Bright Fire (Bright Fire Series Book 1) Read Free

that instantly set my nerves on edge.
    "Where is the girl?" The voice booms and it feels like the house is shaking with it.
    "I will not tell you. As Terentia, you know my oath binds me to her." My dad’s speech makes me think of a soldier.
    Nothing makes sense right now. Am I the girl they are looking for? And what on earth is Terentia. Too many thoughts are swimming in my head all at once. I feel like I’m in another country trying to understand a new language.
    "Hmph" the one with the gravelly voice scoffs. "While that may be true for you, it is not for your wife; mortal isn't she?"
    "Touch her and you die, mutt." I never hear my dad talk like this to anyone. He’s an accountant for crying out loud.
    There’s another pause, and I feel a maniacal scream inching closer and closer to bubbling over the surface. Now I hear my dad groaning in pain as something heavy hits the floor. “Let's not forget, guardian, I am not bound by the same rules you guardians follow; I can and I will kill you."
    Who is this guy? I’m beginning to think my parents set up some sort of Comic-Con style skit as a lame attempt to connect with my inner geek because that guy can’t possibly be serious. I try to push the door open just a crack, but it won’t budge. It makes no sense because I just came through this door a few minutes ago.
    I really start to freak out. The fear weighs on my chest and it’s difficult to breath. I consider screaming out to get their attention and tell them to take me instead when the prickly feeling returns; raising the little hairs all over my body. It’s like all my nerve endings are attacking me from the inside out.
    "I don't have time for these games, tell me where the girl is, or I will peel the flesh from your precious mortal, inch by inch." I hear my mother scream another heart-stopping shriek, and I know with all my being that this is not going to end well for me or my family.
    I hear a different female voice. "Easy there Cerberus, we need her to tell us where the girl is. Keep going that way, and she'll be dead before she can say a word." Her voice is nasally with a high pitch. It reminds me of one of the actresses off Mean Girls.
    I can tell the man has no patience for the woman, "Cela; He wants the girl now before it's too late. At midnight, the shield is lifted and by then the prophecy will have started and I don't want to go up to him empty handed. So either find the girl or get out of the way; your choice."
    In a low voice, I can hear my mother say, "You already know you're going to kill us, but it won't release the shield any faster. Just get it over with or leave us be."
    I know exactly what’s happening before I hear her body hit the floor or my father’s heart-wrenching sobs. I want to go to him, but I can’t open the stupid door. I cover my mouth and bite back a sob. This can’t be happening.
    Cela scolds Cerberus, "seriously, did you have to go and kill the mortal? Now we have to kill the guardian, or he'll be hunting us for centuries."
    Please, not my dad. Why can’t I scream? It feels like I have cotton balls stuck in my throat as I gasp for air. I wipe away the tears that spill over my cheeks.
    Cerberus chuckles. "No big loss there; he and I have a score to settle."
    I am pretty sure I’m going into shock because I hear my dad’s voice in my head. Do not fear; in time, you will understand. This is our destiny, and I am willing to die to protect you. Heed my words and find Alec, he will help you on your journey. I love you Dell.
    Another heartbeat passes and I hear another thud, and I know both my parents are dead.
    Cela is the first to speak, "Pity, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I had hoped the mortal would spill it and save us the hassle." My blood boils at her casual tone. As if murder was no big thing. "You search the upstairs, and I’ll start looking down here," barking orders to the man.
    My heart is starting to race so fast and hard in my chest it feels like it might pop out. I