Grave Touched: Fey Touched, #2

Also by Erin Zarro

Poetry chapbooks

Life as a Moving Target

Without Wings

Fey Touched series

Fey Touched (Book 1)

Anthologies

In Flames

Grave Touched

ERIN ZARRO

Copyright © 2015 by Erin Zarro. All rights reserved.

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any matter whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

A Turtleduck Press Release

http://www.turtleduckpress.com

Cover design © Erin Zarro

Interior design © Erin Zarro

Author photo © Karen Conroy

GRAVE TOUCHED is a work of fiction. Any similarity to a person – living or dead – is purely coincidental, as are any places, events, or locales.

Author website: http://www.erinzarro.com

Author email: ericon_22@hotmail.com

Twitter: @ekendall

Chapter 1

EMILY

Whispers. A flicker of thought.

My eyes wouldn't open. Panic sliced through me.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

It's okay, Em. You're okay, a familiar male voice said. A hand stroked my brow. Nick? Was Nick here? My beloved Nick could always soothe me, keep me from the edge.

Em...you're really here, Nick said softly. "You're alive."

Alive? Of course I was alive.

I opened my eyes, wincing.

A tall human woman watched me with gray eyes that I was sure peeled layers off of me. Emily, I'm Doctor Lucia Jonath. You've been under my care for a few weeks now because you were in an accident.

Someone squeezed my hand, and I gasped with pain.

Bright light made my head throb. I lifted my free hand, pain searing through every muscle, and

moaned. The blur beside me resolved into Nick, his deep brown eyes and his goofy grin. I wanted to hug him, kiss him, but the fear of pain stopped me.

What was going on?

Movement will hurt for a while, Dr. Jonath continued. I suggest you limit it while you heal.

I licked my dry lips. Wh – what...happ... I ground my teeth together, frustrated with my inability to speak. Was something wrong with my mouth, too?

Here, have some ice chips, Nick said, placing a cup to my mouth and tipping it so I could get the ice chips in. Ah, sweet relief.

There was an accident, Dr. Jonath said patiently. You were injured. We're using the latest technology to heal you. Don't be afraid.

It was difficult to not be afraid when I was in excruciating pain.

I reached out to touch Nick, my arm and wrist throbbing. Noticed I was in an unfamiliar room with bare white walls and an antiseptic smell. The sparse furniture – my nightstand and my bed – was made of gleaming stainless steel. Behind me stood a complex machine that beeped and hummed and...scanned my every movement with a faint whirring sound. Creepy.

That's the Sentinel, Dr. Jonath said, gesturing toward the machine. It watches you for any abnormalities. It also can give us an MRI in seconds if need be.

I tried to put that thing out of my mind.

I swallowed the ice chips slowly. Why...the...pain? I asked, tripping over the words. What the hell was wrong with me?

It's the nanobots, Dr. Jonath explained. They are working on your injuries, and you've woken up a bit early. It's okay, but you will experience some pain. It's nothing to worry about.

How...in...injured...was I? I asked.

Profoundly, Dr. Jonath said, holding my gaze. It's a miracle you're still alive.

It was horrible, Nick put in. I couldn't lose you. So I brought you here. He looked down at his hands, then back up at me. "I couldn't...I need you, Em."

I remembered nothing about an accident. Did a rogue Fey hurt me? My stomach churned with anxiety. I...I don't...remem – remember.

No, you probably wouldn't. That's okay...but let's not get ahead of ourselves. His voice quivered a bit.

But I need to know what happened, I protested.

Nick's eyes darkened. You almost died. It sounded as if he were forcing the words out. And a bit defensive. I did what I had to do to save you.

Stifling a scream of pain, I reached out to him. I grabbed his shirt, skewering him with my gaze. You're not...telling me...something. What...is...going on?

Nick chuckled, and it sounded fake. Everything's fine, I promise. His hands covered mine. All I want is for you to get better.

