOEA4-W052KttqX5KvdMv-_u1RNJjWrSgD1iGE_-Y7Nrem-LkKedj/s1600/Nar11.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvs9RyiAiDJ-JzEXcsztlF4I6RqLEMcf8BmUCzw-EkS2at_0rKT9md39qln4OGdU69byzGt6P0w3-fen_a8vEOA_SOEA4-W052KttqX5KvdMv-_u1RNJjWrSgD1iGE_-Y7Nrem-LkKedj/s1600/Nar11.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Before I had returned to
the dorms for the following semester, Reece had given me a cell phone as a
gift.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I do not have the
slightest idea how to operate this mystical contraption.” I had murmured,
twisted the phone over and over in my hands.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Sure you do!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece tried to reassure me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You see the rest of us use them all the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, try dialing.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Reece was patient, even
when after weeks of using the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cell phone </i>I
still had the tendency to accidentally hang up on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thankful for the gift though, it made
keeping in touch with him and Daria so much easier.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Daria was working as a
resident physician at Dragon Valley’s local hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently while on the job she had met some
tall, dark, and handsome oak by the name of Lief Woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could practically hear her voice glowing
when she spoke of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me smile.</span> </div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">But Lief was not the only
thing she spoke of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She called me up one
evening absolutely ecstatic to tell me that the hospital was hiring
interns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She encouraged me to
apply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hesitant at first, my
workload for university was already high, but I could not ignore the
opportunity to finally put the skills I was learning to use.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I applied and was called
for an interview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recalling the
near-disastrous ending of my first job interview, I spent the week before
practicing and perfecting my flawless answers in front of the mirror.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“My qualifications?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am glad you have asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experience dealing with the sick and
injured is extensive.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I once made a tourniquet
for a comrade in arms in the middle of an invasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used a dragon’s talon as a split.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Of course, I will tell
you none of this when at last we do meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ancients, Sophia!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Focus!”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I returned home to Dragon
Valley for the weekend and spent the entire evening I worked reading books on
common interview questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next
morning, I donned my best clothes and held my head high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made no mention of talons or invasions, but
somehow I still managed to land the job.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I was elated to have the
internship, but it made managing my time a living nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The internship was, of course, unpaid, and I
still had to work as many hours as I could in Tome Traders to keep my funds
from draining dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also had my
schoolwork to worry about.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">More than once, I fell
asleep over a textbook in the dorm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twice,
I left important assignments at the desk in Tome Traders and had to beg my
professors to allow me time to go and fetch them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would often arrive to class late,
disheveled and out of breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
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</div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">But day by day, I managed
to make ends meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As December dawned
and exams approached, things finally seemed to be dwindling down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned home to Dragon Valley for another
long weekend of work at the hospital and work at Tomes.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Mr. Peters clucked his
tongue at me as I walked into work on Sunday morning. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There on the bed, seemingly in
a swoon, lay poor Lucy, more horribly white and wan-looking than ever</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shall I call for Dr. Van Helsing?” </span><br />
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wMCHb8txYkhVVpE3hNpyl6pWPw5WbEZeFuOY2G4APukw2mq-eZuOI_x4SF5tlNWoVXZSKU9O-Pxo8sUwhhYMx9bnnEFQMk0_3Gv50eBcj1SMtgWhao2gUtcPXz0Pd-DgwQiaBd4MKfCB/s1600/Nar11.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wMCHb8txYkhVVpE3hNpyl6pWPw5WbEZeFuOY2G4APukw2mq-eZuOI_x4SF5tlNWoVXZSKU9O-Pxo8sUwhhYMx9bnnEFQMk0_3Gv50eBcj1SMtgWhao2gUtcPXz0Pd-DgwQiaBd4MKfCB/s1600/Nar11.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I sighed, shaking my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am well, Mr. Peters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not transforming into one of the
undead.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYXa3Y9NTKN_M7GMyXlkkWXXuEHDNcCPsC_Ym7PaA9Ah8yH-q3YspQiWhAzO11kZ_NT_tjt-JgBNM37vpUVNgoHeEKotWWwzzeyRxh_XeuXot8DVIlpBlJMty8EClhKGyrZkr3r3jzUwk/s1600/Nar11.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYXa3Y9NTKN_M7GMyXlkkWXXuEHDNcCPsC_Ym7PaA9Ah8yH-q3YspQiWhAzO11kZ_NT_tjt-JgBNM37vpUVNgoHeEKotWWwzzeyRxh_XeuXot8DVIlpBlJMty8EClhKGyrZkr3r3jzUwk/s1600/Nar11.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“You look so haggard all
the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could give you winter break
off to recuperate.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He offered.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I shook my head
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Mr. Peters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I still require the funds.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">He smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve worked here for more than a year,
Sophia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could give you some paid
vacation time.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Mr. Peters, I cannot
accept-!” I began to protest</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Think about it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He interrupted, holding his finger up.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I sighed, and set about my
daily tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting close to
Christmastime, and a steady stream of customers came in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when the store was empty, I still had a
few exams to study for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hours seemed
to drudge on and on. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RKvQY5bJH-YJu6yKcdgDTOqLMsJIssuy0_69Q1NhWs8chZncudZDp4jhQ1-yjQbv8tavgSKO6PL5yRwXDpUWs_1unNOo7vetyM3HXDrrGxo-FtVoZ_zs78tpVCRBGDb52T9nvI9ZqhKr/s1600/Nar11.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RKvQY5bJH-YJu6yKcdgDTOqLMsJIssuy0_69Q1NhWs8chZncudZDp4jhQ1-yjQbv8tavgSKO6PL5yRwXDpUWs_1unNOo7vetyM3HXDrrGxo-FtVoZ_zs78tpVCRBGDb52T9nvI9ZqhKr/s1600/Nar11.19.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Closing time came at last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I locked the door behind me and clutched the collar
of my jacket as I turned down the pathway to head home.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCkxuF00x7JSPuv1xIZ1z8Rk6NCKL09gP24fQ4KPIrcaeXhVO9RxaJVrW3ye5kKiDskYhZDNZcu54tfpyrozPDd_mLGFjxO82iXAXY-2e8JbiD-Pwi2HdntqdKxUO134kxUbsJ6A95j9A/s1600/Nar11.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCkxuF00x7JSPuv1xIZ1z8Rk6NCKL09gP24fQ4KPIrcaeXhVO9RxaJVrW3ye5kKiDskYhZDNZcu54tfpyrozPDd_mLGFjxO82iXAXY-2e8JbiD-Pwi2HdntqdKxUO134kxUbsJ6A95j9A/s1600/Nar11.20.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Working late this
evening I see.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a low voice
behind me.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">My heart jumped clear
into my throat and I whirled around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thane emerged from the shadows, stepping into the golden glow of the
street lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He flashed me a wry grin,
and I breathed out.</span> </div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8p6Cu4otHDAG-V_Y0dh3HiJRqJ8VIuzlmr7wMil6M9c-Uc3OSiEas6QWE_9rlME4pyFu5zsXh8lbxB_7hjnJoCH_j1-I773sMU6XXSK0fhhjaHAGcwU47EDoELnqKOW5fFaVgPKwdQdu/s1600/Nar11.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8p6Cu4otHDAG-V_Y0dh3HiJRqJ8VIuzlmr7wMil6M9c-Uc3OSiEas6QWE_9rlME4pyFu5zsXh8lbxB_7hjnJoCH_j1-I773sMU6XXSK0fhhjaHAGcwU47EDoELnqKOW5fFaVgPKwdQdu/s1600/Nar11.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“My apologies.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said, stepping up to my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did not mean to startle you.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“It was nothing…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, crossing my arms over my chest and
averting my eyes from his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I must
apologize if you were looking to get more books…”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could hear the laughter in his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I was looking for you, Miss Lewis.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCUYFvRtGCJk1KRDWoLMK0qHHWgOVSgg9_ttBLX0uNOKP9wNqRxtE25fbhxFmxt35qbJ3NylWrXBSoXTwLGyefA78VvKtaMv_BVQcw4gdx24jWn3-AMvGrOAjUXOb4L3xR6lyioW9lMXB/s1600/Nar11.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCUYFvRtGCJk1KRDWoLMK0qHHWgOVSgg9_ttBLX0uNOKP9wNqRxtE25fbhxFmxt35qbJ3NylWrXBSoXTwLGyefA78VvKtaMv_BVQcw4gdx24jWn3-AMvGrOAjUXOb4L3xR6lyioW9lMXB/s1600/Nar11.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I bit down on my
tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A twinge of guilt twisted in my
stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not go on allowing him
to call me by the wrong name, but when I opened my mouth to correct him I found
myself paralyzed by some unexplainable fear.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I did <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>want him to know my real name.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmSSdUnHw32VP4-qxlm9joODUwUkQujQHCBC_G3WUZcQEyZJRdo_wDGQ0OwR3rYaaXooOZ0KtbmyzPhokKjvlm-o1VCFPyy0yxxxmvk0U1bZ9QI8mVlIlzZ1ZbMuShEa6OFcIy3EvAaWv/s1600/Nar11.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmSSdUnHw32VP4-qxlm9joODUwUkQujQHCBC_G3WUZcQEyZJRdo_wDGQ0OwR3rYaaXooOZ0KtbmyzPhokKjvlm-o1VCFPyy0yxxxmvk0U1bZ9QI8mVlIlzZ1ZbMuShEa6OFcIy3EvAaWv/s1600/Nar11.23.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Thane did not wait for my
response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped on in front of me
and held out his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His lips curled
into a warm, inviting smile.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“There’s a bonfire in town
square to celebrate the holiday season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Come, it will help you to relax.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHKGxo7NzvzVCeQdV2WvcPx3IOGOtWpeAe07IVRPuuico55LnopH9dI1MiyXm3faUrI9rIWHCYYv_xcG-_ICkU-axbXd2CuVMpx3OPo1Z2qLQT3P0xBaLJBFniFymi77CLu52k6YVPEDL/s1600/Nar11.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHKGxo7NzvzVCeQdV2WvcPx3IOGOtWpeAe07IVRPuuico55LnopH9dI1MiyXm3faUrI9rIWHCYYv_xcG-_ICkU-axbXd2CuVMpx3OPo1Z2qLQT3P0xBaLJBFniFymi77CLu52k6YVPEDL/s1600/Nar11.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stammered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidEf_-c76uu2mbwXLH6YIba56BViiS_KmjlPqdpJHeD-ThBN4_mFZ-w6tRW1zIucaChyphenhyphenGOdP3-g6F7aMac0R43E0YHZIZq-Phr_0wt4XvGNyd7uWJYsuBycUpaHms89BC2_Y2Y6G1i35s/s1600/Nar11.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidEf_-c76uu2mbwXLH6YIba56BViiS_KmjlPqdpJHeD-ThBN4_mFZ-w6tRW1zIucaChyphenhyphenGOdP3-g6F7aMac0R43E0YHZIZq-Phr_0wt4XvGNyd7uWJYsuBycUpaHms89BC2_Y2Y6G1i35s/s1600/Nar11.25.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">His smile sent warm
flutters through my heart, but his eyes…</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l2KrIcgij1Yhytm7niyr0sg9DeUn6LqlSiG8gooAqkJzqtGucCRR_cncgv8jqyuoVu7OBzmvO8vxUXdM8gBJb4_V1CDCeMuXU6vZeWJfL8sA09d0ydxYAdXzcLMTyIIYlCb_8PCFvtSa/s1600/Nar11.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l2KrIcgij1Yhytm7niyr0sg9DeUn6LqlSiG8gooAqkJzqtGucCRR_cncgv8jqyuoVu7OBzmvO8vxUXdM8gBJb4_V1CDCeMuXU6vZeWJfL8sA09d0ydxYAdXzcLMTyIIYlCb_8PCFvtSa/s1600/Nar11.26.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I took a step back,
shaking my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thane’s smile curled
even wider, and he reached out and clasped his hand around mine.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I’m afraid I must insist…
Miss Lewis.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, pulling me
forward. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuZKZ0w07oJqN9jSj_trS1wokXGIAk1xO9o8C5QYoGNlF4EyeP1U_KD3hE0wolsr3RdK3ZoF6QC35Ga2cAmC_HHUX8NhAeue_bxQhCCAEDBrUvDqDEsdWV8pEqUEKOK9UNrVmsHiLWpdB/s1600/Nar11.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuZKZ0w07oJqN9jSj_trS1wokXGIAk1xO9o8C5QYoGNlF4EyeP1U_KD3hE0wolsr3RdK3ZoF6QC35Ga2cAmC_HHUX8NhAeue_bxQhCCAEDBrUvDqDEsdWV8pEqUEKOK9UNrVmsHiLWpdB/s1600/Nar11.27.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Mr. Stenberg…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I protested, even as my feet moved underneath
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is most inappropriate…”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdybsJl-ivJZFMQTi7FaIpcqZ7M2Kwqi7IEP4bRZz7QR8KgHrQo3pjTGKJIsRoSiJjd6-mF35Um8tPMv96fZEb3pn4_BuGEVo1HMGo6GmCwVITnPXKX8KU72ipGmwEc1BvKOlFL653UNr/s1600/Nar11.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdybsJl-ivJZFMQTi7FaIpcqZ7M2Kwqi7IEP4bRZz7QR8KgHrQo3pjTGKJIsRoSiJjd6-mF35Um8tPMv96fZEb3pn4_BuGEVo1HMGo6GmCwVITnPXKX8KU72ipGmwEc1BvKOlFL653UNr/s1600/Nar11.28.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">He cut me off with a
chuckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love the way you speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">proper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Archaic.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">He flashed me another
heart-melting grin and my mouth went dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His fingers curled tighter around mine and he turned around to face me.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When was the last time you just let yourself
unwind?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he leaned close to my ear and
whispered.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4_eN6nyvjnHPbdXPd9-dM3g-VUto9Gkc7iVADYPm9QHHBSD4zAW64qhqE4V5oAh6uzle88KsN9seH-G3baXpbxQ2Sh8KpH9w-KydYYt_l-4qEvIJTVqzMl9-qPZmp5dSf8lpWgqRMTF7/s1600/Nar11.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4_eN6nyvjnHPbdXPd9-dM3g-VUto9Gkc7iVADYPm9QHHBSD4zAW64qhqE4V5oAh6uzle88KsN9seH-G3baXpbxQ2Sh8KpH9w-KydYYt_l-4qEvIJTVqzMl9-qPZmp5dSf8lpWgqRMTF7/s1600/Nar11.29.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Some time ago.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admitted.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Then it’s been too long.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled me forward.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The tension gathering in
my shoulders eased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let a steady
breath out and looked at the path ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could see the familiar spiraling paths of town square, the glowing silhouettes
of people wandering to and fro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a breath in.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4NceIPx_y5szIEXmozYgdi1CTN_W3FPHonPmlUZKBsD6-kT0PdEI0YHJjGeWkqsot8xbE4c_L_RbAdwZ_nKYA0AziaeC9QlBO_Z60DFZr3R_0ibI6-ivATCT99l0W2Jw-UkO2lDeT8PJ/s1600/Nar11.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4NceIPx_y5szIEXmozYgdi1CTN_W3FPHonPmlUZKBsD6-kT0PdEI0YHJjGeWkqsot8xbE4c_L_RbAdwZ_nKYA0AziaeC9QlBO_Z60DFZr3R_0ibI6-ivATCT99l0W2Jw-UkO2lDeT8PJ/s1600/Nar11.30.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The scent of wood smoke
tickled in my nose and my feet froze beneath me.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Thane turned back, and
tugged me forward again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not
getting cold feet now, are you?”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIImlmQotiJ0C1A8TZ-wij2Jm_lfFRFrk4nmWbUEeIZo054ZFTOQmkhRiKcJdo_1knRuvnyNEVfDAUgV6x72QwubwQxaEej81taKhXEhDzfm-ThJLyacvxXhFYs13gYH0ztG5UHVKaH0cf/s1600/Nar11.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIImlmQotiJ0C1A8TZ-wij2Jm_lfFRFrk4nmWbUEeIZo054ZFTOQmkhRiKcJdo_1knRuvnyNEVfDAUgV6x72QwubwQxaEej81taKhXEhDzfm-ThJLyacvxXhFYs13gYH0ztG5UHVKaH0cf/s1600/Nar11.31.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I stopped breathing, but
I could still feel the scent thickening in the back of my throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clamped my teeth down on the inside of my
lip.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">It is a bonfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I thought to myself, forcing my feet to move
forward again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Of course there is smoke.</i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I tried not to look at
the towering statue of the woman with the wings as we passed beneath her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dancing glow of firelight reflected off
her golden armor, taunting me from the corner of my eye.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqtRgn-_4cRhlEO9hyphenhyphenRcMD3wOXCf-4rnCpjuFbKPDb44do5rXPG-43RIxm2h-qf-eiWSZ8qmrISfP5jM3lBZA2Rc55tQWm4vCIXDRtIOKPnhqZvFHjYHf2KHt_S8kboChfCNbH6lGhM3f/s1600/Nar11.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqtRgn-_4cRhlEO9hyphenhyphenRcMD3wOXCf-4rnCpjuFbKPDb44do5rXPG-43RIxm2h-qf-eiWSZ8qmrISfP5jM3lBZA2Rc55tQWm4vCIXDRtIOKPnhqZvFHjYHf2KHt_S8kboChfCNbH6lGhM3f/s1600/Nar11.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I heard laughter, and
voices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and saw a crowd of
people gathered around the picnic tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They milled about, chattering and drinking. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12vmtJ4s0bhcg3plGjkqDPvcZ1vgk2Hh7f_dprgv20OP4o2BujyCMpUY0Km8Ic1ra3J5jRMCRs0UhvTxe_tDGHmXHNySsTTJX-xvN0g05WmPyPPpm_PSlN2DwAU08wInD2AL0f7WU4z1_/s1600/Nar11.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12vmtJ4s0bhcg3plGjkqDPvcZ1vgk2Hh7f_dprgv20OP4o2BujyCMpUY0Km8Ic1ra3J5jRMCRs0UhvTxe_tDGHmXHNySsTTJX-xvN0g05WmPyPPpm_PSlN2DwAU08wInD2AL0f7WU4z1_/s1600/Nar11.33.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Thane!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a deep voice shout.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Thane shouted a greeting
in return, and let go of my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
a shot of heat pound through the veins of my fingers, and I quickly tucked my
hand against my chest.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqFyFaa5InGg3PIEm3T8jMYya0oYKsqxwITbS33RQgOeQGv8X0THDAzcJuqS3mlPcGeacF-ShkIpwsLy0Z19Gjf5E922scMz8oWFBEUZHDpgWEX_gp2eXFLppRF5wSIOjGMWAIeW2saLY/s1600/Nar11.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqFyFaa5InGg3PIEm3T8jMYya0oYKsqxwITbS33RQgOeQGv8X0THDAzcJuqS3mlPcGeacF-ShkIpwsLy0Z19Gjf5E922scMz8oWFBEUZHDpgWEX_gp2eXFLppRF5wSIOjGMWAIeW2saLY/s1600/Nar11.34.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">A low crackle rumbled in
the heart of the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It grew louder
and louder until it thundered in my ears.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Someone bumped into
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stumbled, clutching my arms
tightly against my chest.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Sorry!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard her murmur.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPp7CPhknyvMG9mMJOdpy_0TZ7ktNS550JjNpxykqHxIAps1-vx4Ukvqs3XyLtgjJST0J5hPSbjSLOpCHxTiziaiZbPF9vCk9N70ytkfRGK35p7bGKF0TmLSe1dBvS5-BjHz04dFkH-XM/s1600/Nar11.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPp7CPhknyvMG9mMJOdpy_0TZ7ktNS550JjNpxykqHxIAps1-vx4Ukvqs3XyLtgjJST0J5hPSbjSLOpCHxTiziaiZbPF9vCk9N70ytkfRGK35p7bGKF0TmLSe1dBvS5-BjHz04dFkH-XM/s1600/Nar11.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Her voice was low, and
she had a thick Welsh accent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My head
snapped up and I turned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I caught a
flash of dark hair out of the corner of my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started forward, reaching out my hand and thinking to call out to her.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzpg0PZjywRJFP8qskYjJWKwkhdRmRhlFHF-Q6uZegtG6Q54tk2fgY8tMbV8yYvMaBrDcx9yhp6AQpudQqIg364ZsDBr490kBkBVLOTVqhz_WAoe7sUGiUlP3zrD7CKluXnuM9yPCKmvh/s1600/Nar11.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzpg0PZjywRJFP8qskYjJWKwkhdRmRhlFHF-Q6uZegtG6Q54tk2fgY8tMbV8yYvMaBrDcx9yhp6AQpudQqIg364ZsDBr490kBkBVLOTVqhz_WAoe7sUGiUlP3zrD7CKluXnuM9yPCKmvh/s1600/Nar11.36.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I did not watch where I
was going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My shoulder hit a tall,
