The Next Generation

Chapter 23 - Kas

I was swimming in honey. Blissfully gliding through the light waves, poking the thick liquid, and watching the ripples go on for infinity, I felt at peace. Well, except for the sinking pit in my stomach that seemed to be growing. I stared down at it, trying to figure out what was wrong.

"Kasmira," I looked up, and blinked in surprise as nine, beautiful women stared down at me, from where they were floating above the gorgeous, golden, honey-like liquid. Each looked in their twenties, and unique in special ways. I knew who they were immediately. The Nine Muses. I struggled to sit up, but I was too weak, so I just floated there. It was impossible to tell which one called my name. They all wore the same expression. One stepped to the front. She had pale skin, with freckles scattered like stars, and thin lines connecting them in constellation formations.

"Look around," She said, with seriousness in her eyes. But beyond that, I saw warmth that all of them wore, hidden behind their worriedness. Odd. They had nothing to be worried about. I was fine! Another stepped forward, with long, flowing hair, and sorrowful eyes.

"This is not what it seems,"She said solemnly, and just as she finished, another woman took the lead of the group. Were they in unison?

"You do not want to be here," She had a lovely complexion, dark and warm like the wood of a cello, and white-ish hair that seemed abundant. I smiled, confused.

"What do you mean? It's like a paradise here!" I tried to wave my hand around at the endless lake, but it seemed stuck. Weird. I tried to force it up, but it wouldn't move. I growled in frustration, trying to tug it with my other hand, but it seemed stuck too. I looked at the Muses, who were staring down at me in pity. "Help!" I cried out, desperately. "Please!" I could see one in the back consider it, but all remained stony faced as the lead stared right into my eyes, alarming me with her pure golden orbs, like the entire brass section melted and poured into her irises.

"You don't want to be here,"

I yelled, trying to get my hand out, and suddenly, everything changed. The Muses disappeared with a crack, and the beautiful honey-gold color of the substance turned a malicious black, and I could feel it trying to drag me under. There was no light here, none I could summon, and that frightened me. More than I was willing to admit. The molasses-like liquid oozed up to my neck as I struggled to stay above the oily substance, fear racing through me. It was up to my chin, moving faster and faster. I screamed, the air leaving me as the last of me was pulled under, and my lungs constricted as I fell into the depths, breathing no more.

My eyes snapped open, and I shouted as I bolted upright, nearly hurtling myself off the couch and out the window. Breathing heavily, I checked my heart rate and my lungs before checking my surroundings. I had air. The molasses wasn't real. I was in the hotel room, on the very couch Zara had been laid on not two days before. The room was silent, though I could hear some awkward coughing and footsteps.

So. I'd seemed to be the last one up. Then I remembered who took control of me. Eidolons! Did I hurt anyone? What if I mortally injured someone? What if I killed them? Oh my goodness, they would never forgive me. I would be an outcast to the world, hated by everyone. I can't be a murderer! No, please, tell me I didn't. I wouldn't be able to stand it! It wasn't me! Please, please!

I didn't notice I'd stumbled to the balcony of our little penthouse until I opened my squeezed shut eyes, rubbing the knot at my throat, and praying that I hadn't caused any harm. I sank into a wooden chair, ripping at my hair and clenching my beanie around my eyes. I wish I could stay like that forever. My limbs felt too light, like I'd had weights on them until now. My stomach felt empty, probably from the lack of food I'd had, and my throat too dry. Tears began streaming down my cheeks, and dripping onto the table below. Brushing a finger along my lips to wipe the salty liquid away. I paused. They were weirdly puffy, like I'd been... no. Oh, gods no, please. I don't want this right now, especially after what happened with Ethan. That whole other situation made me want to throw up. I most likely would have, except I didn't have anything in my stomach, which felt like it was burning like the California wildfires. I tore at my eyes, wanting to rip away those tears that kept streaming down my face. They would think I'm a weak, useless, murderer. And they wouldn't be wrong.