Dark Spirits: Paranormal Fantasy

By Rebekkah Ford

Loving people comes with the risk of losing them.

I’m Paige Reed. Eighteen. And my world is different now. I’ve awakened to a new life, one hidden from humanity where darkness can grow a pulse and manipulate this reality. It needs my help, but if I do, mass-genocide will happen. I much rather fight these dark forces than assist them. I’m emotionally and physically stronger than ever. I can totally smoke these dark spirits, but my boyfriend, Nathan’s overprotectiveness is preventing me from taking action. And I’m seriously getting annoyed by it, and he’s hiding things from me.

I know it.

I feel it.

It’s becoming a huge problem in our relationship. I mean, I share my cryptic premonitions with him and my newfound magickal abilities, but yet he won’t open up to me.

Why?

So, when my ex-boyfriend Brayden shows up and offers the equal partnership I desperately crave from Nathan, I begin questioning myself and my feelings.

My heart is shattering.

Things are quickly getting complicated, and darkness is closing in on me. I need to make some hard decisions and hope they’ll be the right ones.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebekkah Ford
• Release date: Feb 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301878048

Rebekkah Ford

Rebekkah Ford is an award-winning author who writes paranormal romance and fantasy novels. She's also a blogger, a ghostwriter and a freelance writer who specializes in health and social media management. She writes versatile and in-depth articles on various topics.She's an explorer in search of adventure, new discoveries, and to live life minimally and deliberately.She believes we weren't born to just pay bills and die.Rebekkah loves to connect with her fans, so if you ever want to say hi, please do so. She’d love to hear from you.Where to connect with Rebekkah:Website: http://exploringrabbitholes.com/Blog: http://rebekkahford.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrebekkahford/Facebook Author Page: http://www/Facebook.com/RebekkahFord2012Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebekkahFordGoogle Plus: https://plus.google.com/102242636096208798568/postsPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/rebekkahford/Sign-up for Rebekkah's monthly newsletter. Get updates on Rebekkah's books, such as new releases, excerpts, giveaways, top-secret information and much more! Your information is kept private. Rebekkah doesn't share, sell, or spam newsletter subscribers.rebekkahford.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=06bbb5773fe9e17e6ba0e860e&id=51f0af6e94

Book preview

Chapter One

I opened the brass urn and scattered my mother’s ashes over the Pacific Ocean. They sailed through the gentle breeze, into the boundless sea, like magical dust trailing behind a fairy heading for home.

My bare feet gripped the craggy rock where I stood above the shoreline. In the fiery evening sky, a group of pelicans soared gracefully above the water. One by one, they dove into the water, creating splashing sounds that echoed in my immortal ears.

Wiping the tears from my eyes, I bent down. My dark red hair fell in a curtain around my face. I tucked it behind my ears as I shoved the urn into my backpack. From the side pocket, I retrieved my tin whistle. Mom always loved when I played for her, so I would play her a song now.

The tip of the whistle rested comfortably between my lips. I placed my fingers on top of the holes, but then hesitated when the sound of a barking dog reached my ears. I glanced over my shoulder. A black lab ran past me, followed by a handful of runners in matching orange and white track uniforms. All eyes were trained on the dog, except for a dirty blond-haired guy who appeared to be around my age. His gaze latched onto my white gauze sundress, then rested on my bronze chest. He smiled and winked. Feeling uncomfortable by the way he was staring at me, I pulled the crocheted spaghetti straps on my dress back so my breast would be firmly inside the V cut of my empire waist. He winked again, and I turned to the ocean.

I had hoped for some solitude on Cannon Beach and thought with it being the end of August and late in the evening that would be possible. I had considered Nathan’s suggestion on renting a speed boat to release Mom’s ashes farther into the sea, but this spot was where Mom had released my father’s ashes when I was four, fourteen years before. Therefore, I’d do the same for her, regardless if I were to become a spectacle for all to gawk at.

Nathan stood below me, staring at the guy’s back, burning a hole into it. And even though he had given me immortality five months before, he still remained overprotective. He looked up, his deep blue eyes locking onto mine, their hardness melting into molten liquid. I licked my lips, feeling the warmth Nathan only shared with me. It never ceased to amaze me how he always took my breath away. My gaze fell onto his khaki pants, rolled to his knees, the surf lapping at his tan shins, then to his muscular arms, and short brown hair with the blond-tipped spikes.