broad-shouldered body.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“My apolo-!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stammered, breathless.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk5G-lpgfiNmjQ4WZZRQmvXQ9MV91le2NSrpGeKMqvPfCEC4PaZ0tbYQMqj25WDsArDyoqRN7GbiPOwyPsNyzCZwIx0NDypVHh60iuFljrc4QrvhWNS6xQI7hoaS70uwvigPAF6h2LAxN/s1600/Nar11.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk5G-lpgfiNmjQ4WZZRQmvXQ9MV91le2NSrpGeKMqvPfCEC4PaZ0tbYQMqj25WDsArDyoqRN7GbiPOwyPsNyzCZwIx0NDypVHh60iuFljrc4QrvhWNS6xQI7hoaS70uwvigPAF6h2LAxN/s1600/Nar11.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The word died in my
throat as I tilted my head up.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Jaye stared down at me.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmbA1YyWBYvpvkXHYbygA-gdevdF6BZjm1wfzR2DG8yJY33SbmEZ-D0-ehVGR2U27sqegyx8KkoDcP6xVn8Adx0u7Rqn9DEfBXYC193tVjWTkNuJk_FyTkNGaritWxIy0R5Zt6-bxupek/s1600/Nar11.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmbA1YyWBYvpvkXHYbygA-gdevdF6BZjm1wfzR2DG8yJY33SbmEZ-D0-ehVGR2U27sqegyx8KkoDcP6xVn8Adx0u7Rqn9DEfBXYC193tVjWTkNuJk_FyTkNGaritWxIy0R5Zt6-bxupek/s1600/Nar11.38.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Murder!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I thought.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I whirled around and
crossed my arms in front of my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What was she doing here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had
graduated, had she not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watcher forbid
she be employed in Dragon Valley!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely
there was some traveling circus who needed a tall, vicious brute like her to
come trekking to the other side of the country with them?</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">A hand clasped down on my
shoulder and I gasped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thane wound his
arm through mine and looked at me with a bemused smile. “Still on edge, Miss Lewis?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKhCfZcDVzHemkm7pUfdBQYKzc9wr7Swam127oNXVftheFSQ5-_dwG5HXMLnYQv6t8e16nbYbmRjniIYe9EWaTS2O29WAXP_rGu82an-C4Oj4-HrmVZVFYXUzUoWmthQjWs_LxRqF-SlL/s1600/Nar11.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKhCfZcDVzHemkm7pUfdBQYKzc9wr7Swam127oNXVftheFSQ5-_dwG5HXMLnYQv6t8e16nbYbmRjniIYe9EWaTS2O29WAXP_rGu82an-C4Oj4-HrmVZVFYXUzUoWmthQjWs_LxRqF-SlL/s1600/Nar11.39.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I glanced back over my
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jaye watched us, her eyes
narrowed and her nose wrinkling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Miss <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lewis</i>?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>she mouthed at me.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpJhPVYcIcVAAVywf6j1hsspc5YRTFHukjnY61DGeJuzatuUjUMRq4xMcLOj3vMOcdh579c25vUD5ajOFKcppEBwAiZ8oRolMAYgrVqbIV0eL5B_qhIgFElQ23HhQgmqxE80DhddauiFY/s1600/Nar11.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpJhPVYcIcVAAVywf6j1hsspc5YRTFHukjnY61DGeJuzatuUjUMRq4xMcLOj3vMOcdh579c25vUD5ajOFKcppEBwAiZ8oRolMAYgrVqbIV0eL5B_qhIgFElQ23HhQgmqxE80DhddauiFY/s1600/Nar11.40.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">My fingers shook under
Thane’s hand and I jerked my head around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Thane frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you cold?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come, sit by the fire.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpagjQfiyrhHoNgSMQUd2S3cGqqairrSlXsWOppGbqAmEM1V_GwVvTUbIEdHMOMpWpfYvuckodUaUjMZEnlm98TQYgr81TZQhKmWa2ny_H5DVPiKaZ23Xa22t7IuL7P-_QmYiU1NmmFbR/s1600/Nar11.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpagjQfiyrhHoNgSMQUd2S3cGqqairrSlXsWOppGbqAmEM1V_GwVvTUbIEdHMOMpWpfYvuckodUaUjMZEnlm98TQYgr81TZQhKmWa2ny_H5DVPiKaZ23Xa22t7IuL7P-_QmYiU1NmmFbR/s1600/Nar11.41.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The word seemed to echo in my ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thane continued speaking, but the crackle of
the bonfire was louder than his voice.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I kept my eyes on the
pavement beneath our feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It flickered
with a sickening red light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flecks of
ash drifted down to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
crowd before us parted, and I felt as though my face was assaulted with heat.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I lifted my eyes.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ja5x8RnDFowg8H0JBMBXS8ZJEHk7sU25H-p8kta3wk3ufBR0WkARaNpHwb7tWDu1BPceD8z4rNRi2DHaceWt9rhcdkPM8cYPELCXO4XsAoIAHxUL_I2aXbG9bUS1RnAaQQokBKo3SS7n/s1600/Nar11.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ja5x8RnDFowg8H0JBMBXS8ZJEHk7sU25H-p8kta3wk3ufBR0WkARaNpHwb7tWDu1BPceD8z4rNRi2DHaceWt9rhcdkPM8cYPELCXO4XsAoIAHxUL_I2aXbG9bUS1RnAaQQokBKo3SS7n/s1600/Nar11.42.jpg" height="160" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The crackling blaze
stared back at me, so blistering and bright that it seemed to scorch straight
into my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sizzling tendrils of flame
stretched out of the fire pit and reached out towards me.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1QgNLG0NylZ5gvERkPFigXFYlTIqbLuQXTbDF6uIu-QGPEP6UN0G7KIxR6nk5_y1gQTalU1CHlwwQ7jbXoieNNfHGpHzvSpIlHpIECllZIp-lIMO9AYlbcT4_dFvcPnpJHqHQIWDsf3Y/s1600/Nar11.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1QgNLG0NylZ5gvERkPFigXFYlTIqbLuQXTbDF6uIu-QGPEP6UN0G7KIxR6nk5_y1gQTalU1CHlwwQ7jbXoieNNfHGpHzvSpIlHpIECllZIp-lIMO9AYlbcT4_dFvcPnpJHqHQIWDsf3Y/s1600/Nar11.43.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I lurched backwards,
wrenching my arm from Thane’s grasp.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Sophia?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thane asked, raising his eyebrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there was no concern in his voice, only
annoyance.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGhx5zBxjY4JjIz9ENxVBdGke7Da6CDJw-JjVckvAKmMb74wpJJ5pEH0CP1lxo0fZUVeSfSUeD3FhnvDEcHn1f0bgkBRg2eGw_eHZRa2qA1uh8XfXSiqhpqegXcNp89x6i4M-XE0oaHQW/s1600/Nar11.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGhx5zBxjY4JjIz9ENxVBdGke7Da6CDJw-JjVckvAKmMb74wpJJ5pEH0CP1lxo0fZUVeSfSUeD3FhnvDEcHn1f0bgkBRg2eGw_eHZRa2qA1uh8XfXSiqhpqegXcNp89x6i4M-XE0oaHQW/s1600/Nar11.44.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I stepped backwards,
shaking my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smoke wormed into my
lungs, though I held my breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
pressed on me from all sides, suffocating me.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Inside the inferno,
crowns of flame turned to dragon’s teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Glowing embers rained down from the sky and covered the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A log collapsed with a snap that sounded like
cannon fire, and it was my mother’s broken body disintegrating into oblivion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden eyes opened in the heart of
the firestorm.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVK9V0WV2Pv4LJZYAVGcK99G797XQQ4TyO8oJXnCa_j4FXxqzs654F8m_QV-42h54m7ff3Nox6y1oTqrpm_THN4aC0ULMPAPiE3OvOhXV0hkUALWJr1DPGs1tMXjQGN6XcUpryP0i0_HN/s1600/Nar11.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVK9V0WV2Pv4LJZYAVGcK99G797XQQ4TyO8oJXnCa_j4FXxqzs654F8m_QV-42h54m7ff3Nox6y1oTqrpm_THN4aC0ULMPAPiE3OvOhXV0hkUALWJr1DPGs1tMXjQGN6XcUpryP0i0_HN/s1600/Nar11.46.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I was burning to death
all over again.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Sophia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thane snapped, grasping onto my hand.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouted, wrenching away.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I turned and ran.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-45863903784274434802014-04-21T14:27:00.001-05:002014-04-21T14:27:46.273-05:00Chapter Ten: Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5jwGWUMCVjpaalXpCQVBd2hhSI5Sr_iPB54Sa69HsQi7nT_MQuTJu33MApkDDyzInIrCHkVxOOZpOEKVGZ7Y4DTijW0rNPRbV2Gjt7udvDu3rehYSh6D-6mI7maHUBXvmdho4z-Z0bUV/s1600/Nar10.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5jwGWUMCVjpaalXpCQVBd2hhSI5Sr_iPB54Sa69HsQi7nT_MQuTJu33MApkDDyzInIrCHkVxOOZpOEKVGZ7Y4DTijW0rNPRbV2Gjt7udvDu3rehYSh6D-6mI7maHUBXvmdho4z-Z0bUV/s1600/Nar10.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“On three!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, a mischievous grin on his
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One…”</span>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Daria rolled her eyes,
but smiled back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Two…”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjovwUaoEmlCfRc8bHV2Yday6p0Z0bQ6x9uANgPC4il37Q0sxjSCmzc40InDzkLClMaFCuGmh9lsUP8kHHG4AOxSgBU4YG0l-XBP8TNPYYHJ-Ilt3dk0WeVjCewM4Zk7_x-vh9Zw-H2rZJ/s1600/Nar10.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjovwUaoEmlCfRc8bHV2Yday6p0Z0bQ6x9uANgPC4il37Q0sxjSCmzc40InDzkLClMaFCuGmh9lsUP8kHHG4AOxSgBU4YG0l-XBP8TNPYYHJ-Ilt3dk0WeVjCewM4Zk7_x-vh9Zw-H2rZJ/s1600/Nar10.02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Three!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they both shouted at the same time, flinging
their caps into the air.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The two caps went flying
somewhere in the bushes behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
other students gathered in their graduation gowns were too busy chattering with
family and friends to notice.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I’m not gonna go get
it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, shaking his head with a
sigh that sounded relieved.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ayCr6QwK8TelNmvzabshUJtE2PoQWJSJzd5WKQZccsTVBpyPj-cKQEnDJ4EiN783TOjs0-g1eEOfU-CCjg6iF72yZZhdw7kjE7KEqVGzgx-YYs5d3X83PWU3MxnGE_4KHg6zObVli-q5/s1600/Nar10.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ayCr6QwK8TelNmvzabshUJtE2PoQWJSJzd5WKQZccsTVBpyPj-cKQEnDJ4EiN783TOjs0-g1eEOfU-CCjg6iF72yZZhdw7kjE7KEqVGzgx-YYs5d3X83PWU3MxnGE_4KHg6zObVli-q5/s1600/Nar10.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Me neither.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said, giggling.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Nirina hugged Daria with
a sour pout on her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know
what I’m gonna do without you to copy notes from.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PC4w-hJj3eKATsyRRKQvMx9iXpzeT-ZCM7VPbg2pSQT_0ibNEBvE6oEHPiDGAuAqAEEYxcSEXrUK0jrDPQIZ-asERG5mAxle9TGetca5btVw68CgCg2GB_c1gl1J0LjfSr9Kb92IlFSZ/s1600/Nar10.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PC4w-hJj3eKATsyRRKQvMx9iXpzeT-ZCM7VPbg2pSQT_0ibNEBvE6oEHPiDGAuAqAEEYxcSEXrUK0jrDPQIZ-asERG5mAxle9TGetca5btVw68CgCg2GB_c1gl1J0LjfSr9Kb92IlFSZ/s1600/Nar10.04.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“You could have walked
with us, you know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said with a
sigh.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Nawww.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said, shaking her head as she pulled
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The chances of that were never
really high.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I hung back, watching the
four of them with a shy smile on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece noticed me distancing myself from the others, and excused
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He trotted closer to me.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypDu7AVxLQbmqq6F-RQ5yUC3KjrX1PU_UCkQOhYqmft7veN8IMPzmQqC2iKvfQ5GE3_vB0i7dZjlll_7HKcZwq23zc5i15yfwRoU3hrtECkujD1Ta5lPViprnnBDAuBHG2r4AFHMJFCZY/s1600/Nar10.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypDu7AVxLQbmqq6F-RQ5yUC3KjrX1PU_UCkQOhYqmft7veN8IMPzmQqC2iKvfQ5GE3_vB0i7dZjlll_7HKcZwq23zc5i15yfwRoU3hrtECkujD1Ta5lPViprnnBDAuBHG2r4AFHMJFCZY/s1600/Nar10.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I believe
congratulations are in order.” I said.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Reece blushed, scratching
the back of his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks.”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I glanced back at the
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria appeared to be telling
Hale a very animated version of her post-graduation job search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale’s eyes were glazed over, and he
murmured, “Uh huh,” a few times.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYduVN2mq9Mh3P8FD5fE4fmdzq7FTqbE35CKNBguqZl_bQ7LQyooWBCPXprMy38F9zts5bl6oiZB57bGOsjm2AVJGkuyYzFbKIj4Ka_gciSRurgBuNjeOgIucbN4yh1-YvvQNAaJ0ckkN/s1600/Nar10.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYduVN2mq9Mh3P8FD5fE4fmdzq7FTqbE35CKNBguqZl_bQ7LQyooWBCPXprMy38F9zts5bl6oiZB57bGOsjm2AVJGkuyYzFbKIj4Ka_gciSRurgBuNjeOgIucbN4yh1-YvvQNAaJ0ckkN/s1600/Nar10.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Daria says you have taken
a job with a company in Moonlight Falls.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, turning back to Reece with my eyes downcast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does that mean you will be moving?” </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAfRq4fjPRGgVvnEaVRjSdHoGj_UuQCg05N_Mz7pA4WB1jWPiw4zJa14uKzOOIEhjWRD62bXFOCVR7GUQxTD8uvrRv2OZeQCBL2JixqbDKs8mUeOq0SF7qyabcdygEJF4tjW5G-UGdj2g/s1600/Nar10.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAfRq4fjPRGgVvnEaVRjSdHoGj_UuQCg05N_Mz7pA4WB1jWPiw4zJa14uKzOOIEhjWRD62bXFOCVR7GUQxTD8uvrRv2OZeQCBL2JixqbDKs8mUeOq0SF7qyabcdygEJF4tjW5G-UGdj2g/s1600/Nar10.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Oh… no.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, shaking his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They want me to work remotely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll still be in Dragon Valley.”</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27Vi9rIPggs08dD1sz0czLiuS2FhBWRVjzy5pcnMtKJ0N_1MRk8Po2ocuQiPw1qd8_Hj2V1S0R0UaClJaU9s8Yj5OifGY6iSwlh5v54b118vDdakkx4BbviS4E8hyTQwd-UM-YjAIIuCF/s1600/Nar10.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27Vi9rIPggs08dD1sz0czLiuS2FhBWRVjzy5pcnMtKJ0N_1MRk8Po2ocuQiPw1qd8_Hj2V1S0R0UaClJaU9s8Yj5OifGY6iSwlh5v54b118vDdakkx4BbviS4E8hyTQwd-UM-YjAIIuCF/s1600/Nar10.06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">My face lifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am glad!”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Reece chuckled, and he
reached out and embraced me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Me too.”</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Cp9ejqCDIUhNUw2ezJGWBZHboCRIhuZV4YQU4Kuo9iNzPGrpLQttloH2NWmipGmY3fvqS8bvd0GOytbCBXNjF9bP45PaiH8hgthVYV_y-WIWQE_8lMxPuK2fv-2X40uxlhHfi8XS0XnQ/s1600/Nar10.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Cp9ejqCDIUhNUw2ezJGWBZHboCRIhuZV4YQU4Kuo9iNzPGrpLQttloH2NWmipGmY3fvqS8bvd0GOytbCBXNjF9bP45PaiH8hgthVYV_y-WIWQE_8lMxPuK2fv-2X40uxlhHfi8XS0XnQ/s1600/Nar10.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I returned to my humble
shack and my job at Tome Traders the following day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Peters greeted me wholeheartedly, and
then spent the next half-hour searching for where he had mislaid his latest
read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmsbN7gVRR-lvWIhVwjwsHToMphi2253J-1ceagHa59WYzwkW6lCt3UgFg1nYndYG-ifeRHlX7tm1SjLd6Yt1o2CffvpSaK6zJOAAoQS1gHq88VR2MtiMy3od6sY1KUBY8rfNAZYcX2CY/s1600/Nar10.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmsbN7gVRR-lvWIhVwjwsHToMphi2253J-1ceagHa59WYzwkW6lCt3UgFg1nYndYG-ifeRHlX7tm1SjLd6Yt1o2CffvpSaK6zJOAAoQS1gHq88VR2MtiMy3od6sY1KUBY8rfNAZYcX2CY/s1600/Nar10.10.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I found it sitting next
to the register.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Have you missed
me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, giggling as I held his book
out to him.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Mr. Peters looked down
and grumbled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>“ ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ask no questions, and you'll be told no
lies.’ </i>”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9W_q7G73cOtmXNxbhfnAVAoVlxf04CiwFGmCGmd34Rpny90rV0CBmytRsOeE_KGuqkv-udXp4E_VEAenTZmaSVM8jPzL4RXt4AUEDEZ3OwgnJaPlzy_DfSIM6nuo2TucsM2VYopZ8tfm/s1600/Nar10.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9W_q7G73cOtmXNxbhfnAVAoVlxf04CiwFGmCGmd34Rpny90rV0CBmytRsOeE_KGuqkv-udXp4E_VEAenTZmaSVM8jPzL4RXt4AUEDEZ3OwgnJaPlzy_DfSIM6nuo2TucsM2VYopZ8tfm/s1600/Nar10.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I gave him his book back,
and he cracked a smile at me.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“ ‘</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Until I feared I would lose it, I never
loved to read. One does not love breathing.’ </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Sophia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You have been sorely missed.” He reached out and lay a hand on my
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes darted up to the
door, and he chuckled, smirking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“ ‘Something wicked this way comes.’ ” </i>He
added, brushing past me.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I turned, frowning, and then froze as my eyes came to rest on
the person striding into the store. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaP94oI61ZhWN3kZpV_oNXaadXXbHSQ4alMyKq2nwbh1d5D3vnYS-Ch76GWJZs9euNlmDPF1_boGAT3asb6lZeIQUxAPl5xq0OdZge_7AQv8dVqIC7tmWQXhqekpiw-nWoKJV4CHa7jM1/s1600/Nar10.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaP94oI61ZhWN3kZpV_oNXaadXXbHSQ4alMyKq2nwbh1d5D3vnYS-Ch76GWJZs9euNlmDPF1_boGAT3asb6lZeIQUxAPl5xq0OdZge_7AQv8dVqIC7tmWQXhqekpiw-nWoKJV4CHa7jM1/s1600/Nar10.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
I had seen him in passing a few times during the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His lavish car was difficult to miss as it
sped through the streets when I walked to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every few weeks I would see his name and his picture in the local paper,
shaking hands with some prominent business figure or holding out a large check
to a charity.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Mr. Stenberg!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Peters said, reaching out his hand and giving Thane a solid handshake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a pleasure to have you visit again.”</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHIAsPQlOuJXMeekkTGARnNsN-jHW9hyY_QFX8AL3dXLueoY8LH5OQe-birM4_a7M__dmruZNsDa7QFT8q95kTumRQdeQefYreEaFJxL4yt-tks00U46HCiAsiMWbZC-VLayVoU2msxwa/s1600/Nar10.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHIAsPQlOuJXMeekkTGARnNsN-jHW9hyY_QFX8AL3dXLueoY8LH5OQe-birM4_a7M__dmruZNsDa7QFT8q95kTumRQdeQefYreEaFJxL4yt-tks00U46HCiAsiMWbZC-VLayVoU2msxwa/s1600/Nar10.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
“The pleasure is mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thane glanced in my direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
He gave me a smile that made my heart flutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clasped my hands together on the counter
and looked down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURsMxHxMT4OuROgdQ5kN62Ia8ja5K6mYKZW_4c6WZbWsHX4zQPkn47oAn6f6prRzplB1Kq8Pf-gYLVzuYAXcKZl9LtJ1z7RHe-5zNtz-rPwBlfrZSNN6RDnkKYPzwYsbnbcTRqeh9s2tu/s1600/Nar10.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURsMxHxMT4OuROgdQ5kN62Ia8ja5K6mYKZW_4c6WZbWsHX4zQPkn47oAn6f6prRzplB1Kq8Pf-gYLVzuYAXcKZl9LtJ1z7RHe-5zNtz-rPwBlfrZSNN6RDnkKYPzwYsbnbcTRqeh9s2tu/s1600/Nar10.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
“The first-edition you requested just came in yesterday!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Peters replied, turning to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sophia… if you please.” </div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I fumbled behind the counter, and finally drew out the book
with Thane’s name on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held it out
to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes flashed with an
alluring glint, and his fingers brushed mine as he took the book from my hands.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Another for your substantial collection, yes?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Peters asked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMTEfqWIciG5YDDGuYYECInHzSi2leUkD3Ylzo4mbEvTPQrdNd96_kvpGPk4kivvq_rWnVHX6_Qm51stMsbl7nqEE0BQP-PlPfGrjV8AiUzFOU2I2bJrNTXotqZcAt3hjyoMCQm24mUFg/s1600/Nar10.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMTEfqWIciG5YDDGuYYECInHzSi2leUkD3Ylzo4mbEvTPQrdNd96_kvpGPk4kivvq_rWnVHX6_Qm51stMsbl7nqEE0BQP-PlPfGrjV8AiUzFOU2I2bJrNTXotqZcAt3hjyoMCQm24mUFg/s1600/Nar10.15.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Thane nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drew
the protective plastic cover off the book and glanced down at the title.<br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I wrung my hands together behind the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is your… associate… also a collector of rare
books?”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaQuK676mgqhA-4tkUDWsTbIHHYuwepi-TckqNq9UqymfbPPtkwE55vnBi4-PTYpQRCNaTRP8ilH4I8_lCIdbnX7czxqj2F-5cMTox099fMWA6v4FVnbOM-MFlXSAxvyscQbmjuh3jiAF/s1600/Nar10.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaQuK676mgqhA-4tkUDWsTbIHHYuwepi-TckqNq9UqymfbPPtkwE55vnBi4-PTYpQRCNaTRP8ilH4I8_lCIdbnX7czxqj2F-5cMTox099fMWA6v4FVnbOM-MFlXSAxvyscQbmjuh3jiAF/s1600/Nar10.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Standard">
Thane glanced up at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His eyes seemed to darken for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He slipped the plastic cover back over the book and tucked it into his
jacket.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“When it suits him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
afraid my business partnership with him, has been…” he paused, rubbing the stubble
on his chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“…dissolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one,” He gestured to the book in his
jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is purely for me.”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Mr. Peters chuckled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And
what a good find to add to any collection!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pursued his lips together, his brow furrowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Though, ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Happiness
is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind.’”</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R2DyJbPDqeKjKdDaO6_IAawxotelFmPpWHAHqpkFZAY9E3WsGFd4ZGaVnclBrFWhWEYiLRdPELqw1vReytbBakZw8zFXhbHu6yCWte6p93-eyrHazmQqJUruaja_qwcV11zUkLxtlSfX/s1600/Nar10.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R2DyJbPDqeKjKdDaO6_IAawxotelFmPpWHAHqpkFZAY9E3WsGFd4ZGaVnclBrFWhWEYiLRdPELqw1vReytbBakZw8zFXhbHu6yCWte6p93-eyrHazmQqJUruaja_qwcV11zUkLxtlSfX/s1600/Nar10.17.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
Thane’s lips curled. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Many
words have been granted me, and some are wise, and some are false, but only
three are holy…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>He turned his head
to the side and spoke in a firm, seductive voice that sent chills down my
spine.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “ ‘I will it!’ ”</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyZpw9UPvl-tPON9AV9PXq4VFPZXKF0Yby8SXZ2hD-tT3svqi0ucfujv3wEJkOmdKAr5BFZ-zW6Ulj2Bx1vNpxRyzPWf5VFJgCYQvVdf3uEDQANc0VLPFB74qOotNCXDTLFWYhKvwhXIW/s1600/Nar10.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyZpw9UPvl-tPON9AV9PXq4VFPZXKF0Yby8SXZ2hD-tT3svqi0ucfujv3wEJkOmdKAr5BFZ-zW6Ulj2Bx1vNpxRyzPWf5VFJgCYQvVdf3uEDQANc0VLPFB74qOotNCXDTLFWYhKvwhXIW/s1600/Nar10.18.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
Mr. Peters straightened, and the smile on his face
broadened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t suppose there’s
anything else I may acquire for you, Mr. Stenberg?”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Thane shook his head, watching me out of the corner of his
eye as he turned away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not at the
present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though… I would like to browse
for a minute.”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“By all means!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Peters said, nodding his head.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Thane strode around the shelves, his eyes lingering on mine
until he disappeared from view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let
out a breath that I had not realized I had been holding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With quivering fingers, I traced the edges of
the register.</div>
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<div class="Standard">
Mr. Peters leaned over towards me.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“He seems enamored of you.” he whispered.</div>
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<div class="Standard">
I snatched my hand back from the register and turned to stare
at Mr. Peter with an open mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bore
a mischievous grin on his face.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Wh-what?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stammered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What could a wealthy man possibly desire from a lowly salesclerk such as
myself?”</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpuAJaIwL_CGc7pCMhAdx4LrJmuPctT04v2UG3x06Sqi6sUcXrgaYG0gyMZgZR-EFt4jPuLXbtsPHTDqLqtcvrKLiyY1abH7pQxUw9HGak5dp269z5zlRz5kM859-YfS4nIi7ub6xyLgV/s1600/Nar10.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpuAJaIwL_CGc7pCMhAdx4LrJmuPctT04v2UG3x06Sqi6sUcXrgaYG0gyMZgZR-EFt4jPuLXbtsPHTDqLqtcvrKLiyY1abH7pQxUw9HGak5dp269z5zlRz5kM859-YfS4nIi7ub6xyLgV/s1600/Nar10.21.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Mr. Peters shrugged his shoulders, still smiling. <span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“ ‘</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nothing
is so necessary for a young man as the company of intelligent women</i>.’ ”<br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I crossed my arms and frowned. “Does he make substantial
monetary donations to your business?”</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
His eyes widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had the same frozen look I had seen on a deer caught in the headlights of Reece’s
Jalopy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rolled my eyes, resting my
gaze back down on the counter. </div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Mr. Peters touched my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But still, ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession
of a good fortune</i>-!’”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJttvHdoM5Dqpxua2PKFJa9AR2QT8dpsGzOi0TyhZe-a4UsXVyaEKpXkSUVmY5T0u2TIyzC0_GkUFLnPlxvo6zfXL5kUCsSAdiqo98pmuZrW4yi5n2LIDo4dcmr0ngxUgZF-Ni_Mn6rb1M/s1600/Nar10.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJttvHdoM5Dqpxua2PKFJa9AR2QT8dpsGzOi0TyhZe-a4UsXVyaEKpXkSUVmY5T0u2TIyzC0_GkUFLnPlxvo6zfXL5kUCsSAdiqo98pmuZrW4yi5n2LIDo4dcmr0ngxUgZF-Ni_Mn6rb1M/s1600/Nar10.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
I shook his hand off my shoulder and held up a finger.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
“Do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>continue
that quote.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said sternly.</div>
<div class="Standard">
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I wrung my hands together and took slow, deliberate steps in
the direction Thane had walked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lump
rose in my throat and I froze for a moment, glancing back over my shoulder at
Mr. Peters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made a shooing motion
with his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swallowed, and clasped
my hands back down at my sides.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I crept to the other side
of the bookshelf, and there he was, holding a hardcover book open in his
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt flutters in my stomach,
and I took a step forward.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBGmZgh5glzbSwjWBNxUWF4jt7kA309hPckLVV28pp-8xBts4z4TNtblOpT0kllszAQsDF2HjL71tr69T6TwgVFFhzwUlSC-wX5VRDMef1FoL5Djkkey1lZ0LnQZbTpQL8e-l2yI3xn2u/s1600/Nar10.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBGmZgh5glzbSwjWBNxUWF4jt7kA309hPckLVV28pp-8xBts4z4TNtblOpT0kllszAQsDF2HjL71tr69T6TwgVFFhzwUlSC-wX5VRDMef1FoL5Djkkey1lZ0LnQZbTpQL8e-l2yI3xn2u/s1600/Nar10.24.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">My eyes rested on the
cover of the book he held.</span><br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Paradise Lost.</span></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Better to reign in
Hell, than to serve in Heaven.</i>’” Thane said, lifting his eyes to mine.</div>
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He shut the book and I stiffened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flutter in my stomach turned to a twist of
nausea.</div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Milton…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whispered.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Have you read it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he asked, sliding the book back on the shelf.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heat of his eyes on mine made me shift in
discomfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For the first time just a
few months ago.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“One of my favorites.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stroked a finger down the book’s spine.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">My mouth was dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are… are you certain there is nothing I can
do for you?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Thane turned his heated
gaze back to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a step forward,
so close I could feel the warmth radiating off his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved an inch backwards purely out of
instinct.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Perhaps.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smirked in a way that seemed self-assured,
almost cocky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Accompany me to dinner
tonight.”</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">My mouth opened, and I
found my mind blank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had ceased to
breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heat spread across my face.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stammered, at a loss for words.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The simmering look in
Thane’s face seemed too confident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
corner of his lip turned up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked triumphant.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I turned away and
smoothed back a stray lock of my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I…
I am afraid I must decline, Mr. Stenberg.”</span><br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Thane blinked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The upturned corner of his lip went
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Another time, perhaps?”</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I crossed my arms over my
chest and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No… I…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I do not believe another time would be any more appropriate.”</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I heard him take a slow, smoldering
breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel it tickle the back
of my neck.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Very well, then.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He brushed my shoulder with his hot fingers, and I stiffened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Until I see you again, Miss Lewis.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">He smiled at me, and my
brow furrowed in confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened my
mouth to correct him, when in a flash of clarity, I remembered I had given him
the wrong surname the first time I met him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I shut my mouth and swallowed, nodding my head.</span><br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">He backed up, watching me
until he reached the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His blazing eyes
seemed to bore straight through me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, he abruptly turned and the door shuddered shut behind him.</span></div>
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<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Mr. Peters appeared at my
other side, scratching his temple.</span><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"> </span>“Why did he call you Miss
Lewis?”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2fxrNEbyuHcs2jr3wGMxyFWpcgr_wB6Y1EFYboDPL0Id0i2aoiSlAr6xd27lkaV1bvWvr1ThGDxtPk4PmspNAoB0GjIpIB-UIzWZW0iFwwrVBdOOUzapJMk_ci50KbvlpqKA05T0E8cV/s1600/Nar10.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2fxrNEbyuHcs2jr3wGMxyFWpcgr_wB6Y1EFYboDPL0Id0i2aoiSlAr6xd27lkaV1bvWvr1ThGDxtPk4PmspNAoB0GjIpIB-UIzWZW0iFwwrVBdOOUzapJMk_ci50KbvlpqKA05T0E8cV/s1600/Nar10.35.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-74507018266443427122014-03-27T20:34:00.000-05:002014-03-27T20:34:52.400-05:00Chapter Nine: Freshman<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Your
room!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said, throwing out her
arms with a wide smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You like?” </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar901.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I set
my single suitcase down and looked around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bed alone was larger than my humble kitchen back in Dragon
Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and nodded my head.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar902.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
It had
been a wholly fulfilling summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
worked as many hours as Mr. Peters was willing to give me, and saved every
penny that I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I left for
the fall, he and I had come to an agreement that I would continue my employment
during the school year by coming back to work every other weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the breaks, I would be back on full
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was reassuring to know I had
secured a place of employment for the following summer.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">I
finally took Hale’s advice and registered under the surname, ‘Doe.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, I wanted no odd looks or questions
about my name.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“This
is wicked!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said, dashing over to
the dresser and opening it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re like
a full Greek Club now… the supernaturals of Sims U!”</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar903.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Five
people is hardly full.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said,
frowning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And Sophia is human.”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar904.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I
opened my suitcase and took my books over to the shelf in the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria and Nirina refolded my clothes and put
them away in the dresser.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“She’s
an ex-ghost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That counts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina insisted, pouting her lips out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">I bit
my tongue, glancing out the window at the sidewalk below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not help searching the faces that
passed by for some of those boorish youth I had encountered that first day.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar905.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“I
would prefer not to advertise it.” I said, shuddering as I slid the last of my
books into place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Daria
and Nirina glanced at each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
scratched the side of her neck where her flesh gave way to a lush green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, you are a freshman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the chances you’ll run into a senior
from our old class is pretty slim.”</span></div>
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<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar906.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>Nirina
swallowed and stared down into my suitcase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She reached in and lifted up one of the shirts borrowed from Reece’s
sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow… are you still wearing these?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really need to take you shopping.”</div>
</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">I
snatched the shirt from her and clutched it protectively. “I cannot afford to
go shopping.”</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nirina
rolled her eyes and shut the dresser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When’s lunch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hungry.”</div>
</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">I
followed the two of them downstairs until they parted ways, Daria
still rushing back and forth to unpack her things and Nirina rummaging around
in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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I wandered into the
living room where Reece stood in front of the windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Light shined on the tip of his wand and he
moved it in smooth, graceful arcs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale
watched, leaning against the fireplace.</div>
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I
rested on a stool by the bar and found myself smiling as I examined Reece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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He
recited in a low whisper, his brow furrowed in concentration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could barely hear the charm he murmured
under his breath.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">…banish the shadows… that surround the gate, and
through the darkness…illuminate!</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece’s wand glowed white-hot, and then he
snapped it forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a crackle of
sparks, it fizzled out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece took a deep breath and began again.</span></div>
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“Maybe
the accent on your ‘I’s is off.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale
said, smirking.</div>
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“Not
helping.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece muttered, closing his eyes to concentrate.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Hey,
why don’t you try a Restoration Ritual?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clean this place up a bit?” Hale asked in a teasing voice.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Reece
opened his eyes and shot a glare in Hale’s direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why don’t you clap your hands and do it
yourself?”</span></div>
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The
tip of his wand glowed again, and Reece whispered a few more lines.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“I
could fish Timber out of the meat cupboard for moral support.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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I
threw a worried glance in his direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I still desired to avoid Timber as much as I possibly could.</div>
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“Concentrating
here…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece hissed through clenched
teeth.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">There
was a bright flash of light and a puff of empty smoke floated from Reece’s
wand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His shoulders slumped.</span></div>
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“I
hear the Crumplebottoms are looking to hire a mascot.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale chuckled under his breath.</div>
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“Oh...
just shut it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece snapped, flicking
his wrist in Hale's direction.</div>
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A
stream of vapid green gas flooded from the tip of Reece's wand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece yelped, pulling back his wand in a
panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale put his hands up in a futile attempt to
protect himself, but the green cloud enveloped him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His head swelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes bugged out of his sockets. When the
gas dissipated he let out a low, raspy croak.</div>
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“Blast...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece clapped his hand to his head.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Hale
just croaked again.</span></div>
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I
burst into giggles, doubling over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hale's big frog-like eyes glared at me, which only made me laugh
harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The corners of Reece's lips flickered
up as he looked back at me.</div>
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“You
find this funny, princess?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale said,
his voice lower than usual.</div>
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It was
so strange hearing Hale's voice come from such a large, toothless mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clasped my hand over my chest and took a
deep breath, trying to compose myself.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“I am
sorry... just... your face!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
bursting into laughter again halfway through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Hale
ducked his frog-like head down, and his shoulders twitched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another croak burst from him like a hiccup.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Is he
stuck that way?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, turning to
Reece.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Reece
shrugged his shoulders, smiling a little as he tucked his hands into his
pockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nah, he just needs someone to
give him a little kiss.”</span></div>
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“I
don't suppose you would give me the honor, princess?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale asked.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">I
shook my head, still laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think,
perhaps, you deserve to be a toad for at least the afternoon.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Hale's
shoulders slumped even further down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned around, holding his arms open as Daria came walking through the front
doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Daria!”
