14. Frankie

Chapter 14

Frankie

I jolt awake, phantom images of glowing red eyes fading into the dim morning light. The dream clings to me like a second skin, vivid and unsettling. I was the eredar beast, massive and powerful, drawn inexorably toward… me. The pull was overwhelming, a need I couldn’t explain. As my breathing slows, I can’t shake the feeling that this was more than just a dream. Something is connecting me to that creature, and the thought sends a shiver down my spine.

The first thing I notice is the unfamiliar ceiling above me, with ornate wooden beams crisscrossing in intricate patterns. As my senses slowly return, I become aware of hushed voices and the crackle of a fire. It smells like dusty books in here, mixed with something… weird. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s definitely not normal.

“Where am I?” I mumble, my voice hoarse. I feel that familiar tingle under my skin—what I now know as my shadow shifter getting antsy. It’s like an itch I can’t scratch.

Instantly, several faces appear in my field of vision—Leo, Tori, Matteo, Bishop, and… is that Dorian? The events of the party come rushing back, and I bolt upright, my head spinning from the sudden movement. My mouth’s dry, with that gross, metallic taste you get when you’re scared out of your mind.

“Easy there,” Leo says softly, placing his hand on my shoulder to steady me. His touch is warm and grounding. “You’ve been out for a while. Thought we might have to kiss you awake, Sleeping Beauty style.”

I manage a weak smile at his attempt to lighten the mood. Trust Leo to find humor even now. I’m surprised it had nothing to do with coffee. “I think I’ll pass on that fairy-tale ending,” I quip, my voice still rough.

I look around the room, taking in the bookshelves lining the walls and the strange symbols etched into the heavy wooden door. The fire’s making the shadows jump around. For a second, I swear they look like they are moving on their own. “What happened? The last thing I remember is?—”

“You created a shield,” Tori interrupts, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and concern. “A freaking shadow shield, Frankie, and then you passed out, which is definitely not so good.”

My brow furrows as I try to recall the moment. The memory is hazy, like trying to grasp smoke. “A shield? But how? I’ve never done that before.” I flex my fingers, half expecting to see residual shadows clinging to them.

“That’s what we need to discuss,” Bishop says, his voice calm and measured despite the gravity in his eyes. He exchanges a look with Dorian before continuing. “Your powers are growing, Frankie, and they are manifesting in ways we haven’t seen before.” He turns to look at Dorian, who stands in the corner with his arms crossed, his nostrils flaring every so often.

I begin to rub my temples, trying to chase away the lingering sensation of passing out. The pressure behind my eyes builds, a reminder of the power I apparently wielded. “Spit it out,” I say, my patience wearing thin. I’ve had enough of secrets and half-truths.

“I need to get you to the shadow realm,” Bishop states, his tone leaving no room for argument. “We need to work on your gifts immediately.”

I wave his thoughts away like an annoying fly. “I have class in the shadow realm.” The words come out more flippantly than I intended, but the idea of training when I can barely understand what’s happening to me seems absurd.

Bishop stares at me, unblinking. His composure is impressive, but I can see the tension in the set of his shoulders. “Alright, then I’m sure you don’t need me to get you there.”

“What the hell, man?” Tori pipes up, annoyance clear in her tone. She turns to me, her eyes softening. “Frankie, I know this is a lot, but Bishop’s right. This isn’t something you can learn in a regular class.”

I glance between Bishop and Tori, sensing the rising tension. The air feels charged, like the moment before a lightning strike. “Okay, what’s going on here? Why are you all acting so weird?”

Matteo, who’s been quiet until now, steps forward. His intelligent eyes scan the room before settling on me. “We’re at a crossroads, Frankie. Your powers are evolving faster than anticipated. We need to adapt our strategy.”

Bishop nods, his expression serious. “Frankie, your powers are growing at an unprecedented rate. The shield you created… it’s not something we’ve seen before. We need to start your training immediately.”

“Training?” I echo, still trying to shake off the fog in my head. I dig deep within myself, searching for that well of power I apparently tapped into. It’s just out of reach, like a word on the tip of my tongue.

Dorian’s piercing gaze fixes on me, his intensity almost palpable. “The veil between worlds grows thin,” he says cryptically. “Look, something big is waking up out there. You have to get a handle on these new powers and fast, and for that, you need to spend more time in the shadow realm.”

I furrow my brow, confused and a little frustrated by his words. “But I already have classes there. Isn’t that enough?”

“No,” Bishop states firmly, his calm authority a stark contrast to the chaos I feel inside. “What you need is focused, intensive training. I can help you understand and control these new manifestations of your power.”

Leo shifts beside me, his hand finding mine. His touch sends a small spark through me, a reminder of simpler times. “Is it safe for Frankie to spend more time in the shadow realm?” he asks, concern evident in his voice.

Tori scoffs, but there’s a hint of fondness in her exasperation. “Since when has anything about our lives been safe? We’ve got her back, though, right?”

I’m about to respond when a piercing wail suddenly cuts through the air. The sound is so loud and unexpected that I instinctively cover my ears. It reverberates through my body, setting my teeth on edge.

