Page 59 of Blood

Adrenaline floods my veins instantly, my body lighting up with the anticipation of a fight.

Kim meets my eyes. “We’re getting close.”

30

NOVA

Dark clouds loom above us. The day has turned to night, which seems appropriate given the circumstances. Drizzle touches my face. I knew England would be cold and damp, but I’m kinda sick of it already.

“This is it.” Kim staggers through some trees ahead and the ground turns from earth to concrete.

“What the fuck?” Tanner breathes.

We’re standing outside what looks like an old carnival, and it’s as if time itself has decided to forget this place. It’s eerie, abandoned, the once vibrant colors now faded and lifeless, as if drained of all their joy. The air smells of rust and damp wood.

I wrinkle my nose and glance at the others.

In front of us, the Ferris wheel stands silent. It reminds me of the kind I rode as a kid, and as I stare at it, laughter, lights, and the taste of candy-floss flood my memory.

We walk slowly forward. As we move, the Ferris wheel’s seats swing gently in the wind, creaking ominously. The carousel is no better, its horses frozen mid-gallop, their painted eyes staring blankly into the distance.

At the entrance, the ticket booth is empty. Its window shattered, the once bright sign now dim and peeling.

“This place gives me the fucking creeps,” Tanner says.

When I look at him, I realize that – although he’s being flippant – he’s having to try extremely hard not to let the memories held in this place overwhelm him.

“I hear you on that,” Kim says.

“Which way?” We’re standing beside the Ferris wheel now. “You’re sure she’s here?”

Kim nods. “The place reeks of demons. The energy… it’s…” He swallows hard.

“I can feel it too.” Tanner’s jaw sets tightly as he speaks.

“This way.” Kim points to a pathway that leads into the heart of the carnival. It’s littered with fallen leaves and debris.

The entire place sends shivers through me.

Snow growls in agreement.

We keep walking, cautiously, but Kole freezes. He grips my hand hard.

“Kole?” I turn to look up at him. His eyes have darkened. Even the swirling tattoos on the side of his face seem darker than they were a moment ago.

“I don’t think I can do this,” he says, his voice strained.

“Why? What’s wrong?” Panic rises in me, quick, sharp.

“I can feel her. Zephyra.” His eyes, haunted, meet mine.

“You can…?” I trail off. The others are watching us, listening, probably as confused as I am because why the heck have we involved Kim in this if Kole could tell us where Zephyra was?

“I drank her blood, and she drank mine.” He closes his eyes. I notice Mack and Tanner exchange a knowing glance. “I can feel her when she’s close.”

Blood. The realization hits like a punch. “A blood bond?” My voice cracks, panic squeezing my chest.

“No, not that. Not like ours.” His grip tightens on my hand as if he’s desperate for me to believe him. “But I can sense her when she’s close. And she’s too close now.”