Echoes of the Past (The Alina Chronicles Book 1)

by Regina J. Robinson

  Emerging from the forest is the cause of my frustrations. Looking as beautiful as ever.

  Damn it.

  ALINA

  My breathing is a little labored from sprinting across the farm grounds in search of Shadowbolt.

  I couldn’t sense his presence in my mind and I knew he must be some distance away.

  I’m not completely sure why I decided to try this direction. It was as if there was some kind of pull leading me toward him.

  “Why—” deep breath, “—why did you run away. We were worried. I… I was worried about you. You can’t just take off like that and not say where you’re going.” Shadowbolt just looks to the ground, his shoulders slumped forward. “What’s wrong?” I ask, stepping closer.

  “Nothing’s wrong, okay? I just needed some fresh air and a run. I’ve been cooped up in that stupid barn for too long.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t think about it. You’ve always had free reign of the farm, so I presumed you were running around the fields.” I cock my head to the side, studying him.

  “I just needed a change of scenery, nothing more than that.”

  “You promise?” I know there is something else bothering him, but for some reason he’s choosing not to talk to me.

  “Yes,” he bites back, confirming my suspicions. I bite the inside of my cheek in an effort to stop myself from asking more.

  “I mean, if it was because of what happened between me and Killian, you know you can talk to me about it right?”

  “There is nothing to talk about. I’m fine. Thank you,” he snaps again, snorting as he turns his head away from me.

  “Well, if you’re going to be stubborn like this, then maybe I should go and leave you to mope around,” I can’t help but snap back. I storm away from him, my anger brewing, that infuriating animal.

  “Alina, where are you going?” Killian calls out.

  “Back to the house, it’s obvious I’m not wanted here,” I say over my shoulder as I continue walking away.

  “Alina.”

  My name is spoken so softly I could barely hear it, which means it must be Shadowbolt calling for me. “Please come back. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you,” he whispers again.

  “You’re right you shouldn’t have. I will not take any man disrespecting me or ignoring me, whether they are man or beast,” I shout back, balling my fists in frustration.

  “My apologies Sparky. Come back please. Killian is standing next to me wondering what the fuck is going on. It’s not like I can tell him.” I know he’s trying to joke to make me feel better and it’s somewhat working. I turn back the way I just walked, and true to his word, poor Killian is stood there with an extremely confused expression.

  “I thought you were going back to the house?” Killian asks when I reach him.

  “Change of plans. Shadowbolt said I needed to come back and get you,” I sigh, feeling my frustration subside a little.

  “What, so I can’t walk on my own now? I need a guide?” he chuckles.

  “I dunno, ask Miggles over there.” I point my thumb in Shadowbolt’s direction and I hear him chuckle. Good to know we’re back to our weird sort of normal again.

  I begin leisurely strolling back to the house, flanked either side by the two men currently in my life. Shame one of them is a horse.

  I hear a slight rustle behind me I know didn’t come from either Killian or Shadowbolt. They must have heard it too, because we all turn to look where the noise had come from. Another noise, a snapping twig comes from the other direction. I’m usually on high alert wherever I am, but these two have made me let my guard down. I swiftly glance around me, looking out into the moonlit forest. There is nothing in sight, yet. Another rustle, another twig snapping, different noises sounding around us. I notice Killian and Shadowbolt looking around too. At least I’m not hearing things. The three of us stand completely still, just listening.

  “Are you alright, Sparky?”

  “No. Something’s not right. I think we should get out of here,” I quickly answer, tugging at Killian’s hand, his fingers entangling with mine.

  “I can carry both of you. Quick, climb on.” Shadowbolt gestures his head toward his back.

  The hairs on the back of my neck rise, the skin prickling. A deep sinister chuckle cuts through the eerie silence.

  No. Not yet. It’s too soon.

  “What’s too soon Sparky? What’s coming?”

  “It’s him.” I feel my heartbeat racing uncontrollably as my breath hitches.

  I can hear Killian gasp beside me and turn to face him. His eyes are focused on something I can’t quite make out.

