Darkness (Darkest Nightmares Book 1)

by Elizabeth Knox

  Darkness grabs my hand once again and we head in the direction of Ragnor. I see that he is talking to a few of his men in hushed voices. It comes off suspicious as all hell if you ask me, but I bite my tongue. For once in my life I am going to do what is asked of me. When we are within a few feet in front of Ragnor, Darkness starts talking in that stupid demon language I just don’t understand. It sounds like it is a mixture of German, Khoisan, and Parseltongue from Harry Potter, you know when he talks to snakes? Yeah. That. All in all, it sounds like they are about to throw up, a lot of clicking and add to that a little hissing. It’s ridiculous, how have I not notice it until now. My shoulders start to shake from withholding my laugh and I bite my tongue from all out laughing in their faces. It takes a large amount of self-control to stop my internal antics and be serious.

  “Gringhan,” Darkness says to me, in his serious voice and I know for a fact I’m not going to like what is about to come spilling out of his mouth.

  “In order to enter the fortress, you need to get branded.”

  Excuse me?

  “What do you mean I need to get branded?” I can’t help it, I’m appalled. I’m not a fucking cow going to slaughter.

  It’s not the pain I fear. It’s the fact that once again I am going to be in the position where I will have another scar on top of the thousands I already have. I am self-conscious about them still to this day and now they are asking me to willingly put another one on my body? I spent a fortune on all my ink to hide the reminders of my past.

  “I mean, we both need to have the mark of Ragnor to enter his kingdom.” His kingdom? I know Darkness is just playing the part, he’s told me who the true king of Xeha was and this man was not him. Veirks is the King...isn’t he?

  “Okay,” I say in a quiet voice and nod my head. I can do this.

  This time the scaring is my choice. A choice that I know is for the greater good. This is for millions of innocent people whose lives are in jeopardy and I will always have a reminded that I am the one who did something to save them.

  Darkness just gives me this look. It’s apologetic, like he knows all the turbulent thoughts racing through my head. I give him a slight nod letting him know that I’m okay and that I’m ready to move along with this shit. He turns to Ragnor and says something in a hushed tone and then I feel his hand skimming down my arm until he clasps his hand with mine, giving it a squeeze.

  “Come,” is all he says before we are moving forward into a large thick black cloud. My body feels like it is made from air and for some reason I find it soothing. I think I feel what I assume is a hand graze my stomach but, in this form, I am unsure. I ignore it, trying not to think about it because I can only handle one thing at a time and I know I’d have a full-on panic attack if I thought about carrying an innocent life inside of me, two innocent lives.

  Within moments of that thought we are standing at what looks to be the middle of nowhere. Then two of the largest demons I have ever seen appear out of thin air. They look like giants well over 7 feet tall. One is carrying a large metal fire bowl and the other has a branding iron thrown over his shoulder. They sent the equipment down in front of us, the one with the branding iron placing it into the blue flames as he and the other take a step back.

  Ragnor steps in close to us while watching the flames. He has the look of a lunatic in his eyes.

  “It’s time.”

  I let out a breath and take a step forward, it’s now or never.

  Chapter 27

  Madness is like gravity, all you need is a little push. - Anonymous

  Darkness

  After Haven is branded with a new design that doesn’t look like mine whatsoever, I am told that I needed to be rebranded as well. It makes sense, though. Veirks is no longer here, and since Ragnor seems to be the one in charge, the castle is bound to him. I don’t put up a fight in becoming branded. I accept it for what needs to be done and afterwards we make our way into the castle.

  I know exactly what Ragnor hopes to achieve by us declining his invitation, but he forgets I am not moronic. He is a psychopath so it’s best we be as careful as we possibly can. I don’t just have to worry about me and Haven anymore...I must worry for our offspring as well. I’m trying not to think about it too much and yet it is the only thing festering in my mind. I knew it was a possibility, that it could happen...but never has it happened on a female’s first awakening. Jettsoir was right to tell her it was unlikely because it was.

  In this moment, I feel guilty in a sense. I knew that this is something she isn’t ready for, and we need more time to solidify our relationship. We’re strong, a unit. Jettsoir and I love her so much, and she adores both of us. It’s firm, however we are still learning to understand one another. The last thing we are ready for is children. Whenever the time was to come for us to start a family, to mate on another level...I had hoped it was something that we could have all discussed. It’s not that I don’t want offspring with her; I do. I just don’t think she is ready. She is just so young.

  I can’t help but look at her, taking in her light skin, curvy stature and glittering silver eyes. She is beautiful, every single part of the being that stands before me is magnificent.

  I thought at one time I would never fall in love, that it was impossible for a creature such as me. But right now, I know that I was wrong—she’s my entire world.

  Ragnor leads us through the doorway made of iron. I had been to parts of the castle before, but never have I come in through the front entrance. The iron is from the mines of Xeha, a lava like color makes them glow, showing their origin. They are one of the most exquisite things I have ever seen throughout my life. Even on Earth, nothing can compare to this.

