I anticipated fear and panic, waiting for the terrifying scream to escape my throat, but it never happened. I expected him to attack, murder me, and dismember me, hiding the pieces beneath the small patch of wildflowers nearby. However, he remained silent and motionless. The smart thing to do would have been to flee and start running again. But I didn't want to. I was intrigued by who he was and what he wanted. I desired to understand why he stood before me and what his motives were.He scrutinized me repeatedly, searching for something."If you didn't feel safe, you would have asked me to leave," he said. "And if you wanted me to go, I would have already done so."It bothered me that his words made sense. "Stop trying to be clever, demon-boy," I retorted."I'm trying to help you, demon-girl," he responded.His words struck me like a blow to the head. I flinched as if he had pinched me all over and stumbled backward.At that moment, I sensed something ominous approaching. I had to acc

I straightened and ordered my feet to freeze mid step back. My heart pounded double time as every instinct I had screeched at me to run and hide. They really were looking for me, and knew the one they sought was a Disciple. The Lady Clerics gaze slowly passed over every female face in the group as she replied to Cleric Tu. My stomach clenched and sweat beaded my brow. Did her gaze linger on me? Did she hesitate to move on, or was it my imagination?I wanted to scream at her that it was an accident. That I had no idea what all the crazy stuff happening around me meant, nor did I want to. I wanted to rewind a day, back to when things were simple. Where my life made sense and where boys spoke and acted normally. Where Clerics were the good guys who protected us from demons and my teachers were not heartless murderers.The Lady Cleric scanned our faces once more than shook her head once. She left with Tu close behind her, whispering something to him.What did I do? Surely if they had iden

When I first met Breandan, he touched me and it feltstrange. Then he said something about us no longer having a choice. That is was sealed. And a while ago Conall said he sensed something odd. I think he was feeling thethe after effect of whatever it was.Ana sucked in a breath. Ah, that surprised even me, and boy did I feel it. The disturbance slammed into me like a sledge-hammer. Others sensitive to such things would have sensed it too. The moment it happened the future shifted so dramatically it gave me a killer headache. She turned her head and her eyes echoed her reaction to whatever future she saw moving over me. They looked haunted. But it does explain why you and Breandan coming together is so important. The connection itself, well, its happened once before and it didnt end well. I threaded my fingers through the grass at my side and waited. Ana focused hard on my face then looked away. You must avoid speaking of it, Rae. Dont tell anyone, she said in a rush. There are those w

My mouth gaped in response to the statement of a lifetime.But you're immortal, I countered, as if that would explain everything.We're all vampires and we've been dying for a while. Only a few of us remain. His expression momentarily became dejected. Were hungry, he said. I'm a part of a small nest that is trying to maintain some semblance of respectability. Many of my species have been reduced to mindless cannibals who would drain a vampire just as easily as a human. They have surrendered to the darkness's insanity.This was significant. Huge. I was at a loss for words as to how to react. I made the decision to communicate frankly while still being polite.Tomas, although I feel bad for you, I fail to see how this could have brought you to me.As you are aware, vampires were once people.No, you weren't always a pussycat. I groaned in frustration. There isn't time for this.He raised his pale palm. You pay attention or I won't assist you.From the Lady Cleric, Tomas had saved my lif

It was chilly. Noisy. Gradually, the feeling started to return. I could first move my fingers and toes, then my legs. I struggled to bring my hands closer to my face as I groaned from the thumping at my temple. When I realized I couldn't make my eyes move to obey, they slid half-open groggily. I noticed that my legs were being held down by a rough rope as I looked down at my body, which was now covered in a flimsy black sheath. The fog was still thick over me, and it was dark, so I struggled to remember. Trees, dirt, fresh air, smoke, and another strange, metallic smell were all in the air. I realized that this smell was strange, unwelcome, but strangely familiar. My legs and arms tried to pull, but all they did was flail. I took a deep breath and gritted my teeth as I gasped. I fully opened my eyes and began to survey my surroundings.Leafy bushes with sharp silver thorns were all around me, thick purple leaves.I was having a hard time putting it all together in my head. It hit me i