One Day in a Small-Town Desert, chapter 9, page 4

(start of book) (start of chapter) (previous page)



Fírí Parızada ran through the loose dirt at the old woman, racing to close the door. If someone was shooting guns, it had to mean Zhíno was nearby.

Still facing the outside, Vata repeated herself in a commanding tone. “Come inside!”

Fírí slammed against the huge door. It shuddered and groaned as she bounced off. The tiny hag caught the door before it swung shut. Fírí landed on her butt, her feet in the air and her shoulder and wrist throbbing from hitting the heavy door.

“Plague of Rívorí!” she cursed.

As Fírí regained her feet, someone barged past the old Vítí-twin, catching himself against the wall.

Vata pushed the door with all her minimal weight.

The newcomer’s cold, gray eyes drilled into Fírí. It was Zhíno.

The giant door quietly thudded shut, entombing Fírí with the Zhéporé-spawn who would kill her.

(next page)