Dreamscape Netherworld Book I

by Christie Rich

  As I step nearer, I’m able to make out other things. A picnic table takes shape, as does a streetlight down the way. The heat from the flames calls to me, beckoning me into its embrace. It’s like a drumbeat in my head. Come to me, come to me, come to me.

  Part of my brain screams at me to turn around and jet back to my room, but that part is overshadowed by my curiosity, this strange compulsion I feel to take that first step through the flames. For some reason I’m no longer afraid of the fire, and I should be. What the heck’s wrong with me?

  My muscles bunch as I anticipate moving through the flickering wall. Maybe that’s my way out of here? Maybe it’s like that science fiction show on TV where the characters move from world to world through gates made of water. I scrunch up my nose and bring my fingers closer to the flames. Just before the heat becomes too much, the flames part around my hand as if they will obey me. The heat clings to my skin, but it doesn’t burn exactly.

  My body vibrates with excitement. Could it be this simple? Could I really leave? I glance over my shoulder, considering the money on the bed. It would take me a long time to blow through that much cash.

  This is my chance. If I don’t take it, I might not ever be left alone again.

  Not allowing myself to think about it further, I rush back into the room and grab as much money as I can fit into my jeans. I even stuff some into my bra.

  When I’m done, I rush back into Seth’s room. The wall of flames dances and pops as I approach. I’m so stupid for trying this, but it’s my only shot.

  The park scene is still visible, somehow familiar. It kind of looks like a park two blocks from Justine’s place. My gut clenches while my heartbeat pounds in my throat and roars in my ears.

  Not sure what to expect, I thrust my fist through the barrier. Dizziness clamps onto my brain as my body hurtles through the barrier. I land on my hands and knees, skidding forward on the fresh-cut grass moist with morning dew.

  A smile overtakes me.

  I’m alive. I’m through.

  Dawn is just around the corner. The breeze brings the earthy scent of bread baking. My throat tightens when I see Fred’s corner bakery. Oddly, I’m not hungry.

  Not a soul lingers in the park or on the street I’ve walked every day for over a year.

  Seth’s a liar. Justine’s place is two blocks from here.

  When I glance behind me, his room flickers in and out of view. My mind can’t quite comprehend what I’m seeing, but it doesn’t matter. I need to hurry. He said he’d be gone a few hours. It’s been at least that long.

  I can’t go back to Justine’s, so I head for the market. I need to find out what day it is. If he hasn’t had me too long, I might still be able to score a pad near the college.

  Keeping to the shadows, I edge toward Forest Street, putting my back to the chaos of the past few days, or however long I’ve been with Seth.

  My stomach tumbles to my toes at the mere thought of his reaction when he figures out I’m gone. He’ll try to find me again, but I plan to be on a bus or train.

  I think I’ll head to Texas. I’ve always wanted to live near water warm enough to enjoy. Man, I hope it’s not Sunday. Nothing happens in Provo on Sunday.

  Voices cut through my thoughts, making me stop short. I plaster myself against the nearest tree and strain to hear the rest of the conversation.

  The bus stop is ahead of me, and I really don’t want to take a detour. If they are really into their conversation, they may not notice me when I walk by. Just in case, I stay in the tree line.

  I inch nearer to the group, keeping as low as I can.

  One deep voice in particular raises my hackles. Panic rushes through me. I can’t let him see me. He’ll drag me back.

  Something is wrong here. Richard’s world has come alive in my absence.

  The sounds, colors, and smells resonate a reality I have not experienced in decades. I’ve been working with Richard; however, he has not yet mastered enough control to be a permanent part of my team.

  This will not do. “You must concentrate,” I tell him. If he doesn’t mute his world soon, the Erobos will come to investigate, and I will be forced to choose a different access portal. I will also have less time to train him.

  His eyes clamp shut while his face contorts with his efforts. He peeks open an eye, only to shut it again when I shake my head. His expression deepens with concentration.

  I place my hand on his shoulder, hoping to steady him.

  That’s when I feel her. The life force that has transformed this world is not coming from Richard.

