Time Cursed

CHAPTER 6

  As Arlana stepped from the carriage Avalynn looped her arms around her and Kellam and practically skipped towards the ballroom doors. Arlana turned her head to look at Avalynn and saw that her grin stretched from ear to ear.

  "Avalynn, you are dragging me, I am about to trip over my dress."

  Kellam laughed, "It's true Avalynn, let's slow down a bit, we do have all night after all."

  "Aren't you excited Kellam, tonight you will become an immortal. I have never seen the ceremony before but I heard that there will be a glow that comes off of your birthmark right after you drink the elixir. It will be so freaky," Avalynn giggled.

  Kellam pretended to punch Avalynn’s arm, "Nothing about me is ever freaky."

  "So he thinks," Arlana winked at Avalynn. Arlana's heart felt heavy as she considered all that had occurred earlier, all that Cole had told her. It seemed unbelievable that she would ever leave this place, that Cole would ever break the rules, and especially that he would ask her to leave her sister. What could be happening that was so bad? And yet here she was toting along her big bag with the clothes stuffed in that Cole had told her to bring. But could she really leave, she wondered. After seeing Avalynn's smile plastered on her face she decided that she was going to try and push those thoughts to the back of her mind. She wanted to encourage her sisters' happiness always. It was hard not to let her thoughts drift to Cole’s kiss. She began to wonder if it really even was a kiss, everything had happened so quickly, but when it did happen it was like she and Cole were the only two people in the world and everything else had just melted away....

  "Arlana, isn't it beautiful?"

  "What?"

  "The ballroom, silly, what do you think?"

  "Oh, we're here." She realized that they had stopped right at the door to the ballroom. It looked completely different than it had looked just yesterday. It was like an enchanted forest. Tree branches spread across the ceiling and bowed down into an arbor at the front entrance. Diamonds sparkled on the branches as the light from the candles and sconces hit them, like ice glittering on branches after an ice storm. The tables had hunter green cloths across them and the center pieces were twisted branches encrusted with emeralds with a candle in the middle.

  "Yes, it is beautiful."

  Marika and Diokles headed up to greet them. Marika was wearing a sapphire blue gown that made her eyes stand out even more than they usually did. She wrapped her arm around Avalynn's waist and Avalynn kissed Marika's cheek.

  "How do you like it my darling?"

  "I love it mother, thank you so much!"

  Marika grabbed Kellam's hand "And you son?" Arlana had never heard Marika refer to Kellam as her son, that surprised her.

  "It is wonderful, you two have outdone yourselves," Kellam looked to Marika and Diokles.

  "We have many surprises in store for you two tonight," Marika smiled brightly.

  "And Arlana too, right mom? Happy birthday to us!" Avalynn smiled at Arlana.

  Marika nodded towards Arlana, her smile fading.

  "May I have this dance my love?" Marika reached for Diokles.

  "Of course my lovely." Diokles looked to Arlana and Avalynn before heading to the dance floor, "Happy birthday my children."

  "Well that was awkward," Arlana muttered.

  "What?" replied Avalynn.

  "Um, I was just thinking that maybe we should find a seat so I could put my bag down."

  "Oh yes, we need to. Why did you bring that big bag anyway, it doesn't even match your gown."

  "Well, I didn't know what I might need, um lipstick, gum, tissues, you know."

  "Well their must be a whole lot of tissues in there." Kellam smirked.

  "Be careful or I might have to hit you with my bag."

  "Come on, let's look for a seat. Can you believe we are 17 today?"

  "I'm so glad I get to share my birthday with you Av."

  "And I'm glad I get to share your birthday with both of you," Kellam smiled wrapping his arms around them.

  Just then Marika beckoned Avalynn and Kellam to come and dance. Avalynn beamed as she looked at Kellam. She looked towards Arlana, "Will you be ok if we go have a few dances?"

  "Of course I will," she smiled, "You two go have fun."

  As they headed out to dance Arlana decided that she would head to the bathroom and see what she could do about getting those clothes on that Cole had sent with her. She wanted to take advantage of the time while everyone seemed busy. They were private bathrooms and she walked in and locked the door. As she looked at the bag her mother’s pendant felt heavy on her chest. She opened the bag to see what he had packed for her. It was a thin black long sleeve shirt and black leggings. There was also a pair of black ankle boots with thick socks and a black sweater. What was Cole thinking? How on earth could she hide a thick sweater, thick socks and ankle boots under her ball gown? Plus why was everything black? Were they going to be ninja’s? She decided to go ahead and change, it would probably be for nothing but she did trust Cole and this seemed very important to him. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought about Cole. She put on the leggings and wrapped the shirt around her waist. She stuffed the boots, socks and sweater back in the bag. Hopefully Cole would be sufficed, if not then he could hide them under his suit. She hadn't seen him yet but she knew he must be there, he was always watching, protecting. She fumbled getting her gown on and off while trying not to mess up her hair too badly. She glanced at herself in the mirror. She couldn't see any trace of what she was wearing under the gown and her hair still looked mostly the same except a few loose strands, she tried smoothing them down. Just as she clasped the latch on the bag there was a knock on the door, "Now what," Arlana muttered under her breath.

