As I exited the training room, my skin felt like it was on fire. My face was flushed, and my skin felt the same way. Correspondingly, my body ached, a fire that wouldn't subside coursing through my veins. On top of this, my heart felt like it was being ripped out. Sure, I felt guilty for kissing James, but the part that made it worse was that I enjoyed kissing him. Although kissing Chase wasn't bad, I just didn't feel the spark I did with James.
I must be losing my mind, I thought, running my fingers through my tangled hair. I made my way up to my bedroom to quickly shower. Nobody else seemed to be around today though. I hadn't seen my father, or my mother, nor had I seen Chase today. Thankfully, I thought as I made my way into my bedroom, shutting the door quietly behind me.
"Makayla," I almost jumped out of my skin at the suddenness of my name.
"Hello mother," I said slowly, turning to face her, my bandages still in place. She was eyeing her red painted fingernails, holding them in front of her, all the while sitting atop my grey sheets.
As her eyes scanned my bandages, her face contorted in distaste. "And what exactly have you been doing?" Her grey eyes narrowed at me like daggers as she stood. "I do hope you weren't training with that devil spawn Chase," her words were laced with venom as she spoke, circling me like a vulture.
"I was training with James," I said quietly, her eyebrows immediately raising.
"I thought you disliked James?" She asked, questioning.
"I suppose my initial dislike was unwarranted, and he asked me to train with him since my memories are returning," I spoke cautiously, choosing my words as carefully as possible. My mother was dressed in all black, bringing out her dashing eyes and red painted lips.
"I see," she said, smiling to herself ever so slightly. "Well, I'm glad to see that you're finally ready to adapt to this way of life," I swallowed, keeping my back straight as she continued to stare at my wounds, a hidden message seeming to lurk in her gaze. "Of course, we must be sure you're able to protect yourself from unwarranted danger." I nodded my head slowly in response. She then ripped the bandages off my face, in one foul swoop, and I let out a breath in pain.
"What was that-"
She cut me off, "I just wanted to see how deeply he cut you," She smiled maliciously as my gaze hardened. "Well, go clean up, I just wanted to tell you we have guests coming in a few hours," she waved her porcelain hand at me. "Do look presentable, they're quite important." I nodded my head in a smooth, quick motion. "I'll see you later, and next time, don't do anything like that in the training room."
I felt my heart sink as she blew past me, exiting my room, heels clacking steadily against the floor. So, someone had been watching us, and it was my mother. I swallowed deeply, James and I had been caught, by how much, I wasn't sure. My mom had seen something though, and I knew she'd use it as a means of blackmail.
The door clicked behind me, and I stood there frozen in place, my cheek throbbing where she'd ripped the bandages off. I was screwed. Completely utterly screwed. I had no idea what she would do with that information? Tell Chase, in order to sabotage our mission? Tell Mrs. Lewis, who is already heartbroken enough at my mother's decision to beat Chase?
I gripped my hair with one hand, stress, eating me from the inside out. To calm myself down I undressed, removing the dressings James had placed on me, and took a shower.
Once I excited the bathroom, I noticed a black dress laid out atop my bed, it was simple, plain. It glinted with sparkles of blue and white as I raised it upward, looking like the night sky. I groaned to myself, still frustrated from my previous encounter with my mom, along with the fact that I'd have to deal with another new person, I had no clue existed.
I pulled the dress over my body, putting my hair into a messy bun in the back, leaving my fly aways free, the exact opposite of what my mother would approve of. I finished dressing, then gradually made my way down the stairs. The entirety of downstairs felt biting cold as I looked around to see if anyone else was around. The only other person down the stairs was Chase. His green eyes made contact with mine and a small smile formed on his lips.
Shit, my mind raced. I hadn't talked to him in days, then I kissed his brother. Really smooth. I offered a small smile back. Chase wore a suit of black and magenta again, the corner of his bandage peeking over his shoulder. He was busy working away at creating dinner which looked to be a feast. There was freshly baked sourdough, chicken, steak, pork, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, an assortment of salads, and a vast number of desserts.
