A bone deep lethargy settled into my body as I turned off the water and toweled dry. I winced in pain as I dressed and made my way back to bed. Briefly, I double checked to see Alexis was still fast asleep in her bed, muttering a swift thanks to whatever gods decided to listen. Rifling through my nightstand, I took two aspirin and hoped that I could actually get some sleep tonight.
My thoughts turned to those red and black eyes as I fell into a deep sleep.
Floating in a state of semi-consciousness, I heard the voices first. Angry shouts between two men that seemed so familiar.
“Vincent, you are going to endanger everything if you keep going to her like this!”
“You didn’t see it, Kaniul. Those boys were going to beat her half to death.” A fierce growl followed. “Don’t even get me started on the foul things her foster father was thinking. She needs to be taken out of that house immediately.”
Were they talking about me?
Kaniul. That was my uncle's name. He had abandoned me in foster care after my mother died, insisting that he couldn’t take care of me.
My eyesight started to clear and the scene before me began to unfold.
“I agree that she needs to be moved, but you are drawing attention to her every time you enter her presence!” Kaniul paced the floor, agitation present in every movement of his body.
Vincent sat back in his chair and his hands rubbed his eyes before running through his hair in frustration. “Don’t you think I know that? I feel it every time I connect with her.” The whispered words were pained.
So, this was the presence that I always felt. Warmth flooded me as I looked at him and gasped. He was the most handsome man that I had ever seen before. Heads whipped toward me as the sound of my gasp echoed in the room.
“Kaniul, am I seeing things right now or is Lorelei standing right there?” Vincent climbed to his feet, stalking toward me.
The man, Kaniul, my uncle, rubbed his hand over his jaw. “I see her too. She is hazy, like it is her astral form.”
“I can hear you, you know.” I placed my hands on my hips and narrowed my eyes. What the heck was an astral form?
The men looked at each other with wide eyes and then back to me. “This is probably not a good thing,” Kaniul said as they took a few steps toward me.
“Lorelei, listen carefully. You are in grave danger being here. I don’t know how on earth you were able to project to us, but you need to return to your body immediately.” The man named Vincent stood before me and I had to tilt my head back to look into his swirling eyes.
Memories came flooding back to me. The night my mother died.
Vincent looking into my eyes and making me forget.
The blood.
Fangs.
“I know you.”
I screamed as the horror of those moments came flooding back to me. Backing into a corner, the men approached slowly.
“Lorelei, you have to stay calm.”
“Telling her to stay calm isn’t going to do any good, Kaniul,” Vincent snapped as he sunk to his knees in front of me.
“Theera.”
Chills ran across my body as he uttered the nickname. His voice was soothing, the tendrils of his psychic powers reaching into my mind, seeking to calm me. Reassure me. Something inside me snapped into place as I looked at him.
Dreams. He had visited me in my dreams. So many times when I was a child. He was my friend. We played music together. But why couldn’t I remember it all until now? And even then, the things I could recall were hazy. Just flashes really.
“This isn’t happening, this is just a dream. Like all the other ones.” I covered my face with my hands and crumbled to the ground. I tried to comprehend what was happening in my mind, memories were clashing and I couldn’t tell what was real and what was a dream anymore. A warm hand settled on my shoulder, giving a comforting touch. The last thing I saw before the world went black was brilliant eyes glowing above me.
Chapter 3
Vincent
Lorelei collapsed into my arms and I held her close to my chest. How she was solid in a dream state was beyond my comprehension and spoke to the potential of her abilities. Gazing down at her in wonder, her face looked peaceful. The developing bruises from her earlier attack had me growling in anger as I trailed my fingers along her delicate face. She was too young, too fragile still, to be going through the pain that she was.
How I wished that I could sweep her away and spare her this pain. She had to stay on this path to ensure her future. I gritted my teeth in frustration, wanting to scream at the injustice of her anguish, she was so pure, so innocent.
