“You shouldn’t feel like that, Aribella,” Lallielle said.
My concerned mother had just walked through the door, which wasn’t a surprise; her daughter had just finished screaming like a banshee. “Your bond with Brace is the strength that will allow you to conquer all.”
Josian followed looking relaxed, as usual he displayed no sign of worry. He lifted us both together into a bone-crushing hug. Despite the pain, I sank into their warmth and comfort.
“I’m sorry, baby girl, that you feel your independence has been taken. I understand Earthlings are raised to be strong and able to survive alone. You don’t trust easily.” He set us free then, allowing me a few deep breaths. “But that’s the reason you should cherish this gift you’ve been given. Walkers are designed as two halves of a whole. We have a genetic predisposition to never betray our true mate.”
I nodded then, in a quick bob. “I understand that Brace is a gift. He’s amazing. But what happens if I lose him? How do you survive?”
“There’s no point living a half-life to prevent hurt. I would rather one day with your mother, than an eternity never knowing the joy she has brought me. It just wouldn’t be a life.”
Lallielle’s eyes sparkled, although I couldn’t see any tears.
“I feel the same way,” she said.
The pink aura surrounding them was again visible as their bond tightened and flexed.
Josian smiled. “You only feel so bereft because he’s not close. You get used to the sensation, but I remember how uncomfortable it was in the beginning, being away from your mother, as if a sense had been cut off.”
Josian was right. Brace better get his butt back soon. If he was going to meld with me, then he better stick around so my brain didn’t go insane thinking he was dead.
“I wish the rain would stop so we could explore the town,” Lucy said. “That would be a great distraction.”
She’d told me earlier that it had been pouring for a week before we returned.
“Ah, we have rain so seldom. I’m really enjoying this cool and soothing weather.” Lallielle stared out of the window. The ocean was a stormy gray color, matching the sky above. “Perfect weather to snuggle up and watch a movie.”
“Speaking of which, Frannie has me leaving on another mission tomorrow, so we are off to enjoy a movie,” Josian said.
He swept Lallielle up over his shoulder, and stormed off, caveman style. She gave me a resigned smile behind his back, but didn’t protest.
“I’m not sure I believed Jos’ story, but his plan is a good one. We could actually catch up on some flicks.” Lucy was sprawled back in the chair. She looked almost asleep.
“I don’t think you’re going to make it through a movie.” I laughed.
She opened one eye a little wider.
“Tell me about it. I seriously need to start getting sleep, but the nightmares are putting a dent in that plan.”
“You’re still having nightmares?” I hadn’t realized. “Why didn’t you tell me? What’re they about?”
She snuggled down further into the white couch, her face partially covered.
“There’re a few different ones that visit me. And they’re as real and detailed as that dream I had before I was kidnapped. I sometimes wonder if I’m actually there, and it’s not really a dream.”
“They sound almost like premonitions.”
She wiggled around, shifting her feet so they were further apart. “I know, but when I was kidnapped facets of my dream were there, although mostly it was very different.”
“You need to ask Frannie about them,” I said.
She met my eyes. “I don’t trust her, Abbs, and these dreams ... they aren’t good. We seriously do not want them to come true.”
“Give me some details.” She looked really freaked out.
She flipped over, her discomfort obvious. On her back, she stared up at the high white ceilings. “The first dream starts on First World. We’re searching for something, but no one will ever tell me what it is.”
“Who is we?” I interrupted her.
“All of us that went to Spurn, plus your parents and Frannie.” She glared at me. “And stop interrupting if you want me to have a chance at getting through this.”
I mimed the motion of zipping my lips. She smirked before continuing.
“So, we’re searching for something, and then suddenly we’re standing at the base of these black mountains ... which I assume are those Brace described to us.” Her voice lowered. “Even in the dream I get this urge to shower. I have the creepiest sensation up my spine the entire time we’re standing there. Suddenly, this hole opens up and an army emerges. But they’re like zombies, Abbs. Disgusting, stinking, rotted, half-human things. And they attack us.”
She gulped then. “It’s not pretty.”
“I’ve dreamed of the mountain too, and as crazy as it sounds, I think we need to explore there.” I knew it held an important clue or information.