by Melinda Hyde
The night was still around us. She wasn’t ready to dispel her secrets, but I knew the immortals weren’t far. Their scent was strong, almost enough to make my head ache. I crept on, careful to keep my presence cloaked.
A shrill banshee-like cry split through my head, making my eardrums quiver, and my eyes spring wide. They were on the hunt, and they had already found their prey. I knew it would likely be too late, but I was determined that they wouldn’t get away with taking another innocent life.
I sprang from my crouch, all thoughts of stealth forgotten. Particles of crushed leaves and dirt flew out behind me, possibly pummeling my men, but I was too desperate to care. The scream came again. I dug in harder, pushing myself to a greater pace. My lethal body moved with swift agility, diving between the trees and bushes.
The smell of my quarry became overwhelming, and I drove through the blind of shrubs, breaking into a narrow opening. A circle of bodies awaited me on the other side. Their attention was fixed on the woman in the center of their group. They eyed her with gleeful curiosity, as she bent her upper body over a young woman.
The young woman kicked and clawed, desperately attempting to free herself, but it was like trying to fight off a solid slab of stone. The creature held on to her in a firm, commanding grip. I narrowed my eyes, looking closer, and I growled through my breathless pants.
The creature had her fangs buried into the young woman’s neck, drawing at the girl’s vein. My warriors burst through the thicket behind me. I didn’t have to give them any orders. Their reaction was immediate. They piled around me, on either side, and flew into action.
The repulsive predator didn’t move from her spot. She remained locked onto her prey, as if she weren’t concerned about our presence. Her companions closed in around her, prepared to meet my men in battle.
I watched in a stupor, as the two sides clashed together. The immortals’ eyes were soulless, silver moons, and their lips were peeled back from their fangs. My men weren’t cowered by the eerie, unnatural sight. They reared up on their powerful hind legs, diving into the ghastly creatures.
The creature, at the center of it all, pulled away from her prey, and the young woman began to twitch, crying out in agony. Her heels dug into the dampened soil, and her hands curled into white knuckled fists, grasping at the air around her. Blood dribbled down her deathly pale skin from the two, deep wounds gashed into her slender neck. Her muscles contracted, making the vessels beneath push out, like hundreds of purple rivers that threatened to burst. Then, all at once, the fight drained from the woman’s eyes.
Her feet struck out, one last time, furrowing into the leaves, and her hands came down slowly to rest at her sides. Her muscles relaxed, leaving her hands to unfurl. The skin that stretched over her muscles became even, like smooth, polished porcelain, and the light of life flicked away from her eyes.
The creature peered up at me, wearing an evil, bloody grin. Blood stained her teeth and chin. Her tongue darted out shamelessly to lap up the moisture. Then, she did something that I hadn’t anticipated. She brought her own arm up to her mouth. Her eyes stayed fixed on mine, as her teeth cut cleanly through her own flesh. Blood pooled out of the wound, and she lowered it to the woman’s mouth, forcing her lips apart. The blood trickled slowly over the girl’s lips and chin.
At first, I gaped in disbelief at what I was seeing. Realization soon followed, sinking into the recesses of my mind. The trance I had been in snapped away, and I let out an angry, fierce yowl. I dove into action, darting through the sea of clashing bodies, making an intent line for the creature.
I flew into the air, but just as I was about to come down on her and crush the vile life from her body, a breathtaking force smashed into my side, knocking me into the scattered leaves. Despite the cushion that the soil offered, the landing was harsh, and it chased the air from my lungs.
My head spun, and blood rushed behind my eardrums, as I attempted to rise on unsteady legs. My eyes fixed on the creature, who grinned back at me, exposing her bloody fangs. Her nightmarish image wavered in front of my eyes.
I climbed to my feet, bracing my paws beneath me as she rose, gathering the young woman into her arms. Her companions fought my warriors off, backing into circle around her. Then, they made final, brutal effort, pushing my men’s forces back. Then, they whirled away and dashed, as a unit, into the shadows.
