Daniel Taylor and the Scepter of Power (15 page)

Vanessa’s parents knew that their daughter was with Daniel. She was allowed to stay out with him until eleven o’clock. Otherwise, they knew nothing: nothing about Vanessa’s disappearance, nothing about Daniel’s true identity, and nothing about the existence of demons.

When Vanessa had called her parents on the way back from Canada after not coming home from the dance performance the night before, she had let them believe that she had spent the night with Daniel. That had earned her a week’s grounding, but everything had since been smoothed over.

Daniel had fallen behind in school, but Nessa was helping him catch up. Returning to his “normal” life felt so strange to him. What would Kuwalski think if she knew where he had been — and what he had been? She’d definitely pee her pleated-front trousers in fear, just like all the others who had always mocked him. After all he had been through, Daniel felt strong. His self-confidence had increased to the point where he could laugh off his classmates’ dumb jokes, and he was no longer considered a loser.

Marla had moved in with Mike. As Ilaria had prophesized, she had “left this life” and was beginning another. For one thing, she was now officially James’ daughter; the underground watcher community had provided forged documents that verified this. Marla was considering training as a tattoo artist or working in a record store, but she wasn’t ready to decide yet.

Mike continued to work at the bank — but not for the Guild anymore, although they didn’t know it yet. Now, like James and Dr. Graham, he belonged to the watcher underground. Blondie was a spy, and he seemed to be damn proud of his position. He was trying to get information from his parents to determine who among the Guild’s high-ranking members had defected. Mike visited them more often than before, searching their computer and house each time.

He had been pleased to discover that ever since James had sent the Guild an anonymous tip, the organization had been plagued by mistrust and chaos.

Daniel took Vanessa by the hand. They carefully skipped over the creaking step so that no one would realize they were sneaking upstairs. He could feel the ring on Vanessa’s finger. His ring. He had returned it to her two weeks ago. They had begun their relationship again with a fresh start, going to the movies with Marla and Mike and having dinner together. Nothing more than kissing and a bit of cuddling. Daniel wouldn’t pressure her ever again.

Giggling, Vanessa shut the door to his room, tossed her parka onto a chair, and hopped onto the bed. Daniel’s room looked totally different, and he was very happy about that. James had helped him renovate as part of his “new beginning” as a human. The blue carpet had been transformed into a hardwood floor — like the one in Vanessa’s room — and the old shelves, bed, and wardrobe had been replaced with more modern furniture.

His computer also had a new place of honor, although Daniel hardly used it anymore. He had more important things to do.

“That was a really lovely evening,” Vanessa said as Daniel took off his coat and sat down next to her on the bed.

Daniel smiled. Yes, it had been a nice evening, even though Marla and Mike had been there. But his sister didn’t bother him anymore, and he had even gotten used to Blondie.

END

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