A Crown of Shadows and Secrets

by Sloane Murphy

  Oh shit.

  Please don’t be Luna.

  She smirks at me and crosses her arms. “You must be the Hunter I’ve been hearing so much about.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Fallon

  “What the fuck do you want?” I hiss, wanting to tear his eyes out, I might never have trained to fight, but anger is a powerful thing.

  “Now then, now then,” he says with a cheery smile. “Is that any way to speak to the man who holds your freedom, your very life, in his hands?”

  “Eat a dick, Dotoro,” I spit at him, while Deacon edges closer to me, almost looking afraid.

  “I see my Demon friends have been doing their job and taming you,” Archer says glaring at Deacon. “Never mind. I always did like my lovers with a little fire.”

  “Ha!” I shout. “You couldn't handle me if you tried.”

  In a blink he's in front of me, his hand on my throat, squeezing. “Listen here you little bitch. You are only alive because it is useful to me, but push me too far, and you won't be useful anymore.”

  His fingers grip tighter, cutting off my air before throwing me backwards. I crash into the wall, my legs only just keeping me upright and I breath in.

  What an asshole.

  “What do you want?” I ask, my voice hoarse.

  “Oh, well that's as simple as it is complicated.” He grins, his arms going behind his back as he stands tall. “Essentially, I want to come out of the shadows. I want to rule, rise above the humans, into our rightful place in the hierarchy. Why should we follow their laws? Bow to them? They have no idea, but they will.”

  “You're insane,” I tell him, and I try not to watch as Deacon edges closer to me. He almost looks concerned, but I'm not a fool, he's a Demon, his only concern is for himself.

  “How about we take this down a notch,” Deacon says, easing between us, so that I'm no longer in Archer's eye line. I roll my eyes but fine, whatever. The Demon wants to de-escalate, who would've thought it, though if they think I'm falling for this good cop, bad cop thing they have going on, they can think again.

  “You're right, where are my manners?” Archer asks with a smirk. “I just thought I'd drop in and make sure you're being treated well before I meet with your bestie. She's going to be helping me out a little, all for little ol' you. Aren't you a lucky Witch to have such loyal friends?”

  I don't bother responding, because he's not really engaging, he's just spouting pretty words to delay, and that makes me curious.

  “What are you really doing here Archer?” I sigh, making my exasperation sound more prominent than how I truly feel.

  “Well, that would be telling wouldn't it,” he says, moving forwards and booping me on the nose, I clench my fists and try not to growl at him. I'm not an animal, but this dickhead is getting on my last nerve.

  “I could make you tell me, you know, if you weren't so afraid of me that you banished me to the one place I can't access my magic.” His eyes go a little wild at the accusation, and he moves closer again before seemingly getting a hold of himself and taking a deep breath.

  “Silly little Witch. Taunt me all you like, the only way you're getting out of here alive is if your friend does exactly as I say. Otherwise, Deacon here will snap that pretty little neck of yours.” He bares his teeth at me and I grin. I'm not scared of Archer Dotoro, even now.

  I'm just angry.

  And an angry Witch isn't a Witch you want to cross.

  How dare he use me to get to Remy. How dare he kill so many good people in his ridiculous quest for world domination. Gag me, could he be any more cliché?

  “Why now?”I ask, tilting my head, trying to figure out why. Why now? Why this lifetime?

  “Why not? Especially with Remy, thinking she's so clever, re-aligning the Elder council, making everyone believe the monsters are no lesser than we are. Filth, that's what they are. They should be serving us, not working alongside us.”

  “Wow, it's like you opened your mouth and Bennett Snr's words fell out. Brainwashed much?” I laugh, trying to rattle him. Guys like him don't usually spill their guts unless they think they're winning, or if they're so angry, their feeble sense of reason disappears completely.

  “I am tired of this. Deacon, let’s go and discuss the details of everything with Alena, shall we?” Archer says with a sigh.

  “Yes, lets,” Deacon says, bowing his head slightly.