My warriors took out after them, and I followed suit, finally regaining control of my wayward senses. We flew through the trees, keeping just off the creatures’ heels. We were supernaturally fast, but they matched us stretch for stretch. My warriors divided into two groups, moving to flank them on either side.
We were just about to overtake them, when two of the bigger men of their group abruptly wheeled around to face us. The action was unexpected, and it threw our ranks off balance. Confusion dominated the battle field, as my men piled into the creatures. My focus was still fixed ahead, though. There was a small stream just beyond the fray, and the creature who carried the body of the young woman stopped there. She held a tiny trinket over the musically tinkling water, and a shimmering veil spread out before her.
She was using magic, I realized with disgust. She yelled something over her shoulder, and the two creatures, who were toying with my warriors, shimmied, unscathed, between the claws aimed at their flesh. They sprinted, with my men in pursuit, to the portal, and they dove through the misty veil. One my men sprang into the air, but he came down with a splash, as the last of the creatures disappeared into the portal, and it zipped up behind them.
21.Immoral Safety
Lenora
It had been an entire day since I had created the Realm of the Immortals. That’s what I was going to call it, anyway. That’s what it was—a place where my creatures could live and rest in peace.
I let out a dreamy breath, glancing about at the splendor I had singlehandedly created. The sky was washed in hues of brilliant pinks and purples, and the moon was robust, hanging like it was painted in the heavens. Yet, it wasn’t exactly dark. I had designed my strange, new world in such a way, that the sun would never be allowed to shine her golden, crisping rays.
My companions bustled around the valley, beside the bright, electric pool. So far, with the combined efforts of my magic and their hard work, we had erected several, simple lodges. They weren’t much, but they were cozy and inviting. Anything was better than the dank, old cave, I supposed.
I examined one of the huts. It was constructed of a wooden frame, with bamboolike shoots for walls. The roofs were made of straw and hay. It wouldn’t do much to protect us from rainy weather, but it would work until I had replenished enough of my powers to create something more fitting.
A soft, loping breeze played through my snowy hair, lifting the strands from my shoulders, then leaving it to plummet back down in uneven locks. I gathered the wayward strands, braiding them together, then allowed them to fall loosely down my back, unraveling at the ends.
Izzy peeked out from one of our huts, sending me a bright, sunny smile. “I can’t believe ye’ made all this, witch,” Izzy drawled, voice full of admiration, as she sauntered over to my side. “We’re getting a mite hungry, though.” Her expression became serious. “It’s been days since we last fed.”
I frowned; I knew that they were still going to have to move between realms to feed, and that was going to be a risky venture. “I know, Izzy. Can y’all hold out just a bit longer,” I asked, worrying the worn sleeve of my gown.
Her frown deepened, creating creases at the corners of her mouth. Night was approaching in the earth realm. I could feel it through the link of power that laced the two worlds. Yet, I wasn’t convinced that it would be wise to return so soon. Orin would, no doubt, still be searching for us.
Izzy seemed to read my thoughts, and her hand came down on my shoulder, as her eyes lit with a pleading look. “Ye’v done all ye’ can, but we can’t hide away forever. We are what we are. We need to feed, Lenora.”
I glance
d up at the colorful, cloudless sky, then shifted my blue eyes back to hers. “Okay, Izzy. I’ll let y’all go. You must take care, though. I assure you, Orin and his warriors haven’t so quickly given up.” And they never would, I thought to myself. “You’ll need an amulet to open the portal,” I said, throwing a glance at the towing wall of rock that stood off to our side.
Izzy nodded in acknowledgment, and I led the way over to the magical stone. I could feel Izzy’s eyes on my back, as I extended my hands, willing several fragments to chip away from the stone. I reached down, gathering the smooth, hard rocks in my hand. They looked exactly like the one I wore around my own neck. They had patterns of swirling blue etched into their surface. The blue light soon dimmed away, leaving only the etches visible, but I could still feel the magic thrumming through the stone.
I bored holes through each of the stones, and I threaded them with thin strips that I tore from the hem of my gown, before passing them to Izzy. She held them carefully, her eyes full of reverence.
