Shift - 02 by M. R. Merrick Read Free Book Online

pulsing towards me.
    “Mr. Williams, please take your seat so that we may continue.”
    I wanted to argue, but things were getting tenser than I wanted. I sat back in my chair, but Riddley’s eyes were fixed on me.  
    “Before we get to the others, Mr. Williams, it has been brought to our attention that you made contact with Serephina, the goddess herself. Is this true?”
    The question caught me off guard. “How do you know that?”
    “Answer the question.”
    “Yes, it’s true.”
    “Where did this happen?”
    “The south woods of Stonewall.”
    “And you were given something there…a scroll and a ring. Where are they now?”
    “I’m wearing the ring. Vincent has the scroll.”
    Blackwell’s eyes shot open. “You gave the goddess’ scroll to a vampire? Why on earth would you do that?”
    “I needed to, in exchange for the safe return of Willy.”
    “You gave a powerful scroll to the head of a vampire family to save a demon?”
    “The magic of the scroll was gone. I was told it was of no use to him unless the portals were open. At that time, I didn’t know it was possible to open the portals, so yes, I gave it to him.”
    “What do you mean the magic was gone?”
    “It was gone. I already had it.”
    The elders shuffled in their seats and began whispering.
    “Order,” Blackwell said, tapping his gavel against the table. The elders quieted.
    “Would you explain exactly how you were able to find and enter a sacred sanctuary, obtain an ancient scroll, and extract its power?”
    “I hitched a ride into the sanctuary on Rayna’s earth element. After we defeated a trio of pureblood demons, the spirit gave it to me. Then–”
    “Stop right there. You said a spirit gave it to you?”
    “Yes. A piece of Serephina’s spirit occupies the soul piece and protects it.”
    Blackwell wrote furiously in his notebook. When he was finished, his eyes watched me with renewed excitement. “And you extracted the power how?”
    “The spirit told me to read the scroll. Once I did, the power just sort of…came into me.”
    “And this is how you developed your powers? From what I understand, you’ve obtained the ability to create and control both the water and fire elements.”
    I shook my head. “No, those came before.”
    “Then what exactly has the scroll’s power done for you?” Blackwell sounded flustered.
    “Nothing.”
    “You expect me to believe that you absorbed the magic of an ancient scroll and have nothing to show for it?”
    “I don’t know what else to tell you. It’s the truth.”
    Blackwell watched me for a moment before looking back to Riddley. “Then you won’t mind if Riddley takes a look? Just a peek to confirm this?”
    Marcus stood up from his table and walked towards me. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”
    “I can assure you, it will be simple and painless. It will do nothing more than verify his story.”
    Marcus looked to me, but he seemed as lost as I was.
    “Mr. Starkraven, surely you don’t have anything to hide?”
    Marcus sighed. “The court must agree to take an oath of honesty and intention. Chase isn’t to be harmed and Riddley does nothing more than confirm Chase’s story.”  
    My eyes opened wide. “Marcus…” I whispered, but he didn’t respond.
    “Of course,” Blackwell said. “Riddley, if you please.”
    Riddley walked behind the other bench and down the stairs. His black dress shoes echoed and his round belly filled out his white council robes fully. He stopped before Marcus and without so much as a smile, took the oath.
    Marcus nodded and stepped to the side.
    Riddley’s dark blue eyes lit up with anticipation and then the color faded.   Ready?” he asked, solid white eyes staring out at me.
    I nodded, but before the action was finished, a strange vibration moved through my head. His air element came to life, and a cool breeze washed through my skull. I winced at first, and a bright light filled my vision. I started to lose my balance