Promises (2 page)

Daniel started the fire, and Callon motioned for me to sit. I sat on the ground, curled my legs into my chest and wrapped my arms tightly around them. I played with the Servak ring on my index finger, feeling each etched symbol. I kept my gaze on the fire. Colt knew what this meant; he knew I would twist my ring when I was deep in thought. He sighed.

No one bothered to sit too close. They kept their distance as they began to talk out loud amongst themselves. For what reason I didn’t know—they could talk telepathically and usually did. It was probably just to include me. I was growing more exhausted by the moment. The tent was up nearby; I didn’t have anything to prove by staying awake. I stood up and walked inside the canvas, and the conversation stopped. Not bothering to zip it closed, I curled up on the blanket Daniel had laid out for me. I stared at the fire until my lids grew heavy, and I fell asleep.

I was in the misty forest, alone. A dim light was flickering in the distance, and I followed it. I saw men, rugged warriors, gathered. Their clothing was ragged and worn. A branch snapped behind me, and I whipped my head around to see white fangs nearing.

My heart raced. It was the Tresez—and there were a lot of them. That unmistakable rancid smell touched my nostrils; their midnight eyes glowed with rage. They were just as awful as I remembered, just as large, just as hideous. Their appearance was like monstrous dogs with porcupine quills that rose and fell with each breath. Their pink gums exposed razor-sharp fangs. They circled me. They were going to destroy me—their mission was to kill the children of the Timeless.

I had nowhere to go, no one to help me—I was alone—again. One of the creatures stepped back, creating an opening, while another came from behind…leading me forward. They didn’t attack. They forced me to follow their path—I had no choice. I blinked, and we were at the edge of the forest. A thick fog still hovered above the ground in the valley, but it was light. I could see clearly—a battle was taking place there. My heart cried out. Callon, Colt and Daniel were fighting! They were paired off against the same men I’d seen earlier. I helplessly watched them fall one by one. They were dying for me—to protect me. No! They would not die for me—I bolted out into the field. I ran with everything within me…I couldn’t let them die for me!

“
No!” I screamed out.

“
Cheyenne!”

I sat straight up, shaking violently. My fingers clawed the ground; I blinked wildly as I oriented myself. It was a dream; the same one from two nights ago. The same terrifying nightmare that had caused me to run into Callon’s arms and kiss him…

“
Cheyenne!” Callon’s rough voice called out from the tent entrance. He came inside and knelt down. His jaw tightened as he saw the fear in my eyes. I could tell he wanted to reach out, but he didn’t.

“
It was just a dream,” I said in a shaky voice. “I’m fine.” I forced myself to turn away, to lie back down and face the tent wall, curling into a ball. I wanted Callon to hold me, but I needed to be strong. I could handle this on my own. I stared at the tent wall as he contemplated what to do next. Slowly he drew the blanket over me, and I closed my eyes. His fingers brushed my hair behind my ear as he sighed and rose. I didn’t sleep.

My mind kept running over the dream. I couldn’t stop thinking about my protectors. It wasn’t fair! They had hurt me so badly, and yet I couldn’t stop loving them. And even if I didn’t love them, I couldn’t allow them to die for me. Deep down, I knew I wouldn’t stay with them any longer than I had to; however, I would do everything within my power to ensure they weren’t harmed.

By the time dawn came, I was even more exhausted than the night before. I rolled over and saw Callon had placed my pack just inside the door. I crawled forward and began to dig through it. The tent door was still open, and I could see the three men were sitting close by. I knew Colt was watching, waiting for me to come out. I looked up to meet his icy blue stare. His shoulders were tense, his whole body ready to leap up at a moment’s notice. I took a shaky breath and zipped the tent closed.

I changed and sat silently for a few moments. I wanted to wash up, brush my teeth. The canteen was near the fire, next to Colt. I frowned. I was acting like a child just because I couldn’t get my own way. I could face them. I was strong enough—they no longer affected me.

I opened the tent, closing my eyes briefly as I pressed my fingers to my forehead. I forced myself to take the necessary steps, and I paused in front of Colt. He leaned forward and handed me the canteen, purposely touching my hand. I bit my lip. He knew what I wanted without me asking.

