Hush

> Chapter Nineteen <

Raine

I blink my eyes open, and find myself staring up at the bright moon. I sit up, realizing I had fallen asleep. The girl stands in front of me, about five feet away. She steps forward, holding out a pale hand. "Need help, my dear?" she offers in that smooth voice I'm so used to hearing. I wrap my hand around hers, her long slender fingers gripping me and pulling me up with great strength. Her skin is freezing.
          "Thanks." I say, brushing my pants off. I rub my hands together, trying to warm up the cold one the girl touched. "Why are your hands so cold?" I ask, blowing hot air between my palms.
          "It's a demon thing." she replies nonchalantly.
          Hold on a minute. Demon?!
          "De-demon?" I stutter, shrinking away.
          "I told you I would reveal my true identity, did I not?"
          "Well, yes, but I wasn't expecting a demon."
          "I guess it's time for some explaining?" she sighs. I nod, crossing my arms protectively. The girl smiles, her teeth sharp. How did I not notice that before? "My name, as you have been long awaiting, is Lianna. I am, as I mentioned before, a demon. I have control over human souls. Every once in a while, I find a worthy companion and invite them here, to this very clearing, and make the Agreement." she states, ending by clasping her hands together slowly and deviously.
          "What's the Agreement?" I inquire curiously. Sure, I'm scared, but I want to know more.
          "Well, the person I choose must agree to my terms. If they do, and I recommend it, I simply lift their soul from its shell, bind it to myself, and put it back. Then, I know what they're doing at all times, so I can ensure they aren't sharing my existence with anyone. Because, if anyone knows about me, that person, along with the witnesses, must be eliminated by someone else I have made the Agreement with. I call them Shades." Lianna explains. "I know it sounds bad, but trust me, dear, there's so many good things. I can give you whatever you wish for, as long as you do what I say without complaint."
          "Why would I ever want to kill someone just to get a bit of money?" I say, exasperated and doubtful.
          "I don't just mean money." she responds. "I mean anything. I could even get Paige away from Jorden. She can be the best friend you had before. All you have to do is help me. Make the Agreement, my dear Raine." she prompts, grinning welcomingly.
          Do I really want to do this?
          "Um..." I start, considering. "I...I guess I'll do it. I'd do anything to get Paige back."
          "Okay, time for the guidelines." Lianna says, her scary smile widening to a long red slit on her powdery white face. "If you tell anyone about me or your position as a Shade, I will send another Shade after you, and I when they catch you, your soul will become mine forever, where it will later be destroyed. If you don't follow my rules, there are the same consequences. If I send you out on a mission to kill a disobedient Shade, and possibly some witnesses, you will finish the job without a problem. Other than those few things, you may live your life as you normally would. I will visit you in dreams to give you quests and such, with an occasional personal appearance."
          "Okay..." I trail off. These rules are strict, but I understand them. I know I should be frightened by everything she's saying, but I feel strangely intrigued.
          "Will you make the Agreement?" Lianna asks, holding out a hand in front of her like someone would for a high-five.
          I exhale before saying "I will" and reaching out to meet my hand with hers. When they connect, our fingers entwine and I feel lightheaded. I see the spaces between our linked hands glowing an eerie white light. The world around me turns black, and it's just me and Lianna in this dark nothingness.
          "Welcome, Shade Raine Hathaway." Lianna's voice echoes. When she says that, my vision goes white, and then I'm out cold.