The Ripple Effect: Dane

by Jodie Becker

  Dane stepped forward and drew his bow. He let loose several arrows in quick succession. He glanced over his shoulder at her, and his eyes flashed with fury. “Get out of here."

  Jamilah tensed. She would if she could move.

  Cursing, Dane turned, grabbed her arm and jerked her toward the doors. “Get going."

  Jamilah stumbled. Fear turned her knees to jelly, and she struggled to keep up with Dane. They pushed through the doors to run along the walkway. Gasping for breath, she glanced behind her as the eagle/man hybrids crashed through the glass and launched into the air.

  One of paredriis soared toward them, its eyes red with hate. A scream broke from her incapacitating fear. In her effort to get away, she tripped and hit her chin against the hard tiles. Stars burst behind her eyes as pain seared along her chin. A weight landed on her body, and the air was pushed form her lungs. Strong arms wrapped around her and rolled her to the side just as the paredrii swooped by, missing her by a hair's breadth.

  Dane immediately released her, and got up on one knee to pull back on his bowstring and release another arrow. It whizzed through the air and clipped the beast on the wing, causing it to loose its balance and tailspin to the ground.

  Before she could even recover from the near miss, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Run, gods damn it!"

  Without any more prompting from him, Jamilah broke into a sprint. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, lending her its strength. Around her, people ran in a disorganized mess. Mothers screamed for their children and men wielded unlikely weapons. It was then that she realized this wasn't a military base, but a refugee camp. No one was prepared for an attack.

  Veering around a corner, she squealed as a hand latched on her elbow. Dane's harsh features came into view as he twisted her around and pushed her against the wall. Shielded by his body, she felt the whoosh of air pass them. He let out a grunt and pressed into her body momentarily as another winged creature zoomed by.

  Wide-eyed, Jamilah stared up at the grimace of pain that marked his face. “Wha—?"

  He pulled away from her and grabbed her shoulder. His fingers dug into her skin. Jamilah gasped in pain, but she followed his lead as he shoved a door open to another shop and pushed her inside. Stumbling, she righted herself and squinted in the semi-darkened room. Sports items lined the walls. Dane stalked passed her to stop before a glass cabinet. Without a word, he hooked his bow over his shoulder, drew back his arm and slammed his elbow into the glass. The cabinet shattered, glass spraying everywhere. He reached in and grabbed the hunting knives from the display the cabinet.

  Turning, he tossed one to her. She fumbled the sheathed blade but recovered to clasp it to her chest. The implications slammed into her as she stared at the large bowie knife in her hands. “You want me to fight those things out there?"

  Dane scowled. “No, you need something to protect yourself, should we loose each other."

  Fear sliced through her. “Loose each other?"

  He didn't reply for a moment, his attention cast over her shoulder to the front of the store. “We don't have much time. Come, there's a back exit."

  She followed after him. He worked the locks on the back door, and it opened with a creak. The sound of violence and terror filtering down the hall made the hairs on her arms rise. Oh God, what have I gotten myself into?

  Dane stepped out, his bow at the ready. They stopped at the edge of the corridor, and Jamilah drew in a harsh breath at what she beheld. Bloodied bodies lined the walkways: children, women and men alike. Tears rose to the surface, but she blinked them back.

  Those willing to make a stand fought with the Paredriis using whatever they could find. The claws of those beasts lashed through several victims in quick strikes, blood splattering against the floor and walls.

  Twenty feet from them, a winged demon gained ground on his prey; a woman running for dear life with her child in her arms. Dane stepped forward, into the foray. He drew back on his bow and let a few arrows loose. One slammed into the pursuing beast and another flew passed the fleeing woman to a paredrii ahead of her, to clear her path.

  Jamilah hurried after Dane, who continued after the paredriis as the battle drew further into the building. Suddenly, another winged monster fell from the ceiling and landed several feet in front of her. The beast opened its beak and let out an unholy shriek. Her heart jumped to her throat, and the handle of the knife became slick from her sweaty palm.

