Page 19 of Haunted Hearts

Her brows lift. “No. Not many do. I’ve heard he’s… beautiful. Supposed to look otherworldly.”

“Ben said his eyes were glowing.”

Gen goes rigid. “Your assumption could very well be correct,” she murmurs. “Was he able to tell you anything else?”

“I know you said you don’t know much, but Ben and I agree that it’s pretty clear that whatever we need to do is going to involve magic.”

“What can I do?”

“That’s why I want to talk to you.” I sit in the chair near the window. “Ben said the guy has horns. Obviously we have no idea what this man is capable of or if he’s even a man at all.”

“Not a man,” she says quietly before looking at me. “A monster.”

“I believe we need to attack head-on, but we’ll need some kind of protection.” I fold my arms and lean back. “Do you think you’d be able to do that cloaking spell you did at Rosa’s compound on a single person?”

“In theory, but it would be difficult if I’m not with you.”

“I was afraid you’d say that. Is there a minimal distance that you would need to keep?”

“I’m honestly not sure.”

“Would you be willing to test it?”

“Absolutely; I’ll do anything I can to help.”

“I was hoping you would say that,” I say, standing. “How does this afternoon sound?”

“You realize you’re still injured, right?” Gen points to my arm. “Maybe wait a couple of days, that will give me time to build my strength.”

“Fine,” I say frustratedly. “Let me know when you’re ready.”

“Cade, I have to ask.”

“Hmm?”

“Is there any part of you that’s afraid? Of all this. Even when I was in your head, you had been broken and beaten. But your resolve never wavered.”

For a moment, I don’t know how to answer. Of course I am afraid.

“Fear is what keeps you alive. It reminds me every day what I’m fighting for.” I meet her eyes. “Are you scared?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Make that your motivation to fight until you can’t.”

“Surprisingly insightful words coming from you.” She smiles. “A pure soul so tainted by your life, yet you still manage to hold on to yourself. You’re not so bad, Cade.”

She’s being nice; I think I prefer the attitude to deciding how to respond to a compliment.

“Thanks, I guess.”

“Wow, you really aren’t accustomed to a person not hating you, huh?” Gen’s head rolls back as she laughs before straightening. “Yeah… Listen. I need to tell you something. It’s Calli.” Her eyes darken. “She’s not my kind.” Her mouth twitches.

“What do you mean? She has magic, like you.”

“No,” she says, quietly, but firm. “Witches keep balance. We manipulate organic life. We shape nature. What I saw outside wasn’t that. It was something else.” There’s fear in her eyes now. As if she knows something is wrong.

“Then what is she?” I lean forward, my gaze fixed on her.