The beast put one paw forwarda"it was a long ugly paw. Most animals had toes, but this one had fingers tipped with wicked red claws. The paw touched the ward, testing it. A stream of nasty magic slithered toward Georgie. He sensed its hunger: sticky, cold, starved, it wanted to wrap itself around him and suck out his magic. He swallowed. His heart beat so fast, it was trying to jump out of his chest. Donat run. Donat run.
Behind the beast, where the path curved, Declan stepped out of the bushes. Georgie glanced at his face.
Declan nodded wordlessly, coming up behind the beast on soft feet, silent like a fox creeping through the Wood. Georgie stared at the beast. Donat look at Declan.
Donat give him away.
The beast opened its mouth and showed Georgie his teeth: big, sharp, and red like blood. Its magic waited, hungry, ready to pounce on him and gobble him as soon as he moved.
Declan pulled a huge sword from the sheath on his back.
Georgie stared directly into the beastas eyes. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Declan struck. The sword sliced though the air in a shiny metal arch and cut the body in two.
Wow.
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( aYou okay?a A bolt of white flashed from his hand into the dead beast.
Georgie remembered to breathe and swallowed. Nausea tugged at his stomach. Desperately trying not to hurl, he dragged himself up, picked up a ward stone, letting Declan in, and once the blueblood stepped over the line, he dropped the stone back in place and went to slump back on the porch steps.
Declan came to sit next to him. aLean forward,a he ordered.
aPut your head down, between your knees.
Thatas it. The sickness will ease up in a minute.a Georgie bent forward, his head low. Slowly the nausea receded.
aThat was smart,a Declan said. aStaring the hound down.a aI didnat want it to know you were there.a Declan nodded. aThank you. I appreciate it.a The beastas magic shivered. Georgie sat up. Next to him Declan put his hand on his sword.
A foul gray liquid spilled from the houndas carca.s.s. The flesh and bone melted, turning into pale goo. The magic curved around it, twisting like cotton candy on a stick.
Dark vapor streamed from the surface. The puddle shrank, and the vapor grew darker and solidified into a tall man. A long cloak with a hood hid him, pooling about his feet and turning into smoke at the edges.
Georgie sucked in a sharp breath. The manas magic pressed on him, trapping him like a huge heavy slab of rock. Fear skittered down his arms, leaving goose pimples.
aHe canat hurt you in this form,a Declanas quiet voice said next to him. aHis magic might slither in, but it will be weak. Show no fear. Donat give him the satisfaction.a The vapor man turned to them. aAh. I wondered who shot off a military-grade flash wave in this forsaken place. Just had to see for myself. I had a glimmer of hope it was my dear brother, but I see itas just you.a His Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( voice was soft and gentle, but for some reason it chilled Georgie all the way to his bones.
aWhatas with the cloak?a Declan said.
The man ignored him. aAnd who would you be?a The darkness of the hood swallowed the manas face, but Georgie knew the manas eyes fixed on him, pressing down on him like a great weight. Magic snaked from the man in long, translucent tendrils of dark smoke. They licked the ward and slithered through it.
Georgie stared with wide eyes as the magic crept closer. It was hungry . . . So very hungry.
Declan flashed. A screen of white shot from him, stinging the tendrils. The dark magic recoiled.
aKeep your claws off the kid,a the blueblood growled.
Georgie breathed a little.
aMmmmmm.a A low deep sound rumbled in the phantom manas throat. aAs brash as ever, Declan.a The magic swirled around him, each translucent tentacle encircled by a thin vein of dark purple. The puddle rolled forward, and the man advanced.
Georgie sat frozen. Declan was right there, and he didnat move. He just sat there, looking slightly bored.
The puddle touched the ward and stopped.
aInteresting,a the man murmured. He raised his arms, elbows close to his body, hands up. The sleeves of the robe fell back, revealing long, slender fingers stained with a mottled patina of purple and yellow. Just like the houndsa hides, only pale. aLet us see,a he said softly, stretching aseea into a snakelike whisper.
The magic shot from him in an explosion of darkness and clamped on to the ward, biting at it, trying to pull it apart. The tentacles flailed and jerked, but the ward held.
The man glanced down, and the magic tendrils struck at the closest ward stone. They clamped on to it and twisted, trying to jerk it up.
