Anna's Hope Episode One (21 page)

Though both brothers had a moment of
animosity, Scott still accepted Aaron’s shoulder.

After Aaron shored up his
stance to support Scott, wrapping an
arm around his brother’s back, he turned
to Anna.

It was hard to describe his expression.
“You shouldn’t have done that, Anna. If Scott hadn’t been
there—”

“Hey, leave me out of this, brother. I
didn’t do diddly apart from sit there tied to a chair. Anna was the
one who took down that wizard and the soul catcher. So once you’re
done lugging me to a medic, you should probably sort out her bounty
reward.” Scott nodded at Anna.

“... Anna defeated the wizard and a soul
catcher?” despite Aaron’s usual emotional control, disbelief
wavered through his tone.

“That’s right. I saw it. And, because of
her, I lived through it.”

Aaron slowly turned back to her. His
expression was completely unreadable. “How did you do it?”

“She learnt to practice soul magic, on the
fly, and reached right into the dark idiot, and took control. Like
I said, I wouldn’t believe it, but I had the opportunity to watch.
Us bounty hunters are going to have to look out for her – she’ll be
catching all the crims and grabbing all the rewards before we know
it.”

“Um, it wasn’t eniterly me. I mean, it was
probably the talisman.” She reached for it, but it was gone. “Oh my
god, I’ve lost it.” Panic filled her gaze as she looked up at
Aaron. “I’m so sorry. I’ll try to replace it. I ... don’t really
have any money, but—”

Aaron smiled. It was dashing – but not in
the usual way. She’d seen Aaron try to charm people before, but
this was different. His smile reached all the way to his eyes and
he brushed a hand down his face. It was real. No act. No façade.
“It’s okay, Anna. You don’t have to replace it. I’m glad you’re
alright.”

She didn’t know what to do, so
she tried to neaten her hair. Big mistake – as soon as she
pushed her fingers
into it, they got stuck.

She was beyond bedraggled. It was a surprise
Aaron hadn’t confused her for a drain monster.

“Alright, we need to wrap this operation
up. Anna, can you walk?” Aaron looked at her seriously.

“Her wrist is broken,” Scott supplied
immediately.

“But it’s not attached to my legs. I can
walk.” She demonstrated by taking a step. “Just don’t ask me to
fight anymore wizards tonight,” she groaned.

“It’s alright – we’re fresh out of evil
guys,” Scott chuckled. “Case closed.”

Luminaria, who had been sitting near by and
watching everything, suddenly stood. “Really? Case closed? Can you
be that stupid?”

Everyone turned to look at her.

“Do you honestly think that dark wizard was
acting alone?” Luminaria raised an eyebrow.

“We’ll look into it. We’ll investigate
this,” Aaron promised. “But for now, let’s enjoy this victory.”

“... He wasn’t acting alone. That wasn’t a
normal calling candle he was using,” Anna supplied quickly, a flick
of fear returning to her.

She may have just won the battle, but
somehow she could feel the war was right around the corner.

That soul catcher would be back.

“We will question the dark wizard when he
wakes,” Aaron said, “and I will put out a bounty for any
information on those calling candles. We will figure this out,” he
commanded.

Luminaria flicked her tail. “Or you’ll fail,
and I’ll have fun watching.” She tipped her head back and
cackled.

“Come on, Luminaria, aren’t you hungry?”
Anna walked up to her. “We can buy some tuna on the way
home.”

Luminaria appeared placated, and purred.

“I don’t know how she deals with that cat,”
she heard Scott mumble under his breath.

“Patience of a saint,” Aaron agreed
quietly.

Anna
blushed, turned around, and followed
Luminaria.

Case closed.

For now.

The end of Episode One. Episode Two is
currently available.

If you liked this book, you may also like
the Witch’s Bell Series.

For news on upcoming titles,
please visit
www.odettecbell.com
.

Witch’s Bell

An urban fantasy with everything from
romance to mystery, The Witch's Bell Series follow a feisty witch,
Ebony Bell, as she solves magical malady after magical
malady.
Ebony Bell is living just exactly the life she wants. She has her
very own magical bookstore, a wardrobe full of fabulously glitzy
clothes, and a sweet bowl just brimming with lollies. But when a
6ft-tall annoyance by the name of Detective Nathan Wall walks
through her shop door, her sweet life turns to ruin. As witch
consultant for the local police department, Ebony has to work
infuriatingly close with the man. And if that wasn't the worst
thing that could happen, she slowly finds out that an ancient,
thoroughly powerful entity might just be out to curse
her. 
Very soon she finds herself ditching the ruby-red heels, dashing
across rooftops, breaking and entering, and stuffing whole
bookstores into bags. Oh, and possibly kissing annoying
detectives.