Kekuatan Hantu

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

Bab 1
Aku menarik Chevy Blazer '89 tua milik ayahku untuk berhenti di luar rumah Paman Rory. Aku menghela napas dan mematikan truk. Kota baru, rumah baru, sekolah baru dan orang-orang baru. Bukanlah sesuatu yang baru menjadi gadis baru di sekolah. Aku telah dipaksa untuk pergi ke dua belas sekolah yang berbeda dalam lima tahun terakhir sejak Ayah meninggal. Aku merasa heran aku bisa lulus sama sekali. Aku menoleh ke belakang ke rumah itu, rumah itu adalah pengrajin dua lantai tua dengan jendela-jendela panelnya yang banyak dan lapisan cat hijau bijak yang baru. 
Berkat Paman Rory, tahun ini akan menjadi normal. Tidak ada lagi pindah rumah, tidak ada lagi pindah sekolah, tidak ada lagi harus bekerja paruh waktu untuk memastikan kami memiliki cukup makanan di pantry. Aku menyandarkan kepalaku di kursi dan memejamkan mata. Tahun ini akan menjadi normal. Seolah-olah saya akan tahu apa itu normal. Rasa dingin menjalar ke belakang leherku, aku mengerang. Ayolah, saya baru saja sampai di sini. Saya menghela napas dan membuka mata saya. 
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Tenggorokan saya tertutup, rasa sakit menjalar ke rahang dan turun ke dada saya. Saya menarik napas dalam-dalam dan berpura-pura tidak bisa melihat orang mati itu. Saat dia mendekat, rasa sakitnya bertambah. Kepalaku berdenyut-denyut saat dia berjalan melewatiku. Ayo sobat, bergerak lebih cepat. Saya berjuang untuk memasukkan udara ke dalam paru-paru saya. Rasa sakit di kepalaku meningkat saat ingatannya mengalir ke dalam pikiranku. Tidak, tidak, tidak, tidak ingin tahu. Saya memejamkan mata dan fokus untuk mendorong mereka pergi. 
Saya tahu apa yang dia inginkan; saya merasakannya. Dia perlu menceritakan kisahnya kepada seseorang. Dan saya benar-benar tidak ingin berurusan dengan hal ini sekarang. Rasanya seperti berjam-jam kemudian ketika rasa sakit itu akhirnya memudar dan saya bisa menarik napas dalam-dalam lagi. Ketika saya tidak bisa merasakan pria yang sudah mati itu lagi, saya membuka mata saya dan menyesuaikan kaca spion samping saya, tangan saya gemetar. Dia berada sekitar lima belas kaki di jalan; sepertinya dia tidak memperhatikan saya. Saya sudah berada di kota ini belum genap sepuluh menit dan orang mati sudah berlalu lalang. Itu adalah rekor baru bahkan bagi saya. Saya tidak ingin melihat orang mati, tetapi saya tidak punya banyak pilihan. 
Penglihatan ini telah diturunkan melalui keluarga saya sejak awal. Meskipun itu hanya mempengaruhi para wanita. Beruntungnya aku. Aku memejamkan mataku yang tiba-tiba lelah. Tolong biarkan orang mati menjauh besok. Aku tidak tahu siapa yang kuminta, atau apakah aku akan mendapatkan jawaban. Semua jawaban lain atas permintaanku adalah tidak. Yang satu ini mungkin akan sama. Menyelipkan ponselku kembali ke dalam saku dalam jaket kulitku, aku keluar dari blazer. Kemudian mengeluarkan tas rangselku dan kotak kecil berisi perlengkapan seni yang telah berhasil kukumpulkan selama bertahun-tahun. 
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Meskipun ia adalah seorang perwira polisi untuk Departemen Kepolisian Spring Mountain, ia tidak pernah kehilangan sifat kekanak-kanakannya dalam hal lelucon praktis. Rory mengusap rambut tembaga pendeknya. Ia berkedip-kedip melawan cahaya matahari. Celana jeans birunya kusut, begitu juga dengan kaos putihnya.