  What the fuck does Archer hold over the Demons? Or is it because Archer is working with Deacon’s boss? Archer leads the way out of the room, with Deacon on his heels.

  “I'm sorry,” he mouths back to me and I shake my head.

  What the fuck is going on?

  I don't know how much time has passed since they left, but I've slept and eaten several times. I even ran myself a bubble bath. Now I have the opportunity, you bet the fuck I'm making the most of it. I might be trapped here, but they can only make me miserable if I let them. And if they need Remy's help, I'm guessing based on what Deacon showed me, that Archer is shit out of luck, so it's only a matter of time till I'm either saved, or I die.

  While I'm not exactly ecstatic about the latter, if that is my path, then I'll go back to the mother, and watch on, cheering my friends on, from the other side, wherever that may be, but knowing what I know, I know that this is not all there is to life. Even if I am “‘just a Witch”.’ The only true mortals among the supernaturals that roam the Earth, and it makes every day that little bit more special, which is why I'm enjoying the shit out of my current bubble bath.

  Apparently being a prisoner isn't so bad right now. Even if that gnawing inside of me grows each day that I'm out of touch with my magic. It's like my soul is being eaten, piece by piece with every hour that I'm away from home.

  The door slams open to the bedroom and I jump, a little water sloshes over the side of the tub, but I settle, knowing that the door to the bathroom is locked.

  A sharp crack rings out and the door flies open and I find Deacon looking at me, his eyes frantic. “What the fuck was that earlier?!” He screeches as I move the bubbles to make sure I'm covered, and try to keep my cool about the fact he just stormed in here and I'm naked.

  “Erm, what the fuck are you doing just storming in here while I'm naked?” I say pointedly. I might be a prisoner, and really, he doesn't have to have been as nice as he has, but I'm just hoping he keeps it up.

  “Fuck that, Fallon. He wants you tortured. Fucking tortured. There are some sick assholes down here, especially on this level, that would do anything, just for a little extra of whatever it is they want that day.” He paces the bathroom, and I try not to let my fear surface. Torture is so not my list of things I want from today.

  “You’re going to torture me?” I ask him quietly.

  “Of course I’m not going to fucking torture you. Just because I’m a Demon, doesn’t mean I’m a fucking monster. He’s lost his damn mind. All that power is going to his head.” He runs his hand through his hair, and side eyes me.

  “What power?” I ask cautiously. Hunters don’t have power.

  “The power he bargained for. For the blood of the Shadow Walker.” He tells me almost despondently. “Get dressed, I need to make the room more secure. I can’t do that with you naked.”

  He gets up and leaves the room, pulling the door closed behind him and I rub my temples. I am so god damn confused by all of this.

  The blood of the Shadow Walker? So maybe Archer doesn’t want world domination? Every time I get a semblance of an answer, I just have more fucking questions.

  Remy better hurry her ass up and get here before Archer discovers she’s not coming to meet him back on Earth, otherwise all hell might quite literally break loose, and I’m not sure any of us would be able to survive it.

  I pull myself out of the tub and dry off, before slipping into the clothes I’d brought in here with me. The harem pants and crop top aren’t my usual style, but they looked fun, and it’s not like anyone is going to make fun of me down her
e. I’m, quite literally, in Hell. Or at least the human basis of it. The Shadow Realm is no joke. I dry my hair and wrap it to keep it out of the way and head out to my room, prison cell, whatever you want to call it.

  Deacon is waiting for me in the room, but he’s not alone and he looks tense as fuck.

  “Who are you?” I ask eyeing the dark-haired man, with a jaw that could cut steel, standing just in front of Deacon.

  “Me? I’m your worst fucking nightmare. But you can call me Azriel.” He grins at me and his sharp teeth show themselves, all four fucking rows of them.

  Well shit.

  “Well, Azriel, my Mama told me never to let strange boys in my bedroom, so I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” I say to him, my hands on my hips, hoping to any goddess listening that my sass might get me out of this shit, because it’s all I’ve got.

