Decay (31 page)

No, not this time! Kaedin can't possibly wait any longer. Who knows when this Scar will find another Healer? The demon has so much of her life already.

The creature was upon them, wearing an inhuman smile that stretch Frank's face into a grizzly mask of terror. He opened his mouth wide, and Frank's skin, stretched too tightly, split open. Tissue dangling, the monster began raining torrents of blood onto the floor. Amanda could feel the delight the creature took in the gruesome scene. It stepped closer to them, becoming larger and more grotesque. Yet, Kaedin remained kneeling by Amanda's side. She could sense the spirit's fear and heard Kaedin's whispered prayer. Amanda's heart swelled with love as she found both the fear and the prayer were for her. The demon paused in its approach, sensing the change in Amanda. She took advantage of the demon's hesitance and sprang to her feet, throwing Kaedin behind her.

“Don't be afraid, it can't hurt you. You are strong!”

Kaedin took a step forward, brow knitting together in determination. “I am strong!” she shouted.

Amanda felt that strength and threw up a protective shield between them and the demon. The dark creature attempted to move forward but was unable to get a step closer. It pushed against the invisible obstacle several times but couldn't weaken the blockade. Frank wilted to the floor, the dark mass leaving him.

It knows that its lost. She's free.
Amanda turned to look at Kaedin.

She'd never seen a spirit so bright. Kaedin smiled at her like it was natural for her to smile as she had before she'd been taken.

“You can't hurt me anymore!” Kaedin screamed out.

The room felt light, warm, and the air tasted sweet. Amanda noticed the nightstand begin to shine, and the shimmer spread across the room. She looked up at Kaedin and smiled, knowing this was the time to say goodbye. Amanda was glad they'd met. She was forming the words when Kaedin's face dropped back into a veil of terror.

Amanda spun around, but she was too late. The dark mass of shadows was upon her, mouth thrashing. Its jagged teeth sunk into her side, and she was immediately searing in pain. The demon's poison rushed through her veins and set them on fire. It shook its head furiously, sending black tar splattering across the floorboards. It flung its head powerfully before releasing her. She flew through the air and slammed against the far wall. Amanda bounced off the plaster and landed on her face, unable to catch herself.

She tried to move her arms, but they wouldn't obey. Through her tears, she could see Kaedin on the floor, eyes closed and rocking herself.

“Kaedin, you can do this without me. Be strong, be brave, move on.” Her heart sank when she realized she wasn't speaking. She couldn't speak either. Her inner voice shrieked. Darkness was taking her. The scene began to dissolve around the edges until the only thing left was Kaedin's tear-soaked face, and then that too was gone. Amanda knew she was dying, but her heart's last prayer was for Kaedin.

Someone free her. Don't let her fade.