he exclaimed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Daria
let out a short scream of shock, and pushed him away.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Ew!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she yelled, her nose wrinkling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kissed you last time.”</span></div>
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Hale
dropped his arms down and Daria scurried away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a snorting peal of laughter from the end of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina stood in the archway to the kitchen,
shaking her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale held out his
arms.</div>
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“Nirina…
please?” he pleaded.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Nirina
rolled her eyes, holding up her hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“In your dreams, amphibian.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Hale
crossed his arms over his chest, croaking once.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Oh,
come on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he snapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your last boyfriend looked much worse than
this.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Nirina
chuckled for another minute, then beckoned with one hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, come 'ere.” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Nirina
planted a quick kiss on the side of his face, and in a rush of green mist, Hale
was back to himself.</span></div>
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“Thanks,
Angelfish.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leaning down towards her again with a
mischievous smile.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Nirina
shoved him away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cool it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You only get one.”</span></div>
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Hale
backed away, holding up his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
can't blame a guy for trying.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“Yes I
can.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina snapped back, tossing her
bangs out of her eyes.</span></div>
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This was going to be an
interesting year.</div>
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In my first life, I had once beheaded a dragon
mid-flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beast plummeted, and
just before he crashed, I threw myself from his back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I landed on my feet, but with enough forward
momentum to send me careening across the plain until I lost my footing and
slammed into the ground.</div>
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University reminded me of that moment. </div>
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I thought myself a quick study in the six months I had been
alive, but the sheer amount of information that I now had to remember was
staggering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would often spend all day
out on the campus, studying in the library, or sitting through class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Late in the evening, I returned to the dorm
so mentally exhausted that I could only climb into bed.</div>
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My friends tried to coax me into social activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often turned them down.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“You know, it’s okay to blow off studying every once and
awhile.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said, pouting at me as I
opened yet another textbook.</div>
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“I am on a scholarship.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I insisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I have an obligation to excel in my academic performance.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nirina would just huff and whine and beg for another few
minutes before finally heading off without me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I smiled to myself as she departed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I enjoyed Nirina’s company, but it seemed to me that she would often
‘blow off studying’ more than every once and awhile.</div>
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On my way back from class one day, I spotted a perfectly good piece of furniture
sitting out with the trash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned,
putting my hands on my hips.</div>
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An hour later, Reece came looking for me and found me
sifting through the dumpster.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Uhh… Sophia?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wrinkled his nose and gingerly stepped around my growing pile of found
items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why are you going through the
garbage?”</div>
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I lifted my head, bracing myself on the edge of the dumpster
with both hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The wastefulness of
your generation is appalling!”</div>
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Reece ducked as I tossed a pair of wooden spoons towards my
pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mouth twisted, and he shrugged
his shoulders.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fair point, I guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Need any help?” he asked.</div>
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We ended up selling the discarded items we found and making
a very tidy sum of cash.</div>
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Winter’s chill took hold of the air and final exams
approached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria and I took to spending
our afternoons together at the library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With one week left, we headed down the walkway to the library
entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rambled on about my most
recent revisions to a paper of mine.</div>
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“I did some additional research on the skeletal system, and
I do believe I could add a few more sources to the third section.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, biting my lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But the essay is already well over twelve
pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps if I cut the conclusion
down to-!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Watcher!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
swore, holding up her arm in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her eyes went wide and she turned around to lean against the half-wall
that lined the walkway, putting a hand in front of her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Act casual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t look over there.”</div>
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“What…?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started,
glancing towards the main doors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt a shot of adrenaline pound through my chest and I
clenched my fists together at my sides.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The girl who had sat in the front row during our
presentation almost a full year earlier was striding out of the library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes were narrowed as she glanced around
the courtyard, and she wore a sour scowl on her face.</div>
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“I said don’t look!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daria hissed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I jerked my head down and stared at the ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s coming this way…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daria muttered, watching from the corner of her eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled her woolen cap off and jammed it
over my head, giving me a slight push.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sit over there and act like you don’t know
me.”</div>
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She thrust her textbook into my hands and I shuffled off to
a bench several feet away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the
book and tried to pretend I was reading, but my eyes were locked on the
scowling girl as she strode closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fingers tightened around the covers of the
book and I swallowed.</div>
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She noticed Daria, and hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she changed direction and headed
straight towards her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria looked down,
trying to appear as though she were studying her nails.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey Photosynthesis!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>she shouted, sauntering over.</div>
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Daria winced, clenching her eyes shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She forced a smile onto her face and turned
up to face her old classmate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey… Jaye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long time
no see.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria rubbed her temple and
cringed as she spoke.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah.” the girl answered with a dismissive huff and a
slight roll of her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So I gotta
know…whatever happened to that uptight blonde you guys brought back from the
dead?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Um,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
stammered, her eyes darting back to where I sat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She’s… back in Dragon Valley.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jaye looked unconcerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“So what grade did you get on that project, anyway?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daria raised her chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We aced it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jaye snorted, rolling her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I heard <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">witch-boy </i>flunked and
had to retake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he even going to graduate
this year?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My face flushed hot and I clenched my teeth together when
she said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">witch-boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>The way she spat the word out was so
demeaning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her cruel callousness was
grating on my last nerve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Someone</i> needed to
teach her a lesson.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
insisted, clasping her arms tight to her chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“He’s doing just fine.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey, can I ask you a ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">serious
question’</i>?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jaye asked, curling her
fingers into quotation marks on either side of her head and laughing as though
she had told some inside joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Plantsims don’t get pregnant, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They grow their little brats in the dirt like potatoes or something?”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Umm… yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
said, and I could tell she was growing flustered.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cause plants don’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mate</i>…
they spread their pollens to each other or whatever.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jaye said, turning her head to the side and
narrowing her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria’s face reddened
and I saw her squeeze her hands into fists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“So I was just wondering… do plantsims have sex?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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That audacious youth!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dare</i> she!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had no right to ask such invasion
questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I closed my eyes and took a
deep breath, willing the anger to go away, but her belittling comments still
rang in my ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ridiculed Daria, who
had become my dear friend, without any care or fear of discipline.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite my dread of being exposed, I felt compelled- no, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">obligated</i>- to set her right.</div>
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“It’s not something I really want to talk about.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria muttered, turning away.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jaye caught her by the shoulder in a way that might have
been friendly, but coupled with her babyish tone, it was patronizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does that mean you’re a virgin?”</div>
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I slammed the textbook shut in my lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria jerked around, wide-eyed terror in her
face as I stormed over to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jaye
looked startled for a moment, but I caught the flicker of recognition in her
eyes as I approached.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Remove your hand this instant.” I seethed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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She snatched her hand back from Daria’s shoulder and held it
up in defense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cool it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was just curious.”</div>
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“Do not think you can deceive me!” I snapped back, pointing
an accusing finger at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your entire
demeanor betrays you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have no
interest in the reproduction of Dryads!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your questions
are a poor disguise for mockery!”<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her expression hardened, and she took a threatening step
towards me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well… Grim <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">reap </i>you, blondie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said you were in Dragon Valley.”<br />
</div>
I refused to flinch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It
was none of your concern.”<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s the matter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You came back from the dead, it’s a bloody miracle!” Her voice dripped
with sarcasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh right, it’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fraud. </i>And that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">smurf-haired</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">freak</i> is gonna get kicked out the instant he’s exposed.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heat simmered in my blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>let her speak of
the man who had brought me back from the Netherworld in such a cruel,
impertinent fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“His <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">name</i> is
Reece.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hissed through clenched teeth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Daria pulled at my elbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Sophia, let’s go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not worth
it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Jaye snapped back without a moment’s pause, shouting over
Daria’s plea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t care what his
name is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s an abomination and he
doesn’t belong here!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Her words stung me with an almost physical pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece had more right than she did to be
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">brilliant</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I snapped, straightening up to stand taller.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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A crowd was gathering around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my sinking horror, I recognized another
face in the mass of students, a second student who had been at the
presentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the boy who had
called Daria a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vegetable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Why did they both have to appear <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">now,</i> at the same time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave him only a brief glance, but I could
see in his leering expression that he recognized me too.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, he’s an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">idiot</i>
if he thinks you pass for Sophia Carol, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the
dragon slayer</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jaye sneered,
mocking me just as she had that day in the science classroom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You will regret tarnishing his noble name!” I shouted over
the murmurs of our curious onlookers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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“Make me!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she
snapped back, taking another step forward and towering over me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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“Hit her, Jaye!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
boy in the crowd shouted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A chorus of approval rippled through the mass of
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A chant started in the heart
of the crowd, growing louder and louder until it was a deafening roar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Fight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fight!”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i></i><br />
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“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria cried,
pulling harder on my elbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sophia,
she’s squashed guys twice her size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walk
away with me…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Fight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fight! Fight!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>The screaming
of the students echoed in my ears and matched the pounding of my heart.</div>
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Jaye pulled her hand back and curled her fingers into a
tight, white-knuckled fist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She aimed
straight for my face.<br />
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Her titanic height and firm, athletic build may have
intimidated Daria, but in comparison with a dragon, she was a mere gnat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And though it had been centuries since I had attacked
another human being, I still remembered how.</div>
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She threw her fist and I clasped it in mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thrust her arm back, sending her crashing
to the concrete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a moment, her eyes
widened in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The students who
surrounded us faltered in their chant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she grit her teeth and launched upright. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She swept her other fist at me and I calmly stepped to the
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While she floundered in the air,
off-balance, I jammed my knee into her midsection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tumbled to the ground again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few voices dropped out of the chant as
onlookers stared with mouths open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar978.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Jaye leapt to her feet again, slower this time, her hands
clasping for my throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blocked her
with my forearm and struck her back with my other hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She fell face-first into the concrete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The chanting stopped.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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She turned over, groaning and wincing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She staggered back up to her feet for the
third time and whirled around to strike me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I dodged, and kicked her in the shin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She slammed back into the ground.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar980.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
The onlookers fell into an eerie silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them backed away.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jaye lunged at me, and I knocked her down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gathered herself up, slower every time,
and I knocked her down again.</div>
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<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar981.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At last, she fell back onto the ground and stared up at me
with blood dripping from her mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
chest heaved and sweat shined on her skin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had this lost look in her eyes, as though
she could no longer recognize me.</div>
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<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar982.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s going on here?” a booming voice shouted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I whipped around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daria clasped her hands to her face and gasped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professor Lars strode up the walkway, glaring
at us through his silver-rimmed spectacles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Anyone want to tell me?”</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar983.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PlaguesPesitilenceMurder!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>My thoughts raced and my heart leapt into
my throat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar984.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Students scattered in every direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professor Lars frowned, his eyes settling on Jaye
as she lay, panting, on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar985.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
My lips parted, but no words came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was expelled, I knew it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dreams were slipping through my fingers
again, and I had no one to blame but myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar986.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Jaye?” Professor Lars asked, crossing his arms.</div>
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I bit my tongue, stepping back as Jaye eased up onto her
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept her eyes on the ground.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I fell, sir.” she murmured.</div>
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<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar988.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
My heart stopped dead and my eyes darted over to her.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What?!?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Professor Lars stared at her, raising his eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fell?</i>”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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“Yes, sir.” Jaye whispered.</div>
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I shut my mouth and swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cold rush surged through my head and I felt
faint.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Professor Lars looked her up and down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced at me, and I tried to give him the
widest, most innocent smile that I could muster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell he was comparing my appearance
to hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweat coated her neck, blood
seeped from the corner of her lip, and she was out of breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was unaffected, and uninjured.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He sighed, dropping his arms down to his sides and stepping
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I hear anymore commotion, I
will call campus police.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jaye
turned, swaying on her feet as she walked away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I breathed out, slowly, still uncertain I had escaped
punishment.<br />
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<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar992.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
The only student who remained, the boy I had recognized,
caught Jaye by the shoulders.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jaye, what the abyss was that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Challenge her to a rematch!” he said, turning
Jaye’s shoulders back around so that she faced me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar993.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
She stared at me, her expression blank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a moment, the boy’s hands fell back down to his sides.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glared back at Daria and me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t seriously believe she’s really
Sophia Carol, do you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jaye wiped the blood from her mouth with the back of her
hand, her eyes still locked on me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">care.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t really want to mess with her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever again.</i>”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap9/Nar995.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Then without another word, she bowed her head and walked
away.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-20334915630232058732014-03-02T21:02:00.002-06:002014-05-24T13:10:17.186-05:00Chapter Eight: Springtime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqluiqAuNr0BeqGMYt2i7WzQK9w_p-tX-SiLC0hv3p0VOyHiWK6YNpFs6NiF2l5sipAvPlb_fO139fQDQYe1C2IFeOyEJ3mWaaTfe6XLnBdYn7I3NhK5RV_VY-7e_J0RByaVA66H0Sjmt/s1600/Nar8.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqluiqAuNr0BeqGMYt2i7WzQK9w_p-tX-SiLC0hv3p0VOyHiWK6YNpFs6NiF2l5sipAvPlb_fO139fQDQYe1C2IFeOyEJ3mWaaTfe6XLnBdYn7I3NhK5RV_VY-7e_J0RByaVA66H0Sjmt/s1600/Nar8.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>The temperature was rising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The walk to the library turned into a hazardous maze of slush and
snowmelt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One morning, while gathering
fruits and vegetables from the community garden in an effort to save money and
supplement my income, the sky darkened. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuGw8ZYiCD_uUyvi8hPqs4I9Fe_vcNDASvho3cRU7h-cwZjcr5ftejtKhoNn2G5g7fkmtIw2XOpJBLW9FrNgmBWFQh7coJxdVkPGAFi_EcW90n5-LsF-rituzdw4vsjI1Vi2uHUdsqNGo/s1600/Nar8.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuGw8ZYiCD_uUyvi8hPqs4I9Fe_vcNDASvho3cRU7h-cwZjcr5ftejtKhoNn2G5g7fkmtIw2XOpJBLW9FrNgmBWFQh7coJxdVkPGAFi_EcW90n5-LsF-rituzdw4vsjI1Vi2uHUdsqNGo/s1600/Nar8.02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then, a torrential downpour started. </div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiv5sFcH1r9t_Ecoq8ZAW1p77s2TJ-FnB5CnkBgsHxKudIJLOtlHFfDI5nhOz2uT-s5WUBZo4ls1sFYogcw3trJ7MTt1Kb7nG1jLp5z56QO3TTGT8e2BlgDMc-dxxNDUN8KflIwTX1g0fi/s1600/Nar8.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiv5sFcH1r9t_Ecoq8ZAW1p77s2TJ-FnB5CnkBgsHxKudIJLOtlHFfDI5nhOz2uT-s5WUBZo4ls1sFYogcw3trJ7MTt1Kb7nG1jLp5z56QO3TTGT8e2BlgDMc-dxxNDUN8KflIwTX1g0fi/s1600/Nar8.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I ran sprinting down the street, dodging growing puddles of
mud, and took cover in the library.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq0GdEl55C_lFCSRqjsMTGjxD8Ipq5AB6o250_hcDw86tfE35PVCa_YJhyphenhyphengeK3PxaRmp4JJmzg_tIcFUYiFop_BUAKUgyr6bxVNnTfpJbRTVQ1Y1hgs8kH11XiN32Dod6xWAsZr5tAFcJ/s1600/Nar8.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq0GdEl55C_lFCSRqjsMTGjxD8Ipq5AB6o250_hcDw86tfE35PVCa_YJhyphenhyphengeK3PxaRmp4JJmzg_tIcFUYiFop_BUAKUgyr6bxVNnTfpJbRTVQ1Y1hgs8kH11XiN32Dod6xWAsZr5tAFcJ/s1600/Nar8.04.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
The great outdoors and I were not going to be good friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSbF2_o5cHpMv46r6D4Wmu-Fmigz_GnJrzJbWVQ_tljyJZsbCUjFgUtuEmG1JqfyAp2FaSihDUEtTwtGLmbU7sIkSYuq2yfgS2wl77tg0D8mKfItYP3MrnUF3DhUGngFodYU60nQkbg8K/s1600/Nar8.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSbF2_o5cHpMv46r6D4Wmu-Fmigz_GnJrzJbWVQ_tljyJZsbCUjFgUtuEmG1JqfyAp2FaSihDUEtTwtGLmbU7sIkSYuq2yfgS2wl77tg0D8mKfItYP3MrnUF3DhUGngFodYU60nQkbg8K/s1600/Nar8.05.jpg" height="361" width="640" /></a></div>
Looking over my paper for the hundredth time, I wondered if
it might be better if I scrapped a few paragraphs and added more quotes from my
research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I worried that I sounded
as though I was meandering rather than making a good argument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rewrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I read back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I deleted half of
what I had written and started over again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qDWq5uUxnfdlnzrhBq2fhNJ1iQ-BTkSsUgHLjxCb8wGBurqjx1cpomCG0iuYC5pREa7-skBABu_dReBYUTW5J4YTIUUhGGbf6jXkkSvJJNEF3WDmo3ImAAifm2pMjci__2e1kT5RA6iW/s1600/Nar8.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qDWq5uUxnfdlnzrhBq2fhNJ1iQ-BTkSsUgHLjxCb8wGBurqjx1cpomCG0iuYC5pREa7-skBABu_dReBYUTW5J4YTIUUhGGbf6jXkkSvJJNEF3WDmo3ImAAifm2pMjci__2e1kT5RA6iW/s1600/Nar8.06.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“How’s the paper coming?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Peters asked when I came in that afternoon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalDSX68makeKBtol04S5jQTFRMm783mj6s_O19scKUhvoMoLwBqfG3iKNcQhf_aD4dBRKNz0xfQdKpm1IPj9d2LRh48qbdBHIJlo_ZbFGeGiKiVafYQIVsiqfRDrOdcKbESNVXaJ5lvqh/s1600/Nar8.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalDSX68makeKBtol04S5jQTFRMm783mj6s_O19scKUhvoMoLwBqfG3iKNcQhf_aD4dBRKNz0xfQdKpm1IPj9d2LRh48qbdBHIJlo_ZbFGeGiKiVafYQIVsiqfRDrOdcKbESNVXaJ5lvqh/s1600/Nar8.07.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Alright, I suppose.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I grumbled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I let him read over what I had worked on while I put a few
new books out on the shelves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
came back to the register, Mr. Peters was clucking his tongue and shaking his
head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The moment you doubt
whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” </i>he said,
handing my notes back to me with a smile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67EKH4Na37bc6ANL1DFwzoN5-PU8ZaQVCA5Cfa0RzP_qyvALpzMpSQVgtQYfOAmpWqTenKlCKcFB_EvwlwML23rxZeRWHfENTAGv0WPGJcg0EkqhELAt3l8TZn2GDEQuNpctKaXj31Ai6/s1600/Nar8.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67EKH4Na37bc6ANL1DFwzoN5-PU8ZaQVCA5Cfa0RzP_qyvALpzMpSQVgtQYfOAmpWqTenKlCKcFB_EvwlwML23rxZeRWHfENTAGv0WPGJcg0EkqhELAt3l8TZn2GDEQuNpctKaXj31Ai6/s1600/Nar8.08.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I scribbled new ideas in the margins and flipped the pages
in my hands as I walked home, re-reading again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sun was out now, pricking the back of my neck with warmth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had almost reached my doorstep when someone
leaped straight into my path.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hiya!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina
squealed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9OkABkZ2HoLYgwPTLd8_0FvaPw0dobb-9YaqhUFVWMvkP7SjqMiGAl7vuKKueTzLfHWIQ6zptoQDS21kq9ODd7yPIrqqA94lkQFYqE2wLzE19DSgABa0lxjVpkw6fbMtqD04h3HZ6V0w/s1600/Nar8.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9OkABkZ2HoLYgwPTLd8_0FvaPw0dobb-9YaqhUFVWMvkP7SjqMiGAl7vuKKueTzLfHWIQ6zptoQDS21kq9ODd7yPIrqqA94lkQFYqE2wLzE19DSgABa0lxjVpkw6fbMtqD04h3HZ6V0w/s1600/Nar8.09.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Ancients!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clasped
my hand to my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Niri…?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wha…?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s the middle of the week…”</div>
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“I cut class.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina
said, smirking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held her arms out
and closed her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think I’ve
seen the sun in moooonths!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wicked?</i>” </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRAsmy_7WQpF0l3KW6tCPaPwNUOPQgmE9Cad-gHNZmOVOnJ53iivdXZp-MhBBJoYoKREX9eLuUQfVTekt0yk4hh5tSCvRz_dbpnh_fhxvi27_poYPoHDAnpjil0FS0E6btJbK5I1xyNbR/s1600/Nar8.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRAsmy_7WQpF0l3KW6tCPaPwNUOPQgmE9Cad-gHNZmOVOnJ53iivdXZp-MhBBJoYoKREX9eLuUQfVTekt0yk4hh5tSCvRz_dbpnh_fhxvi27_poYPoHDAnpjil0FS0E6btJbK5I1xyNbR/s1600/Nar8.11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I suppose…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
