Surrounded by my friends, I strolled past the beautiful people. They followed me out of the building, never too far behind. I shoved my hands into my hoodie’s pouch. Even though the sun shone down on us, the mid-October weather was chilly, and the breeze warned of colder days to come.
Samantha fiddled with her bracelet and with her backpack straps. She cleared her throat like she wanted to say something but didn’t.
After about the fourth time, Cody said, “What?”
She looked over her shoulder. “Dan and I need to go to his room, but I don’t know if we should.”
“You will be fine.” Aurelia waved her arm at our followers. “They will not concern themselves with anyone but Dacia.”
“Will Dacia be okay?” Dan looked back at the mob trailing behind us. His hazel eyes filled with concern.
“Yes.” Aurelia’s form rippled, and for an instant, I swore I saw the dragon looking at me.
Dan and Samantha veered right toward Dracaena Hall. They turned back several times, whether watching to make sure we were okay or to make sure the others weren’t following them I wasn’t sure.
When we were almost to Wisteria Hall, several of the beautiful people broke off from the group, surrounding the building. As we ascended the stairs, more of them split off on each floor, blocking the exits.
I wondered if they knew I could turn invisible and walk past them or that I could just teleport out of my room if I wanted.
They didn’t talk to me, didn’t try to touch me, but they scared me more than I wanted to admit.
My nightmares hadn’t given me any clues as to who or what caused me to lose control, but somehow these beings had to be involved.
“Who are they?” I asked Aurelia as soon as Cody shut the door to mine and Samantha’s room. “Why are they here?”
She tilted her head, and her long, golden hair fell over her shoulder. “They are Nephilim.” She looked away from me.
“Why’re they here?” Cody’s posture was rigid, his blue eyes filled with worry.
Aurelia’s pupils turned to slits. “They have come for Dacia”—her voice was a snarl—“but if they try to take her, they will have to deal with the dragons.”
Plopping down on the vermillion couch, I pulled my hands through my hair, catching red, curly strands under my fingernails.
It had been less than a month since I’d sent Mavros back to the Abyss. Even though I’d said my goodbyes to Damon, even though I knew he was a demon, my heart still ached for him. I didn’t know how I’d withstand another trial so soon.
Fear and despair pulsed through my veins. I wanted a life with Cody. I wanted to be a normal teenager. I wanted peace. Instead, I got Nephilim.
Aurelia sat beside me, gently rubbing my back. “They are here because they do not know you as I do. They fear your power.”
I envisioned all of them following me and sitting in the classroom. There had to be at least twenty Nephilim. What could I do against that many people? How could I stand against them? My heart raced, and my body trembled. I clutched my elbows, trying to hide my fear from Cody and Aurelia.
The terror grew. Clenching my heart. Twisting my gut. I imagined them taking Cody … and Samantha … and then Dan. Overpowering Aurelia. I envisioned using my powers against them and having my magic turn on me.
The room darkened. Lightning flashed immediately followed by thunder. I jumped, and my heart sprinted.
“You must regain control, Dacia.” Aurelia clasped my shoulder. “Your powers are too strong to be unharnessed.”
Cody sat on my other side, pulling me against him. “Little rain never hurt.”
“No.” I patted Cody’s leg. “But a full-blown storm can.” I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself. The wind gusted. Rain hammered against the windows. I held my head in my hands and focused on my breathing.
I pictured the mountain lake I’d used to calm myself so many times when I was learning to control my powers, but the details warped until it was a place I’d visited with Damon. Our picnic basket sat on the edge of the trees. I spun in a circle, hoping to see him and terrified that I would.
Thunder boomed louder than before. I jumped up and paced. My hands shook. I tucked them into my pockets.
Aurelia grabbed my shoulder, and a soothing burst of energy shot through my body, calming me. The winds died down. The rain slowed, turning to gentle showers before diminishing completely. Within minutes, sunlight brightened the room.
The door opened, and Samantha and Dan came in. Their clothes were soaked. Water dripped off their hair.
“We didn’t know it was supposed to rain.” Samantha tossed a towel to Dan and grabbed one for herself.
“Sorry about that,” I mumbled.
Dan pulled his shirt off and wrung it out. “What brought that on?” He hung his tee on the side of the sink and continued drying off.
Samantha stared at him, holding her towel out in front of her. Water puddled on the floor at her feet.
“Nephilim.” Cody watched me.
I ducked my head, hoping he didn’t know why I hadn’t been able to control my powers on my own, hoping he couldn’t see my guilt. I had no idea how long Damon’s ghost would haunt me, but Cody deserved better.
“We—” Samantha cleared her throat, removing the huskiness from it “—need more information than that.”
L
The night-darkened forest is the perfect place to find peace. I walk through the trees, letting go of the stress that had tightened my neck and shoulders.
The evergreens muffle the noise from campus. Wind rustles through the branches, occasionally, moving them enough for a stray moonbeam to caress my face or light the path.
A twig cracks behind me.
I turn, searching the trees. Seeing nothing there, I move on. The dorms are in sight. I could teleport closer or even into my room,
