Forged by Fate (The Aqua Collection Book 1) Read online

  “I’m on my way. Love ya’ too.”

  Chapter 19

  The Winter Prince

  Iris

  Most of the events that transpired yesterday are similar to that of a dream, and I find them difficult to believe. Trace’s speed…the weird moment that I had with that Jake guy. Meeting Monique and the other girls was nice. But the fact that Dara didn’t make her appearance known to me was troubling. What was she playing at?

  My dad questioned me the entire ride to school this morning about the details of the party. When I had gotten home last night I was so tired that he just let me eat and go to bed.

  Ron gave me a high-five once I found my seat in 1st period. “Last night was crazy, right?”

  “You have no idea.” I reply while flipping through my notebook. A teacher came in, informed us that Mrs. Sweet would be a few minutes late, and then promptly left.

  “Have you seen Thomas yet? He looks like a Zombie.”

  I laugh, remembering how wasted he got last night. “I can imagine.”

  Trace walked into the classroom then and plopped down at the desk directly behind me. I tense up. He looked at me so oddly after the race yesterday, and I could sense the questions inside him.

  “Well, yesterday sure was interesting, wasn’t it?” Trace asked from behind.

  I turn around to face him. “I’d say.”

  He watched me for a moment, waiting to see if I’d say anything more. “So…the team usually eats lunch together.”

  I raise my eyebrows. “And?”

  “You should eat with us today, get to know the others. I know they’ll have plenty more questions for you, and so will I. What do you say?”

  I swallow, not very fond of questions. “Sorry, but I already have a table that I eat with.”

  “I’m sure they’ll understand. Just this one day. You won’t be butt-hurt about it, right Ron?” Trace looked over to Ron.

  “It won’t bother me, and I’m sure that the others will understand. But it’s her choice.” Ron answered.

  I sigh. Might as well just get it over with. “Fine, I’ll do it.” These guys take team bonding to a whole new level.

  Dara strutted into the classroom. She scoffed when she saw the trio of us chatting. “Stop talking to her, Trace!” Dara ordered with a stomp of her heel.

  Trace rolled his eyes and said sourly, “You look beautiful today, babe.”

  “Trouble in paradise.” Ron whispered loudly.

  That’s when it clicks. Trace and Dara are dating. Wow. I didn’t see that one coming.

  Dara slid into her seat, bracelets jangling. She crossed her legs and gave me a sly smile. “I saw that you came to my party last night. I also saw that you didn’t bring a date.”

  I sink down in my chair, embarrassed for some reason. “I just went with Ron and Thomas.”

  Dara narrowed her eyes at me. “But who was that other guy? The one that you danced with on the lawn? The one with the white hair? I’ve never seen him before.”

  “What? I don’t know who you’re talking about.” I know for a fact that the guy I danced with had brown hair. But I don’t tell her that. She probably just had too much to drink. I’m sick of her prying, and it’s none of her business. And sheesh, was she stalking me last night?

  “Fine, don’t tell me.” She snapped. “I’ll find out eventually. I always do.”

  “Why make my business yours?” I demand incredulously.

  The teacher entered the room before Dara could respond, although I’m pretty sure she was going to ignore me anyways.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Everything that’s been happening lately weighs on my mind, overwhelming me. I try not to think about it, but the thoughts are persistent. Before I know it, class is over. And then, likely because I dreaded it so much, my other classes flew by and lunch began.

  I set my water bottle on the table, not meeting any of the team’s eyes. They were watching me as if they thought I was about to grow gills or something.

  Trace dug around in his mashed potatoes before clearing his throat. “Alright, I guess I’ll start the conversation.” He muttered. “We’ll begin with a simple question. Where are you from?”

  “Florida.” I answer, feeling as though I’m on a game show.

  “Do you have any siblings?” Todd inquired.

  I shake my head.

  Todd tapped his chin. “Okay, let’s prod a bit deeper. Are you completely black? Or what? Your eyes—”

  “Hey! What kind of question is that?” Trace interrupted.

  I can’t help but laugh. “It’s okay, really. I’m black and Chinese.”

