Gifted

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The closer to Rylan's Memorial it got; the faster time started flying. School days were even passing quicker, between working on my Gifts with Chase, balancing friends, and homework...I was definitely making up for time I'd lost.

The weekend of the Memorial, we waited to leave until Saturday morning, super early. Six o'clock in the morning early. I had a lab Friday night that kept us from leaving earlier. I didn't feel too bad about missing out on that extra night with Chase remembering the intimacy of our last trip. Instead of worrying about forcing conversation I thought about the day ahead of me. There was a traditional Council meeting first, which Chase said would be shortened to allow for Rylan's Memorial that was immediately afterward. I was then scheduled to spend some more time with Spencer before heading back to school.

Once we were walking into the Council's building, I could tell the atmosphere was dreary. It seemed the air was heavy. People looked stuffy and uncomfortable. It was busy, very different from the Saturday when I had been here. Mrs. W. looked sullen and simply nodded to us as we walked in. She was busy with people standing in front of her desk; her phone was ringing. Once we were in the elevator Jim pushed for the basement. Another couple got in the elevator with us, and Laura greeted the woman with a hug. I ignored their light banter and instead grabbed for Chase's hand. It was like my rock, my strength. I gripped him, and he squeezed back reassuringly.

Stepping off the elevator was even worse. The dim hall was filled with people entering the double doors in the hallway to the right. The worst part was the staring. I could see people nudging the person next to them, whispering in each other's ears. I didn't like all the attention. I tried to hide behind Chase as we joined the line waiting to enter the dark room. The candelabras in the hallway were now lit. Long tapered candles dripped, and flames danced. Standing in the midst of so many Gifted had the hair on my arms standing. The air was charged with energy. I glanced at Chase nervously. He was looking around the room, like he was searching for someone. Looking at him holding my hand, so strong, and steady, my stomach felt a little squeeze. He caught me watching him and smiled back the sexy cocky smile I was used to. He looked so perfect standing there in the candlelight.

When it was finally time to enter I walked into the "meeting room." It reminded me of a secret society. There were rows of wooden chairs set up with an aisle formed down the middle. The seat of the chairs were covered with black velvet. There were a few more candelabras spaced out lighting the room, but it was big enough that there weren't nearly enough to light it well.

Chase led me about half way back and sat on the side closest to the door. There was a long table and chairs at the front of the room. To the left of the table was a podium. The brick walls were not painted white as was the rest of the basement, but its original state, untouched by treatment. Hanging on the brick wall at the front of the room was a large gold circle. Embedded in the gold were stones representing each eye color; amber, amethyst, sapphire, emerald and aqua. I recognized it from my dream. The gold glittered in the flickering candlelight. It seemed to mesmerize me, the dancing gold; and the beautiful stones. The longer I stared the harder it was to tear my eyes away, and I swear the stones were starting to glow. I shook my head, and it was gone. It had to have been a reflection from the candles.

The room was now almost completely full, and I noticed there were a few people sitting at the long table. Mr. Dawson walked in wearing a long, black robe. He was followed by two other people who took seats at the table. Mr. Dawson walked to the podium; he didn't even need to ask for attention, he commanded it without using a single word. He seemed so different up there than he did in our informal meeting. He started by thanking each of the Gifts. I only knew what he was doing because Chase explained everything. The thanking of the Gifts was done entirely in Latin. I picked out words like medicor, potentia, and mens mentis, which Chase said were the Healing, Power and Mind Gifts. He explained Glamour, and the Senses were in English translation because ages ago they were all considered Mind Gifts.