Phantasma (Wicked Games, #1)

by Kaylie Smith

Eventually, she was able to stand and, taking a deep breath, she whispered a demand to the dark. The one that would seal her fate forever. Genevieve’s mouth fell open in awe as the dark answered Ophelia’s request, the candles reigniting with the hushed command. This time, the flames were a silvery blue. Grimm Blue.

“Oh, um…” Genevieve hesitated. “Farrow Henry! Yes. That’s right. Just petty gossip about New Orleans’s most infamous bachelor.”

liar, liar… 🎶🎶

Ophelia couldn’t help but wonder if she was wildly unprepared to assimilate into normal society without their mother as her guide. Death she was familiar with. Living would be the real challenge.

Something brushed gently across her cheek then. “Angel…” Her brow furrowed. “Oh, no, I’m not a⁠—”

“Go home,” the stranger advised. “A house of Devils is no place for an angel like you.”

“A heart and a key would set me free,” it said. “But you should hope we do not meet again, angel.”

“You are the worst tour guide ever, you know,” she admonished the cat, which was currently bathing itself at her feet. “Well, he is a cat,” a deep, vaguely familiar voice commented from behind her. “Do you need assistance with that?”

“You’re…” she began, a bit breathlessly. “Um…” The man smirked as he gave the cat’s white fur a long stroke. The ghostly creature purred loudly as it rubbed its head underneath his chin with familiar affection. “I’m what? Very handsome? The most striking person you’ve ever seen?”

“Do you know how to unlock this?” “Yes.” Ophelia waited for him to step forward and help, but when he didn’t move, she tapped her foot impatiently. One, two, three. When he still didn’t say anything, she finally implored, “Would you unlock this?” “No.” He smirked.

His eyes immediately snagged on the crimson lines that stained her skin, but he only said, “I didn’t, actually. I simply asked if you needed help.” “That’s quite misleading.” “Sorry, angel, but I can’t help any contestants during Phantasma.” She frowned. “At least, not for free.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but something stopped him. His eyes narrowed and began to dart around the room, and she was about to ask what was wrong when she felt it. That dark, invisible gaze. Is something watching me? Or is it him they’re following?

“You found the Whispering Gate?” His eyes grew wide. “What’s the Whispering Gate?” “A place that you should not be able to access. It’s on the Other Side.”

He gave a dramatic sigh. “If I give you my name first, would that help?” “Possibly,” she answered. “You can call me Blackwell. It’s nice to officially make your acquaintance…?” A long pause. Then, “Ophelia Grimm.” “Ophelia,” he repeated, tasting every syllable. Her name on his tongue sounded like a wicked prayer. “You are exactly the person I’ve been waiting for.”

Ophelia didn’t bother looking back at the Phantom as she snapped, “I thought I told you not to follow me?” “I apologize if I gave you the impression that I do what I’m told.” His tone was anything but apologetic.

“Don’t forget, you keep finding me.” He gave her a pointed look, and she was already regretting giving in to his antics. “Yes, and I’m starting to wonder if it would have been less hassle to just get murdered by the Ghoul in my bathroom.”

“They wouldn’t have fatally harmed you on the very first day,” he offered. “They like to play with their victims for a little while first.” “You have a response for everything, don’t you?” “Yes.” He winked, and she hated herself for thinking that the gesture was attractive.