On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Drakuul strolled through the streets, making his way toward Scotland Yard headquarters, barging through the doors without notice. Instructing the Enforcers to stand by the entrance, he opened a portal taking him to the upper offices where officers, both female and male mortals, Wraiths, Shayds or Demons monitored all of the cameras that watched the streets of the Great City. His presence had startled the officers as they jumped from their chairs, watching as he emerged from the portal that dramatically closed behind his tall, and slender silhouette.

“Lord Drakuul, Sir…” the men and women greeted, bowing quickly.

“Up.” he ordered, “Tell me, what have you found?!” he veered around the desks, making his way toward the screens, watching as his militia of men and creatures patrolled the streets on camera, then glanced toward the maps where flashing dots of various colors faded in and not.

“Nothing, Sir.” one of the men, Archie, answered, taking his seat, “General Matrx is continuing the search on the streets, he’s right there.” he pointed toward the screen of maps.

“Where? What am I looking at?” Drakuul raised a curious brow.

“Apologies, Sir…” Archie stood with a small iPad in hand, approaching the screen, “there, he’s there.” he touched the red dot that zoomed in, showing the exact streets, both main and cross; it moved along the line, “According to this, Sir…he’s in the lower parts of the city at this moment.”

“And what is he doing down there?!” Drakuul questioned, looking at the man, then glanced past his shoulder, hearing one of the women snort, trying to contain her laughter. Looking at her, pushing the man aside, he eerily approached her station. Standing behind her, he leaned in close, “What is your name?” he reached out, pulling at her name tag, trying to read it, “Ah, Audrey…noble.” he whispered close, “Did I say something funny…Audrey?”

“N-no…” she muttered, clearing her throat, “no, my Lord.” she kept her gaze fixed upon her keyboard, watching as her hands managed to control her trembling nerves.

“Mm.” the Lord squinted his dark eyes, “Get him on the radio, now.”

“Yes, Sir.” Audrey nodded, then reached forward toward a series of screens, buttons and switches that confused the Lord greatly. She adjusted her headphones, speaking into the microphone of her head piece, “General…General?” she placed her hands on the headphones.

“Yes?!” the Frenchman barked impatiently, “What is it?!”

“Lord Drakuul wants an update.” Audrey answered as she looked up at the Necromancer stood behind her, menacingly gripping the back of her chair.

“Tell him that I’m making some progress.” Matrx barked.

“What’s he saying?” Drakuul wondered bluntly.

Audrey huffed bluntly, plugging her headpiece into the speakers, allowing their Lord to hear the conversation.

“Say again?” she requested.

“Tell him that I’m making progress!” the General answered again, “Is he there, he must be…” his voice hissed, “put him on!”

“How do I speak to him?!” Drakuul leered down at the woman.

Audrey removed her headpiece, handing it to him. Instructing him how to use it, she watched as he followed her instructions. Side eyeing her fellow officers, they managed to hide their mocking grins as they kept their focus on their screens and keyboards, typing in the information that came in, monitoring all of the cameras and maps.

“Matrx…” Drakuul spoke clearly, “what have you found?!”

“In brief, we found a man named William Harley.” the Frenchman barked, “He supposedly ran some sort of a haven for refugees of the magical and supernatural variety, I’m trying to track him down but it seems he fled the city during the mass evacuation. There are reports that he’s one of the warlocks that are in league with Marxus, helping send magical practitioners or otherwise to some island but where, no one seems to know”

“Island?” Drakuul questioned curiously, feeling closer to his goal, “Is this information correct, what island?!”

“I don’t know, that’s what I’m trying to find out, he’s not here. I…” his voice broke in a series of hissing static.

“Matrx?! Matr…” Drakuul called out, then removing the headpiece, tossing it on the table next to the woman’s hand, “get him back now, NOW!” he demanded.

“Yes, Sir.” Audrey agreed. Pressing buttons and listening in, for minutes her attempts failed for the signal was too weak, “I’m sorry my Lord, but he’s offline.” she glanced up at the Necromancer.

