Dream Angel (Angel #1)

by Jane West

  Out of breath, muscles aching, I finally accomplished the task. I sat back on my heels in disbelief as my findings stared back at me. “Jehoshaphat! It looks like a lever a door!” I whispered excitedly.

  Flat against the ground like a storm cellar door, although it looked like something from the stone ages. The wood appeared almost petrified. By its tattered wear, I assumed it was fragile. Still, it was a door, and I bet it led to the secret chamber that Bane’s uncle described. I wiped away the mud off the lever as best as I could.

  My eyes combed over it, examining its style. I’d never seen a doorknob like this. It certainly matched the castle’s age. Yet how this door and the latch survived all these centuries baffled me.

  I marveled over the mechanics of the door. The best way I could describe it was that the latch consisted of a horizontal bar held in a vertical loop, with a fastener attached to the doorframe.

  No argument, the thing was older than Grandma’s Grandma, but none of that mattered. The only thing that concerned me was whether the years had rusted it to ruin.

  I reckoned there was only one way to find out. Holding my breath, I banded my fingers tightly around the latch and gave it a stout tug. At first, it didn’t give as I strained against it, teeth grinding, face colored red. Then suddenly it released its iron grip, sending me backward off my feet and landing on my derrière. “Ouch!” I shrieked in pain, quickly rolling off my rump.

  Then my eyes blinked back at the lever. Gathering to my feet, I grasped the handle and heaved the wooden door. It roared with defiance, but I had a stern determination that I was getting my way. The door dislodged as I flung it open. A thick cloud of dust burst into my face. I dropped to all fours, gasping and choking. Stale air and old dirt had the reek of manure and tasted even worse. “Yuck!” I hacked up the foul tasting grime.

  After clearing my windpipe, I rose to my feet, wiping the smut off my face with the back of my hand, only to defeat my endeavor. Rather than ridding the grime, I only smeared it across my face, adding to the layer of filth that had already taken home. Whata awful mess, I’d become, looking down at the caked mud and layered dirt. “Stop being such a big pussy-wussy!” I gritted my teeth, scolding myself. “Good grief! I was freaking out over a little smut!” Wissey much?

  I shook my shoulders, shrugging off my paranoia as I stepped up to the berth in the ground. Cobwebs and darkness blanketed the cavity preventing me from getting a good look. I stepped back, repulsed. I realized the risk, stepping off into that black hole. Snakes and alligators were just the cherries on the whipped cream.

  I pulled out my phone and went to slide the bar across and flip on the flashlight; that was when I realized the battery had died. “Damn, damn, damn!” I twirled on my heels, banging the phone against my forehead in a temper tantrum. I wanted to stomp the phone to oblivion. I said I wanted to, not that I did.

  With a huge huff, I roughly stuffed the useless phone back in my pocket, cursing words that would’ve made a sailor blush.

  Facing the hole, I dropped to my knees hovering over it enough to wipe the cobwebs away. I couldn’t look at the sticky stuff and nearly lost my cookies when the gray icky stuff clung to my hands. I quickly raked my palms over the blades of grass. It took several takes before I finally got the suckers off my hands. “Yuck!” I shivered, grossed out.

  Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to stick my head through the hole. I prayed that I didn’t lose it. Forcing my eyes open, yet holding my breath, I leaned over and peered inside. What little light the moon reflected, I spied stairs.

  With no light, not even a match, I couldn’t gauge how far down the hole went. I felt almost certain it wasn’t a water-well, spotting the stairs.

  What I fretted was the condition of the steps. As far as I could tell, the stairs looked like cobblestone and mortar. I had no idea if the old stones would hold my weight or crumble under my feet. There were so many scenarios that each was as equally bad. If I reached the bottom in one piece, would I meet the infamous uncle and his diabolical servant, the MIB?

  Or would I find myself in a den of poisonous snakes or snapping alligators? I shuttered over each possible synopsis. “Shit!” I bounced to my feet, stepping away, my fist cuffed to my mouth.

  Hysteria was only a breath away. I inhaled deeply and exhaled, dragging in as much courage as the night air allowed.

