See

  “Put you to sleep,” I mumbled.

  “They are surviving - taking the energy that gives them existence.”

  “Why?” I asked, looking down. I felt cheated. I would almost rather live in ignorance. For a moment, I thought that may be why I forgot Draven – that it would be easier if I didn’t remember him when they took him.

  “The theory…and mind you, it’s very vague – the theory is that… escorts seduce – mystify and distract the ones that hinder the darkness. They spend their lives at the side of their victims. They’re faithful and give every desire to them – these demons even grow old with their victims. Once the life of the light is over, they simply begin again – moving on to the next pure soul.”

  “And there’s no way out…” I said as a suffocating weight came over me.

  “I would think that any bright…beautiful soul would have a moment of choice…that they would have to freely volunteer to submit to the darkness,” she whispered.

  I moved my head from side to side. “This is different…I saw what it did to that woman – and I refuse to be her.”

  “How do you know that you’re not what the darkness is after?” she asked, leaning in. “Why would they go all the way to New York when Draven was right here?”

  As she said that, I remembered thinking the same thing. “I don’t know…she’s a demon; I’m sure she’s plotted every move…I think Britain was one of her victims.”

  “Do you think that – or do you know that?” Nana whispered.

  “I’m not going back to that night,” I said, standing.

  She stood and reached for my arm before I could turn to leave. “Face this – I will be with you – right by your side. I know you, child – I know you plan to continue this course – you plan to face them again – would it not be wise to know how they trapped you before – so you could avoid it?”

  My heart started to race, and pure terror came over me. I knew that I was weak – that I had to protect myself.

  I nodded as I let out a jagged breath.

  “Look at me – tell me what happened that night - what did they say?”

  My eyes raced back and forth as I reached back to that night. At first, all I could see was darkness – all I could hear was an evil hiss. I searched deeper and deeper into my thoughts, and slowly I felt myself finding the light – the truth about what had happened to me.

  I stared forward as the vision of that night came to life all around Nana and me. “I was going to look into her eyes. I was going to tell her my free will was sending her back to hell.”

  I saw myself on my bed, listening to music. I saw the conversation with Bianca about Cancun – I didn’t even notice that she had fooled me. Once Rosa left, we moved to the living room, and Bianca called Britain and ordered food for us.

  I sat down on the couch and listened to my headphones as I plotted what I’d say when Britain got there – I wanted him to see her as a demon – to understand that he was blind…I thought he was blind because all I could see when I looked at him was me…like I was his only reason in life…like he’d been told by Bianca to handle me so she could have Draven.

  Bianca had brought me water. With each drink I took, the thirstier I became. By the time Britain and his friends arrived, my eyes were glassed over and all I could do was stare at him. When I couldn’t find a way to focus, I knew I’d been drugged, and I was furious – I knew she’d taken my free will. I looked at Bianca as I tried to stand and said, “You’re in trouble now,” through slurred speech.

  She laughed at me. “What are you talking about, Charlie?”

  As I stepped forward, I stumbled, and Britain caught me. He put his hand on my face and tried to look into my eyes, but I couldn’t see him – the drugs had taken away my ability to focus.

  “Free will – she took my free will…she took yours,” I mumbled.

  As I watched these images replay all around me, I witnessed pure rage come over Britain as he glared at Bianca across the room. The friends he’d brought with him cowered away from his glare, deciding to leave the three of us alone.

  “What did you do?” he said through a locked jaw.

  “Relax…I tried to give her something to calm her down – I guess I gave her too much…she’ll come out of it – eventually,” she said with an evil tone that reflected the demon I could see she was.

  “If she ends up hating me – never speaking to me after this….I will never see you again – I will end you – do you hear me, Bianca?!” Britain said as he pulled my body to him, trying to balance me.

