by Nikki Landis
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
FRACTURED
First edition. October 25, 2017.
Copyright © 2017 Nikki Landis.
Written by Nikki Landis.
A dark fantasy novella of loss and redemption.
- Fight for Light Series -
By
NIKKI LANDIS
Copyright © 2017 Nikki Landis
All rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
*contains dark subject matter such as abuse*
Table of Contents:
Epilogue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Also by Nikki Landis
About the Author
Epilogue
The distant past...
“Aedan,” I whispered, tugging him along, “hurry.”
His small stout legs pump as fast as they can go next to me but I know we’ll never make it to our usual hiding place.
Not this time.
I pull his five year old body as quickly as I can, eventually yanking in desperation. Just a little farther...
Up ahead I can see the old red barn with peeling paint chips and the broken door where the rusted hinges hang from bent forgotten nails. Hay spills from the loft, some of it full of mold and creepy critters, most of it dry and brittle. The small square doors of the upper level are wide open to let in the sunshine and warm afternoon breezes.
“Renee!”
Terror grips my slim frame as I keep tugging on Aedan. “You remember where to go?” I ask, my voice trembling.
“Sissy, why is Daddy yelling?”
He always asks me the same question. Maybe he hopes I can give an adequate answer or maybe he thinks that I’ll lie and give him reassuring words of comfort even if they don’t exist. But I won’t do that to Aedan.
I won’t lie to the only person in this world that I love. The only person who truly loves me.
“I don’t know Aedan.”
“Why?” He insists, trying to drag his little feet.
The only person more stubborn than my father and me was my kid brother.
“Listen, he’s coming. Fast. What will happen if he finds you?”
Aedan’s lower lip juts out and tears fill his young eyes. “I know,” he admits as I hug him close.
“Renee!”
“We have to hurry!” I nearly yell as we pass the back of the barn and head toward the safety of the trees.
There’s an old treehouse with a trap door, not far into the forest. Above is an extra room too small for an adult to fit through. The perfect place to hide and wait out my father’s temper. I know if Aedan reaches the treehouse he’ll be fine. No harm will reach him.
I’m almost to the trees when I feel a strong hand wrap around my hair and hold tight. Practically dragged off the ground, fully gripped in panic, I start screaming.
“Run Aedan!”
His shallow breaths reach my ears as I watch him dart passed my father’s reach. Aedan was always too small but he was also quick. With a sense of satisfaction I watch him slip through the path that leads to the treehouse. He would make it.
Aedan was safe.
“Renee, why didn’t you come when I called you?” The rough voice of my father brought my thoughts back to the present.
“Answer me girl!”
He shakes me roughly, his hand still tangled in my long hair as he pulls. I cry out with the pain and hurry to make amends. “I’m sorry Daddy.”
His head lowers so I can smell the foul odor of stale beer and heavy alcohol on his breath. I want to squirm out of his grasp or kick him in the shins but I know better. Someone has to face his wrath and I won’t let Aedan be the one to face punishment.
He drags me along the ground, heading back toward the house that now feels like a tomb. He’s mad this time, angrier than I have ever seen him and I don’t know why. I can’t figure it out. Did I forget a chore? Miss preparing a meal? Were his clothes dirty? I’m searching for a plausible reason where one doesn’t exist.
Maybe I’m the scapegoat for all that’s gone wrong in his life.
What do I know?
I’m only ten years old.
Whimpering, my eyes fall on the switch in his hand, I know it’s going to hurt this time. More than usual. His eyes are wild and angry and he can’t seem to focus as he stumbles, his stagnant breath lands in my face. I square my shoulders and brace for the pain.
Better me than Aedan...
PRESENT DAY...
My eyes open as I realize I must have had the nightmares again. I clear my throat and it’s scratchy, hoarse from crying. As my fingertips graze my cheeks they brush away the lonely silent tears that have coursed down my face as long as I can remember.
I hate crying.
But it’s not the tears that set off a burning ache deep in my soul.
Scars cover my back and upper arms like blankets from the ravages of war. I cringe as I feel the bumpy and raised flesh, too ugly to be exposed. I hide behind a mask and a wall of stone that has become my only refuge. For so long now I’ve lived with the aftermath of abuse and suffering. Pain is familiar, its home. I know how to embrace the feeling like a lifelong friend. Beaten, battered, and bruised. Today wasn’t the first time...
And it wouldn’t be the last.
My imperfections, my blemishes, my scabs are always present.
They never leave me.
It’s a shame I carry everywhere I go, marks that prove my lack of worth. I don’t deserve love. I don’t deserve acceptance. I don’t deserve anything.
The truth of my reality is almost too much to endure as a sob of utter defeat launches from my chest. Today was the day I would sign the contract. I would do what I must to save the only person in this world that still cares about me.
