Chasing Shadows by Rebbeca Stoddard Read Free Book Online Page A

door startled me, and I dropped my sweater into place. Sebastian’s face peeked in just in time to see a small portion of my new addition. He smiled and said, “We all get them. Each one represents a little of the person they are on, as well as what supernatural group they belong to. They also tend to go in various spots. Very few have them where you do. And, when they do, it means something important. I don’t know what exactly. You would have to ask Clamora. May I?” He gestured to the spot where the tattoo was, and I nodded. Carefully, he lifted the back of my sweater and stared in amazement. His hand moved to touch it, but he decided not to because he stepped away. Clearing his throat, he looked down in embarrassment before finally telling me to get some rest.
    When I made it to my room, I was too excited to sleep. On the bedside table there was a cup of tea and a note that said “Drink me. You will feel much better in the afternoon.” Shrugging my shoulders, I drank the warm tea and felt a calm settle over me. I rolled over onto my side and snuggled under the blankets. Before my eyes finally closed, I noticed that all the crystals and everything else from my change had been removed. Sleep quickly claimed my tired body, and dreams came into view.
    I was lying in a large bed made of feathers, with quilts wrapped tightly around my body. Soft sobs came from my bedside. The moment I shifted, a small girl peeked at me through dark lashes. Her large brown eyes were swimming in unshed tears. She grabbed my hand and kissed it softly. There was a moment of understanding that passed between us; she wanted to help me, but we both knew that it was impossible. “Amary, please? I am begging you. Do not let go, dear sister. I still need you. After all, who will tell me if the wedding dress is horrid? You know Daddy will smile and tell me I am as beautiful as ever.” A small laugh escaped her. It was a peaceful sound. It didn’t last long, though, as she continued with her pleading. “And you know he needs you. Mr. Sebastian will be devastated if you don’t pull through this. Besides, Momma and Daddy will be heartbroken. After all, he plans to have you still! He wants you as his wife. Amaryia Renea! You listen to your sister. Listen to me, please. Oh God, please. Please, don’t leave me.” The girl started sobbing yet again. And she simply would not let up, no matter how hard I tried to placate her. It took a lot of effort not to cough while trying to calm my dear sister. When I was just about to fall asleep yet again, a man entered.
    He was medium height and was bulbous, but his face was handsome in an elderly man sort of way. With a deep sadness he looked at me and then turned icy eyes onto my sweet sister. “Lillyiah! Out, now! Amaryia does not need your tears soaking her bed again.” He scolded her in a fury, and she looked down and chewed her lip to keep from crying. After seeing how he had displeased her, he tried a softer approach. “Dinner is almost done, and your mother needs help. And I would like a few moments alone with her.” After Lillyiah scuttled out of the room, the man sat down next to me and held my hand sweetly. Silent tears shook his body. When he was able to regain his strength, he turned his familiar brown eyes on me. “Amaryia, oh my sweet daughter, I cannot begin to ask you to stay. Although that is what your mother would wish of me. I do not want my little one to be in pain. If you do decide to stay here with us, Sebastian still has my permission to marry you. He is a gentleman, a good man. The best there could possibly be for you. Every day he calls on you. He even brings you wild roses and small gifts. I hope that you make it through for your family, but more importantly, for him. I love you, my little Amaryia.” My father gently kissed my forehead and left the room quietly.
    When I woke up the pillow was wet with fresh tears. I now understood the story Sebastian had told me. Amaryia was his