  She opened the door and to her surprise it was Cole who stood there. He looked handsome wearing a black suit and satiny green vest that brought out the green in his hazel eyes, which looked directly into hers. He leaned in and carefully lifted her necklace and slid it under her dress.

  "You need to be more careful." he whispered into Arlana's ear.

  "Cole, you didn't need to wait for the lady's restroom if you needed to relieve yourself, the men's restroom is just around the corner" she smiled pointing down the hall.

  Cole smiled back.

  “I wanted to make sure you were ok. You headed to the restroom so quickly after your encounter with Marika and Diokles.”

  “Cole, you worry too much! Honestly what is all this about? Are you worried I am heartsick about Kellam and Avalynn? Well, I am not! Sure Kellam is amazing and funny and kind and very good looking - a total catch for a girl. Avalynn has won his heart and she has liked him since we were very young. I will not begrudge my sisters happiness no matter what!” Arlana’s voice was increasingly getting louder. She hadn’t realized that she had gotten quite close to Cole while she was venting her frustration to him and before she knew it he grabbed her and hugged her. Arlana gasped in surprise.

  “Please lower your voice Arlana. People will start to notice. Why are you always so angry with me? I am only doing what I have been doing for the last seven years. I have been protecting you from all things that can harm you. I made a vow to your mother and I will not break that vow.” Cole said feeling desperate to have Arlana away from all that was about to happen.

  “A vow? I see. You are doing your job.” Arlana said in a quiet voice. She pulled away from Cole’s grasp and looked up at him. Her eyes seemed sad. She smiled and said, “Of course you are doing your job. I am sorry I have been so difficult lately. I know you are charged with keeping me safe. I..I am going to go in the ball room now. I’m sorry to be such a burden.” Arlana’s eyes began to water. She did not want to cry in front of Cole but his words felt like a dagger in her heart. When she reached the entrance to the ballroom she paused. Why couldn’t she be happy that Cole cared enough to protect her? What had she hoped he would have said?

  Just then she heard the sound of laughter. She headed into the ballroom hoping that the atmosp
here would make her feel better. The first thing she saw was Diokles dancing with Avalynn. She was stunned. Diokles never even looked at Arlana. He never spoke to her and never laughed and smiled with her. It always seemed like her being around him caused him pain. She never realized that he and Avalynn were so close. The pain in her heart increased. She felt so alone and wanted to run to the waterfall and cry but she couldn’t do that to Kellam on his big night. He was one of the few people here that treated her like someone that mattered in this world. This was his night not hers or her sisters.

  As she had watched her sister and father she had walked to an obscure corner that kept her out of view of everyone. She could see what was happening, she couldn’t peel her eyes away from the sense of family she was watching. For the first time in her life she envied her sister. She normally found her sister the misfortunate one for trusting in Marika. She was an evil woman and Avalynn was naïve around her, but perhaps if she had been as open to Marika’s attentions she too would be a part of what she was watching. In her heart Arlana would never care for Marika. She was so cruel. Arlana sighed. Tears slowly slid down her cheek. This was going to be a long tough and lonely night she realized.

  She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to look at who was touching her.

  “Hey kiddo! Why are you here all by yourself…wait…are you crying? Arlana what is wrong? Has someone hurt you? Did one of these protector jerks say something to you?” Kellam said with concern and a hint of anger.

  “Um, no, they haven’t spoken to me…I..uh..I was just moved by the happiness in um Avalynn’s eyes.” Arlana lied meekly. She hoped that Kellam would believe her.

  Kellam gave her a dubious look but did not press her about it. “Well then I think the best thing to do is to take you out to the dance floor and show these onlookers what they are missing out on.” Kellam said with a wink.

  Arlana’s heart fluttered at the thought of being so close to Kellam. No, she thought, I can’t be excited about that. He is Avalynn’s date. It would not be right. “Kellam, thank you for always looking after me but I can’t. After all you are Avalynn’s date and it would send a bad message if I danced with you.” Arlana hedged.

  “Nonsense! It is your ball as well as mine and Avalynn’s why can’t I dance with whom I want to dance with?” Kellam stated firmly. As he reached for Arlana’s hand she felt someone else’s hand slide into hers. It felt like a surge of electricity. She gasped and looked towards who grabbed her.

