KIngdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) Read online

  “Wow. That was intense. Sophie warned me, but wow.”

  “Too much? Sorry, Mom is like this big level exec, and she takes security seriously.”

  “No.” He motioned at the building behind us. “I get it. If you can afford it, why not?”

  He brought up the location for a sushi restaurant, and we wound through the streets to find it. Inside, we waited while the hostess found a table. When we were seated, he caught me up on what I’d missed the previous night. We talked about friends, classes, and plans for the rest of the weekend. After the meal, we made our way back to my building. He hesitated outside.

  “So, I wanted to ask you this last night, but would you like to go to the Homecoming dance with me? I think a bunch of us are renting a limo and going to dinner first. Then David’s parents are hosting a party after.”

  “Yes, I would like that.” I smiled at him.

  “Good.” He bumped his fists together. He took my hand and leaned into me. He’s going to kiss you. The next thought was of Hunter, and my mind raced for an out. I didn’t know if I wanted Nick to be the first boy I kissed. Guilt washed over me.

  I squeezed his hand and shot him my biggest smile. “Lunch was fun. Thank you.”

  His eyes widened. “Yeah, it was. I guess I’ll call you.”

  “That would be great.”

  “Okay, bye.” He turned and walked away.

  Had I made a huge mistake? Should I have kissed him? What if he didn’t like me anymore? Dang, that was stupid. I should have kissed him. But what was that thing about trusting your gut? I was so confused, I hardly knew which way was up. If not being sure who you wanted to kiss was what dating was about, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it.

  Elizabeth met me at the door. “Why the somber face?”

  “I think he was going to kiss me.”

  “And?”

  “I backed away.”

  “Well, if your gut—”

  “I know, I know, don’t say it.”

  She reached for my head, rubbing her hand down my hair. “Your coloring is different today. What did you eat?”

  “Salmon like always.” I wondered if the blood affected my skin and hair.

  Mother materialized beside me. “What was that, Elizabeth?” She stared at my face and then lifted my arms one at a time. “You do look rosier somehow.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Orm approaching. “I had this energy boost drink last night at the café. It had cranberry juice in it.” I loved being able to pull information from my brain so quickly.

  “Cranberry juice, does it every time.” Orm confirmed.

  I took a step away and spun to face them. “Something to remember. Cranberry juice makes you turn pink. Okay, I have homework that I need to finish before I go out with Sophie.” I continued to back down the hall.

  “We’re shopping tomorrow,” Mom called to me.

  “Oh, right, and Nick asked me to Homecoming, so yes, shopping.” I pressed my finger to my ears as Elizabeth’s squeal echoed through the house.

  “Women.” Orm swiped a hand in front of his face and walked away.

  “An almost kiss and your first ball with a gentleman caller.” Elizabeth clapped her hands together. “May I come shopping too?”

  “Of course,” Mother answered. She turned to face me. “I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Mother.” I pointed to my room. “I’m going.”

  Snapping my twinkle lights on, I phoned Sophie and told her everything about Nick and then Hunter.

  “It’s okay,” she told me. “You’re dating. You’re not getting married. Although I think Nick would flip if he knew about Hunter, especially since he goes to Samo. What about Hunter knowing about Nick?”

  “I told him there was a guy who may ask me to homecoming.” I plopped down on my bed. “Well, I have to study.”

  We ended the conversation, and I ran through my mental to do list. I guessed I needed to pay a visit to Fahim and explain the previous night. Maybe I’d leave early for my supposed event with Sophie and drop by the bookstore. Jetting to the kitchen for a large glass of water, I downed it and then refilled it, hoping to cleanse my system of the blood. Setting a one-hour alarm, I started my homework.

  Upon finishing, I changed into my favorite spaghetti-strap top and leggings, packed my backpack, and made my rounds to say goodbye to Elizabeth, Orm, and Mother.

  “Are you leaving early?” Mother asked.

