Foretold (St. Bastian Institute 1)

“Is everything okay?” I asked, immediately going into protector mode.

She nodded hesitantly, then seemed to think about it a moment before shaking her head. “It’s probably nothing,” she said and motioned for me to come inside.

“Just tell me, Ange. I can smell your fear. Something’s rattled you,” I said as I followed her into her living room.

She bit her lip, gathering up her long red hair and securing it with a scrunchie in preparation for my feeding. She sat down on the couch, and I took the space next to her. My eyes went to her neck, and I noticed her skin pimple in awareness. I’d opted for a female blood donor to avoid any unnecessary … feelings. Regularly drinking the same person’s blood formed an undeniable bond, and when that person was the sex you were predominantly attracted to, things could get complicated.

When Angela still didn’t answer, I folded my arms and gave her a stern look. “I’m not going to feed until you tell me what happened.”

She blew out a breath. “Fine. I was out with some friends earlier. We went to see a movie then grabbed food after. When I got home, it was full dark out. I was pulling the blinds in the kitchen, and I could’ve sworn I saw a man standing at the back of my garden.”

“A man?” I questioned. “What did he look like?”

“He was in shadow, so I couldn’t really get a good look at him, but my magic, well …” she trailed off, a worried frown line deepening between her eyebrows.

“But what?” I prodded.

“My magic, it sensed a demonic presence.”

I pressed my lips together as I digested her statement. Demons weren’t non-existent in Tribane, but their numbers were rather small. I stood.

“The next time I looked out the window, he was gone, so I was probably imagining things. With all the preparations for the New Year’s Festival, I haven’t been getting much sleep. My magic could be on the fritz.”

“Maybe, but I think it’s still a good idea to be cautious. Make sure you keep all your windows and doors locked and your alarm on when you’re home alone. My dad is waiting outside. I’ll go fill him in, and we’ll scout the area. See if your mysterious Peeping Tom left any evidence.”

“Okay,” Angelia nodded, seeming relieved that I was taking control of the situation.

I stepped outside, and my dad turned around, curiosity in his uniquely golden eyes. “That was fast.”

“I haven’t fed yet. Ange saw a strange man standing in her back garden tonight when she got home. She said she sensed he was a demon, but it was too dark out to tell what he looked like.”

My dad’s face was stoic as he listened to me. “I’ll check the neighbourhood. You go feed. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“No, I want to come with you. Angela is my blood donor. It’s my responsibility to ensure her safety.”

He blew out a breath and nodded, motioning for me to accompany him down the lamp-lit street. Dad knew there was no point arguing with me when I was determined to do something.

We searched the neighbourhood in silence, both of us tapping into our extra senses. I’d inherited excellent night vision, a heightened sense of smell, and accelerated healing from my father. I could also hear things happening miles away if I so chose. Normally, I left most of my heightened senses dormant until I needed them; otherwise, I’d drive myself mad being able to hear and smell and see in such extreme detail all the time.

We completed our search but didn’t find a single indication that someone had been spying on Angela. If there really had been someone here, and it wasn’t just her imagination as she’d suggested, they’d gone out of their way to cover their tracks, which only made me more suspicious. There weren’t even any footprints at the back of her garden where she said she saw them standing.

“What do you think?” I asked Dad when we returned to the front of the house.

“Well, I certainly don’t think it’s nothing. If Angela’s magic sensed a demon, that means someone was here. I’ll ask around and see if there have been any other suspicious sightings in the city,” he said. “Now, you go feed. I’ll stay out here and keep watch.”

I nodded and went to knock on the door while Dad stood by the gate. Angela answered a second later, worrying her lip. “Well?”

“If there was someone here, they left no trace,” I told her as I stepped inside and turned over the lock.

“I’m so embarrassed.”

“Don’t be. You’re a talented witch, and if your magic sensed a demon, then there was definitely someone here. My dad thinks so, too.” I reached out with my senses, but I couldn’t hear anyone in the house. “Where are your parents and sister? Are they out tonight?”