Mark of Orion by S L Richardson

Author:S L Richardson [Richardson, S L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781734064407
Publisher: Flasheila Press
Published: 2019-10-25T22:00:00+00:00

Olivia exhaled as she slipped the key into the front door's lock. Her home was her sanctuary, but she didn't realize how much until she faced being here without mom. They were a team, and this was their home base. She stepped through the doorway with Zach and Sergio behind her, mentally ticking off the items she wanted to bring back...

Olivia stopped short in the foyer, the boys running into her.

Someone's been here.

"Hey−" Sergio said.

"Shh..." Olivia whispered, putting her finger to her lips.

The inside air had a chill, but not because the house was cold. It was an icy current, like treading water in the warm lake as a tendril of frigid water weaved between the legs. The hair lifted on the back of her neck. Holding her breath, she searched every corner, but discovered nothing. Filtered light fell through the windows, casting long shadows. Her fingers fumbled on the wall for the light switch. She flipped it on, but the light did little to ease the house's eerie stillness.

Someone had been here. She knew it, felt it with every tissue in her body.

But were they still here?

She gasped when she spotted what she'd been seeking. A picture frame face-down on the entry table.

"What?" Zach whispered.

Her hand shook as she reached over and lifted it. Staring back at her through shards of broken glass was a black-and-white photograph of her and Mom. The once joyful picture shifted into one of foreboding. She scanned the shelves, discovering more frames faced down too.

Olivia strained to pick up any sound over the pounding rush of blood in her ears. She glanced back at the startled boys, showing them the frame. Sergio paled, while Zach's eyes narrowed as he scanned the room.

Nothing. Not a sound.

She placed her hand over her mark, but it didn't throb. Zach and Sergio did the same and shook their heads.

They must be gone...

"Where's Thunder?" whispered Sergio.

Olivia gripped the shirt over her heart. Thunder always greeted her at the door. He didn't hide from her. Where could he be? She dashed toward the kitchen. The boys followed, leaving the front door open. A lingering odor hit her as she rounded the corner.

Sulfur.

Same as the coffee shop and Red Rock.

"That smells like demons," Sergio hissed, his breathing ragged. He stepped back toward the open door. "We've gotta get out−"

A thud came from upstairs. A startled cry escaped Olivia as their heads snapped up to the ceiling.

Fearing for Thunder, Olivia bolted for the staircase. Not heeding the boys' cries, she darted up the stairs, but nothing met her on the landing. The bedroom doors were shut. Except hers.

Run!

Her heart slammed inside her chest as she stepped closer. The small gap was enough for Thunder to get inside her room.

Meow.

His muffled cry came from within. She started toward it, but Zach pulled her back.

"No, it's too dangerous. It could be a trap," Zach pleaded as he tried to pull her downstairs.

She yanked her arm away and rushed through the door. The dark room ignited her panic.

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