Jesiah scribbles away on oversized pieces of discoloured cream paper using a thick black feather plucked from the infamous raven. He dips the black quill into a crystal inkpot filled with blue ink and continues writing ferociously. A man on a mission, he hasn’t lifted his head in hours. Each cursive word sprawled upon the paper is unreadable to anyone who might attempt to decipher the contents on the pages. Not a single word is written in English, to ensure that this plan doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. The Dark Empress wants the people on earth to be defenceless. This lengthy, well-thought-out document has a very sinister intention behind it and this language will soon be the only universal language spoken once their reign is complete.
He continues for sheet after sheet. As his writing pace picks up, the feather creates a slight breeze across his face. The intensity of the task can be felt in the energy circulating in the room. As he digs the feather deeper and deeper into the page, his expression and physical appearance slowly begin to change. Thick veins pulsate from his temples, turning black. They bulge through his skin like tree roots. With a mind of its own, his hand is focused on the insane scribbling and doesn’t so much as lift as Jesiah throws back his head and closes his eyes. Letting out an orgasmic sound, he steadily brings his head forward and opens his eyes. They too are black and appear like gaping holes upon his face. Jezebel is pushing through. His head low, a smirk appears upon his features as the transition rapidly takes over. Jesiah is now Jezebel, and she is engulfed in power.
Hearing a knock on the bedroom door, Jezebel bellows, “Intrabit.”
The door creaks open, and the shadow of Elisabeth precedes her into the room. Her head is held low, her long dark hair hanging heavy past her pale face. Wearing a black long-sleeved woollen jumper, black trousers and black pumps, Elisabeth blends into the darkness. She doesn’t make eye contact with her owner as she closes the door. Turning without hesitation, she makes her way to the middle of the empty space, falls to her knees, places her hand’s palm up on her legs and rests her chin to her chest.
“So obedient,” Jezebel says.
“Dark Empress, I am here to bring concerning news.”
“Oh, and what may this be?”
Still, with her head low, Elisabeth responds, “I believe Eve may be communicating with another form.”
Rising from the desk, Jezebel says nothing as she slowly drags each foot across the room towards Elisabeth.
Elisabeth’s whole body begins shaking as she says, “Dark Empress, please forgive me. She is your greatest prodigy. I have misspoken. This is not my place.”
Jezebel reaches out with a grey wounded finger, places it under Elisabeth’s chin and brings her face to face. Staring into her eyes intently, Jezebel says, “What is it you are saying, Elisabeth?”
“I… I am sorry, Dark Empress, I thought I heard Eve speaking to another form. I… I… should have said nothing.”
“Hmm, interesting. And, this betrayal you speak so boldly of – how have you attained this information?”
Elisabeth swallows deeply. “During my rounds of the premises, while I was checking each of the children in their rooms, I passed Eve’s room. I could hear ramblings as I approached. She was speaking out of context to someone. And, Dark Empress, I honestly thought she was communicating with Lewis until I heard her say something about how her only interests lie with the universe she was created within. And so, I placed my ear to the door and began listening in. I could hear her talking occasionally. But I couldn’t hear any other voice. It was as if she was talking to herself, but what she was saying made no sense at all. She was very clearly answering or communicating with another, but I couldn’t hear who that person was.”
“You heard her mention her universe which she is loyal to. I would hardly say that is betrayal, Elisabeth.”
Appearing nervous, Elisabeth places her head back down.
“What other evidence do you have that my chosen one is a traitor?”
“I apologise, Dark Empress. I am wrong, she is not a traitor.”
“You have interrupted me to tell me you were wrong, really?”
“No, I am sorry. It was just suspicious. I heard her ask this person who they were and what they wanted. And she mentioned something about being stalked. Then Lewis appeared and I quickly moved along. I knew then that she wasn’t speaking to Lewis and, so, erm, I thought I must tell you, because it may be that someone or something out there is trying to take your chosen one, and that you should be made aware of the things that are taking place under your roof.”
