It wasn’t a choice. It was a curse. Literally.
She hung a new sign on the door:
Ensure the language is accessible, with a modern tone, and includes dialogue that shows character interactions. The story should be engaging enough for fans of Estep's works, with her signature mix of action and character-driven narrative. Only Hard Problems by Jennifer Estep -ePub-
“No,” the boy whispered. “He’s dead. The shadow ate him.” It wasn’t a choice
The shadow roared. Lila grinned. “What, no epic monologue?” She yanked the lighter back and struck it, the flame blue—straight from her power. The shadow recoiled. She hung a new sign on the door:
Lila’s power surged—the kind she’d only used once before. Her skin glowed with electric blue, and the ground cracked as her strength activated. But this time, the power fizzled.
Back at the laundromat, Lila let the shadow taunt her. It lunged—faster than a ghost should be able to move. She sidestepped, uncharacteristically unimpressed.