Mount Olympus [5]

Rayah

Jackie goes straight to Nic and hovers by him, as I fall asleep instantly.

Jace

Nic studies me and then looks at the guy, "Ja doesn't have mortal family."

"I'm not mortal," he responds.

"Then what the hell are you?" he asks.

I scoop up Ella and take the twins into their room, "Just end it, Nic. You'll wake Ray."

Rayah

I stir in my sleep and bury my face in a pillow.

Edge

The world around me collapsed. Time ceased to exist. Joan pulled out my worst memories and made me live them. As they played out, I realized that we were in an alternate dimension. Rayah was asleep, and Nic and Jace were arguing. Looking at the peaceful look on Rayah's face made me fight. Fight against the tide of memories from the ghastly spirit.

Jace

As I set the kids down for their naps, I feel absolutely helpless. What could I do if something happened with Rayah again? Nothing. It's out of my control.

And that kills me.

Nic follows me into the room and watches, staying quiet for a little. His arms cross insecurely over his chest and I make out confusion and hurt in his eyes.

"Jae, tell me," he whispers. "Please."

I glance at him before brushing past to get to the living room, "Ask him."

Rayah

The words on my arms start to glow and I feel someone touch it before moving me to sit on their lap. Reconizing it as Jackie, she sighs and studies me. I keep asleep and stir.

Jace

Nic studies me before shaking his head and tending to Halee. I sit on the couch and watch Jackie take care of Rayah, the look-a-like by the door.

Rayah

"Why are her marks glowing?" Jackie asks Jace.

Jace

I swallow, "They did that when he... called to her, called on her. I suppose it's because he's doing it again."

Rayah

She swallows, "But she's still asleep."

Jace

I look at the look-a-like for help. He sighs before walking closer, keeping his distance still.

"It's.. like enchanted possession," he begins. "I don't know if that's what to call the particular thing going on with her, but it seems as if the man left openings to her mind for him. That's what the marks are. Whenever he chooses, he can come back. I may be mistaken... but I don't believe it's over yet. The marks... they seem incomplete."

Rayah

I feel his presence near and my eyes shoot open. They turn a glowing blue again as he speaks to me through my mind. I try to break away from Jackie and just stare at the door, not blinking.

"Let me go," I say blankly, "Have to go to him."

Jace

I stay where I am, just watching, "W-who is he, Ray? What does he want from you?"

Rayah

"Me," I say in a possesed voice, "He wants me."

Jackie keeps hold of me, my marks still glowing as I stare at the door.

"what does he want?" Jackie asks again.

"Shadows will come to hide in shade," I recite the words he branded on my arm, "And nothing can heal the mistakes we've made."

She lets go of me and I stand before walking to the door.

Jace

I don't try stopping her this time, watching her go, and swallow once she leaves. Looking down, I run a hand through my hair and bring my knees to my chest.