  Haven and I follow Ragnor as he takes us through a corridor. As I glance around I can see that things have changed, no longer is Veirks’ artwork decorating the walls. Now there are black statues, paintings made with a blood so deep that I know what creature it came from. I am curious as to what has happened here, because each moment I spend longer in Ragnor’s presence is when I know that we haven’t even hit the tip of the iceberg.

  I may be in the equivalent of hell, but this castle use to be lively, full of life. Now it is nothing but an empty shell of a memory. I can’t help but wonder what I’m missing. Something isn’t adding up here, and I know that whatever it is, it will not be in our favor.

  I hold Haven tight against my side, wrapping my right arm around her. There’s a part of me that needs her close, needs to know that I am touching her...that I am protecting not only her but the children as well.

  We are lead into the dining hall, where a glass table lays with the same iron as the doorway. Red flashes through the metal, like blood goes through a vein, constantly flowing. If things weren’t so shady right now, then maybe I might be able to actually appreciate the beauty.

  “Now that you are home, you should really just stay. There is no reason for you to go back through the portal.” Ragnor speaks to Haven. In the way he says it, I just can’t help but become more protective over her. He wants her to stay here for a reason and I know that.

  She looks up to me, and I nod my head slightly, giving her the go ahead to speak. I’m surprised that she’s even listened to me this much already.

  “Well your offer is very kind, but I have built myself a life on Earth. I have friends that need me as much as I need them so, while I appreciate your proposal, I’m afraid that I will have to politely decline.” I am taken back by how well she just behaved herself. Haven is usually a spit-fire, and has no problem telling people to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. I am grateful she took my advice about playing the part, who knows what could have happened if she ran her mouth.

  “We’ll see.” Is all Ragnor responds with, as he claps his hands behind his back and takes his seat at the head of the table.

  I can see the wheels turning in Haven’s mind, her brows are moving up and down as her lips are pursed together. I know she is skeptical of Ragnor, and I don�
��t blame her one bit. I am too, even with knowing him for the length of time that I have.

  I take a seat and beside me Haven takes her own. Two soldiers bring out our entrees and the smell of zmayaib hits my nostrils causing my mouth to water. Zmayaib is a sand serpent common here in Xeha. It is a delicacy to feast upon the parasites that live in their stomachs. I cannot express how much I have missed it; the smell is a breath of fresh air. That is when I see the aracnoida being set down on the table before us. They are fierce, very large spiders that are bigger than anything seen on earth, with tails much like ones of a scorpion. It must be my favorite; the legs are much like that of a crab. You break them open and eat the flesh inside, and boy does it taste good. It has been ages since I’ve had the dishes of Xeha. I may not enjoy whose company I am in, but I will take advantage of the feast that lays before me.

  I look over to Haven and see her face has gone ghost white. She is plugging her nose, breathing out of her mouth. One hand moves to her stomach, and I can’t help but worry about what is bothering her. Is it the smell?

  Ragnor stands and claps his hand three times and his horde of men come in through the doors, taking seats at the empty tables that are scattered along the vast room. It was strange, like he already knew we were already coming. It takes time to plan a feast, a gathering such as this.

  That’s when I see him...and it all makes sense.

  Leon, a lion shifter who would frequent Sanctuary quite often walks through. He stares at me, giving me a smirk full of deviance. He has a reputation and has always lived up to it. I often wondered how he gained entry to Sanctuary...that is something I should focus on another time, though. It doesn’t matter how he gained access in this moment. What matters is that now I know the traitorous snake who informed Ragnor of our plans...but how did he know?

  He approaches us, taking a seat in the chair right next to Ragnor. I see Leon lean in and whisper something to him and he nods, then stands up with a goblet in one hand and a knife in the other. He proceeds to tap the two together until the room grows silent.

  “Gentleman, today is a very special day. One of our most valuable soldiers has returned to us and low and behold he is with his gringhan, my offspring.” Ragnor says in demon tongue. Haven makes a face at me, and I know she hates that she can’t understand any of this.

  “Gnstante le Krastramic!” He shouts, telling us that tonight we will celebrate, and the soldiers go wild with whistles and claps. The front doors fly open and in walks hordes of women, most of these women are from Ragnor’s harem - I remember quite a few of them. They dance and strut around naked but what really pisses me the fuck off is that there are younger demons who are barely dressed. I have no doubt they are itching to get into Ragnor’s harem as soon as their awakenings occur. It makes me sick, they are younger than Haven. The older few are having a blast, while some of the young look terrified out of their mind, and the rest of them accept whatever is coming their way.

  I have seen this happen too many times, these girls are most likely orphans who had no one to take them in, nowhere to go. They were just barely in their teenage years. The way the soldiers look at these girls, basically drooling and how these girls look. I feel bad for the ones who are utterly frightened and scared. I can’t stand to see such a thing. I go to stand up, but I see Haven pushing her chair back, strutting over towards the younger girls, the ones who look terrified.

  The men go silent as everyone watches Haven grab the six younger girls and drag them into her embrace. She looks around the crowd, shoulders raised and then she speaks “You all should be ashamed. Ashamed of yourselves. These girls are defenseless, and you can see how terrified they are because it’s written all over their faces. This is unacceptable, and I will not be one to witness this. Try something, touch on hair on their heads, I fucking dare you. It’s not a threat it’s a fucking promise.” She spits the words out venomously.

