Dark Days (The Childe Series, #2) (31 page)
“Well, um,” Cat began, trying to compose herself while containing the laughter bubbling up.
“
Since the cat’s got your tongue, I’ll begin. I see you found out you’re adopted. With love you find it’s not all that bad really, is it? Hmmm, you know you’re a Childe as well, pointy pearly whites and all. Special indeed. And now one of your best friends is hanging around with a pair of evil chicks, right?
” Cat quickly closed her mouth when she realized it had been hanging open for a couple of seconds as the spirit had counted off each item with Gretchen’s fingers.
“Yes, you’re right. But how-”
“
How do I know all this? Come on Cat. For real? Like I don’t know all? Shut it, Gretchen! Maybe not all, but enough to know why she’s here
,” Spirit huffed. “
So, you want to know about Linda and whether you can save her?
” Spirit asked. Gretchen looked in deep thought with her hand about her face. “
I’m told she’s salvageable, but you have to destroy the one whose blood made her. Strange…Linda hasn’t met this being, but how can that be
?” Spirit asked confused. “
I’m puzzled by this, and let me tell you, this doesn’t happen very often
.” Gretchen’s head looked off to the side, “
Hey! What are you doing? Who are yo
-” Cat watched on, stunned as Gretchen’s eyes rolled back, and her head fell forward, slamming into the table.
“Gretchen? Gretchen?” Cat shook her, forgetting about the stone in her right hand, and dropped it on the table as reached out for her.
“Gretchen’s not here, try again,” A sinister female voice came from Gretchen’s mouth. Sitting up she raised her head. A trickle of blood ran down Gretchen’s forehead. Cat sank back in her seat scared by the look of hatred glaring at her from Gretchen’s eyes. They were dark red with just a hint of black surrounding them.
Those aren’t Gretchen’s eyes
, Cat thought. Her gaze was drawn to the smirk on her mouth. “Ms. Colvin, you silly little girl. It seems you’ve dropped something.” Cat looked down at the table and saw the jagged black stone sitting there. As Gretchen’s hand reached for it Cat snatched it up quickly and brought it close to her, clutching it tightly. Gretchen laughed evilly. “Stupid girl! Do you think a little stone will protect you?” Cat felt the stones had power and trusted in Gretchen that they would keep her safe. “Oh goodie, we have company, come to save your precious
Childe
.” Cat turned toward the door, surprised to see Aylah standing there. “Come in, Aylah, and join the party.”
“No, I think I will pass Quintance. I do not think your sister will approve of your actions here.”
“Like she has a choice! She was foolish enough to let that silly Spirit take over, giving me the chance to…visit. Oh how I miss our visits.” Gone was Gretchen’s face and in its place was a face similar, but ghastly in appearance. Cat cringed at the dark smile Quintance projected at her.
“Cat, I need for you to stand up and come to me,” Aylah said quietly. Cat tried to stand, but her legs became wobbly and she fell back in her chair.
“I think the poor child’s scared out of her wits, don’t you, Aylah? Ah, it would seem we have another eavesdropper. We are so popular today.” Quintance moved her hand sending the door flying wide open. “Come in, child. Julie is it? Don’t be shy, my dear. Ohhhh, you’re interesting now aren’t you?” Quintance asked, examining Julie who was framed in the doorway. “What can you be? Oh, you’re a-” Gretchen’s head fell on the table with a sickening thud. Aylah rushed over and gently helped Gretchen up.
“Aylah…could you…fetch me…a glass of water?” Gretchen’s weak voice asked.
“Certainly. Julie, come with me, everything is okay now.” Julie gave one last worried look to Cat and then followed Aylah out of the room.
“You can let go of the stones now, Cat, I’m back.” Gretchen tried to give a reassuring smile, but her pale face filled Cat with concern. Gretchen reached out and patted her hand. “Sorry I couldn’t formally introduce you to my sister…my twin to be exact. As you can tell, Quintance took a different road than I did, I’m afraid.” Gretchen paused as Aylah set a glass of water in front of her. After taking a sizable gulp, “Thank you, Aylah. Please go look after Julie, make sure she is okay,” Gretchen said with a smile. As Aylah left the room, Gretchen turned her focus back to Cat. “My sister was not always like this. No, there was a time when we were much alike. But something happened and she changed for the worse. I haven’t seen or heard from her for years now. I should’ve been more aware that this could happen, especially tonight.”
“Annie is making you some herbal tea to give you back your strength,” Aylah stated, poking her head back through the doorway.
“Thank you, Aylah.”
“Gretchen, are you sure you’re okay?” Cat asked.
“I am, my dear. A little weary, but I’m fine.” Gretchen’s eyes became serious as she looked at Cat. “I need to tell you something. Since my sister knows of you now, I fear she will only add to your ever growing number of issues. I will not lie to you, Cat, she is a very powerful dark witch, and you must be extra careful now that she knows what you are.” Gretchen stood, making her way over to an antique dark wooden cabinet. Opening one of the drawers she drew out a small vial that contained a pale purple liquid. “I’m going to give you this to keep on your person at all times. When you feel yourself in danger, open the vial and it shall dispel even the most powerful of dark magics. The stone Amaya gave you should also be worn constantly now, as it will add another layer of protection. Oh, and Miss Amaya forgot to tell you this, but your moonstone is also your entry item. It allows you access to our village. Just say these words,
Revealius Indrogorum
, at the forest entrance while holding your stone.”