“Hmm.” Drakuul frowned, “The moment he returns to the outskirts of the city, you come straight to me, is that clear?!” his voice boomed as he looked around the office.

“Yes Sir.” a chorus of voices answered.

“As you were.” the Necromancer nodded, quickly adjusting the hem of his uniform jacket then he turned, storming out of the technical room.

“Bloody hell…” Audrey gasped in relief, “that man gives me such a fright.” she placed her hands to her chest, feeling her heart pounding.

“You would think he would know somethin’ about computers.” one of the other men, Burton, muttered softly, “He’s quite pathetic when you think about it, having everyone do just about everythin’ for him.” his English accent slurred the words.

“Burton, watch your tongue!” one of the other women, Edith, barked.

“Why?!” Burton snapped, “We all know you have somethin’ for him.”

“That’s a lie!” Edith argued, glancing back at the door.

“No it isn’t.” Archie mocked.

“It’s true though…” Audrey argued, “he’s bloody clueless.” and as she glanced around the room, she received eager nods from her coworkers, “All he relies on is his magic when that bloke doesn’t realize that this here…” she held out her arms, gesturing at all of the futuristic gadgetry, screens and receivers, “is where the real magic is, not his arcane practices or whatever.”

“Are you bloody mad?!” one of the other women shrieked worriedly, as she kept glancing at the door, “Nightwalkers are patrolling, and if they heard you, you will never be seen again, and you just might find yourself becoming one of ’em yeah?” she placed her finger to her lips, “So shh, before you get us all killed and you…” she leered at Edith, “have poor tastes in men.”

“She’s right.” Archie muttered, “Be careful what you say around here.” he nodded, then held his head down when Enforcers barged through the door, scanning the room.

“What is going on in here?!” one of the soldiers demanded.

“Nothin’ just messing around.” Archie slurred, keeping his head low.

“Well cut it out and get back to work!” the man barked, menacingly adjusting his large rifle before turning to leave the room.

The officers sighed in relief, then remained silent, listening only to the sounds of their fingers typing, beeps, and radio chatters, and all of the other technical machinery.

In the lobby Drakuul paced, rubbing his hands together, with a smug grin. He was closer than he was before, and knowing for sure that there were others out there helping Marxus, he hoped all of it was falling into place. Glancing through the glass doors outside where his Enforcers stood guard, he eerily watched as a thick shadow blocked out the sun above, as the Red Death slithered above the city, making his menacing presence known and seen. Stepping outside, glancing at the sky, he watched as the serpentine dragon with its scales glistening from the sun like an armor made of rubies, caused terror breathing steams of fire upon the handful of Demons and Shayds that stood on the street, attempting to blast their magic into the air.

“Get them out!” Matrx shouted loudly, pointing at the building that stood tall above him, “Get them out!” he stepped, watching as a large handful of Enforcers stormed inside, kicking down doors, searching for the man name William Harley. Stepping inside the front door, he glanced up and down the hall, watching as the soldiers barged into all of the apartments, frightening them. Hearing their screams of terror, his heavy boots created loud, menacing steps as he made his way to the end of the hall near the stairs leading upstairs, before turning around, watching as all of the Enforcers dragged men, women and their children from their apartments, pushing them against the walls of the hall, “Listen to me very carefully…” he announced loudly with his French accent clearly present, “I am looking for a man by the name of William Harley, if any of you have seen, him, take steps forward now and you will live, if not…” he slowly unsheathed one of his large Katanas, holding the blade toward one of the children, pressing against a boys’ throat, while his mother cried and pleaded, “you will all die!” he warned bluntly.

“Please…the mother cried out, holding the child close, “he’s my boy!”

Reaching out, turning the boy’s head from side-to-side, Matrx raised a disgruntled brow.

“Not much of one.” he held the blade closer to his throat, “Tell me!”

“We haven’t see him!” an older Englishman rasped from the end.

