Unholy Sundering

by DeAnna Browne

“Or just a wild-goose chase and death by the natives.” Darion crossed his arms, bristling at the suggestion.

  Becca couldn’t fathom why he was against it. “We’ve faced worse. Together.” She stepped towards him, wanting to reach out to him.

  “And your sister? This will be dangerous.”

  “She can stay here with Caleb and help us communicate with the others.”

  He didn’t reply, but his angry posture told her this wasn’t over between them.

  Couldn’t he understand she had to end this? It wasn’t just about keeping her sister and friends alive. This was the only way groups like this community could live. It would even the footing once again for everyone.

  “You’ve definitely given us an option to consider. Let us sleep on it tonight, and we’ll meet again in the morning.” Andre looked intrigued. There was something to find out there, and they both knew it. He gave her a slight nod, dismissing them.

  Outside of Andre’s office, Darion grabbed Becca’s hand and led her down into the private caves past the med unit.

  “Where are we going?” Becca wasn’t familiar with this section of rooms.

  “Andre gave me my own room a couple nights ago.”

  “Really?”

  “I was keeping odd hours translating for him, and he didn’t want me to wake the others.” He continued forward with a tight grip on her hand.

  On the dim path, she realized maybe Darion had a right to be mad. She’d dragged him into this mess with Ryma, and now she had volunteered him for another crazy mission. He loved his magic, and he loved being here, able to use his powers for something positive he wasn’t forced into. Now, she wanted to take it all away.

  He entered a small room and lit a nearby lantern. A small cot was tucked into the corner, and there were a few other sparse belongings. He closed the door.

  Before he could start, she said, “I’m sorry.”

  Confusion replaced anger on his face for a brief moment. “Why?”

  Where to start, she thought. “I shouldn’t have volunteered you to go with me. Here I have dragged you through the wilds with my possessed sister, and once we get settled, I’m ready to volunteer you on a half-brained idea, which may not even work. It’s not fair of me to expect—”

  He kissed her, briefly, but it was enough to send a warm jolt down her spine.

  “You’re wrong,” he stated.

  “That’s what I was trying to explain.”

  “No. Yes, I wish you would have run the plan by me first, but I’m not worried about going south. I just don’t want you to have to go.” His frustration melted, softening his eyes. “I can’t stand the idea of you throwing yourself into another dangerous situation, putting yourself at risk.”

  It was her turn to be surprised. “Really?”

  A laugh escaped his lips, but it wasn’t happy. “Have you not figured things out between us yet? You’re pretty important to me. When we first met, I didn’t tell you I was a magician because I wasn’t about to drag anyone into my dangerous world. Then you got involved with the coven, and there wasn’t anything I wasn’t willing to do to pull you out.” He reached for her hand, and she willingly gave it to him. “If you leave, and I know you probably will because I won’t be able to talk you out of it, there isn’t anything that would keep me from your side.”

  “Oh…” How could she have doubted him? “I’m—”

  He closed the distance with another kiss, his arms weaving around her. “You better not say sorry again.”

  Lost in his kiss, her body lit with a fire all on its own. She leaned back slightly. “Thank—”

  He raised his brows. “No thank-yous either. I’m a purely selfish beast at heart.”

  She knew that was untrue. He had helped her, her sister, Caleb, and so many people in this community. Embracing him, she whispered in his ear. “There is one thing you won’t be able to stop me from saying… I love you.”

  Heat emanated from him, a warmth that enveloped both of them. “Of course not. As long as you know I love you more.”

  Hear From The Author

  You can find DeAnna at www.deannabrowne.com for upcoming projects. You can sign up for my newsletter for free short stories and up to date releases. I appreciate your time and reviews!

  More From The World

  of DeAnna Browne

  Evil Etched in Gold

  A short story from the Dark Rising Trilogy

  Joining a powerful coven comes with a stability and paycheck that Nevada has only dreamed about. But when he’s called to enlist, he finds just what it will cost him. For there’s no turning back on a bargain with a powerful wizard.

