Haunted by the Holidays

by Kathryn Blanche

  Ali untied the string and unwrapped the packet. It was a silver necklace. The pendant was a rose with delicate petals wrapped around a purple gem. It was the same shade as Ali’s eyes.

  “It’s lovely! Thank you!” said Ali clipping the chain around her neck. She remembered the orchid she’d bought Laila was still in the car. “Hold on, I’ll be right back!”

  Ali returned to the garage to retrieve the plant from her car. When she opened the door, she was greeted by the sound of the flesh-eating plant banging against its cage and cringed. She’d have to figure out what to do with it after the party.

  She swore as she removed the orchid’s pot from the car. It must’ve been sitting too close to the flesh-eating plant because the lovely glowing blossoms had been chewed up. So much for her gift. Maybe she’d let Erin use the flesh-eating plant as target practice out of spite.

  With the pathetic, half-dead plant in hand, Ali returned to the kitchen where Laila was waiting. She gave the Elf an apologetic look.

  “I’m so sorry Laila, I left it in the car and—”

  Laila laughed and shook her head. “You know, I’m just happy to be home for a few days. You didn’t have to get me anything. But maybe this will help…”

  She wove her hand over the plant and it suddenly perked up. The dead blossoms fell away and new ones grew in their place. The Elf held the plant up admiring the luminous blossoms.

  “It’s beautiful!” She placed it up on the windowsill above the table.

  “I take it your training’s going well?” Ali asked in awe.

  Laila shrugged. “Divine magic is pretty different from Elemental magic. There’s a lot that I’m still trying to figure out. You can do a lot more with it, like teleport or even change your appearance, but it’s also exhausting.”

  “I bet. I can’t even run two blocks without getting winded. I’d hate to imagine how teleportation feels.”

  Laila laughed and Ali noticed she was starting to develop a slight, glowing aura. “It’s good to be back though. I missed you guys. I even missed the city—”

  “But you missed me in particular, right?” Mato said, joining the pair with a cheesy look.

  “Oh, for sure.” She shook her head and chuckled. “I’ll be back. I want more of that champagne Talon brought. He always brings the good stuff.” She hurried off.

  A pair of arms snaked around Ali’s waist, and she looked up at Mato.

  “Thank you.” She kissed him on the cheek.

  “For what?”

  “All of this!” She waved her hands at the room around them.

  “It was a team effort.” Mato spun her around. “You know, I have a gift for you too, but you’ll have to unwrap it upstairs.” He winked.

  Ali laughed and glanced at the ridiculous moose on his shirt. “Is my gift wrapped in jeans and an ugly Christmas sweater?”

  “Maybe. You’ll have to wait and see.” He wagged his eyebrows.

  Ali snorted. “Why don’t you just get a tattoo that says The Gods’ Gift to Women?”

  He gave her an innocent look. “Maybe I did? What if that’s your gift?”

  She rolled her eyes and shook her head. He was such a dork.

  He tilted her chin up and kissed her slowly—the sort of kiss that made her toes curl. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

  She smiled again before looking back at the crowd of people. This wasn’t like the Solstice parties she used to have—it was different, but good, maybe even better in some ways. Everyone here came from different backgrounds and worlds, walking lonely paths for the sake of making some difference here in Midgard. By some twist of fate, they’d all found each other, and their lives were full and more meaningful because of it.

  #

  Later that evening, Ali was showing the last of their guests out. Arduinna had returned home to her forest, but Laila would be staying for another day or two. She and Frej had already vanished upstairs, and Lyn was nowhere to be found. Mato was waiting for Ali by the stairs.

  “I’ll be there in a minute.” She glanced at the sofa where Erin had fallen asleep with Mr. Whiskers curled up beside her.

  Mato nodded and quietly climbed the stairs.

  “Hey,” said Ali as she knelt by the sofa.

  “Mmm, hey sis,” mumbled Erin as she sat up.

  “I have something for you. I wanted to give it to you tonight.”

  Ali pulled out a little pouch that she’d retrieved from her jewelry box and handed it to her sister. Erin untied the string and pulled out a little silver pinky ring. It was a simple design with a crescent moon and a star.

  “Mom’s favorite ring,” breathed Erin, her eyes wide.

  “She would have wanted you to have it. I was holding onto it for the right time.”

  For as long as Ali could remember, her mother had always worn that ring. She’d had many other rings that were more exquisite than this one, but none as well-loved.

  “Do you remember why this was her favorite?” asked Erin as she examined it.

  “It was in her family for a long time. I don’t remember how long. Her grandmother gave it to her when Mom and Dad got married.”

  Erin frowned uncertainly. “I don’t know. Shouldn’t you have it instead? Especially if it’s been in the family—”

  Ali shook her head. “It’s yours. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Dragon. You’re my sister. That’s how I’ve always seen you.”