  “I believe the lady already has a full dance card Kellam. Perhaps you should return to your date. She is looking lonely and as lovely as she is I am sure my men will find it a great opportunity to win her favor.” Cole said with a smirk. He looked towards Arlana and winked. She couldn’t help but smile at him.

  Kellam’s eyes darkened as his face reddened. Arlana could see that he was about to do something foolish. She had to do something so in a panicked moment she let go of Cole’s hand and hugged Kellam tightly. “Please don’t make a scene. They all hate me as it is and I don’t want a single moment about tonight to be unpleasant. I love you and your kindness to me but let it go.” She whispered in his ear. Kellam froze at first and then slowly hugged her back. “Arlana my darling. You are not hated. There is love in this room for you but you need to let yourself be loved.” Kellam whispered in her ear and then let her go. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled his shy smile. It was her favorite smile of all and it was rare that he ever showed it. “Thank you” she said and smiled back at him.

  She felt a warm surge of electricity in her hand and looked down at it. Cole had gently grabbed her hand again. “Shall we dance my dear?” he asked.

  Arlana looked up at Cole’s face. He really was a handsome man and she couldn’t figure out how or why she could ever be mad at him. She smiled and nodded her head.

  Cole led her to the dance floor and they began to dance. Arlana looked up at him and began to feel shy. The look he gave her was different than any he had given her before. They glided across the dance floor hardly noticing anything else. “Why did you kiss me?” Arlana whispered.

  “What?” Cole asked as though he had been startled awake.

  “Earlier when you came to warn me of tonight’s announcements you kissed me. I was curious why? It doesn’t seem like proper protector etiquette. Is it ok to just kiss any protector I want to?” Arlana stated coyly.

  Cole frowned, “No it is not proper etiquette but I wanted to make sure you understood why this is so important to me.” He said ruefully.

  “Oh...Wait…what? How does kissing me tell me how important what you have to say is? What is so horrible that you would do that? I already told you that I would be happy for Avalynn to be immortal and married to Kellam.” Arlana’s voice caught at the end.

  Cole frowned and then looked at her intensely. It was as though he were trying to read her soul. He then smiled a slow smile that made her heart flutter. She gasped. Cole brought his lips close to her ear and said softly, “You are more important to me than anything else. Marika has plans for you that are unthinkable and I will not let her treat you like that. You are not a job to me. You are the starlight in my darkest night.”

  Arlana inhaled deeply. The warmth of his breath against her ear already caused her heart to flutter but what he said warmed her. She knew it was wrong to be elated by his statement. He was older than her by many more years than his looks showed. For that matter even if he was 23 he would be too old. Yet her heart skipped a beat and she blushed and smiled. She pulled back and looked at him in wonder. Could this be why he hated Kellam so much? Was he jealous of her friendship with him? Although she should have been annoyed she couldn’t help but feel elated. She stopped dancing and led him off the dance floor. She didn’t want to share this moment with the camp and she felt exposed.

  “Arlana? Are you ok?” Cole asked sounding a bit insecure. Had he made a mistake in telling her his feelings? He had just recently realized that his feelings for Arlana were more than they should be. The recent agitation he felt towards Kellam and the constant lecturing he gave Arlana about being safe had led him to realize this. It had been a long time since he felt this way about anyone and now he was planning to whisk her away to protect her. Diokles found her a painful reminder of his love, Sophia, and gave her no attention but Cole knew that if she disappeared Diokles would search the globe for her. He was taking a huge chance but he had to take her away.

  Arlana stopped and turned. She smiled shyly at him. They were back in the corner. “How long have you felt this way Cole?” She asked.

  “For a while but I didn’t realize it until this week. I am sorry I have been so overbearing I didn’t realize why until the other day it clicked. You are an amazing woman Arlana, beautiful, independent, kind, headstrong and truly in my heart.” Cole couldn’t believe what he just said. What was it about Arlana that made him act so foolishly? What if she ran away from him? Could he even let that happen? Did he make a mistake in telling her? He looked into her eyes trying to see if she reciprocated.

  “I don’t’ know what to say. I, this, is so unexpected…” Arlana couldn’t find any words to say beyond that. She was happy, confused, and scared. Cole was normally so stoic and devoid of any emotion and now he was pouring his heart out to her. He was her protector. No, he was more than that. In his own way he always made sure she was cared for. That was not a protector’s job. She had come to rely on him and she hadn’t realized how much until this past week when she barely saw him. Could what he said to her be true. He has been so overbearing lately but only when Kellam is around. She looked up into his eyes. He smiled at her. Could she feel something more than friendship for him. She realized she did care for him more than a friend. She smiled at him and decided she would take a chance and kiss him. As she moved her face closer to his he leaned in. Her heart began to flutter and as their lips were about to meet a loud ringing sound came from the front of the ballroom. Startled they pulled back from each other and looked towards the
sound.

