The Prophecy (The Guardians) - By Wendy Owens Page 0,40
a world that is full of danger and chaos, and brimming with uncertainty. We will never have anything close to a normal life. There’s already no going back for us because of who we are. Both of us will always be hunted.”
“Yeah, this is really uplifting and all Gabe, you know, considering I just lost my home and all, but is there a point anytime soon?” Rachel urged, feeling as though she might come unraveled at any moment.
“I’m not certain if I will live to see tomorrow, but one thing I’m certain of, more certain than I have ever been of anything, ever, in my life is how I feel about you.”
“I love you too, Gabe.” Rachel said with a smile. “Is this really the time though?”
“Rachel, I wanted this to be perfect and romantic, but now, well now I just have to say this because I don’t know if I will have another chance. Rachel, will you marry me?” Gabe swallowed hard after finally managing to push the words from his lips.
“What?” Rachel gasped.
“I know it’s the worst timing in history, but I have to know, will you become my wife? I have spent every moment of every day with you for the past six months and I can’t imagine spending a single one without you going forward.” Gabe asked again, staring into Rachel’s eyes for some sign of an answer. The silence lingered, hanging heavy in the air between them.
“Well, are you going to answer the poor kid or leave him down there on one knee all night?” Uri bellowed from the door way.
Glancing over his shoulder, Gabe rolled his eyes, annoyed, but not surprised their moment had been eavesdropped on by Uri.
“Yes.” Rachel whispered, her voice full of both joy and sadness. She reached out and grabbed a hold of Gabe’s neck, pulling him close. She kissed him deep and long. In that moment there was no Baal, no hunters, only her and Gabe and their happiness. But that could not last.
“I guess I did miss a lot while I was gone.” Uri joked awkwardly behind the couple. “Come on love birds, get what you need and let’s high tail it out of here.”
As the three walked to the center of the area outside of the cabin, bags slung over their shoulders, Gabe and Rachel gave one last look at the home they had grown to love each other in. The months of hard work preparing for the harsh winter didn’t matter now. It was all wasted.
“Man, Michael is going to love this.” Uri said sarcastically in reference to Gabe and Rachel’s relationship. He then placed his hand in the middle of the group, followed by Gabe and then Rachel. A moment later, the three were gone, only a distorted cloud momentarily lingered where they stood.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The transportation spell left Gabe’s head spinning. He had grown in strength physically and magically since the time he left Rampart and now could easily transport without being rendered unconscious, but it was still not a pleasant experience. The travel was much harsher on Rachel, however; she was now lying on the ground at his feet, out cold.
“Oh my God, Rachel,” Gabe cried, falling to his knees, shaking her gently. “Are you alright?”
“Come on man, it’s no use, she’s going to out for most of the day.” Uri insisted.
Gabe knew he was right. Lifting his beloved into his arms, her limp body hanging loosely, Gabe instructed, “We need to take her somewhere she can rest.”
“It’s been a while since you’ve been here, things have changed a lot. With all of the overcrowding issues a lot of rooms have been repurposed. Follow me, I’ll show you the best place for her.” Uri offered, taking off to the east, rapidly leading the way.
Gabe glanced around the pathways; nothing was recognizable from his youth, stunned by the amount of change that had taken place.
“Is everyone from Rampart here?” Gabe asked, following close behind, Rachel pulled into his body.
“Oh no, not at all. They’re spread all over the place. Honestly, hardly anyone is where they began five years ago. Iron Gate is full of refugees from all over the world. That’s one of the biggest problems we’re having.”
“I don’t understand, why is that a problem?”
“It’s getting harder for the clerics to keep the shields in place; there are just too many minds for their magic to handle. The defenses were never meant to protect this many people, I don’t know how long they can keep