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( The man arched his back, straining. His dark magic pried the rock loose. The puddle at his feet shrank faster.
Georgieas heart beat so fast inside his chest he thought it might explode.
The ward stone rose two inches. A pale network of translucent reddish magic stretched from it, burrowing down into the ground, as if the stone had roots.
The manas rigid body shook with strain. The stone gained another inch of height, pulling more red roots out of the ground on both sides with a creaking sound. He clawed at the air. The ward stone shivered and crashed down into place.
Declan laughed, but it was harsh and cold, and Georgie wasnat sure what was more frightening, the dark man or the way Declan bared his teeth.
aThey know how to root their wards,a Declan said.
The man flicked the sleeves of his robe back over his hands, first left, then right. aNo matter,a he said. aIall still kill them all.a aNot while Iam here, Ca.s.shorn.a The man turned to Georgie, and once again, he felt as if the manas gaze pierced him and clenched his heart in a cold fist.
aBoy . . .a Ca.s.shorn said. aI shall make you a deal. Remove the stones. Let me in. Iall let you and your family leave. You can trade your lives for Declanas. After all, he canat be anything to you. You probably met him only a day or two ago.a Georgie swallowed. His thoughts broke to pieces and ran in all directions, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldnat catch any of them.
aIt seems like a hard choice,a the man said. A kind tone overlaid his words, but it was shallow, and beneath Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( it Georgie sensed ruthless hunger. aBut upon closer examination, it really isnat. You have a mother. She loves you. She feeds you, and clothes you, and brushes your hair. And you love her, am I correct? There is nothing stronger than the bond between a mother and her child. Your mother would do anything to keep you safe. Now I give you a chance to do something for her.
You can save her life. Thatas a wonderful trade, boy. The life of your mother for the life of a stranger. Thatas a good, honorable trade.a He motioned with his right arm. aCome to me.a Georgie finally managed to pin down a thought. aNo.a aWill you really let your mother die?a The man rocked back.
aI have no mother,a Georgie said. aAnd youare lying. You would kill everyone.a aFrom the mouths of babes . . .a Declan said.
Ca.s.shorn sighed. aIt is a shame. I was looking forward to watching you strike the boy down, Declan.
Witnessing you do things you hate is highly entertaining. No matter. Soon, Iall watch you fight my wolf, which should prove quite a spectacle.a Ca.s.shorn turned to Georgie. aAre you sure you donat want to move the stones, boy? I promise, I would make it quick, if not painless, for you.a aLeave him be,a Declan said.
aI canat,a Ca.s.shorn said, his voice slightly puzzled. aYou see, he is so very full of magic. It awakens a most peculiar sensation in me. A kind of longing. I think itas hunger. They say that human meat has a peculiar taste. Iave been developing a craving for it of late. Itas odd.
Iave never been guilty of gluttony, but once I kill you, Declan, I think Iall gorge myself on your flesh.a Georgie shuddered. Declan simply stared.
Roseas voice floated through the kitchen window. aI found them! Honestly, Jack, is it too much trouble to Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( take care of your shoes?a aA girl,a Ca.s.shorn said. aOf course. Is she delicious like the child?a Declan said nothing.
aI see. There is another child inside, isnat there? You do understand you canat protect them? Iall pick them off one by one, when youare not looking. And then Iall feed.
Especially on the girl. Such a lovely voice. I bet sheas succulent. Juicy.a Ca.s.shorn shivered. aIt was a mistake to come here alone, Declan. You arenat enough to stop me, and the locals are too weak to help you. They scurry to and fro like garbage rats atop their little garbage heap between the worlds, but in the end they will all die. I know why my brother sent youa"he hopes to avoid the scandal. I know why youave agreed to come alonea"youare still hoping to save the wolf from the executioneras axe. None of it will make an iota of difference. As usual, youare too late . . .a aYouare raving,a Declan told him.
aAm I? I must be.a Ca.s.shorn sighed again in resignation. aItas time to go, I suppose. I leave you with this parting thought: you may think you can put yourself between the girl and my hounds in the Edge, but what will you do when she goes into the Broken, where my wolf prowls? He will slit her throat and paint himself red. You remember how much he enjoys murder . . .a The puddle beneath Ca.s.shorn had dried up completely. He began to fade from the bottom up. aThis is just lovely,a he said. aAnd here I was thinking I would get bored.a He dipped his fingers into his hood and held them out as if blowing a kiss. aUntil later, children.a He vanished. The last shreds of magic dissolved into the air.