  “Alina! Get on now!” Shadowbolt screams in my mind, forcibly nudging me with his nose. I go to climb onto his back, still clutching Killian’s hand, when another chuckle rumbles around us.

  “Leaving so soon, Little Bird? We haven’t had our fun yet.” Another chuckle. “Oh look, you brought me some friends to play with. How kind of you.”

  I turn to face him, his crimson eyes piercing through me. Forgetting all about climbing onto Shadowbolt’s back I step in front of him and Killian, using my body as a shield.

  “You will not lay one finger on them. Do you hear me?” I shout back, standing firm.

  “Ah, we both know you can’t do anything to me,” he replies, a menacing smirk tugging at his familiar lips.

  “Maybe I will this time.”

  “Ha! There’s nothing you can do to me that wouldn’t hurt this lovely shell of mine,” the monster grins.

  “Alina, who is this?” Shadowbolt asks trying to push forward, but I prevent him.

  “This is the tormentor I was telling you about,” I force out through clenched teeth.

  “What, the one that killed your man, hunts, and murders you?” Killian asks.

  “Yes, one and the same.”

  “But I thought you said he had dark red skin, black hair, and horns.”

  “I said a great many things about the past. Some I may have left out because I wasn’t comfortable mentioning them. But this is indeed the same beast that caused all that.”

  “Awww, you’ve been talking about me. That’s so precious.” His voice grates through me, familiar but tainted.

  “Can someone please tell me what’s going on?” Killian asks, looking from behind my shoulder at the creature stepping into the clearing.

  “Nothing,” I quickly say, using my body to push him back a bit.

  “Oh, Little Bird you’re going to hurt my feelings,” he grins, “come on now, why don’t you tell them the truth? You’ve obviously told them something about me. My question is how much?”

  “We know enough about you to know that you’re a sadistic asshole that doesn’t even deserve to breathe,” Killian shouts out over my shoulder again. Thankfully, I’m strong enough to keep him back, as he struggles to push forward. What’s he trying to do, get himself killed?

  “No, Sparky. He just wants to keep you safe, we both do.” Shadowbolt replies, nudging my other shoulder.

  "All he's going to do is get himself killed. He doesn't know this monster as well as I do." I exhale with a shudder.

  "Then tell us more about him."

  "I can't. I just can't. Please if Killian climbs on your back, you both may be able to make it out of here. I can distract him," I plead. I can accept my fate, but I will not impose that on these two.

  "We're not going anywhere. We can stay and fight." His voice lowers to a strong steady rumble full of determination. I can’t let them do that.

  "No, you can't. Please just go, now." I begin trying to push them away, but they both refuse to budge.

  "You do know that it's extremely rude to ignore someone, don't you?" the beast says sarcastically. "I mean, I came all this way to play. And you're just there chatting amongst yourselves. Talk about rude."

  "Why don't you fuck off shithead!" Killian bites out.

  "Killian!" I scold him. Yep, definitely has a death wish.

  "Wha
t? I want to help and you're making me stand behind you. I want to help. Please, Alina, let me help," he pleads, lacing his fingers with mine.

  "No. You're behaving like a petulant child. What do you think would happen if you tried to fight him, hmm? He would kill you where you stand. Now please, get on Shadowbolt's back and get the fuck out of here,” I almost yell, desperate to get him and Shadowbolt as far away as possible.

  Killian doesn't move, his warm breath heavy against my ear. "I won't leave you Alina," he whispers.

  "Well, this is all touching and somewhat amusing. But I don't think anyone is leaving tonight. See, Alina knows by now there's no point in running. She's a good girl and just lets me do what I want without putting up a fight. Which I must admit is a little boring," he sighs heavily looking at the three of us. He pulls out his favorite dagger and spins it between his fingers, contemplating. "But you two? Now I have a feeling you would put up a fight. Struggle a little for me perhaps. Now that really gets me going," the monster sniggers.

