Another Way To Bleed (Midnight Assassin) by Susan Harris Read Free Book Online

affectionately rubbed his arm. “It is quite alright, my Romanian friend; the half-breed does not fully comprehend to whom she speaks.” She glided in Cassie's direction, ignoring Archer and bypassing Luka, who was standing on his own two feet but leaning on Archer for support.
    Cassie, no matter what happens next, do not provoke her. I beg you to just stay calm. I will not let her harm you.... just do this for me, please. Luka's voice rang in her head - he sounded tired and weak, but Cassie couldn't help but notice the desperation in his voice as the female now stood directly in front of her. Taking her finger, while staring into Cassie's eyes, she traced the outline of her scarred face. A parting present from her dear ‘ole mum. The scar had never healed.
    Cassie took a breath and the scent of lily crawled up her nose. She felt seriously uncomfortable, like something was trying to pull at her insides. Her blood was pounding in her veins and she had the strangest urge to itch her arms and legs. Nausea gnawed at her stomach and her head spun. Just as Cassie was about to try and form some sort of speech, Luka stepped between them and addressed her.
    “My Queen, please, my Cassandra does not understand our ways as such. I would ask for a reprieve so you can tell us why you are here.”
    Turning away from them, she flipped her hair, making Cassie want to laugh at the image of her as one of the 'mean girls' popped into her head. She also felt Luka twitch and knew he was trying not to laugh too. They watched the woman as she relaxed into Luka's chair, accepting a glass of what looked to be blood from the one-eyed demon, before dabbing her mouth with a napkin. She dusted herself down and motioned toward Luka.
    “Luka my dear, would you be so kind as to inform Cassandra as to whom I am... No, my pet, I'll tell her myself”. She examined her fingernails and waited, as if deliberately trying to annoy Cassie. “I have been called by many names over the centuries, but I am sure you would know me most by Lilith. I am Queen to all demons and tho se of supernatural heritage.”
    Cassie cast a sceptical glance at Luka whose face remained a mask. “So you’re telling me that the most powerful female demon in history has come all the way from the dregs of hell to say howdy to a half-breed like myself and wants a favour? Forgive me for the sarcasm, but like , that’s fucked up.”
    “Yes, that is true. I felt your power awaken and knew you would be the only one able to help me. Your power seeps from you and washes over me. It pains me to say this, but I am no longer the most powerful fe male demon. You are.”
    The last sentence was dripping in envy and Cassie saw Lilith’s eyes dim a little. The atmosphere chilled instantly, all eyes now on Cassie. Luka and Archer's faces were complete masks, and she didn't have any idea what she could s ay when Lilith spoke again.
    “I had sent someone to watch over you, daughter, a brave witch who I graced with visions and strength to aid you when you awoke, but she did not survive the war. My sister saw her death and went to the one person who she saw would remain in your f uture and shape your destiny.”
    Cassie began to speak, but Luka got there before her. “Helena was your sister? How can that be?”
    “My dear Luka. Helena was my sister by choice. I gave her some of my essence so she could protect Cassandra from potentially straying from her destiny. Cassandra is the one person who can stop the world from ending when the real war begins.”
    Holding up a hand in protest, Cassie found it hard to comprehend the information overload. Helena was in league with a demon? She was a powerful... demon? She was the saviour of the world, and the most confusing one yet, Luka was part of her destiny? Her head began to ache and she stumbled slightly before being a complete wimp and fainted.

Chapter Seven
    Her vision swam as she struggled to open her eyes. Blinking a few times helped to clear the