Dark World (Book I in the Dark World Trilogy)

by Q. Lee, Danielle

  “Kane…” she whispered, blood escaping the side of her mouth and traversing the line of her jaw. “Don’t let them win.”

  He shook his head, tears rolling over his taut, black skin. “I won’t…I won’t.”

  A shadow fell over her eyes as she uttered one last wish, “Save Dark World…for Ever.”

  He held Seren’s lifeless body, crying for the second time in his life. His father’s death had been the first. His wife, his love—was gone. Had the light of the Crystal Pyramid still gazed lovingly upon the demons, he could have saved her. He could have transferred her soul. Possessed another body with her essence.

  Anguish consumed him. Hate owned him. They’d killed his one, true mate. His soul mate.

  The scroll…I should have given it to them, Seren, Kane brooded, the memory of that moment leaving claw marks upon his heart. They have it now anyways.

  He hung his head, knowing he was wrong to think that way, he knew the consequences if he gave up.

  If my mother find all the pages, my love, we will lose our world forever.

  The recollection fading, one last glimpse into the past drifted through his thoughts. Those last moments before he left his home, before he descended into the underground kingdom.

  Their humble abode torn to shreds, he frantically searched for the only light he had left in his life—his daughter, Ever.

  “Kane! Watch out!” Deme hollered, freeing her blade from its cover and pointing it at the shade.

  Kane spun around, raising his elbow to shield himself. He caught sight of the shade stalking him from within the shadows. She’d managed to liberate herself from the ropes, the prowess of her sleek body impressive as she hunted him. Draped in Deme’s long black cloak, she moved with instinctual intent, eyes locked on Kane.

  He challenged her gaze, slowly reaching back for his sword. As he gripped the handle and pulled, the hum of the black blade sliding from its perch resonated within the chamber.

  Armed with a curved dagger, Deme moved stealthily toward the shadows behind the shade.

  The shade released a low, guttural snarl, tossing an anxious glance from one demon to the other. Apparently deciding she was outmatched, she pushed her back against the wall of the cave, bent her knees, and curled up onto the floor.

  “She’s just hungry,” Kane concluded, putting his sword away. “We’ll have to find her something soon, before she loses all that’s human in her.”

  Upon hearing the word human, the shade’s head snapped up, white eyes narrowed with suspicious interest. Inspecting Kane, she tilted her head to the side.

  Deme glanced back and forth between the shade and Kane. “Did she just…understand you?”

  Frowning, Kane responded, “I can’t see how, shades have to learn to speak Attra, they aren’t born knowing it.”

  He approached the shade huddled on the floor.

  “Do you understand me?”

  The shade glowered and tucked tighter into a ball. Like a wild animal cornered, she uttered a low rumble from the back of her throat, warning him not to come any closer.

  He shook his head and prepared to stand. “No, she must have just…” he began, but stopped when he heard a small voice whisper in his native tongue.

  “Yes.”

  Fate

  Dark World’s storm had quieted overnight, allowing the ash to settle on the ground like steel shavings. Akin to fresh fallen snow on the Surface, the billowing cinders drifted over the open valley. Scattered skeletons of long-dead beasts protruded from the smothering sands and cinders, a pale graveyard of half-buried bones. Remnants of a voracious and ruthless realm.

  The trio trudged through the ankle-high layer of grey powder. Kane and Deme walked ahead, voices low as their prisoner sauntered reluctantly behind. A new rope had been tied around her wrists since she’d somehow destroyed the other. This time, however, Kane placed an unbreakable enchantment on it and created an extension of the rope to hold in his hands, like a leash.

  “How could she know Attra? It doesn’t make sense. shades are born without knowledge of this world.” Deme’s brows furled.

  Bewildered, Kane responded, “I have no idea, I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

  “We should take her to the Oracle, she will know,” Deme hissed, glancing over her shoulder at the feral human.