  “The blue moon is almost at its apex everyone!” Marika called out. “It is time for Kellam’s transformation! Kellam would you and your date please come forward?”

  Arlana stepped further into the room to see what was happening. She saw Kellam and Avalynn walk towards Marika and Diokles who were standing on a raised platform at the front of the ballroom. The platform was directly under a large circular skylight. This was the area the chosen few stood to drink the elixir of immortality. Arlana never learned how it came to be that Diokles was able to make people immortal. Her father was very old and very powerful. She did not believe him to be human, but he loved living with humans. Her old teacher, Amethyst, had told her that he had even deeply loved her mother. Her death was unexpected and Amethyst believed that he saw Sophia in Arlana and could not bear the pain of losing Sophia. Arlana was a constant reminder to him.

  The elixir only works when taken at the moment the blue moon reaches its apex. Now it was Kellam’s turn. Avalynn had said that after drinking the elixir the birthmark on those who had them would glow an iridescent blue color. Arlana couldn’t picture how that would look.

  “The time is almost at hand everyone! Kellam and Avalynn will you please step forward.” Diokles said in a deep voice.

  Kellam and Avalynn stepped in front of Diokles with their hands held fast. Avalynn took a moment to look around the room. It was as though she were searching for someone. Arlana realized Avalynn was looking for her. She shrunk back and stepped behind Cole. Although she had told Cole she was happy for Avalynn she could not face her at this moment.

  “It has been decided that due to their recent engagement Kellam and Avalynn will both take the elixir of immortality tonight.” Declared Diokles. Arlana looked at Marika and saw a smirk on her face.

  Most of the attendees gasped in surprise. Thanks to Cole Arlana knew that Kellam and Avalynn would eventually marry but it sounded like they had been engaged for more than just tonight. She couldn’t understand why Avalynn and Kellam hadn’t told her of this. Arlana felt hurt that they did not trust her with their happy news and began to wonder if perhaps Cole’s warnings were valid.

  She looked up to the podium and saw Diokles give both Avalynn and Kellam goblets that held the elixir. They turned to each other. As the moon filled the skylight Diokles had them drink the elixir. When they were done Diokles took the goblet. A glow started emanating from Kellam’s arm. He pulled up his sleeve in surprise and Arlana could see that his birthmark glowed. It was truly a beautiful sight. Kellam looked at Diokles and smiled. He turned to Avalynn and his smile slowly faded. Avalynn’s birthmark did not glow. Those that drank the elixir and became immortal had glowing birthmarks. Arlana took a step forward. Could she be too far away to see behind Avalynn’s right ear. As she began to take another step Cole moved in front of her.

  “Cole! You are blocking my view! Please step aside!” Arlana said louder than she expected.

  “Arlana please be quiet and hide your birthmark.” Cole whispered in a command.

  Arlana heard a gasp at her side and turned to look at who was there. The baker and his wife were staring at her shocked. The sound they had made caused several people to look her way. As more and more people made sounds of surprise more and more people began to look at her. Arlana began to feel awkward and uncomfortable. Why was everyone looking at her with such surprise? Had they just realized that she was also at the ball?

  She turned to look at Cole. He also looked shocked but as she looked at him he seemed to recover. He grabbed her hand and began to lead her to the entrance. What was he doing she thought?

  Cole couldn’t fully register what he was seeing. Arlana was glowing. Her birthmark was glowing an iridescent blue color but there was also a pink glow behind her left ear. How could this be? She had not been near the elixir and yet here she was glowing as only an immortal would. No it was not quite the glow of immortality. It was something more. He realized that he needed to get her out of there. He silently prayed that Diokles and Marika had not seen what was happening.

  “ARLANA!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? STOP AND APPROACH ME!” Diokles yelled across the room. Cole kept pulling Arlana to the doors but then he felt a tug of resistance. He looked back at her and saw that she had stopped. She looked so confused and shocked. “He has never said my name before.” Cole heard Arlana whisper. There were tears in her eyes. She turned and walked away from Cole. He frantically grabbed her hand and began to lead her to the door again but she pulled away from him. He looked at her and saw in her eyes that she would not run away. She would confront Diokles. He realized that she had no idea what was happening and how much danger she was in. He felt desperate and went to pick her up but paused as he heard the doors slam behind him. He realized they were trapped.

  Arlana continued towards the podium and Cole followed. She reached the top of the stairs, curtseyed and said, “Father?”