by R. L. Wilson
Darkness races out of the building, rushing past me, carrying a blast of heat with it. I darted my gaze around the crowd. Did anyone else witness the darkness? Everyone else acts as if they saw nothing and keeps walking through this creepy-ass building.
With the aroma of mold and cobwebs galore, my stomach twists in knots. I don’t want anyone to think I’m crazy so I don’t ask if they saw the darkness. I catch up to Kato and grab his arm. I’m nervous. I’ve been in some fucked-up buildings, one on the verge of destruction. But none of them gave me the creeps like this building.
We enter the first floor, stepping on dust an inch thick. It’s apparent no one has been here in years. However, I still have that sense of impending doom. Like the darkness is here.
“This is just an empty, dusty school,” Tiffany says. “So, can we leave now?” she asks while smacking on bubble gum. She’s chewing it with her mouth open like a cow. It’s aggravating.
“No, we’re not leaving yet. There is something here, and it’s yelling at me.”
“Where is it? Because I don’t hear a peep,” Tiffany growls.
I roll my eyes and continue walking through the building. The darkness has engulfed my being. It’s foul and so intense.
I stare at Kato, not saying anything, just wincing. “Do you have that feeling?”
“No, I don’t, but your expression is telling me it’s intense.”
“Yes, and it’s calling me.”
“Follow the call,” he replies.
“But I’m afraid. What if it overtakes me?”
He grabs my hand. “You will be okay. I will be right here,” he assures me.
I continue to the stairs, following the call. Every stair creaks until I reach the second floor. Everyone follows behind me, even Tiffany. She complains the entire time.
A glowing seal around a door at the end of the hall speaks to me. “There,” I point.
“Where?”
“Don’t you see that glow at the end of the hall?”
Big Sam puts his hand up to his forehead to get a better view. He turns to me and drops his hand to the side. “I don’t see shit down there,” he barks.
“Yeah, me either,” Tiffany says.
The dragons stand there with puzzled expressions on their faces.
So, I’m the only fool who can view the glow. “Just follow me,” I reply.
The closer I get to the door, the more resistance I receive from the darkness. Finally, I make it to the door and the glow that shone bright is now pitch back. My heart beats so loud it drowns out the chatter from the dragons.
I grab the handle of the door and an electric shock sparks down my arm in a shock wave. What the hell is going on?
Before I can yell, I’m pushed to the other side of the wall. I curl my sweaty palms into fists. Most supernaturals with any sense would refuse to enter. But I’m here, ready for war.
Kato swings a punch at the air while yelling. “The darkness is here, Harmony. Try using your magic.”
I try using my magic. I get a slight tingle and then I unleash a ball of fire and it goes racing down the hall in the opposite direction as I’m knocked to the ground.
This is the worst darkness I’ve encountered. It’s blazing hot and strong. It won’t give up without a fight.
Big Sam and the other dragons are on alert. Frazzled stares and fading complaints are all they can offer. They don’t have a sixth sense like me and Kato. They don’t need it now that the darkness isn’t attacking them.
I jump back to my feet, ready for the next jab. Realizing it could come from any direction.
I only view a gloomy cloud of some sort, but it’s overwhelming. A pop of heat from the back makes me stumble forward.
Swiftly I pivot in the energy’s direction, unleashing a continuous flow of magical balls. My pulse skyrockets. I’m I fighting a ghost?
I’m lifted from the ground about two feet in the air. A tightness clamps around my arms. I’m using too much energy trying to get free. My breathing is harsh. I send some magic to my palms and wave my hand all around my body. Within seconds, I’m dropped to the ground.
A loud crash of an object being thrown to the ground brought me back to my surroundings. I mentally kicked myself for getting my ass kicked.
I eyeball the crowd as my vision becomes a little clear. We have to get out of here. With the aura of darkness fading, I race to the door and snatch it open. A stampede of shadows races out. Knocking me to the ground. Big Sam and the rest of the dragons stand in shock of the number of shadows racing down the hall.
