Kristen Day: Chosen

“It’s nice to see you again as well, Charon.” I nodded my head in respect which was met by an approving smile. His salt and pepper hair and beard were accentuated by his entirely black outfit, which blended in with the night. He had a timeless look about him that oozed grace and valor.

“Shall we?” He swept an arm out for me. We strolled towards the villa in silence and I wondered what goes through the mind of an Underworld God.

“Oh you know, things like what to eat for dinner, how many souls will need ferrying this week, and world domination.” His undeniable charm was accompanied by a heartwarming smile.

I stopped mid-step and gawked at him in total disbelief. A gentle laugh danced within his blue eyes as I searched for words. “You…can read minds?” I asked incredulously. I hoped my eyes wouldn’t pop out of their sockets as I tried to remember how to blink.

“Among other things. I also enjoy an occasional novel.” He shrugged his shoulders with an amused wink and continued walking, glancing over his shoulder at my still shocked expression. He could read minds . I had no idea that was actually possible. But apparently anything’s possible when you’re a god. Mental note: no fantasizing about Finn with Charon in the room. Or the same country for that matter. I had no idea what his range was. Better safe than sorry.

“Wow, this place is awesome!” I heard Phoebe exclaim from the doorway. I shook myself out of the clutches of disbelief and followed the others into the villa. I met the increasingly deranged eyes of Carmen, who shot me a wicked smile. I quickly averted my gaze to Charon who was making sure Natasha didn’t need anything. Suddenly, I got an idea. Unsure as to how the whole mind-reading thing worked, I thought as loudly as possible.

Charon, can you read Carmen’s mind? He angled toward me and shook his head solemnly, then met me where I stood in the doorway.

“The being that has inhabited her mind has blocked her thoughts,” he contemplated something for a moment, “or erased them altogether.”

“Being?” I whispered in horror.

“Come, let’s get settled. You’ve had a long day.” He gently patted me on the shoulder and retreated back into the kitchen with Natasha. The villa itself was comprised of two stories with an open floor plan. Downstairs, the living room and kitchen took up one half, while two bedrooms and a bathroom occupied the other. Upstairs, three more bedrooms awaited occupants, while an outside terrace softened with lush foliage provided a view of the sea. Light colors and clean lines gave the entire villa an aura of energy and balance; creating a peaceful ambience that helped me breathe deeper.

“It’s about time!” Ricker bounded down the stairs to greet us. “Finn isn’t really the best of company these days.” His gaze lingered on Carmen for several seconds as we attempted to laugh at his joke. I held my breath as he approached her and made an effort to wrap her up in a hug.

“Don’t touch me!” Carmen lashed out at him and narrowed her dark eyes. “Pleasures of the flesh have no place here.” The crushing disappointment that washed over his features clenched my heart, but as always he recovered with ninja-like speed. Carmen was not in her right mind, but I knew that didn’t ease the pain he braved at her rejection. I had gained a great deal of respect for him over the last week; taking care of Carmen as well as protecting Finn. His normally charismatic light blue eyes had dulled; shadowed by the dark circles hanging underneath. His black hair that stuck out at odd angles hinted at restless nights.

“Phoebe, please assist Ricker with making Carmen feel at home,” Natasha nodded towards one of the downstairs bedrooms as she stepped out of the kitchen with Charon on her heels. “Stasia, Willow let’s get settled upstairs.” I clutched my bags and inspected the staircase. Sleep pulled at my eyelids as I concentrated on not tripping. My sluggish legs burned in revolt, and I couldn’t wait to lie down in a soft bed after riding in an airplane for thirteen hours.

Willow vanished into one bedroom while Natasha peeked into another before regarding me.

“Finn’s in here. Why don’t you sleep next door,” she suggested. “Charon and I will be right across the hall if you should need us.”

“Okay,” I agreed. Armed with the knowledge that Finn’s body was so near, the absence of his warm darkness was unsettling and threatened to destroy what was left of my splintered heart. I met Natasha’s eyes as she moved closer and kissed me lightly on the forehead.

“Sleep well, dear. Tomorrow will be a long day.” The warmth and empathy in her eyes was unmistakable, and appreciation for her consistent strength and support warmed in my chest.

“Thanks Natasha,” I exhaled and smiled sleepily. After closing the bedroom door behind me, I flipped on the lights and set down my bags. A long canvas painting hung above the bed with blue lines that resembled rolling waves. Light yellow walls offset the white furniture, and a prestigious palm tree stood watch in the corner. Not bothering to change out of my jeans, I dissolved into the bed. The cushioned pillow top felt absolutely amazing to my tired body, and the feather pillows provided a pool of softness to dive my head into. The smooth sheets created a cocoon around me and miraculously I drifted off to sleep without pause.

Vertigo slammed into me when I gazed down upon the dark, crashing waves far below. My feet were firmly on the ground, however the ground dropped off abruptly only inches away; leaving a massive drop down to the life-ending rocks and boiling water below. On either side of me, the cliff stretched for miles; its stone face watching over the rolling sea. It was an amazing and captivating scene that was hard to look away from. I breathed in the smell of sea salt as I plopped down with myfeet hanging over the edge. Despite being in the relative safety of a reverie, my pulse quickened at theheight.

Come to think of it, this was the first unprompted reverie I’d had in a while and something about it was incredibly peaceful and serene. I felt as much a part of the cliff as the agave rosettes dotting the landscape behind me. I leaned back on my arms and faced the moon above; closing my eyes and allowing my senses to disperse and wander effortlessly. The pale moonlight on my skin seemed to seep into my pores and revive my tired soul. I grinned up at it as I sensed a pull from below. I openedmy eyes and peered down into the water. The longer I hesitated, the more powerful the pull became.

Somehow I knew I was still in Cyprus, just farther up the coast. My inner compass had sharpened since completing my essence. It was an odd, but very freeing feeling. Scientists marveled at the ability of sea turtles to find their way back to the beaches where they were born in order to give birth themselves, but I completely understood it now. Not that I could explain it, but I understood it.

I peered down at the water once again and smiled as the pull tugged at me again. I took a breath, stilled my nerves and pushed myself off the cliff. Being lighter than air, I floated down slowly toward the waves below and awaited the all consuming feeling of the ocean as it opened its arms to me.

I swam for what could have been hours. The silky water gliding over my skin was therapeutic and energizing. The fish I passed appeared to awaken at my presence and happily follow me around, darting back and forth. Schools of rainbow fish, parrot fish, and goby kept me company as I swam. I felt so alive, so complete. A couple of minutes later, a familiar presence halted my forward motion and I looked around with anticipation.

She appeared to fly up from the depths as she approached me silently. Her age and wisdom surrounded me with peace and I smiled as I held out my hand. She nudged it with her head and I lovingly rubbed my hand over her shell as one of her fins brushed my side. Dwarfing my slight frame with her size, the sea turtle gazed up at me with large, steady eyes. I froze as images flashed across my vision: sunning on a flat rock as the ocean sprayed over her warm shell, nibbling on sea grass withthe rays of the sun filtering through the water. Image after image was shared with me until she brokemy gaze and circled me. I reached out and curled my fingers around the edge of her shell, hoping togo for a brief ride.