It’s okay, Paige, Tree said on the other side of me, diverting my attention. He had his arm around Carrie’s waist, and when I looked at him, he jerked his head, his perfectly straight black

Mohawk pointing in the direction the runners had gone. You can play now.

I took a deep breath and resumed my position, slowly blowing air into the whistle. I closed my eyes, allowing the breathy music to unfold into the eternal abyss where pleasant dreams and happiness resided. This Celtic song would reach those boundaries, straight to my mom. I believed that because I’d seen and conversed with her and my father before I’d turned immortal. And somehow, I could feel her presence now, her soft hand on my shoulder.

It’s lovely, Paige, but you must stop. They’re coming, Mom whispered into my ear, surprising me. I glanced at Nathan. He nodded toward Haystack Rock, a basalt monolith two-hundred and thirty-five feet high, jutting out of the ocean. I stopped playing and followed his gaze to the rock.

What is it? Tree asked, reaching into his baggy camouflage pocket, squinting in the direction we were staring at.

A man clad in black jerked his head from the binoculars he held and inched his way behind the rock, disappearing from sight.

I think there was a man watching us, Carrie said, pointing in that direction, slipping her sunglasses in the front bib of her red plaid capri overalls. Tree opened her hand and stuck something in it. It was a small, black canister. Pepper Spray.

I silently chastised myself for allowing them to come here with me, knowing the dark spirits either wanted to torture me, kidnap me for Aosoth, or use me as a bargaining chip. I mean, Aosoth was a heartless female dark spirit who had wanted me to find Solomon’s ring, only to give it to her. But now that the old one had found the ring, she was going to want me to find Solomon’s incantations for her since the ring was impotent without it. And even though Tree and Carrie knew about me becoming immortal, they didn’t know much else.

The wind began to pick up, swirling my hair and dress about. The surf softly roared as the low tides sloshed against the rocks, slowly gaining momentum. When I spotted ten Goth-looking people headed our way, I snatched my backpack, slung it over my shoulder, and stuck the whistle in the side pocket. Jumping down, I took Nathan’s hand, feeling wet sand squish between my toes.

What do you think we should do? I asked him.

Do about what? Carrie asked, moving next to me. It looks like that guy left, she added, focusing on Haystack Rock.

I pointed to our left. There are ten people walking toward us, and they could be dark spirits.

Both Carrie and Tree squinted in that direction, but their human vision was too weak to see, and the darkening sky didn’t help either.

Tree frowned. But I thought your ears ring when they’re around.

They do, but they have to be within a certain radius in order for that to happen, I told him. That’s why they’ve been keeping a certain distance, so Nathan and I won’t detect them.

I think I see them now, Carrie said, staring off into that direction, poking her chin out, still squinting. It looks like they’re walking shoulder to shoulder in a straight line.

They are, Nathan said with a sigh. He let go of my hand and turned to us. Okay, this is what we’re going to do. Tree and Carrie, stay behind Paige and me. He glanced down at their hands and nodded in approval. I see you both have pepper spray. Smart thinking. Keep that hand in your pocket, but don’t let go of the pepper spray. I’m going to try to handle this on my own and–

Handle it on your own? I said, dropping my backpack in irritation. There was no way I’d stand back and allow him to handle this on his own. I didn’t spend my whole summer training with Anwar and him on a deserted island in the Baltic Sea to stand here and do nothing.

Uh-oh. I know that tone of voice, Tree said with a half-smile, looking at Nathan. You just pissed Paige off.

I can really see them now, Carrie said, sounding nervous. They look like vampires or something. She turned to Nathan. Paige isn’t a helpless mortal anymore, Nathan. I get you want to protect her, but she can kick some ass now, so cut her some slack. She wrapped her arm around mine and hugged it. Paige can be my bodyguard any day.

Thank you, Carrie, I said, smiling, hearing Tree chuckling under his breath, surprised at how lax he was considering our current situation.

Nathan ran a hand through his hair and took a step closer to us. Look. I agree whole-heartedly with you, Carrie. However, you don’t know the whole situation and–

I knew you two were holding out on us, Tree said, raising his eyebrows. And I think you should tell Carrie and me what’s going on.

My ears began to ring, and I pushed Carrie behind me.

We don’t have time, Nathan said in a rush. There are too many of them, and if things get ugly, I’m going to have to kill them. He took my hand, and we turned our backs on them. Remember to keep the pepper spray ready, he whispered over his shoulder as the group approached us. I could hear Carrie’s heart racing, and again I wished I’d never allowed them to talk me into coming here with me. I should have known it wasn’t safe for them to be around me in a less populated area.

