“It used to be ful .” I look at him. “When I left the party, it was ful . And now…” I shake my head, place my hand against my stomach, starting to feel a little il . “I was real y hoping to convince them—al of them. But maybe I left too early? Maybe I should’ve stuck around a little longer?”
I grip my knees, preparing to stand when Damen says, “How can you be sure it was an immortal?”
My eyes meet his, and suddenly the room begins to swirl, forcing me to grab hold of the counter to steady myself.
But just as quickly, it’s passed.
In the end, it’s just like Lotus said—I did al I could—the rest was up to them.
There’s such a thing as free wil , and from the looks of it, someone has decided to exercise theirs.
“Toss it,” I say. “Toss al of it. I’ve reserved plenty of leftover fruit for any immortals who find themselves trapped. But as for the elixir, we’ve no need of it—it’s time to wash our hands of it.”
We get to work, me removing the tops, then handing him the bottles, which he empties down the drain. And when we’re finished, he turns to me, grasps my hands in his, and tel s me to envision a shimmering golden veil.
“Summerland?” I quirk my brow, wondering why I need to pack a bag for Summerland when you can just manifest anything you want, and wondering if we’l stil be able to get there. Knowing I’l be crushed if it turns out we can’t.
But he just shakes his head and says, “Believe. ”
So I do.
And a moment later, we’re stepping through the light, stepping right into that vast fragrant field, feeling happy, satisfied, pleased to know it’s stil within the realm of possibilities.
Damen looks at me, as relieved as I am when he says, “And now for part two…”
I wait, hold my breath, having no idea what that might be.
“Remember when Miles used to talk about us al backpacking around Europe after high school?”
I nod, growing even more perplexed.
“Wel , I thought it sounded like a great idea. And since we never went on that vacation because of the journey to the tree and al , and since you got a late col ege admission, I figured we’d take him up on it.”
“But Miles isn’t going to Europe,” I say, knowing for a fact that he’s on his way to a big audition in New York City and that Holt’s going with him. And, if memory serves, I prophesized that he’d get that audition—he’s going to be a huge Broadway star, and Holt’s going to be by his side for a very long time.
“I know. But then I figured that doesn’t mean we can’t go, right? So, if it’s okay with you, I thought we’d start in Italy. I can’t wait to show you around my old haunts—Firenze is a beautiful city, I know you’l love it. And the food!” He looks at me, grinning when he says, “Wel , I hear it’s vastly improved over the last six hundred years.”
“So … we’re going to the Summerland version of Italy?” I say, trying not to sound as disappointed as I feel.
But Damen just laughs. “No. I had two reasons for coming here—one, to see if we could—and two, because I wanted to beat the traffic. We’re departing out of LAX. Our plane leaves at—” He glances at his watch then at me. “Our plane leaves in fifteen minutes.”
“But we have to go through security! And get to the gate, and—”
My words stopped by his own when he says, “Shhh … just close your eyes and picture yourself in seat three-A with me sitting right there beside you…”
forty-five
We land in our seats. And despite my fears, there’s so much preflight commotion no one seems to notice how we just suddenly appear.
And when Damen busies himself with placing my bag in the overhead bin, that’s when I notice how he failed to bring one of his own.
“What about you?” I watch as he takes the seat beside me. “I know it’s going to be an adjustment, but you can’t just manifest new stuff whenever you need it, you know? You’re going to have to actual y go to the store and buy it. You’re gonna need money and credit cards and passports and—oh my gawd, did you remember to bring money and credit cards and passports? And why are we even flying? Why didn’t we just make it so we landed in Italy?”
Damen grins, stops the flow of words with his lips. Instantly dissolving my worries, reminding me of what matters most.
He pul s away, brushes his hand across my cheek, tucking some stray strands back behind my ear when he says, “No worries. I’ve got it covered. Everything’s handled. We’re good. Oh, and as far as the plane goes, you wanted to be normal…”
“First class is normal?” I glance around the spacious, wel -appointed cabin, then back at him.
“It is with me.” He laughs.
I nod, enjoying the warmth of his hand in mine, gazing out the window as the plane makes for the runway. Unable to stop marveling at how far we’ve come—how far we’ve yet stil to go. Realizing I feel happier than I have in a very long time—perhaps maybe, ever.
Just about to direct my attention to the safety video (now that I’m no longer immortal I’m forced to worry about mundane things like that), when I see her.
Standing on the wing, jumping up and down and waving at me.
Riley.
