Chapter 11

With a heavy heart and exhausted soul, Nora stripped off her clothes and sank into the hot bath Afet had prepared for her. Her eyes stung from how dry they were and her palms burned from how much she had dug her nails into them all day. Nora felt her muscles release the tension they had been holding as her body sunk into the clawed tub.

I love you.

The memory of Hayden's words spoken in the darkness of his room brought fresh tears to Nora's eyes. She didn't even know it was possible for her to cry any more. But each time she remembered how he had held her and told her he loved her, Nora's chest ached for him.

Nora raised her arm and looked at her skin. She watched the faint blue glow underneath shimmering like the reflection of water. Her heart swelled as she remembered what Hayden's mark meant. Her fingers gently traced over her skin, making her long for the boy even more.

"Nora?"

Nora looked up as Afet knocked on the door.

"Just a minute," Nora said, wiping her eyes and carefully rising in the rub.

She grabbed the towel and wrapped it around herself before walking across the large bathrooms and throwing the door open.

"I bought you something to eat," Afet said.

"Thank you," Nora knew there was no way she would be able to get any food into her system.

"I also found something for you to wear," the fey pointed to the pile of neatly folded clothes sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Thanks," Nora reached for the extra towel to dry her ends.

"Is there anything else you need?"

Nora paused, "Yes..."

"What is it?"

"Did you..." Nora's throat tightened. "Did you know my birth mother?"

With a deep breath, Afet nodded her head, "I did."

"What about my father?"

"I knew both of them," Afet said. "You were born on this island. Your parents were married by Udara."

For the hundredth time, Nora's eyes watered, "What...what were they like?"

"Why don't you get dressed?" Afet gave a small smile. "I will sit and eat with you tonight."

Nora sniffled and wiped her eyes. Her head was starting to pound from the stress and tension building a home inside. She quickly pulled on the night gown Afet had brought for her and tossed her damp hair into the towel. When she was ready she walked over to where the fey waited for her by the bay window.

"Do you like soup?" Afet asked, holding out the bowl.

"Sometimes," Nora said.

"It's good for the cold weather we have here."

Nora slowly nodded. She picked up her leg and folded them in front of her as Afet handed her a spoon and a slice of bread. She pretended to stir her soup to cool it down but in reality, she had no appetite.

"Your mother was Wendlyn Adamos," Afet began. "The guardians found her when she was fifteen years old. They brought her here and she started her new life, helping with the children and the Shajara."

"And my father?"

Afet smiled fondly, "August Rossi."

"I'm Italian?" Nora arched her brow causing Afet to burst into laughter.

"Yes," the fey said. "The daughter of a very proud Italian."

Nora tore a piece of bread but couldn't bring it to her mouth.

"August was head over heels in love with Wendlyn as soon as he saw her get off the boat," Afet said. "We had declared it to all of his friends that he was going to marry her one day."

"What did my mom think of that?" Nora asked.

"Oh she loved it," Afet laughed. "Wendlyn was very shy growing up. But your father was the only one she accepted attention from."

Nora slowly nodded, "Wh-what happened to them?"

Like a dark cloud, Afet's face slowly fell. She lost all trace of her good humor as painful memories flashed across her face. Her gaze fell on her hands as she toyed with a piece of bread.

"August got called away to bring in another Vestal," the fey said slowly. "But they were intercepted and he was killed along with his partner. You were only a few months old. Wendlyn was devastated. She wanted to go to retrieve his body. We tried to stop her but she wouldn't hear any of it. She got Bram's younger brother to take her off the isla-"

Nora's head snapped up, "What?"

Afet nodded, "Wendlyn wanted to bring August's body ba-"

"No, no," Nora shook her head. "That name. Bram?"

"Yes," Afet said. "Arthur and James Bram. They were both guardians. Arthur was your father's partner."

"Oh my god," Nora felt as if she had been punched in the chest. "Oh my god."

"What?" Afet asked, confused. "What's wrong?"

"The Bram brothers," Nora said. "They....they're the ones who found me. James Bram....they were working for Project Skyfall."

"What's Project skyfall?"

"Oh you don't want to know," Nora said as breathing became harder.

She put down her bowl of soup and began to pace the floor. Her hands shook as she pushed it into her hair.

"Arthur Bram...." Nora said the name. "Did they ever find his body?"

"No," Afet shook her head. "They found Wendlyn and August. But not the Bram brothers. Their bodies were burned in the house fire."

"No," Nora shook her head. "No, they were not burned. They were very much alive."

"What are you saying?" Afet asked.

"Arthur killed my father," Nora felt dizzy and breathless. "He betrayed you all. And then James took my mother off the island. Oh my god!"

"That can't be," Afet looked sick. "The guardians take an oath to protect the Shajara and the vestals."

"An oath is very easy to break," Nora wrapped her arms around her belly.

"No," Afet shook her head. "No, that can't be. They wouldn't do that."

