All Things New
Chapter XIII
Haydee groaned, the world seeming to close in on her as she leaned over the bed, emptying most of what was left in her stomach into the trash can Malik had set beside her before she fell asleep. Never had she experienced anything like this. If alcohol did this to her, she was never drinking again.
Malik was watching her, shaking his head in slight amusement, slight pity. It was pathetic she couldn't hold her liquor, but he had to give her credit for downing the Fiery Balls of Death that quickly. Then again, even he had the commonsense to stay away from alcohol like that.
Haydee groaned, closing her eyes tightly. "Malik-sama," she mumbled, grabbing her head.
Malik rolled his eyes, not bothering to move. "What?" he asked, yawning as he did so.
"I think I'm going to die."
Malik groaned, rubbing his head. Isis had slugged him early for getting Haydee drunk; now he was left to deal with her inability to keep her stomach settled. "I need a beer," he grumbled, frowning.
Haydee swallowed, her eyes flashing open. The curtains had remained down, keeping the room fairly dim, but she could still see him. "Don't mention…" She couldn't finish her sentence. Everything left in her stomach emptied itself into the trashcan. The taste burning in her mouth was too much to bear. She rushed past Malik, holding her mouth closed tightly as she made it to the bathroom. After one final release of her stomach, she grabbed a random bottle filled with green liquid and poured some into a nearby cup. In desperation, she lifted the liquid to her lips, swallowing before Malik could stop her.
His groan was the only thing she heard before her stomach churned more. Malik could only continue groaning as he realized just how much Haydee didn't know. Shaking his head, he lifted her into his arms. There was nothing left in her stomach; that much was certain. Sighing, he placed her on his bed, disappearing only briefly before returning with a glass full of a clear bubbling liquid. Wordlessly he lifted the glass to her lips, forcing her to drink it.
She did without protest, closing her eyes and making a face. "Am I going to die?"
Malik snickered, leaning in close to her ear. "I won't let you die until I get my way with you."
Haydee groaned, holding her stomach. "If you want me to throw up on you, keep talking like that."
Malik laughed, shaking his head. "Go to sleep. You'll feel better by tomorrow. Then, I'll congratulate you on making it through your first hangover without hurting yourself."
o - o - o
Haydee shivered slightly, pulling her coat tighter around her shoulders as she made her way to the bench and sat down. Before her was a small park, filled with little children dressed as Eskimos, running and laughing. A small smile broke through her pursued lips. Namu would love this park, that much was certain.
She sighed, her eyes wandering over the grounds. It wasn't a large park, but it wasn't too small either; and it was only a block away from the apartment. While Isis and Rishid were at the museum, and Malik was sleeping the day away, Haydee had taken the opportunity to go out for fresh air.
"Is this seat taken?"
Haydee blinked, forcing her eyes to focus as she turned to the man towering over her. "Shaadi?" she asked in disbelief, shaking her head. "Is it really you?"
"Perhaps it is your illusions," he replied, seating himself beside her.
"Why are you here?" she questioned, quirking a brow in curiosity.
"There are many reasons for that child. Your home is calling to you; I see it in your eyes. But there is another that calls to you, more desperate than your home. I see that in your soul."
Haydee turned away, her eyes focusing on the playground. "What are you talking about?"
Shaadi smiled at the young Egyptian girl as he noticed all too familiar blonde hair moving their way. "There is still much retribution to be paid. You must not give up Haydee. He calls to you from the depths of his heart. You must choose and choose wisely."
"I don't—Shaadi?" she asked, finding the Egyptian man gone. She frowned, closing her eyes. Just what she needed, more confusion; it was bad enough she had been taken from her home, her family; it was worse that she was finding her time in Japan with her captor enjoyable.
"I wondered where you were," Malik stated, startling her out of her reverie.
She caught sight of the golden rod in his pocket. "Looks like you had no problem finding me. What else did you find?"
Malik snorted as he looked at her profile. She had been fairly short with him after her hangover, which didn't surprise him very much. One created many illusions when drunk; he could not even begin to fathom the illusions she created, more than likely, all inspired by what he had said to her.
He grasped her hand, causing her to look at him, a tint of red upon her face. "I need to talk to you."
Haydee swallowed, licking her lips. "I'm listening."
Malik kept hold of her hand, his eyes never leaving hers as he reached for her other one. "It's about your family."