“
Thanks,” I murmured and tried to walk away, but he wouldn’t release his hold. Colt’s free hand swallowed my cheek as he lifted my chin up. His eyes held such remorse, and a blond wisp of hair fell over his lashes.

“
Chey—” he began.

“
No, Colt,” I whispered. “It’s too late.” I could hardly keep a level voice. I was on the brink of tears. What was wrong with me? How could I still love him after all he’d done? I clenched my jaw and turned away. Colt released his hold, leaving Daniel to follow me.

Daniel and I stopped a short distance away. He held the canteen while I brushed and washed. The silence was killing him. I finished and glanced up into his deep blue eyes. His silky black hair ruffled in the breeze.

“
I’m really sorry, Cheyenne,” he said. “We didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t want you to go away. I want you to stay around.” He hesitated and then touched my hand. Dex had told them I would leave the first chance I got—I had said the words myself the night I found out about the betrothal. “I know we can work this out. Just give us a chance. We can make it right.”

I didn’t reply. A sudden chill ran down my spine. Seconds later, I winced as a sharp pain flared above my shoulder blade. That was where the Tresez’s nail had been embedded in my skin. I pinched my eyes closed and arched my back. When the pain subsided, I opened my eyes to see the anxiety in Daniel’s. I grabbed his arm swiftly. “I’m fine, Daniel! I’m fine. Don’t you dare say a word!” I stared intently at him, willing him to agree, and waited for him to respond. He nodded, and I released my hold. My gaze shifted to Callon and Colt. They were tearing down camp—they had seen nothing. We walked back.

“
Not a word!” I muttered under my breath.

I went straight to Mandi; I felt her unease. Something wasn’t right, but I didn’t know what it was. Why did my wound hurt like that? It hadn’t been bothering me until right then…

I touched Mandi’s neck and whispered softly to her, “It’s all right, girl. Everything’s all right.” I knew she understood me. Lilly had believed my ability to communicate with Mandi was one of my gifts showing itself early. I glanced around. Callon and Colt seemed to be acting normal; only Daniel kept watching me as they packed. He was so much smaller than his brothers, yet I knew he would be willing to protect me if needed. He could disappear and reappear just by looking where he wanted to go, an ability called “jumping.” It had often come in handy in the past.

I walked around Mandi’s side and was about to mount when Callon approached. I kept my eyes locked on the ground. It was too painful to see the emotion in my guardians’ eyes.

He didn’t say a word at first; he just stood there, waiting for me to look up. Eventually he lost patience and gently forced my head up. I knew what he was doing—it was time for my daily check-up.

“
You don’t look so good,” he said as his brown curls fell in his eyes in a way I used to find endearing. “Are you feeling all right?”

I sighed. “How many times do I have to tell all of you? I’m fine.” It didn’t matter that I hadn’t actually said the words to Callon yet. I had told Daniel not to worry about me, and that was good enough.

Callon didn’t release his hold. He was searching for answers, but I avoided his gaze.

“
Will you tell me if you don’t feel well enough to continue?”

“
Yes,” I replied, knowing full well I wouldn’t. I’d never tell them. I didn’t need his concern—
their
concern
. They would only smother me, and I didn’t want smothering—I wanted to be alone.

He withdrew his hand, and I turned to mount. He lifted me with little effort. Colt was even stronger, able to toss me around like a sack of feathers. I wasn’t that small, about five foot five, and though I’d lost some weight recently—down to one hundred and ten from one-twenty—I was by no means easy to carry.

It was quiet as we departed. I didn’t even hear the birds singing. Callon rode closer and reached into his pack. He withdrew a granola bar and handed it to me.

“
You need to eat something.” He was using his “he who must be obeyed” voice. “I also want you to drink more today. We still have a two-day ride back to the truck.”

I nodded, taking the bar and unwrapping it slowly. I wasn’t hungry, but I knew Callon was right. Callon rode closer than yesterday, glancing in my direction more often. For a brief moment, the pain in my shoulder blade returned. I fought down the urge to cry out, telling myself it wasn’t as bad as the pain had been before. I managed not to give anything away except a slight hitch in my breathing.

