The Third Eye

Chapter 5

Landon stood behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. "Now, just imagine your feet slowly levitating off of the ground peacefully. Your mind is clear. Your heart is leading you. Don't think, just feel." Landon instructed. I held onto every word.

My hands brought themselves into two fists and I felt my toes moving in my shoes. And within a few seconds, the heels of my feet were off of the ground.

Was this flying?

"Now, collect yourself and picture your feet on the ground once again," Landon said.

I stretched my hands out for balance stumbling to the deck, tripping over my own two feet. Wow, Vera. Very graceful.

"The landing is the hardest part," Landon laughed.

I just stood there.

In complete awe.

Never thought I'd ever been able to do that.

Never thought I could.

"You are a really fast learner!" Landon smiled.

"Thank you..." I blushed.

"Sorry to interrupt this sentimental moment BUT we kind of need food to survive," Cole yelled from the wheel.

Landon and I offered to go catch some food on the lower deck. We were pretty successful, which was surprising for two rookies. I'm sure the royals were used to much better, but honestly, I would be eating like a princess tonight. I should have learned to fish years ago, it was so easy for us. It was like the fish were following us or something.

We were walking back up the stairs when Landon dropped his bucket. "What's wrong?" I asked. Landon's eyes were bugging out of his head. He pointed to the book Cole gave me just hours ago.

"Who gave you that book?" Landon asked still too shocked to pick the bucket back up off of the floor. He cradled the book in his hands and looked at it like it was a priceless artifact. Landon studied every crevice.

"Cole gave it to me," I answered him. His face was still and he continued to study the book. Landon was absolutely shocked. "Are... you okay?" I finally asked.

"It can't be..." Landon mustered.

"What is it?" I questioned stepping closer.

"Did Cole mention where he got the book from?" Landon asked.

"He said his father gave it to him," I answered. "Why?"

Landon pointed to the name scribbled in the bottom left corner of the book. "Before my father and I were banished five years ago, he wrote this book. This exact book with this exact title and this exact cover. He wrote it all himself. And... there was only one copy. He gave it to my brother. That means..." Landon trailed off.

"THAT YOU AND COLE ARE BROTHERS!" I nearly screamed. Landon covered my mouth. "You've got to tell him, don't you? I mean you're sure, right? This is crazy." I squealed.

"There's only one way to find out," Landon shrugged. He tucked the book under his shoulder. "I am going to go ask him,"

I followed Landon upstairs. He wasn't running, but he was walking faster than I ever could run. He was excited. And I'm not gonna to even deny it; he was adorable.

"Cole?" Landon called.

Cole sensed the urgency in Landon's voice. And for the first time ever, Cole didn't have a sarcastic response. "What is it?" Cole asked.

"This is going to sound crazy." Landon exhaled. He nervously scratched his arm.

    "It can't be crazier than today." Cole laughed still focusing on the sea ahead of us.

    "Did your father have a golden eye symbol tattoo? On his arm?" Landon asked. Cole closed his eyes in disbelief. When he opened them, a little tear poured out.

    "Yes, he did." Cole told him.

"And he wrote a book about golden eyes?" Landon questioned.

"Yes, it was called..." Cole started to say.

"The Third Eye!" they said at the same time. They looked at each other and gasped. Suddenly, they looked at each other differently. It was almost like something clicked. Some magical. They were silent.

    "Cole, it's me, Carter!" Landon blurted out.

    "Carter?" Cole asked studying Landon's face. The brothers smiled awkwardly.

    "I know it's weird. I wasn't the same person five years ago. I changed my name when I left Dimmer's Island so they couldn't trace me back to that place. My hair's gotten really long 'cause I haven't cut it since... you know. Dad said that I looked so different... that he didn't recognize me. I wouldn't either. When Heather was talking about you, I couldn't help but think that our stories connected somehow! I can't believe I found you!" Landon smiled. The brothers hugged. It was nice to see them reunited.

    It's amazing how out of all of the people in Cara, those two found each other again. It gave me hope. Hope that maybe someday I might even get to meet my parents.

I left Cole and Landon alone to catch up. They definitely needed to talk about everything.

Seeing Landon and Cole reunited, I couldn't help but think of Prince Lucas and Princess Abigail. I walked below deck to check on Prince Lucas. He was still really upset about his family especially his sister. I wondered if having a friend to talk it out with, would cheer him up. I had to at least try.

     The floor had a thin layer of dust. The layer made all of us sneeze. It smelled as if the ship hasn't been mopped in years. The stairs creaked as I walked down. "Prince Lucas?" I called. "Prince Lucas?" I repeated. I heard whispers and the ruffling of the ship's flag. "LUCAS?" I screamed getting impatient.

     I followed the whispers. The flag was precisely propped over a few cannons to create a little fort. "Lucas?" I whispered. I moved the flag to see what was behind it.

    I still couldn't believe what I saw. Prince Lucas and Princess Heather sat side by side... kissing!

     "Vera!" Prince Lucas said not believing his eyes. I swear his eyes almost popped out of his head.

    "Sweetheart, just one more minute!" Heather begged.

     "VERA!" he yelled in her eye. Princess Heather looked up. I just stood there. "Vera..." Prince Lucas said again. Those was the only word he could muster.

     "I..." I tried to finish my sentence. My feet interrupted me running back up the stairs. Like I said, unexpected.

     Princess Heather was right. She is right. I took a deep breath.

     Landon was right too. Never trust anyone.

     I suddenly rethought why I was here. I don't feel safe anymore. Why did I think to follow him? Why would I do that? It's not like he would do the same for me anyway. Princess Heather is right, I've got to watch my back, Prince Lucas could turn me in anytime. I was nothing but an object in his eyes. An object that would get him a whole lot of money for betraying.

Hope you have enjoyed Chapter 5! What would you do in that awkward situation? Don't forget to vote if you liked it and follow my account for updates!!

Ava