Shine: The Knowing Ones (8 page)

Trin studied the energy of the other surfers. “They’re still learning,” he grumbled. “There aren’t any really good surfers out there.”

Anvil squatted down next to Trin, leveling their gaze. “Trinton,” he began. “Tell me what you know about the tides.”

Trin looked out at the ocean. “It’s a magnetic pull from the moon and sun tugging at the water.”

“That’s right,” Anvil said. “It’s the result of a naturally occurring rhythm. What makes the waves bigger?”

“Wind and storms.” His bright blue eyes gleamed. “You could help me, Anvil!”

The strong warrior laughed at Trin’s innocent enthusiasm. “Wind and storms also have their own natural cycle, don’t they?”

“Yes,” Trin said.

“I can alter the winds, but it doesn’t mean I should.” He fixed Trin’s gaze. “Everything has its own order and rhythm, Trinton, and anything you do to the waves right now will alter those rhythms. You know very well how powerful water can be. You have a gift to communicate with it. If you alter the natural rhythm of this water right here, what do you think might happen?”

Trin’s tanned little features twisted in thought. “It would affect all of the water,” he answered.

“Right, and that could affect the land around the water and the people who live there.”

Trin’s blonde head dropped forward in disappointment. “Yeah, I guess that could be really bad.”

“Before you act you must always think about the consequences of your actions,” Anvil said. “No matter how badly you might want something.” He put a comforting hand on Trin’s shoulder. “It will be all right,” he assured him. “The beginners need a slow day occasionally so they can learn too.” He stood. “Now, why don’t you get in there and show those amateurs how it’s really done.”

Trin’s competitive little face broke into a grin. He gripped his board, sprinting toward the water.

Trin opened his eyes, leaning back into his seat.

“You cannot defeat Ashbel alone and keep Samantha safe. That is precisely how he got to Anavi,” Anvil said. “Separating us was his plan all along. It is the only way he can defeat you. He knows that.”

Trin stared through the glass. “There’s something else.”

Anvil paused. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know,” Trin replied. “But I know I am supposed to wait.”

“For what?”

Trin looked down. “I don’t know. My head is a mess. The truth is
I don’t
know exactly how to defeat Ashbel. But neither do you; neither do the Elders. None of us even know where he is or what he wants. Our arsenal consists of three things;
your
sixth sense as his twin, the Elders’ educated speculations from his past, and
me.
That’s it.” Trin’s voice softened. “I’m not trying to be difficult,” he said. “I’m just pointing out that what has worked in the past may not work in this situation, and yes, the motivation behind my choice is keeping Sam safe. I admit that. But isn’t that what everyone wants? If we lose Sam we lose everything. Just like before. It would be a devastating loss to all of us. Not just me.
You
know that better than I hope I ever will.”

Anvil listened. “Trinton, this is
your
mission. The Divinity has provided us with
you specifically
. Therefore, it is ultimately your choice how you handle it. But as it was when you were little on that beach, you must make your choice for the right reasons. If you are wrong, you are still wrong. You can’t let your emotions cloud your logic. Our fate depends on your choices. I have faith in you, Trinton.” And with that he was gone.

Trin closed his eyes dropping his head back against the seat, then leaned forward, grabbing his keys from the ignition. He climbed out
of his truck and went inside for what promised to be a restless night’s sleep.

The Entity hovered—his darkness saturating humanity, drowning them, prodding, coercing, causing havoc, but with limits. His power was caged because it did not have a home.

He watched; ever envious of their physical bodies. Oh the power. Intelligence inserted into flesh was akin to an electric charge, a spirit in flesh,
endless possibilities.

He studied the past, the future, flipping through time like pages in a book. They were easy enough to manipulate, unaware of their power,
denying it
even. Using their chaos was so easy. Forces beyond their comprehension simply “did not exist,” but these forces
did
exist, and this he craved more than anything; physical access to them.

He would find a way in.

No more merely planting self-doubt and insecurity. A ridiculous amount of succulent pain hung in the human environment, just waiting for a master. Like perpetual chaos machines they disregarded the power of thought, carelessly spouting rage, hatred, malicious intent.

Biting thoughts and words continually cut into the atmosphere, burning the very essence of each human being. Even the environment was affected. Once projected or vocalized, the energy remained causing pain, damage; eating away at hope and esteem like a cancer. The end result, an endless supply of jarring negativity.
Dormant power, so much of it.

Corruption was rampant, but too soon it wouldn’t be. The infiltration had begun. They had the supreme vehicle of physical bodies from which to throw their enormous power. They would not stop him again.

He had secured what he needed this time. If all went as planned he would once and for all break the seal and cross into the physical world.

He had but one individual to locate. It was only a matter of time.

He followed the new Keeper using the young man’s distinct aura as a tracking device.

...find her...

CHAPTER ELEVEN

T
rin filtered into the natatorium with the rest of his team. Cement walls trapped a thick scent of chlorine as upbeat music echoed through the large glass and concrete enclosure. Trin stared forward, eyes tired—his mind spinning in overdrive from the events of the previous night.

He worked to regain focus. Gazing out over the water his aura flickered. Of all the great teammates in the room with him now, the water was by far his best companion. Reaching the side wall, he removed his warm up suit, exposing his magnificently fine-tuned body, and began stretching.