The group stopped short a half a yard away from us. There were six males and four females. All of them looked to be in their early twenties. I recognized the guy at the end on the far left. The binoculars now hung from his neck. He gave me a smug look. I drew myself up, shoulders back, refusing to allow him to intimidate me.

Soft giggles erupted from the girls, grouped together to my right. The platinum blonde one with the short, spiky hairstyle, pursed her black lips when my gaze fell upon her. Her brown eyes had flecks of gold in them, and they were heavily lined in black. They swelled in cockiness, followed by a twisted smile. Then a yellow laser beam of light swiped across her irises. She was a young dark spirit, which meant I could cast her out.

Good.

I didn’t like her attitude.

The guy in the middle with the shiny, long black hair, stepped forward. Nathan took half a step in front of me, spreading his legs, positioning his body into a protective stance. I didn’t budge. I mean, honestly, Nathan was much stronger and experienced than I was, so I decided to hang back and would make a move only if I had to.

The guy’s startling blue eyes took in Nathan’s position with caution. He slowly raised his hands. I have no quarrel with you, he said. My name is Ayperos, and I’m just here to deliver a message to you.

What message might that be? Nathan said in a stiff voice.

Ayperos’ eyes slid off of Nathan and onto me. A beam of light swiped across his irises, but the beam was much larger than normal. I then realized he had to be an older dark spirit. Not as old as the old one whose eyes completely glowed, but old enough. I then wondered if Nathan would be able to cast him out if he had to. I didn’t think so since Nathan was too young to cast an old one out. It sucked because Nathan was a hundred and seventy-five years old, and you’d think he’d be able to do it. But no, it didn’t work that way. Now, if Anwar were here, he could, but he had left town a couple of days before.

Aosoth is regaining her energy, and she has allies who will help her get what she wants, which is you, Paige, Ayperos said. He reluctantly looked away from me to address Nathan. The ‘old one’ wanted me to relay that message to you.

Why would the ‘old one’ do that? I asked, not getting why he’d care, but then the answer came to me. If Aosoth were to get a hold of me first, it could jeopardize his plan to use me to find Solomon’s incantations for him. But then again, why would he screw around and give Aosoth the opportunity to nab me before him? It didn’t make sense.

Ayperos’ gaze fell back on me, and he stared for an uncomfortable moment until Tree cleared his throat behind Nathan. I had almost forgotten Tree and Carrie were behind us. I glanced at Tree, and his eyes shifted to Ayperos, then to me. I knew Tree well enough to know what he was silently saying. This guy was attracted to me, which sent chills across my body.

The ‘old one’ was right, Ayperos said more to himself than to us. You are more beautiful than your grandmother Kora.

I gaped at him because I never knew what my grandmother’s name was until now. A soft smile crossed his handsome face, and he nodded at the same time Nathan took a step forward, standing nose to nose with him.

You need to back off, Nathan said between clenched teeth. He shoved Ayperos’ chest. Ayperos stumbled backwards, his arms flailing. He collapsed against a tall, lanky dark-haired guy who had a thin chain attached to his nose ring all the way to his ear. It flapped against his cheek when he caught Ayperos and lifted him to his feet, pushing him forward. The group advanced on us, and I took a step forward. Ayperos raised his fist above his shoulder. The group stopped. He brushed his pinstripe bondage shirt and wiped his hands on his black jeans.

He glared at Nathan. Like I said, I have no quarrel with you. He paused, and his angular face contorted into a hideous mask of righteous evil. The laser beam of light swiped across his eyes again. At least, not yet.

Then get on with it, Nathan barked, unfazed by Ayperos’ obvious threat.

To answer Paige’s earlier question. Ayperos’ eyes flicked to mine, and I swear they softened at that very moment. I was once one of the ‘old one’s’ commanders, and he trusts me.

But why would he want to warn me? I asked. I could hear the sea crashing against the rocks in violent waves, and the temperature was dropping. My arms were cold, so I hugged them to my body. Nathan took notice and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. Tree and Carrie moved beside me. I noticed Carrie still kept her hand in her pocket, which gave me comfort.

His soft smile returned, produced this time by affection, which he defiantly displayed in front of Nathan through his words. It’s all part of the plan, Paige, and the ‘old one’ fancies you. He looked at Carrie and inclined his head toward her. He likes you too and really enjoyed your long makeout sessions. His quick eyes went to Tree, and he smirked.