“There’s one there for each of you,” I stated. “That way, if one of you should be injured, or worse, the others can still find their way back.” Izzy nodded, glancing over to where the others were carrying on. “You can go if you’d like,” I said, sensing her growing impatience. “Please, just be careful, and try to keep your presence undetected.”
Izzy worked to keep a mischievous grin from stealing across her face. The devilish spark in her eyes was unmistakable. I just hoped that, after all I had done to keep them safe, they would make it through the night.
Izzy jogged over to the others, but I stayed beside the powerful stone, observing them from afar. Her hands waved in the air, sending the cluster of amulets winging from side to side with muffled clanks. The others rushed up, eyeing the amulets enthusiastically.
Izzy passed each of them one, and they slipped necklets over their heads. Then, she swiftly led them to the edge of the bright, blue, wavering pool. She held the amulet out over the water, her face shining with pride. The water waved, rippling under the command of the amulet, but nobody noticed.
Their eyes were fixed where the air began to swirl and glow, becoming hazy. The distorted, thickened mist moved out until it was large enough to engulf a fully-grown man. At that point, Izzy began to show signs of strain. It was hard to will the magic and control it, I mused.
As her smile faded into something that resembled a haggard snarl, her companions raced forward, disappearing into the rift. Izzy tossed me one, last glance, her eyes brimming with appreciation, and she flung herself through the veil. The portal expanded, becoming purer—more tangible, then compressed into itself, disappearing completely.
I wrapped my arms around chest, feeling utterly alone. It was a feeling that, at one time, I would have embraced with my complete soul. However, at one time, that solitude would have extended to my sister. I allowed my thoughts to drift to her. I wondered how she was—what had become of her and Orin. What I would have given to have had her accompany me to this place and leave that brute behind.
A soft, sniffling cry came from one of the huts. I peered over my shoulder, smiling as I watched Aleksandra stumble outside. The billowing, emerald blades of grass were almost enough to swallow her up. They came to the girl’s shoulders, dancing and tickling at her chubby, pink cheeks.
Her lip puckered out as she observed her surroundings. The lushness around her was so foreign—different from the grey, rocky cave that had been her prison. Her finger traced one of the blades, and her eyes began to light up. She held her hands out in front of herself, moving them from side to side, as if she were swimming, making the grass swoosh around her. Her gleeful giggles danced around the valley, as her eyes came to mine. There was a sparkle there that had been absent before, and I felt my heart being to melt.
∆ ∆ ∆
It was hours later, when there was a peculiar popping sizzle sound issued from the pool. Aleksandra had tired awhile back, and I had brought her inside the hut. I placed her on a thick blanket where she could sleep. She stirred at the sound, her eyelids meshing tight, then relaxing.
I tensely toed my way to the door of the hut, and I eased it open, peeking outside. I was taken aback at the speed at which my creatures flung themselves through the portal. My mouth went dry as the last of them appeared, and the portal dimmed away. It was Izzy, and over her shoulder, there was a lifeless, slumped body of a young woman. I couldn’t make out her face; her hair hung in matts, veiling her features, as her head lolled laxly in response to Izzy’s movements.
I gathered my skirts, easing outside, taking care not to disturb Aleksandra. Then, I sent Izzy a heated look, and I stomped through the tall, lush grass. Her mousy eyes met mine with a hint of apprehension, and she stopped dead in her tracks.
I pursed my lips, shaking my head from side to side. “What have you done now, Izzy,” I snapped, eyes blazing with indignation at the blatant disobedience she had shown.
Izzy shot a pleading glance to one of the young men in her group, and he approached cautiously, taking the girl from Izzy’s arms. “I’ve changed her. She’s weak right now, but she’ll be waking soon,” Izzy stated, after the boy disappeared into one of the huts, taking the girl with him. “She was attacked and dying, but I couldn’t let that happen—not to her. I knew her from before. She used to come around and help me watch my daughter.” The look in Izzy’s eyes was distant and full of unforgotten pain.
