Hush

> Chapter Twenty Five <

Lianna

I await Raine's return amongst the trees in the clearing. The sun is almost up.
          Suddenly, there is a rustling in the undergrowth, and I can sense the closeness of Raine's soul. A few minutes later, Raine herself appears, forcing her way through the ferns. She bursts out into the clearing, but I mustn't reveal myself or someone might see the fog that radiates from my skin in the sunlight.
          "Lianna?" she calls out.
          "Over here, dear." I tell her, waving her over when she spots me.
          "Why can't you come out into the clearing?" she asks as she approaches.
          "My skin is so cold that any sunlight that touches it creates thick mist. I'll be discovered if someone sees it." I explain. She nods in understanding, but she still looks puzzled.
          "My skin doesn't do that, and it's pretty cold now." she says, rubbing her arms.
          "It isn't cold enough." I answer bluntly, neglecting to go into detail as to why mine is colder; I don't have a soul, but the Shades do. The warmth of a soul is enough to keep a person's body, even that of a Shade, above zero degrees. "So, how was the Assignment?" I ask, changing the subject.
          "Oh, it was great. I was attacked briefly, but I got her and her little friend successfully." she replies proudly. I smile, placing a hand on her shoulder.
          "You're doing well, Shade Raine. Now, for your prize." I smirk. "What do you wish for?"
          "Well..." she considers for a moment. "Oh, I know! A new camera."
          Huh? That's...that's it?
          "That's all you want?" I ask in disbelief.
          "Yup."
          "Strange child..." I mutter as I clasp my hands together. The space between glows with black light—or black shadow, rather. When the shadow-light dissipates, I open my hands to reveal a brand new camera, the most expensive in the country, maybe even the world. "Here you go."
          "Wow! I can't wait to get pictures of the wildlife, the town, the attractions..."
          At least she doesn't expect much.
          "Are there any more Assignments for me?" she inquires, inspecting every aspect of the camera.
          "Not right now, no. So, you're free to do whatever you want until I beckon you again."
          "I'm gonna take photos around town, then." she says as she skips off into the surrounding forest.
          Now, to prepare for Paige's eventual arrival.