The Devil's Heir

by Leilani Lopez

  I don’t realize my feet are moving until I trip over a rock. The girl steps toward me, her eyes narrowing in. I feel like prey.

  Her mouth is pulled open in a sinister grin.

  I whirl around and run, attempting to not slam into anything. I hold out my arms to protect my face from the lashes of branches. The path is long gone. I can’t tell right from left anymore. My heart pounds. I get further and further away from the property and unfortunately, my aunt.

  The car will keep me safe. It has to. If I can just make it to the gate.

  I pray my aunt is already there, waiting for me to return.

  I haven’t prayed in almost a week. But, please, God, let me out alive. Just let me have this second chance.

  My heart pounds in my ears so loudly I can’t hear the yelp I release when I trip over something. I catch myself on a nearby tree before I completely fall, and then I push on, trying to forget the sting in my shin.

  And like every event in my life, the opposite happens.

  My arm is yanked. A sharp pain erupts in my shoulder. I stumble backward. My knees buckle and I brace myself with my free hand, my wrist taking most of the impact. I hiss as my palm stings, but then I focus on the burn in my scalp as I’m hauled upright.

  A large hand wraps around my throat, rendering me still.

  I’m shaking like a sinner in confession when I look up at my attacker, who hasn’t made another move other than holding me captive.

  He opens his mouth to speak but snaps it shut, the sound of his jaw clenching is louder than my rattling teeth.

  The flashlight is pointed upward, enhancing the natural shadows of the stranger’s sculpted face. I’ve never seen such beauty before, such sharp features. From his jaw line to the glare in his eyes. His pupils contract under the harsh light and the irises seem to blend in with the charcoal of his eyes.

  My innate response is to apologize, but I can’t seem to get my mouth to work.

  His fingers flex around my throat, as if debating whether to tighten but deciding to give me just enough room to breathe. It’s the only reaction he’s shown me so far.

  Heavy footsteps run up to us. I know it’s the girl I ran into before and, suddenly, I’m stuck in the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in. Even more danger than when I stayed after school to work on an assignment and forgot to tell my grandmother.

  “Didn’t I tell you?” The redhead says to the tall, dark haired boy.

  My breath comes out with a shake and my feet are cemented into the floor.

  “Camilla?” his voice is a void, much like the eyes staring down at me.

  I’m too afraid to shake my head but the whimper gives my answer.

  He releases me. The loss of support has me falling to my knees. “Get out of here.”

  I collapse onto the hard, cold ground and crawl away until I gather the strength to stand back up. The flashlight forgotten, I run.

  My nightmare last night was anything but normal. It wasn’t about red, floating orbs or kids disappearing in the mysterious house. It wasn’t even about my grandmother.

  I dreamt of an older African-American woman.

  We were somewhere in the forest. The thick morning fog made it almost impossible to see her facial features. But the unmistakable drops of blood by her feet indicated a fight was happening.

  She was quick and agile despite her age. She wore a smug expression every time she got in a jab. But, when she fell, I stayed and watched as the soul in her eyes sizzled away.

  In the morning, I stretch out an ache in my side where the woman got in a punch. When I stand in front of the mirror, the memory of the dream fades entirely.

  A bruise mars my chest, right on my sternum. When I touch it, it’s hot. I assume it’s from the fall I took last night and think nothing more of it.

  Aunt Polly wasn’t even surprised when I returned to the car, breathing hard and completely disheveled. She laughed and said it looked like I had a good time before she drove off. I was too shaken to tell her about my encounter, and, honestly, I wanted to forget about it altogether.

  At school, Daisy pops up by my locker with a grin on her face.

  “Guess what?” she asks.

  I don’t want to know, but I ask her.

  She wiggles her eyebrows. “You’re no longer the new kid on the block anymore.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve heard rumors new students are starting today. Which is pretty crazy because the last time we had new kids I was like in the second grade.”

  My spine stiffens and she continues.