  With an unsteady hand, she pulled the blade free from its sheath. She stumbled back, holding it awkwardly away from her body in an attempt to defend herself. The beast dipped its head to glare at the blade that shook in her grip. It drew its wings back, spreading its arms wide as it screamed at her, the fury in its eyes evident.

  Terrified, Jamilah sobbed as she took a quick swipe at the creature, but it evaded her with a skill beyond human effort. As she stepped over another body, her foot slipped on the slick blood. Struggling to remain upright, she quickly lost her balance and hit the wet surface, her feet over one side of the dead man, her body on the other.

  Panic surged within her and tears pricked the back of her eyes as the beast advanced on her. “Dane!"

  Dane glanced over his shoulder at the sound of Jamilah's panicked cry. One of the winged demons stood over her. Releasing a curse, he nocked an arrow and shot it. The arrow embedded in the center of its back, and it cried out. While it struggled to pull out the arrow, Dane broke into a run, nocking another arrow and aiming for the back of the neck. Half the shaft stabbed through the neck, and blood ran in rivulets as the beast fell to its death.

  Dane skidded to a halt, his gaze drawn to the dead beast. It was so close. He held his hand out to Jamilah, and the glaze of tears in her eyes filled him with guilt. Gods, he should keep a better eye on her.

  "Come on,” he prompted when she didn't immediately take his hand. “We haven't much ti—"

  Dane grunted as something hit him on the back and propelled him through the air. Wind hit the back of his neck, and he glanced up at the paredrii that held him in its talons as it took flight.

  Struggling against its grip, Dane twisted the claws on his shoulders back until he heard the moist crack of bones. The demon bird let out a squawk and released him. Curling into a ball, he whirled through the air. He hit the ground feet first and rolled with the impact into a commando-roll.

  Jerking to his feet, he looked up at the beast that hovered above. Its eyes shone with hate as it held its injured hand. Dane pulled the knives from the back of his jeans, his lips curling. “Come on, you son of a jackal,” he snarled.

  It surged toward him in a spike of movement, and the velocity picked up in a split second as it dived forward. Dane struck out with his knives as the beast dived into him, but the impact knocked him off balance, his strike going wide. Claws gripped him around the neck, and the creature pitched them both off the ground. Gagging, Dane shoved both blades into the beast's abdomen with a vicious twist. His hands went slick with the demon's blood, but he held tight. The animal grunted, and blood splattered across Danes face as it coughed.

  The paredrii weakened and plummeted toward the ground. G-force slammed Dane with such power he could only gasp as they hit the ground, the dead animal taking most of the impact. The world spun momentarily as Dane pushed to his feet and glanced around him.

  Jamilah stood several feet away, the knife clutched in her bone-white fingers. Behind her, several more winged beasts veered toward them in the distance.

  "Run!” he screamed as he surged forward.

  Jamilah turned slowly to look behind her, then stilled. “Gods damn it,” Dane cursed. Didn't the woman understand the word “run"? He reached back to pull an arrow from the quiver, quickly nocked it and let it fly. His target saw it coming and twisted away from the fatal tip. Its eyes burned with fury as it focused on Dane.

  Damn it! They drew closer, and the foolish woman still held her place.

  "Run, gods damn it!” he cried, pulling the bow
tight to release another arrow. It zipped past her shoulder and imbedded into the eye of the closest beast.

  Almost as if snapped from a trance, she jerked when the beast hit the ground and slid to a stop at her feet. She twisted around and sprinted toward Dane, her eyes wide with terror.

  "Come on!” Dane screamed. Desperation pierced his composure as he let loose a few more arrows; each found their mark.

  Dane experienced a sudden sense of failure, his heart dropping as the creatures gained on Jamilah. Pumping his arms hard, he gritted his teeth in an effort to force his body under more pressure, ignoring the pain that burgeoned in his chest. He needed to reach her before the demon did. Behind her, a paredrii swooped down even as he screamed, “Duck!"

  She let out a terrified cry and raised her hands above her, but it was too late. The beast grasped her shoulders and propelled them into the air. Her high-pitched scream ripped through all the other sounds about them.