"Lexie?" Rory sepertinya terbangun. "Maaf, aku pasti pingsan." Dia mengulurkan tangan dan mengambil kotak itu dari tanganku. Dia memberiku senyuman kecil yang tidak cukup sampai ke matanya. Ini bukanlah keadaan terbaik untuk reuni, tapi itulah adanya. Saya membalas senyuman kecilnya saat saya melangkah masuk ke dalam rumah. Rumah itu tampak seperti satu ruangan besar. Area ruang keluarga berada di sebelah kanan saya, dengan sofa biru dan kursi berlengan yang serasi. 
Sebuah pusat hiburan besar memenuhi dinding beberapa meter dari pintu. Dapur berada di sebelah kanan lebih jauh ke dalam, di dalam ceruknya sendiri. Dapurnya bersih, dan penuh dengan baja tahan karat. Ada jendela besar di atas wastafel. Ruang makan berada di seberang ruangan dari belakang sofa. Meja makan kayu gelap yang besar memiliki tempat duduk untuk delapan orang. Itu terlihat nyaman; saya menyukainya. "Ayo masuk sayang, kita akan mengambil barang-barangmu dari mobil."
"jIni KaPdatlalh sCegwalany!aG."ó AkIu berLgJuGmBam lsa'mb(ilv mgeltih,atQ fotDo'-JfCoto di d(inXdiJngY FdQiB sebbelahd kBimri!kCuT, .fyoto-nfYotom UiitUuk tmenruVsc mXen_a_ikwi tangMgWa Zke^ lFahntaRi d^ua. Akhu buisFaé mlenlZivhamts TDara ydip &seZbfa,giiuazn Tbfeispaurl foft.o-)f$ot'o_ AiPtu.L BBugtUumh Lsa_tFuU muefnit sebeflWuumt .a$kuR mNenLyUadga(rBi SbSahwam RDorr&y tiduaYk_ cbergerpank. Aku Ympenxolpeh skeK arahBn,yQa;d ia xmenge$rrutkOaUn, kenciingnfya.g
"Ini semuanya?" Dia bertanya, suaranya terdengar seperti tidak percaya. "Sebuah tas rangsel berisi pakaian dan sekotak barang? Itu semua yang kau miliki?" Aku menarik napas dalam-dalam dan menolak untuk merasa malu. Aku telah bekerja keras untuk mendapatkan sekotak barang itu, belum lagi pakaianku. Aku tidak punya banyak, tapi aku telah mendapatkan semua yang kumiliki.
"Ya, Rory. Itu semuanya." Aku berkata jujur, mencoba untuk menjaga tantangan dari suaraku. Saya rasa saya tidak berhasil. Rory memberiku senyuman kecil.
"Yah, kita harus memperbaikinya." Ia mengumumkan sebelum berbalik dan menaiki tangga sebelum aku sempat bertanya apa maksudnya. "Ayo, aku akan menunjukkan kamarmu dan kemudian kita bisa mencari tahu apa yang kau butuhkan." Saya mengikutinya menaiki tangga pinus ringan ke lorong di atas. Sebuah pagar membuatnya sehingga Anda bisa melihat ke bawah ke ruang tamu dan pintu depan. Ada tiga pintu di lorong; satu di sebelah kiri, satu di depan, dan sebuah pintu terbuka yang tampak seperti kamar mandi. Tanpa berbalik, ia menunjuk pintu sebelah kiri dengan ibu jarinya.
