Stolen Portrait Stolen Soul: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 2)

by Nellie H. Steele

  “What are the memories?” Damien inquired.

  “The first time it was of my argument with Celeste and Marcus on the beach that dreadful night, Celeste dead and Celeste leading Marcus to the beach ceremony when we banished him. The second was only one memory. It was Celeste introducing me to Marcus.”

  “This is what I mean,” Gray insisted, “you’re twisting yourself in knots over Celeste.”

  “I’m fine, Gray.”

  “Are you sure? This doesn’t seem normal,” Damien contended.

  Gray raised his eyebrows at her. “See, even the human doesn’t think it’s normal.”

  Celine shook her head at them. “I’m fine. We need to be more worried about protecting Michael as he recovers.” She wandered to the bed, perching on the edge and taking Michael’s hand. “And finding a solution for Celeste.”

  Celine, Damien and Gray spent the first part of the night with Michael. He was quiet, able to rest under sedation. They turned in around midnight for a few hours of sleep, relieved by Millie and Alexander. Celine was up early, as was Damien. After breakfast, they went for a stroll together. Avery and Charlotte were with Michael since the least amount of danger existed during the daylight hours.

  They paused at the gazebo, deciding to spend some time enjoying the view. They sat in silence for half an hour, appreciating the other’s company with no need for conversation.

  After a while, Celine took hold of Damien’s hand. “How are you holding up?” she questioned.

  “I’m okay. Better than you, it seems.”

  “I’m fine, I told you that.”

  “Can I help in any way?”

  “You’re already doing it. For me and for Michael,” she said, smiling at him.

  “Speaking of, we should probably go back to the house. Make sure everything is okay.”

  “Yeah,” Celine agreed. “Let’s take the scenic route, though, through the woods. Avery and Charlotte should be okay for another hour.”

  “Sounds good to me!”

  They departed the gazebo, leaving the peaceful coastal view behind, trekking into the wooded area of the property. The trees closed in around them, enveloping them in a pocket of deciduous and fir trees. They sauntered along, letting the fresh air ease their minds.

  Celine froze. “What is it?” Damien asked.

  She shook her head. Damien glanced around. “What?” he asked again.

  Celine doubled over, crying out in pain, grabbing her head. “Celine!” Damien shouted. She panted with pain, groaning. After a moment, she swallowed hard, taking several deep breaths.

  “I’m okay,” she said. She grabbed his hand, steadying herself as she stood. “I’m all right.”

  “What happened?”

  “Another of those painful memories.”

  “Of Celeste again?”

  “She was involved, yes. It was a memory of an argument between myself, Teddy, Celeste and Marcus. It occurred soon after the night in the caves. THE night.”

  “You mean ‘that night?’” he said.

  “Yes.”

  “What do you suppose is causing them?”

  Celine shook her head. “I’m not sure. Just before this one occurred; I had a strange sensation. Like someone was watching us.”

  Damien glanced around again. “I didn’t see or hear anyone.”

  “Neither did I,” Celine admitted. “Let’s get back to the house.”

  “Sure,” Damien agreed. They increased their pace, taking as direct a path as they could to the house. “Perhaps you should lie down,” Damien suggested as they entered the house.

  “I’m fine. I’m going to check on Michael.” Celine climbed the stairs, leaving Damien behind, shaking his head.

  “Everything okay?” Gray asked, entering the foyer.

  Damien stared after Celine’s disappearing form. “She had another one of those painful vision things while we were walking.”

  “Another one?”

  “Yeah, she said she felt like someone was watching her then had the painful memory. She insists she’s okay, but what’s causing this?”

  “I don’t know. She’s never experienced anything like this as Celine. No matter how vexing the circumstances, no matter how upsetting, nothing like this has ever happened.”

  “Perhaps because she feels responsible this time?”

  “She’s always felt responsible. The Duke chased her around the globe. Any danger that any of us were in she deemed was her fault. This isn’t much different.”