"They did," Nora said. "I saw their work...I saw what they did to Kiara and to Aunt Lidia."

"I have to tell Udara," Afet jumped to her feet. "Are they still alive?"

"No," Nora shook her head. "They were both killed."

"What about this project...skyfall?"

"It's been wiped out," Nora said, sitting down.

"I can't...." Afet's breath caught. "I can't believe it. Arthur and James?"

"I've met James," Nora said. "He was in my apartment. He was my doctor!"

Afet, the poor fey, looked as if her whole world had been turned upside down. Her flawless skin was starting to show hints of green as she swayed on her feet gently.

"Afet?" Nora reached out. "Are you...are you okay?"

Slowly, Afet turned her teary eyes to Nora.

"James..." she said slowly. "I...."

"Come have a seat," Nora tried to help her.

"No," Afet shook her head. "I...I have to go tell Udara this."

"I'm so sorry," Nora said sincerely.

"It's not your fault," Afet shook her head, not looking at Nora.

"Were you close to the Bram brothers?" Nora wondered, seeing Afet's reaction.

The fey slowly nodded her head.

"James and I were engaged," Afet's voice was barely audible.

"Oh..." Nora felt her heart seize up in her chest, "I'm so sorry, Afet."

"I..." Afet looked disoriented, "I have to go see Udara."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, no," Afet shook her head. "You get some sleep. Finish your food first."

Nora didn't know what to say as she sat staring at the fey. Afet gathered herself up and walked out of the room, leaving Nora all alone.

The night sky outside the window was a rich dark navy blue, making the stars shimmer like diamonds. The loud sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks did little to comfort Nora's restless heart as she covered her soup with a plate and moved it aside. She pulled her leg up and leaned against the glass, her mind suddenly thinking of green eyes and sweet lips.

Hayden...Nora couldn't help but open her link.

Oh, now you're speaking to me? Hayden scuffed.

I'm sorry.

Nora, I don't understand what's happening, Hayden said in frustration. Baba won't tell me anything, you keep shutting me out, my mom and Birdie are worried sick about you. Just tell me where yo-

Commander Bram killed my parents.

What? Nora could picture the shock on Hayden's face.

Arthur Bram and James Bram used to be guardians, Nora bit down on her bottom lip. Arthur was my dad's partner. He lured him out of the island and killed him.

And your mom?

She went to go find my dad, Nora felt the hot tears run down her face. She went with James.

Nora, all anger and frustration vanished from Hayden's voice. I am so sorry.

I think I've reached my lifetime supply of surprises, Nora laughed through her tears. The next surprise birthday party just might make me lose my mind.

Don't say that.

I miss you, Nora's mind formed the words before she could stop herself. She felt her heart flutter along with Hayden's as he listened to her words.

I can be wherever you are in a blink of an eye, Hayden said. If only you would let me.

I'm still not sure if it's safe for you here, Nora said.

More of a reason for why I don't want you there.

I need answers, Nora said. I need to be here.

Why can't we do this together?

Because...Nora looked at the waves and wondered if her mother had ever sat by her window and watched them. You are too important to me.

You can't say things like that, Nora.

Nora raised her hand and traced the fog on the glass. She knew Hayden was still with her as she drew mindless patterns on the window, listening to the sounds of the waves crashing. Her fingers spelled out her mother's name over and over until there were no more dew left on the glass.

Hayden....

Yes?

Did you know that you marked me?

What? Hayden asked in confusion.

When you saved me....Nora said slowly. Our bond....it's not an autura.

Who says?

The fey queen.

You met the fey queen? Hayden asked. Jesus Christ, what the fuck?

She's not royal blood, Nora explained. Just the leader for her people.

And this fake queen told you that I marked you?

She's not fake.

You're dodging the question.

I'm getting to that part, Nora clicked her tongue. Be patient.

Go on.

Yes, the queen told me that you marked me. That is why I can not give blood. Because your fey magic is now in my blood.

Is it harming you?

No, Nora shook her head.

Are you in danger because of it?

No, Nora said once more.

What does this mark mean?

It means.....Nora felt her cheeks warm. Her heart started to beat wildly as Hayden waited for her to answer.

Yes? Hayden pushed.

Well, from what they said....it seems that....we're....Nora hesitated.

You really do like killing me slowly, don't you? Hayden sighed.

Ha. Ha.

What does it mean? Hayden asked patiently.

I think we're....in fey customs anyway. Not like in our world. Like not by our customs and traditions. Or the jinn cus-

Nora, Hayden warned her to stop rambling.

I think we're married.

Nora's heart was so loud she thought it had drowned out Hayden's voice in her head. She sat as still as a rock, holding her breath. Hayden's presence lingered in her mind, but he didn't say a word. A long dreadful pause dragged out as Nora's palm started to sweat.

H-Hayden?

So....Hayden cleared his throat. Do I get you a ring now? Or how does this work?