That is crap and you know it, I said, tightening my grip, ignoring the pain. "Tell me what happened. Now."

I think we should let you get some rest, Dr. Jonath said. She checked something in my IV bag. You have been awake for less than an hour. All will be revealed in time.

I don't need rest. I need answers. I released Nick, who smoothed his shirt and wouldn't look at me. Dr. Jonath, can't you tell me anything? I am the patient, after all.

Nick and Dr. Jonath exchanged glances. They were insane if they thought I'd let this go.

Knowing what happened won't help you, Dr. Jonath said. So no, I can't tell you anything right now. I'm sorry.

"You're...sorry? That's it?"

Nick put his hand on my arm. Em, try to relax. She's just doing her job.

No, she's not. I'm the patient, she's the doctor. That's how it works. I glared at him.

Not at Solstice. Dr. Jonath's lips compressed into a straight line. Nicholas brought you here. He's your guardian, so to speak. He has been advised not to tell you anything that would be damaging to your recovery.

I crushed my bed sheets into my fists. That's not fair...or right. I need to talk to your supervisor.

The look on Dr. Jonath's face said she disagreed, but she let out a sigh and gave me a smile that looked put on. As you wish. She left the room, the smell of her sickly sweet perfume following in her wake.

Once we were alone, I decided it was time to get the truth.

Nick, you need to be straight with me...you need to tell me...what's really going on. Panic twisted my insides.

Nothing, I swear. You're recuperating from major surgery and major healing. We have Dr. Jonath to thank for your very survival. His eyes pleaded with me to understand.

There's something more to this, I insisted. I wanted to touch him, feel his skin on mine, but I didn't feel like having more pain. This is just too strange.

Look, you were badly injured, okay? You –

Why don't I...remember?

The trauma to your brain, according to the doc. It's normal. The memories will come, in time. He sounded deflated now. This wasn't just a broken bone, Em. This was...huge. We practically brought you back from the dead.

I still would like to know exactly how. Nothing could dampen the anger winging its way through me, the fear that it was something too horrific to contemplate, and him and Dr. Jonath handling me as if I were a child. It made me fume and clench my teeth and want to commit murder.

By Artemis, I needed to relax.

Just as the tense silence became almost unbearable, a short man wearing a lab coat and glasses strolled in, followed by Dr. Jonath.

I'm sorry, sir. She insisted, she said. Her eyes darted from the man to me. I wouldn't have interrupted you otherwise.

The man gave a slow nod. Dr. Jonath handed him my chart.

I twisted the bed sheet in my hands.

Nick let out a breath.

Dr. Jonath just watched him.

The doctor looked up at me, handing my chart back to Dr. Jonath. I am John Bernard, Chief of Psychiatry here at Solstice. This is a precarious situation you're in. His eyes were kind, and his voice held the lilt of some type of accent. I'm the one who advised against giving you all of the information as soon as you regained consciousness. It is much too soon.

It would affect my recovery that much? I asked.

It would, Dr. Bernard replied. When it's time to know what happened, we'd be happy to tell you. Until such time, you need to focus on getting acclimated.

Getting acclimated...it was an odd way of putting it. Was there more to it?

I knew there had to be, but breaking down the freaking wall they'd built was going to be impossible. Time to think of another way to find out.

So you see, Emily, it is really for the best, Dr. Jonath said. The last thing we want to do is hurt you.

I wasn't going to get anywhere today. Okay, fine. You win. For now. I glanced at Dr. Bernard. Thank you for seeing me.

You're very welcome. I must go now. Do call if you need anything else. He left the room quietly.

Do you understand now? Dr. Jonath asked, picking up my chart. Damn. Would have been good to look at it.

I shook my head. Not really. But I'll let it go for now.

Good, Dr. Jonath said, as if I'd given her a different answer. Get some rest. I'll be back to check on you later. And she was gone.

