Page 80 of Into The Light

Emilia huffed. “They’ve got a full bar you can get other drinks at.”

He pursed his lips. “I do love drinks. Fine. We’ll go eat the curds, drink the Bloody Marys, and give Aiden a heart attack. But then... France!”

“Do I get a say in all this?” I asked, glancing between the two of them.

“Do you have any ideas what kind of food to eat?” she asked.

With a shrug, I shook my head. “Not a clue. You’re right. You two lead the way.”

We all shared a laugh before Emilia turned the key and started up the engine again. “Home?” she asked, and I nodded.

We turned through the town and I stared in wonder at the world basked in light. People walked down the streets with dogs on leashes, pushing strollers in front of them. Children played in their yards and the sounds of their laughter pricked my ears as we passed them by. You didn’t see many children in the wee hours of the night. It was then I realized when I focused, I still had my special hearing. I furrowed my brow and tuned it in, listening to a child giggle as they slid down a slide a block away, but it sounded like it was beside the car.

“Whoa.” I turned to Emilia.

“What is it?” she asked, letting up on the gas.

“I think I still have my powers.”

“Seriously?” she and Mark asked in unison.

I couldn’t feel them as readily available as they were before, but when I closed my eyes and focused, I could feel them crackling beneath my skin, faded now, but still there. They felt exactly as they had when the Picts first bestowed the gift on us. They were there, but not as powerful as they became when we drank blood and transitioned to vampires.

“Yeah, they’re there. My hearing is at least.”

“Well that’s unexpected,” Mark said.

“Let’s get home and see what else still works.” Emilia pressed her foot back onto the gas. We surged forward and turned down the road that led to home. I had come to terms with the loss of my powers and strength, but knowing they were still here sent a warm feeling through me. Was it possible I could have it all? I looked over to Emilia and knew no matter what, with her at my side, I already did.

After we parked the car and went into the house, I stepped out the back door to the pool area and back into the sun. I didn’t want to waste a minute without it on my skin.

“Well?” Emilia asked.

I looked at the horse stable down below and clenched my jaw. With a burst I was there, and with another I was back at her side.

“Holy shit,” she breathed.

“Holy shit,” I responded.

“You still have your powers. How?”

“I don’t know. But they’re there. They aren’t as accessible as they were before, I need to think about it to make them work, but I can still use them.”

“That’s amazing, Aiden.” She reached out and took my hand. “I don’t know how it’s possible, but it’s incredible.”

“So, are you still invincible?” Mark asked, stepping into the doorway holding a pair of plain back shorts.

“I’m not sure,” I said as I examined my hands. “Bring me a knife.”

“Aiden,” Emilia said with concern.

“Just a little nick to see if I bleed.”

Mark disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a knife moments later. He placed it in my hand, and we all took a deep breath when I pushed it into my skin.

“Ouch!” I grimaced as the skin ripped and blood trickled out.

“Well, that answers that. You’re no longer the Invincible Man.”