Of Two Minds

Vampire and chayot parted to let me pass as I made my way to Gabe. All was silent. I focused on Gabe's heartbeat, concentrated on the distinct thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump coming from his chest.

"Gabe." I seemed to float toward him, my feet hardly touching the ground.

The chayot that held Gabe released him. He held out his arms, a slight smile lighting his gloomy face.

I moved faster, allowing myself a moment of hope that Gabe and I could be together.

His smile disappeared. "No!" he shouted.

I sensed Oberon behind me, felt the heat of his sword. In a blinding flash, I faced him, his blade slicing my shoulder. Immense pain ripped through my body.

As I fell to the ground, a glorious red light shot from the Seal of Gabriel and into Oberon.

Someone screamed - Cindy, maybe?

I couldn't be sure, and the pain from where the fiery blade had cut into me seared so intensely I couldn't concentrate.