murmured.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Do you want to go to the beach with me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Pleeeaaase?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria doesn’t get
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When all the other green things go
dormant, she can curl up in her little pot and still feel comfy and cozy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can’t keep lying in the bathtub all day…
I need space to spread my fins!” </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica3NKeQAnDG_CIgbdEu9Yf1Pmw-ZIOuaqJEaCodxo1bJP7fvDhOardbzQj9Ja5cSsr_5bHl9dKTXnoJILjrRDmJHuPXTxgndRwdKWYuwNXX2ZjyWgPaPEjgoC-2tY83QsPHUMqdHgZCfS/s1600/Nar8.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEica3NKeQAnDG_CIgbdEu9Yf1Pmw-ZIOuaqJEaCodxo1bJP7fvDhOardbzQj9Ja5cSsr_5bHl9dKTXnoJILjrRDmJHuPXTxgndRwdKWYuwNXX2ZjyWgPaPEjgoC-2tY83QsPHUMqdHgZCfS/s1600/Nar8.12.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“I need to work my essay…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I muttered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nirina snatched the papers out of my hands and skimmed
through my numerous notes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s brilliant.” she said, dismissively, shoving the papers
into a large pocket of her backpack. “You can type it up on my laptop and then
mail it when we get back, now come ooonn!” she whined, grabbing me by the hand
and dragging me down the walkway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnyzoKuMBn4Dd81xW6pQyrdV2HWiKSxQ5lvJs8hGjNn4S1ZuuOB3w7UVBXosYM7qjfUoz1wk0kJSJ3LEgwhfW5lkNglTrK3B9x9QGfNrvzrk_J2xnB4qyzT686aGDylfjos1oGQE6PDx9/s1600/Nar8.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnyzoKuMBn4Dd81xW6pQyrdV2HWiKSxQ5lvJs8hGjNn4S1ZuuOB3w7UVBXosYM7qjfUoz1wk0kJSJ3LEgwhfW5lkNglTrK3B9x9QGfNrvzrk_J2xnB4qyzT686aGDylfjos1oGQE6PDx9/s1600/Nar8.13.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I followed, cracking a smile.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nirina navigated the roads as though she knew them by
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran ahead of me, and then
stopped just short as an expensive car came speeding around the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7CQfJDSFpjHkQ136mz0D6g_OvVbawnYd76G3CfLtBiw1pMXwRj8fq2oXP_IoaVGDmaTcNhBGKS23USfjf_tjb8x3-tK8fXLwkOJJyi_FrVGd8Gfs9jbba_Aat1AN2UUSdh63Ycbb9kys/s1600/Nar8.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7CQfJDSFpjHkQ136mz0D6g_OvVbawnYd76G3CfLtBiw1pMXwRj8fq2oXP_IoaVGDmaTcNhBGKS23USfjf_tjb8x3-tK8fXLwkOJJyi_FrVGd8Gfs9jbba_Aat1AN2UUSdh63Ycbb9kys/s1600/Nar8.14.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She jerked backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car’s wheels splashed through a puddle
that had formed on the side of the street, sending water cascading over Nirina’s
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina squealed, putting her
hands up and laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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</div>
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The car went
racing by me.<br />
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</div>
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The handsome stranger from that odd day at Tome Traders was in the driver's seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at me, and lifted
a hand in greeting as his car turned the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tentatively lifted my own hand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ60xj1rjGgD0hkqECYTETOOdknzAzQfDQyQWOPItSER08RImNGytIhSnZP2k2RuLNf8NJSdeZeCAmZkYApRPjuUzByj0wILpSa0GPvX1Ifp5I5_aaJ00xYk_XRZsKY1Hr1ieBoBldF2HF/s1600/Nar8.16.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ60xj1rjGgD0hkqECYTETOOdknzAzQfDQyQWOPItSER08RImNGytIhSnZP2k2RuLNf8NJSdeZeCAmZkYApRPjuUzByj0wILpSa0GPvX1Ifp5I5_aaJ00xYk_XRZsKY1Hr1ieBoBldF2HF/s1600/Nar8.16.2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“You know him?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nirina asked, turning around with wide eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water dripped from her clothes, but she
seemed not to mind.</div>
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“I met him once…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stopped in to pick up a book on hold.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
admitted, falling in step next to her. </div>
</div>
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<br />
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“Reaper, that’s Thane Stenberg.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said, her eyes widening even
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t think he stopped at
bookstores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought he had his slaves
make them custom from his private paper mill.” </div>
</div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The buildings opened up to an endless view of clear, turquoise
ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The street beneath our feet gave
way to glowing sands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina let out a
whoop and dropped her bag in the sand, sprinting towards the tide as it rushed
forward. </div>
</div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I smiled, breathing in the salty air and leaning down to
pick Nirina’s bag up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked a nice
smooth place where the tide did not yet reach and pulled her laptop and my
notes from the main pocket. </div>
</div>
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<br />
Nirina lounged in the waves, her scaled legs merging into
one dark black and burgundy tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
stayed there for a moment, drinking in the sun and letting the water rush over
her face over and over again before she turned around and rested her elbows in
the wet sand.</div>
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“Hey, when’s your scholarship-thingy deadline?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she asked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiOC5J_jp-m3MGhfMsx8UKStCZ7GlkOpyjvc8YpLZFQCsadSWpih_mf5XOUeNRhayofy1PGFz45IGbgFIMLeqRidHAzRp1OpV6ARVaE49nDStLA_5UetjdXhYQienghk7C1GZmPDD5Erc/s1600/Nar8.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiOC5J_jp-m3MGhfMsx8UKStCZ7GlkOpyjvc8YpLZFQCsadSWpih_mf5XOUeNRhayofy1PGFz45IGbgFIMLeqRidHAzRp1OpV6ARVaE49nDStLA_5UetjdXhYQienghk7C1GZmPDD5Erc/s1600/Nar8.22.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
“A week and a half.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, biting my lip as I typed.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Really?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina
said, raising her eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That
soon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll need at least that long to
mail it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I grimaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.”<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
“So mail it tonight!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nirina said, flipping her fin over her head.</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s not ready…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mumbled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nirina rolled her eyes and groaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She swiveled around and went leaping across
the waves like a skipping stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I typed
what I had written in my notes and then set to work revising again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun dipped lower in the sky and Nirina
went swimming from one end of the beach to the other.<br />
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When I lost all of my natural light, I closed the laptop with
a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina slipped her clothes back
on and walked up the beach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Low tide.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she said
with a cross frown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess it’s time
to get back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So are you done?”<br />
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“I… I could have Daria read it again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, standing to my feet.</div>
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Nirina shook her head, snorting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She steered us away from my little shack on
the way back home and towards the library, where after some coaxing she got me
to print out a clean new copy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Then,
when we reached my home, I filled out the rest of the application.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina opened the mailbox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath, and sealed all of my
documents into an addressed envelope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hesitated before laying them in.</div>
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“Perhaps… if I had Mr. Peters revise his letter of recommendation…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started, drawing my hand back.</div>
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“Sophia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said
firmly, her eyes darkening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mail the
stupid application.”</div>
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I dropped the envelope in the mailbox and then shut it
quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oddly enough, I felt even more
nervous now that the application was in the mail.</div>
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The next few weeks I felt almost aimless. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without my essay and application to preoccupy
me, I fell back into a relaxed routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would read in the mornings and work in the afternoons, all the while
waiting with baited breath for my answer to arrive.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1EK2roBWITKkOXAJIerubPOofinFlzLLHBsnZXQYUBZc7UKk26HnvCetG484YaHVHxCbd_tv_cWSKEkEjw9_ygKoT2PdIpizBpkBypbs0xApqAXMTWhJDP0RuAxZ40WnYbOyhhjWCqZZ/s1600/Nar8.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1EK2roBWITKkOXAJIerubPOofinFlzLLHBsnZXQYUBZc7UKk26HnvCetG484YaHVHxCbd_tv_cWSKEkEjw9_ygKoT2PdIpizBpkBypbs0xApqAXMTWhJDP0RuAxZ40WnYbOyhhjWCqZZ/s1600/Nar8.32.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Then, one Friday morning, it came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the mailbox to get the bills and I
saw it there, resting in the middle of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I held my breath as I tore it open.</div>
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Then I was flying, dancing across my meager front lawn with
the widest smile on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clutched
my acceptance letter close to my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I spent the whole day impatiently watching the minutes tick by until
Reece would arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just an hour before
sunset, I saw his ugly Jalopy turning the corner and I went bolting across the
street to meet him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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He slammed on the
brakes when he saw me, his eyes bugging out of his sockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he got out of the car, I waved the
letter.</div>
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“I’m coming with you in the fall!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, breathless.<br />
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“Really?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
squealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sounded so much like a
child that it made me laugh. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsXyffbfR0jzZAR0wKQPXfOirBRP0WvldJruJJtZBReCBJeFjEWQfdq-p-hEBQ_41FoK2T7lbewFRTQhKY3DB7ySYpxsyqvDkX3qbEc24wrvMoZ9JvRwU3FH3NucdwUDkujV8vJ2SUcDW/s1600/Nar8.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsXyffbfR0jzZAR0wKQPXfOirBRP0WvldJruJJtZBReCBJeFjEWQfdq-p-hEBQ_41FoK2T7lbewFRTQhKY3DB7ySYpxsyqvDkX3qbEc24wrvMoZ9JvRwU3FH3NucdwUDkujV8vJ2SUcDW/s1600/Nar8.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Really!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I repeated.</div>
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He wrapped his arms around me, lifted me up and spun me in
the circle, both of us laughing all the while.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Hasp6gJ1OwkwT3_XpyorASpVdNhgdqgxI4jM2jZMTkyoesqOa8B2R91Z0g_pQzHWgOX5gitiO1wrlda0VTfWZy5R3jKQNW14zSphdJrzZ5-r9GaZSjP1ojMKEpyprOfK1Uyr_2QCZX8H/s1600/Nar8.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Hasp6gJ1OwkwT3_XpyorASpVdNhgdqgxI4jM2jZMTkyoesqOa8B2R91Z0g_pQzHWgOX5gitiO1wrlda0VTfWZy5R3jKQNW14zSphdJrzZ5-r9GaZSjP1ojMKEpyprOfK1Uyr_2QCZX8H/s1600/Nar8.38.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-37314967294587033092014-03-02T21:02:00.000-06:002014-03-02T21:02:17.122-06:00Chapter Seven: Encounter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTX2IrnAXrfgDN4iytYPbeCdY9BAL-J5yxxan8C8j_QfH36YgfZEpkmon60VB25o48oEN0TVfdd5eZ5rnlqe5lpxg8N5lfChIhrz3CMWdy1VeNlOPF1VUMZIEY0AWYZpDKlC-pNF4n1DA/s1600/Nar7.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTX2IrnAXrfgDN4iytYPbeCdY9BAL-J5yxxan8C8j_QfH36YgfZEpkmon60VB25o48oEN0TVfdd5eZ5rnlqe5lpxg8N5lfChIhrz3CMWdy1VeNlOPF1VUMZIEY0AWYZpDKlC-pNF4n1DA/s1600/Nar7.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Being employed was an incredible confidence-booster, and the
job came just in the nick of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
friends would all be returning to university for the spring semester, leaving
me alone for much of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece had
volunteered to take the semester off and continue to help me get settled, but I
could not ask that of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my new
job, I finally had a handle on some independence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, Reece promised he would return every
weekend that he was able.<br />
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<br /></div>
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I told him that he should concentrate on his studies in
order to avoid failing classes again, but in truth... </div>
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I would be looking forward to his visits.</div>
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Every morning I would get up early, and when I was not
scheduled to work I would walk down to the library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent hours poring over all of the books I
could find on medicine and science.</div>
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With the occasional venture into recreational fiction.</div>
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I taught myself to use a computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That had been an interesting experience.</div>
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At Tome Traders I stocked the shelves with books, assisted
customers in finding specific materials, and worked the cash register.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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Mr. Peter's was a wondrous employer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was all-too eager to talk about books, and
even encouraged me to read when there were no customers to wait on and no tasks
to be completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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He was also rather
forgetful and prone to lose track of where he had put things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made my job all the more interesting.</div>
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For the first month, I was utterly consumed by my thirst for
knowledge and my desire to devour more of it occupied most of my thoughts
throughout the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as the
days wore on and I fell into a familiar routine, I began to feel pangs of
loneliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Mr. Peters was pleasant company and I considered him a great
friend, but I still felt isolated.</div>
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I found myself waiting with anxious anticipation for Friday
evening when Reece would arrive, smiling and bright-eyed, at my front
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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Sometimes he would bring one of
the others, when their schedules were clear, but typically it was just
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He almost never missed a weekend,
and when he did I would feel downhearted until the following Friday.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>I found Scholarship I would be
able to apply for.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him one
Friday evening over a meager dinner I had prepared for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still getting the hang of cooking, but
Reece hardly ever complained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The only
requirement is an essay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though... it is
on modern medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may have to do
additional research.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I added, biting my
lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But it would cover tuition for the
first semester.”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>When's the deadline?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece asked, putting down his fork.</div>
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My face fell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In one
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not be able to make it.”</div>
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Reece shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You could!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you get
accepted, you could even come with us in the fall.”</div>
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The fall!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how I
wanted to be well on my way to becoming a healer by the time the fall
arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took his plate and walked
over to the sink, turning the idea over in my head.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Perhaps if I spent every
morning in the library... and then had Daria and Mr. Peters help me with
proofreading... Oh but what if I am rejected?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, my shoulders falling.</div>
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Reece clucked his tongue, shaking his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Always with the negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you get rejected, I'll sell the rest of my
elixir collection and you'll join us in the fall anyway.”</div>
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I dropped the plates with a clunk and turned around with
mouth open and eyes wide.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You require those to pay for your own
education!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, shaking my head.</div>
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Reece laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Alright, alright...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said,
standing to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
what are you reading now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece tilted
his head to the side as he examined the cover of the book sitting on the
counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A crease appeared on his brow
and he smirked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span>Is that a
romance novel?”</div>
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I snatched the book up from the counter and put it behind my
back.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece raised his eyebrows and my shoulders slumped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It's... It's Pride
and Prejudice.”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>So where's Mr. Darcy's shirt?”</div>
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My face flushed and I slid the book back into place on the
bookshelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece laughed, holding up his
hands.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Okay... okay...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You read whatever you want, miss <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">its-improper-to-live-with-a-young-bachelor</i>.”<br />
<br />
I smacked him in the face with the nearest pillow.</div>
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True to my word, I spent the mornings working on my
essay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took my research materials to
work with me and made notes while managing the register.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within a week I was able to finish a first
draft, but I was displeased with it and I tore it apart with revisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deadline crept closer.</div>
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It so happened one afternoon while studying a textbook
listing the side-effects of commonly prescribed medications at the register, that I caught a
flash of dark raven hair out of the corner of my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and turned my head.</div>
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I only saw her for a moment, but I felt a jolt constricting
in my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned the corner
around the shelf and was out of sight, but I had seen her long black hair and
her cream-colored skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no
mistaking the resemblance.</div>
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It was impossible.</div>
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I slipped out from behind the counter and crept around the bookshelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I half-expected her to vanish
into thin air, but there she was, tapping her foot to a silent beat with her
nose in a book she had pulled from the shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was the spitting image of Kitsune, prophetess of the valley, in the
prime of her youth.</div>
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My mouth went dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to say something, to call out to her and get her attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what was there to say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could not possibly be the
prophetess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kitsune had wasted away and
died before I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even her children
would be long gone.</div>
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I had just resolved to try and casually ask if she required
help when someone cleared their throat behind me and I whirled around.</div>
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The man who had called for my attention was tall with
intense blue eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long gray hair
reached down to his broad shoulders, though his face was smooth with
youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a pace behind him, another
man stood with his arms crossed over his chest.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>May I help you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, feeling my shoulders slump.</div>
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The woman turned her head for a moment and I caught a
glimpse of her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes were
wrong, a natural blue instead of Kitsune's inhuman amber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only a glance, in another moment she
looked away and slid the book she had been reading back on the shelf, turning
to walk further into the psychology section.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>I have a book on hold.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the man said, his voice deep and rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It caught me off-guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blinked, and then tried to smile as I
walked back towards the register.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>What is your name?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
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I turned back to look at him over my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face twisted, his frown deepening and his
eyes growing narrow as though he had found my question offensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My steps faltered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Stenberg.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the other man said, turning around and moving
up to the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It's under the name
Thane Stenberg.”</div>
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I forced a smile again and then ducked my hand down under
the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flipped through the books
on hold and found the one with “Stenberg” written on its sticky note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the only book on the shelf wrapped in
a protective sleeve of plastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drew
it out and could not help glancing at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Its cover was leather, and embossed words in a different language were
carved into the front.</div>
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I swallowed and held the book out to the man who stood at
the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me a returning
smile, one that was warm and inviting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was handsome, and I felt my face flush.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>H-here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stammered.</div>
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The handsome stranger reached to take the book from my
grasp, but the gray-haired man snatched it out of my fingers first, throwing an
icy glare in his direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stranger's
eye's narrowed and he let out a breathy snort, but he made no move to take the
book back. </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>That will be one-thousand,
eight hundred, and fifty-four dollars.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, cringing as I read from the note.</div>
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The stranger turned his gaze back to me and reached into his
coat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a smirk, he tossed a large
wad of hundreds on the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned back on his heels and crossed his arms, relishing in my wide-eyed
bewilderment.</div>
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I fumbled as I counted the money, my hands shaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost count twice and had to start over,
apologizing in short, flustered breaths.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>You look familiar.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the first man said, glancing up from the
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you worked here long?”</div>
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A hundred slipped out of my grasp and fluttered to the
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned down to pick it up, shaking
my head as I did.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>No... only since... since
January.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I replied, opening the cash
drawer and putting the hundreds away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
hands shook less as I tucked them into the drawer in a neat stack.</div>
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His lips pursued together, and he seemed to be studying
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My throat felt dry and I tried to
smile.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>What's your name?” he asked.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Sophia...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, but I stopped short.</div>
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The snide
voices of the numerous people who had scoffed at my full name replayed in my
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I swallowed, forcing myself to
appear pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“... Lewis.”</div>
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The gray-haired man’s expression remained indifferent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swallowed, gesturing down to the book.</div>
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“Uhh… please enjoy your book.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, nodding my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lay my hands down on the counter.</div>
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The handsome stranger surprised me by reaching over and
clasping my hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart
skipped a beat as my eyes flickered upward to meet his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His expression was warm, enticing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave my hand one firm shake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His skin was rough, like leather hide.</div>
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“It was a pleasure to meet you… Sophia.” he said, an
alluring grin on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope we
will run into each other again.”</div>
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I was speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could only nod my head, my face heated with a furious blush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drew his fingers out from mine and stepped
backward.</div>
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The gray haired man snapped the book closed, and without
another glance towards me, whirled around to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His long dark coat billowed in his wake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv92f-nCYF9QWsMVL-jmCVR0lYnakCgSa9Iva3Dkla6ncQDe9gJsPog8atkf0j2IGt93ZN4MV33UJnPznfNYMmK4QlLz6_8bXag_IM982uGZSDtp3JlIeeLEAbSA7HHvheTw5LPeFdIO-2/s1600/Nar7.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv92f-nCYF9QWsMVL-jmCVR0lYnakCgSa9Iva3Dkla6ncQDe9gJsPog8atkf0j2IGt93ZN4MV33UJnPznfNYMmK4QlLz6_8bXag_IM982uGZSDtp3JlIeeLEAbSA7HHvheTw5LPeFdIO-2/s1600/Nar7.44.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
The scent of wood smoke tickled my nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flinched, biting the inside of my lip and
holding my breath until both men had retreated out the door.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-13665751583030492482014-02-03T21:18:00.001-06:002014-02-03T21:18:43.320-06:00Chapter Six: Interview<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Stop fusing!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said, batting my hands away from the
hem of my blouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It's perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You look great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Classy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Professional.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZSJWsXwCAPjYuoH4wMl43iO_ilF1BINpXG3FIQvhp55kk2bO_SpVWammTv6uqwt6TOBpFyoCGN0H7KyrxmZwYWL8Ixd4GcpZd_eFOTP8XbrrogMOqDX2O8zoMsuijTJc4S-39XCwmSFU/s1600/Nar6.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZSJWsXwCAPjYuoH4wMl43iO_ilF1BINpXG3FIQvhp55kk2bO_SpVWammTv6uqwt6TOBpFyoCGN0H7KyrxmZwYWL8Ixd4GcpZd_eFOTP8XbrrogMOqDX2O8zoMsuijTJc4S-39XCwmSFU/s1600/Nar6.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I clasped my hands into fists at my sides and took a deep
breath in.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>What if he asks for
references?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior job experience?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, biting the inside of my cheek.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6QmBKxqrPJPKYOGW-y3GQukK9lHMDNzaQ9KViFFye6H6-FC3Gk_VI3CyMbk5j9MaVagkdtW_oPqU3-LqXLT65FmbrEl20YR0j3JtgOgtCe0GucU_ziY36YzSXLXQxpLlJTQGVdw9gle7/s1600/Nar6.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6QmBKxqrPJPKYOGW-y3GQukK9lHMDNzaQ9KViFFye6H6-FC3Gk_VI3CyMbk5j9MaVagkdtW_oPqU3-LqXLT65FmbrEl20YR0j3JtgOgtCe0GucU_ziY36YzSXLXQxpLlJTQGVdw9gle7/s1600/Nar6.02.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>He won't ask for references,
I'm your reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him you're an
exchange student from London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You're
only eighteen and you've never had a formal job before, but you're a great
speaker and you adore books.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
said.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7TyjdIsEFdbSVYHWizu69GnU44HijDqyp2HD4y2vjC_HaE1EQE-CGnJzBVpePT1jn_5RWAN_JFJpcfUS63Rafj4QZ03KdHFfMsIG2Q5amHjcbyUH39E0L597a3r7w5U4uN4AFXnFD6CD/s1600/Nar6.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7TyjdIsEFdbSVYHWizu69GnU44HijDqyp2HD4y2vjC_HaE1EQE-CGnJzBVpePT1jn_5RWAN_JFJpcfUS63Rafj4QZ03KdHFfMsIG2Q5amHjcbyUH39E0L597a3r7w5U4uN4AFXnFD6CD/s1600/Nar6.03.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I twisted my mouth as I stared into the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am only eighteen?”</div>
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Nirina smirked,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yeeeeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You looked in the
mirror?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You definitely pass for
eighteen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENq08x2f5dc1437IVfnPx-zLSm7uhrcWe8sOaU7-kx_O9czYynzSzMgdB6q5CVWh8ju5JzTk5c0Wy_if0973vcoFJjOtP5BHmrshqIHlv8pRm9IXOp510Vl_SW22jwpmkUyAPzXZ5mjIW/s1600/Nar6.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENq08x2f5dc1437IVfnPx-zLSm7uhrcWe8sOaU7-kx_O9czYynzSzMgdB6q5CVWh8ju5JzTk5c0Wy_if0973vcoFJjOtP5BHmrshqIHlv8pRm9IXOp510Vl_SW22jwpmkUyAPzXZ5mjIW/s1600/Nar6.04.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Daria turned me around by the shoulders to face her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don't stress out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's an old family friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's a little cranky and has a tendency to
zone out, but he's got a heart of gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And he loves books!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You've got
that in common.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But...
