I haven’t forgotten. It’d be hard to forget these streets. They’re relatively unused, except for gang activity, and the concrete is pitted and cracked. A few weeds are growing through the tiny rifts. I suppose that could be taken as a good sign. Even in a pollution-choked city like Liberty, plants try to live.
My steps slow and then halt. We’re at the end of the street, but ahead of us is the abandoned warehouse, two men standing guard at the entrance. I hesitate. Putting my nose to the wind, I detect the scent of another vampire, but it’s faint and is gone almost as soon as I smell it.
“What’s the plan?” Javelin’s voice is a murmur.
I grin, hatred and the lust for blood burning through me as I remember. I have so many memories of this place.
“The plan is, we drink,” I growl. “We’ll drink until nothing is left.”
Cecil’s eyes widen, but Javelin rubs his hands together. “Sounds good,” he hisses, his fangs gleaming in the moonlight.
I can smell Cliff’s scent. It’s faint, but I’m certain he’s there, in that building.
Anyone who works with that man is an enemy of mine.
With a feral growl, I lunge forward.
14
Sophia
I can’t sleep. I toss and turn, trying to get comfortable and ease the torrent of questions in my mind, but regardless of what I do, sleep refuses to come.
I peer at my bedside clock, holding it by the window, reading the hands in the moonlight. It’s three in the morning.
The house is quiet. Even the early birds of the clan don’t get up until four. I slip out of bed, shivering when my feet hit the bare wood floor. I’ve read stories about floors that are covered with carpet from wall to wall. It sounds warm, but it also sounds messy. They were probably a pain to clean.
I put on my rain boots and go outside, shutting the door quietly behind me. It’s so silent. So still. Even the birds haven’t woken up yet. This is the perfect time to talk to Eema. I don’t think she ever sleeps, and she’s easiest to hear when everything else is quiet.
One of the dogs is sleeping outside. He lifts his shaggy head when I approach, and his tail thumps when he recognizes me. Harold.
“Hey, bud.” I rub Harold’s ears and then continue on, only hesitating when I am standing at the edge of the forest. This isn’t the Wild Wood, but my memory of the reaper is all too clear in my mind, and I shiver. I’m fine. I can’t let my fears rob me of my happiness. Gripping the amethyst pendant I wear, I inhale deeply. Calm. I think the word five times and then step into the woods.
After venturing fifty feet or so, I settle myself on the ground. It’s wet, and my skirts become damp, but that’s okay. You get used to it.
I close my eyes and inhale, taking in the green scent of the trees, moss, and foliage. Sometimes I wish I could venture out beyond the Island, but I am convinced that there is nowhere on earth like Vashon. Magic abounds here, thick as the brambles that sprawl throughout the woods. I love it so much. As much as I want to leave and explore the world, this will always be home to me.
Meditation done, I reach my intentions deep into the soil. “Eema,” I say. “I need to talk to you.”
Nothing. I frown and try again. “Eema. Mother Earth.”
Her consciousness stirs, focusing on me. Hello, Sophia. Happy Birthday. Her tone sounds pleased. I am the first to wish you that this year.
I smile. “Thanks.” I guess I am eighteen now. That’s pretty cool. I am officially a grown-up in the clan. Though, I don’t feel any different from yesterday.
A pause. It’s early, here. Why are you awake?
I exhale. “I couldn’t sleep.”
You must sleep. Eema’s voice takes on a chiding tone in my mind. You are a human, and a young one, at that. You will get even more emotionally exhausted if you fight it.
“I know that,” I say irritably. “But it’s not like I can just force myself to sleep.”
You wear amethyst, Eema says. Use it.
“I do,” I say, puzzled.
Not like you should. You know it’s a piece of me, Sophia. Stones are a gift from the Creator. Use them.
Is she saying I’m not using it right? I finger the pendant again and then shrug. It’s true, crystals do seem to have their own energy, but I haven’t found one that will knock me out at night when the spiraling thoughts come into my mind like a roaring avalanche.
What is bothering you, dear one?
“A lot of things, actually,” I say. I shift backward a little, so I’m leaning comfortably against a tree.
Eema is silent for a moment. You are thinking about him. The prince of stars.
I shrug a shoulder, and I’m glad the Earth can’t see the flush that heats my face. “He’s uh, interesting. I mean, I don’t know him, but—”
Be careful, Eema interrupts. He will use you, Sophia.
“Isn’t that true of everyone?” I argue. “I’m a gaia. Everyone wants me to save humanity or something.”
That is because you will, Eema says. You can help me, and you can heal humanity.
“How?” I ask. “You say things like that, that I’m important, but you never say how. No one else seems to know, either, not even the Watcher.”
You will learn when you are ready. You are now an adult. Your time has nearly come. Another pause. The prince can help you discover your power. So can Bren. But be wary about trusting either.
I frown. “Of course, I can trust Bren. You trust Bren.”
To an extent. But Bren is Bren. He’s selfish at heart, and still a child in that regard. But if anyone can heal his emotional wounds and fill his empty soul, it is you.
“What happened to Bren?”
Bren will tell you when he is ready, Eema says. Don’t press too soon.