“How is she even in a physical form?” Kaniul regarded us with wide eyes. He seemed just as baffled as I was at the strength of her abilities.
“Your guess is as good as mine.” Kaniul was correct, when she first appeared to us, her form wavered, indicating she was in her astral form. Yet, now that I held her very real, very warm body in my arms, she was physically present with us. She was not a demon, meaning she did not have shadow flight, and could not travel through the shadow plane to teleport her body to another location.
I looked down at her and closed my eyes, laying my forehead against hers, seeking a small form of physical contact. “We need to get her back.” Kaniul nodded in agreement at my statement.
“Kyara is to be appointed her Guardian immediately. I’m not tolerating her in that hell hole any longer, Kaniul. Damius can kiss my ass. Call her and begin the preparations.” I had taken care of her foster father for the time being, using Lorelei’s power of compulsion. It was an intriguing power that she inherited from her mother, yet hers was much more potent. With our connection, I could tap into her abilities and use them as my own. It made situations such as this a bit easier, but every time her abilities were triggered, it sent a rippling shock wave through the universe.
Was she somehow able to tap into my abilities as well? Demons could astral project, but not Nephilim. She could be drawing on my shadow flight ability without realizing it. An intriguing possibility to say the least.
One thing was for certain. Lorelei’s powers were primordial in nature, and the lock that had been placed on them had been done for a very good reason. Every second that we spend together, our bond strengthened, thus weakening that lock and releasing even more of her primal powers into her small, fragile body.
Kaniul arched an eyebrow and leveled a disapproving look at me. “You need to get yourself under control Vincent. This can’t happen again. They are going to find her.”
“I won’t let that happen, Kaniul.” I eased wisps of hair away from her face as I stared down at her. The bond we shared did not allow for any inappropriate feelings at her age, I could not let myself feel that way. She was still a child. I would protect and care for her always. Having her in my arms fired off every protective instinct I had within me. She was mine. I would keep her safe.
Flexing my arms tighter around her, I closed my eyes and reached for the shadow realm. Demons could travel instantly along the shadow plane if they were powerful enough, and those that were among the strongest, such as myself, could carry others with them. We reappeared in the small foster home where she had been living for the past six months.
A pained sound left her as I moved my fingertips over her bruises, her eyelids fluttering open. “What is going on?” Her voice was strong. That was my Lorelei, she was a fighter, and always would be.
“Nothing, Theera, this is all a dream and you are just asleep in your bed,” I uttered as I placed her gently down on the much too small mattress. My lip curled in disgust as I took in the surroundings of the room. No more of this. She would not be forced to live like this anymore. The blankets were little more than rags, her pillows almost flat and discolored with use. My nose wrinkled at the stale smell in the air.
A smile stretched my lips at the pictures of her and Alexis throughout the room. Various scribbles with musical notes written on them were scattered over the small desk t
hat separated their beds. The melodies jumped off the handwritten musical staff lined pages. She had such beautiful talent, it needed nurturing and developing, and one day it would be spectacular. The notes were brilliant, but raw and unrefined. With proper training she would be a musical genius.
I would help her realize her dreams.
Her eyes closed as she snuggled into her blankets, my name leaving her lips, “Vincent.” I smiled, pride filing me hearing my name from her.
“I will get you out of here as soon as possible, Lorelei.” I placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, securing the blanket more firmly around her feet. She would protest leaving her little sister, but I would have provisions in place to have her placed in a secure and loving home.
Plans swirling in my mind to set in motion, I gave one final lingering gaze on her sleeping form before climbing to my feet. I plucked one of the pictures off the wall above her bed. Lorelei’s smile was wide and bright, her eyes the perfect crystal-clear blue. Alexis was in her arms, as they leaned back taking the photo selfie style. They were eating brightly colored ice cream, which had been smeared on the tips of their noses and upper lips. I couldn’t help the smile that split my face.