  “What are the odds of two new families moving into town right after each other?” She cocks her head to the side and studies me. “I think this is the craziest thing that’s happened in this town since almost half of the senior class disappeared years ago.”

  “I don’t understand. How do that many students just go missing?”

  “Hale Manor.”

  “I’m still not following.”

  Daisy leans against the locker. “Get this. The new kids, their names are Luke and Lily freaking Hale. Can you believe it?”

  God—I flinch at my grandmother’s choice of deity—why can’t I have one day of normalcy?

  Her lips purse and she nods. “Oh, yeah. And we were just talking about them yesterday! And now they’re here? Like the actual descendants of the Hale family are here? What are the freaking odds?”

  All I think about are those eyes. Those dark and empty eyes aimed down at me. Staring at me like I’m nothing.

  “Why are they following me?” I mutter to myself.

  “What?” Daisy clearly heard. “You know them?”

  “No,” I quickly deny. “No.”

  “Oh.” She frowns. “Okay. Well, I guess we’ll see what happens, huh?”

  I close my locker and retreat, wanting to get far away from the front of the school. Daisy follows me but stops just a few feet away at her own locker.

  “This is all fascinating,” Daisy says.

  “Or not?”

  “This is probably the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to Diablo.”

  “For a town with such a big name, it sure does seem boring.”

  Daisy rolls her eyes and closes the locker. “You’re telling me. Everyone here grew up with each other. I’m looking forward to a little mix up.”

  Her face radiates pent-up excitement.

  Down the hall, I hear rustling and a very familiar soft voice. The redhead from last night pushes through the crowd. Her pale hands are held up on both sides of her, as if telling the crowd to back off. And though her body is closed off, her eyes are on the hunt, sweeping the halls as she makes her way through.

  The boy I’m assuming is her brother is just as stoic, following his sister’s footsteps. Girls are whispering behind cupped hands. The boys bristle and puff out their chests. Daisy grabs and squeezes my hand. I’m too frozen to return the gesture. I glance around. Nowhere to run.

  “It’s the Hales,” Daisy hisses excitedly. “It’s gotta be the Hales.”

  If she’d had those large hands wrapped around her pristine neck like I did, excited is the last thing she would feel.

  The girl’s black eyes catch mine and she stops in her tracks. Behind her, her brother stops in time to avoiding crashing into her. He glances down at his sister in question, with no other sign of annoyance. People in the halls try to follow her gaze and soon, everyone’s eyes are on me.

  “Is she…?” Daisy begins to murmur but I stop her with a slight nod. “Oh, my God.”

  “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” the redhead yells from across the hall.

  People around me point, at themselves. She focuses solely on me; her long strides carry her toward me like a magnet. My peers follow in her wake.

  She stands directly in front of me, so close I can smell her fruity perfume. “I knew we’d see each other again.”

  My shoulders begin to curve inwards and teeth begin to ache from clenching th
em so hard. I hear someone’s breath hitch, and I dare a glance up through my lashes to the boy. He’s at least a head taller than me and I can feel his hot gaze on my face. He doesn’t say anything, just remains in sync with his sister and stares at me.

  His dark hair is combed back, leaving his eyes on full display. His cheeks are hollow and his clenched jaw accentuates his bone structure. Our eyes meet and I swear for just a second, there’s a warmth in his that wasn’t there before. But just as fast, it’s gone and I begin to question myself.

  I take a deep breath and respond. “I don’t know you.”

  “Well, I’m Lily, and speaking of not knowing each other…” She steps to the side so her brother is now directly in front of me. “Have you met my brother, Luke?”

  I sway as my body tries to move toward him, but thankfully my feet are glued to the ground. “Not officially.”

  Lily looks up at her older brother and elbows him when he doesn’t respond. “We talked about this.”

  He ignores her and steps forward. It’s such a large step, I retreat and slam into the lockers. “My sister seems intrigued with you.”

