Read Online Shades of Doon by Carey Corp - Free Book Online Page B

wouldn’t be middle-aged, we’d be dead.
    My breath constricted until I was panting like I’d sprinted a half marathon.
    “Vee, sweetie, look at me.” I worked to calm my expression before I turned to face her. “I can see the wheels spinning in your head. Talk.”
    I smoothed my hair into a ponytail and then twisted the length into a knot, reluctant to voice my deepest fear. Wordsheld power, and I refused to give the evil at work here an ounce more fuel.
    Kenna’s wide gray eyes searched my face. “They’re probably missing us by now, huh?”
    “Maybe.” I turned back to watch the Brig o’ Doon before reasoning out my answer. “If we were forced out of Doon at . . .” A young family exited the far side of the bridge, leaving one older couple strolling across hand in hand. Preparing to bolt, I tensed and touched Kenna’s shoulder. But as the couple reached the far side, another group approached. This time it was a bunch of college-aged students, posing for goofy pics and taking selfies.
    With a groan, I slumped back and focused on Kenna’s earlier question. “So, if we were forced out of Doon when it was late morning there, it’s been almost twenty-four hours here in Alloway. Functioning on the theory that Doon’s time moves at approximately one-fourth the speed of the outside world — ”
    “Just get to it already, Einstein. I don’t need a math lesson. Will Duncan be freaking out, or not?”
    Arching a brow at her choice of words, I explained, “I’d estimate five to six hours have passed in Doon. So, yeah, I’m sure they know we’re missing by now.”
    I sank lower on the bench and twisted the ring on my finger, examining the engravings on the band — Celtic symbols for substitution, protection, and unity. These rings had proven over and over that they conducted the will of the Protector of Doon. They’d seen us through every spell and curse thrown at us. They were incorruptible. We just had to have faith.
    The students made their way off the bridge, leaving a young couple chasing a small toddler. Ignoring all the doubts fighting for my attention, I said a quick prayer, grabbed Kenna’s hand, and stood. “Come on.”
    “What about the people?” she asked, but let me drag her forward across the grass.
    “We can’t worry about that.”
    Once we reached the edge of the stones, I let go of her hand in case the rings activated, and we exchanged a knowing glance. Strolling forward side by side, Kenna began to chatter about the bridge and the play that had made it famous. Just two tourists visiting a celebrated landmark for the first time. We reached the arch and paused directly across from the small family, who leaned over the edge with their backs to us. We were so close to home, I could smell the earthy crispness of autumn and a fresh batch of Alsberg Bakery’s pumpkin spice scones.
    Could we chance it while they weren’t looking? How long would it take for us to disappear? I glanced at both entrances. There were no other people around. My heart began to pound, and I reached for Kenna’s hand just as she stepped toward the young family.
    “Excuse me.” She’d pasted on a polite expression, but I could see her fingers trembling. “Would you like me to take your picture?”
    The mother turned around. “Sure, that’d be wonderful,” she replied in a chipper Aussie accent.
    The woman handed Kenna the camera she had slung over her shoulder. Hurrying them along was a brilliant idea. They posed, and Kenna snapped several shots. After thanking us, the father hoisted the little girl in his arms and they made their way down the other side of the arch.
    Unable to wait another second, I held out my hand. “Ready to fly over the rainbow?”
    “You know it.” Kenna reached out, muttering, “Duncan, here I come.”
    The second our fingers linked, the power of our rings connected, shooting red and green sparks that fused into a brilliant white glow. I glanced to the end of the bridge and met the