I turned to Nick. I'm going to find out no matter what it takes.

I don't doubt it, Nick replied.

And then he kissed me.

Our lips touched, and it felt...not quite right. I gasped. What...what're you doing?

Nick lifted his hand to soothe me. Grimacing, he dropped it. An eternity of seconds ticked by as I watched him and tried to understand. Uh – I'm sure you know what I'm doing, Em, he said at last. I'm trying to kiss you.

I knew that, damn it. But – how to put what I was feeling into words? Um...that was...interesting?

His eyes narrowed. Em? You feeling all right?

I looked down at my trembling hands. I'm fine. I'm just trying to cope with all of this. It's a lot to take in.

I totally understand. It's just...I've missed you, Nick said with a sigh. You've been here and not with me.

I nodded, but I was still caught up in confusion, in how weird this all felt, as if I'd changed so much.

What had really happened to me?

ASHA

So the rogues went for the little girl's spinal cord and I'm like, hell, this isn't happening, and then Asha came out of nowhere and started slicing and dicing 'em, Joe said, gazing at me adoringly.

We were seated in a small, cozy diner in the wee hours of the morning. This was one of the places where robots – looking surprisingly like humans – performed some of the tasks like cleaning and taking out the trash. There were a few human customers, and us. The low murmur of conversation made me just a bit nervous. Anywhere there were humans, rogue Fey weren't far behind.

It was still odd fighting them – I'd been a Hunter for only a short time. Before, I was one of the hunted Fey.

I'd hate to have to fight rogues here, with the two human teenagers across from us sipping coffee and giggling at who knew what, and the two human policemen chowing down on hamburgers a few booths in front of us.

Really? Cobra, across from us, chuckled. He was dressed in leather, as usual, his long black hair in a ponytail that touched his waist. Go you. We bumped fists. Sometimes I miss being a Hunter.

I'd always wondered why he'd left the tribe, but it never seemed like a good time to ask him. He might not hunt rogues like we did anymore, but he was still one of us, Fey Touched.

A waitress came up to us, all perky like she was on hyperspeed. Her red hair was piled on her head, and it looked like it would topple over any minute now. What can I get for you?

Coffee. Black, Cobra said, leaning back and closing his eyes.

Coke would be fine, I said, eyeing Cobra.

The waitress glanced up at Joe as she scribbled down our orders.

Coke. And apple pie à la mode. Two forks, Joe said, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag.

All on one bill, Cobra said, not lifting his head. They're paying.

Be right back, the waitress said, heading for the kitchen.

So are all the Hunters pretty much okay? Cobra asked, glancing at me. I know you and Fallon saved everyone – well, almost everyone, from the plague, but...

Everyone's coping, Joe said. Nick took Emily's death pretty hard. And we're...we're still trying to get into the normal routine. Kinda hard after almost dying.

I winced. The bubonic plague had been unleashed on the local tribe of Hunters by my Fey family in an attempt to bring me back into the fold, along with a very unpleasant abduction.

We're hanging in there, I said.

Joe took my hand in his. Asha's been having nightmares and flashbacks.

Cobra pulled a face. Oh, man. That's rough. Let me know if there's anything I can do.

Joe arched a brow. Got any magic spells that could make it stop?

Cobra used alchemy, which was forbidden to us Hunters, because science and alchemy shouldn't mix, according to our fearless leaders.

I nudged Joe in the ribs. Thank you, but I'm kind of afraid of alchemy right now, thanks to my lovely family.

Can't say I blame you, Cobra said.

So, you said there was a problem? Joe asked.

Food and drinks, the waitress said, and I jumped a few feet. Some Hunter I was.

The waitress put Joe's apple pie, heaped with ice cream, in front of him.

It's heated, right? Joe asked.

The waitress nodded a bit too enthusiastically, her Leaning Tower of Hair wobbling precariously. Absolutely.

She put down our drinks. Anything else?