Haydee's eyes softened instantaneously, worry filling them quickly. "Did something happen to them? Is my father alright? Did Yafeu and Aziza finally get married? Namu! What about Namu?"
As Haydee continued to let the words of worry and anxiety slip from her lips, Malik could only stare. Never had he felt so much remorse in his life until that moment. "Haydee, listen to me," he commanded, squeezing her hands and cutting her words short.
"Just tell me they're okay," she pleaded.
"I sent a letter to your father. I think it's time…I take you home."
His words were barely audible to her attentive ears, but Haydee understood them nonetheless. She couldn't decide what to think or how to feel. Not too long ago, she would have jumped at the opportunity to return home. Things were different now. She had a different life. She was a different person.
"Master, I—"
"Don't say anything," Malik frowned, releasing her hands and rising from the bench. "It's your choice Haydee. I, for one, do not want to have any part of it."
Haydee blinked, lost to Malik's words. How could he not be a part of it? It was his fault she was in this predicament in the first place. It was he who had abducted her, he who had brought her to Japan, he who had forced her to be in this game of who can control the world, and he who had caused her to nearly forget the life she once knew. Could is be that easy to just return home and forget everything that had ever happened? To forget—
"No."
Malik heard her, but wisely chose to ignore her. He didn't know her thoughts so he couldn't have known where that had come from. "I'm going home. We'll be going to Egypt sometime around June or so. You may want to write your family, tell them the good news. I'm sure they'll be thrilled."
His voice was so dry, emotionless, and cold all the same. And as Haydee watched him return down the path he had taken to her, her heart filled with pity for the young blonde Egyptian boy.
There is still much retribution left to pay. Do not give up.
Fire flashed in her eyes for a brief moment as a new resolve made its home within her heart. "I do not give up so quickly Malik Ishtar. You no longer tell me what to do."
- o -
[- - - - -]
Haydee sighed, slouching in the chair she had been sitting on for nearly fifteen minutes. They were supposed to be boarding right now. But, the plane had been delayed a minimum of thirty minutes, for whatever reason. She yawned, glancing at the elder Egyptian man who was seated beside her. His eyes were closed and his breathing was slow and even. The poor man must get tired watching out for her and Malik.
At that moment, Malik dropped down beside her as he dropped a bag onto her lap. "Breakfast, my lady."
Haydee smiled, grabbing the fried potato from the bag and biting into it. "Oh, this is delicious!"
"And terribly unhealthy," Malik added dryly, handing her a coffee.
"What is this slice of heaven?"
Malik shook his head. Every new thing she tried, she thought it was a glimpse of heaven. Wait until she… Don't go there. "It's called a 'hash brown'," he clarified. "Good, yes, and terribly unhealthy."
"Who makes it?" she asked eagerly, biting into a second one.
"McDonald's. It is America's largest fast food chain. They are all over the world really, wasn't there one back home?"
"I don't remember," she shrugged, sipping on the coffee.
Malik nodded, glancing at the cup in his hand, trembling slightly. What was wrong with him? One moment, the world was perfect; the next, his world was spinning out of control. He had lied when he said that everything was fine. In truth, he had been going through mental turmoil since he had awoken that morning. Being delayed thirty minutes only added to the headache he was experiencing.
"Malik?" Haydee questioned, lifting a brow. "Is everything alright?"
Malik blinked, turning to find himself under close scrutiny. That he was transparent had never occurred to him a possibility. His temples were aching, his veins pulsating and it was all he could do to not scream out in complete frustration. He thought leaving it all behind would heal him, but instead, it revived the tortures of the past. His back burned as he rose quickly, not bothering to answer Haydee's question.
He returned shortly, growling audibly. "They said the plane will be delayed an extra fifteen minutes."
"It's alright. At least we're here," she shrugged, glancing cautiously at the blonde. "Will ibuprofen help any?"
Malik half-smiled as he sat down beside her, grasping her soft hand within his slightly calloused one. "It's that obvious?"
"You're agitated and you keep blinking against the light," she shrugged.
Malik smiled in spite of the pain in his head. Darned armrest! Ignoring the people around them, he laid his forehead against hers, closing his eyes and squeezing her hand gently. "You're so good to me Haydee, even though we both know I don't deserve your kindness whatsoever."
Haydee smiled softly, suddenly feeling very tired. They had changed so much, come so far, and what did they have to show for it? Any stranger passing by would think they were a couple, but Haydee knew they weren't. But that isn't what agitated her. What troubled her most was they were so close, yet so far apart. He had never truly left, that much was certain to her. Oh Malik, can I ever ease your pain?
