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Chapter 23

last update Last Updated: 2024-03-10 10:58:36

Bri

At some point in the night, the nightmares of the beatings and confinement washed away. I dreamed of golden eyes and russet wolves moving through the swampland. It was so vivid, the smells of musk, sulfur, and decaying things filled my phantom head. It was like seeing the swamp with new eyes, hearing every heartbeat, feeling the primordial essence that ran through the land. The earth, water, and air came together there and fire lived within the spirit of its creatures. Sparks of magic no one else would notice linger in the depths of inky water and vast miles of uncharted clusters of cypress. But I could, each and every spirit, every tendril of magic called to me like a song in my soul.

I awoke in darkness, the soft moonlight coming through the window, cocooned in the scent of, damp dog, the swamp, and a deep sort of spicy musk that made my toes curl. A large furry body was curved into the backs of my legs but I knew who he was. The Big Guy, the Rougarou, yet he looked like a ver
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    Bri“On the contrary Lorraine, I am very present,” I said, striding before the dais. “I have come to see to it that you do not steal my father’s legacy and poison New Orleans as you did my Papa.” My voice was cold, hard, resolute. In this moment I let the warmth my heart had grown accustomed to leach into the men at my sides. Let her try to get out of this farce she made for herself.“Daughter, you are well,” Lorraine hid her surprise and I laughed darkly.“You do not get to call me daughter, after what you did to me. Allowed to be done to me. The abuse you exposed me to, in hopes you could wield the power I bear.” Beckham stepped forward gritting his teeth, eyes livid.“Child, enough of this nonsense,” Lorraine tried to reason.“You girl, owe us all a debt,” Beckham growled out. “I owe you nothing, if you ever thought I did that's on you.” I seethed. “Your little den of snakes stole everything from me,” I shot back. “You don’t get to pin a scared 14-year-old girl down and force her

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