Chosen (4 page)

             
“I really feel like we’re trespassing,” Phoebe wiped at the foggy window with her hand and peered outside. “Everything’s so dark and quiet.”  The city of Paphos lay completely silent on either side of the road as we cruised down one of the main thoroughfares on our way to Eventide.  The numerous shops and restaurants that lined the street had long been closed, and the cloak of night had successfully draped its influence across the landscape. 

             
“I guess three AM isn’t exactly rush hour,” I yawned.  After safely landing at Paphos International Airport, we had climbed into the back of a black Escalade driven by a tall, nameless, and seemingly mute young man.  He didn’t so much as utter a word as he loaded our luggage, but offered the slightest of smiles to each of us.  He let out a surprised gasp when Carmen wrapped a hand around his arm without provocation, but appeared to collect himself rather easily.  She sent him a tilted smile lined with madness and thankfully let go voluntarily.  Phoebe had apologized while Willow yanked Carmen inside the Escalade; both receiving menacing looks from her.

             
“The House of Eventide is about the same size as Lorelei, but we will be staying in the visitor’s quarters.  I’d like for you girls,” I noticed she focused her intense gaze mostly on me, “to get as much rest as time will allow.  Breakfast will be at 9:00am.”

             
If I actually slept for the duration of those six hours, I’d be more successful than I had been all week.  Somehow I didn’t think that being on the other side of the Earth would help ease my anxiety about Finn, or my impending meeting with the Nereids. A painful twist in the bottom of my stomach churned up an urgency that was getting harder to ignore.  I had the disturbing feeling that we were running out of time. 

             
The Escalade shifted as we all leaned to the left in an effort to see the passing marina bulging with sailboats, fishing charters, and personal craft.  Other than its impressive size, it looked very similar to Bald Head Island’s marina with its wooden boardwalks, jetties and pylons.

             
“Oh. My. God.  Is that a castle?!” Willow climbed over Phoebe to get a better view, “Please tell me that’s a real life castle!”

             
“Yes, dear that’s a ‘real life’ castle.” Natasha chuckled at Willow’s excitement, “It’s the Castle of Paphos, built in the twelfth century.”

             
“Uh, Willow?” Phoebe’s voice came out strained, “My ribs, built in 1995, are breaking.”

              “Oh! I’m sorry!” Willow jumped off of her, still giggly with joy, “Good thing I’ve got these for backup.” She waved her fingers in the air, referring to her healing ability.

             
“I think we’re here…” I informed them as we entered a rustic looking gate with two large, majestic columns adorning either side.  Letters had been carved in each that read in elaborate script:
House of Eventide
. I felt as if I were entering an ancient temple or mausoleum, and was reminded of images I had seen of ancient Greece.

             
No sooner had the thought crossed my mind, than we passed what appeared to be stone ruins on our left; sending everyone to that side of the car, consequently crushing Natasha.  Carmen looked on with obvious boredom and contempt. 

             
“Wow!  What’s that?” Willow pointed out into the darkness at another pile of ruins.

             
“That’s the ancient Spiti of Theseus,” Natasha managed after we peeled ourselves off of her. 

             
“Ew.” Phoebe shot her an odd look. “The Spit of Theseus?”

             
“Spiti.” Willow pronounced for Natasha, proud of herself for knowing a Greek word. “Spiti is another word for house.”

             
“Ohh! There’s something else!” Phoebe squealed, “It’s like we’re in Greece…except…not.”

             
“Take your seats girls; we’re almost to our destination.” The Escalade rounded a sharp corner and began to travel north.  The dark, vast Mediterranean Sea spread out to our left, while sovereign white limestone buildings lay across every inch of real estate to our right.  The old world Tuscan architecture produced arched windows, intricate cornices, and elegant terraces.  By the shape and size, I assumed most were lecture halls, while the taller buildings were more than likely dorms.

