DUCHAS (The Drive Within, Book 2 in Baile series)

Chapter 8 Song of Death

Isla

"...Due to the degree of blood that has been found in the forest we believe that is now a case a murder." I was a wreck while I listened along with the rest of the school as the police discussed their findings. "Police will be patrolling the school from this week forward while detectives investigate, we would also like everyone to stay clear of the forest while we undergo this process. Interviews will also be commencing during this period..."

I tried to the best to smother my sobs against Alick's chest. This couldn't be happening! Life had become a terrible nightmare.

"...Curfew from seven o'clock." I tuned back in before the police dispersed.

"Hi Isla." Constance opened her arms, giving me a warm hug. "I want you to know I'm here for you."

"Thank you." I wiped my eyes and nose with my sleeve. I probably looked like a mess.

The Headmaster ordered everyone to head to our classes and everyone began to pile out of the hall.

I was never going to make it through the day.

Alick

After making sure April and Isla were okay I made my way straight to my first class. At the scent of turpentine and clay I felt at home. I was so wrapped up in the sights and scents of the art studio I didn't see April enter the room behind me. I gathered my paintbrushes, palette and tubes of paint, sitting down before my easel and fresh canvas. It was only when I looked up that I saw her sitting on a chair in the middle of the ring of easels.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm the model what does it look like." She tossed her long hair over her shoulder.

"You're not..." My gaze drifted to her thin dressing gown.

April chuckled, rolling her eyes at my suggestion. "You and your classmates couldn't handle me." Her bright sapphire eyes glinted mischievously.

I started spurting paint onto my palette. "What you saw last morning didn't happen."

"I don't care who you sleep with, but Ciara is trouble."

"Is she now?" I got up to pour some turpentine for my oil paints.

"She's a Banshee and she'll suck the life out of you." Her eyes blazed.

"I thought that was just Vampires." I retorted.

She leaned back a little, looking slightly impressed. "She's using you."

"Then I enjoy being used." I sat back down.

"You let everyone use you." She muttered under her breath. A human wouldn't have been able to hear her, but I could.

My classmates piled into the room, taking their places before their easels.

"Thank you April for being our lovely model for today." Miss Smith exchanged a smile with April.

"It's a true pleasure." April's eyes briefly flicked my way as she held her hand over her heart dramatically.

I spun my idle paintbrush in my hand while Miss Smith got April into a proper pose to be painted.

"Could you try and act a little more...demure." Miss Smith had tugged April's robe so her shoulder was exposed, her flaming hair draped over one shoulder.

I couldn't help the smirk that spread across my face as I locked eyes with April. April was anything but demure.

"I want you all to paint what you see, try and capture her personality." Miss Smith stepped back and I began mixing my colours. Oh I knew a thing or two about April's personality.