  I stared at the black hole. Either, I take the plunge or turn myself over to the uncle. Bane and I were as good as dead if I walked away. I twirled on my heels, searching the ground. I needed something for backup, protection. My eyes landed on a long stick under the oak. I hurried to it and snatched it up. I grabbed a rock, tossing it in my hand.

  Cutting my eyes back at the hole, I glared at what I must confront. I just needed to do it, not give any thought, dive, feet first. “I. Can. Do. This!” Teeth gritted, in one long stride, I dove into the belly of darkness.

  The Knowing Eye

  “Oh, geez!” I froze, needles bristled my neck as if I was dangling on a tightrope, blindfolded. Submerged into complete utter blackness, I was on the verge of delirium. The story of Jonah and the great whale plagued my mind. “Okay,” I inhaled the stale air. “I can do this.” I softly coaxed myself.

  I placed my hand on the jagged wall. Instantly, I felt cobwebs sticking between my fingers. I jerked away, drawing my hand to my chest. "Come on, no wussy pussy!" I snorted to myself. I inhaled a deep breath and settled my palm against the course stone. The other hand clenched the long stick as I waved it in front of me, feeling for any obstacles. As far as I could tell, the path appeared to be unobstructed.

  I tapped the stick to the other side, trying to measure the width of the steps. It was narrow. Not much room to move. One slip I’d fall to my death.

  To my right, I stretched the stick as far as I could and discovered nothing but air. No wall on that side. “Great!” That meant a ledge to fall off if I misjudge my step and slip.

  I tossed the stone to my right and listened for its echo. It had taken several seconds before I heard a quick thud. I couldn't measure how far down but my guess was that it was far enough to be fatal.

  If I stayed close to the wall, I should be okay. Well, in theory anyway.

  I steady my feet under the feel of some kind of cobblestone. It was uneven and unsteady as I heard small broken pebbles tumble down the steps. I’d have to ease down, testing each step before I bared my weight on the next. “Okay, so far so good.” I blew out a breath.

  On the count of three, one foot at a time, I eased down on the step. My balance was good, sturdy as possible under the circumstances. I took another step, descending farther into the abyss.

  Before I realized it, I’d gone down several feet. I peered above my head to the entrance. The hole had grown much smaller and dimmer. I was sinking farther down into the bowls of blackness. I still had no idea how much farther I had to reach the end. The only thing I was certain if I slipped and fell, it’d be the end for me.

  I ventured farther down, palm flat against the wall and my stick extended directly in front of me, feeling each step before I eased my weight down on the next stone.

  Just when I started to feel more confident, I made an error in judgment, stepping too heavily on a loose rock.

  The step gave out from under me, and I dropped my stick off the cliff. I felt myself slipping, but I couldn't correct the fall. I tumbled down several feet. By the hair on my chin, I landed with my upper body on the cobblestone as my legs dangling off the cliff. My heart raced so loudly that I couldn't hear myself think.

  I held onto a sharp rock, but my grip was slipping. I had to act fast. With all my might, teeth clenched, I swung my leg over on the stone, hoisting myself back up on the steps. I rested against the wall, heaving air into my lungs. I thanked my lucky stars that I was still alive.

  Then I remembered my stick. My trusty guide. “Dammit!” I was so pissed at myself. Despite my frustration, I was stuck. Whether I went up or down, it was treacherous.
/>   With an irritated huff mixed with fear and determination, I slowly rose to my feet, my back flushed against the wall. I realized more than ever now, one wrong move could cost me my life. Once steady on my feet, I ventured forward into the belly of darkness.

  After several steps and time had passed, suddenly, I halted. What appeared to be the bottom of the steps, under my footing, I felt a flat surface and in the far distance, I heard an echo that sounded like water dripping in the distance. I reached grabbing cobwebs directly in front of me but passed the webs, I felt only space. My pulse kicked up a notch as I slowly made my way, one step at a time, hands stretched out, feeling whatever came in my path.

  Unexpectedly, my fingers touched a barrier on each side of me. I gasped! A corridor! The passage was narrow but more than enough room for me to pass. My footing was flat, no more steps and the stoned floor didn’t crumble under my weight. Still, not taking any chances, I used caution moving forward.