Scars may fade but...
Some wounds never heal.
Chapter 1
The first day I met Kellen will be ingrained in my memory forever. He was a Guardian knight, handsome and strong, and the center of attention wherever he went. Spoiled by his parents who doted on their only children after years of infertility, they were ecstatic when the twins were born. Kellen came five minutes before Kayleigh and so began a lifelong bond forged from a loving home and simple carefree lives.
He was everything I wasn’t. He had everything I didn’t.
So it was a bit of a shock when he approached and asked for my help...
A cold wind whipped through the trees as I approached the market square. The winter had been brutal, snow and ice finally melting only a few days prior. The partially frozen ground was uneven and littered with wagon wheel marks, deep grooves etched into the earth along with craters filled with muddy slush.
I avoided the worst of the mess, high stepping my way across in order to barter and trade for food and necessities. Sundays were the best market days. Beef and venison were discounted toward the end of the day before the stalls closed. Vegetables and pastries were
given away to the poor or bartered for other goods. The bakery would put the charred or imperfect breads out on a table for any who wanted them. I chose my timing perfectly.
Every week. I knew exactly when to stroll through and usually managed to pick up what Aedan and I would need at little cost. I made money with sewing and mending and cleaning but most of it supported the roof over our heads. Aedan was twenty now and he hired himself out for chores daily. Both of us worked hard and put in long hours but we didn’t starve and we had a clean dry place to sleep at night.
On one such Sunday I finished my shopping and turned toward home. The road was long and usually took about two hours to walk each direction. On horse I would have been much faster but we didn’t have the ability to feed and stable any animals. Our small garden was enough to maintain along with the little house we rented close to the bank of Lake Barrow. I would follow the trail close to the water’s edge until I was led home.
My day was progressing much like every other. I carried my large basket over my arm, swinging it lightly as I walked. My cloak was fastened at my neck and touched the ground, long enough to keep me warm. The hood covered my hair and kept the brutal wind from chafing at my face. Simple leather gloves, purchased on a whim, were warm on my hands and held in my body heat.
Behind me I heard the sound of hooves and knew several riders were headed in my direction. I quickened my pace but was soon overtaken. The glistening armor of the Guardians gleamed in the low afternoon light. I paused to let them pass when one of the men called out.
“Milady? May we beg for your hospitality?”
I didn’t know it then but that voice, this man, would become my entire world apart from Aedan.
“Is someone injured?”
He slid from his horse and approached, smiling like a loon. His handsome features, dark hair and firmly muscled body, drew my attention immediately. “Yes, we were overtaken by Lycan. Our supplies are limited and we have need of a good night’s rest before we continue on our journey.”
I nodded. “My home is close, about a mile and half down this path, veering off to the left and nestled within the trees. I can offer what little I have and see to your wounds.”
He bowed graciously before picking up my hand, deep emerald eyes rose to mine as he placed a soft kiss on my leather glove. “I am forever grateful. Your name milady?”
Lady? No, I never was a lady and he would see that soon. “Renee.”
“Renee,” he repeated as a grin teased the corners of his lips, “I’m happy to make your acquaintance. Where is your mount?”
I blushed. “At present I don’t have one.”
“Then you must accompany me on mine. I won’t allow you to walk while I ride.”
Before I could protest he was leading his horse forward. In one swift movement I was lifted onto his steed as if I weighed nothing and he swung up behind me. “If you’ll allow my slight impropriety I must hold onto your waist to keep you from falling.”
I gulped. “Alright.”
His arm encircled my waist and held me against his solid chest. He leaned forward until he was whispering in my ear. The sensual sound of his deep voice sent a shiver along my frame. “I promise I won’t take advantage of you.”
Why would he say that? Was he considering such a thing?
Guardians were knights and held to a higher standard. Their oath was their life, taken to protect and defend the populace, and sworn to uphold justice and peace. They were chivalrous, the best of men.
So why did my heart beat faster with his words and the warmth of his breath as it caressed my neck?
We rode quickly to my home and arrived much faster than I would have wanted. Sheltered in the Guardian’s arms I felt the safest I had ever been in my life. The irony of the truth didn’t escape my notice. Strangers were kinder to my brother and me more than my own father. Only a couple of years had passed since I was able to flee with Aedan and run away from our past.
I prayed it would never catch up to me.
The injured man turned out to be Seasnan, another Guardian. I set to work right away, ushering the men to lay him in the guest room. With help from the others we removed his armor so I could assess the damage. Deep slash marks lacerated his chest and abdomen while several bite marks covered his right shoulder.
He winced, partially incoherent as I began to wash and cleanse the wounds. “Lycan,” he mumbled.
