Shadows: A teen paranormal romance series (The Celestial Series Book 2) Read online

  I look at my hands as I try to hide the emotion behind my words. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I really need to take an acting class. Sebastian shakes his head, then begins mimicking me in a high voice that makes me cringe.

  “Who’s Easton?” He boisterously laughs, jumping off my bed as he adds, “Quit it! You’re the worst liar ever!” Once his enjoyment dies down, he stands up and becomes more serious. “What’s the plan to get his memory back?”

  I struggle between telling Sebastian the truth and continuing to lie. Dishonesty is the safer choice but without anyone in my life, I need to have a friend before I become a stinky recluse who talks to herself. “I was hoping I could discover where the removed memories were stored in Verve. Adem or Michael must know something.”

  Sebastian smiles playfully, like a Cheshire cat with purple shimmering eyeshadow. “I knew you wouldn’t give up. Adem most definitely knows where the memories go. Just know, there’s a reason the humans think he’s the devil. He’s cruel and unempathetic.”

  The image of Adem standing over Wayward’s ashes still haunts me. “Believe me, I’ll be careful with Adem. He thinks I’m dark and without my memories. I hope to use that to my advantage.” Removing a Celestial’s memories supposedly allows the darkness to infect us with evil. The Darkness believes my memory was erased, so therefore I must pretend to be infected if I’m to be successful.

  Sebastian speaks in a whisper. “Very sneaky! I love it. Just remember to not overdo the darkness and don’t let Adem get too close.”

  I try not to let my grief enter my response. “I won’t. He’s the Celestial responsible for taking everything I love away from me.”

  Sebastian looks at me with rounded eyes. “Well, should I take you to Verve then?” Sebastian took me to Cognosco for the first time, so it’s only fitting he take me to Verve.

  I shake my head yes, as I watch Sebastian take out a shimmering metal ball with celestial etchings on it from his suit pocket. He twists the sphere open and a blue electric portal opens in front of us. The gateway is made of small lightning bolts which produce a circular entryway.

  The electrical current causes my hair to float in the air, making me look like the possessed chick from Ghostbusters. I step through the gateway and into the vivacity channel, determined to get Easton and my mom’s memories back. I feel energy passing through my body, filling me with a thousand tiny shocks from my head to my toes. My body finally emerges through the channel and I inhale deeply. The air feels lighter here making me feel ten pounds lighter. Well, that’s a positive.

  I came to Verve for the first time on my fifteenth birthday when I learned I was a Celestial. I thought this town was a dream from a fairytale, but today the metallic city in the sky seems more apropos than it once did. Verve is filled with Celestials floating down the stoned walkway. Lightning shoots into the shiny metallic flower pods that line the streets. Buildings made of large trees and metallic flower houses seamlessly intertwine, making up the city. Today is gloomier than my last visit, with purple cotton candy clouds blocking the majority of the blue and peach ombre sky.

  Sebastian finally comes through the portal, floating with ease to my side. He lifts his hand like a 1950s bellman, waiting for me to grab it as he announces, “Time to learn all there is to know about Verve…”

  I look at him with attentiveness. “I’m a sponge— ready to absorb!”

  Sebastian laughs lightheartedly, walking with me down the city’s walkway. He points, drawing my attention to the right side of the capital. “That’s where you’ll be living during the summer.”

  It takes me a second to see what he’s pointing at. The building is a mirrored rectangle that is almost invisible to the naked eye. The only perceivable part of the structure is the entrance, which is a large, exposed archway.

  “Anything important to know about the house of mirrors?” I ask.

  He replies quickly, “I won’t be taking you there yet. It’s full of ordinary things: bedroom, bathroom, and shared living spaces. Very anticlimactic. Very mundane. Let’s first check out where you’ll be working.” I look to the center of town and see a large golden flower with glass windows that climbs high into the bright sky.

  The building makes me feel anxious; like there’s a toddler on my shoulders weighing me down and smacking me in the face. What if I don’t discover where the memories are stored? What if they’re gone forever? I bend my neck from side to side, snapping my fear away with each cracking joint.

