Page 231 of Crimson Promises
The grounds were still quiet. I’d consider it progress if I sat still for a minute. Maybe tomorrow, I’d try for two.
I closed my eyes, absorbing the morning light on my face.
“Aurora James,” a deep voice bellowed.
My eyes snapped open.
Stepping out from the shade of the twisted oak tree was a figure who kept their appearance shrouded in an onyx cloak.
“Who are you?” I asked as I slipped off the bench to stand on the other side of the tree. I’d had enough experience with uninvited strangers over the last few months to avoid rolling out the welcome mat. As an added precaution, I began digging deeper into my magic for the first time since I’d been in Hell. “And how do you know my name?”
I wanted to kick myself for not arming myself with theilliciumdagger I had gotten from the Threshold of Whispers.
The figure had his hand resting on the pommel of what looked to be an impressive sword.I could have sworn I saw a similar one in Hell.
“Glad to see that common sense hasn’t eluded you.”
“I’m not going to ask you this again. Who are you?” I demanded.
The figure threw back the hood of his cloak.
His hair, a cascade of fawn curls, seemed to defy the very laws of nature. But it was his eyes that startled me. The deepest shade of blue, they held an unfathomable weight. Within them danced an undying flame of intensity, but the undertone of profound anguish confused me the most.
“I’m Michael,” he stated, as if giving me his first name was explanation enough. He wasn’t Madonna, Fergie, or Prince.
The morning sunlight caught the metal of Michael’s armor. A shield with a flaming sword was at the center of his chest. The armor covered his abdomen and continued down his muscular legs. The guy was in insane shape, but the costume was a bit much.Was the theatre department recreating Antony and Cleopatra?
“That’s nice,” I replied. “My boyfriend is waiting over there,” I hiked my thumb over my shoulder. “Have a great day.”
Michael snapped his fingers. A bubble outlined in golden light wrapped around us while a piece of dew was poised in midair.What in the actual fuck is happening?
“I think we both know no one is waiting for you over there,” Michael said as he stepped towards me.
I matched him and took a step back. “Honest, he is. Name is…Mark Sloan,” I strained to keep my voice level. I slid my gaze left and then right.Great, there’s no one else in the courtyard.
Bright idea, Aurora, deciding to meditate in solitude when no other soul was around.Did you learn nothing from Ben’s lessons?
Apparently not.
“You can try to escape, but it would be fruitless. The current situation urged me to seek you out. Something I have put off doing for a very long time.”
“What current situation are you talking about?”
“Ours.”
“What could we possibly have to talk about? I’ve never met you before.” I was digging through my well of magic deeper and quicker now. Ready to release it the moment this Roman soldier wannabe stepped a foot in the wrong direction.
“True. But I have met you. One could say, I helped create you.”
Oh no. This dude is seriously delulu.
“Listen, sir, I truly do have to get going, but before I do so, can I make a call for you? Perhaps to a hospital.” I placed my hands on my hips. “If you’re from Riley’s fraternity this seriously isn’t funny.”
“Don’t patronize me, Aurora. I am not some delusional psychotic,” Michael admonished. His eyes blazed with anger.
I shrugged. “How would I know any differently? I. Don’t. Know. You.” I punctuated every word with my finger in the air.
“Look around you, Aurora. Truly look at what you see.”