  “Oh little Witch, I’m going to have so much fun with you.” The fire in Azriel’s dark eyes glowed, and he smirked. “It’s going to be fun to see how many ways I can break you.”

  The glee radiating from him sends shivers through my entire body. His pale skin practically glows and I notice his pointed ears as he sweeps his hair backwards running his hand through his hair.

  “Nope, not today. I have plans with Deacon,” I tell him, trying to keep the fire inside of me burning. Anger is better than fear. That’s what I have to tell myself. “You can try to break me some other time.”

  I move to walk away from him, but he appears in front of me, wisps of black smoke coming from him as he reappears. “I don’t think so, sweetheart.”

  “Az,” Deacon starts, but the Demon pins him with a look that makes me want to curl up and rock in a corner. Deacon shut ups and disappears from the room.

  He grabs my arms and blackness surrounds me. I’m still conscious, and I can feel his grip on me, but I can’t see anything but a never-ending pool of inky darkness. I try to breathe, but the air whips past us so quickly that it stings my face.

  When we stop, we jolt so abruptly I swear I get whip lash. It takes me a second to take in my surroundings. The dark, damp, tiny room, with a wooden chair in the middle. Azriel’s grin makes me take a step backwards but he grabs me, faster than I’ve ever seen a creature move, and throws me backwards. I crash into the brick wall, my head bounces off it so hard I have spots in my vision and struggle to stay conscious. I feel myself losing the fight as Azriel crouches down in front of me, lifting a lock of hair that has fallen from my wrap. He leans in, so close I can feel his breath on my skin. He takes in a deep breath, and I can practically feel his smile.

  “Oh yes little Witch. We are going to have a lot of fun.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Remy

  I step forward as the woman moves towards me, creating a block between her and my guys, just in case she is the psychotic bitch Callie warned us about.

  “That would be me,” I tell her, holding my head high, wearing my best resting bitch face. “Who are you?” I look her up and down, taking in the metal bands decorating her arms, the black billowing dress, and her bare feet on the grass beneath us.

  “Oh sweetie, please. You already know who I am.” She smirks at me, and I feel the guys draw in closer at my back. “What a pretty little pack you bring with you, I bet they're delicious.”

  “They're not yours to fucking touch,” I snarl, and I feel a hand on my shoulder reminding me that she's a higher Demon, but fuck this bitch.

  “We shall see about that. Come,” she says and turns from us, walking towards the small town I can just about make out in the distance.

  This entire place is fucking weird.

  “We don't have to follow her,” Creek says quietly, and I hear her laugh in the distance.

  “If you think you can survive out here alone at night, you're welcome to. It won't be me that gets to enjoy the feast of you all if you do though.” I feel my anger ripple through me and I make a start towards her, but steady hands hold me in place.

  “Angel, this is not the time to lose your shit on us,” Levi says quietly, and I can almost feel his strain from holding me in place, so I stop struggling, I don't want his weaker state broadcasted, especially not here.

  “I am so sick of this. Demons fucking running us in circles. I just want to get Fallon, deal with Archer and move the fuck on,” I hiss.

  “Do you think this level could be affecting your emotions, mon amour?” Kain asks softly, and while I know deep down it’s possible, especially since I haven't felt this sort of rage in a while, I also think it could just be her. Fucking Demons.

  “Are you coming?” She calls back over her shoulder and I growl.

  “Come on, princess. Let’s just follow her, it’s better than being stuck here. Hopefully we won't be here too long, and we will find Fallon real soon.” Roman says with a small smile. If he's being reasonable, I know I'm losing my mind.

  “Fine, let’s go. The sooner we deal with her, the sooner we get gone from here,” I say, trying to tamper down the rage that is fizzing through my entire body, so at odds with our serene surroundings.

  We start to follow her, without getting too close. The sounds of the town get louder as we get closer, but it’s still quieter than I'd have expected. Luna walks through the center of the town, and leads us through the busy streets. Women are moving between stores, restaurants, and their homes, to the other side of the town where a large plantation style house is situated, built of black stone, dark and looming over the town.

