AllFreeNovel
Share Us
EMBER
Ihad a bad dream. A nightmare. Something urgent woke me up in a sweat, and I grabbed my phone.
A text from Emily. She’s going away with Morgan to her cottage for a girls’ night? What the hell was she thinking leaving by herself? She said Morgan would text me the address, but—surprise, surprise—she didn’t.
Okay, maybe my dream was some kind of warning to wake me up for Emily. But I had no idea where she was, and her phone kept going to voicemail. I tried looking for Griffin’s phone number but couldn’t find it. Damn, I should’ve gotten Morgan’s number when I had the chance.
No sense in panicking; that would only make things worse. I needed to calm myself so I could think rationally.
Meditation.
It was the only thing that would help. So, I crossed my legs and sat in the lotus position, my fingertips touching the tips of my thumbs with my palms in the air, and I closed my eyes.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
As soon as my mind opened, I felt the claws again and rushed to reach out.
Balthazar, please. You have to help me. I think my friend is in trouble.
You are correct. Your friend is in danger. His voice lacked the typical humor and nonchalance it usually held, and was filled with something that was almost like… fear? Concern?
Though my body remained still, my mind swarmed with terrors of the unknown.
I can help you, but I’ll need something in return.
I scoffed. Bargaining at a time like this? So much for sounding concerned. Really? Fine, whatever. Just help me save my friend.
There is a traitor among you who took Emily to Samara’s cottage. Find the cottage, and you will find Emily.
I knew exactly which traitor he was talking about. The only witch I’ve suspected this whole time. Where’s the cottage?
That information I cannot divulge.
Please, Balthazar, I pleaded, feeling zero shame for groveling. Please. I’m begging you; I’ll do whatever you ask. Just help me find her.
It is not that I don’t want to tell you, Miss Ember. I do not possess the ability.
What the hell does that mean? Possess the ability? You seem to be talking fine right now, I pointed out.
He laughed again, the sound light and airy, though his voice held a tone of distress. If only it were that simple. I have already done too much. Soon, I will collect my payment, but for now, you must go. Find your friend. I will reach out to your mind soon. Oh, and Ember?
Yes?
Trust in your ability to find her. Only you can do so. It is why you are so connected to her.
He disappeared; the connection severed.
Trust in my ability? What was that supposed to mean? And where would I even begin to find Emily?
It was almost dawn. Maybe if I left a bunch of messages for Griffin, he would see them after the change and rush over here. I had no choice but to wait for backup. I had no idea where to go, how strong Morgan was, or who else waited at that cottage. Besides, I’d left my car at Griffin’s apartment and rode back with Cassian.
I tried meditating some more, hoping it could bring me an answer. Nothing. Still, I continued for the next 45 minutes until I heard Cassian walk through the hallway.
My feet couldn’t lift me fast enough before I scrambled to him, my face filled with pure panic. I explained everything to him—well, everything except Balthazar—and we continuously called Griffin until he answered.
“I’m on my way,” he said, hanging the phone up.