  “Interesting combination.” Todd nodded his head in approval.

  Monique raised her hand. Trace nodded at her and she asked, “Why did you transfer?”

  I ponder on this question for a full minute. “My dad got a job offering…and he took it.”

  I can feel Trace’s gaze on me. He knows that’s not the entire story. Surprisingly, he doesn’t inquire further. “You should practice with us this afternoon. It’s an unofficial one, but still.” He suggested.

  “I can’t. I’m going to Minerva’s house after school today. It’s for that assignment in Chem.” I reply, thankful that I have an excuse.

  “Well, you should definitely attend one of the unofficial practices eventually. We all just hang out and show off. I’m sure that you’d enjoy it.” Trace said.

  “You’d love it!” Monique piped up.

  “Okay, I gotta’ ask, how did you do that last night?” Todd asked, leaning forward in excitement. “I mean, I know that Trace is fast too. But we know how he does it. You on the other hand…you’re a mystery.”

  I raise my eyebrow. “And how does Trace do it?”

  Todd grinned and looked at Trace like he worshipped him. “It’s in his blood.”

  “Is that what he told you?” I ask sarcastically, realizing that Trace is very full of himself. They all shrug, having never questioned it. I bet that he could’ve told them he was from another planet and they would’ve believed it. I make a face at Monique. “And even you bought that excuse?”

  “You don’t?” Trace asked abruptly. “How would you explain it then? How do you explain your speed?”

  I pause. “The same way, I guess.”

  Trace smirked. “That’s what I figured.”

  Out of nowhere, I feel the back of my head getting hot. I rub the spot and turn around. Dara had literally been staring a whole through it.

  “You felt her gaze too?” Trace whispered jokingly. “She’s psycho.”

  Monique rolled her eyes at him. “Says her boyfriend.”

  “I’m surprised she doesn’t sit over here with you.” I say.

  Trace looked indignant. “Of course she doesn’t! This table is only for the team. No psychos allowed.”

  We all have a good laugh and joke throughout the rest of lunch. Come 7th period, I was generally in a good mood and couldn’t wait to talk with everyone together since I had missed them at lunch.

  “Well, well, well.” Thomas drawled. He nudged my seat out for me to sit down on. “I’m glad that you survived your lunch with the cult.”

  “O-M-G! You think they’re a cult too?” My eyes widen.

  “So does everyone else.” Ron said.

  “Rumor has it that they hold ‘unofficial practices’ to perform rituals of some kind where they sacrifice to a god of water.” Jen input, completely serious.

  I cross my arms. “You’re joking…right?”

  Ron shook his head. “No, we ain’t. They’re a weird group of people.”

  Thomas waved his hands. “Okay, okay. Let’s not scare poor Iris. They’re only rumors, so don’t worry.”

  I swallow. They had mentioned something about ‘unofficial practices’ during lunch, hadn’t they? What exactly have I gotten myself into?

  “How was the party?” Minerva asked neutrally.

  “I had the worst hangover! I spent most of this morning in the nu
rse’s office with a ‘migraine’.” Thomas groaned.

  “I wasn’t asking you.” Minerva muttered.

  I shift uncomfortably. “The party was alright. Louder than I expected, that’s for sure. I spent most of my time outside.”

  “You guys suck at telling stories!” Ron cried, sounding wounded. “That’s all you have to say? Minerva, let me tell you what really happened. Thomas got completely wasted, like puking his guts up wasted. He was muttering all types of crazy shit. I wish I would’ve recorded it. And Iris and Trace had a super intense match in the pool, after he pulled her in—which was hilarious. Iris got so mad…I wish I would’ve recorded that too. But you guys should’ve seen her swim. It was wild. She almost tied with Trace, which is unbelievable. And then Iris tried to have a secret rendezvous with Jake, who I haven’t seen in ages—”

  “Wait, Jake? The cute guy we saw at the mall?” Minerva interrupted, elbowing me in the side. I blush, Ron having described it so scandalously.

