Dare to Die - Book 1 of The Imagined Chronicles

Journeys

William

I stare at Amber, open mouthed. How much of my conversation with Jul did she hear? Only the last part, or the whole thing?

Thankfully, Jul asks the question. "How much did you hear?"

Amber stared confused at Jul. "The whole thing? Because I was in your room, remember?"

I'm confused now. Do Amber and Jul have a 'relationship'?

Jul looks at me like he's having unpleasant thoughts. "Uh, yeah."

Ren squeaks behind me, and I turn around, looking for him. Jul and Amber laugh, and I hear another squeak from behind me, but higher. Someone pulls on my hair, and suddenly there's a weight atop my head. Amber giggles, and now I know where Ren is.

"Gotcha, you little rascal." I reach up, and yes, there is Ren, squeaking joyously. I grab him and bring him down to eye level. Then I turn away so the others won't see my smile. "Please don't try that again."

Ren squeals indignantly. I take that as a no. I turn back around to find Jul and Amber whispering hurriedly behind my back. "-with him."

Jul's voice is angry. "No he has to-" He notices me listening and cuts himself off.

"I have to what?" I ask, curious.

"You have to go alone."

"What? I'm going where?"

Amber stomps her foot. Her red hair whips her face as she shakes her head. "Don't you know? We're going to search for the charms together!"

Jul turns red, making his white hair and blue eyes stand out more than it did before. "You're not going! I'm your older brother, so I say no!"

Somehow I'm not startled by the news that they are siblings. "Actually, could Amber and Shaza come with me? I don't know the area." For some reason that statement seems like a lie.

Jul turns back to his normal color and sighs. "Fine. Go with her. But beware, she is a bad luck charm."

Amber is the one turning red now. "No I am not!"

I raise my hands. "Guys, stop! Lets just go already!"

When we finally set out to leave, Ren climbs up my shoulder with a blue budded stem. Jul tells me what that is. "Deathrose. Eat a leaf and it will heal you. Eat a flower and it will instantly kill you."

"But why did Ren give it to me?" I stroke the small mouse, and he gives out a cat-like purr.

"I dunno. Just only use it in a life-or-death situation,  okay?"

"Okay." Amber is yelling at me, telling me to hurry up.  Shaza silently paces through the giant purple trees and shrubs beside her.  Ren jumps off me and I wave goodbye to Jul as I walk down the path. My journey has begun.