  There was a mass of cobwebs as I swallowed down a full-blown girl panic. I fought fearlessly, bush-hogging every clinging web that threatened to slap my face.

  All at once, I spotted a dim light flickering ahead. The faint sound of dripping water echoed louder this time. I had to anchor my footing to keep from jumping with excitement. From what I could tell, I was encroaching upon an opening, possibly a chamber. I picked up the pace with new zeal, my eyes fixed on the small light.

  As I coiled another corner, I stopped dead in my tracks. My heart lurched as if I’d stepped into my dream. The very same dream that had been haunting me since childhood.

  The small candle light held only a dim glow, mostly shadowing the chamber. My eyes washed over an assembly of men draped in scarlet hooded-robes all facing a high-point panel of nine men. I assumed the same councilmen Bane mentioned. Dressed in stark white robes, the men’s faces appeared masked in gold. It reminded me of a masquerade ball. New Orleans style. I stretched my ears to hear what they were saying, but only soft whispers wafted through the atmosphere.

  I crouched down keeping behind the shadows and crept closer to the front, hoping to get a better look and catch the conversation. I ducked into a corner, behind the water fountain.

  I eased my breath out slowly, hoping my heart rate would settle. I stayed low behind the barrier, peeking past the edge of the fountain. It comforted me knowing that I was close enough to the passage where I came from if I had to make a quick getaway.

  I began to absorb my surroundings. Light chatter amidst the men drifted in the air. I counted thirteen men standing in a circle. From what I gathered, they were preparing for a convocation. It looked important and dangerous.

  On the far left, there were carvings on the wall. With the faint lighting, I had a hard time making it out.

  The petroglyphs were old symbols and drawings cut out of the stone very similar to the Egyptian art, highly symbolic. I recalled reading that symbolism played a major role in establishing those in power and order. Each symbol of Egyptian gods and goddesses was omnipresent in Egyptian art. How strange to have these markings on the castle walls.

  One carving drew my attention. The depiction came from a mix of different animals. I assumed some mythical creature stemming from pagan religion. The carving, a bit worn, had seen better days. Still, I could make out its contour. I found it fascinating and eerie at the same time. Its head had the shape of a serpent. Resting on top of its head, laid two horns like a beast. The body was scaly resembling a dragon. The front feet were of a feline, yet its hind feet were razor-sharp talons, deadly as the creature’s scorpion tail. What a strange creature and even more bizarre imagination.

  Above the heads of the white robes, I noted a glowing eye in the center core of a triangle sitting on top of a pyramid. Chills wrapped its sharp claws around my spine as I realized that the eye was the same eye on the back of a dollar bill. The eye must contain some hidden meaning. Although, I had a sickening feeling that the eye and the faceless boy were connected. I wasn’t completely sure how, but I sensed it.

  I sat back behind the fountain. I gasped. “Holy hell!” I murmured, silently. “What have I gotten myself into?” I held my hands flushed to my chest, feeling my erratic heartbeat. Everywhere I went that damn eye seemed to follow in my dreams, at that dive bar and now, here carved in stone. It was the writing on the wall. I was connected. I didn’t know how but I was.

  All at once, I heard feet stirring, a loud thud hit the ground. I rose to my knees, creeping an eye barely passed the corner. Right away, I spotted two red robes carrying white sticks. What the fuck! I stretched my eyes out, studying the pile in their arms. Then quickly I covered my mouth to quiet my scream. “Holy shit! They were bringing in bones? Human bones!” My blood turned cold as I watched.

  The two men set the pile in a pit in the central core of the chamber and started a blazing fire. It rose high as it licked its way to an opening in the ceiling.

  Then things began to shift fast. On the closest side to me, I spied a five-pointed star carved into the cobblestone floor as it began to separate apart. Out from the bowls of its grave came a throne gilded in gold.

  The men in robes gathered around the giant fire as the men in white rose to their feet. Hands joined, faces lifted to the flame, they all commenced chanting. The cadence rose higher as the intensity grew. The words were unclear, but I didn’t have to understand. Deep to my core, I knew it was pure malevolence, and it sickened me.

