Free Luminescence (Luminescence Trilogy) by J.L. Weil Page A

fluttering fragile wings and the childish giggles of secrets.
    Walking up the short stairs to the porch I was bombarded with a wave of dizziness. It hit me all at once, forcing me to steady myself on the railing. I was nervous, but this was ridiculous. Once my head cleared I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. Motions of ocean waves sounded from behind the house as I waited.
    Sophie answered the door with excite shinning in her eyes. She pulled me into the house. “I’m so glad you came,” she bubbled.
    “Me too.” I was lost for words.
    Stepping into the grand foyer, the inside was even more startling. Rows of windows flanked the walls on both sides of the foyer. To the left appeared to be a living room with thick plush carpet expanding the room, decorated in hues of turquoises, blues and gold. The room reminded of feathers on a peacock.
    On the right was a study in the works. The immensely fond reader in me sighed in appreciation at the rows upon rows of bookshelves that covered from floor to ceiling. Some filled but many of them waiting to be house with novels. Boxes of books scattered along the room. It often escaped my mind that the Mason’s had moved in just a few weeks ago.
    A massive mural was in the process overhead on the ceiling. From the angle that I stood I wasn’t able to make out the entire scene. What I could see was a portrait of an extraordinary woman with flaming hair like the sky at sundown. She was gracefully posed in her long white dress, whipping out around her. Power emitted from her, through her and about her. She wallowed in her confidence and determination in her stunning eyes.
    Directly in front of me stretched an enormous circular staircase. There I notice Gavin’s parents waiting to greet us. The staggering beauty of Mrs. Mason struck me speechless. Straight, silky raven hair ran down the length of her back, like Sophie’s. She was tall, slender and graced with curves. Something about her heart-shaped face and magnetic cobalt eyes reminded me of mystical Celtic myths. A welcoming smile touched her lips.
    At her side was Gavin’s father with a light hand on her back. He was tall and of lean built with sandy brown hair that lay just above his hazel eyes behind horn-rimmed glasses. They were both dressed casually.
    “You must be Brianna,” his mother greeted in a voice as lovely as her daughter’s. She immediately embraced me in yet another hug. Apparently the females in this family were not shy with their affections. I don’t think the same could be said for the men, well at least the one I was acquainted with. “I’m Lily and this is John.” She gestured to Gavin’s father.
    “We are so happy to finally meet you,” John spoke in a tone timber and male. He smiled my way.
    “Thank you. Your home is absolutely beautiful,” I complimented.
    “It’s coming along, still so much to do. Moving is never an easy task.” Lily took both my hands in hers. At the touch a blue spark passed between us. I let out a small gasp and raised my startled eyes to hers. She continued with barely an acknowledgement of what we both felt. “Which is why we are so happy that Gavin has met you.” Her voice was thick with feeling and sincerity. She was impossible not to adore and did what I hadn’t been able to all day – calm my frazzled nerves.
    At the mention of his name, he strolled down the spiral staircase. My gaze irrevocably sought his, any calm I felt dissipated. Fireflies tangoed in my belly and a flush dusted my cheeks. I lost all sense of everything in the room.
    “Hey.” His husky voice rolled over me, filling me with warmth.
    “Hi.”
    He stood in front of me and I couldn’t think of anything else to say. Had I been acutely aware that I was unabashedly staring, I would have been mortified.
    Luckily Lily filled the silence before it became awkward. “Gavin, why don’t you give Brianna a tour,” she suggested, breaking the thick contact permeating the air. “I’m going to