  What could only be fear consumed her eyes, and the manipulation she was known for began as her blue eyes softened and she reached to stroke my hair gently as I laid against Britain’s chest. “I just wanted her to relax…to open up so she could see how amazing you are – see that at your side is where she belongs….I was helping, I swear.”

  I watched as the image of me filled with fear…he wasn’t a victim; he was just another version of her. I felt like a fool. Then I tried to think of a way to save him anyway – knowing that someone had given him this fate – one that gave him no real life – one that was encased in darkness.

  Britain’s eyes grew more fierce as he pulled me away from her. “I don’t need you for that – I never did. You’re nothing more than a pitiful excuse for a woman.”

  Bianca held her innocent expression. “You need me. If not now, you will soon. More will come for her – he will come for her…and I will be the only one that can help you then.”

  I knew then that I was right: she was after Draven. My hands gripped Britain’s side, trying to find my balance so I could turn and hit her. His arms tightened around me, thinking I was about to fall – which sabotaged any attempt to hit Bianca I would have made.

  “You’re wrong - if anything, you’ll only make this more complicated - and I’m done toying with you,” Britain said as he started to guide me to the couch.

  “She can see,” Bianca said loudly.

  Britain looked down at me, then back at her.

  “You heard me,” Bianca said, crossing her arms. “She has some kind of mind block she uses, but it’s just a defense – she can see clearly – I’ve seen her do it – I’ve seen her help both the living and the dead.”

  Britain looked down at me. “Is that true? You see my soul?” he asked in an almost hopeful tone.

  I moved my head weakly from side to side. “I see nothing in you….only me….you’re a ghost.”

  “I’m not a ghost,” he said in a whisper…I was sure my words had hurt him.

  “You’re not good – not at all. You take them from me – give them back – show yourself,” I mumbled.

  At that moment, a light beamed from me, and darkness from every corner of the room swarmed in my direction – horrifying screams and echoes of the damned surrounded me. As they charged at my body, I felt cold, heavy….helpless.

  The shadows tortured me for hours, then all at once they were gone and it was silent. Every single part of my body was in pain. I was so weak, I couldn’t even try to run. Bianca crouched down and looked into my eyes.

  “She’s coming back around,” she said to Britain, then she tilted her head as she looked at me. “Did you like that? Do you wanna call them to you again – next time – you may wanna have a clear thought to ‘help’ them,” she laughed, “because all you’ve done now is make them mad – you’re a tease…and no one should tease the dead.”

  I sat up and spit in her face. She reached back to slap me, but Britain caught her hand and flung her across the room. He then reached down, picked me up, and carried me to my bedroom. I wanted to struggle against him, but I couldn’t hold my head up any longer.

  He laid me across my bed and leaned over me. I stared up, and oddly, I felt sorry for him….he looked weak; dark circles were under his eyes…it looked like all the color was wiped from his skin…like he was starving for life. “I’m gonna kill her,” I mumbled.

  “Not yet, love…it seems y
ou show her more than me – so there is some purpose to her lingering around me,” he said as his eyes searched over my face. “I won’t let her hurt you anymore….I’m your servant.”

  He leaned down to kiss my forehead, and I turned away. “I’ll give you whatever you want – anything at all…I’m at your command,” he whispered as his lips slowly moved across my cheek.

  “This is over,” I said, turning my head away.

  I watched as jealousy came over him. “I’m the only man in your life – do you understand that?”

  I refused to respond to that ridiculous statement.

  “Look at me, Charlie,” he commanded.

  I refused.

  “What color are his eyes, Charlie?”

  I looked at him with eyes full of rage. “Who’s?” I asked, blocking out every single thought of Draven.

  “That’s right,” he said as he held my stare. “There is no one else – there never has been.” I watched as his blue eyes began to flood with darkness, and I looked away as quickly as I could, fearing he was about to blind me – trick me.

  I fell to the floor, and the shadows snaked toward me. I scrambled out of the way, but I wasn’t fast enough; they drug me back to my bed, and Britain stared down at me with his now dark eyes. “I think you need to rest – I think Bianca has toyed with your mind…and all of this is a nightmare.”