  “It’s farther away than Sophie thought. Hey, I’d really like some friend time. Is it okay if I sleep over tonight?”

  “I guess, sweetie. You’ve officially worn me down.”

  “Thank you.” I kissed her cheek.

  On the street, I headed to the bookstore. Stopping outside, I assessed the crowd. Chalondra’s familiar hum seeped from the middle of the building, and several vampires occupied the back room. Pushing extra power into my cloaking spell, I opened the door, and the bell announced my presence. The front room was empty, but Fahim and Eden appeared from their office within seconds.

  “Dear,” Eden began. “We hear you got quite an education last night.”

  “I certainly did.”

  “I’m surprised you came by at such a late hour after last week’s run in with Claudius.”

  “Claudius? Was that the vampire who attacked me? I had a bad night.”

  “We don’t want you to get caught up in any messes. Come, have some tea.” Fahim corralled me into his office.

  “Like human blood trafficking? Look at my hair.”

  “It is quite red today.” Eden chuckled. “So, did you like it?” She lowered herself into a chair at the table.

  “It tasted amazing, like honey, steak, chocolate, and cheese all rolled into one.”

  “Some good vampire genes you got there, sweets.”

  I huffed as I sat down. “What good is this doing me?”

  “You’re the one who keeps coming back. Hoping to find your dad?”

  “Maybe.”

  “No one recognized your scent last night. When Aaron called me, I had him snoop around the conversations after you left. We don’t get many newcomers.”

  “Dimitri said you had problems with a boy bullying you.” Eden patted my hand.

  “I wanted to rip his throat out. When does that stop?”

  “Well, when you die, dear.”

  “Oh, come on, Eden.” Fahim cleared his throat. “It is strongest till you’re twenty-one or so in half vamps, I believe.”

  “Well, that’s something.”

  I sensed the hum of magic moving towards us before the witch appeared in the doorway. Like Orm, she smelled of honey and grass. Even with her slow, shuffling gait and worn features, she moved with her back straight, shoulders and chin squared. Her eyes landed on me. “We haven’t met officially.”

  “Yes, thank you for saving me the other day.” I stood, putting as much distance between us in the small room as possible. I knew one thing, I couldn’t afford for her to be too close. She’d know I was a witch the second her skin touched mine.

  “Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself before. I was busy in my room and figured you had enough excitement for one day. I may be able to find your father if you will let me take your hand.”

  Her sugary-sweet scent filled the room, and my mouth watered. “Should I be freaking out right now because my senses are going nuts?” I didn’t need to fake that my palms grew moist and chill bumps appeared on my skin in the presence of such a strong witch.

  Eden stood and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. Vampires are instinctually wary of witches. You saw what she could do to the powerful vampire that attacked you.”

  “If she’s going to be hanging out here, someone needs to teach her some vampire skills, that’s for sure.” Chalondra lowered herself to a seat at the table.

  “We’re one step ahead of you. Are you ready for some training?” Fahim stood and crossed to the tea pot.

  “I have dinner
plans.” I clutched my bag and swung it in front of me, avoiding touching Chalondra as I passed her. “But I could come by later.” Thinking I had all night to do whatever I wanted gave me an equal sense of freedom and apprehension. If Mother caught me, I’d never be allowed outside the house again.

  “We’ll be here till one or so,” Eden said as I backed from the room.

  “Thanks. I’ll see you later.” I spun and walked to the door.

  Chalondra’s voice floated through the air as I exited the shop. “Well, she’s certainly scared of me.”

  “You ever meet a young vamp that wasn’t?” Eden laughed.

  Glad I appeared consistent, I found a flower shop and bought an arrangement for Hunter’s mother. I arrived at his building a little before five and rang the bell on the stoop. I heard feet pounding on the stairs, and Hunter appeared in the doorway.

  “You look nice.” I couldn’t help running my hand down the arm of his pressed shirt.

