The Fate Of The Marked

Chapter Eight

The next morning came too soon. It felt as though it had only been seconds between the time when I closed my eyes and when the alarm clock went off. Groggily, I dressed. It was almost four, but I needed to pack. I hadn't had the chance the night before. Derek and Jane had talked to me until nearly midnight before returning to their hotel to get some sleep.

I didn't have much, but I figured being up a few hours early would let me take one last walk around alone to gather my thoughts. I shoved my clothes into a bag that Christi had given me a few days ago. Everything fit easily. I took a few minutes to look around. Christi had told me to take anything I might need. There was nothing else personal that I could bring with me, besides the necklace.

I was wrong about going alone to think.

Mick walked straight into me as I left the bedroom. We both stumbled. He hadn't been able to sleep the night before. He had sat with me until nearly two, when I dozed off. He must have gone back to his room. Mick smiled at me and followed me down the stairs.

"Where are you going?" He whispered as we entered the kitchen.

No one else was up. Mick was overjoyed. He and Jordan would be leaving today as well, going with Abigail and Steven Manning. Jordan was still unsure, but Mick was happier than I had ever seen him. He was almost as excited for me as he was himself, and had promised to call and write me when he could when Jane had given him the address and phone number for the house. I walked out to the back patio and set out for the fields. Mick followed, almost running to keep up.

The sky was gray, almost blue. Dark black clouds gathered in spotty places. The air was nearly frigid. I only had jeans and a thin shirt on, but it didn't bother me yet. I walked without answering, touching the stone around my neck. It was surprisingly heavy, the weight of it as it bounced lightly when I walked was comforting. The woman would find me again, then everything would be explained.

A small tremor went through the stone and I nearly paused, but remembered that Mick was with me. I let it go and slipped it back under my shirt. I paused at the edge of the woods. I wouldn't have time to go back to the massive tree near the middle of the forest. Mick touched my shoulder. I turned and looked at him.

"Are you okay with everything that's happening?" He asked softly.

I nodded. I was more than okay with it. It would keep everyone safe. But at the same time, I felt a familiar feeling settle into my stomach. Fear was present an I tried to push it away. It wouldn't do me any good to break apart now. It never would.

"Are you?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

Mick nodded enthusiastically. We walked around the edge of the fields in silence, trees casting long shadows over us. Mick was shivering, but didn't complain. We had already said our goodbyes the night before, but I knew we were both nervous about the upcoming days. This moment of silence would be the only calm we would feel for a while. When we reached the house, I went to Holly's room first, leaving Mick in the living room to watch TV. She was asleep, bundled under dark pink blankets. I leaned over and shook her shoulder. Her eyes opened slowly, but when she saw me, she smiled and sat up, still half asleep.

"Holly," I asked hesitantly, "Why do you keep calling me magic?"

She reached for me cautiously, as if I would push her hand away, and patted my cheek, as she had done a few days ago. Her hand felt hot against my skin.

"Because you are magic. I can see it." She murmured. "It's 'round you. You important."

I sat down on the edge of her bed, taken back. The woman had told me that as well, but hearing it from her made it feel more real, like this all wasn't just a dream. Holly laid back down and pulled the covers up to her chin.