  Damien sighed. “Another mystery. The painting, the painful visions, fixing Celeste. How do you deal with this continual bombardment of turmoil?”

  Gray chuckled, heading upstairs to check on Celine. “You get used to it. And it is easier when you’re not human.”

  Chapter 13

  “Hello, Aunt Celine!” Avery said as Celine entered Michael’s room. “Look who’s awake!”

  Several pillows propped Michael up in bed. A tray balanced on his lap, almost empty now. His coloring had improved, he was no longer deathly pale.

  “Hey!” Celine said, smiling at him. “It’s good to see you awake.”

  “And eating!” Charlotte chimed in. “He’s had two eggs, toast, bacon and some orange juice. Quite a hearty breakfast! Very good for his recovery.”

  “Sounds like it!” Celine answered. “How are you feeling?”

  “A little better,” Michael answered.

  “Has Millie examined him yet?” she asked Charlotte and Avery.

  “Yes, she’s very pleased with his progress,” Charlotte answered, beaming.

  “Are you finished?” Avery asked Michael. He nodded in return. “I’ll take the tray down. I’ll be back later, we’ll play that card game I promised you.”

  “Thanks,” he said, smiling at her. Avery gathered his tray to return to the kitchen. Gray and Damien entered just as she was ready to leave.

  “I think I’ll excuse myself, too, if you will be here for a bit,” Charlotte said. “There are several things that require my attention. I can relieve you later this afternoon.”

  “Of course, Char,” Gray answered, “we can stay for a while.”

  Charlotte excused herself from the room, leaving Michael alone with Celine, Gray and Damien. Damien was thrilled to see Michael awake, eating and appearing to improve.

  “Hey, buddy!” he said, plopping on the bed. “It’s good to see you awake. Your situation was touch and go for the past few days.”

  “Yeah, it’s good to be awake. And sorry about last night,” Michael said, shaking his head.

  “Don’t worry about it, you weren’t yourself,” Celine said, perching on the bed.

  The four spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon enjoying each other’s company. Celine seemed to be fine, experiencing no more painful visions. Michael talked and laughed like his old self. Damien, relieved at the upturn in Michael’s health, relaxed, crossing his fingers that one issue may resolve itself. Avery joined them in the mid-afternoon, bringing cards for a card game she had promised Michael to pass the time. The afternoon acted as a much-needed stress-reliever for everyone.

  As evening approached, Celine and Gray remained vigilant for any signs of change in Michael’s demeanor. All seemed well as the sun lowered in the sky. Avery excused herself for dinner, leaving the rest of the group to dine with Michael. None of them were ready to leave his side yet.

  As evening rolled to night, Damien was encouraged, confident Michael was on the upswing in his recovery. They played another hand of their card game. Halfway through the round, Michael began shifting around, seeming uncomfortable. Damien asked him if he was becoming tired or in any pain. He didn’t respond. In another instant, his demeanor changed. He became restless, agitated and distressed.

  “Michael, are you okay?” Damien asked.

  Michael pushed back the covers. “I have to go,” he mumbled.

  “No, no, you can’t do that,” Damien said, standing and grabbing him by the arm. Gray assi
sted, grasping his other arm.

  “No!” he shouted, struggling against them. “She needs me, I have to go.”

  Celine attempted to soothe him to sleep, however his violent thrashing wouldn’t allow her to.

  “Get Millie,” Gray said. Celine was already at the door. As she opened it to exit, she found Alexander outside.

  “Celine, Celeste is in the sitting room insisting on seeing you. I asked her to leave, but she was resolute in staying until you spoke with her. I’ll stay with Michael.”

  Celine shook her head. “He’s agitated, she’s too close. Get Millie, he needs a sedative.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it,” Alexander assured her.

  “Thanks,” Celine said, nodding at him. “I’ll try to get rid of Celeste. That should help, too.”

  They went in opposite directions, each on their own mission. Celine descended the main staircase and crossed the foyer. She pushed open the doors into the sitting room. Celeste sat on the loveseat.

