Flickering Light (Return To Avalore Book 0) Read Online Free PDF Page A

along the dingy rows of apartment buildings. It flickered, making a strange clicking sound that sent shivers racing down her spine.
    An uncomfortable pang in the pit of her stomach had bile rising in her throat, leaving a sour metallic taste in her mouth. Oh yes, they’d found her.
    Her body ached, and her heart squeezed in her chest. She was so tired even her spirit quivered. Forcing her mind into a blank slate, she focused on the task before her. Like it or not, she’d have to face them, so she might as well be ready. Indulging in a pity party wouldn’t help her or the poor sap caught in the creature’s torture.
    Even at a distance, the creature’s power resonated in the air around her. Being strong and quick on her feet only got her so far in this kind of battle. It wouldn’t give up its victim without a fight, and she was already drained, but she’d be damned if she’d just let it win.
    Crouched by the crumbling steps of her apartment building, it waited for her. It hadn’t spotted her yet, but it was just a matter of time. Little wafts of white steam rose from its body, giving it a sinister glow in the flickering light as it clenched and unclenched its big, meaty fists.
    Only the strongest of the beasts could sustain their own forms. Her heart sank. The ratty old coat her neighbor always wore lay in a shredded heap at the base of the steps. Most of the time, she could get rid of the dark one without the host coming to any harm, and for John’s sake, she hoped that would be the case tonight. When she couldn’t, she had to deal with the crazed shell of the human left behind.
    Kicking a pebble, she sent it skittering down the sidewalk towards the freakish animal, making it turn its monstrous head in her direction. Its dark, soulless eyes bore into her, recognition flashing across its ugly features.
    “Does Emma know you’re out here this late at night, John?” She tried to reassure him, hoping that the beast hadn’t gone too far, and he could still hear her.
    Shifting her weight to the balls of her feet, she readied to spring into action.
    She tried to lure the beast with the soft chants she’d sung with her mother as a child. The foreign words didn’t mean a thing to her, and for all she knew it was gibberish, but she used them just the same, if only to make her feel better.
    Its upper lip curled back, exposing its sharp, yellowed teeth as it threw its mangy head back and roared.
    God, how she hated the creatures. Drawing in a sharp breath, she stood her ground. If she didn’t fight for him, John would be dead within minutes.
    Feet apart and body angled to provide the smallest target possible, she waited, gathering energy around her.
    Its dark obsidian eyes never wavered as it stood to come at her, and low, wicked growls escaped with each breath it took.
    The blood drained from her head as her heart began to race. She’d fought the beasts before, but who could get used to something like that?
    Standing at least seven feet tall, with wide shoulders, it made her quake in her boots. Muscles bulged on its hairy arms as it flexed and released its fists. Blade-like claws tipped each finger, each one a lethal weapon she had to keep in her sights. Matted, foul smelling brown fur covered it from head to toe.
    It snarled again, exposing its razor-sharp teeth and red, bleeding gums. Hatred and determination glittered in its eyes.
    “Come to me, evil one. I’ll help you find the right path. The rest you deserve is within your grasp. Your time here is done and you’re tired of this fight. Come, find peace.” Rhia’s voice swelled as she stepped closer.
    Stopping dead in its tracks, the beast leaned forward as though straining to hear every nuance, every inflection. The purity of her voice had the beast swaying, and its eyes glazing as it seeped into the creature’s soul. It seemed like it was going to work this time, until it shook its massive head, clearing the haziness she’d created before it roared in