Judgment (Immortals of Indriell, Book Two)

The prophecy’s about you, Red… 

Those words had haunted Allie all summer. For four long months, they’d echoed through her mind, setting her heart racing and her blood boiling. Everything she thought she knew about herself was a lie … again.

“You two do know there’s a cozy little inside shelter on this tugboat?” Aidan called across the ferryboat deck. 

Allie watched the choppy waves of Lake Erie bobbing up and down along the horizon. She hadn’t noticed the thunder or the rain. Neither had Sasha. Allie glanced at her friend on the bench beside her, lost in her own thoughts. They hadn’t seen much of each other in the last few months. Sasha had a rough summer working for the Senate and refused to talk about it since her return. 

Neither girl felt quite like themselves after the horrible events the night of the Springtime Ball. Allie had to live with the gravity of her mistakes—her hesitations that led to Quinn’s capture by the Coalition and so many months on the move. She’d almost cost her and her friends the home they loved. And Sasha … just wasn’t Sasha without Quinn.  

“Come on, you two.” Aidan stood over them, his blue-black hair growing darker in the rain. “You’re looking a little crazy out here in this drizzle. Let’s get inside where it’s dry. We’re almost home.” He grabbed Allie’s hand, urging her to release her clenched fist. “Stop doing that.”

Allie relaxed her hands and winced at the sight of blood on her palms. The tiny crescent-moon cuts were already healing, and the rain washed away the blood. She stood, smoothing her palms over her jeans.

“Sasha? You coming?” Aidan asked.

“Leave her alone.” Allie turned and left her friends to their thoughts. 

She caught a glimpse of Kelleys Island looming on the horizon, and her spirits lifted. After so much time abroad, hiding out in Agra first and then later among the remote Portuguese islands of the Azores, she was eager to get home, now that Gregg finally deemed it safe enough to return.  

Home. A strange concept for Allie. After a lifetime of moving from one place to the next with her mortal family, Kelleys Island was part of her now, and she was happy to be back. And she felt guilty for being happy when it looked as though Quinn might never come home. 

“Don’t feel bad because you’re happy to be back, Lex,” Aidan said, sitting beside her inside the covered shelter. 

“I have to work on my facial expressions if I’m that easy to read.” She still had him blocked. It took a monumental effort to achieve it, but there were things she just wasn’t ready to share with Aidan. When you had a telepathic connection with your best friend, privacy and secrets were a luxury. 

“I don't like the way you've shut me out. But I can still get a sense of what's going through your mind, even if I don't know exactly what you're thinking.”

“I was beginning to think we’d never see this place again,” Allie said. She couldn’t wait to get to her tower bedroom for some much-needed peace and quiet. She’d spent the summer surrounded by people nearly every minute of every day. And now, she was returning to an empty house while her parents lingered for a few more days in Bali with her older sister, Joss, and her new fiancé. 

“Beach date tonight? Or sleep?” She was looking forward to relaxing in her own bed for a change, but the dreams—she could do without the dreams. 

“Sleep. Definitely sleep.” Aidan rubbed his bleary eyes.

Allie nodded. He’d spent the last few days in the Azores soaking up as much fun with Naomi as he possibly could, and it had left Allie just as exhausted. 

“Yours or mine?” She knew she couldn’t last another night without sleeping, and when she gave in, the dreams would come. She needed Aidan to keep her sleep restful. When they were together, the dreams no longer tormented them. It was like putting a Band-Aid on an open wound, but it was the only thing that worked. 

“Meet me in the underground later. We'll spend the night in my studio,” Aidan said. 

“I’m allowed to enter your most sacred domain?” She arched her brow in surprise. Aidan shared just about everything with her, but his music studio and his private room in the underground were off-limits. 

“We share a brain and a bed, so why not?” 

“I’ll meet you there around one.” She was anxious to see Vince. Her mortal boyfriend had spent several weeks with her in the Azores, and it was just the distraction she’d needed. Like always, it was easy being with him in their no-pressure relationship. But just before Chloe’s Awakening, Naeemah sent him home. After a hot and heavy summer together, Allie hadn’t seen her boyfriend in nearly a month.

After Vince leaves? 

“Stop doing that!” It drove her crazy that he could still pick up on her thoughts even when she was actively blocking him. 

I can’t help it. I hear what I hear. Remember, I’m not the one trying to block you. What the hell happened in that room, Allie?

Allie threw up her strongest mental walls against Aidan, visualizing everything she didn’t want him to know sealed up in a big box with chains around it and a sign that said, “Don’t open till Christmas—especially if your name is Aidan.” 

“I hate that damned box, Allie. It’s like I’m haunted by some perversion of my very own Pandora’s box. It’s always there, but we never talk about it.”

