Not Your Average Happy Ending (8 page)

Kendall

A voice. A light, beautiful voice was the only thing I could focus on. Like a string, it wrapped around me and pulled me out of the darkness. It was the same voice that had spoken to me during Dax’s attack. I didn’t know who it was, but I knew it belonged to someone good.

The voice spoke again, her sweet cadence guiding me back toward the light.

Fight it, Kendall. Stay with me.

Even though I was exhausted, I held on to whoever was guiding me. My body grew warmer and the pain lessened. It was still there, but only a dull throb. Voices rang in my ears. Voices I recognized. Ash. Sam. Misty, too. I felt myself returning to consciousness and slowly opened my eyes.

“Kendall?” Ash’s voice was panicked and he looked paler than usual. “Kendall, can you hear me?”

Ignoring the throbbing coming from my side, I managed a nod. “Yes,” I slurred.

“I’m going to move you, okay?” He lifted me into his arms and before I knew what was happening, we were back inside Sam’s house in Ash’s world. Ash set me on the couch, an arm wrapped tight around me. I leaned my head against the cushion and a tear rolled down my cheek. What was happening to me?

“Did Dax attack her again?”

Ash looked over at Leif, who strode toward the couch looking worried.

“No. At least…I don’t think so.”

I glanced up into Leif’s bright green eyes. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

I looked at Ash and hesitated. He met my gaze with a worried expression. I should have told him about my episodes earlier. “It’s my scar. The one Dax gave me. It’s fine most of the time, but then it’ll start hurting out of nowhere. It usually makes me pass out the pain gets so bad.”

“How many times has this happened?”

“Three times.”

“Three?” Misty glared at me. “I thought it was only two.”

I shrugged. It happened before bed one night. I never told her.

“Kendall…” Ash trailed off. He didn’t look mad, just hurt. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“May I see it?” Leif asked.

I blushed, but lifted the side of my shirt, exposing my scar.

He frowned. “Well, this isn’t good.”

“What’s wrong?” Ash asked.

“The blade Dax stabbed her with was cursed. There’s magic inside of her. Dark magic. See these black veins around the wound?”

“What?” I shifted so I could see my scar and sure enough there were little black veins forming around my scar. “I’ve never seen those until now.” How could I not notice them? They were so dark. Maybe I was losing my eyesight as well.

Leif sighed. “Ash, can I speak to you for a moment?”

“If it’s about me I want to know.” I pulled my shirt back down and folded my arms, ignoring the annoyed look Ash gave me. It was my body. My life. I wanted to know how bad it was.

He looked at Ash, who shrugged. “It’s fine. She can handle it,” he said.

“What’s wrong with me?” I asked.

Leif met my eyes and took a deep breath. “You’re dying, Kendall.”

The room went silent and cold dread swept into my chest. I couldn’t be dying. I felt fine. And I was only seventeen. There was no way I could be dying. I was healthy. Active. I didn’t feel sick at all. Maybe a little tired, but other than that…

“What do you mean she’s dying?” Ash said, his eyes wide. “That’s not possible.”

Leif ignored him and kept his eyes on me. “The dark magic inside of you is killing you. You didn’t possess any magic before, good or bad, so your body can’t fight it off. It’s like a bad infection like you humans get sometimes. I’d compare it to a disease like…cancer or something.”

“Cancer?” So, it was eating me alive from the inside out. I wasn’t expecting that.

“She can’t be dying,” Ash said, standing up and running a hand through his hair. “Is there a cure?”

To my surprise, Leif nodded. “The only way to stop the curse is to destroy the blade that stabbed her.”

“Dax’s knife,” Ash said with a frown.

So that meant Ash would go after him again. And possibly get himself killed, saving me. Great.

Ash looked at me a second before turning toward the others. “Sam, let’s go. We need to leave right now.”

“No! I’m not going to let you go after him again. You’ll be killed.”

He whirled around, his silver eyes darkening as a breeze slid through the room. “I can handle myself, Kendall. I’m stronger than Dax.”

I glared at him. “You don’t know that. You said it yourself he’s learning dark magic from your dad. How can you go up against someone so powerful?”

He clenched his jaw. “Don’t call him that. He’s not my father.”

“It’s the truth and you know it,” I said. “You have the same blood he does. I’ve seen your eyes, Ash. They’re changing and turning gold. The more you want to kill Dax and use your darker magic, the more you change.” I stood and Ash grabbed my hand so I wouldn’t fall over. “I won’t lose you to that, Ash. I see how scared you are every time you use your magic. It’s like it’s controlling you.”

His body stiffened and he let go of my hand. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not!” My head was swimming, but I made myself keep it together. I couldn’t pass out again.

He let out a frustrated breath. “I’m working on controlling it, Kendall. It’s just…complicated.”

“How so?”

