Free Fallen Angels by Natalie Kiest Page A

striding out to the small dirt ring. Volac was thin but toned, with shaggy black hair and a glint of excitement in his dark chocolate eyes that matched his father’s. I crouched down, running my hand through the dirt and rubbing it over my hands while grinning and giving him a wink. His jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed in anger.
    This was my chance to wipe out the last remains of Astoroth’s existence. My eyes closed immediately after my stupid thought. I shook my head; I had nearly forgotten Astoroth’s offspring growing inside of my Kara.
    “Fight!” Jeanie shouted.
    Opening my eyes I didn’t bother to stand while Volac circled me, waiting for me to strike. I waited, playing with my curiosity about Volac. Would he stab me in the back or fight like his warrior father did? When he came to a stop in front of me I looked up to see him wink at me before I slowly stood with a smile, impressed.
    We attacked at the same time, our swords colliding with a thunderous clank. I could see his muscles shaking with effort, trying to push my sword away from his, but I would not let him for one second think he would live through this. I quickly knocked the sword from his hand and used the butt of my sword to batter his face. I knew he was finished when I watched him collapse to the ground, and I quickly approached for the final blow. The crowd was silent when I readied my sword, giving them a small moment to save him, but I heard nothing.
    Ravyn! Kara’s scream suddenly pierced my mind. I dropped the sword and grabbed my head in my hands. It was so loud and endless. Filled with pain, fear, and panic. I couldn’t focus on anything with Kara’s frightened voice echoing in my mind. Was she dying? Or was she being tortured again?
    I had to go to her. I had to help her, to make sure she was alive. A sudden growl made me look up, but I only saw a glimpse of steel before it slammed into my shoulder. This feels familiar , I thought, then felt another sharp jolt and looked down to see the other short sword sticking out of my chest. Very familiar , I thought while my eyes moved from the sword in my chest to the one in my shoulder.
    Volac had just recreated the same scene his father had once enacted. How did he know? Was Volac there all along? I couldn’t recall. I didn’t have time; I had to get to Kara. My wicked laughter spilled forth, echoing in the large room. Volac would have to wait. I held my two fingers up asking the crowd for mercy, and they quickly gave it to me. It was my first loss, but one I had to take. I gave Volac a wink while pulling the sword from my shoulder, letting it fall to the dirt ground, then yanked the second sword from my chest, tossing it at his feet before I followed Jeanie to the changing room.
    “Are you okay?” she asked.
    “I’m fine. I have to go. Kara’s in trouble or something is very wrong. I have to get to her,” I explained frantically while ripping the tape from my hands. I grabbed my fresh shirt and coat, pausing to look at Jeanie’s worried stare.
    “Go to her. Let me know if you need anything. Now go,” Jeanie urged, gently pushing me out the door.
    I was on a plane within an hour, but it was still too long. I couldn’t stop pacing or tapping my feet. I wanted to call Nebiros or Angela, but I knew they would tell Kara that I called and I couldn’t risk that. All I could do was wait and hope Kara was alive and well. I really hadn’t thought this out when I decided to be so far away.
     
    Finally, I arrived at the place I once called home. I was actually to nervous to go inside, so I lurked in the trees that surrounded the house, watching and listening. Four heartbeats, though one was very faint. There were no signs of panic or worry. Then I heard a tiny cry, and my eyes quickly found the window of my old room. The room was dark, but I could see movement every couple of minutes. Emma’s soft humming silenced the tiny cries. I knew then that the baby had been born. What I didn’t know