  My lungs seize and my heartbeat jumps to my throat. Amelia can’t be here, yet there is no other explanation. All my work, all the time I’ve invested in her, will be for naught if the Erobos find her. Even if it is merely a scout that comes, it will mean a different course for my entire team. Kelsby warned me about this. He encouraged me to choose a different access portal before I involved Amelia. I hate it when he is right.

  Anger flowers from my chest. How could she be here? I set every restriction before I left. Despite my anger and frustration, hope for the future springs forward until a smile twitches my mouth. If she can awaken this world with no training at all, what will she be able to do when fully trained?

  When I straighten to locate her, Richard opens his eyes. He cocks his head back and shoves his hands into his pockets. “What’s wrong, boss?”

  I hold my fingers to his lips and he pulls out his blade. Such a smart lad. Shows real promise.

  I haven’t seen a dream world respond like this since Rhea cankered my life. In fact, most worlds have been depleted of substance, little by little, until, finally, they have been lost to Oneiroi influence.

  I have guarded Richard for years now, and I have no intention of alerting the Erobos to him…just yet. He needs more training, as well as the woman that has sneaked into his realm uninvited.

  I should have never left Amelia until she was ready, but my brothers could not handle the strain. Besides, I would have had to tell them about her and that is the last thing I wish to do right now. I’d like to make sure Amelia and I are okay before I risk discussing her.

  Zed is the only one besides me with enough sense to seek out a recruit to aid him while he still has enough light to train her. Ian is too strong willed to desire a companion, and Peter?

  He will not speak to me at all.

  Hunching over until I’m eyelevel with Richard, I say, “Keep watch.”

  He gives a nod and scans the trees.

  With him guarding me, I concentrate on my mark, finding her energy a mere ten yards away. She’s hiding behind a tree, as if that could mask what she is.

  Dark impulses flash in my mind, but I manage to push them away. Amelia’s presence at once intrigues and terrifies me.

  Her purity radiates through the very air.

  I have no desire to taint her.

  Motioning for Richard to stay where he is, I scan the area for threats. Finding none, I advance on the girl.

  A soft squeal rings out before she races toward the street, her long, dark hair flying out behind her like a cape. Her speed is impressive; it is not good enough to flee the darkness or me.

  She glances back and her eyes widen. There is no real fear in her gaze and she needs some. She needs to understand what she walked into when she passed through the flames.

  Taking no other thought, my body stiffens and my mind releases. My limbs shake and my muscles vibrate as I transform into a jungle cat.

  Her scream echoes through the park and I roar in response. All else melts away until only she exists. The scent of her blood mixes with her sweat in an intoxicating potion. Instinct takes over and I bound forward, eating up the distance between us until her scent becomes my world.

  When I am close enough I pounce. Her scream rings out when my paw hits her back. She rolls out of the way, but not fast enough.

  I pin her, face up, my paws on her heaving chest. Terror radiates from her, but I won’t be
distracted. I force myself to deny my need and bend closer to her face.

  She stiffens, shaking and mewling softly. She’s had enough fright for one outing into the Dreamscape.

  I focus and morph back to my human form. Her body shifts under my weight. As if she could wriggle away from me. I settle myself against her, pinning her hands by her face. Her ragged heartbeat thumps against my chest. Gulping, she shuts her eyes tight and shakes her head.

  I allow myself a moment for composure before I speak. “What are you doing here, Amelia?”

  My jaw clenches. Damn my curiosity. If I had just gotten the hell out of here when I had a chance, I wouldn’t be sandwiched between the cool grass and the beast of a man on top of me.

  My mind still wants to deny what I’ve seen here. Magic doesn’t exist, but the hairline scratch on my collarbone tells me it does.

  When I peek open an eye, Seth stares at me, apparently waiting for an answer.

  “Get off me,” I say, going for calm but achieving this side of hysterical. Every part of me tingles where his body pushes against mine. No guy has ever been this close to me, and the sensations pulse and sizzle, overwhelming my mind and body.