“What the hell is that?” I shout over the noise, my heart racing.

Bishop’s face pales, but his voice remains steady. “Remain calm. The alarm indicates a threat, but panic will only exacerbate the situation. Follow my lead.”

Dorian is already moving toward the door, his body tense and ready for action. “We need to go. Now.”

As we scramble to our feet, the reality of the situation hits me. This isn’t just about my training anymore. Whatever’s happening out there, it’s big enough to trigger the school’s alarm system. My heart races as I follow the others out of the room, the shrill cry of the alarm echoing through the halls.

The relative safety of Bishop’s warded room falls away as we step into a corridor filled with panicked students. The air thrums with tension, and I can feel my shadow shifter stirring restlessly within me, responding to the chaos around us.

As we navigate through the pandemonium, I catch snippets of frightened conversations.

“Did you see it?”

“Never seen anything like it…”

“In the courtyard…”

I exchange a worried glance with Leo. His usual easygoing demeanor is replaced by a focused determination that makes him look older. Whatever’s happening, it’s clear that our lives are about to change dramatically. The quiet discussion about my training seems like a distant memory now, replaced by an immediate and unknown threat.

Bishop grabs my arm, his voice urgent but controlled. “Stay close. We need to assess the situation and ensure your safety.”

The crowd’s tension is palpable as I navigate through it, drawn to the epicenter of chaos. An unsettling realization creeps over me. This is merely the opening act. My gut tells me my strange new abilities will soon face a trial by fire. I inhale slowly, centering myself. This power, equal parts gift and curse, has become as much of a part of me as my own shadow. The alarm continues to blare as we burst through the doors into the courtyard. The scene before us is chaos incarnate. Students are running in every direction, their faces etched with terror. Professors struggle to maintain order, shouting instructions that are lost in the cacophony. The air is thick with fear, an almost tangible miasma that clings to everything, but all that fades into the background when I see it.

At the edge of Shadow Locke Island, looming over the misty waters in the early morning light, is a creature straight out of nightmares. It’s massive, easily the size of a building, with a body that seems to shift between solid and shadow. Multiple eyes, glowing an eerie red, scan the courtyard. When they land on me, I feel a jolt of… something. Recognition? Fear? I can’t quite place it. My shadow shifter surges within me, responding to the creature’s presence.

“By the shadows,” Bishop murmurs beside me, his composure slipping for a moment. “It’s an eredar beast. But that’s impossible…”

“Clearly, the impossible has become our new reality,” Dorian snaps, his body tense and ready for action. “We need to evacuate the island. Now.”

I can’t move. The beast’s eyes are still fixed on me, and I feel a strange pull. It’s as if it’s trying to communicate despite the distance between us. My shadow shifter stirs restlessly within me, a tide of power threatening to overwhelm me.

“Frankie!” Leo’s voice breaks through my trance, a lifeline of normalcy in this surreal moment. “We need to go! This isn’t the time for a staring contest with the giant shadow monster!”

I shake my head, trying to clear it. “No, wait. I think… I think it’s here for me.” The words sound crazy even as I say them, but I can’t shake the certainty.

“What?” Tori grabs my arm, her grip firm but reassuring. “Frankie, that thing is dangerous. We can’t stay here! I know you probably feel a connection or something, but now is not the time to explore it!”

As she speaks, the beast moves. It takes a step onto the island, its massive form sending tremors through the ground. Students scream and scatter, but I stand my ground. The pull is stronger now, almost overpowering. It’s like a song only I can hear, calling to something deep inside me.

“Frankie.” Bishop’s voice is urgent but controlled. “Whatever you’re feeling, we need to get you to safety. Your powers are unpredictable right now. If that thing is after you, we can’t risk a confrontation.”

I know he’s right, but something deep inside me rebels against the idea of running. The beast takes another step, and I feel my power surge in response. Without thinking, I raise my hand, and a shadow shield shimmers into existence between us and the creature. The effort is instinctive, drawn from a well of power I didn’t know I possessed, but one I feel now with every fiber of my being.

Gasps erupt around me. The beast pauses and tilts its head as if it’s curious. For a moment, everything is still. The shield is an extension of me, pulsing with each beat of my heart.

Then chaos erupts again, and professors start ushering students toward the evacuation points. I hear Bishop and Dorian arguing about the best course of action. Leo and Tori tug at my arms, trying to pull me away.

All I can focus on, though, is the eredar beast. As our eyes meet again, I’m struck by a certainty I can’t explain. This is just the beginning. I don’t know what’s going on with me, my powers, and this monster, but I have a feeling nothing’s going to be the same after this. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating.

“Come on,” I finally say, tearing my gaze away from the beast. “We need to go, but this isn’t over.” My voice is stronger than I feel, fueled by a determination I didn’t know I had.

As we back away, my arm outstretched to maintain the shield, I feel the strain of the effort coursing through my body. It’s like trying to hold back a tidal wave with my bare hands. Sweat beads on my forehead, and my arm begins to tremble. The shield flickers, and shadows writhe at its edges.