Jezebel turns and makes her way towards the window. Looking out at the darkened sky, she ponders what entity out there could possibly be trying to break down her army from inside her own layer. Who would be this brazen and brave?
“Keep this knowledge to yourself, Elisabeth.”
“Of course. You have my word.”
“I will keep my eye on my chosen one. Maybe it’s time I pay her prize possession a little visit tonight while the nights events take place.” She turns away. “You did good bringing this to my attention. Now you may leave.”
Standing, Elisabeth bows her head and quickly leaves the room.
Heading towards the window, Jezebel stares at the sky. “Hmm, who is daring to try and stop me? Looks like I shall bring my plan forward. I own every universe, and nothing is going to stop me.”
Walking back to the desk, Jezebel collects a blank sheet of paper and picks up the quill. She then dips it in the ink and inscribes the word “Goeominaonpler” in the middle of the paper in huge letters. A deceitful smile stretches across her face, exposing her razor-blade grey teeth. The thick black substance travels down her chin.
Chapter Nine
“You Belong to Me.”
Stillness is upon the streets of Morrisville. However, this is far from the reality behind the oversized closed doors. Deceitful events are unfolding. Spread amongst the village, Jezebel and her accomplices are out in full force. They are capturing elements of the souls of the young whilst taunting those of the adults within their own homes, and it’s feeding Jezebel an endless surging stream of orgasmic energy. More potent than ever, Jezebel believes that she is now untouchable. Soon her sleepers across the globe will wake and her time to reign will arrive. Ownership of the universe she has always craved is now within reach. And it’s been worth the wait.
Having dealt with the despicable parents Lisa and William earlier as they were sleeping, Jezebel is now standing at the foot of Ashley and Kane’s beds with her arms raised. Floating in mid-air, the boys are in the final stages of the night’s possession. Their demonic appearance gives her nothing but true gratification. They are mini versions of her true existence. With the takeover of the boys complete, Jezebel lowers her arms. Ashley and Kane begin drifting back down as they return to their beds. Each of the boys now retain only a miniscule remnant of their souls. Proud of her selection, Jezebel is satisfied with the evening’s events that have taken place within the Harrington household. She is ready to take charge of her next task. The mist surrounds her as she disappears.
Jezebel gazes through the gap in her hair at her target sleeping inside her crib. Licking her lips, she whispers, “Amplius. Meus es tu. Serve meus es coram me. Sufficit. I hæreditate possidebunt te. Veni mecum.”
To her surprise, Honey doesn’t react to the words. She continues to sleep peacefully and doesn’t move so much as an inch. Intrigued by the defiance of Honey’s soul, Jezebel decides to investigate further. She drags one foot in front of the other, the black substance smearing across the floor behind her. Raising her arms, she shouts, “Autem!”
The thick mist seeps into the room through the cracks around the doorframe and intertwines as it travels towards the crib. It wraps around the wooden frame, ready to restrain its pray. Confident in the ability of her devious element, Jezebel watches from the side of the crib. But as soon as the mist grazes Honey’s co
mforter, sparks fly. Instantly the mist retreats behind Jezebel. In disbelief, Jezebel is fast becoming furious. She always gets her way, and this soul is not going to remain off limits any longer.
Standing over Honey’s crib, Jezebel reaches in to remove her. A strong unexpected force awakens around Honey and throws Jezebel across the room. Outraged, Jezebel jumps up off the ground and charges at the crib. She grabs it and throws it into the air. Flying out of the crib, Honey is tossed across the room. Smiling, Jezebel raises her arms, ready to summon the mist to capture her defiant one. But before she can, Eve appears inside the room. She grabs her daughter as she descends from mid-air. Landing in a bundle on the floor by the foot of the bed, Eve stares at Honey.
The black substance gushes from Eve’s mouth as she screams, “What are you doing?”