             
We continued down the same road until taking another right and coming to a stop in front of a row of otherwise modern looking villas.  My heart stuttered as I remembered that Finn’s body was currently lying inside, still and soulless.  As the closemouthed driver unloaded our luggage, the constant howl of the sea breeze ruffled our clothes and hair.  I watched the festive palm trees that lined the street succumb to the wind’s power, and felt a familiar humidity in the air that was almost tangible.  November weather in Cyprus was more like late September weather back in North Carolina.  The night sky showed no signs of clouds as I regarded the moon and hesitated, as a foreboding awareness settled over me. A hazy sheen glowed around its edges, creating a haunting circle of light that whispered into the depths of my soul.

             
“A single ring around the moon warns of rough seas ahead.” I suffered a mini heart attack as Charon materialized next to me.  His physical presence was quickly followed by the warmth of his strong, yet gentle darkness.  He set down Natasha’s bags as he spoke. “It’s a pleasure to be in your company once again, Anastasia.”

             
“It’s nice to see you again as well, Charon.” I nodded my head in respect which was met by an approving smile.  His salt and pepper hair and beard were accentuated by his entirely black outfit, which blended in with the night.  He had a timeless look about him that oozed grace and valor.

             
“Shall we?” He swept an arm out for me.  We strolled towards the villa in silence and I wondered what goes through the mind of an Underworld God.

             
“Oh you know, things like what to eat for dinner, how many souls will need ferrying this week, and world domination.” His undeniable charm was accompanied by a heartwarming smile.

             
I stopped mid-step and gawked at him in total disbelief.  A gentle laugh danced within his blue eyes as I searched for words.  “You…can read minds?” I asked incredulously. I hoped my eyes wouldn’t pop out of their sockets as I tried to remember how to blink. 

             
“Among other things.  I also enjoy an occasional novel.” He shrugged his shoulders with an amused wink and continued walking, glancing over his shoulder at my still shocked expression.  He could
read minds
.  I had no idea that was actually possible.  But apparently anything’s possible when you’re a god.  Mental note: no fantasizing about Finn with Charon in the room.  Or the same country for that matter.  I had no idea what his range was.  Better safe than sorry.

             
“Wow, this place is awesome!” I heard Phoebe exclaim from the doorway.  I shook myself out of the clutches of disbelief and followed the others into the villa.  I met the increasingly deranged eyes of Carmen, who shot me a wicked smile.  I quickly averted my gaze to Charon who was making sure Natasha didn’t need anything. Suddenly, I got an idea.  Unsure as to how the whole mind-reading thing worked, I thought as loudly as possible.

             
Charon, can you read Carmen’s mind?
He angled toward me and shook his head solemnly, then met me where I stood in the doorway.

             
“The being that has inhabited her mind has blocked her thoughts,” he contemplated something for a moment, “or erased them altogether.”

             
“Being?” I whispered in horror. 

             
“Come, let’s get settled.  You’ve had a long day.” He gently patted me on the shoulder and retreated back into the kitchen with Natasha.  The villa itself was comprised of two stories with an open floor plan.  Downstairs, the living room and kitchen took up one half, while two bedrooms and a bathroom occupied the other. Upstairs, three more bedrooms awaited occupants, while an outside terrace softened with lush foliage provided a view of the sea.  Light colors and clean lines gave the entire villa an aura of energy and balance; creating a peaceful ambience that helped me breathe deeper.

             
“It’s about time!” Ricker bounded down the stairs to greet us. “Finn isn’t really the best of company these days.” His gaze lingered on Carmen for several seconds as we attempted to laugh at his joke. I held my breath as he approached her and made an effort to wrap her up in a hug.

             
“
Don’t touch me!” Carmen lashed out at him and narrowed her dark eyes.  “Pleasures of the flesh have no place here.” The crushing disappointment that washed over his features clenched my heart, but as always he recovered with ninja-like speed.  Carmen was not in her right mind, but I knew that didn’t ease the pain he braved at her rejection.  I had gained a great deal of respect for him over the last week; taking care of Carmen as well as protecting Finn.  His normally charismatic light blue eyes had dulled; shadowed by the dark circles hanging underneath.  His black hair that stuck out at odd angles hinted at restless nights.