It was enough for Daniel to notice, though, and his head whipped around. His eyes were full of concern. I realized he’d heard my shallow gasp. My teeth clenched. He was going to give me away! Daniel’s gaze locked on me for a second, but he turned around. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Callon and Colt staring harshly at him. They were drilling Daniel telepathically. Then a stray thought hit me. Callon was the leader of the Consilador clan—their clan. Did that mean he had full power over Daniel? Would he force the truth out of him?

I didn’t have to worry. As the day wore on, nothing more was said. We rode in silence. The sunlight was trickling through the treetops, and a warm wind caused the tall pines to sway. I pulled my long-sleeved shirt off and tied it to my waist. Raising my arms, I braided my wavy hair at the nap of my neck. It kept the long wisps from tickling my cheeks.

I was beginning to recognize my surroundings as early evening fell. This was the same location we had stopped the second night on our trip in, the same place where the Ghosters—the lights—had tried to take me. The lights I had seen in the cathedral, the lights Callon refused to tell me about…and the lights that had come between me and Colt, driving us apart.

I shook my head. If I’d known there were beings who could separate themselves from their bodies in the form of lights…if I’d known they could steal my soul…I wouldn’t have looked. If they had explained to me, I would’ve kept my eyes closed. I would’ve held on to Colt, and they wouldn’t have had to shout at me because I was so taken in by their beauty that I was almost ripped away.

My emotions bubbled to the surface as we passed a familiar outcrop of trees. Beyond them lay the waterfalls where I first realized I loved Colt. How ironic that with both the cave and waterfalls, he’d shown his heart to me. And both times, circumstances had changed so swiftly. It was as if fate were toying with me. She allowed me to get close enough to knowing real love before she ripped it away—leaving me bleeding and broken.

We stopped to camp for the night, and a single tear streamed down my cheek. I didn’t want to be here, and I didn’t want to remember those feelings. I knew Callon hadn’t chosen this site to cause me misery, but I was finding it hard to ignore the ache in my chest.

As I dismounted, the pain in my shoulder blade came to life. I stumbled, locking my fingers into Mandi’s mane to steady myself.

Daniel jumped to my side, his blue eyes full of concern. I flashed him a dark look.

“
I’m fine,” I practically snarled.

He didn’t look convinced. I sought out Colt and Callon; they hadn’t noticed anything.

“
Not a word, Daniel,” I hissed.

Daniel simply smiled sadly before he disappeared.

I stayed close to Mandi as the trio prepared camp. Daniel quickly set up the tent, and Colt went in search of firewood. The distant cracking told me he was splitting wood. Callon tended to the horses, letting them feed in the meadow nearby. I removed Mandi’s tack. It was a good distraction for me and I could tell she was glad to be free. Her ears twitched as she stopped grazing to look at me. Both she and I knew something wasn’t quite right; we just didn’t know what.

Callon was standing next to the tent, waiting for me. Reluctantly, I walked over; my pack was inside the doorway. Callon’s fingers grasped mine, and I looked up.

“
I know this isn’t what you want to do right now, but if you change, I’ll take you to the falls to clean up.” I shrugged off his hand, then went inside and zipped the tent closed.

Despite the way he had phrased the request, he really hadn’t given me a choice. I was going to the falls whether I wanted to or not. I knelt and dug through the pack for my swimsuit, shorts and shirt. Callon was waiting with a towel in hand when I stepped out of the tent. I kept my gaze down as I followed after him. I felt Colt’s eyes on my back and wondered if he felt the same misery. I took a shaky breath and kept walking.

The walk seemed much shorter this time, maybe because I was in such deep thought. I remembered how the butterflies churned in my stomach as I’d followed behind Colt. How he’d been so gentle, so loving. How he’d carried me to the falls, and how I knew he was different than anyone else I’d ever met. We stopped at the water’s edge, and the sound was almost overwhelming. It wasn’t due to the volume; it was due to the memories. Memories rushed forward, wanting to take over, and I had to fight them back down.