the gray clouds, casting long

glared at Clare, who was standing by the chopping block. He wanted to hit her, but his stomach twi

d, letting a tiny fraction of the golden energy flow into her arms. The heavy metal sudde

or. She carried a tin plate. She toss

ngle slice of bread,

dly, but she didn't touch it. She kicked the plate

bitch," Tabitha mut

barn. Two other teenage boys followed him

and loaded it. He pulled the rubber ba

wa

. The skin broke instantly. A warm line of b

laughed

ed the axe. She turned and loc

step back, suddenly feeling very cold. But hi

" Gus yelled. He stomped forward

ve her body. Sh

in front of Gus's boots. She im

le twisted violently. He lost his balance completel

first into the h

ed over, screaming in agony. Blood poured from

d and rushed forw

nd blood. He looked at Clare with pure, unhinged ra

y into a tight, heavy ball inside her head. W

isible weight direc

He dropped to his knees and clutched his head with both hands. His eyes rolled b

f me!" Gus screamed,

an out of the house. She saw her

she s

back. She lowered her head and mad

er eyes were wild. "Wh

, her hands reachin

avy body flew past her. Tabitha tripped over t

e. He held a loaded shotgun. He pumped the ac

he gun. Her heartbeat remained perfect

e remembered the smell of his own burning flesh. His finger rested

holding the sobbing Gus. "K

e couldn't do it. He backed int

m. She picked up the axe and

thmic thumping of helicopter rotors b