Chapter 24

Adalee's POV

Lying in bed, I cuddle closer to Victoria. We finished the surprise yesterday with a heated make-out session and a relaxing swim back home. The swim was beautiful once we got farther away from the cave. Victoria explained that the reason the cave didn't have much wildlife near it was because of how powerful the crystals are.

The sea was full of life once we got a few hundred feet away. There was coral all along the sea floor, and so many fishes swimming around. They came in all sorts of colors, making a rainbow.

Arriving back at the castle, I closed my eyes as Victoria got dressed. We walked along the shoreline, letting the ocean water run over our feet gracefully. It was serene and an amazing experience.

Now we are enjoying each other's company, my head lying on her chest. Her arm is wrapped around my waist, keeping me close.

I start to think of how lucky I was that Victoria heard my mind links. I couldn't imagine how awful it would be stuck at my house, not knowing if my sister would hurt me like she hurt Alicia. She's always protected me before, but she did it to someone, which means she could do it to me.

This brings up my worries about what Alyssa is going to do now that I'm gone. Surely, she thinks I've been taken again, which I didn't intend. Thinking back on it, I should've left a note.

How is my sister going to react? What will she do to try to get me back? Will she target Victoria or anyone else that I care about?

Victoria pulls me closer, making me zone back into reality. "What are you thinking so hard about?"

I sigh, not wanting to explain my concerns to her. What if she thinks I'm stupid for worrying?

Deciding to open up to her, I turn my face so I'm looking at her. "I'm worried about how my sister is going to respond. What if she targets you again? I just want you to be safe."

Victoria smiles at me, leaning down and pecking my lips. Pulling away confused, I ask, "What was that for?"

"That was for being sweet and thinking about me. And to ease your worries, I'll let you know that even if she decides to do anything, we are prepared. She won't be able to harm us, and I won't let her get near you." Victoria cradles my head back into her chest, running her fingers through my hair in a soothing manner.

I smile discreetly, feeling a spark of hope in my chest. "Maybe everything will end up okay."

Feeling her move slightly, I can hear the smile in her voice. "I know it will."