Nothing remained of the beast or the puddle.
Georgie swallowed. His whole body had gone numb, and now little needles p.r.i.c.ked his fingers and feet.
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( aWho was that?a aA sick man overdue for his cure,a Declan said, looking at his sword. aFor him, there is only one kind.a aHeas evil,a Georgie said softly.
aYes, he is.a aIs he really going to eat me?a Declan looked like he hurt himself. aHeall try. He wonat succeed. Iall stop him.a Georgie hugged himself. aWhy would he want to eat anybody?a aHeas ill,a Declan said. aHe wanted power, and now he has it, and itas twisting him.a aIs he going to kill Rose?a aI promise you Iall take care of Rose,a Declan said. aNothing will happen to her or you, as long as Iam around. Rose doesnat trust me, and she and I will have to settle this between ourselves. But you and your brother mustnat fear me. If youare in danger, find me and Iall help. You donat have to handle it on your own.
Iall protect you. Do you understand?a Georgie nodded. He understood, and he felt deep down that Declan meant it. Still, Declan wasnat to be trusted.
aIad appreciate it if you didnat tell your sister about this. No need to worry her.a Georgie nodded to keep him happy. Declan got up and headed down the road, back in the direction from which he had come. In a few breaths he disappeared behind the bend. A moment later Rose burst out the door, Jack behind her.
Georgie jumped to his feet. aI have to tell you something.a aNot right now!a aBut Rose!a aNot right now, Georgie. It can wait until I get back. Come on.a Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( Rose and Jack took off down the road, and Georgie had no choice but to follow.
NINE.
ROSE waited inside Burger King. It was twenty past eleven, and the lunch crowd had yet to gather. Shead made it just in timea"two minutes after shead walked through the door, the Clean-n-Bright van, carrying Latoya, Teresa, and a couple of other women, rolled into the parking lot. They sat down to eat, and she sat down to think.
Rose shifted, trying to get comfortable in the concrete-hard chair. She had no appet.i.te. Visions of terrifying bruise purple creatures kept flittering across her mind. Shead left the boys with Grandma, and lonore was no lightweight. Still, the anxiety ate at Rose. She regretted coming to work, but Emerson left her without a choice. She couldnat afford to have her check shredded.
Latoya swept by, carrying her tray. She was tall and looked taller, her body sharp and narrow-boned, all angles and long limbs. Her hair was thick and l.u.s.trous, falling down in curvy waves shead bleached to platinum blond. The blond had worn off, and Latoyaas waves had gained a slightly greenish tint. People called her Mophead, although never to her face. You messed with Latoya at your own peril.
aYou want some food?a aNo.a In a rush Rose had forgotten to make a lunch, and she had no money.
aGirl, youave got to eat!a Rose shook her head. aIam not hungry. Really.a Latoya turned to the counter, where tiny Juniper Kozlowski manned the register in her manageras uniform.
aShe wonat eat, June.a Juniper bristled. aYou come to my place, you have to eat, Rose.a Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( aThanks, Iam not hungry.a Latoya grimaced. aAt least come sit with us.a aIf I sit with you, youall try to feed me.a Rose smiled.
aWell, you have to eat!a Latoya grunted. aLook, donat worry about Emerson. Heas an a.s.s, but youare one of his best cleaners.a aIam not worried,a Rose lied. aThank you for picking me up.a Latoya shook her head and sat at the bigger table to the left, with the rest of the Clean-n-Bright crew.
Rose looked out the window. She wasnat in the habit of feeling sorry for herself, but she had to admit that lately life just kept kicking her. First, the blueblood, then the hounds, and now, once her shift ended and she went back, she would have to fight Emerson for the money she had earned.
Of all these concerns, the blueblood and the beasts were most dire. The creatures did resemble hounds, lean demonic dogs from some awful nightmare. And they wanted magic. Their power fed on it. Was there some sort of purpose to their attacks? If they a.s.saulted people at random, drawn to magic, then the four of them, the boys, Grandma, and she, would be their prime targets.
The Draytons were among the most magical of the Edge families. Nothing that a blueblood like Declan would be impressed with, she was sure, but by Edger standards, they stood out. How would she protect the boys?