Malik grunted, feeling the headache growing at his temples. Clinically, stress; psychologically, his darker side. His heart increased its speed as he tried to diminish the dark voice within. "Haydee," he whispered, swallowing as he blindly reached for her other hand.
Haydee's own eyes were once again filled with worry as she grasped Malik's other hand and began to rub them reassuringly. No words could come to her mind at the moment, so she allowed her actions to speak for her. Without comment or protest from Malik, she released his hands, instantly wrapping them around him and holding him close.
His headache cooled slightly. Was she his cure for this psychological warfare he had been forced to play against himself? "Swear you'll never leave me," he whispered.
The desperation Haydee heard in Malik's voice could not be masked by anything. With anxiousness in her heart, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I'm here now Malik," she replied in Arabic. "I'll always be here."
[- - - - -]
- o -
It was a warm winter afternoon, warm enough to go outside without a heavy coat. There was no snow left on the ground, no icicles hanging from the rooftops, and not many seasonal decorations could be found. It was on this day that Haydee Omar sat on her bed, pen in hand, and bent over sheets of paper. On the floor by the bed, crumpled up sheets of paper were strewn.
Haydee sighed, beginning the letter for the tenth time. After no contact with her family, what was she to tell them now? That she was simply coming home and that was that? She growled, tearing the paper in half and scrunching it up into a ball, throwing it to the ground to join the others.
Nothing was coming out right. Everything she wrote sounded so strained, so forced. Her family may overlook the automation of the words she wrote in their ecstasy of her return, but she couldn't. She knew Yafeu would recognize the tone behind it, hidden between each word, each letter, each line. But she had to write them. Sure, they knew she was coming home, but she had to assure them she was alive and well.
"Listen to yourself Haydee Omar," she chastised, frowning. "You are complaining about writing to your family whom you have missed since he took you from them. What is wrong with you? You should be thankful you'll be going home, thankful you now have the freedom to write them. What has happened to you?"
"That's right," she agreed with herself, beginning another letter. "I am glad to be going home. I miss Namu and Yafeu and Mother and Father dearly."
"And Malik Ishtar? What shall become of him?"
"He has his family. He has Rishid and Isis…" she trailed off, shaking her head.
"I'm carrying on a conversation with myself," she muttered, rolling her eyes.
She bit her lip, thinking over her next words carefully. Taking a deep breath, she wrote them out on the paper in crisp Arabic.
"Writing a letter to you dear family?" Malik questioned, peeking his head in through her door, a brow raised in question.
"So what if I am."
Malik snorted, pushing the door open completely and stepping inside. Isis and Rishid were gone at the moment so there was no need to keep his tone calm and collected. In truth, he had been agitated since he had made it known to Haydee she could go home. Now it had become a reality: he would lose her forever.
"Do you need something?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
Malik smirked. "As a matter of fact, I do have one favor to ask of you."
Haydee glared. "No."
"You don't even know what I'm going to ask."
"Just go away."
Malik shrugged, seating himself on her bed. "Why?"
"Master, please."
Malik grinned in spite of himself, hearing the quiet desperation in her voice. He knew that what he was about to do would cause a volcano of hatred to erupt, but he couldn't resist. He grabbed the paper and pen from her and dropped them to the ground. Haydee could only stare in disbelief.
"What do you think you're doing? I was writing a letter to my family," she grumbled, glaring at him.
"Your family can wait, I can't."
Haydee blinked, finding his lips covering hers and her own responding. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the kiss as Malik's hands grasped her shoulders and gently pushed her down to the bed.
Malik mentally smirked, finding her clay in his hands. His lips slowly departed hers, moving to her collarbone. She sighed in contentment as his hands made their way to her stomach, slowly lifting her shirt. As his hands snaked their way up her abdomen, her eyes flashed open. In one fluid motion, she sat up and pushed him off the bed. Malik snarled, rubbing the back of his head.
"What do you think you're doing?" she yelled, wrapping her arms around her stomach.
"Don't be so naïve and innocent! You wanted it as badly as I did!" he returned, rising from the ground and towering over her. "Don't think I can't overpower you!"
Fire flashed in Haydee's eyes as she rose from the bed, glaring up into Malik's violet orbs. "How dare you!" she screamed.
"Don't pretend you weren't enjoying yourself," he said, clenching his fists.
