Free Fated Release (Fated Keepers Series Book 2) by Kristyn Eudes Page A

well used for many years but has since been forgotten. A white picket fence stretches around the house from one side to the other separating it from the open fields on each side. I see neighboring homes down the street with children out playing hopscotch. I climb the ten steps or so leading to the front door and take a deep breath. I can feel only good vibes emitting from inside.
     
    I can feel the pulses of energy pushing me forward. But I hesitate; I stay rooted to my spot for a few minutes longer. Taking in my surroundings, I calculate an escape route in case I would need one and then I step up to the front door and knock. The door is opened almost instantly. Oh my goodness. Now I realize why I hesitated. I can feel the Craecia all around me. I can feel their presence throughout the house, their supernatural energy dripping off them like dew off of a flower. Except they will never be as beautiful as a fully blossomed flower at the beginning of spring, no they are all just one step away from being as evil as their counterparts, the Orfeo.
     
    Instead of turning away like I really want to do, I walk in. I am not moving on my own accord. My Shaman spirit has taken over and is leading me forward to where it knows I need to be. I am terrified and angry and I want to go home, but I can’t. I know that now.
     
    Home does not hold dear memories for me anymore. I will always be reminded of that horrible day eleven years ago when my sister was murdered right in front of my eyes by the evil Orfeo.
     
    We were sitting outside under the beautiful green lush tree in the garden. Enjoying our picnic, when four men stormed in and took her. They dragged her out by the hair, screaming at her to ‘Shut up’ and yelling at me to stay where I was. I couldn’t do anything. I was only a little girl, barely 9 at the time and I had not come into any of my shaman powers yet, not that they would have helped me.  I couldn’t stop them; I stood there helpless watching them drag her away.
     
    They had a knife to her throat, blood already dripping from the wound where the knife had nicked her. Tears rolling down her face and eyes pleading for me to stay. I waited until they were gone from my sight and then I ran as fast as I could into our village square where my mother owned a small shop selling herbs. I remember frantically retelling her everything that had happened. That night was the first night I was allowed to attend a meeting with the elders. That was when I first learned of the Craecia and the Orfeo, and even though I have been taught they are not the same, in my mind, one wouldn't exist without the other.
     
    I will never forget this day nor will I ever forgive myself for letting them take her. I still cry myself to sleep some nights thinking of her. Since that day, I have been making plans for the day I finally cross paths with any Craecia or Orfeo. I will kill them all if I have to. Even if this goes directly against what I have been taught, it is something that I feel needs to be done to avenge my sister’s pointless death. No one will be spared.
     
    Now I find myself in a house full of them. Craecia that is, and I feel my blood boil. The time has come to avenge her death, but first, I need to see what plans mother earth has. I know she wouldn't lead me here for revenge. There is another reason. I just need to wait and listen.
     
    The man has started talking to me, but I barely listen. Already itching to escape and then another man walks in. This one has my undivided attention as soon as he enters the room, but I ignore the pull. He is beautiful. The second guy that is and his voice sends chills up my spine. I fight the urge to rub my hands along my arms to calm the goose bumps, but there is no need. His next words are like water on a flame. Anything I thought I was feeling goes up in smoke. Soulkeeper! Seriously! Merde!!!
     
    After straightening out the idiot in the hot body I am informed of a girl upstairs. I don't waste any