  Erin bit her lip and slipped the ring on her little finger. It fit perfectly.

  Erin hugged her sister. “Thank you! I love you, Ali.”

  “I love you too.”

  Ali held her sister a little tighter and a little longer. She knew she wouldn’t be able to protect her sister from all the evils in the city. Soon she would have to send her sister away to the Dragon Kingdom, where she’d be safe from the Demons. But, even if it was selfish, all Ali wanted, for now, was a little more time with her sister.

  She ushered Erin off to bed and started switching off the lights. As she strode towards the stairs in the dark, she heard something—it was music. The tune was an old and haunting one that she used to hear on Solstice back in Tír na nÓg. Confused, she glanced across the living room towards the stereo, thinking Mato must have left it on.

  Ali froze, there in the middle of the room was a ghostly couple in formal Fae attire. They danced and whirled around the room to the music as they smiled and laughed.

  “Mom? Dad?” Ali breathed.

  Tears brimmed in her eyes as the Ghosts of her parents stopped and waved. They were enveloped by a bright white light.

  “No, wait!” Ali took a step forward, but it was too late. The light faded and they were gone along with the phantom melody.

  Ali stood there in the dark living room, alone. She wasn’t sure it had been real. Was her mind playing tricks on her, or was this truly a Winter Solstice blessing?

  As Ali ascended the stairs to her room, her heart felt lighter than it had in days.

  acknowledgments

  I’m so grateful to have so many wonderful and supportive people in my life! First I want to thank my parents who are always my biggest supporters. I’d also like to thank Eric and Justine for their feedback. Last, I’d like to thank my top tier Patreon patron, Kristine, whose generous pledges helped to make this novelette happen.

  Characters

  Laila Eyvindr – An Elf hired by the Interrealm Security Agency (IRSA). She is young for an Elf and appears to be in her mid-twenties by human standards but she is really 83 years old. She is a trained warrior and has a good amount of magical training. Laila is determined, hardworking, caring, and passionate.

  Colin Grayson – A Werewolf in his mid 30’s with brown hair, short beard and grey eyes. He is a descendent of Shifters who have lived amongst humans in hiding for generations. He is the supervisor of the IRSA team, and h
as been a part of the organization since it’s foundation.

  Alastrina Fiachra (Ali) – A Fae woman with long curly golden hair and purple eyes. Like Laila, she is an IRSA agent, but she has been around for much longer and has adjusted to life in Midgard. Ali’s parents died a few years ago, so she cares for her adopted little sister, Erin. She knows how to have a good time and loves the Los Angeles nightlife.

  Darien Pavoni – A male Vampire with black spiky hair, pale skin, and red eyes. Another member of Laila’s IRSA team, he is arrogant, and may not always make the most professional decisions, but he genuinely cares about the work he does. In 1724 he died in a duel and was turned into a Vampire.

  Erin Fiachra – A young Dragon who is trapped in her human form. She is Ali’s adopted sister, and appears to be about fourteen, but she is actually around sixty years old. She’s had difficulty contacting other Dragons to discover why she’s stopped ageing.

  Arduinna – The Celtic Goddess of the Black Forest in Germany. She is down to earth and wise, and is a friend of Ali and Laila’s.

  Sir Frej Ilmarinen – An Air Dragon and a Knight from the Dragon Kingdom. He has chosen to stay in Los Angeles to train Erin and to help the IRSA agents. He’s also Laila’s lover.

  Orin – The Fae man who owns the Club La Fae. He’s cheeky, but a reliable informant.

  Lyn – A human witch who lives in Los Angeles. She owns a shop in Venice Beach called Lyn’s Charms and Remedies, and helps Laila with the occasional case.

  Jerrik Torhild – Svartálfr (plural: Svartalfar) or Dark Elf that was imprisoned in the same cellblock as Laila. He and Laila had a short-lived romance until he left without a word. He now works with the IRSA team.

  Torsten – A fatherly Dwarf that was also imprisoned in the same cellblock as Laila. He now works for IRSA developing weapons and tools to make the agents’ jobs safer.

  Donald – A male Witch, or Tech Wiz, as he prefers. A local witch hired to assist Torsten in enchanting equipment for the IRSA team.

  Unknown Goddess – Appears to be watching Laila and enhancing her powers.

  Caine Ubel – A Snake Shifter and a Lesser Demon, who was capturing and sending Supernaturals to the Demon-run fight ring and organized the summoning rituals that nearly killed Erin.

  Marius – A.K.A. the Master of the Games. He’s Fae and was the Greater Demon in charge of the illegal fight ring. He escaped IRSA’s raid on the place, and is still at large.

  Izel – Unknown. Connected to Marius and the Demons.

  Queen Regina Halvard-Hilgard – A Fire Dragon and Queen of the Dragons.

