Read Gauntlet Rite of Ascension for Free Online

well, it’s still kinda out of reach. I don’t know how I can pull it off without my dad’s help.” She said.
    A look of thoughtfulness came over her.
    “What?” I said.
    “Nothing.”
    “No, tell me. You were thinking something, what is it?” I asked.
    I could tell she was trying to come to a decision. She looked at me and I could see she had made up her mind. A look of uncertain openness spread over her as she said with trepidation, “I’ve been thinking of maybe having an art auction. I know a bunch of people who have some really awesome pieces and have a hard time getting any show time. My dad just bought a small space that he’s renovating to sell. I was thinking about seeing if I could borrow it for a week, work on it and see if I can sell some pieces. Maybe earn some money to help my case to go to New York.”
    “It’s silly, I know. What do I know about selling art?” She said, having had this mental conversation dozens of times.
    “Are you kidding me? That’s a great idea. You absolutely have to do it. I’d love to help. I can paint, or clean. Whatever you need, I’m in, if you want.” I said.
    She smiled appreciatively and quickly leaned over the table and kissed me. A quick, but devastating kiss that left me stunned.
    I shook my head to clear it. She saw me and laughed, it was wonderful. A smile spread on my face. I grinned like a fool.
    “Thanks.” She said.
    Our waitress came back over and had our food. She served me lasagna and Sara her calzone. We ate with the hunger of youth and it was the best meal I have ever had. It must have had something to do with the company.
    We finished and decided to head to the party, I payed the bill and walked her out. As I opened the door for her I looked up and saw in the sky the biggest most beautiful full moon I have ever seen. A feeling of excitement and energy filled me as the scent of Sara’s perfume and natural odor hit me in a wave. I was overwhelmed with a feeling of desire as she walked to the car.
    I helped her get in and went to the driver’s side. Trying to shake the need to feel her warm skin under my hand, the desire to push her down and take her right here right now hit me and almost dragged me under. I fought it and barely got control.
    “Are you alright?” She asked, concern evident in her voice.
    “Yeah, I’m good.” I said.
    As we drove I could hear Sara talking but it seemed as if she was far away. The words and their meanings were hard to grasp as I started to feel detached. Somehow, I managed to nod at all the right times and even added a word here or there.
    We turned right at an intersection that would lead us to Fred’s house when I saw the moon again. This time the presence of the moon pulled on me in a way I couldn’t describe.
    I pulled over to the side of the road and doubled over as pain began to build in my stomach and radiated outward in waves that matched my heartbeat.
    My awareness began to dwindle as my sense of self shrank and I was drawn inward. My senses evaporated and the pain slowly began to recede.
    I opened my eyes and all I could see was emptiness, a deep and dark vast blackness.
    This must have been what the universe was like before there was light. This unfathomable abyss of nothingness tugged at me, devoid of sight, sound, smell and touch I began to feel unmade as the sheer power of the emptiness engulfed me.
    A feeling came to me, slight at first, then more solid. I felt the presence of someone nearby, like when you’re in line at the store and someone is standing close behind you. You may not have even seen them but you feel them none the less.
    There was someone or something in the darkness with me and their presence was a cool balm to the scathing nothingness that surrounded me.
    I slowly started feeling my body. I was aware of my limbs and I eventually lost that disembodied feeling. I was still in darkness, but it was more like being in a closet with the lights turned off than an out of body