My adorably sassy, ghostly little sister—and from what I can see, Buttercup is right there beside her.
I gasp in amazement, press my hand to the window. Wondering if the vision is real, if I’m truly able to see her now, or if it’s just wishful thinking. Then Buttercup barks and wags his tail, as Riley looks al around, as though she’s expecting to see somebody, as though she was fol owed.
I turn to Damen and yank on his sleeve, wanting him to see what I see. But by the time we turn, she’s gone. And try as I might, I can’t bring her back.
But I saw her.
I know for a fact it was her.
I also know that I’l see her again. If not lol ing on airplane wings, then on the other side of that bridge.
I just hope that one doesn’t come anytime soon.
The plane pitches down the runway, gaining in speed, so I lean into Damen. My head just meeting his shoulder when a beautiful red tulip drifts down out of nowhere and lands on my lap.
The same tulip Damen tried to manifest earlier.
We look at each other, our eyes wide with wonder, having al the proof that we need that it real y is true.
Everything that can be done in Summerland, can be done on the earth plane too—it just takes a little longer, that’s al .
I place my hand on the stem, as Damen places his hand over mine. The two of us leaning into each other, feeling happy, content, eager to embrace whatever comes next, as the plane lifts into the sky.
Also by Alyson Noël
Night Star
Dark Flame
Shadowland
Blue Moon
Evermore
Shimmer
Radiance
Cruel Summer
Saving Zoë
Kiss & Blog
Laguna Cove
Fly Me to the Moon
Art Geeks and Prom Queens
Faking 19
Praise for the Immortals Series by Alyson Noël
“Alyson Noël surpassed all my expectations. Not only is Blue Moon an amazing sequel; it sets the bar for the rest of this series very, very high! When I reached the last page of this one, all I could say was ‘wow!’”
— Teens Read Too
“Noël’s novel is absolutely amazing! Fans of her Immortals series will not be disappointed—Ever and Damen’s love is challenged like never before, and the story ends with a big, satisfying twist that will have readers begging for more. This long-awaited installment is incredible.”
— RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)
“It is the mark of a daring writer to defy expectations, and Alyson Noël does that to the power of ten in Blue Moon. I guarantee you will have no idea what’s coming in the second book of the series while Alyson Noël surprises you with a big, fat twist and
leaves you wanting more, more, more.”
— The Book Chick
“A mesmerizing tale of teenage angst, love, and sacrifice with plenty of crossover appeal … The startling but satisfying ending shows that Noël knows how to keep her audience hooked. Ever’s supernatural struggles are a captivating metaphor for teenage fears about love, relationships, and growing up.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Blue Moon was incredible. If you thought Evermore was full of suspense and unknowns, just wait until you read Blue Moon.… The plot was insane, and I mean that in a good way. Noël took this novel in a direction I was never expecting, resulting in an emotional roller-coaster ride that I never wanted to end. Fabulous.”
— The Story Siren
“The YA paranormal genre has a flawless diamond among the gems with Blue Moon. I was moved to tears by a couple of scenes, especially near the end. Ms. Noël doesn’t back away from emotion; instead she has the ability to reach into your chest and twist your heart.”
— Night Owl Romance
“One of the best books I’ve read this year … With immortal lovers, trustworthy friends, betraying fortune tellers, and freaky identical twins, what more could you ask for?
Blue Moon has me begging for Shadowland! I can’t wait for the next in the series.”
— The YA Book Blogger
“Alyson Noël has many talents to share as a writer, and she proves it again and again with her amazing Immortals series. She writes with an intensity and a passion, her words weaving perfectly together to create an overwhelming experience for the senses and the heart.”
— Teen Reads
“Mystery + romance + supernatural + drama = definite appeal to teens.”
— Orange Coast Magazine
“The Immortals series is so unique; it’s like a breath of fresh air.… Noël knows how to pull you into her world with beautiful imagery and mesmerizing words. Blue Moon is a page-turner that will keep you reading until the last page. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, Alyson throws in another twist, making it impossible to put this book down.”
—5 stars! Fantastic Book Reviews
“Evermore will thrill many teen fantasy-suspense readers, especially fans of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.… Noël creates a cast of recognizably diverse teens in a realistic high school setting, along with just the right tension to make Ever’s discovery of her own immortality—should she choose it—exciting and credible.”
— Booklist
“Beautiful main characters, tense budding romance, a dark secret, mysterious immortals—what more could you ask from this modern gothic romance?”
