Page 30 of Solar Shadows

Hello, next move? Where are you?

The ball of crystal-like light transformed, taking the shape of a giant shade, its wingspan about ten-feet wide, its big feet crushing the closing gates with a metallic scream.

“How about me?” it roared.

I heard a smidge of the fae woman in there, her cackle an echo in its words.

Well, this wasn’t fun.

Chapter 8

OLLIE

After puking in the HQ carpark, I started to feel better. Putting distance between myself and that damn building helped. So did the drive along Rainbow Mile.

I loved it down here on the seafront. Seeing the twinkling lights of the attractions facing the dark beach always warmed the cockles. Nighttime was the best to see its colorful glory in full swing.

Whenever I wanted to clear my head, I came down here to wander the mile-long stretch, tuning into the sounds of the sea under the tinkling of cash in slot machines, music, and breathing in the smells of popcorn, candy floss, and fish and chips. I’d even stop for a bite to eat at a restaurant or café, then dump a few coins in some game in one of the arcades.

It was such a magical pocket away from regular reality, my body itching to park up and be out there in the thick of things right now.

“I can smell a chippy,” Jake said, patting his stomach. “What I wouldn’t give for a large cod and chips with a side of curry sauce.” He licked his lips.

My belly rumbled a yes. “Want to grab a bite?”

“Let’s do it, mate.”

My phone rang, Mum’s name flashing on the dashboard screen. Jake clicked the answer button for me so I could speak to her hands-free.

“Hi, Mum,” I answered. “I’m almost?—”

“Something’s happening here.”She sounded breathless, a little panicked.

“What’s going on?”

The line crackled, elevated voices in the background.

“It’s the Hecate Crystals again…they…woman…what…”White noise swallowed most of her voice.

“Mum?”

“Erin?” Jake tried, leaning forward to check the screen on my dashboard.

The call timer continued to tick by, but there was no sound other than the crackle coming from the speakers.

“Crap!” I hissed, heading for Aurora Lane.

When I hit the steep, curved road, I picked up speed on the ascent up the cliffs toward the mansion at the top.

Please be alright,I repeated in my head, dread an iron ball in my chest.

Man, I worried about Mum all the time. I couldn’t live in a world without her. Losing Dad had beenbrutal, grief’s permanent barbs embedded in my heart. Even the slightest suggestion of Mum leaving my life was out of the question. I wouldn’t allow it. She didn’t get to go to the other side.

Dammit. My brain skirted toward panic mode.

Jake hung up, calling back.

Mum answered, but her voice got engulfed in the crackles again.