My two forks? Joe asked.

The waitress smacked her forehead. I knew I was forgetting something.

So I wonder how their apple pie à la mode compares to yours, I said.

Joe smiled. Nothing's like my apple pie à la mode, baby.

You're still doing the chef thing, then? Cobra asked.

Joe smiled. "Always. I could never get tired of it. I'm a huge fan of experimentation, but I love simple stuff."

Oh, yes. The simple stuff like spaghetti with meatless sauce, cassata cake, and chocolate-covered fruit. And that was my first night with him, when I'd fallen for those amazing blue eyes and sinful food and decided to walk away from Fey life. And then discovered I wasn't actually Fey at all, but Fey Touched – humans genetically engineered for immortality and flight – just like them.

Awesome, Cobra said with a smirk, toasting us with his coffee mug.

The waitress returned, holding up two shiny silver forks.

Joe grinned. Thank you so much. I can't wait to dig into this. He presented one to me. You first. His gaze slid to the waitress. Work's been whacky crazy and we're trying to decompress.

The waitress arched a brow. Oh? What do you do for a living?

I herd cattle and shear sheep. Very stressful. Can barely take it anymore, Joe said, deadpan.

I struggled not to burst out laughing.

She weaves baskets. Isn't that the craziest job? How many times do you stab yourself with your implements just to relieve the stress? Joe looked dead serious, but his eyes glinted evilly.

I nodded, mock-serious. Many times. I have lots of scars.

Battle wounds, Cobra put in, finally joining the land of the living. I chase monsters. I've gotten scared half to death more times than I can count. Which begs the question...why am I not dead already?

The waitress's jaw hung open, and she slowly backed away from us.

Damn, why are waitresses so scared of us? Cobra asked, taking a sip of his coffee. So anyway, yes, there is a problem.

Oh? Joe asked.

I grabbed my fork and cut a small piece of Joe's pie. It was absolutely out-of-this-world delicious. But... I bet you could do –

A weird pressure started up in my head, then increased as if a giant fist was squeezing it.

Asha? Joe asked, his face hovering close. Everything looked hazy, like in a dream. Asha, what's wrong?

I – I – my head, I managed with a groan. Hurts. Bad.

Cobra's face appeared in front of me. Like a magic trick. Migraine? Or intense pressure?

I shook my head but stopped dead because even that hurt. I squeezed my eyes shut. Little streamers of white light zoomed behind my eyelids. I – yes, pressure.

Shit, it's already happening, Cobra said. Too fast this time.

What are you talking about? Joe asked. His gaze went to me. How bad is the pain? He gripped my hand tight, his worry coming through our mated bond, along with a side of panic.

Dull, I whispered. And then what do you know, a searing pain went through my head like a freight train on steroids. Now it's worse. I don't know.

We need to get you to Michelle, Joe said.

Don't do that, Cobra said firmly. I think I know what's happening. Asha, I need you to be really specific about this. It's pressure like what? And how severe is the pain on a scale of one to ten?

Why shouldn't I take her to the doc? Joe asked. She helped save everyone from the plague. She'll know what to do.

Cobra glared at Joe. Because it won't help. This is scarier than the plague, man. Up to eleven. Only thing is, I don't know how they got here...

Who? Joe asked.

Asha? Cobra prompted.

Right. The pain made it hard to think, much less make a judgment on pain and pressure and –

My head...

I screamed.

Talk to me, Asha! Cobra cried.

"I – uh...the pressure...like a squeezing," I said, my voice rough. I was panting now. Sweating it out. What the hell was wrong with me?

Good, good, Cobra said. I focused on the amber tip of his cigarette. Keep it coming.

Couldn't...think.

I groped blindly for Joe, and he slid his hand through mine. You can do this, baby. You got this.

Deep breath. The pain? On a scale of...one to ten? Twenty. My head's...on....fire.

Crap, Cobra said. It might be too late.