  I heard my mom come through the front door at that moment, screaming my name. Britain waved his hand, and my bedroom door flew shut. Then he put his hand on my face and stared intently into my eyes.

  “This is a wicked dream – you were drugged by someone outside of us – we’re innocent – you cherish having me in your life; you want to protect me….you want to help me.”

  I heard my mother beat against the door.

  “Charlie…do you want her to pay the price for your defiance?”

  I didn’t answer him. I couldn’t focus anymore; I was barely conscious.

  “Charlie, say I’m the only man you know, and I’ll spare her.”

  “Spare her,” I mumbled as my eyes closed.

  At that moment, my mother charged in, and Britain acted as if he were passed out beside me. I watched as my mother picked up my limp body and screamed my name over and over again. I heard the shadows mock her, and I watched as they reached for her….it was like they were fighting over me – that my mother was pulling me away from the shadows and because I’d called them before and hadn’t been able to help them – they were furious.

  As I watched these memories, I stepped forward, wanting to protect my mother. I felt Nana try to hold me back, but I was too strong for her. I started to push the dark shadows away; as I did, they completely consumed me...I was cold and horrified. After countless minutes, it became quiet and I started to feel heavy - too heavy to move, then I began to drift away.

  Chapter 14

  Out of the silence, I heard my guitar sound…it started to grow louder and louder, then I heard Draven screaming my name. I focused on his voice – that hypnotic voice, and I felt the weight slowly leave my body. My eyes flew open, and I saw him holding me in a panic. I stayed focused on his fearful green eyes and pulled myself out of the illusion I was in. Draven wrapped his arms around me and pulled me up. I’d fallen to the floor. Aden was at our side, rubbing my back, and Nana was standing near us with the greatest sorrow in her eyes.

  “How did this happen?” Aden asked her as Draven helped me stand.

  I couldn’t take my eyes off Draven. I thought if I did, I’d slip away again - and that terrified me. He kissed my forehead and pulled my head to his chest. Nana didn’t answer Aden; she just stepped forward and put her arm around me.

  “Go get her a glass of water –both of you, and take your time.”

  “No,” Draven said, holding me tighter.

  “Draven, five minutes – trust me, son.”

  I looked up at him and nodded, letting my hands fall from around him. “Are you sure?” he whispered.

  I nodded, knowing I had no choice but to keep this a secret from him. Grief filled his eyes as I tucked away the dark memories – hiding a part of myself from him.

  “Five minutes,” he said, quietly stepping back.

  Aden nudged him to go, and I watched them whisper to each other as they left the room.

  “Never jump into a memory – you could be trapped there forever,” she warned in a tender whisper.

  “I couldn’t watch them hurt her…that was my fault.”

  “No, it wasn’t…and don’t worry about your mother…she was never in danger.”

  I looked at her with questioning eyes. She looked away, hiding her thoughts from me.

  “It’s obvious that staying away from these people is the wise thing to do.”

  “I’m not running,” I said as anger coursed through me.

  “Charlie –”

  “No,” I said, stopping her. “Free will – if I tell her to leave, she has to – if I run, they have no reason to ever stop chasing me…I can’t save Britain now…I know that – he’s one of them.”

  “Are you going to tell Draven?” she asked.

  “When they’re gone…not before – I refuse to watch Bianca seduce him.”

  “Right now – you are the target…you have to see that.”

  I moved my head from side to side “Draven is – his gift in music is divine.”

  “It is…but so is your gift to save the darkness…one by one, you destroy the dark energy - the energy – that’s something they must have…you are the threat.”

  “I’m keeping him safe – this is my choice.”

  She let out a breath and looked down. “Remember to choose your words and thoughts carefully when you face them…hold on to the strength your father has given you.”

  I nodded slightly.

