Invisible Dawn

by Weston Kincade

“I’m trying to find myself,” she replied honestly. She could not help the ease she felt with Juno. While formal in appearance, his suave nature either left her speechless or gossiping like a witless teenager.

  She noticed the perplexing quirk in his expression, and she elaborated further. “A while back, I lost my memory. I’m not really sure how, but I’d like to get it back.”

  Juno was intrigued, and his brows furrowed as he sought a solution. “What does the book say to do?”

  “It doesn’t address my situation, but it has some ideas I’ve never heard of. And others I might be able to try.”

  “Like what?” he queried.

  “It mentions some odd things like ‘hypnosis’,” she added, stumbling over the word. “But it gives other recommendations too, like going back to places you knew before to reflect. I can’t really do that, and I’m not sure what ‘hypnosis’ is … but maybe I can figure something out through self reflection … at least that’s what the book calls it. I’ve kind of been doing that already though and still nothing. So far, the book hasn’t been a great help, but I’m not done with it yet.”

  “I see. I can at least tell you what hypnosis is.” His words flowed with the smoothness of familiar chocolate, and his offer perked Madelin’s interest.

  “Hypnosis is a trance induced by someone who has been trained. During the trance they can ask questions your subconscious might know about, but your conscious thought might be unable to remember.”

  The prospect was enticing, but she doubted Jedd or the others knew how to do it. Otherwise, they would have tried before now. Madelin sat in silent thought, her disappointment displayed on her sleeve.

  “I know it’s kind of personal, but I can try it on you if you would like.”

  The proposal was music to Madelin’s ears, but his generosity was more than she could have hoped for. It was enough to make her question his motives. She was certain alarm bells would be ringing if she were Jedd. He was very cautious, too cautious in her opinion, but it had helped him to find her. If not for him, she would still be stuck in that hospital bed, more brainwashed than before. ‘No one is that giving.’ Jedd’s words echoed through her mind as she considered the offer.

  “I might take you up on it later,” she replied, “but right now I think I’d like to try a few of the simpler ideas and see if there’s anything else the book recommends.”

  Juno nodded and said, “Suit yourself.” Then his eyes landed on another book sitting next to Madelin. “Have you read that one too?” he asked.

  “I’m working on it,” she replied, lifting it off the end table. “A Labyrinth of Elemental Curiosities: The Development of Rare and Unexplainable Human Traits,” she read aloud.

  “Now that is interesting,” he commented. “Why did you choose that one?”

  “Well, it has to do with what I mentioned before,” she replied with hesitance. Overcoming her hesitance once more, Madelin explained further. “I’m not sure if it’s related to the memory loss, but I can see things that others can’t.”

  “Oh,” Juno said in a failed attempt at feigned surprise.

  Her eyes lost their adoring gaze when she saw through his ploy. “Mr. Paria, why do I get the feeling you knew as much before you even asked the question?”

  Juno stiffened, caught off guard by her directness. After a moment’s consideration, he answered, “I did suspect as much, but only because it interested you. Otherwise, why pick it up?”

  His explanation was logical, but Madelin’s gut told her there was more. “I don’t think it’s as simple as that. That’s one reason why my friends went looking for you this afternoon.”

  The mention of his brief meeting with the three strangers was expected, but her sudden change in behavior staggered him. He was beginning to think this enchanted beauty might be a femme fatale in disguise. He wished to leave, but was intrigued by this extraordinary woman and the odd sickness that plagued her. Strangers seldom ventured this far south. And few of those are women as intoxicating as this one in fiery curls.

  “Let us say you’re right,” he said, humoring her in his accented English. “What is your point?”

  “My point?” Aggravated, her voice intensified. “My point is that something is different about me, and something is different about you. I don’t know much about it, but I want to know more. How are you different and what can you tell me about these things I see?” The words careened off her lips without a second thought, and by the time she finished, she was gasping for breath.

  “Well, I see we are through with the preliminary introductions,” replied Juno. Irritation flashed in his eyes. “Was the flirtation part of your ploy to speak with me?”

  His tone hid daggers behind each word. “No, Juno, I wasn’t trying to manipulate you. I really am attrac…” She stopped her tongue before it said too much. After a deep breath, she continued, “I just want some answers.”

  “To tell you about my past will take far longer than we have this evening. As far as what you see, I’m sure you are talking about certain aspects that some people have, and others … do not.”

  Juno explained further as the hellcat’s claws retreated and her eyes brightened. “The glow you see means that person is of an evolved nature. They may or may not have discovered this for themselves yet, but each one at least has the capability of becoming more than ‘normal’. As they evolve, most attain the ability you yourself have, to see the glow around others. Everyone has the potential of seeing more than truly exists in the world, but some are more inclined to see these visions than others. For instance, many people on every plane report seeing small carryovers from similar worlds. Often they call them ghosts or apparitions because they know no better. Far fewer people exist as genetic mutations. These people are anomalies and capable of more than any normal person can conceive of.”

  “What kinds of things can they do?” asked Madelin, intrigued.

