Free Shadow of Hope by Elizabeth Rose, Tina Pollick Page A

to calling the basement area Lucian was using for the Rite.
    As he clambered down into the Chamber, the second thing to hit him was the noise; dozens and dozens of voices pleading, begging to be released. Lucian gritted his teeth. Since he started kidnapping spirits in an attempt to weaken the threshold between this material world and the spiritual world beyond , all he ever heard was the constant moaning and wailings of his victims. They haunted his dreams, they haunted his waking hours and he never came down here unless he needed to do another round of kidnappings.
    Aries stood in the center of Lucian’s ritualistic pentagram, inverted, to draw more negative spiritual energy for the Rite. It also served the purpose of binding the spiritual to matter. Aries’ hands were crossed behind his back. “I see you’ve returned, Lucian. I have full faith you’ve accomplished your mission?”
    Lucian bowed his head, ignoring Aries’ barb. “Yes, my Lord.”
    Aries turned his eyes boring into Lucian as he examined him for hint of deceit or untruth.      “Let me see it,” he commanded sternly.
    “C areful, my Lord. Gaia has warded it well. It burns to the touch.” He produced the locket, ignoring the searing pain from its taint upon his flesh. Aries crossed the distance between them and snatched it up, not even blinking as it seared his own flesh as well.
    “So she did. You have done well, Lucian . Great shall be your reward. We must make preparations at once. Keep weakening the threshold until we are ready. The hour is upon us, and our victory at hand. Do not fail me, Lucian.”
    Lucian bowed his head again. “I won’t, my Lord.”

Chapter: Nine
    Zoe watched Evan as he tossed his bag in the trunk. The scowl on his face gave her the impression he was as thrilled with this as she was. She sighed as she walked up to the house. Before her hand reached the door, Evan pushed her aside.
    “Not you too.”
    “You were just attacked. Should I move over and let you see if anyone’s inside waiting or would it be okay if I went first?” He glared at her, but remained between her and any potential danger.
    Something was going on. This was more than the run of the mill burglary. She had lots of electronics inside that were far more valuable than the necklace he stole. She needed to talk to her grandmother, but how was she going to do it with Evan protecting her?
    She squared her shoulders. “You can go first and check my bedroom, but once you ’re done you’ll wait outside the door, understood?”
    “I’m as happy about this arrangement as you are. I’m not your servant and I’ll decide when and if I think its safe enough for you to be alone, understood?” He stepped over the broken items lying on the floor and did a quick sweep of the house before allowing her in. “Come on in.”
    “Thanks ,” she quipped sarcastically. She looked around the house. Whoever did this was after something specific. She reached for her necklace, but it was gone and she felt like a piece of her was missing too. Tears welled up in her eyes as she walked over to the altar in the corner. Every item that once rested on it now smashed. She reached down and picked up the pieces of the triple moon libation dish, holding the jagged pieces to her heart. She remembered making this with her mom and grandmother. The triple moon etched into the bowl wasn’t just a symbol of the goddess; it represented the three of them-maiden, mother, and crone. She clenched it until Evan placed his hand over hers.
    “You’re bleeding.” He removed one finger at a time, and laid them on the stand. “Come into the bathroom so I can see to your cuts.”
    She nodded as she followed him.
    He patted the countertop and she sat on it. “Where are your washcloths?”
    She pointed to the closet door . He retrieved one and wet it under the cool water.
    “Let me see your hands.” She opened them, as the blood dripped onto the counter and floor. He held each hand and