Anew: The Archers of Avalon, Book One by Chelsea Fine Page B

Scarlet with a crooked smile. “I certainly hope so.”
    As they finished their ice cream, a boom sounded in the distance.
    They stopped walking and looked up to see fireworks. The high school band heading up the parade broke into a vaguely patriotic song as bright sparkles exploded in the sky.
    They stood and watched without speaking until the song ended and the fireworks finale began.
    Boom-boom-boom!
    The sky lit up with brilliant colors and lights. People everywhere started kissing and hugging and cheering and laughing. From somewhere above confetti began falling around them, floating into Scarlet’s hair and landing on her eyelashes.
    Her eyes still on the sky, she felt Gabriel’s hand slowly reach for hers. She slipped her small hand into his and smiled to herself.
    What was it about Gabriel that made her feel so…complete?
    Shifting her eyes, Scarlet saw a set of five stars hanging directly above them.
    Suddenly, she no longer hated all the trees in Georgia.
    Her eyes fell to Gabriel’s and for a moment she held her breath.
    Ohmygoodness, he’s going to kiss me.
    Scarlet didn’t know if she was nervous or excited or afraid.
    Gabriel, the stranger who made her feel safe and normal, the stranger with the familiar voice, was going to kiss her.
    And all of a sudden, Scarlet had no hesitations.
    She wanted Gabriel to kiss her.
    She wanted it more than anything.
    He turned to face her with his cute dimples and Scarlet looked up at him, excitement bubbling inside her as she smiled.
    He leaned down and slowly pressed his lips to hers.
    Soft and full, they laid against her mouth, sending warmth and butterflies into her stomach as she kissed him back.
    Everything about him…they way he smelled, the way he tasted…the way he placed his big hands on her hips and his fingers against her back….everything was wonderful.
    Somewhere far away music was playing and confetti continued to fall, a piece landing gently on Scarlet’s nose.
    She kept her hands on his strong shoulders and leaned up on her tiptoes to meet his mouth more fully. She wanted more.
    Even with her eyes closed, Scarlet could see fireworks.
    And they were magical.
    The Kissing Festival: Best. Idea. Ever.

9
    The next morning, Tristan rinsed blood off the ancient dagger as he tried to control the rage and fear curling inside him.
    So much for magical voodoo.
    He would have to try again.
    Gabriel, whistling Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, entered the kitchen.
    As annoying as Gabriel and his incessant good moods were, sometimes Tristan wanted to be like him. To walk around life, joyful and carefree, while whistling ridiculously optimistic songs.
    Tristan’s circumstances, however, didn’t really allow for nonstop happiness.
    “Hey.” Gabriel entered the kitchen and eyed the watered-down blood swirling in the sink. Carefully, he asked, “So…how did it go?”
    “Rough night,” was all Tristan said.
    Very rough night.
    “Okaaaay.” Gabriel leaned against the counter. “Did you do it? Is it over?”
    “Nope.” Tristan finished wiping down the dagger and began cleaning blood out of the sink.
    “What happened?”
    “Nothing.”
    “But there’s blood… lots and lots of blood…everywhere. How did the sucker not die?”
    Tristan didn’t answer. He just kept scrubbing the sink.
    Gabriel waited a moment before saying, “Fine, whatever. Be secretive.” He cleared his throat, his typical cheeriness returning. “So, I’ve decided to enroll in Avalon High.”
    Tristan looked up. “What?”
    Gabriel nodded. “That’s where Scarlet goes to school so I’m going to start as a senior.”
    Tristan twisted his face. “And do what, exactly? Turn in homework? Join the chess club? Go to prom ?” Tristan shook his head. “This isn’t a game, Gabe.”
    “I know it’s not a game. That’s why I’m going to school—to be closer to Scarlet.”
    Tristan rolled his eyes. While he was out swinging heavy daggers and undoing curses, Gabriel would be taking pop quizzes and