Shadowed Spirits (Haunted Magic Book 2) by E. L. Finley

Author:E. L. Finley [Finley, E. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Foxtrot Writing
Published: 2025-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

IZZY

“Yes. It’s good to see you after so long. How did you end up in my shop?” Melinoe asks him, glancing between the six of us in confusion. She keeps looking between each of my mates and me, her slight smile growing as she does so, leaving me to wonder what she’s seeing.

Levi shoves a rough hand through his hair. “I’ve been looking for you, Mel. Your mom and dads have been worried sick about you, since you haven’t checked in.” His tone is slightly scolding, but there’s an undercurrent of concern.

Melinoe hugs her arms around her middle and looks away from Levi’s intense gaze. “I’m sorry, Uncle Vi. I didn’t do it on purpose.”

I try hard not to stare at how different the two sides of her are, but I fail. While one side has fair skin, golden hair, gray eyes, and richly colored clothes, the other is completely void of any pigment. Her hair, eyes, skin, and clothes are all translucent. It’s a cool contrast.

“Wait. So Melinoe is Anya?” I ask as I focus back on the conversation, wanting to make sure I understand everything correctly. I mean, there’s not really anyone else she could be since I just saw her transform. All this form switching is confusing to my puny mortal mind, though.

“I am, dearie.” Melinoe watches me carefully for a moment before she blows out a breath. White and black light bursts from her again. It’s so intense, I have to close my eyes and shield them with my hand. After a long moment, I squint them open to see an older woman standing in front of us.

I’ve seen her white hair, slight wrinkles, gray eyes, and heart-shaped face a million times. “Gran?” I whisper, confusion coloring my tone. I guess this confirms that Melinoe and Gran are the same person. I just never thought Anya had anything to do with it.

“Yes, honey, it’s me.” Whereas Anya had a raspy Russian accent and Melinoe had a clear, youthful voice, Gran has a wizened voice roughened with age.

“Why? Why lie to me? Were you embarrassed to be related to me?” My voice is choked with hurt. It would’ve been so simple to tell me that she was my grandma, but, instead, she hid it. The only reason I can think of is that she didn’t want to be seen with a magicless reject like me. My eyes burn with frustrated and hurt tears. A few drip down my cheeks, despite my best efforts. I angrily swipe at them before staring at the floor, wanting to hide how I feel.

I know I don’t succeed when Luca steps up behind me and slings an arm around my middle. I can tell it’s him from the dark, woodsy scent that wraps around me. After a moment of trying to fight the comfort I find in his arms, I give up and sink into it. While I don’t want to need my mate, I do. It’d be safer for them if I could just stay away, but I’m too selfish for that.

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