"You should eat something." Savannah and I had been working on vision blocking all day, and I was nearing exhaustion. "Give me twenty minutes, and I'll have the table set."
I started to stand up, but my weak legs wouldn't hold me. I quickly sat back down. "I think I'll stay here for a while until I feel a bit stronger." Or until I was sure I wouldn't face plant once I got to my feet.
She leaned down and brought her eyes to mine. "Your mind is tired, but much stronger already. I'll send Dustin down, and he can help you recharge."
She disappeared out the door, leaving me to ponder the day's accomplishments. It felt like we had been working for hours. Over and over, Savannah would place her hand over mine and send visions barreling into my subconscious. Each time, I built the wall in my mind and forced them out. Sometimes I would linger in the vision too long, feeling my heart race with unknown fear. But Savannah's voice would find me and bring me back to the task at hand. Every time got easier than the last, giving me instant gratification from my demanding work.
"Hey." Dustin's voice startled me out of my reverie. "Savannah told me you weren't feeling well." He sat in the chair she had just vacated, in front of me. "How did things go?" He gently reached out and placed his hand on my cheek.
I closed my eyes as his energy filled the empty voids of my mind and body. "It went well, I think. But I am so worn out."
He brought my hand to his cheek, doubling the energy flowing into my weak system. "I remember learning how to wipe and imprint memories when I was newly turned. It was a strenuous process, and I was often tired and lethargic. I understand what you are going through, and I wish I could be more helpful."
I smiled up at him. "I already feel better, thanks to you. How many people are lucky enough to have their own energy charger? I just want to feel normal, and Savannah promises that if I work hard, I'll get there." I pulled my hand from his cheek, and slowly stood up.
"I have no doubt. Nothing gets in your way once you set your mind to something." He planted a gentle kiss on my lips, and led me towards the dining room.
Savannah was already at the table, talking to Kaitlyn. They both stopped and looked up when we entered. "How are you feeling, Katie?"
I sat down and reached for my water glass, draining it in one long gulp. "Better. Very hungry, though."
She smiled. "That's normal for the amount of training you accomplished today. You did remarkably well for your first time. Your mind is incredibly strong, and I think you will find the rest of the training less taxing, as long as you keep up your strength. Now, load up your plate and let's enjoy this beautiful meal." She began scooping food from the nearest serving tray.
I was less tentative this time, and didn't hesitate to fill my plate.
"Dustin, I received word from Brian today, and there is some news about Kellan." Savannah poured herself a glass of wine.
Dustin looked up sharply. "What have you heard?"
"The word from Tennison is that he escaped a few weeks ago, with about ten of his followers. We don't have word yet whether your parents are with him, but our sources say they haven't been seen since the escape. The Overseers have been notified, and they will be sending out a group of hunters to track them."
"How did they escape? Tennison is heavily guarded."
"As of now, that's all we know. Brian will contact us with any new developments."
Dustin sat back and templed his hands under his chin. "I'm getting worried. There hasn't been noise from Kellan in almost a year, thanks to his incarceration. We know how dangerous he is, and his followers are just as crazy. If mom and dad are with him, he may have succeeded in turning them."
His eyes were dark, and I could feel his anger coursing through my body. "What's Tennison?" I paused, my fork halfway to my mouth.
"It's a camp of sorts." Savannah began. "Vampires that are deemed too dangerous for society are taken there to be housed under constant watch. After Kellan kidnapped Danielle, he was exiled to Tennison, as were those Shadowfalls who were found in his company when he was caught."
"What about your parents?" I asked Dustin. "Were they a part of his group?"
Dustin met my eyes. "They were with him, but we have no idea whether Kellan succeeded in turning them or not. Once someone is taken into Tennison, those of us on the outside aren't given much information."
"Are you in danger?" I looked worriedly from him to Savannah. "Is something going to happen to Dani again?" I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.
Savannah sighed. "Unfortunately, we don't know any more than that. Information is slow to come, but with our sources on the lookout, and the Overseers sending search hunters, we should know more soon."
"Who are the Overseers?" I felt my appetite waning, as I realized that the people I loved could be in danger.
"They are the vampire governmental body, made up of both Eternals and Shadowfalls. They monitor all factions to ensure that rules are followed, and that our existence isn't compromised. Most of them have served for centuries, keeping the peace between both sides to protect the race as a whole." Dustin sounded like a vampire textbook. "It was their decision to send Kellan and his followers to Tennison."
I didn't know what to say. Dustin and Dani were always tight lipped when it came to their parents, and I was beginning to see why. I knew that Alicia had been one of Kellan's followers, and if they were all as crazy as her, I could see why there was reason for worry.
"The Overseers have notified all the Lines, so everyone is on alert. Once Kellan is spotted, he will be dealt with on site." Savannah's features were hard and cold. "I have been in contact with some of the other Casters, and there is talk of a Caster hunting party being dispatched as well. Although Kellan's Line is Shadowfall, once they learned of his sinister plans, and his attack against Danielle, they exiled him from the Line. His only support comes from the misguided followers he brainwashed into believing his lies. Fortunately, none of them possess adequate power to lead him to victory." She swung her eyes towards Dustin. "The worst thing we can do is let our emotions get the best of us, and go on a rogue mission to stop him. We are more powerful in numbers, and the Overseers will tell us what to do when the time comes." She looked at him, pointedly. "Promise me you won't do anything rash."
He paused for a moment, then nodded. "I promise."
"Good. Now let's try to salvage the rest of our wonderful meal."
My appetite was gone, but I knew Savannah wanted me to eat, and I didn't feel like hearing another lecture. I shoveled some steak into my mouth, but I hardly tasted it. Just when it seemed like I was getting a hold on all the crazy stuff going on around me, another curve ball flew my way. The world was so much more complicated than I ever realized. Before SLU, I had no idea that humans weren't alone on this earth, that there were Super Humans and Supernaturals, beings in the shadows bent on overthrowing the fragile balance between light and dark. What scared me the most, was that I was now a part of that unknown world. I was no longer content in the world of oblivion, lucky enough to only worry about what I knew could hurt me. Now, I had to worry about the unknown taking away the people I loved, turning them into angry monsters, or worse.
"Katie, I think we have worked enough for today. Why don't you and Dustin head out to the stables and take a ride? I think it will help clear your mind for tomorrows session." Savannah pushed her plate away.
I glanced up at Dustin, thankful to feel his anger receding. "What do you think?"
He forced a smile and took my hand. "Sounds great."
Author's Note: Do you think Dustin can let go of his worry for his parents? Or will he let his impulsive side get the best of him? Comment and vote below!! Luvs as always!! AMð