  Images of Jason flash through my memory, but Jason wasn’t real. No matter how many times I’d like to deny it, I can’t say the same thing for Seth. He’s as real as they come; his heat burns me.

  My hands slide against his as I attempt to push him away. His eyes lock onto mine, exploring. What he’s looking for, I can only guess. Even so, I won’t give it to him.

  A boy’s voice startles me. “Hey, I know you.”

  I glance up to see the kid from down the hall at Justine’s place. “Richard?” My eyes dart to Seth. “That’s how you’ve gotten the goods on me.”

  His chest rumbles on a dark laugh. “Actually, I found Richard through you.”

  “You seem to be under the impression we know each other,” I tell him. “I’ve never seen you before you—took me.”

  “Things aren’t always what they appear.”

  “Right. How did you…”

  He shifts and jumps off me, pulling me up with him. “We need to leave before you are detected.”

  I shake my head. “No way! I’m not going back.”

  “Amelia.”

  “No. Look. I hate to tell you this, but you are creepy as hell. You know too much about me. I’ve got a life to live. Yeah, I’ve been in a tough spot, but I don’t need or want your help.”

  His expression shifts until he’s frowning. When I glance at Richard he holds the same twist to his lips.

  “Go home,” I tell Richard. “Your mom will be worried about you.”

  He laughs. “Shows what you know. I am home.”

  Incredulous, I stare at him. “You’re in on this too?”

  Seth shushes us and something in the set of his shoulders makes me listen. I scan the area, wondering what’s made him so tense.

  His hand clamps around mine as he yanks me into motion. I pull against him, but his grip is like getting out of handcuffs.

  “They’re here,” he hisses, pulling harder. “Come on.”

  “No way—”

  Without a word the kid races away, his body blurring around the corner.

  A screech cuts off my complaints. The noise pierces straight to my gut. It’s not a natural sound. When it comes again, I jump into a run, this time pulling Seth into motion. He bypasses me right away. My feet won’t move fast enough and my lungs ache from the pace Seth’s set.

  I glance behind me and yelp. This time it’s not a tiger or anything I can name. Unnatural shadows dance on the wind, only solidifying when they reach the ground.

  A line of men form, running the instant they have substance. I don’t have the breath to ask what they are. The air grows dark and thick. No matter what, I need to get away from them. I glance at Seth, who grunts with his increased efforts to escape. We’re running so fast, I’m not sure how it’s physically possible.

  The screaming only intensifies and pretty soon, an army of men follow behind us. The leader is five or six paces ahead of the rest. He moves with the grace of a natural predator. My stomach tingles and swirls with panic and something else I don’t want to name. He’s covered in armor, as are the rest of them, but unlike the others, his face is bare, exposing chiseled features and the lightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. They are as cold as a winter’s night.

  He smiles at me, tilting his head as he outpaces us, as if he’s measuring me up.

  “Seth!” I scream.

  “Stop looking at them. Concentrate on the flames. When I toss you through, you have to have complete control.”

  “Or what?”

  His voice is frantic. “You will die.”

  Somehow, I think it’s preferable to letting that guy get me. “I can do it,” I tell Seth. We’re nearly there. He’s not kidding. He grabs my arm at the elbow and flings me toward the molten barrier.

  The world behind me disintegrates into a blur of orange flame. Heat registers, but, just like the first time I went through, the fire doesn’t burn me. It bends around my body until I careen out of it.

  I hit the carpet and roll until my head smacks against Seth’s couch. My vision blurs and my ears ring.

  Metal clattering sounds from behind me. I roll over and lift my head, my heart clenching for Seth. There has to be hundreds of men in that park. Why didn’t he just follow me?

  The scene flickers in and out of focus, but I yelp as Seth swings a huge sword at that man’s head. The guy waits till the last second to spin away and the blade slices a thin line under his jaw. His dark hair falls over his forehead as he counters.

  Seth catches his swing and their swords collide in an ear-splitting groan. Sparks fly around them and the man smiles.

  His goon squad makes no attempt to rush the two. Who is this guy?