  “Really, Celeste? Are you trying to kill him?” Celine asked, closing the doors behind her.

  “You’d never come if I sent for you, so I had to come here.”

  “Are you trying to make this worse for Michael?”

  “No. I realize my presence is disturbing Michael. How is he?”

  “Alive, no thanks to you.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to kill him.”

  “What you intended and what occurred are two different things, Celeste.”

  Celeste dropped her eyes to the floor. “Well, I won’t keep you, I only came to ensure he was all right.” She walked to the door. Turning back, she said, “I truly didn’t mean to harm him. I quite like him. I’m sorry, Celine.”

  Celine sighed. “It’s not your fault, Celeste, it’s mine. And other than a compelling urge to get to you, he’s doing okay. He’s awake, alert. He’s recovering.”

  Celeste offered a slight smile. “I’m glad. I don’t blame you, Celine. You saved me. I’d be dead without you, and likely not in a very nice place. I should have been more responsible. I can’t help my cravings, but I should have avoided Michael.”

  Celine moved to her sister, wrapping her in an embrace. “I’m searching for a solution. We all are. We haven’t found it yet. But we will.”

  “Yes, I realize how hard you’re working, and I appreciate it. Don’t worry, sister dear, I’ll be all right.” Celeste pushed a lock of Celine’s hair behind her ear. “I’ll be more responsible.”

  Celine offered her another hug. “I’ll check in with you in the next day or so. This time I’ll visit you.” Celine winked.

  “Deal,” Celeste agreed.

  Celine threaded her arm through Celeste’s. “I’ll walk you out.” They walked to the entryway. “Be safe, Celeste,” Celine said.

  Gray approached Celine as Celeste disappeared through the door. “He’s asleep,” he reported to her. “What did she want?”

  “To check on Michael. Believe it or not, I think she is fond of him and concerned.”

  “Really?” he questioned.

  “Yes,” she responded, glancing up at him. “She apologized. So did I. We agreed not to assign blame. We need to find a solution, though. She shouldn’t be forced to survive like this.”

  “I agree. We need a solution and I’m glad to hear you’re not blaming each other. I hope you are now willing to stop blaming yourself. Perhaps now these painful visions will stop.”

  “I hope so. Should we relieve Damien?” Gray nodded, and they made their way to Michael’s room. Alexander and Damien were keeping vigil over a now sleeping Michael. After spending a few moments with Michael, Celine and Damien withdrew to his room for the night.

  “What did Celeste want?” Damien asked once they were alone.

  “To make sure Michael was recovering.”

  “Really? Guilty much? She almost killed him!”

  “Yes, I realize that. And, yes, she is guilty. But I created her in her current form. It’s everyone’s fault and no one’s. It’s just a bad situation. We need a plan to resolve it.”

  “And you haven’t found anything yet?”

  “No, not yet.”

  “I can help, just tell me what I’m trying to find. I’ll comb every resource I can, investigate everywhere.”

  “Thanks, D. Thank you for offering to help. I’m not sure you’ll have much luck, but if there’s anything I need you to explore, I’ll tell you right away. For now, you should get some rest. It’s been a long day.”

  Damien yawned. “Yeah, I am tired. I can’t believe you don’t get tired. That’s awesome.”

  “We get tired, just not the same way and it takes longer.”

  “Still, that’s pretty cool,” Damien said, crawling under the covers. “You should sleep, too. Although it makes me feel better you’re here.”

  “It reminds me of when you used to sleep in my room before I remembered who I was. When Gray dropped off that music box. It’s nice to return the favor.”

  Damien smiled at her, yawning again. “Good night, Celine.”

  “Good night, D.”

  Celeste wandered the path across the estate. A powerful urge for blood coursed through her. She detested what she was, but it did nothing to lessen the craving. She had seen her sister earlier. No longer shocked or angry, they had shared a tender moment together. She had vowed to be more responsible. Michael was no longer an option. Still, she needed a victim, willing or unwilling.

