Thank you for your understanding.
Kellee L. Greene
Chapter
One
There were two worlds, or so it seemed. The real world where I had spent most of my life and a second world that no one else knew about. Somehow, I slipped between the cracks and was part of both.
Sometimes, I wasn’t sure if Darkness or the medallion was real, but other times, I knew it couldn’t have all been in my head. Fights between the Light Beings and demons… and a powerful medallion that changed the course of my life in a way I couldn’t ever have imagined.
Before everything, locking myself away was how I planned to survive. I’d tell myself everything would be okay as long as I stayed away from everything and everyone — except Aunt Joyce, of course. And now I was doing the same thing again, only this time I was locking myself in the safety of Noah’s house.
Looking down at the medallion on my wrist reminded me that I would have to come out. It wasn’t over until I gave it back to Darkness and left the secret world I shouldn’t have ever been a part of. Once I did, I’d be able to enjoy the luxuries and calmness of being with Noah.
Things between Noah and me were good except for the fact that I continued to put off talking to him about not wanting him to secretly spend his money on me anymore. It was a complicated conversation to have when I was grateful for everything he’d done. He hadn’t only helped me, but he had helped my Aunt Joyce get out of trouble, which meant everything to me. And also to her.
Sure, there were still people in town who were skeptical about what really happened to her landlord, Gary Blackstone. But anyone who truly knew Aunt Joyce knew without a doubt she didn’t have anything to do with his untimely demise. Aunt Joyce was a kind and gentle soul who didn’t even like killing spiders… unless they got in her way and she had no choice.
I talked to her daily as she worked to put the pieces of her life back together and rebuild her damaged reputation. Noah buying the house she lived in and allowing her to live there rent free was an enormous weight off her shoulders. It was a small gesture as far as Noah was concerned, but to Aunt Joyce, it was as if she’d won the lottery. It was the kindest thing anyone had ever done, and it was hard for her to still believe there weren’t any strings attached. Of course, she mentioned constantly that she would find a way to pay him back for everything.
It was like things were starting to go back to normal, but before they really could, there was one more thing I had to do. I had to return the medallion to Darkness.
I loved the medallion. I really did.
It felt like it was part of me.
But it was a tremendous responsibility to carry it, not to mention it was exhausting just having it around my wrist. If I could continue to bear it, I would, but I knew I no longer had the strength.
When Darkness was in possession, he would make people afraid in order to feed the medallion. It was like a hungry little pet that no amount of food would satiate its appetite. Darkness could manage it, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t willing to terrify people just for the medallion’s sake. It didn’t feel right. I’d spent most of my life in fear, and no one deserved to live that way, not even for a minute.
The medallion had basically saved my life, though, and for that I was thankful. I’d spent my entire life after losing my family locked in my bedroom, hiding from the world. I’d been so afraid of the dark we had to keep the lights on twenty-four-seven. I couldn’t do much of anything unless I was having a brave moment, and it was during the day. Most everything was too risky, and I couldn’t risk losing anyone else that mattered to me. Unfortunately, it was something no one understood except for Aunt Joyce.
But things changed.
I was ready to live my life and do whatever I could to survive. If that meant therapy, well, then so be it. If medication was on the list of treatment options, then sign me up. It was time for me to find a way, like others who’ve experienced trauma had, and return the medallion to Darkness.
He’d be thrilled to have his little friend back and to have me out of his life. I just had to find a way to reach him, and inside Noah’s house, that would be impossible. Darkness had mentioned there was a spell that protected Noah’s home and that he couldn’t break through.
“Hey, babe,” Noah said, peeking his head into the bedroom. “You still up for that movie?”
I clicked the button on the remote to flip to the next page of movie choices. “Yeah, still looking for something, though. Do you want funny, or scary or—”
“Not Lord of the Rings again,” Noah said, holding up his hands as he stepped into the room. “That is my only request. It was good the first three times, but I need a break.”
“Stay and help me choose,” I said, patting the bed.
Noah frowned. “I need to finish a few things, and then I’ll be right up, okay?”
“It’s going to take me that long to find something, and then you won’t agree to it anyway,” I said, sighing. “We’ll just spend the night searching and vetoing each other’s suggestions.”
Noah laughed. “Oh, come on. It’s not that bad. We usually end up finding something.”
“Yeah, Lord of the Rings,” I said, puffing out my cheeks.
He walked over to my side of the bed and placed his hand on my cheek. His thumb glided up and down as he stared into my eyes.
“Hmm,” he sighed. “Have I ever told you how much better my life is with you in it?”
“Yes, but it never hurts to hear it again.” I smiled.
Noah kissed my forehead and leaned back to give me one of his special grins that warmed my insides. He walked toward the bedroom door, casually brushing his fingers through his hair.
“I’ll be quick. Fifteen minutes max.” He stepped out into the hall, but before closing the door, he looked back inside. “Want me to bring anything back up with me?”
“Popcorn?” I asked, raising a brow.
“You got it.”
“Oh, and a soda!” I called as he closed the door.
The second I couldn’t hear his footsteps any longer, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and, with a deep inhale, walked into the bathroom. I dragged my finger over the medallion and sighed. “It’s time.”
It pulsed against my wrist as if it knew. The medallion did everything it could for me, and it was time to return it to its rightful owner. No more being selfish. No more making excuses.
It was time to return it to Darkness.
Chapter
