Menu

No Quest For The Wicked (Enchanted, Inc. #6) - Page 79/105

“Distract yourself,” Owen suggested. “Think about baseball statistics or sing commercial jingles to yourself.”

“I’ll give it a shot.” He combined the solutions and sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at the top of his lungs. If the singing elves and fairies hadn’t drawn attention, then that was sure to.

“Do the police not patrol the park at night?” I asked, glancing around. “I’d think they’d be drawn to this thing along with everyone else, and they’ve got guns.”

“There’s at least one patrolman in your entourage, but he’s currently dancing with a fairy,” Owen said. Then he suddenly spun me around into a dance hold and waltzed a few steps. “Why let them have all the fun?” he said. “Enjoy your moment to be queen.”

“Well, no one is currently trying to kill me,” I admitted. So far, the fairies and elves were willing to merely bask in my glory—well, the glory of the Eye—and their presence seemed to be keeping the power lusts of others somewhat at bay. Earl and the other elves from Sylvester’s crew were following me instead of chasing me, and even Rod seemed to relax once he got into the spirit of things.

I wasn’t a great dancer, but Owen, who had been brought up by the kind of old-fashioned people who would have made sure he knew what to do at a formal ball, was a good leader, and soon I was almost able to forget the imminent danger long enough to enjoy the fact that I, Katie Chandler, a woman who was so ordinary that it came back around to extraordinary, was waltzing through Central Park at night with a handsome man while a horde of adoring followers serenaded me, pledging their undying devotion.

It was too magical to last. So, of course, it didn’t.

Earl emerged from the crowd, his eyes showing the same kind of madness that Sylvester had. Instead of being lulled or distracted by the singing, he seemed to have decided that he wanted these people to follow him the way they followed me. “Listen to me!” he called out, raising his voice above the song. “You’re following a mortal woman, a woman with no magic! It’s the Eye of the Moon you follow, not the woman.”

Someone in the crowd laughed, and that laugh gave me shivers. “We knew that. Did you think we were so foolish as to follow an ordinary girl? We follow the stone. She rules us.”

I looked up at Owen as we stopped dancing. I knew they weren’t really following me, but it stung to realize that they knew it, too. More alarming was the fact that they had pledged their loyalty to a stone. That meant they’d willingly follow whomever held it.

Earl figured that out pretty quickly, himself. “You should follow one of your own,” he said, and then he rushed at me. “Give it to me. It isn’t yours!”

“It’s not yours, either,” I replied, moving out of the way. Then I played dirty. “Who do you think you are, Sylvester?” I asked with a sneer. “Are you that hungry for power that you’d do exactly what he tried to do? You’re even letting it affect you the same way.”

He froze, then shook his head. “I’m not like him! I’m not!” Then he turned to Granny. “Please, help me! I can’t stop listening to it, and it’s telling me that if I had it, people would hear me, for once. They’d do what I told them. They’d let me finish sentences.” He was pleading now, and I saw tears glistening on his cheeks. “I don’t want to be like Sylvester.”

“Come here, boy,” she said, her voice gentle. “Bend down. You’re such a beanpole I can’t reach you.” He went to her and leaned over. She reached up and touched the middle of his forehead with one finger. “Sleep now,” she ordered. His eyes closed, and then he slowly crumpled to the ground, where he curled up on his side. All the muscles in his body relaxed as he gave a little sigh.

“They’re so cute when they’re asleep,” Granny remarked as she watched him. “Now, we’d better get away from here before that stone proves more powerful than my spell. He doesn’t seem as far gone as the other one, but it’s best not to take any chances.”

We were near the edge of the park now. The traffic noises from Fifth Avenue almost drowned out the unearthly singing behind us. My—make that the stone’s—entourage had thinned somewhat as the less civilized park denizens withdrew. I noticed that there were fewer animals following us, too.

“Do we really need to leave the park?” I asked Owen. “These people are creepy, but they don’t seem to be going after the brooch, and, who knows, maybe they’d do something to protect it if someone else tried to take it.”



Category

Discovering the World of Free Online Novels

In an age where digital access is at our fingertips, the world of literature has evolved significantly. For book lovers and avid readers, the prospect of finding and reading novels for free online is not only exciting but also incredibly convenient. Whether you're looking for classic literature, contemporary fiction, or niche genres, there are countless resources available where you can indulge in your reading passion without spending a dime. Let's explore how you can dive into this literary treasure trove.

Why Read Novels Online for Free?

Reading novels online for free offers numerous advantages. For one, it eliminates the need to purchase physical books, saving you money and space. Additionally, with instant access, you can start reading as soon as you find a novel that piques your interest. Online platforms also allow for a vast selection of genres and authors, including rare or out-of-print titles that might be hard to find elsewhere.

Top Websites to Read Novels for Free

Several websites offer free access to novels, whether you're interested in classics, contemporary works, or indie publications. Here are a few reliable sites:

Legal Considerations

While the idea of free books is appealing, it's essential to ensure you're downloading or reading novels legally. Many websites, like those mentioned above, offer books that are in the public domain or have been released for free distribution by the authors. Always check the licensing terms of a book before downloading it to avoid any legal issues.

Genres to Explore

Whether you’re into romance, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, or historical fiction, there’s a wealth of free online novels available in every genre. Sites like Wattpad and ManyBooks categorize novels by genre, making it easy to find what you’re interested in. If you’re in the mood for something classic, Project Gutenberg has a treasure trove of time-honored works from authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.

The Rise of Indie Authors

One of the most exciting aspects of reading novels online for free is discovering new voices. Many independent authors publish their work online for free to build an audience. Platforms like Wattpad have become launchpads for these writers, some of whom have gone on to publish bestsellers. By reading these novels, you’re supporting up-and-coming authors and getting in on the ground floor of potentially the next big literary sensation.

Community and Interaction

Reading novels online often comes with the added benefit of community interaction. Platforms like Wattpad allow readers to comment on chapters, interact with authors, and even contribute to the story's development in some cases. This level of engagement can enhance your reading experience, as you become part of a community of like-minded readers.

Accessibility and Convenience

With the ability to read on various devices—be it a smartphone, tablet, or computer—free online novels offer unparalleled convenience. You can carry an entire library in your pocket, ready to be accessed anytime, anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently or have limited physical space for books.

Conclusion

The availability of free online novels has transformed the reading experience, making it more accessible and diverse than ever before. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or looking to discover new indie authors, there’s something out there for everyone. By exploring the many free resources available, you can immerse yourself in the world of literature without any cost, and enjoy the freedom to read whatever, whenever you want.

So why wait? Start your journey into the world of free online novels today and discover a universe of stories waiting to be explored.