Page 19 of Oleander
It’s magical out here, surrounded by nature, colorful lighting, and candle-lit chandeliers that appear to be floating. I can’t feel the weight of my problems right now. They’re melting away as the beautiful ambiance takes over. I’m simply enjoying another delicious drink, and nothing terrible has happened to me. I didn’t create a tornado and destroy my neighborhood. I didn’t get kidnapped and dropped in another world far away from everything I’ve ever known. And I definitelydon’thave destructive magic. Nope. Right now, it’s just me, my ginger beer, and the exotic beauty of this place.The wonder.I start to feel a shred of happiness.
CHAPTER SIX
OLEANDER
Ishould have gone to the party with Skyler. I was nearly there, having found the wisps, yet I once again let my past control me and hold me back from trulyliving. It’s hard not to when the last party I went to ended with River’s near death. I also mark it as the day I lost my brother because Flame has wanted nothing to do with me ever since.
I quickly plant the seedlings into the new hanging pot set high in the window, lightly pressing them into the soil. The devil’s ivy will be beautiful when it matures and the vines cascade down the rough stone wall. I could use magic to give it a boost, spurring growth, but just the thought of calling upon my power makes a cold sweat break out on the back of my neck and sends an icy chill down my spine.
I can’t.Not yet. I’m not ready.
But what Icando is go to Hawk’s party and make sure Skyler is okay. It's only a small step toward reclaiming my life, but it’s a start. And it’s also the right thing to do. I hurry to the sink and wash my hands, scrubbing dirt from beneath my fingernails. Butterflies swirl in my gut, something I haven’t felt since I was fourteen years old and about to kiss River.
I want to look good for Skyler, impress him, and maybe gain his attention. I sift through my closet, pushing hangers aside as I search for the perfect outfit. I grab a light gray sweater and dark jeans. I pull my leather boots on, skipping a jacket. The early fall weather is mild and something I’m familiar with, having lived in Auroria my entire life.
I shut the door, locking up quickly. I don’t trust any of the Fae I once called friends, even though I’m going to one of their parties.
It’s a relief to step outside and be with nature. The fall breeze kisses my face with pine and campfire-scented air. The clouds seem to part for a moment, allowing the stars and moon to illuminate the way to the forest’s edge.
Will-o’-the-wisps greet me as they did an hour ago when I led Skyler here. A nervous excitement builds low in my belly as I follow the orbs. It’s not long until a thumping bass fills my ears, and I know I’ve finally reached the party. My adrenaline spikes, making my skin tingle and my heart race. I step into a small clearing that feels more like a wooded cave. The sky is blocked out by a canopy of curving trees, glowing with vibrantly colored spotlights.
The candlelit forest is intimate, seductive, and completely hypnotizing as I stand here watching my classmates dance and frolic. They grind against each other like a giant, rhythmic orgy. A sharp pang of jealousy stabs at my side, reminding me that I can’t join in, even if I wanted to. That many people touching me and my power would become uncontrollable, seeping out of my pores like a lethal weapon and poisoning everyone within reach.
I shake the negative thoughts out of my head, running a shaky hand through my hair. I need a drink to take the edge off as I search for Skyler. He seems a little reckless, as humans are known to be, not to mention completely naïve about the Otherworld, so going to a Fae party alone for the first timewasn’t the best choice. I should have spoken up. Should have stopped him.
I eye the alcohol choices behind the bar, including the glowing green spirit that’s made its way to the Mortal Realm.Absinthe.I can only hope someone didn’t convince Skyler to try it. I advised him to hide his ears, and I hope he’s followed the suggestion.
I take a break from my search to indulge in one of my favorite drinks. The anise-flavored alcohol is high-proof and has hallucinogenic properties enhanced even further by plant-wielding Earth Fae like myself.
“Absinthe sour, please,” I say once the bartender acknowledges my presence. He nods, setting a short tumbler on the wooden bar top before placing a slotted spoon horizontally across the top. A sugar cube goes next, and without saying a word, he pours a generous amount of absinthe over the cube before lighting it on fire with a flick of his fingers. He leaves to serve another partygoer, allowing the burning sugar time to caramelize and drip down into the drink below. I stare, entranced by the process, as it bubbles and crystalizes. The chemistry is fascinating. When it's nearly gone, the bartender returns and slowly stirs the drink, adding spring water and a splash of lemon juice. I sip the cocktail, humming my approval as I turn around and scan my surroundings for Skyler.
Finally.
My gaze locks onto him from across the dance floor. His cheeks are flushed, pale blue eyes lidded and glossy as he chases after someone in the crowd.
Who in the bloody hell is that?
I make my way toward them, and I’m able to catch the last bit of what Skyler shouts.
“Ander! Wait up!” he calls out, and icy dread skitters down my spine whenFlamespins around with a mischievous sparklein his amber eyes and a cruel smirk on his lips. Skyler’s too drunk to notice the difference.
No.
I can’t even hear the rest of their short conversation. I can only watch helplessly as Skyler smiles brightly enough for that single dimple to pop out. He’s handsome and confident, even when drunk, so Flame is undeniably drawn to him. And if he knows he can hurt me in the process, he will. Flame reaches out, caressing Skyler’s cheek before leaning in. . .
He wouldn’t dare.
Memories of the devastation on fourteen-year-old Flame’s face when he walked in as River and I kissed flash through my mind.
He would. He definitely would.
But my fear is dashed away when Sky dodges the kiss. His brows crease in confusion as he examines Flame from head to toe before spinning around and searching the crowd. His gaze is determined, some of the buzz extinguished by my twin’s brutish, pushy behavior. Skyler's eyes find mine and go wide before narrowing in anger. He glances back at Flame one more time before stalking toward me.
His pale stare glows a silvery blue, letting me know his magic is close to the surface. I’m not worried since I know what hides under his sleeves.
I look back to my brother, and Flame lifts his hand, giving me a rude little finger wave and a wink before disappearing into the fray.
I push my way through the crowd, making students gasp in fear of my magic, but I have it under control and remembered to put gloves on tonight. I don’t have time to stop. I’m desperate to get to Skyler and explain myself.