You son-of-a-bitch, Tree said, shielding Carrie who made a squeaking sound. I glanced at her, and she looked pale.

Stay back, Tree, Nathan said, stepping in front of him, pushing the hand holding his pepper spray back. He’s just razing you.

Ayperos laughed and so did his group. Well, I can also say this, he said between laughter. He pointed at Nathan and Tree. He doesn’t like you two. He swayed his finger to Tree, as if in a drunken daze. And the reason why you’re still alive is because of Carrie. But if you ever lose her favor–he spread his arms out, palms up– you’re fair game. He bowed his head and turned to his group. Our business is done here. Let’s go have some fun.

Wait, I said. I didn’t want him to leave without answering a question I’d been wondering about.

Ayperos slowly pivoted. Yes, Paige.

What’s the ‘old one’s’ name?

A conspiratorial smile formed on his face. That my dear will be revealed to you by the ‘old one’ himself. He tilted his head to the side in mocking thought. Not even Anwar, the six-hundred-year-old African knows his name. He raised his hands and shook them, puckering his lips. Wooooo, the Almighty Anwar, whom you think so highly of. He pointed a sharp finger at us. Let me tell you something about Anwar, he said, his eyes turning cold, his lips tight on each word he spoke. He has his own agenda, and eventually you’ll find out what it is. He’s not as noble as you think. Snorting and snickering broke free behind him, and half of the group were nodding in agreement. And then they left, leaving the four of us in stunned silence.

Chapter Two

All four of us piled into Nathan’s pickup. After Ayperos and his gang had left, Carrie and Tree began pelting us with a barrage of questions that neither Nathan nor I wanted to answer. It was best they didn’t know about the lot I’d been given and how it spun me into the center of treachery and betrayal. Into the center of black-hearted beings–two of which were at odds with each other–each powerful enough to gain a following of supporters.

I knew Aosoth would stop at nothing to get what she wanted, and she had no qualms about torturing me. But the old one was the one who had played her, not me. The old one had found the ring without telling her, and then after she slit my forearms open, in a blinding fury, Nathan had cast a spell on her before Anwar exorcised her out of Carrie. Nathan’s homemade incantation caused Aosoth to be hurtled to God knows where, depleting her of all energy, into a white-hot void of agonizing pain. So now that she was regaining her energy, she was going to be hellbent on getting revenge, something I didn’t want to touch Tree and Carrie. But their questions wouldn’t stop. Carrie would ask one question, Tree would ask another, and they continued that way, like three-year-olds badgering their parents with why questions.

You guys can’t keep whatever you’re keeping a secret forever, Tree said, putting the front seat back. I moved my legs, giving him more room. The leather felt soft and cool against the back of my knees. He ducked his head to get inside Nathan’s pickup. Eventually we’re going to find out anyway.

I glanced at the rearview mirror and met Nathan’s eyes, catching the wavering look in them. He was going to crack and tell them. I knew it, but I also knew Nathan wouldn’t tell them the power of the ring resided in me now. Nobody knew. Well, except for my dead grandmother who was the one who’d told us.

I nodded in approval. I didn’t want to, but there was no other way around it. I mean, Tree made a good point. They’d find out about it anyway, because eventually Brayden would tell them.

Yeah, one way or the other we’re going to find out, Carrie chimed. So you should tell us. She shoved my knee back. I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me about Matt being possessed. I mean, when that dude . . . What’s his name?

Ayperos, Nathan, Tree, and I said together.

Yeah, him. When he mentioned about me kissing the ‘old one’ I thought I was going to hurl. She made a face and held her stomach like the very thought of it sickened her. I knew she was just being dramatic, but I scooted away from her anyway.

Well, Carrie, I replied. I didn’t know you had invited a spirit inside you.

Yeah, well, she said, scowling. I didn’t realize the implications of my actions, where you knew I was dating a soulless human who happened to be inhabited by a dark spirit.

I couldn’t tell you because I didn’t want you involved in any of this. I was only trying to protect you. Besides, you wouldn’t have believed me anyway, I reasoned.

Carrie crossed her arms, grasping her elbows. "I still think you should have, and I can’t believe you never told us about your premonitions. We’re your best friends," she shrilled, throwing her hands in the air, then grasping her elbows again.

