One of the large heads tried to bite, but Zahir moved his arms up and pushed power toward the head. The move sent the creature back a few steps. He called on every dark force inside him.
A dark mist surrounded him, and lightning and thunder boomed inside the apartment. The walls gave way, opening one side of the building toward the street. A heavy coat of darkness blacked out even the smallest light from filtering into their private battle.
Once the walls opened, Zahir’s energy pushed the animal back until he fell on his side. A few seconds later, the animal was on his feet again and went straight for Zahir. Both heads dropped large globs of drool.
Zahir’s power careened through him until it gathered in his palms. He lifted both hands and shoved hard at the animal. The push sent it straight through the wall and out to the street. The driving darkness followed them outside.
Focused, he stared at the four massive paws until he pictured them tearing from the heavy body. The animal whined as its paws tore off. Zahir turned to one of the lampposts on the street. He called it to him with his mind. The metal jerked and weaved around the air until it tore off with a loud crack.
Zahir sent the lamppost straight into the animal’s chest. With a loud gagging sound, the animal slumped over.
A soft moan broke through his angry haze. Back in the apartment, he crouched where Shar lay slumped on the floor. Blood dripped from the side of her head.
“Need some help?”
Anahid and Luthian walked through the door. Luthian moved to the street while Anahid looked down at Shar.
“Bring her into the bedroom. It will be best if she’s comfortable when I heal her.”
Zahir lifted her into his arms. She had multiple cuts and bruises all over her arms and face.
Anahid gave him a sympathetic look. “It’s probably best if you’re not here when I do this. It’ll bother you to hear her cry out in pain.”
“No. I’m not leaving her until I know she’s OK.” He never wanted to leave her, but knew that was no longer an option.
“Fine. Just step back and don’t interfere.”
Anahid pulled out a small dropper from her pocket. She dropped some of the liquid in Shar’s mouth. Her face turned colors, and loud agonizing screams tore from her throat. He curled his hands into fists as he watched her endure the painful experience.
She jerked up on the bed, her eyes blank, and she screamed again in pain. The blood stopped flowing, and the cuts began to close. Anahid said a spell to soothe, and Shar dropped back on the bed in slumber.
“She suffered a bad skull fracture, but she’ll be fine in a few days.”
* * *
Shar woke with a massive headache. Everything hurt. She cracked her lids open. Bathed in darkness, her room was in absolute quiet. Her last memory of being thrown across the room played in her head. Sid had been the one after her.
A moan broke from her lips as she moved her arm.
“How are you, darling?”
She turned her face to see her mother walk into the bedroom. Flicking on the bedside lamp, she took a seat by the bed.
“Mom? What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in Ireland?”
“No. I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I was never going to go to Ireland until the threat toward you was taken care of.”
“It was Sid.” She’d never actually liked him, but he’d been in her house. They had even shared a meal or two in the past. How had she missed that? She’d been a pretty good judge of character in the past.
“Yes, dear.” Her mother patted her hand.
“Where’s Zahir?” Shar already knew the answer, but she asked anyway.
“He’s gone. I’m sorry.”
She swallowed at the lump in her throat, and tears filled her eyes. “Don’t be. I’m not sure why I keep letting that man get the best of me, but no more. That was the last time he’ll ever hurt me. I’m filing for divorce.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Her mother held her hand. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret later on.”
“I already regret marrying him. He has never loved me, never wanted me. I’m tired of it. I want out.” It hurt to say the words, but she knew it was true. She needed Zahir completely out of her life.
“I know I don’t speak of this often, but your father was very similar to Zahir.” Her voice turned wistful.
“How do you mean?” She had always tried not to pry.
“I was seventeen. I’d seen him in a dream, knew he was the one for me. Apparently, he had some kind of supernatural in him. When I tried to make a move on him, he told me he’d wait until I was of age. He was worried I was too young to be a military wife. Since I knew he was it for me, I took matters into my own hands. I gave him my first charmed kiss.” She laughed. “After that, he was all mine.”