“Patience, Damien, patience,” Gray said.
“Patience is not a virtue I possess. Ugh! We should have a set time for this every day.”
“Don’t waste your time discussing details like that,” Gray warned. “You have minutes in Shadow World. Let Celine lead the conversation.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Damien griped. “I know. It’s just that I…” He stopped pacing, staring straight ahead.
“You what?” Michael asked, glancing up from his laptop.
“Damien?” Alexander questioned.
Damien pitched forward, collapsing. “It’s Celine, she’s contacting him,” Gray announced as Damien began to fall. He raced to Damien, catching him before he hit the ground. “Put him by the fireplace, keep him warm.” Alexander assisted in carrying Damien to the fireplace. Michael rushed to cover him with blankets. Damien’s lips were already blue from cold and he shook uncontrollably. His breathing was elevated, and his pulse raced.
“Get Millie, she can monitor his vitals,” Gray suggested. Michael hurried from the room in search of the doctor.
Damien stopped speaking mid-sentence. Something looked odd on the wall in front of him. He stared at it as he tried to formulate his next words. His brow furrowed as he realized what appeared odd to him. The wallpaper, burgundy with gold diamonds, melted from the walls. It slid down like sludge, pooling on the hardwood floor below and running from the room at every opening. A chill passed over him. He shivered before the world in front of him turned colorless. He blinked a few times, adjusting his eyes.
The room disappeared. Colorless tress surrounded him. A gray sky yawned overhead. The cold penetrated him and he shivered, wrapping his arms around him for warmth. Celine called to him. He spotted her rushing toward him. She wrapped him in a warm embrace.
“Celine! I didn’t think you were going to communicate with me. I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m trying to give you time to recover. I realize how hard this is on you.”
“I’m fine, Celine, don’t worry about that.”
“Hush, Damien, there is no time for that.”
“No, I have to find out where you are.”
“The basement of the old mill, but Marcus has an enchantment that will not allow me to be found. But I am near to you. Now you must go, Damien.”
“Tell me more so we can find you,” Damien requested.
“No, Damien. You must go. Go, Damien, GO!” she shouted, letting go of him.
He floated for a bit, trying to stay in the realm, but eventually he fell away. The gray landscape faded to blackness. He fell through the blackness until he struck bottom. He gasped for air. He opened his eyes to find a crowd grouped above him. The room spun and nausea turned his stomach upside down.
“Damien,” Gray called. His voice sounded miles away. “Damien,” he said again, his voice garbled. “Are you sick?”
Damien nodded. Gray and Alexander sat him up, and Millie placed a vomit bag to his mouth. He threw up twice before collapsing backwards. Cold permeated him. Exhaustion made it impossible to keep his eyes open. He closed them, slipping away.
“Damien! Damien!” Gray called, shaking him.
“Is he okay?” Michael asked, throwing more logs on the fire.
“He’s hypothermic,” Mille responded. “We must monitor him closely. He’s too exhausted to stay awake, but sleep is dangerous.”
“Because Celine can call to him again?” Michael asked.
“No, because when you’re hypothermic, you can die if you fall asleep.”
“Is there anything we can do to help him?” Michael queried.
“Keep him as warm as possible,” Millie answered. “Do you have a hot water bottle we can put on his head to help?”
“Yes,” Alexander answered, rushing to retrieve and fill it. He returned in a few minutes, placing it on Damien’s head. Millie rubbed Damien’s arms through the blanket, trying to warm him. Michael did the same with his legs. They waited for him to awaken, hoping he had information about Celine’s whereabouts.
Celine opened her eyes, slipping back from Shadow World. She sat up, wiping at her nose. Blood covered her hand. The latest trip gave her a nosebleed. She tilted her head back to stop the bleeding. The trips were taking a toll on her, too. She couldn’t imagine the physical strain Damien was under. She would need to space her trips out more despite her ache to return home.