“Then, do us both a favor and ignore it.” She would tell him when she was ready, but for now, she couldn’t face it. Not until she got some answers. But Aidan’s father had disappeared months ago, right after his startling revelation about her biological parents. When she saw him next … Greggory McBrien had never seen anger in all of his two-thousand-plus years, but he was about to. He had to come home eventually.

“Lex, you’re so angry. All the time. You try to stuff it all in that box, but you can’t hide it from me. Not for long anyway. That box is going to explode, and when it does, it’s going to be messy. But I’m here whenever you’re ready to crack that baby open.”

“Aidan, please. Change the subject.” She was dangerously close to losing her temper, and that made it even more difficult to control the power swarming inside her.

“Come find me in the underground when Vince leaves. We both need a good sleep tonight.”

Allie nodded as she leaned back against the bench. The cool lake breeze smelled like home. She absently smoothed her hair over her right shoulder to hide the scar that ran along her jawline to her throat and down her shoulder. The scar was a side effect of her gunshot wound—a memento of the night she’d escaped her captors. Immortals didn’t react well to the magnetic poisoning from Coalition bullets, but the scar was a massive improvement from just a few months ago. It faded as her wound slowly healed, but the thin rope of tissue still throbbed and ached. It was just one more thing she’d struggled with over the last months. 

“Don't let it define you, Lex,” Aidan said softly. “It's just a scar.”

“I know.”

“Mortals can't see it, and to us, these scars are a badge of honor,” he reminded her. 

She'd spent the summer learning to influence the way the mortal world saw her—an ability most Immortals her age didn’t need to learn yet. But it was important that she blend in, only allowing them to see what she wanted them to see. Even so, it didn’t matter who could see the scars and who couldn’t. She knew they were there.

“My friends are idiots, Allie. Don’t listen to them!” Gavin’s voice echoed across the sand dunes.

“They’re right. Why do you want me around?” She stumbled in the darkness and fell to the ground. Allie watched his friends at the bonfire party below. 

You don’t belong down there, Allie.

“Gavin, I know how people feel about me, but walking into a heated discussion about how much everyone can’t stand me just isn’t something I can shrug off.”  

“I’m so sorry.” He sighed, sinking down beside her. 

She absently reached for his hand and saw it. Just in that brief moment when he tried to hide it—his subtle flinch that indicated her touch was somehow uncomfortable. It was that way with nearly everyone. Allie spent most of her life alone and lonely while the rest of the world kept a respectful distance. A rare few were polite and friendly, trying to hide it like Gavin, but there was always an air of deference in their behavior. And then sometimes, like tonight, others would react with barely concealed contempt, no matter how hard she tried to set them at ease. She learned to accept it, choosing to keep to herself instead. It was easier for everyone that way. Everyone but Allie.

This sweet summer romance was a first for her, and she didn’t want it to end. But she didn’t want to come between her boyfriend and his friends either.

“See? You feel the same way.” She dropped his hand.  

“I do not.” He laced his long fingers through hers. Allie could see his determination to power through his discomfort and she was touched by the effort he put into their relationship.  

“I’m a pariah, Gavin. I don’t know why. People just don’t like to be near me.”

“You’re an intimidatingly beautiful and unique girl.” He brushed a kiss across her fingertips. 

“Unique? That a nice way of saying I’m weird?”

“Okay, you’re weird. But hot-weird, which in my humble opinion is an excellent combination.” His teasing tone set her at ease.

“Thanks.” She felt her cheeks flush. With her long, wavy red hair, almond shaped green eyes and curvy figure, Allie got a lot of looks from boys her age, but not many made the effort like Gavin had. 

“Seriously,” he said. “Don’t ever try to be anything less than what you are, Allie. You’re different, and that’s an incredible thing. You just need to own it.”

“You’re right.” 

“Come on, freckles. Can I tempt you with hot fudge sundaes? My treat?” 

“Extra fudge?” 

“On one condition.”

“Name your price.”

“Ignore my friends, because you and I are good. More than good.” He leaned in for a kiss. 

She liked kissing Gavin. Despite his trembling hands and brief fumbling hesitations, it was nice. She didn’t feel blazing fireworks, but she definitely enjoyed the connection they shared. Allie often wondered if she should end it before she hurt him, but was reluctant to let him go. He’d done wonders for her in the few months they’d spent together. His friends didn’t really care for her, but for the first time since she could remember, she was interacting with kids her age and doing things she’d always sat on the sidelines watching others do.

“Let’s get outta here.” He offered his hand.