“Who said that?!” Matrx’s dark eyes widened, scanning the figures.

One of the Enforcers dragged an older man from his place, pushing him to his knees.

Slowly sliding the Katana’s blade down the boy’s neck, Matrx quickly flicked it aside, holding it down by his side as he menacingly took a series of shuffling steps forward; he watched as the Enforce dug their gloved hands into the man’s shoulders.

“Let him go.” the General ordered, waving his free hand.

“But General…” the Enforcers argued.

“I said…let him go.” Matrx leered at the man, unable to see his face because of his military helmet and mask, “It’s doesn’t have anywhere to go.” he chuckled mockingly, receiving laughter in reply from a few of the soldiers nearby.

“Yes, Sir.” the Enforcer stepped back.

“You…” Matrx held the top of the blade under the man’s chin, lifting his gaze to match his own, “Tell me what you know, and tell me quickly.” he snapped his fingers of his left hand, and upon the command, the Enforcers standing in the hall raised their rifles and pistols, aiming at the men, women and children, “Their life depends on your answer.”

“Th-the man you’re lookin’ for, William Harley.” the man spoke in a stutter, “He lives u-upstairs on the second floor b-but we haven’t seen him in t-two years, we don’t know where he’s gone.” he blinked his pale green eyes, “Please S-sir…that’s I kn-know, I swear.”

“Of course it is, it’s all you people ever know.” Matrx groaned, “Get him up, chain him with the others outside, he’s coming with us!” he ordered loudly, sheathing his blade.

“But why?!” the man pleaded, being pulled to his feet, “I t-told you everything I know, pl-pease!” he begged over his shoulder.

“Perhaps, but if you haven’t, you will join the others as food for the Nightwalkers that haven’t been released from their containment.” the General threatened without compassion, “Let’s go…” he shouted as he headed outside.

The Enforcers lowered their weapons, following after their General, leaving the residents of the building to retreat into their apartments, but since their doors had been damaged and shattered from the men’s unwanted entry, they scampered into their bedrooms, holding onto their families and loved ones.

“You…” Matrx turned the old man around, “what’s your name?”

“Darby.” the man answered, “I’m the Manager of the building, Sir.”

“Well, Darby…” Matrx placed his hands on the man’s shoulders, “tell me what apartment on the second floor?”

“I on;y saw him once b-but…” Darby whimpered.

“B-b-b-but what, speak old man!” Matrx grew impatient, pulling him forward by the collar of his lounging robe.

“The for-fourth apartment on the right at the top of the st-stairs.”

Matrx frowned, then turned, pushing the man forward back inside.

“Show me.” he ordered. Following the man up the stairs, he became impatient, “Come on, move it old man…” he roughly helped Darby up the stairs. Reaching the top, pushing the man against the wall, he watched as he pointed down the hall along the row of doors, “It’s the fourth you say?”

“Yes, Sir…” Darby nodded, huffing from the Generals’ roughness.

“Watch him.” Matrx ordered one of the Enforcers that escorted him. Receiving a nod, he rummaged through Darby’s pocket, finding a set of keys, then turned, stomping down the hall, watching as doors on the floor, quietly peeked open, “Close your doors, this has nothing to do with you!” he shouted loudly. Listening as they closed quickly, he approached the aforementioned apartment, studying the door frame, “This is too easy.” he muttered, for that it was. He might not have practiced magic like his brother Drakuul, but he always had the keen ability to sense it. Gently running his hands along the frame, several runes radiated from his touch, “Clever…” he grinned, then stepped back, attempting to kick the door down, but his powerful strikes had been thwarted, for a barrier deflected his intrusion. Grunting deeply, he leaned against the wall opposite the door, unsheathing his Katanas, twirling them slowly. Glancing up and down the hall, ignoring all of the curious faces, he lunged forward, piercing the magic with the tips of the blades that had been sanctified by Drakuul’s dark magic, it had enabled him to penetrate any mortal magical practitioners spells that weren’t as thorough, compared to those put in place by Shayds and Demons. Watching as the blades created a bright spot in the center, lines or cracks appeared along the door from where the Katanas had pierced through, and continuing to plunge the blade forward until they touched the door, the magic was dismantled, shattering brightly in a brief spark that wasn’t as blinding as it should have been. It was older, and stagnant magic. Huffing, with a powerful front kick, the General broke the door off its hinges, watching it fell to the ground with its bolts and screws rolling across the floor inside. Holding his weapons ahead of him in a cautious approach, he entered the quaint English apartment that was scarcely decorated. Sensing that it hadn’t been occupied in quite some time, Matrx lowered his weapons, then he turned, calling out over his shoulder, “It’s clear!” he watched as the Enforcers stood by the door with Darby that peeked around the apartment, “He’s not here.” Matrx argued, sheathing his weapons.