Now the pain felt like someone was taking a machete to my skull.

What is going on? Joe asked.

I'm gonna try to fix this and then I'll explain everything, okay? Cobra asked. Seriously. Time is running out. I need to help her through this.

Joe threw his hands up. Okay, fine. Do what you need to do. He didn't look happy about that at all.

Pixie, Joe's dog and familiar, whined from underneath the table.

Cobra stood and knelt at my feet, careful not to disturb Pixie.

Here's what we gotta do, Cobra said. You're going to fight it, the pressure thing. It's an entity and, as such, it can be driven out.

Like exorcism? Joe asked. "There's a demon inside her?" His shoulders twitched with the effort of not unfurling his wings in a space with humans around. It was some kind of instinctive Hunter thing. To look more intimidating, I supposed.

The pressure increased. I put my hands on my temples and focused on not screaming.

Is everything okay? The waitress was back, and she looked worried. Some customers mentioned something about someone having a problem over here.

Yeah, we're having a problem, Joe said. This guy's helping my wife with her – migraine. He's one of those hocus pocus doctors that may or may not be useful. He lit up, taking a long draw on his cigarette.

That's right, Cobra said with conviction. I'm a naturalist. We don't use medications. Everything is fine.

The waitress's eyes narrowed. Never heard of that. Well, let us know if you need anything. And then she was gone again.

Shit, Joe muttered. We can't do this here, Cobra.

Now the aliens in my head were splitting my skull with dull knives. I...can't...it's...worse, I said. Hurts so bad.

We can't leave, Joseph. Cobra glared at my mate. If it gets any worse, she'll be lost to us. To you. Joe swore under his breath, but nodded his acceptance. That's better. Now, Asha, as I was saying, you need to fight this.

How? I asked.

Cobra looked grim, which scared me. Your will has to be strong. Stronger than strong.

Pretend it's the Fey, Joe suggested. His eyes were filled with pain, and my heart nearly broke. I didn't want him to have to witness this.

Cobra snapped his fingers. That's perfect. Pretend you're driving them out of your mind.

I doubted it would work, but what the hell? I was screwed if I didn't try. I pictured my tormentor, Francesca, and Fred, her assistant. I forced myself to remember the torture, the pain of the stun gun and the waterboarding.

Bile rose in my throat. I couldn't relive that again.

Baby, I know this is tough. Joe's brilliant blue eyes fixed on mine. But you have to do this. I can't lose you. His voice cracked, and he took a deep breath. Please, just fight it. His voice was rough.

Shit, Cobra muttered.

I nodded. Okay...Gonna try.

I closed my eyes again.

And then came a voice inside my head.

EMILY

How's my woman doing? Nick asked as he walked into my room with a huge bouquet of daisies in his hand.

I smiled. Those are beautiful.

Nick set them on my night table. Just like you.

I inhaled the fragrance, happy to have someone as thoughtful as my Nick. Thank you. So...what's up?

Nick sat down beside me with a sigh. I miss you. Things aren't the same without you there. I killed four rogues on my patrol last night, and I wanted to tell you all about it, but you weren't there. I had to remind myself that you were here.

I took a breath. I wasn't taking the separation very well myself. I wasn't used to sleeping alone, or being watched by doctors and nurses all the time. Or that horrible Sentinel thing. I miss you, too. And the other Hunters. But it isn't for much longer, is it?

He glanced at the doorway as if Dr. Jonath would materialize there. Hopefully not. How's the pain?

Not as bad, I replied.

Nick moved closer to me until we were practically touching. He ran a fingertip down my cheek, and rested it on my shoulder. I could feel his warmth through my flimsy hospital gown. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to my neck, licking my pulse there.

It sent a jolt straight to my core, and I let out a little moan. Hell, I couldn't remember the last time we'd had sex. Felt like years. That was weird.

I pulled away. Nick's eyes narrowed.

How long have I been here exactly? I asked.

