Free Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) by Brandi Leigh Hall

with this emotional crew. Geez.” He scans the area to admire his handy work. “But not too bad if I do say so myself. Not a single tear shed.”
    After that conversation, I’d say Dru did a great job. I laugh. “Are you okay though, show-off?”
    “Of course I am. I can feel Gram really isn’t afraid, so neither am I. Pap’s gonna be okay, Chloe. I ‘feel’ it.”
    “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.” But I’m really not convinced.
    We turn our attention back to Gram as she clears her throat. “Okay, kids. Morgan and I are off to find the doctor for more information before we call Ash and Aidan. Why don’t you kids go get something to eat, or go outside for a walk or something?”
    We nod like obedient toddlers.
    She’s right. A walk alone to clear my head sounds perfect. “I’m going outside for a walk. Call my cell if you need me, okay?”
    Dru purses his lips in annoyance. “You don’t wanna hang with us?”
    “In a bit. I just need some fresh air, that’s all. I’ll be back in ten.”
    “Promise?”
    “I promise.”
    “Ok then. I’ll just be here kickin’ Dee’s ass at Texas Holdem.”
    “Game on, bee-otch!” Surprisingly chipper, Dhelia bounces her head to an imaginary beat. But I’m sure Dru has something to do with that. Or perhaps it’s because I’ll be out of sight for a while.
    “Play nice, children.” I laugh, turning towards the elevator.
    Outside the doors, fresh air clears the sterile stench from my sinuses. The smell of hospitals is something I’ve never gotten used to. Not that I’ve spent much time in them. The air is pungent, as much as something clean is capable of being. I know it’s psychosomatic, but it still makes my stomach queasy.
    I gaze up towards the sky, admiring the gorgeous day. Not a cloud in sight, a gentle breeze, and cheerful birds singing from the expansive oaks. Hard to believe there’s another disheartening world just beyond the walls behind me.
    I sit on an old-fashioned wooden bench, the warmth of the sun’s rays making my alabaster skin tingle. This is just what I need.
    The tranquil sound of a sparrow’s song commanding the tension in my shoulders to dissipate. I tip my head back, close my eyes, relaxing under the soft breeze kissing my cheeks.
    My mind relives the visit from my mother, desperate to pick up where we left off. But as I try returning to that perfect place, my twisted ability takes me to a moment in time I do not want to think about right now. The future.
     
    Darkness surrounds me, then stops as flickering lights from above illuminate my surroundings.
    Where am I?
    The massive room is unfamiliar, its Victorian charm cold in its pristine beauty.
    Everywhere I look, strange people dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos move rhythmically around the room. I can only see half of their faces from underneath elaborate masks that expose their black-as-coal eyes.
    A shiver crawls up my spine, sinking one icy tendril at a time into my skin.
    Something about these people is familiar, yet I don’t recognize anyone. Not a single person. But somehow, deep down I feel like I “know” them.
    My world starts spinning.
    A flash of light blinds me, then my vision clears.
    I focus again on these strangers. One minute their eyes appear normal, but the next they turn black again. And then normal, once more.
    What’s going on? Who are these people?
    Off-balance, the pressure upon my lower back and hand startles me. I’m twirling around the room with a tall dance partner. As we spin in circles, I see the same faces over and over—like I’m riding a merry-go-round.
    They smile with the warmth of a friend, but the way it chills my blood frightens me.
    The dancing halts.
    I look up towards the muscular man who’s holding me in his arms.
    I can only see part of his face, but the anticipation now growing inside me says he must mean something to me. He makes me feel safe.
    The most beautiful jade eyes with amber flecks stare back at me, his honey-golden