I fear...”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daria held up her finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No buts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No fear.”</div>
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“Yeah.” Nirina added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Where’s that fearless warrior who told off a room full of stupid
college kids?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet she’d kill an interview.”</div>
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I gave her a blank stare, and Nirina seemed to realize the
absurdity of her words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She laughed nervously, and then cleared her throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uhh.. it’s an
expression… it means she’d do well.”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I nodded my head, but I could not quiet the racing thoughts
inside my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was such a perfect
opportunity to do something that I truly enjoyed, and I knew if it did not work
out then I would be utterly crushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then it would be back to the streets and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">applications</i>, and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">resumes</i>,
and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">discouragement</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If only I could slay the interview as though it were a
beast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would make things much easier,
and I had all the prior experience I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No references would be required.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s time to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
you ready?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a deep breath.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As I will ever be.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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The inside of Tome Traders was warm and inviting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking in, I could smell that old familiar
scent of pressed pages and leather binding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My eyes scanned over the towering bookcases, my heart pounding with new
excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still could not get used
to the sheer depth of knowledge that was at my fingertips here in the future.</div>
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“Good luck.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
whispered to me, flashing a thumbs-up as she backed out the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll be right outside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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I nodded my head, watching her until the door shut and I
could no longer make out her form through the stained glass window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath, inhaling that beautiful
scent of books, and walked towards the counter.</div>
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A middle-aged man stood behind it with his eyes
downcast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I stepped closer, I could
see that he was reading, holding a book open just beyond the sight of the
average customer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cleared my throat,
and he jerked up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mr. Peters?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
asked, stepping up to the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
Sophia Carol… Daria’s friend?”</div>
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“Oh…” the little man behind the counter said, glancing at
the clock and shutting his book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh…
you’re early…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I… apologize.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said, biting my lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you wish, I can
wait until you are ready…”</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, no.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Peters
said, shaking his head and stepping out from behind the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No time like the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come right this way, Miss Carol.”</div>
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Mr. Peters opened a small door that led to a cozy little
office space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He invited me to sit, and
I thanked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hands felt clammy
against the armrests so I wound them together in my lap.</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sophia Carol…” Mr. Peter said, chuckling to himself as he
sat behind his desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The first thing
that struck me about you was your name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I imagine your parents were very attached to Dragon Valley mythology?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes?”</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bit my tongue, forcing myself to smile in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite a number of strangers, with varying
degree of amusement, had remarked upon my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the hundredth time, I regretted scoffing
at Hale’s suggestion to change it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very much so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were great scholars of our lore.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Strange… were they also born in London?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Peters asked, lifting his eyebrows.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plagues!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I thought with a shot of panic pounding
through my blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plagues and pestilence and murder!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I fought to keep my expression neutral.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
laughing nervously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know it seems
strange for a couple halfway around the world to bear any interest in faraway…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swallowed, hoping he would not notice that
I had clasped my shaking fingers tight together in my lap, “… legends.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Mr. Peters waved his hand, still smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, no… I find it fascinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Odd, but intriguing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To think, I get to tell my book club that I
met a young woman named Sophia Carol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Outlandish, Ms. Bellerose will say!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Impossible!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Peters looked up
at me with bright eyes, wagging his finger in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, but Ms. Bellerose, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before
breakfast.’ ”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He continued chuckling to himself for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to smile back in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face fell, and he cleared his
throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the distinct feeling that
I had failed to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">get </i>something, and I
felt a pang of regret.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“So tell me Sophia, how did you meet Daria?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Peters asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh…” I said, my mind
racing to come up with a believable story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I assisted her with her science project!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had been the subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That counted, did it not?</div>
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Mr. Peters nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Ah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a good student Daria
is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got this far-off glint in his
eyes as he stared over my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
knew the girl when she was just a sprout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s blossomed so beautifully…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
still can’t believe she’s in college already.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He sighed, and with a blink he was back in the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, I looked over your resume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have never had a job before?”</div>
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“No, sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
admitted, my eyes downcast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He put his chin in his hand, shaking his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Children these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why, by the time I was fifteen my father had
me doing heavy labor in the back of his warehouse every day after school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To teach discipline, he said!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discipline and responsibility!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If I may… sir…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said, straightening up, my throat feeling dry even as I steeled my nerves to
speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I may not have any formal
experience, but…”</div>
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“Oh… no… that’s alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I apologize.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said,
sighing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I should know better than to judge
without pause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whenever you feel like criticizing any one . . . just remember that all
the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Yes, I ought to remember.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He smiled at me, a warm, genuine smile, and I realized that
I liked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a sweet demeanor,
and a hearty laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even his tendency to
stare off into space, daydreaming I assume, was endearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted desperately for him to give me a
chance.</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So do tell me, Sophia, what qualifies you to work in my
bookstore?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he asked, leaning back in
his chair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am a quick study…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I began, listing off the qualities I had rehearsed a dozen times in my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have learned to adapt to a
different culture, after all.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
smiling at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled back, nodding
in invitation for me to continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I
adore books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your collection here is
astounding… surely a man with such wealth in knowledge must be a man of great
wisdom!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Peters shook his head sheepishly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I would not say great wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not great, no. ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I do not know everything; still many things I understand.’”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>He held up his finger, his eyes lighting
up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tell me about your favorite
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you have read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Ballad of Sophia Carol</i>? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Saint
Carol and the Dragons?</i>”</div>
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“I… I am sorry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said, my stomach twisting in knots as his face fell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am unfamiliar with those texts…”</div>
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“Oh.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Peters
said, his hand dropping back down to the desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Maybe… maybe the epic, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eternal as the Mountain Stone</i>?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my
head again, and his smile vanished completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I suppose it would be strange to read about your namesake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still… such classics!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young people these days have no appreciation
for the classics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hardly read at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tear apart the English
language with their trends, their slang, their texting.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighed, closing his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“ ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It's
a beautiful thing, the destruction of words.’ ”</i></div>
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I opened my mouth to reply, to correct him and tell him that
I did indeed adore the classics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
I could say a single word, I had a sudden horrible thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was possible none of my favorite books had
survived to be classics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they
were all simply archaic, unheard-of, and lost to history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I sat there, sinking further down in my
chair, Mr. Peters continued mumbling to himself.</div>
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“I’ve tried to get them interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve kept up on all the latest young adult
trends… stocked the shelves with the bestsellers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes grew sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Still, my customer-base ages without renewal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Demographic winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how wonderful it would be to have dozens
of children in the store again, just like when I was a boy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Bellerose told me the era of books was
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said she was wrong, that I would
fight it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His head dropped low and he
stared at his desk. “ ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But you can't make
people listen. They have to come round in their own time, wondering what
happened and why the world blew up around them.’”</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mr. Peters?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
asked, leaning forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He blinked, as though startled to realize that I was still
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He coughed, adjusting his collar and
rising to his feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I… I am not certain I even need extra help in the
store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe someone to stock the
shelves every few hours… but I had a retired gentleman apply a week ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
may be what is best.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said, heading for
the door.</div>
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</div>
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I clasped the armrests, my mouth dropping open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was he ending the interview
so soon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had barely enough time to
convince him of my qualifications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had not asked me what my greatest weakness was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had hardly asked me anything!</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He turned the door handle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My heart was plummeting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can call you tomorrow, and let you know my decision.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, his voice low and somber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tomorrow.”</div>
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I stared down at the floor as I stood to my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs felt cold and numb, my arms felt
heavy hanging by my sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I heard Mr. Peters murmuring, so low that I almost missed
it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To-morrow, Troy must
flame…</i>" </div>
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My head jerked up.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Or Greece must fall.” I answered.</div>
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Mr. Peters started, turning back to look at me with a quizzical
expression. “Beg pardon?”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vA9hYsCneH-Zbu0OCfL6oXNo7bWPDfMKnmj2sQZ1V77mO8Cj6z5i8RcFuVrAlv98ffHYzxWo4a0KcQS3SeWbOdhMKdif5Kahnt7fMfb6n7lcUwj_jSlRIArjVXEyHW50TRFE_T8tDaCG/s1600/Nar6.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vA9hYsCneH-Zbu0OCfL6oXNo7bWPDfMKnmj2sQZ1V77mO8Cj6z5i8RcFuVrAlv98ffHYzxWo4a0KcQS3SeWbOdhMKdif5Kahnt7fMfb6n7lcUwj_jSlRIArjVXEyHW50TRFE_T8tDaCG/s1600/Nar6.37.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To-morrow, Troy must
flame, or Greece must fall.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
quote the Iliad, do you not?” I said, stepping towards him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I read it a hundred dozen times as a child.”</div>
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His eyes widened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
took a deep breath, smiling to myself as I recited.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“See what a blaze from
hostile tents aspires,</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How near our fleet
approach the Trojan fires!"</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPasHz74RYOHtpIXuu2toYxzdB39JZOX40UiNdpc1-u7qFXOINijzq_ysU4qy7IrHI2ZQIsse7JfBbeZ_xSrrW0MRMDGuppKRi8kr6NQ1XUbHDN9r44MzVvwNDBpQcVa-uEHLE4hIQkx-C/s1600/Nar6.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPasHz74RYOHtpIXuu2toYxzdB39JZOX40UiNdpc1-u7qFXOINijzq_ysU4qy7IrHI2ZQIsse7JfBbeZ_xSrrW0MRMDGuppKRi8kr6NQ1XUbHDN9r44MzVvwNDBpQcVa-uEHLE4hIQkx-C/s1600/Nar6.39.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Who can, unmoved,
behold the dreadful light?</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What eye beholds them,
and can close to-night?"</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebu-v-FW8mE0diXHSKDVkz61E5DFu18Q9a_ewFWL-LTFiVYNUz8KGsz-N3ZOZESoP70F8BkQs9Kpk6zCGZuqS6Jv4-f2fjKqq8fL8HsvC2KISrJVzpnhj5SsNv8l6_TnBbZJe0BJxbuY7/s1600/Nar6.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebu-v-FW8mE0diXHSKDVkz61E5DFu18Q9a_ewFWL-LTFiVYNUz8KGsz-N3ZOZESoP70F8BkQs9Kpk6zCGZuqS6Jv4-f2fjKqq8fL8HsvC2KISrJVzpnhj5SsNv8l6_TnBbZJe0BJxbuY7/s1600/Nar6.40.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"This dreadful interval
determines all;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To-morrow, Troy must
flame, or Greece must fall…”</i></div>
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I paused just for a moment to take a breath, and then suddenly found my mind
blank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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For an instant, my head swam with panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I looked to Mr. Peters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stood with his back to the door and his eyes seemed almost misty.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Can you start tomorrow?” he asked.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-52478612432888768922014-02-03T21:18:00.000-06:002014-02-03T21:18:35.452-06:00Chapter Five: Settlement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zBG9PB4QdfZoChrm_PsdLyIqLDXkzqSb_KaeXilEQyCsVSrJhUdh9pJFxTwAV4wteu3X8F3tjhXeURdVI9KPt3zGzx0RDqAEBIKOXLeYAdLyR6WqCg1TqXpZakHlISNGi4TpSsFq7DUm/s1600/Nar5.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zBG9PB4QdfZoChrm_PsdLyIqLDXkzqSb_KaeXilEQyCsVSrJhUdh9pJFxTwAV4wteu3X8F3tjhXeURdVI9KPt3zGzx0RDqAEBIKOXLeYAdLyR6WqCg1TqXpZakHlISNGi4TpSsFq7DUm/s1600/Nar5.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
I convinced Reece that I could no longer stay at his
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that his three friends were
going back to their own dwelling places, it would be improper for me to live
with a young bachelor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
There was also
the problem of Timber, who could not stay locked up in the bathroom forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Reece seemed embarrassed when I pointed this
out, and perhaps a bit disappointed that I wanted to leave, but he did agree to
respect my wishes.<br />
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Reece offered a small cottage that his family owned on the
outskirts of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece lamented that
it was little more than a shack, but I thought it was quite comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carrying only Daria's textbook and the
clothes on my back, I settled into my new home.<br />
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Reece came by everyday shortly after sunrise and would not
leave until it had long since gone down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would take me out to look around town, search for employment, and
acquaint me with the culture of this strange new world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many strange things that made
my head reel and filled me with anxiety and dread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I still was not overly fond of the Jalopy.<br />
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But there were also many things about this new world that I
found fascinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece finally explained to me what his
professor had meant when he said I might be a television actress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Television was like a magic box of tiny
players, and I found myself mesmerized by it for hours upon end.</div>
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And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">indoor
plumbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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This was a wondrous invention and I could not understand how
I had ever lived without it.</div>
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I wished that searching for a trade was as simple as being
able to bathe indoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my own
war-torn time, there was little use for currency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dragon Valley's economy was based entirely on
the trade of tangible goods such as food and weapons, and our people were
stretched so thin that they often had a trade forced upon them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without war, there was excess and with excess
very little opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece tried
explaining modern job searching techniques to me and there were so many rules
and regulations that my head ached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
needed a resume, and experience, and education, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and references</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had none
of those.</div>
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I was growing less optimistic as the days drifted by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was two full weeks before I was able to
fill out an application without asking Reece for help understanding it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria and Nirina had helped me craft a
resume, but it looked blank and unimpressive despite our best efforts, and the
employers I delivered it to hardly gave it a glance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been searching endlessly for what
seemed eons and I had yet to land that elusive interview that Reece claimed was
the next step in getting a job.</div>
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After one particularly hard day trekking around town filling
out application after application, I emerged from the latest retail outlet with
my head downcast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece met me at the
door and craned his neck to look me in the eye.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Hey, what's the matter?” he
asked.<br />
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I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest as I walked.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>I am discouraged.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I feel as though I am going through the same motions over and over
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is such drastic competition
for even the most menial places of employment... and I seem so naïve in
comparison to the other applicants.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
closed my eyes and shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What
is the next commercial area we must visit?”<br />
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Reece fingered the map in his hands, then tucked it away
into his pocket.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>How about we forget the map for
just a little while?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come with me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>But...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, looking up at his bright eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My search...”</div>
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Reece shook his head, grasping my hand in his and leading me
away from the sidewalk.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>You're not going to impress
anybody with that long face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We'll take
a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said, motioning with his head.<br />
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I followed him across the street and through a small
residential neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, we
came to a wide open space full of lush trees and spiraling pathways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Couples strolled through the gardens and
children played tag on the open grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece stopped in front of a strange statue of a woman in armor.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>See?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said, pointing up with a grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Told you there was a statue of you in town
square.”</div>
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I looked the woman in armor up and down with a cross
frown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plaque at her feet read:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophia
Carol: Heroine of Dragon Valley</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
stood proud, shoulders back and head held high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a pair of golden wings sprouting from her back.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Why does she have wings?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
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Reece laughed, shrugging his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You got me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hey, you play chess?”</div>
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<br /></div>
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I perked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love chess!”<br />
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Reece gestured to a few outdoor chess tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat down and set up the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so grateful that even after all this
time, the rules of chess had not changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even more encouraging, for the first time in the months since I had been
resurrected… Reece was asking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i> to
clarify how something worked for a change.</div>
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I beat him twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
swore he would have me the third time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We set the board for another game.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Reece,” I asked, twirling a
pawn in my fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where is your
family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You said they lived here in
Dragon Valley...”<br />
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Reece smirked, pushing a pawn into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Only in the sense that their house is
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They haven't been home for
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re off warring with a
powerful witch clan.”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Warring?” I lifted my head in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your family is at war?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Well, it’s more of a cold war
actually.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, his brows
narrowing as he lifted his knight.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Cold… war?” I asked.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reece dropped his hand back to his side with a sigh and I
knew I'd missed some modern-day reference of some kind.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Let me start at the
beginning...” he explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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“There are several major witch covens across the world."<br />
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"Most witches can trace their lineage back to one
of these families..."</div>
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"One of the major clans goes by the surname of Lucian."</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reece's eyes brightened as he looked up
from the chess board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span>Hey, you
might know the patriarch of the Lucians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Constantine Lucian?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s taken so
much youth elixir I swear he’s a bazillion years old.”</div>
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I shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
name was unfamiliar to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The only
witch I knew was Kitsune.”</div>
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Reece blinked.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Kit who now?” he asked.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Kitsune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prophetess of the valley.” I said,
lifting my head.<br />
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Reece's eyes seemed to cross over each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Reaper and Watcher, that lady had a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">name?</i>”</div>
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A smile cracked on the corners of my lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Reece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had a name.”<br />
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Reece shook his head and continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uhh… well… anyway… for the last, I don’t
know, decade or so, there’s been some... uh... <i>tension</i> between the Lucians and the rest
of the clans.”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Tension?”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>The Lucians think they’re the greatest
minds on Earth and they would like to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cleanse
the world </i>so that they can better lead the population into a glorious new
era.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, they’re <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">reaping</i> crazy and want to kill a billion
people so that they can better control whoever is left.”</div>
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My mouth twisted into a frown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They sound… most unpleasant.”<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>I think it’s the youth elixir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, his voice dropping lower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared off into space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The rest of the clans have all abandoned it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may keep you young, it may be the key to
eternal life on earth or whatever, but drinking it… does something to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It destroys empathy, it eats the
conscious.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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He blinked, turning back to the chess board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, a decade ago they wrote the nuclear bomb
of all curses.”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Nuclear bomb?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
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Reece dropped his forehead against his fist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shaking his head, he moved a knight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, just… the biggest, nastiest, most
destructive curse that could possibly be imagined. Drought, famine, disease... it would turn the world into a wasteland where only the Lucians had control of any natural resources. They call it the Order Enchantment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We call it the Apocalypse Curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Source of tension.”</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>And your family is at war with
them to keep them from casting this curse?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I asked, nudging a bishop into position.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, the thing is, they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can’t </i>cast the curse.” Reece said,
making his next move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There isn’t a
witch alive with enough raw magic power to cast it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they’ve been sneaking around trying to
figure out <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i> to get enough magic to
cast it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stealing ancient tomes,
brewing illegal elixirs… killing unicorns.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece snorted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s </i>an offense that should send you
straight to the Abyss.”</div>
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I bit my lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It
does not sound like much of a war.”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>That’s why I called it a cold
war.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, starring off into
space again as he nudged a piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No
major confrontations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No open battles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just… skirmishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whispers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rumors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finger-pointing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the while waiting for someone to drop the
real bomb.”</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Checkmate.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I declared, sitting up straighter.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>What?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, looking down at the chess
board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah, blast.”</div>
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I giggled, clapping my hands together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece flicked his king over and looked up at
me with his turquoise eyes pleading.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Best four out of seven?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he asked.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>If you desire to lose again at
least that many times, then yes!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU45hXrOYGWIP5_q2y8D-YEa38zraht_I_McE5hXeAEVWxHN3CkslhiC4kZqMxs-VyWyHDcxGkdv4_UmKKpixb6yOKgS1_4Wm8vncEijujxttt9y0nrcILcZhZKgc1mnirud4misRCExZX/s1600/Nar5.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU45hXrOYGWIP5_q2y8D-YEa38zraht_I_McE5hXeAEVWxHN3CkslhiC4kZqMxs-VyWyHDcxGkdv4_UmKKpixb6yOKgS1_4Wm8vncEijujxttt9y0nrcILcZhZKgc1mnirud4misRCExZX/s1600/Nar5.36.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Reece smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
reached for the pieces, but his phone rang before he touched them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jumped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was still getting used to the idea of cellular phones, those mystical
mobile communication devices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
glanced down at the screen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>It's Daria.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said, putting the phone to his ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>he said, nodding his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah,
she's here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, we're in town square,
why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well... okay.”<br />
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He hung up the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“She's coming here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Oh?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About a half hour later, Daria came skipping into the square
with a wide smile on her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail
of flowers that followed her seemed to bloom with extra vibrancy.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>Sophia!” she called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Reece and I stood to our feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>I’ve been asking around…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she started, grinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I know an employer at a bookstore who’s
willing to give you an interview.”<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-69118345664436012522014-01-14T21:52:00.000-06:002014-03-21T19:25:30.122-05:00Chapter Four: Presentation“It’s not gonna bite you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece tried to reassure me as he nudged me forward.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It does not need to!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You would have me crawl straight into its belly!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXRrynjauWk87nHc2DRqhV_SdIJDlW99QY4AuF7g20CheYiT0M3FfDt29aR9mtW6t65WKQJ8TwjlmQplBE9u1ijountr17aIF8aOm2XPYH5c8y_mbVT3_sp82kDmB-6px_GCtkI8JTh3W/s1600/Nar4.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXRrynjauWk87nHc2DRqhV_SdIJDlW99QY4AuF7g20CheYiT0M3FfDt29aR9mtW6t65WKQJ8TwjlmQplBE9u1ijountr17aIF8aOm2XPYH5c8y_mbVT3_sp82kDmB-6px_GCtkI8JTh3W/s640/Nar4.01.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“It’s not an animal, it’s a machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like a carriage!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where are its horses?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It doesn’t need them, it runs on fuel.”<br />
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“Fuel?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I questioned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It… it burns
energy in order to turn the wheels.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece answered, his tone growing exasperated.<br />
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“Is that a new sort of magic?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, raising my eyebrows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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“No, it’s…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
stopped, closing his eyes with a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Sophia, it’s magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now will you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">please</i> get in the car?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8SN42c2ptKhyphenhyphen-U4KmETT7D-L76vwkYX1EogWDQmZDghIT6JULDADHSYT6UaYAaFH8S1dAFO3kNdLtoD90OFkQJXcR-gfNYrUVy924KjomAckHO67TL-Rh2BmepYXZVuir-rooByiAm3J/s1600/Nar4.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8SN42c2ptKhyphenhyphen-U4KmETT7D-L76vwkYX1EogWDQmZDghIT6JULDADHSYT6UaYAaFH8S1dAFO3kNdLtoD90OFkQJXcR-gfNYrUVy924KjomAckHO67TL-Rh2BmepYXZVuir-rooByiAm3J/s640/Nar4.05.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Reece nudged me forward once more, and I did as he
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria slid in next to me with a
reassuring smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stop laughing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece snapped at Hale. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not laughing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hale said, but his shoulders shook as he spoke and a wide grin was on
his face.<br />
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I started when Reece turned the key in the ignition and the
beast thrummed to life beneath me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s normal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
said. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t panic.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a deep breath in, and let it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was never going to get used to this.<br />
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Within a few minutes, I found my face pressed up against the
glass and my mouth wide open as I took in wonder after wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bombarded Daria with questions, almost like
a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, Daria was patient
and answered what she could.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What seemed hours later, ornate buildings rose up around
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared out the window in awe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our university.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daria explained.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Reece stopped the car, and allowed me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at the buildings and the people
passing by with a mixture of amazement and apprehension.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Class starts soon.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece said, crossing his arms with a deep breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We should get going.”<br />
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“I think I’m gonna be sick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nirina murmured.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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“It’s alright.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember, we don’t need to
impress anyone but Professor Lars.”</div>
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“We never had a shot at impressing anyone else.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said in retort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just hope they don’t throw things at us.”</div>
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“Throw things?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
questioned, tearing my gaze away from the buildings and turning to face
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why would students of the
sciences throw things at you?”</div>
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Hale coughed in a loud and obnoxious manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece gave a nervous laugh.</div>
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“Magical beings aren’t popular on campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially not with science majors.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said.<br />
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“You mean to say you are supernatural creatures, and thus
your fellow classmates are hostile towards you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, feeling nervous flutters in the pit
of my stomach.</div>
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As if sensing my unease, Reece dropped back a step and
clasped his arm around my shoulders as we walked.</div>
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“Hey, don’t worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re just a bunch of college kids with inflated egos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking in front of them is nothing like
fighting dragons.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he said, smiling.<br />
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“I am unarmed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Reece chuckled, turning away with a smirk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And it’s a good thing too, or I’d spend
winter break in the dean’s office.”<br />
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We entered into the building, and Reece opened the door into
a cold, sterile-smelling room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a
hesitant step in, my eyes darting over the shelves and the tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, the space reminded me of Reece’s
alchemy cabinet back at his home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strange ingredients, unfamiliar creatures, and odd potions sat on
display, but there was something much more mechanical and emotionless about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The second thing that struck me was the noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room seemed full to the bursting with
brutish, wild youth who chattered and laughed like drunkards at a tavern in the
wee hours of the morning.</div>
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“Settle down!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
booming voice sounded from the very front of the room where an older man in a
sleek suit and black spectacles stood at a podium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you’re excited for the end of the
semester, but we still have one final, and very important, order of
business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, if you would please take
your seats…”</div>
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“This way,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
whispered to me, motioning her head to a couple of seats at the back.</div>
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I turned my head as I followed her and gave a start when my
eyes rested on a skeletal form in the corner.<br />
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“Ancients!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
exclaimed, stepping backwards.</div>
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“It’s not real.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daria quickly whispered, pulling me forwards.</div>
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I was reluctant to move closer, but when I did I could see
that the bones gleamed in an unnatural manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a thought that some poor soul had displeased the brutish youth and
they had put up his remains in order to warn their enemies off, but since the
skeleton was artificial I could think of no reason to put it on display.<br />
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“Take your seats!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the man at the front repeated, and the chatter in the classroom quieted
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, thank you… Mr.
