The Crystal Chronicles: Book 2

Family Legacy

The air is silent when I open my eyes. I'm the first person awake. Rising at the break of dawn I climbed up onto the roof to get a better view. My body is radiating with nervous energy as I scan the horizon for threats. Hearing the others wake below me I use my blue eyes to look at their glowing forms. Such a strange group to come together at a time like this. Matt is the sultry alpha dog. Ty is Matt's confidant and muscle. Wyatt is the comedic relief. Ashley is the doting mother. And I'm...? The outcast. If this wasn't my life, I could have seen film writers trying to make our story into a movie. The cast of misfits who fight against a great evil. I bet it would have made millions. Or it could have failed. Either way I could see someone trying to turn this story into a rom com or a warped action movie.

Shaking my head, I go back to searching the city for the ghosted. That's a better use of my time. Unfortunately, my crystal eyes don't pick up any in the city; it's quiet. Too quiet. In the past Ravenna aways stationed at least a handful of soldiers in each large city in case humans came to them for supplies. She always said it was easier to find the vermin with small numbers and force them into a trap. However, no matter where I look in the crumbling city, I can't find a single blue orb. Others would believe we got lucky. They would be relieved the city is safe, but unlike them I have an uneasy feeling about today. I'm anxiously waiting for the other shoe to drop because one way or another it always does. There's no such thing as safety in the world today.

However, no matter what my gut is trying to tell me I can't stay up here all day. Climbing down from my perch. I shove my powers below the surface before I enter the house. There's no point in starting the day off on a sour note. Even though Matt and Ty knew I was different all along, the others had no idea what they were walking into. The fear and surprise on Wyatt's and Ashley's faces the day I revealed myself painted a vivid picture. Maybe with more time they will come to accept me, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

The house is bustling with energy when I enter. Everyone is busy preparing for the day. Thankfully the atmosphere remained the same when I entered. Perhaps I'm nervous for nothing. Joining Matt and Ty on the floor, I look at the unrolled map before them. Ty and Matt are discussing whether we should drive the Jeep the rest of the way or if we should walk.

"We are ten miles from the Rosicrucian Museum. I think we should drive halfway there and then stash the vehicle. I didn't see any ghosted in the city this morning, but I think it's better to be safe than sorry. We don't want to lose our transportation. Especially since we don't know how long we will be out here." I slowly explained to the men beside me. Ty nods his head in agreement with my decision.

"Sounds like a plan." Matt gave me a warm smile, but I forced my eyes back onto the map. No. I have no time for his dewy-eyes. "What exactly are we looking for in this museum?" Matt asked me with a tight sigh. I can feel his frustration radiating off him, but he holds it together.

"You have all read the last clue that I found in an exhibit of the Pharaoh Ptolemy VI Philimetor. I figure if he knew of their power. He must have had some clue about their origin. However, if he didn't perhaps, he left clues behind to find the others. We can't win this war if we remain out-powered. We need to find whatever information we can." I shyly explained to him.

"We have your back." Matt said with a small smile as he placed his hand on my shoulder. He gives me a comforting squeeze before he lets go and starts instructing the others to pack up. Even though we are no longer touching, my skin still tingles. Shaking off the irritating involuntary reaction to Matt I roll my eyes. Oh, how I wish I could break this infuriating connection.

Before long we are back in the cramped car and driving toward our next destination. We creep through the city for approximately five miles before Matt stashes the car in a standing parking garage. He parks it in the back; its clean attributes are well hidden in the shadows. Matt figured it would be best to hide in plain sight. If the ghosted come upon this area they won't think twice about another car parked in the dusty garage. We slowly shuffled out of the car one by one. Tightening my backpack straps I adjust my knives as the others grab their things. I feel naked without my bow. It makes me feel overly vulnerable; like I won't be able to stop the next attack. Honestly, I feel like a sitting duck.