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

and I felt as though I was falling from my chair. I braced for impact with the floor, but it never came. Riddley’s power moved over my soul and through my mind. The discomfort faded and the sensation of power was gone.
    “He speaks the truth,” Riddley said. “I can confirm his story.” He turned back to the bench, his golden sash bobbing with each step.
    Blackwell scribbled something in his notebook. “Give us a moment to deliberate please.”
    The elders turned in their chairs and began discussing amongst themselves. I sat in discomfort and the bright lights twinkled in my vision. I readjusted in my seat and shook them away. The pain faded, but enough remained for it to be irritating. I tried to ignore the discomfort and strained to hear the elders’ rapid whispers, but their words were muffled at best.
    After an eternity, Blackwell turned in his chair with a serious expression on his face. “Mr. Williams, please remove the ring. We’ll need some time to review and examine the artifact.”
    My stomach tightened as he spoke each word.
    “Don’t give it to him,” Rayna whispered.
    “I’m sorry Lawrence, but that isn’t going to happen,” Marcus said.
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “You heard him,” I said. “I’m not taking it off.”
    “That ring is an essential piece of evidence for our investigation. It is an ancient artifact crafted by the goddess herself, creator of the hunters. Therefore, it is the rightful property of the Circle.”
    “This ring was crafted for the Protector. For the hunter who passed the goddess’ test and proved himself worthy. Those were the words from the spirit herself,” I said.
    Blackwell snorted. “This is not a request. I don’t care if the goddess herself handed you that ring, you will give it to the council.”
    “You made it very clear I’m not part of the Circle, so you don’t get to demand anything from me anymore. This ring isn’t coming off my finger.”
    “Must we continue down this road?” Blackwell pulled the glasses from his face again and set them down on the paper in front of him.
    I knew what was coming and I tried to brace myself. The gray of Blackwell’s eyes washed over the whites and his magic came to life.
    “You will deliver that ring to us or we will remove it from your finger. Whether or not your finger is still attached to your hand is completely up to you.”
    “You’ll have to pry it off my cold, dead fingers.” I stood from my seat and started to pull the magic up from my soul when Blackwell’s element hit me. The air around me became heavy, and the oxygen in my lungs vanished. There was no chance for me to gain my focus; the air was gone and I felt the color drain from my face. I hit the floor, catching myself with my hands as the force of his magic shoved me down. A thin gloss filled my eyes and Marcus’ power broke into the room to strike back.
    Air rushed back into my lungs and Blackwell soared through the air. His small body crashed against the far wall of the room and collapsed to the floor. The other elders sprang into action, bringing their magic with them. I climbed to my feet and called my element. I pulled the fire towards my hand and a dark blue flame ignited in my palm. I fed it more power, watching the flame flicker and grow.
    “Don’t do this, Blackwell. This is not the way,” Marcus said.
    Blackwell was crumpled on the floor and using a chair to help himself to his feet. Marcus’ magic hung around him, and his wrinkled features grew pale.
    “Stand down,” Marcus commanded the other elders.
    The elders’ magic receded, but didn’t vanish.
    “You’re a powerful elemental, Blackwell. You all are, but there is no need for lives to be lost tonight.”
    Blackwell finished pulling himself up and looked to Marcus, gasping for air. “You’ve grown stronger, Starkraven.”
    “I have. And so has Riley. With his new powers he bested both me and Tessa Williams at once. We have a common enemy Lawrence; let us not make