Nora's blush deepened, I don't know.

I didn't even get to ask you to marry me, Hayden chuckled nervously.

You tricked me, Nora teased.

Like father like son.

What do you mean?

It's a long story, Hayden said. I'll tell you some other day. When you're sitting in front of me in person.

You've caught my atte-

Nora stopped as a commotion outside her doors started up.

Nora?

Hayden, I have to go, Nora said, rushing to the door.

What? Why? What's wrong? Are you safe?

I'm safe, Nora said to ease his mind. I'll contact you in a little bit.

Shutting off her link, Nora opened her door to find the medical staff rushing up the stairs.

"What's going on?" Nora asked, stopping one of the nurses.

"Some of the children are getting too ill upstairs," the nurse said, stepping aside and running up along with the others.

"Why? What's wrong?" Nora asked, rushing up behind them.

"Earlier today a branch fell off the Shajara," the nurse said looking back.

"Yes, I saw. But wha-" Nora suddenly stumbled as she remembered Afet's words.

No Shajara, no magic. No magic, no children.

Nora's eyes snapped up with alarm. She began to run upstairs with the nurses as they rushed into the hall where all the children were kept. Doctors called out orders in hushed voices as they carried the sick children out. In the dim light, Nora could see all the others peeking out from under their pillows or blankets as the nurses and doctors carried out the children who were as pale as paper.

As Nora stood by the door, a doctor rushed forward with a little girl in his hand. But before he could reach the light in the hall, the child crumbled to dust in his arms.

The doctor stilled.

Nora stared.

A nurse gasped, covering her mouth to keep herself from waking up the children.

"Wh-what just happened?" Nora whispered, looking at the doctor.

The man slowly lowered his arm. The ash stained his white coat along with his hands as he looked down at the floor.

"What happened?" Nora asked once more when no one answered her.

"She didn't make it."

Nora turned to find Udara standing at the top of the stairwell.

The queen wore a simple cotton gown, with her dark hair braided to one side, showing off her pointy ears. Her dark eyes were drawing in sorrow as she raised her hand and beckoned the others to come forwards with the children.

"Take them up to the Shajara," Udara said. "Lay them beneath it."

The doctors and nurses did not ask any questions. They did as they were told.

"Dr. Milo," the queen looked at the doctor beside Nora. "Stay with Marina. Someone will be with you shortly to gather her up for her last rites."

"Yes," Dr. Milo bowed his head.

Nora felt sick to her stomach as she watched the nurses and doctors carry away the children. They all took great care to be respectful of the ashes on the floor as Dr. Milo kneeled and began to sweep up with his bare hands.

"I..." Nora looked down at the man. "I want to help."

Dr. Milo looked up. He looked over his shoulder and then back at Nora.

"Would you mind staying with the children?" He asked. "We're short staffed."

"I..." Nora looked at the dark room with the sleeping children.

Her heart froze as she realized most were asleep. Completely still and silent....

Fear gripped Nora's heart as flashbacks of her mother came back to her. Her hands grew cold and numb, making her speech slur and her head spin. Dr. Milo waited for her to answer before looking down at the ash once more.

"It's alright if you can't," he said, not at all upset or bothered. Just really, really tired. "I'll have one of the nurses come dow-"

"I can do this," Nora stepped into the room bravely.

The doctor nodded, "Thank you."

Nora looked away and faced the hall full of sleeping children. The rows and rows of beds were lined up all over making Nora think of an old fashioned hospital or orphanage. The irony was that the place was a little bit of both.

With slow steps, Nora walked farther into the hall. She gripped her nightgown and swallowed the lump in her throat as she tried to remind herself the children were very much alive. They were just asleep.

"Nora..."

Nora gasped and whirled around as a tiny voice whispered to her.

She peered into the darkness and noticed Noor was sitting up on his bed. His green eyes shimmered in the dim light, making Nora's mind immediately run back to Hayden. She rushed over to the little boy and leaned over.

"What's wrong?" She whispered. "Are you feeling sick?"

"No," Noor shook his head. "I can't sleep."

"Have you tried counting?"

"I can only count up to twenty," Noor frowned.

"What if I count with you?"

"Will you stay here?"

Nora nodded, "Yes."

"With me?"

"Would you like that?"

Noor nodded.

Nora took a seat at the edge of the bed and watched Noor lay down. He spread the sheets over himself and shared a bit with Nora as she leaned back against the headboard.

"Your hands are cold," Noor noticed. "Are you scared?"

"What?" Nora chuckled. "Why would you say that?"

"I get cold when I'm scared."

Nora gave a small smile and pushed back the curls on Noor's forehead.

"Yes," she nodded. "Maybe I am a bit scared."

"I can hold your hand."

"Yes, please," Nora nodded.

Noor took her cold hand and held it to his heart. Nora moved him closer and tucked him by her side as she patted his head and slowly counted up to one hundred in his ears.  

I hope you liked it :)