Misfortune Market: A HASEA CHRONICLES STORY (BOOK 1.5) by Stuart Meczes Page B

fire escaped his hands. There was a faint squeal as something close to alive inside them died. The bodies crackled as the flames finished their work and then crumbled apart into nothing.
    “There’s nothing more we can do here,” said Gabriella.
    “I need you to come and help me heal Edeline,” I said.
    She nodded. “Okay, let’s get all this wrapped up and go home.”
    “What do I do?” said Andrea, looking beyond confused but remarkably calm considering everything she had just experienced in the last twenty-four hours. I was impressed at her strength. I knew that if this had been the way I’d been introduced to this world, I would be a gibbering mess.
    “You need to come with us. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you safe.” Gabriella placed a comforting hand on her arm. “You’re one of us now.”
    We left the ruined office and walked down the stairs. Misfortune Market was well and truly over. Those who had survived the clash with the Guardians were being bound in handcuffs or subdued with Apatropes. Gabriella and I split off from the team, heading towards the tunnels and leaving the rest to move around the area, helping our allies to secure prisoners.
    “That was close,” said Gabriella as we maneuvered through the hordes of Guardians, giving nods and thanks as we passed. We swept through the curtains and sped up, heading towards the wounded Elf.
    “Too close,” I said, glancing down at my collarbone. The wound was so deep it was taking a while to heal – even with Gabriella’s earlier help. The blood was seeping through the deep rip in my leather jacket made by the Devil’s razor sharp blade.
    Gabriella looked at my injury and her eyes widened – as if she were seeing it properly for the first time. “Shit, Alex. We need to sort that out.” She reached out to hold me – preparing to amplify my powers, just as I could hers when we were together. I pulled away and shook my head. Pointing ahead I said, “Edeline first.”
    We reached the semi-conscious Elf, who was still being nursed by the Goblin family. The Griffin paste had helped stave off death, but she was still nowhere close to being well. Two Guardians were standing next to the girl in soothing tones.
    “We’e got this, thanks guys,” said Gabriella.
    The Guardians nodded and headed back towards the market.
    “You came back,” said the Goblin father as we moved close to the recess, his tone carrying more than a bit of surprise. He’s probably experienced a lot of broken promises in this place.
    “I promised I would. If you don’t mind, I need you to move away from her for a moment.”
    The family nodded and slipped from the alcove, allowing us space. Edeline’s eyes fluttered open and she stared at us. “What’s happening?” she croaked.
    “It’s okay, I’m back to help you,” I said. “Just remain still.”
    Gabriella placed a hand over one of the teeth holes, which made the girl wince. “Sorry,” she whispered. “This will only take a moment, I promise.” She held out a hand. I crouched down, placing one hand on the floor, preparing myself for what was about to happen. I lifted my other hand up, stretching my fingers up towards Gabriella.
    “Ready?”
    “Ready.”
    Gabriella took my hand. Electricity burst from inside me, shooting along my arm like a tidal wave of energy.
    Everything faded to black.
    When I opened my eyes, I was lying half on the ground – half in Gabriella’s embrace. “Did it work?” I asked groggily.
    She winked. “Take a look for yourself.”
    Gabriella helped me to my feet and I looked at Edeline. My face broke into a relieved smile. The grievous wound on her side was stitching itself back together – each puncture hole sealing over with a fresh patch of pink skin that stood out among her bronzed complexion. The Elf’s eyelids fluttered together and she grit her teeth as the pain of the quick fix rolled through her. A moment later her eye opened and she sat up, staring down incredulously at her