Page 38 of Oleander
I’m startled out of my introspection when Ander abruptly stands from the table. “I’m not hungry any longer. I’m going to bed, but I can open the portal tomorrow evening if you’re ready?”
“Oh. Um.Tomorrow? The portal?”
“No time like the present. Isn’t that a human saying?”
I can’t let this opportunity pass me by, even if he seems hurt and angry. Ihaveto check on my mom. And I just don’t belong here with the Fae.
Do I?
“Yeah. Okay. Let's do it,” I say before I give in to my doubts and change my mind.
We clear the table in silence, and I’m starting to have some pretty serious second thoughts, but I can’t back out now.I can’t.
“I checked out a few books from the headmaster’s special library—perks of being the prince—one of which happened to be rune activation and portal magic. As soon as you asked about it, I started reading every chance I could get.” He smiles, even though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He’s done all that for me when he doesn’t even want me to leave. That’s a true friend.
“Wow. Thanks, Ander. Really. I mean it. I don’t know how I would have survived here without you.”
Ander nods in understanding. “Dress in all black. Wear the beanie I got you. Goodnight, Skyler. See you tomorrow.”He spins around, disappearing into his room before I can say another word.
I amble to my own room like I’m walking through quicksand. My heart is telling me to stay here with him, but my mind is insisting that I go home to my mom. I really need to speak with her in person and make sure she’s okay.
It’s going to be a sleepless night and an even longer day at school tomorrow.
We stand in front of the forest that surrounds the school, ready to hike to a private spot away from any buildings or prying eyes.
“So. . . If I decide I want to come back to Faerie, can I call you?” My question is vulnerable, a near whisper as nerves race through my belly. The time is finally here, and now I feel slightly panicked.
“I was hoping you’d call me regardless, Skyler.” Ander turns to face me, and the lavender vines spider down his cheeks and pulse with life as his eyes glow ethereally in the moonlight. He looks sad and lost in a beautiful sort of way. It tugs at my heartstrings and yanks at my resolve. “But yes, of course. Please call me if you wish to return. Even if it’s only a moment later. I’ll figure out a way to get you.Always.”
Oleander’s declaration sinks in like a ten-ton weight, pulling me to the ocean floor and leaving me there to drown in his devotion.
Holy shit.
I slam my mouth to his, electricity tickling our lips as his magic swirls around us. My heart and soul are practicallyscreaming at me to stay, but my loyalty to my mother, to the only family I have, urges me to go.I have to go.
Stepping back is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. I grasp the pendant around my neck, letting the rough stone dig into my palm and ground me.
“I’m going to miss you, Skyler Fairfield,” he says solemnly.
“I’ll miss you more, Prince. Now, let’s go.” I step into the woods with Ander by my side, fighting back the tears that make me weak.
I can’t be weak right now. It’s not an option.
After a short and silent trek, we find a small clearing that’s tucked away and hidden from the main trail. And large enough for a portal.
“This place is perfect. I don’t think we’ll find anything better. Are you ready?” Ander holds his hand out, a deep sadness radiating from him, and Ihatethat I’m the cause.
Doubt and uncertainty race through me, telling me I’m making the wrong decision. “Yes,” I answer instead.
Oleander presses his fingers to the circular rune on his neck like a claw, his eyes turning an unusually dark shade of amethyst. I gasp as he twists his hand, and the tree-like rune begins to swirl with life. He gathers the power in his palm before casting it out, tendrils of magic twisting and twirling until a massive vortex forms. The wind is loud, roaring in my ears and bringing back painful memories of what happened in Oklahoma and the reason I’m here in the first place.
Ander shouts over the chaos. “Close your eyes and imagine exactly where you wish to go! Make sure it’s a place you’ve already been. You don’t want to get lost in the void between realms. Some say it’s how spirits of the dead are created. Fae who’ve lost their way.”
I shiver, not wanting to become one of those things I learned about.
“Close your eyes,” Ander repeats, and I listen. “Now imagine your mother. Her beautiful, smiling face. Imagine where she is and where you want to go. You’ve got this,” he coaches.
I picture the house Mom loves so much with the red brick exterior and fancy white trim. The black shutters and huge front porch with a wind chime made of tiny hummingbirds. She’s planting flowers around the mailbox, pansies probably, and smiling wide. It’s a perfect snapshot in time, and ithasto work.
