The Ember In The Dark
Ch. 29

"Get up! You're both in so much trouble.” Ash's voice woke me up.

My eyes took a second to adjust to the bright sun. Where the fuck am 1? I rubbed my eyes harder."Rubbing your eyes isn't going to change the scenery. We've been looking for you for a few hoursnow. Mom's pissed. Hell, I think dad is even mad.” Ash shook his head at me.

I looked around more, realizing I was in the spot Toni and I had been cuddling last night. I guess Ishould say still cuddling, since his arm is still around me.

"Fuck." Toni muttered as he sat us both up. "I'm so sorry.” He slapped his forehead upset. "Yourparents are going to hate me."

"No they won't. I'm in deep shit though." I sighed. Mom is going to chew me out.

"You both better hurry up and get to the palace.” Ash shook his head.

"Both?" I was surprised, although I guess I shouldn't be.

"Yup, both. Now hurry up.” Ash repeated, helping me up.

"Right, okay."

I grabbed Toni's hand and pulled him along behind him. I quickly walked us toward the palace. Icould have flown there faster, but I am not sure I wanna fly into my doom. I can't believe we feelasleep out there. What time is it right now? The sun is pretty high. Fuck me.

We reached the palace doors shortly after and I took a deep breath. Toni squeezed my hand beforeletting go.

"Probably better if we're not touching when we see them.” Toni correctly suggested.

"I'm so sorry Toni." I apologized in advance for my parents.

I opened the door to replace mom pacing. That's never a good sign. Mom mad was already scary, mommad and pregnant is 100 times worse. Her eyes locked on mine and she stomped her way over. Ohboy here we go.

She grabbed my chin and lifted my head inspecting my neck. She was checking for a claim mark.She eyed Toni for a moment before continuing her inspection. When she was satisfied she backedaway.

Dad hung back a few feet. His face was deadly serious, which let me know he was mad. He justwasn't trying to show it. I really fucked up, it seems.

"Ember Elizabeth Viseron.” Not the full name. "Do you have any idea how worried we've been? Youcan't just leave at night and not let anyone know where you'll be. You aren't supposed to leave atnight at all. Perhaps we've given you too much freedom.” Mom started with the guilt trip.

"Tot, I can't believe you did this.” Dad's voice was disappointed and it hurt to hear.

"I am so sorry. I really didn't mean to fall asleep outside.” I sighed.

"It's my fault. I should have made sure to walk her back sooner. We just started staring at the skyand passed out.” Toni interjected trying to save me from my parents.

"It's not your turn yet, Toni. I'll get to you in a minute.” Mom said. Her voice was friendly yet eerilythreatening. "Ember, you've caused us all to worry about you. You met up with your mateunsupervised and without permission. The fact you don't have a mark is your only saving grace.”"We know that you will soon have a mark, but we want to make sure you are being safe when youdo it. You're still too young to have a kid. Your mother and I had a hard time graduating when wehad you and Ash. We don't want you guys to have it harder than you need to. You need to tell usthe plan Ember. We need to know." Dad chimed in.

"You're starting birth control today. You're grounded this week too. I know it is hard not to see yourmate so he will be allowed to come here and see you for an hour with us present. You will also haveyour regular training plus extra training. You will also spend time with Eric who didn't want to go toschool till you were found. You scared him, and Ash, a lot." She shook her head disappointedly. Herattention then went to Toni.

"Toni, this is a terrible first way to meet. You kept my daughter out all night. Whether you werehaving sex or not, that is unacceptable. You're going to have your work cut out for you, climbingyourself out of this terrible first impression you've made.” Mom was thankfully not tearing tooharshly into him.

"Come with me boy. We need to talk.” Dad signaled for Toni to follow him. I was going to followtoo, but mom grabbed my wrist.

"Oh no you don't. Those two are talking alone and so are we."

Mom pulled me into her study and lectured me more. She was relentless. She added that I wouldneed to attend the summit, And dress the part, as punishment. I hate summits. It just brings moreelder elves that don't like Ash or I.

Eventually mom let me leave her office and I found dad and Toni smiling at one another. Dad mustlike him if they are smiling already. That's a relief.

"Your mother is finished with you already?" He asked looking behind me for confirmation fromMom. I nodded my head at him.

"That's surprising.” He smiled at mom, a twinkle in his sky blue eyes. Dad adores mom and it'salways so visible in the way he looks at her.

"Come with me. We need to talk.” He gestured up the steps and I knew that meant he wanted totalk on the roof. "Toni, I wish you the best of luck.” He squeezed Toni's shoulders sending him to theperil that is my mother.

I followed dad up the steps in silence. His body was relaxed, but his face was serious. He was deepin thought, probably trying to get his words right. Dad was always particular about the words heused. He thought of every argument or counter that could be said.

He was always three steps ahead in a conversation. Dad was smart like that. I think that's whatmakes him such a good lawyer. That and the deep care he shows for people that need help.

When we got to the roof dad sat on the edge again. His legs dangling over in the air. I sat besidehim, less nervous about the height and more nervous about what he was going to say.

"Although I was worried about you, and pretty disappointed in you when I found out where youwere, I am glad that you are learning to let people back in. I know you've had it rough all around. Ican't imagine what you've endured emotionally. Ember you're so very strong.” Dad didn't look atme as he spoke. His eyes were focused on the clouds above us. "I want you to know that I love youa lot and I'm here for you. Whatever you need, I'll provide. Whatever bad you've done, I'll help youget out of it. Whatever bad happens to you, I will seek revenge for it. You're my little girl, althoughnot so little anymore.” Dad's sky blue eyes met mine, a bit red from the tears he was fighting back."Thanks, Dad." I couldn't keep my eyes on him. I started twirling my thumbs.

"Toni seems like a great guy. Lean on him when things get dark.” I'm not sure why, but I get thefeeling dad's holding something back. "You'll survive what's to come. I hope you can save him too."Dad's thoughts came heavy and sad. What's he talking about?

"Save who, Dad?" I couldn't help asking.

"Ember!" He got upset. "You can't just read people's thoughts whenever you like."

"I can't help it when they come into my mind all on their own. I don't seek them." I defended,crossing my arms. “Tell me what you're talking about. Save who?"

"It's something your mother said the tree warned her about. We're not supposed to tell you or itcould keep you from saving them. Just know that you will be okay, no matter what we will be herewith you.” Dad squeezed my hand.

My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to process everything he just said. I felt more confused than everbefore. Save who? Why would telling me keep me from saving him? Is it Toni? Ugh I hate this crypticshit. I sighed heavily, slightly frustrated.

"Yeah, okay." I sighed frustrated.

Dad got up and held his hand out to me, helping me off the ledge. We headed back down in silenceagain. I kept thinking about what he said. About the thoughts and why they were so sad. Who is indanger?

"I've called the school and told them you're out for today. Gabe called for Toni as well. You two aregoing to spend the day here. We have a lot to prepare for the summit and you're going to help. Ericand Ash have already started since they missed school. Go down to the garden and help them."Mom instructed me as we got downstairs. I nodded my head, grabbing Toni's hand and leading himout.

"We need to talk.” I heard Dad whisper to mom. "She heard my thoughts about the prophecy.”Prophecy?

"No. He'll be gone forever.” Mom gasped, sounding really scared.

"She doesn't know who. Don't worry. Just keep your mind guarded.” I heard him tell her as wereached outside.

This is going to drive me crazy. I'll just have to keep a close eye on the males in my life. Which isoddly a lot. Eryn, Charles, Dad, Ash, Eric and now Toni. One of them is danger.