I felt some of my anger drain away, softening the hard edge that my features had taken. “I understand, Izzy,” I sighed. “She’s going to be your responsibility from here on, though. It’ll be up to you to teach her about her new life, and to keep her out of trouble. Is that clear?” I gave Izzy a hard, demanding look, and her head boobed up and down in response. “What’s her name,” I sighed, in a strained, whispered tone, side eying the hut.
Izzy brightened, and she relaxed. “Her name is Ella. She won’t be any trouble—ye’ll see.”
I grimaced inside, knowing that the girl had already brought more trouble, though not intentionally. “Tell me, Izzy, why were y’all in such a rush to be through the portal?”
I noticed the way Izzy’s eyes darted to the side, and her skin visibly paled a shade lighter than her already bloodless shade, confirming my suspicions. “Well, ye’ see, the panthers came upon us as I was initiating the change,” Izzy stated, wringing her slender, gritty hands in front of her.
“I suspected as much,” I groaned. “Seeing you changing the girl undoubtedly reinforced their hatred, and, now, they know that y’all must return to feed.” Izzy shifted her gaze from mine, and the wind rifled through her dull, brown hair, as she considered my words. “I’ve created a safe haven for you and your kind, but the dangers our enemy pose are still very real,” I said, in a soft, expressive tone, attempting to make her understand how serious the situation was.
Izzy remained unfazed by my ominous warning; her eyes snapped to my own, becoming hardened. “I know ye’ mean well, and we appreciate everything yev’ done for us. It doesn’t matter what happens now, though. The panthers want war. They want us gone, and that’s not going to change. Ye’ know that. They want a war, and they aren’t going to stop until they get it,” she said, voice full of conviction.
I felt my shoulders slump, as if a thousand-pound weight had been placed upon them. Her words rang true, and I knew it. Even after all I had done, a battle between my immortals and Leonia’s panthers was inevitable. It had been since the beginning.
I stretched my hand out to Izzy’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, before turning to walk away. I sauntered to my hut, feeling drained. I quietly rattled the flimsy door aside, and I quietly eased it shut. Aleksandra was still asleep on her bed of blankets, her wild curls framing her peaceful face.
I silently padded over, swooping a strand of wily hair behind her ear, and I took up the blanket on the other side of her. What I needed now was rest. I needed a reprieve from the mess I had found myself in. War was coming, and I kn
ew that. As bad as things already were, they were about to get much, much worse.
22.Quietened fury
Orin
As I watched the last of Lenora’s creatures disappear into thin air, a feeling of overpowering hatred consumed my heart. It was almost as if it were a complete, living entity unto itself, snaking its way through my body. I eased back onto my haunches, and my jaws slipped open, as I sat there panting. The pants weren’t from exhaustion; I could have pursued the filthy creatures all day. The pants were of mindless frustration and disdain.
My warriors were still in a state of utter confusion. They loped around and through the shallow stream, seemingly unable to process what had just transpired. That drove my irritation to new heights. If we were to eradicate the scourge of blood suckers, we were going to have to become more organized, and better aware of the creatures’ new-found ability to slip away into nothingness.
I eyed the stream thoughtfully, before rising to my feet. A new thought—a realization had occurred to me. I trotted over to the water, peering down at the perfectly translucent liquid. The moonlight lit upon the surface, creating a mirrored effect, and I tilted my head, examining the coal-black, deadly beast that stared back at me. Of course, the beast was my own reflection, and that added fuel to my line of thinking. As if a missing puzzle piece had been laid in place, an idea snapped together in my mind. It was still blurry—I couldn’t see the whole picture as clearly as I would have liked, but I did know one thing.
First in the cave, and, now, here in the forest, the creatures had seemed to just vanish. The one thing that both of the mysterious incidents had in common, I realized, was the water. I hadn’t a clue where they had gone, but I knew, with steadfast certainty, that they needed water to achieve their grand escape.
I growled in disgust, as I swiped at the image staring back at me. Driblets of cold water flew into the air, coming down on me and my men, and ripples coursed out, distorting my reflection. My men paused their restless search, turning curious eyes in my direction. I met each of their gawking eyes, holding the connection for a brief, meaningful second, before bringing on my shift.