This is where he brought me when he saved me from Jude’s world.
Myriad emotions rattle through me as I recall that time. The anger I initially felt when I was certain he was a part of Jude’s plan was so intense, but the moment at the Eiffel Tower offers a different kind of warmth to my soul.
With a new surge of determination, I continue to follow after Ocean, everyone remaining just as quiet as we bypass the Eiffel Tower in the distance to my right, while we delve deeper into the neverending promise of Paris.
“Holy shit, that's the Louvre,” Rion blurts, pressing his palm against my back as he points up ahead.
I stare at the glass pyramid that stands framed by pretty Parisian buildings and marble statues.
This place is even prettier than I remember with the sun glossing over us, but instead of indulging further into the Louvre, Ocean turns her back to it and begins down a row of steps, drawing us away from the monument and along a statue-lined walkway.
I’m more than happy to follow her until she comes to a stop by a large pool of water. A sign stands off to the left denotingThe Grand Bassin Rond.
The walkway continues in both directions around it, but she doesn't take either. Instead, she stays exactly where she is.
“TheJardin des Tuileries,” she breathes, but her gaze doesn’t tear away from the large pool of water with a fountain in the center. Clearing her throat, she peers at me from the corner of her eye before focusing on the fountain again. “I’m getting that two more steps will lead you to exactly where it wants you to be,” she states, and my eyes widen.
No. Fucking. Way.
“I have to go in there?” I blurt, and she grimaces as she turns to me, trying to offer a warm smile, but it falls short.
“I think so. It doesn’t look so deep,” she breathes as Rion makes his presence known, squeezing my side as he draws me against his chest.
“You don't have to, especially not when this shit has ‘trap’ written all over it. Knowing your luck, you’ll step one soggy foot in there and the damn thing will deepen,” he states, and I take a deep breath.
What is it with the damn scythes and water?
I almost drowned at the hands of a goddamn marble mermaid. I still haven’t had time to processit, and now here we are, gaping at another pool of water.
The reality is, I don’t have a choice, not if I want answers, and Ireallywant answers.
Maybe it’s a good thing I’m still reeling over my prior experience. It might leave a tremor in my bones as I gape at the deep, dark depths that stand before me, but I just might be insane enough to give it a go.
With my mind made up, I sigh. “I have to do it. It’s not just about me, it's about who I am and where I come from, and I know they did terrible things from what I read in the books from the library, but none of it makes sense. It’s as if…” My words trail off along with my thoughts. I can’t find the words that truly express what it is I’m feeling.
“It’s as if what?” Thorne asks, his voice tense, but it seems like it’s more from the strain of his magic, and not the topic of conversation which I know is highly sensitive for him.
Pushing a curl of my hair behind my ear, I shrug. “I don't know. It just doesn't quite make sense. It almost feels like the reason they were so despised is because they refused to fall in line and take orders from those who wished to controlthem,” I mutter, not really making sense to myself, never mind anyone else.
“That still doesn't right their wrongs, Echo,” Thorne murmurs, and I nod, refusing to admit defeat before I can see the entire picture.
“I know, but maybe I can at least try to change that.”
I don't know why it's so important to me. I was a trailer park girl from a trash family, living a terrible life, and I never cared what other people thought of me then. But now, standing here as a scythe, knowing that my ancestors can't defend their actions takes root so deeply in my soul. I feel like I have to make amends for something. What that something is, I’m not entirely sure, but this can’t all be for nothing.
If any of the others think it's too late, I don't see it written across their faces, and I use that fact to spur me on. Inching closer to the edge of the water, I clear my throat. “Is this a good time to tell you that I can't swim? You know, in case Rion is right.”
“What the fuck?” Rion blurts, eyes wide in disbelief. “Before you?—”
“I was reckless and lucky that there were bars to help me push myself up and down, but in here, Idon't know,” I admit, surprisingly not burning from the inside at how vulnerable I feel.
“Then somebody else will go,” Thorne insists, and I shake my head.
“I have to do this for myself. Besides, it’s knee deep at best.”
“You're okay, Elodie. I've got you,” Ocean says, momentarily digging into the bag she’s still carrying from earlier.
Before I can ask what she’s searching for, she opens her palm and blows. Dust dances across my face as she whispers under her breath, and I can’t understand a word she’s saying as I splutter at the powder, stumbling backwards.
