A Walk Amongst Shadows (Book 2)

It was finally happening, the long-awaited day of reckoning. Ever since I had become a shadow walker, I had heard little less from my brothers and sisters, all of whom were elated as we walked together towards the city. I suppose I would be as well, if not for her. I walked to her right side. Father commanded that I remain by her side at all times. Not that she needed my protection anymore. Rose was currently more powerful than any of us. I was there when it happened. When the signal was given, and he took over. Rose’s sweet face was twisted and marred, her dark brown eyes blacked out and glowing maliciously. It was no longer her, but father. When her mouth opened, it was his words we all heard. While my brothers and sisters cheered and nearly fell on their faces before father, I felt numb. Father had given the order that today would be our day, and once we had all gathered outside the city, we began our dark procession inward. I heard citizens gasp and scream in horror. What a sight to behold, we all must be. Any who stood in our way were pushed aside, though not many dared to come near us. When we arrived at the castle, we were met with the entirety of the king’s royal guard. I hardly even looked up. There would be no fighting after all, not today at least. I watched father lift Rose’s hands and each member of the guard fell on his face, barely clinging to life. Rose would be miserable if she saw any of this, I thought. But I pressed onward following father’s steps. Surprisingly, the king did not stay hidden in his quarters but met us just inside the courtyard.

“That is enough!” he commanded. I could sense his fear from a mile off, but commended his brave facade. “Do not harm any more of my people! If it is I you seek…” he faltered.

Was a King really about to sacrifice himself to save his people? Perhaps he wasn’t as bad as I had originally thought.

“You!” recognition spread across his face as he approached her, “I tried to save you, dear girl.”

“Enough!” father interrupted. Rose’s expression twisted into anger. “It is not your life I seek, nor the lives of any of your subjects.”

The king looked confused. This time when father spoke, his voice rang out inside my own head as well as out loud, creating a sinister double-voice. I knew the trick all too well, everyone in the city was listening now whether they wanted to or not.

Pray now to your gods. For this is their last chance to prove themselves worthy of your praise.

I saw both of her arms raise. One by one the people around me began to fall, except, of course, us shadow walkers.

For too long you have condemned me and my children to dwell within the shadows while you worship false gods. I am here now to say NO MORE! No more will we hide in the darkness, no more will we tolerate your slander. My children are no longer bound to the shadow realm and neither am I. So ask your gods, ask them one more time to save your souls.

I sensed the life forces of the citizens around me dwindling rapidly. He was holding the lives of every last citizen in the city within Rose’s body, which was growing more horrific as the seconds ticked on. I felt like I was going to be sick.

Reika! Riza! Daya! Loeva! Your people call upon you. Will you come to their aid?

His voice was mocking and after a few moments of silence, he spoke once more.

Your gods are dead, dear mortals, and it is time now that you see this truth.

He began releasing life energy back into the city.

Contrary to the legends you have so foolishly written of me, I am not an evil god, nor do I demand your worship. I am here today to prove unequivocally, that I am the only god powerful enough to warrant such praise.

As he continued speaking, I thought about Rose. I wondered where she was now. Was she with him? Could she see this from somewhere in the back of her mind? I hoped she would wake up and not remember any of it. But there would be no way to know for sure until all of this was over. I was shaken from my thoughts by the next words out of Rose’s mouth.

Your king once tried to use this life mage as a means to achieve immortality.

I watched as father walked her legs over to the king and placed a hand on the side of his face.

From this day forth, he will suffer no longer.

I watched as the king’s eyes widened in awe as his life energy was restored.

“I-I don’t understand…” he stammered as he fumbled his way to his feet, “Why?”

Because I am the god of life. He spoke each word slowly and deliberately.

Suddenly, all around us, people began to stand. Eyes now looked upon Rose, upon father, with awe and wonder. Then it happened. The king took a knee and bowed before father. One by one, the others followed suit until everyone was kneeling before him. We had done it. The era of father’s reign had begun.