Echoes to Ashes by Ainsley Shay

Author:Ainsley Shay [Shay, Ainsley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skelside Press
Published: 2018-08-22T16:00:00+00:00

16

While Isla was in complete Heaven tending to Eiko, I was caught in a bizarre web of what-the-fuck? I was fairly sure I didn’t want to know why these two were here for me. But most who had come to seek me out since I moved here hadn’t turned out all that great, so my hopes weren’t too high for kid-in-black and the caramel beauty standing in front of me.

“My name is Taryn, and this,” she lightly touched the guy’s arm, “is Raiden.”

“I’m Everly, but you probably already knew that.”

Taryn’s brows drew together. “Why would we know that?”

I crossed one foot over the other, wrapping my arms around my waist. Vulnerability was eating away at my self-confidence. “Just a guess, since everyone else seems to know.”

Her laugh was as light as cymbals being tapped together. “Well, we’re not like everyone else, but you probably already knew that.”

Actually, I had a feeling, but I wasn’t sure. “Your necklace is very pretty.”

Taryn reached for the pendant, then stroked it between the delicate tips of her fingers. “It’s a family heirloom.” She eyed my upper left cheek. “And your mark is very unique.”

Damn—why hadn’t I seen that one coming? Instinctually, I touched my cheek.

Raiden pushed up the sleeve of his leather jacket. “It’s not like any we’ve ever seen before.” The muscles in his forearms bulged.

Like I haven’t heard that before.

I thought it was only my imagination at first. But within the ink mass of Japanese art, the light illuminated the thin dagger-like line slicing through a perfect circle. My hand rushed to my mouth. “You—”

“Why are you so surprised?” Taryn asked. Then, she rolled her eyes and bobbed her head from side to side. “I guess it makes sense. An original Artisan hanging out with an offspring—never happens.” She shrugged. “But Raiden and I get each other.”

I must have had the dumbest look on my face. Not only from the way they stared at me, but from how heavy my expression felt. “I have no idea what the two of you are talking about,” I admitted.

Raiden scoffed. “Another one left to ruin the rest of us.” He nudged Taryn with a chuckle. “I’m thinking she’ll be the perfect guest for this year’s party.”

A thin smile creeped across her glossy rose-colored lips. “Don’t underestimate her, but you may be right.”

It was like they were speaking in code or a different language.

Taryn bent over to adjust her sandal. Her top fell open a couple of inches. Just above her right upper breast was an iridescent mark. It was different than mine, Raiden’s, and Macias’. Hers swirled in the center, linked to three other symbols around it.

Prickles of heat stretched up my neck and over my face.

“Darling, you are turning the most beautiful shade of red,” Taryn commented when she righted herself.

“It’s just hot in here. I’m uh—” going to run as fast and as far away as I can from here. “—I’m going to go turn down the air.”

After I ducked into the storeroom, I leaned against the inside wall.

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