Unleashed: The Deepest Fears Lie Within (Secrets of the Makai) (22 page)

“Sorry. Looks like random scribbles to me.”

Tristan took the paper, frantic to point it out. “Don’t you see eyes? See where the yellow comes around. Don’t look at the colors, look at the shapes.”

“I’m sure it’s there, I’m just not a fan of abstract stuff. I don’t see it.”

“It’s not abstract. It’s perfectly clear!” One of the eyes winked, flooding Tristan with frustration and anger. “How can you not see that?” He wadded up the drawing and threw it into the woodstove, slamming the iron door behind it. “I am
not
losing my mind.”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

They both heard something outside and saw Charley turn from the front window.

“Oh, that’s just great.” Tristan dropped to the couch and closed his eyes. “Now I have to explain why I burned his art project.”

“Well...yeah. Why did you?”

“Forget it.” Tristan put on the poncho and huddled under it. “If it’s all right with you, I think I’ll skip the party. I don’t feel like being social right now.”

“Okay. I’ll let everyone know.”

“I’m sorry I’m acting this way. I guess I can’t explain. Maybe I’m just tired.”

“Don’t worry. It’s a huge adjustment to learn all this new stuff. Your mind will get used to it, and so will you. Okay? Don’t drive yourself insane and get some rest.”

Landon dimmed the lights and closed the front curtains before leaving Tristan on his own.

I didn’t think you had it in you, breaking the poor boy’s heart like that—destroying his precious art.

Tristan squeezed his eyes shut and prepared himself for a long night.

22
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E
XCUSES
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TRISTAN LEFT FOR ANGELINA’S class with the sculptured falcon wrapped in a small box. He spotted Charley along the way and called out to him, wishing he’d taken the time to come up with a decent apology for destroying the artwork.

“At least hear me out,” Tristan pleaded. It was clear the boy hadn’t forgotten, but he did wait for Tristan to catch up. “I’m sorry. You can make me another one and I’ll frame it.”

Charley still looked like he’d lost everything he owned, which couldn’t possibly be much.

“Please believe me. I kept seeing something in it and for whatever reason, I lost my head.”

Charley half smiled before continuing up the path.

“That’s it? You’re not mad anymore?”

The kid shook his head no.

“Will you make me something else?”

He shrugged.

“You’re coming to class then?”

Charley stopped walking and turned with a questioning look on his face.

“You’re welcome to if you like. I don’t think Angelina minds.”

Charley nodded happily and continued walking.

Tristan breathed a sigh of relief that he didn’t have another enemy to deal with.

Such a charming little boy,
mused the voice in his head. Tristan fell behind and Charley didn’t notice.
So innocent and trusting...what a perfect age. Do you remember when you were that innocent?

Why won’t you leave me alone?

You worry too much,
Lazaro said.
I’m just taking some time to get to know you, that’s all.

And you don’t think I should be worried?

This is just one of those things you can’t do anything about. But if I were you, I’d conserve your energy.

Tristan remained silent as they entered the clearing. Charley ran to his new friends at the cliff and Tristan spotted Shaely sitting by herself on a blanket. She waved when she saw him and Tristan smiled.

Well, well.... You do work fast.

Tristan frowned at all the implications and headed for Angelina’s table. From the corner of his eye, he could see the disappointment on Shaely’s face. He got her attention and gave her a random set of hand signals, ending with a friendly wave.

She nodded like she understood, then settled back down with a book in her hands.

Does Dorian know about this little fling?

No.
The thought crossed his mind before he could stop it, along with a dose of guilt.
Dorian and I aren’t together. We never were.

You risked getting yourself killed to save her for nothing? I don’t buy that.

Tristan focused on sealing off his mind. He’d been doing quite well at blocking everyone’s thoughts, so how was Lazaro getting in?

He sat at the designated class table and waited, keeping his thoughts still as he made an effort to strengthen whatever shields surrounded him. When he saw Angelina coming from Grumpy’s, carrying a large box, he rushed to carry it for her.

What a gentleman!
Lazaro’s voice snickered, rattling Tristan to the core.
Who is this woman? I don’t recall her....

Tristan quickly turned away, forgetting Lazaro seemed to see everything through his eyes.

“Thanks,” Angelina said. “Tough day?”

Go ahead. Tell her your crazy theory and see what your guard does when she spreads the word about how far gone you really are.

Tristan didn’t answer.

“I’m always willing to listen if you have something you want to talk about.”

He shook his head again, unsure if he could discuss Lazaro with Angelina or not.

“Don’t you be picking up Charley’s tactics—I expect words from you.”

Tristan nodded. “Sorry. I understand.”

“Now tell me what’s wrong before everyone gets here.”

“It’s nothing. I’m just tired.”

“Well, that much is obvious. Did you get your homework done before staying out again?”

He set Angelina’s supplies on the table and handed over the box with the sculpted falcon.

Angelina unwrapped the clay figurine. “It’s beautiful! No cheating?”

If he went by Eleonora’s definition, using his mind at all would be cheating. “I don’t think so.”

She’s your teacher?

“You really are an exceptional artist. You should be proud of this!”

Sweat ran down Tristan’s back. He spotted Talak standing guard by the A-frame and rubbed his clammy hands on his jeans. He finally took a breath and kept his head down. “I’ve always been able to draw. I guess I have a good memory for details.”

“It’s a step in the right direction—knowing where your personal strengths lie.”

