Scarlet Rain (The Escaped #2) Read Free

into a half smile. “I see our Alek informed you well. So you know you should be on your way back, to continue vanquishing the evil and restoring our realms.”
    “What, now? No, no, no. I can’t go back now. Alek isn’t even healed yet.”
    “There will be many times when he is unable to join you. You witnessed firsthand what will occur if he is kept in the Mortal Realm for too long and drained of his power,” Mother said.
    “Well, yeah, but I don’t really think my first solo mission should also be my first mission mission. I died when I met my first bad guy. And, I was hiding from the police when all that stuff happened with Alek. I don’t know if you know what that means, but they’re not even half as scary as some crazy evil spirit. I can’t go back by myself. Plus, I wouldn’t even know how to find a demon-creature thing.” She turned to Maiden and pleaded, “Can’t I stay here for a little bit longer? Please, I don’t have anywhere else to go.”
    “But what of your family?” Mother asked. “Are you not concerned for them?”
    Guilt and sadness rushed through her chest. “Oh, God. My mom. And Bridget. They must be so worried about me, especially my mom.” Her shoulders slumped.
    “Pay my sister no mind. Your family will be safe in your absence. Just as they were before you awoke as the new Oracle. No need to worry.” Maiden rested her hand comfortingly on Eva’s back. “You may stay with us until Alek is fully recovered and able to accompany you on your journey back to the Mortal Realm.”
    Mother opened her mouth to speak, but closed it just as quickly.
    “Something on your mind, sister?” Maiden asked.
    “No. I know Alek will heal quickly, and I will take this opportunity to follow your direction.”
    “Thank you both. Um, I’m not exactly sure what to call you,” Eva said.
    “You may call us Furies, or by our individual names. Whichever you wish,” Maiden replied.
    “Isn’t there one more of you? I thought Alek said he had three moms.”
    “Crone, our eldest sister, is keeping watch over Alek,” Mother said.
    “Can we go see him?” Eva asked.
    “He has been through quite a lot. I think it is best for him to rest and regain his strength,” Mother advised.
    “Please? I’ve been so worried about him.”
    Mother’s brow wrinkled and her gaze narrowed. “He cannot afford to have any distractions.”
    “Sister, I am sure you have much to attend to. Oracle, come with me. I will show you around our home.” Maiden hooked her arm though Eva’s and briskly pulled her away from the table.
    “Thank you for being so nice to me, and for rescuing me from your sister,” Eva said as soon as they were out of Mother’s range of hearing. “I really don’t think she likes me.”
    “Do not let her sour disposition affect you. It has already affected her enough.”
    “What can I do to get her to warm up to me? I don’t think it’ll help, her being so tense all the time.”
    “I wish I could tell you that feeling would change, but I do not know anymore if that is so. A lot has happened. Mother has become trapped by her bitterness. At times, it seems unending.”
    Sadness crept onto Maiden’s face, and Eva searched for something to lift the mood. “But you seem to be handling this curse thing pretty well. I mean, you don’t look a day over twenty-five.”
    “One’s outward appearance does not always convey what has formed inside,” Maiden explained, her smile returning. “In comparison to my sisters, I am young. However, I am a different being than you. Even with the new life you now possess. We can discuss this at greater length, but first I must show you one of our greatest assets, which you are fighting to protect.”
    Maiden led her through a dark opening. Fat balls of light wriggled on the floor. Eva hesitated behind her guide. “I don’t want to step on any of your little worm guys.”
    “All creatures serve a purpose, and all life must end. Come,” Maiden said,