  Find on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

  ALSO BY

  DEANNA BROWNE

  HOOKED

  A New YA Science Fiction Romance

  When virtual reality surpasses people’s wildest dreams, many struggle to remain in the real world. Sixteen-year-old Ari has watched the financial and emotional cost of virtual reality addiction for years as her father continues barely existing in a VR coma. Unfortunately, her only option to help her family escape poverty is if she studies the one subject she hates and fears: virtual reality programming.

  Despite her misgivings, Ari soon develops a rare talent that makes her question everything. Now she must hide her ability or risk becoming a priceless commodity that governments and corporations will fight, steal or even kill to possess. As officials tighten the shackles surrounding Ari, she rebels against her imposed future and searches for a way to save those she loves. Yet, running proves impossible, when the government is always one click away.

  Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

  CHAPTER 1

  T his isn’t real.

  Ari stood on a nearby hill above the familiar carnival with her brother, Marco. Rides spun endlessly in the distance, and neon lights flashed, illuminating the dark night. It stole her back to a time when the world was a different place, a place full of laughter. An uneasy sensation crawled along Ari’s skin as she thought of her body tucked back in reality with wires streaming from the port in her neck.

  “Remember how you puked on the Spinning Hammers?” A wide smile lit up Marco’s face. Marco and Ari both took after their mother with their tanned skin, dark wavy hair, and chocolate eyes. Except for the smile—Marco wore their father’s smile.

  She couldn’t figure out how her brother always appeared so put together, in and out of the virtual realm. Ari wore a flannel shirt and beat up jeans, and not on purpose. The Virtual Reality, or VR, program let people change their clothes, but Ari never stuck around long enough to bother with fashion.

  She turned back to the carnival, the rides antiquated and shedding their paint even in this computerized replica. The carnival had come around every spring when they were little. People lined up all day and night for rides, an event so popular someone made it into a VR.

  “Please, Marco, I feel like I’m about to lose it.” She dug her nails deep into her palms and welcomed the pain as it grounded her in reality.

  “What? You don’t like it?” Marco acted surprised. “I had to ask them to dig into their storage to find this virtual for you. Come on.”

  Marco grabbed Ari’s hand and pulled her down the hill towards the rides. The cool night air brushed against her face as they raced down the grassy path, and she fought to keep her fear from bubbling over. She had never lasted more than two minutes in one of these programs, but today she needed to. Her future depended on it. Assignments for their continued education were coming soon, and if she couldn’t pass the VR simulation, she might as well sign up for a life of kitchen duty.

  Her breath came in rapid pants as they reached the entrance. A disfigured clown face with exaggerated eyes and teeth welcomed them, his mechanical voice scratchy. Her throat tightened as she tried to breathe. She panicked at the idea of being stuck here forever, trapped in this virtual world, spiraling into a VR coma like her father. The government limited the hours kids could be ins
ide a VR, but people, young and old, still slipped, which left their family paying the bill in hopes they would return.

  The clown image frizzed momentarily into a dark void with specks of light replacing the creepy face. “Marco, what’s going on?” She pointed at the distorted image. There had to be some sort of glitch.

  Marco glanced at the clown. “What are you talking about, Ariana?” He tugged on her arm. “Snap out of it. I told Mom we would have fun.” He yanked her toward the Tilt-a-Whirl.

  An elderly man worked the empty ride, or so her brain told her. He wore a plain blue uniform and a smile that was a touch bigger than necessary. Holding the gate open, he welcomed them inside.

  The virtual showed its age as the computerized character blinked constantly and tilted his head every three seconds like clockwork, but they couldn’t afford anything more sophisticated. Ari wasn’t sure if it was the uncomfortable memory of wires hooked into her unconscious body or this man’s creepy behavior that made her want to run away.

  She froze with fear at the gate. “I can’t do this.”

  “Yes, you can.” Marco’s dark eyes locked onto her with a firmness that didn’t suit him. “You don’t have a choice. Get used to VRs or get used to cleaning toilets while Mom tries to marry you off. Is that what you want?”

