Zonah. For many, a place of dreams. A thriving city of industry and commerce. For Carissa, a place of nightmares. A trap she’d willingly walked into. As the border swept over them like a curtain of cold, black air, Carissa felt her skin prickle with goose bumps. Not only because she could feel the Reapers’…
Elon tried to tie the horse’s reins to the tree to quickly that he fumbled. He laughed at his own haste. Being sloppy wouldn’t help him join Carissa any more quickly. It was best he take his time. After Elon had finished securing the last horse, he strode towards the copse of trees Carissa had…
Three Days Later Thanks to Elon’s tending, Algernon had healed well. He wasn’t completely whole, but he could defend himself and hunt for food. Kybelle folded Carissa’s clothes and stored them in Carissa’s pack. In the past few days, Kybelle had grown quite chatty, so her silence was slightly unnerving. Carissa wrapped strips of jerky,…
As they followed Elon out of the fortress, Carissa asked, “So what happened?” Elon turned a corner. “We went to the unmarked wing. I had a hunch that was where they were keeping the Nephesh.” He glanced at Carissa’s quizzical expression. “The Reapers either use Soul Pieces to empower themselves or to project their power…
She slowly withdrew her arm. “Fine. Then do as you will.” The man’s nod was curt, all false mirth drained from his lips and eyes, leaving them flat. “Lift you arms, and I’ll bind them.” As he approached, Carissa scooted back in the bed until she bumped against Elon. “You won’t even allow me to…
Carissa positioned herself, so her body protected Elon’s. Judging from how he stiffened, he didn’t approve. No doubt he’d rather it be the other way around. Zorelle set the blade of one Scythe on the ground and propped her arm against the top of its handle. “You think you’re quite clever, don’t you?” Carissa glanced…
Her temples throbbed, the pulse of blood through her veins pressing against her skill. Carissa opened her eyes, blinking to clear them. She was lying on a bed, sinking into its thick maroon blanket. There was a wooden vanity against the wall, and two chairs situated next to the door. Carissa rose, the floorboards groaning…
“No, wait!” Carissa followed him. She didn’t want to endanger the camp, but she had to speak to Elon first. She caught his wrist. He glanced back at her, his eyes and expression blank. He didn’t speak. Would she become like him if they drugged her? “Just… give me a day to tell them. I’ll…
“The wolves are getting closer.” Carissa stopped unsaddling her horse and peered around it. Two Reapers were pitching a tent, their back to her. “Zorelle says one of the humans must not have taken the Y’thapa,” he continued. Carissa removed the saddle and saddle blanket before stroking a brush over the horse’s coat. Maybe it…
Something screeched, no more than a foot or two away, and the horse staggered before releasing a high-pitched whinny, almost a scream. She opened her eyes and saw… nothing. It was just as dark as when she’d closed them. Had she gone blind? She drew in a deep breath—and regretted it as cold air stormed…