Shattered Souls (4 page)

“Safer?”

“You’ll see,” Logan said, smiling.

“I think it’s time we take off,” my aunt said.
“We need to get in contact with Maddie and…”

“What about dinner?” I
interrupted. “You guys made it. You should enjoy it.”

“You’re looking
tired. You’ve been through a lot. We’ve got food at home,” my aunt stated, prompting me with her eyes. “Besides, I’m sure you and Logan would like your privacy before your mom comes back home.” My aunt laughed as my mom shook her head and started toward the kitchen.

My aunt quickly
tapped her forehead when my mom was out of sight, and I realized the sweat was running down my scalp and face. My aunt was trying to get my mom out of here before she caught on.

“Thank you,” I mouthed to my aunt as I
wiped my forehead with my sleeve. I needed to get my release and figure out what started this.

“Veronica, would you mind grabbing some of that delicious blueberry tea?” Aunt Vieta asked.

“Of course.”

I stood up slowly but still felt dizzy. Logan wrapped his arm around my waist and brought me cl
ose to him. “I’ve got you, baby,” he whispered in my ear, sending a warm sensation through me.

“Thank you,” I w
hispered, looking into his eyes. Relief spread through me as I saw that the darkness was no longer present in his deep, blue eyes. I was just overreacting before. I had to stop worrying about things I couldn’t control.

“Okay, sunshine,” my mom said, walking back into the family room. “If you need anything
, give us a call. But something tells me Logan’s just fine at handling things.” She winked at me and tapped his shoulder. “I look forward to coming back here.” My mom looked around the room slowly, taking in everything as she’d left it months ago.

“We’ll let you know what time to meet Maddie. My guess is that it will be in the morning,” Aunt Vieta said, sliding her arms through her coat sleeves.

“Sounds like a plan.” I gritted my teeth as the burning sensation began traveling down my hands to my wrist. My aunt was hurrying, but the pain was severe. I needed to get out back. Logan sensing my misery gave me a gentle squeeze as we watched my aunt and mom let themselves out of the house.

As the lock
clicked into place, I glanced out the window. It was completely dark outside, perfect for what needed to be done. Time for a bonfire!

The searing pain whipped down my fingers as Logan helped me
through the sliding glass door. The cold air hit me as I stepped onto our patio, only marginally cooling me off. Logan flipped on the light, exposing the frost that had already crawled onto the patio’s edge from the grass.

I felt Logan’s arm slip away from my waist as
I walked to the far corner of the yard, crunching on the frozen lawn. I looked at the fire pit and over at Logan who was studying me closely. I took a deep breath in, letting the crisp air into my lungs as I closed my eyes. I threw my hands toward the pit and saw the brightness ignite through my lids. The relief spread through my fingers and palms as the heat was released. Keeping my mind free from interference I focused on the sound of the flames as I thought back to what had brought this on.

Ima
ges of my mother and father pushed their way into my mind, placing a history of them as a young couple deep inside my memory.

“Triss,” Logan said. “Your parents are appearing on the flames.”

My eyes flashed open exposing the very same images I was seeing in my mind — now against the flames — life size. My breathing began speeding up as I witnessed things I shouldn’t even know about. It felt like I was stealing someone’s memories, trespassing on a world that wasn’t my own.

Logan came up beside me, locking his hand with mine.

“Did you do this?” I asked him, remembering back to the night so long ago at the cottage when he located my mom.

He shook his head, squeezing my hand lightly. “No.
”

The images
flashed quickly. One moment my father was getting down on one knee, displaying an engagement ring for my mom, and the next my mom was pregnant with me, rubbing her belly. Next I saw my mother in tears as she watched my father leave. A man who I didn’t recognize comforted my mother as she was holding a tiny baby, me.

“What’
s going on?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he whispered
.

I
watched the fragmented movie continue to unfold, and I was utterly frustrated that I didn’t know exactly what to do with this information. The nonsensical memories continued to play with me as I watched the unidentified man disappear, leaving images of my mom raising me alone.