“I told you, we ha-haven’t seen him in at least t-two years.” Darby let out a deep sigh, falling to his knees.

“Hmm, we will see.” Matrx groaned. Scanning the room, most of the walls were covered in maps and charts with routes and locations, and the tables scattered around the room were piled with books of spells and other works of magical crafts, “Interesting.” he reached for one of the titles, “Congratulations Darby, you were right but I still don’t see any signs that this man in particular ever lived here.” he side eyed the old man.

“There’s a ph-photo on the table by the d-door.” Darby gestured.

Matrx turned, stomping across the room toward the mentioned table. Reaching for one of the photos, he raised a curious brow, studying a man and woman that posed outside of an English manor some place.

“Is this him?!” the General turned the frame around, showing Darby the photo quickly.

“Yes.” he nodded, studying the hefty man dressed in a light gray suit.

“Hmm, so there he is.” Matrx raised his gaze, tossing the photo at one of the Enforcers, “Get that over to Scotland Yard, see if they can get anything on him. A location, anything.” he ordered, pointing an affirmative finger.

“Yes, General.” the man nodded, then turned, stepping aside.

“Let him go.” Matrx ordered, “He proved himself useful. For now.”

“Sir?” one of the other Enforcers argued, “Lord Drakuul specifically states that all prisoners are to be brought to the…”

“Don’t tell me…what Drakuul states!” Matrx eerily leered, “I gave you my orders, and they are what stand out here, not what he says, is that clear?!” he gripped the hilt of one of his Katanas.

“Yes, General.” the soldier nodded, then pulled Darby to his feet. As he turned, pushing him down the hall, he barked gruffly, “Beat it…”

“Keep an eye on him.” Matrx ordered softly, watching as Darby held onto the wall for support as he shuffled down the hall, beginning his descent down the stairs, “I don’t trust him, this was too easy. Follow him, see if he contacts anyone.”

“General.” one of the other Enforcers nodded, then inconspicuously followed after the older man, making it look as if he swept past him to venture outside.

Watching as the soldiers paced in and out of the building, or coming and going up and down the stairs from the second floor, Darby made his way back to his apartment, managing to stand the door up just in a way that blocked access inside from prying eyes. Quickly he rushed around, searching for his phone and once holding the gadget, his old trembling hands quickly typed a message.

“Do not return to the safe house, it’s been discovered by Enforcers and General Matrx.” and once sent, he paced nervously, listening as the soldiers stomped down the hall. Hearing a deep, he glanced down at the screen.

“Understood.” the reply flashed.

“Sir…” an Enforcer whispered into his radio, “looks like the old man is contacting someone, he’s got a phone in his hand.”

“Get that phone to me NOW!” the General’s voice answered bluntly.

Hearing shuffling outside, Darby quickly deleted all of the messages from the phone’s memory. Throwing the phone to the ground, he fell to his knees, crushing it with an iron bookend, shattering it into pieces that couldn’t be put back together. Glancing at the door, he watched as the Shayd Enforcers kicked the door in again, rushing toward him but it was too late, Darby swept the plastic chips into his fireplace.

