Chapter 6

No one said anything, just climbed into the boat. Paden and Weylin helped push off the dock and they were out in the water, heading into the dark. It was the biggest boat Ree had ever been on, much bigger than her grandfather’s bass boat. The large hull gleamed like a slick pearl in the moonlight and Ree knew this was not a cheap boat.

“You should be safe now. I don’t think anything could get through our protection,” The large man said almost kindly when Ree neared him. He had a thick Southern dialect that roughened his already gravelly voice. Coming from a mouth buried deep inside of his thick beard, it made his words even harder to understand.

“Thank you,” she replied as the ball of tension in her stomach began to unravel. The man looked large and intimidating, but there was something comforting in his tone. He reminded her a great deal of some of her uncles.

“I'm Eric,” he turned and offered her his hand.

“Ree McKenna,” She smiled as his large hand engulfed hers in a hearty handshake.

“McKenna, huh? Seems like I remember some McKennas from around Guyton.” He watched the darkened water as they pushed through. Ree pulled her sweater tighter against her body. Even inside the little cabin of the boat she could feel the bite of the Georgian winter. Customary of the crazy weather patterns along the coast, the wind had picked up, making the crossing even more uncomfortable.

“My grandparents live in Guyton, now,” Ree replied, interested. She hoped he would offer more information, but he merely grunted in a friendly fashion.

Paden walked over to them and stood behind Ree placing a hand on her shoulder. Despite feeling overwhelmed and tired beyond her comprehension, she tingled at his touch. She tilted her head up to look at him, and saw that his fangs were gone. Now that she thought about it, the burning sensation in her chest and stomach had abated, and she didn’t feel like there were things pressing on her.  

“Feeling better?” his voice was quiet, meant for her ears alone. She nodded her head and offered him a small smile in return. His fingers tightened on her shoulder before he turned to introduce himself to the captain of the boat. She was glad to see that Paden didn't take his hand off of her as he talked to Eric about where they are going. She let her gaze run over the others that had taken seats in the small cabin. Each of them looked lost in their own thoughts. Bryce had his arm over Juliette’s shoulder, while she looked out of the window. Weylin was watching Paden and Eric as they talked about where they were headed. Melanie, on the other hand, was watching Ree and Paden with a small smile. When she met Ree's eyes, she motioned for her to sit next to her on the bench. She patted Paden’s hand before stepping over to the padded seat Melanie was occupying.

“How are you doing?” Mel asked as she made room for her.

“About as good as the rest of you,” Ree said. She really did like Melanie and didn’t want there to be any bad blood between them over Paden. “Really tired for some reason.” Ree yawned as if on cue.

“Oh, I don't know. Weylin and Bryce and I haven't started glowing or growing fangs yet.” Melanie laughed. “Seems like we might be doing a little bit better than you.”  She held up her hand, her pointer finger and thumb pinched together to emphasize her statement.

“Well, that’s true. I wish I had a better idea of what was going on.” Ree sighed heavily. She was so exhausted she could probably sleep for days. She leaned back against the wall of the boat and fought the weight of her eyelids. She tilted her head to the side in an attempt to pop her neck and shake off the lethargy settling onto her shoulders. Her whole body was sore, like she had run a marathon in half the time it should take. A yawn escaped her mouth, causing her eyes to water, and she sighed in defeat. She doubted that even a case of energy drinks would make her feel more awake.

“I guess this boss of yours will explain everything,” Mel shrugged. She was always so laid-back and relaxed; it made everyone else look like they were a wound up soccer mom. “From what it sounds like, she has some important things to tell you. I wonder what it is that’s happening. This is kind of exciting, you know? A mystery with bad guys, good guys and some kind of magic voodoo.”

“Yeah, well, I guess so.” She really had no idea what Sophie was going to tell them and to be honest she was pretty scared of what might come out of the Greek woman’s mouth.

The crossing was not gentle. The southern winter had taken an odd turn this December, making it colder and even rainier than usual. A wicked storm was sitting off the coast and had churned the waters up a great deal. The waves threw them all about, the boat landing roughly after every swell. Ree tried to not think about the throbbing in her backside each time they crashed down, or the fact that if all of those little electric gadgets in on the console went out they would probably never make it to the island. Eventually, an even darker shape than the surrounding water came into view, and the boat slowed with a quiet shift of the motor. Lights flared to life on either side of what must be a dock.

Eric motored the boat next to a large stone and wood pier. Melanie and Weylin hopped off and secured the boat as the others disembarked. They all stood there, unsure of where to go.

“Just head on up to the house,” Eric motioned up the dock. As he said that, lights similar to the large lanterns on the dock lit up a path that led into the woods. Ree yawned and stumbled after the others. She stubbed her toe on the ramp and let out a yelp before biting her lip, frustrated. Why was she so tired?