I was afraid your opinions of me would change, I softly said, staring at my lap, feeling like crap because she had a point. I should have trusted their friendship and told them years ago. But I didn’t. I was too scared of losing them. They were my family, and honestly, if I were to have told them a ghostly voice whispered cryptic premonitions to me, would they have really believed me? I wanted to say that to Carrie, but kept quiet instead. I didn’t feel like arguing, or trying to justify myself.

Carrie pfft and turned the other way, refusing to look at me.

Listen, you guys, Nathan said, turning toward us. Paige and I will tell you what you want to know, but we can’t talk here. We need to go to Paige’s house.

All right, Tree mumbled, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. Do you guys want to order a pizza from Sal’s? He peeked around the front seat for an answer. I nodded, and Carrie shrugged, still sulking.

Sure, Nathan said, driving out of the parking lot, heading toward town.

Do you want your usual? Tree asked me. Thin crust, veggie, with extra cheese?

I nodded again. He gave Carrie a long look, but she kept staring out the window, ignoring us. The corner of his mouth pulled down, and he dialed the number. I scooted next to Carrie and pinched her leg, but she continued to stare out the window. I decided to change my tactic and repeatedly squeezed the flesh above her knee, knowing she was ticklish there.

Yes, I’d like to order . . .

Stop it, Paige. She swiped at my hands, trying not to laugh.

Are you going to quit being mad at me? I tickled her side even though she continued to push my hands away. She shrieked with laughter.

Okay, she said, gasping for air. I forgive you.

I stopped and smiled. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Carrie, but honestly it was for your own good. I was afraid the ‘old one’ or Aosoth would hurt you if they found out you knew about them.

I know, she said, finally catching her breath. It’s just creepy I was really dating the ‘old one’ instead of Matt.

Well, I promise you, I said, taking her hand. I’ll tell ya what you need to know. I made sure to emphasize what you need to know because she and Tree didn’t need to know my unfortunate circumstances. Unfortunate because if the dark spirits got wind of it, they would destroy me. But at least right now, I was of some value to them.

Nathan pulled up to the drive-through window. The artificial light above the sliding window made the freckles that were scattered across the bridge of Carrie’s nose standout against her shadowed smile. Nathan told a dark-haired guy about my age that we had an order waiting for us. Soon after, Nathan handed Tree two large pizzas, filling the cab of the pickup with the rich smell of tomato, melting cheese, and pepperoni from the meat lovers pizza the guys ordered for themselves. My stomach growled, but I ignored it because in my mind I was staging the conversation we were about to have with Carrie and Tree. What exactly would we tell them? I knew we couldn’t tell them everything, but I also knew we had to be cautious in what we did tell them. I didn’t know how the rest of the night would go, but I did know things wouldn’t be the same for Carrie and Tree, and it bothered the crap out of me.

* * *

So Solomon’s ring gives whoever wears it complete control over the dark spirits? Carrie asked, wiping her fingers on a napkin. Tree had parked himself on the loveseat, and Carrie was sitting on the floor between his legs. She placed the napkin in the open pizza box beside Tree and looked at us.

Chewing the last of his pizza, Nathan said, Yes, but the ring is ineffective without his incantations, which are lost. However, Paige seems to be the only one who can find it, and that’s why she’s in grave danger.

I took a drink of my Dr Pepper and shuddered when he said those last two words. I may be immortal, but they could still torture me and kill me by draining my blood. So I guess I wasn’t totally immortal.

Wait a minute, Tree said, tossing his crust in the pizza box and closing the lid. Do they have the ring?

Nathan and I nodded. Carrie stared at us with a blank expression on her face, but then looked away. I could hear her heart racing, and when she lifted her hand, it shook. She rubbed her brow. Tree leaned forward, hugging her from behind. She held onto his arms, and although Tree was waiting for us to continue, I decided to give Carrie a minute to process everything we’d told them. Thankfully, Nathan had a knack for knowing when to be quiet. Finally, Carrie looked at us, appearing much calmer, her heartrate back to normal. I took that as my cue to go on.

Remember when Matt was sick with the flu? I said and continued after they nodded. Well, the ‘old one’ had vacated that body and found another one. In that new vessel, by pure luck, he found the ring.

Carrie sat up, curiosity shining in her brown eyes. Where?

I let out a humorless laugh and shook my head. Your mom’s antique store.

Tree’s mouth dropped. You’re shitting us, right?

I shook my head at the same time Nathan said, No, she’s not.

Omigod, Carrie said. What did the ring look like?

