Shadow Fan (The Shadow Fan Series #1) Read Online Free

getting my messages, but he’s only recently acknowledged them. I’m sending him dreams, now. He’ll begin to make the changes before he dies. If he doesn’t I’ll be forced to remove my protection from the temple. I can’t allow a bunch of priests claim they are doing my will, when in fact they are not.” Her gaze flicked toward him. “But for now, I need you to follow my lead, Naru.”
    He looked back at his body. He wanted to marry Aya. If he had to live the life he was used to for a little longer, so be it. “I’ll trust you, Mountain Spirit.”
    She smiled. “Good. Now get back in that body. You have work to do.”
     
    ~***~
     
    A few days later Naru attempted not to gorge his fill of the morning breakfast tray. The High Priest rarely seemed to leave his side, not to mention his new status that included followers. He tried to ignore the priests as they crowded in to stare at him. “What’s that doing over here?” Naru pointed at the High Priest’s staff with his chopsticks. He regretted using it to stop the Yokai , but he wasn’t a priest, yet. It shouldn’t be lying on the floor next to him.
    The High Priest shakily moved forward to sit beside him on the floor. Naru swayed side to side in time with the old man, ready to catch him if he fell. Once settled in, Naru went back to eating. He wasn’t going to miss the chance to inhale as much food as he could.
    “The staff is beside you because it belongs to you now. Surely you know you are the next High—”
    “I refuse the invitation. But I am honored you asked.” Naru’s eyes drifted over the gaping mouths of the on-lookers. Great. This is going to end up getting pretty messy if not handled properly.
    The old man stammered. “And w…why would you turn this honor down?”
    Naru cleared his throat and placed his chopsticks atop his empty rice bowl. “Esteemed High Priest, I think it may be wise if we discuss this in private.” He shot the crowd a quick glance.
    The High Priest caught on. He dismissed the priests and waited to speak until the door slid shut. “Son, I don’t understand how you could turn the position down?”
    Naru bowed his head. “I mean no disrespect, but I do not need a staff to know where I stand with Yoshino.”
    The old man only blinked. “But I have been told by Yoshino to hand it over to you.”
    “Maybe in time you will.” Naru glanced at the door to make sure there were no lingering shadows. “Yoshino has requested I be open with you.”
    The High Priest bowed in return. “Please do.”
    He picked up the staff and handed it back to the old man. “The shrine’s traditions have offended Yoshino.”
    The High Priest gulped. “Is it something I have done?”
    Naru nodded. “There were changes you were asked to make in your time. Yet, you’ve done nothing. You’ve let the priests represent Yoshino in an untrue way. These men are priests, not monks. She is offended to think a human man would devote himself as if they were married to her. She is far greater than you or I. No man can be her equal.”
    The priest’s head fell. “I never thought of it that way.”
    It seemed the old man was catching on. “But that is not the only request she has made of you.” The priest nodded. “I cannot make those changes. That lot fell to you. And if you cannot make the changes before your death then Yoshino will abandon the temple and her shrine.” Naru’s brow creased. “She will lay it waste to the elements, and when it is gone I will be given the task to rebuild it.” Naru looked into the old priest’s eyes. “I don’t want to rebuild this shrine. I care about it and every person who lingers within her walls. Fulfill your duties as High Priest, before it is too late.”
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SIX
     
    Aya grinned at the blushing bride and priest as they finished their vows. In the last several months since she found Naru, she could only fear he was beyond a woman’s touch. But with the first priest sealing