Chapter 3
Page 4
Dong, dong, dong.
“The Seal has been broken, granddaughter,” she says as she puts Thunk back into my shirt pocket. “My time is up.”
As she spoke the smoke began to dissipate, but just when I thought the room was going to turn back to normal, a brilliant, warm light shines in the corner of the room, bathing everything in it to gold.
“Quickly, child, for I only have moments to answer one more question.” Her voice sounds earnest and apologetic.
I want to know everything–who my parents were, where I lived, what I had done, what my powers were–but the only thing I can think about is that stupid, set of silver glyphs on the floor where I woke up in Indiana.
“Do you know anything about a set of silver symbols inscribed in a circle?” I ask her, fully aware that the golden light was growing brighter by the second.
“Is that your wish?” she asks me, wary of the light moving toward her.
Maybe I shouldn’t but I humor her anyway, wondering why she won’t move and what will happen when the light envelops her. “I wish to know why William drew silver, glowing symbols on the floor where I woke up.”
The warm rays of light now directly over my grandmother’s head, she looks as if she’s bathed completely in gold. As the light continued to intensify, I could see her skin start to crackle and burn in its heat.
“What the–” I exclaim, covering my eyes. “Grandmother?”
The light is too bright for me to see, but I can smell burning flesh. I try to feel my way to the door behind me, when right then and there I am immobilized. The necklace around my throat feels a bit warm to the touch, but I am otherwise unharmed.
Dong!
As the bell peals, the light retracts, leaving a small pile of ash at the center of the room. I pound on the door behind me, trying to attract somebody’s attention. Michaelsen barges in the room, looks at the pile of ash and turns to me, his face red with anger. I can’t help myself–I start to cry.