Placing the photo back on the wall, I turned, reaching once again to the shadow realm and returned to my office.
∞∞∞
Kaniul was pacing the floor in front of my desk when I returned. “Well?” he asked impatiently.
Sighing, I ran my fingers through my hair before pouring myself a glass of scotch. I swallowed the harsh alcohol in one pull and the burn as it traveled down my throat spread warmth throughout my limbs. “She is secure in her bed. Unharmed.” I refilled my glass before settling down in my chair, starting up my computer to fire off several important emails.
“You are really going to defy Damius and set your plans into motion?” Kaniul leaned down and set his hands down on the surface of the desk, his brows drawn together in confusion. I knew he wanted Lorelei out of that situation just as badly as I did, but he was more wary about defying the council to do so.
The council was the ruling body for the supernatural community composed of the different factions of creatures in existence. As the Prince and commander of the Demons, I held a high seat at the council table. Vampires, Demons, Nephilim and Hybrids—which were a mix of Nephilim and another branch of supernatural—made up the remainder of the ten council seats.
“So, you suggest we just sit back and wait? See how long the compulsion lasts on her foster father? Hmmm?” I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes at him, fury exploding onto my face and spilling into my words. “Oh, or should we take it to a vote and see how long it take Damius to wrangle everyone together to cast ballots?”
Rising to my feet, I turned my back to him. “That being said, I am taking control of this whole situation. She can’t stay in that house Kaniul. She can’t.” Emotions long buried erupted within me—after centuries of not feeling so intensely, the instincts Lorelei was bringing out in me were causing havoc. In a fit, I threw my glass at the wall next to the fireplace and watched as it shattered into a million pieces, the amber liquid flowing down, staining the walls.
My demon was raging within me, roaring to protect Lorelei. She was the most important thing. She had to be safe, damn the council and their rules.
A firm hand gripped my shoulder, “Vincent, I will talk with Damius and smooth it over. He should then be able to inform the council of the need for emergency intervention and Guardianship will temporarily pass over to Kyara until she comes of age.” His amber eyes held pity as he looked at me. He knew better than anyone the future that awaited us if we failed to keep Lorelei safe.
Kaniul held the power of prophecy. On more than one occasion this ability had come to my aid. Yet, his visions were fickle, free will and decisions changed the future constantly. There were infinite possibilities, infinite realities, and he only touched on a few of them.
He gave my shoulder a final slap. “We both need to keep our distance, or we risk drawing even more attention to her. Her use of power today will have The Syndicate licking their chops and seeking out her location again.” Leaving me to reflect upon his words, he walked away on silent feet, shutting the door to my office behind him.
Damn Kaniul.
The Syndicate was a supernatural organization that was hellbent on bringing about the end of the world by freeing a being so evil, he was imprisoned by his own family to protect the lives of others. Morgana had spent Lorelei’s entire life keeping her away from The Syndicate. Trying to protect her from being taken into their custody.
Their leader, Kristoff, was one of the most sadistic vampires that I had ever encountered. His lust for blood and violence was legendary. Somehow, they believed that Lorelei was the key to their end goal.
I knew it would be difficult for me to break the connection with Lorelei. Every time I reached out to her in her dreams it cemented the bond even more. We had only physically met twice. Today, and the day of Morgana’s death. Each time was like a shock to my soul. But it had to be done. We had to throw The Syndicate off her trail.
Robotically, I sent the emails to set my plans for the following day in place. Kyara would arrive at Lorelei’s residence in the morning and take her to her new home outside of Portland, Oregon. It was far enough away from where she was at in Spokane, Washington that it would throw The Syndicate off her trail, but Lorelei would still be comfortable with her surroundings.
Kyara had been a trusted part of my team for years. A powerful witch, she would be the perfect guardian for Lorelei.
Kyara and I had been planning our contingency for this scenario for some time, we just needed the right time to execute it. The estate was restocked with food and supplies with a few orders. I made sure that Lorelei would have clothing and other essentials that she would need to flourish in her new environment.