Big Sam expected a few shadows. I admit, even I’m surprised by the amount. There’re at least eighty.
I get a quick glimpse of Andrea’s shadow as she races from the door. I glance at Kato, whose mouth is open.
The tall dragon with inky hair screams. “We have to leave right now.”
The slight rumble under my feet makes me hurry. We flee the building behind the shadows. The rumbling increases to a small earthquake.
Sweat trickles down my back as I trip on the back of Kato shoes, hoping I don’t fall. We reach the outside of the building without a second to spare.
We race across the street as the building collapses. A gigantic cloud of black smoke consumes the sky as I cough, covering my nose.
All the shadows are free now.
Chapter Six
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Kato asks as I stumble to my feet.
“I’m fine,” I growl.
Another crash rings out behind us, the pain making my legs too heavy to run. I hope it’s not another shadow. I try getting to my feet, telling myself it’s a stray cat. My heart isn’t so easily convinced. The thunderous beat of my heart triples its speed.
Trying to grasp my vision through the thick smoke and gravel, I pause, blinking. I can’t get a clear view, but Kato grips my hand leading me out of the darkness. Once the smoke clears, I don’t see anyone. I’ll ignore the crash for now. Hopefully, the cat escaped and went home.
“Where did Big Sam and his dragons go?” I question.
“They never stopped running, just kept going,” Kato replies.
We jump in the car. I glance back, mesmerized by how that entire building collapsed. If we had stayed two minutes longer, we wouldn’t have survived. My vision is still hazy. I know I’m slightly dizzy because the room won’t stop spinning.
I let my seat back and take several deep breaths, trying to grasp what just happened. I almost got myself and my friends killed.
The dangers of shadows confined for decades is earth-shattering. It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand.
“Can you imagine missing your shadow for years?” I ask Kato with my eyes closed.
“I can. Mine disappeared once for a couple weeks. A shadow hunter stole it.”
“Oh yeah, I remember you told me that back in New Orleans.”
“I hunted him down and got my shadow back. I’ll never let it out of my sight again.” Kato confesses. “You’re vulnerable without a shadow. It leaves you incomplete. You know?” he questions.
I open my eyes and dart my gaze to Kato with a serious stare. “It must be equal to not having parents,” I respond and quickly close my eyes again. The room won’t stop spinning, causing my stomach to churn.
He nods. “But time heals all wounds,” he says. “I’ll have you home in a minute.” He grabs my hand. “You are pale, and your hands are clammy.”
“I’m fine, just a little dizzy is all,” I reply as my phone rings. I don’t bother answering. I’m not ready to talk. I’m concentrating on stopping my vertigo before I vomit in this car.
I’m still afraid of what I saw. I assume there will be dire consequences to pay the darkness for the release of those shadows. They needed liberation, and I’m ready for the repercussions.
“You’re not going to answer the phone?” Kato says as my coat pocket vibrates.
I shake my head with my eyes still closed.
“Why not?”
> I shrug. “I don’t want to talk.”
We have to keep looking for Prentiss. This isn’t the end. I want him dead. A bit of rage enters my being even as I try staying calm. My vision is already blurry. I don’t want to black out.
My phone vibrates again. Whoever this is really wants to talk to me. I open my eyes, realizing the dizziness has stopped. I grab my phone from my pocket. Staring down at the screen, I find it’s a New Orleans area code. I shiver as my finger hovers over the answer button. Why is a New Orleans number calling me?
I hesitantly answer the phone, listening without saying a word. This could be Prentiss. But there is no background noise.
“Hello?”
“Harmony?” the feminine voice questions.
The voice sounds familiar, but I can’t put my finger on who it is.
“Yes?”
“It’s me, Andrea.”
“Oh, hi, Andrea,” I say, glancing at Kato as he mouths “Andrea” without speaking her name.
“I called to say thank you. My shadow has returned. Hold on, she wants to say something.”