"IutQur mkNaImTard éTara!.)"L Dipa kemutdiPanó imenun!jukZ Dke Cpgi.ntLu d.ix uZjunkg_ alWosrSong yaAng ladinR.b "VIt(u! kWadmar* m'anJdiN óunOtOukm'u danU TNa,rav.&"^ DWiUaD !menoleyh_ pGadakZul Qd&eCngpanC Swaja_h ysUerius.. "K,amahr mDaindic witut &unQtmuka )ka)lSian HbDerd(uNa. DmiiaM mu_ngrkbiIn) akIainW meny$uli'tkan$muA dFiV pagPi $hjaZrJiK, &janga!n b*iQarka&nQ dóiyaP"$ ADKisa menRcWapa,iS pWiYnFtHu ÉteTpaCtL di sebebrawn,gM )tbanwggaP d$aDn metmBbRunkanya.. "iDamn éinpiN kCamAarm_u,. mBaamf kaMm^arnyDa saan'gaÉtF UkBecPiNlS.(" MS*aty.a$ mSelanuggkah maaspuwk' VkKe kNa!maSrl FtDitdur dvanV GterseCny.ummO. rKapmzaór IituT _tjaymTp&aUk pbers$aCrh baKgQiIkvuH.Q Dwivn,diqngU pRutlixhnxyAaI mpoloIs tCaLpki tTeGrpa.nRg,c lanatuaik ykaIyDu gceplBarpnyar ZbkerUsPiHh.O DIim nsOehbeHrOapngN rHuXangan(, jdi ódbinding ada *sebusafhm tqenmpat tYiMdAur. fSOebKuah kasur betruhkurYaZny tw_inv d!uCdqukI d'iW atas, binmgskXai lpulat&foTrmn ckamy,u jdeVnZgcanF tiCgRa lBaci daiC wbawwa$hnya.U BDYi ésUebeQlFaZh LkiNrKi^ _terWdCaXpaRt) ,sebuahW PmejaH b_eszi Hda.n kQayuq. TiNgaw *lacTi wdhi xsiTsQi Bkiri* ,me)mviliqk)id 'p,ermOuktaan. hlogamR, ma$séiÉnWg-GmsansiMng VlWa!cRi_ dcefnLgganH waNrénDa DyZa_ncg lbgerbeda.^ pSa'yhaz DmAe(llangkah 'lebhifh DjbauhI ke daMla$mz Qr&uangian daDn memliWhaqt rawkz-rnaNkp WkBayuN rikngaYn di_ Vd.inldingK *k)iraia.f

"Ini adalah kamar terbesar yang pernah saya miliki dalam waktu yang lama." Saya mengatakan kepadanya tanpa repot-repot untuk menjaga keterkejutan saya dari suara saya saat saya pergi untuk memeriksa lemari. Ada sebuah lemari yang sebenarnya! Bukan lemari! Saya membuka pintunya dan kagum dengan ruangan yang saya dapatkan. "Aku tidur di tempat tidur tarik dari set dinette." Aku mengatakan kepadanya tanpa sadar saat aku meninggalkan lemari dan menaruh tasku di tempat tidur. Ketika aku berbalik wajah Rory mengerutkan keningnya lagi, bibirnya mengerucut.
"Sialan Alexis." ia mengumpat sambil mengusapkan tangannya ke wajahnya sebelum menangkap mataku dengan matanya. "Apa yang ibumu teruskan untukmu...." Aku menelan ludah dengan keras saat aku melihat sekeliling mencoba mencari cara untuk menghindari percakapan ini. Dia melangkah masuk ke dalam ruangan dan menjatuhkan kotak itu ke atas meja, lalu menarik kursi dan duduk. "Duduklah nak." Saya menghela napas dalam-dalam. Saya tidak menginginkan percakapan ini. Aku duduk di tempat tidur kembar, tanpa sadar menyadari betapa empuknya tempat tidur itu.
"Bagaimana memarnya?" Kepalaku tersentak ke atas, matanya menatap mataku menuntut jawaban.
"xTa(nda merUahó Fb&esar, qmAenmLar bsesfar dan njyeór'i.$" AkOu AmfexnjamwNab dwegngasnc !ringgAapn sOa_msbzibl mBeGrOabbuaq Dkera)h QbaGjukuu uWnvtuks KmwemaXstika)nQ Cjak,e'tBku wmbagsxibhS Am(eJnutupUi m'emahr dij )dekraZt qlaeherksu. q"hKauh qt$abhu sbasg.ayimana^ _mDe.mlar'nyóa ForaBngI be&raImkbuZtk mUeraÉhX,' tejrlci*haftp leBbqigh$ sburzutk darAi yQang sebe)naOrFnvyHau."j Akuq Otidmakó inBgIiun !membXifcaUrapka,n JhLal ifn'iV.n XAkTu hQaNnyva in$gin YmqelbuvpmaIkGannZyua dan meZlanljzuGtAkaFn hidWupX.I yDlarViO rUaut* &wajaUh RRoJry, Oh)al itu& ftiMdakJ akWaUnZ Lte,rJjgapdAiU.
