The Lost Years (The Guardians Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

at Calysta, she felt consumed with pity. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
    “Getting me out of here would be nice,” Calysta laughed.
    “I’m sorry, I—” Dina began.
    “Sweetie, I’m kidding. I know you can’t do anything about this. I get lonely. I wouldn’t mind a visit now and then.”
    “Of course, I’m so sorry.”
    “Dina— wait. Madame Laveau. Stay away from her. Okay?”
    Dina studied Calysta’s face, hoping for an indication of what she might be talking about. “What? The voodoo priestess that lives in the woods by the beach? Why on earth would I go near her?”
    “Just promise me, you’ll stay away from her,” Calysta pleaded.
    “Yeah, whatever. I better get back. I’ll visit, I promise,” she said before disappearing into the night.

 
     
    The glow in the dark stars plastered across Dina’s bedroom ceiling gave her something to focus on besides the oracle’s words. Unfortunately, the distraction did not work for long. After counting the stars for the third time, she accepted that she was not going to be able to shake Calysta’s voice from her thoughts. Was Calysta telling the truth about the council? Was she actually a prisoner at Rampart? Dina didn’t want to feel sympathetic towards the woman, but even more so, she wanted Michael to be there to answer her questions.
    As time passed, and Dina reflected on the conversation, she convinced herself that it was all a package of lies; some elaborate scheme to mess with her mind. She was no stranger to the maliciousness of the oracles and found herself frustrated that she was allowing herself to be pulled in. Though Dina wasn’t sure about the council and what lengths they would go to when it came to the cause of the Guardians, she knew Michael, and was certain he would never imprison someone against their will.
    This new found certainty faded however, and doubt began to creep back in. Did she really know Michael? She had never heard the story of his tragic romantic history with Mirada. Was there more she did not know about him? About the council? She groaned out loud, slamming her fists into her pillows, frustrated by the uncertainty she was surrounded with.
    Enough was enough, she couldn’t simply sit there any longer, doing nothing. She needed something to consume her thoughts, something to keep her in the right state of mind. Dina sat up, grabbed the nearby satchel, and placed it on her lap. Glancing down, she took hold of the small stone charm that was attached to the zipper. She smiled as she examined it, remembering when Raimie had given it to her. He was so proud of the little stone cherub he had made for her. Squeezing her eyes shut, Dina focused on the small item. She repeated the words, “Quod amiserint, invenitur. Quod amiserint, invenitur. Quod amiserint, invenitur.”
    Dina knew she didn’t have a choice, if by some small chance there was a shred of truth to what she had been told, and Gabe chose to leave them that night, she needed to be ready. As the last words of the enchantment left her lips, a calmness fell over her. Mindlessly, she walked over to her wardrobe, tucking the bag away. She returned to her bed, and the moment her head hit the pillow, she gave into the stillness of sleep. No longer were her thoughts plagued with worry. She didn’t understand the sudden calmness, but was pleased to have the peace, if only for a brief time.
    The restful period faded when Dina was awakened by a light tap. She stared at the door, hidden in the warmth beneath her blankets. Her breath caught in her throat and she wondered if she had imagined the sound. A moment later, her doubts were extinguished as she heard a gentle knock and whisper of a voice call out, “Dina, it’s Gabe, are you awake? I need help.”
    Dina groaned, her worst fears were coming true; it appeared there might be truth to what Calysta said, Gabe might actually be looking to leave them. With a huff, she made her way across the room, cracking the door