Read Ruin, The Turning for Free Online

like they all held their breath for it. “Oh but he says the longer you wait to do an assignment, the more you’ll lose yourself to the darkness. That’s…clearly not good,” Sam added.
    “Is it true Scriber?” Isadore asked. “Did they order him to execute me?”
    “Yes,” Sam sounded amazed. “Yes they did he says.”
    “Oh God, oh God,” Isadore paced along the porch, her fear again licking along Ruin’s spine, drawing a hunger to hurt. “Why would they want that Ruin?” she cried.
    “Maybe because you lie so much?” Yes, that alone could do it. “We need to go now Sam.” He was ready to judge her now.
    “Yes sir.” Sam jumped from the porch and walked right up to Ruin, making him wonder why he wasn’t more bothered by him. He should be.
    “Scriber says it’s because I’m a link. Apparently my connection isn’t one that…provokes you in a negative way. But let me know if I do.” He held both hands up. “And I’ll give you sufficient space.”
    And why didn’t his presence provoke him in a negative way?
    “I’d rather not tell him that,” Sam said. Ruin waited for him to obey Scriber but he only shook his head. “No, not telling him that, I see no point.”
    “Tell me what,” Ruin demanded, eying Isadore who opened the passenger door, her gaze wary on him.
    “I’m not telling,” he reassured, “now get in and tell me what direction to drive.”
    If Scriber wanted him to know it, he’d be told. Right? He didn’t know anything anymore. Ruin didn’t think he could stand being too close to Isadore. He opened the back door and unloaded enough boxes to fit behind Sam’s seat. The smell of death on Sam seemed stronger than ever.
    “Wow,” Sam said, looking toward Isadore. “You are really…really black.”
    “He’s sitting here?” Isadore whispered.
    “Yes,” Sam squealed. “Sitting right here.”
    “Scriber, I’m scared,” she whispered.
    Sam started the car. “Holy shite! That’s not exactly comforting.” He looked behind him and backed up. “Yeah, I realize, but she’s clearly terrified, I mean you never heard of sandwiching the truth? Open with a positive encouragement, slip in the truth, end with positive encouragement?” Sam gasped, seeming stunned. “I do not think that would be seen as a positive at this point, no.”
    “Please stop,” Isadore whispered. “You’re making it worse.”
    “Sorry,” Sam said. “It all ends good, that much I can say.”
    “It does?” Isadore gasped in relief. “Yes! I knew that.”
    “Not sure what has to come before that though.” Sam added the exception with so much doubt it ruined the good feeling.
    Again Ruin wondered over his effect on him. It seemed in this state, the man evened him out somehow. A half hour later, the darkness grew to unbearable and Ruin placed his hand on the seat before him, sucking in whatever power Sam had, not caring, just needing it to keep from being lost entirely. He felt like a life preserver. 
    “How much farther, Ruin,” Sam said.
    “Soon. The stench of death is burning my nostrils.” A sharp intake of breath came from Sam, like he knew. “Tell me, Sam,” Ruin strained. “I need to know.”
    “He smells it on me?”
    “Yes, I smell it on you,” Ruin said. “What does that mean?”
    “Okay now I’m officially freaked the frack out,” Sam said. “Why is he smelling death on me? Oh great, he can’t say. Hey,” Sam pulled the pack of cigarettes down and bit one out with his lips. “I’m a player, you know that. Whatever God’s got for me, I’m ready. Do it to it.” The lighter clicked and he puffed the cigarette until smoke billowed around his head. “Wished this was a joint, though. Could use a little relaxation.”
    Ruin didn’t get the young man’s courage. What had he seen in his life to make this traumatic experience seem dull? “Take the next right.”
    “Damn, I was hoping you wouldn’t say that. I think I’ve dreamed of this place. Perfect, now Scriber