“Frankie.” Leo’s voice is tight with concern. “You can’t keep this up. We need to go. I’d rather not become monster chow today, if it’s all the same to you.”

I grit my teeth, determined to hold on just a little longer, but with each passing second, I feel my energy draining away. The shield flickers more violently, its edges becoming unstable. My vision blurs, the world tilting dangerously.

“I… I can’t…” I gasp, my legs threatening to give out beneath me.

Bishop’s hand lands on my shoulder, steady and grounding. “Let it go, Frankie. We’ll cover your retreat. Your safety is paramount.”

Before I can make the decision, my body makes it for me. My knees buckle, and the shield shatters like glass. The sudden release of energy sends me stumbling backward, and I would have fallen if not for Leo’s quick reflexes.

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs, supporting my weight. “Though I have to say, this damsel in distress look isn’t really your style, Frankie.”

Despite everything, I manage a weak chuckle. The eredar beast lets out a low, rumbling sound that seems to vibrate through the ground beneath our feet. Without the shield between us, its presence feels even more overwhelming. Those piercing red eyes are still fixed on me, filled with an intensity that makes my breath catch in my throat.

“Move!” Dorian’s command snaps us all into action.

Tori grabs my other arm, and together with Leo, they half carry me as we sprint toward the evacuation point. I can hear the heavy footfalls of the beast behind us, each step sending tremors through the island.

“Why isn’t it attacking?” I ask between labored breaths. The beast’s restraint is almost more terrifying than an outright attack.

“Don’t question our luck,” Bishop replies grimly, bringing up the rear of our group. “Just keep moving. We need to get you to safety before we can analyze its behavior.”

As we run, I steal glances over my shoulder. The eredar beast is following us, but at a measured pace. It’s as if it’s content to keep us in sight without overtaking us. The realization sends a chill down my spine. This isn’t a mindless creature acting on instinct. There’s intelligence behind those eyes and a purpose I can’t begin to fathom.

We reach the evacuation point where professors are ushering students onto boats. The air is thick with panic and the acrid smell of fear.

“Get her on the boat,” Bishop orders, scanning the chaos around us. “I’ll stay behind to help with the evacuation.”

“But—” I start to protest, but Dorian cuts me off.

“No arguments, Frankie. You’re in no condition to fight, and that thing is clearly after you. We need to get you off this island.”

Matteo, who’s been quietly assessing the situation, speaks up. “We need to split up. Leo, Tori, get Frankie to safety. Dorian, Bishop, help with evacuation. I’ll be right behind you on the next boat. We’ll rendezvous at the Grotto.”

“Watch your step,” Leo murmurs, his arm steady around my waist as we stumble onto the rocking boat. The wood creaks beneath our feet, and the scent of damp rot fills my nostrils. “Well, this beats opening week, huh? Next time, let’s just go to the beach.”

I grip the gunwale, my knuckles white, and turn back toward the island. My heart pounds against my ribs, each beat screaming that this is wrong. We shouldn’t be leaving. We shouldn’t be running. The mist swirling around us feels alive, caressing my skin with cold, damp fingers.

“Frankie, I know you’re conflicted, but we need to make a choice now,” Tori says, her voice firm but kind. She tugs at my sleeve. “Sit down before you fall over. We’re heading to the Grotto. We’ll be safe there. Trust me on this.”

I can’t look away from the shore. The eredar beast stands there, a dark silhouette against the swirling mist. Its eyes glow like red beacons, fixed on me. A low rumble carries across the water, vibrating in my chest. It feels like a goodbye, or maybe a promise.

The boat’s engine sputters to life, and water churns around us as we begin to pull away.

“No,” I whisper, the word barely audible over the panic surrounding us. “We can’t… I need to…” What do I need? To stay? To understand? The certainty I felt earlier slips away like sand through my fingers.

“The Grotto’s warded,” Tori insists, her voice strained. “We need to regroup and figure out what’s happening. You’re in no shape for a showdown with that thing, Frankie.”

My legs wobble, and the world tilts sideways. Spots dance in my vision, little bursts of shadow that seem to pulse in time with my heartbeat. I blink hard, trying to focus, but the darkness creeps in from the edges. My shadow shifter, exhausted from the shield, retreats to a quiet corner of my being.

My vision narrows to a pinpoint, those haunting red eyes the last thing I see before darkness claims me entirely. As consciousness slips away, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m leaving a part of myself behind on that misty shore.

I drift in and out of awareness, catching snippets of conversation around me as I struggle to cling to consciousness.

Leo’s voice, tinged with worry. “Never seen anything like it…”

“Powers are growing too fast…” Bishop, his usual calm fraying at the edges.

“Need to protect her…” Tori sounds fierce and determined.

The gentle rocking of the boat lulls me back into the depths of unconsciousness. In my dreams, I’m running through a shadowy landscape, the eredar beast always just out of reach. Its eyes call to me, promising answers to questions I didn’t even know I had.