  Sebastian leisurely points out a football stadium-sized arboretum with flowers and trees adorning the outside. “Food and drink are located there. There are little stands with different cuisine. It’s cute, really.”

  The thought of different food, besides the raw fruits and veggies I’ve been eating for the last year, excites me. “Really? Do they sell spicy Cheetos?”

  His perplexed look gives me insight into his response. “I highly doubt it. Those don’t sound natural in origin. Cheat-toes. I’m going to have to try those.” Celestials believe in eating only natural foods, insisting anything else pollutes our energy. I would be fine with contaminating my powers for just one taste of my mom’s Christmas tacos!

  “Maybe I can sneak some of those Cheat-toes to the Summer musical festival for you. You have to attend. It’s the event of the year. Everyone will be there.”

  “I’d love that,” I reply, “as long as we go together.”

  Sebastian looks at me with surprise. “It would be my honor.”

  We get closer to the capital, passing by clothing stores made of glass with glowing outfits and flowers in the window. We walk through a flower garden with benches and waterfalls before we finally make it to the front entrance of Verve’s headquarters.

  Sebastian’s voice becomes grandiose. “Welcome to HQ, where good thoughts go to die.”

  I roll my eyes as we get scanned before we enter the building. The glass capital building is imposing, with panoramic views of the city. The marble and gold interior is cold and feels like an insane Egyptian god designed it.

  Sebastian signals to a large rotating sphere in the center of the building with his chin. “That is the main source of power for the entire city. The electricity allows Verve to float above the clouds and creates a barrier that hides us from humans.”

  “So, you’re saying I should never touch the ball.”

  Sebastian chuckles. “Depends on if you want to have a really exciting day or not.” I grin as Sebastian continues his tour. “Every floor has a purpose and the higher up you go the more important the activity. You are interning on the top floor with Adem and Michael.”

  As we climb the impossibly tall stairs, I begin to worry about seeing Adem again. Will I be able to work for him and go unnoticed? Sebastian and I finally make it to the highest level, where we are face to face with two female guards who are protecting the golden entrance.

  Sebastian bows to the guards. “This is Lili Araica and today is her first day as an intern for Adem.”

  The tall guard with wolf eyes and mocha skin checks a list on her Gnosis, the celestial version of an iPad, then looks at me suspiciously. “You are cleared to enter, but your advisor is not.” She quickly types on her Gnosis. “I just sent a message, and someone will be out to show you around shortly.”

  I’m nervous to enter Adem’s lair of darkness by myself but I grin at Sebastian, trying to make him feel okay about leaving me. “I’m good. Thanks for the tour.”

  Sebastian doesn’t move. “I’ll just wait here to make sure you get inside safely.”

  The enchanted metal door opens with a groan and Easton stares back at me from the entrance.

  He is devoid of all emotion as he asks, “Ready to check out the place?”

  Sebastian takes a step towards Easton and the guards watch him like a threat. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt him,” he says to the guards, turning back to Easton with a grin. “I completely forgot you were working here.”

  Easton squints and his tone hardens. “Yeah. It’s my second year.”

  Sebastian’s body tightens. “I liked you before you lost your memories for the second time.” He then walks down the stairs, yelling back to me. “See you at the festival.”

  Easton’s eyes follow Sebastian down the stairs, ensuring he’s out of sight before moving closer to me. “Let’s try this again. Are you ready?”

  His closeness causes a flush of energy inside of me, but unlike last year, the spark makes me sad.

  I bottle up my inner feelings, putting on an indifferent facade. “Sure, lead the way.”

  Easton gazes at me before signaling me to enter through the now open doors. “Let’s do this.”

  I enter the leadership floor, which has ornate paintings, gold accents, and ostentatious stone columns raising three floors into the sky. The large windows have a spawning view of the peach and blue sky, making it feel like the floor is in the clouds.

