I don’t want to disappoint anyone, and the pressure I feel makes my heart beat with trepidation. But as I focus on my surroundings, the ancient ruins and lush forests, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to the land.
The whispering winds seem to carry echoes of long forgotten tales, and the mystical energy that permeates the air stirs something within me. Memories, fragmented and hazy, tease at the edge of my consciousness. Visions of ceremonies and rituals dance before my eyes, hinting at a past life intertwined with the druidic traditions of this realm. Yet, despite these signs, doubts begin to gnaw at my core. What if these feelings are mere illusions?
My pulse kicks up as I climb up the stairs, with the others trailing behind me. I place my hand on the door, and with a deep breath, I push it open. The door is heavy and solid, with a few large cracks running down the grains as if something forced its way inside. Ignoring that thought, I push myself to keep going, the sound of my heartbeat pounding in my ears. The foyer of the castle is breathtaking. The wall opposite us is made entirely of glass. Not just one sheet, but arches like you’d find in an old greenhouse. The forest has crept its way in, vines and wild flowers spreading across the marble floor. The castle is still and eerilysilent, the kind of silence that leaves you uneasy. Where ghosts watch from the shadows and the dead whisper secrets of the past.
And I wonder just what secrets does this place hold?
Chapterthirty-four
Everly
I’m staring again.
But seriously, the man is a figment of my imagination; I’m sure of it. It honestly isn’t my fault that my gaze keeps drifting to him every few seconds. Maxon’s black breeches and tunic mold to his body perfectly. The air crackles with his energy, as if reaching for me. It’s like we are two magnets constantly being pulled closer. As if sensing my stare, Maxon’s piercing violet eyes lock onto mine, a mischievous smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, instantly transporting my mind back to our encounter beneath the weeping willow in the garden this morning. A surge of longing courses through me, causing my heart to somersault in my chest.
In that moment, Maxon’s gaze takes on a devilish glint, like he can sense exactly where my thoughts have gone.
Blinking, my focus shifts to the mesmerizing sight of the crackling fire in front of me. After spending an hour walking around the main areas and the men clearing the rooms, we are confident it’s a safe place to camp for the night.
However, I haven’t recognized anything, and despite my denial, it bothers me quite a bit. I was really hoping this place would spark a memory, something that would give me some answers. I don’t have a place where I truly belong. I was constantly being moved from one foster home to another until I reached the age of ten. After that, I endured seven years of pure hell with my permanent family. I sense Maxon’s gaze on me, and it makes my skin tingle with awareness. I have a feeling he can detect my thoughts taking a dark turn. So, I take a deep breath and force myself to bury it all deep inside, at least until I’m alone. Then I’ll unpack all these conflicting thoughts.
Once sure my emotions are locked down, I peer over at the men. My eyes immediately lock onto Maxon’s, and a torrent of feelings pass between us until Raiden’s throat-clearing breaks the spell. Embarrassment floods my cheeks, causing me to clench my thighs together and lower my gaze, hoping to conceal the intense flush of color I’m sure is covering my face right now.
“Hey, are you alright?” Zaria lays a hand on my arm.
I jump in surprise and glance at her. “I’m fine.”
Standing, I wipe my hands on my skirt. “I’m going to look around some more. We haven’t seen what’s upstairs yet.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Her cat ears twitch, and my attention is drawn to Asrai, blinking those round dual colored eyes up at me.
“I’ll be fine.”
Suddenly, butterflies swarm my stomach, and I know Maxon is striding my way.
“I’ll take you.”
My heart leaps in my chest, and I curse my reaction to him, especially with so many eyes watching. “Thank you.”
Giving Zaria a small wave, I consciously avoid looking at Kian, Tristan, or Raiden. I didn’t need to see Kian’s smirk, Tristan’s scowl, or Raiden’s all-knowing gaze. Silently, we move toward the stairs, with me taking the lead.
Even though I should be tired from the journey and the conflict, I can’t shake this feeling of restlessness. “I’m anxious. I need to explore more of the castle. It still amazes me that it’s the only building surrounded by the forest.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I completely understand, I’d be the same way. Does anything seem familiar to you?”
I pause briefly, attempting to decipher how I’m feeling. There’s a lingering sensation, but I can't determine if it’s recognition or just a figment of my imagination. Or hope.
Reaching the top of the stairs, I automatically turn left and let out a whistle. Startled, I pause trying to understand what just happened.
Why did I do that?
Nymeria and Anika bound up the stairs behind us, their paws completely silent. I lock eyes with Maxon and give a hesitant shrug, feeling a wave of nerves wash over me.
We continue down the hall, the sound of our footsteps echoing through the empty space, adding to the haunting aura. Walls once pristine are now adorned with intricate patterns of decay, with vines creeping up from the floor and intertwining with the cracks. The scent of dampness and age hangs in the air.And yet, despite the dilapidation, the beauty of the ceiling mural remains untouched. Delicate petals of vivid flowers bloom in a kaleidoscope of colors, their vibrant hues contrasting against the muted tones of the crumbling walls. The streams depicted flow gracefully, winding their way through the painted landscape and reflecting the ethereal moonlight that seeps in through the grand, arched windows. The combination of the subtle brushstrokes and the surreal illumination creates a mesmerizing scene, as if we have stepped into a dream world.
We walk for a few minutes, and I’m completely enthralled by the grandeur of the majestic halls. This castle is half the size of the one Maxon lives in, but it is no less spectacular. I take another left, and as a wave of familiarity washes over me, I pause, my gaze taking in the beautifully hand carved wooden doors in front of me. I rest my palm on the smooth surface and close my eyes.
Maxon’s chest touches my back, and I feel him take a deep breath, his hands landing on my hips. “Are you okay, Stóirín?”
