The Willows (book three)

Chapter 14

Chapter 15-Harry’s POV:

That night I didn’t go home. I didn't reply to any calls, nor did I have anything in me to enter that house for a while. Something about today made me unable to be near her, because after a long time of distance, today gave me the chance to be near her. And it was wonderful. I guess I'm afraid that if I enter that house, and pass her room that I'll feel the guilt replace my happiness. So I decided to distract my occupied mind.

I searched the streets, driving through town as people headed home for the night. I noticed the number of Shadows increased as the night went on, I felt their darkness in the night air, the immortal feeling that they gave off to all other supernatural creatures.

I glance over at Liam in the passenger seat, he always seemed worse everyday since that night. After Sophia I can see why. We hadn’t seen her in a while and in every way possible I wished she was in pain, suffering from the burden of chains that will tie her away from the truth she never held. The whole lie flashes in my mind, like treacherous memories that are trying with everything to set my anger on fire.

Sophia became trusted friends with us, she acted like she was innocent, she let Liam fall for her, she convinced him to love her and not for a single moment did she waver. We were nothing but chess pieces to her and she was playing against truth, for a while she was winning but the truth overpowered her somehow.

She leaked out our plans and spilled our secrets. She was Anon’s spy all that time. When Liam found out he was crushed and I could never forgive her for hurting my friend. He grew a quick hatred for her that he didn't deserve to feel, but he was still sad on the inside no matter how many other feelings he piled on top of it.

As I glance at my friend, I could see it as I always have, I could tell that he sees trust differently now more than anything. I’m just not sure if that's a good thing. 

After a long while, I pull the vehicle over to the curb, killing the engine as we stepped out. Liam exhales, “Why are we looking for Clemen again? You and I both know he's probably hiding in the Shadow world.” We start down the sidewalk, spotting a group of three black dressed people laughing in a circle outside of a club.

“We need to make him tell us what he said to Ocean earlier.” After I received the call from Eleanor, I knew he said something he shouldn't have. I don't trust him and he knows that, it's the advantage that he uses to ruin me.

“I thought she told you he said nothing.” I scoff, shaking my head as we stroll closer, “That's what he wants us to believe.”

He shrugs, “Looked like it.” He adds quietly to himself, not sure if he meant for me to hear or not. We walk down the sidewalk in silence, approaching the group.

"Long way from home." I state, loud enough for them to hear me over their conversation. They all turn their heads to me, at a closer distance I could decipher the blood red colour in their eyes as they stared our way.

"Who are you?" A girl, with golden blonde hair and dark makeup around her eyes, she dressed in pure black and stood tall, confidently with the others, "I'm sure that you can answer your own question." 

She glares my way, unable to hide her astonishment. I smile, "Do any of you know of Clemen's whereabouts?"

"What's it to you?" A male asks in a deep voice, "Everything." Liam replies sternly, his hands ball into fists, "It just depends on how easily you're willing to cooperate."

"Piss off." He spits, I divert my gaze to Liam, who nods in return. My friend steps up, pulling the man from the group and slamming his back harshly against the stone brick wall to our left. The rest of them stand still, not able to think of something they could do.

"I'll break him." Liam spits through gritted teeth. The blonde looks nervous as she stares at Liam, she glances at her friends before stepping forwards, "He's inside." She says. Liam releases the man, turning to them, "Bring him outside and make sure he's alone." He says in a quiet, threatening voice that cut through the air like sharp pointed ice. 

They waver for a moment, all unsure if a single movement would do the biggest damage of cracking the sidewalk. The Shadows turn and walk away, disappearing into the club. 

A few minutes later, Clemen and Emerson walk outside towards us, a sly smile spreading to Clemen's face. As I look at Emerson, my mind fills with growing hatred. I've always wanted to kill him, I hated him more than I hated Sophia.

“Look who came out to play again.” Clemen laughs as Emerson avoids eye contact, "I should have known it was you." He adds, standing in front of us, fearless as he's always been.

“I just want to talk.” I say, trying to keep my voice calm.

“Sure you do.” He questions, reading my thoughts, I wanted to punch that grin off his face. But decided against it, knowing that violence would only make things worse “What did you tell, Ocean today?” Liam asks. Clemen shrugs, leaning his side against the brick wall, “I pressed her to ask questions, she didn't want to at first, but I'm very persuasive. She asked why I attacked her, I said someone wants her dead. She wanted to know who, but I didn't say. She asked who I was, I told her. Then she asked about my eyes, but I didn't get the chance.”

“That's it?”

He nods. Clemen was telling the truth, but not fully, he knows something and I can see it behind those eyes, 

“Did you tell her that you’re a Shadow?” I ask, he just shakes his head, “No, I was about to, but  like I said you're friends interrupted before I could.” I ran my hand through my hair and looked at Liam. It bothered me that he was willing to tell Ocean that he was a Shadow. This whole thing bothered me everyday, I want him as far from Ocean as possible, but nothings working.

Liam and I exchange a glance, about to walk away when he finally speaks, “Why do you not want her to know who you are?”

Emerson asks abruptly, his neutral expression tinted with anger. I shot him a glare before answering, “I need to give her some space for once, let her live without the frustration or fear. I need to get her out of the way for a while so I can do some things.”

“If you love her you would tell her everything. Seems to me like you don't as much as you say.”

“You don’t have a right to tell me how to work my own fucking relationship you son of a-”

“Alright!”

Liam calls over our voices, the exhaustion in him is evident as I look at him. Emerson rolls his eyes and I hold back every urge to beat him right then.

I don’t trust these guys at all, but I was going to have to take it. I can't let my anger control me, it's happened before. My friend and I turn away when he answers for his death wish,

“In the end she's going to find out, she's going to know what you are, that you lied to her. She's going to find out that she doesn't deserve you, that trust means nothing to a manipulative liar like you!” 

“Damn.” Liam curses.

In that moment it was like a tidal wave of every bad feeling I've ever felt, felt all at once. I hated them, I hated everything, not a single happy thoughts could take away my hatred now. I swing around swiftly, my fist colliding with Emerson's jaw.