Page 122 of Blood that Burns
Marina snorts. “Dear God, Julian, you are hopeless.”
“Well then, it’s a good thing you’ve already claimed me, isn’t it?” He grins and she jumps from her spot on the floor and attacks him.
“Hey!” Addy whines. “Girls’ night is not done. So what, pray tell, brought you here?”
Addy taps her manicured fingernails on the table, waiting for one of them to answer.
“We were bored. You girls are down here with the TV and games.” Law says, sounding awkward and way too damn cute for his own good.
“So you came to crash our party,” Addy finishes for him.
“Precisely.” Julian nods.
“Shut the door. You’re letting a draft in. Might as well hang with us, since you’re bored and without a TV,” she mocks, rolling her eyes.
Before long, everyone’s split up, playing games. Marina and Julian play air hockey against each other, while Reese, Law, and Addy throw darts.
I get comfortable in my spot on the couch, watching mindless reality TV for the first time in forever. During a commercial break, I watch Addy sail a dart directly into the center circle of the dartboard. Reese rushes toward her and they celebrate. My eyes connect with Law’s, and we share a look that promises dirty things will occur later. He smiles wide before turning to congratulate Addy’s stellar shot.
My head turns toward the window, and I stare into the dark night. The moon overhead shines down onto the trees, creating an eerie picture. The tree branches sway like phantom arms, outstretched toward me. I’m so entranced by the ghostly dance that I almost miss the figure walking out from the woods.
Without thinking, I stand and move toward the door. My legs carry me as though my body has no control over them. My mind is screaming for me to turn around. To go back. It isn’t safe.
Julian and Law have both said as much, but I can’t stop.
The ghostly girl beckons to me and my body obeys. Her long blond hair is pulled into a high ponytail that blows in the breeze. The dress she wears is similar to the one I used to wear, only bluish green instead of yellow.
“Magdalena,” the girl says. “We don’t have much time. The others will notice you’re gone soon. The answers that you seek can only be found in the Fae kingdom.”
“The Fae kingdom? It’s real?”
She nods. “You knew that already.”
I nod too because she’s right. There was never a moment I didn’t believe it existed.
“How do I get there?”
“There’s a portal, but you need a talisman to travel through it. I cannot tell you the portal’s location, but a witch in New Orleans can. She will also provide you with what you need to travel through the portal. You must go. Time is of the essence, Magdalena. The world depends on it.”
“Who are you and why should I trust you?”
She smiles. “You know who I am. You’ve known from the moment you saw me.”
She’s right again.
“We may have never met in this lifetime, but you were a part of me, and I am a part of you. You can trust me, Magdalena. I would never steer my sister wrong.”
“Molly.” Her name falls from my lips on a sob. For all the lost time or for the journey ahead that’s sure to prove difficult, I’m not sure.
“You must bring Marina and all three Bellamys with you. It’s imperative that you’re all there to hear the truth.”
“Maggie?” Law calls out, and it pulls me away from Molly.
A bird swoops low, landing on Molly’s shoulder. “I know. I’m ready,” she says to the creature. “When you need help, call out to Veda. She’s your guardian.”
“How?” I ask to discern whether Reese’s suggestion was correct.
“Telepathically or out loud. Either way, she’ll hear your call and come to your aid. Use it sparingly. It’s more important that she keeps a bird’s-eye view, watching the area to ensure your safety.” She looks over my shoulder. “I have to go, but remember, you should not fear the Fae. They mean you no harm.”