"Aku sudah bicara dengan dokter ibumu hari ini." Dia mulai; aku meletakkan tanganku di tempat tidur di belakangku dan bersandar. Aku langsung menyesalinya saat rasa sakit melanda bahuku. Jadi aku duduk kembali dengan tangan menggantung di antara kedua pahaku. Rory menunggu sampai saya berhenti bergerak sebelum melanjutkan. Aku memperhatikan meskipun aku yakin aku tahu apa yang akan dikatakan Rory. "Dia jauh melebihi batas legal alkohol. Mereka juga menemukan kokain dalam tubuhnya." Aku mengangguk; ya itulah yang kupikir akan dikatakannya. Aku tidak peduli. Ibuku telah mengejarku. Dia memukuliku habis-habisan. Aku sudah selesai dengannya. "Mereka mendakwanya, mereka akan mengirimnya ke rehabilitasi selama beberapa bulan kemudian dia akan dibebaskan sampai persidangan atau dia akan ditahan sampai persidangan. Jika dia mencoba untuk datang menjemputmu, dia bisa masuk neraka." Suaranya keras, sambil terus menatap mataku. Jantungku berdegup kencang di dadaku, aku menjatuhkan tatapanku ke dadanya, berjuang untuk mengendalikan diriku. Rory benar-benar peduli. Tidak ada yang peduli dalam waktu yang sangat lama. "Aku sudah punya pengacara yang bekerja untuk mendapatkan hak asuh permanen atasmu. Bahkan jika dia dibebaskan, yang sangat kuragukan akan terjadi, pengacaraku bilang dia bisa mengikatnya dalam birokrasi yang cukup lama sampai kau berusia delapan belas tahun."
Rory mengulurkan tangan dan mengangkat daguku sampai aku menatap matanya lagi. "Kau tidak akan pernah kembali dengannya Lexie." Aku tidak mengatakan sepatah kata pun, aku tidak bisa. Tidak ada lagi pindah, tidak ada lagi sekolah baru.
Aku akan bisa memiliki kehidupan yang normal, senormal mungkin dengan melihat Sight.
Akk,ué tIiYdZa,k taAhvu& hMagrmusG DbwehrTkUata ,apUa.y
"Terima kasih." Aku berhasil, suaraku tersedak saat mataku dipenuhi. Aku menggigit ujung lidahku untuk mendorongnya kembali, itu berhasil.
"Kau sudah pulang sekarang Lexie." Rory berkata sambil tersenyum kecil. "Kau terjebak bersama kami." Aku mendengus. Itu lebih ke arah sebaliknya tapi aku akan menerimanya. Rory bertepuk tangan, mengejutkanku. Ia berdiri, menggosok-gosokkan kedua tangannya. "Sekarang, tunjukkan padaku apa yang kau miliki untuk pakaian dan kita akan pergi berbelanja untuk mengisi kekosongan." Aku bangkit, membuka tasku, dan mulai mengeluarkan beberapa pakaian yang kumiliki.
"Kamu tidak perlu membelikan saya pakaian, saya akan mendapatkan pekerjaan paruh waktu dan-" Saya mulai menata pakaian saya untuk dilihatnya.
"MJikiaé RkvaHmXuY mke&n(giwnginkKaén Hpzekerjaqahnr, aitu! ótifduak nmasal*axhF.J"d zSvuXakróatnyar asueMmaJkijnT thegas. )"Tapzi GatkBu in&gqisn kaQup fokKus )me(nqeZlYiHti SGigHht, LmennemuukaUn gaRprazpXuKnX yang kaNud LbTiDssaX."u AlkHuu 'bteLróthemu Xmatwa,nya flaMgUi; dWiaM sZeSriuVsd.Q q"ÉAkuU ómyufa.k GdecngarnQ wgadn$ita-NwkanHitaé di kezl*uCarWgav kfitWap ya.ng mQatis ik&a,revnaW i_niz. NAku iLngZin kjaRui me_milaiki kWendjaLli. MGengyerthi?!"c AMkDuU maeOnZgYaSng(gukt,M hhLaVtiLkBub wmencglhangjaWtn.* MbemiYl'i^ki skens!eZoDrRandg yanng 'benar-NbenJaKrT tp^euddulfié tden.gagnb kóe^adpaankWuL BahdJalahS hdaQl Hy!anHg NbarFu,J tapti CbabgKu.s.
"Aku sudah punya beberapa perasa yang sudah bekerja untuk itu." Aku menjawab sambil tersenyum. Saya mengambil salah satu kemeja saya dan pergi untuk meletakkannya di gantungan.