“I know, sir knight, but you have to remain still as I take care of your injuries.”
He seemed to hear me. For a moment cool blue eyes met mine and he smiled before they closed again. I wonder if he recognized me. If either of them did.
Probably not. Too much time had passed.
I managed to bandage him up with help and began to clean up my mess. He should recover now, quicker than any human would. As descendants we were blessed, gifted from our Angelic ancestors with abilities that far exceeded simple talent or skill. Guardian knights were warriors, fierce in battle, and born to wield a sword. Their bodies carried healing properties that sped up the process but severe wounds would need time to completely return to normal.
This knight would need at least a day to recover. His blood loss was substantial, not to mention the bite marks. The Lycan literally chewed on him like a treat.
Busying myself for the remainder of the day, I cooked and cleaned, taking care of the needs of the men before my own. Aedan appeared for dinner, seemingly unfazed by the Guardians in our house. He was so secret lately, staying out late and avoiding me when I asked him about it. I think he was up to something but I’d have to wait before I could follow him and find out what it was.
Little sneak.
Sometime in the night I was awakened by movement in the other room. Tying my robe about my waist, I rose and peeked through the door. The Guardian was pacing. A frown graced his brow as he seemed to be deep in thought. Maybe it was best to let him be but I needed to check on my patient.
He stopped moving the moment he realized I was near. “There’s no change.”
“I suspect not. His wounds are deep and he needs rest. You may be here longer than one night. I won’t feel comfortable letting him travel until he is well enough.”
“I agree but I would hate to trespass on your hospitality longer than needed.” Those sharp eyes roamed over my face as if he was contemplating something. “Tell me, milady Renee, how is it that you don’t remember me?”
I dropped the gauze I was holding as it drifted silently to the table. “I did Kellen but I didn’t think you remembered me.”
“How could I forget?” He stood beside me, one of his hands resting on top of mine where I was leaning over the table.
Too frightened to move, I kept perfectly still. It was not fear that held me immobile but his gentle touch. If I wanted to pull my hand away I could have but I didn’t. Warmth from his body heat seeped into mine. There was a connection there, a pull I had felt since I was a child.
We used to play together when we were kids, swimming and fishing, until his parents called him home and I returned to mine. Kellen never knew about my father. I didn’t bring him anywhere close, not even when he asked. Those years were buried in the past now...with everything else.
“I’ve never forgotten either,” I whispered.
“Where have you been all this time?” His hands lifted to my shoulders and turned me so I was facing him. They dropped, falling to his sides as if he fought the urge to pull me closer. “I haven’t seen you in years.”
“I had to leave.”
“Why?”
He could never know the truth. “Aedan and I had to –”
“Renee? What are you doing? It’s the middle of the night.” Aedan’s sharp tone pulled me from Kellen’s side.
“I was checking on our patient. He’s sleeping now.”
Aedan sauntered into the guest room, his expression hard. He was tall and broad shouldered, an intimidating figure when he wanted to be. Like now.
“I think it’s late and
you should be in bed.”
I scowled. He was my younger brother not my keeper. “I’m aware of that.”
“Good. Off to bed. I’ll keep watch for a bit.”
“He’s right. You need your rest. Goodnight milady.” Kellen seemed amused as his gaze glided from Aedan and back to me. “Until the morrow.”
“Goodnight milord.”
“Kellen,” he insisted, “Just Kellen.”
I smiled. “Renee. It’s only fair.”
He bowed slightly. “Thank you.”
Kellen crossed the room to a chair and sank down it in, his eyes fluttering. I realized he was exhausted but had remained awake to take watch. Now that Aedan was here, he was free to rest. I picked up an extra blanket and draped it over him, smiling as he winked up at me and closed his eyes.
Without a word to Aedan I left the room and collapsed onto my bed, falling asleep instantly for the first time in years.
Chapter 2
And so began our love affair, my Kellen and me, but as our relationship blossomed the most important one in my life fell apart. Aedan was distant. Angry. Confrontational. We fought often as I demanded to know where he was spending his time and who it was with. I smelled alcohol on his breath more than once which sickened me. How could he choose to drink like our father? He was out of control, rebellious, and hurting.
I knew his problem and it broke my heart.
Aedan’s feelings were my own. For years we buried the pain of our childhood but now that we were older and life was creeping up on us, we could no longer hold it all together. We were falling apart collectively and alone, both of us in denial, and neither of us dealing with our issues. Instead we latched on to what gave us happiness, each of us living in a lie.
“What’s the matter sweetheart?” Kellen had crept up behind me.
“Aedan,” I admitted, loving the feel of his arms as they surrounded me, “he’s being reckless and it worries me.”
“Would you like me to talk to him?”