  Dane skidded to a halt and drew back on his bow as tears of fury and guilt blurred his vision. The tension pushed against his fingers as he held and timed his shot. He released the arrow, but it swung clear of the beast by a hair's breath. Sprinting forward, Dane pulled out another arrow and held for a shot. They were too far away now. A vile curse pushed passed his lips as he listened to Jamilah's terrified screams fading in the distance.

  Around him, death permeated the air. Bodies littered the building. Set had sent his minions for the express purpose to retrieve Jamilah. Why?

  Deep within, he felt the stirring of his counterpart. His hands formed fists, and he used all his will power to subdue it. Not now. He needed to keep his wits about him.

  You need me, the voice whispered.

  Dane heart thumped against his chest. No, he didn't. He never wanted him to begin with. The sense of falling grew within him, and Dane struggled to remain upright. His head spun crazily. Screwing his eyes shut, he stumbled and fell to his knees.

  He was powerless against them. “No,” he whispered.

  Give in.

  "Nooo!” he cried, even as the blackness shrouded his vision.

  * * * *

  The soft scent of sandalwood and flowers teased Jamilah from her sleep. Stretching against the soft mattress beneath her, she released a contented sigh. The sound of wind chimes filtered through her consciousness, and a small smile tilted her lips. She opened her eyes and drew in a sharp breath.

  Midday light slanted through a room of marble and Greek pillars. The burgundy walls, inlaid with gold and jade, added to the opulent chambers. Resting on some sort of day bed, the soft velvet pressed softly against her skin. She pushed herself up on one elbow to garner a better view of the room.

  The soft tinkle of metal against metal drew her attention, and her gaze fell to the myriad of bangles on her wrist. What in the world...? Confusion intermingled with a sliver of fear as she noted the sheer white gown she wore and the jewelry that graced her body.

  Was this a dream?

  As though to answer her question, a man entered the room. The simple kilt and Egyptian headdress he wore reminded her of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, but what gave her pause was the power that emanated from him as he strode confidently into the room. His skin, the color of caramel, shimmered against the sunlight, and looked smooth to the touch. Liquid brown eyes bore into her as a soft smile slanted his full lips. Momentarily stunned by his beauty, Jamilah's mouth dropped open.

  Who was this man?

  He drew to a halt before her and held out his hand, his golden wristbands glinting in the light. “My beloved,” he said, his voice heavily accented. “You have awakened."

  She didn't like the way he called her his beloved. “I ... who are you?"

  A knowing glint entered his eyes as he pulled his hand back. “Do you like these chambers?"

  Momentarily thrown by his question, she frowned. “It's nice. But—"

  "Perfect. I thought you would like the colors. I had this room especially designed for you."

  "Who are you?"

  He eyed her for a moment, and it was then she remembered the sheerness of her clothing. Her naked body lay open to his regard, and a sense of violation skittered across her skin as she crossed her arms over her breasts.

  He sighed when she did so. “Why do you insist on hiding those beauties?"

  Jamilah glowered at him. Was he kidding? “I'm not some exhibitionist who likes to have my body exposed to strangers."

  He waved his fingers in the air as though her statement was inconsequential. “I have draped you in the finest cotton and jewels. That should show you I am no stranger."

  Were all the men demented in this reality? “I don't know who you think you are, but you can't come in here and ogle me like a piece of meat.” When he remained silent, she eyed him with disdain. “Who are you?” she asked, yet again.

  "I am the god who brought you here,” he stated imperiously.

  Jamilah's eyes widened. He was the guy that pitched her into this nightmare. This damned alternate reality. Anger surged through her, wiping out everything but the fact that he had thrown her life into chaos. Standing, she stabbed a finger at him. “You did this to me? How dare you! I had a life, you know."

  He chuckled, unmoved by her fury, which only added fuel to the fire. “I don't care who or what you are, I demand you take me back."

  "No.” The word was spoken with finality, the humor in his eyes gone. “Your place will be here."

  Bloody Neanderthals! “My place is not here and certainly not with you."