  “I’m supposed to say that to you. Mom and I have this weekly dinner thing, and we dress up a little. Come on.” He waved me up the stairs. On the third floor, he stopped. “This is us.” He cocked his head. “Your hair looks really red today. Did you do something to it?” He lifted a strand.

  “No, I had this red drink last night, and I think it did something freaky to my body.”

  “Just say no to red dye number forty, right?”

  “Yeah, it was supposed to be all natural. Anyway.” I motioned to the door. As nervous as I was about meeting his mother, I was more anxious about the current conversation.

  “My mom is so excited to meet you. Of course, I can only see complete humiliation in my future. She had the picture albums out. Not that you’d need those.” He opened the door and stepped back up to let me in.

  “You were such a cute boy.”

  “Well, some people think I’m pretty good looking now.”

  A petite blond woman dressed in a kitchen apron ran into the room. “Oh, my goodness, she is adorable. I’m Rachel.”

  My face warmed as she hugged me.

  “I feel like I know you. Wow. You are warm. Let me get that. This is beautiful. You didn’t have to bring anything.” She stepped back and took the vase from me. “Thank you so much. Come on in.” She walked towards the kitchen, motioning for us to follow.

  Scanning the room, I recognized the layout. There were new drapes and couches, but their placement hadn’t changed.

  “You have a very pretty home. I like your new drapes and sofas.” I walked into the kitchen. Various meats, veggies, and rice dishes sat on the table.

  “Right, photographic memory, wow.” Hunter motioned to the table. “We’re making sushi. I couldn’t think of anything else.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets.

  “This looks amazing. Thank you for having me.”

  “I wanted to meet you. I think I remember more about Hunter’s imaginary friends than he does. He used to talk about you all the time.” Rachel crossed the space and stood in front of me, squeezing my arms. “It’s amazing you are here.”

  Again, my cheeks flamed from the attention, and I turned to face the table. “Can I help with anything?”

  “It’s all ready, so sit anywhere you’d like.” She brought some glasses to the table. “Would you like water or juice?”

  “Water is fine,” I told her as I took a seat beside Hunter.

  He took a plate and handed it to me. “I heard Uni won. Some of my friends said they saw some Uni peeps at the arcade. Were you there?”

  “Yeah, for a bit. That stupid kid showed up, and I couldn’t be there any longer.”

  “What did he say to you?” Hunter’s voice dropped an octave, and his mother set down the dish she’d been passing, her eyes focused on him.

  “He keeps harping on how pale I am.”

  “Your skin actually looks kind of rosy today. Must be that drink you had. Don’t you know a football player or someone who could rough him up?”

  “Hunter,” Rachel scolded.

  “He needs to be stopped. He’s hounding her every day.”

  “I was pretty firm with him last night, so I hope he lays off.” Maybe I’d change Ganby’s thought pattern, that would peacefully solve the problem. Of course, Orm instructed me not to use the power unless absolutely necessary. But as of last night, Ganby had crossed the line. I worried I wouldn’t be able to keep myself from lashing out further.

  “We should focus on positives.” Rachel held up her glass. “To old friends.”

  “And new friends.” Hunter held up his water.

  I lifted my drink and clinked each of theirs. Rachel wanted to know everything I remembered from our year of childhood play together, and Ivy came up. As it always did, the mention of her name left me with a pit in my stomach.

  “I’m sorry.” Hunter covered my hand with his. “Maybe we should have a memorial ceremony for her.”

  “That’s a really good idea.” I blinked tears from my eyes.

  Rachel stood and started clearing the dishes from the table. “Tell me everything about yourself. Hunter says you’ve traveled a lot.” She brought bowls of berries and cream to the table. “I thought this would make a nice dessert.”

  “They look delicious.” I loaded a spoonful into a dessert bowl Hunter set in front of me.

  With a break in the conversation, I took the opportunity to ask about their family. Mid-sentence, an alarm sounded, and Rachel jumped up.