“Thank you for freeing me,” a low, squeaky voice says. Totally different from Andrea. The shadow is soft-spoken with the voice of a shy teenager. Andrea is loud and proud. The two couldn’t sound any more different.
“How many shadows did you release?” Andrea asks.
“All the ones locked in the school. There were several dozen.”
“There has to be more,” Andrea claims.
“Now that I know what I’m searching for, I will free more shadows.”
“Be careful,” Andrea warns before hanging up the phone
“What did she say?” Kato questions.
“She told me to be careful.” I rub my hand on my forehead. They warned me how dangerous this task is. Although it’s draining the life out of me, I can’t stop. I’m in deep shit. But my mother was murdered, and I can’t sleep.
“You don’t appear well,” Kato says, keeping one hand on the steering wheel and waving the other in front of my face.
He’s trying to gauge my energy or put a ward around my spirit. Either way, I don’t need any help. I’m fine.
I squint, letting a sliver of sunlight bless my eyes. Kato holds three fingers in front of my face.
“How many fingers am I holding up?”
“Six,” I respond while giggling inside.
“I knew you weren’t well,” he clacks.
“I’m only teasing you! Three, three,” I confirm.
“You bumped your head hard on the floor.” His eyebrows knit together. “The darkness escaped, flooding the hall. It could have seeped into your soul.”
Ha. If it did, I’ll use it to my advantage.
“I know. But I’m fine, trust me.”
We come to a halt in front of my apartment building to find Big Sam standing there with a spicy glare on his face. It’s his normal frown, but it’s still blazing in anger.
Sam beat us here. He must have something urgent to say.
He struts over to the car and opens my door. I grab hold of his arm, and he leads me to the gate.
“I’ve come to tell you thank you,” he explains before giving me a half-smile and a hug.
I’m shocked. I’ve never seen a smile grace the corners of Big Sam’s mouth.
“You’re welcome, but thank me for what?” I question. He is the one who showed up to the school to help me.
“My shadow. I finally got my shadow back,” he smiles. Unable to contain the excitement, his eyes flit, and he laughs.
Nervousness bubbles within me. I never considered Big Sam was missing his shadow. I’m overjoyed that I could help him. But damn, anyone can have their shadow stolen. Who was brave enough to steal from Big Sam?
“Where is he?” Kato asks, his face full of amazement.
Big Sam’s grin slides into his usual frown. “I took him home for safekeeping and he’s not getting stolen again.”
“Fair enough,” I respond.
As Big Sam trots down the street, I march up the stairs to the door. I pivot and wave at Kato while I walk in through the hall door.
He grins and waves back. I lock the hall door then walk to the apartment door. I push the door and twist the knob, but the door doesn’t open.
Rapid knocks on the door will get Morgan’s attention. She rarely locks the door. Although, with the craziness of Prentiss, it’s better she keeps it locked.
I reach in my bra and grab my key. Morgan is taking too long and I have to pee.
My key twists, but the door still doesn’t open.
“Harmony, is that you?” Morgan yells.
“Yes! Open this door, my key isn’t working,” I respond.
I see the door knob turn, but the door won’t open. That’s strange. It’s like a trick door…or something is preventing me from entering.
I race back to the entry door, but now it’s locked. I beat on the glass as Kato walks to the car.
“Kato,” I scream, which snatches his attention. He tears ass, racing to the door.
I’m stuck in this small-ass entry hall and I’m claustrophobic.
Chapter Seven
I become nauseated with worry, then narrow my gaze to Kato. The creases of panic wash over his face. The frown lines appear on his forehead. His golden face turns a flour white. He continues twisting the knob as the glass door rattles. What happened? How did I get stuck here? I pull the door, but the resistance is stronger than a magnet.
“Harmony!” Morgan calls.
I race back to the apartment door, sweat trickling down my back. “Morgan, get me out of here,” I scream.
