The Breaker's Promise (YA Urban Fantasy) (Fixed Points Book 2) (28 page)

“It’s okay, Cresta,” Echo said, running his fingers through my hair. “I promise, it’ll all be okay.”

I must have passed out, because the next thing I noticed was the morning sun peeking through the boarded windows. I was flat on my back, under those Star Wars sheets. Why
were
there Star Wars sheets anyway?  I threw them off, realizing that, by now, the barrier had been lowered. The Breakers would be looking for me now. But Royce said I would be safe here, and I had no choice but to believe him.

I walked out into the living area. Dahlia, Echo, and Royce were sitting on a large couch in the center of the room, looking like none of them had slept a wink.

“Is that an attempt to be ironic?” Dahlia asked, looking to my shirt.

“It was-“

“It was my idea. It was stupid,” Royce answered hoarsely.

“How’s Renner?” I asked.

“It’s too soon to tell,” Dahlia answered, rubbing at her temples.

“I’m surprised to see the both of you here,” I said, looking from Echo to Dahlia, my voice cracking.

“Not as surprised as I am,” Dahlia said.

“Cresta, you need to know something,” Echo said, his fingers drumming along the arm of the couch in that way they always did when he was nervous or anxious. “After your secret came out, the Council ordered an immediate search to be conducted at Weathersby. They rummaged through everything, displaced the children, and took everything that was important to us.”

“Oh God, I’m really sorry,” I answered.

“You don’t understand Cresta,” Dahlia started. “When the Council takes everything that is important to you; they do mean everything.”

“What are you saying?” I asked, my eyes narrowing.

“My daughter,” Dahlia answered. “They took my daughter’s body.”

My throat clenched. What kind of people were these? Who would dig up an innocent girl and- God, these people were horrible.

I opened my mouth to answer, not sure what I was going to say, but knowing that no apology could ever be enough.

Before I could talk, a girl came in from a side room. She was thin, with wavy dark hair that had a gray strip running down the front of it.

“He managed to keep some of the soup down. So that’s probably a good thing,” the girl said. “Oh, you must be Cresta.” She smiled.

“I am,” I answered. “I don’t think we’ve met.”

“This is Haley,” Dahlia answered, motioning at her offhandedly. “You know how everyone seems to think that you’re the most influential person in the entire world.” She glanced over at me tiredly. “Well, Haley’s going to give you a run for your money.”

I had no idea what that meant. All I knew is that I was in a new place, with a new set of people, and new allegiances. The game had changed, and I was going to have to learn how to play it all over again.

“Is this everybody?” I asked. “The whole team?”

“Well,” Echo started. “There is the guy whose bed you slept in last night.”

“No look at me,” Royce grinned. “Miles to go before we sleep. Am I right, Sweetheart?”

I scoffed. “He’s actually standing right behind you,” Echo answered, pointing.

“Hey there, Sunshine,” a familiar voice said from behind me. I turned and suddenly the whole world made sense again. I remembered those words yesterday, those strong arms that held me and saved me, that kiss on the forehead, those Star Wars sheets- it all came together in a rush green eyes and goofy smiles. He was there yesterday. He was here today. I could do this. It was all going to be okay.

Sticking my hand in my pockets, I couldn’t help grinning wide as I answered him.

“Hey Casper.”