             
“Phoebe, please assist Ricker with making Carmen feel at home,” Natasha nodded towards one of the downstairs bedrooms as she stepped out of the kitchen with Charon on her heels.  “Stasia, Willow let’s get settled upstairs.”  I clutched my bags and inspected the staircase.  Sleep pulled at my eyelids as I concentrated on not tripping.  My sluggish legs burned in revolt, and I couldn’t wait to lie down in a soft bed after riding in an airplane for thirteen hours.

             
Willow vanished into one bedroom while Natasha peeked into another before regarding me. “Finn’s in here.  Why don’t you sleep next door,” she suggested. “Charon and I will be right across the hall if you should need us.”

             
“Okay,” I agreed.  Armed with the knowledge that Finn’s body was so near, the absence of his warm darkness was unsettling and threatened to destroy what was left of my splintered heart.  I met Natasha’s eyes as she moved closer and kissed me lightly on the forehead.

             
“Sleep well, dear.  Tomorrow will be a long day.”  The warmth and empathy in her eyes was unmistakable, and appreciation for her consistent strength and support warmed in my chest.

             
“Thanks Natasha,” I exhaled and smiled sleepily.  After closing the bedroom door behind me, I flipped on the lights and set down my bags.  A long canvas painting hung above the bed with blue lines that resembled rolling waves.  Light yellow walls offset the white furniture, and a prestigious palm tree stood watch in the corner.  Not bothering to change out of my jeans, I dissolved into the bed.  The cushioned pillow top felt absolutely amazing to my tired body, and the feather pillows provided a pool of softness to dive my head into.  The smooth sheets created a cocoon around me and miraculously I drifted off to sleep without pause.

             
Vertigo slammed into me when I gazed down upon the dark, crashing waves far below.  My feet were firmly on the ground, however the ground dropped off abruptly only inches away; leaving a massive drop down to the life-ending rocks and boiling water below.  On either side of me, the cliff stretched for miles; its stone face watching over the rolling sea.  It was an amazing and captivating scene that was hard to look away from.  I breathed in the smell of sea salt as I plopped down with my feet hanging over the edge.  Despite being in the relative safety of a reverie, my pulse quickened at the height.

             
Come to think of it, this was the first unprompted reverie I’d had in a while and something about it was incredibly peaceful and serene.  I felt as much a part of the cliff as the agave rosettes dotting the landscape behind me. I leaned back on my arms and faced the moon above; closing my eyes and allowing my senses to disperse and wander effortlessly.  The pale moonlight on my skin seemed to seep into my pores and revive my tired soul.  I grinned up at it as I sensed a pull from below.  I opened my eyes and peered down into the water.  The longer I hesitated, the more powerful the pull became. 

             
Somehow I knew I was still in Cyprus, just farther up the coast.  My inner compass had sharpened since completing my essence.  It was an odd, but very freeing feeling.  Scientists marveled at the ability of sea turtles to find their way back to the beaches where they were born in order to give birth themselves, but I completely understood it now.  Not that I could explain it, but I understood it.

             
I peered down at the water once again and smiled as the pull tugged at me again.  I took a breath, stilled my nerves and pushed myself off the cliff.  Being lighter than air, I floated down slowly toward the waves below and awaited the all consuming feeling of the ocean as it opened its arms to me. 

             
I swam for what could have been hours. The silky water gliding over my skin was therapeutic and energizing.  The fish I passed appeared to awaken at my presence and happily follow me around, darting back and forth.  Schools of rainbow fish, parrot fish, and goby kept me company as I swam.  I felt so alive, so complete.  A couple of minutes later, a familiar presence halted my forward motion and I looked around with anticipation.