The music room had already been well stocked and set up months ago, Kyara would ensure that her lessons were enjoyable and that she learned as well as had fun and took pride in her music. I couldn’t wait to hear some of her melodies produced and professionally polished. She would be brilliant.
Next, I ensured my plans for her foster sister, Alexis. Lorelei would be able to maintain communication with her, but physically they needed to be separated. I knew that Alexis required some special accommodations because of her severe anxiety. I reached out to some old acquaintances, knowing that they could provide her a loving home as well as work with her to address her mental health.
It was an added bonus that they lived in North Carolina, on the other side of the country.
All my plans put into motion, I scrubbed my hands over my face. I was tired of the struggle. Emotionally drained, I came to the harsh realization that Kaniul’s words were dreadfully accurate.
I had to close myself off to her.
For her own good.
Even if it killed me.
Chapter 4
Lorelei
“Wake up, Lore,” Alexis said softly, shaking me as I groaned. My head felt like it weighed a million pounds and throbbed with my raising pulse. I waved her off, trying to gain my sense of equilibrium as I sat up.
“You have to get up and come see!” she squeaked excitedly. I hadn’t heard such positive emotion in her voice in months and considering the events of yesterday, I was even more confused as I climbed to my feet.
“What are you talking about Lex? Please talk softer, my head is killing me,” I whispered painfully, massaging my temples. Trying to sort through the scattered remnants of my memories of the previous night was an effort in futility. Every time I could get a fragment or snippet, a smell or word, it was gone, faded away into the recesses of my mind.
Red and black swirling eyes.
A deep, accented voice.
Vincent.
I was seriously losing my mind.
“Sorry, Lore,” she said, lowering the volume of her voice significantly. “But you have to come downstairs. We’ve been adopted
!” Her shrill screech pierced my eardrums. She was jumping up and down while she fluttered around the small room packing up all of her belongings.
How was this possible? Adopted? Alexis had a mother still, she couldn’t be adopted, and I was much too old for anyone to even think about taking me in other than a foster family. I was a troubled fifteen-year-old girl and wouldn’t be seen as much more than a steady monthly income for most foster parents. There was no way that what Alexis was saying was the truth.
“Lexi, I think you are mistaken. No one would want to adopt us.” I pulled the covers back over my head. “Now let me go back to sleep.” Grumbling, I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths through my nose to try to ease the ache in my head.
“Lorelei, get your butt up this instant.” Alexis jumped on my bed and hopped up and down, jarring my body from side to side. “You have to come and meet everyone. They are so nice. There is a very handsome gentleman by the name of Kaniul who says he knows you.”
Kaniul?
My uncle?
I gagged as my head swam and stomach pitched from the pain. Alexis kept on chattering away, “Boy, that Kaniul fellow sure is cute. He’s got these gorgeous eyes and is super tall.” A deep sigh left her throat as she held her hands over her chest as her eyes sparkled.
“Anna and James are the couple that are adopting me. They have never been able to have children of their own but have always wanted to adopt. They heard about my situation and my—" she hesitated and swallowed, “—struggles. Anna is a child psychologist specializing in children from broken homes. James is a lawyer. They have a farmhouse in North Carolina with horses!”
Wait. North Carolina?
“Woah, tiger. North Carolina? We are moving to North Carolina?” I wasn’t following her conversation very closely. It took me a moment to realize that she didn’t say ‘us’. She said ‘me’ As in, she was being adopted by the couple in North Carolina, not me.
She crossed the room to our small stash of food and snacks and grabbed me a bottle of water along with two of my migraine pills. I nibbled on a saltine cracker and took the medication, hoping to ease the pain. Alexis plopped down on the mattress at my side. “I’m sorry Lorelei.” Laying her head down on my shoulder, I heard a small sniffle.
Into The Shadows (Shadows Ascending Trilogy) Page 3