A few weeks, Nick replied.

"I feel – wrong. Like I've been gone for centuries and the world is a new, scary place. And not knowing what happened is making me crazy."

You know I can't tell you anything yet, Nick said, stroking my back lightly. I remembered how relaxed that made me feel. I wanted to sink into his touch, let go, but I couldn't.

When did we last have sex? I asked.

Right before you – right before your accident, Nick said quickly, averting his eyes. The night before. It was amazing, as usual. Nick put his hands on my shoulders and pulled me closer to kiss me. A soft, lingering kiss, unlike his usual passionate, possessive ones.

I pulled away. You're afraid to hurt me, aren't you?

I suppose I am. He kissed me again, slipping his tongue into my mouth, drawing a gasp out of me. I don't want you in any pain. Another kiss, another slide of his tongue.

I closed my eyes and tried to enjoy it.

I'd always enjoyed sex with Nick. We were compatible, both passionate lovers that constantly tried to reach new levels of pleasure. I should have been whimpering, aching with need.

But it felt wrong somehow.

Something's going on. Nick searched my gaze. You can tell me anything, you know. I won't bite. Not hard, anyway.

I chuckled softly. You can bite me any time.

Oh, I see, Nick said, tucking an errant strand of hair behind my ear. His gaze was almost rapturous, as if I were some kind of goddess. But really – is there something wrong? His hand slid down my cheek and stopped at my shoulder. His touch was gentle. Too gentle.

I'm okay, I said. I just feel different somehow. I suppose it's a side effect of the nanobots? I shivered, not wanting to think about that too deeply.

Nick nodded. "I suppose. I just...I'd like for us to be together again. I'm sorry if it's too soon, okay? I just...miss you. I miss us."

I miss us, too, I said, choosing my words carefully. I didn't want to upset him, but I felt more wrong the further he went with this. I think I need some time. I'm sorry.

Nick slid his hand through my hair to rest on my nape. His possessiveness in doing so wasn't lost on me. That, at least, was normal for a Hunter male.

Nick's eyes narrowed. What's the last thing you remember from before your accident?

I only remember a bit of Anthony's funeral rite. And...nothing else after. Panic was a blade to my insides.

Anthony died because of the plague, Nick said softly.

A flash of memory. I do remember that.

Nick bit his lip. Anything else?

I closed my eyes, mentally poking around my mind. Then I opened them, meeting Nick's gaze. No. Is there something I should know?

We figured it out after your accident. The plague was specifically targeted to us. We – uh – lost a few Hunters. And I almost died, too. A muscle in his jaw twitched.

I gasped. Oh, no! That's horrible! I grabbed his hand and held on tightly, wincing at the pain. Sweet Artemis. I'd almost lost him. I couldn't even imagine it.

He nodded, stroking my fingers with his. Yeah. It got me. He swallowed hard. But Asha and Fallon were able to save us.

My eyes narrowed. Asha? Who's she?

Fallon's twin sister. It's a long story, Nick said.

Who killed our people?

The Fey. They were trying to bring Asha back after she ran away from them. She refused to return.

My eyes narrowed. "So you're saying this Asha chick is Fey? The same scum we devote our lives to killing? And she caused this entire thing?"

Nick didn't meet my gaze. She's not actually Fey. She's one of us. He looked at me now, a searching look that made me feel about two inches tall. She and Fallon healed us from the plague. Together.

And yet...

Hell, I wasn't even able to say goodbye, I said softly, picking at a loose thread in my blanket.

Not your fault, Em. You were otherwise occupied.

I let out a breath. Yeah, I guess. What else have I missed?

Nothing much, really. We're all trying to get back to normal. I don't know what to do with myself.

The Sentinel hummed, cutting into my thoughts.

Whispers. All around me. But I couldn't make out what they were saying.

Em? Is something wrong?

