The Broken

by A. L. Frances

  The mist, now thick, is continually spreading and the once light, airy and innocent room is riddled with an unknown entity strong enough to make your soul crawl deep inside you. Suddenly, the wicked and cruel form of a shadowy woman appears… she’s back! And once again, she’s right on time.

  The evil dark spirit walks through the mahogany door and makes her way over to Eve. Her expression is soulless, her head bowed low. Her bone-straight, jet-black hair hangs on either side of her face, dripping with the same sinister black substance that trickles from the gaping wounds on her body. It has a nauseating stench of death attached to it. With her neglected, unloved grey face, she peers through the gap down the centre of her hair with eyes that are the deepest red, just like the eyes of the raven. She moves her head slightly and looks across at the window. The raven pecks on the glass more furiously than ever, flapping with frustration. With a sudden sharp movement, she twitches her head – instantly, the window opens and the huge black bird glides into the room. Flapping her wings, the creature positions herself on the headboard of the bed. The intimidating and deceitful bird stands strong and proud, observing Eve’s acceptance of the carefully calculated possession as the Dark Empress sings the words of the rhyme:

  “Ring a’ Ring o’ Roses – your soul is mine. Ring a’ Ring o’ Roses – you’ve been chosen for the dark side.”

  As the final word is spoken, Eve’s body shoots up and sits forward. Her eyes are deep black, like gaping bottomless holes in her face; not a glow or a shade of white can be seen. Deep cracks begin to form all over Eve’s face and body, and sinister black blood oozes from each one. Her non-human form, her new identity, is gruesome. Eve is definitely no longer Eve. The raven flaps her strong black glossy wings and deep red blood flows from the gaps around her tiny eye sockets. The bird, much like her creator, is gaining energy and pleasure at the ownership of its newest member. The chosen one has finally accepted her fate. The wait is over.

  The Dark Empress slowly moves closer to Eve’s bed as she continues to sing her possessive rhyme with her deep dulcet tone:

  “Ring a’ Ring o’ Roses – your soul is mine. Ring a’ Ring o’ Roses – you’ve been chosen for the dark side.”

  The Dark Empress reaches out. Her demonic, impure grey hand hovers over Eve’s face. She is ensuring the possession of this young girl’s mind, body and soul. Every cell is captured and controlled as the dark energy travels through her DNA, taking over its purity. She lays a cold finger on one of the wounds on Eve’s face and collects some of the black substance. Bringing her finger to her mouth, she begins ingesting the sinful element.

  “Soon you will shine, my child. The timing is almost right. We will finally be one, we will finally live our purpose. We, together, will unite and using the vulnerable, the impure, and the weak, we will build our empire. And the world will pay, as the universe becomes ours. Non temere di me.”

  A look of deep satisfaction appears on the Dark Empress’s face. She raises both her arms over her head with euphoria, embracing the moment. With her head held high, she opens her mouth, revealing her grey stained teeth. Black gushes from her mouth, dripping off each razor-sharp tooth. It flows down her chin as she squeals with ecstasy at her victory. She spits the black liquid across the room.

  Her prized possession, Eve, has now become her mirror image. She appears impure but empowered by the events that are taking place.

  The raven abruptly flaps up to the ceiling and, as she comes back down, she lands on Eve’s shoulder. The blood from the Raven’s eyes trickle down her feathers. The dark creature focuses her sight on Eve and shows her acceptance by pecking at the black blood on Eve’s face. Receiving her energy, the intimidating creature squawks loudly.

  Standing at the side of the bedframe, the Dark Empress wants to share the acceptance of this soul. Leaning forward, she uses her black, coarse tongue to lick the same wounds. Satisfied with the taste of the sinister substance, she begins to drink it. She extracts the liquid from Eve’s body, gaining strength with every drop. Sat in the bed accepting her fate, Eve embraces each soul-draining draw as the blood departs from her body. There is no emotion upon her face and her voice is deep and no longer sounds her own as she says, “I’m ready… Mum…”

  Just then there is a creak outside the room, startling the Dark Empress and her evil accomplice.