My mouth hung open from the sheer quantity of food he'd made. Very clearly catering toward a number of interests. Whoever we were entertaining must have been quite picky. All the seasonings from the various dishes flooded my nose, causing my stomach to grumble. Chase walked over to place crystalline plates, glasses, and bowls onto the table. Along with assortments of silverware, all of which were various sizes that sat in line perfectly with one another from smallest to largest.
I gulped, making my way to the kitchen, waiting for everyone else to arrive. Azura, my newfound companion, was nowhere to be found, nor had I seen her since I was in the training room with James. My newfound creature of comfort.
My slightly heeled black shoes clacked against the floor as I made my way to the counter, pulling out a crystalline glass, gulping down water. Chase's green eyes looked to me from the corner as he continued to cook. The bruising on his face was gone, along with the cuts, though I knew the wounds on his back had not yet recovered. Purple bruising leeched onto the back of his neck, reaching toward the nape.
Chase cleared his throat as he cut up carrots, throwing them into a silver steaming pot that sat atop the stove. "How have things been the past few days?" His obsidian-like hair shone against the overhanging lights, once again slicked back across his head. I stared at him, almost forgetting how he'd sounded over the past few days.
"It's been fine," I spoke a bit colder than I had wished to. Chase seemed to ignore the bitterness in my voice as he cut up zucchini and broke apart pieces of cauliflower, he'd rinsed minutes prior. He threw these too into the pan beside him, steaming them as well.
"Just fine?" Chase's voice was smooth as he spoke, the deepness seeming to encircle me. I swallowed, as he turned to face me. His eyes were solemn, almost regretful. Chase wiped the flour from baking the bread earlier off of his apron, as he crossed his arms over his chest. I studied him, holding my head slightly higher.
"Well, you and James didn't speak to me for several days," I crossed my arms over the low neckline of the dress, it hugged my curves tightly, accentuating them. All of my wounds from earlier visible from the low cut of the dress. None of which I'd bothered to cover up. "I was left alone to train by myself, I can't say I had a great time when I have no other friends in this god forsaken city." My voice was cold, my eyes set in a solid glare as his trailed over my wounds.
He slowly began to remove his apron, arms flexing as he did so. My breath caught ever so slightly, wondering if I had been too harsh. "Of the same token, you didn't act as though speaking to either of us was on your list of priorities," he bit back, face cast in a fiery stare. "I wasn't going to invade your space more than I already have. It wouldn't be fitting," he said, his gaze still held my own. I scoffed at him, walking right to the front of where he stood, placing my pointer finger against his chest.
"Regardless of whether or not it was deemed 'fitting' to you," I pushed harder against his chest, his back now against the counter, arms holding either side to stabilize himself. "It doesn't mean that the entire conversation didn't hurt me, just as much as it possibly hurt you." Chase rolled his eyes at this, then looked down to my level.
"I'm sure it pained you so much," Chase replied, as I gaped at him, mouth parted slightly. He nudged me away as he turned off the stove, the vegetables finishing their steaming. His gloved hands encircled the double handles that encased each side, moving the put to the burner on the opposite side.
"What the hell's your problem?" I asked, slightly loud. Chase ran his finger through his dark hair, moving it out of place ever so slightly as he mixed the veggies with a stainless steel spoon.
I stood, his back to me, waiting for his reply. "You really think I'm that stupid?" He asked coldly, mixing the dish harder.
"What do you-"
"Makayla, I know you kissed James. If he's who you want to be with, fine, be happy. However, instead of leading me on I would have rather had you be honest with me from the beginning." I swallowed hard, my face instantly heating.
"Chase-" He interrupted me in an instant as I absentmindedly reached for him. He held hand up to stop me from continuing.