  Easton moves close to me, touching my arm with his and making my skin tingle from the contact. “Yeah, Michael loves gold. I would be good with a little less luxury and more comfort.”

  I’ve been actively avoiding Easton ever since I learned his memory was erased. I attended classes late to avoid him in the halls, skipped meals to avoid him in the dining hall, and I may have even hidden in a bush outside as he walked by. So, to say I’m uncomfortable now would be an understatement.

  “Give me a bean bag chair and some cheese balls and I’d be good anywhere.”

  Easton looks at me suspiciously. “What’s a bean bag?”

  Easton is most likely a spy for the other team and I need to be more careful. I quickly try to change the subject. “What is your position here?”

  “I’m an intern for Michael. I started about a week a
go.” He continues to lead me through the vast leadership floor. “I’m not really a tour type of guy, but I’ll take you to your desk. I’m sure you can figure out the rest.” I remain silent as we walk into a separate office with glass tables, golden floors, and a see-through roof. Easton points to an empty desk. “This is you. I’m over there.” He points to the opposite corner of the room, to a cluttered desk full of shimmering papers and a display of Gnosis monitors.

  I debate how to respond. I want Easton to leave, but I also secretly want our conversation to continue. “Okay. Is there anything else?”

  “Nope.” He walks back to his desk quickly like I’m a monster and he’s fleeing for his life. I try to ignore him as I sit at my empty desk without a clue what to do.

  I feel lost in this elegant room full of important celestials running back and forth. I pretend to be busy as I make thinking faces. But without a beard to stroke in thought, I play with my hands. I wish I had worn something more professional—jeans seem out of place with all the shiny onyx and gold around.

  A kind-looking black girl with oak-colored eyes and tight bouncy curls walks from the large office directly in front of me to my desk. She sits on the glass edge in jeans and a crisp white shirt that sits right at her naval. Her jeans are much more professional than mine, but they’re still jeans, making me like her instantly.

  She leans into me and talks like she’s singing. “Don’t worry, I was nervous on my first day, too. I’ve been waiting to meet you. Everyone calls me Beth.”

  “Beth, it’s a pleasure.”

  Her mouth tightly closes, like she’s unsure if she wants to smile or glower. “Everyone is mostly nice, but you should always be careful. You never know what’s lurking below the service.” I look at her, unsure if she’s warning me or just being playful. “I will teach you everything you need to know, but first, Adem asked to see you. He rarely ever talks to anyone, so you must be something special.”

  I feel my stomach tighten at the mention of seeing Adem again. My face feels flushed and I wipe away sweat from my forehead. “If I must.” Crap! Did that just slip out?

  Beth giggles. “Most girls clamor at the chance. I’m glad to see someone with sense finally works here.” She jumps off my desk, landing on her feet gracefully. “Follow me, if you dare.” I do as she instructs, following her into Adem’s office.

  He sits at his desk, sternly shuffling a pile of glimmering papers. This is the first time I’ve seen Adem since he killed Wayward. I’ve thought about that day a lot, trying to decide if he killed him to save me or simply because he didn’t like him. Though neither reason brings me comfort.

  Adem looks right at home in his pretentiously cold office. There’s a dual staircase framing his desk, and gold and black accents everywhere. The room screams evil playboy, and I find myself wondering if that’s who he really is.

  He looks up at me with despondency. “Lili, I’m happy to have you join the team.”

  Our eyes connect and the room suddenly sways, like I’m on a small boat. My vision blurs and I fall to the floor with a thud.

  Lili - Dreaming

  I see Adem sitting in a wooden chair painting the large navy colored river in front of him. He is wearing a linen shirt and an amber fur as he paints aggressively, hitting the canvas with short, bold brush strokes.

  A bustling city surrounds him, but Adem doesn’t notice the rolling hills or women dressed up in their bodices and puffy skirts. His attention is on his art, which reminds me of a piece by Michelangelo that would be in a museum. The ancient Roman architecture surrounds me, but it’s not aged in appearance. Nothing like the images I’ve seen on Google.