“No…” the soldier shouted, kneeling in front of the fireplace. As he manipulated the flames, being a level 4 Pyrokinetic, he parted the fire, reaching beneath the logs for the chip that hadn’t yet melted, “Clever bastard, but not fast enough.” he groaned, turning to the old man, “Get him out of here!” he ordered, smudging soot off the chip.

“Take him outside!” Matrx ordered as he stood in the doorway.

“General…” the soldier approached, handing the chip over, placing it in the man’s hand, “he tried burning this.”

Matrx raised the chip, examining it quickly, then side glanced the old man.

“You disappointed me, Darby.” he let out a few TSKS, “Drag him outside, and kill him.” he ordered, tucking the chip in a small hidden pocket along the lining of one of his gauntlets.

“Wh-what?!” Darby pleaded, “I haven’t done anything, p-please!” he shouted, glancing over his shoulder.

Standing in the alley across the street, stood a man in a black hat and steampunk trench coat that could barely button across his hefty waist. Watching the scene taking place, he retreated behind the edge of the building, regretting that there was nothing he could for the man, not without making his presence known to the invaders that had discovered the safe house. Removing his phone, he made a call.

“We have a problem.” his raspy English voice spoke bluntly.

“Why, what is it?” a woman answered.

“The General discovered the safe house.” he revealed, looking around nervously, “We have to move.” he hunched forward, hearing the loud pop of gunshots across the street. Raising his gaze, looking past the rim of his glass still situated on the ridge of his nose, he watched as an old man fell forward on the street, being left there as an example.

“William?!” the woman cried, “William, what was that?!”

“They just killed Darby.” Billy muttered, not looking back, “Please, just make sure everything is packed and that the rest is destroyed.” he ordered, “Mary, please…just do it!” he ended the call, then turned. As he rushed down the alley toward a small RV parked nearby, he swiftly climbed inside, then drove the vehicle backwards down the narrow spaces between the buildings. Quickly turning the wheel, the tires screeched along the pavement. Driving in between other traffic going the opposite direction, he honked his horn loudly, shouting out for the others to get out of the way, “Move, bloody hell move it!” he cursed, waving his hands through the windshield. Finally arriving at a cluster of older buildings on the outskirts of the Great City, he parked the RV them lept out, leaving the door open, “Mary!” he huffed loudly, “Mary!”

“Here!” the Irishwoman shouted, emerging from one of the buildings, placing boxes and suitcases on the stairs, “I gathered everything that I could carry, there a few more up there.” she grunted heavily over her shoulder.

“I’ll get them just pack those in the RV and wait for me!” Billy urged, then glanced down the street, hoping he had enough time. Rushing up stairs, he scampered around the room noticing three boxes stacked by the door with books and other magical information from years of working with the Immortal and other sensitive documents. Grabbing them, he turned, looking around the apartment once more, “Farewell.” he softly whispered, having many fond memories. Removing a lighter from his pocket, moments before he sparked the flame, he heard the RV;s horn honking loudly outside. Trying to flick the flame, it was being stubborn, “No, no love…” he kissed the lighter, “come on, you know you’re my lucky girl.” he flicked it again the watched as a flame danced, “Thank you…” he tossed it on the ground, watching as a trail of flames crawled along the hidden traces of oil and fuel that were a preset method to destroy what they couldn’t carry. As he turned, closing the door, he rushed down the hall and the stairs, then made his way outside just in time, for as he lept off the steps, he fell forward, hearing a booming explosion coming from the upper floor of the single occupied building. Dropping the boxes, he glanced over his shoulder, watching roaring flames escape through the windows that shattered outward, raining shards of glass onto the walkway.

“William!” Mary worried, running toward the Englishman.

“I’m fine!” he grunted, reaching for the boxes, handing one of them to her, “Let’s go…” he carried the others. Climbing into the driver’s seat, he tossed the boxes behind him, letting their contents scatter on the floor. Revving the engine, he backed up once more banging into the trans can on the street, then turned the wheel, driving forward. As he raced down the street, they left another safe house behind.

