Chosen by Kristen Day Read Free Book Online Page B

but how do I know you’ll do the same?” countered Nadia’s self-righteous voice. 
                  “Whether you hold up your end of the bargain has yet to be seen,” the other woman countered. The velvety tone of her voice was hauntingly familiar.  “Although you repeatedly fail to remember what’s at stake, I do realize you have your own agenda, of which I can respect.  However, the binding agreement you stepped into will be complete on my word.  No sooner and no later.”
                  I slowly attempted to pull myself up into more of a sitting position.  Unfortunately the slight movement reverberated off of the cavern walls, and both women spun in my direction.  I saw Nadia cross her arms as a hint of a smug smile lit up her face.  The other woman walked towards me and the stifling chill that surrounded her hit me with immense force.  She wore a long dress that trailed behind her and shifted as she moved.  Her face was cast into shadow by the waning light above the river.  As she came closer, I was just able to make out long black hair amidst more strands of green.  The glittering scales that framed her face sharpened in my line of sight as she kneeled down.  Her feline emerald eyes sparkled; reflecting the darkness within.  I gave her my best smirk.
                  “We meet again, Keto.”

Chapter 6
                 
                  “I really feel like we’re trespassing,” Phoebe wiped at the foggy window with her hand and peered outside. “Everything’s so dark and quiet.”  The city of Paphos lay completely silent on either side of the road as we cruised down one of the main thoroughfares on our way to Eventide.  The numerous shops and restaurants that lined the street had long been closed, and the cloak of night had successfully draped its influence across the landscape. 
                  “I guess three AM isn’t exactly rush hour,” I yawned.  After safely landing at Paphos International Airport, we had climbed into the back of a black Escalade driven by a tall, nameless, and seemingly mute young man.  He didn’t so much as utter a word as he loaded our luggage, but offered the slightest of smiles to each of us.  He let out a surprised gasp when Carmen wrapped a hand around his arm without provocation, but appeared to collect himself rather easily.  She sent him a tilted smile lined with madness and thankfully let go voluntarily.  Phoebe had apologized while Willow yanked Carmen inside the Escalade; both receiving menacing looks from her.
                  “The House of Eventide is about the same size as Lorelei, but we will be staying in the visitor’s quarters.  I’d like for you girls,” I noticed she focused her intense gaze mostly on me, “to get as much rest as time will allow.  Breakfast will be at 9:00am.”
                  If I actually slept for the duration of those six hours, I’d be more successful than I had been all week.  Somehow I didn’t think that being on the other side of the Earth would help ease my anxiety about Finn, or my impending meeting with the Nereids. A painful twist in the bottom of my stomach churned up an urgency that was getting harder to ignore.  I had the disturbing feeling that we were running out of time. 
                  The Escalade shifted as we all leaned to the left in an effort to see the passing marina bulging with sailboats, fishing charters, and personal craft.  Other than its impressive size, it looked very similar to Bald Head Island’s marina with its wooden boardwalks, jetties and pylons.
                  “Oh. My. God.  Is that a castle?!” Willow climbed over Phoebe to get a better view, “Please tell me that’s a real life castle!”
                  “Yes, dear that’s a ‘real life’ castle.” Natasha chuckled at Willow’s excitement, “It’s the Castle of Paphos,