  The conversation lengthened, Juno’s exasperation disappeared, and his voice became infused with passion. “Each person’s genetic evolution is engineered to do certain things. There are ways you can help them to discover more, but there is no way of knowing what each person is capable of.”

  “What about the intensity of the aura, the deepness of its color?” Madelin asked, watching the glow around Juno pulsate.

  “That can give you an idea of their potential, how powerful they can become, but in what way is still a mystery, even to me,” he replied, disheartened.

  Madelin was absorbed in his explanation and probed further. “How does this change come about?”

  Juno considered how to summarize his answer before responding. “Well, simply put, genetics are not set in stone. They change through mutations and abnormalities in order to adapt to their surroundings. Throughout the ages, changes in the world have forced these developments to occur.”

  Juno sought out some semblance of understanding as he peered at Madelin. She nodded and waited for him to continue. “As I think you know, there are many different versions of the world. Each evolved from the same original plane. However with every influential decision, a new plane is made for each avenue not taken. Because of this, there are an infinite number of planes.”

  “The evolution of man stems from this eternal metamorphosis. Each person born with genetic abnormalities is more closely linked to the basic foundation separating each world, and it is because they are products of the world attempting to adapt. It is the world we live in attempting to create a reality capable of surviving. The results of each decision can have far reaching consequences.”

  “And so, how the world has progressed determines how people evolve on that particular plane. Some decisions lead to cataclysmic events which cause certain planes to die out. But since an alternate plane is made for each significant decision, when one ends, many more survive. Through this process, life continues to evolve.” Juno watched as the attractive woman hung on every word. He hoped she understood his explanation. Putting things into laymen’s t
erms had never been his forte.

  Madelin’s mind turned over the new information. “But what determines if it’s an important decision?”

  “That is nature at its best. It must be a decision with the possibility of worldwide consequences,” Juno countered.

  “Wow,” Madelin said, breathless. “I didn’t realize there was so much to it. Jedd mentioned something about the differences between planes having to do with decisions, but I didn’t know that’s what he meant. The book mentioned the possibilities, but didn’t explain it with such depth. How do you know this for sure, when so many other people don’t?”

  Juno leaned back in the chair, a knowing smile tweaking his cheeks. “Experience, mademoiselle, experience.”

  Before Madelin could pose another question, Juno’s gaze went to the door. Seconds later, it opened to admit Lord Alain.

  “Mr. Paria, what, may I ask, brings you to my humble abode?”

  “Only the normal procurement, my lord,” replied the school teacher.

  Alain turned his attention to Madelin. “Mademoiselle, I am sorry this eccentric man was allowed to take up so much of your precious time. I was detained.” Turning his unwavering gaze back to Juno, he added, “Please excuse us.”

  The unmistakable cue ended their conversation with the abruptness of a train wreck. Juno stood and made a leg before Madelin. “Au revoir, mademoiselle. Have a pleasant evening.” Without another word, he picked up his bag and passed out the door, followed by their host.

  “I will return in a moment, mademoiselle,” said Lord Alain before shutting the study door.

  Madeline watched through a window as the two men went a short ways into the garden. Their discussion began cordial enough, but soon Lord Alain betrayed his consistent calm. He began motioning fiercely with his hands. Unaccompanied by his words, the motions were meaningless. But the powerful gestures displayed the frustration he felt. Before long, they separated and Juno stalked across the shaded street.

  Alain walked back to the manor and into the study, his calm façade having returned. “I am sorry for that disturbance, Miss Madelin. I hope his presence was not too much of a discomfort to you.”

  “Not at all,” she replied. “Wasn’t that the school teacher you spoke of last night?”

  Lord Alain took his usual seat and again stoked the fire to life. “Yes it was. Now do you see why I said to consider his notions with care?”

  Madelin nodded, but said nothing of how similar their philosophies were.

  Once the fire had grown to a comfortable level, Alain threw another log on, leaned forward in his seat, and took her hand in his. “Now Madelin…” he whispered, “… that is such a pretty name … I am glad to finally speak with you alone.”

  “Why is that?” she asked with coy naivety.

  “I wished to speak with you for quite some time. Your beauty surpasses all that I have seen in my many years. The first sight of you left me breathless. It was then that I knew. I have kept the fabric for that dress for centuries, waiting for just the right person worthy of wearing it. I had my personal tailor make it for you just last night. Do you like it?”

  “It’s gorgeous!” she exclaimed. Truthfully it was the first time she had concerned herself with fashion, at least that she could remember. But it was more beautiful than anything she had ever seen. “Thank you”.

  “It suits you. Have you enjoyed your time here?” he asked with a smile.

  “I have, very much.”

  “Good, better than where you came from?”

  Her mind returned to the hospital, the only home she knew, and she shuddered. “Without question.”

  “Then there is something I would like you to consider.”

  Curious, Madelin prompted, “Yes, go on.”

  “How would you like to live out the rest of your life as a respected member of society? To be able to wear a different dress like this each day of the week?”

  The answer was obvious to Madelin, but it seemed ‘too good to be true’, as Jedd would have said. There had to be a catch. Curious where the question was leading, she played along. “Yes I’d like that.”

  I’d also like to live without fear of an attack and kidnapping attempts, she thought, but said nothing of it.

