I step into the surf and stare into the sea. The Mediterranean. Fifteen hundred years ago, my ancestor stood on the southern coast of this same body of water. Fifteen hundred years ago, he made a decision that would impact every generation after him.
On the drive to Houston, before my phone gave up completely, I searched Al-Jamila. No results returned for the jinn, but I didn't expect any. She has been forgotten by the rest of the world. But what I did learn is that her name is Arabic for The Beautiful.
I bet she was, and I bet it wasn't just on the outside. Some man who is tied to my blood by a century and a half loved her so much that he gave up everything to save her. I should be bitter I got the short end of that deal. Then I look at Syd, and I can't blame him. Not at all.
It's not until I stand with the Mediterranean at my feet and the blue sky above my head that I realize—truly comprehend—that I don't have to be here. I don't have to be anywhere, or do anything. And, I admit, the thought is scary. Maybe even terrifying.
No more Karl to make a phone call to fix my mistakes. No more identities to hide behind.
I'm no longer Leo or Alan or Alex.
I'm Dimitri.
And I am free.
Stifled
What should have been a simple trip to confirm once and for all if the jinn are living among humans, instead reveals a community keeping dark secrets.
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About the Author
Rainy Kaye is an aspiring overlord. In the meantime, she blogs at RainyoftheDark and writes paranormal novels from her lair somewhere in Phoenix, Arizona.
She is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA. Someone told her she's a USA Today Bestselling author. She thought there would be cake.