Michael (The Curse) (The Airel Saga, Book 3: Part 5-6) by Aaron Patterson, Chris White Page A

me,” she said as she slowly came to her feet. “This is a mistake. I’m here to help. Not to kill.”
    ***
    “MY NAME IS ELLIE.” She brought one hand to her lip, which was bleeding from where I had split it open. Piercing eyes regarded me from under the hood of her sweater.
    I rolled my eyes. “And my name is Airhead Cindy. All I want is world peace.”
    She scowled at me.
    “You’re here to help? Then what was all that? Your version of ‘hello’?”
    Kim moved closer and stood next to Michael. I looked at her a little annoyed, like ‘ Whatever happened to ‘BFF’s got your back, girl?’ But she seemed dazed. The peanut gallery has no comment. Miracles will never cease.
    Ellie’s hand came away from her lip and the blood was gone. “You’ve got a mean cross. You seem to be able to handle yourself.” She pulled her hood back, exposing a bright blue explosion of spiky hair. “Sorry ‘bout that. I thought you were someone else.” She extended her hand to me.
    As if I was going to shake it. I didn’t move. I just stared at her and her look-at-me hair.
    “Wow.” Kim said. “Great hair; it looks so cool.”
    “Thanks. Did it myself,” Ellie replied, withdrawing her hand.
    I sensed in that gesture the vague whiff of missed opportunity, but I stuffed it down inside. “Who are you? What are you doing here?” I was getting angry all over again.
    Michael had relaxed his aim, allowing the gun to point downward at the ground. Other than that, he stood motionless, watching the proceedings like a wise man.
    “Well?” I said the sword still up and ready to slice.
    “As I said before, I’m Ellie. I’m an angel. I’ve been looking for Kreios. It’s obvious that you all know exactly who that is.” She eyed me in particular. “I don’t have to tell you he’s out of control. I’m here to find him and put a leash on him.”
    I gaped.
    “How do you know who we are?” Michael said. He slid the gun into the small of his back and visibly relaxed. I lowered my sword, but I was still tense.
    “I keep my ear to the ground. I heard about the activation of one of the half-breeds—no offense,” Ellie glanced at me with a fake smile, “and the way she fights I’m guessing she is you. Airel, right?”
    “Yeah, she’s me,” I said, blowing a wisp of hair out of my face.
    “And who did you say sent you again?” Michael said.
    “El,” she said, her tone pat.
    “And who did you think we were?” I asked. “I’m still a little confused about that.”
    “That’s okay, dearie. I’ll explain it for you,” she replied. “It’s simple. I thought you were the baddies.”
    Kim snickered.
    “Laugh it up, Red,” I said to her. “Thanks for getting my back.”
    “Shut up, Airel,” Kim said. “You knew it was stupid to walk in there. I didn’t have to tell you that for you to know it.”
    “Just whatever,” I said. Great. Now I’m the peanut gallery.
    “Look, you guys,” Ellie said. “Your little family quarrel is out of hand now. It’s not just your problem anymore. We—the Fallen—would like to avoid all-out war.” She looked at Michael, then glanced to Kim. “You’re Michael?” she asked him, looking back.
    “Yes.”
    “Well, aren’t you guys just the motley crew. A half-breed Immortal, an exiled member of the Brotherhood, and,” she turned to Kim, “and I’m not quite sure what you are. Or why you’re here.”
    Kim looked like a cornered three-year-old. “You know a lot about us.” Her face was white and drenched with fear.
    “How about you leave her alone,” I said, bringing the tip of the blade up again.
    “How about you make me,” Ellie responded, whipping out a dagger from under her baggy hoodie and turning back to me.
    “Ladies, please,” Michael said. “We don’t have time for this nonsense. Can we just stop insulting each other and try to get on the same page here? Please? If you really want to avoid the fight Kreios is out there trying to pick, we have got to get