The Selkie Song by H. K. Varian

Author:H. K. Varian
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon Spotlight

Chapter 8

Cursed

The moment Gabriella attacked, Darren’s captor released him. In an instant Darren transformed. With a little height, he would be able to cast an even wider force field to protect him and his friends from the attack. He flapped his massive wings once and propelled himself up onto the bookstore’s awning. Darren’s piercing eyes glinted as he surveyed the scene below. One—two—three. He counted the figures as they crept among the statue-people.

The cloud of smoke sprang up so suddenly that Darren didn’t know exactly where it came from or how it happened. All he knew was that one moment Mack was standing there, ready to fight, and the next moment he was on the ground.

Mack! Darren’s cry ripped through his thoughts.

But there was no answer.

Then Darren saw something so horrifying that a piercing bird-shriek escaped him, shattering the bookstore’s window. Before, he thought he’d seen . . . But it was over so fast, he couldn’t be sure. . . .

Now, though, there was no doubt: Jasper, Auden Ironbound’s most devoted follower, crept in beside the warlocks. His tall, gaunt form cast a long, terrible shadow that seemed to grow with every step he took.

What’s wrong? Gabriella thought frantically.

Jasper’s here, Darren replied, peering through the clearing smoke with his keen eyes. They did something to Mack— Gabriella! Look out!

Gabriella spun, her front paw already raised with her dagger-sharp claws revealed. The sight was enough to make the witch creeping up behind her turn and run.

There was a series of popping sounds, followed by more billowing clouds of smoke.

Darren flapped his wings, trying to clear away the air so he could see what was happening below.

Give me the big picture, Gabriella’s voice rang through Darren’s head. Who’s coming at me?

There were five witches and warlocks, not including Jasper, Darren thought. There’s one warlock crouching behind that red car; I think the others are gone. But Jasper . . . I can’t see through the smoke. Be careful . . .

Even from above, Darren could hear Gabriella’s menacing growl as she crouched low to the ground. He clicked his talons together, generating a tornado of blazing sparks. If Gabriella needed backup, Darren would be ready to blast her attacker with a lightning bolt.

Not that she’ll need it, he thought.

A motion down the street caught his eye. Someone—something—was moving fast. A black blur . . .

Darren was ready to attack when he realized that the dark blur wasn’t a warlock at all.

It was Gabriella’s aunt, charging forward in her nahual form.

Darren sucked in his breath sharply. He’d never seen two nahuals together before. Gabriella and her aunt were creatures of unspeakable power.

The one remaining warlock certainly thought so. There was another puff of smoke, and then—just like that—he was gone.

What happened? Ms. Rivera’s words ricocheted through Darren’s mind as he threw a lightning bolt.

It’s Jasper. He’s here, Gabriella replied.

As if he’d heard his name, Jasper seemed to appear from the last traces of smoke. His thin, colorless lips parted in an oily smile.

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