“I
can’t take any more steps back down memory lane. I’m done,” I said, leaning against Logan.

“
I don’t think you have much choice in the matter,” he whispered, nuzzling the top of my head. “You somehow opened the door.”

The flames began dying down
, and the last of the images of my mom and I splattered across the smoke.

“It’s freezin
g,” I mumbled, turning to press my face into his chest.

“No kidding. I’ve been freezing since we got out here,” he teased, pulling me deeply into an embrace.
“Are you doing any better?”

Just being in Logan’s arms made me fee
l better, but I knew what he meant.

“I think so, but if people are able to
interfere with my mind like this, it’s really worrisome. It’s one thing to share things with you, but I don’t understand how my mind has become a gateway to the underworld.”

“I don’t think that’s what’s happening at all. I
’m positive it’s something that you’re doing.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You think I
wanted these thoughts?” I was surprised at my own snippiness.

“No, not at all,” h
e sighed.

“Sorry.”
What was the matter with me? He didn’t deserve that.

“I know you’re under a lot of stress, but we’ve got to continue to approach everything together.
I’m not trying to piss you off, but there’s something inside of you that’s allowing this or inviting the information. That’s all I meant. We just have to figure out how to control it. Hopefully, the person tomorrow can help.”

“How are you so certain
that I have some sort of control?”

“Just about everyone is susceptible
to mind play… everyone but
Trifectas
and the
Divinus
. I read about it while you were unconscious. So you at some level had to be open for the images to make their way into your mind.”

I began shivering as I remembered my father’s words.
I’ll be providing you with more soon, but I…

“I let my father in. He told me he had more information for me. This must have been what he was talking about
…You’re right. I somehow let him in.”

Chapter 4

“So can you tell me about the undercity?” I asked. “Like why’ve I never heard you mention it until now? Have you gone there?”

I
was on the hunt in my completely disorganized dresser drawer for the perfect pajamas to wear tonight. It was a toss-up between a flannel pair or a nightshirt.

Logan smiled, squaring
his shoulders, as he reached for one of the spell books that I had placed on top of the dresser. Grabbing the book, he flipped to a page and turned it around for me to see.

“What’
s that?” I asked, seeing a sketch of several cottages. “Or should I ask where’s that?”

“It’s an undercity.” He closed the book and put it back on the shelf
.

“That doesn’t
look like anywhere around here,” I said, puzzled.

“Good eye,
” he joked.

I rolled my eyes at him and grabbed the flannels. “Looks like
you just made the choice of sleepwear extra easy.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked,
as he slid his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him.

“You know very well what it me
ans.” I narrowed my eyes at him pretending to be annoyed.

“Flannels just happen
to be my favorite,” he murmured behind my ear. God, he could make anything sound sexy.

I started giggling and attempted to push him away, but his grasp became firmer.
His chin lowered toward me, allowing his lips to hover only inches from mine. The corner of his mouth turned up slightly and my breath caught with anticipation. Closing my eyes, I felt his lips quickly brush against my cheeks and that was it. He released my hips, and my eyes flashed open when he took a step backward, grinning.

“So not fair,
” I complained.

He shrugged his shoulders and couldn’t hide his smile.
“The undercities have been around as long as we have. Every city has them. In Seattle, they’re actually under the city.”

“Kind of
ironic,” I huffed, not really wanting to talk about the undercities any longer.

“Most often they’re in the countryside or
off in the mountains,” he continued. “The witches who live in the undercities tend to be loners. They don’t always have the best social skills. But they’re masters at whatever they’ve chosen to study or whatever gifts were bestowed upon them.”

“Have you been before?” I asked.

“No,” he replied. “I thought about going a few times since everything began with your family, but I honestly had no idea back then what I’d say or ask.”

“I’m not even sure I know
now,” I agreed.