  "You're a liar. No way would Alina not fight back, you long haired freak!" Killian shouts again.

  The monster before us just throws his head back and lets out a deep booming laugh. "Long haired freak? Now that's a new one," his penetrative gaze falls to me, "but what I say is true. See, Alina wouldn't dare fight me," he smirks, "not when she thinks she can save this pretty shell."

  "What is he talking about?" Shadowbolt and Killian ask at the same time.

  "Oh, she didn't tell you?" Another menacing chuckle rings out. "This," he gestures to his face and body with the dagger, "is a shell. A bit like a meat suit some would say. I've worn this baby for centuries. I have to admit it's one of my favorites. I mean my roommate isn't the best company, and he's always arguing with me. But still it's good."

  "Huh? What do you mean?" Killian hesitantly asks.

  Tears are forming in my eyes, knowing I need to tell them both who the monster really is. I swallow the hard lump forming in my chest, and I lean my head back to look at the stars.

  The stars always remind me of happier times.

  I look back down to focus on the monster who has hunted me for centuries. He merely smirks at me and leans against a tree with his arms crossed in front of him.

  I turn my back to him, knowing that he's going to enjoy this exchange enough that he won't bother attacking just yet. I look to Killian, whose face is filled with worry and residual hatred for the beast behind me. Then to Shadowbolt, whose eyes are wide and focused on me.

  "No. No, he can't be who I think he is, is he?" Shadowbolt whispers.

  "Yes." I nod my head gently, tears falling with no way to stop them.

  "Yes, what? Who? Who is he?" Killian softly asks, placing his hand on my arm.

  "He's… he's,” I stutter taking a deep breath.

  "Branor."

  The name grips my heart with such force I feel like I may collapse.

  Killian's face goes completely white, quickly looking from me to Branor behind me.

  "What? I don't understand. You said Branor was killed. How is he standing right there if he died?" Killian stutters out.

  "I don't know. He never tells me. He never tells me anything. He just… he just plays, then kills me."

  "Some things are better kept a mystery, aren't they Little Bird? Or, what was it dear old Branor used to call you? Ah yes, I remember, Birdy." Branor's voice sounds distorted, but it's still his. Everything about him is still him, he just seems like he's being controlled like a puppet.

  "Haven't you had enough fun with Branor and me yet? Why can't you just let us both go?" I snap looking back over my shoulder, standing still and straight. I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing I'm scared. Not for myself, but for my guys. Whatever is controlling Branor takes deep satisfaction in causing the most pain possible, whether it’s physically or emotionally.

  I can still remember after Branor's death I had become despondent, not wanting to breathe, let alone eat and drink.

  I was going to bury his body just outside the cave under a beautiful weeping willow. But I never got the chance to. When I had gone to retrieve his body, it wasn't there. I searched all around the cave. I thought he was closer to the entrance of the cave, but maybe I was wrong. But no, there was nothing.

  Had I dreamed the whole thing? Would Branor walk into the cave any moment and wrap his strong loving arms around me?

  No.

  He was gone. I know he was. I watched him die in my arms, it can't get much more real than that. And yet, where had his body gone? I remember being thrown against the ground and a sharp blade digging into my shoulder making me cry out in pain. I remember turning over and seeing my love's face. But where his affectionate green eyes had once been, there were now two blood red orbs full of hate and malice. I can still remember talking to him, asking what happened. All I got in return was that Branor no longer ran the show and he was going to have fun.

  I tremble at the memory.

  It has been so many centuries, so much torture, so much death and yet I can still remember every detail. Every cut, every burn, every beating I had received at the hands of the monster controlling Branor. I had tried so many times to get him to talk to me, to let me know if Branor was still in there. But nothing. The only words that ever seemed to come out of his mouth were bitter and hateful.

  He enjoys his work. Whoever he is.

  The truth is, even after centuries of looking, asking countless questions, practically begging and pleading, I still have no answers.

  "I know who he is." Shadowbolt's strong voice breaks me from my memories and I turn back to look at him.