It’s supposed to be made of part brass and part iron and have four jewels. But we’re not sure if there’s two interlaced triangles in a circle on it or an upright star inside a circle, Nathan told them.

Carrie tilted her head to the side and stared at the floor. She looked at Nathan and me. I vaguely remember seeing a ring like that when I was helping Mom . . . She stopped and dropped her eyes back to the floor. Wait. She lifted her gaze on us again. I do remember that ring. It looked just like you said and had an upright star in a circle. I thought it was an ugly piece of junk jewelry and didn’t give much thought to it.

Holy. Shit. Tree stretched out his arm. Look. I have goosebumps. He showed Carrie, and she crawled onto his lap.

Now do you guys understand why we don’t want you involved? I said. I mean, seriously. Both the ‘old one’ and Aosoth want complete control over the dark spirits, and like Nathan said, I’m the only one who can make that happen. Therefore, they’re coming after me, and we don’t want you two in the middle of it.

So there’s like a war raging between the two of them? Tree asked.

Nathan snaked his arms around me, and I leaned into him, enjoying the comfort of his embrace. That’s right, he said. But don’t worry. I’m going to do everything in my power to protect Paige and end this.

Hold on a minute. Carrie lifted her hand, shushing us. You guys said Paige comes from an ancient line of witches, so have you discovered anything more about it?

A little bit but not much, I said. We spent most of the summer training.

Can you show us what you can do? Carrie sat up in Tree’s lap and smiled, prompting me to indulge her curiosity.

I’m still new at it, but I’ll try. I could hear the uncertainty in my voice. I didn’t like being put on the spot like this, but I scooted to the edge of the couch anyway. With my legs spread apart, my open palms resting on my knees, I took a couple deep breaths and closed my eyes. I focused on the lights in the room, and a strange prickling sensation developed at the back of my brain. Behind my eyelids, I could tell the lights were flickering like a strobe in a dance club. A soft gasp issued from Carrie’s mouth. I concentrated harder. The sensation amplified and exploded inside my head. A light bulb popped, making a firecracker sound. Carrie shrieked at the same time Tree said, Cool. I opened my eyes to darkness and a huge grin on Tree’s face. My whole body tingled, and I felt wired like I had drunk a couple shots of espresso. I smiled, thinking I could totally get used to this feeling.

That’s cool, Paige, but please turn the lights back on, Carrie said with a note of fear.

I closed my eyes again, visualizing them coming back to life–a spark of energy inside the opaque bulbs. Half a minute later, all the lights but one flicked back on, and the tingling sensation was replaced by a slight nauseous feeling. I wondered why. I’d never attempted to control electricity with my mind until now. Hell, before last night, I didn’t even know I could turn the lights off. Anwar didn’t even know, which honestly, I was glad he didn’t. I mean, seriously, we had all summer to discover what things I could do but didn’t. The only thing Anwar had taught me related to magic was about the elements, how to induce my psychic ability, how to make incense, and how to do the rite of consciousness. So yeah, I was glad he didn’t know.

Impressed, Tree glanced around the room and looked at me in wonderment. What else can you do?

Not much else real– My voice broke when the ghostly voice spoke:

"Darkness draws near, breeding eyes into the shadows that awaits. Each step measured by the disgruntled, engaging an entanglement of lies and truths."

Nathan turned me toward him. What did it say? he asked, knowing I had a premonition by the way my voice had stopped, and my body stiffened.

I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples. In a detached voice I repeated what the voice had said. I opened my eyes to a worried look on Nathan’s face. I could tell he was putting together all the events that had occurred tonight, and whatever he had planned for Aosoth, he knew must be executed soon. He still hadn’t told me his plan of action. When I’d ask him about it, he always said there were still details to work out, and he felt discussing them would be pointless. Of course, I didn’t give up that easily and kept prodding him with questions to no avail. I knew he just wanted to protect me, but to be honest, it did hurt my feelings. I mean, we were supposed to be a team, right? And I do realize I’d never cast out a dark spirit or fought one for that matter, but still.

What does it mean? Carrie asked.

It sounds like deep shit to me, Tree said, his forehead wrinkling.

Since I’d stopped ignoring the premonitions, I’d become more attuned to them and able to get a better grasp on the meaning behind them. And with Nathan as my sounding board, it wasn’t too hard to figure out.

"It’s telling me I’m being closely watched, and there are dark spirits who are in the middle of this. Some are twisting truth with lies to get others on their side because they don’t like what’s going on. At