  “I lost track of time. I have to get ready for work. You will clean up before I get home, right?” She asked Hunter.

  “Yes, of course,” he replied

  “I’ll help.” I stood and started stacking plates.

  Hunter and I cleared the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher as she changed. We were halfway done by the time she appeared in blue scrubs.

  “It was so nice to meet you. I hope I’ll see you again soon.”

  “It was great to meet you, too.”

  “Okay.” She closed the distance between us and wrapped her arms around me. “Oh, sorry. Hunter said you were shy about your temperature issue.” She loosened her grip and turned to face Hunter. “Okay, no guests past midnight, and no canoodling.”

  “Mom.” Hunter’s face turned beet red.

  “Okay, I’m going. I’ll be back at eight or so.” She hugged her son, slipped on a sweater, and grabbed her purse.

  “Well, that made things awkward,” Hunter said as she closed the door behind her.

  “A little.” I handed him the last dish. He offered to give me a tour of the apartment but stopped halfway down the hall.

  “Wait, you remember everything, don’t you?”

  “I know where every closet is. Can I use your restroom?”

  “Sure. I’m going to freshen up too.” He pointed towards his room.

  I grabbed my bag and brushed my teeth in the small bathroom off the living room. Opening the cabinet under the sink, I remembered hiding behind the towels.

  Hunter was waiting on the sofa. “Want to see my room?”

  “Sure.”

  “I have different curtains and a new bedspread since you saw it last.”

  “No more dinosaurs?”

  “I’ve been through a car phase and a space phase since then. Here, sit. I’m dying to know what you have to tell me.” He padded the comforter.

  My mind tingled, and my palms felt warm as I sat in front of him legs crossed under each other, nervous at the leap I was about to take.

  “Okay.” I rubbed my hands on my leggings and swiped my hair behind my ears. “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes.”

  “And can you promise not to tell a single soul?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Maybe?” I asked.

  “How can I promise without knowing what it is?”

  “What is the building made of?”

  “Steel probably.”

  “Okay.” I crossed to the window, closed the pane, and shut the curtains. Opening his closet, I started mov
ing his shoes out.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I need a space closest to the center of the building.”

  Pushing his hangars to the walls, I held out my hand.

  “We’re going to smoosh in there?”

  “Trust me.” I pulled him into the closet and closed the door so barely any light shown through from around the edges. I sat cross-legged on the floor in the small space, glad I thought to wear leggings. He sat in front of me, and I wrapped my hands around his.

  “I can barely see anything.”

  “Let your eyes adjust to the light. Tell me when you can see better.”

  “Can you see?” Hunter asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, I’m freaked out now. Your hands are trembling.”

  “I’m nervous. I haven’t ever shown anyone this before.” I let go of his hands and wiped mine on my leggings again.

  “I can see your face now.”

  “Good.” I smiled and took his hands again.

  “Your hands are cool. Are you doing that cooling thing?”

  “Yes, but that’s not what I want to show you. Look at me, don’t close your eyes.” Closing my eyes, I focused on manipulating the air, pulling it into me. It started to swirl around us, causing my hair to blow into my face.

  I felt his hands squirm in mine and released them. Opening my eyes, I saw his head turn to look behind and then above him. He stood up.

  “Where is that coming from? Are you doing that?”

  “Yes.” I smiled and stood in front of him, keeping the gust constant. I raked the hair from my face and lifted my chin, letting the cool air engulf me.

  “What about the hum? Like in my head?”

  I let go of my pull on the air. My heart felt like it was flying. I had never heard such wonderful words in my life. He was a witch, and he did have magic. “You can feel that?”

  “Yeah, or hear it, I’m not sure.”

  “That’s you hearing magic.” I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face.

  “What does this mean? That you used magic to teleport to my house?”

  “And you used magic to teleport to mine.”

  “What? No, I don’t have any magical powers.”

  “You do.” I grasped his forearms. “If you can feel the hum, then you do.”