“You are the first,” Aberto said, moving away from me.
“Awesome.” I threw myself back against the pillows. So, not only was I now about to face some big bad, I also had to face unknown changes. At least my freaky eyes matched the freaky, moving tattoo on my back. Molly was right. I would soon be a great circus attraction.
“We should get started on the markings. We can do them on your arms again if you would like, or your legs. Either will work.” Aberto lifted a stylus up and looked at it before moving towards me.
“Will these be permanent or temporary?” I had noticed the ones on my arms were beginning to fade and if these were to be similar they could go anywhere. If they were going to last forever I wanted to be able to cover them.
“It is entirely up to you,” Aberto answered. “I believe that making them a permanent part of you would be a wise choice.”
“My vote is for permanent,” Kennan chimed in. “Anything that protects you is good in my book.” He rubbed his hand down his face.
“Alright then. Can we do them on my upper arms?” I took my sweater off revealing my shoulders. My spaghetti-strap undershirt gave him plenty of access to the skin. “How many will there be?” I dreaded the thought of five more tattoos.
“Yes, your upper arms will be fine. There are two marks. Remember, you must stay in your body, Izzy. No splitting.”
“I got it. Let’s just get this over with. I am hungry and tired.” I realized I had not eaten at all today. No wonder I was getting grumpy.
“Should we break to eat before beginning this?” Aberto asked Kennan.
Why didn’t he ask me? Stupid man-person.
“I can go and get something and bring it back to her. Promise you will keep her safe,” Kennan said, staring at Aberto.
“Always,” Aberto nodded.
Something passed between the men in that moment. It seemed they had reached some sort of truce where I was concerned. Kennan nodded and left the room in search of some food for me. “So, Molly, you had a question for me?” Aberto said going back to his bag.
“Um, yeah. Do you think you could strip my mom of her powers?” Molly mumbled. I could tell she was uncomfortable talking to Aberto.
“Are you sure this is the course of action you wish to take? It may be the undoing of her,” he said, looking Molly over.
“I am sure. She can’t be trusted with her powers any longer. She is a Betrayer,” Molly said, looking up to meet his eyes. Her jaw was set in determination and I knew from experience there would be no going against her.
“I will do what you ask,” Aberto conceded and moved back toward me with a different stylus. “Now, it is time. Remember to find your place of comfort. Hold yourself there and let the pain become an ember.”
I looked up at him and nodded. The moment the stylus touched my skin I screamed.
“Embers, Izzy,” Aberto whispered in my ear.
I pulled myself inward. I sought out the place that had been my home before and realized it was no longer there. I looked and looked. Panic began to well inside of me as the pain grew to unbearable measures. I sought out comfort. I slowed my breathing and looked inside of myself and found a glowing spot inside of my soul. It was a soft blue that beckoned me. I moved towards it and allowed the familiar warmth to surround me.
I basked in the security of it as the world passed me by outside. Kennan came back in the room with food and Conall and Ian in tow. Molly got up to talk to them. The world spun around me and I remained in my bubble of safety; wrapped in the glowing warmth of the burning star in my soul. I knew that everything was about to change. I knew that I could not hide from my destiny any longer. It was up to me to stop whatever madness sought to destroy the world I held so dear. I would end it. I would do everything in my power to protect the people I loved, the people in this room, surrounding me. As Aberto finished the last of the marks I was swept by a realization. I loved him as well. I just wasn’t sure if the love was because of the piece of his soul now comforting me, or if it were entirely my own doing.
“It is done,” Aberto said moving away.
But he was wrong. It was just beginning.
THE END
**********
EPILOGUE
The battle raged around me. I stood in the midst of turmoil as Angels and Demons battled one another in a never-ending war. I looked down upon the earth as it spun beneath me. There, below were the people I loved so dearly, fighting for their lives. They tried and failed to conquer the beast ripping through their defenses. Time and again they would gain the upper hand only to be tossed back once more.
I moved through the clouds down to the earth. I walked towards the beast and reached out my hand. I saw my reflection in its eyes. My eyes were a great swirling storm and my skin illuminated blue.
“NO!” I heard Kennan shout.
“Be well,” I whispered before wrapping my arms around the beast and pushing my life force into him. Destroying us both.
**********
I awoke and looked over at Kennan. I knew it was coming. It was drawing ever nearer. My fate was sealed and there would be no stopping it.
**********
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Graves is a self-proclaimed nomad, moving every two to three years with her husband the Army man, her beautiful daughter, and a fat, tailless cat named Torri. When she is not writing away, trying to purge her mind of yapping characters, Michelle can be found entertaining her daughter, attempting to craft (and trying not to injure herself with the glue gun), baking yummy treats, or reading. She admits to having a restless spirit, and forces her family to go out on adventures whenever possible. They lovingly play along. If you want to find out more about Michelle, be sure to check out her facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/mgraveswrites or her blog http://www.michellegraveswrites.blogspot.com/.
**********
OTHER BOOKS BY MICHELLE GRAVES
See How She Runs, Book One: The Chronicles of Izzy
See How She Fights Page 23