Free Endeca (The Escapism Series) by Maria Dee Page B

powerful deity who now resides in you. It’s likely you were dealing with both of Orion’s fragments.”
    Edric was telling the truth. I wasn’t sure how I knew, but something from within me whispered a derisive thought. If he knew what was best for him...
    “I’m exhausted,” I remarked, glancing in the mirror.  My face was pale and the dark circles under my eyes were startling.
    “I’ll go, but rest assured, I’ll confront Orion over this debacle.”
    “Thank you, Edric,” I said lying back in bed.  I fell asleep just as soon as my eyes shut.

    ~
    I awoke to the sound of wet clicking. Edric sat by my bed, making that sound by flicking his tongue against the roof of his palate. “You’re awake, finally,” he said relieved, while flashing a pen light over both eyes, checking for an abnormal response. “You seem normal.”
    “What are you doing here?” I asked, squinting as he drew the blinds.
    “Making sure it’s you that awakens and not Styx,” he replied, playfully.
    “She sure carries a lot of hatred around.  I wouldn’t dare get on her bad side.” I shook my head side to side, trying to rid it of thought.
    “Your parents left for work and I brewed some coffee. What shall we have for breakfast?” Edric asked, rather lively.
    “I’ll have an eye-opener for starters then cereal—it’s the breakfast of champs, immorta or possessed,” I said, contemptuously.
    “You’re not possessed…you just have a traveler. You’re very much in control of things, don’t forget. Are you sure you can handle this, Xenia? You could make amends with all that’s happened. You can live freely, invincibly if you...”
    “Nyxta isn’t the answer. I don’t want to be invincible. I want to be me, as I am.  Well, not possessed me, but just me,” I said, wincing. “You know what I mean.”
    “Yes, well, I think you should reconsider now that Orion has set you up with a lifelong, hatred spewing traveler .”
    “So long as she’s contained, maybe she’ll decide I’m no fun and just pick up and leave. Doesn’t someone need to man the river?” I asked, bewildered.
    “She’s a goddess, Xenia.  She’s not confined to your body, she’s merely a passenger who can come and go as she pleases.  Dibs on your source, if you will.”
    “Well that’s disturbing,” I said, displeased. “But good for you! You’re expanding your vocab. Out with the old fogey and in with the new cool Edric.”
    “At least your sense of humor persists,” he said, chuckling.
    “I have no choice.  I can’t succumb to these changes.”
    “You won’t—you’re stronger than that, but just in case, I’ll keep an eye on you; make sure you don’t become coldblooded,” he said.
    “I highly doubt I’d change,” I grimaced, ninety-nine percent sure that Styx clawed at my insides just as I uttered the words.
    My Cyclopod vibrated on the nightstand. Marla and Calliope were on their way and I was still in bed. I jumped out quickly, running for the bathroom.
    “Get ready. Our chauffeur shall arrive any minute now,” I bellowed, running past Edric for the bathroom.
    “I’m ready.  Guess I’ll pour us some coffee to go,” he snickered, lending a hand.
    “Thanks, feel free to make yourself useful any time,” I remarked, sarcastically.
    “Not a problem,” he said, first smiling then furrowing his brow. “Hey, I’m very useful. I kept an eye on you last night for one.” He scowled, leaving the room.
    Fifteen minutes later, I sprung from my room, wet hair bouncing off my shoulders as I dashed down the stairwell. I grabbed two apples, and placed them in my backpack. Just then, the doorbell rang.
    “Edric, would you get that?” I hollered, pouring some coffee in my empty thermos on the counter.
    The doorbell rang again and I sighed, rushing to open the door.
    “What’s the ru—” I said, pausing as someone unexpected stood at my doorstep.
    Sebastian.

     

Blood under the bridge

    “Xenia, pardon the delay but I