“William, what are we going to do and…where are we going to go?” Mary worried, veering at the reflection in the passenger side rear view mirror, “I swore I would never come back, but then I did, and now this happens?”

“I know Mary, I know.” Billy groaned, keeping his eyes on the road ahead, leading them out of the city for the last time, “And as far as where we’re going to go? I don’t know…”

“Maybe we can go to the Isle?” Mary looked at him, “I am sure that Yzavela would allow us to stay for a while until we can find other arrangements.”

“Aye, I’m sure she would but…” Billy shook his head, “after Ireland, I am pretty sure she wants nothin’ to do with us, hmm?” he looked at her, “But I’ll write her a letter, I’ll tell her what’s happening because she needs to know that Drakuul and his armies are getting closer to finding them.”

“War is coming.” the Irishwoman muttered, gripping her purse close.

“Aye, war is coming.” Billy muttered.

“General!” one of the Enforcers shouted, watching as the powerful man emerged from the apartment building, “Out there, look!” he pointed toward the distance, seeing smoke rising in the air.

“What about it?!” Matrx mocked, thinking maybe it was just another casualty from the Red Death’s sweeps through the air.

“Well…” the soldier observed, making his point rather clear, “since the old man sent a message to someone, hence the phone and chip he tried to burn, maybe that’s his contact that’s destroying information.”

Thinking about it for a moment, it made sense.

“Get men there now…” Matrx ordered aggressively, “now, NOW!”

Enforcers said nothing more, adhering to their General’s orders. As the Nightwalkers sped down the streets, the Shayds and Demons had opened portals, taking them there, followed by their General that had stepped through before it closed behind them. As the soldiers stood on the street, they watched as the building profusely burned.

“This was planned, it didn’t just happen.” Matrx groaned, biting his lip then looked around. Tilting his head, taking notice of tires tracks left behind from a large vehicle, he wasn’t sure if maybe they were from the tanks and other vehicles from their own militia, “Has there been a patrol through here?”

“Not for days.” one of the Enforcers answered.

“Hmm…” Matrx grinned, “gotcha.” he turned, “Get me eyes on the satellite, check to see what happened here!”

“Yes, Sir…” another Enforcer nodded, then turned, speaking over his radio.

The Saxon home was quiet before Lucy’s screams kept her parents awake. Sitting in her bed, covering herself with her blankets hoping it would provide comfort, it didn’t. Crying for her mother, she shrieked when the door opened, watching as her mother swept into the room with her arms stretched out. Jumping from her bed in one leap, she cried in her mother’s embrace.

Sitting on the ledge of the bed, Susan whispered softly, stroking the child’s red hair that was braided,

“Hush baby girl, it’s all right…it’s all right. Mama’s here, shh…”

“Mommy…” Lucy’s quivering voice cried, “where’s Johnny, I want Johnny!”

“He’s in his room at the Wraith dwelling my darling, he’s sleeping.” Jonathan Sr approached, sitting next to his wife and daughter, “You know that.” she reached, wiping her tears away.

“I want Johnny!” Lucy cried.

“All right.” Jonathan Sr nodded, then stood. Leaving the room, he dialed his son’s number, waiting for him to answer, “Jonathan?”

“Dad?” Jonathan’s voice rasped, “What time is it?” he looked over at his clock, then watched as his father’s face appeared on his screen.

“It’s late, I know.” his father muttered, “But Lucy had a nightmare.” he glanced back at the room down the hall, listening as Susan began humming a soft song, “She’s calling for you.”

“Yeah…” Jonathan cleared his throat, throwing back his blankets, “I uh…” he stood, then glanced down at himself, “I’ll be right there.”

“Okay.” Jonathan Sr grinned.