  There’s an audible gasp from somewhere in the crowd when he speaks and I catch myself before my knees buckle. His voice is soothing yet deadly, a sinful promise that even one of the Sisters could fall for.

  “I wish she wasn’t.” One breath and my chest would touch his.

  He releases a deep chuckle. “Smart girl. Stay away from my sister, and stay off of my property.”

  And then he leaves. Turns on his heels and marches away.

  Lily places her hands on her hips and watches her brother as he disappears into the crowd and around the corner. The people who stood back to watch the show jump into action and begin to scurry around.

  “He’s so stubborn. Don’t worry, I’ll fix this!” Lily says, then chases after her brother.

  Daisy shudders and meets my eyes. “I thought you said you didn’t know them.”

  “It’s complicated,” I say.

  The bell rings and she puts her arm through mine. “We don’t have much time, so tell me fast.”

  The cafeteria is a separate building with glass walls. Which is convenient, because it makes it easy to stand safely outside and stare at the two Hale siblings sitting at one of the tables in the center of the room. And I’m not the only one gawking.

  There’s been a lot of talk about the two gorgeous siblings. I’m positive God must be peering down at me because thus far I’ve managed to avoid being in any classes with the oldest, moody Hale despite being in the same grade. At this point, the whole student body is afraid of the small redhead. Rumor has it she’s already given someone a bloody nose for looking at her the wrong way.

  “How could you hold out on us, Calla?”

  Freddie and Becca walk toward me hand-in-hand.

  “I wasn’t holding out on anything.”

  Freddie crosses his arms over his chest. “Don’t you think it seems weird they’re here?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Like why now?” he asks. “The manor has been empty for generations and all of a sudden they pop up? I don’t believe in coincidences.”

  I raise my hand in agreement while Becca rolls her eyes. “We don’t even know them yet. Give them a chance before you decide to burn them at the stake.”

  “I’m pretty sure that’s witches,” Freddie mutters.

  I narrow my eyes in confusion.

  “Cause they’re demons…I’m pretty sure you don’t burn demons at the stake.”

  “Let’s ask what secrets are in their closest.” Becca tugs her boyfriend toward the cafeteria. “Plus, it’s taco salad day. And you know how I feel about my taco salad.”

  The three of us enter the cafeteria and I walk close behind the couple, doing my best to blend in and remain hidden.

  “Hate to break it to you, but this school is small. She’s going to find you.”

  I shrink at Freddie’s words.

  “Calla!” Lily calls from across the room.

  I flinch.

  “Go see your boyfriend, Calla,” Becca jokes. “We’ll save you a seat.”

  Standing tall, I turn around. An excited Lily waves me over much like Daisy did. Aunt Polly’s words run through my head, and I know this is one of those moments I need to decide how to take action.

  Baby steps.

  I take the tray and force my eyes down to avoid the intense pair aimed at me. I hold my breath until I can finally release it now that I’m in the safety zone of my friends’ table.

  Daisy’s smile is wide and knowing. “Good day?”

  I shake my head. “Not particularly.”

  A hand touches my shoulder and I flinch. I know who it belongs to right away. “Didn’t you see me waving at you?”

  Lily’s hand doesn’t move until I curve my shoulder inwards and away from her. “I must have missed you.”

  Liar.

  My eyes close when her tray slams onto the table next to mine. “No worries, I’m here now.”

  My friends are immediately taken by the brazen redhead, all of their attention on her. Unfortunately for them, Lily’s attention is aimed toward something specific. “So, Calla—it’s Calla, right?”

  My chance at an invisible life is ruined. “Yes,” I tell her, “it’s Calla.”

  “Well, Calla, I was talking to my brother and”—she looks around—“where is he?”

  I can’t stop myself from glancing over my shoulder in the direction of Lily’s gaze. The boy in question is still seated at the table where his sister left him. A beautiful brunette is sitting opposite of him and is speaking enthusiastically. Luke’s face shows zero interest in the girl being there.

  “Luke! Luke! Get over here.”

