by LJ Andrews
“Laney, run,” Finn whispered, backing from the room but clutching his silver weapon tighter.
I couldn’t move. It wasn’t Doctor Stewart’s angry expression (completely changed from the gentle therapist I’d known nearly half my life), it was the thing sitting in his chair which locked my stance in place.
A creature, built like a man, sneered across the room. Its head was smooth, with only a few wiry sprigs of hair on its black, gleaming scalp. Its ears flopped like oversized bat ears, and its eyes were small black balls. Its back was kyphotic, hunched over as if it were bending to the ground, and its lower body was tucked in a squat—much too small for the size of its head.
The creature stood on the chair, pulling its black, mucous-covered lips over rows of shark-like teeth. Its arms were thin and spindly with four curved fingers. I gasped when I noticed one limb was missing a hand, and slowly my eyes trailed up the putrid body, meeting the terrifying creature’s eyes. It was as if it knew what I was thinking and hacked a gurgling cackle from its throat. Could this thing, this terrible thing, really be Justin?
“Laney,” Doctor Stewart said, turning away from the thing behind his desk. “I’m so glad I’ve found you.”
“Laney, he’s an imp in disguise. Look at his eyes, sense his energy, use Ama to see,” Finn urged me desperately, shoving us back into the hallway.
I followed his directive and met Doctor Stewart’s eyes. They seemed normal, the same stormy color, but as I focused they seemed to fade from the swirling storm to a blackness, as the light had seeped from his eyes.
“What’s happening?” I cried, clutching Finn’s shoulder as he cautiously backed away.
Doctor Stewart’s face twisted into a contorted mask of anger. “Laney, I believe you’re experiencing another delusion, there is no one here but me.”
My eyes widened as he pushed closer to us. “I can see that…that thing behind your desk!”
Doctor Stewart pressed on, slowly stalking us as Finn frantically pressed the button to call for the elevator. Doctor Stewart’s hand was raised, just as Finn’s had been inside the car. I wondered if I was losing my mind, but I could sense the strange energy pulsing between Doctor Stewart and Finn. If I could see it I would imagine a soft lightning bolt jolting between them. I crossed the hall, clutching the stairwell door. Locked. Doctor Stewart was close enough, I could distinctly see the blackness overtake any light in his eyes.
“There is nothing behind my desk,” he continued, in a calm voice. “There was only me.”
I shook my head, trembling as I pushed myself closer to Finn, who sliced the blade in front of us as if to warn Doctor Stewart to stay back.
“She can see through your disguise, imp. Ama has opened her eyes. Soon, your facade will mean nothing. Now, why did you upset the balance? If you do not speak true, you will have the rage of the Tala on your shoulders.”
Doctor Stewart paused his pursuit. As if Finn’s words had triggered a glimmer of fear inside, but soon his face contorted once again into the hideous, angry snarl. I covered my mouth, slamming my thumb against the lighted circle to signal the elevator, praying the doors would ding open allowing us to escape. Doctor Stewart’s skin seemed to be peeling back slowly, and as if someone were grating away his flesh, a black, shiny layer of new skin gleamed in the dark waiting room.
His back jerked and cracked until it curved into a crooked spine just as the creature in his office, except Doctor Stewart stood taller. His ears were tattered and floppy, with green puss spilling from the inside. His teeth spilled over his lips in a deadly, jagged line, and he rested back on his strong haunches once the human disguise had melted away.
“Raffi,” Finn growled. “I should have known.”
“Raffi? Who is Raffi?” I squeaked, slapping the button again, though I had a suspicion the elevator was somehow in cahoots with the imps.
“The imp’s leader,” Finn said without looking at me. “How long ago did you take the human?”
Raffi sucked back a string of mucous-filled saliva, his breaths filling his lungs in raspy coughs. “I do not answer to you,” he snarled, slashing his clawed hand toward Finn.