  “That’s enough! Who do you think you are coming into my kingdom and making demands to both me and my men? You are a woman who needs to learn her place. Take her away. ” Ragnor shouts, tone full of hatred.

  “Mve” Ragnor points to me, and I stop in my tracks.

  “Sit your ass down. We have things to discuss.” I am furious, but I do as I am asked, more like told. If we are to get out of here I need information, as much information as I can get. I don’t want to believe that he would harm Haven, but he may. I can’t trust this snake. We’d be long gone soon anyways, we were bound to be.

  I watch as my gringhan is being dragged towards the doorway by two soldiers holding her arms. She is kicking and screaming all the while holding onto the young slave girls.

  This isn’t going to happen, no way in hell.

  Chapter 28

  Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. -Anonymous

  Haven

  He’s just made a huge mistake, and he doesn’t even know it. I look directly at Darkness while I thrash and kick at the guards who are trying and failing to control me.

  “Let her go, Ragnor.”

  I’ve heard him speak in an angered voice before, but never have I heard something this malevolent come from one of the men I adore. He isn’t threatening my father, if that’s what I can even call him. He’s promising that by not doing as he asks of him, insanity will shortly break out.

  “She is being nothing but a disrespectful girl. I will not stand for it. She needs to be punished for her outburst just as the others are.”

  Just as the others are? Excuse me.

  “Haven did not grow up learning the customs and traditions of Xeha. This is all new to her, she grew up on Earth.”

  “You don’t have to remind me of this, since you were the one who took her through the portal in the first place.” Ragnor raises his eyebrows at Darkness before he nods and snickers lowly. “You took my daughter from me.”

  “Wrong. Veirks took your daughter from you. He is the one who commanded me to take her away from you, and after you’d treated Nvet the way that you did, how was he wrong in placing the order?”

  “Nvet is the enemy. My daughter is no such thing.”

  “Nvet was torn down day after day by the likes of you. She even gave you what you wanted, she told you where the Vale had been hiding and the second you had your intel, you sent a squadron to the location to murder them all. You wiped out an entire race, besides the one you had held captive and your child. The only remaining two huntresses. Nvet is an enemy, so how is she not one?”

  I want to speak up, to know so much more about my past that is suddenly being laid out on the line in front of me. I’m learning of my mother, that her name is Nvet….and that my father is nothing but evil. He wiped out an entire race….and as far as I know, I may be the only one left. It’s not like I have seen my mother.

  “Haven is a demon.”

  “And a Huntress,” Darkness hisses out. “So, how in the hell was I supposed to disobey our King? How was I supposed to just trust that you wouldn’t take out your rage on this innocent girl? I couldn’t, and I still don’t trust you. Do you forget that I have been alongside you for many years...that I know who you are under this facade?”

  “She isn’t yours to have,” Ragnor retorts in a gripe tone.

  “That is where you are wrong. She is mine to have. She is my gringhan, and what you have done already shows that you forget our laws. No other is to lay a hand upon a gringhan unless given permission by her ojri. In no way, shape or form did I give you that authorization.”

  “We have not been following the old bylaws in many years, Darkness. You would have known that if you weren’t such an obedient coward.”

  “Let her go,” Darkness snaps to the soldiers who are holding my arms tightly, they glance to Ragnor who gives a slight nod. They release me, and instantly I rub my arms where their hands had been holding on to me as tightly as a blood pressure cuff. I don’t know what takes over me, but I rush straight towards Darkness. I think in this moment I realize how unsafe I truly am h
ere. The only person I can trust is Darkness, yet I want to get these poor girls out of here at the same time.

  His arms envelop around me and I can feel his gaze covering our surroundings. This isn’t just about me anymore, it’s about us - all of us. I need to stop thinking so selfishly now. I have children to be thinking about….but he must know that we can’t just leave them here. We won’t.

  “You don’t want us to close the portals, right?” Darkness says to Ragnor and I peek up from his embrace, trying to understand where he’s headed with this.

  “That would be correct.”

  “Give us those six girls, and I won’t close the portals.” I start to open my mouth, needing to disagree with what Darkness is saying...I want the girls out of here, but we can’t just keep the portals open. The risk is too big.

  “Deal,” Ragnor chuckles, motioning his hand for the girls to come next to Darkness and I. “We still have much to discuss, Darkness, but somehow I feel like this isn’t the last I will be seeing of you,”

  “No, I don’t believe it is” Darkness replies.

  “All of you, leave Xeha now before I change my mind.”

  Darkness holds on to me tightly and turns to face the girls, motioning them to follow closely behind us. We exit the dining hall, walk down the corridor until we reach another iron doorway. It’s smaller than the previous ones we’ve been through, and after he opens the door a stairwell is revealed to us. I follow him, turning quickly to make sure that the girls are still following us, and they are.

  When we reach the bottom of the stairwell I see that there is a shining blue portal right there. “I had a feeling one would be here,” Darkness murmurs lowly.