Nameless: The Darkness Comes Read Free Page A

just seemed easier. “Okay, so there was a demon in the house and I saw it and it was a mean one and I didn’t want it to come back so after it was gone I did a sort of special thing and now none of them can see in the house anymore.” I spit it out in one breath, then looked at him warily.
    He was staring at me like I’d gone completely off my rocker. Which it sounded like I had, I’m sure, but I couldn’t stop talking. I babble when I’m nervous sometimes. It really sucks.
    “And maybe I shouldn’t have made it so they can’t see in because they’re really curious, and now they’re here all of the time, but since she left —”
    “ She? ”
    “ —it just seemed like the safest thing to do to keep her out. Forever, you know. Because she was bad news.”
    I snapped my mouth shut. Seth’s eyes were completely goggled. Lydia looked at him and laughed.
    “Is Daddy doing a silly face?” I asked her. She laughed again.
    Seth blinked. “So not only do you see demons, but we had a Princess Demon in our house. A particular nasty one and you performed some sort of a magic spell so they can’t be Peeping Toms? Is that what you’re telling me?”
    I frowned. “Now that sounds absolutely ridiculous.” I reached out for Lydia, but he swept her out of her high chair and away from me.
    “It does. Utterly ridiculous. I’m sorry I asked.” He walked carefully up the stairs, adamantly refusing to stomp.
    Ri ght then I was pretty sorry he had asked, as well.
    I was still stewing when the phone rang. “Talk to me,” I said, picking it up.
    There was a silence, and then a haughty voice. “Who is this?” I recognized it immediately.
    “Ah, Sparkles. My sweet Princess Demon. W e were just talking about you.”
    Silence again, and then she spat out, “Luna. What are you doing at my house?”
    Oh, this was going to be good.
    “Your hou se? I’m sorry. I thought when you moved out and abandoned your husband and child you forfeited your claim to this house.”
    Sparkles laughed. It was hard and cold. It made me want to shut my eyes and turn my face away. It felt like her laugh could shred bits of skin off my face. I had to admit it, the woman scared me. And that was even before she picked up her little demonic friend.
    “Ah, sweet girl,” she cooed. There was nothing comforting about it. I curled my toes to keep the chills away. “I am afraid you misunderstood. I never abandoned anyone. I just needed some time to think, and…clear my head. Surely you can see that.”
    My face felt like rock. “I’m not the one you need to be explaining your actions to, am I?” Immediately I wished I hadn’t said that.
    “You’re right,” Sparkles fairly purred. “Is Seth around? I would so love to chat with him.”
    “He’s not here.”
    Her voice cooled even more, if that was possible. “Are you lying to me, girl?”
    “Maybe. Why don’t you stand out on the front porch and take a peek inside? Tell me whether I’m lying or not.”
    Sparkles hissed, and I nearly slammed the phone down in fear.
    “So it was you,” she said , and her voice had teeth. I couldn’t breathe. I sat down and put my head between my legs, still holding the phone up to my ear. This is crazy , I thought. She doesn’t have any power over me.
    I took a deep breath and made myself smile. I wanted her to think I was as calm as possible.
    “Well, that’s that,” I said. “Thanks for calling.” I pushed the button on the phone and touched my fingers to my forehead. I was sweating.
    “Who was that?” Seth asked, walking into the room. He was dressed for work, and pressed a happy Lydia into my hands.
    “Nobody. Telemarketer,” I said quickly. Lydia looked at me and her lips turned down.
    “Really? You look awfully upset for somebody who just got off the phone with a telemarketer.” Seth put his hand on his hip, studied me up and down. I rubbed my forehead again, and forced a smile.
    “You know how it is with them these days. Nothing but