He was losing control of himself and I refused to allow him to break because of Zane.
As I neared the lake, I could feel the breeze coming off the water. Casting aside my own worries, I allowed my mind to focus only on one thing: surviving.
I should be exhausted from everything that had transpired, but the anger I felt only motivated me to push myself harder. Pure adrenaline spiked inside of me and I knew I was more powerful than ever before.
I slowed my pace and allowed my senses to go into high alert. All of my training was for this moment right now. Spotting movement, I narrowed my eyes toward three figures standing beside the water. I saw Zane holding Brie as he stood at the water's edge. Donovan was perched on the dock, his yellow eyes glowing like a beacon calling out to me.
As I approached, I heard all three of them release their fangs.
When Donovan saw it was me, my insides began to panic. I knew he was going to be angry with me, but the look he was giving me now, was beyond angry. He looked betrayed, like I had broken his trust. I just hoped that once this mess was all over, he would forgive me.
“Zane,” I called out, alerting him to the idea that it was, in fact, me. “Let Brie go. Your anger is with me.”
A sinister smile crept across Zane’s face as his gaze fell to me. He licked his lips and I shuddered as his fangs shined against the moonlight. He was truly a monster of epic proportions.
Brie held steady in Zane’s arms, her face refusing to show any sign of fear or worry. Even being held captive by a murderous lunatic, she kept her nasty snarl in place.
Donovan began to stand, unfurling himself from his crouched position. “Audrey, go back to the academy,” he instructed me.
I shook my head. Donovan loved me, but he also knew that I was stubborn. There was no way I was turning back unless he went with me. I could already feel him chastising me for being so reckless.
“Audrey, go home. You have caused enough danger,” Brie shouted at me. It was the first time she had said anything since I had arrived. In true Brie fashion, it was rude.
Donovan looked to Zane but his gaze was anything but friendly. They shared a long, suffering look, but neither dared to move.
I was shaking with fear and I was suddenly glad there was distance between us. The last thing I needed was for Zane to realize that I wasn’t as brave as I was pretending to be.
“Once I kill Brie, I will come back for the rest of you,” Zane snarled.
Brie scrunched up her face in horror. “Wait,” she shouted, trying to turn as Zane kept his arms locked around her. “You said that once I got you access to the Academy and then led Donovan and Audrey here, you would release me,” she finished.
“I guess I lied,” Zane laughed, the sound causing chills to race down my spine.
Brie began to fight to get out of his grasp, but it was no use. Zane was definitely more powerful than Brie-- must be the human blood he consumed.
“You have me here, Zane,” Donovan shouted, making all of us turn back to face him again. “Let Brie and Audrey go. Your real battle is with me, old friend,” Donovan hissed.
Brie looked between them and gasped. The realization that she had been played like the rest of us finally dawned on her.
“Donovan, you and I were never friends. Just like these two fools, you were nothing more than a pawn in my games. Once I eliminate you and the rest of that school, I will be able to bring in humans. Vampires were meant to feed off human blood, not this synthetic crap you all feed us,” he sneered.
During Zane’s tirade, I noticed Brie staring at me.
“Let Brie go,” I shouted again.
“Stop, Audrey,” Donovan yelled at me.
I had to admit, I was startled at how he talked to me. I knew he was angry, but still.
Chuckling, Zane looked amused. “Seems like our lovebirds are having an argument. Don’t worry, this will all be over soon,” he finished, his smile making me cringe.
“What do we have here?” Zane asked, his gaze now looking behind me.
Brie’s eyes rose with freight and Donovan looked startled. Slowly turning, I spotted Sabrina running through the woods. She had followed me.
I wasn’t sure if the sight of her made me happy or angry, but I was about to find out real soon.
Chapter 17
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I was about to break down. The love of my life was about to risk everything to end a long feud with Zane. My nemesis was being held captive by a deranged Vampire, and a Witch was now emerging from the forest to join in on all this delusional fun.
When did my life turn into a horror film? Oh yeah, when I arrived at The House of Shadows.
“What are you doing here?” I snapped, as Sabrina walked up beside me.
“You didn’t think I was going to let you come here alone? Did you?” she asked, her eyes rising.
“Well, I didn’t really think, I just acted,” I said through gritted teeth. “What about everyone else?” I asked.
Surely if they knew where I was heading, Eden and the Dean would be here by now.
“I figured you all would want to handle Zane on your own, so I gave them the wrong information. But, it won’t be long before they find you. If you want to take down that monster yourselves, then you need to act quick,” Sabrina stated.
“Looks like everyone is joining the party,” Zane stated, his sarcasm grating on my nerves.
“Zane, aren’t you tired of having to trick girls into liking you?” Sabrina said, clearly trying to anger him.
But, Zane was unaffected by her comment.
“I will enjoy killing all of you,” he said, then he raised his hand. We all looked on like he was crazy, but then, I heard it.
At first, it sounded like thunder, but then, I spotted glowing eyes in the distance. An army of Vampires was rapidly approaching us.
Donovan, Sabrina, and Brie all spotted them, too, and it was clear, we were outnumbered.