Chris arrived at his side, removing his own warm up suit. He and Adam had both come in later than usual for a night before a meet.

Trin looked up, eyes glinting. “Rough night?”

“I’m guessing
my
night was more fun than yours was, puss. You were out cold and alone by the time we got home—and what’s up with that anyway?” he added. “That fine chick at our table. Where’d she end up?”

Trin squatted down by the edge of the pool, dipping his goggles in the water.

“At her place where I left her.”

Chris grinned. “Really?”

“Really.”

Trin stood, put his goggles on, and headed for the pool.

“Aw c’mon, man. Nothing?”

Trin finished pulling his cap on, jumped in the pool, and began swimming warm up laps.

Chris shook his head, and went for his own cap and goggles.

Sam pulled the door open and walked in. She had never been inside the Athletic Complex and had no idea where to go.

He’s going to think I’m psycho. I should leave; just meet him at the library at five o’clock.

She turned around with the intent of leaving but then stopped. She
wanted
to see him swim. This was
Trin Kosolov
. If nothing else, she could justify that, couldn’t she
?

Maybe he won’t notice I’m here
.

Then she remembered who she was referring to. She paused a moment and then continued into the facility. She wandered through the main hallway looking for the pool. A girl in volleyball attire ran past her toward the restroom.

She called out after her. “Excuse me.” The girl stopped and turned.

“Where’s the pool?” Sam asked.

“It’s in the center of the complex,” the girl replied. “Go down the hallway and through the doors. You’ll see it once you’re outside.”

“Thank you.”

“Sure!”

She bounded off toward the restroom as Sam headed down the hallway. She found the doors and pushed through. There it was; the big, bad natatorium that currently housed Trin Kosolov.

I must be out of my mind. I’m stalking him.

She circled the large glass enclosure, searching for a discreet entrance, selecting a door that opened to the top corner row of bleachers.

As she entered the announcer had already begun introducing the team. Frantically searching for a hidden seat in the top row, she allowed herself a glance at the swimmers as they filed in. Even dressed in identical warm up suits, she found him instantly. That aura was one of a kind.

Her heart hammered in her chest at the sight of him, her stomach in a tight knot. She scanned the row, finding a seat in the corner.
Perfect.

She slipped through and sat down. The announcer continued naming off each swimmer one by one, eliciting cheers.

“Trin Kosolov.” The crowd roared. Sam’s fingers tightened around the bench.

Once the introductions were complete, the team began shucking their deck coats. Sam lowered her head, eyes locked on Trin.

He unzipped the front of his jacket and pulled it open. A soft gasp escaped Sam’s lips...
my God.
Large muscles moved beneath his tanned skin as he worked—his broad shoulders flexing, engaging the hard, powerful chest she had felt against her the night before. His lean torso boasted a cut six pack, defined bands of smooth muscle that extended downword under the hem of his black Speedo. A rush of warmth burrowed low within her.

He pulled the jacket off, laying it aside. Grabbing the waistband of his pants, he pushed them over his powerful legs and stepped out. Sam clenched the fabric of her shirt, surprised by the intense desire welling up within her. He now stood nearly naked in front of her, sculpted to

perfection, primal sensuality flushing her skin.

She watched him move, the skill and grace of a true athlete, with something more. All the swimmers were finely tuned machines; impressive in their own right. But Trin was electrifying. A distinct power embraced him and she wondered if she was the only one who could feel it.

He picked up his goggles, about to pull them on when he froze, standing perfectly still for a moment. He lifted his head toward the crowd...and locked eyes with Sam.

A crimson flush filled her cheeks, and what was worse, she knew he could see it. She was utterly exposed. An intoxicating grin broke across his face. Sam gave a weak smile, and a sheepish wave. He laughed, shaking his head. Sam’s face dropped to her hands.

Trin was no longer tired. Finding focus was now next to impossible. He mumbled in Russian.

“Uh, the boy’s speaking in Rūsky,” Chris said. “What’s up, bro?”

Trin glanced at him and then looked up at Sam. Chris followed Trin’s gaze and laughed.

“Nice,” he said. “Focus, bro. We need you.”

Trin shook his head, exhaling. He pulled his goggles on, then his cap, shaking his arms out and stretching. First to race, he mounted the platform. The water before him ignited in shimmering light, responding to his presence. Communication ensued. Golden energy sang
from his skin, a living essence shining into the water, reflecting back as the sea beneath a rising sun. Only one person witnessed the exchange, and she sat dumbfounded in the top row.

“Swimmers take your marks...”

The sprinters dropped into position, hunched over, fingertips gripping the platform. The tone sounded and the swimmers dove in. Trin shot through the water, dolphin kicking to the surface. With majestic grace, he powered past all the other swimmers, his muscular shoulders rotating, throwing power into every stroke.

Like lightning, he reached the “T,” flipping effortlessly. Pushing off the wall he rocketed in the opposite direction, switching strokes. As usual, he was ahead of all the other swimmers. Reaching the end of the pool, he flipped around and fired off again, switching to the butterfly stroke with perfect technique and incredible speed.