The Nightling: Darkness Within
Page 35
I made a mocking face.
Up the steps we went and I pushed the door open, hoping it would open without a sound.
And it did.
And because it did, I walked into the middle of…
I don’t know what it was.
The pews were filled with people dressed in black, and I got the vibe that the mood matched that of the weather outside. At the altar was a throne that wasn’t there before; it was made up of swords and skulls, had sparkling red and black precious stones, and looked as comfortable as a bed of nails.
“Ugh! Didn’t we get rid of the whole sacrificial churchy vibe when we lost the wrought iron candle stands, black candles and red votives?” I whined. “Now it looks like an Ozzy Osborne show in here.”
In unison, those gathered all turned to regard me.
“Crap on a cracker, I meant to say that in my head,” I groaned. “Hi, I’m Shawn,” I offered with a wave.
Luka appeared next to the throne, his eyes wide, before he hurried down the aisle. “Where in the hell have you been?” he asked in a panic, fumbling to get his cell phone from his pocket.
I looked around, feeling awkward that everyone was staring at me.
“Uh, recovering from an incident?” I offered with a shrug. “Where’s Andrei?”
Luka shook his head, his complexion extremely pale when the phone in his hand went straight to voicemail. “About to wage a fucking war with the werewolves over your death.”
Six Jeoseung Saja appeared in the church, their attention on me.
“As if this day could get any worse,” I complained, looking around, and it was answered by the loud howls of wolves encroaching in the distance and a foundation splitting rumble of thunder that drowned out all other sound.
Yes, yes it could get worse, and it’s about to.