  His lips curled back in a snarl, contorting his face hatefully. His hand snapped out and grasped cruelly onto her jaw. “Your place is here. Just as it has always been."

  Fear burned against her momentary anger, drowning it out as she stared into the fiery eyes of her captor. His nails dug into her cheeks, and he gave her a little shake. “Deny me again, would you?” he asked harshly.

  Jamilah whimpered. What had she gotten herself into? “What are you talking about?"

  His face contorted in a look between anger and disgust. He thrust her from him so hard that she fell heavily against the marble surface and slid along the floor. Her limbs shook with terror, and as he stalked toward her, her hands went up in defense.

  "You could've had me then. But you foolishly threw me aside for him,” he spat.

  "Him?” What was he going on about?

  "Yes! You knew in your heart we were meant to be. We were perfect. The music we played with our bodies was perfect."

  Jamilah shook her head. “You're crazy."

  He stepped closer. “Am I? If so, it is because of you."

  "I don't even know you!” she cried as she scrambled to her feet.

  He grasped her wrist, and his eyes flashed with desperation. “You do. Look closer. See me.” He put her hand on his chest. “Feel me."

  Disgust rolled through her as she jerked her hand from him. She had to escape. Turning to flee, she only managed a few steps before his arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her against him. His hot breath touched her ear as one hand glided up her thigh. “Remember me. What we had, lover."

  Tears of fury and fear rolled down her cheeks. He was insane. She writhed in his grasp, desperate to find release. “Let me go!"

  His hand skimmed over her. She cried out, revulsion churning her gut as she twisted in his embrace and slapped him. Hard. The impact was enough for him to release her, and she stumbled back.

  "I never had anything with you,” she said.

  His lips thinned in anger, and then something happened. His features shimmered. Fur began to grow along the hard planes of his cheeks as his face elongated. Struck motionless by morbid fascination, she watched as he morphed before her. With the head of a jackal-demon hybrid, his eyes flashed red. He was the image of Set, represented on the ancient walls in Egypt.

  His clawed hand snapped out to grip her arm cruelly, drawing blood. He jerked her forward, and she stumbled into his chest. “You will remember me, Isis,” he h
issed.

  Jamilah swallowed hard, fear and loathing whirling within her. “I'm not Isis."

  Lips curled back to reveal canines in a dark smile. “You are.” He drew in a breath through his nose. “I'd remember that scent anywhere."

  Biting back a sob, she tried to pull from him, but it was useless. “Please, let me go. You have the wrong person."

  "Never,” he rumbled. “You will admit you know me. Even if I have to force it from you."

  Trepidation skittered across her skin at the threat. Instinctively, she knew he would do anything to get what he wanted, and what he wanted was her.

  Chapter Six

  Darkness shrouded Dane's approach as he stalked through the trees that lined the opulent palace. Surrounded by an unnatural oasis, Set's kingdom lay in the middle of destruction where Egypt had once been.

  The white stone building stood as an impenetrable fortress before him, glimmering under the moonlight. Dane adjusted the backpack over his shoulder. The weight of spells and amulets within lent him confidence as he thought of his attempt to enter the lion's den.

  Momentarily, he rested against the nearest palm tree and his thoughts fell on his trek into the city. He had little doubt his counterpart had somehow transported him into Egypt using a spell, but had seemed reluctant to go any closer to the palace. For whatever reason, Dane didn't know, but he wasn't going to question it, either. They spoke little of how Dane intended on saving Jamilah, and he preferred it that way. Having a strange being that resided in his body had some advantages, but Dane was beginning to feel less and less like himself. It was almost as though his counterpart wished to take over his soul completely.

  Dane veered off the dark path on which his mind had wandered and went over his half-formed plan. He couldn't allow his fear to control him right now. He dropped the bag and crouched to pull out spells written on papyrus. His eyes slid shut as he whispered a quick prayer to the gods. Dropping the scroll back into his pack, he wrapped his fingers over the protective amulet around his neck and followed the dark shadows marching across the parapets with his gaze.