Shades of Atlantis (31 page)

A few DÈ Danann, afraid of more fighting with humans, used their powers to create a magical storm to chase the Milesians away. It failed completely and resulted in a great battle. The DÈ Danann were defeated because they had lost the will to fight against the people they loved. They were to be separated from their partners, since the humans believed their love was the source of their powers, and banished underground.

Child of darkness, I murmured quietly, remembering the phrase Seth used when he spoke about the prophecy.

Before this sentence was carried out, the Milesians met with three queens of the DÈ Danann. The beautiful queens beguiled the Milesians and convinced them to name the land they loved so much in their memory.

The land became known as …riu; later it became …ire. I looked up again in surprise. It was almost daylight, and Caleb’s golden skin gleamed, and his eyes sparkled in the early light coming from the window.

Ireland! I squealed. Surprised at the intensity of my need for him in that moment, I kissed his mouth hungrily before he maneuvered his hands to my shoulders and eased me away from him, gasping.

Wow. He smiled. Please try to stay calm; I’m having enough trouble containing myself. He chuckled quietly. Would you like to hear more? My forehead creased, and I pursed my lips, considering his question, not sure if my mind could stay focused on the story with his body so close.

After a moment, I took a breath to steady my racing heart and wrapped myself to his chest again.

Please, more. I always thought Atlantis sank into the ocean. I ran my fingers across his stomach, exploring his silken skin.

Triona, he groaned sexily, his body tensing.

Sorry, I said sheepishly as I moved my hand from his stomach.

His body relaxed, and he stroked my hair, twisting it through his fingers as he went on. The sinking of Atlantis was only ever symbolism for the humans rising, the destruction of the perfect society, and the Tuatha DÈ Danann’s banishment underground.

Oh, I murmured into his skin.

Their leader, Dagda, led them into the mountains, and they became known as Duine Sidhe, people of the hills. The humans grew more fearful with the passage of time. It broke the hearts of the DÈ Danann. He gave another squeeze. You probably know a lot of the stories from here on — I remembered some of the stories he’d told me during our time together.

The legends said that the people of the hills were beautiful, magical creatures, but if threatened, they could turn terrible and hideous. My mind flashed back to slashing at Caleb with my nails. My rage had been so fierce; I couldn’t allow it ever to take control of me like that again.

Fairies, to the modern human, he added.

I giggled at how ridiculous it all sounded, thinking of Caleb as a fairy.

The female of the DÈ Danann still wailed and cried in torment when the death of a human approached. They still considered them children, they were called Bean Sidhe, and that’s where the tales of the banshee began. It seems it’s human nature to destroy what they don’t understand or fear, and over the centuries we have been rounded up and murdered, using cover-ups of legends and tales of the supernatural and evil powers. In the seventeenth century, it was the witch trials. In the eighteenth century, the vampire craze I once told you about swept Europe, beginning in Serbia. He shot me a weak smile, sensing my unease. His expression was strained; the sad history of his people was clearly a difficult subject for him. Still he continued.

They were both culls of our race.

My heart gave a little flutter when he said our race.

Now our numbers are small, and we live a more or less nomadic existence, traveling place to place. We have a council of leaders; they decided centuries ago to make the law against mating with humans. Most are afraid of our bloods mixing and that more powerful humans would finish us off completely.

I sighed, understanding more the fear that drove Seth. A wave of guilt threatened to drown me. Seth had been wrong; I wasn’t human, but it was too late. Caleb sensed this and hugged me tightly. I clung to him, refusing to release my grip.

I’m so, so sorry, I mumbled against his skin, but the words seemed inadequate.

There was no way for us to know. Do you think I could have left you if I had known you were one of us? The anguish animating his face was mesmerizing. I was trying to protect you. He paused and then continued.

We have records. The Council knows the bloodline of every Guardian living, but there is nothing about you in them, or any of your family, and believe me I checked, once you began to awaken.

Ben? I asked, looking at Caleb for confirmation.

Yes, him too.

I heard a door open and footsteps heading to the kitchen.

What will you tell her? he asked.

I wasn’t sure what I was allowed to tell my best friend, and I wasn’t sure she would believe me if I could explain it. Morning, Amanda, I’m a secret descendant from the lost people of Atlantis. I’ll think of something, I choked, getting out of bed. I stopped with my hand on the door and turned to him lying in my bed with his hands behind his head. Don’t go anywhere. Instantly he was beside me. Could I move so swiftly? His hand was already stroking my face.

I’m not going anywhere without you, he promised.

I sighed. I have so many questions. There’s still so much I don’t understand about you, about us.

He kissed me tenderly on my cheek and held me to him. I will tell you everything I know. There are some things I still don’t understand myself, but I will do whatever I have to to find the answers. I pulled away from him and looked at his face; he was still troubled despite his reassuring words.

There’s a sweatshirt that belongs to you in a box on the floor at the back of the wardrobe. You should put it on if you want me to think straight, I told him, smiling, and then headed toward the kitchen.

Amanda had her back to me as she took some juice from the fridge. She was wearing a T-shirt and sweats, and I thought I recognized the T-shirt as Ben’s. I glanced at the clock before sitting down at the small table. It was just past five a.m.

Can you get me a juice too, please?

She glanced over her shoulder and then spun completely to face me with the carton still in her hand.

Whoa, Triona, what did you do to yourself? she exclaimed before turning back to pour the juice.

It was too much to ask that she wouldn’t notice the changes in me, but she was surprisingly calm.

