Separated
1719 Words
Zoey’s POV
I put a lot of thought into the note that I left behind.
I didn’t want Chloey or Mom to worry about me too much. I needed them to know that I was capable of doing this on my own…well technically with Tate, but still. I could handle this.
“Zoey, we gotta get going,” Tate whispered. “Remember we want to be far away when they wake up.”
“I know, I’m sorry, I’ve just never run away before.” I admitted.
“Well you don’t have to leave a page of writing behind. Just tell them we’re going and we’ll be back when we’re back. You’re not saying good-bye for real.”
“But what if I am? What if this is really dangerous?”
“Then we’ll take care of each other like we always have. We can do anything together, remember?” Tate kissed me. “We gotta get going, babe.”
I put the finishing touch on my note and left it on the dining room table. Tate and I slipped out of the back of the house. I could feel the change in air when we got past all the protective enchantments. I looked back and saw nothing.
The enchantments that Magnus put around the safe house made it invisible.
I felt relieved to be leaving it. I had basically no good memories in that house. All I did was sulk and cry all around that house. It’s much better being out here and actually making a difference in the Witching Domain.
“We should find somewhere to rest for the night,” Tate informed me. “We can start tomorrow for real.”
I nodded. “Sounds good. There’s an upcoming cabin in like twenty minutes.”
Tate suddenly laughed. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. I’m doing what every great Highmore never got to. I’m going to change the world, Zoey, how incredible is that?”
“Insanely incredible,” I smiled. “I’m so glad I get to be by your side while you do it too.”
“I’m glad too. Being out here by myself would be horrible.”
We heard a twig snap and turned around to see where it had come from.
“What was that?” I whispered.
“Maybe the werewolf?” Tate breathed, pulling me closer to him.
We heard another snap and Tate shot a red curse in the direction it had come from. After that, there was silence.
“I think you just killed an animal,” I admitted.
“Well it shouldn’t have been creeping through the forest.”
“Yes, how dare an animal walk around its home at night.”
“Whatever,” He grunted.
We kept walking with no more twig snapping or possible dangers. We came across a cabin. The floating candle wasn’t lit, which meant it wasn’t occupied. I was happy for that, considering I was getting tired.
We settled in the cabin and went straight to bed.
“Hey Zoey?” Tate whispered.
“Yes?” I asked.
“I’m scared,”
“I’m scared too,”
“Do you miss Joey?” Tate breathed. “I think you do.”
“I miss who she used to be before Marsden. I miss my carefree sister who was wild and fun.” I stated. “I don’t miss who she was when she left.”
That might not be entirely true, but I wouldn’t admit that I missed Joey to anyone, including Tate.
“I’m really tired, Tate, I’m gonna go to sleep.” I turned over.
I tried not to think about how much I missed Joey and I would give anything to see her.
--
We got up at sunrise the next day.
I was kind of groggy, but I knew the morning air and walking would wake me up a little bit.
Tate focused on the map, muttering to himself. It looked like it would be a kind of tricky journey. We had to collect keys along the way in order to unlock whatever containment the Ligneous Stake was currently in.
Our first stop was Covenman Territory. We weren’t sure what we would find there, but I was hoping it was friendly people willing to help us find the keys.
“Zoey?”
I turned to Tate. “Yeah?”
Tate looked up from the map. “Yeah what?”
“You just said my name.”
“No, I didn’t babe.”
“Huh, okay.”
“Zoey!”
“Yes, Tate?” I sighed.
“I didn’t say anything!” He exclaimed.
“Yes you did I heard y-”
“Zoey!” The voice was coming from my head. “Can you hear me?”
“Chloey?!”
Joey’s POV
Count Killoran’s words swirled around my head for days.
He wanted me as his wife to give birth to his evil spawn who would bring more horror to the WItching Domain. He was going to kill Marsden.
Was there even a point in planning a wedding now? Odds are Marsden wouldn’t be alive to be there. Count Killoran would be looking for a reason to murder him at this point. I doubted he was a fair man. One slip up and Marsden was done for.
