THE RETURN
Claire wandered through a fog-laden forest lured by an irresistible urge. Not knowing what drew her here, she peered through the denseness. Tree limbs cracked breaking the October stillness.
Her breath quickened. “Who’s there?”
No answer.
Someone shadowed her. Claire darted back the way she came but stumbled over a rock.
Suddenly, she slammed head-long into an invisible wall hitting the ground hard.
“Ain’t nowhere to run, girly.” He came closer, leering at her. “Someone is looking for you.”
She scooted away screaming at the top of her voice, “Get away from me!”
“Jaxom!” Powerful words came from the mist. “Quit scaring her.” Another man materialized.
“Lorcan.” The old man bowed his head.
“Go now,” Lorcan commanded. He turned toward Claire. “Don’t be afraid.”
“Leave me alone.” Her voice shook.
He held out his hand. “Let me help you.”
She tried to flee, but couldn’t.
“Be calmed, Claire. I must tell you something. Come with me.”
“No.” She yelled. “H-how do you know my name?”
He sat down near her and shook his head. “You are eighteen and don’t know who you are.”
She saw him clearly. His stark black hair and alabaster skin were much like hers. A familiarity? An attraction?
“Who are you?”
He inhaled. “We are the same, you and I. Do you remember anything?”
“I grew up in an orphanage, without a family. But—”
“—why are you here?”
“Yes.”
“Our ancestors settled this planet centuries ago. You are Adorrian, Claire. The last one remaining here.”
Her voice quivered. “You can’t be serious. You’re talking about aliens?”
He nodded. “You, me, even the old man. And I’ve come to take you home.”
“Is this is a Halloween prank?” Her eyes searched the forest.
“No, it isn’t. You must return to Adorra.” His fingers grazed her arm.
His touch caused a shiver and she pulled away. “I don’t believe you.”
“I culled you, brought you to me. Your Adorrian blood grows weak. Can’t you feel it? This planet can no longer sustain our kind. You won’t survive.” He stared at her. “You will die.”
Claire drew in a frayed breath. “Why don’t I know this?”
“You do. You have to unlock the veiled memories.”
She gazed into his indigo eyes and the truth of his words flooded her mind. Her breath held.
Lorcan rose and strode into a swirling mist. “Decide for yourself, Claire.” His words traced across her mind.
Emptiness filled her. “Wait. It is true, isn’t it?” She chased after him.
“Yes, Claire.” He opened his arms, drawing her against him. A vaporous cloud enveloped them, pulling them upward into a whirling light.
The next instant they stood on the bridge of a starship. The old man sat at the helm.
“Jaxom, lay in a course for Adorra.”
Lorcan held her while her memories stirred. She finally knew. Claire lingered in his arms as they returned to Adorra, their home.
END
© copyright Kaye Manro 2017
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