Nick's voice jolted me back. I blinked. Didn't see anyone else here. I – uh – do you hear those whispers?

Nick tensed and palmed the dagger at his hip. His raptor gaze took in everything, assessing the room for danger. There's no one here. And I don't hear any whispers. Are you sure?

I shrugged. No. I guess I was just hearing things.

The whispers got louder and more urgent.

It's her it's her it's her –

She's the one must talk to her –

It's her need her need her need her –

Sweet Artemis, maybe the nanobots were messing with my head...

Maybe there are some doctors or nurses near your door, Nick suggested. That's probably what you're hearing.

I nodded and tried to look confident. I'm sure you're right. I twirled a loose thread around my finger. Look at me, all paranoid. It's safe here. I forced myself to chuckle like I meant it. Damn it.

You okay? Nick asked, touching my shoulder. Do I need to call the doctor?

My heart lurched. No freaking way was I going to end up in a padded cell. "Absolutely not! I'm fine, really." I tried to think of a change of subject, for Nick's sake and for mine.

Where is everyone, anyway? I thought I'd have more visitors now that I'm awake.

Nick winced. They're busy kicking rogue ass. We're very shorthanded right now. Joe is bringing in Hunters from nearby to help.

That'll go over well, I said. We're all so connected. Not a lot of room for outsiders.

Nick shrugged. Unfortunately, we need the help. He glanced at the clock. Speaking of which, I have to go. I'll be thinking about you. He put his hand on my cheek.

I nodded, anxiety at being left alone twisting my insides. As if they needed more twisting. Okay. Stay safe out there.

Bye bye, beautiful. Nick pressed his lips to mine, totally chaste, and left. I sighed, trying to remember what we'd had before this.

But I wasn't ready for anything intimate. So why did I feel so wrong?

I fell asleep listening to the whispers.

Chapter 2

EMILY

I dreamed of biting cold; I dreamed of having no body and being squeezed into a box. I dreamed of queens bickering and a man with long white hair who looked eerily familiar...

I dreamed of stealing into people's minds and commanding them; I dreamed of sensations, something I – at least, the I in my dreams – had never experienced before. I dreamed of water and air and the sun beating down on me; I dreamed of little things, like wind and flowers and the scent of cigarette smoke.

Then I had a body, and I was walking. Thick black fog covered the ground. Screams pierced the air. A woman with bones that glowed stood off in the distance. Where the hell was I?

I kept walking, not knowing where I was going. Something pulled me onward relentlessly.

There you are, a voice said behind me.

I spun around. It was the white-haired man. Hello?

He came closer to me, moving gracefully. He was...an ethereal being, maybe a deity of some sort. He had no wings, but he was no less beautiful, with his hair in a braid that tumbled down his back. Eyes that were black as night and held streaks of silver. Long, elegant fingers. A simple robe that reminded me of human clergymen.

But his eyes...it was as if I could look into them and see eternity; see the shifts of space and time, see civilizations being built and dying. I saw the universe, the planet, the fragile light of a soul – mana.

It was all there in his eyes.

But everything else around me was black and white and washed out. Like an unfinished photograph of old.

Hello, Emily, the man said, extending his hand to me. I am Soren.

I took his hand, its cold making me shiver. How do you know who I am?

You do not remember? Soren asked.

No. I'm sorry. I dropped his hand, suddenly feeling off-kilter. It was the same way I'd felt when Nick tried to get me to have sex with him.

It is all right. I thought you might not. I have visited you several times in your dreams. But you were in a healing sleep, and it was difficult to communicate.

None of this made any sense. I've never heard of that before.

I know this is strange, Soren said. But fear not – these things usually are.

He laid his hand on my cheek, and with it came a biting chill. I recoiled, and he dropped his hand.

What's happening to me? I asked, my voice rough.

You are a peculiar entity, different from the ones of your race.

My heart lurched. What? How is that possible?

Do not be afraid. I am here to protect you.

