Anchor
1939 Words
Chloey’s POV
“Um…nothing.” I said quickly.
I didn’t actually want Magnus to know what was going on with Joey. He might freak out and she might be mad at me for telling. This was supposed to be a secret. I didn’t think it would work any other way.
“So what were you two talking about?” Magnus raised his eyebrows.
“We…found Count Killoran’s old journal,” Rune stated. “We found a lot of information in that. We were wondering if we should tell you about it or not. So I guess we are.”
“What did you find in it?” He asked in intrigue. “Let me see it.”
“Um…”
Rune now realized his mistake. If Magnus read it, he would see the pattern of Count Killoran falling in love with a triplet.
“I learned a lot about my ancestors,” I offered. “All the triplet witches that were born each century. It was amazing! They learned to control the blue energy and use it as a weapon to protect themselves and everyone around them. The blue energy created Count Killoran.”
A strange smile came across Magnus’ face. “Is that so?”
“And there’s a whole book on the blue energy!” Rune said excitedly. He handed it to Magnus who opened the book.
Magnus flipped through the pages in confusion. “There’s nothing in here. All the pages are blank.”
“What?” I asked, practically snatching the book from him. “Yes there is. There’s something on every page.”
Rune looked over my shoulder. “I don’t see anything either, babe.”
“It’s all right here. ‘The blue energy takes many forms, usually elements such as water, wind, fire, and lightning. It can become whatever form the wielders wish once they have properly mastered the energy’.”
“I think only people who wield the blue energy can read it,” Magnus said in awe. “Only a triplet can read from the book.”
“Well that’s not fair,” Rune frowned. “I want to read about the blue energy. I want to understand it. It saved my life.”
“Because Chloey loves you. I think that’s all your could really understand of the blue energy. The only ones who could ever truly understand it are Chloey and her sisters.”
“And we’re all in different places, of course.” I groaned. “Why didn’t Zoey just stay?”
“I don’t agree with how she left, but I do think there was more for her out there than there was for her here.”
“But there’s stuff here for me?” I asked.
“Look around you, Chloey. You’re surrounded by books. I think there’s a lot for you here.” He smiled slightly.
I hated that he was kind of right.
“I guess so, It’s just Joey gets to be a spy and Zoey gets to go on an adventure. What do I get to do?” I huffed.
“You get to learn the secrets of Count Killoran and other magic that no one else knows. Do you realize you’re the only person alive at this moment that can read that book?” Rune asked. “Zoey and Joey don’t have access to it, you do. Isn’t that an adventure in and of itself?”
“Very well put, Rune.” Magnus smiled.
I couldn’t help but smile. How did he do that? How did he make sitting here and reading books sound like the most important and fascinating thing in the world? How did he manage to make me feel so important?
“I guess that is kind of adventurous,” I mumbled.
“You also get to help them. You’re helping Zoey with the journey and Joey with keeping her calm and not feeling so alone. You’re the anchor, Chloey. You’re holding this whole operation together.” Rune smiled. “Without you, none of this would be possible.”
“You really think that?”
“It’s the truth,” Magnus nodded. “We couldn’t do any of this without you and your brains. You’re the brilliant one, remember? Embrace it.”
I smiled proudly. “You’re right! I mean I’m going down in history just like my sisters. There’s nothing I can’t handle!”
“Hey Chloey?” I heard Zoey in my head.
I was relieved to hear from her. I had been worried about her. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Um, physically yes, but emotionally, not so much…I have to tell you something.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“Regan Thorton didn’t kill Wade Highmore.” She whispered.
“So…who did?”
“Our father.”
Zoey’s POV
“Excuse me?!” Chloey shrieked in my head. “How do you know that?”
“Wade Highmore told me himself.”
“Um, he’s dead.”
“I’m more than aware of that,” I snapped. “His ghost told me after telling Tate to murder me.”
“Oh my goodness,” Chloey whispered.
“I know. This journey has been incredibly eye-opening. Anyways, I need you to read up on someone for me. Elowen Roser. She was a triplet or something.”
Chloey paused. “How do you know about Elowen?”
“How do you?”
“I just read about her actually. She’s our ancestor.”
“She said I was destined to go on this journey and specifically with Tate. Why would she say that?”
“Triplets and Highmores have a history. They were always supposed to work together to bring down Count Killoran.”