Ending the call, Jonathan paced around his room, quickly dressing in an unmatched set of pajamas. Standing by his fireplace, he teleported to his parents home, reappearing by their fireplace in the living room where his father waited. Barefoot, his feet felt the cold wooden floor. Hugging his father quickly, he followed him down the hall to Lucy’s room.

“Button?” Jonathan whispered, standing in the doorway.

“Johnny!” Lucy lept from her mother’s arms, running toward her big brother.

Picking her up, she weighted nothing to Jonathan’s strong embrace. As he gently bounced her in his arms, he walked over sitting on the bed with his mother.

“What happened?” he asked softly, “Another nightmare?”

“I heard a noise and then I saw monsters. Over there!” Lucy pointed toward the wall near her window, where shadows cast from her sheer curtains, “They were coming, Johnny…the ugly ladies were coming!” she cried.

“They’re not going to hurt you, not anymore. Watch, come here…” he muttered, then stood, carrying her toward the window, “see?” he showed her there was nothing there, no threat or figures, “There’s no one there, no ugly ladies or monsters. You’re safe now, and they are never coming back, they’re all gone now.”

“I’m scared.” she wrapped her arms around her brother’s neck.

“I’ll tell you a secret.” Jonathan whispered, “I’m scared too.”

“Really?” Lucy looked at him with her wide blue eyes that melted his heart.

“Yeah.” he walked over, sitting back on the bed, “Everyday, because I don’t know what’s waiting around the corner that could hurt you, or mum and dad, so yeah…that scares me.” he laid her back, tucking her back in her bed, “So you know how I deal with my fear?”

“How?” she sniffled, holding her stuffed toy close.

“I repeat these words, IT’S NOT REAL over and over, until the fear is gone.” he advised, “Now…do you want me to stay with you until you fall asleep? And maybe, read you a story?!” he watched as her blue eyes widened in excitement, followed by a big smile, “Okay, get comfy.” he reached for one of her favorite stories that was tucked on the shelf near her bed, “Ready?” he laid beside her, opening the book.

Susan and Jonathan Sr stood in the doorway, watching the scene. As they felt tears stinging their eyes, they watched the tender moment between their children, relishing in the closeness they shared. For just a few minutes, they stood there then turned, closing the door only a little, leaving it open halfway.

As Jonathan read the tale, his soft Australian voice made Lucy’s eyes grow heavy before he could finish the first story. Sleeping soundly, she held onto her stuffed toy, then cuddled close to her brother.

Gently laying the book on the table behind him, Jonathan turned off the lamps with a snap of his fingers, then turned on the nightlights with another snap. Glancing around the room, his eyes veered toward the window, watching as the shadows from his point-of-view, were unsettling. Sighing softly, he leaned his head against her headboard then drifted off to sleep. He wasn’t sure how long he slept, but as he woke from Lucy’s terrifying screams, he held her small frame close as she curled herself into a tight ball in his arms. Glancing toward the door, hearing their parents rush into the room, he shared a series of worried glances, knowing that Lucy was going to be afraid of the dark for the rest of her life, and hoping she didn’t suffer too much trauma in the caverns, at that point what she went through, only time will tell.

“We have to do something, she can’t live like this.” Jonathan spoke to his parents telepathically.

“Agreed.” Susan muttered, wiping her tears away, then glanced up at her husband, and even though he was mortal, he would do or agree, to anything that could help their daughter, even if that meant of the magical variety, ”Once she falls back asleep, meet us in the kitchen.” she nodded toward Jonathan.

“I’ll make us some tea.” Jonathan Sr suggested.

“Actually, make that coffee.” Jonathan called out.

Nathan hadn’t been seen since the Boar-wolf cave, not since he left the hospital after developing a severe infection from the scratches on his arms that he suffered from the sovereign of the Boar-wolves. He refused visits from Sarah and his uncle Leonard, not wanting their pity but they continued their support nonetheless. However, he gave into Sarah’s advances as she knocked on his door late that evening. as he laid in bed, he glanced down at her, watching as she slept in his arms and whenever they lay together, it was the only time that he had ever shown affection for someone and even though it was wrong, it felt wrong not to be together. Leaning his head against his pillows, he closed his eyes, then felt Sarah squirm as she nudged closer to him.

