Have u seen Viktor?
SHAY: Not since we were all together.
ME: Really?
SHAY: Do u need me to come by?
ME: No, I will call you later.
Something just didn’t sit right. I wasn’t sure what I was about to do, but I knew I didn’t need to be using any magic. I just regained what little strength I had, cautious not to over exhaust myself. But something wasn’t right and I needed to find out now.
Chapter 17
I got dressed and went to Viktor’s loft. I knocked on the door, but there was no answer and no answer on his cell. I didn’t bother to leave a message and instead grabbed my helmet and riding jacket out of my loft. Just as I was about to jump to the farm to get my bike, I bumped into Simon in the hall. He grabbed my shoulders to steady me.
“Oh, Simon, I’m sorry. I was in a hurry,” I said apologizing.
“That’s fine. I was actually coming to see you,” he said.
“Really? What about?” I was curious now.
“Well, I was wondering how you were coming along.”
“With what?” I was confused.
“Your powers. You don’t think I don’t know, did you? I mean, we practiced in the clearing after all.”
“Wait, that was real? I thought it was a dream.”
“Well, in a sense it was, but you pulled me in. I must say it wasn’t the ideal dream I would’ve preferred.” He smiled slyly at me. “I just wanted to tell you I would be glad to offer any assistance that you might need.” He was getting a little creepy now.
“Maybe you can help me now. I’m looking for Viktor. Have you seen him?” I asked, as I continued to put my jacket on.
“Why don’t you call him?” he asked.
“I tried that already.” I was growing bored with his games. He knew something, but wasn’t telling me anything.
“You know, Sloane, if I had a lady friend like you, there wouldn’t be a place I’d rather be.”
I rolled my eyes. “Simon,” I threw my hand up, “let me stop you there.”
But Simon quickly grabbed my hand and whispered in my ear. “You aren’t mine yet, but in due time you will be. So why fight it, Sloane? Surely you know who I am?” I jerked my head back and looked at him. “As soon as you surrender to the dark, you and I will be one.” I tried to snatch my hand away, but I couldn’t. “There’s nothing here for you. Everyone has abandoned you.”
“That’s not true,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Is that so? Why don’t I show you?” He cocked his head to the side and we were gone.
I wasn’t sure where we ended up, either. Simon still had me by the hand; he was making sure I wouldn’t take off, I was certain. I tugged at my hand and he squeezed it. I could feel my hand popping in different places as he applied more pressure.
“OK! I will stop!” I refused to cry. “Where the hell are we?” Simon pointed in a certain direction and I watched as the two people came into view.
We were still in Columbus. The happy couple that came into view was Declan and his girlfriend, Gabby. I looked away in fear that my tears would betray me.
“Don’t worry, they cannot see us. Watch them, Sloane. He doesn’t care. He’s been with her since he left you. You were just a thorn in his heel these past couple of weeks.” I turned my head to look away, but Simon stepped behind me and grabbed my chin to force me to look. “I said look.”
I watched him hold her hand and the way they smiled at each other. It was beautiful, no matter if my heart was breaking. Declan did love her. They were walking hand-in-hand on the river walk and they paused to watch the people paddling by on canoes. Declan stood behind Gabby with his chin rested on top of her head. He looked happy, but conflicted too.
“Oh, did you want to get a closer look?” Simon asked
“No!” And like that, Simon jumped us to about ten feet away from them. “Why are you doing this? I know he’s happy. He made this clear already.”
“Then why are you hanging on?” Simon snapped his fingers and in a brief moment, Declan and I locked eyes. Then we were gone.
I swear he knew I was there, because the look on his face was a look of pure terror. I had to let him go. Simon was