Crystal and the Damned - Possession Read Online Free PDF Page A

as she grew warm from frustration. She uttered a groan of fury and continued to apply herself to the handle. The damn window wouldn’t open, and yet it seemed to be disconcertingly ordinary.
    At the end of her strength, her nerves fraying, Crystal decided to make an all-out attempt. She hung from the heavy beige velvet drapes and unhooked them, wrapping them around her arm and hand. Taking a deep breath, she punched the window pane with her fist. The glass didn’t even budge.
    “Ouch !” she yelled. Now not only was her eye messed up, but her fist was going to look like one giant bruise.
    “Might I ask why you’re attacking the furniture ?”
    Crystal spun around and nearly tangled her feet in the drapes. Extricating herself as best she could, her cheeks red with irritation and confusion, she raised her head.
    Then she saw him.
    A young man, casually leaning against the door frame at the entrance to the living room. Good looking, an oriental type. Matte skin, velvety eyes, silky black hair and an ironic smile on his lips.
    “Who are you ? Are you one of the Damned, is that it ? Are you going to kill me ? Torture me ? Rape me ?”
    The man burst out laughing and Crystal felt inexplicably reassured. His laugh was warm and amused.
    “Never on the first date, out of principle.”
    “Listen, I don’t want to be part of a cult. I’m a student, you got that ? Besides, you’re going to have problems. Someone is waiting for me at home, and I’m sure he’ll call the police. The cops are going to show up, and you’re all going to wind up in the joint !”
    “That could be a blast ! I already have the handcuffs,” the man teased her, coming closer to her. “I know that you’re afraid,” he said then, staring at her seriously, gently. “You were attacked, you saw people die, and now you areimprisoned in an unknown place with people who terrify you. But somewhere within yourself you’ll have to find the strength to trust us.”
    Crystal shook hysterically.
    “Bite me ! I don’t give a shit about what you think ; I want to get away from here ! The cops are going to find me, you know. And I hope that you get twenty years, you bastard ! Did you hear me ? Let me leave !”
    “Ugh ! Well you’re a real charmer, aren’t you ?” the man scoffed. “And really classy, too. Before you continue the hostilities, allow me to introduce myself. I am Falada, a Paladin. Their leader, in fact. You know at least what a Paladin is ? The masculine equivalent of a Paladine. I’m at the same level as Glory, but without the… yeow !!!”
    Falada doubled over under the impact of the girl’s well-placed knee.
    Seeing that she was about to take advantage of this to flee, he stood up and hurled himself after her before she could reach the door. Crystal started hitting him again but the Paladin was already pulling back, his hands raised in a sign of peace.
    “Calm down ! I don’t want to hurt you. I’m here to protect you. You are a complete savage, I swear ! Luckily you hit like a human because you really could have….”
    The door to the living room opened abruptly, once again cutting off his words. Glory and Cornelia burst in, followed by three other women.
    “Falada ! I see that you’re already all buddy-buddy with our future All Powerful, that’s brilliant,” exclaimed the fashion doll. “I’m sure that you and your famous charm have already tamed her, isn’t that right, tall, dark, and handsome ?”
    The Paladin frowned.
    “Not really. And now that you’re here, I’m going to leave sweet little Crystal to you. I’m not exactly eager to become impotent. Later,” he grumbled before turning around and walking away.
    The door closed behind him, leaving the girl alone facing the five women. The silence stretched on, unpleasant. Glory exchanged a look with Cornelia. The latter ended up taking the floor with a grouchy look.
    “Fine, we already know you. The slut next to me, who thinks she’s the