  His bright blue eyes flit my way. “She’s stunning, brother. How good of you to deliver her to me.”

  “Always presumptuous. She is not for you, Daegan,” says Seth. He steps back and slashes his blade again and again at the stranger.

  Daegan laughs. “I thought you’d learned your lesson with the last one. Volos will be delighted. He has nearly used up your Rhea.”

  I have no idea who any of these people are, but my body shrinks away from the darkness they’re throwing off.

  Seth swings his sword again, his muscles coiled tight with furor. “Tell Volos Amelia is spoken for. He shall not have her, and neither will you, brother.”

  Bristling, I make myself get up and walk to the barrier. They haven’t flinched or moved to acknowledge me, but both of their heads snap my way when I speak. “Neither of you are going to have me, let alone some douchebag named Volos.”

  Seth shakes his head. “Go to your room.”

  Who does he think he is? I flip him off then trace the fire with my finger. It follows my movements, swirling as if on the wind.

  Daegan raises a finger and holds it against the barrier, mimicking me, only a few feet separating us. His flesh burns away until bone peeks out from blackened skin. The air grows thick from the stench.

  Coughing and gagging, I gulp back pure fear and take a step back, then another and another until I stumble over Seth’s chair. The guy laughs, staring at me the entire time, deflecting each blow Seth sends at him with one arm. He takes his charred digit into his mouth and slowly pulls it out. Bile rises up my throat as I watch him. As it emerges, his flesh is whole.

  A smile lifts the corners of his mouth when he releases his finger. It’s fine, as if nothing happened. He grins before he blows me a kiss.

  Seth attacks with a furor I have never seen before. His fluid movements are hypnotic, dance like. Once he slices Daegan’s arm, he grunts and flips himself into the air, catching Daegan on the chin.

  Daegan staggers backward, but is only temporarily thrown off-balance. It’s enough time for Seth to get in one last swing, which lands along Daegan’s shoulder, hacking off an arm.

&nb
sp; Seth spins away and is through the barrier before I can blink. Daegan paces the line of fire, his eyes harboring a hatred that burns from the depths of his core.

  “Do your worst,” he says, picking up his arm.

  No blood oozes from the wound. His insides are as black as his soul.

  Seth’s presence registers before he spins to face me. His eyes eat me up, making me jump to my feet and backtrack toward my room. So much emotion lingers in his gaze, my belly clenches and my heart stammers.

  I inch away from him, but instead of coming after me, he turns back to Daegan. “With so much on the line, I shall do my best.” He walks toward the wall opposite his bed and a doorway emerges. He’s gone and back before I can make it through my door.

  He holds a flashing orb, pressing something on the side. The thing beeps. “Give my regards to Rhea.”

  Daegan frowns and his bright eyes find mine. I’m caught in them for a moment, but Seth blocks my view, tossing the ball through the flames.

  The hordes of Erobos morph into ravens, all but the leader, who takes the form of a falcon. One piercing cry makes it to me before the charge goes off and the image flickers away into nothing but orange flame.

  Seth turns around, his eyes intent on me. Sweat makes his skin glisten and mats his blond hair to his head.

  When he takes a step forward, a squeak races up my throat. His blue eyes hold a savage edge. I slam the door shut and lock it, stepping away

  “Amelia,” he says. “We need to talk.”

  “Go away!” I yell through the door.

  “No,” he says. “We will discuss this.”

  I twist the knob, but it doesn’t budge. What in damnation is going on? Whose house is this anyway?

  I pound on the door, yet I make sure my voice is level. “Amelia, I need to speak to you.”

  “Go away,” she says again. Her voice is so full of fear it surrounds me.

  Although it is nearly impossible, I manage to stay calm, despite the Erobos darkness I battle to expel. It will do me no good to make her fear me more than she already does. “I’m going to speak with you one way or another, so you might as well open the door.”

  “Leave me alone. You’re a liar! I don’t want to talk.”

  I grit my teeth and try to swallow my rage. “Amelia, I’m giving you to the count of three.”