Author Bio:
Ava Altair grew up reading fantasy and science fiction novels. She graduated from Florida Tech with a BS in Science Education – Physics and a minor in Computational Mathematics. She taught as an AP Physics teacher for five years in Florida. She now lives in Oregon, teaching horseback riding lessons and managing the stables.

Kira Hatfield, the unluckiest woman in the world, is about to get dropped into the realm of the strange and weird. While running from her fear of the dark, Kira literally trips over her best friend’s murder, except it’s not a person, it’s the darkness itself. Kira battles between what she saw and her perception of reality. Slowly, the world around her starts to change pulling her deeper into this unseen world. She finds out she has two guardians that have saved her life many times, one a demon and one an angel. Tensions rise as her guardians fight over her, but everything is not as it seems. Together they help her realize her true nature while she finds a way to save her best friend.

Darkness

I lay cradled in Angandriel's lap. I knew it was him without opening my eyes. I could feel his strong aura of lightness. It was hard to describe it any other way. I was wrapped in a wool blanket with my head on his shoulder. His arms held me around the torso and legs. I kept my eyes closed tight. I didn't want him to know I was awake yet. As much as he hated me, I really liked being this close to him.


My stomach was still a little achy and my throat was raw, but overall I was feeling better. I could feel the weight of the aurora sword in my pocket as just the small dagger. I could feel the energy come off of it. That feeling of ownership was powerful. I wasn't sure how I was going to give it up to Karma. Her hard eyes haunted my memories. Right. That was how. She was a scary bitch.


I finally registered what had woken me. There were voices. Angandriel was speaking with someone. I liked how his voice rumbled in his chest beneath my ear.


Chapter 45: Return