Their Light

Chapter 5

Peter 

I jerked up in bed, gasping. Disoriented, I looked around my room, unsure of what woke me. I was grateful, though. My dreams had taken a turn. I shuddered, still hearing his voice in my head. Forcing those memories back, I sat up.

Bright morning light filtered through the crack in my curtains. Checking the clock, I was relieved to see it was still early. There was still time to fix breakfast. I wanted it to be ready for when Hadley woke up. I hope she liked the sandwiches I left last night.

Once I had gotten back to my room, I realized she hadn't eaten in at least a day, maybe more. Finn would see to himself, but Hadley might not feel comfortable helping herself to the kitchen. Sandwiches were fast, and I made a few different types. Hopefully, she liked at least one of them. Contentment flowed through me, knowing she was taken care of.

The mark on my neck pulsed as I thought of her. She was beautiful and so powerful. I hated that Malum had captured Finn, but I was also thankful. We found her because of it. I didn't want to think about what would have been her fate at the hands of the Malum. She both fascinated and terrified me.

I didn't deserve this mark, but nothing had ever felt this amazing and right. Even though she wasn't in the room, I could still feel her presence. She was like a magnet pulling me towards her constantly. With one thought, I could be next to her. I had never been so tempted to use my powers before. She felt more distant, though. Worry filled me.

"Where is she?!" Finn's yell jolted me from my bed. I hurried into the hall.

Finn stood at the open doorway leading into the guest room. I walked over and peaked into the room, praying she would be there. The empty room silently mocked my prayers.

Loud footsteps stormed up the stairs as more doors in the hall opened. Isaac rubbed his eyes as he yawned, leaning in his doorway. Caspian rushed to join us. Zeke looked like he hadn't gone to sleep at all by the size of the bags under his eyes.

"What do you mean?" Caspian asked, glancing around the room. I could see the moment the realization hit him. "Maybe she's downstairs."

I shook my head. "She feels far away."

"I feel it too," Finn said, nodding in agreement with me. I could see the edge of his matching black mark peaking out of his shirt.

Two large bodies appeared at the top of the stairs. The twins were back. Kent and Ryder focused in on Finn, looking him up and down.

"You're okay," Kent stated. Ryder glared us down.

"A message saying so would have been nice." Caspian winced.

"I forgot to send it," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. He straightened and pointed at them. "You should be happy that's the only thing I forgot. You are never leaving me in charge again. I can't take it. I found a gray hair last night, gray!"

Ryder rolled his eyes while Kent focused in the guest room. I fidgeted, not liking this. Something felt wrong.

"How the hell did some Malum catch you?" Ryder asked, glaring at Finn.

"I forgot my sabers," Finn admitted in a small voice. He straightened and motioned to the room. "But that's not the issue here."

"Extra hour of endurance training for the next two weeks," Kent told Finn. Normally, Finn would have groaned and complained, but not right now.

"Fine," Finn said. "Where the hell did she go?"

"Do we have a visitor?" Ryder asked, glancing between the guest room and Finn.