I sat on the floor, my whole body weak from expending that much energy. Moving felt impossible. Not to mention when I did, I’d have to back upstairs and deal with everything.
I can’t do it. I can’t face it.
Why couldn’t the world disappear? Nothing mattered anymore. Lola was like a sister to me, my only family apart from Aunt Deb. Now she was gone. Her life snuffed out because of me.
“Anna?”
I didn’t turn around. Donavon stepped into the room, noticing the pile of ash on the floor. “That was you?”
My head moved up and down, but I felt detached from my own body.
“Shit. You have a lot of power for an allure. There must be more witch in you than you know.”
It didn’t save Lola.
“We should get our stories straight for the cops.”
How the hell could he be so calm? But then again, his best friend hadn’t been murdered in front of him.
“Leave me alone,” I whispered.
“I know this is a lot, but I’m sure the cops are already on their way.”
I looked up at him, rage filling me. “Get out.”
He sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I’m sorry about what’s happened. But you can see now what we’re facing. More people will die if we don’t do something about it.”
Getting to my feet I faced him. “There is no we. I don’t want anything to do with this or you. Now GET OUT!”
He had the good sense not to argue and hurried for the stairs.
Fuck him and his mission.
Forcing myself to the stairs, I climbed up, heading for Lola’s apartment. He was right about the cops, they would be here soon. How was I going to explain this?
What about her family? Her mother? I’d have to call her and tell her about this.
How do I tell her that her daughter is dead?
Every step I took became more difficult than the last. My body felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. I could have taken the elevator, but I tried to delay the inevitable for as long as possible.
Finally, I was at her door. Mrs. Talbot opened her door across the hall and peeked out.
“What is all that noise? I’ve called the police, you know?”
“Good,” I muttered.
Pushing open the door, I braced myself for the sight of Lola on the floor. She still lay there, eyes closed. It would almost look like she was sleeping if it weren’t for the position of her neck.
Tears overwhelmed me and I stumbled toward her. Dropping to my knees, I took her hand.
“I’m so sorry. This never should have happened.”
Crying harder, I sat there, waiting for the cops to show up.
My life as I knew it was over.