Sterling, all electronic devices off and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">away,
</i>please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miss Gazelle, your lips do
not need further touch-ups, let me assure you… and Mr. Lewis, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who </i>is your guest?”</div>
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Reece’s shoulders jerked up and he turned to the front of
the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of the student
snickered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece glanced from me, to the
man at the front, and then a mischievous smile lit up on his face.</div>
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The professor’s eyes widened behind his spectacles.</div>
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“You didn’t.” he whispered, his deep, booming voice suddenly
sounding hoarse.<br />
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Reece continued smiling.</div>
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The professor’s eyes darted briefly to me, and then he
coughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Alright, settle down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sit down, all of you.”</div>
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I stood frozen where I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daria nudged me, pulling out a chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I dropped down into it, ducking my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The professor’s voice boomed out as he called the names of several
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A trio of students stepped up
to the front of the classroom and proceeded to give a dry, unenthusiastic
report of flower growth. </div>
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My eyes wandered back to the corner of the classroom where
the skeleton stood.<br />
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“Daria…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
whispered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why display such a grotesque object?”</div>
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“It’s for educational purposes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria whispered back, trying to keep her eyes
on the front of the room, though I could tell by the slump of her shoulders
that she was just as disinterested in the students’ lackluster presentation as
I was, “To learn how the human body functions so we can understand it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learn how it works and how to mend it.”<br />
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“Mend it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
leaning forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You learn to mend it
here?”</div>
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“Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pre-med.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here, it’s all in the textbook.”<br />
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Daria pushed a thick hardcover book over to me and flipped
it open to a page with a diagram.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
picked the book up and scanned over images, reading the captions beneath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within moments, I was completely enthralled
by the knowledge contained in the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thumbed through the pages, drinking it all it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost track of the time, and lost count of
the students going up to the front of the room.</div>
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“Mr. Lewis!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
professor’s voice called out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Miss
Ward, Miss Aquaria… Mr. Mystic.”</div>
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I started as Daria got up, then closed the book and followed
behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel the heat of the
students’ eyes on my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
whispers and scattered snickers as Reece took his place at the podium.<br />
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“What’s your project on, witch-boy?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a girl at the front said with a sneer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fairy dust?”</div>
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“The Netherworld and resurrection.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece answered nonchalantly, as though she
had asked a serious question.</div>
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“That’s not science, that’s magic!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a boy from the back exclaimed, a cross frown
on his face.</div>
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There were several shouts of agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The professor slapped his hand down on the
desk and the commotion stopped.</div>
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“For the last time… Magic is a science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of a sort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, Mr. Lewis… please continue your presentation.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the professor said, leaning back.<br />
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“Thank you, professor…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece said, taking a deep breath.</div>
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Reece launched into his explanation of the different methods
of resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of the group
members took a turn speaking on the history of those methods and why they
worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had watched them practice this
presentation at Reece’s home the past few days and found my eyes wandering over
the watching students.</div>
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The ones that did not appear annoyed or enraged were clearly
not paying any attention at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
clasped my sweating hands together and tried to ignore the ones who were
glaring at us through narrowed eyes.</div>
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“… and that brings us to right now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece finished, reaching his hand back
towards me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sophia?”</div>
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I jerked my head up and stepped to Reece’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece turned back to the front.</div>
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“I would like to introduce you all to Sophia Carol…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece started.<br />
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He was interrupted by a chorus of laughter.</div>
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“You expect us to believe <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that’s </i>Sophia Carol?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
girl in the front shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like, sword-waving,
dragon-slaying, standing proud and majestic in town square with wings sprouting
out of her back, Sophia Carol?”<br />
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Reece bit his lip, closing his eyes and waiting out the
laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at the professor out
of the corner of my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned
forward, studying my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grit my
teeth together and faced the girl in the front of the room.</div>
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“I am.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
insisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ceased laughing and stared
at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You speak as though I would deny
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am Sophia Carol, the dragon
slayer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, holding my chin
higher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Though… I never in my life grew
wings…”</div>
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Her only response was to snort and shake her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So if you can bring back <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophia Carol, the dragon slayer…</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she said, mocking me,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“… what’s to stop you from raising the whole
reaping graveyard?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why’d you stop at
Sophia Carol, anyway?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where’s King
Arthur?”</div>
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The class laughed along with her, but Reece held his head
up.</div>
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“That’s an excellent question, actually…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, walking to the chalkboard at the
front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Philosopher’s Stone can only
reach selected spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no
consensus on why this is in the supernatural community, but I have a theory.”<br />
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He drew a series of circles on the board and then turned
back to the class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped closer to
listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had never gone over this part
in their practice sessions.</div>
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“The Netherworld is made up of layers, three of them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, numbering the circles as he
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And the transition between them is
so seamless that the wandering soul can barely recognize the shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like a dreamscape.” He glanced at me out
of the corner of his eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know,
when you’re asleep and one dream just blends right into another.”</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It was like
dreaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I thought to myself as I
listened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Almost.</i></div>
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“First layer is the Void, where spirits report they
experience a lack of feeling and a sense of lost time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Philosopher’s Stone can only reach souls
who are in this layer of the Netherworld.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Second, the
Maze of Shadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds kind of
confusing, but from the consistencies in the accounts of ghosts it’s like a
labyrinth in a dream.”</div>
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There was a series of rude murmurs through the classroom,
and I glanced back at them, irritated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If they could express no interest in what Reece had to say, they could
at least be silent.</div>
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“Finally, the Realm of Chaos.” Reece said, labeling the
final circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now I’ve only heard a
little bit about this one, I think it’s the deepest layer of the
Netherworld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And ghosts who’ve been
there always seem a little… unhinged.”</div>
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“You’re unhinged.” a student in the front row quipped.<br />
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Reece ignored her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s the most vivid layer of the Netherworld, but it’s also the most
frightening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the deepest part of
REM sleep…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece trailed off, drawing
an arrow outside of the outermost circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He cleared his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now,
beyond the Netherworld-!”</div>
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“Hey Sophia!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of
the students in the back shouted, interrupting him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it true you were born on the fields of
Triblith, your mother still slaying dragons with one arm while she was in
labor?”</div>
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The room erupted into laughter again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt my face heating up.</div>
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“What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No… that is
absurd…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said.<br />
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“What about the horde of dragons you defeated alone and
armed with only half a shield?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet
that didn’t really happen either.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another student added.</div>
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“I… I killed a matriarch of the ancients with only half my
shield once.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, though it seemed
as though no one was listening to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“But my comrades in arms were there with me…”</div>
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“Please… you could at least ask a serious question.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said, stepping to my side as though she
could shield me from them.<br />
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“Yeah, well you could bring a serious science project to
class.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the students in the front
said, rolling his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Vegetable.”</div>
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I caught a flicker of hurt in Daria’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My rage boiled over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I strode straight up to the student’s desk,
and he started backwards.</div>
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“How dare you use such a derogatory insult against this
noble dryad!” I shouted, my hands clenching into fists at my sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are the most boorish, selfish lot of
people I have ever encountered!”</div>
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There was stunned silence in the classroom for a
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The student stared at me with
wide eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he snorted, shaking his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snickers rippled
through the room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Girl, are you for real?” he said.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHJYEcGIfC12U4W3pdZstd_mH0NSx-ejZ00wgv1n7f5ty9Cy3BD7D3EP_vmN-XAvMYswtazkjscuT9vyOTTKeaO4SK0eusOfTGucHM305NRDAebEu8lHLfty_59KGSnRSP_E7cHD1cZ9B/s1600/Nar4.62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHJYEcGIfC12U4W3pdZstd_mH0NSx-ejZ00wgv1n7f5ty9Cy3BD7D3EP_vmN-XAvMYswtazkjscuT9vyOTTKeaO4SK0eusOfTGucHM305NRDAebEu8lHLfty_59KGSnRSP_E7cHD1cZ9B/s640/Nar4.62.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“That’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the professor shouted, silencing them at
last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Class dismissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go on, get out of here!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was another eruption of noise as chairs scooted
backwards and bags opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The students
left the room in the same manner as they had entered, with obnoxious shouts and
laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl who sat in the front
turned around, walking backwards down the aisle and tossing a wad of paper at
Reece.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTAHlW4myRq04htJYPqu2Md_nR4Jhmbzd7EujwvAgy1h4-lVGIgU84jS9ni5HLTeFlUXuTlWB9GYpKhf47vZIcgBKCahHl-djJz5PtNMzd8fRhclAxlPwHsBUQh2hfJ9qsTFqO4weFTJR/s1600/Nar4.63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTAHlW4myRq04htJYPqu2Md_nR4Jhmbzd7EujwvAgy1h4-lVGIgU84jS9ni5HLTeFlUXuTlWB9GYpKhf47vZIcgBKCahHl-djJz5PtNMzd8fRhclAxlPwHsBUQh2hfJ9qsTFqO4weFTJR/s640/Nar4.63.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Nice project, witch-boy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>she scoffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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She flipped her bag
over her shoulders and strode out the door.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The classroom was at last empty and quiet, save for us and
the professor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nirina let out a sigh of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That went so much better than I thought it
would!”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQJ5DWnaDHdlPaBZ1XHQMiCFRWiqh1lSfuXE3-eVaxMR9tgRTkwb-4E6GZ2g7_Bleu6pD6BWBcZZiXhYlrng09ITM9DjCHll5XmNIA07shg-8MoPfJUwcndVWX5h6ItrzseCwuH4oEsaF/s1600/Nar4.65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQJ5DWnaDHdlPaBZ1XHQMiCFRWiqh1lSfuXE3-eVaxMR9tgRTkwb-4E6GZ2g7_Bleu6pD6BWBcZZiXhYlrng09ITM9DjCHll5XmNIA07shg-8MoPfJUwcndVWX5h6ItrzseCwuH4oEsaF/s640/Nar4.65.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Arrogant, insolent fiends!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The most coarse,
disrespectful, ill-mannered youth I have met!”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvxJ7xucBUK3KXG88d5S1vVPyYLJPCDlZBHXpGfEEBPp0tgHEhM-YIXmYtwoukFKJgdSSTE9l0rOl5Xaa6DIiEle0Nob_j082aYlkCzxnsljF9tHkcJp8i7ll-TSlUySLvUulY4RxfPbv/s1600/Nar4.66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvxJ7xucBUK3KXG88d5S1vVPyYLJPCDlZBHXpGfEEBPp0tgHEhM-YIXmYtwoukFKJgdSSTE9l0rOl5Xaa6DIiEle0Nob_j082aYlkCzxnsljF9tHkcJp8i7ll-TSlUySLvUulY4RxfPbv/s640/Nar4.66.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
The professor chuckled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I like her.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho03wF08mVirvy5ZJpxms4dIp3y6_M59GDSjNfiX8e5fMfIUWNRT3cRSthjKliHpsQRNFVd3e7Ei0stt0L4YupCiSjwBKieaMth8W4xB1TpAaSUexnC5Cn_HC1JN-vXR9STyiqaQ4TDE_U/s1600/Nar4.67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho03wF08mVirvy5ZJpxms4dIp3y6_M59GDSjNfiX8e5fMfIUWNRT3cRSthjKliHpsQRNFVd3e7Ei0stt0L4YupCiSjwBKieaMth8W4xB1TpAaSUexnC5Cn_HC1JN-vXR9STyiqaQ4TDE_U/s640/Nar4.67.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Professor Lars,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daria said, appearing worried, “I promise we had a great conclusion all
planned out…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The professor waved his hand in dismissal as he rose from
the desk where he sat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, no… I’ve seen enough.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>he said, striding over to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Now, Miss Carol… was it?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, sire?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
standing up straighter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4vzbdRd7VjNGM7Wos5b1hqP9m-MBMgZCKU482RBZ0vZazRg4XqRloj25H8_V9NRxmGDL6jk29gp76wYPb3GJcM6ghqfckBGS2d2S3sRZpKvA09ErtNYBIxetO4sWQKQH2LWLhdYONB_0/s1600/Nar4.68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4vzbdRd7VjNGM7Wos5b1hqP9m-MBMgZCKU482RBZ0vZazRg4XqRloj25H8_V9NRxmGDL6jk29gp76wYPb3GJcM6ghqfckBGS2d2S3sRZpKvA09ErtNYBIxetO4sWQKQH2LWLhdYONB_0/s640/Nar4.68.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Professor Lars blinked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hale snorted, covering his mouth and turning away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVYc9GI6Ns0_PEz2G094beCWgYt8IvA8hGxbm7foHRd1d7I7HnQXwZ_CLbjS5fu9mO0rTh5s_bC29dGYQs2Scl37xSZo-vxzeST4-s5tPgvbXExm3TUXV5lMKBLHF4uXPnSFjn9A5Zxde/s1600/Nar4.69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVYc9GI6Ns0_PEz2G094beCWgYt8IvA8hGxbm7foHRd1d7I7HnQXwZ_CLbjS5fu9mO0rTh5s_bC29dGYQs2Scl37xSZo-vxzeST4-s5tPgvbXExm3TUXV5lMKBLHF4uXPnSFjn9A5Zxde/s640/Nar4.69.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Miss… Carol,” Professor Lars began, “Please forgive me, but
I do feel the need to verify your identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You could easily be an actress who specialized in historical drama for
television.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was opening his mouth to continue but I interrupted him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What is television?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I asked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh0ng3WtjVYaO7r55e1hE1PAl-JV6SsLvkvSxxRk7PaU0U6aWef-aWvIwYO7ekUB4XfmSJyznIuri0XTP7511h7vhod743Y9SMSyp4Fz-gOfCVaz49vOHRqPa7p5Zn2ZcoIsjVP3jqwd_/s1600/Nar4.70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh0ng3WtjVYaO7r55e1hE1PAl-JV6SsLvkvSxxRk7PaU0U6aWef-aWvIwYO7ekUB4XfmSJyznIuri0XTP7511h7vhod743Y9SMSyp4Fz-gOfCVaz49vOHRqPa7p5Zn2ZcoIsjVP3jqwd_/s640/Nar4.70.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
He stopped, glancing back at Reece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece just smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The professor shook his head, letting out a
sigh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well you certainly seem as though you were born yesterday.”
he murmured under his breath.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ye2v-jCZMlCJIatte2DhwsFfJGDlPPq7TLWjqAHv2s1e2mO2qdrFado7YArbf6Ki33mbruyLsYDKRotPCZMHC8vSNVcH16MR43G2S7fnzJs2mAbxNv8S-cbIQZPLwRYK5uEyMJcXcUx7/s1600/Nar4.71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ye2v-jCZMlCJIatte2DhwsFfJGDlPPq7TLWjqAHv2s1e2mO2qdrFado7YArbf6Ki33mbruyLsYDKRotPCZMHC8vSNVcH16MR43G2S7fnzJs2mAbxNv8S-cbIQZPLwRYK5uEyMJcXcUx7/s640/Nar4.71.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“No sire!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “I
have been alive again now for two days, having been resurrected three hours
before dawn on morning of the winter solstice-!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOI_iqdG9j-_IOmF55cLoqOvxZi-mNX4ywmgnzUEge7nzu12tvT0Iq6GNohbxtewTkv7YhrqpkEkH1fDts87OlUAaRtW100RRbPhnOHVp5BfSsjybB5TSqZryVcU7wJ3S-8cxRVnksllG/s1600/Nar4.72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOI_iqdG9j-_IOmF55cLoqOvxZi-mNX4ywmgnzUEge7nzu12tvT0Iq6GNohbxtewTkv7YhrqpkEkH1fDts87OlUAaRtW100RRbPhnOHVp5BfSsjybB5TSqZryVcU7wJ3S-8cxRVnksllG/s640/Nar4.72.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
you.” Professor Lars said, waving his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He turned to Reece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, Mr.