Celine still nursed her bloody nose when footsteps sounded above. Quickly, she wiped any traces of blood away with Marcus’ handkerchief, hiding it in her pocket.
“Celine?” Marcus called into the cell. Celine stood on unsteady legs. She swallowed hard, steadying herself. The visits were beginning to take a toll on her. The energy she exerted pulling Damien into the world was enormous. Normally, she had several hours before Marcus arrived. She was ill-prepared this time; his arrival closer to her trip than she preferred. She forced herself to approach the door as Marcus stared at her. His brow furrowed. “Celine, are you unwell?”
“No,” she lied. “You woke me. I was asleep. Dreaming of a better time.”
Marcus considered her statement. His eyes narrowed. Celine met his gaze, refusing to break eye contact. After a moment, he said, “I have something to discuss with you.”
“What is it?” Celine asked.
“Now that you and I are aligned, I would like to make the allegiance permanent.” Celine raised an eyebrow. Marcus furnished a book. “I have started a new book, my dear, after you stole my last one. I want you to sign it. Pledge your allegiance to me once and for all.”
Celine seethed with anger. She would not sign any such book. Yet she had to ensure to feign compliance for the time being. Celine considered her response. “Have you cured Celeste?” she diverted.
“Celine, we are not speaking of Celeste, we are speaking of you and declaring your allegiance.”
Celine eyed the book, then returned her gaze to Marcus. “Have you declared yours?”
Marcus frowned at her. “You cannot be serious, Celine.”
“I am.”
“I have spent centuries declaring my allegiance to you.”
“No,” Celine corrected, “you have spent centuries chasing me to win. That’s quite a different thing to declaring allegiance.”
Marcus stalked away a few steps. “Celine, I will not spend time arguing over this. Sign the book.”
“No one is arguing. However, I will not sign before Celeste is cured.”
Marcus approached the door. “I will not tolerate this type of insolence!”
“And I will not tolerate this type of treatment. I have asked you for something and I expect to receive it. I shouldn’t have to continue to ask.”
Marcus was silent for a moment. “You are in no position to demand anything, Celine.”
Celine rolled her eyes. “Oh, Marcus, what is the harm? I have asked you for one thing and one thing only. Why do you object?”
“I’m not convinced you have earned any favors.”
“Must one earn favors from their spouse? This sounds more like a business arrangement than a marriage.”
“We aren’t married yet, my dear.”
“We will never be if this trend continues.”
“Resorting to idle threats, Celine?”
“Try me.”
“Have you forgotten? I still hold the trump card.”
“You’re referring to my family.” He nodded to her. “Then why not cure Celeste? If you’re so confident in your trump card.”
Marcus considered her statement. “Fine,” he conceded. “I shall grant your request. Under the understanding that if you should… fail to follow through on your promises, the only recourse I shall have is destroying your former family.”
Celine smiled at him. “Understood. And thank you.”
“I suppose it is owed to you. I did promise you everything, didn’t I?” Celine smirked, recalling the promise made centuries ago. “I shall return Celeste to her rightful state in the next few days.
”
“I want it done tonight,” Celine countered.
“That’s impossible, Celine. There is much to prepare. This is no small task.”
“Tomorrow night, then.”
Marcus scoffed. “My, you certainly have confidence in my abilities, don’t you?”
“Of course, Marcus. I have every confidence in your abilities. One thing I have never lacked is the belief that you are a very powerful being.”
“Now, about the book…” Marcus began before being interrupted.
“Hello, Marcus, Celine. I hope I’m not interrupting,” Celeste said, crossing the basement toward them.
“You are,” Marcus answered as Celine answered, “You’re not.”
“You’re here now,” Celine continued. “No sense in your leaving only to return later. Besides, we have wonderful news for you!”
“Oh?” Celeste asked.
“Yes. Marcus has promised to restore you from this… state to your normal one tomorrow evening!”
Celeste’s face wore a shocked expression. She smiled, speechless.
“Isn’t it wonderful news?” Celine prompted.