"All I want is for you to be happy, but just know Makayla," Chase turned to face me once more, his mossy eyes distant. "You can't have us both." I swallowed in response, looking back at that solemn gaze as he took the various foods he'd cooked, setting the table.
A thunderous knock from the door had my eyes shifting elsewhere as I made my way to it. I tried to check the windows, yet I could see no one on the steps. My chest clenched as I opened the handle of the elegant church-like doors, revealing to me two unfamiliar faces. One a girl with fiery red hair that curled in tendrils down to her waist. She wore an emerald, green dress that fell just above her knees. Bright green eyes stared back at me, as she cocked her head to the side. She looked to be slightly older than myself, her lips painted with shimmering lip gloss.
Beside her stood a man, much older than either of my parents. His face was tight with judgment. A completely grey beard etched into his face, his grey hair streaked with a small semblance of that same fiery red as the girl. He looked at me with an eyebrow raised, his face in a scowl. Matching the girl beside him, he wore an emerald suit with a white undershirt. The pair had matching gemstones laden on their necks, emerald I assumed.
The gruff man spoke before I was able to say my welcome. "Well, are you going to let us in or not?" His voice was deep, laced with power, I looked in awe at the pair, both were stunning.
"Um, yes of course, right this way," I managed to blurt out quickly, holding the door for them, the girl bowing her head at me in a simple gesture of appreciation. I shut the door carefully behind them, so as to not make any loud noises.
The pair glanced around in fascination, before I spoke once more. "My parents should be down here shortly, they're just finishing up with a prior engagement," the old man looked to me, his hazel eyes glaring. "There's refreshments in the kitchen as well, wine-" He held up a hand.
"Wine will do just fine." He stated roughly as he and the lady made their way toward the kitchen as though they already knew the home. I heard a gasp then the running of heels against the hardwood floor.
Before I could turn I heard a squeal of delight, "Chase!" I flipped my gaze to the kitchen where Chase stood, smiling, with his arms wrapped around the unfamiliar girl who was staring up at him, beaming. My heart seemed to drop ever so slightly at the sight that beheld me.
"Hello Mari," I averted my gaze from the pair as I walked to the closet that stored our wine, grabbing the fanciest bottle we owned. I then made my way over to where the elegant man sat, his back high as he analyzed the interaction between the girl, Mari, and Chase. I popped open the cork, pouring it into the crystalline wine glass beside the man.
The burgundy liquid flowed gently around the glass as he sat, glowering. "The finest wine we own," I said before making my exit. The pair at the counter catching up. I decided it was time to make my exit before any tension I may have felt arose. I walked over to the hallway, looking for James.
As I stared at the floor, I, thankfully, bumped into him. He looked down at me, his blonde curls flooded around his cheekbones, as his calloused hands steadied me. "Whoa there, speed demon, you almost knocked me over." I chuckled in response, instantly feeling the slightest bit better. I uttered a quick apology, smiling the slightest bit.
"I was looking for you, people are here, I don't know who they are. A girl, and an older gentleman. I think her name is Mari?" I made my lips into a faint line. James's gaze was intense as he looked at the cut he'd made earlier in the day. His too were still there, his violet suit flushing them brighter. The one against his neck, much darker than the one against mine.
"Marigold?" He asked, and I only shrugged, as he turned me around, walking me back to the kitchen. "It's bad form to leave when there are guests present. Though, I don't mind you coming to look for me," He whispered close enough to my ear that it gave me chills. I could almost feel him smiling as we entered the kitchen once more.
The lady, now known to me as Marigold, still stood with Chase, running her fingers down the edges of his suit. She looked up to him with doe eyes. However, that didn't change the brief flash of anger on Chase's as I entered the room once more with James at my side. I only smiled back as Marigold's eyes trailed to where Chase's had gone. A brief look of annoyance was all I could see on her face as we took our seats side by side.
James and I sat opposite of the older man who seemed to be swirling his wine in impatience. James was aloof, leaning back in his chair beside me. I sat, my hands placed tightly in my lap.