Haydee's eyes widened. He was right, she was enjoying it. His kiss, his touch, the way her heart had pounded. She had enjoyed every second of it. And in one second of caution, she had ended it. How dare you enjoy this Haydee Omar! How dare you! "What are you so afraid of that you have to sleep with me to forget?" she asked calmly, dropping her arms to her side. "What are you so afraid of Malik Ishtar?"
Malik's eyes flashed as his head began to ache. "I am not afraid of anything Haydee Omar."
"No? Don't lie to me. You're just like everyone else. Deep down, you're a frightened little child, so afraid to even admit what you fear. So tell me, Master, what do you have to be afraid of?"
Malik grabbed her, pulling her close and smothering her with a kiss full of fire and passion. "I don't want you to leave me," he whispered, his breath heavy.
Haydee blinked, swallowing. She did not expect that. Blinking in confusion, she pushed him away and ran from the room and out of the apartment. Malik could only stand there in bewilderment. Where had that come from? Was he truly so frightened of losing her that he would go so far as to take advantage of her?
He smirked, his headache subsiding. It really was that simple. He was simply afraid of losing her. And whose fault was it if he did?
o - o - o
Haydee ran blindly into the first bar she found, anger clouding her vision. Taking a deep breath, she approached the bartender, instantly ordering the first thing that came to mind: a shot of tequila. She wasn't sure where that thought had come from, but it didn't matter. She didn't care that she had sworn to never drink again. Right now, all that mattered was washing away the images of his kiss, his touch, and the sound of his voice. Those words chilled her and warmed her all the same. He didn't want her to leave.
But of course he didn't. Growling, she downed the shot, ordering another. So consumed by her thoughts, she ignored the men smirking at her. Of course Malik didn't want her to leave; he wanted to have his way with her first. That was all he cared about. It was all he had wanted from the moment he had kidnapped her, why should it be any different now? He hadn't changed. Sure, his darkness had been tampering with his mind, with his heart, but he wasn't much different now. He still pushed her, still controlled her, and still craved her. The only difference she could find in her anger was that his darkness had had her and he hadn't.
She downed the second shot, her stomach doing slight flips. She narrowed her eyes, ignoring it and requesting another. The bartender raised a brow, shrugging as he kept his comments to himself. If the girl wanted to get drunk and sick with the regulars there, it was her fault. If one of them dragged her out to the alley and did what he wanted with her, it was her fault. He was only there to serve up the drinks.
"Hey pretty lady," one of the regulars spoke, sliding over to Haydee.
She rolled her eyes, downing the shot and turning to look at the man. Her head hurt but it didn't stop the fire in her eyes. "What do you want?"
"To take you home with me," he grinned, winking at her. "Let me buy you a drink."
"No thank you," she said shortly, pushing the shot glass toward the bartender with some cash Malik had given her a few days earlier.
"Anything else?" the bartender questioned, looking at her curiously. "Maybe a ride home."
She frowned, forcing herself to keep cool. She didn't need men to hit on her, men to offer to buy her things, men to take care of her. "I'm fine." Her stomach hurt and her head pounded, but she was feeling slightly giggly aside from it.
The bartender shrugged, making a joke that caught the attention of the other men at the bar. Thankfully, it distracted them enough to allow Haydee to slip out unnoticed.
But perhaps an escort would have been smart for the young girl to have, as she was experiencing the side effects of her quick intake of liquor. She giggled, forcing herself to walk toward the direction she was certain she came. She knew she was slightly drunk, but it didn't matter. She could keep her wits about her. "No man can take advantage of me, especially Malik Ishtar," she grumbled, yawning.
She glanced around, not quite sure where she was. Across the street was one word she certainly recognized: Karaoke. Grinning in spite of her semi-drunken state, she ran across the street and into the small karaoke club. It was fairly empty, but it was still somewhat early.
And no one was in line. She walked up to the man managing the songs and told him exactly what song she wanted to sing. He gave her a look, smirking all the while. Perhaps it was the pungent smell of alcohol on her breath, the way her hair was wind strewn, or the fire in her eyes, but he motioned to her to take the stage.
Haydee had never had the courage to do something like this before. She loved singing, always had. It was a freedom she had discovered as a young child, but had never shared with anyone before. Even with the effects of the alcohol, she was still feeling a hint of nervousness, but it didn't matter. She was going to do this, call Isis, and go home.