Finn ducked my head protectively as he dodged the slice. Raffi moved closer, his breath slithering across the room and burning my nose with the scent of rotten onions and sewer. The silver blade jabbed toward the imp, catching a warty notch on his elbow. Raffi screamed in painful anger, taking a step away.
“We will save Ama from those who conceal her true power,” Raffi hissed.
I pulled Finn toward Vanessa’s desk and crouched behind her chair when the second imp slunk into the hallway. When he saw me, he released the same sickening gurgle I assumed was some sort of arrogant chuckle. I shuddered thinking how I had kissed that rotting face.
“You will be destroyed Raffi. Now, why did you need this girl?” Finn demanded, holding his dagger menacingly in Raffi’s direction.
The sound of breaking glass, and heavy thumping steps sent me into a silent panic. “Finn,” I whispered. “What was that?”
He waved away my concerns, though his own apprehension was written on his face. “Raffi, stop this now. You know how this will end.”
Raffi chortled in a hacking breath. “I sense fear, a dark emotion to carry if you are harnessing light energy. Perhaps you are not as powerful to have mastered your feelings yet. I wonder why Tala would send such an unskilled defender?” Finn’s face paled for a moment before his eyes darkened yet again. I was frozen, my hips ached from crouching behind the desk, and my head was spinning.
“It does not matter who you are,” Raffi continued. “You will not return to Tala and tell of what you know. I’m afraid we must destroy you.”
Behind the imps, at least a dozen more filtered from the office and into the waiting room. The terrifying imp brigade was made of all sizes and statures. Some were bulky with bulging midsections and dragging arms. Others were wiry and thin, but their curved claws razor sharp. I knew Finn’s dagger was no match for the imps. And I was certain there was nothing I could do to help.
“Laney, take my hand,” Finn said, his voice urgent, yet still calm. I wrapped my palm in his, never taking my eyes from the approaching imp army. One scrappy creature in the back shrieked loudly like a dying bird and shoved against the others, rushing toward us. I knew I screamed, as the slew of black creatures advanced upon us, but I couldn’t hear my own fear beneath their hollering. “Don’t let go of my hand,” Finn shouted.
I had no time to question his request before he flung a small glittering gem. It looked like a large rough-cut diamond, but when it struck the ground a furious energy erupted. My shoulder jarred as Finn’s hand yanked against my arm pulling me across the floor into the white billowing mist. The diamond had opened a way out, from thin air! I closed my eyes as I felt the invisible coils of the energy tug against my body, ripping me away from Doctor Stewart’s office and the slashing claws of the imps.
Chapter 10
I found my footing on the sidewalk just outside of the office building. Tony’s red blinking sign flashed in my eyes. I looked above us at the doctor’s office. The light was flickering, and the window was smashed. I saw rigid black bodies spilling out of the broken window pane, scaling down the office building hissing and screeching in our direction.
Finn’s hand was still wrapped around mine, and he wasted no time tugging me toward the car. I fought against the seat belt once inside, but Finn roared the car to life with a flick of his hand and sped away, just as a bulky imp leapt from the side of the building and scrambled onto the sidewalk.
I watched in the side mirror as the rambling creatures sprinted after us for several blocks on all four limbs. Finn rounded the corner, causing the tires to skid for a moment before gaining traction and finally the imps were gone.
I watched Finn with an unwavering gaze. He shifted uncomfortably as if he could sense my eyes on him. The unanswered questions mounted on one another and my heart seemed as if it might never stop poun
ding against my chest.
“Finn, how did you do that?” I began calmly, though my voice trembled against the desire to unleash my suffocating fear. “What is happening? Tell me everything.”
“We need to find Clement. When I tracked him last, he was somewhere close to the city. I used a tool of the elders of Tala to get us out safely, but I only had one. We cannot depend on the crystal again, so we must get somewhere safe. I do not think it is wise to return to Tala until we know more of the imps’ plan.”
“Until we find this Clement, I need you to start talking.” I demanded, feeling an edge of frustration as he tried to dodge my questions.
