House of Leights (Secret Keepers, #3)(48)
Lexen had made it look pretty effortless, the way he’d dragged us along the stream of light. I, on the other hand, had to fight and work for every step forward, because it seemed this connection worked in two directions, and I was drawn back at the same time as being pulled forward.
Eventually, I reached the brightest part and prayed with everything inside of me that I was close to my destination, then closed my eyes and pushed onward. Whatever had been pulling me snapped, and I tumbled forward, just managing to get my arms out in time to stop my face from smashing into the ground. My face ended up being the only part of me that didn’t hit the ground.
My groans were lost in the shouts around me, the noise so sudden after the silence that fear crippled me. I curled in on myself, mind frozen in terror. Hands touched me and I flinched. What if I had made a mistake? What if this was not Overworld? It was actually this thought that sent enough adrenalin coursing through me to clear my mind.
I pushed myself up, head already tilted back, so I could take it all in.
“Maya!” Emma’s face came into view and the loud clanging in my brain subsided, allowing me to finally recognize that it wasn’t noise around me, it was the voices of my friends and family.
Mom and Dad were standing there, faces tear-streaked, arms locked together. I got to my feet without any help and the three of us stared at each other. My mom’s shoulders were slumped forward, which is what she did only when she was exhausted or grieving. Dad cradled her protectively. It had always been the thing I adored most about them as a couple … love didn’t care about race or height or personality. It didn’t discriminate, and it had chosen well for them.
“Maya,” my mom choked out. The paralysis faded, and I was finally free to run into their arms.
“We thought we’d lost you.” My father’s voice was very hoarse. I was pretty sure this was the first time I’d ever seen him cry.
I went to explain what had happened and apologize for scaring them like that, but before I could say a word, a huge bang rocked the metal platform we stood on. By the time I’d spun around, my father had already pushed my mom and me behind him. Another bang, and I realized this time that it had come from a land of gigantic trees, just in front of us.
This was my first time observing Overworld. The sky was green, the platform we stood on had a lot of symbols carved into it, and there were three very distinct and unique lands surrounding us. It was completely mind-blowing to think I was in another world. Another world! But there was no time to really comprehend this, because something was happening in House of Leights.
The moment the name crossed my mind, my body strained to move toward it. I needed to step foot into the world of golden trunks and ancient trees.
“Did Chase and Daniel show up?” I murmured.
“Yes,” my mom confirmed in a whisper. “Right after Lexen and the girls.” Her next pause was extended, and then she added: “Chase did not take the news well.”
I stilled. “What news?”
Her kind brown eyes softened, and I barely managed not to hug her again. I’d almost lost the chance to see my mom again. This moment was a blessing.
“When he found out that you were … still in the transporter.” Her voice broke, and I had to swallow down the sudden pain in my throat.
I had to ask. “What happened after he got back? Where did he go?” I looked around realizing there was one person I was missing. “And where is Brad?” I would have thought my best friend would have been waiting here all freaked out and ragey, doing that football player stance that he pulled out when he was worried. Panic hit me. “Nothing happened to him, right?”
My dad answered: “Brad is fine. He’s gone to House of Darken with Star. They’re trying to track you through the network there. He was as angry as Chase, just with fewer powers.”
That made me smile a little, relief at knowing that Brad was okay replacing the panic.
Dad continued: “Daniel took Callie to House of Imperial, so she could recharge her energy, and Chase … you’re hearing the aftermath of his rage.” A wiry smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “Anything you want to tell us, little one?”
Breathing deeply, I ignored the urge to tell them to mind their own business. The absolute last thing I wanted was to talk to my parents about whatever was going on with me and Chase. Mostly because they were my parents, and also because I really didn’t have any idea. But this wasn’t a normal teenage crush. This was more. I knew with everything inside my body that Chase and I were meant to be. Callie’s words had never left me. I didn’t care what brought Chase to me. All I cared was that something had.
Another crash, the platform rocking again. My stomach flipped and my heart clenched – he was close. Stepping around my parents, moving toward the House of Leights, I said, “Chase and I … nothing has happened, and at the same time … he’s changed my entire life. I don’t know what it was like for you and mom, but for me … it’s like I’ve known him forever … as if he is as essential to my survival as oxygen. I … need him.”
It was as simple and complicated as that. I didn’t know him very well, that was true. And I definitely wasn’t ready to get married or anything. I’d like to get to know him before we did anything too crazy. But I couldn’t deny my need – and want – any longer.