"Jangan repot-repot dengan itu sekarang, kita harus pergi ke sekolah dan mendaftarkanmu. Mudah-mudahan mereka sudah mendapatkan catatanmu sekarang." Rory sudah kembali ke lantai bawah, jelas mengharapkan aku untuk mengikutinya. Aku melemparkan kemeja itu ke tempat tidur dan pergi ke kotakku. Aku menggalinya sampai akhirnya aku menemukan flash drive tempat aku menyimpan catatan sekolahku. Aku menyelipkannya ke dalam saku jaket kulit hitamku dan mengikutinya. Rory sudah membuka pintu dan keluar. Aku bergegas turun ke bawah untuk berjalan keluar pintu lalu berhenti. Rory berdiri di depan Blazer dengan raut wajah yang aneh.
"Apakah ini Blazer tua ayahmu?" Dia bertanya dengan suaranya yang tebal seolah-olah dia menahan sesuatu. Saya berjalan untuk berdiri di sampingnya sambil melihat-lihat SUV tua itu.
"Yaé, s'ayaF tXelah Qmkencobga ufnbtGu^kx bmkembua)tnyBa t*etGap qbqetrjallan_."h uAknu berharap Qdi)a )tid*akr keibefratdaPn,U it_u adaxlahn Xsatu-sa$tbunyaA baraWnIg miBlÉiXk. AJyUa*hm dymang ber'haHsiyl qmekmbuatW Ibsu tiJdlaHk tm$enjéurawlnyam.a DCiIaB me*nQgaHnggu^kS,ó zsepDexr_tHinxya_ JdGirab m&eumluQtuskan sXesuatu.$
"Perlu lapisan cat baru." Rory bergumam sebelum membuka pintu dan melihat ke dalam. "Interior baru, kursi baru." Apakah dia sedang membuat daftar?
"Rory?" Suaraku sepertinya menarik perhatiannya kembali padaku. Dia menyeringai malu-malu padaku.
"Ayahmu sangat menyukai mobil ini, kau tahu itu?" Aku menggelengkan kepalaku, hatiku berat. Saya ingat saat mengendarainya saat masih kecil. Perjalanan berkemah di akhir pekan yang dia putuskan untuk dilakukannya setiap saat. "Bagaimana jalannya?" Dia bertanya sambil menutup pintu dan kembali menuju jalan masuk. Saya mengangkat bahu.
"ALtumayan,Q taHpZi jbergeitaCrt &ssaxat MACndbaD Jme!ncapai tKuOjuhG pBuJluIh.z" Kami sedaynmg ónMaiykf ke TwoQyoptai fRorgy pyangG lebih baru& kelti,ka! vaMkVu ymie,nsamObaWhkan.É "Kauó Ptidak ak(an fmbemperubadiki )BléaXzIeTr-ku." bDida me&nNdUenguqs.
"Bagaimana kalau mesinnya saja yang diperiksa? Guncangan Blazer membuatku khawatir." Dia menarik truk keluar dari jalan masuk dan menuju jalan kembali ke kota. "Ini bisa berbahaya." Dia bertingkah seolah-olah dia tidak ingin menyebutkannya. Tapi saya sangat meragukannya. Rory selalu menjadi seorang pemikat. Ayah sering mengatakan bahwa ia memiliki lidah perak, dan pesona iblis. Aku menghela nafas, sedikit mengalah.

"Baiklah, hanya mesinnya saja. Tapi aku akan membayarmu kembali untuk itu." Rory tertawa kecil. Dia benar-benar tertawa. SMA Spring Mountain tidak seperti SMA lain yang pernah kulihat. Gedung-gedung batu bata bertingkat satu itu tersebar. Para siswa berkeliling dari satu gedung ke gedung lainnya. Atap-atapnya cukup menggantung sehingga menciptakan lorong-lorong tertutup di antara gedung-gedung. Aku melihat beberapa remaja lain bergegas dari depan gimnasium menuju gedung-gedung lainnya. Rory memarkir truknya di tempat parkir kecil.
"Ayo kita atur jadwalmu."
