smell like donkey dung. We will talk when you are done, ok.”
I don't argue for a moment. The hot shower is calling to me like a seductive lover. Begging me to join it. The thought of a lover brings a niggling thought to my mind. And for a moment, I feel like there is something or someone I am supposed to remember. The thought or distant memory disappears as soon as it arrives.
I sling my nasty clothes in the trash can and step under the spray of hot water. It feels heavenly. I stay here until the water starts to run cold and then finally emerge from the bathroom. I'm greeted with the most beautiful sight in the world when I exit. Chelle has called room service and it looks like she has ordered at least one of everything they carry. My stomach stirs and I sit on the edge of the bed and stuff my mouth full.
Rochelle eyes me disapprovingly before she starts talking.
“I don't know how to tell you this. Considering you don’t remembering anything I guess I should start at the beginning.”
I wave my hand in the air telling her to go on, continuing to eat the delicious spread that was placed before me. Every bite was mouthwatering and I didn't really want to stop just to tell her to go on.
“Well we found a group of Craecia, about 6 months ago, that had gone rogue without actually turning Orfeo yet. They were spies infiltrating the coven for Ose. Do you remember any of this?”
Something she said rings a bell in the recess of my mind. I feel it fighting to come forward. Until her next statement, which completely and utterly floors me.
“Orin and Haas were at the center of the spy network, Lyon. We believe that Orin turned first and then brought Haas over with him. I’m so sorry.”
I can't believe what she is telling me. There is no way Orin or Haas would go rogue. We are a family. Brothers ‘til the end of time, and yet I know Rochelle wouldn't lie to me about something like this. I can see the pain in her eyes. Telling me this is crushing her.
“How? Why?” I ask her. Not able to say any more than those two words.
“I don't know Lyon. I wish I did. We are here in Texas tracking them. You had believed they could be saved still. Until, of course they turned Orfeo. I think seeing them like that pushed you over the edge. Maybe this is why you lost your memory? I haven't seen you for weeks until tonight when you appeared at the hotel.”
I can't hear any more of this. My two brothers. My best friends, gone? Now it’s my job, my duty to hunt them down and rid the world of their evil. Exhaustion creeps up on me suddenly.
“I’m going to lie down for a little while. I need to process this.” I tell Rochelle as I crawl into bed. I’m out, fast asleep the minute I pull the sheets up over my head.
“LYON!!!! Damn you, you stupid BARRIER! LET ME THROUGH!!!!!” He hears her before he sees her and his soul leaps with joy at the sound of her voice.
“Arsema? Arsema! Where are you?” He yells back in the direction of her voice as he searches the dark empty space for his soul keeper.
“Lyon? Can you hear me? Oh my god Lyon!” She says as she plows into him from the side.
“How? How did you find me? How did you get through? I have been trying to reach you forever. I need you to come home Lyon. I need you here with my body. I need our bond.”
She is sobbing with tears of relief and worry for both. I feel her inside of me once again united they way we are suppose to be and my memories of the last few months come flooding back to me.
“I’m here my love. I’m here and I'm coming home. I promise.”
I don't bother to tell her where I am or who I am with. I know those things will only upset and worry her more. So, instead I spend my time holding her and loving her. I let myself open to her and I mask her in the overflowing love I feel for her. I have missed this feeling of contentment more than I ever thought I would. This