12 Chapter 12 - Departure (2/2)

Arnold seemed to feel guilty as he glanced over at me then nodded. ”I will go.” he told her.

”Good.” Calidia told him.

Michael didn't even seem guilty when he informed her of his choice to go. He didn't even glance at me once. Courtney and Karen followed suit but at least Karen gave me a sad look.

”Wonderful. Now we can get going.” Calidia told us without waiting for Megan's answer.

”What about Megan?” Michael asked anxiously.

Calidia looked at Megan for a moment but Megan shook her head. ”The bonded never chose to leave their bond.” Calidia replied.

”Bonded?” Michael asked as he glared at me.

”Yes, bonded, when awakened share intimacies with each other we give a bit of our energies to each other strengthening each other and creating a bond. Amongst two awakened of a similar level it isn't very strong, but it does strengthen the feelings between them, when one of the partners are not awakened, or the level between them is high, the bond is much stronger. Usually it can cause an awakening for those who are not awakened so many volunteer for it despite the strong bond.” Calidia explained.

”You bastard!” Michael yelled as he ran towards me with his fists raised.

After only moving a few feet he stopped in mid air. ”Enough!” Calidia said sternly, ”Yes this will put her at great risk, but the rewards will be just as great. If he becomes a gold she will become a queen, if he does not her position as the bride of a silver general will be enviable to most in the haven, especially as his first bride.”

”First bride?” Megan asked with a frown.

Calidia smiled. ”Of course, men with ability always draw women to them in droves, rather than trying to fight them all off alone, it would be best you establish a band of sister wives you can trust to help you fight them off together while keeping him satisfied.” Calidia told her.

Megan glared at me like this was all my fault.

Calidia laughed, ”You will understand in time.” she told her.

With a wave of her hand a misty gray tunnel appeared in the wall of the living room. ”Please take him and go through.” Calidia told Karen and Courtney.

The two women looked uncomfortable for a moment then they each grabbed and arm and pulled Michael inside the space tunnel. Karen gave me one last look then she was gone. Arnold shook my hand then left in a hurry, probably worried that he would change his mind.

Marshal and his family were the last. The family of three disappeared into the tunnel, then Calidia and her people entered after wishing me good luck. While Nessin and Jorrimus's good luck wish were normal, Calidia's gave me a mischievous look then moved in close and pressed her soft lips against mine. I jerked back in surprise but Caldia had already moved to the space tunnel.

Calidia was the last to enter the space tunnel. As she stepped into the tunnel she seemed to stumble, time started to move again then there was a loud piercing scream of despair. A moment later the tunnel shut. Calidia remained on this side of the tunnel and somehow in her arms was a sobbing Emily.

”What happened?” I asked rushing to Calidia's side.

Calidia turned her head slowly to face me tears streaming down her face. ”He's gone.” she wailed then collapsed onto the ground hugging tightly to Emily who was crying in her arms.