But what happens next?
I know what happened in my life. Nothing good. Nothing interesting, either. My parents died. I moved into a group home for my senior year and then on to college. After that I moved here and my entire life changed.
But none of that—at least prior to moving here--is book-worthy. Maybe I’m really not supposed to finish. I run over a bridge and past a playground with children zipping down a slide. The more I think on it, the more I consider that maybe I shouldn’t be in the graduate program anymore. It was all a ruse to get me up here anyway, wasn’t it? I know Dr. Christensen will be upset—he seems to be the only one not part of a larger plan, even if he is nosy as hell. But, I think, running around a fountain, if my story is finished, it’s finished.
I get to a more populated area of the park and I spot what I think is a familiar, long braid of hair. In a pair of nearly non-existent running shorts and a tank top that accentuates her well-defined physique, Hildi stretches her calves against a bench.
Our last fight ended so oddly, with me winning a second time and her handing it well, I decide I’ve got nothing to lose by approaching the Valkyrie. I slow my jog and stop at the bench, taking a minute to catch my breath.
“Hi,” I say to the woman as she glances up. The lack of surprise means she’d probably already spotted me.
“Morgan, how are you?” She straightens her laces and then stands. She’s about three feet taller than me.
“Okay. I’m just trying to clear my head, you know? Make some life decisions on a run.” I laugh, hoping she’ll think it’s a joke and not a pathetic revelation about my life, but again her steel blue eyes give me the impression she knows more about me than I’d like to admit.
“Exercise is good for the mind and body.” She looks me up and down. “Are you ready for another round in the ring?”
“Not yet.” I try my best to keep my face straight. So she doesn’t know I’ve been split from the Morrigan. I’m sure I’ve retained my basic fighting skills, but the magic needed in the ring? I suspect those left with the Darkness. I’m definitely not willing to try it in an environment that may get me killed—or reveal to the entire supernatural world that I’m nothing but a mortal.
“But you’ll be there tonight, right?”
“Tonight?” Fuck. If Clinton signed me up again I’m going to kick his ass.
She smiles, finally realizing I’m clueless. “The Raven Guard is the main event, did they not tell you?”
“No, no they did not.”
“They’re keeping secrets. One of their gifts, I think.” She sighs and shakes her head as though this isn’t a big surprise. I wonder again how well she knows my Guardians.
“I’m sure they forgot. Things have been a little hectic around the house lately.”
“The Raven Guard are the fight’s biggest draw. Watching them is a testimony to the ancient ways of war.” Her whole expression lights up as she speaks. “You should definitely come and witness the spectacle. The whole arena has a different vibe. The pure energy is raw and everyone ascends to a higher level.”
Ah, that could be the issue. Me versus the raw energy of my guardians? None of us knows what I am anymore—or what I can do. I’m a liability in a magical environment like that. They’d never risk it. Hildi studies me intently.
“What?” I ask, uncomfortable under her gaze.
“Come with me tonight. Be my guest. I think you’ll be interested to see this side of the Guard.” I’m tempted, because I would like to see them in action. But what if I lose control? Hildi nudges me further. “We’ll go in the back door. They’ll never know you’re there.”
A flock of birds flies over head, alighting from a massive tree. They’re smaller than ravens, but still dark-feathered. I watch them take off against the bright blue sky, their wings flapping fast and hard.
I’m quitting school. Dropping my book. Helping Dylan conquer his fears. It’s a day for change and being afraid of myself or anyone else is stupid. A total waste. I smile at Hildi and say, “I’ll meet you at nine.”
Chapter Seven
Damien
Through the window of my studio I spot my girl walking in the back gate. Her hair is damp with sweat and her cheeks are flushed pink. A wet spot spreads across her chest from sweat. I’m in the middle of a project but I’m drawn to her anyway. I put down my tools, grab a water from the refrigerator, and head out into the sun.
Her eyes light up when she sees me and a thrill runs through me.
“Good morning,” she says, shading her eyes from the sun.
“Hey, babe.” I go in for a quick kiss before I give her the water. I want to taste the salt on her lips.
“Ugh, I stink,” she says, shying away. I grab her anyway and wait until she finishes a gulp of water.
“I don’t mind.” She shakes her head but there’s a look of interest in her eyes. An idea springs to mind. “If it would make you feel better you could take a shower—there’s one in the back of the studio.” I run a hand down her sticky back. “I could join you if you want?”