Perilous Light (The Afterglow Trilogy #2)(11)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Monty nodded. My nerves kicked in. I understood that anything we did in Energo could be dangerous, but I didn’t like the idea of Kevin being sent to meet with leaders from all those other worlds. I wondered if they were all shifters like the Zatamanians, Naomi’s people.

“I agree Kevin should do it, but you never answered my question, Theodore.” Monty’s face didn’t reveal his feelings, but I assumed he was nervous, too. “Who will accompany him? You can hardly expect him to find his way alone.”

“Naomi has been with us, and she has agreed to escort him, as has Samantha.”

Kevin noticeably flinched when he heard Samantha’s name. He tried to look around nonchalantly, but I noticed his response.

Theodore laughed. “She is out training some new recruits, but she will be at dinner.” He must have figured out what the rest of us already knew; Kevin was totally into Samantha.

“I am willing to accompany Kevin as well. I will stay with Charlotte if you think it is best, but I went to some Pact meetings with my father and may be of use.” Henry appeared excited at the prospect of joining Kevin. I would miss having him with us, but if he could help Kevin, I wanted him to go.

“He is right. Henry used to tag along with our father frequently. He is the only one of us who showed interest in Father’s ambassador work.” It sounded as though Lawson regretted his own lack of interest in the Pact.

“Are you all right with that, Monty? Do you think one Guardian is adequate?” Theodore asked.

“As much as I believe Charlotte needs protection, if Kevin is going to pull this off, he needs all the help he can get.” Monty shifted his weight back and forth between his feet.

“If I’m going to pull this off? Great way to instill confidence.” Kevin shook his head. “And I want to make sure Charlotte is safe. Liam is staying with her if I can’t.” Kevin exchanged glances with Liam.

“Sure, that makes sense.” Liam smiled at me.

I decided it was time to ask my questions. “So we’ve discussed what Kevin is doing. Where do I fit in?” I touched Monty’s arm to get his attention; he seemed far away.

Theodore answered for Monty. “I thought you knew. You are to go to Icentris to retrieve Emma.” Theodore’s words sounded flat and emotionless, but the pain in his eyes suggested guilt and remorse I couldn’t imagine.

As Theodore’s words hit me, I felt ambushed by a wave of emotions. I realized that returning to Energo meant we were going after my mother, but I hadn’t really accepted how soon we would do it. I was excited, but also nervous. James said I was the only hope of saving her, but I couldn’t shake the fear of failure.

When I didn’t answer, Theodore continued, “How have you fared using your abilities?”

“Not great. I mean, sometimes they work, but they aren’t very predictable.”

An expression of horror crossed Theodore’s face. “What do you mean, ‘they are not predictable’? You were doing so well with Ruth back at Bellgard!” I took a step back, walking right into Liam. He put his hands on my shoulders to steady me.

Before I could say anything in my defense, Henry said, “She has had no one to teach her. Essences are usually trained by their predecessors for many years. Without Emma or Ruth, how can we expect Charlotte to master her abilities?” Henry turned to smile at me encouragingly. I’m not sure what caused it, but Henry seemed to have matured considerably in the few hours we had been back in Energo. Maybe he wanted to appear more adult in front of his brother.

“Henry is right. It merely reinforces how important it is to retrieve Emma immediately. I want to keep our party small, and with James’s knowledge, we do not need a guide, but I would prefer one more man for our journey. Can you spare anyone?” Monty asked.

Lawson raised his hand. “I can go with you. It would be an honor to protect the Essence.” Ruth hadn’t been kidding when she told me the Ashwells were loyal to the Essence. Even though we had just met, I was glad Lawson would be accompanying us.

“That sounds reasonable. So it is settled. The two groups will leave in the morning,” Monty stated.

I didn’t wait to hear how everyone responded to Theodore. Needing air, I walked out of the cave entrance without glancing back. I knew I was being followed, but I didn’t care. No one had warned me how emotional returning to Energo would make me. All of my hurt and confusion over Calvin multiplied tenfold until I felt like it could strangle me. Discussing our journey only reminded me that Calvin and I were still separated. I started running, not concerned that I was heading back into the jungle.

James’s rough arms encircled me from behind. “Charlotte, where do you think you are going?”

“I need a minute, okay?” I didn’t bother struggling; even if I got free, he would just catch up to me again.

“What is wrong? We leave to go find your mom tomorrow; you should be happy.” James sounded frustrated. I turned around in time to catch Liam scowling at him.

“Can you give us a few minutes?” Liam looked just as much to me as at James for agreement. I appreciated that.

“Fine. I will be nearby, though; she should not be without a Guardian.” James insinuated that Liam’s protection was inferior to his own.

“I get it. We’ll be back soon.” Liam didn’t even glance back at James; his eyes stayed on me.

“I’m not going to pretend to understand exactly how you feel right now, but I’m here for you. Remember that, okay?” Liam broke off some bark from the tree I leaned against.

“Thanks, I appreciate it. I feel so overwhelmed. My emotions are almost supercharged here, and I have no idea how to control them. I don’t remember it being so bad last year, but then again, I didn’t have much time to think about it.”

“Well maybe when we find your mom, we’ll get some answers.”

“I hope so.” I smiled. “I’m sorry you have to come with me instead of going with Kevin. I’m sure you would rather be with him.” I wanted Liam to know that I understood.

“Why would I rather go with Kevin?” Liam looked puzzled.

“He’s your best friend.”

“You’re my friend too, you know. Besides, would I really give up the chance to annoy James some more?”

I laughed. “Good point.”

“So you think you’re ready to head back?”

“Sure, I just needed a minute.”