She paused; blinking as she slowly lifted the microphone. Just where was home exactly. Was it with her family or was it with Malik? Crazy thought Haydee, just sing and get it out of your system. Sighing, she glanced over at the man at the computer, nodding. In a moment, the lights had dimmed and an eerie tune began to play.
o - o - o
Malik growled, pushing open the door to the karaoke club. According to the rod, Haydee was on stage, holding a microphone. Was she really going to sing? He raised a brow, glancing at the young Egyptian on the dimly lit stage.
Silently, he found a seat, completely entranced with the words that filled the club. Her voice was unlike anything he had ever heard before. If this was her English in song, he could only imagine the beauty of her Arabic in song. There was a slight wobble in her step. He shook his head, knowing she had hit a bar before coming to the club. He closed his eyes, losing his senses in the words.
…I try to run, I try to scream, I try to breathe as you take hold of me / There's no turning back, there's no going on, you're pulling me down / Six feet under / Is this how it ends / Broken and bleeding inside…
All too soon, the song had ended. He knew the precise moment she spotted him; the warmth her voice had created turned quickly into piercing eyes. She didn't resist the gentle grip he placed on her arm as he steered her from the club, rounds of applause following them. She didn't resist him when he placed the helmet securely on her head. And she didn't resist when he placed her on the bike and folded her arms across his stomach.
She was silent as they rode back to the apartment. Her head was spinning and her stomach was churning. It wasn't the same as her first hangover. The pain was nothing in comparison. But she still didn't feel well. Ignoring the feud they had had earlier, she spoke over the roar of the bike.
"Malik-sama?"
"Yes?" he asked calmly, feeling her grip tighten as he took the turn into the apartment complex.
"Is it too early to sleep?"
Malik smiled, pulling the bike to a halt and quickly jumping from it. "On one condition."
"Hmm?"
"You'll never make it up those stairs," he teased.
Haydee frowned, handing him the helmet which he promptly placed on the bike. "What's the condition?"
"Let me carry you."
She yawned, shrugging. In an instant, she was cradled in his arms. Before she knew it, she was tucked under the covers of her bed, the warmth soothing her head and stomach. And just as quickly as she had fled earlier, she was asleep.
Malik watched her silently, sighing in frustration. One moment he had her so close, and all too soon, it was back to anger and distance. He was a fool to think their relationship could ever change.
Bending down, he placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead and watched her smile in her sleep. Without words, he exited her room, slowly closing the door behind him. The smell of Isis cooking brought him into the kitchen where he received looks from his sister that were not uncommon. Her questions did not follow however as he sat at the table and waited for supper to be finished.
He would join Haydee in her room as soon as he was done eating. Nodding to himself, he closed his eyes. Just how afraid of losing her are you?
Much afraid. With this mental admission, a defeated look crossed his face. How long will it take me to get over the fact that I can't have her?
o - o - o
"No," Haydee groaned, tossing restlessly as she slept. "Please," he voice begged in desperation.
Malik sat silently, perched on her windowsill, watching her thoughtfully. She had been groaning in her sleep for the past fifteen minutes and he was silently debating whether or not he should intervene. He tilted his head, noting the way the moonlight shone upon her face. He could see her brows knitted together and her face scrunched up in fear.
Haydee's breath quickened as she sat straight up in the bed, her eyes open but unfocused. A terrified scream escaped her lips, instantly waking the others within the apartment and causing Malik to jump from his perch and join her on the bed.
He grasped her shoulders, gently shaking her and watched in earnest as her eyes focused on his. She gasped, pushing him away, terror filling her navy eyes.
"Haydee?"
"Please," she cried out, shrinking away. "Please don't touch me." Her bottom lip quivered as tears began to make their way down her face.
Malik could only stare in confusion as Rishid opened the door, his eyes wide and alert. Silently, Malik waved him away, his eyes never leaving Haydee's fear-stricken face.
"Haydee, it's me," he whispered, gently wiping the tears from her face.
She blinked, finding two soft moonlit lavender eyes gazing at her with concern. More tears spilled from her eyes as she threw her arms around him, holding on for dear life. "Please keep him away from me, you have to protect me," she pleaded.
"Who Haydee?"
"You," she whispered, trying desperately to calm her rapidly beating heart.
Malik sighed, his heart breaking at her honest admission. Now he knew the dream that had forced her into fear once more. The dream of the memory that nothing could erase, not even time. He pressed his lips to her forehead before releasing her. Silently, he rose from the bed.