Satu jam kemudian, kami kembali ke truk. Aku sedang melihat-lihat jadwal baruku. Peradaban Dunia AP, Bahasa Inggris, Aljabar 2, Kimia AP, waktu makan siang kemudian olahraga, Seni. Saya benci memiliki kelas olahraga, tetapi wanita di kantor mengatakan bahwa kelas yang saya ikuti sebenarnya adalah kelas yang bagus. Rupanya, mereka melakukan yoga atau semacamnya. Saya terlalu sibuk memeriksa jadwal saya dan menemukan ruangan-ruangan di peta saya untuk memperhatikan kemana Rory mengemudi. Ketika akhirnya saya melihat ke atas, saya menyadari bahwa kami berada di luar kota dan di jalan raya.
"Kiwt_a $mauL kReW )man.a?"F
"Belanja." Rory berkata padaku dengan sombong. Aku melihat ke arah Rory dan memelototinya. Rory hanya tersenyum, senang dengan dirinya sendiri.
"Lexie, ini bukan California, kau butuh pakaian musim dingin; bulan depan akan turun salju." Dia menjelaskan sambil menunjuk ke arah pegunungan di sekitarnya. "Kau tidak harus gila-gilaan tapi setidaknya kau butuh cukup untuk melewati minggu ini tanpa mencuci pakaian." Dia menarik nafas dalam-dalam lalu bergumam. "Dan kemudian beberapa." Saya berpura-pura tidak mendengar bagian terakhir itu. Saya menghela napas dalam-dalam. Saya benci mengakuinya tetapi dia benar. Akan menyenangkan untuk tidak harus mencuci pakaian setiap beberapa hari.
"Baiklah, kau menang." Rory kembali mencibir. Aku memutar mataku; Dia terkadang seperti anak kecil. Kami melaju ke kota yang lebih besar dari Spring Mountain, Northridge, demikian tulisannya. Tidak lama kemudian ia parkir di tempat parkir mal. Aku keluar dari truk dengan pasrah. Rory datang dari depan truk sambil berseri-seri.
"bADyo,' kibtra askGan pDebrrgij ke PdeparItwmentu éstorme ,aKtFaus snemTaXcaamrn'yna.s"É Dia $bqeirkaCtMa scaat akQuk YmeTnLgi,kkutuincyUam mwasuk ke Qdall.axmX mHaló XdGa^n mMavs$uk* kef BsaPlca*h MsatuL $tBoFko HyNang Rlebih óbPesUaXr. rAlku JpRawsrashb pVandUa Phxal yKatng! taók tPerelatkkCasn RsaOaté akuB mBenMgitk)uótsiB &RqoYrWyt.N DDli anTtxar^a kLensyxataanJ b(ahwaY japk,uc kbelCuZm perYnÉavh lmMemAb&elia pFakaiaXnB bairu hs(eAlqama_ QsheGtIa^hgunu txerakhPirL dafn permóiuntaanény*aQ akaGnw ^k)elbuUtuhan pakWa&iganp fm_uusim dxiCngi$nRkuN,O baLku LtildakA !bxenar-DbeTnar itAiYdawk& maut. APku hanyIa dbeFnciv ha$rus m(enIgHe$lyurabrkanh RuanFg. jKVaimBi lbe&rjRaalanL ,ker baaRgiTanY wa!nihtas Ydi Ztoko itu. jRVorHy_ Nbe&r_bal(ikX duah !kAalNiB GdzannT jmKenQgyg)aJrkukI-gfarukÉ GkepaUlanxyda. KIWa mdeTmberBi LisZyZaratF pa&dvaZ (puaka(i^an-qpakaiNanX &iutum. "vSriyl!ahVktan." DAklu (mevnRgg_igiBt gsukdu.tZ nb,iwb)irp bawiaihku yaXngó tVibbma-tibas ZmemrGa)sIa Xtisdak nyama!n.P Awkgu. bvenci lme*rBasGa tfidfakf nyza$maWnP.& SaQya dmendoHraoangnMya XkFeO sgampHiwng davnk RmculaUi Amelihattn-liHhPat* érLaKkh-riarkV paók&aian!.B kDTeCng(an Asanbgat ycexpCat, aaku mmeJm^iFliUkiJ Hhampiyrl lVeUblinh! BbaYnmyak, d^ari yanTgB bQi'sMaD kZu^bahwa.^ SaMyaa mencDar*i-c&arkiq SRoryS tKaDpéij ósaya LtidakH mreneWmutk!amntnUya.R zSeForanlg ga,dJiSs lyhazngB zleIbih NtMua,W bIehruIsiiaI s$ekYitaur* dua pu.lLuhan datZa_ng Nmebn!góhamspirui,.