  "What… what do you mean you know who it is? I've searched for centuries to try and find out who and what he is. How is it possible you know who he is after just meeting him?" I question, staring at Shadowbolt.

  "Wait a minute he knows who the puppet master is?" Killian asks, moving in closer, his hand lands on my back, the warmth providing a little comfort, even though I know he should’ve been miles away with Shadowbolt by now.

  "I'm pretty sure I have a good idea who he is," he takes a deep breath, "do you remember when I told you about how you were made? About the village? The names I couldn't say?”

  I nod gently, my interest peeking almost enough to forget about the possessed Branor behind me.

  I glance over my shoulder to see what he's doing and I notice he is sharpening his blade. Probably wanted to watch this exchange before attacking.

  I am powerful and I am strong, but when it comes to the idea of fighting back or potentially hurting Branor, I relent. I take the beatings and all the scars that come with it.

  I look back to Shadowbolt who is waiting patiently. "You were saying something about the village?”

  “What village?” Killian asks looking behind us again. I quickly give him a short description of everything Shadowbolt had told me already. No time for anything long winded, not with the monster at my back

  “Wow. Shit, that’s pretty intense. But it still doesn’t answer the question about what or who he is.” He gestures behind me.

  “Judging from the beast’s behavior and the physical description you gave me of him earlier, I’m pretty sure he’s Vemnos.” Shadowbolt replies.

  “Vemnos? As in the God of Malice and Trickery?” I reply loudly.

  “Ah, so you have heard of me. Ha, maybe my reputation precedes me,” Vemnos chuckles darkly.

  “Is that who you really are?” I angrily shout. After all these years, maybe I will finally get the answers that I have been searching for.

  “Now dear, no need to shout. I can hear you perfectly fine. As for my name, well, now you know it.” Another large smile spreads across his face. “Not that it will change the outcome or anything. I’m still going to have my fun, one way or another.”

  “Just tell me why you do this? Why the hunting? Why the torture? Why kill me?” I ask stepping forward slightly.

  “Why?” Another laugh, “Oh sweet Little Bird, haven’t you
worked it out yet?” he tilts his head to the side, “simply because it’s fun.”

  “That can’t be the only reason,” Killian says.

  “Why can’t it?” The beast… uh, I mean Vemnos is staring at us as if we have two heads.

  “We all have our hobbies. Mine just tends to involve torture and murder.” He shrugs, still twirling the blade,

  “So, let me get this straight. You search for me and then proceed to hurt and kill me, the whole time wearing my love’s body, and you do it because it’s fun?” I grit out.

  “Yes. I love to watch people suffer. It’s just so wonderful when they squirm and cry out in pain. I mean you used to do that a lot the first few times, but then you just stopped reacting so much. I must admit I was disappointed. I thought that maybe I wasn’t inflicting enough pain on you. And I suppose to some extent that’s true. But then here you are, presenting me with the perfect opportunity to make you really suffer.” He looks to Shadowbolt and Killian and I’m filled with dread.

  “Shadowbolt, take Killian now and go!” I mentally shout, pushing Killian closer to him.

  “I can’t leave you Alina. I know what he’s capable of,” Shadowbolt pleads, his tone laced with worry.

  “Don’t you think I do too? I know exactly what’s going to happen, and if you two don’t get your asses out of here now, you will meet the same fate. The only difference will be I can regenerate and you can’t. If you die, you stay dead. I can’t guarantee my healing powers would be enough to save you.” Tears form in my eyes, but I will not let them fall.

  “But—”

  “No buts Shadowbolt! Move now!” I scream.

  I stand my ground in front of him, pleading with my eyes. It finally looks like he’s going to relent when I hear Killian shout, “Alina! Watch out!”

  I turn quickly to see Vemnos charging forward, hands reaching out to grab me, clutching his dagger. He swings it above his head and forcibly stabs it into my shoulder, twisting it as he rips it back out again. The pain is bearable. Nothing I haven’t experienced before. But it’s the terrible gleam in his red eyes that really frightens me.