“I have two different types of magic trying to overtake the other. My djinn magic has been stronger lately. It’s darker and more potent so it pushes my fairy magic away. I’m trying to control it and I think I’m doing a pretty good job.”

“Pretty good could still get you killed.” I knew I should have kept my mouth shut, but he needed to know how I felt about the situation. I wouldn’t lose him to Dax or his own magic. I couldn’t.

His eyes narrowed. “I’m glad you have such faith in me.” He let go of my hand and walked toward the door.

“Ash…” I said, but he didn’t stop. The door slammed closed and all I could do was stand there in silence as Sam, Misty and Leif watched.

Talk about awkward.

Ash

I needed to clear my head. Kendall’s words had hurt me more than she knew. And the worst part? She was right. About everything. My magic was getting harder to control. I wasn’t sure what to do about it. The logical thing to do would be to find a djinn and ask a bunch of stupid questions. The problem with that? The only djinn I knew of was Linkin. And there was no way I was going to go to him for help.

The campus grounds were quiet. No one was around, so I made my way to the only place I could think of that felt like home. Night Hall.

I entered the familiar building and the slew of memories that came rushing back in helped comfort me a little. I made my way up the stairs to Logan’s home. Since he was under the Sleeping Death Curse, they moved him to his own place. They couldn’t do anything at the hospital for him anyway.

When I reached the top of the stairs, I was greeted by an elf and a centaur. They looked like they were guarding Logan’s bedroom.

I didn’t recognize the elf, but I did know the centaur. His light coat was just as shiny I remembered and he had a long bow with a pouch of arrows strapped to his back. I wondered why he was armed.

“Cornelious,” I said.

He smiled and clapped me on the back. “Ash Summerland. What are you doing back here?”

“Came to visit an old friend.” I motioned toward Logan’s room.

“Go ahead and go in. There hasn’t been any change since you left, so don’t be surprised.” He moved out of the way and nodded to the elf to let me pass.

“Thanks.” I was going to ask him about the arrows, but decided to wait. I’d see him on the way out anyway. I turned the doorknob and walked inside. My mood dropped again, seeing Logan asleep in his bed. He looked exactly the same. His long hair, lines on his forehead from living so long. My oldest friend. He’d practically raised me after my mom disappeared and my adoptive dad died.

I went around and sat on a chair next to him. I couldn’t help but feel guilty as I looked at him. It was my fault he was under the curse in the first place. If I wouldn’t have pissed off Shenelle, he wouldn’t have jumped in front of me and blocked her spell. It should have hit me. I knew it and so did everyone else.

“I’m sorry,” I said, knowing he couldn’t hear me. Or maybe he could. That would be kind of weird. Either way though, I was going to get him out of this. I wish he would have made a mention to who his true love was, since only her kiss could break the spell. Or maybe he never had one. I shook my head. I had to think positive. Master Time said he’d look through all of his personal items. Maybe something would be in there.

I don’t know how long I sat there before Kendall entered my thoughts again. I had to talk to her. Make her understand why I had to find Dax. I wasn’t about to let his curse kill her. I’d rather die myself.

The door opened and Cornelious entered. His hooves barely made a sound on the wood floor and I had to wonder how he carried himself so light. “Same as before, right?”

I nodded. “Right. I wish we could find a spell to heal him instead waiting to find the right person. Has anyone found any leads on a girlfriend or past love? Anything?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. Logan’s a pretty private person. No one seems to know anything about his past. It’s kind of weird.”

“Great.” I looked at his sleeping form again before standing. “You still sparring?”

He nodded. “Still haven’t lost a match.” He flexed his arm muscles and I had to laugh.

“It’s been like four years. I think we need a rematch.”

“It’s true, you put up a pretty good fight, but I still kicked your butt.”

Yes. Yes he did. “Well, name the day and I’ll be there.” I reached out and shook his hand again. “Good to see you. Take care of him for me.” I nodded toward Logan. “Let me know if you get any leads.”

“Will do.”

I left the room and started down the stairs, dreading what came next.

Apologizing to Kendall for walking away from her during a fight. That would be fun. Pretty sure I’d be doing some major groveling when I got back.

As I made my way across campus and back to the woods, a movement caught my eye. I sighed. I really didn’t have time for this.

“Ash,” a sultry voice said.

“Sinna, how are you?” I asked.

Her willowy form sidled up next to me, her white blonde hair blowing near her feet. I couldn’t figure out why dryads were so freaking skinny and white. They were very beautiful, but they kind of reminded me of ghosts. Besides the whole see-through thing. She definitely wasn’t see-through. Unless you looked at her from the side. Then she sort of disappeared. “I’m great now that you’re back.” She smiled, her face lighting up.

“I’m not staying. Just tying up a few loose ends.”

She frowned. “I see.”