This room is getting even smaller and my heartbeat is so loud Morgan is barely audible.
“Harmony, you’re infected,” Morgan claims.
“What? No, I’m not infected. I’m fine.” I gasp for air as a sharp pain invades my chest.
“The door only locks when dark spirits attempt to enter.” Her breathing is coarse and heavy. With my supersonic ears, each breath she takes travels through the thick door. Each one sounds harsher than the last.
Although I’m nervous as hell, I have to keep Morgan calm, or she will flip out. Once humans get started, they can’t stop.
“But she can’t be infected.” Kato’s voice drowns out Morgan’s breathing. I twist to the front door where he disappeared from. Is my mind playing tricks? He was just here.
“Kato, how did you get in there?”
“I came through the back door,” he replies.
“A maintenance man came over while you were in Louisiana. He warded the door so no evil spirits could enter. I’m sorry,” Morgan pleads.
“It’s okay, Morgan, it’s not your fault.”
“There’s a hell of a ward guarding this door. But I tested Harmony, and she passed all the tests,” Kato explains.
The swirling sensation returns, and I slip down to the floor and take a seat. I won’t be going anywhere, not anytime soon. No point in fighting. My arms are as painful and as heavy as my legs. I close my eyes to stop the world from spinning. I wipe the sweat from my forehead but my palms are equally wet.
“Don’t worry we will get you out of there,” Kato says.
Sure he will. I gasped as the smell of lavender curls underneath the apartment door.
“I know you’re burning a candle, but that won’t work.” Morgan’s always stashing her jasmine candles around the house. She says jasmine wards off evil spirits. I disagree; it only gives off a soothing scent.
The beating on the door from Kato trying to pry it open makes me tremble. My constant worry will not free me. The more my anxiety increases, the tighter my chest becomes. I must gather myself. I have magic. Maybe I can free myself.
I rise to my feet and dip down into my magic. Getting a slight buzz in my hand, I grab the doorknob. A mega blast of power shoots from the door. I snatch my hand back with a shaking vibration pulsing through my hand. Shit, that’s strong.
“Are you okay? What was
that?” Morgan asks.
I’m sure she and Kato could feel the vibration from the door.
“Nothing,” I claim.
“Harmony,” a stern but deep voice calls out. It’s not Kato. With my gaze darting around the room I don’t see a person. But the voice calls my name again. I step backwards, hitting the door.
“Can y’all hear that?”
“What?” Morgan asks.
“The voice,” I say as my hands quake, realizing I’m not alone. There’s a sinister voice calling me. I can fold, or I can investigate the voice. Being a witch, I’ve learned to adapt and survive. I’m not the type to quit. Even though I’m scared as hell, I’m not running. It can’t hurt me any more than losing my mother did.
The voice calls my name again.
“What?” I yell. “What do you want?”
“Who’s in the hall with you?” Kato questions.
“I know your father,” the sinister voice reveals.
My heart thunders. I wasn’t expecting a response. I glare around the hallway now, trying to locate a body. Nothing reveals itself but the darkness. A black cloud floating in the corner. I’m not afraid of darkness, but I’m not touching it.
“If you follow my voice, I can take you to him.”
I’m losing it. This voice isn’t real, it can’t be. This is a trap. I’m not falling for this.
“No!” I yell, hoping the darkness hears me. I clench my teeth.
A part of me wants to find the man who claims to be my father. But I’m not willing to risk my life or my friends to find the truth. Besides, who needs a father now? He might be my blood father, but he’s really a stranger.
I have to find the power within. I concentrate, nearly meditating. Drowning out the crazy voice, I imagine breaking this damn ward. I’m so relaxed I find my mind drifting off.
The sudden beating on the door startles me, waking me up from my daydream.
“Are you okay out there? Why are you so quiet?” Morgan asks, her voice laced with panic.
“I’m fine, Morgan.”
“I’ll have you out of there in one minute,” Kato claims before a clank rings out, followed by a loud thump.