  He glances over at us and my breath hitches when our eyes meet.

  He seems like he wants to ignore his sister, but when she rises from her seat, he beats her to it and leaves the stunned brunette sitting alone.

  Lily grabs her older brother’s arms and turns him so he’s facing me. “Calla, you remember my brother, right?”

  I clear my throat. “Yes.”

  Her brother is quiet for a moment. “I thought I told you to drop it.”

  She nudges her brother. “Look at her, Luke. Why won’t you just listen to me for once?”

  “I already listened to you, Lily. We’re here, aren’t we? You said you wanted to go to school, so here we are.”

  “But you’re not really listening to what I’m saying. Just look.”

  I want to cower away from the two of them, their opposing personalities setting me on edge. I don’t want to be the focal point of their feud.

  The brother sighs in defeat and forces his eyes to me.

  They’re much more intense than his sister’s. While hers are vibrant, his are tired and empty, the same way I felt when I saw my grandmother on the floor covered in her own blood. It’s not fair someone our age has been through something so damaging that it took our lightness.

  As quickly as he looks at me, he turns to his sister. “Now what?”

  She groans. “I don’t know what you’re doing, but it’s wrong.”

  “I’m not doing anything, Lily.”

  “Exactly!” she snaps.

  The siblings share a look, and I can tell there’s something more to it when Lily leans into him, her eyes narrowing as if daring for him to continue.

  Daisy, bless her heart, intervenes. “Well, this is weird. Are you going to sit? People are starting to stare.”

  Lily sulks at her brother and he takes the empty seat next to his sister.

  “So,” Becca says, “did your apples come from different trees?”

  “What are you talking about?” the redhead asks.

  Becca motions to her hair and then at the siblings, who are physically opposites.

  “Different mothers,” Lily answers easily. “His was Italian, mine was Irish.”

  Luke snickers.

  Was being the key
word. No one points it out.

  “I think introductions are due, right?” Daisy waves her hand from across the table. “I’m Daisy.”

  Freddie chirps and nudges his girlfriend. “You missed the floral name memo, babe.”

  Becca rolls her eyes. “It’s cool, I’m allergic. I’m Becca and this hunk next to me is Freddie.”

  Tyler nods to the siblings. “I’m Tyler.” He winks at me and I allow myself a smile.

  Lily’s eyes narrow. “Who’s this guy?”

  Tyler smirks and I shift uncomfortably. “He’s my friend.”

  “I don’t like it,” Lily says with no sign of embarrassment. “I don’t like this, Luke.”

  The eldest Hale shows a new interest in the conversation by turning his attention toward Tyler. “Hey, man. Good to meet you.”

  Lily grinds her teeth.

  “Well, since we’re all friends now,” Tyler says, “I think it’s only fair we invite you out tonight.”

  “What’s tonight?” I ask.

  “Yes,” Becca snaps enthusiastically, and a crazy look forms in her eyes. “Yes. Sometimes some of the older kids get together at the Barn and sit around a bonfire, hang out. You’re more than welcome to come. To be honest, I think everyone would love to have you there.”

  Luke seems to notice he has an audience. He slowly glances around the room and snickers when people look everywhere but at him.

  “Thanks for the invitation, but that’s not really my scene,” he says.

  Tyler shrugs. “Invitation stands.”

  “Are you going, Calla?” Lily asks me.

  I stutter. “I-I don’t know… Probably?”

  Daisy nudges me with her shoulder. “Of course she is.”

  “Then you have to go, Luke,” Lily says.

  “Lily, I—”

  “I’ll see to it he goes.” She stands up from the table. “I’m bored now. Let’s go, Luke.”

  A defeated Luke rises and follows his sister out of the cafeteria.

  “She’s feisty,” Becca says, “I like her.

  “Now, now, everybody,” Daisy says. “Let’s all play nice. We don’t want to scare the poor boy away.”

  Freddie chuckles. “Or piss him off. Lord knows we don’t need the Hales after us. Whoever they are.”