“Well, it was good to see you.” I gave her a smile and walked a few feet before she wrapped her long fingers around my arm and pulled me to a stop.

“I’ve missed you,” she said. “Remember how much fun we used to have together?”

I groaned. “Sinna, I don’t have time for this.”

She pulled me around to face her. “It’s true. I’ve missed seeing your handsome face. The way you compliment me.” She ran a finger down my cheek and I jerked away. “It never gets old.”

“What can I say? I like complimenting people.” I turned away again, but she pulled me back. Again.

“Are you seeing anyone? Because I’m available.”

“I’m sorry, Sinna. Haven’t you heard? I have a girlfriend.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, yes. A
human
girlfriend. Very romantic,” she spat.

“It is,” I said. “She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“I’m sure she is for now.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You honestly think it will last? You, full of magic and potential and her? All she is, is a weak human, Ash. How can you not see that?” She ran her fingers through her long hair and looked at her nails. “You should figure out your place, Ash. It’s here. Not with her. She’ll bring you down. No one that has fallen for a human has been happy in the long run. Something always happens to tear them apart.”

“It’s not going to be like that for us.”

She laughed. “Sure it isn’t. You should let her down gently. And soon. I’ll be waiting for you.”

I stared at her, wondering how someone could be so sure of herself. And obnoxious. “Good to know you’re still the same, Sinna.” I peeled her fingers from my arm. “By the way, I thought you and Dax were a thing.”

“I haven’t seen him for months. He disappeared and never said a word to me before he left.”

Of course she hadn’t seen him. Why would he make it easy for me to find him? “Well, good luck waiting for him to come back,” I said. “You guys are perfect for each other. See you around.”

“If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“I’d rather be drowned by a siren,” I said. I heard her gasp and walked away, well

aware of her stare following me into the woods. I was glad I knew where her tree was so I could avoid getting beat up by its branches. Dryads liked to hold grudges.

***

Kendall sat on the porch of Sam’s house when I returned. She didn’t look mad when she saw me, just sad.

“Hey,” I said. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs unsure of what to do. I never knew what she was thinking, and didn’t want to make her any more upset, so I waited for her to make the first move. It took longer than I thought it would.

“You came back,” she said, after ignoring me for what seemed like ten minutes at least. She scooted over and patted the spot next to her. I sat down beside her and hesitated a second before putting my arm around her. She rested her head on my shoulder and sighed. Which made me feel like crap. “I’m sorry,” I said. I never realized how much Kendall had changed me. I never apologized first. To anyone.

“Me too. I didn’t mean what I said. I was just upset.”

“Yes you did.”

She shifted. “Okay, I did. But it came out meaner than I meant it to.”

We sat in silence for a while, lost in our own thoughts. I wasn’t sure how to start the conversation, since I knew she’d be mad either way, but I had to make her understand why I felt the way I did. Why I had to find Dax. Why I couldn’t let her die.

Know this, Ash Summerland. She will die. And there is nothing you can do to save her.

The banshee’s warning rang through my head again and I squeezed my eyes shut trying to block it out. It wouldn’t happen. It couldn’t.

“You’re leaving again.”

The sadness in her voice brought me back to the present. I opened my eyes, my heart aching at the expression on her face as she turned to look at me. “I know there’s nothing I can say to make you stay.”

“Kendall—”

“It’s okay, Ash. I understand. If you were the one who was…” She gulped and let out a breath. “Dying…then I would do the same for you. I’d do anything to save you.”

“Don’t say that. You’re not dying.”

She stared at me. “I am. I think I knew even before Leif told me. My body feels different. It feels old and weak. And the pain…” She sucked in a breath and closed her eyes. “When it happens, the pain is almost unbearable.”

I clenched my jaw and kept my emotions under control, even though there was still a slight breeze that pulled at my hair. “Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?” I still couldn’t believe she kept it from me. She was supposed to be able to trust me with anything.

Her shoulders sagged and she shook her head. “I didn’t want you to worry about me. You have so many other things to worry about.”

“Kendall, none of those other things are as important as you.” I shifted so I could look into her eyes. “I won’t lose you.”

A tear slid down her cheek and she wiped it away just as quick. “Promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t want to lose you either.”

“I promise.”

She smiled and linked her fingers through mine. I kissed her hand and she smiled, making my heart beat faster. She had a killer smile. “I’m sorry again. For making you mad.”

I shrugged. “I deserved it.”

She chuckled and wiped at her eyes again.

“Let’s go find Misty,” I said, helping her to her feet. “I need to talk to her.” I promised to keep her safe and I had a plan to do just that.

“Misty’s staying with me again?”

I nodded as a thought popped into my head. “Yes. Misty will stay with you. And a few others just in case.”

“Others?”

I grinned. “You’ll see.” Hopefully the others would agree…