— Justine Magazine
“When I got a copy of Evermore, I sat down to read it, intending to only read a chapter or two. Instead, I blazed through the first hundred pages before I knew it … and then I didn’t want to put the book down. Except I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. So I picked it up the next morning and finished it. Now I can’t wait till July for the second book, to see what happens next.”
— Blog Critics Magazine
“Get ready for a wild ride that is filled with twisting paths and mystery, love and fantasy.… The writing style, story, and characters are a bit like Meyer’s and Marr’s popular books, but written with a new twist and voice. And after reading the book, you too will probably want your own Damen, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice.”
—5/5 stars! The Book Queen
“Readers who enjoy the works of P. C. Cast and Stephenie Meyer will love this outstanding paranormal teen-lit thriller.”
— Midwest Book Review
“I found myself unwilling to put the book down, even though I had to at some points, because I wanted to know what was going to happen.… Ever was so real and her emotions were so believable that it was a little creepy. It’s like Alyson Noël is actually a grieving, lovestruck teenager. She got Ever completely perfect. And by perfect, I mean delightfully flawed and deep.”
— The Frenetic Reader
“Evermore is a wonderful book that I believe would be a lovely addition to any library.… Definitely a book that fans of Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr should add to their collections. Definitely engaging and will catch your attention the minute you open to the first page!”
— Mind of a Bibliophile
“Alyson Noël creates a great picture of each and every character in the book. I am a fan of the Twlight series and I recommend this book to those who like the series as well. It is a very quick read, with all the interesting twist and turns.”
— Flamingnet Book Reviews
“I loved this book. It really keeps your attention throughout the story, because the puzzle gets pieced together bit by bit, but you don’t know exactly what happened until the end. The only thing that disappoints me is that the second book won’t be published for a while. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.”
— Portsmouth Teen Book Review
“This is the first installment of the Immortals series. Ms. Noël pens a well-detailed story that makes it easy for the reader to visualize both the characters and the world around them. Evermore has a familiar theme that attracts readers, but inside this book you’ll find that the author has added some unique details that sets it apart.”
— Darque Reviews
“Evermore’s suspense, eerie mystery, and strange magic were interestingly entertaining.… I found Ever to be a character I could really respect.… Recommended.”
— The Bookworm
“Evermore was a great way to lighten my reading load this winter and provided me with a creative, magical story that I really enjoyed. This is the first in a series for Noël and I think she may have a hit on her hands.… Evermore has good and evil, likable characters, vivid descriptions, and a good story.”
— Planet Books
“I fell into it easily, and loved the world Noël created.… The fact that Ever had psychic powers was truly interesting. They flowed neatly through the book and I felt Ever’s pain. Trust me, this book was really good. I couldn’t put it down. Alyson Noël created an amazing new world, and after this book I am so curious to see where it heads because honestly, I have no idea.”
— Reading Keeps You Sane
“Ever is an easy character to like. I really felt for her because of all she lost and what she struggled with daily.… Evermore was a really fast, engaging read with some great characters. It is the first in a series, so I’m eager to see if we will learn more about Ever, Damen, and friends in the next one … it’s sure to be a great read.”
— Ninja Reviews
“The writing here is clear, the story well-defined, and narrator Ever has an engaging voice that teens should enjoy.”
— January Magazine
“Evermore is a fresh and original work that … branches out and explores new ground. Definitely recommended.”
— Cool Moms Rule!
“I totally LOVE Alyson Noël’s Evermore. … Noël has delivered a deliciously fresh new series that will be the next new thing that has every teen and even adults everywhere hooked and waiting for more.… This is a keeper and a book that you have to go out and buy right now because if you don’t you will be missing out. People will be asking if you have been living under a rock if you don’t give Evermore a try, and that is just not acceptable.”
— Talk About My Favorite Authors
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
EVERLASTING. Copyright © 2011 by Alyson Noël, LLC. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
www.stmartins.com
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Noë1, Alyson.
Everlasting / Alyson Noël.—1st ed.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-312-64207-5
/>
[1. Psychic ability—Fiction. 2. Immortality—Fiction. 3. Supernatural—Fiction. 4. Love—Fiction.] I. Title.
PZ7.N67185El 2011
[Fic]—dc22
2011003162
First Edition: June 2011
eISBN 978-1-4299-8192-7
First St. Martin’s Griffin eBook Edition: June 2011
Alyson Noel, Everlasting
(Series: Immortals # 6)
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