Mark Of Vesper

shirt up to her shoulder, half expecting the strange mark to be gone. Maybe

sn't just on her skin. It felt deeper-like it was stitched into her

her fingers. Hoping it would fad

dn't

ng herself to move on. The world hadn't stop

isor-had already sent four messages asking if she was okay. She headed to the operation

g at her differently. Their eyes lingered too long. Their express

len waved

th worry. "Are you okay? They said you fel

rocks gave way. I fell into a cavern. Smoke must've been tra

ill frowning. "They had to brin

es. I just need to get back to work

emporary office tents. But Aria s

ance to the walkway. She

ke smoke around his boots. There was something controlled about him, desp

d her completel

lv

re. They gleamed-metallic, sharp, al

e step toward h

" Glen asked, not

ered. But her le

st a few feet away. He

e was low, strong-too cal

ked. "Ho

speak wit

ront of her. "Who

ok at him. He kep

red something in that cave. You

eart

say?" she said, h

an whispered softly, as though his w

th caugh

lowering his voice. "There are

't even know

he stranger again. "

ame is Kael. I'm not here to hurt her.

ey'?" Aria

n you touched the relic. It awakened something old. Somethi

nown to you?" Fear creeping ba

s eyes sharpened. "Beca

-pitched screech before she co

one t

pebbles as they rushed across the du

. "They found you fa

d me?" Ar

d closer.

rust me?"

N

hinking clearly. But if you want

e SUVs slammed to a stop behind them. Four figures in black uniforms jumped out

outed, stepping forward

ed his hand. His palm glo

i

of Aria's wrist and dragged her

un

But the heat behind her-and the unnatural

e

der her boots. Kael moved like he belonged t

wallowed the noise. Until only the

inally

nto a mossy lo

ose people?"

hey work for those who want the power you've awake

power," she said.

at her. "N

ched be

on your skin isn't just a symbol.

at him. "A k

hesit

at should have stayed closed. But when your bloo

went dry. Thi

ion. The fire. Deep down,

d her shou

" she aske

her, eyes still

you were chosen-and what they'r