Awakened

Zoey

My eyes adjusted on the weird lighting in the room first, the fact that it was dark spooked me, gave me the goose bumps all over. I mean, it was beautiful and sunny when I'd left the Zoey-shattered-into-nothing world. And I'm god damned sure it was summer when I left Italy. And it didn't feel like night. The familiar burn on my skin, like a light touch from my Goddess Nyx made me smile. I was just focusing on the ceiling when Aphrodite stuck her head over, blocking my view of the ceiling and squinted at me.

"She looks awake, though she looks like shit," she narrowed her eyes more. "Zoey is that you or only part of you?" she cocked her head lightly, her mean lips pulled into a smirk. My own eyes narrowed as I sat up.

"You've gotten out of shape, your mascara's running," I snorted slightly, blinking at my position on the floor. Where the hell...

"Aw hell," my eyes widened at the blood pouring from Stark's body. "The hell is going on?" my eyes widened as I jumped to my feet.

So I'm back in the Real World.

And my guardian's dead?

No.

Before I could even move Darius had hooked his arms around my waist, holding me firmly in place.

"Priestess, he is returning, give him a moment."

"He's bleeding!" I exclaimed, my eyes wide; what the hell had happened while I was away? "I leave you guys for a few God damned days and –"

"Well I'm sorry you went on holiday and decided you'd like to split off and go have a little soul party with your ex Heath but it has NOT been a fucking holiday for us!" Aphrodite glared, eyes narrowed. I blinked at her sharp tone and then rubbed my head slightly.

"Sorry..." I mumbled slightly and then looked at Stark. "So when is he going to be... less... Poopie?" I asked, worry creeping into my voice.

"Jeesh, Z, you've had your soul split up, you did God knows what else and you still can't cuss."

"It's just rude," I pouted, hands on my hips before my eyes finally found their way to the woman on the throne. She was stunning in a sorta, I want to poo my pants and hide kinda way. She looked strong and she was smiling, which was a good thing for me as it seemed like she owned the place. I swallowed hard and bowed.

"Merry Meet," I said softly, my eyes on Stark as I bowed but flickering back to the woman on the throne as I straightened up.

"Merry Meet Zoey Redbird, my name is Sgiach, Queen of the warriors," as she spoke her words were soft but held authority; she held her chin up high as if she dared me to speak against. Like hell I'd do that. I glanced towards Aphrodite who was checking her face in the mirror, her hands fluttering over her face before I heard a splutter and a very faint, but very much alive Stark say my name.

It was one of the sweetest sounds I'd heard in a long time. I slowly kneed beside him in his blood as the Queen rose from her seat to the man who was standing over Stark with a bloodied blade. She guided him away, talking to him and I felt a smile tug my lips before my eyes were pulled back to the boy who was bleeding.

"Stark?" I asked softly, leaning down, her long hair falling forwards over my shoulder as I touched my lips to his. "My guardian?" I whispered, for his ears only. It was then that his eyes opened, locked on mine before he pulled me close, pressing his lips against mine so roughly. I got that electric feeling all over again, butterflies in my stomach as he kissed me, cupped my cheeks to tenderly. He loved me; I could feel it in my soul.

"Priestess..." he whispered, smiling slightly then wincing. Worry filled my eyes as I leaned down to touch him.

"Water come to me..." I whispered lightly, the instantly smell of ocean air hitting me, filling me up. "Clean Stark of his wounds, make sure there are no infections," I whispered, my eyes locked on his the entire time. I felt it more than saw it. I felt it rush through him, healing him, cleaning him. "Thank you water, you may leave. Earth, come to me," the sweetness of a meadow filled my nostrils, Stevie Ray coming to mind as I smiled. "Heal Stark, seal the wounds and take the blood back to where it came from please," I whispered, watching as the Earth reclaimed the blood which was rightfully it's, and then slowly watched as his wounds patched together. "Thank you Earth, you may leave now," I murmured, touching his lips lightly. "Spirit, come to me," I whispered, evoking my element which sent a rush of joy and happiness through me. "Give Stark the strength he needs right not," I whispered lightly and then sealed it with a kiss, my lips to his. "Thank you Spirit, you may go," I said softly, smiling at his now bright and vibrant eyes. His red tattoo's marking him as something different, something new, something that needed me to protect them.

"You're amazing," he murmured, touching her cheek lightly. I could feel the blush rising and looked down at him and shook my head before offering my hand. He accepted it, pulling himself as I turned my attention to Aphrodite. She was all loved up beside her guardian, fluttering her eyelashes and smiling sweetly at him. I couldn't help but smile, feeling the elements in me and seeing each of my friends faces; Stevie Ray, Shaunee, Erin, Damien, Jack, and even Heath for a moment. I smiled softly to myself, reminded of all those back at the House of Night who needed me.

I may not be an immortal like Kalona.

I may not have some spooky witchy powers like Neferet.

But I had something neither of them could ever have.

"So what have I missed?"