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The polluted alley felt narrow and claustrophobic, sandwiched between skyscrapers.
In the city, it was never quiet or peaceful, even at three in the morning.
Credit: Mariah Paaverud
There were more than thirty million humans and supernatural beings coexisting, living on top of each other.
My eyes were locked on the flickering neon lights of the gambling parlor across the street.
The u in Shibuya had gone out, so the sign flashed Shib ya at me.
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The sword sheathed at my side felt heavy, and my body felt restless and electric.
I couldnt keep from fidgeting and cracked my knuckles.
Hell be here soon, my mother, Marlow, assured me.
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Her tall leather boots only went to her calf, thanks to her long legs.
Her style tended to be monochromaticblack on black on blackaside from the shock of dark red lipstick.
On her hip, her sword Mordare glowed a dull red through its sheath.
My sword was called Sigrun, a present on my eighteenth birthday from Marlow.
It was a bit shorter than Mordare, with a thicker blade, so it appeared stubby and fat.
The mist grew heavier, soaking my long black hair.
I didnt feel anything.
It had begunthe instinct of the Valkyrie, pushing aside my humanity to become a weapon.
Hes coming, Marlow said behind me, but I already knew.
Eleazar Belanger stumbled out, his heavy feet clomping in the puddles.
He was over three hundred years old, and today would be the day he died.
I waited in the shadows of the alley for him to cross the street.
A coughing fit caused him to double over, and he braced himself against the brick wall.
I approached him quietlythis all went easier when they didnt have time to prepare.
Its you, Eleazar said in a weak, craggy voice.
It is my duty to return you to the darkness from whence you came.
He held up his pudgy hands at me.
I can pay you.
We can work this out.
This is not my decision to make, I said as I pulled the sword from my sheath.
His eyes widened as he realized I couldnt be bargained with.
For a moment I thought he might just accept his fate, but they rarely did.
He bowed his head and ran at me like a goat.
My mother stood blocking the mouth of the alley, in case I needed her.
Sigrun glowed brightly, with light shining out from it and causing the air to glow purple around us.
Eleazar mumbled a prayer to the Vanir gods.
I held the sword with both hands, and I struck it across his neck, decapitating him.
It was a good return, my mother said, and put her hand on my shoulder.
You did well, Malin.
FromBetween the Blade and the Heart,copyright 2018 by Amanda Hocking, reprinted with permission of Wednesday Books.