“Why, yes,” Celeste answered. “I… I am so thankful… to both of you.”
“No need to thank me, Celeste,” Celine replied. “Although we do owe a debt of gratitude to Marcus. Would you mind giving us a moment to speak alone?” Celine asked of Marcus.
“Anything you have to say can be said in my presence,” Marcus responded.
“It is about my family which I assume you prefer not to hear.”
“I’ll manage,” Marcus assured her.
“Suit yourself,” Celine answered. “How is Damien?”
“I spoke with Gray earlier. He continues to search for you. The poor boy is beside himself with worry. I asked to speak to him myself, but Gray informed me he was asleep. Millie administered another sedative to keep him calm.”
Celine turned from the door, stalking away. Sedated already? Was Damien still ill following his visit to Shadow World? What physical toll was it costing him?
“I’m sorry, Celine. I had hoped to speak with him myself. To bring better news.”
Celine held up her hand, returning to the door. “It’s fine, Celeste. Thank you for the report.”
“Of course, sister. Well, I shall leave you to continue your discussion.”
“Just a moment, Celeste,” Marcus interjected. “I shall accompany you on your way out. There is something we need to discuss regarding your transformation.” He turned to Celine. “Celine, I shall return tomorrow to visit you.”
“Of course. I’m sure you have many things to attend to. Good night, Marcus.”
“Good night, my dear,” he said to Celine. Turning to Celeste, he bowed, “After you.”
They left Celine behind as they crossed the room, ascending the stairs. Once outside the mill, Marcus stopped, turning toward Celeste. “Enjoy your last night in your current state, Celeste.”
“I enjoy nothing of this existence,” Celeste lamented.
“You should enjoy your freedom,” Marcus warned. “Before I return you to your previous state, I demand your unfettered loyalty. You shall, once again, pledge your soul to me, Celeste. You shall also swear your allegiance to me in the form of promising you will not assist Celine’s former family in finding her.”
“Is Celine aware of these… demands?”
“Celine will be pledging her loyalty as well. She will not object to anything I demand of you.”
“Fine,” Celeste answered. She stepped away from him.
“Oh, Celeste,” he called. She turned back. “Inform Theodore. I shall require his loyalty, too.”
Celeste turned without a word, stalking away.
Chapter 9
Michael paced the floor, glancing at Damien every other second. “Is this normal?” he inquired. “He’s been like this for over an hour!”
“I’m not sure there is a ‘normal’ with this situation,” Millie replied. “His body temperature is rising, though. That’s a good sign.”
“His lips aren’t blue anymore. I guess that’s good,” Michael admitted, resuming his pacing.
A moment later, Damien began moaning. “Damien?” Michael called, racing to his side. Gray and Alexander joined him.
Damien’s eyes opened. He stared at the ceiling for a moment before glancing around. “Damien? Can you hear us?” Michael asked.
Damien’s brows furrowed and a pained expression crossed his face. He groaned again. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He finally managed a word. “Sick.”
“Sit him up,” Millie instructed. She positioned the vomit bag near him. He retched once. “Better?”
Damien nodded, collapsing back. Millie examined him. “Pulse and breathing are good. His temperature has almost returned to normal.”
“Tired,” Damien struggled.
“That’s okay, buddy,” Michael assured him. “Just rest.”
“Celine…” he whispered.
“It’s all right. Wait until you’re strong enough,” Alexander told him.
Damien shook his head, disagreeing.
“Rest, Damien,” Michael encouraged him. “When you’re stronger, you can tell us.”
Damien shook his head again. “Now!” he insisted. “Celine… old mill.” He sighed in relief.
“Old mill?” Gray repeated, glancing at Alexander. “Let’s go.”
“No!” Damien exclaimed. “Wait!”
“Rest, Damien. We’ll check it out,” Gray imparted.
Damien tried to stop them, but he was too weak. There was more information he needed to impart. “I’ll come with you,” Michael offered.
