The Soul's Mark: CHANGED by Ashley Stoyanoff

Author:Ashley Stoyanoff [Stoyanoff, Ashley]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 192780602X
Amazon: B00GV2H04K
Publisher: Ashley Stoyanoff Books
Published: 2013-11-23T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

When it was settled, Amelia rested her cheek on Mitchell’s chest for a long moment, listening to the sound of his heart and then kissed his forehead before she went in search for a shower. She was determined to wash away the lingering sense of failure and weakness that had seeped into her bones.

After the too short shower, she toweled off her hair, wrapped the damp towel around her, and went to the door. She could sense the stillness in the room beyond it. Everyone had gone off to do whatever it was that they thought they were supposed to do, and she pulled the door open, to discover Eric lurking on the other side. “Was this really the time for a shower?” he demanded.

Amelia stepped aside and went past him, up the landing and to her closet. “I need a clear head for what I’m about to do, Eric. Really, you need to get over whatever it is that’s turned you all jerk-ish.”

Eric rolled his eyes. “Hurry up. I’ve got other things to do today aside from making sure you don’t blow up the entire town.”

Amelia ignored him, disappearing into her closet. She pulled on a pair of black, knee-length leggings and a lavender empire-style tank and then went over to Mitchell, still sleeping. She brushed his hair out of his unmoving eyes and whispered, “I love you.” And then, she went for the door, determination spurring her on.

The street was barren. It had always had a secluded feel with the thick tree line blocking the houses from view, but now it felt deserted. The only sounds Amelia heard as she walked towards the gates were the sounds of nature. Birds singing, the rustle of leaves in the summer breeze. No voices or cars or doors opening and closing. The vacantness of her gated street pierced her with dozens of sharp-tipped needles of cold. Amelia shivered as she searched the street for any sign of the living.

Although the sun had just come up, the world around her seemed stripped of color. The once perfectly manicured trees and lawns that had always glowed with life were now dull and listless. Overgrown patches of weeds clustered at the bases and along the cement edge of the curb.

Eric had offered to come with her, except she was pretty sure that he didn’t want to. It was a Lola condition; Amelia was sure of it. He trailed her, a pace or two behind. She’d tried to ask him a few times what was up with him, but each time she opened her mouth the question didn’t feel right. If she’d paid more attention, she’d already know. He was her best friend, and yet, he felt like a stranger.

Amelia gave him a sideways look as they walked. The slap of their soled shoes hitting the pavement echoed in the silent air. She took a breath. “What’s up with you, Eric?” she asked, watching him closely. “You look like someone ran over your dog.”

He laughed at that, but there wasn’t much humor in the sound.

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