  Matthew stands half naked in the hallway, wearing only his black pyjama bottoms. He is still a big groggy from the sleeping tablets he took earlier. He shivers as a draft of cold air flows over his body. His skin develops goose bumps and the hairs on his arms begin standing to attention. He notices what looks like smoke seeping from the cracks surrounding Eve’s bedroom door. It slowly disappears into the darkness of the hallway. Staring attentively, and trying desperately not to freak out, Matthew slowly places one foot in front of the other and, with an air of caution, he makes his way over to the room. He feels each pump as his heart fiercely pounds against his chest, and the only sound he hears is the sound of his breath as it leaves his body. Tiny beads of sweat form on his forehead and roll down his skin. The hallway is dark and gloomy, and Matthew doesn’t at all feel alone. His anxiety is heightened and he is no longer in control of his thoughts. Playing cruel tricks, his mind continues to send off signals telling him that someone is standing right behind him. But when he turns, he sees no one.

  “Is anyone there?” he shouts out.

  There is no response. The picture frames on the walls cast sinister shadows. The fear of the unknown has made the hallway appear haunting and long. He doesn’t want to enter the room, but he knows he has to. His daughter could be in danger. Matthew gathers his strength, breathes in deep and grabs the doorknob… then jumps back. His mind is racing. The smoke continues to surround him, and now he can only just make out the door. He approaches it for the second time. He closes his eyes tight, grabs the doorknob and, as he breathes out, this time he courageously thrusts it open. Bursting into the room he shouts, “Eve!”

  The room is freezing cold and dark. There is no sign of the strange smoke in the room. It’s as if it never existed. Matthew’s senses are on high alert. A sudden movement catches his attention. Eve’s curtains are rippling and the window is open. Heading to the huge window, he battles against the wind as he shuts it tight. Shivering, he makes his way to Eve. Sleeping peacefully, she looks innocent, pure and beautiful. A mirror image of her mum. He smiles, leaning down to kiss his daughter on the head. He places his cheek onto hers and gently kisses her soft, warm skin. Feeling a sense of relief, he gradually moves away.

  Eve suddenly mumbles, “Mum.”

  Smiling with sadness in his eyes, but feeling content with his observations, Matthew convinces himself that it’s all in his head. He must be experiencing a side-effect from the medication he has taken. Still mumbling, Eve turns on to her side. As soon as she moves, Matthew’ notices a black smudge the size of a fifty pence piece on her pillowcase. He reaches over and touches it, and the liquid attaches to his skin like glue. The thick, sticky liquid is freezing cold. Attempting to work out what it is, Matthew reaches his finger up to his nose and sniffs it.

  “Eww.”

  His nostrils are instantly awoken by a pungent stench and a strong metallic taste forms at the back of his throat. Retching quietly so he doesn’t wake Eve, he grabs the hand sanitizer and a tissue from the bedside table. He squirts the sterile liquid onto the tissue and tries to remove the unknown substance from his stained skin.

  “Come off, damn it. For fuck’s sake, what on God’s green earth are you?”

  The more he rubs, the deeper the liquid embeds on his skin. Matthew glances to the floor next to his bare feet and notices a similar-looking drop near the bed. He sees another, and another, and another. No sooner has he spotted these disturbing-looking black marks than they begin to disappear. Vibrating slightly, the floor absorbs each droplet.

  Matthew is fully focused on working ou
t what the substance is when suddenly there is a huge bang and a loud squawking noise. He jumps with fright. The sounds are coming from the direction of the window. Matthew looks up; there’s nothing and no one there. But the window is once again open.

  “What the f…” Desperately trying to not to freak out and wake Eve, Matthew gives himself a quiet pep talk. “Just keep breathing, it’s probably nothing. I just didn’t lock it properly. Yep, that’s it, I didn’t lock it properly.”

  Taking deep breaths in, Matthew bravely places one foot in front of the other and makes his way to the window. His adrenaline is kicking in and the combination of this with the cold sea breeze rapidly hitting his body sets him shivering, “Fuck me, that’s cold.”