  Kane silently agreed. He’d already planned on taking the shade to see the Oracle, if he could find the elusive prophetess. She wasn’t one to stay put for very long. The Oracle would know what to do, or at least guide him in the right direction. But he needed to hurry, time was growing short.

  He felt a tug on the rope and realized the shade was lagging. Immediately slowing his velocity, he turned to look at her. Her pale skin was even paler and her glowing eyes were dimming.

  She needs food.

  Surveying his surroundings, he saw that they were approaching the Crystalline Forest.

  There might be something there for her to…eat.

  He grimaced. He’d seen shades eat, it was disturbing.

  Noticeably shifting their heading toward the forest, Deme inquired with a hint of angst, “We’re going in there?”

  “Yes, the shade needs food and there should be plenty of creatures in there.”

  Her face twisted in displeasure. Apparently Deme didn’t like to watch shades eat either. She tapped the dagger on her thigh with her long talons, seemingly aware the reputation of the Crystalline Forest. Beautiful, yet rich with deadly creatures.

  A light sparked behind the she-demon’s eyes. “If we keep her weak,” she glanced back, “she can’t use her powers.”

  Kane shook his head. “They’re powerless until they are a few weeks old anyways, then all hell breaks loose.”

  From the wary expression on Deme’s face, Kane knew she wasn’t convinced. And frankly, neither was he.

  Hundreds of thick, quartz shafts protruded from the rocky floor like crystal tree trunks. Each had a unique hue emanating from within, some pink, some yellow, and some green. Many had fallen over, their trunks perched at precarious angles and branches left shattered upon the ground.

  The forest floor was smooth and iridescent, tinged pink. White striations and thin cracks ran throughout like broken glass.

  The shade admired the polished ground and wondered if it were comprised of pure rose quartz.

  Funny, she thought, How is it I can’t remember my name or where I came from, but I can recognize types of rocks?

  Enormous geodes lay about the forest resembling giant boulders. Some were split in half, displaying a crystallized rainbow of colors inside. Ahead, a towering mountain reached for the rocky roof, hot mineral water poured from its highest peak creating a cascading steam bath below. The scorching pool whirled and bubbled, sending tendrils of white mist to hover over the forest floor, simmering and spilling over like a witch’s cauldron.

  Clad in the she-demon’s black cloak, the shade strolled through the crystalline woods in awe. She didn’t remember much about her previous existence, but she knew she’d never seen anything so beautiful. If it wasn’t so incredibly hot, she might have guessed the entire setting were made of ice.

  Glancing up at the ceiling of rock, she felt oddly dismayed by the lack of sky. Though it was hundreds, even thousands, of feet between the ground and ceiling, she couldn’t shake feeling claustrophobic. It was then she noticed several odd-looking spherical pods dangling from the branches of the crystal trees. Like huge green balloons, they swayed in the burning breeze. She watched with fascination as one of the orbs fidgeted, as if something were inside trying to get out.

  What’s in there?

  She tilted her head way back and strained to see, examining the oddity.

  “Are you coming?” the male demon inquired, giving the leash a yank. The she-demon turned and stood with one hand on her hip, her long, red tail flicking impatiently.

  The shade began walking again, intermittently gazing up at the curious wriggling cocoon. Soon, it rocked so violently
that it broke free from the branch and plummeted to the ground, landing with a hollow thud at her feet. The perfectly round shell rolled on its own volition before coming to a stop against her calf. While kneeling to inspect the anomaly, she was again yanked forward by the leash, this time, much harder. Nearly tripping from the force of the pull, the shade felt an angry burn ripple through her body. She snarled and glared at the male demon’s muscular back. A distinct heat pulsated in her core. She lowered her chin and concentrated on him, the sensation in her abdomen getting stronger—and hotter. Wind generated around her like a violent storm building in her aura. Her entire body buzzed with electricity and her hair whipped and waved about her head.

  What’s happening to me?

