“Yes,” Jason whined, his voice high like a small child.
“What was that? Speak up.” Using the shadows thrown by the building, I swept the darkness toward their feet, pulling them to their knees in a flash.
“Yes, we understand.” Ryan grew smaller, his face twisted in fear.
You boys have no idea how your youth is protecting you right now.
“Good.” I laid a hand on Ryan’s shoulder. His muscles trembled under my fingertips. “Let me give you a piece of advice, children.” I stretched my wings and both boys shrunk back. My fury abated, and the dark clouds above cleared away, revealing sunshine. “If you do not wish to see my realm as a permanent resident, I highly suggest you find more constructive things to do with your time. You cannot fathom the cruelty my Chosen can invent. It would be a shame to see such youth wasted for eternity.”
Ryan opened his mouth to speak, but I pushed their faces to the ground.
“Do not interrupt me.” Placing a boot on Ryan’s cheek, I pressed firmly. “Both of you bear my mark now, so I will be watching. Heed my warning about Anna, or you will find an eternity in Hell.”
With a sneer, I removed my foot and rose into the air, the movement of my wings stirring the air and fanning the grass clippings and dust.
Both boys cowered, keeping their faces to the lawn.
“Look at me.” My voice was sharp and full of command.
Their faces upturned to where I hovered ten feet in the air. Jason cried openly, and Ryan’s lower lip trembled.
“A little parting gift to show you what it’s like to live in darkness.” I lifted my arm and opened my palm, splaying my fingers against the air.
Ryan screamed first and clawed at his face. “I can’t see.”
“My eyes!” Jason moaned, rolling to his side to stare at the sky.
Let them get a little taste of Anna’s life.The blindness wouldn’t last more than a day or so, but it would help to drive home my warning. I let out a wicked chuckle, savoring their fear.
Now on his hands and knees, Ryan crawled in a frantic circle.
My laughter rang through the sky. “If you speak of this to anyone, the blindness will become permanent. But, if you heed my warnings, I will return your sight.”
They calmed a bit, their attention turned to the sky once more.
“Atsomepoint.” I should’ve stopped toying with them, but this was too delicious to pass up.
“We promise. I swear to never tell anyone.” Jason’s hand rose in my direction with his plea.
“Good. You’d better pray to your god that Ineverhave cause to seek you out again.”
They were all over themselves with their assurances and knocked their heads together as they tried to stand.
Feeling quite pleased with the situation, I blinked home, feeling lighter than I had in months.
Though I couldn’t put my finger on the emotion, Anna did stir something inside of me, and it made me nervous. It was only a small flicker of light in my black soul, but it was enough.
Will the flame grow bigger, or will my dark heart suffocate it permanently?
I wasn’t sure which question frightened me more.
Chapter 11
Anna Sill
One Year Ago
IsatinSisterMary’s office ofHoly Sisters of Charityand tried not to fidget.