Lewis, I must say… this is one of the most intriguing pieces of student work
that I have ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should share
your findings, publish them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Professor scratched his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, I’m
not certain there are any scientific journals interested in research on the
Netherworld… but perhaps a group in the supernatural community?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miss Ward, would you know of any?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can look.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
said, holding her head up higher with a wide smile on her face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarxVA-3ZrWd1A0FanagazQwqarZRM9x4zJ6t7ZBCFv1t2LOb3R4p6pUZrjKoMv97JUPC9r7vPAuwfM6zk-KyRwVD1_qxMZZRL8zMfnq33sLdLq5dB-PdpSIwWcM2CRj2suDgpAk9ikPv-/s1600/Nar4.73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarxVA-3ZrWd1A0FanagazQwqarZRM9x4zJ6t7ZBCFv1t2LOb3R4p6pUZrjKoMv97JUPC9r7vPAuwfM6zk-KyRwVD1_qxMZZRL8zMfnq33sLdLq5dB-PdpSIwWcM2CRj2suDgpAk9ikPv-/s640/Nar4.73.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Excellent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would
appear there is a brilliant science student in you after all, Mr. Lewis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder where he’s been all semester.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professor Lars said, turning back to Reece
with a raised eyebrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reece’s cheeks tinged red and he gave a small, nervous
laugh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStC31E_Dlf7OFd_WI6w6QVf8_Bi5CKyxTEPScDfDdjqVpMQQf7jIMi86f3_m6FghrsefH5Yr_OtSooz-8rTkapWmop7ezYS40Hqsj4gass78Lt-6SWHJMOLSnG6PAcPuETuQbaU3dw5oP/s1600/Nar4.74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStC31E_Dlf7OFd_WI6w6QVf8_Bi5CKyxTEPScDfDdjqVpMQQf7jIMi86f3_m6FghrsefH5Yr_OtSooz-8rTkapWmop7ezYS40Hqsj4gass78Lt-6SWHJMOLSnG6PAcPuETuQbaU3dw5oP/s640/Nar4.74.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“Overall, excellent work all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be re-reading your written notes and posting
grades on Tuesday, but I believe you will have a solid A for the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miss Ward, that should maintain your 4.0, and
Miss Aquaria, you should pass the class with a C.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nirina let out a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thank you, professor.”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLr_oaOKpsWOqUSkdZ7dRBON6BbIL5dNq362DZKJ50z8PWVWIOHTdjiLxy3txbyNaPyEf0bjdPCeT5GkitNL_ycYio4Scw9Qj-ZmB_xofYUiH_1UHEdYkUD1IYiIkRgsuNzyhpSnOiz8Mj/s1600/Nar4.75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLr_oaOKpsWOqUSkdZ7dRBON6BbIL5dNq362DZKJ50z8PWVWIOHTdjiLxy3txbyNaPyEf0bjdPCeT5GkitNL_ycYio4Scw9Qj-ZmB_xofYUiH_1UHEdYkUD1IYiIkRgsuNzyhpSnOiz8Mj/s640/Nar4.75.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
“As for you, Mr. Lewis, your exam scores were abysmal and I
don’t believe you ever turned in your paper on genetic disorders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am afraid your final project grade will not
do much to bring up your average and I must advise that you repeat the
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On that note, I will be seeing
you next semester, Mr. Lewis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good day,
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miss Carol…” the professor
said, nodding to me as he turned towards the door.</div>
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“Good day, sire.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said, bowing my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The professor
paused at the doorway, giving me a strange look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he shook his head and left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I turned to Reece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stood up against the wall looking down at the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All four of us stared at him.</div>
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I spoke up first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
thought you said your poor performance as a wizard led you to the sciences.”</div>
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Reece smirked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I'm
not a great scientist either."</div>
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“You didn’t tell us you were flunking.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said in a low, sympathetic voice.</div>
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Reece shook his head with a dismissive shrug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t relevant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on, let’s go out to lunch.”</div>
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“Daria and I could have helped you with your paper.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said, falling in step behind him.</div>
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“It’s fine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t worry about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t lost any aid, and I’m not done for.”</div>
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“But you have to repeat the class, Reece.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina practically whined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And that sucks.”<br />
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As we exited the building, Daria handed her textbook back to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took it, looking up at her with
raised eyebrows.</div>
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“You seemed to be enjoying it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to keep it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need it anymore now that the class is
over.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said.<br />
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“Oh, I cannot accept this!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, shaking my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Surely
it was expensive.”</div>
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“Nah,” Daria said, shaking her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s just a textbook it was… well okay it
was kind of expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I said, I don’t need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll probably need to get four or five
different ones next semester…”</div>
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I flipped through the pages, my finger running over the
words and the diagrams that had completely entrapped me what seemed only
moments ago.<br />
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“Daria… why do you come to this university?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
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Daria smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
studying to become a doctor.”</div>
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“A doctor?” I repeated, tilting my head to the side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that… is that like a healer?”</div>
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Daria nodded her head, still smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Exactly like a healer.”</div>
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I clutched the book to my chest, quickening my step to keep
up with her.</div>
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“And this University is where you learn all the knowledge
and skills to do so?” I asked, my heart beating faster.</div>
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“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not really
one of the top schools for it… but it’s in price range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a good internship program.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She turned to me, a puzzled expression on her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What’s on your mind?”<br />
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My face broke into a wide grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned towards the front of the group.</div>
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“Reece!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called,
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped walking and turned
around to face me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What must I do to be
admitted into this institute of education?”<br />
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Reece, Nirina, and Hale all stared at me with blank looks on
their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece scratched the back of
his head.</div>
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“You… want to come to university?” he asked.</div>
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“With all the heartless blowfish?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina added. </div>
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“I believe she called them, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘boorish, ill-mannered youth’</i> actually.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale said, mimicking my accent.<br />
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I stepped closer, looking down at my feet as I spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All my life, I wanted to be the one who
nursed the sick and wounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there
are no ancient dragons, I thought then… perhaps…”</div>
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“It’s perfect!” Daria declared, jumping forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Had you thought about what she could do
after we made the presentation?”</div>
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“I-!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bit his lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Err… no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But how are we going to put her through University?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re barely paying for it ourselves.”</div>
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“Surely there is some trade I can learn in order to produce
the funds!” I said, clasping my hands together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was breathless with excitement.</div>
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“You mean… you want a job?” Nirina asked, raising her
eyebrows.</div>
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“Yes!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered,
practically bouncing on my heels.</div>
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“Okay,” Reece started, holding his hands up, “But in order
to get a job, in order to get into University for that matter, she needs some
essential paperwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Namely, a birth
certificate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A social security
number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t have either of
those.”<br />
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I felt my heart sinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did not even know what those were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nirina smiled, jabbing Reece in the shoulder with her fist and pointing
to Hale.</div>
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“Oh, Hale can totally forge those! Right Hale?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she said, a wicked smirk on her face.<br />
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“Yup.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale said with
a single nod of his head.</div>
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Reece stared at Hale with narrowed eyes.</div>
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“I shouldn’t ask.” Reece said.<br />
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Hale slowly shook his head, a grin on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No… no you shouldn’t.”</div>
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Reece turned back to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The light was back in my eyes, my excitement rising again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pursed his lips together.</div>
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“Okay…” he said, nodding his head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, Sophia… if you’re sure.”</div>
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“Yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, more than
anything!” I answered.<br />
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Reece gave me a shy smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Then we’ll make it happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Um…
somehow.”</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074922283714642300noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9009160799137056686.post-18812662165047205872014-01-04T23:31:00.000-06:002014-03-03T15:32:11.552-06:00Chapter Three: Explanation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap3/Nar301pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dreamer425/The%20Second%20Time%20Around/Generation%201/Chap3/Nar301pro.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
We trudged through the snow and reached the doorstep of a
small, quaint little cottage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
opened the door and moved aside.<br />
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“After you.” he said, ducking his head down as he spoke.</div>
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I stepped through the doorway and warm air tickled my
freezing arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I relaxed, wiggling my
toes to shake the last bits of melting snow from between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted my head and glanced around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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I was struck by the strangeness of the place,
the utter foreignness of the objects that surrounded me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a small hiss, and glanced down.</div>
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Sitting in the center of the wooden floor, with half-closed
sleepy eyes, was a dragon.</div>
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I let out a scream, and leapt backwards.</div>
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“Blast it… Timber!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece yelled.</div>
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“Oops.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale said,
doubling over with laughter.</div>
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“Demon-spawn!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
shouted, reaching for the place where my scabbard used to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I did not find it, I backed up against
the wall.</div>
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“No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s okay, he’s
not going to hurt you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said,
rushing past me.</div>
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The dragon spread its small wings and let a stream of flames
flow from its mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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To my shock and
horror, when Reece held his arm out, the beast jumped from the floor and landed
right on his wrist.</div>
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“Deceiver!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You have lured me here, unarmed,
to a dragon’s den where you keep the hellspawn’s infants!”</div>
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“No, no!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said,
holding his hands up and shaking his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“He’s not an infant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a minor
dragon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D-d-didn’t you have minor
dragons six hundred years ago?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is as big as they get.”</div>
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“The ancient dragons were never far from where the trivial
lizards made their nests!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you must
be in league with the ancients!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
shouted.</div>
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“Sophia, there are no ancient dragons!” Reece said.</div>
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I blinked, my rage forgotten.</div>
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“What?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said.</div>
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“There are no ancient dragons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not anymore.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re all
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Died out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extinct.”</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Extinct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>The word echoed in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were forged of iron and fire, and what
swords could cut down would never drive them to complete annihilation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had believed they would stand for all of
time, as long as humanity drew breath, we would have them right there with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as Emrys ruled them.</div>
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And Emrys…</div>
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“But…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stammered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Emrys…”</div>
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“Who’s Emrys?” Hale asked, snorting.</div>
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“The dragon that killed her, you dolt!” Nirina snapped,
whacking Hale on the side of the head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do
you read?”</div>
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“No.” Hale said, rubbing the back of his head and ducking
his face down.</div>
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“And the beast with the eyes like twin suns in the dark?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
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Reece’s mouth twisted into a frown.</div>
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“The what now?” he said.<br />
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“The dragon on the pathway!” I said, pointing back towards
the door.</div>
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“You mean the jalopy that almost ran you over?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina offered.</div>
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“So that is the name of this new dragon…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, my hands curling into fists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The jalopy!”</div>
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Reece rubbed his forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No, that wasn’t a dragon, it was-!”</div>
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The dragon on Reece’s shoulder let out a screech that
sounded like a cross between a chirp and a growl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I covered my ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece winced.</div>
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“It speaks!” I cried.</div>
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“He’s… he’s just saying hello.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, cringing as he spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stroked the dragon’s scales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I promise, he’s harmless.”</div>
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“Oh, no.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale said,
shaking his head. “He’s a raging weapon of death.”</div>
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“Shut up.” Nirina muttered.</div>
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“Here!” he said, taking the dragon down from his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look, he’s just a little guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can even hold him if you want.”</div>
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“I do not…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
started, but Reece had already put the dragon on my wrist.</div>
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I cringed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His talons
were sharp, but he sat on my arm looking up at me with his beady black eyes
like an expectant child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His scales
glistened in the dim light, and I wondered what they would feel like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without thinking, I lifted my hand to touch
his neck.</div>
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The dragon snapped at me with a puff of smoke streaming from
between his sharp teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaped back
with a screech, throwing him from my arm and into the air.</div>
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“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece cried as
the dragon came to rest on his shoulder again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Bad Timber!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very bad!”</div>
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I put my hands to my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Images flashed through my mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
horde of ancient dragons that attacked our village in the dead of night,
illuminating the sky with their hellish breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fields were ablaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother
burning while screaming my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emrys’s
eyes glaring down at me in triumph as my body turned to ash.</div>
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“Beasts of the abyss!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cried out, my knees growing weak beneath me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All of them, beasts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monsters!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And all my family smoldering in their infernal smoke!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curse them!”</div>
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A hand clasped down on my shoulder and the images
stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria pulled me around to face
her and spoke in a low, soothing voice.</div>
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“It’s alright.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’re not here.”</div>
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I breathed in and out, my heart pounding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My knees were still weak beneath me and I
started to slump.</div>
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“Here, why don’t you lay down for a minute?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said, pulling my arm over her
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned her head back and
spoke in a stern tone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Reece, lock
Timber in the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now.”</div>
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“Yes!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
squeaked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m… I’m sorry.”</div>
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Daria opened the door, leading me into a small bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From behind me, I head Hale muttering to
Reece.</div>
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"Graveyard full of dead people and you had to pick the
one with a six-hundred year case of post-traumatic stress disorder." he said.<br />
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Daria let me rest on the bed for a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I closed my eyes and just concentrated on
breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pounding heart
slowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last shaking quivers of
adrenaline drained from my limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
a moment, I lifted my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece now
sat in a chair right in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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“Feel better?” he asked, pursing his lips together.</div>
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“Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
turning to sit up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sorry that I accused you of
treachery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have already brought me
back from the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should need no
further proof of your good heart.”</div>
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Reece shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No, I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should know
better than to leave my hellspawn lizard lying around.” </div>
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In spite of myself, I smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He is your familiar then.”</div>
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Reece gave a sheepish shrug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yeah, I got his egg for my fifth birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had him ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really sorry, Sophia!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have realized having him around
would cause problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I swear, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">promise, </i>he’s mostly harmless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s… he’s just like a dog.” He scratched his
chin and thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That
bites... sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And spites fire… and…”</div>
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I shook my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
are forgiven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just… leave him wherever
he is.”</div>
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“So…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale murmured
from where he stood leaning on the dresser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Are you gonna tell her she’s essentially our midterm project, now?”</div>
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“I-!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece started,
his face turning white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Errr…”</div>
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“And we have to present her to our class in two days?” Hale
added.</div>
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“Um..”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece stalled.</div>
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“Wait, just wait.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daria said, shaking her head with a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guys… I don’t think that’s the best idea
anymore.”</div>
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“What now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina
said, her eyes growing wide.</div>
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"I mean…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She thought
the jalopy was a dragon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watcher-forbid
you let her near the microwave!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our
science classroom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worse than the
microwave."</div>
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“Science?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
questioned, turning back to Reece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
are a man of the sciences?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you
were a wizard.”</div>
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Reece’s face flushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"I'm... not a very great wizard, actually."</div>
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“Daria, I already told you… I’ve <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">flunked </i>if I can’t pass this project.” Nirina said, her lips
quivering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I flunk this class, I’ve
lost my financial aid, and then I’m going back home where my tailfin is going
to get one very patronizing, ‘I told you so!’ before being sent back down to Davey
Jones’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">middle of reaping nowhere</i>.”</div>
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“I know, Niri.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
said, “But think about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>She’s not a specimen or a lab rat, she’s
a human being!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she’s in a strange
world where she’s confused and traumatized, and I really think the last thing
she needs is to be parading in front of a classroom full of… what did you call
them?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Heartless blowfish.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nirina said with a huff, looking down at her feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So you’re proposing we flunk because we want
to be decent people?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bit her
lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Reaper, why do you have to be a
good influence on me?”</div>
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“I do not understand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, sitting up straighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
require me to be present at… some sort of presentation?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yup.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re our guinea pig.”</div>
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Daria dropped her head into her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frowned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You wish to turn me into a rodent?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
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“No!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said,
shooting a glare back at Hale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Our
midterm science project was student-choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since we’re all supernaturals, we decided to do an attempt at a unique
form of resurrection.”</div>
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“His idea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina
quipped.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was my idea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reece said, holding his shoulders a little higher.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He has a very unhealthy fascination with the Netherworld.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she added.</div>
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Reece cringed, but continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In the supernatural world there are three
main forms of resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ambrosia,
the genie’s spark of resurrection, and the Sunlight charm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Ambrosia and the Genie’s spark require
the ghost to already be in our world, instead of the Netherworld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Sunlight charm requires a body,
preferably recently deceased, or reanimated, but if they were reanimated first then
they usually come back… wrong.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Understatement of the year.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale laughed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But I wanted to do more than resurrect a ghost, I wanted to
resurrect a ghost that everyone else claimed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">couldn’t </i>be resurrected, and not just resurrected, but given a new,
young body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I came up with a
resurrection plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have your
ghost, so we would need a way to get it out of the Netherworld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way I knew how to do that was with a
Philosopher’s Stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not able to
bind all spirits, and I think I know why… but I knew it would be able to reach
yours.”</div>
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“You still haven’t told us who you stole the Philosopher’s
Stone from, guppy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina interrupted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reece shook his head with a smirk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Quintessa Lucian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’ll never miss it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, I needed a way to bring you back to
life, the genie’s spark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I needed
a way to make you young again, which is why I had a life fruit and a death fish
included in the ritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best quality
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life fruit grown by a plantsim,”
Reece nodded to Daria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And a deathfish
caught by a mermaid.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece added,
nodding to Nirina.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You would think a little glubber with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">death </i>in his name would be all too eager to hop on a hook but nope.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina said, rolling her eyes.</div>
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“So we’ve already turned in all our notes and research to
our professor, all that’s left is the presentation of our findings.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said, ducking his head down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And… that is what you require me for?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I lay back down and was quiet for a moment, lost in my
thoughts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale let out a sigh and
slumped against the dresser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria
leaned forward and put her chin in her hand.</div>
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"Sophia…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
said, breaking the silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What's the
Netherworld like?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard Nirina let out a small groan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted my head from the pillow and thought.</div>
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"Like... a maze of shadows.” I said, putting my jumbled
thoughts and memories into words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A
twisted dark maze where anything you hear, see, or feel is just a fog."</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">"</span>Like a nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I thought I could find the way out,
back to life."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">"</span>But it was hopeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I let the void consume me."</div>
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Reece stared at me, biting his lip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"That sounds... awful." he said.</div>
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"It was." I said, laying my head back down on the
pillow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Did you see other souls there?" he asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I shook my head, closing my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Hundreds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thousands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All at the same
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was disorienting."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reece nodded his head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dreamscape…” he muttered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?” I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s like a dreamscape.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>he said, louder this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s
a theory of mine on the Netherworld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s got layers and the transition between them is seamless like a-
errr…” he stopped when he saw the blank look on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll try to explain it later.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I lifted myself up into a sitting position and turned
towards him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Please Reece…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I need to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened to Emrys?"</div>
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Reece blinked, glancing back at Hale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bit his lip and scratched his head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Emrys?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uhh,
well... Geez, I don't know.” he said, shrugging his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Something must have killed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no ancient dragons anymore, haven't
been any for centuries…”</div>
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I slumped back on the bed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel tears brimming at the corners of
my eyes.</div>
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“He's probably long gone.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped, looking towards me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sophia?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What's the matter?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a shuddering breath in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I sacrificed every waking moment of every day in order
to slay that beast.” I started, my voice shaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Even unto death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I awake, and the war I fought is long
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emrys is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How am I to live again, when my purpose has
vanished into thin air?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps even
that purpose was a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps the
prophetess of the valley was a thief and her fortunes no more than illusions in
a crystal ball..."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned over, burying my face in the pillow to mask my
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece leaned forward, shaking his
head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Hey, no!” he said, touching my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don't talk like that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re still a hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up with stories about you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A childish spark lit up his turquois eyes,
and he held up one hand with fingers spread wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sophia Carol, the famous heroine of Dragon
Valley!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There's a statue of you in town
square."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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"I doubt it is a good likeness." I muttered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reece stared down at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A bright red blush crept into his cheeks, and he turned away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Well, no... it isn't, actually.” he muttered.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He snuck a glance back at me as I wiped the brims of my
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mouth was open, his eyes still
lit up with that spark as he stared.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wow.” he murmured at last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I can't believe I brought you back."</div>
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"Neither can I."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nirina chimed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And I am grateful.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said, rising from the bed to sit on the edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Reece ducked his head down again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ah… it was nothing.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He says.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nirina
huffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He didn’t have to fight the
glubber.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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“If my presence at your university is what you require of me…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will consider it my obligation, as I am indebted
to you.”</div>
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“No…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said,
standing to her feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t have to…”</div>
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“I insist.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said.</div>
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Nirina pressed her hands together and looked up at the
ceiling.</div>
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“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thank you,</i>
Watcher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never do anything bad
ever again!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she sighed.</div>
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“Well… you’re going to need some real clothes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said, darting over to the wardrobe by
the far wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t come to our class wearing a nightgown.”</div>
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I glanced down at my attire as I stood to my feet, and studied Nirina’s out of the
corner of my eye.</div>
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“I hope not all ladies are expected to wear a manner of
dress such as hers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I murmured.</div>
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“No, no…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said,
shaking her head with a laugh while Nirina made a face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Reece… please tell me your sister left some
of her clothes here.”</div>
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“On the left.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reece
said, gesturing with his head.</div>
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Daria opened a drawer and then began pulling articles of
clothing from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced back
behind her and then turned around with a cross frown on her face. </div>
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“Do you mind?” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Sophia needs to change.”</div>
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Reece blushed, and jumped up from his chair to head to the
door.</div>
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“I was gonna stand here and watch.” Hale said, smirking.</div>
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Nirina gave him a shove as she walked by.</div>
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“Come on, perv.” she snapped.</div>
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Daria helped me into the strange clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fabric was softer than the common fabrics
of my era, but it still felt odd against my skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Daria declared me dressed, she opened
the door back out into the kitchen.</div>
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“Ta da!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daria said,
smiling.</div>
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Reece’s mouth dropped open as he turned his chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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“Does my new attire suit your era?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
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“Yeah… you look great.” he said, smiling.</div>
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“Sexy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale added.</div>
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Nirina smirked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll
knock all the heartless blowfish dead.”</div>
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