Page 4 of Surrendering Hope (The Hope Legacy)

“Are you safe?” I ask.

“Hello to you too, sweetheart,” Gramps says, his lips stretched into a warm smile.

“We’re in a SIP safe house, there is nowhere safer,” Uncle Charlie states. The Supernatural Intelligence Protection, or SIP, is the secret government organization we work for, which protects humanity from supernatural creatures.

“Not true. Duncan’s lair has enough room for a few more sidekicks.”

Uncle Charlie shakes his head and touches his silver mustache. “We’re pursuing dangerous leads. If someone follows us, it won’t be back to you.”

“My safety shouldn’t be at the cost of your own.”

Gramps chuckles as Uncle Charlie sighs. “It’s not only your safety at stake, Natia. We don’t know your true powers or purpose. We don’t know Archan’s intentions.”

“Evil Archan,” I clarify.

Their heads bob in agreement. My sanity lies in separating out the evil creature which has clawed its way into Archan’s form versus the powerful being I fell for. “Anyway, we have a lead on a demon who might share information about what’s inhabiting Archan, and your origins.”

“Excellent, when and where do I meet him?”

They blink at me as Zee growls under his breath. “You’re not going anywhere.”

“I need to fix this,” I tell him, wrapping my growing ball of emotions in a calming light and letting them flow. I should take up yoga, or meditation.

“You need to stay safe,” Zee counters.

The blanket stretches as I pull it tight around my shoulders, I pace the stone floor. “I feel like I’ll go insane if I don’t fix this, or at least try to prevent the shit storm that’s bound to be on its way.”

Zee folds his arms across his muscled chest, showcasing his tattooed arms. “You have a death wish.”

“She may be right,” Aaden says.

Everyone turns to face Aaden. “I’m always right, but explain.”

Aaden points to his laptop. “The legends of Pandora state that she has a compulsive need to protect mankind. It says if she tries to ignore this, it may affect her mentality.”

“Ha, told you I was right!”

“You’re pleased you have a compulsion to protect and serve mankind? That your thoughts and decisions may not be your own?” Zee asks.

I shrug. “It’s not much different from working for the SIP.”

* * *

Back in my room, I seek out my leather trousers and a tank top suitable for meeting a demon. Uncle Charlie promised to call back with a meeting place and time. I throw my beloved twin Sai swords on the bed as Duncan sweeps into the room.

“I’m not sure you will be able to take those,” Duncan says, pointing at my weapons. I secure my whip around my waist, disguising it as a belt.

“Not all weapons resemble weapons,” I tell him and spring a blue fire ball to life in my palm.

“Your control is improving, Natia. Be careful not to give everything you have away. Surprise is the best weapon you have right now.”

My hand squeezes and the flame disappears. I grab a hair tie and yank my long caramel blonde waves into a braid. My badass persona takes shape like armor, and I breathe a little easier. Pointing at the large portrait positioned on the stone wall opposite the bed. “Who are they?”

Duncan follows my finger. “Me, my sister, and my parents.”

My eyebrows creep up. “I didn’t realize you have a sister.”

A slight smile appears on his face. “Had, she died a long time ago,” he whispers.

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