“Do something,” I shouted to Sabrina.
In a flash, Sabrina threw her arms out in front of her and began chanting loudly. The wind began to howl and a burst of fire flickered from her hands. The giant ball of fire flew toward the army of Vampires approaching. When it struck, I watched in awe as several Vampires flew into the air, their bodies crashing onto the ground in flames.
Zane was momentarily taken off guard, which allowed Brie to slip out of his grip. As she did, Donovan sprang into the air and grabbed Zane, sending them both rolling onto the grass.
Everything happened so fast, my eyes barely had time to register what was happening. Lunging forward, I began to race toward Brie. I reached out to grab her and pull her closer to me and away from Zane, but she swatted my hands away.
“I can help you,” I argued, looking at her in bewilderment.
“No thanks. I think I will take my chances,” she sneered.
“You can’t be serious right now, Brie. I am trying to save you,” I shouted.
“We don’t have time for your theatrics,” she mused. “We need to get out of here.”
“I’m not leaving without Donovan. He risked his life to save you, that’s low even for you,” I stated.
Brie contemplated her next move, and to both of our surprise, she sighed and then turned back to me. “Fine, but I will not be responsible if one or both of you get killed,” she finished.
“Fine,” I yelled.
“Can you two help me,” Sabrina called to us.
Zane and Donovan were fighting and I watched as Zane punched Donovan in the gut. Donovan flew through the air and slammed into a giant tree. The impact caused the tree to crack in half.
I began to race forward, my eyes set on helping Donovan. As I moved, I felt the hands of the Vampires reaching out to grab me, but I was unstoppable. I could hear their bones snapping as I pushed and shoved them all aside. My power and strength was giving me the ability to fight them off.
Sabrina continued to
shoot balls of fire at the Vampires, but there were too many of them.
As I reached Donovan, I saw his eyes grow wide. Then, I felt hands around my neck. The pain was searing hot and I struggled to fight against my attacker, but with each movement I made, his hands squeezed tighter.
“Stop!” Donovan screamed out.
I heard the familiar, evil laugh behind me and I knew it was Zane who had me.
Zane drug me away from Donovan, who was now standing. Donovan made a move to come toward us, but Zane stopped him. “If you move, I will snap her neck. You saved her from death once, but you won’t be able to bring her back if I tear her head off,” Zane yelled out.
Panic struck me and, for the first time, I truly felt like I was going to die. This couldn’t be happening. I just got Donovan to myself. I was finally happy and accepting this life as a Vampire. I refused to believe that Zane could take it all away from me. Again.
“I see that you brought a Witch to help. Nice try, but it will take more than a scorned Witch to get rid of me,” he laughed.
I hated how this was nothing more than a game to Zane. He had no remorse for anyone or anything. He deserved to be destroyed. The longer he walked this earth, the more destruction he would cause.
“Zane, let me go. You will never win,” I stated, my hands trying to pry his fingers off my neck. If I stopped fighting, I would die. And this time, there was no bringing me back.
Donovan watched us with horror reflected in his eyes. Seeing him look so distraught broke my heart. This was the last thing I wanted.
“I always win,” Zane shouted into the night.
His army was still breaking through the forest, they were relentless in their fight. However, there was one simple fact that gave us an advantage over Zane and his army.
His Vampires were newly turned. They had not been trained and were reckless in their actions. That was evident as they jumped and ran, not once focusing in on a target.
Sabrina was busy using her magic, but it was clear she would need help soon. Brie just stood by, unsure of what to do next.
Through the clearing, I heard the sounds of feet running and suddenly, a smile twisted on my face.
Through the darkness of the night, I spotted the Dean, Eden, Gloria and the rest of the students and professors from The House of Shadows racing toward us. I knew they would come eventually, and right now, was the perfect time to show up.
Several of the Witches joined Sabrina and I heard them chanting. A brisk wind began to blow around us and as it howled in the night, I saw clouds spinning ahead.
“What is happening?” Donovan asked, as the rest of the Vampires joined him.
Everyone watched in horror as Zane held me captive and a wild storm brewed all around us.
“The Witches are creating a storm,” the Dean shouted above the roaring winds.
“A storm is not going to stop me,” Zane laughed, but as the wind grew more fierce, I could feel Zane slipping away from me.
A spiraling tornado descended from the sky and the Witches held their ground, chanting as they watched the tornado head straight toward me and Zane.
The tornado was out of control as it moved for us. Zane would have no choice but to let me go, or we would both be sucked up in the winds. He held on as long as he could, but soon enough, his grip on my throat released and we both went flying through the air.
I landed on the ground several feet away, a deep pain burning through my body from the rough impact.
Donovan raced over to me and helped me back on my feet. As I glanced up, I saw several of the rogue Vampires in Zane’s Army flying into the wild storm, being shot into the sky. Then, I spotted two familiar faces that made my stomach drop. Marcus and Alex appeared out of nowhere. Donovan saw them, too, and it was clear we were both in shock. I thought they had been long gone but, of course, they would be part of Zane’s army.
“Dad, we have to act now,” Donovan shouted toward the Dean.
