the cord that dangled below the lampshade. Darkness swallowed the room, and I snuggled back into my covers, ready to revisit the world of slumber. However, the tickets had apparently sold out.
No matter how hard I tried, my mind wouldn’t quiet down and the longer I laid there trying to sleep, the more alert I became. There was no stopping the questions and worries that ran rampant through my head like a stampede of wild bulls. Would I be able to keep Liz safe? Was Ana still out there waiting to come after me? Would we win this war against Baal? Would the Zakarian region and the Noire region be enough to defeat him? All these thoughts and more rushed through me. With a growl of frustration, I pulled my sleepy body out of bed and dragged my feet all the way to the bathroom.
A chilling autumn breeze blew in from the window, setting my nerves on edge. I wrinkled my brow, marching over and slamming the window shut. I wanted to be left alone, and it seemed not even the wind was allowed in my presence at the moment. I knew I would have to get my mood in check before I interacted with anyone tonight, especially Arrick. For all I knew, he probably already sensed my agitation. The thought of him broke through the knot of anxiety that was twisting in my chest. I wouldn’t be able to defeat the evil I despised by becoming some angry monster myself. I needed to take his advice and calm down. There would be plenty of time to allow my rage to overflow when it was time to face down Baal, which could be sooner rather than later.
After a long shower I began packing for our trip to Naos. I grabbed a large shoulder bag off a shelf in my closet and stuffed a few things in. I wanted to pack light. I had everything I needed at home, so I didn’t need much. Just a couple changes of clothes and some bathroom supplies and I’d be good to go. I slipped on a pair of dark jeans and a soft, forest green sweater. I would probably be too hot in it later, but I had opted for comfort and the sweater was perfect. It was a bit oversized, yet that’s what made it just right. I moved over to my large, free standing jewelry table and slid open the second drawer. I latched onto a small, leather watch and then moved the rest over to the side with my palm. Along the edge of the drawer was a small piece of black ribbon that stuck up between the seams. I pinched it between my fingers and pulled. A small compartment opened up underneath the bottom of the drawer. There lay the locket Robin gave me, and the stones. I hadn’t worn them since the funeral, and I missed feeling their weight around my neck. I touched them with my fingertips, gently caressing the cold, black jewels. They were once a thing to be feared, but now they were something entirely different. Now I felt the need to protect them, to fight for them. I felt like they were lost souls I needed to set free. I didn’t know how, but I’d figure it out.
Someday.
They were victims of Baal too. They deserved vengeance, they deserved retribution, and they would have it.
“What are you looking at?” Liz asked sleepily from the doorway.
“Nothing.” I slapped the compartment shut but not before snatching up the locket and the stones, and sliding the drawer closed with impeccable speed.
“Whatever.” She walked over to the mirror to gaze at her drowsy face. “What are we doing tonight?”
“We’re going to Naos.” The thought of going home and seeing my parents immediately lifted my spirits. Even though I called them nightly, and they repeatedly told me they were doing fine, I still worried. I needed to see for myself that they were healing, and the wounds they endured during the attack hadn’t caused more damage than I’d feared.
“Looks like you had fun last night.” I eyed the rings on Liz’s fingers, noting that she also had on the largest ruby earrings that were on display, as well as several bracelets and necklaces.
“Nothing wrong with playing a little dress up.” She posed in the mirror, then licked her finger and placed it on her hip as she made a sizzling sound. “I must say, I make these look good.”