Page 28 of Where Darkness Falls

I tilt my head as I slowly remove his hands from me.

“Ouch,” I sneer. “I’m afraid your plan to kill me isn’t well thought out.”

Fear melds across his stoic face.

“This is not possible,” he bellows. “You… you should be d-dead.”

I stand up, moving away from his body as he rises.

“Alas, dear soldier, I’m not,” I croon. “Now it’s time for you to pay your dues.”

An icy calm rushes over me as I extend my hand, allowing the light to wrap around the soldier. Within moments, he is levitating a few inches above the ground, grasping at his throat. As I curl my fingers tighter, so does my light that glimmers like stars. He claws the air, desperate to be released.

“You thought you’d get away with taking advantage of two innocent women, didn’t you?” I ask spitefully.

“N-No,” he coughs out.

I take two steps toward the warbling man. “Liar,” I hiss. “You thought that your sins wouldn’t be noticed,but I see them.”

I look the man up and down, grimacing. “Every touch and sloppy kiss you forced on me is ingrained in my memory. Though, I’m sure you didn’t account for the fact that I might actually fight back. You’recareless with your treatment of Malvorian women as if you can use and discard us. Are we not also beloved creations of Siorai? Men like youdisgustme, and now you’ll pay,” I scoff.

The soldier’s eyes are filled with horror. His body trembles as he fights against my control. It’s no use. Somehow, I know that I outmatch him in every possible way. I can feel it as it radiates through my body and pulses in my veins.

“W-who are you?” he asks.

Finish him,the voice commands.

I smile sardonically at the brute. “Your retribution,” I whisper.

Then, I unleash the full force of the ability, allowing the iridescent light to erupt from me. His pain-ridden screams fill the streets as I watch the light ravage his body, flaking away to nothing but ash. His black steel uniform hits the ground with a resounding clank.

Slowly, I lower my hands.

It’s done.

He can’t touch or harm another woman in Aurelius ever again.

My pendant faintly glows around my neck as the light sinks back into my pores. The surge of power I felt only moments ago dissipates.

A soft laugh escapes me.

I can’t believe it.

I have an ability, and a glowing pendant.

I’m not forgotten or cursed.

“Maeva,” Cara’s shaky voice cries. “What did you do?”

It takesa moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. I almost wish the light would come back just so I could find my sister. Finally, I vaguely see Cara’s silhouette slumped against the wall.

“Are you hurt?” I ask, walking towards her.

Upon hearing my steps, she scrambles further away.

“Stay back,” she cries, softly.

I freeze.