Free The Soul Seekers: Horizon by Alyson Noël Page B

the dire circumstance we find ourselves in, I’m grateful that her sight has returned. Gives us one positive thing to cling to in the midst of a heaping pile
of awful.
    I glance at Dace beside me, wondering what he’s thinking behind that clenched jaw and narrowed gaze. But he remains as he is, quiet and somber with his focus turned inward, lost in a
thought I can’t even fathom.
    “Okay, so here’s what we know for sure.” Lita moves from the couch to the fan, seeking relief from the unbearable heat. “The Richters are back in business, both literally
and figuratively. Question is, what are we going to do about it?”
    “We’re going to rise to the challenge.” I look upon my small group of friends, my voice as determined as my gaze.
    “Meaning?” Axel looks at me; he’s the only one in the room who isn’t wilting in the heat, and I can’t help but feel envious.
    “It’s like Xotichl said, everyone has limits, no one’s invincible. Heck, even Superman had kryptonite. We just have to discover the Richters’ weakness.”
    They all look at me. Well, everyone but Dace who continues to dwell in a faraway place.
    “We need to be on high alert. We can’t afford to slack off or get lazy. If nothing else, this invite is a clear warning that the honeymoon is officially over. It’s a direct
challenge if I’ve ever seen one.”
    “And, so what do we do about it? Other than being on high alert, and all?”
    “You can start by not blocking the fan.” Auden motions impatiently. “C’mon, Lita, share the breeze. Flower and I are dying over here.”
    Lita slinks back to Axel’s side, as I say, “For starters, we’re going to the masquerade.” I lift my glass of iced ginger tea and press it to my forehead and cheeks,
transferring the sweat from the glass to mix with the sweat on my skin.
    “That’s it? We just fix our hair, change our clothes, slap on a mask, and head out—or do we have some kind of plan?” Lita’s voice is less sarcastic than her words
might imply.
    “I don’t have a plan. Or, at least not yet.” I sink deeper into the cushions, ashamed to admit I’m as clueless as they are. Still, lying won’t do any good.
    “Okay, so let’s put our heads together and come up with a plan,” Lita says. “You don’t have to go this alone, you know. We may not be Seekers, but I’m sure we
can help.” She echoes her earlier lecture. “For starters, who’s the entertainment? Auden, are you playing the event?”
    Auden looks up from his cell. His face shading with embarrassment at being caught texting again. “Sorry,” he says. “Just trying to arrange a meeting with Luther to sign some
contracts.”
    “Well, while you have him, ask if he can try to squeeze you into the lineup,” Lita says.
    Auden looks uncertain. “I think Epitaph’s scheduled to play.”
    “So, make it a reunion, then.” Lita makes an impatient face.
    “They were pretty pissed when I left. I doubt they’ll want to see me . . .” Auden flips the phone in his hand.
    “Don’t be so sure.” Xotichl sneaks closer, whispers into his ear. And, unable to resist her, it’s only a second later when Auden starts thumb-typing again.
    A few moments later, he says, “Well, Luther’s not happy, but he said he’ll do what he can.”
    “Good.” Lita nods. “So hopefully we’ll have someone to cover the stage. Dace—what about getting your old job back? Any chance of that?”
    I turn to Dace, wondering what’s going on with him. He got here much later than anticipated, and he’s barely said a word ever since.
    “Leandro offered.” He shrugs, rubs a hand over his chin. “But that was before Phyre blew up the place. For all I know, he blames me.”
    “Doubtful. Didn’t you pull Cade to safety? I’m sure Leandro’s aware of that.”
    “We didn’t do it to save Cade.” I’m quick to defend our actions, even though there’s no need. My friends are well aware of the mystical connection that binds the