Amanda Hocking - Torn (Trylle Trilogy, Book 2)

Torn

Trylle Trilogy #2

by Amanda Hocking

Copyright 2010 by Amanda Hocking

http://amandahocking.blogspot.com

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author.

Table of Contents

1. Return

When Rhys and I showed up at my brother Matts house at eight in the morning, he was happy in the sense that he was glad that I was alive and hadnt disappeared forever. Despite being angry, he let me explain everything, while glaring at me the whole time with mystified rage.

At least I only had to tell to Matt. My aunt Maggie is my legal guardian, but she wasnt there when we arrived. Matt explained that she had gone off looking for me in Oregon. I have no idea why, but for some reason, she thought Id run off there.

As Rhys and I sat on the shabby-chic couch in Matts living room, surrounded by the boxes that he had yet to unpack from when we moved in to the house two months ago, Matt paced back and forth in front of us.

I still dont understand. Matt said. He stopped in front of us, arms folded over his chest.

Theres nothing to understand, I insisted, gesturing at Rhys. Hes your brother! Its pretty obvious when you look at him.

I have dark, wild curly hair and mahogany eyes. Matt and Rhys both have sandy hair and sapphire eyes. They had something much more open in their faces too, and they had the same easy smile. Rhys stared up at Matt with bemused wonderment, his eyes wide and awed.

How could you even possibly know that? Matt asked.

I dont know why you cant just trust me. I sighed and laid my head back on the couch. I never lie to you!

You just ran away from home! I had no idea where you were. Thats a major trust violation! Matt yelled.

His anger couldnt cover up how hurt he still was, and his body showed signs of the strain he had been under. When I disappeared, he completely collapsed, Im sure. His face was gaunt and haggard, his eyes red and tired, and he had probably lost ten pounds. I felt guilty, but I hadnt had a choice.

Matt was too preoccupied with my safety, a side effect from his mother having tried to kill me and all that. His life revolved around me to the point of being unhealthy. He had no friends, no job, no life of his own.

I had to run away! Okay? I ran a hand through my tangled curls and shook my head. I cant explain it to you. I left for my safety and for yours. I dont know if I should even be here now.

Safety? What were you running from? Where were you?! Matt asked desperately, not for the first time.

Matt, I cant tell you! I wish I could but I cant!

Im not sure if it was legal for me to tell him anything about Trylle or not. I assumed everything about them was secret, but nobody had expressly forbidden me from telling outsiders, either. Matt would never believe me, though, so I didnt see the point in trying.

Youre really my brother, Rhys said in a hushed tone. He leaned forward to get a better look at Matt. This is so weird.

Yeah, it is, Matt agreed. He shifted uncomfortably under Rhyss stare before he turned to me, his expression serious. Wendy, can I have a word with you? Alone?

Uh, sure. I looked over at Rhys.

Taking his cue, Rhys stood up. Wheres your bathroom?

Down that way, off the kitchen. Matt pointed to his right.

Rhys nodded and smiled at him, then walked the direction Matt had pointed. Once he was gone, Matt sat down on the coffee table in front of me and lowered his voice.

Look, Wendy, I dont understand whats going on. I have no idea how much of what youve told me is true, but that kid looks like a total weirdo to me. I dont want him in my house, and I dont know what you were thinking bringing him here.

Hes your brother, I said wearily. Honest, Matt. I would never, ever lie about something this major. I am one-hundred percent certain that he is your real brother.

Wendy Matt rubbed his forehead, sighing. I get that you believe that. But how could you know that? I think this kid is feeding you a story.

No, hes really not. Rhys is the most honest person Ive ever known, except for you. Which makes sense since you are brothers, I said. Please. Give him a chance. Youll see.

What about his family? Matt asked. Who has been raising him for the past seventeen and a half years? Dont they miss him? And arent they your real family or whatever?

Trust me, they wont miss him. And I like you better, I said with a smile, ignoring his questions.

Matt shook his head, unable to decide what he should make of all this. I knew a large part of him didnt trust Rhys and wanted to throw him out of the house, so I admired him all the more for his restraint.

I wish you would be straight with me about all of this, he said.

Im being as straight with you as I can be.

When Rhys came back from the bathroom, Matt leaned away from me and eyed him warily.

You dont have any family pictures up, Rhys commented as he looked around the room.

That was true. We didnt really have decorations up of any kind, but we didnt particularly care to remember our family. Matt especially was not fond of our er, his mother.

I had yet to explain to Rhys about his mother being a lunatic locked up in a mental institution. Stuff like that is hard to break to someone, especially someone as awestruck as Rhys.

Yeah, were just that way, I said, trying to change the subject, and stood up. We drove all night to get here. Im pretty beat. What about you, Rhys?

Uh, yeah, I guess Im tired. Rhys seemed a bit startled by my suggestion. Even though he hadnt gotten any sleep, he didnt look tired at all.

We should get some sleep, and we can talk more later.

Oh. Matt got to his feet slowly. Youre both going to be sleeping here, then? He looked uncertainly at Rhys, then back at me.

Yeah, I nodded. He doesnt really have anywhere else to go.

Oh. Matt was clearly against this idea, but I knew he was afraid that if he kicked Rhys out, Id go after him. Rhys, I guess you can sleep in my room, for now.

Really? Rhys tried to tone down his excitement over staying in Matts room, but it was obvious.

Matt awkwardly showed us up to our rooms. My room was still my room, all my stuff the same as I had left it weeks earlier. As I settled in, I listened to Matt and Rhys talking across the hall in Matts room. Rhys was asking him to explain the simplest things, making Matt frustrated and uncomfortable.

By the time Matt came into my room after finally getting Rhys comfortable, I had already changed into my pajamas. They were worn and comfortable, and I loved them.

Wendy, what is going on? Matt whispered. He came in and shut the door behind him, as if Rhys were some kind of spy. Who is that kid really? Where did you go?

I cant tell you what happened while I was gone. Cant you just be happy that Im here and Im safe?

No, not really. Matt shook his head. That kid is not right! He is so amazed by everything!

Hes amazed by you , I corrected him. You have no idea how exciting this all is for him.

None of this is making any sense! Matt ran a hand through his hair.

I really do need to get some sleep, and this is a lot for you to process. I get that. Why dont you just go call Maggie? Let her know Im safe. Ill get some rest, and you can think about everything Ive been saying.

Seeing that I wasnt going to budge, Matt gave in. Fine. But you better think about telling me whats really going on here. His blue eyes had gone hard.