“You are the bandrui of New Orleans,” Matt continued. “You’re responsible for keeping law and order in the spirit world, to stop them from wreaking the same sort of havoc they did when they were alive. You also try to keep other spirits from returning.”
Read More“Hey, girly. Go ahead and cut the cards. Let Zenda read for you,” the woman instructed.
Krista eyed her warily, shaking her head. “That’s okay. I’m just here looking.”
Zenda sucked air in through her teeth. “Girl, you ain’t never gonna learn nothin’ just looking.” She pushed the stack of cards closer to the edge.
From this point on, the world comes to me in flashes—slipping through the Deep Ellum district’s alleys like a panther’s shadow… the cry of a girl in trouble… her mad screams and the receding click of her heels as I fall upon her attacker like a ravenous beast.
Read MoreThere is a long silence as I watch him attempt to grasp the situation. For a moment, comprehension fills his eyes, like a light flickering in the attic. It is short-lived, the bulb faulty, and his eyes grow vacant again.
Read MoreI flicked the whip around, letting the silver catch the moonlight. Valen’s gift was keeping the wolves at bay until one of them got brave and charged me. I only had little time to train with it, but the hiss of the silver interacting with his skin on his arm was enough to give the others pause.
Read MoreHe snaps his fingers, spinning on his heel before walking out of the room. The guards follow him, leaving me bleeding open on the ground. I won’t die from these wounds. A dragon can never die unless someone rips their heart out. So, I will just lay here and heal slowly, wishing and praying to the gods that my mother was still here, giving me advice on what to do.
Read More“You did?” I ask. I still have no fucking idea what she’s talking about. Or even who she is.
This happens way too fucking often, if you ask me. I leave a trail of breadcrumbs and notes for myself throughout history.
Just call me fucking Gretel.
“Mom, I can’t explain it, but this is something I’ve got to do. I know it sounds weird, but I feel as though Grandma’s taking me home.” I waited for my mother’s usual guffaw, but it never came.
“Cherish, there is something else you need to know. Something about your grandmother. Something I wasn’t supposed to know.” My curiosity instantly peaked.
I walk out of the burning bar into the street and let the rain wash over me. The blood, ash, and sweat all trickling onto the pavement. For a moment, I just enjoy the rampant destruction. Not-Tommy is fully content and satisfied within me, but I’m not. This all still feels unfinished, but then…I see him.
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