I lifted my hands in the air as I stood at the edge of the summoning circle. The rich smell of incense filled my nostrils. I hoped it was enough to attract Karma to me."I, Alaina Grey, summon the great and mighty Karma. Force of Nature, Goddess of will, fate, and knowledge. I offer up these items in trade for a blessed karma upon me. Please, I beseech you, grant me your presence."As I spoke, I leaked power into my words. I could feel it entering the circle. The circle lit with a purple glow. The light turned into a purple cloud that swirled into the center. I couldn't believe it, but it was working. Either I had done something really right or Karma was as bored as shit.The purple cloud solidified into a curvy form. A tanned-skinned dark-haired beauty stepped forth. She wore a golden dress that clung to her form and draped about her with sashes of cloth. Her nose was sharp and hawk like, but her eyes... her eyes were dark and hard just like the picture.I bowed my head in respect

I stood in the threshold to the next arena. I could feel Angandriel's presence behind me. It felt huge and ominous, but also full of light. I pulled my mind away from his distracting aura. Ahead of us stood another circular arena. At the center was another stone statue, but this one was closer to our height. I walked forward with Angandriel at my back. This arena was lined with mirrors on holders. They could be tilted up and down. They all pointed at the figure in the center.As we got closer I could see the figure more clearly. Snakes protruded from the head with their mouths open showing their fangs. The figure had a female bosom and a snake like tail. Her fingers were raised with claws sticking out at them. In front of her another pedestal held a new weapon. I looked down the shiny edge of the axe blade. I remembered the stories of Medusa from Greek mythology. Don't look directly at her or you turn to stone and cut off her head to kill her. This was going to be fun.I grabbed the

I lay cradled in Angandriel's lap. I knew it was him without opening my eyes. I could feel his strong aura of lightness. It was hard to describe it any other way. I was wrapped in a wool blanket with my head on his shoulder. His arms held me around the torso and legs. I kept my eyes closed tight. I didn't want him to know I was awake yet. As much as he hated me, I really liked being this close to him.My stomach was still a little achy and my throat was raw, but overall I was feeling better. I could feel the weight of the aurora sword in my pocket as just the small dagger. I could feel the energy come off of it. That feeling of ownership was powerful. I wasn't sure how I was going to give it up to Karma. Her hard eyes haunted my memories. Right. That was how. She was a scary bitch.I finally registered what had woken me. There were voices. Angandriel was speaking with someone. I liked how his voice rumbled in his chest beneath my ear."I can't believe you let her get hurt. She almos

I bumped down the road in the truck in the middle of the night. The squeaky shocks jostled me up and down. I sang to a song on the radio. It had something to do about being a mad world. It made me laugh internally. I did feel like the world was a little mad."Where are you heading?" Remi's sudden voice made me jump."To rob a jewelry store.""Did you ever actually hear yourself when you talk?""What do you mean?""Your plans always sound insane.""What plans?" I asked."Exactly. I'm always stuck saving your ass."I shrugged. "Isn't that your purpose? Besides, why is it mostly you and not Angandriel? Isn't he supposed to help out, too? I get the feeling he doesn't like me much."Remi frowned. "Don't you remember the other night?""What do you mean?""He took you out and saved you? You had a whole adventure."I shook my head. It felt right, but I couldn't remember anything. "Are you sure?""You don't remember the sword?" He asked."What sword?""Huh. I wonder if the Veil h

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror staring at my skinny yet muscular figure. I had pulled my shirt off and was looking at the weird bump that should be my shoulder. The naked skin beneath the black bra was pale and purple. My left was striped with a red spiral up my arm. It started close together then widened as it went up. It still burned. The thought of that dark cloud sent a shiver down my spine."Remi," I shouted over my shoulder, "Help me with this."Remi strolled into the bathroom. The edges of his lips twitched into a slight smile. "We could do this with your shirt on.""Remember what happened last time? Mom ruined my shirt. Just do it."He walked over to my left arm. His finger traced the line from my hand up my arm. "What is this?"Goosebumps from his touch lit my arm. "I think it's from the cloud thing. What do you think it is?"He shook his head. "It could be what is lifting the Veil." He stood in front of me and grabbed my shoulders. "Are you ready?"I nodded.