“I see…Chloey do you think Tate and I made it easier for Joey to be with Marsden? Because of how we were acting?”
She didn’t answer right away. “Yeah, kinda. She didn’t feel safe with you guys, but she felt safe with him. He never tried to tear you guys apart and always told her to forgive you guys. You guys just didn’t want her with him at all. You know she likes to rebel.”
“Got it. I gotta go. Bye.”
I turned to look at Tate who still looked lost in thought. “I’m sorry, Tate.” I said finally.
He looked bewildered. “Really? For what?”
“You were right and I got mad about it. We did push Joey closer to Marsden.”
“We just wanted what was best for her,” Tate sighed.
“This journey is really important, Tate,” I informed him. “You and I are meant to do this together, and we have to. I love you so much and I believe in us.”
“I do too,” He pulled me to him and kissed me. “I love you, Zoey. Thank you for not letting me do this alone.”
“I would never,” I smiled. “So where will we be going next?”
“The Lava Oasis,” Tate stated. “Sounds fun, right?”
“And hot.”
Joey’s POV
Marsden was the spitting image of his father.
It was like Sabrine wasn’t even really involved in creating him.
Regan Thorton was not what I imagined. Yes he was tall and broad and looked a little menacing but his whole demeanor seemed a little softer. Like maybe prison had humbled him or something.
He had a very gentle handshake. “It’s nice to meet you Joey. I heard so much about you from your father. Who would have known you would end up with my son.”
“Well we had dads in similar business, so we had a lot in common,” I laughed.
“I certainly didn’t think my son could get someone as pretty as you. Do you have her under a love potion or something?” Regan chuckled.
“Super funny, Father,” Marsden said dully.
“He can be so sensitive, can’t he?”
“I like that about him.” I smiled.
“Well let’s see the ring then?” I held my hand out. “Could be bigger, but I suppose it’s nice.”
“If it was any bigger, I might tip over.” I stated. “Marsden knows what I can handle.”
Marsden smiled reluctantly before kissing me. “I love you.”
“I love you more,” I assured.
Rainer entered the room. “Ah young love,” He smiled. “Hate to break this up, but we got a raid.”
This seemed to excite Regan. “Oh, it’ll feel good to get back out there.”
“Actually, Regan, you’re gonna sit this one out. Count Killoran’s orders. I think he wants you to rest up.” Rueben informed him.
“Well then, I guess I’ll spend some time with my son,”
“Marsden is coming with us. He’s been getting better and better each time. Count Killoran is quite impressed with him. You’ll spend time with him later.” Rainer stated. “And Joey, Count Killoran woud like to see you.”
I nodded and gave Marsden a kiss. “Good luck and do well.”
“Always. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
--
I never had to knock when it came to Count Killoran.
He always knew I was outside of the door.
When I entered the room, I walked up to him and kissed him. He seemed taken aback by my actions, but didn’t protest.
“I missed your sweet lips,” He whispered.
“I know,” I smiled.
“You make this so difficult, Joey. I want you all to myself now.”
“Remember patience is a virtue.”
“Of course. We shouldn’t rush into this.”
“What did you want to see me for, Emile?”
Just like everytime I said his real name, he smiled. “I want you to be a good girl and keep an eye on Regan Thorton.”
“Why? Do you suspect him of not being loyal?” I asked.
“Exactly. I don’t know if he became resentful in prison, especially towards your father and brother. I fear he will retaliate and try to harm them. I’m sure you wouldn’t want that either.”
I wouldn’t.
I’d want to be the one to harm them, honestly. But of course I couldn’t say that.
“Of course, I will watch closely and report back to you if I find something unusual in his behavior.” I nodded.
Count Killoran put his hands on my face. “I knew I could trust you. You’re the only one.”
“You don’t trust my father and Brody?” I challenged. “Rainer? Reuben? None of them.”
“It’s not the same. I can bare my soul to you, Joey. I can’t do that with anyone else. I haven’t for a century.”
Right. When he fell in love with the another triplet witch.
“Emile,” I breathed. “Have you been in love?”
He nodded. “Several times. They all break my heart. They hurt me.”
“I would never hurt you,”
He kissed me. “I know. I can feel you’re different from the others. You are my true soulmate. It is why you distract me and make my mind go blank. You might be the death of me.”
I sure hoped I would be.
- Writer