The others had stopped and were looking at her in worry. She waved them away, but Melanie and Jules took up spots on either side of her. Paden hesitated for just a moment and then continued on in front of her. Ree ground her teeth at his expression and angrily wiped the sleep out of her eyes. She wasn't doing much to prove the fact that she wasn’t a kid anymore.

As they neared the edge of the woods, they all slowed. They could see the lights from what must be a very large dwelling. When it finally came into view, Bryce whistled under his breath.  “Jules, I didn't think anyone else had as much money as your parents. I guess I was wrong.”

Ree had to agree. The house was large and impressive. It had an almost Spanish theme, with a tiled roof, and a warm wall color. The entrance was a large, arched double door. It was surrounded by a low stone wall that the lanterns led straight past. As she looked at the house, she was once again assailed by a large yawn. She shook her head and tried to focus.

“Ree? Are you alright?” Melanie touched her arm. She shook it off, frustrated. She didn’t want anyone to point out her apparent weakness. She mumbled a reply and took a few steps forward before it became nearly impossible to keep her eyes open. She just needed to sit down for a moment. Maybe there would be somewhere to sit on the other side of the wall. She stumbled on a root and tried to keep her footing. Someone asked her a question, but she didn't have the energy to decipher what was actually said, much less to respond. She was almost to the wall when the world began to spin. Her body became sluggish, her feet unresponsive. She yawned again before sighing as her legs caved under her weight. She had just a moment to wonder at the swooping sensation in her stomach and the lack of pain from the fall before she heard Paden mumble soothingly in her ear. Then everything went dark.

*

“When will she wake up?” Paden’s voice sounded like it was coming from far away.

“She should come around soon. But she needs the rest. The magic takes a lot out of the Alastriana the first few times. It can be overwhelming.” Sophie Diakos’ soothing accent came quietly from a different direction. Someone snorted at the word magic. “Yes, yes, Weylin, I know it seems outlandish. Be patient a little longer, and I will explain more.” Sophie came closer to Ree, and laid something soft along her shoulders. Ree tried to respond, to say something, but she slipped even deeper when the older woman placed her hand on her head.

When she became aware of the voices again, she realized she must have been out for a lot longer this time. Her body did not feel near as heavy or unresponsive. She took a quiet breath as she climbed back out of the deep sleep that had claimed her earlier. She became aware that someone was sitting near her, but she wasn't sure who it was until they spoke.

“It’s been almost four hours. Are you sure she’ll be ok?” Paden’s warm fingers brushed some of the hair back out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. His voice was quiet but laced with worry.

“Paden, you’re going to need to learn a lot more patience as an Immortal.” Sophie spoke quietly.

“I don't remember signing up for any of that.” His voice was still quiet, but Ree had the impression that he was looking at her when he spoke. “Are you sure I’m immortal? I don't really feel different. Things are a little clearer, sharper, but that could just be the adrenaline.”

“Paden, trust me. The moment Ree's magic touched you, it ignited that spark in you. It called out to your genes-- the genes of  Brigid, goddess of the Celts, and Poseidon, god of the sea. It was the turning point of your lifeline. Because you have already reached your maturity, you will not age another day. The same goes for Juliette. In her veins runs the blood of strong Japanese gods. When Ree tried to use her magic in that restroom against the darkling, she also touched Jules. She, too, will not age. Neither will the others once she ignites that change in them.”

Ree struggled to make sense of what she was hearing. Paden and the others were immortal? Because of her? Because of what she had done that night? And the way Paden and Sophie sounded, it seemed she was still different from them. Was she immortal as well?

As if in response to Ree’s internal question, Sophie sighed. “She needs you to be immortal. The things she will come up against will be far too strong for a mortal to stand against on her own. Her magic levels the playing field some, but in one moment, one accident, the Dark Ones could shatter her. End her life with a single blow. She needs a Guardian. In Ree’s case, she was sent five.”

Ree lay there for a moment, absorbing what she was being told. She wasn’t like the others. She was less, and yet somehow important. What was this all leading to? She needed answers, so she fought her tired body and opened her eyes. She was in a large room with a fireplace along one wall and large windows lining another. Sophie was sitting in a chair near the fire, her long dark hair slung over her shoulder in an intricate braid. A book sat open on her lap. Paden was sitting next to Ree, his back turned so she couldn’t see his face. For a moment she wished she could see into his eyes, and then she shoved that thought away. This news about the difference of their lifespans was too much to comprehend at the moment. There were more pressing questions.

“Why do I have this special talent? Is it a gift or a curse?” All things considered, Ree was pretty calm.

Paden turned around and touched her head. “You're awake. How are you feeling? Are you still tired?”

She ignored his questions and tried to not notice the pain in his eyes, the darkness that shadowed his words.  Instead, she watched as Sophie stood up and went to pour her a glass of water. When she handed it to Ree she touched her head and nodded to herself, apparently pleased with what she sensed.

