Free Eden's Mark by D.M. Sears Page A

flooded to my face.
                  “Thank you. I would love a shower.” My face was flushed, the knot in my stomach radiated teenage hormones. I needed to get a grip.
                  “We will see you in the living room once you are finished.” He quietly left me standing by the door.
                  “Okay, let’s see what kind of bathroom is in this monstrous house.” My hand turned the knob and the door opened to a virtual spa.
                  “Shut up!” My mouth was on the floor as I drank in the large eight head shower, sauna, and ginormous jetted tub that could easily fit four people in it.
                  A girl could live in a room like this and never resurface. I threw my clothes in a heap on the stone floor and raced to the shower. It was open with only three walls, three showerheads on each sidewall and two waterfall heads on the front. Luxury at its finest. I blasted the hot water and lost myself in the steam.
                  Feeling totally refreshed, I made my way to the living room. Just like earlier, I found myself in awe of his living room. With the height of the ceiling, and the vast amount of books, we looked like ants. I noticed that on one of the tables a tray of mugs was set. The aromatic steam had the hint of mint and chamomile. I smiled to myself, Val just couldn’t help herself. I took a cup and slowly sipped the amber liquid.
                  “Good evening, Eden. Isn’t this place lovely?” Val gestured around the room and gave me a quick hug.
                  I nodded and hugged her back. The volume I was in thrall with earlier pulled at me. I stared at the earth-colored binding, my mark flamed under my sleeve. Reflexively, I rubbed it. I raised my sleeve to see my birthmark glowing silver.
                  “Eden, what is happening?” Lex came to stand by Val and both looked at my wrist in astonishment.
                  The mug fell from my hand and by the swift movement of my new friend, was caught before it hit the stone.
                  “Gregor, you better come look at this.”
                  Gregor speedily came up behind me questioning me. Are you okay, Eden?
                  What is happening to me? The pull is strong.
                  “What do you feel, Eden? There has to be something to cause this reaction.” Lex and Koren nodded at Val’s remark.
                  “Well, there is a book on the shelf, just there, I get this weird pull, like I am tied to it.”
                  “Which book in particular?” Those oh-so-gorgeous eyes burned.
                  Hesitantly, I felt my feet walk towards the volume, but as I got closer, a type of trance took control. I watched like an outsider as I lifted the heavy leather book. My body turned by its self and carried the book to a table. I felt too warm, burning from the inside out.  I tried to speak, breathe, anything, but nothing came out. I raised my hands above the book and began to recite words from nothing I knew before. My mark, fueled by something unseen, cast a magnificent light that filled the room. The blue light grew bright as I chanted the strange words. I tried to close my eyes, but again, nothing. I had no control over anything I was doing. With a loud crack, the book opened up and I collapsed onto the floor in a sea of unconsciousness.

Chapter Ten
                  “Eden, wake up! Eden… can you hear me?” The voice was loud and deep. I felt my body being shaken as I opened my eyes. I had to squint as the light blinded me. I blinked and realized I was in Gregor’s arms. If I hadn’t just collapsed, I would be loving this.
                  With a very dry throat I tried to speak, “Why are you yelling at me?” I searched his face and saw what looked like relief and misery in his