Cat felt the moonstone that was resting on her chest with her hand.
“Yes, child, it was much more than just a present. Now I need to rest, I feel a little light headed. I will bid you farewell for now,” Gretchen said weakly and then disappeared, leaving behind a purple smoky haze.
Cat rubbed her eyes and gave a startled look to Aylah who had returned with a tray that held two tea cups.
“Don’t worry, Cat, she’s fine. Gretchen would have never made it home the normal way.” Aylah helped Cat up from her chair and walked with her toward the door. Cat held up the small glass vial hanging from a thin leather band and stared at it.
“That is a very special item you hold in your hand, Cat. It will protect you and others around you. Don’t hesitate to use it.” Cat nodded and slid the vial into her pocket. “Hone your senses and listen to your intuitions, they will never steer you wrong,” Aylah explained, leading Cat out of the room. “I’m truly sorry your visit was not a pleasant one, but next time we shall more than make up for it. Peace and love go with you.”
Cat turned to look for Julie. After spotting Julie by one of the bookshelves, she turned back toward Aylah, “So what about-” Cat stopped when she saw that Aylah was no longer there. A single large white feather caught Cat’s eye as it drifted down in front of her. She placed her hand out as it slowly floated down, settling on her palm.
“Cat, you okay?” Julie asked, coming up behind her. Dazed, Cat turned to see her friend wringing her hands with worry.
“Yeah, I’m fine. You?”
“Okay, I guess. Hey, where did you get that?” Julie asked, pointing at the feather.
“It was just here.”
“Well, come on, I think we need to get going. I’ve had enough weird for the night, that’s for sure.” Julie glanced at the back room and saw it was empty.
What’s with this place,
she thought. Leaving the store, they made their way to Cat’s Jeep.
The drive home was quiet, and neither Cat nor Julie noticed the car following them. Duffie and Leif watched as Cat and Julie had flown by in the forest, and then followed them back to Nehalem Avenue, wondering what had transpired.
Spying their three friends standing by Cat’s front door, Julie and Cat groaned in unison. “This is not going to be good,” Cat muttered.
“So where have you two been?” Amanda’s angry voice rang out as Cat and Julie got out of the Jeep. “Just going to be a little late, huh? It’s been more than three hours!”
“I’m really sorry, guys. I had something very important to take care of,” Cat tried to explain, but she felt it fell on deaf ears. None of her friends looked happy.
“You were supposed to spend the night with us, but instead it seems like you made up some lame excuse so you and Julie could go off together,” Amanda huffed, crossing her arms.
“We’re your friends too! Why couldn’t we have come?” Elle’s hurt tone came through loud and clear.
“Yeah, what’s up with that?” Matt added.
“I’m sorry. What else can I say?” Cat was at a loss for words. She never thought they would find out. She looked at Julie for help, but she just shrugged her shoulders hopelessly.
“Well, I hope you guys have a nice Halloween together. Come on guys, let’s go make popcorn. Robert Craven is calling.” They all stormed off. Elle looked back over her shoulder at Cat and Julie with sadness filling her face.
“Great, just great. This is the last thing I needed right now,” Cat murmured to Julie who just stood by watching as the three headed down the street toward Amanda’s house.
Hannah watched from a distance as Matt sifted through his locker.
Just go over there and ask him already,
she told herself. Pushing away from the wall, Hannah made her way over, passing under two students struggling to hang a banner for the Sadie Hawkins dance. Matt spun around as she tapped him on the shoulder.
“Hey, Hannah, what’s up?” he asked with a smile.
She melted at the sight of his green eyes and dimples. She was unable to talk, she just stared. Taking a deep breath, “Yeah, umm, hey. So do you, have any plans-” she began, but was interrupted when members of the varsity football team came down the hall, calling out Matt’s name. Hannah looked away defeated, pushing her long blonde hair over her ear.
“Hey, guys!” Matt said coolly and turned his attention back to Hannah.
Taking another deep breath, with a lot less confidence, she asked, “So yeah, umm. Has anyone, asked you to the, uh, dance yet?” Looking intently at Hannah, Matt finally realized how nervous she was.
“Yeah, actually someone just asked me,” he replied with a serious face.
“Oh,” she said, her tone filled with disappointment.
“I’m kidding, Hannah. Don’t look so upset. I meant you,” he said, chuckling as she flashed him a hopeful smile. “I’d love to go with you to the dance,” he continued, placing his arm around her shoulder. As the pair walked down the hallway toward their English class, Hannah blushed at the stares they were receiving from the many students gathered in the hall.
Isaac glared at his sister as she walked away. “What the hell is she thinking? First Ryan, now Hannah! This has got to end!” he said in a frustrated whisper.
“Easy, Isaac,” Amelia said slyly as she massaged his shoulders. “There will be a time for that, baby. We need to be smart about this.” Turning to look at the Stone twins, Amelia grinned evilly. “I think I’ve got a plan to get both Hannah and Ryan back in line.” The twins returned her evil grin.
