Page 95 of Haunted Hearts

Theo’s cheeks turn pink as he clears his throat. “Yes, well, now’s your chance. Remember why we’re here, though, and while we’ll watch your back, you need to be aware of your surroundings as well. As we discussed, Brock will make sure they see you, which means you’ll be their only target.”

I was their target before, why would this time be any different? My stomach rolls as my power hums with eagerness beneath my skin.

“Theo, I won’t let them touch me, or mine, again.”

Theo nods in understanding, his mouth pressing into a grim line.

“Then I suggest we get going.” Brock steps forward, his brows pushed together. “I don’t want you in these people’s presence for longer than necessary.”

“Give them hell, Little Minx,” Kwil growls as he comes up on my right.

Brock moves closer to me. “I’ll keep us unseen until you give the word, Willow.”

I look over at my reaper. His mouth seems to be having a hard time not smiling. He’s looking forward to having a little fun. Good, then he won’t stop me right away. He seems pretty hellbent on sticking to the few rules Dad laid down, but I suppose, being a reaper, he’s had rules to follow for quite a while. Habits are hard to break.

I’ll have to help him with that.

With a hum of agreement, I turn and head up the road. With only one road in and out of Everlast, finding my victims should be easy.

I smother the sinister chuckle that wants to spill out.

Reaching for my power, I let it consume me. It mixes with my rage. The concoction is dangerous to the people inside these walls. So, the Fae want to get their hands on Death Magic and work with a warlock to take what’s not theirs?

I’m about to show them why that’s a very bad idea.

Theo lets me lead the way, but he flanks my left and Kwil stays close to my right. I can feel the others directly behind me, their presence is a comfort and a subtle reminder that I can’t gotoocrazy today. A majority of the Fae aren’thorrible.

As we draw near the bustling city, I let the churning energy in my chest free.

Though we’re unseen, my power, like static energy,isnoticed. As we step into the city limits, children start to cry. Shop owners step outside to inspect the unnatural mist rolling in and the dark clouds gathering in the sky. The plants in the small garden beds between the buildings and windows frost over. Almost unconsciously, the Fae in Everlast begin gathering in pairs or small groups as they sense our approach. As we draw near to the merchant’s square, Ghosts step out from alleyways and appear upon the rooftops of buildings. Their hoods swivel slowly back and forth as they scan for trouble.

Their numbers grow as we draw nearer to the temple. The residents of Everlast notice their arrival and their ever-increasing numbers, too. Whispers of concern and interest are spoken behind hands or turned backs. Some of the bolder teenagers follow the trail of unnatural mist, getting close to us without even realizing it.

Do they not sense death in the air?

When the temple comes into view, I take a moment to marvel at it. There’s no sign that theUtikyieshad ever been here. Or that blood had been spilled upon the shiny, intact marble stairs. It looks just as magnificent and awe-inspiring as when Kwil and I first arrived. Bile rises up my throat as we come to the stairs. The Elders erased all evidence of their wrong doings.

Well, let me just change that.

The dark clouds turn jet black and lightning cracks like spider webs over our heads.

“Brace yourselves, gentlemen. I have a few things I need to get off my chest.” It’s their only warning. “Brock, let them see me.”

“As you wish, baby girl.”

I don’t feel a change but judging by the sudden screams of terror in the busy square, Brock’s given me my stage. Women and children, men and warriors, scatter in all directions. A few stop to stare in horror, others fall to their knees to cry. I need to act swiftly. Not because I care about the utter madness around me, or how I’ve disrupted their perfect little lives in their bubble of serenity.

I need witnesses. Without them, our plan won’t work.

The charge in the air intensifies. Energy gathers overhead. My free hand lifts into the air and with just a thought and a slight pull, a thick, nasty bolt of lightning ricochets around in the clouds before slamming down, straight through the temple of the Ghost Brotherhood. The roof explodes, sending debris up and outwards. Thick, heavy chunks of marble go flying. A massive crack splits down the stairs. Greenish white flames erupt from the crack and screams of the dead follow. Fae begin to emerge from the building in droves, screaming and weeping as they hurry to safety. Most aren’t wearing robes. I’ll assume that they aren’t Ghosts or Elders.

The mist thickens around my ankles, intensifying the terrifying image I present. “Who here speaks for the Fae?”

As if my voice is a signal to attack, white robed, hooded individuals come pooling out from the temple, pushing past the others to get to me. What began as a handful of Ghosts swiftly turn into a large group as they charge towards me with their swords raised, ready to fight. A few of them, I note, are holding guns.

They brought guns to a magic fight. How adorable.

Lightning flashes and thunder booms. The ice beneath my feet races up the stairs, causing a few to slip, fall, and tumble. Others manage to dodge the ice and the green flames as they come towards us.

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