"Hai, saya Karen, apakah Anda Lexie?" Aku mengangguk. "Pamanmu Rory memintaku untuk membantumu mendapatkan semua yang kau butuhkan, termasuk bra dan pakaian dalam." Aku menggigit lidahku agar tidak memaki-maki Rory. Pria itu hanya harus terus mendorong. "Dia bilang dia akan berjalan-jalan di mal dan kembali lagi setelah beberapa saat." Menghela nafas, aku menyerah dan menyerahkan banyak gantungan baju. "Mari kita buatkan kamar untukmu dan letakkan barang-barang ini di dalamnya. Kemudian kita akan mengambil beberapa bra dan mencoba semuanya sekaligus. Oh dan pamanmu ingin aku memberitahumu untuk mengambil beberapa seprai dan selimut." Dia memiliki senyum ramah yang lebar.
Pada akhirnya, Karen adalah anugerah. Karen membantu saya mendapatkan bra dengan ukuran yang tepat. Yang mana ukuran bra saya jauh dari yang selama ini saya kenakan, tidak ada yang pernah mengatakan kepada saya bahwa bra bisa nyaman? Ketika semuanya berakhir, saya memiliki lebih dari cukup pakaian untuk sekolah dan di rumah. Kami baru saja mengeluarkan pakaian ketika Rory muncul di luar kamar pas.
"Bagaimana kita melakukannya?" Dia bertanya sambil melihat tumpukan besar pakaian di atas meja.
"KiStpa cmelakaukannya IdencgadnK mszang)at baik;A Mdia qhdarquQs& memAilikbiG sOemYula y.aznég diTaW ibuYtuhkan XsavmpwaiF muwsHiXm divn$g&icn.V !BZe*b.eruanpxa gpaIsanógs zsepp^atuR, Qdavnj beXbe^rJaZpqa huoxodéidehs. Tapfin diAap mungVkYiwnF ra$kan memTbqutóuLhkMan zmNant)elS y^anHgd lketbihw TbreérCatA s(awalt czuadc'a. seDmPakinY .didnóginx.X" DKóaQretn& mGeTnpjjeulaHskaKn tsOa$aYt' iRa, se.leKsaiK rmem'buJkJubkanI hbamrga pakQa&ianM.V sMujluptqktug teryngIaRnga( mSejnadenYgar WharrgXakn_yya. Rvozrny, cmeimYberyiku jsenZy,uumuan lWebajrr.*
"Aku suka caramu berbelanja Lexie." Dia menyerahkan kartu kreditnya pada Karen. "Cepat dan hemat."
"I-Itu tidak hemat." Aku tergagap-gagap. Rory tertawa.
"Kau harus melihat tumpukan yang dicoba Tara ketika ia pergi berbelanja. Aku memberinya batasan dan memaksanya untuk menaatinya." Dia menandatangani struk belanja sebelum melanjutkan. "Kau bahkan berada di bawah batas belanja termurahnya." Aku tidak bisa mempercayainya. Bagaimana mungkin seseorang membutuhkan begitu banyak pakaian?
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"Tara sudah pulang." Dia mengumumkan sambil mematikan mobil. "Tara mungkin akan marah karena aku mengajakmu berbelanja. Jangan biarkan hal itu mengganggumu atau membuatmu merasa tidak enak. Baiklah?" Aku mengangguk sebelum keluar dari truk. Kami mengisi tangan kami dengan tas-tas dan menuju ke pintu depan. Ketika kami melangkah masuk ke dalam, Tara sedang menutup kulkas. Sepupuku sangat cantik. Rambut pirang panjang, mata biru dan wajah yang manis. Sayang sekali efeknya rusak ketika dia membuka mulutnya saat kami meletakkan tas-tas itu.
"Kau membawanya berbelanja? Kau pasti bercanda!" Tara berteriak melengking, membuat telingaku sakit. Sial, bagaimana dia bisa membuat suaranya setinggi itu? Aku memasukkan jari ke dalam telingaku dan menggoyangkannya.
"Sialan Tara, senang bertemu denganmu juga." Aku tidak pernah bisa menutup mulutku. Wajah Tara merah muda, tangannya menyilang di dadanya. Jika penampilan bisa membunuh, Rory akan menjadi genangan darah di lantai.
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