Humanity 01 - Child of The Dusk (4 page)

Tranquility nodded. “So, I’m sure that
wasn’t what put you in a good mood. What did?”

“
Well,” Mirage hesitated.
“There were a few humans who didn’t cringe at the sight of
me.”

“
That’s great.” Her mother
said, flicking the light on. Mirage looked away, letting her eyes
adjust. “It’s always so dark in here. I’d think you’d like light
more—I mean, you’ve got my genes too.”

“
That’s one thing I hate
about the school. It’s so bright. My eyes hurt
constantly.”

“
You can handle a little
light.”

“
Yeah, but not florescent.
I’d rather have sunlight. At least it’s natural.”

Her mother gave a small laugh as she came
over and sat down beside her, shrugging her silver-blond hair away
from her face. They looked at each other for a moment, Mirage
waiting expectantly. “They have need of a healer in the Emissary
hospital,” Tranquility told her finally. “It means we’ll be able to
stay here for a long time.”

Mirage couldn’t help but smile. “I’m
glad.”

Tranquility returned her grin and hugged her
daughter, ruffling her raven hair. She broke away from the hug and
studied her expression. She shook her head, grinning wider as she
playfully poked one of Mirage’s horns. “You must have met a boy. I
know that look on any teenage girl’s face.”

“
I plead the fifth,”
Mirage said as she blushed, her eyes straying to the drawing pinned
above her bed. Her mind wandered to Michael, the boy who had all
the features that plagued her dreams and tainted them to
nightmares. He was different. He was everything she wished humans
were. She may have to live in a world where she was hated, but she
could ignore all the loathing stares if she just had one
friend.

* * * *

Michael Parlinn drove to
his home, suppressing a shiver of disgust.
How could he have let that thing touch him…use it’s magic on
him?
He felt dirty and contaminated now,
like stagnant swamp water. He really needed a shower. Michael
rubbed a hand through his blond hair and reached for his cell
phone. He flicked it open and dialed his father’s number, keeping
his other hand on the wheel.

His father answered on the third ring, but
he didn’t say anything. He merely waited for Michael to speak.
There was only one reason he would call.

Michael took a deep breath, settling into
his seat and nodding something to himself. His father only needed
three words, and Mirage’s death was sealed. “Gather the
Humanitarians.”

About The Author

Corrine Shroud lives in the Appalachian
rural reaches of Kentucky with her family, her dog Scooper and her
cat Jaded. She’s a Robinson Scholar and is currently attending the
University of Kentucky, majoring in pre-Med Biology and Minoring in
Mythology and Folklore. Her family is large and loving and she has
three younger brothers. She lives in a beautiful culture-rich area
that has inspired her and that she’s proud of. She’s an avid reader
and writer and is obsessed with anything of the obscure.