Logan nodded
and leaned against the dresser. Shoving his hands in his jean pockets, the waist dipped down lower. Not what I needed to see at the moment. But as I stood staring at him, I noticed his left hand couldn’t go very deep. Something in his pocket got in the way, but he didn’t attempt to adjust or do anything to maneuver around it either.

“Whatcha got in there?”
I asked, pointing at his hand-pocket configuration.

“Nothing
. Just some receipts and stuff.”

“Right.” I raised a brow. “Seriously. It’s gotta be something good.”

I actually doubted it was much of anything, but I was just nosey.

“Your mo
m and mine have both been there,” he said, ignoring me.

“
What? Do you know why?”

He shook his head. “Not a clue. I knew years ago my mom had gone, but
she’d never discussed it with me. It was only by accident I found out your mom had been.”

“I wonder what they went for. Maybe my aunt knows…”

“She’s probably been too,” he said, carefully removing his hands from his pockets.

“Well, hopefully it’ll all become obvious once we get there.”

I grabbed some matches and began lighting the candles I had in my room. I felt like the scent of lavender might do the calming trick that we both needed. There was a strained quietness between us, and I didn’t understand it until he finally spoke.

“I’ve been researching immortality
, and I don’t think it’s quite like you think,” he began. “It really might be the only option.”

“You know how I feel about that,” I whispered.

“I can’t lose you,” Logan said. “My world would never be the same. You inspire me to be a better person.”

I blew out the match and turned around to face him.
His blue eyes were exposing the same emotion his words relayed. There was no hint of darkness, only sadness as he searched my expression, hoping that I’d changed my mind. But I hadn’t.

Logan stepped toward me, sliding his hand down my spine.
He dipped his head, moving his lips along my jaw, down to my throat.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered, feeling the heat spread through my body. I wanted to promise things that couldn’t be promised.

“At least you’re here with me now,” he whispered, bringing his hands up my back. His warm breath danced off my skin, unleashing the desire for him that I was trying so hard to control.

“I love you,” I said, looking into up into his eyes as he moved back slightly.

“I love you too.”

Logan slowly
unbuttoned my top, allowing his fingertips to graze my flesh from button to button. When he reached the last button, he slowly brushed his hands along my shoulders, as he allowed the pajama top to drop to the ground. Logan watched me closely, as I tilted my head, begging for a kiss that he wouldn’t give. My breathing intensified as he continued drinking me in as if he’d never seen me before.

My skin began to prickle as I felt Logan’s gaze running along my body. I didn’t have to see the look in his eyes. I felt i
t. Since we discovered I was a
Divinus
, things between us changed. The magnetic pull we had for each other was stronger than ever before. Every moment was cherished and even the slightest touch precious between us. The thought of leaving him behind killed me. I couldn’t imagine never being held in his arms again.

He flashed me his devilish grin, and my body warmed with desire.

“You look amazing,” he whispered, his eyes running over my body.

“I want you to understand what you’re giving u
p,” he whispered, his voice low and somewhat guarded.

“It’s not like that,” I
said quietly, unable to stay focused as his thumb circled my chin.

“But it is.
”

His blue eyes darkened a shade as he
leaned into me, bringing his lips just behind my ear, nibbling the lobe. My body shuddered as his lips slowly inched down my neck to my bare shoulders. I nuzzled my head into the crook of his neck as my breathing became heavier with every passing moment. His fingers outlined my curves, tracing the softness of my skin that was now exposed.

My hands
found the hem of Logan’s shirt. Grasping the shirt, I pulled it up and over his head, tossing it on the floor. His lips feverishly explored my collarbone, forcing a wave of heat through my body. He wrapped his arms around me, bringing me into the warmth of his chest. With every collision of our flesh, I wanted more. I needed him now more than ever. His fingers danced down my tummy, gently tugging along my waistband as I arched my back to help his fingers. And that’s when something inside me shattered. I didn’t want to lose this.

***

Loga
n held me tightly, as my legs were intertwined through his. Taking in his wonderful soapy scent, I cuddled deeper into him.

