Dark Light (The Dark Light Series)(17)
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I anticipate the Shadow’s arrival as I perch high upon the trees. I can sense them; hear their voices echo through the still night air. I crouch silently in expectance of their approach. Though it is dark, I can see them perfectly. I can see the tops of their dark, glossy hair and dark suits. I’ve heard of these two. They have a reputation for being exceptionally brutal and proficient assassins. No Enchanter or Dark Hunter has ever lived to tell their tales of carnage. They are, of course, gloriously handsome but their beauty is a lie; an accumulation of stolen souls and siphoned magic. They kill without mercy and supply their constant need for more magic to refuel. The thought infuriates me and I thirst for the vengeance of the countless lives taken to feed their greed for power.
I wait for my chance to strike yet when I prepare to leap down, something stops me short. A force, beckoning me, calling to me. I look down only to lock eyes with an endless pool of pale blue irises. He doesn’t look angry or vicious; he looks intrigued, curious even. Virtually silent, I leap down and face him. His looks are striking, unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. I know the Dark uses hypnotism on their prey but being a Light Enchantress, I am impervious to their charms. He doesn’t flinch, nor make an aggressive move. We just stare in silence, mere yards apart. It seems like we’ve been eyeing each other for hours. We are foreign to the other. Alien. I’ve never actually been this close or this peaceful with a Dark One, not to mention the Shadow, being the pack of ruthless savages their reputation boasts. But this one is different. Peaceful. Resigned.
The other Dark One calls out from a far distance, speaking in their native tongue, asking if he has found anything. Many Light Enchanters do not understand their language, but I have been versed in it as part of my training. A moment passes, and he responds, informing him that there is nothing. His eyes never leave mine. They are searching for something in desperation. And then just like that, he turns and flits towards his partner. And they’re gone.
I’ve never forgotten that night. Not only did my life change but the entire existence of our kind was forever altered. This was the first night I laid eyes on your father.
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My father. My father was a Dark One. An assassin of the Shadow. My father was a cruel, callous Warlock who killed innocents for their magic. He manipulated people’s minds to gain wealth and power. He frequently pursued Dark Hunters, like my mother, and took pleasure in their suffering. My father was the enemy. My father was the embodiment of evil.
Chapter Five
“Another young woman was found dead last night in what looks to be the latest victim in the Icepick Murder case. Twenty-one year old Casey Klein, a student at Colorado Technical University, was found brutally stabbed in her vehicle outside of her dormitory. No witnesses have come forward and the killer is still at large. If you have any information, please call the…,” the polished brunette anchorwoman reports from the small television in our kitchen. My parents and I listen intently, worry and disgust etched in our faces.
“It’s getting worse,” Donna mumbles from the stove, tending to her scrambled egg whites.
“I know,” Chris replies, solemnly.
“Can’t something be done? Innocent girls can’t keep dying!” Donna shrieks, nearly dropping the spatula.
I look up from my own breakfast. “What’s going on?” I can tell they know more about the situation than they’ve let on. Chris and Donna exchange a strained glance.
Chris sighs with reluctance and looks at me intently. “Gabi, honey, the girls’ deaths are no random act. They are being murdered by the Dark.” He gulps and waits for my reaction. This is the first time he’s admitted their existence to me.
“Why?” is all I can choke out.
My dad pinches the bridge of his nose before exhaling. He looks to me with weary, apologetic eyes. “Because they are looking for you.”
My blood runs cold, everything around me completely muted. I’m numb. All sense of sight and sound has been stripped away from me. The rhythm of my rapidly pounding heartbeat resonates in my head. Just its steady drumming reminds me that I am still here, still breathing. Not drowning in my own wretched trepidation. Someone is after me and they’ve left a trail of tortured, mangled girls. Whoever is out there looking for me wants my blood. They want to do to me what they’ve done to these poor innocent girls. Maybe even more.
“Gabriella, do you understand what I’m saying?” Chris asks, raising his voice a bit to get my attention.
“Huh?” My brain has obviously turned to mush.
Donna sits down next to me and gently places her small hand on my shoulder. “They can’t find you. They can’t pick up your scent or sense what’s in you. I’ve made sure of that.” She tries to smile reassuringly, but it’s strained.