catching my first glimpse of freedom. Could I find a way to ward off Shya and withstand Lilah in a place like this, or was it just wishful thinking?
I grabbed the door handle and gasped. My entire arm lit up with pins and needles until I swung the door open and stepped inside. Shaking off the strange sensation in my hand, I took in the immense interior of the church.
It was breathtaking. I stood in a foyer that looked into the sanctuary of the church. Taking slow, steady steps, I moved beyond the foyer to gaze in wonder at what lie beyond. Paintings of saints and angels adorned the place from floor to ceiling. An elaborate crystal chandelier drew my gaze. It seemed to sparkle with an iridescent shimmer.
“Can I help you?”
A man sitting in the front pew stood up and raised a hand in greeting. A fair distance separated us. I made my way down the aisle toward him. He wore a priest’s white collar and dark attire. I judged him to be about fifty. Though physically he was in good shape, his eyes aged him. As I drew closer, I saw the deep lines and shadows evident of a man who has known many sleepless nights.
“I hope so.” I smiled, fearing just a little that he’d see right through my human exterior to the monster within. “I came to ask about getting an item blessed.”
I withdrew the cross from my shoulder bag, hesitant to hand it over. He accepted it with a raised brow.
“Fascinating.” He turned the cross over in his hands, studying it closely. “This looks very old. It must be quite valuable to you.”
“Sentimental, mostly.”
“May I ask why you’re seeking a blessing?” Curiosity shone in his eyes.
How much should I tell him? Could I trust this man? He was a stranger to me but a stranger who just might believe me if I told the truth.
“I’m experiencing a dark time in my life. Dark forces,” I offered. “I could use a touch of light.” I cringed inwardly. The same light I sought was supposed to live inside me, but all I felt these days was Arys’s darkness.
The priest’s face lit up in a gentle smile that radiated kindness. “I’m Father Andrew. Would you like to sit down and talk?”
He sat down on the pew, and I reluctantly joined him. In the grand building, I couldn’t shake the expectation of bursting into flames. I sat awkwardly beside him as he said a prayer over the aged necklace. It struck me then that it might be all that I had left of Kale, and hot tears pricked the back of my eyes.
After passing the cross back to me, Father Andrew sat quietly. “Are you all right? Anything you say will be completely confidential. If you’re in trouble or something…”
“Oh, Father. I’m not sure you’d even believe me if I told you.”
“Try me.”
For a moment, I was tempted to take him up on that. Instinct demanded that I keep my mouth shut, so instead I mumbled my thanks and rose to leave. Father Andrew’s hand snaked out to grab my arm. I turned quickly, defenses ready. My gaze fell to where his shirtsleeve had ridden up a few inches, exposing the tip of a dragon tail. A dragon tail that perfectly matched the one I also bore.
I met Father Andrew’s eyes and saw the knowing glint within. Jerking my arm from his grasp, I stepped back and gathered my power. I was ready to use it, man of the cloth or not.
“You’re one of Shya’s corrupt priests,” I hissed. “I should have known. Is there any place in this city that he hasn’t tainted?”
I walked backwards down the aisle between the pews. Killing a priest was something I’d rather not do. If he insisted on giving chase, I’d do whatever I had to.
“Alexa, wait!” He called, advancing on me slowly, hands held up in surrender. “It’s not what you think. I got sucked into his games. Just like you. I’m a victim.”
The truth of his words was undeniable. I slowed my pace, glancing around suspiciously. Could Shya pop into a place like this? I’d seen him in a church before, but it hadn’t felt the way this one did.
“How do you know him? What do you know about me?” I demanded. Was there anyone in this damn town that Shya wasn’t after?
“I know you’re a Hound of God. A creature meant to combat evil.” His voice echoed throughout the