Page 91 of King of the Unsightly

Red Moon

Iclenched my hands into fists, attempting to clear my chaotic mind but to no avail. I took another deep breath and released all the pressure in my body.

A spark ignited within me as I willed it to move through my arms and to my fingertips.

A violet light shot out of my hands and settled back down as it hissed like a flame underneath the red moonlight.

The pulsing magic on my pointer finger looked like fire, but the blazing inferno didn’t consume me. Instead, a warmth blanketed me.

I actually did it! But what did Gren say I had to do again?I pointed my finger at the rusted black car in front of our motel room with a can of soda on its hood and imagined myself propelling the can forward, but only a small spark flickered at my fingertip and vanished.

I pointed my finger again for shits and giggles after thousands of failed attempts, but it was more like a flick of the wrist.

A violent lightning bolt shot out of my hand and collided with the car.

A rumbling clamor enveloped the whole parking lot as I stumbled to the ground and landed ass first.

The blaring noise set all the car alarms off, and they hollered in unison as steam rose from where I struck the car.

I shuffled to my feet, scurried back into the motel room, and slammed the door behind me.

I sighed and shook out the last remaining spark on my pointer finger.

The violet energy swirled in the air, disappearing into the dark.

Honestly, why couldn’t my magic be the color of the sky or swamp green or—anything other than purple?

I hated how it reminded me of Kaschel’s hypnotic gaze. It’s like every time I used it thoughts of him plagued my mind.

I slapped my cheeks and pushed all the useless thoughts of him away.

Now was not the time to think about that man.

I popped open a blind and a swarm of people filtered into the parking lot—glancing around—confused as to why someone’s car got struck by lightning when the night sky glowed with all the constellations, not a cloud in sight.

Thankfully, no one witnessed me cast magic.

I really didn’t have the time to bring any unwanted attention to myself. But I also didn’t think I could create much damage. I thought I would barely move the can, let alone flatten half the car.

My fingers tapped nervously on the table, and I groaned as I watched all the people curiously talking among each other, asking if anyone saw what happened.

I peeked at the alarm clock next to the nightstand, and it read 11:30, so close to midnight.

I rubbed the nape of my neck, trying to relieve the pressure. All the stress finally caught up to me and ate away at my body with each passing second.

The red moon ominously shined down on me with peeks of crimson light filtering through the dusty room.

My anxiety skyrocketed, and I tapped the heels of my boots on the floor.

What was taking Gren so long? I had been waiting for him all day. I didn’t want the ice cream anymore. I needed a drink or five.

The door handle jiggled before Gren cracked the door open and slid inside.

He lowered his brow with a slight smirk. “Did you have a vendetta against someone? Their poor car was demolished.” He popped open a blind, whistled, and looked back at me. “That hard-working civilian probably lost everything.”

I rolled my eyes. When did Gren ever joke around?

“I’m sure the only important thing they lost was some spare change and fast-food wrappers.” I straightened my posture. “It’s almost time.”

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