So he had to be perfect.
I would help him with that. I would make sure that he didn't mess up. Then Tate would defeat Count Killoran and I would have nothing to worry about.
I wouldn’t be Count Killoran’s wife or bear his child.
--
“So are you ready for your first raid?” I asked Marsden.
“Not really,” He mumbled. “I don’t want to cause destruction, Joey.”
“You at least have to pretend you do, babe. Remember, keep up appearances? And Count Killoran is watching you closely to make sure you’re loyal.” I reminded him.
“Did you guys talk about me after I left the other day?” Marsden asked.
“Briefly. Marsden this is very important. You cannot mess up, ever!”
“Joey, why are you acting like this?”
“Because this is life and death, Mars. Count Killoran could kill you if you mess up!” I hissed.
“You’re acting really weird.” Marsden studied me. “What did he say to you?”
“He just really doesn’t want you to disappoint him. Remember he doesn’t like being wrong. So prove him right instead.”
“I just don’t know how I can pretend to be okay with all of this. I’m not my father.”
“Well start acting like you are.” I said firmly.
“Fine,” He muttered. “I feel like you’re not telling me something.”
‘I’m telling you everything you need to know, Marsden.”
He nodded. “I’m gonna go shower. Want to come?”
“Just give me a second.” I smiled.
I laid on the bed and closed my eyes. “Chloey?”
“Hey Joey,” She answered. “Something wrong?”
“I need you to ask Magnus something for me.” I declared.
“What is it?”
“If I can tell Marsden the truth now?”
Chloey’s POV
I looked down at Zoey’s note.
Dear Mom, Chloey, Rune and Magnus
Tate and I have decided to go find the Ligneous Stake on our own. We know you think it’s a bad idea, but we can’t wait around any longer. Count Killoran must be stopped. I need you guys to know that we’ll be okay. We have the map and all of Chloey’s notes. We will take care of each other. I’m sorry we’re leaving like this, but we knew you guys would try to stop us. This is something we have to do. Mom and Chloey I love you so much, please don’t worry too much about us.
Love,
Zoey
“I should have seen this coming,” I groaned. “They’re long gone by now aren’t they?”
Rune nodded. “Yeah, probably. We can’t go after them, it’s too dangerous.”
“So what do we do?” I asked Magnus.
“There’s nothing more to do about this Chloey. We can only hope that they will be safe and get the Ligneous Stake. While Tate isn’t fully ready, he has learned a lot. I’m just hoping it’s enough.”
“What about Zoey? She has no training!” Mom exclaimed.
“She has a little training with the blue energy. I’m sure it will protect her.” Magnus assured her.
“We’re all away from each other now,” I whispered. “This has never happened! Me, Joey and Zoey have never been separated like this!”
“Remember what you said yesterday Chloey? You and your sisters are never truly separated.” He gave me a meaningful look.
At first I didn’t understand and then all at once I did. I ran to my room and laid down.
I focused all my power on Zoey. It took a few times and then I finally got her.
“Chloey?!” She asked.
“How dare you leave me like that!” I exclaimed.
“How is this happening?”
“We’re connected in more ways than one,”
“Holy s**t this is kind of cool. Oh this is perfect! You can help us with the journey from there! You have all your books and stuff.” Zoey said excitedly.
I suppose she was right about that. “Yes, I can. But, Zoey really, why would you leave me like that? I’m alone now.”
“No you’re not. You have Rune and Mom and even Magnus. You’ll be okay and so will I.”
“And Joey?” I asked.
“I’m sure she’s handling whatever in her own way too. We’re not kids anymore.”
“I know…but our birthday is coming up and we’ll be separated.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll talk and everything will be fine.” Zoey assured me.
“Fine.” I sighed.
“Chlo can I ask you something?”
“Sure,”
“Have you tried the mindlink with Joey since she’s left?”
- Writer