  This is new. I’ve never dreamed of the past before. My hands shake in fear as I stare at Adem. What if he sees me? What if this is some trick he’s playing? I watch carefully, positioning myself behind a large white column, just in case. Adem turns towards me. There’s a light in his eyes and a joyful smile, unlike his typical sneer.

  I freeze in place, praying he’s not looking at me. My body begins to tremble, feeling like a cold wind, unattached and flimsy. Someone walks through me and suddenly I’m a different person.

  The new me likes Adem. No, not just likes — but loves. I run towards him, eager to be in his arms and away from the darkness that plagues me.

  Adem’s lips meet mine and we kiss. Soft at first then more zealously. We both pull apart, unashamed of the looks we get from the humans around us.

  He softly whispers in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “I missed you. Were you able to help the needy?”

  I respond firmly, with pride. “Always. Why else were we put here, but to help those in search of miracles?”

  Adem raises his eyebrows. “Trust me, I understand. But humans will always disappoint you.”

  He has been alive much longer than I have, but I can’t help but feel that I’m destined to help humans find their way out of the darkness. “Really? Why do you think that?”

  Adem rolls his shoulders. “Humans are selfish, cruel to themselves and others, and in my observation will always act in their own best interest. They are their own worst enemies.”

  I understand Adem’s point of view, but he doesn’t see the good, only focusing on the bad. “The other day I saw a man starving by the Colosseum. He was amongst many others just like him, weak and dying. Then I said a Roman man of wealth, give him a piece of bread.”

  Adem interrupts me, “Well when you have a lot, a piece a bread is nothing.”

  I ignore him. “Maybe, but that’s not what touched me. What stuck with me is this starving man, with shaking hands and nothing to his name, tore his bread into four pieces, sharing with the people around him.”

  Adem’s hazel eyes whirl in thought. “That is surprising.”

  I smile at him, seeing the good he always hides. “You ready to take me back to Cognosco?” I ask, with triumph in my voice.

  “Want to stay at my place tonight?”

  I stroke his cheek with my hand, pulling him to me for a long kiss.

  Adem looks around, then takes my hand in his, gently rubbing my palm as we walk. “I’ve been alive for thousands of years and you’re the boldest, kindest lady I’ve ever met.”

  I feel elated by his comment. “Well as the strong lady I am, I will regretfully have to decline your offer. The rules of Cognosco are very clear and I can’t miss my curfew, even for the famous Celestial, Adem.” Adem is known by both humans and Celestials. Though he abhors that humans associate him with the devil.

  “The idea of me is famous, not me as I am.” I can tell my comment has drudged up a sensitive topic. Adem’s face contorts and his posture is less proud than before.

  “Who cares what anyone thinks? I know you. You’re strong, kind, and loving. Simply perfect.”

  He stops in the street, turning to me with his beautiful eyes that tell of grief and trauma too deep for me to ever fix. “Mary, I wish you had been by my side from the beginning, maybe things would have turned out differently for me.”

  “Your life isn’t over. You still can be the man you want to be.”

  I’m abruptly pulled from my dream, finding myself in my own body once again. Adem’s arms hold me and I can see in his eyes what Mary did. Oh crap, I’m in trouble.

  * * *

  Adem’s strong voice comes out in a whisper, meant only for me. “Lili, are you okay?” I feel real concern radiating from his energy.

  “I’m great. I just needed a nap.” I sit up, removing his hands from around my body.

  Adem smirks. “Makes complete sense.” Unlike my sarcasm, his is thick. “Do you feel refreshed?” He signals for me to follow him to his desk. “Please have a seat.”

  I should listen, but instead, I walk to the side of him and stare at the painting I saw him create in Rome. It’s striking with green trees and statues surrounding the river. The lightness of the river is sharply contrasted by the darkness in the sky.

  I bite my lip, trying to remain quiet. But my Nancy Drew instincts win out. “This is beautiful. Who painted it?” Of course, I know he is the artist, but I want to see if he’s honest.