“I love you.” she whispered.

“I love you.” he whispered in reply, and he meant it.

Their relationship was complicated, and neither of them had ever truly intended on being intimate once they came of age but having only each other growing up, being isolated from other children during their youth, they didn’t have the chance to explore who they were around others. Their uncle had never suspected the bond they shared, not until coming to the island where things had changed for all of them, there were new people and interests but every now and then, they found their way back into each others arms and beds, but it never felt wrong during the moment, not for him, or for Sarah.

I couldn’t sleep, after having a nightmare of my own, feeling women’s hands clawing at me. Sitting up in my bed, I glanced around my suite, sighing in relief that I was safe in familiar surroundings. Looking to my left, Anthony laid sleeping on his back, breathing slowly, looking so tempting but the last thing on my mind in that moment, was being intimate and amorous. Staring across the room, Zanzabarr and Abraxas laid sprawled out across the floor near the patio doors. As I smiled, I quietly climbed out of bed, dressed in Anthony’ shirt which was something I came to adore doing, slowly walking toward them.

“Shh…” I greeted them, watching as they raised their heads upon my approach, “it’s okay, shh…” I knelt down, petting their soft scales and fur, then stood, opening the curtains. As I glanced through the panels of colored glass, seeing the slate wall in the distance, I waited for the eerie squeals of the Boar-wolves but the island was absent of its nightly terror and it was strange. Rubbing my arms, feeling such an unsettling chill, I wasn’t sure if it was the weather seeping between the gaps under the door, but it was strange nonetheless. I worried for the Isle and what its future held, knowing only time will tell, but for the first time in centuries, a peace and deafening silence swept across the island.

Anthony stretched out his right arm, hoping to find Yzavela sleeping next to him, but feeling an empty space, he opened his eyes. Sitting up, he glanced around the room, then spotted her standing in front of her patio doors, dressed in his white shirt that hung mid thigh.

“Hey…” he rasped softly.

Hearing his voice, a smile crept across my face. As I turned, there he was, sitting against my pillows, with slightly messy dark. Returning to the bed, I smiled as I stood next to him, gently running my fingers through his hair.

“Hey.” I whispered.

“Everything okay?” he looked up at her, gently placing his hands on her hips, slowly feeling her waist beneath the fabric.

“Yeah, I just…” I sighed, looking around, “couldn’t sleep, it’s quiet.” I glanced back down at him, “I’m so used to hearing the Boar-wolves running around out there, and now that they’re gone, I don’t know.” I shrugged, “Something feels different.” I ran my hands along his shoulders.

“I know.” he glanced toward the patio doors, “Everyone senses it.”

“Yeah.” I moaned softly.

“Well then…now that we’re awake?” Anthony teased affectionately, “Perhaps you can tell me why you like wearing my shirts?” he smiled.

“Because…” I straddled him, “I like feeling your arms around me, and your scent against my skin.” I leaned against the collar, taking in the lingering scents of his cologne, “Besides…” I ran my hands down his chest and along his stomach, “I think it looks better on me, don’t you think?” I teased, leaning back.

“Si, but…” Anthony reached out, slowly unbuttoning it, “I do much prefer you out of it.” he growled sensually, gliding the fabric off her shoulders, revealing her naked body, “Definitely much preferred.” he grinned, then leaned in, growling deeply, pulling her closely. As the sheets were pulled off, he moaned feeling her pressing herself against him, then watched as her petite frame outline in faint steam, “Should I get the fire extinguisher?” he panted between their movements.

I laughed, then leaned in, kissing him, pushing him back against the pillows, before I felt him turn me over, crawling atop. Wrapping my arms around his back, digging my nails deeply and passionately, I gasped pleasurably.