Allie felt a twinge of regret as she slipped into the front seat of his beat-up old truck. She shouldn’t let it get to her, but she’d been in a pensive mood all night and couldn’t seem to shake it.

“Let’s get ice cream and head up to Dover Heights before we call it a night.” He pulled into the drive-thru and Allie slid across the seat to read the menu. She smiled when his arm snaked around her. 

“Chocolate peanut-butter ice cream with extra hot fudge and extra whip cream, please.”

“And one normal sundae.” He rolled his eyes. “That is entirely too much chocolate.”

“There’s no such thing.”

They drove the short distance up to the cliffs in silence but she still couldn’t pull out of her funk. Something ominous lay ahead, but she wasn’t sure of the details yet. Allie had a way of knowing things. Her strong intuition was such a normal thing for her she hardly noticed it anymore. She feared her anxious mood tonight might be a warning that her encounter with Gavin’s friends this evening was only a precursor to what school would be like for them if she decided to enroll at Cook Park High instead of the all girls’ school she’d planned to attend. 

Will he constantly have to defend me like he did tonight? 

“You’re too quiet.” Gavin sighed as they sat on the tailgate, enjoying the cool breeze of the mild Australian winter. Allie stared down at the Tasman Sea below. She’d just crossed it a few months ago when they left New Zealand for Sydney after nearly two years in the same place. A rare feat for Allie’s family. 

“You haven’t been this reserved with me in weeks. Don’t make me coax you out of that shell again.” 

“I’m currently preoccupied with chocolate.” She scraped the last of the fudge from her cup. 

“Liar.” His laughter echoed across the water. “It will be better once you’re in school with us, I promise.”

It really wasn’t fair, the way she dragged him down. She knew he wanted to be with her, but how long could it go on? Eventually he would tire of making excuses.

“Sorry, I’m such a bummer tonight.”

“You’re never a bummer. Come on, curfew’s in ten minutes. Let’s get you home.”

It was a short drive and Gavin was doing his best to make her laugh, but her smile wilted when they parked in front of her apartment building.

No, no, no! Not again! Tears burned her eyes when she saw her mother loading the car with their most essential belongings. 

“What’s wrong, freckles? You look like someone just punched you.”

“That about sums it up,” she sighed. “I’m sorry, I don’t have much time to say goodbye.”

“Why does it sound like you mean forever?”

“Because I do.” She scrubbed the tears from her face. She’d done this so many times, it shouldn’t hurt anymore, but this time would be so much harder. She couldn’t face losing Gavin, or the thought of returning to the lonely life she knew before him. 

“You see my mother packing the car?” she whispered. “I know what that means.”

“By the look on your face, I’m guessing a family vacation isn’t on the list of possibilities?” 

“I’ve told you we move a lot.”

“But you just got here. You can’t possibly leave again so soon.”

“My parents’ jobs keep us on the move. I don’t even ask anymore, I just follow.”

“Gavin.” She reached for his hand. “I will never forget you.”

“Allie—No. Come on, let’s just go talk to your mom and find out what the deal is. It might not be what you think.”

“I don’t need to ask. I can read the signs now and I don’t want to say our goodbyes in front of my mom.” 

“No, Allie. I can’t do this.” He pulled her into his arms. “Promise me you will call whenever you get where you’re going? Maybe we can still see each other?”

“I’ve done this a lot. It’s usually better if I just walk away and not look back.”

“That’s not fair. You have to at least let me know you’re okay.” 

“I’ll try.” She made the vague promise, knowing she would never be able to keep it. Allie already knew this was one of those times she would be expected to cut all ties.

“Look at me, freckles.” He tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. “It hurts that I might never see these green eyes again. I need you to know how amazing you are. Whatever this thing is that makes you so different, call it whatever you want, but it’s something special. Don’t resist it. Be proud of who you are because you’re so much stronger than you know.”

“Back atcha.” She met his kiss one last time. “You’ve been a great friend. Thank you for forcing me out of my shell. I was in there for a really long time.”

“Don’t go back, Allie. Be yourself and the people that really matter will stick around … despite your quirky ways.” He smiled sadly.

“Quirky? I like it. That’s better than weird.”

“You have to put yourself out there, Allie or nothing will ever change. Promise me you’ll try.” 

“I will. I’ve met a lot of people in my life. Not many are as kind and patient as you’ve been with me. I won’t ever forget that.”

Allie stepped out of the car, feeling like she left a piece of herself behind. She crossed the street, her vision blurry from the tears she couldn’t control, and the fuzzy images of Gavin in some distant future with the cute blond girl who was just right for him.  

“I’m so sorry, Allie,” her mother said when she approached. 

“Don’t.” She shook her head miserably. She didn’t want to hear all the perfectly logical reasons why they had to leave this very instant. 