  Peering around the curtain, he observes the biggest, blackest raven he has ever seen, positioned on the lamppost below. He looks on in disbelief. The eyes of the huge bird are horrific; they stand out like red flames. No sooner has he locked eyes on this intimidating bird than she begins flapping her strong glossy wings with force. Matthew drops down to take cover. The huge raven rapidly ascends up to Eve’s window, almost hitting him. He stumbles back slightly. As he stands, he sees the black bird has mysteriously disappeared.

  Slamming the window shut and pulling the curtains tightly together, Matthew turns and sees Eve shivering in her sleep. Making his way to her, he pulls the loose bedsheets over her body.

  “You’re so beautiful, just like your mother, Evelyn Jade Honey.”

  As he moves Eve’s hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ears, he becomes confused. Much like the black stains he saw on the floor, the black stain on Eve’s pillowcase has also gone! Gently, he removes the pillow from off the bed without disturbing Eve and begins searching the fabric, front to back. Still he sees nothing. Looking to his hand, he sees the black stain has gone. Convincing himself it’s definitely a side effect of the pills, and that actually it’s not a big deal at all, he reaches for the hand sanitizer. This time Matthew coats all the skin on his hands.

  He leans over Eve once more and picks up Gregg, placing the scruffy-looking bear next to her face. Looking above her bed, he stares at the heart-shaped, colourful collage of pictures. The beautiful shrine of the family he once had. As Matthew leaves the room, he reaches for the door and begins to pull it shut. Unsure and cautious, he changes his mind and decides it’s best to leave the door open.

  When he gets back to his room, Matthew sees Jess tucked up in bed asleep. Heading straight to the sink in the en-suite, he turns the cold tap on and repeatedly splashes ice-cold water onto his face. Catching his breath, he grabs the hand towel from the side of the sink and gently pats the water off his face. He breathes deeply and gathers his thoughts. As he lifts his head, suddenly the bathroom light flashes on and off. Matthew freezes. In his reflection, he sees, standing right behind him, the demonic woman. She’s back!

  With her head low, she twitches her body and, as her face spasms, Matthew sees her horrific features. She has evil red eyes that hold secrets you’d never want to know. Black, thick tears roll down her face. Staring in complete shock, Matthew is frozen.

  She separates her lips and the black liquid begins gushing out of her mouth as she says in her deep, dulcet voice, “Let’s play a game… It’s time, you will see; she is mine.”

  Not wanting to accept this vision, Matthew blinks so harshly his eyelids feel as though they’re about to bleed. Opening his eyes, he sees she’s gone. He once again bends to the sink and cups the freezing cold water, rapidly throwing it in his face. It’s so cold it takes his breath away. He gasps and lifts his head. His nerves are shattered. Looking down at his hands, he sees they’re shaking uncontrollably.

  As he walks back into the room, he sees a sudden movement from the corner of his eye. It’s Jess. She’s sat upright in bed. Mentally unprepared for this sight, Matthew jumps and practically throws himself across the bedroom.

  “My God! Jess – you gave me a fright.”

  “Is everything okay? You seem on edge.”

  “Yes, I’m fine – just a bad dream.”

  He holds his chest to help regulate his breathing and slow down his heartrate. Feeling a bit calmer, Matthew goes to the bedside cabinet and grabs the packet containing the pills Dr Rushmore prescribed him. He unfolds the tiny leaflet which was inside the box. Scanning through it, he says quietly to himself, “No, not that, where is it – I swear these pills must cause some sort of hallucinations that he forgot to tell me about.” Rustling the paper in his hand, he quickly becomes agitated. “Where is it?”

  “Matthew – what is it you are looking for?”

  “I knew I should have listened to my instincts. I don’t take pills.”

  “Matthew, what’s wrong?”

  “Bloody hell… These pills.”

  “The pills to help you sleep?”

  “Yes, the doc said they’d help to keep me asleep.”

  “Look, calm down, pass it here.”

  “Jess, you know I said I’ve been sleep walking?”

  “Yes, I remember.”

  “Well, recently… erm, I’m not too sure how to word this, but I’ve not just been sleep walking.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ve also, well… been seeing, things.”

