Feathermore (26 page)

Claire kicked me in the ribs in an attempt to keep me on the ground longer. It didn’t hurt, but I was momentarily immobilized. She reached for Avan again.

No!
I let out a grunt as I stood up, but before I could reach her, strong arms clamped mine against my sides in an attempt to subdue me. It was Nate, pulling me backward while I squirmed and yelled at Claire to let Avan go.

“
Don’t do it, Claire. Please!” I begged her. “It’s not his fault. Please, let him live!”

She looked sideways at me, her face still dark with vengeance.

“
I’ll sacrifice myself! Please!” I sobbed. “Let him live!” I couldn’t let him die. I tried to pull away again, but Nate had me in a bear hug.

Claire finally turned and faced me. “That’s the whole point: I will not see another angel sacrificed for
this.
” She pointed in disgust at Avan.

“
Claire . . .” It was a mere whisper that escaped my lips. My hope fading fast. I looked behind me, where Amy lay crumpled on the ground—dead, I assumed. Lilith stood next to her, her eyes intently watching Claire. “Do something!” I told her. “I’ll do whatever you want—just save him. Please!”

She looked at me for a moment. “You will sacrifice yourself to save him?” A grin emerged on her face. It was exactly what she needed: I had to sacrifice myself for her to continue the gourd bloodline.

“
Yes.” I lowered my head. I just wanted it all to be over. I couldn’t see anyone else die because of me.

I saw Lilith move past us. Claire saw her, too, and before Lilith reached them, she pulled out Shemer’s sword. In a fast, fluid movement, she plunged the sword into Avan’s chest. Blood spurted out, covering Claire’s clothes.

“
No!” I screamed. Nate’s grip lessened, and I broke free and ran to Avan
.

Claire withdrew the sword, and it made a crackling noise. She moved back. Her face was back to normal as her bewildered eyes took in the scene in front of her.

Avan was on his knees, his hands pressed against his wound.

I slid my arms around him and held him, his eyes locked in mine. What had I done? How could I have let this happen? “I am so sorry.” I kissed his forehead and lingered there, my tears rolling down onto his face.

His body went limp, and I laid him back against the boulder, still in my arms. He looked up at me, his breaths coming in shorter gasps. A gurgling sound from deep in his chest made me shiver.

“
I love you, Jade,” he murmured. “I always will.” He took a long breath and closed his eyes. And he never opened them again.

I pulled him to me. The warm blood seeped through my clothes and onto my body. “I love you, too.” I held him tight in my arms until my tears stopped coming. I pulled away and looked at him. Something was building deep inside me. Something was growing, changing. I screamed. This time I was full of anger and despair. The tingling in my back was stronger than ever. I kept screaming, not once drawing breath.

“
Jade, I am sorry,” Claire whispered beside me.

In a swift movement, I was on my feet. I could feel the features in my face change. Were they distorted as Claire’s had been? I put my hand around Claire’s throat and picked her up. I
would
kill her for what she had done. There was no turning back. I felt my wings unfurl, and everyone gasped.

Claire kept trying to pull away. Her own wings protruded. Nate threw himself at me, but I was far too strong. He kept coming at me, and I finally let go of her so I could finish him first. He quickly backed away from me.

Lilith took a few steps back and threw her arms in the air. “There is nothing left for me here,” she muttered just before she disappeared into thin air.

My heart sank when she was gone, I would gladly have sacrificed myself if it meant I would be with him again. A dark shadow moved behind me. I twisted my head to the side and saw that it was no shadow.

It was my wings. They had turned black.

I smiled and looked back at my former best friends. “There is nothing holding me back now,” I said. I took a cautious step forward.

“
Jade, it had to be done,” Claire said. It’s no life being a gourd. He would always have been at her command, and sooner or later he would have gone mad.”

I took another step toward her. “At least he would have been alive.” The words were careful and full of conviction. Before I could lunge, a warm hand gripped my shoulder. I spun around, ready to kill. As I stared into his eyes, a smile crept into my face, and the darkness swirled out of control, consuming me.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my Husband, Sean, for believing in my story and wanting it to be the best it could be. I will always cherish your endless support.

To my children, for putting up with Mommy when she was busy at work and the many,
many
hot dog nights.

To my parents, you are my everything. Your love is immeasurable and I am so thankful to have you in my life. Thank you so much for always believing in me, for your support and for being my biggest fans. Los Amo!

Michael Cansion, who helped Feathermore get started and listened to every crazy idea I threw at him.
Obviously, nothing was every crazy enough for you. This one is for you, Mike!

To all the amazing friends I made along the way:

Kira Saito, for listening to me day in and day out. I love you and I am so glad to have found you. Your talent exceeds anything I could ever dream of accomplishing. Scowl power babe!

Keren Kiesslinger, my Twin. It was because of you that I kept writing and pushing forth, my first cheerleader. I hope to make you proud.

Jo Cattell, I am wishing you the very best with ‘Summer Rain’, it will be a success! I cannot wait until I can have my very own, autographed copy!

Hope Collier, Jessie Harrell, Nikki Jefford, you ladies are an inspiration! I thank everyone who helped with their advice; you are all so talented and I am so happy to have met you all.

Abby Marie Summers, the face of this book. You are amazing in every way possible. I have truly enjoyed getting to know you, and don’t ever stop doing what you do! You are full of life and light, you leave a beautiful mark on everyone you touch. I cannot wait to see what wonderful things await you in the future. Thank you for your support and all of your help. You will always be my very own little Jade!

To Alicia, Raven and Britany for taking the time and reading Feathermore in order to give me some teenage feedback. You guys rock!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy Swing lives in sunny Florida with her husband and two children.

She is a YA Paranormal/ Romance writer, whose works include: Feathermore #1 (Feathermore Trilogy), Bloody Valentine, the novella and Bloody Valentine is also offered in "Death by Chocolate," an anthology consisting of 6 fantastic YA short stories with a chocolaty twist.
She is an absolute book hoarder and must always have a book at arms distance. Music is her muse, and there is always a soundtrack that plays along her life.

For more information on Lucy Swing please visit her website

http://www.LucySwing.com