“Well, you nearly got us killed, that is one thing,” he scoffed. “We never should have gone there. I wish you would trust my perception.”
I clenched my jaw and narrowed my eyes. Finn seemed to shrink slightly beneath my gaze, so I leaned in closer. “You are blaming me?” I snarled. “If we hadn’t gone, we would have never learned who was behind this. It’s like you came here expecting me to be some expert on things that aren’t supposed to exist! I’m entitled to a few answers!”
Even I was surprised how shrill my voice had gone, but Finn eyed me with an expression mixed with surprise and respect.
“You’re right,” he relented. “I expect too much of you, I apologize. I just never expected to see such an organized gathering of dark creatures. They are known for their stupidity. And I have never heard of such beings attacking like a pack of wolves. They strive to one up each other. The only reason Raffi is considered their leader is because he hasn’t been defeated by a challenger. I believe it is because he eats his opponents. The idea of such a thing brings a certain level of intimidation.”
I marveled at how nonchalantly Finn spoke of things that made my head pound. “What happened to Doctor Stewart, or was he always an imp?”
Finn sighed sullenly. “I’m afraid your doctor is dead, as well as the young man who the second imp took as a disguise. When an imp uses another being as their avatar, it ends up being fatal for the host. From the freshness of the disguise it couldn’t have been more than a year ago.”
I bit my lower lip, feeling a painful jab for Doctor Stewart. He had been a confidant for so long, and because of me he was dead. At least, it seemed everything was connected to me and the mark on my hand.
“So, meeting Justin wasn’t a coincidence?” I whispered.
Finn shook his head. “I don’t believe it could be. Which is even more strange. The imps were able to plot such a deception, which to be frank, is simply above their mental capacities.”
My lip trembled as I thought back on the weeks I’d spent with Justin until a thought came to my mind. “Finn, this whole thing started because I saw him die,” I said.
His brow lifted in confusion. “You saw who die?”
“Justin. I mean, the imp,” I said, shaking my head as if erasing the impossible notion. “This is going to sound insane, but I’ve seen people die before, in my mind. It’s happened twice before, and both of those people died.”
Finn’s grip curled around the steering wheel, and the bluish tint in his dark eyes flashed in surprise as he silently listened. I swallowed hard. I’d never told anyone other than my mother, father and Doctor Stewart about the premonitions. Even Tyler didn’t know the truth. Finn’s reaction brought my heart to a steady race as I imagined the wild thoughts flying across his mind. I could almost see his opinion of me spiraling downward.
“I know you don’t believe me, but it’s true,” I said softly, leaning against the armrest as Finn pulled down a dark road leading to a rough area of town.
The few streetlamps lining the road flickered as the bulbs fought for life, and Finn swerved to avoid several potholes in a row. His expression softened as he stole a quick glance in my direction. I saw him watch me from the corner of my eye, but I avoided his gaze.
“What else do you see when these visions come?” he said, his voice in a low rumble.
Taking a deep breath, I sat straight and told him everything. I explained the flashing visions of the death as the car came to a rolling stop in front of two tall apartment buildings. The windows were small and close together, and the grass along the yards was yellow and dry. I smirked at the attempt of a playground, which in truth was only a broken see-saw and a lopsided swing.
Finn ran a hand through his thick black hair, then turned his attention toward me. “I believe you,” he firmly said. “I’ve heard legends of such things happening; when the universe is desperate to keep the balance it will reach out to certain people and give them a glimpse into a different sight. I don’t know why you saw these deaths, but I believe there is an important reason.”
“You don’t have any idea why I saw them?” I whimpered.
Finn shook his head. “I can only guess it has something to do with your connection to both worlds. It’s as if Ama’s energy is trying to reach you, but that would…well, that would be unheard of,” he relented with a flashing grin.
“But I saw the first two when I was so young, what would be the purpose of reaching out to a child?”
“The wisdom of our world’s energy is too much for me to speculate, Laney,” he said, stepping out of the car. “But perhaps Clement can offer more insight.”