  “Seeing things… What do you mean? Like what?”

  “I can’t explain it. The doc says it’s normal, when moving on emotionally.”

  “Moving on, with me?”

  “Well, yes, but I don’t know, maybe it’s too soon.”

  “It’s never too soon to try anything. Tell me, I’m intrigued. What is it that has you wound up so tightly?”

  “Never mind – please, just forget I said anything.”

  “Try me, or I could help you release some of that tension.” Whispering, she continues, “Inside of me.”

  Really not wanting to go into detail, Matthew takes the leaflet out of her hand and places it back on to the bedside table. As he lays his head on the pillow next to Jess, he says nothing and gazes at her beauty. Looking deep into his eyes, Jess seductively tucks her hair behind her ear. The chemistry between them is extremely strong. Their energies are intertwined, calling for their bodies to become one. Moving closer to her, Matthew makes his move and leans in. They engage in a lengthy passionate kiss.

  Holding Jess’s head in his hand, he tugs at her hair with his firm grip as she begins moaning under her breath. Slowly he places one leg over her slender body and gets on top of her. Wearing nothing but her black-lace underwear, she embraces Matthew’s toned physique as he places all his weight on her.

  Running her hands round his back and holding him tightly in her arms, she digs her fingernails into his skin. Captured in the moment for its purity, he kisses her gently on the neck and gradually makes his way down to her chest. Jess moans louder. Placing her hands on his head, she grips his hair.

  With his face at her lower abdomen, Matthew gently tickles her skin as he kisses his way down. Tugging at the lace French knickers she’s wearing, he begins to pull them down. Jess lets go of his hair and places her hands behind her head, grabbing the sheets as she starts to gyrate her body on the mattress. Looking up, Matthew sees the enjoyment on her face. He removes the lacy underwear and kisses her there. Unable to contain herself any longer Jess shouts, “Matthew, I want you inside me!”

  Immediately responding to this command, he licks her as she becomes wet with pleasure. Removing his boxer shorts, he places himself deep inside her. “Oh, Jess, you feel so good.”

  “Give yourself to me, Matthew.”

  Receiving every inch of him inside of her, Jess wraps her legs around his body tight. As he thrusts, she’s holding him deep, passionately kissing him. Looking deep into his eyes, she’s captivating his soul. Matthew’s breathing rate has unexplainably changed and is now heavy. She rolls him onto his back. Maintaining eye contact, she kisses him one l
ast time. As Jess begins moving up and down on Matthew, he moans with great satisfaction at the intense amount of pleasure he’s feeling. “Oh, Jess, you’re so tight.”

  “Give yourself to me, Matthew, I want you to let go inside of me. I want you to leave yourself inside of my body.”

  As she gyrates faster and faster on Matthew’s hard erect penis, he surrenders. The build-up has become too intense. He moans once more and, grabs her hips and pushes Jess’s body down, holding her still as he lets go of his semen and releases himself deep inside of her.

  Matthew, still feeling the after effects of his orgasm, lies back embracing the body-tingling pleasure. Still on top of him, Jess leans down and whispers directly into Matthew’s ear, “Your soul is mine.”

  As the words circulate around his mind, his eyes transform, turning a deep grey. Looking deep into the windows of his soul, Jess is taking over his sight, his mind and his existence.

  Matthew pulls himself up. Jess, now sat on his lap, sees his eyes have turned black. The transformation is almost complete. “Welcome to the dark side,” she says.

  Matthew’s mind begins to spin at a rapid rate. “Why?” he asks breathlessly.

  “I am Jezebel, and she was never yours to keep!”

  Matthew sees a flash image of the demonic empress; with this, his final vision, he passes out cold on the bed.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Defy the Odds: 7/7 at 7

  “How long’s left until they arrive?” Matthew asks.

  “Erm, I think we’ve got around an hour or so,” Daniel replies.

  “When’s Christina getting here? We need an urgent prep meeting.”

  “Erm, not sure, Matthew, shall I give her a call?”

  “Yes please, and have you called the caterers?”