Storm Born

“Hadrian,” Turve’s friend rasped. “I never expected you to receive another charge.”

“Seems you and your ilk made it necessary, Ferno,” Mystery Man– Hadrian– responded

venomously. “It seems Edur and Giro were foolish enough to cross paths with me.” His smile chilled me to my bones. “I would not expect to see them return soon.”

A sickening feeling rolled through my stomach. Memories of the two men following me, the third jumping out of nowhere and saving my life… Had that been Hadrian? Had he fought those two men, who sounded like allies of Turve and Ferno, to help me escape?

Did he kill them?

“Stand up and get behind me, Ava,” he commanded, cutting through my thoughts.

I didn’t really want to give in to his orders, especially since I might be walking closer to a murderer, but I also didn’t want to stay on the ground and get trampled.

I planted my feet and stood up–

A gust of wind slammed into my chest, pushing me away from Hadrian. Toward the people who

wanted something from me. I didn’t even know what it was yet.

I landed on the road, striking my other elbow. I turned over and found Declan standing over me, that stupid, smug grin on his face.

“Like my trick, Ginger?”