  “Hold on a sec. Jake who works at the mall? The one who graduated last year? Where was I? How did I miss him? I would’ve asked for that game back that I let him borrow! He’s had it since last year!” Thomas said incredulously.

  “Like I said, you were wasted dude. I’m talking potato chips on your chest…weird talking…couldn’t even dance and having to lean on me wasted. Actually, when I found Iris and Jake I was in the process of dragging you to the truck. And then Iris’s dad was on the phone, and he saw you puke.”

  Thomas buried his face in his hands in shame. “Oh no. I’ll never be able to show my face to him again.” Not that my dad would remember it, I thought about saying.

  “What did you and Jake do exactly? I want to hear all the details.” Minerva asked me privately while Ron tried to console Thomas.

  Jen leaned in. “I want to know too.” Her ears turned pink.

  I bite the inside of my cheek. “It wasn’t anything—”

  “Cut the bull! Tell us.”

  I can’t help but smile. “Okay, fine. It was magical. We danced alone under the moonlight. And he was such a wonderful dancer.” I sigh, remembering.

  “What does he look like?” Jen inquired.

  “He’s so handsome!” Minerva gushed. “He has short white hair and gives me that whole brooding muscly vibe.” White hair? That’s what Dara said this morning. “And his eyes…” Minerva held a hand to her chest, “they look right into a girl’s soul. He reminds me of a winter prince. Iris, you’re his princess.” She teased.

  “Sounds dreamy.” Jen had a faraway look in her eyes.

  “That’s not at all how I remember him.” I say, confused.

  “Well, that’s how I do. Trust me. I would never forget a face like that.” Minerva said confidently.

  “He had brown hair.” My voice is sterner than I meant it to be. Surely, we aren’t talking about the same person. That would bring about possibilities I don’t even want to get into. With the weird things that have been going on, I’m afraid to.

  Ron and Thomas tune into the conversation. “Who are you girls talking about?” Thomas asked.

  “Someone who looks a lot better than you.” Minerva retorted without missing a beat.

  “We’re talking about Jake.” Jen supplied. “Iris says he has brown hair. Minerva’s saying he has white.”

  Thomas and Ron looked at Minerva skeptically.

  “Jake having white hair?” Ron asked, sounding appalled. “What planet are you living on?”

  “He definitely has brown hair. There’s no doubt about it.” Thomas said in a way that left no room for debate.

  Minerva rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

  I can tell that Minerva is firm standing in what she believed but just doesn’t want to argue. I had written off what Dara said this morning, but now Minerva has made me doubt myself. Is it really possible that we could be seeing the same person in different ways? Surely, I would recall meeting someone with white hair. What does this even mean? Especially since Thomas and Ron saw him like I did. I place a hand to my head, utterly lost.

  Just relax, I tell myself. It was probably just a trick of the light.

  Deep down, I am not satisfied with my answer.

  Chapter 20

  The Dream That Wasn’t a Dream

  Iris

  I met up with Minerva once 7th period ended. It was finally time for my end of the project. Minerva seemed a little skeptic and wasn’t very enthusiastic about me visiting.

  “You probably won’t get to meet my brother today. He’s in detention.” Minerva said once we parked. She lived in a single-wide trailer on the outskirts of town.

  “Oh, it’s fine. And that reminds me…I was wondering if you wanted to come to my birthday party this weekend. Your brother can come too. I figured that way there’d be nothing stopping you.”

  “You want me to come to your party?” Minerva asked.

  “Yeah, of course. It’s absolutely necessary.” I smile at her.

  “Thanks.” The two of us sit in silence for a beat. “Well, what do you want to do now?”

  “How about I meet your parents?” I suggest with a shrug.

  A look of worry crossed her face. “Are you sure?” She asked uncertainly. “They can be a little weird.”

  I laugh. “My dad’s weird too.”

  Minerva shook her head. “Well then my parents are from another dimension.”

  I was engulfed in a feeling of coziness upon entering her house. Handmade pillows and festive throws covered the black couch, paintings festooned the living room walls, and old books were piled high upon end tables. I was in awe. I never expected it to look like this on the inside.

