✓ | The Crown of the Dead

I Commit Just One or Two Crimes

Sally Jackson made sure to stock us up on blue cookies and capri suns for our long adventure ahead. She gave us a few water bottles too, and mixed fruit. I was more than grateful.

"Now, Bianca," she said, taking her hands in mine. "Listen very closely. If you feel as though you're over exerting yourself, or if you grow extremely tired, do not push yourself with your magic. It is terribly dangerous."

I nodded honestly. "I won't, Mrs. Jackson, I promise."

"Good. Above all, I want to be sure that you are safe. That is your number one priority."

I nodded once more.

"As soon as you make it to where the others are, take a break. Drink water and eat something. Charlie, make sure she's alright."

"I will. You can count on me."

"Okay." Mrs. Jackson patted my shoulders. "Be safe. When you're finished, you must come back and tell me about your adventures. Promise?"

"Promise," I said.

Mrs. Jackson pulled me in for a hug. She was warm and smelled like sugar. It was a nice feeling. After she was finished with me, she reached for Charlie, who fell into her embrace with ease.

She sighed wistfully. "I don't want to go."

"I know," Mrs. Jackson said, running a hand through her hair. "But I'm sure you'll be home soon, safe and sound."

"Oh," Charlie said. "Could I have a hair tie? I hate it when my hair isn't up."

"Of course sweetie."

As they were talking, I peeked into my bag and snuck a glance at the crown. It was still there, gently tucked between my changes of clothes. Just where I had left it-- perfectly fine.

I shouldn't worry so much.

"Alright you two," Mrs. Jackson said as soon as Charlie had her hair pulled back. "Both of you stand right over here. Take each other's hands-- that's it now."

I reached out for Charlie's hand, and she took it with ease. An ever so light blush creeped up her cheeks. For some reason, it made me want to giggle.

"Okay, Bianca. I want you to imagine the others in your head, very clearly. Not only what they look like, but what they sound like, what they feel like. Even what they smell like."

"Ew," Charlie commented, causing Mrs. Jackson to shush her.

"Do you have an image in your head?"

I did. It was of Essie's face, the sound of Blake's voice, and the feeling of Luke's fingertips when he brushed up against mine in the Hades cabin. I hated that that was what came to mind.

"I do," I said aloud.

"Perfect. I think you know what to do now, don't you. Will yourself. Feel yourself connecting to the others. Feel yourself traveling to where they are. Your body is under your control. Remind yourself of that."

"My body is under my control," I muttered under my breath. "My body is under my control."

Finally, I felt myself slowly melt away. It was much gentler than when I had done it to escape from the man in black when I'd been at Ganymede's. I felt more refreshed. I was more prepared-- more ready. My heart wasn't beating at a frightening pace, and I was actually more excited to Shadowtravel than scared.

I was happy. I was proud. I was going to do this.

The next thing I knew, I was falling over face first, receiving a mouthful of asphalt. Luckily, Charlie was there to catch me before I slammed into the pavement.