I’d have access to angel fire, aka lightning to vanquish demons, I could manipulate the weather, I’d have super strength, could foresee future events through dreams and visions, and be able to discern between light and dark motives.
Apparently that was just an introductory list of powers, with special skills to be honed in Seer Training. Whatever that was, it sounded really cool. Where did I sign up for Seer Training? Oh, yeah, first I’d have to turn eighteen and probably announce my status. That didn’t mean I couldn’t learn more about my awesome supernatural powers in the meantime.
Anticipation sizzled in my veins and I flipped the page. Then my jaw dropped. This section only talked about the dark powers. Surprise, surprise. There were just as many dark powers as light. If I chose darkness, I could use dark powers to call up shadow demons to do my bidding, read and control people’s minds, take over their bodies, cause earthquakes and other natural disasters, and suck the life out of people.
The realization hit me like an anvil to the brain. What happened at Hard Rock was definitely some kind of supernatural battle—probably meant to test my powers. A sudden shiver raised the hair on the back of my neck. Would that shadow demon have sucked the life out of Jake if I hadn’t intervened? Or was Jake just a pawn in some grand scheme?
Wisps of cold wove their way under my skin. I couldn’t take it anymore. I slammed the book shut and rose to my feet. Glancing around the room, I only saw the members of the Guardians left in the room. How long was I entranced by this strange book?
Laura peeled off her gloves and motioned me over with one hand. “Are you still interested in the Guardians? We’d love to answer any questions you have.”
I exhaled the breath I’d sucked in for too long. “Yeah, I guess. I’m keeping my options open.” Twirling a lock of my dark hair around my finger, I sat down next to my ginger friend.
Bryan scraped back and chair across from me. “As long as you haven’t been initiated by any group, then you’re still in the running. What do you want to know?”
Maybe I could trust these people. The smallest flutter of courage rose from my gut. I opened my mouth. “Honestly, I want to know what really happened to my brother.”
Lenny leaned forward, elbows on the table. “I’m guessing Nexis is giving you the runaround.”
“You can say that again.” I puffed out a hot breath. Sure, my heart had softened toward Will after our double date. But it still felt like he was hiding something.
Bryan’s face fell as he gnawed on his lip. “Unfortunately, there aren’t any seniors in the Guardians this year. But my sister, Abby, was president when your brother graduated. Maybe she knows something.”
A flicker of hope ignited in my heart. “Could you ask her?”
“You bet.” He nodded, giving me a huge grin that lit up his blue eyes. “As long as you agree to pledge the Guardians.”
Of course there was a catch. My head told me Guardian intel on James was a long shot since he was a Nexis member. Even so, a thrill of excitement tingled up my spine. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
He reached out and shook my hand, sending a fresh shower of sparks as those aqua eyes lasered into me. “Don’t worry. We’ll think of something really good to introduce you to the Guardians.”
“Can’t wait.” My stomach did a cartwheel.
Clip-clomps of heavy feet pounded from the hallway, one by one, until a dark figure filled the doorway.
“What’d I miss?” Tony’s deep voice echoed like a gong in the quiet room. That boy could win a James Dean lookalike contest. All he needed was a leather jacket over that blue and gold Montrose Soccer uniform.
“Lucy just agreed to pledge the Guardians.” Brook squealed excitedly.
The Guardians congratulated themselves while I did a mental celebration on my own. I was about to pledge another secret society. Two down, only one more to go. The Watchers were next up on my list.
Chapter 11
Remnants of the weekend still slithered in and out of the corners of my mind. Jake showing up out of nowhere, the dark wraith versus the angel of light, smoke clashing with lightning. Somehow I made it through the next few days of classes, but the images swirled in my head all week. Would I really be able to control both light and darkness someday? All I wanted to do was run out the door of my last class so I could check out those books in the chapel library. Surely the answer lay somewhere one of those books Mr. Harlixton was not-so-gently nudging me to read. Maybe if I could learn to hone my powers, I could use them to find my brother. That alone was worth the risk.
With a little extra pep in my step, I skirted through the mass exodus leaving Mr. Harlixton’s classroom.
“Wait up, Lucy.” Bryan called from behind me, parting the crowed to stand beside me. “How are you doing today? You look great.” Those aqua eyes burned two little holes in me.
I could’ve melted into the floor. “Thanks.” My face flamed under his scrutiny.
We hadn’t had much interaction since orientation, just a few meet-ups in research class. But I knew there was more to this guy than just a cog in the secret society system. Needless to say, Bryan was definitely on my radar.
“I got this.” He lifted the bag off my shoulder, brushing back my hair. “I heard you had a run in with your ex last weekend. Did you campus security ever catch the guy?”
I turned away from the burning blue and smoothed my hair back in place, grazing the scar with my fingertips. “Besides the standard, ‘we’re looking into it’? Nothing yet.”
“Then he’s still out there.” He practically punched open the outer door. Then his hand steadied, and he held
