This is long overdue but I hope whoever is still reading HON stories enjoys this update.
Nicole
"Nicole?"
The brunette turned and saw Kramisha walking towards her. The girl had a small scowl on her face which set Nicole on edge but she remained in place.
"Yeah?" She stared at the Poet Laureate with mild trepidation, clearing her throat as subtly as she could.
"Ya goin' to see Shaylin?"
Nicole didn't expect that of all questions and simply nodded, unsure what the other girl was getting at.
"Where's she at?"
"What's… what's this about?" She flexed her hand around the bottle of water she held, anxious to get back.
Kramisha just shook her head, furrowing her brows. "I don't know, I just… got a feeling. Stay close to her. She's gonna need you." She took a breath and turned to walk away, glancing over her shoulder at Nicole before leaving.
"Why does everything always have to be so damn ominous with vampyres," the brunette grumbled. Grabbing the aspirin from the counter beside her, she made her swift return to Shaylin's side, doing her best to not think about the final look Kramisha gave her.
Entering the room, she couldn't fully shake weird interaction with the Poet Laureate, but Shaylin's laughter helped.
She steered them the long way to the dorms, wanting to feel the crisp fresh air of the night against her skin for as long as possible. Shaylin offered no objections when they took a few odd turns, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. It was relatively quiet, something Nicole rarely experienced at the House of Night and it sent a chill down her spine. They should have been surrounded by life and sounds, not whispers and fear.
Nicole felt the pull to the stables, to see the beautiful mare she'd taken a liking to but focused on the girl beside her. At that moment, Shaylin needed her more.
"What do you think happened to make the detective guy let Zoey go?"
"I don't know but I have a bad feeling," Shaylin replied softly, leaning into Nicole.
"Seems like that's happening to everyone," Nicole muttered, wrapping her arm securely around the smaller girl.
Shaylin gave her an odd look but said nothing, following her instinct telling her to revisit the subject later. "I'm just anxious to get her back."
They walked in relative silence the rest of the way to see the rest of the casting circle. Aurox was supposed to meet up with them once he finished sending Stevie Rae and Stark their way. It was odd for Nicole to see the boy, especially knowing they were both once under Neferet's dark influence. She did her best to hide her anxiety, because he deserved another chance, just like she did. He was still really weird though.
"Should we tell them before or after Aurox comes back?" Shaylin asked, uncertain and mildly worried.
"Even though I know the group is pretty accepting of Aurox… I think it would be better from us… from you." Nicole placed a quick kiss to Shaylin's hair, squeezing her close. "There's an inherent trust they have in you, like I do. May have something to do with your beautiful brown eyes."
Shaylin blushed furiously, pushing away from Nicole who sported a sheepish grin. "Shut up."
"Sorry," Nicole replied, eyes shining with humor.
"Dork." Shaylin bit her lip to subdue the smile pulling at her mouth, cheeks still bright pink.
"So, shall we?" Nicole offered Shaylin her arm, gaze warm and bright. When Shaylin accepted, Nicole's smile burned brilliantly, almost blindingly.
"Let's," the younger girl murmured, leaning into the increasingly familiar warmth.
They walked into the room, their small smiles flattening out with worry when they saw the dark looks on the faces of the two before them. It was what remained of the gifted fledglings part of Zoey's circle, looking tired beyond their young years. Nicole wouldn't admit it aloud to anyone, but it caused her heart to ache seeing them that way.
"Hi guys," Shaylin greeted in a small voice. Nicole squeezed her arm encouragingly. "We have some news… Zoey may be coming back."
Their reaction was instant, flooding to Shaylin with renewed light in their eyes.
"What're you talking about?" Shaunee asked, gaze blazing with hope.
Damien implored her silently, brown eyes wide and beseeching.
"Aphrodite had a vision," Nicole said, stepping in because of the tension she felt Shaylin radiating. "Thanatos, Kalona, Stevie Rae and Stark are on their way to pick up Grandma Redbird and go to her."
"Lenobia and Darius went as well," Aurox added, announcing his presence. "Aphrodite instructed the warrior to accompany the group and the horse mistress was adamant about joining."
"Why? What did she see exactly?" Damien asked softly.
"We aren't really sure," Shaylin finally said. "The only two concrete things she mentioned were the presence of who we mentioned and the detective showing up to bring her back. She wasn't sure exactly what would happen or when it would. I'm pretty sure the main plan was to have vampyres around in order to make sure Zoey doesn't reject the change before the detective lets her go."
"You're sure?"
Shaylin met Damien's gaze unflinchingly and nodded slowly. "We're gonna figure it all out. All that's left to do is wait but now… now we have hope."
The two blue fledglings wrapped themselves in each other, trembling and breathing deeply. Shaylin looked down and Nicole looked at her, gently taking her hand. Aurox awkwardly stood there for a moment before silently slipping out to await the return of the young priestess on his own. Nicole caught his eye as he left, nodding in understanding which caused him to pause, if only briefly.
They all needed one another more than ever, that much was becoming abundantly clear. It was as if the air was charged with the ever looming potential of doom, waiting to finally catch fire. It caused Nicole's stomach to churn violently but she drew strength from within for those around her.
She could feel everyone's emotions at the edges of her mind, her goddess given affinity pulling and pushing at her thoughts. At times it was difficult to discern her feelings from those around her but she focused as best she could and it would stop. It was never that way before, but she figured the inevitable showdown between Neferet and her f-
"You okay?" Shaylin questioned softly, looking up at Nicole with a furrowed brow.
"I… yeah, just thought of some things." Nicole offered a half smile, shaking her head. "I'll tell you about it later."
"Okay."
"If it's okay with you guys, I think it'd be good for us to get some fresh air," Nicole said, glancing at Shaylin's hand within hers then up at the two friends.
"We should rest since we don't know how long it'll be before she's back," Damien replied, nodding. "I'll stay here with Shaunee."
"Okay, we'll see you, hopefully sooner rather than later."
The fledglings parted without another word, minds and hearts weary but lighter with hope.
I will be continuing this story but there will be quite a few differences between this and the actual series. I'm trying to keep it as close to the actual story but make no promises. Thanks for reading!