“But what about, you know, the fake Justin? I saw his life end. I wanted to save him, and I thought the only way was to go back to the well. It can’t be coincidence he tried to kill me. He was the one who encouraged me to return,” I said in one breath.
Finn opened his door, checking for his silver blade before motioning for me to follow.
“I agree with you. It is rather suspicious, but I don’t have the answers. This should be where he is living,” Finn said, looking down at a gold object he pulled from his pocket.
It reminded me of an old-fashioned pocket watch, but the face had three arrows which were all pointing to the building closest to the broken-down playground. Finn noticed me glancing at the device and he held it closer. Our shoulders touched, and I breathed in his freshness. I was a mess with my hair still filled with brambles and twigs, my skin was scraped, and a tear in the midsection of my sweater from falling down the well. I crossed my arms over my chest, afraid I smelled from all the activity. Finn, on the other hand, had cut off an imp’s hand, battled against cryptfiends, rescued me against Raffi and still appeared as if he’d just gotten dressed for the day. He smelled like peppermint mixed with citrus spice. I wanted to get closer, but he still made me slightly uncomfortable.
“This is an orbis,” he said. “It channels the energy of Talans. It’s how I found that imp following you around.”
“And it’s telling you this is where we need to be?” I questioned.
Finn nodded. “This should be where we’ll find Clement.”
“You still haven’t told me who Clement is.”
Leading me by placing a strong hand on the small of my back, Finn smiled as he pulled the heavy steel door open. “Clement is the one who saved you when you were a little girl.”
Chapter 11
The hallway smelled like corn chips and mildew. The carpet was tattered and stained, and all along the walls were forgotten items strewn in heaps of odds and ends. Some were out of place, like a single tennis shoe and a child’s chair with only three legs. Though it wasn’t a surprise the elevator was broken, I groaned when Finn led me up six levels in the smelly, litter-ridden stairwell.
Finally, the three arrows on the orbis pointed left on the sixth level.
“This way,” Finn whispered, nodding his head to the left, but never taking his eyes off the orbis.
“You have a lot of things to help you out. Are you one of the leaders in Tala?” I questioned, imagining Finn leading the people in an unseen world filled with people who could harness energy for their bidding.
He shrugged, stopping in front of the second to last door. The numbers were made of tarnished metal. The door was marked as fifteen, with the number one slanted slightly and t
he five hanging upside down. “I’m not an elder, but I have a lot of responsibility. I am honored to be trusted with such a task,” Finn replied self-righteously. “This is it.”
He knocked softly, and tucked the orbis back into his jacket pocket.
“Finn, this is the man who saved me?” I whispered, feeling my throat dry out as if I’d swallowed vinegar. He only nodded and waited patiently for the door to open.
No one came, and Finn became notably agitated as we waited. A man with a black bandana and front gold teeth clicked his tongue at me as he walked toward the neighboring apartment. He paused by his door frame, dramatically eyeing my figure, to be sure I noticed his ogling.
“Lookin’ for some fun, girly?” he asked.
I swallowed the nauseous feeling in my throat as he licked his lips. My skin tingled as I imagined the disgusting thoughts rummaging in his mind, as I looked away. Could he not see I was with another man? But when I saw Finn’s lack of interest, it was clear to anyone looking we were not a couple.
“I asked you a question,” he snarled.
“Leave me alone,” I responded firmly, though my hands trembled in my pockets.
Finn hadn’t seemed to notice the interaction and kept his eyes straight ahead, waiting for Clement to open the door. The man sauntered around Finn, but glanced sideways, as if checking to see if he would move. He didn’t. I stiffened when the stranger stood close enough I could smell the strong scent of cheap cigar smoke. His breathing was filled with desire, and a glaring wave of warning signaled from inside me when he brushed against my side.
“I can show a girl like you a good time, better than this stiff,” he breathed close to my ear and pointed at Finn. His rough fingers ran along my arm causing bile to rise in my throat. “You look like you could loosen up.”