Fate's Demand (Twisted Fate, Book 3)

Chapter Six

The room that shone like diamonds had become a fixture in my dreams, but this time it had been replaced with a never-ending garden when I opened my eyes. Every flower I could imagine burst to life in front of me. The scents filled my head until I could taste them on my tongue, as sweet as a bowl of fresh fruit. Blinking, the images merged with ones my senses remembered, and I felt like I was a floating lily riding the most beautiful ocean wave while all of the world's creatures danced beneath the misting surface.

Laughter bubbled up, escaping to echo all around me, and I ran my hand through the air. My eyes widened in awe and delight as tails of coloured lights followed my motions. Green, blue, violet, and crimson. Like clouds swaying with the force of the wind, it was impossible to feel anything but joy. I wanted to run and jump and keep my eyes open until they burned. Now, at least I knew I wouldn't forget my dreams when I woke up. It still felt necessary to take it all in.

"I thought this would cheer you up."

My breath froze and my hands dropped to my sides.

Without needing to turn around, I knew who the voice belonged to. Its deep gravel edge cut through the distance between us and the joy of my surroundings plunged into my heart to dance a steady beat. My stomach untwisted and then twirled with anticipation, picking up speed.

I blinked. "I thought I brought us here," I said, trying to adjust to the light. Taking a breath, I tilted my head down towards the ground and tried to look back out of the corner of my eyes.

"You do." He stepped closer. "I simply become the tour guide once you arrive."

He'd come so close, I could smell his fresh rain scent. I knew I'd be eye-level with his chest if I turned around, be blinded by his glow. If I looked up, I'd most definitely be lost in his eyes like the sky was shining down on me alone. The sun became the sky and the sky the sun, a pinpoint of calm in a face he wouldn't reveal.

"It's nice," I said and swallowed, straightening to stand tall. "Fresh. Beautiful."

His hand cupped my shoulder from behind and my body reacted. All my outward senses dulled until what lay in front of me was just a garden—roses, hyacinths, mint, peonies, daisies. The world—my world—was centered in his touch.

Why would I give everything up to go to Heaven when I could have my parents and friends in reality, and David every time I closed my eyes?

Turning, I met his chest. My breath caught. Slowly, like I had a fifty-pound weight strapped around my forehead, I lifted my head to find his eyes. They were just as I remembered. More, if that were possible, though I still felt disappointed. Every time I found him in my dreams, I felt the slow ache of not seeing him. Here, hidden behind a white robe and a light I couldn't blink away, I worried he'd leave if I complained.

"So, this is how everyone looks here?" I whispered and stepped to the side, shrugging away his touch so that I could think.

The garden didn't fade. My senses remained clear, my thoughts my own. Is this how I would look? Is that why Suzie couldn't come? Without a light to call her own, she would be the only one whose face could truly be seen? Maybe it would be too bright, cause her pain that not even a blindfold could deflect.

"Where?" He dropped his hand from where my shoulder was, flipping it to glance at his palm before lowering it to his side.

"In Heaven."

"I've never really noticed."

He looked away and squinted, and I followed the direction of his gaze. In the distance, I saw only flowers while his concentration suggested more. I narrowed my eyes, shifting to lean closer, but nothing changed—a rose was a rose, a twig a twig. Whatever heightened senses he had were lost to me. I turned my head to look at him again, holding my breath so that I wouldn't make a sound as I took the time to study him. Or, at least his eyes.