"James Lewis," the man let out before taking a sip of his wine before eyeing it once more.
"Mr. Kelly," James nodded in acknowledgement, his gaze briefly flickering to the man in front of him, as though he was bored.
A scoot of a chair followed by a sweet voice. "Oh Jamie, you know I've already told you time and time again that you don't have to call my father that. He doesn't mind if you use his name." Jamie? I thought, trying not to display the annoyance I felt on my face.
"Dearest Marigold, although I feign for your father's affections, I would much rather be polite and not overstep my bounds," James lifted his hand waving her off. She smiled in response, placing her elbow on the table, chin in hand.
Marigold's bright, large eyes blinked slowly at him as she touched his cheek with her free hand, right where I'd cut. Then she trailed the rest from his neck to his collarbone. "Oh, you poor boy, who would dare cut you like this?" She spoke with a frown, her voice whining. I had to try my best to not roll my eyes, just as Chase took a place beside me as well. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, his face unreadable.
"Just some training gone right," he said with a smirk, looking at me. As though it was the first time she'd seen me, Marigold flashed a look of disdain toward me. I sat ever straighter in my seat.
She scoffed looking between the three of us as though she was annoyed. A tendril of fiery hair wrapped around one of her fingers, that her green eyes seemed to find more entertaining. "Looks like she can't even beat you," Marigold's gaze was ice as it trailed up my body. "Pathetic. You know Jamie if you want to train with someone that has the potential to beat you, you could just train with me," she smiled innocently, laying a hand on his forearm, a grip he carefully shook off as to not offend, leaning back in his chair the wound on his neck partially visible from where I sat.
"I'll take my chances with this one," he said with a shrug. Chase was dead silent still, his gaze not moving anywhere but from the staircase. His arms were once again crossed against the bulk of his chest. I could see his purple bruising even more now that he sat beside me, yet all I did was shake my head at this girl's failed attempts to belittle me.
Just as Marigold was about to speak my mother and father descended the stairs looking the most elegant, I'd ever seen them. "Ah Maddox, we are terribly sorry for the wait, it took us longer than expected to finish our business in the city earlier in the day. Please forgive us." My mother gave the man a slight curtsey, my father gave him a bow, as they both made their way to the table.
My father pulled out the chair at the head of the table, taking a place beside my mother, along with the elderly man, Maddox. As everyone had seated themselves, the virtually silent passing of food began. Everyone loaded their bowls with salad or steamed vegetables first, delicately picking up the smallest fork the furthest to the left. I glanced over to Chase, to be sure he picked up the smallest one before picking up my own.
We all started to dig in. I chose to eat some of the salad that was covered in a blend of lettuce, veggies, along with balsamic vinaigrette that made my mouth water. "Before we eat, we should all speak," Maddox said, his voice a deep grumble, causing me to fixate on him solely, everyone else did the same as he swirled his half empty wine glass. "Today I have come to bestow the privilege of a mission on the behalf of the four of you. In order for you all to prove yourselves and your loyalty to New Genesis."
Marigold's eyes brightened, Chase's were distant, whereas James's were neutral. The same neutrality he seemed to use for everyone. Whereas Chase's distant gaze came on suddenly as though he were reliving something tragic. "You will all be assigned to venture to Kipcord Grove. You will each be supplied with your designated weapon, along with enough food and water to last you the trip. Once you arrive there, it will be established whether or not you are capable and loyal to the cause we have created." Everyone nodded in unison, me reluctantly following.
"In order for this mission to be considered accomplished, you four will have to annihilate the aggressive clans of creatures whom are against our kind. Failure to do so will result in banishment from New Genesis or death." Maddox's voice was stern, unwavering, a visible threat, we all nodded once more as he took a swig from the crystalline glass.
"Then, let us eat." With a shaky hand, I lifted my fork digging into the salad without an appetite.