“I’ll grab a few flashlights. Millie, stay with him,” Gray said.
Damien groaned again. “Sick again?” Millie asked him.
Damien shook his head. “Want to go,” Damien murmured.
“I realize that, but you are far too weak,” Millie replied. “With any luck, they’ll bring Celine home with them. Now rest. I shall awaken you the moment they return.”
Damien fought to stay awake, finding it impossible. He drifted off to sleep, worried about Celine.
Gray, Alexander and Michael approached the old mill. They stayed back for several moments, observing the building. “I don’t see anything,” Gray noted.
“No lights or anything,” Michael agreed.
“No sign of the Duke either,” Alexander chimed in.
“Still, we move carefully,” Gray replied, standing from his crouched position. They moved closer to the building. “Let me go first.”
“Stay behind both of us,” Alexander said to Michael.
Michael nodded, allowing both men to enter the mill first. They swept the room with their flashlights. They spotted no one. “Spread out, search for any signs of Celine,” Gray instructed.
They separated, each of them searching in a different area. They found nothing. “There're steps leading downstairs over here!” Michael called as he searched.
“Don’t go down!” Gray shouted. “Let us go first.”
They rushed to the stairs. Alexander and Gray proceeded down the stairs first, inching down in case anyone waited below. They swept their beams around the room, finding no one. “It’s clear,” Gray shouted to Michael. He rushed down the stairs.
“Anything?” he asked as he arrived in the basement.
“Nothing I see,” Gray answered. “Let’s look around.”
They shined their lights around the room, searching every location. There was no sign of Celine. Across the basement was a door leading to a small room. The locked door wouldn’t budge. They peered inside, finding the room empty.
Gray leaned against the door. Frustration overcame him. “Damn it!” he shouted.
“I’m sorry, Gray,” Alexander said, placing his hand on Gray’s shoulder.
“What the hell happened? Did he misunderstand her? Is it not Celine he’s talking to?”
“I’m not sure. He was still
exhausted, perhaps he misspoke,” Alexander suggested. “He struggled to get the information out.” Gray shook his head, pacing the floor. “Let’s return to the house. Perhaps Damien has recovered and can share more information,” Alexander suggested.
Gray glanced around a final time. He sighed. “Where are you, Celine?” he murmured.
Alexander pulled his arm toward the stairs. The three men left the mill behind, dejected. They traveled back to Alexander’s house. They entered the house, tossing their flashlights on the foyer table. Millie met them at the door. “Anything?”
“Nothing,” Gray griped. “Not a damn thing.”
“Is Damien any better?” Michael inquired.
“He’s asleep. I told him I’d wake him as soon as you returned.”
“Do that,” Gray encouraged. “I’d like to talk to him. Find out why the hell he sent us on a wild goose chase!”
“Gray, that’s not fair,” Alexander chided.
Gray shook his head. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. I’m just frustrated.”
“Yeah, well, don’t take it out on Damien. He’s risking his life to find Celine. He’s lying in there too sick to move while you gripe about him getting a message wrong and inconveniencing you,” Michael scolded.
“I wasn’t wrong,” a new voice entered the conversation. Everyone glanced in the direction of the voice. Damien stood in the sitting room doorway, wrapped in a blanket. “I wasn’t wrong,” he repeated.
“Damien!” Michael said, rushing toward him. “It’s good to see you up! How are you feeling?”
“Better. Tired but not bad.”
“You should still be resting,” Millie chided. “Let’s move this conversation into the sitting room where Damien can rest.”
They traveled into the sitting room. Millie situated Damien on the couch. “Are you sure you’re warm enough?”
“I’m sure,” Damien assured her.
“Now, what did you mean when you said you weren’t wrong, Damien? We searched the entire mill. We found nothing,” Alexander informed him.
“Celine told me she was in the old mill. The Duke was keeping her there. But she said something about an enchantment. That he used an enchantment so no one could find her. Was there really nothing there? Not even a trace?”
Gone: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 3) Page 11