  I wanted to run, but my feet stayed planted on the ground.

  When the chanting stopped a quiet spread amidst the robes. A loud crash like lightning barreled through the chamber and dark, ominous clouds grew from nowhere. The wind howled, as the fire thickened and shot up.

  The men had fallen to their knees, bowing, arms spread, palms flat to the floor as if in prayer. Prayer to what, I dared asked. The fire began dancing, swirling, expanding, shrinking and then expanding once again as if it was going to implode.

  I watched in terror as a creature stepped from the center of the blaze. Unlike anything I’d ever seen, the creature possessed the shape of a man engulfed in flames.

  I jumped back, eyes wide, gulping terror. For a second my first thought was to run to this creature’s distress, dropping him to the floor and blanketing him with my body.

  Then I realized that wasn’t the case at all. I sat back on my heels and watched. Stun seized my body on so many levels of freak-the-fuck-out that I couldn’t think straight. Beads of sweat formed across my forehead.

  The flames that had swallowed him had died, and the creature slowly morphed into something unfathomable.

  I couldn’t call him a man. He couldn't possibly be human. I recalled the dancer with the horns earlier. It hit me; the creature was a deity, a god that they worshiped.

  I had to admit, the creature was intriguing. His scaly body had to have stood at least ten feet. The horns he wore as his crown and a protruding tail that was as threatening as his piercing fangs. Unlike anything I’d ever seen his feet were talons and his hands, claws of a lion’s. His body oozed of blood and sores. He was hideous.

  Repulsed and terrified, I wanted to run for my life. But I knew I couldn't. I had to find Bane and warn him about his uncle.

  Without any warning, I heard a familiar voice rise from above the deadly quiet. My eyes raked the chamber until I found Bane. Cloaked in red, he stood tall in front of the golden throne where the beast seated on the throne, holding a scepter with the tip carved into a snake. I steadied my fix on Bane as I listened.

  Feast of the Beast

  “Rise, my brothers!” the creature’s strange mechanical voice shouted. “We are gathered here tonight to feast!”

  A quiet stir washed over the chamber as the scarlet and white robed men rose to their feet, now facing the beast sitting upon the throne.

  “My brother Du Pont, it is good to see you once again. I understand you have something to purge among this good fellowship of brothers.” The creature spoke with authority.

  “Yes, w
ise one, your presumption is correct.” Bane kneeled.

  “Then get on with it, for we have a celebration to revel in our success.” The creature hissed, pounding his scepter against the stone floor.

  “Thank you, omnipotent one for allowing me to take the floor.” Bane voice rose among the men and spoke with confidence. “It has come to my attention that there are some among us who wish we should proceed with another direction in obtaining our New World Order.” Bane’s face appeared tensed and threatening. “I must confess that I have been blackmailed by following orders I wish not.”

  Loud chatter spread like wildfire in a dry wheat field.

  All at once, the beast leaped to his feet, stomping his scepter against the floor demanding obedience. “Be quiet, you imbeciles! The creature snarled with asinine. He looked past Bane then cut his hard eyes back to his face. “Now proceed with your grievance my brother.” The creature seated himself back onto the golden throne.

  “I have been a long time servant to our cause, working toward our new system, where mankind’s world and the mystical realms can live in peace and harmony. We are at the threshold of profound change, and I desire to do my part.”

  “And your part, my brother is?” the creature asked as if he was uncertain.

  “The girl, the hybrid, has been entrusted to my care. She has been promised to me in a blood contract,” Bane hesitated. “The girl is our one and only true answer to bring forth perfect health and harmony to our worlds! Lord, Cruis, we should embrace this awe-inspiring chance and allow this precious gift to live and fulfill her destiny.”

  Suddenly emerging from the scarlet robes, a man rose and approached the beast. “I am truly sorry for speaking out of term. If I may be so bold, I’d like to approach the council?” the man encroaching was Van Dunn.

  A hush scurried over the robes.

  “Brother, Dunn, you better have a good reason for this disruption!” the creature’s threat solidified the cluster of robes.