Page 22 of Omission

One day I’ll get away. Maybe that’s why—

“I’m going to make your life hell as payment for the life your mate took.” Brice’s threat pulls me from that thought. It’s followed by this weird cracking sound, like a sharp spark, moments before the scent of something burning hits me.

“What in the goddess...” I push the door open before anyone can attempt to stop me again, rushing inside and gasping at the sight. The Wolfen Luna is tied to a wall by metal shackles, her clothes dirty while Brice and his sister stand over her, each wearing a matching, disgusting grin.

In his hand, though, there’s a weapon I’ve never seen before. A taser; I watch it discharge another bolt against her skin, the prongs digging deep.

You can tell she’s in pain.

I see it. Feel it somehow.

How is this even happening?

Her eyes roll for a second, but then the Luna snaps herself out of it. She’s shaking her head while biting the inside of her cheek, and yet, not a single sound of pain escapes her.

Her strength is admirable.

Her aura is pure.

Our eyes meet for a second before the sound of a low growl causes my head to snap toward the culprits. Lilou looks constipated, her favorite expression, while her brother, for some reason, is intrigued by my sudden appearance. From head to toe, Brice gives me a salacious once-over—stopping a second or two over my injured hips—and I shiver in repulsion. He notices and smiles, enjoying the way he makes me uncomfortable, something his sister rolls her eyes at while I place myself between them and the Luna.

“Who gave you permission to hurt her?” For the first time, I let them see my displeasure. It catches the two off guard just for a second, and had I not been so worried about the woman behind me, I’d find some amusement in it. “Answer me.”

Brice is worried.

Lilou takes a step back, face pinched tight. She’s not used to me pushing back, but something about the prisoner has me on edge. I’ve abandoned my vows to stay under the radar to keep her safe.

I can’t be any other way. Something commands me to, and it’s beyond me.

“Anaya, what are you doing here?” The taser is turned off immediately, his tone doing a complete one-eighty from the menacing hiss he spat at the chained Wiccan royalty. Falsely soft. Meant to demand my compliance in front of everyone within hearing range. “This is no place for our prin—”

“I’m beyond disappointed, General. You two fail at common decency,” I cut him off, something that angers the siblings. One narrows his eyes while the other bares her teeth.

“Watch it!” Lilou snaps, moving towards me with her hand raised but is stopped by Brice. His hand grips the back of her shirt, nearly ripping the side with his harsh tug. “Let me go! What are you doing, Brother?”

“Did King Larue send you, Anaya?”

“Yes.” My answer deepens his frown, yet I’m focused on preparing myself for any incoming attack. I don’t trust either of these two. “He had me escorted and doesn’t want a single hair touched on this woman’s head. His words.”

“I see.” Two words. Nothing else.

“That’s it, Brice? You’re just going to—”

“Silence.”

The room grows silent outside of the slightly labored breathing from the witch. She’s exhausted and hurt, but her magic is strong. I felt the ripple of her power as it encased the room and then removed a single bullet from a gun without drawing attention.

I’ve known about her and her sister all my life.

Born with gifts and a target on their backs. One controls death while the other dances with foresight, telling the future without the need for touch or proximity—Father fears them, but the telekinetic ability is something no one is aware of.

For a second, my head turns and our eyes meet, and I notice she’s losing consciousness. Her head lolls and her body sags in her shackles, chaffing her skin while the blood on her lip continues to drip slowly onto her plain shirt. She nods at me, and I hear that voice again. Weaker than before.

Remain calm. He’s coming.

“Look at me, Anaya. What did he send you to do here?”

It’s hard to do so, but I look away and refocus on the duo in front of me. “I’ve already stated my purpose—”

---