Tristan shrugged and waited for the kids in his class to gather.

“We’re making cards today,” Angelina announced, handing a stack of multi-colored tissue paper to each person at the table. A stack of white cardstock sat piled in the center.

This is your class?
Lazaro roared with laughter so loud, Tristan wondered how the others couldn’t hear.
Why would they put you in a class like this?
He continued laughing.
Are they punishing you for something?

Tristan stared at his stack of square papers. He couldn’t possibly tell Angelina there were voices in his head, ridiculing her class and assignments.

The children cut hearts and clouds and flowers from the colored paper, decorated them with glitter markers, and attached them to the cardstock with sparkle glue.

This must drive you absolutely crazy,
Lazaro said, finally sounding serious.
I wonder if that glue is flammable. You
do
know how to make fire, don’t you?

Tristan remained silent.

Use your power! Find out what it is to be powerful and make that little girl’s hair burst into flames. You can’t pretend you’re not capable in front of me—I know you way better than that.

Tristan shut his eyes, desperate to make his mind blank.

Don’t you want to see what would happen? I might be wrong about you, but I’ll bet a ham sandwich that your little redhead friend could do it.

He wouldn’t. Tristan glanced at Charley, who was in the process of pouring out all the glitter glue. Angelina was trying to convince him to share with the others.

Look at his ambition! He’s not afraid to use his mind. He’s not afraid of an interesting experiment, like you are. I’ll bet he’s capable of killing without a second’s thought.

You’re wrong.
Tristan stood from the table, bumping against Talak. The blades of tribal tattoos along the man’s arms seemed ready to leap from the flesh. Tristan’s heart pounded so fast, he knew he must look guilty for something. “I know. I’m leaving.”

Talak gave his approval with a single, harsh jerk of his head.

“Tristan?” Angelina said, her eyes darting between him and the guard. “Is everything okay?”

Oh, lighten up. I was just having fun.

Tristan swallowed hard. “I’m not feeling well. I need to leave.” He paused to think of a better reason.

Don’t leave your little class on my account—it’s great fun!

“I might be contagious.” He squeezed his eyes shut when he realized he was getting a good look at each child. “Can I go?”

I’m sure you could find something to learn if you stayed. I’ll teach you myself if she can’t.

“I’ll agree you don’t look well.” She sighed, giving him a paper bag to carry homework supplies. “Do you want me to call Madam Galina?”

“No.” He avoided looking at the kids as he collected materials. “I just need some sleep.” He turned from the table and left in a hurry.

There’s something I’ve been meaning to find out.

Tristan didn’t answer, increasing his speed to a jog toward the trail.

How did you know about the emerald? I mean, I remember you being at that woman’s house...Gwenna, was it? But I guess I didn’t think you had anything to do with the emerald at the time. Did she show it to you?

No.
Tristan skidded to halt so as not to run over Shaely.

“You’re not leaving, are you? Without saying hi?”

Shaely looked hurt. Or mad. Probably both. “I’m so sorry.” Tristan gulped. “I wanted to talk to you, but right now I need to get home.”

“What’s the hurry? I thought—”

“I....” Tristan cringed as Lazaro’s laughter drowned out his own thoughts. “It’s not what you think.”

“What is it then? Just tell me. And I’ll be on my way.”

Just lie to her. Or bury her—that’d probably set her off just as much.

Tristan grabbed her shoulders to keep her from walking away. “Please trust me right now. I like you a lot, and—”

“How much?” The anger melted from her face and a wry smile drew his attention to her lips.

He kissed her quick, before he could think too much about it, and almost forgot about Lazaro. “I have an emergency to deal with, can I see you tomorrow?”

“Maybe,” she said. “I might have to do my hair, or paint my nails....”

“Please, Shaely. This is important.”

“Oh, all right. I’ll be here if I can.”

He pulled her into a sincere hug and whispered in her ear. “Please be careful.” He kissed her forehead instead of giving more details and left her behind.

Well that was a sorry disappointment. Back to me. How did you track me to Dorian’s island?

I didn’t.

You expect me to believe you just happened to be there, and had no idea I was involving them?

Yeah, that’s about right.
Even he found the circumstances a bit too coincidental, but what else could he say?

So if you weren’t trying to save Dorian, then you were there for the emerald. What did you hope to gain by stealing it from me?

Seemed like the right thing to do at the time.
He was digging a deeper hole for himself and tried occupying his mind with singing, though it didn’t override Lazaro’s anger.

Seemed like a good idea? Do you know what your flippant idea cost me? Seven of my dearest friends stand petrified in stone because of that emerald, when it was supposed to grant immortality! And one of them is my only brother. They all had families who are suffering. A lot of lives depended on my brother, now they depend on me—

None of that is my fault,
Tristan said, dreading the direction of the conversation.

It is your fault that they remain that way. That emerald is the only thing with the power to save them. And thanks to your ‘it seemed like a good idea at the time’, you have destroyed their best chance of returning to life. You, personally, have pulled the proverbial trigger.

Lazaro continued with descriptions of each man’s life, along with the families that fell apart in their absence.

Tristan stumbled into his cabin in a dazed depression and set up his homework at the table. Deciding to do something bigger than a card, he removed one of the canvas rolls Eleonora had given him, with a goal to tune out Lazaro by tuning into something else.

You’re not seriously going to do that homework, are you?

Tristan found a kitchen knife to use on the tissue paper. A clear image came to mind and he got started.