“Did that help to change your mind at all?” he murmured into my hair, his warm breath prickling my scalp.

Two lights flickered outside our window, and I immediately stiffened.

“What? What’s wrong?”
he asked, tightening his embrace.

“Outside.”

Logan darted to the window, but the lights extinguished.

“
It wasn’t the fairies, was it?” I asked.

“I think they would’ve stuck around to stay hi.”
He turned away from the window just as more white lights amassed, sets of them.

“There it is again, only more.” I pointed outsid
e.

This time both Logan and I slowly made our way to the windo
w, trying not to make any quick movements that would snuff out the ‘lights’ again.

Staring out the glass, my heart began racing as I watched the white lights slowly turn
crimson red. We weren’t seeing beams of lights. Those were eyes staring back at us. My heart began racing as I counted how many pairs were looking at us.

“At least fifteen,” Logan muttered, answering my unasked question.

“Demons,” I stated. “Maybe the Praedivinus Order sent them.”

“Someone certainly did.”

“
Luminaria ex
,” I chanted.

The
candles in our bedroom extinguished, exposing the transparent bodies of the creatures on the other side of the glass.

“Sylphs,” I muttered under my breath.

I looked beyond the initial grouping and watched as more winged creatures shot through the night’s sky on their way to our home.

“I’m not sure what they have planned, but by the sheer
number we’d better be ready for anything,” Logan said, placing his hand on my shoulder.

As the
delicate beings congregated, I watched their expressions change from anger to sadness, settling on confusion. Their large eyes overpowered their otherwise subtle features, but they were anxious and getting more so.

A smaller sylph puckered its lips and hissed, stepping in front of the others.
If I opened the window I could probably touch it. I found myself taking a step closer to the glass. Another sylph hissed and another. Things weren’t looking so good.

“
They think you’re provoking them,” Logan whispered.

“Kind of feeling the same way.”

The sylph closest to the window flicked her tiny tongue in a gesture of defiance.

“
Corvorum mundi venire et providere auxilium ad me
,” I hummed, closing my eyes. “
Corvorum mundi venire et providere auxilium ad me.”

The
walls fell away, and my mind no longer existed in the bedroom we were standing in. I glided with the wind, calling to the wild in search of answers and help. I felt free and unrestricted as I escaped the confines of the structure. I no longer was in the realm of the mundane.

I began feeling a connection to the
sleeping ravens of the night. If I needed them, they would present themselves to the sylph. The wind carried my spirit as I touched the tips of the trees before descending to the pasture. My existence was nowhere yet everywhere. No longer in the city, I felt my mind escape to a world of the wild, of the wilderness. I watched coyotes circle beneath me as I soared back up through the clouds. I no longer was tethered to the world directly in front of me. Understanding that I somehow harnessed a new realm, I let the images I saw escape through the
nectunt
to share with Logan. He slid his arm around my waist, as I opened my eyes, taking myself out of the trance, to reveal the sylphs slowly flying away from the window.

My stomach
knotted with the realization that my home was becoming less like one every day.

“I wonder what’s making them leave?” I questioned,
pressing against the window. I looked down and saw the creatures of the night circling around our yard. Raccoons and possums began scurrying out of our yard. The tree outside looked to be covered in more ravens and crows than I cared to imagine, and one by one, they began flying back to wherever they came from. I hadn’t even officially called them, only connected with them, and they came to help.

“Stunning,” I whispered. “But I don’t understand why the sylph would have left.
They certainly could have taken down the critters that surrounded them,” I said, looking at the sweet-faced animals that were on the lawn.

“I’m guessing whoever sent them here called them back for whatever reason,” Logan said.

“I hope we get some answers tomorrow, but what I planned on going there for seems to be expanding by the second,” I said sighing.

Logan walked over to the bed. His movements
were slow and his stare distracted. I had to get to the bottom of what was bothering him.

“That’s it, Mister,” I said, shaking my head.

I stomped my way over and sat on his lap, letting my arms circle his neck.