Rose felt a spike of panic and squished it down. First things first. Shead take the carca.s.s of the dead hound to Grandma once her shift was over. Then they would go from there.
And then there was Declan. She had no clue how she would challenge him. What couldnat he do? What did the fairy-tale girls do in this situation? She strained, trying to remember. Most of the stories involved Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( sorting rice from wheat and weaving gold cloth from straw.
She wasnat sure if he could weave gold from straw but she wouldnat be surprised if he managed it somehow. No, it had to be something else. Something she knew for sure would work. Some challenge with a trick to it.
Declanas face surfaced in her memory. What an arrogant a.s.s.
She glanced at her uniform. So what if it was an ugly sack of unnatural color?
Head said she was beautiful.
A man did tell her she was beautiful, wonderful, kind, and smart before. He even told her that he loved her and offered her a safe haven for the boys. And she believed him, right until the point she found out he planned to sell her off.
Declan was an enemy. A very odd kind of enemy, who saved small kids from monsters, tore roofs off houses with his flash explosions, and concerned himself with her safety. She had to keep reminding herself that he was the enemy, because the impact his presence had on her was staggering. It must be his size. Or maybe his sword. Or the unbelievable power of his flash. Or maybe all of the above . . .
Or the fact that he was incredibly handsome, and she had to keep iron control of herself to stop thinking about him. As far as she knew, he couldnat read her mind, but getting rid of him would prove much harder if he knew what went through her head this morning while he waved his sword around. She had to be adult about this: yes, he was hot and she was vulnerable. She got it out of her system this morning, and that would be the end of that.
His flash was something else. Most people tried to flash by holding their hand as a weapon and pushing the Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( magic out of it. Unconsciously, they shaped the flash with subtle pressure into a form similar to their arma"
a long ribbona"and it never occurred to them that it could take any other shape. But head managed a perfect half sphere. Rose still practiced with her flash every day if she could help it. It had become second nature to her, and she caught herself doing it without thinking, the way some people tapped their foot or fidgeted.
But shead never tried a half sphere before.
Shead figured out how Declan had done it a moment before head let it loose: head held the magic inside him, ratcheting the pressure higher and higher, and then dropped his guard on the front of his body completely and let it rip. The flash simply burst out of him, sweeping everything on its way. It was beautiful.
Rose had done it twice on her way to the boundary. Hers was much smaller in magnitude, a mere whisper compared to his roar, because she still had to walk and work afterward. But she knew she could do it, and when she poured enough power into it, her flash wave would be devastating.
Oh, she couldnat wait to show him. That would knock some of that blueblood haughtiness down a peg. She just needed a good opportunity.
He couldnat find lodging in the Edge. That was too funny.
When did he learn to make pancakes? Maybe it was part of their blueblood tutoring: eight oaclocka"
swordplay, nine oaclocka"archery, ten oaclocka"pancake making . . .
Latoya said something from her table.
aHuh?a aI said, whatas his name?a Rose frowned. aWhose name?a aThe guy youare mooning over.a aIam not mooning!a Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer ( Latoya glanced at Teresa. The older woman nodded.
aMooning. Definitely.a Rose rolled her eyes and turned to the window. She wasnat mooning. She was planning strategy. Declan had to have a weak point. Somewhere. Everybody had a weak point.
He was arrogant. That was something. And he didnat know the Edge. She had to give him some sort of challenge that involved knowing the terrain, something that appeared deceptively easy, so easy he didnat try very hard until it was too late . . .
A man slid into the opposite chair. He had wide shoulders and green eyes, and he wore a Carolina Panthers ball cap on his head.
Rose stared in complete astonishment. A pair of worn-out jeans and a green sweatshirt toned him down a bit, but not nearly enough. She was aware of the shocked silence at the table next to her.
aWhat are you doing here?a she hissed.
aPerhaps I missed the sight of your lovely body,a he said.
aWhat?a Declan leaned closer. aMy promise not to ravish you doesnat extend to this fine establishment, does it? As I recall, itas only valid under your roof. How could I pa.s.s on such an opportunity?a aIf you touch me, Iall hit you with this chair,a she ground out.
aI had no idea you enjoyed rough courtship,a he said with a straight face. aIt was never my particular favorite, but Iall do my best to play along, provided Iall get you in the end.a Rose opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
aWould you like me to be quiet?a he asked.