That sounded ominous. The words had weight that I was sure would crush me.

Try to focus. I know it is difficult. He reached out to touch me again, and I moved out of the way. The Nether is trying to claim you as we speak. It is very...persuasive.

Please don't touch me, I said. "I don't know you."

Soren smiled ruefully. I feel as I have known you for a long time. I am sorry.

It's okay. I didn't want to make him feel bad. I had the sense that he was doing this out of kindness. Onward to a new subject. What the hell is the Nether? I asked, a cold ball of fear in my stomach.

"It is where the grave touched reside. You must not let them claim you. They sense the part of you that is dead. But you are also alive, which is a dangerous contradiction."

My guts twisted. He was wrong. But I'm not dead. That's just crazy.

Soren clucked his tongue. I am sorry...I know you are confused enough as it is. But Emily, you are not supposed to be alive. Something went wrong, it is unnatural, and I do not understand –

Actually, I know what happened, I said. So now I was unnatural. Fantastic. I was in an accident and I've been fixed by nanobots. It's totally weird.

Ah, yes, Soren murmured. The tiny machines.

Maybe I should have died, I said softly.

Do not say that. You are meant to be here, Soren said.

Didn't he understand? So many things tore at me. There was this Nether place, if it even existed. No one except Nick visited me. Everything felt wrong. And now this guy was supposed to make everything okay?

I arched a brow. I suppose it's fate, right?

Soren's eyes narrowed. You could say that, yes.

My head spun. Who are you?

I am a Guardian, here to protect you.

From what?

From the grave touched. See, when Nick – He broke off, shifting from one foot to another. Nick did something to change you, he said softly. It had some devastating consequences. The grave touched are starting a mass exodus that will culminate in thousands of people hurt – or worse. He paused, and I didn't breathe. "Note I say hurt and not dead. Death would be a mercy."

I was about two steps behind him. Who are the grave touched?

They are dead who aren't in their afterlives because they will not cross over, Soren replied.

But there's no such thing. They all cross over, one way or another. I put my head in my hands, trying to will away the headache that was starting.

"That may be what you believe, but they exist, Emily," Soren said.

Okay, fine, I said, not sure I wanted to hear more. But I needed to. So...if I'm to believe you, these grave touched will harm people.

That is correct, Soren said.

My heart raced. What did Nick do?

A pause, and it felt like Soren was universes away from me. I didn't like the way it made me feel – like I was plunging into darkness, and I'd never stop falling.

I do not know precisely, Soren said ruefully. I am here only to protect you. Do you understand?

I shrugged. I guess.

"The dead want to live again. Experience corporeal life, as it were. And they will do anything to get it. Anything."

That didn't sound ominous at all.

So what does this have to do with me?

Soren took my hand in his, his fingers trembling. This time, I allowed it.

You will destroy them.

Panic sliced through me. "Excuse me? I'm a Hunter of rogue Fey. I don't know how to destroy them, Soren."

Emily, calm down. This is all temporary. Once you are healed, you will be a force to be reckoned with.

I can't imagine that, I said, watching the fog move through the landscape.

Imagine it, then, Soren said softly. You are so much more than that. You will see.

What if I don't want to see? What if I don't want this? I sat down on a nearby rock. It shimmered, even though there was no sunlight. None of this could be real.

Then the world as we know it will become an icy wasteland filled with human puppets and dead things. And no one will survive it.

I don't believe you, or any of this. This is just a weird flipping dream I'm having because I'm so confused. There was no freaking way this was –

It is real, Soren said. It is as real as you and me.

The woman with the glowing bones passed in front of us, oblivious to everything, her eyes hollow.

Who is that, Soren? I asked. She looks so sad.

That is Ixania, the Queen. And yes, she is very, very sad.

I glanced down to see, with horror, that my arms were fading. What's – what's happening?

You are waking. I shall see you soon, Soren said, and disappeared.

ASHA