Holding Honey to her chest, Eve begins to transition back into human form. Appearing totally unfazed by the events that have taken place, Honey is alert and giggling.
“It’s okay, darling. Mummy is here,” Eve says.
Staring at her through the gap in her hair, Jezebel is far from pleased. “How dare you? Conspiring against me, are you?”
“Jess, what are you talking about?”
“You will call me Dark Empress!” Jezebel barks.
Putting her head down, Eve says nothing.
Dragging one foot in front of the other towards Eve, Jezebel replies, “It will be wise of you to remember that I created you and I can just as easily tear you down.”
Cradling her daughter, Eve again stays quiet.
“What enchantment have you had placed over her?”
“Nothing, Dark Empress,” Eve replies quietly.
“Enough of this nonsense! Her time is running out. I will capture her soul. You will hand it over to me when our time arises or I will crush you, do you understand?”
Eve gently nods her head.
“Good. And whatever it is that you have placed over her, you will have it removed immediately.”
“I—”
“I don’t want to hear it!” Jezebel bellows. “Remove whatever it is and submit her to me. Your time is running out. I suggest you pick where your loyalties lie and fast. I can easily eliminate those around you.” Now just a stone’s throw away from Eve, she continues with her threats, “Grown fond of Lewis, have we?”
Eve says nothing.
“Thought as much. You want this disgusting family unit you’ve created to survive; you will fall in line like everyone else.” Now standing in front of Eve, Jezebel bends and grabs Eve by her chin. Staring at her directly in the eye, she continues: “The clock is ticking. Choose wisely. It would be a shame to waste my greatest prodigy. You were created by me. You are my chosen one and you will obey me or face the consequences.”
Turning, Jezebel walks to the door. As she opens it, she glances back at Eve and says, “Whoever you are communicating with outside of this universe, it stops now.” She walks out of the room and closes the door behind her.
Chapter Ten
“Acting Crazy.”
“You don’t understand, I have to help them.” Alannah stands inside the walk-in closet, wearing a black velour tracksuit with her hair tied up high into a scruffy bun. She is hurriedly loading an oversized, worn-looking brown leather bag with various items of clothing, reciting the list of things she may need for her emergency trip to Israel. Alannah isn’t thinking rationally at all. It’s six in the morning and she’s on a mission. Her mind is focused solely on packing, getting a cab to the airport and boarding the first flight to Israel.
“They’re grown men, Alannah. Please, listen to me. I’m sure they can handle this without you. Stay here with me, where I know you are safe.” Brennan’s standing in the doorway looking exhausted with dark rims around his eyes.
Alannah stops in her tracks. She is fast becoming sick of her husband’s lack of support. “We spoke about this all day yesterday after my conversations with DCS Terry, Matthew and Phil. You said I should sleep on it, which I did, and I’ve woke up this morning and have decided that I must go.”
Clasping his hands together in a prayer position, Brennan continues, “Okay, baby, please, you need to hear yourself right now. You need to hear how odd this sounds. And please, no disrespect, but if you think I’m going to let you board a flight and travel all the way to Israel, which is twelve-hours away at least, to meet up with two guys who you’ve never met and have only spoken with, two, maybe three times, max, on the phone for a matter of minutes at a time, then you’re very mistaken.”
Alannah folds her arms, her expression stern. “Wait a minute, you think you have to let me go? Brennan, I don’t need your permission to go on this trip. I am a grown woman, and I can make my own decisions. Not a chance am I going to live any more of my life with someone telling me what I can and cannot do. No way.”
Brennan puts his head in his hands. He rubs his face and wipes his tired eyes. “Look, that’s not what I’m saying. I know you don’t need my permission. Please, I didn’t mean it like that. What I meant was what sort of husband would I be to not even question this or at least try and stop you, because it just doesn’t feel right. Alannah, what if something terrible happens and I just let you walk out that door without a question or concern in sight? Please, I don’t want to fight with you.”