  The metal gates swing open as she approaches, and remain open until we cross the threshold, and then they close behind us. A cold wind sweeps across the grounds, and Luna laughs and she climbs the steps to the monstrosity of a house. “Welcome to Chateaux Mortis.”

  “Did she actually just call this place Castle Death?” Kain says, rolling his eyes. “How very cliché, and yet, stunted, who mixes French with Latin.”

  I try not to laugh, but a small burst breaks through and Roman snickers. “This bitch really is as crazy as Callie suggested.”

  “Maybe she is, but she might be our only way out of this place unless another Demon takes pity on us,” Levi says cautiously.

  She swings open the giant black carved doors to the house and a group of girls, who look just like her come out onto the front porch, all dressed in white dresses, with long black robes. Their eyes focus on us, and my skin breaks out in goosebumps. They don't look creepy at all.

  “Come, guests, enter my home and no harm will come to you on this night,” Luna declares before walking into the house. I look to the guys who look as uneasy as I feel, but I take a step forward and the guys move with me, heading towards the dark entrance hall as a unit.

  We climb the steps and cross the entry into the house, and a wash of cold covers me, seeping into my bones. I try not to think the worst, but it does help tamper down the anger that's been riding me since she turned up. The hall glows softly from the candles that cover the place.

  “My home is yours for tonight,” Luna says, looking me in the eye, a smug smile on her face.

  “At what cost?” I ask harshly. This bitch really rubs me the wrong way.

  “Who said anything about a cost?” She raises her eyebrows as she asks the question and I let out a dry laugh.

  “You're a Demon, when is there not a cost?”

  “Did Callie make you pay a cost for her kindness?” She asks softly, and I falter, but that's when I see the darkness flicker in her eyes.

  “You are not Callie,” I say and she smiles again.

  “Clever little Hunter aren't you,” she says coyly. “There is no cost for staying here tonight, at this point or any in the future. Sleep, eat, rest up. You're going to need it if you want to move past my level.”

  She turns and walks further down the hall, disappearing into the darkness.

  “Please, this way,” one of the creepy lookalikes says as she heads up the stairs. I can't think of anything I'd rather do less, but I'm not exactly sure what other options we have
, so I take a step behind the girl and follow her, my guys at my back.

  She shows us to a room just at the top of the stairs. Demons really do know how to live, I'll give them that. A huge bed, covered in black silk sheets sits to the right of us, more than big enough for the five of us, and directly opposite, laid into the floor is a giant black hot tub. Candles light the room, casting an eerie glow as I try to make out other features of the room.

  “I will have food and drinks brought up for you,” the girl says and closes the door. Kain locks it after she leaves and I let out a deep breath.

  “Well, this is different,” I say. My emotions are all over the place, so I sink down the wall until I'm sat on the floor and gather my knees to my chest.

  “Are you okay, Remy?” Levi asks, as he crouches down in front of me as the others watch me cautiously.

  “I have no fucking idea,” I tell them. “I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster, each turn brings a new emotion, and I'd just like to get off now.” I squeeze my knees tighter and drop my forehead onto them. I feel like I'm going to break down any second, and I have no idea why.

  “I can think of a way to make you feel better,” Roman says wolfishly and laughs. “Naked hot tub time!”

  I laugh at him and shake my head. Being naked in a hot tub with all four of them doesn't sound like a way to settle my emotions in the slightest.

  “Maybe not naked, but baths always relax you, why not try the hot tub,” Creek says softly with a shrug.

  “Sure, why not. What’s the worst that can happen?” I say with a small smile, wincing at my words, because questions like that just ask for trouble. Roman bounds across the room and starts filling the giant hot tub, bath thing, while Levi sits next to me and wraps an arm around my shoulders.

  “We've got you, you can relax a little,” he whispers in my ear, before kissing the top of my head. I breathe a little easier, and lean into him.