  Normally she would have smacked her older brother for talking like that, but the truth hit its mark. Biting her lip, she stepped toward the small compartment built for two. Marco climbed in and slid across the faded blue vinyl bench. She squeezed in beside him and fastened the thick black strap.

  “I thought you loved being here. I always did.”

  Every spring, her father would empty the jar of coins on top of the fridge and treat Ari and Marco to a fun day at the carnival. They would fill up on fried bread and cheese curls, watching the night descend into a blur of neon lights. But, unlike her brother, this reminded Ari of what they didn’t have anymore: a father and a jar full of savings. In a VR coma, their dad was more dead than alive, and the chipped jar now sat empty on top of a rundown fridge.

  Chest tightening, she pushed back the memories. “I’m sorry. I can’t, Marco. I gotta go.” She clawed at the thick black safety belt as the ride surged forward.

  “Are you really going to waste Mom’s money? You know this is your last chance before your tests.” If he saw the fear in her eyes, he ignored it. “Whatever. Go. I’m staying and getting my money’s worth.”

  She bit her lip and faced forward, holding back her rising hysteria. The cart picked up speed and pushed her against Marco, who screamed in delight, arms raised high in the air. She wanted this so badly, wanted to let go of reality, to let go of the gnawing sensation in the back of her neck. As the cart continued to spin, Ari closed her eyes, hoping to endure. By the time her cart approached the aged man a second time, she was gone.

  Her eyes opened to a water-stained ceiling. The stench of old cigarettes and filthy bodies welcomed her back to reality. She strained to turn her head. Her neck pinched from the cords in her port. Disgust tasted sour as she clawed the base of her neck, pulling at the thick cable.

  “Hey, girlie. You’re going to tear your port, and I don’t have the stuff to fix it.” A man’s thick hands turned the cable until a click sounded, and then he gently pulled the wires out. She wanted to scratch at the insertion site, to tear away the mechanical feeling that lingered inside of her. Instead she undid her ponytail and covered the port site with hair, smoothing it down.

  Her brother lay next to her in a reclined chair, a smile pasted on his handsome face. His wavy, thick hair, often kept short, curled around his temple. He always appeared more innocent while unconscious.

  Glad to see he’s enjoying himself. She pushed back the bitterness boiling inside. He had been trying to help.

  The large man, covered in old tattoos and smelling of yesterday’s beer, winked at her. Revulsion rolled around in her gut. Before he could speak, she rushed out of the room. She detested this shop as much as the virtuals themselves. The VR center stood only a few blocks from her house, a permanent fixture in her rundown neighborhood.

  Ari hurried through the metal doors, squinting as she welcomed the sun. The real sun.

  Her sun.

  “Missy, want to catch a trip with a real guy?” A withered man sat outside, his dirty clothes hanging off his body. “Trust me. I look a hell of a lot better on the inside.”

  She snapped her head back to the road in front of her, ignoring him.

  “Don’t be like that,” the man said.

  Someone reached for her, grabbing at her arm, but she swatted it away, quickening her step. Please just leave me alone.

  The jeers of the strung-out VR addicts followed her for the rest of the block.

  She tried not to imagine how her father had used to be there, hanging out with the bums to catch a free VR. She tried, but it didn’t work.

  DEDICATION

  To Spencer,

  for still believing.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I’m so grateful for all the help I’ve had while writing this book. It started with writing partners and early readers who helped keep me check, especially Jami Gray, Dave Benneman, Betsy Love, and Lorelei Mote. I also couldn’t have written this book without the other half of my tribe, who helps watch kiddos, makes dinner, and cheers me on when I want to quit. These include but are not limited to my parents, my sister Sharla, Tammy for her endless optimism, Penny for being a backup taxi driver, and Spencer for all the above. I couldn’t have kept my sanity without you all. Thank you isn’t nearly adequate, but I’ll say it anyways.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  DeAnna Browne graduated from Arizona State University with her BS in Psychology. She finds it helps to corral those voices in her mind and put them to paper. An avid reader and writer, she has a soft spot for fantasy with a touch of romance. Despite her love for food and traveling, she always finds her way back to Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, children, and pet dog.

  Follow her at:

  www.deannabrowne.com

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