Nothing much, I replied nervously. How come you’re up so early? She sat down in the seat opposite mine, examining my features, taking in every detail. I haven’t been to bed yet. I came home two hours ago, and I’ve been checking e-mails.

Oh, I replied, genuinely surprised. I took a sip of the juice. It tasted thick and syrupy concentrate. I wouldn’t have noticed before.

She was scrutinizing me with tightened eyes. You look great. Glowing almost. Nice tan. What brand is it?

I almost laughed; she presumed I’d had a makeover, instead of being transformed into an almost immortal supernatural being.

Ah, I’m not sure, I stuttered.

Are you wearing contacts? she probed, playing with her glass.

No, I answered a little too quickly, lowering my eyes. I wanted a quick chat if you’re not too tired. It really can’t wait. I kept my eyes on the table.

Well, I thought I heard voices, she said. About time too.

What? I asked, looking up at her again. She wasn’t looking at me, her eyes were on her glass, and she absentmindedly played with a few strands of blond hair by her cheek.

John’s a great guy. You could do worse.

There was a loud, sudden crash from the direction of my bedroom.

What’s that? she shouted, leaping from her seat.

I jumped up and blocked her, surprised by my own speed, though Amanda seemed oblivious to it. It’s nothing, I said unconvincingly, wondering what Caleb had broken.

She sat back down and looked at me quizzically, using her two hands to tuck her hair behind her ears. What’s going on, Triona?

I was about to ask you the same thing, I replied avoiding her question.

The T-shirt? It was definitely Ben’s.

She looked down, shamefaced. Right, she sighed. You noticed. I took a long gulp of the juice, still dehydrated from crying. It’s not just the shirt, I said. Ben was on the phone earlier. She lifted her face, excitement in her eyes, and it suddenly became obvious to me.

So how long have you two been involved? I asked, smiling.

Amanda seemed a little startled at first and then admitted, Since the last year of school.

I think my mouth opened in shock that made it almost two years!

Amanda continued, apparently not noticing my surprise. We were friends, then we just seemed to click, but we were just friends in the beginning —

All the times he knew what was going on with Caleb and me? When he was spending so much time with us? I interrupted.

She squirmed in her seat. Sorry, she confessed. Really, Caleb was the reason we didn’t tell you everything sooner.

Excuse me?

We didn’t want to rub it in your face when Caleb died that we were — in love. Then when you started talking about coming here — She sighed. We decided one of us would come to keep an eye on you, and you wouldn’t have let either of us if you knew.

I thought about Caleb in my bed upstairs and felt an overwhelming rush of guilt. All their sacrifices for me, and there had been no reason for it.

I’m sorry. I traced imaginary circles with my finger on the table. I had no idea, really.

It doesn’t matter now. Her voice broke, and she rubbed her finger across one eye smearing mascara. I think it’s over. I haven’t heard from him in a while.

No. I reached across the table to her hand. When my hand touched hers, she looked up at me, not shocked or afraid, but like she was determining something in her head. He said you shouldn’t worry, I continued, trying to comfort her. He’s going through some stuff at the moment, but he loves you, I’m sure of it. I could hear the honestly in my own voice.

Her face became strained. Is he in trouble?

No, he just — I paused, unsure how much I could explain honestly.

I just need you to trust me for a bit. I’m not really sure about some stuff myself at the moment.

She pulled her hand away and tilted her head to one side. You’re different. I can’t put my finger on it. She studied my face. You look — She didn’t finish but her eyes widened slightly, and she stood up and walked to the counter. Tell me, Triona, she demanded in a firm voice.

I couldn’t tell her about Ben. I wasn’t sure if I’d be putting her life in danger, and that wasn’t my decision to make.

It’s not John upstairs, I informed her, changing the subject. It’s Caleb. She stood with her back to the counter and her hands resting on it behind her. Triona, she sighed, looking at me with pity. She clearly thought I’d finally lost my mind.

No, really, it was a mistake, I insisted. He didn’t die in the fire. Her nose wrinkled, looking at my desperate face. I turned my seat so that I was still sitting but could face her direction.

Triona, I’m not sure what to say to that, she sympathized.

I looked at the floor, trying to think of an explanation. He was — he was —

In witness protection, Caleb interjected from behind us.

Damn, why hadn’t I thought of that? Amanda staggered, her hands at her back, holding her.

What the she yelled, stunned.

I stood quickly and went to her side, supporting her. Caleb was wearing the sweatshirt he’d given me to wear home the night Chris ripped my shirt.

Amanda lunged for him, but I caught her solidly by the arm.

How could you do that? she demanded furiously. How could you? Caleb took a step back, surprised. I had no choice, I assure you. I had to protect Triona.

The anger was rolling off Amanda in waves. So you just ran off and left us to pick up the pieces, she spat at him.

Her remark seemed to cut him deeply, and he winced. I’m sorry for everything, I really am. Believe me if there had been another way — I held firmly to Amanda’s arm and could feel the blood pump through it. She looked at me, horrified.

And you, you’re just going to take him back? Just like that, after everything you went through?

I glanced down to the floor, and then looking at Caleb, I whispered.

Yes, I love him, and I believe he did what he had to. I was thinking about Ben and how hurt she would be soon.

Her anger seemed to ebb a little, and I released her arm, but she continued to glare at Caleb.

What about John?

What about him? My tone was guarded. I never made him any promises.

I could feel Caleb’s eyes on me. I knew I would have to face John eventually, and he would be hurt. It was the last thing I wanted, but there were other things I had to figure out first.

Well, she said, defeated. If it’s what you want. But I can’t see Ben being impress