Chapter 1
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these these characters. All rights for their creation go to Lauren Kate.
Why should I care about him?
My mind felt like jell-o, as I continued to think about that. The wind blew my black hair back, that was just starting to get long again. I was pretty glad it was; I hated it being short. My mouth was a troubled line, as I stared out at the sea. I was back at Shoreline, this time with Daniel, Cam and Arrianne.
I refused to think about all of the current problems. But I had a bigger one, irritating me even more. Why should I care for Daniel so much? I mean, he has only caused me trouble ever since the dawn of time (literally.) If I just move on from him now, maybe I can sort of have a life. That would be nice…
I turned around, about to walk back inside, when I almost ran into Cam. My nose was at his throat, as he laughed.
"Hey, Luce," he chuckled, walking beside me.
He put his hands on the rails, sucking in a deep breath of the fresh air.
"Hi," I whispered, turning back around with him.
"What were you thinking about?" he asked, looking down at me with his emerald green eyes.
I pursed my lips, not knowing what to say. "Just… things."
"And?"
I turned to him, my eyebrows furrowing. "Why do you want to know?" I growled. I wish he would leave.
"Because you look angry… I'd like to make it better."
My eyes widened, and I couldn't help but notice how my heart stuttered. "I don't really think you can make this better, Cam," I mumbled.
"I can try," he whispered.
I let out a sigh that sounded like a hiss. "It's just… I don't know why I bother sticking around here. All this drama is because of Daniel. I was wondering why I have feelings for him anyway."
"It is not up to you; you know that. Since you fell for him, centuries ago, you have to do it now over and over again. But there is something you do need to know."
"And what's that?"
"You don't have to. You can decide, this time. You can have anyone," he murmured.
I knew he was right. Instantly, I wanted to leave this place. Just go, and be by myself for a while. Get my old life back, with my parents and Callie. But that probably isn't possible. They would continue to think that I am a psycho.
"You're right. But I'd have to leave here… but where would I go?"
Cam pursed his lips for a moment. "Anywhere you'd like."
"I doubt Daniel would let me do that…"
"If you leave him, I don't see why not," he snapped, his green eyes boring into mine.
"That is true."
"Someone would have to come with you though," he smirked.
"And why is that?" I growled.
"Luce… you have to remember that not all of the trouble is done. There are still things out there that want to hurt you."
I almost groaned. "If I leave Daniel alone, I don't see why they'd bother."
A dark look passed over his face. "There is a lot you don't know, then. But I don't see why it would bother you, if I came along."
I paused, looking up at Cam. Would I mind? He wouldn't bother me, like Arriane would. Cam really was my only option, if I left. And I don't think it would be too bad… I looked up at him, unable to help myself as I blush. His black hair was shaggy, covering a bit of his eyes. His eyes continued to stare down at me, as he waited for my answer.
"I don't guess it would…"
A bright smile pulled across his face, as he hugged me quickly. I could hear his heart quickly beat in his chest, as I hugged him back. After a few moments, I wondered why he wouldn't pull away…
"Luce…" he whispered. "Fly with me."
My eyes widened, as my heart pounded. Cam's wings unfurled from his back, and I couldn't help but gawk at their surface. The gold and black feathers of his wings looked slightly dangerous… but gorgeous at the same time… maybe gorgeous wasn't the right word. Perhaps it was sexy. Yeah, I'll stick with that.
My grip tightened, as he lifted into the air. "Don't we need to pack?" I whispered.
"I can come back and pack," he replied.
"And don't you think Daniel will ask where I am?" I snapped.
"Don't you worry about it."
I sighed, knowing he wouldn't go back anyway. I closed my eyes, leaning my head on his chest. This was going to be a long flight.
Cam's Point of View
I was kind of glad Luce fell asleep soon after we left. She kept asking me questions about how Daniel wont know we left together, and how he wont end up killing me if he found out I encouraged her. I kept reassuring her that it wouldn't happen, but apparently I couldn't get through to her. I looked down at her mostly the entire time she slept. How beautiful… and perhaps I could have a chance this time, with Daniel out of the way. I thought I kind of had a shot with Daniel; her eyes were on me when I was in the room most of the time… and I loved every second of it. So many years I had wanted her. So many dreams I have had of getting her. Now, those dreams have a chance of coming true. After I finally arrived at the destination that I had planned on staying with her, I only had a moment or two of settling her in. Then I was flying again, to go get the belongings of me and her. I was already so tired from that first long trip… and I could really use a quick smoke and a drink. But I kept reminding myself that I had to keep going. My only motivations were to get back to Luce quicker… and the drink and smoke.
My wings were about to give out when I arrived. Night was just falling over Shoreline, as I landed in front of it. I walked inside, like I owned the place, not giving anyone a second glance. I tried not to make a sound, as I entered Luce's room, flickering the light on. I froze, when I saw a figure on the bed. It was Daniel; his face flushed. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at me, questioningly. Man, he looked beaten down.. What was wrong with him?
"What are you doing here?" he hissed to me.
Think of something fast. "I should ask you the same question," I snapped.
"Looking for my girlfriend. I haven't seen her all day," he said, frantically.
"Well, I just happen to be looking for Luce, too," I replied, my eyes narrowing.
"Where could she be?" he yelled, clawing at his hair. "No one knows! I haven't been able to ask you, because you have been gone all day."
"I have been looking all day! Sorry I haven't ran into you at the right time." I rolled my eyes.
"What should we do, then?" he asked.
"You guys should continue to look around Shoreline… I mean, the girl doesn't have wings; she can't just fly away." I wanted to laugh, but I knew I couldn't. "But in case she magically did, I will look around Shoreline… anywhere. You should get some rest for the night, Daniel," I added.
"I can't sleep…" he sighed.
"Try to anyway. You aren't helping her by staying awake."
He stood up, not sparing me a passing glance as he left the room. I walked over, and sat down on her bed, more than glad I could lie so easily. Luce was right… if Daniel found out, he would most certainly kill me.