With a simple nod toward Gloria, I felt a spark of electricity float through the air.
Chanting, the Witches formed a circle. The wind was still roaring all around us, but they seemed unaffected by the monster storm. With their hands extended in front of them, the wind blew their hair all around their faces. It was magical and captivating, but I knew this was our moment to act.
“We need to run,” I said to Donovan.
Together, we began racing at lightning speed and as I glanced back to the Witches, my gaze locked on Sabrina’s. We had practiced this at the Athletic Center. Nodding, I let her know that I was ready. As my feet sprung me forward, Sabrina chanted louder. I felt the same quick spark as I did the day she and I worked together, and then, I knew I had gone invisible.
Now, as Donovan and I raced toward the rogue Vampires, they wouldn’t see me coming. Smashing through them, I tore off their limbs, knocking their heads off and watching them roll onto the debris filled ground below us.
Their faces were confused as they watched a silent and invisible force tear the Vampires apart. the Dean and Eden shouted for the rest of the House of Shadows Vampires to join in and we were all racing through the army, each student becoming invisible as the Witches cast their spells on us.
One by one, we eliminated the newly turned Vampires until there was only one threat left; Zane.
Like the coward he was, he stood off to the side, allowing his unsuspecting army to be destroyed.
Once they were all gone, I noticed that The Dean and Gloria were killing Marcus and Alex. I wanted no part in their demise, but for the Dean, it was personal with those two. My focus was still on Zane.
However, I knew that Donovan was on a mission to destroy him.
Slowing our speed, Donovan, myself, and the rest of the Vampires came to a halt as we realized the army was now gone.
The Witches stopped chanting and I could see exhaustion painted on their features. I knew it took much of their energy to expel their magic.
Clapping, Zane walked out from behind the tree where he had been hiding.
“Well, congratulations on destroying a bunch of new Vampires,” Zane roared.
Seething, Donovan’s chest rose and fell at rapid speeds. This was it. This was the moment that Donovan had waited years for.
“Zane, it’s just you and me now,” Donovan declared.
The Dean moved forward, but Donovan held up his hand to stop him.
“Dad, this is my battle,” Donovan announced.
“Donovan, please,” I pleaded. We all wanted a piece of Zane, but I also knew it was far too dangerous for him to try and fight him alone.
Zane played dirty and he fought unfairly.
“Son, you need to think this through. Together, we can all take Zane down. The High Council is on their way now. Let them handle Zane,” the Dean replied.
I could see that The Dean was worried for his son, but I don’t think Donovan noticed.
“The High Council won’t be able to stop me. I don’t answer to their laws,” Zane bellowed out.
“You are not above the laws,” I roared back. I was beyond fed up with Zane acting like he was mighty.
“No, I am the law,” Zane snapped, as he moved like lightning toward me.
I jumped and dodged out of his way, this time not allowing him to grab me. However, Zane’s movement allowed for Donovan to act.
Flying through the air, Donovan grabbed Zane by the shoulders and flung him through the air.
I raced forward, but something stopped me from moving. As I tried to run, an invisible force prevented me from going forward. “Why can’t I move?” I cried out.
“I’m sorry, Audrey,” Sabrina cried. “Donovan asked me to stop you from interfering. He asked me to stop all of you,” she wailed.
As her words registered, I saw the Dean, Eden, and the rest of the Vampires attempt to move, but we were all blocked by a force shield placed by Sabrina. She had used her magic to keep us from stopping Donovan.
“No,” I shouted. “Donovan, please l
et The High Council handle Zane,” I pleaded with him.
Donovan was so lost in his fight with Zane, he didn’t hear me. Zane managed to maneuver himself out of Donovan’s grasp, but he was not fast enough to rid himself of Donovan.
They raced around the lake, biting, hissing, and tearing at one another. Tears streamed down my face as I watched from afar as Donovan tried to kill Zane. Suddenly, Donovan got the upperhand hand and wrapped his arms around Zane, placing him in a headlock. I watched as Zane’s head twisted to the side. All it would take would be one final snap and the world would be rid of Zane and...Donovan’s humanity.
Chapter 18
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I swallowed hard, my pride getting the best of me. Every part of my being wanted Zane to be gone. For his evil ways to be eliminated from the world so no one else could ever be harmed by him. However, I knew that if that dream came true at the hands of Donovan, it would change everything.
Donovan would never be able to forgive himself for losing his humanity in a fit of rage.
We were all shouting and pleading with him to listen to us, but it was like Donovan and Zane were in their own world, unable to hear any of us.
When I looked to Sabrina, I saw how distraught she was for using her magic against us, but I also knew she was trying to right her wrongs with Donovan by doing him a favor. I just hated that her favor prevented me from saving Donovan.
Eden was pounding her fists against the invisible force, her tiny body shaking and trembling as she sobbed.
The Dean was more pale than ever and he shook as he watched his son prepare to pay the ultimate price.
Just as Donovan went to snap Zane’s neck, Donovan looked up and our eyes locked.
I knew it was just a brief moment, but still, it allowed me to let Donovan see me. To see my tears and pain.
Renewed: House of Shadows Book 3 Page 8