House of Darken (Secret Keepers #1)

The road we had driven in on was at least twice the size of a normal residential street. There was an actual dotted white line right down the center, dividing our side of the street from theirs.

The guard last night had been pretty blunt in his warning to stay on our side, which only made my urge to run across and touch the forbidden side that much stronger. Of course, I wasn’t five, so I managed to restrain myself, all the while feeling a tad annoyed that there was any need for such a divide. Sure, they were rich, probably famous, judging by the ten-foot-high fences, but we were all people. Different but the same. Money shouldn’t make anyone think they were better than anyone else.

Of course, I’d love to have more than thirty-five bucks to my name. A few new pairs of shoes. Maybe a car so I didn’t have to walk everywhere. But I was aware that the things I valued most in the world could not be bought with money. Which meant, for me, it was not worth chasing.

Shivering in the cool air, I took off at a brisk walk and it still took me ten minutes to reach the front gate. I wasn’t stopped by anyone; the street remained empty and quiet. The same guard from last night was waiting in a small booth. In the cloudy light I could see that he was probably only a few years older than me – very handsome, a few inches taller than my five foot eight, and built like a linebacker. Pretty standard for security nowadays. His midnight-dark skin was clear and beautiful, and I had instant envy. My skin was pretty easy to handle for a teen, but was still known to break out on occasion.

“Where are you heading?” he asked, handing my card back after he’d logged me into the system. “A bus rolls by in about fifteen minutes. Pulls up on that corner.” He pointed to the right, down a fairly deserted-looking road. “If you use your Daelight Crescent card, you’ll get free transport around.”

Wow, that was a double bonus. “Awesome.” I beamed an actual genuine smile. “Thanks for the info. I’m really just hoping to explore the town. Maybe check out the school. I’ll be starting there next week.”

Summer break finished up late-August, so early next week I’d be starting my senior year, and I was nervous. Then, once I got through the new school thing, I’d have to deal with my birthday. I was turning eighteen on the fifteenth of September, so I had a lot going on.

“Are you heading to Astoria Highschool? Or Starslight Prep?” he asked, the odd dark gray of his eyes standing out starkly against all of that lovely skin.

“Starslight Prep,” I said without hesitation. “It was the only one that offered me a scholarship, and I needed…”

I trailed off not wanting to advise him of our current financial situation. I might not care about money, but most people did. Most people judged. He didn’t seem to though; his expression didn’t change. I actually couldn’t get a read on his thoughts at all, which was somewhat relieving.

Just when the silence got awkward, and I was about to wave and head for the bus stop, he gave me a bright smile. “Starslight is a great school. You don’t have to worry. They only offer scholarships to students worthy of attending. It’s one of the most exclusive schools in the country, and graduating from there you’ll have no trouble getting into college.”

Another bonus. They were adding up fast this morning. The only way I was going to college was with multiple scholarships and financial aid, so maybe this new school would have some programs or contacts to help with that. Returning his smile, I nodded and half-turned.

“Well, thanks again…” I paused, waiting for him to fill in the blank of his name.

“Ace,” he said with a wink. “You can call me Ace.”

“Cool name,” I replied, waving and starting across in the direction of the bus stop. I turned back briefly as he called after me: “Take care out there, Emma. Not everything in Astoria is as safe as Daelight Crescent.”

I briefly locked eyes with him before marching away. How had he known my name? I definitely hadn’t told him it. Must have been attached to the card or something. I pulled it free for a second and had a look, but it just said “Resident of Daelight Crescent,” with a barcode to scan. No name.

Maybe it was logged in the computer. I refused to believe there was anything supernatural going on here. Sara and Michael were the only ones living in a fantasy world.

I stood on the corner for a few minutes before a white bus rolled up. Ace had been right about the card thing; I barely even flashed it before I was waved on. It was empty, so I had my pick of seats. I chose one about halfway, right against the window so I wouldn’t miss any of the scenery.

Astoria was just as pretty as it had been last night. Prettier actually, even in the dull, cloudy-day light. Ocean on one side, forests on the other, I felt as if I’d stumbled on fabled faerie lands; surely there was no place on Earth as stunning as this. The houses even seemed storybook-like – cute cottages, sprawling beach abodes. The bus stopped a few times, three people got on, but none sat near me.

Which was fine by me. I was in town-watching mode, not small-talk-with-strangers mode. All too soon the bus entered the “main street.” Well, at least according to the driver, who was randomly shouting out information on the town. Seemed we might have been in the historic section, which was why I chose to exit here. As good a place as any to start exploring.

I spent the next few hours strolling around, window shopping, observing the many people who were busy living their lives. They were so happy here, always smiling at me. I didn’t trust it; it was bizarre. But at least the scenery was stunning. Early afternoon, I made my way back to the bus pick-up. A different driver this time, a gray-haired woman who looked pretty close to retirement age. Again my card was just glanced at and I was waved on board. There were half a dozen or so passengers seated now, so I plonked down in a free chair near the back, in front of a blond girl who looked my age.

Slumping back into the soft seats – this bus was surprisingly nice – I briefly closed my eyes. I was tired again, despite my decent sleep last night.

“Are you new here?”

I jolted, eyes flying open as I shifted around in my seat to face the blond girl. She had leaned forward and I found myself staring into startling green eyes. If they were real, they were absolutely stunning. From what I could see, she was tall and thin, her features narrow, face angular. Not exactly pretty, but with the interesting look of a model. “I’ve never seen you on the bus before,” she continued on, cheerfully chatting, “and I ride it almost every day.”

I pushed back some of my wayward hair, swallowing hard. It was immediately obvious she was ultra-confident, which somehow always made me feel extra-introverted. Finally I found my voice. “Yeah, we just moved here yesterday. I was exploring the town.”

She chuckled, revealing slightly-crooked white teeth. “Not much to see. Lived here my entire life, and let me tell you, this is one boring-ass town.” She held her hand out to me. “I’m Cara. It’s great to meet you.”

I shook gently, then pulled my hand back to rest on my lap. “Emma. It’s really nice to meet you too.”

She seemed genuine and friendly, someone I would have enjoyed hanging out with in my old life. After my parents died I lost contact with most of my friends. They tried to stay in touch, but I was so broken, and after a while they just couldn’t deal. I never blamed them. I was depressed being around myself. They at least had the chance to leave.

I knew I needed to put some effort into life again, to make friends. It would be nice to know someone before I started school. Hopefully she was going to the same one as me.

Just as I decided to ask her, she said, “So what school are you going to? I’m at Stars High, senior year.”

“I’m going to Starslight too. Senior also.” I paused briefly. “I’m extra glad now to meet you. Starting a new school in senior year was not in my ten-year plan.”