Read Anew: The Archers of Avalon, Book One for Free Online Page A

kisses at the kissing booths.
    Awesome.
    Although the people of Avalon were friendly and sincere, Gabriel wasn’t particularly crazy about the town itself. It was a simple place, quaint and quiet, with low crime rates and high turnouts for community events—obviously—but it was small.
    Gabriel preferred his cities big, loud, and bright. Not because he had an appetite for chaos, but because he’d been around the world, and slow-paced life just wasn’t his thing.
    Scarlet Jacobs, however, was his thing.
    Thanks to the endless crowd of people passing before him, Gabriel was able to watch the girls at the Kiss Walk for a minute without being spotted.
    Heather, looking like a 1950s Barbie doll with her blond hair in a ponytail and a pair of tiny red shorts fitted to her body, seemed eager to play; while Scarlet folded her arms and stood off to the side. 
    Typical Scarlet. So stubborn.
    With a smile, Gabriel inhaled and examined her. Even after all these years, she still took his breath away.
    Was he a hopeless romantic?
    Maybe.
    But he didn’t care.
    He let his mind wander to a time long ago, when he was constantly surrounded by her laughter and playfulness. A time when she would tease him and run her hands through his hair.
    A better time than now.
    Scarlet and Tristan were affected by the curse, but the curse itself was directed at Gabriel. He was cursed to be without love.
    He could never love or be loved by anyone other than Scarlet. Which wouldn’t be so bad—if she wasn’t doomed to die. In fact, loving Scarlet for the rest of his life sounded like heaven.
    If only he could keep her alive….
    The curse needed to be broken.
    Soon.
    Would Tristan’s plan work?
    Probably not.
    But was Gabriel going to stand in Tristan’s way?
    No.
    Because, deep down, Gabriel was grateful for Tristan’s lack of humanity. If killing someone in Scarlet’s place really could undo the curse, then Gabriel was glad Tristan had no qualms about taking an innocent life.
    Gabriel, however, did have qualms.
    So, no killing sprees for him.
    He watched Scarlet bite her lip as she looked about the park. She was amazing.
    Flawed and soulful and…lovely.
    Everything about her was fragile and perfect.
    He stepped into Scarlet’s line of sight and waited for her to see him. When her eyes found his, she smiled.
    She was beautiful.
    He smiled as he approached her. “Hey.”
    “Hey.” Her blue eyes sparkled. “I’m glad you came.”
    “Me, too.”
    He looked over to where Heather was arguing with a Kiss Walk judge. “What’s going on over there?”
    “They won’t let Heather play because the game already started. She’s trying to sweet-talk her way in.”
    “Huh.”
    Heather trotted back over to where they stood. “Well!” she said, huffing and puffing. “That was pointless. No free kisses for me, I guess.”
    “What are you talking about?” Scarlet raised an eyebrow. “People are handing out free kisses everywhere. Just go kiss some stranger.”
    “I’m over kissing strangers. I want to kiss the hot guys at the kissing booths.” Heather looked at Gabriel and put on a brilliant smile. “Hello Gabriel. So nice to see you again.” She went up on her tiptoes and kissed both his cheeks.
    Gabriel reciprocated the kisses, smelling her vanilla perfume.
    “Ooh!” Heather’s eyes lit up. “Kiss Cakes!”
    Gabriel followed her gaze and spied a white tent with red stars hanging from the top.
    “Kiss Cakes?” he repeated, looking at Scarlet.
    “Yeah, they’re like cupcakes, but shaped like lips.”
    “And waaaay better,” Heather said. “Let’s get some.” 
    Gabriel followed the girls to the tent and snuck a glance at Scarlet. She was so small and delicate. He wanted to wrap her in his arms.
    If only she remembered him. If only she would instantly remember everything. Maybe then she would smile and laugh and they could live happily ever after or whatever.
    Maybe if he told her the truth….
    Gabriel thought about