Chapter 41
Marco's Island
Sofya
The next morning I woke up drenched in sweat. Another round of nightmares had plagued me through the night, half of which was about Ash, the other half about practically everyone else. I was just relieved they weren't precognitions because the first one came true and it was a complete disaster. I worried about the underwater castle one, which I was sure was going to turn out to be the coralia castle. Now I just needed to not set it on fire. Even though I wasn't sure how that was possible since it was underwater but watch it find a way. Since I learned angels and demons were real I suppose anything could be possible.
I scooted to the edge of the bed, laying my feet on the chilly hardwood floor. I pushed myself up to stand and, well, I stood. So far so good. I took a few sample steps and it wasn't too bad, just a dull throb in my upper chest and leg. I'd survive. I smiled, it was good that I recovered fast. I needed to hurry and get Lucy, Maxon, and Nico back. They had already been gone for too long. I was still heartbroken Enzo would do this. I trusted him and I thought he would have my back. Well, I was clearly wrong. Part of me still hoped that it was all just a misunderstanding, that Enzo would never actually betray me. Right?
I felt for the necklace around my neck, the smooth texture. So dangerous, but so very powerful. I glanced over at the dresser in the corner of the room. There was a yellow sundress hanging on it. Marco must have put it there. A smile pulled at my lips, he was so kind. I thought back to the memory-dream thing. We were supposed to be in love. But I didn't remember him and then there was Ash and Enzo. Ash who I cared so deeply for, Enzo who I loved but I wasn't sure if it was more than friendly love. Marco said he didn't mind if I never loved him but it was just weird to think about.
I shook the thoughts off and pulled the sundress on. I found my boots by the edge of the bed and slipped those on as well. I was pleased to find that they still had my daggers in them. Once I was done getting ready I left the room and went out into the hall. The smell of fresh waffles and bacon drifted up my nose. Oooo, that smelled so good. I found Marco cooking in the kitchen after checking five different rooms. What was with the supernatural and enormous houses? He grinned as I entered, his eyes lighting up.
"Good morning. I made breakfast." He said joyfully. I walked over to the stove, peering at the food.
"It looks delicious," I said, my stomach rumbling in agreement. Blush filled my cheeks. Marco gave me a wink.
"Aye, I think your stomach agrees." He said, handing me a plateful of food. I sat down on one of the barstools and dug in. I almost moaned, the food was so marvelous. I quickly devoured it all. Marco sat down next to me with his own plate. "Well, you were starved." He chuckled, his eyes lit up brightly.
"Yeah," I murmured, the blush returning.
"Let me show you something, it'll be a surprise," Marco said, grabbing my hand and dragging me towards the door. I pulled back and ended up crashing into his chest.
"Sorry," I mumbled stepping back.
"It's fine." I looked up into his eyes, they twinkled with energy.
"Where are you dragging me?" I questioned with an eyebrow raised.
"If I tell you it won't be a surprise anymore." He replied, his gaze dropping towards my mouth. "Trust me, it'll be worth it." He whispered, leaning in. I gulped, knowing what was to come. His lips met mine, soft and sweet but it felt wrong.
My heart didn't agree with what I was doing. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of oceany-sky blue eyes, and I knew only one person with those beautiful eyes. Ash. I yanked back to see the door wide open a dark blue running away, quickly disappearing into the vegetation.
"Ash!" I screamed, running out the door. Guilt and fear churned in my stomach. I ran through the bush, trees whacking my skin. When I finally reached the beach, he was gone, only footprints left imprinted in the white sand. I fell to my knees, exhaustion rushing through me. I couldn't imagine what he thought.
Did he think I ran away just to be with Marco? Or that I was wasting my time here for fun and not going to find Lucy and the others? I needed to go after him. I shoved my hand into my boot and grabbed out one of my daggers. I ran over to a tree and hastily carved a letter L for Marco to let him know I had left. Then I shoved it back in its sheath and ran into the tumbling waves.
Hours later I finally began to see the outline of the Coralia castle. I prayed to the gods Ash was around here too. I couldn't believe the reckless idiot came after me. Actually, I could but he shouldn't have. I didn't want to hurt him and now he was getting hurt anyway. I had been right. I needed to let him go, everything I did just caused him pain.
Also, this wasn't even the most dangerous part. There was still a lot more to come. If he went off by himself to save them I was going to be so pissed. And see, I was right. My actions were putting him in danger once again. If he died I would never be able to forgive myself. This was my problem and I needed to deal with it. My god, I was so stupid. How could I ever think that Ash and I could be together? The world kept throwing signs at my face, all of which I casually ignored. Lucy, Nico, and Maxon were so wrong. Ash and I could never be. Maybe by some miracle, I could talk some sense into Enzo. He was my best friend after all. This had to be just one big misunderstanding.
I kicked the rock in front of me in anger and pain shot through my toe. I winced and then blasted apart the rock. Why was everything so complicated? Why couldn't I just be normal? Why did the prophecy makers put me in charge? I couldn't do this. I wasn't some sort of genius who had the solution or great mastermind of a plan. I was just a teenage girl who got her friends kidnapped and hurt.
I huffed in frustration, then slowly sank down to the floor, burying my head in my knees. A lone tear slipped down my cheek. I just wanted to go home but I had no home and now I was at the bottom of the ocean crying in a tattered sundress. What a great hero I was.