Haydee grasped his hand, causing him to turn and face her. With a deep breath, she pulled him back down to the bed. "Please don't leave me alone," she whispered.
Malik sighed, sitting across from her and stroking her cheek. "Is that what you want?"
"I don't want to be alone."
A small smile formed on his lips as he wrapped his arms around her and lay back, pulling her beside him. "Then you won't be."
Haydee closed her eyes, feeling peaceful sleep reclaim her body. In the final seconds before her slumbering state, a fleeting thought passed through her mind. She was safe within her captor's arms.
- o -
[- - - - -]
Haydee yawned, glancing at the blonde beside her. The plane had finally taken off and they had reached their cruising altitude. She smiled, feeling the pressure of Malik's hand upon her own. His eyes were covered in the lids of sleep, but she knew he was fully awake. The constant feel of his thumb stroking her hand was a slight indication.
"What is it?" Malik asked, not bothering to open his eyes.
Haydee grinned, shaking her head. "Nothing."
"Well quit watching me, makes a man have difficulty sleeping," he grumbled, turning his head and shifting slightly.
A glimmer of gold caught Haydee's eyes as he stilled, finding a comfortable position. She had kept her distance from the object, not appreciating the powers it possessed, but for the first time, she was captivated by the way it reflected the light and shone in her eyes.
Glancing cautiously at Malik, she slowly slid it from her pocket, turning it over in her free hand. Malik grunted, keeping his voice low. "Be careful with that."
She laughed, shaking her head. So maybe he didn't care if she did touch it, but he was half asleep. She squinted, noting the delicate markings along the upper portion of the eye. As she felt herself become entranced with the markings, unnoticeable warmth emitted from the rod.
It shot through her hand and up her arm. She tilted her head, bringing the rod closer to her face. The metal started feeling hot in her hand but she couldn't bring herself to let go. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she dropped the rod, her eyes widening.
Malik's attention was focused solely on her the moment he heard the clatter of the rod on the ground. Quickly, he shoved it in his pocket, his eyes inspecting Haydee's face.
She drew in sharp breaths of air, her eyes becoming cloudy and unfocused. "Haydee, what's wrong?" he questioned, examining the hand that held the rod. His eyes widened at the thin trail of blood that made its way down her palm. Instantly, he was on his knees before her, pulling items from her bag and seeing to her wound. Thankfully, they were in first class and had room and privacy coach did not offer.
"Haydee, you need to look at me."
She blinked a few times, pain filling her sapphire orbs. "What happened?"
"I should ask you the same thing," he stated, tying off the gauze around her hand. "Thankfully, it's not deep so it won't require stitches."
She blinked, glancing at her bandaged hand and back to Malik. "I was looking at some marking above the eye and…" she trailed off, gasping in pain again as her hand instinctively flew to her side.
Ignoring her protest, Malik lifted the side of her shirt, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him. Moving mechanically, he lifted the armrest and forced Haydee to lie on her side across the two cushioned seats. He could feel Rishid's worried eyes upon him, but he pushed the thought aside.
She gasped again, searching for his hand and holding it tightly. "Malik," she groaned, pained tears forming in her eyes.
"Just try to breathe," he soothed, using his free hand to pour antiseptic on a cloth. Methodically, he placed the cloth atop the carving he had placed in her skin so long ago at the precise moment he placed his lips upon hers, silencing her soft scream of pain. He gently pressed down, hearing her hiss at the sting.
"Promise me you'll never touch the rod again," he whispered, laying his head beside hers, his hand holding the cloth in place.
"I promise," she replied, forcing her eyes open.
Had either of them been glancing at the rod, they would have seen the glow emit from the eye as it blinked.
Note: I am so so so so soooo sorry for the two month hiatus! Time slipped away from me and writer's block threatened to slip in. I've been working on this chapter for the past month and I wasn't very happy with it until I got toward the end. I'll try to have the next chapter out much quicker as things are starting to pick up in the present and the past should be coming to a close within the next few chapters as it's time I start passing time more quickly. So it seems the rod might be alive. Haha.
The song Haydee sings in the karaoke bar is part of a song I'm in process of writing called Six Feet Under. I copyright it to myself, so no using it. I don't have it finished but when I do, I'll post a link to the finished version. Also, that scene was inspired by Josephine Jekyl, so thank you! I hope you're enjoying this story as I'm enjoying yours. Now, onto the next chapter. Once again, I apologize for the delay and for any typos, I was eager to get this chapter up.