Read Online Shamara by Catherine Spangler - Free Book Online Page A

"What are you talking about?"
    His dark gaze seemed to bore right through her. "Your abilities. I know you're an Enhancer."
    The adrenaline that jolted through her cleared some of the fog. How could he know that? How could he? "I don't know what you're talking about."
    "I think you do." He took her hand and pressed it against her forehead. "Feel the fever. You're burning up. Feel the tremors wracking your body. You're very sick. Do you want to die?"
    She was sick. Fear closed in. Yet she would never admit her secret to him, or anyone else. Rayna had pounded home the importance and necessity of Eirene keeping silent about being an Enhancer. She turned her hand, grasping his. "Help me. Find a healer."
    "You don't need a healer. You can help yourself, Eirene. Just like you healed me."
    "I don't know what you're talking about."
    "There's no need to hide the facts from me. I'll never tell anyone. I swear. You healed me. I'm certain you did. As I was dying, you put your hands over my wound, and you healed me. I know you can do the same for yourself."
    He seemed determined to force an admission from her. But she'd die first. There were many things in the universe worse than death. If anyone discovered for certain she was an Enhancer, her fate would be unthinkable. Controllers and other factions snapped up those with Enhancer abilities, imprisoning them and tapping into their powers.
    "I didn't heal you. You were bleeding heavily, unconscious. Your people took you to a healer."
    "The wound had already closed itself by the time I saw Chase," Jarek insisted. "And I remember. You knelt by me and put your hands on me, and I felt the energy flow from you. That's how I found you—by following your energy trail."
    Oh, Spirit. This man must be a psychic tracker. She should never have helped him, especially since she couldn't control her powers. She had exposed herself and now he knew—or thought he knew. Yet she would never admit the truth.
    "Everyone has energy. I'm not an Enhancer, and I didn't heal you." She closed her eyes, giving in to the weariness dragging her down. She felt too badly to care anymore. Surely Haven would be better than this world.
    "Eirene! Don't let go. Heal yourself. I know you can do it."
    "No, I can't." She drew a labored breath. "If you won't help me, then let me die in peace."
    She didn't speak again, instead drifting on the silence surrounding her, shutting Jarek out. What could he do to her? she thought dully. Soon she'd be out of his reach.
    After several moments, he asked quietly, "Would you really choose death?"
    Over becoming a virtual prisoner again, over being forced to use her powers to harm others—yes. With a great effort, she roused herself to answer. "There is no choice. You've decided for me."
    "Blazing hells. The best laid plans," he muttered. She felt the mat lift as he stood and heard his boots clicking across the room. There was a low hum, like a panel opening, and he said, "You can come in now, Healer."
    "So you're ready to let me talk to her," said a melodious female voice.
    "I doubt you can convince her to do anything," he replied.
    Eirene was only halfway listening, with an odd detachment. But the whisper of sound by her and the cool hand against her face drew her attention. She forced her eyes open. An elderly woman, dressed in the royal blue robe of a healer, smiled down at her. "Feeling better, my dear?"
    The woman radiated an amazing energy—soothing, yet invigorating, warmth and comfort. Her compassionate green eyes and lined face reminded Eirene very much of Rayna. She roused herself. "I feel terrible."
    The woman smiled. "You'll start to notice the effects of the medicine I gave you in about an hour."
    Even more confused, Eirene stared at the woman's kindly face. "You gave me medicine?"
    The woman nodded and patted her hand. "I did indeed. You have Alberian flu, my dear. Easy enough to treat, although you'll feel like you've been shoved into the Fires for a few days. But I predict