“Then it’s simple – come with me.”
“Alannah, baby, it’s three days until Christmas. Please, just stay home with me.”
Alannah grabs a handful of colourful garments from one of the drawers and stuffs them into the bag. She is not giving in to her husband’s tactics.
“Alannah, please.”
“They’re landing there today! I have to get to the airport now if I’m going to stand any chance of getting on a flight. I’m not going to be the one holding them back.”
“Look, Alannah, I…” Walking across the room to her, he puts his hands on her shoulders and turns her to face him. “Baby, I can’t say that this is okay. I am so sorry for what happened to your sisters and the children, but flying all the way across the world to meet two guys you don’t even know on some witch hunt just doesn’t sound very safe to me.”
As the words begin sinking in, Alannah looks to the ground and replies, “Brennan, I don’t—”
“No, Alannah, you have to listen to me,” Brennan says, shaking her slightly. “This is a sad situation, granted. I get it. You’re confused, upset and you feel guilty. Who wouldn’t? You’re my wife. When you hurt, I hurt. But please, you have to listen to me, this is not safe. Nothing about this set-up is safe.” Looking into her eyes, he continues, “Just please, see how alarming this is. You might have lost your sisters and the children, but Alannah I can’t lose you. I… you know I… I can’t lose another person in my life.”
She drops the bag, reaches up and places her hands on her husband’s face. Gazing at his exhausted expression, she remains silent for a brief moment. Breathing deeply, she takes in his low energy and desperation. The worry, the fear and the anxiety oozes from every pore on his body and it’s hurting her heart to see him this way.
Wrapped in her own selfishness, Alannah’s very aware that she hadn’t even considered her husband and the trauma he has been through. She didn’t even think about how her disappearance might have impacted him. Placing her forehead onto his, Alannah knows her husband’s right. Travelling across the world at Christmas – and not just any Christmas but their first Christmas together – to meet with two strangers on a mission that has a limited chance of success is crazy. Actually, she knows it’s beyond crazy, it’s borderline insane. And yet, there’s a huge pull inside of her that isn’t permitting her to accept the thought of sitting back and doing nothing. This just seems more inconceivable to her than taking this risk and travelling to Israel.
She has endured the heartache of taunting visions every minute of the day since she found out the tragic new
s. The thought of the children being lost in the world somewhere suffering at the hands of God’s only knows who is eating her up inside. She’d happily sacrifice herself and her happiness right now if it means saving the children from those horrors.
Suddenly she smiles as she hears Sister Kathryn’s voice in her head. “You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, my dear.” A quote she would often repeat to her during her times of trouble at Moycullen.
Alannah’s thoughts are racing. In a desperate bid to shut them up, she throws her arms around Brennan’s neck and holds him tight.
“It’s going to be okay,” Brennan says as he tucks his head into her and holds her close.
Pressing her lips against his ear, Alannah whispers, “I know this sounds crazy.”
“Really…?” Brennan says gently. “Because I was starting to think that you’d forgotten what common sense was.”
Alannah chuckles.
Tears gradually trickle down her cheeks as the realisation of the dilemma she faces sinks in. Wiping her tears, she lets go of Brennan and makes her way into their bedroom. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she grabs the box of tissues from the bedside cabinet and cleans her face. She taps the empty spot beside her and says, “Please, come sit with me.”
Brennan seats himself next to his wife. Looking her in the eye, he whispers, “I love you so much. You are the bravest woman I know, but baby, I can’t risk losing you. You know I just cannot go through any more loss. I don’t want to lose another person in my life and I don’t know what I’d do. First Jannie and then—”
“Shh, you don’t have to,” Alannah interrupts. She might regret this decision, but it is one she has to make for her present life, her husband, the man who has supported her throughout and has given her the life that she had dreamed about for so many years from behind the walls of the convent. Grabbing his hands, she says, “I’m not going to Israel.”
The Broken IV: Vengeance Page 9