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But as panic sets in and the sky abruptly shadows with clouds, I’m reminded of the strange occurrences that I see every day. Maybe other strange things exist out there, too. Maybe the Everettsons are strange.
They sure as hell seem like it.
Sucking in a breath, I leave the kitchen. Later, looking back to that moment, I’ll wonder what on earth compelled me to do it. Maybe it was the simple fact that I was tired and emotionally drained. Or maybe it was something more than that. A feeling. A whisper begging me to go see.
See that I wasn’t as alone as I thought I was.
Chapter 12
The wind picks up as I stride across the grassy field, the chilled air nipping at my skin. I probably should’ve put on a jacket, but if I turn back now, I’ll more than likely talk myself out of doing this. So, wrapping my arms around myself, I hurry toward the forest where the trees sway with the wind.
When I reach the border, I pause, just like Hunter and Holden did, and move to elevate my hand.
Part of me questions if I hallucinated the rippling effect, that when I place my palm in the air, nothing will happen. But just like with Holden and Hunter, the air ripples like waves. It also feels warm against my skin, as if begging me to touch it longer.
My insides jitter with nerves, and the sky more than notices, lighting up like the Fourth of July.
Calm down, Sky, or you’re going to start a fire.
Summoning a deep breath, I step forward and through the rippling, clear wall.
Swoosh.
The second my foot enters the trees, sparkling warmth waterfalls over me. I’d be more concerned about it, except the scene in front of me has me very distracted.
The trees are taller than I’ve ever seen, the grass is greener than the greenest of shades, and the number of colorful flowers sprouting from everywhere is unnatural.
When I look up, my lips part in shock. The sky is an electric blue, not a single cloud evident.
“What is this place?” I whisper, peering around.
A few butterflies flutter around a rose bush, but other than that, I can’t see any signs of life. Water is flowing from somewhere close by, and when I listen closer, I hear faint voices drifting through the gentle breeze. I can’t make out what they’re saying or who they belong to so, putting my guard up, I endeavor deeper into the trees.
With each step, the colors of the forest sharpen, as if I’ve stepped into a portrait. And the voices also get louder, the faint murmurs turning into actual words.
“Just get in the middle, okay?” Gabe sounds as if he’s losing his patience.
A flutter of a second later, I slam to a halt as I reach the edge of a small clearing where all the Everettsons are standing in a circle. They’re dressed head to toe in black with hoods pulled over their heads, which I find odd for several different reasons, one being that Hunter and Holden weren’t wearing hoodies when they left the house.
Before they can spot me, I hunker down behind a tree and trap my breath in my chest. I’m not even sure why my instinct is to hide, or what I’m afraid of, other than this entire situation is straight-up crazy.
Maybe I’m crazy.
Maybe I’m hallucinating.
Maybe I’m still asleep in my bed, dreaming.
I pinch my arm to check and wince. Fuck, that hurt.
“I don’t know why we have to do this,” Foster growls out. “I’ve been getting better.”
“We know, son, but with all the storms that have been blowing through …” Gabe gives a short pause. “I think it’s best if we practice containing your powers, okay?”
“I already said I’m not causing those storms,” Foster bites out. “Something else is doing it.”
Silence momentarily stills the air.
“Sweetie, as far as everyone knows, you’re the only elemental enchanter alive right now,” Emaline says. “So, if the storms are being controlled, it’s probably your doing. Not that we’re mad at you—we know you’ve been stressed out lately. But we need to get your powers under control before you draw too much attention, which can’t happen. And while we’ll do anything to protect our secrets, I’d rather just make sure they stay secret.”