  Lord Issac Mavrik – An Earth Dragon and a close friend of Frej’s.

  Benning – A Giant who was sent, by the Demons, to terrorize Los Angeles. In reality, he wouldn’t hurt a fly. He now works as a security guard at IRSA’s front desk.

  Captain Anderson – A human and captain of the LAPD’s Gangs and Narcotics division.

  Captain Romero – A human and captain of the LAPD’s Homicide division.

  Lorel – A Human and Colin’s girlfriend.

  Fredrik Stacy – A human and avid protester. He believes that strict regulations should be placed on Supernaturals for the safety of humans.

  Carlos – A Human who was one of Ali’s informants in the Old City until he was assassinated while meeting with Ali and Darien.

  Mato – A Bear Shifter who was imprisoned by the Demons in the same cellblock as Laila. He’s now dating Ali.

  Henrik – A Mörkö (ice creature) who was imprisoned in the same cellblock as Laila. He’s Mato’s best friend and roommate.

  Talen Veryl – A Vampire and Darien’s sire. A powerful and influential man who is also kind and compassionate.

  Richard – A Vampire who gained his wealth through smuggling and other unsavory business practices.

  Jennifer (Jenn) Holdt – A human and special investigator with IRSA. She is practical and level-headed.

  Meuric Drisscoll – An Abhartach who works as a medical examiner for IRSA.

  Jim Cleary – A human who works as a medical examiner for IRSA.

  Adam Johnson – A human and an agent who works for the Inspector General’s office. He’s been sent to investigate the IRSA team.

  Sire Ashford – A rogue Vampire leading a rebellion.

  Arnold Koch – A rogue Vampire who is a part of the rebellion.

  Dagan – A Vampire on the council, a group of powerful and ancient Vampires that ensure the order and safety of the local Vampires. He is very opinionated and outspoken.

  Cedric – A Vampire on the council. He is deliberate in his actions and decisions.

  Aalis – A Vampire on the council. Her appearance is rather opulent and gaudy, and she tends to take charge.

  Sarnai (Сарнай) – A Vampire on the Council and one of Darien’s ex-lovers. A cool and ruthless woman.

  Worlds

  Asgard – World of the Gods.

  Vanaheim – World of the Ancient Gods.

  Alfheim (pronounced “ALF-hame;”) – World of the Elves, Fae, Dragons and nature related beings. Large cites of note include:

  Ingegard – Elven City

  Tír na nÓg – City of the Fae

  Schonengard – City of the Dragons

  Earth (or Midgard) – The world of the humans. For Millennia it was off limits to the other worlds as humans and other creatures of this world were not gifted in magic or strength. Over time, the humans have become a force to reckon with as they created amazing technologies that rival the magic that others possess. The people of Alfheim were the ones who proposed the truce that would keep the human world safe from the other worlds. There are creatures like human Vampires, human Shifters, and a hand full of other creatures who have managed to stay under the radar during the era before The Event.

  Svartalfheim (pronounced “SVART-alf-hame;”) – The world of Dark Elves or Svartalfar, Dwarves, and creatures of the earth. They are known for their mines and craftsmanship.

  Jotunheim – The world of brutish creatures like Trolls and Giants. They are constantly at war with the races of Alfheim or other worlds.

  Muspelheim – The world of the Dammed. The inter-realm prison where the worst criminals are banished. There is a political organization that has risen to power within this world known as the Demons. They have begun to gain connections in the other worlds, particularly Earth, and have begun to plot their escape and rise to power. Earth (or Midgard) – The world of the humans. For Millennia it was off limits to the other worlds as humans and other creatures of this world were not gifted in magic or strength. Over time, the humans have become a force to reckon with as they created amazing technologies that rival the magic that others possess. The people of Alfheim were the ones who proposed the truce that would keep the human world safe from the other worlds. There are creatures like human Vampires, human Shifters, and a hand full of other creatures who have managed to stay under the radar during the era before The Event.

  Can’t wait for the next book?

  Want monthly access to new content and more? Check out Kathryn Blanche’s Patreon page for more information!

  patreon.com/kathrynblanche

  About the Author

  Kathryn Blanche writes novels in her favorite local cafes when not indulging her love for travel. Aside from exploring the world, this California native may be found designing for the theatre, reading, fencing, or teaching. Infiltrated by Demons is the third novel in her Laila of Midgard series.

  Follow Kathryn Blanche for updates on new releases, events, and more!

  Website: www.kathrynblanche.com

  Facebook: @LailaofMidgardSeries

  Instagram: @kathryn_blanche

  Twitter: @_kathrynblanche

  Did you know...

  Leaving a review is one of the most helpful things a reader can do for any author. Reviews give the
book a greater chance of being recommended to other readers.

  If you have a moment, please leave a review.

  Your time is much appreciated!