Cursed by Sean Platt

Author:Sean Platt [Platt, Johnny B. Truant and Sean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sterling & Stone

CHAPTER 4

THE INNER CHAMBER

RICARDO OPENED HIS EYES TO find himself back in cuffs, with something heavy on his neck, draped down his back so he couldn’t see, touch, or investigate it.

He was propped up in the same area they’d been when he’d been coldcocked by one ruffian, his slumping body wedged into as much of a corner as the rounded, flowing canyon walls would allow. Vesper stood over him, looking down pleasantly.

“Those will make getting through the canyon more difficult, but we’re almost to the end, and it’s fairly open from here. Getting out will be more difficult. But we’ll cross that bridge if we get there.”

“Who are you?”

Ricardo had never felt the beast so subdued. If it wasn’t making him helpless in the face of what felt like danger, he’d have been grateful.

“I’m nobody special. These, however…” he tapped his glasses, which he hadn’t removed since morning had dawned “… are quite special indeed. They’re made of crystals that form inside a specific type of geode. These crystals have multiple properties, like allowing me to see in the dark, and suppressing your ability to shift. It also tends to make you more docile. More compliant, less likely to feel alarmed and desperate for escape.”

Ricardo thought of his instinct to go with Vesper rather than fleeing immediately. He felt foolish. Then he thought of Penelope, who at first Vesper had thought to be the only creature — the only “shifter,” or perhaps “monster” — he was facing. She had wanted to escape plenty. Then again, she seemed to be blessed, not cursed, and didn’t heal as quickly as Ricardo. Apparently, one size did not fit all.

“We have plenty, by the way, so don’t go thinking you can swat these off my face and eat me. Right now, you’re wearing some around your neck. Like Lex Luthor did to Superman in the first movie when he was in that big swimming pool with kryptonite jewelry.”

He straightened, then gestured for his henchmen to yank Ricardo to his feet. This time, they didn’t just follow. One drew his weapon, and the other pushed at him from behind. Penelope preceded him, just behind Vesper. Ricardo wondered what she could do that she didn’t even realize — and how well the crystals were dampening her abilities.

“I came here looking for one thing, and I found three. Three new members for the family. Dad would be so proud. Watch your step, now.”

They walked for another few minutes, Ricardo trying to summon the change but feeling only the strength of a newborn calf. He couldn’t shift, or even grow sufficiently angry. It was usually so out of control; it was odd to feel nothing. He was numb, beyond even caring much about what was coming next or what Vesper had in mind. Before, he’d felt no desire to escape or attack. Now, he almost wanted to roll over and into surrender.

The caverns opened, and they entered a small chamber — large enough for the entire party to

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