  With her breath coming fast and hard, she wasn’t sure she could hold onto the power much longer. She exhaled with a sigh, releasing the energy. A huge ball of white lightning exploded from her solar plexus. Brilliant and pulsating, it raced through the air, crackling and snapping as fingers of electricity snarled around it. The sphere slammed into the male demon’s back, dissipating between his shoulder blades and sending him hurtling nearly fifteen feet. He landed hard on his chest, unmoving. The female demon gasped and ran to him.

  “Kane! Are you alright?” she said as she shook his lifeless body.

  After receiving no response, Deme turned to the shade, red lips curled, eyes blazing, and unsheathed her blade. Her long silver dagger drawn and raised, the she-demon charged, thrusting the blade at the shade’s chest. The shade blocked the demon’s attack with her bound hands, then turned and side-kicked her opponent in the stomach. Winded, the demon fell onto her knees, coughing and spitting as she tried to catch her breath.

  “Won’t try that again, will you?” The shade sneered, almost hoping she would.

  The shade looked at the male demon, her brow furled at the sight of his lifeless body. A twinge of regret pulled at her core, the stirrings of a muted voice attempting to break through. Something deep within told this was wrong. That she shouldn’t hurt others.

  The darkness stalking the perimeter of her soul leapt forward, trying to silence the frail conscience. Smother it. But it was too late, she’d already heard it. Recognized it.

  The shade approached the one called Kane and knelt down beside him. His body heat radiated toward her bare skin as she contemplated if—and how—she could help him.

  Every inch of his body ached. A dull throb consumed every muscle.

  Damn shade! She wasn’t supposed to have her powers yet!

  He winced as he attempted to move his arm and realized he was paralyzed. Panic washed over him.

  What the hell did she do? I’ve never known a shade to incapacitate someone like this!

  Suddenly, a gentle hand caressed his back and he tensed inside his skin.

  Deme, Kane assumed as the uninvited softness slid across over shoulder blades. He thought it odd that Deme’s palm felt surprisingly cool for a demon.

  Discomfort twisted in his gut. He hadn’t felt a female’s touch since before his wife died. While it felt nice, he couldn’t help but endure a pang of guilt. Seren’s image flashed through his thoughts and a pain pierced his soul.

  She’s dead, Kane, you have to move on.

  No matter how many times he told himself that, it never sunk in. Don’t the bonds of love still remain even if one is gone? Didn’t the cohesion that held them together in life still exist beyond the physical? He just couldn’t convince himself otherwise.

  Just as he was beginning to accept her touch, a sensation possessed him, like ice shards slicing every inch of his body. He twitched and writhed in pain, wondering if the agony would every end. Then, as quickly as it began, it stopped. His entire being exploded with newfound energy. The paralysis was gone. All the pain was just—gone.

  His entire body radiated from within. As if every cell in his body had exploded with light, he felt buoyant, like pure energy. A magnetic desire consumed him, drawing him in. An urge like no other. A power. His heart beat in stride with another. As though two had become one. For a fleeting moment, he and this other being shared their energies—their souls.

  Then it pulled away. Like having the first beam of sunshine to grace his skin, it was suddenly dark again and he was thrust into the cold, lonely night.

  His eyes wide, he jumped to his hooves and took a fleeting look around, expecting to see Deme at his side. Things became clear immediately. Deme was standing several feet away—the shade was right beside him.

  “What did you do to me?” he growled, more upset she’d touched him than that she’d wounded him.

  “I’m sorry.” Her voice was small as she stared at the ground, avoiding his glare.

  Once again taken aback by her ability to understand and speak their language, Kane nodded. He dusted himself off and gave the shade a long, hard look.

  Why did she heal me? She could have left me—but she didn’t.

  Was he wrong about shades? Were they not born inherently wicked? Why would this being help him if she were truly evil?

  He looked her up and down, her shoulders slumped and head bowed, wondering if it were possible. Was there just enough of her human nature left inside of her to keep the monster at bay? Could he trust her?

  Kane had seen these creatures do vile things. Cruel and merciless slayings of the innocent. Children even. If he gave this one a chance, he might not live to regret it.

