Touched by Darkness (Young Creator Trilogy) by Christiane Shoenhair

worry about, no one knew that any of you have
been missing.”
“How is that possible?” The words that I was just wondering come out of Chelsey’s
mouth.
“I used one of my gifts. I can make humans see whatever I want them to see. All of you
have been attending class and going about your everyday life.” This comes from Aunt Tisi, who
has been quiet until now. Suddenly, I remember that she is capable of this. I still can’t believe
that ithadn’t crossed my mind once to worry about what everyone thought about us
disappearing. I guess the only excuse that I haveis that there’s too much going o
n.
Now that that’s been cleared up, Maximus continues,“I know you all want to stay and
help, but this place is not safe for you. We can’t afford to have those here that we feel may be a
threat.” He glances at Eddie and Porsche with those words. “Not only that, but we have a lot of
work here and wecan’t take care of all of these people and constantly have our guard up about
Allecto. Therefore, we have decided that the best place for you is Dalton Academy. There is a
reason why we sent Guardians there, and why your mother and I decided it was the safest place
for you, Trish. Even though Dalton Academy is just a normal human boarding school, it was
built on ground that was blessed by Artemis. This means that the Furies, including Tisiphone and
any person that may mean harm to those at Dalton Academy,can’t cross the boundary of the
land. It is the safest place for all of you.”
Chapter 9
     
Touched by Meanness
    It
’s so strange to be back at Dalton Academy, as if nothing has ever happened. As if we
never disappeared from the school; as if wedidn’t just fight an evil Fury for the survival of the
human race. At the same time, everything has changed … except no one other than us knows it.
The last day I spent at Dalton Academy was like a dream because then Keagan and I were
dating. It’s going to be awkward to explain our now non-existent relationship. However, I’m
looking forward to seeing my friends Kristina, May, and Lexi. They, in addition to Chelsey and
Keagan, were part of the reason that I started healing after my mother—without explanation—
just dropped me off. I was so angry with everything and everyone, and I rejected any person that
even tried approaching me. Other than Chelsey, who somehow wiggled her way into my
defenses, which I have to sayI’m really grateful for. NowI’m back, sitting at lunch with my
friends as if nothing has happened. The only difference is that Keagan and Eddiehaven’t joined
us. Eddie is sitting with Porsche and her underlings, and I have no idea where Keagan is.
    Sam enters the cafeteria and looks around. I hate how different he seems. Gone is the
carefree troublemaker that I first met at Haven, and in his place is a sad yet strong young man.
His gaze skims the cafeteria, and I notice that quite a few pairs of eyes have noticed Sam, which
is no surprise sincehe’s a really attractive guy and new to the school. When his eyes land on our
table, I noticeKristina’s breath catching. “Hot damn, who is that? Where has he been my entire
life? Oh my God,he is walking over here.” I can’t help but laugh to see my confident friend so
flustered over a guy. Running her hands through her hair, she sits up straight and plasters a huge
smile on her face.
    Sam reaches us and gives everyone a friendly smile. “May I introduce my cousin Sam to
you?” Three pairs of eyes swing to me in astonishment. “I was telling him about Dalton, and
since he just got expelled from his school he figured he’d try something different.” Yes, that’s
the story we came up with and I have to sayI’m pretty happy with it. It also explains how
Chelsey and Sam know each other, especially since they’re already making googly eyes at each
other. Unfortunately, Kristina has already noticed and is now sitting with slumped shoulders.
Sam takes a seat next to Chelsey and throws