He lays a flat palm on the mahogany wall and whispers something in another language. With his words, the ceiling disappears, turning into the complete blackness of nothing. Did I imagine that? I resist the temptation of asking one of the thousands of questions flowing through my mind. With a small shiver, he transforms into a wolf, much smaller than the ones I’ve seen before, but a wolf nonetheless.
“Follow me,”echoes through my mind. I stare into copper-colored eyes, not sure if I’ve officially lost my mind.“It’s me,”he says.“Follow me.”Without another word, he leaps from the floor through the ceiling into the void that took its place. I don’t know how he’s talking to me in my mind, but I don’t hesitate. I jump, following him into nothing.
My feet hit something solid, but even my vampire eyes refuse to adjust to the light. A soft nudge against my legs urges me forward.“Keep moving. We’re almost there.”
“What is this?”I ask through my mind.“I can’t see anything.”
“It’s a protection spell. I’ll explain later. One more step, then we jump.”
“Where are we jumping to?”I ask.
“Trust me,”he repeats.“Grab my fur, and don’t let go.”I do as instructed, not sure what’s about to happen, and take the last step.“Now!”
I jump, never letting go of the furry wolf that’s guiding me. As soon as my feet hit something solid, the blackness of the void disappears, and we’re standing in front of the familiar home of Cyrus in St. Augustine.
As quickly as he shifted into wolf form, he shivers, returning to human. “Is this real?” I ask.
“Yes,” he answers. “Simon and Stella are inside.”
“If this is a trick…” I don’t finish my statement.
The boy smiles. “You have trust issues.”
I smile at his words. He’s right. Too bad I didn’t have them to begin with. “Do you blame me?”
“Violet!” I hear Simon before seeing him. Seconds later, long arms wrap around me, lifting me inches off the ground. “Oh, my God.” He sets me down, placing large hands on each shoulder.
“Simon?” I ask, still untrusting.
“It’s me.” Stella joins us seconds later.
“How did you do this?” I ask the boy.
He shrugs. “It’s something I’ve always been able to do.”
“David is a hybrid,” Stella answers.
“Okay?” I answer.
“My father was a warlock,” David answers. “I can use both abilities…magic and lycan.”
“David’s existence is a secret,” Simon warns. “If word got out about his ability, he would be killed or worse.”
“I understand,” I answer, turning toward my rescuer. “Thank you, David. You’re amazing.”
He smiles. “You’re welcome, Violet.”
“You need to go home,” Simon says, turning into the authoritative cousin. “Don’t tell anyone what you did, or…”
“Or my life could depend on it. Blah, blah, blah,” David interrupts.
“Mask your energy,” Simon reminds him.
“Already done,” he answers. “It was a pleasure rescuing you, Ms. Violet.” He bows graciously before turning and disappearing into the streets of St. Augustine.
“Will he be okay?” I ask.
Stella scoffs. “He’ll be fine. I feel sorry for the person who tries to hurt him.”