“Let’s go get your things.” She took Allie’s hand as they headed for the decrepit old elevator that would take them up to the seventeenth floor. 

“Navid is here to say goodbye,” Lily said. 

“I guess that’s something.” Allie was happy she would get to see him one more time. Navid was really her parents’ friend and colleague, but he’d become more like family over the years. 

She felt the tension when she entered the apartment and was startled to find Navid in a heated discussion with her father.

“Navid?” she asked hesitantly. 

“Allie!” His smile was warm as he reached to hug her. He was comfortable with her, and as a result, she’d always felt drawn to him. “How was your date?”

“Good.” She shrugged, distracted by the way her father hung his head in his hands. 

“You seem to know more about my daughter than I do.” Carson frowned.

“Allie and I have grown closer these last months,” he said in his British/Middle Eastern cadence. “She is a delightful girl and a tribute to you both. You should be very proud, you’ve done a marvelous job raising her.” He grabbed his coat and prepared to leave. “I apologize for the intrusion. Lily, Carson, always a pleasure.” He smiled graciously. “Would it be all right if Allie sees me out?” 

She was surprised by her father’s glower.

“Carson, please.” Lily rolled her eyes. “Of course, Navid. It was wonderful working with you again. Perhaps next time will be under better circumstances?” 

“Oh, I’m certain it will.” 

“Thank you for your candor.” Carson reluctantly shook his hand.

Allie followed him into the hall, feeling profoundly affected by the awkwardness of the last few moments.

“What was all that about?” 

“Nothing to concern yourself with. I’m so sorry you have to go, sweetheart. I know you will miss Gavin. He’s been good for you.”

“So have you.”

“Don’t be sad, we will see each other again. We always do.”

“This sucks.”

“Allie, I need you to listen to me.” Navid grew serious. When they reached the elevator, he pressed the call button and she knew they had only a few moments for their goodbyes. “What I am about to say probably won’t make much sense right now, but I hope my words of caution and support will come to you when you need them most. You are approaching a very important phase of your life. Everything will change in the coming months and years as you prepare for college and take your first tentative steps into adulthood. I urge you to always remember who you are,” he said. “Right now at this very moment, you are everything you should be and you cannot allow circumstances to change who you are at your core. Always remember this girl, this version of yourself.” He looked down at her with a brilliant smile. “You are a beautiful, strong willed, stubborn young woman, who just needs a little more confidence. Hold your head high and don’t ever lose the fire in those beautiful green eyes.” He hugged her tightly. 

“Goodbye for now, Alexis Carmichael.” He stepped onto the elevator.

“Bye,” she said miserably, shedding a few more tears for another friend lost.

~~~

“Hurry, we have a flight to catch,” Carson said urgently when Allie stepped back into the apartment. She cringed at the sight of the guns spread across the table, they never strayed far from her father’s side when they traveled.  

“Pack quickly,” Lily said, adjusting the Beretta at her hip.

“Sorry, only what will fit in the car,” Carson added.   

Without a word, Allie marched to her bedroom and slammed the door. They hadn’t left in a scramble like this in a long time, but she was no stranger to these sudden clandestine moves.    

She worked in haste, stuffing her small suitcase with the things she couldn’t bear to part with. Shoving her headphones and ancient, pre-wifi iPod into her shoulder bag, she surveyed the room and absently checked for the antique pendant at her throat before she turned to go. 

“So what’s the story this time?” she asked when she joined her mother in the living room. But Allie knew she wouldn’t get a direct answer. They were never exactly forthcoming with the details on nights like this. 

“Save your questions for later. We have to go now.”

Allie tossed her cheap flip-phone onto the coffee table as she passed. She didn’t even need to check to know the service was already disconnected. The few friends she had in Sydney would never be able to reach her. 

“I know this isn’t fair,” her mother apologized again. 

Allie didn’t spare a final glance around the apartment that had been home for only a few short months. With a last pang of resentment and a heavy heart, she followed her parents into the night. 

Squaring her shoulders and drying her eyes, she knew she had to put it all behind her. Gavin, Navid, Sydney, everything. She had to look to the future now. If she didn’t, this would tear her apart. 

I refuse to go back to the way things were. Gavin’s right; I have to put myself out there. It’s time to accept who I am and own it.

“This time will be different,” Carson promised, tossing her belongings into the trunk. “This time we’re going home.”

“Home? Right.” Allie flopped into the backseat. 

“Carson, I don’t know about this. It’s too soon.”

“Lil, it’s time. I’m tired of running.” He sighed as he slid into the driver’s seat. “I’m tired of doing this to our daughter.”