Blinding Light (BLS Book 1)

Mila

I was well exhausted after the hours spent in the water. I grabbed as much food as I could carry and ran off before bumping into a security guard.

“Mademoiselle, I sure hope that you are not a thief,” he says with much obvious sarcasm.

I gasp in exaggeration, “Ah Monsieur, you will let me take all this food, or I surely will collapse right now from exhaustion.”

He chuckles before returning a smile, “My deepest apologies, please, carry on.”

I salute him before leaving him at the night post. His smile looked recognizable, but indeed it must’ve been my imagination. Biting into a piece of bread, I glance back but he is gone, completely disappeared.

“Not…crazy.”

I hit the side of my head. I know I’m not crazy.

Be quiet, voice. I command through my thoughts.

Sure enough, there was no more whispering in my head. I’m not a psychopath who talks to herself. I shake my head and walk towards my room.

…

I dried off and returned inside finding Raven, alone in a seat. She lights up when she sees me and embraces me with a tight hug. I groan as she squeezes the air out of my already tired lungs.

“Where have you been?” She asks.

I raise one eyebrow, “Where have I been? I should be asking you the same question. You completely disappeared after I got onto the ship. I couldn’t find you anywhere so I was forced to accept the first dive invitation from His Highness.”

Rave meets my gaze, cocking one eyebrow, “I was preparing for the party with the other sponsors, I thought the suitors were aware of this.”

She grins brightly, “And only forced?” She laughs as I roll my eyes.

“You don’t need to tell a thumper (construct a clever lie).” I cross my arms.

“I—”

I cut her off, “If you don’t want to say, you don’t have to—but let’s have some fun, the party is far from over and you missed my tumble over the ship.”

“You what?”

I laugh at her expression, “I tumbled overboard when a huge wave rocked the ship.”

She blinks, wide-eyed, then bursts into laughter.

I scowl, “Do you find this somehow hilarious?”

“Oui, of course. I, of course, didn’t want to see my little sister tumble over a ship; in front of everyone too!” She inhales sharply, barely containing her laughter.

“With Nolan there as well,” she whispers in my ear.

I push her away as she giggles. Contempt, I jeer at her. But a smile finds its way to my mouth. Raven, as radiant as she can be, drags me outside to the night sky.

“Look at the moon, Mila. It’s absolutely stunning! Just like you.” She buzzes with excitement and I shake my head, grinning to myself. I check the waters below, no one was swimming anymore, the heat from the day slowly leaving. Something sparkly catches my eye in the water. Curious, I lean over the rails.

“Rave!”

“What?”

“Did you see that?” I call her over. She slides up next to me.

“What am I supposed to be looking at?”

I point towards the water where an oarfish swims.

“You don’t see the oarfish or eel thing?”

“I don’t see anything. But there are rumors that only certain people can see the oarfish,” she says, thinking. “The certain myth’s name I forget but it does exist.”

“Really?” I swallow, “I thought I was losing my mind again. So much has been happening over the past few weeks.”

“You must be stressed, Mila, unless you are seasick. Why don’t you get some rest?”

“But the party isn’t over. Isn’t it bad for my reputation?”

She shushes me but her eyes dart to the left, lighting up with a familiar expression. I peek over my shoulder to see Captain James standing by the railing, drinking...alone.

A mischievous smile creeps up my face. I cock an eyebrow at Raven, who blushes.

“Go talk to him,” I urge. But she looked agonized.

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t leave you. You are more important to me. I’m supposed to be there for you. If you are feeling this way, I know that I haven’t been there. And I haven’t, for two years,” she grumbles and I sigh,

“It’s alright, Rave,” I hug her close, “I survived, didn’t I?”

She hugs me back fiercely, “I don’t know what I’d do if I lose you, Mila. We are both lucky enough to have Mother find us both under that bridge. Even if it’s a year apart.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you either, Rave. But life’s too short, so, take that chance while you’re still young and fiery.” I wink at her but she does not attempt to move and I cock my head to the side.

“What are you not telling me, Rave?”

“How do you always read minds, Mila? It’s almost as if you created me, knowing exactly how I am,” she laughs, hiding behind the mask.

It’s not that I read minds, just that I’m experienced enough to know when someone is hiding something—their insecurities.

“I feel as if I’m betraying Elijah.” Raven finally lets out a breath, a breath she’s been holding for too long—far too long.

“I promised him to return, to find him. He was my love, my first love.” Her face turns grim.

I push my hair behind my ears, choosing my words carefully, “Elijah was charming. I loved him like a brother. But Rave, he’s not here anymore. If he really loves you, he would return for you. You’ve kept your side of the promise. But he didn’t. So, what are you waiting around for?”

She inhales deeply, “You know, I do not know.”

Raven looks at me and cocks an eyebrow, “But I hope someone has an idea to somewhat make this entertaining.”

My face twitches into a smile, “You bet I do now.”

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Thanks, with lots of smiles

☆•Yiona•☆