The In-Between (Book 1 - Death, Demons and Mere Mortals)

Chapter THIRTEEN - The Tree of the Past

The books both told her of two different spells which could hide objects from others that weren't present when the spells were cast. Emma stood with Blake over the medicine box as she placed her hands on it, closing her eyes and saying the necessary words in her head. 'Obscuras, Les Stranos.' The box remained unchanged and they hoped for the best.

They'd talked the night before about the last jewel. Emma reiterated the crown that Blake had found, believing that the last jewel would be with it. She believed that the worst jewel would have been destroyed with the crown. Blake bought plane tickets that night, listening to Emma's words instead of his own when booking the flight to land somewhere else.

Emma slept for most of the day, weariness consuming her. Blake spent his time outside, drinking and walking, buying a few things that he could hide from Emma. When he returned, he woke her and they grabbed their things, leaving a bundle of money on the desk for the mess they'd made.

The airport was fairly empty, and they managed to get through security just as their gate was being called. The flight had one stop before the final destination. The plane was small with a few empty seats and Emma let herself fall back into a dreamless sleep. She was woken by a sharp nudge as the plane began its descent into Istanbul Airport for only an hour.

The hour was spent fuelling up with food, coffee and a double whiskey for Blake. Their bags were tucked securely between their feet, the two more paranoid than ever after the previous attack. They hadn't talked about it since, but Emma saw Blake's glances towards her neck where a jagged scar would have been.

They headed to the gate, the world outside falling into nighttime but Emma was wide awake, buzzing on caffeine and a full stomach. The plane was even quieter, more empty seats than Emma could count. Blake stepped to the side, letting Emma slide into the window seat. Once it was clear that no one was sitting with them, he slid over and placed the bags between them, his arm laying over the top.

Emma took the journal out, staring at her mother's writing. She didn't care for the words; she just wanted some familiarity before landing. Her insides rising and folding in on one another. The time flew by with no interruptions and soon they were falling into darkness, the lights from the runway guiding them down into safety and unknown.

The air was freezing, the rain gentle as it came down. The sky was full of clouds, the moon masked behind them. The suitcase rattled behind Emma and only now did the noise irritate her. Through the airport, they got to the exit and waited in the rank for a taxi.

Blake spoke to the driver, sending a caring look over to Emma who stared out the window as if she could see in the dark. Blake watched as her eyes landed on hidden shapes and shadows, she smiled softly as she continued to watch as if she knew exactly what was coming.

The hotel was large, their room high up on the eighth floor. She smiled as she walked towards the small porthole-like window. Emma sighed with contentment, she felt full. Blake stood behind her with so much to say yet he knew better. He watched her press against the window, her breath steaming up the glass. He smiled at her, shaking his head and sitting in the chair by the desk.

Morning came sooner than expected and Emma was ready to go. Butterflies flapped in her stomach, smacking around and making her feel anxious. She tied her hair up high, pulling on her jacket and mentally preparing for the day ahead.

'What's so good about this place?' Blake asked, staring out the window to see cobblestone streets and small shops selling 'pish' as Emma would say. 'Edinburgh.' They all advertised, tartan in the windows, dinosaur creatures and cows all aimed at tourists.

'It's nice,' She stuttered, pausing to think for the right word. She tied the front of her jacket and headed towards the door.

'Where you going?' An eager voice jumped in from behind. Emma sighed, her chest deflating at his words.