Grandpa gave a grunt, silencing Ashling, then slowly turned to face me. His eyes were just like mine, a golden amber that had gained me more than my share of double takes.

“You. You will kill her. Bitch,” he snarled, surprising me. His hands flexed against his chest, the linen of his pale yellow pyjama top rippling under his fingers.

Ashling gasped and my eyes popped open wide. “Grandpa, watch your language,” I said, my response automatic. It’s what Mom would say if she were here.

He stood, fast, faster than I’d ever seen him move. “YOU WILL KILL HER YOU BITCH!” he screamed, his six foot height towering over me. Ashling started to cry and I made a motion with my hand, a hang loose signal. It was our sign to get help when Grandpa was acting up. I wasn’t afraid—this wasn’t common, but it wasn’t unheard of with him either.

I stood up, and lifted my hands to the air. “Okay then Blake, I’ll go.” I started to sidle around him. At the last minute I realized I should have just gone over the bed, but then I’d never had him raise a hand to me before. Yelled at me, yes. Hit me? Never.

He lunged at me, his fingers wrapping around my throat before I could react. Shocked, I stared at him for a full second before I realized the trouble I was in.

Ashling started to scream. “Somebody, help! He’ll kill her!”

“That be the idea Ashling,” he said, his eyes fierce as they bored into mine. I fought his hands, clawing and scraping at the wrinkled skin, astounded at the strength in his old muscles. My body began to sag as the blood slowed to my brain. I knew what was happening but I couldn’t stop it. The black dots that danced in front of my eyes were getting bigger with each passing second.

Voices, footsteps, more yelling. But still those hands clenched around my neck. His fingernails drew blood, the warmth trickling down my back.

In the fog of my brain a voice whispered; it sounded like my Grandpa, but younger.

It be better this way Quinn. You must be believing me that to be Quickened by me is better than ta other’s that would draw forth your powers. Protect your sister. Above all else.

I wanted to ask why he was trying to kill me, what had I done? Tears burned; how I had wanted him to love me too, as he loved Ashling. Now I would never get that chance.

I loved you both, but she needed me more. As she will need you now that I’m gone. I have used ta last of what makes me whole to Quicken your blood granddaughter. I am no more.

And with that, the darkness that threatened swallowed me whole, and everything that I knew vanished.

~~

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