  “I’m going to call Kara, you stay here tonight – where you’re safe,” she said, reaching to hug me goodnight.

  I knew that she was trying to keep me close – to make sure I didn’t have a chance to face Britain, but I didn’t care. Right now, all I wanted was Draven.

  I rubbed my hands across my face as if I could wipe away the stress. I took a deep breath and went to find Draven. I could hear their voices mumbling in the kitchen. When I walked in, I saw Aden sitting on the counter and Draven leaning against it, waiting for the second he could come for me.

  “You’re early,” Aden said in a teasing tone. “Nana still had one minute on the clock.”

  I smiled faintly and locked eyes with Draven. He walked slowly to me, looking over every part of me. I knew he was trying to see what was wrong. The frustration and anger in his eyes told me couldn’t.

  “What happened?” he asked quietly.

  “I stepped into a memory,” I answered calmly.

  “What – why?!”

  “It was a reflex…I didn’t mean to do anything stupid,” I said quietly.

  He shook his head in wonder as his eyes looked over me. I knew I was torturing him, but I couldn’t help it.

  “How did you know to come for me?” I asked, hoping that no matter how bad I messed up, he’d be able to help me.

  “She texted him,” Aden said, hopping down from the counter.

  His tone made me smile. “Really?” I asked, bewildered.

  “I guess she thought it was faster than going to the studio – or maybe she just didn’t want to leave you,” Draven said, reaching for my waist and pulling me closer to him, then leaning his forehead to mine.

  “I’m fine,” I whispered, reaching up to steal a kiss.

  “I’ll guess I’ll leave you guys alone,” Aden said, walking to the door.

  “No, wait,” I said, feeling bad that he felt like he had to leave.

  He turned and smiled, displaying his adorable dimples. “It’s late – I’m sure you’re going to have to leave soon – you guys should be alone.”

  I smiled. “As scary as that was,” I said, nodding to the doorway, “it earned me a sleepover – I’m here
all night.”

  Aden raised his eyebrows, and his smile grew. “Well, why don’t you guys go play? I’m gonna take a shower. If it sounds like you want company, I’ll come up.”

  “Deal,” I said, smiling at him. He nodded, then turned to leave.

  I looked back at Draven to see a surprised grin on his face, “Really? You’re staying here?”

  A sly grin came across my face. “You can take me home if you want to – Nana just wanted me to feel safe.”

  He blushed. “I’ll stay at your house if you wanna hear your guitar.”

  I reached for his hand and pulled him to the door. “You play it for me – you promised.”

  He put his arm around me as we walked up the steps. I lied to myself as I walked at his side – I told myself that the world outside of these walls didn’t exist, that there was no evil seeking him…that we could live a life of peace without the threat of losing who we are – or each other.

  Once we reached the studio, I took my spot on the couch, eager to watch him play the tune that had protected me more times than I could count. Draven went to his guitar, then pulled an amp closer to the couch. He sat on the end and held his arm out, encouraging me to scoot closer. He laid the guitar across us and moved my hands so they would rest on his. He slowly began to play the chords that I always heard. I watched the way he moved his fingers, how they slid almost angelically down and up the neck.

  The sound I’d heard would always change as if it had mood swings, but what Draven was playing was the heart of it, the baseline of what I could hear.

  His lips rested on my temple, as if to encourage me to take control. Then he moved his hands over mine.

  I gently let my fingertips touch the strings; as I played the chords, I was flooded with emotion. I felt the power – the sacrifice behind the sound. I closed my eyes and just listened. I felt myself coming back - all of the lost memories of playing this beautiful instrument belonged to me again. I remembered mastering it - embracing each sound I created as if it were a part of my soul.

  My fingers slowly began to move as I searched for more memories. I looked up at Draven. “Have we ever seen the dead when it isn’t sad – have we…have we…” I wanted to ask if I’d ever seen my father, but I couldn’t find the words.