  She paused, gazing at the horizon. Faint traces of pink were creasing the darkened sky. Her time to satisfy her hunger would end with the impending dawn. She lacked time to search for a victim. Instead, she hurried along the path back to her haven. Her coffin, which kept her safe during the day, was hidden in an abandoned house. A secret room behind a bookcase was a perfect hiding spot. With luck, she would meet someone along the way to relieve her appetite.

  As she approached the abandoned house, she spotted a faint glow emanating from inside. “Perfect,” she murmured to herself, a smirk crossing her face. “Perhaps my victim has found me.”

  She rushed toward the house, entering it. The man’s shadow loomed in the corner. Any resistance she met with should be no match for her hypnotic powers. She approached the figure. As she closed the gap between them, he stepped forward, revealing not only his identity but an object held in his hands.

  The silver cross gleamed in the dim light. It burned her eyes, a searing pain flared through them. Even as she shrunk away, shielding her eyes, she could still envision its imprint in her retinas. A wave of nausea passed through her body and a shudder overtook her whole being.

  Celeste sensed the man moving toward her. Her skin crawled as the cross inched closer to her. She smelled the musk of his cologne mixed with the brandy that still lingered on his breath. Hatred burned through her for the man controlling her with the holy object.

  She risked a glimpse at the window across the room. Pink streaks were brightening in the sky. Dawn inched closer. If she didn’t return to the safety of her coffin soon, the intense pain she experienced now would seem minimal. She attempted to flee but found herself unable to move, as if stuck in quicksand.

  Her breathing became labored as she focused her energy on surviving. Her world closed in as her vision narrowed to a pinpoint. “TAKE IT AWAY!” she screamed.

  “Oh, Celeste,” Duke Marcus Northcott replied, “it’s lovely to see you again. But I cannot remove this. Not if I intend to persuade you to my cause.”

  “Your cause? I would never work for you again.” Celeste spat out the words.

  “Well then, my dear, I suggest you enjoy this sunrise, because it will be the last one you will ever witness.”

  Celeste glanced toward the window again. The sky was brightening, pink streaks turning to red and orange as the sun threatened to rise over the horizon. If she wasn’t entombed in the safety of her coffin soon, she would die the moment the sunlight touched her skin.

  “What is it you want?” she ask
ed through clenched teeth.

  “Nothing yet, my dear, nothing yet. But soon.” He approached Celeste, reaching to caress her cheek. “Soon, I’ll want something from you. Something… special. Something only you can provide.”

  She shrunk away from his touch. “And if I refuse?”

  “If you refuse now, or later, you shall find no way to return to your coffin. In essence, my dear, you shall sentence yourself to death.”

  “And if I accept? What is it you’ll demand from me?”

  “Let’s not trouble ourselves with the details now, my dear,” he said, motioning toward the window, “you have little time. I recommend you hide yourself away.”

  Celeste considered the proposal. She hated to be beholden to the Duke, but he was correct. To refuse sentenced her to death. She had no choice. For the moment, she must give in. “Fine,” she conceded, “you have your favor, now stand aside.”

  “Of course, Celeste!” He pocketed the cross, striding to the door. He turned back before departing. “Oh, Celeste, don’t tell Celine I’m back. I’d hate to ruin the surprise for her.” He turned on his heel and strode out of the house.

  Chapter 14

  Celine startled awake, gasping for breath. She glanced around the room, getting her bearings. She was in Damien’s room; she had fallen asleep in the chair near the window. Damien was still asleep in his bed. Celine let her heart settle back to normal speed. Her breathing became normal, her pulse slowed.

  She shook her head, recalling the dream. The same dream that plagued her as Josie when her memories were returning. The same dream that plagued her for her entire life. It was the night she became what she was. The night the Duke stole away her innocence. She ran through the caves, book in hand, dress covered in blood, panicked, frightened. The damp walls closed in on her. Marcus followed close behind her. She raced as fast as she could to deliver the book. She woke before she reached the end of the cave, however, she knew this story well. She lived it and despite it being centuries ago; she recalled it like it was yesterday.