  “I can provide all of that, Madelin. I can provide you with security from whatever you’re running from, and I can give you a home. Wouldn’t you like that?”

  “Yes,” she replied, uncertain where he was going with this. “That’d be wonderful, but what could we do for you in return?”

  “There is no ‘we’ Madelin. It is what you can do for me. You can make me the happiest man alive. Just say yes. Marry me and it will all be yours.”

  At first she thought he was joking, but his crystal blue gaze solidified his intentions. “But, I don’t even know you.”

  “What is there to know?” he asked. “I know that I want you. That should be enough.” Alain’s confidence left no room for question or debate. He leaned back, waiting for the answer he knew would come. “Take your time, mademoiselle. For you, I will wait.”

  Madelin sat speculating on what to say, and how to go about it. “Mr. Traditor, I appreciate your offer, but that’s something I’m not ready for right now.” His smile disappeared. “My friends and I have enjoyed your hospitality and I’m sure that they’d like to repay you in some way, but I can’t do that.”

  Alain’s crystal gaze hardened with each word, as though he were turning to stone. His hands clenched into fists and his lips formed a thin line as his anger flared. He leaned forward and encircled her petite wrists in an iron grip. “How dare you deny me!” he rasped.

  He dragged her to her feet as he rose from the chair. “I have opened my home to you, doted on you and your friends, given you clothes made by my personal tailor, and offered you a life of riches and respect. And this is how you repay me!”

  His voice intensified as his malice took flight, and each accented word hung like daggers. “When I ask for something, you do not tell me ‘no’! If I ask for something it is because I choose to do so as a courtesy. And when I want something, I take it.”

  Alain’s eyes took on a predatory look as he flung her across the room. Madelin slammed into the wall, knocking the pictures down around her. She slid to the floor in pained surprise. Alain crossed the distance with the grace of a hungry lion. His eyes promised murder and much … much more.

  Seeing his vicious intentions stirred the pent up hate inside her, and it began to surge. Madelin’s leg shot out and caught him unaware. Alain stumbled backward as the heel of her foot found purchase in his groin. He teetered at the edge of his chair, bent double, and took a few deep breaths. It was enough for Madelin to get up. She turned to the door and tried the knob, but it refused to budge.

  “You didn’t really think I would let you go, did you?” Alain bellowed like a crazed lunatic.

  Madelin turned back to him and braced herself as stepped closer. When he was within reach, she threw out her fist, but a slight breeze was all she felt. He dodged each punch with inhuman speed, taunting her.

  “Come on, little girl, you poor tramp, you can do better than that.” His words were sadistic and cruel. An evil grin played across his face as though it was a game.

  She threw one punch after another, trying to circle away from his threatening advances. She slipped around chairs, kicked at him, and thrust her knee into his midsection. But each time, he knocked her leg aside, his frightening gaze never leaving hers.

  Feeling his long cold fingers wrap around her forearms, Madelin summoned her frustrations into one final blow. She leapt into the chair behind her and propelled herself into Lord Alain. The force of the impact carried them both into the air and onto one of the low center tables. The legs splintered and collapsed under the weight of their bodies and Alain rolled over Madelin with the skill of a trained fighter. Holding her tight, he used the momentum to his advantage and flipped her. She was no longer in control and slammed into the couch’s wooden f
rame. There was a loud crack as her skull thudded against the hardened armrest. Then, the world went dark.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 23: Surprising Friendships

  Hours later, Madelin awoke to four concerned faces hovering above in a candle-lit room. She lay lengthwise across the couch. Every inch of her ravaged body called out in pain, as though she had been run over by a semi. Jedd, Farlin, and the others stood over her with matching expressions. They spoke in muted conversation, but fragments filtered through the pain.

  “Look at all those bruises,” said Roger. His eyes watered, close to tears.

  “Who in the hell did this?” Daniel demanded, but no one knew with certainty.

  “Like I said, it might have been Alain,” replied Jedd. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”

  Farlin chimed in. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it was him, but I’ve worked here for years. I’ve seen him do a lot of horrible things, but never something like this.”

  “Then who the hell did it?” asked Daniel, his fists clenched, longing to wrap their fingers around someone’s neck. His knuckles popped with the repeated movement, and his eyes roved around the room, searching for something … someone … anything to vent his rage. His sights landed on the Cajun. “You! It’s your damn fault. You just had to play another hand of cards.”

  “I don’t know whose fault it is, but you can’t go blaming each other,” Farlin replied, but Jedd interrupted him.

  “No, you can’t. It isn’t Roger’s fault. It’s mine. I should have gotten us out of here last night.” Jedd’s eyes fell to the floor and Madelin’s prone form.

  “Look guys, she’s wakin' up.” Roger allowed her a minute to recover consciousness, then asked in his Creole accent, “Hey, darlin’, you okay?”

  “Ohhhh, God!” she exclaimed placing her palms over her eyes. “It hurts.”

  “What does?” Jedd asked. “Is there something we can do?”

  “Who did this to you?” asked Daniel with impassioned hatred.

  “What hurts?” came Farlin’s voice, adding to the growing pile of questions.