Read Almost Demon (The Sigil Cycle) for Free Online Page A

specialist flown in from the Boston Children’s Hospital after a lot of arm- twisting. 
    “They’re more like shadows.” I flicked the first aid tape that held my IV in place and played with the end as it began to curl.
    “Can you be a little more specific? It’s important we find out exactly what you’re seeing so you can get a proper diagnosis. The sooner we can give you a clean bill of health, the sooner you can go home.”
    “Um… Can I get some water?” I asked. If I stalled long enough, maybe he would give up and leave. The thought of going home petrified me. Four weeks in the hospital had me wrapped in a cocoon of fear and complacency.
    “Gemma,” my dad barked.
    “What? I’m thirsty.”
    “I’ll get the water.” He stuck his index finger in my face. “You answer Dr. Volpe’s questions.” 
    But I didn’t.
    Instead, I lay there, staring at the small television screen, ignoring Dr. Volpe until he made up some excuse about checking my MRI results again and left.
    “Gemma, please.” My father’s pleas stole through the wall I had erected to shut everyone out so I reinforced it and sealed myself tighter while the nurses dragged my screaming father out of the room.
     
    “Gem?”
    “Hmm?” I looked at my dad and knew by the strain in his neck that he had caught me zoning out.
    “Is that okay?”
    “Is what okay?” I mumbled as I tilted the bowl to my face, slurping up some of the milk.
    “We’ll drive down to the station now so we can wrap up your statement to the police and then you won’t miss too much class.”
    “I don’t think so.” My heart hit the floor.
    “Gemma, it’s about time you got over your fear. You can’t let these kinds of things dictate your life.” The vein on the side of his forehead reared its ugly head and I knew he was frustrated. My dad the control freak couldn’t get me to do anything these days. With Brian it was different. I had a partner and it was easy getting things done - homework, studying, practice, even chores.
    “These kinds of things?” My voice was harsh and I nearly spewed a mouthful of cereal into his face. “I was in an accident. My brother died. My two best friends died. And I’m just supposed to paint on a happy face and get on with my life so you can feel better?”
    “That’s not what I meant, Gem.” He let out a sigh.
    I pushed my bowl into the sink and stalked off to the coat closet where I wrenched my jacket off its hanger and pulled my tote off the floor. 
    “Gem, I’m sorry. I’m just trying to help. It isn’t healthy to let life’s rough spots stop you from living.”
    “Oh, just like when Mom left.” I threw my arms up in the air. “You had no problems leaving us with baby-sitters and getting right back to your research. Or how about now? Do you even notice that Brian is gone?”
    “What happened with your mother was different.” His eyes grew cold. “You’ll understand when you have kids of your own.”
    “Sure,” I scoffed. 
    He held the front door open for me and I stormed off towards his car. I grabbed the door handle and took a deep breath. My father paused and smiled before getting into the driver’s seat. The ignition started and the car rumbled to life.
    Frantically, I rapped my knuckles against the plate glass window. When there was enough of an opening, I blurted, “I’ll meet you there,” and ran down the driveway.
    I managed to get to the police station fifteen minutes after my dad, which I thought was great timing. He did not. I could tell by the number of times he checked his watch. This happened to work to my benefit since the detective on the case decided to spare me additional parental torture by keeping the interview short and sweet.
    He explained that Ms. Halle was still in custody and was awaiting arraignment. The city was pressing charges but her lawyer had requested a mental health evaluation. 
    When I strode into gym class, with only ten minutes left to the period, I had the