  She was born alone. His inner voice undermined his logic. Did this make her so different from the others? You need her.

  The voice spoke the truth. His people needed her. He needed her.

  It occurred to him that if he initiated a mutual trust—a truce—maybe she’d agree to help him. She didn’t know it, but she was the demons’ hope for salvation. Not just for the demons, but for countless races dwelling within the subterranean world. His father had ruled over all of them. He had been the Devil. Now Malus ruled over the races and this shade could be their last chance at saving Dark World.

  He suddenly reached out, placed his hands upon her bound wrists, and whispered, “Dimitterre.”

  Deme moved to protest when she realized what he was doing, but was too late. The ropes had fallen to the ground. Disenchanted.

  As she rubbed her wrists, the shade looked up at the demon, her eyes filled with appreciation.

  He sincerely hoped he wasn’t going to regret releasing her. “Do you remember your name?”

  Pain filled her eyes. She searched her empty memory banks, then shook her head in frustration.

  Kane eyed her carefully, thinking of his people.

  “Then we shall name you Fate…for that is what you hold in your hands.”

  Torn

  Seated on a large geode sharpening his sword, Kane chuckled as he watched the shade’s child-like behavior. She’d found the fallen pod, the catalyst of their earlier dispute, and latched onto it like a child with a new toy.

  It was surprising to see her act so—human. Kane hadn’t been around a newborn shade for any length of time, he’d only witnessed the horrors they were capable of when they matured.

  Deme had gone into the forest to hunt, leaving Kane and Fate to rest in a clearing. While she had offered to find them food, Kane wondered if Deme was displeased with him for freeing the shade and needed to be alone. He wasn’t sure if releasing the shade was the right thing to do, but he felt something he couldn’t quite explain. A building trust? An alliance? He didn’t know for certain, but ever since she healed him, he’d felt the quickening of something he couldn’t name growing inside him. A seed germinating within his soul.

  He knew he should be concerned about allowing her to run freely, what with her apt ability to kill, but she’d proven she didn’t mean to harm him and with the mask disabling her from eating, he didn’t have to worry about losing his soul.

  “I wouldn’t touch that if I were you,” Kane warned as Fate knelt down and poked at the basketball-sized pod with her finger.

  “Why?” Fate asked,
rolling it around. “Is it dangerous?”

  Kane smirked. She’d find out soon enough.

  “What’s in there? Will it hurt me?” An innocent wonder danced behind her illuminated eyes as she nudged the oddity.

  “Not exactly,” he responded. “I just wouldn’t play with…”

  Before he could finish his warning, she prodded the shell one last time and it split wide open with a loud snap. Slimy green ooze sprayed in all directions, large globules landing on her head, face and shoulders.

  “Uhh!” she shouted, quickly backing away from it.

  “I warned you,” he said.

  “You didn’t tell me it was going to explode!”

  She ran her fingers through her long white hair, now streaked lime, and scowled at Kane when he laughed at her.

  “How am I going to get this stuff off?” she whined, holding her hands out and examining the sticky substance. “Ick!”

  “Ick,” a tiny voice mimicked her from within the cracked pod. “Ick.”

  “What the…?” Fate’s eyes narrowed, peering into the fractured cocoon.

  At first, the only features visible were the eyes—large, round, glowing green eyes—then a furry, white face poked out.

  A triangular pink nose resided in the center of a short muzzle, reminiscent of a Persian cat. Slitted pupils dilated mischievously within emerald orbs. Then the rest of him tumbled out, revealing the creature’s arms, legs, hands and feet, all covered with soft, white hair. Fluffy wings stemmed from the center of its back to its wrists. The only things that distinguished it from being a cat, other than the wings, were its enormous pointed ears and mouthful of razor-sharp teeth.

  “What is this thing?” Fate asked, mesmerized by the little beast.

  “A gargoyle,” Kane replied, nonchalant. “You can eat it if you want to.”