Page 70 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

“Sienna.”

“Yes?” I answer quietly.

“What I told you before – I think that’s how the dome was created,” Ahren says in Arabic.

Meaning demons who are under the control of someone or something.

My stomach drops, my appetite disappearing instantly.

Which means there are beings out there who know demons can be controlled, and they’re already using them.

An Evening Run

Jayce

Something’s troubling her, and I’m not sure what Ahren said to her, but I saw the colour drain from her face.

“There’s got to be a link, or some kind of hint; we might just need to go through what information we have regarding all the gods. They – a goddess – assisted Set in creating the drakaths. Why doesn’t it say who?” she asks, suddenly sounding almost frustrated.

“These are records kept by Andronikos. He, at the end of the day, wasn’t a god. It’s obvious he didn’t know everything, but what he did know, he kept journals on it.”

“I know, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. These tomes have helped us so much.” She looks at me apologetically.

“It’s understandable to be frustrated,” I remark quietly, raking my fingers through my hair. It’s fucked up.

“I think I just need to clear my head a little,” she sighs as she nibbles at her food.

I want to know what Ahren said to her. I mean, I remember the words; I could just try to write them down and figure it out, but it was clear he didn’t want me to know or didn’t think I needed to. I should respect that.

“We can go for a run later,” I suggest, taking a gulp of my cola.

“Sure, that would help,” she replies, her heart racing. I ignore it even though I know I just invited her for a run together.

“Don’t get any ideas; we’re just having to stay close thanks to these hallucinations,” I add coldly.

“I know,” she says. I resist frowning, realising she meant that, and why do I fucking feel guilty that she does?

I don’t care.

My wolf growls in disapproval.

I do not care.

It’s pretty late when we finally give the books a rest. Ahren had her stuff delivered, and it felt kind of weird seeing her things being brought to the Westwood Mansion. Once upon a time, that was what I had expected and hoped for.

“Where are you two headed?” Grandad asks as he catches us by the front door.

“Going for a run; we’ve been studying the tomes all day,” I say.

He nods. “Well, be careful.”

I nod; it’s hard going for a run out here. Although things have been put back together, the memories of what happened here… It’s hard.

We start off walking, and after a few minutes we’re jogging side by side. My legs feel like lead, but I keep up a steady pace. We’re silent, and I don’t mind it; it’s easier.

The moon is hidden by the clouds, a crisp breeze rustles through the tree branches, and the smell of fresh earth is pleasant. The urge to shift is strong, wanting to be out here. To run. But if I shift, I’m not sure I can trust giving my wolf that control right now, not when she’s right here, and he wants her.

“We’re missing something,” she blurts out, and I realise she’s still hung up over the situation. I probably would too if the drakaths weren’t screaming down my neck. It’s getting to be a lot now.