Ree drank some of the water as she sat up. Paden got up from the bed and walked over to the windows.

“It is both a gift and a curse. It will enable to you to do wondrous things; save millions of lives. And yet, it will bring you much sorrow, and comes with great demands.” Sophie sat back in her chair and let Ree digest her words.

Not sure what to say or how to react, Ree just nodded her head. The ability to help other people, but at a cost to herself. She supposed she could handle that. She caught herself before she snorted. She wasn't that self-sacrificing. It sounded like she was going to suffer for this so-called gift. Well, at least someone would profit from it.

“Why?” She sat up and tucked her legs underneath her. “Why give me this power? What am I supposed to do with it?”

“You are the descendant of a very old, very special family. They were chosen long ago to carry the full potential of the human race. You have the ability to touch the gifts that reside in all of you, all of human-kind. Your family history is full of people with special gifts. Many have a little something extra: a heightened sense of intuition, the ability to move things with your mind, precognition, the list goes on,” Sophie said.

Ree didn’t say anything. She merely listened. Her family had always been different, slightly off from the norm. She knew some of her great aunts and uncles had hidden during the witch hunts. That even today her aunt owned an eclectic spiritual store that catered to Wiccans and other spiritual paths. That aunt also had dreams foretelling things like disasters or the birth of a new family member.

“But why? Why were we chosen? Why carry these extra abilities?” She sipped her water, trying to be calm and nonchalant.

“That’s a story we would all like to hear,” Paden added. He turned and looked at Ree then. His stance was angry, his shoulders were hunched in frustration. It surprised Ree to see him so aggressive as he spoke to Sophie. He was normally calm when dealing with a difficult situation.

“Yes, I think it is time for the whole story. Paden, would you mind gathering the rest of our group? They should be here for this as well.” Sophie smiled at Paden when he didn't move. “I promise she will be safe with me. Never would I allow anything to harm your Alastriana.”

He merely grimaced before walking quickly out the door. Ree watched him, confused.

“Already, he is fiercely protective. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. The gods have pulled out all of the stops this time. I hope they weren’t too late,” Sophie said quietly as she stared out the door after him.

“Why do you refer to me that way? As if my name is a title?” Ree focused on one of the things she thought Sophie might actually answer.

The dark haired woman shook her head and turned to look at the young woman sitting on her bed. Ree had shifted again, her emotional agitation making her physically uncomfortable. She tucked her knees under her chin and brushed at the hair that had escaped from her ponytail. There were soft spots of color in her cheeks, a peachy tint that still remained from her nap. Sophie watched her for a moment without saying anything.

“That would be because your name is a title. Alastriana means savior of human-kind. You were named for the job you were sent to do.”

Ree couldn't help the widening of her eyes and she swallowed hard. “My mother made up the name. She said that as she held me in her arms it was as if someone had whispered the name to her, but that’s not real, she just made it up.”

Sophie smiled. “Yes, it would most likely seem that way. Your mother is a very open individual. I’m not surprised she found your name so easily.”

“But, when you use it like a title, you make it sound as if there are more of us. More saviors,” She said the last with distaste. “I’m no savior. I’m just the same as every other person, even if I do have a weird family.”

Sophie didn’t say anything for a moment. She took a long, deep breath and looked out the window, her eyes dark with memory. Without turning around, she spoke quietly. “There have been many Alastrianas. Some have won. Some have lost. Each was special in her own way. All of them were important.”

Ree wanted to get more answers, but the Professor did not turn back around until the others entered the room. They all looked much more refreshed than they had before she passed out. Melanie came and sat down on the bed next to her. She leaned into her friend’s shoulder and smiled. “How ya feeling?”

Ree gave her a weak grin. “Much better, now. I’m sorry you all had to wait for me to wake up to get answers.”

Juliette sat on the other side of her. “I guess it makes sense for you to be awake when we find out. It all seems to be centered around you.”

Ree sighed and looked at her friends. Bryce and Paden had taken spots near the fireplace, and Weylin was lounging on the chaise in the corner with a large sub sandwich in his hands. Ree’s stomach gave a large growl when she saw the food. When was the last time she had eaten?

When he saw her staring, Weylin saluted her with the sandwich and smiled around a mouthful. “We might not know what’s going on, but wait until you see the kitchen!”

Ree chuckled and shook her head. Well at least Weylin didn’t look as stressed as he had been in the car. Bryce and Paden, on the other hand, both looked tense. And in Paden's case he even looked angry. Juliette looked intense, her energy excited, as usual. Melanie wore her usual look of calm, but there was an undercurrent of excitement that made her eyes even larger than normal.

Sophie looked at each of them in turn. Her eyes lingered on Paden and then Ree. “There are a lot of questions from all of you; some that you are beginning to figure out on your own, and some that will need a great deal of explanation. I think the best way to start would be at the beginning.”