In Too Deep

Chapter 28

I sat alone in Smithy’s office staring at the floor. It had been two weeks since everything had gone down at the Academy and a lot had changed in that time. Fair Lake was now a safe place for super naturals to learn and develop their powers, as it should’ve been originally. Somewhere they could be themselves without the threat of discovery.

It was under new supervision, someone Smithy trusts, and who passed all the necessary in depth background checks that were carried out by the police force. We couldn’t have anyone like Mr Jackson taking control ever again.

Things were starting to go back to normal, as normal as life could be when you weren’t human anyway. Lucas and Violet were safe, as were their families. They still attend Fair Lake, but the relationships between all the pupils there actually improved, hierarchy no longer in place after everything that had happened.

There was a quiet knock at the door and Ryan entered, closing the door behind him he sat down in the chair next to me. We sat in silence for a moment before he spoke.

“How are you holding up?” It was one of those questions that didn’t really have an answer, everyone had been staying clear of me, some were afraid after they saw the amount of power I possess, and others just didn’t know what to say.

“It’s ok if you’re not ok.” Ryan stumbled over his words. He had been a really great friend to me, especially after everything that happened between us. He knew that what I needed the most was for him to just be there as a friend and nothing more right now. “They were your family after all.”

“They were murderers, they tried to kill me. I spent all my life wanting to know about my family, and after all that. They’re my family.” I whispered, my voice was hoarse, I hadn’t spoken much in the last two weeks. Ryan nodded.

“Where did you send them?” I had only explained the basics to everyone so far, I was too exhausted, both physically and mentally to go in to more detail at the time.

“They are in an underground prison. It’s warded, no one can get in or out, and no one will ever find it. It can’t be detected by magic.” I told him.

“What about the crystals, they contain their powers, right?” Ryan asked, I nodded.

“I didn’t have enough power to kill them, that’s where everyone had failed in the past. They were expecting me to try so I had to find a way to surprise them. Stripping their powers and locking them away was the only way to ensure they couldn’t hurt anyone else.” I explained.

“I’ve locked the crystals away in an equally secure place as their prison. We don’t want them getting in to the wrong hands.” Ryan was silent for a moment, thinking over the information I just gave him.

“You thought of that on the spot whilst we were there?” Ryan asked me, clearly realising it didn’t quite add up.

“I already had the crystals prepared.” I told him, he looked at me questioningly. “I had them just in case they needed to be used on me.” I said and Ryan’s eyes widened.

“Freya, what-“ He started, not knowing exactly what he was trying to say.

“I have a lot of power Ryan, those crystals were my insurance policy, to make sure I didn’t hurt anyone. I actually cast a spell on them so they would send themselves to Smithy with instructions on what to do, if I were to ever start using my powers for evil.” I told him, Ryan stared at me silently.

“Did you ever think that was likely?” He asked me quietly.

“I guess on some level I must’ve. That much power, it can mess with your head sometimes.” I told him and he nodded.

He took my hand in his and squeezed it gently.

“Can I ask you something?” I nodded. “Have you really forgiven him?” He asked, I took a sharp intake of breath and stayed silent for a moment.

“I don’t know. The whole situation has my mind racing around every time I try to make sense of it. I told him I forgave him so he could die with peace in his mind. After everything he did I needed time to forgive him, for him to prove to me that his feelings were real, and so I could figure out if mine were too. But he saved my life, and with that he ended his. I’ll never get a chance to figure this out, to know how I really felt.” Tears ran down my cheeks and I wiped them away with my sleeve.

“It’s not your fault.” Ryan tried to make me feel better, but I ignored him. When someone dies protecting you then there’s no way that isn’t your fault. “What will you do now?” He tried a different tactic. I shrugged.

“I don’t know. When I went to Fair Lake it was because my curiosity couldn’t keep me away. I know who I am now, as does everyone else. That changes things.” I said.

“What will you do with the book?” Ryan asked me.

“The same as the crystals and the witches, I’m going to lock it away, where no one can access it.” I told him. “I figured out why it was so important, the book contains a spell to prevent the magic I use from draining my energy.” I explained.

“It’s your heritage.” Ryan said. “That spell could really help you.” He added.

“I want nothing from them. I don’t need or want any more power that book could give me. I don’t want to risk ending up like them.” I stated and Ryan nodded in understanding.

“Freya, you could never turn out like them.” He tried to reassure me.

“How can you be so sure?” I asked, looking in to his eyes.

“I won’t let you.” He squeezed my hand again. “You know I’m here for you right?” I nodded.

“I appreciate that.” I thought for a moment. “Do you know what I could do with?” Ryan raised an eyebrow in question. “A workout, I need a distraction.” I needed to get rid of some of this tension, I can’t just sit around all the time, I’m going stir crazy.

“You fancy getting your ass kicked?” Ryan smirked and I laughed, for the first time in what felt like forever.

“You wish.” He laughed at my expression.

“How about I race you to the gym?” He challenged.

“You’re on.” We almost crashed in to each other as we barrelled through the door and down the hall. I saw Smithy’s questioning smile as we raced past him, wondering what was going on, but he didn’t stop us.

Ryan was the best person to get me out of my head, and away from my thoughts. There were some things that I had to accept I would never fully figure out about what happened, and I had to find a way to accept that.

For a long time I felt completely alone, thinking that my family had abandoned me. Whilst that area of my life has turned out to be a complete mess, I’ve found that family doesn’t necessarily mean blood related, it can be found in those who choose to stand by you.

No matter what.