  Her dad, I assumed, was sitting on the couch beside a pink pillow that read ‘live for the future it shapes the present’. He was a pretty big dude. He had broad shoulders, looked about 6 feet 4, and had to weigh at least 275 pounds, but it was pure muscle and no flab. His dark brown hair is pulled into a low ponytail.

  He greeted me with a smile and held out his big hand. “I’m George, nice to meet ya’.”

  I take his calloused hand and reply, “I’m Iris, nice to meet you too.”

  “I know who ya’ are.” My expression must have shown confusion, because with another toothy smile he added, “Minerva’s told us all about ya’.”

  I glance at Minerva, whose cheeks are in the process of turning pink. She just shrugged and took my elbow. “I’m taking her to meet mom.” She told her father. I feel a slight pang in my chest when she says this. I wish she would’ve gotten the chance to meet my mom.

  “I’ll show you mine and Blaze’s room first.”

  I followed her down the hallway to the first room on the left. She opened the door and we both entered a small room. It was a little small to be shared by two people, or at least in my opinion. I could nearly see the invisible barrier that divided the room.

  “I told him to clean up.” Minerva muttered. The left side must have been Blaze’s, because there were clothes everywhere and sports car magazines littered the floor. But barely hidden under his pillow was a copy of collective works by Edgar Allan Poe.

  The right side of the room was neatly made and obviously Minerva’s because the shoes we bought Monday were lined up against the wall. Her bed sheets were plaid, and she had dozens of stuffed animals. “A lot different from your place, right?” Minerva asked without meeting my eyes.

  “Yeah, it’s so homey!” I exclaim enthusiastically.

  Her face brightened a little and she stated, “Come on, time for you to meet my mom.”

  We left the room and entered the hallway. We passed a door that she said was the bathroom and stopped at the room that resided at the very end of the hallway. It must have been where her parents slept.

  Minerva knocked on the door and a sing-song voice answered, “Come in, darlings.” Minerva turned the knob and led me inside.

  The woman sitting on the bed was gorgeous. She had long black curly hair with pale-blue eyes, just like Mine
rva’s. Her skin was a natural lightly tanned color, and a look of pure happiness had crossed her features. Her complexion was so flawless that she didn’t look real. Her blue eyes seemed to hold nearly all the knowledge in the world. I did not keep her gaze for long because I felt as though I might disappear. It was weird.

  “You must be Iris.” She said, and her voice was like a melody, a bird’s morning song. “I am Janelle. I have been waiting a long time to meet you. Come here and let me take a look at you. I do not bite. I have been waiting a long time to meet you.” My cheeks warm. I had been frozen to the spot gawking at her beauty.

  When I reach her, she gave me an appraised look and held out her hands for me to grab. I take them cautiously and her eyes seem to flicker, then glaze over. I have to bite my tongue to keep from jerking my hands back, not that I could’ve. Her grip was steely.

  Is she some type of palm-reader? Is this what Minerva meant by weird? My back suddenly straightens, and I can feel her in my mind, probing around. I don’t know how, but I know she’s there.

  After a few moments she spoke, “Your future is very noble, Iris. Very noble.” Who—what is she? “You play a vital role in the balancing of the Aurum Dimension. You will have many loved ones who will sacrifice themselves for the greater good of your survival. You play a vital role in the balancing of the Aurum Dimension. On your 18th birthday you will receive a token from a family member. You need to protect it with your life, for it holds the fate of all your people in your hands.” I stand there, rooted to the spot. Is this really happening? Is this a dream?

  Minerva was looking at me with a mixed look of fear, curiosity, and pure bewilderment.

  “It is an honor to be in your presence, Princess.” Janelle said as she got up and bowed.

  “Mom, I think that’s enough. What are you talking about?” Minerva asked.

  “Yeah, what are you talking about?” I ask, though deep inside I already have a good idea. But there’s just no way…

  “Deep in her heart,” Janelle looked pointedly at me, “she knows what I speak of, Minerva. Deep in her heart.” She said and headed towards the door. “I’m glad that you are staying for dinner, Princess.”