26. Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-six
"Remind me again why we’re here?" John whispers, pressing a kiss to my earlobe. The touch of his lips on my skin sends unwanted currents to my pussy, and I find myself squirming a little. He is too close for me to think straight. Everything about him screams masculinity.
"Don't tell me you're not having fun." I grin, knowing very well that his expression shows restraint. Too much restraint. "We are here for the tree," I say, highlighting what he already knows.
I got two tickets to the launch evening of the new hall in the museum. It was a last-minute thing and required too much money from my savings. All in the hope that the tree would lead us to the answers.
Admiring the pictures on display, I find myself half-faking interest. Impatiently, I look at the doors constantly, hoping the security guard from this morning has finished his shift.
Patience is not a quality I’m gifted with. As a child, my curiosity always led me to do rash things because, who needs patience, right? Not when my path to my magic hangs in the balance.
John, unlike me, is attracted to the art around us. He examines each item meticulously, and I take advantage of these small moments to stare at him.
The confident way he stands—hands in his pockets and a serious look that hardens his jaw—makes me want to stroke his cheek. To attach a small kiss to the only dimple that is there. He glances in my direction and a flirty smile spreads across his lips. Shit, he caught me.
I return a small smile when the hosts of the evening begin to speak and introduce themselves. They talk about the foundation of the establishment and even promise a special tour of the grounds before moving to the grand donation of the event. The double doors to the right open, and the workers bring in a big sculpture, making everyone gasp in excitement.
Deciding to take my exit now, I move closer to John. “I’m going to the bathroom.”
He nods, looking deeply into my eyes. “Be careful.”
Without responding, I slip through the open doors before anyone notices. I exit the hall before taking the map they handed out at the entrance out of my small purse.
I cross the backyard, quickly admiring the sculptures and plants. I follow the signs and enter the main building. Recognizing the stairs from my visit this morning, I go downstairs, and in the hallway, I turn left to the hall where the tree is.
As soon as I see the tree, relief overwhelms me. Ever since I first saw it, I was afraid that I imagined it. I feel no connection to any art in this place apart from the wood. With every step I take forward, chills and excitement wash over me.
Needing to be closer, I move faster until I’m right next to the glass encasing it. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes, sending a message of thanks for the silence.
Concentrating on the tree, I imagine it near me as I send waves of magic towards the glass .
I don't know what I was expecting. For a chill to appear, or for a wave of magic to come towards me. For the tree to respond to my magic in any way.
But I didn't expect nothing to happen.
I try again. Concentrating on the tree in front of me, I summon my magic. I imagine I reach the leaves and touch them, but nothing happens.
Shit.
It must be fake.
"Oh, I see you found him. Isn't he beautiful?" A voice from behind startles me.
I tilt my head to the side and discover one of the guides who greeted us at the entrance. "Oh, yes. I was looking for the bathroom and came across this beauty." I fake a smile to mask the stress and disappointment. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I continue, "What is the story of this tree?" I sneak another glance in the guide's direction and notice people from the hall walking in, John among them, before returning my gaze to the tree.
"This tree is a copy of the tree that was in heaven. Legend has it that the witches who lived here used this for eternal life..." He continues to say more, but all I hear is copy .
That explains a lot .
A wave of dizziness hits me, and before I can react, I feel John's hard back behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist as he whispers in my ear, "Careful."
"I feel the magic leaving me again."
"I know." Easing my stance, I savor his support, allowing myself to enjoy his strong front at my weakest time. When the sensation passes, I turn around in his arms. I look deeply into his mesmerizing eyes.
"I'm going to the bathroom." This time really needing it.
He presses his mouth to my forehead, and I try to soak up all the warmth he shares before moving out of his arms and out of the hall.
I splash cold water on my face, needing to push the tiredness away.
I need my power back.
Releasing a cry of pain, I look at myself in the mirror. The dark circles under my eyes only accentuate my dilated pupils. Practicing deep breaths, I push away the thoughts of the lost and instead concentrate on my granny. She needs me.
Drying my hands, I turn to go outside, and suddenly, the door opens. Moving to the side, I stop as her appearance catches me off guard. A young figure, no more than twenty, dressed in a black robe with her long blond hair swept back.
I open my mouth to say something without actually knowing what. But there is something so familiar about her.
"Hailey, you've been warned. Stop snooping too much or you'll be sorry. We don't want to hurt you out of respect for your lineage, but it's always an option." Her voice makes me tremble. It’s as though ten people speak through her. Her promise sends a shiver down my body as she raises her hands and whispers. Before I can process what’s happening, my body flies back and slams hard against the wall before falling to the ground. Pain overwhelms me.
I try to summon all the force I can, but it’s pointless. I’m empty.
The realization hurts no less than the pain striking my body.
“Please,” I whisper as everything turns black.