Page 11 of The Fallen
When I saw that fucking bastard, Orson, his betrothed, was the one leading the search for Blaze, I wanted to bring him backfrom the pits of hell just to torture him again and again. The death I gave Orson was far too merciful.
Rook nudges my ribcage. “Cass. Your shadows.”
I step back and glance over at the mirror and see my eyes have changed from their normal golden hue to demon red. Shadowy tendrils are coiling around my legs and climbing up my waist. “Ah, shit. I’m sorry.”
Zero is standing several feet away from me, fangs bared, amethyst scales rippling along his arms. Rook has one big clawed hand pressed against Zero’s chest. I forgot the dragon hasn’t seen me like this before. It’s probably not a good idea to shift in front of a member of the Elite Guard.
I wave my black tail with a grand flourish, the pointed tip swishing through the bulk of the shadows, causing them to dissipate. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and shift back into my other form.
Playfully, I bat my lashes and fake pout at Zero. A part of me is a little hurt that Zero seems on edge around my demon appearance.
The dragon relaxes and shakes his head. “Sorry, Cass. I’m still getting used to the fact that not all demons are cut from the same cloth.”
“You mean evil,” I reply, not letting him off the hook.
When Rook glances between his best friend and me with that sad wolfy dog look he’s perfected, I give in. With my flirty smile back in place, I give Zero a grin and cock my hip. “Don’t forget, Dragon, I wouldn’t have been able to get into Heart’s Hollow, let alone pass through the sanctuary wards that protect the town, if I didn’t have good intentions.”
Zero nods. “I know.”
Rook pats his best friend on the chest and goes back over to the counter covered with plants and supplies. “I still can’t believe I finally hired a witch. He claims to be one of the infamousSinclairs, too. Not sure I believe him since he originally put a fake name on his application, but he sure is powerful enough to be a Sinclair.”
My mind goes blank, and shadows swirl in my head as the name‘Sinclair’bounces around. “Sinclair,” I rasp. “As in Blaze Sinclair?”
“Yeah. Big guy. Huge for a witch, at least. Why? How did you know—” His words trail off as he takes in my appearance.
“What’s going on?” Zero walks back to my side and rubs a comforting hand between my shoulder blades. It’s a nice gesture considering how he reacted to me just moments ago, but I can’t even fully appreciate it when my mind keeps swirling.
My eyes lift and meet Zero’s amethyst orbs, before glancing over at Rook. “Your best friend just hired my mate to work for his apothecary.”
Zero sucks in a breath. “Well, damn. Looks like you were wrong, Rook. This little demon willdefinitelybe flirting with your new employee.”
CHAPTER 2
BLAZE
Ishouldn’t be here.
It’s been six months since I set foot in Heart’s Hollow. This town has always been considered my home, but it didn’t feel like it anymore. After my escape, I returned to the Sinclair Estate only to find my family smiling and happy as they planned to throw a party in Autumn’s honor. The idea of facing them after being tortured for a year was too much. I wanted to see their faces, but I couldn’t force myself to walk through the front door.
Instead, I was a cold-hearted bastard peeking through the window as if I were Scrooge personified, spying on my loved ones. It was bullshit. They were grinning and fussing over Autumn and his outfit; meanwhile I had barely made it out alive. That was the moment my eyes focused on my reflection in the glass rather than what my family was doing in front of me. I was broken, bruised, and a shell of myself. A thick beard covered my hollow face, my eyes were wide and a little wild, and my hair anoily mess on top of my head. I couldn’t let my family see me like this.
Now that my mental state and body have healed, I’m a little more prepared. Unfortunately, I’ve come home with my tail tucked between my legs. Surviving in the human world is harder than I could have imagined, especially without the proper paperwork.
I’m a Sinclair, for fuck’s sake. I have some of the most powerful magic pulsing through my blood. Meanwhile, most humans don't know about the paranormal, and I’m useless without my magic. Here, on the other hand—in a sanctuary town like Heart’s Hollow—my name and magic can take me far.
I take a deep breath and glance around, fighting the little voice in my head that’s trying to tell me I shouldn’t be here.
Walking along the winding cobblestone sidewalk, I relax when I notice only a few cars are parked on the street. This is nothing like the busy city I tried to survive in. If I brought a non-magical human here, I’m pretty sure they would describe my town as something from a fairytale.
Colorful shops and eateries are scattered on each side of the street. A handful of iron tables and chairs decorate the sidewalks, inviting people to chat or enjoy their food while staying in town. My eyes pause on the lanterns and the small smile that touches my lips is surprising.Gods, I’ve even missed the beautiful witch lights that glow in front of each shop.
Since it’s lunchtime, I avoid the crowd by turning down the cobblestone path that leads to the park. Paranormal creatures, witches, and humans walk around openly. It doesn’t matter if the dragons and vampires are sworn enemies, or if the fae are known tricksters. In a sanctuary town, everyone lives in peace.
I never thought about it until now, but as I eye the human who walks next to me, I wonder why the town’s magic invited these particular humans to live among the paranormal. Eachsanctuary town has similar wards, but Heart’s Hollow is known to be one of the safest towns in the world. Anyone with bad intentions couldn’t get past the magic to enter the town. It’s why Orson had to take me to his estate outside of the city’s limits.
Before my thoughts can take me down a dark path, I notice my favorite gazebo in the center of the park is empty, tempting me to take a seat. It’s currently decorated with beautiful twining green vines that climb up the sides of the white wood.
Purple wisteria covers the roof and dangles over it’s edges. There’s something about the flowers that call to me. That give me hope.
