Into The Shadows (Shadows Ascending Trilogy)

by Jenn D. Young

  They all read Lorelei Adellia Blackstone. I glanced at my birth certificate. Born June 30th 1989, to Morgana Rose Blackstone. Father unknown. I could barely remember my mother now, the memories hazy every time I tried to recall them. I remembered her laugh, her dark auburn hair, brilliant green eyes and her music. I realized that it was one of the things I inherited from her. Our love and talent for music.

  Shaking my head, I rummaged through the bag again. There was also a wide variety of technological devices, including a laptop, cell phone, tablet and various chargers. Giving myself a moment, I closed my eyes and let out a deep exhale before I powered up the phone and pulled out the car adapter in case it needed additional power.

  Allowing myself one brief moment of despair, I felt a single tear fall down my cheek before I quickly swiped it away. I could do this. Kyara believed in me. Kaniul believed in me. Vincent believed in me. I would make it on my own, buried among the millions of people in Los Angeles where no one would find me. I gritted my teeth, bolstered my resolve and opened the maps app to begin my journey to California.

  Chapter 9

  Lorelei

  3 years later

  Sighing, I placed my violin in its case and set the well-used bow beside it. I shut the lid and flicked the clasps closed. The finality of the sound signaling the end of another day. My fingers lingered on the dark case, remembering the day that I was gifted the gorgeous instrument. I shut down that line of thinking quickly, not wanting a depressing stroll down memory lane today.

  “Great rehearsal everyone! Remember be here tomorrow at 10 A.M. sharp to get set up for the performance.” The conductor clapped his hands excitedly. A few of the other orchestra members snickered quietly around me.

  I took a long drink from my bottle of water and placed it into my bag. I moved to leave the rehearsal hall and stepped out the door to make my way down the street. My apartment was only a few blocks away from the arts center where the ensemble practiced and performed. I was not able to stay away from music, but knew I had to lie low. This was why I performed as a part of an orchestra rather than a solo performer. I still composed and wrote lyrics, which I sold for a pretty penny, but it was all under the cover of a series of pseudonyms through different companies. It was so it could not be traced back to me.

  I had learned a lot in the three years since Kyara had given her life to save me. No matter how much time passed or how much I tried to suppress the memories of that night, they still haunted me. I had arrived in LA two days later and began my new life. I drew upon every ounce of inner strength I had to make a fresh start.

  I waved to the doorman, Oscar, as I passed through the lobby and entered the elevator. I swiped my key card and pushed the button for the fifth floor. The apartment was expensive, but it was one luxury that I allowed myself to have. Plus, the security of the building was top notch. I couldn’t complain about much, other than it was lonely. I didn’t form any relationships for fear of being betrayed or discovered.

  Since that night, I hadn’t heard from Kaniul nor Vincent. Not once had they visited me in my dreams. No phone calls, texts or emails. I hadn’t just lost Kyara that day, I lost my uncle and Vincent as well.

  “I am sorry it has to be this way, Theera.”

  His words still cut through me like a knife, leaving me exposed and bleeding.

  Opening the door, I set my bag on the kitchen counter and walked my violin into the music room. It was not as large or fancy as the one that I had in Oregon while at Kyara’s, but it served its purpose well. I set the case in its place beside the keyboard and returned to the living room.

  Gently, I massaged the back of my neck and shoulders. I couldn’t place the feeling that I was having today. I was itchy, my skin feeling too tight as it stretched across my body. I couldn’t concentrate, my thoughts were erratic and uncontrollable. I kicked my shoes off in the corner and decided to take a shower.

  The scalding hot water cascaded over my body, easing the tension in my sore muscles, and I stepped out forty-five minutes later feeling only slightly relieved. I looked at the clock on my phone. It was 8:30. Too early for bed. As I glanced at my phone again, I realized what day it was.

  June 30th.

  My twenty-first birthday.

  I had always hated my birthday. Bad things tended to happen on my birthday or shortly there after.

  Against my better judgment, I decided I was going to go and grab a drink. I dropped the towel and choose simple clothes from my closet. Dressed in tight black jeans and a low-cut top, I grabbed my knee-high boots, lacing the ties, then attaching the silver buckles. I applied some light makeup and straightened my dark hair. I smirked in the mirror and I took in my appearance. My curves were highlighted by the clothes I chose and the simple smokey eyeshadow I applied made my ice-blue eyes glow.

  My eyes caught sight of the ruby necklace hanging gently between my breasts. When I moved to LA, I attached the necklace to a different chain, so that I was able to conceal the expensive looking piece more easily. I never took it off. My gift from Vincent went with me everywhere. My last remaining piece of him other than the violin he gave me.

  Turning the light off and closing the bathroom door behind me, I let out a deep sigh. Maybe some alcohol will help calm my anxiety a bit. I made my way down the elevator, hoping that I could let loose and have some fun for a change.

  Oscar smiled and whistled low. “Lookin’ good Ms. Lorelei!”

  I blew him a kiss and laughed. Oscar was sixty-five years old and had been married for over forty years. He was a good man with a generous heart and had provided a friendly face when walking into the building ever since I moved in here. “Give my best to Angelica. Tell her thank you for the cookies.”

  He tipped his hat to me as I walked out onto the street. I turned left and made my way to the club that had opened a few months ago. It was called Vamps, which always made me laugh. Although I played classical music, I was always drawn to hard rock and metal. It came through in the music I composed, and I had even heard several of my songs sung by some of my favorite bands.

  On occasion I had helped wire and set up sound equipment for new establishments. I had an ear for pitch and optimizing sound quality for performances. When Vamps was first getting started, they had contacted me to get them set up. It helped to pay the bills in addition to the bank account that Kyara had left in my name. Living in LA was expensive, and my apartment was a secure building in a nice part of town, making the rent astronomical.

  I heard the bass pounding as I rounded the corner toward the club. A line had formed outside as the bouncers checked ID and let scantily clad patrons inside. Smiling at Angelo, I made my way toward the man holding the rope for the VIP’s.

  Angelo returned my smile and gave me a quick hug. “What are you doing here, love? I thought you weren’t legal yet?” He laughed and referenced the fact that I had to decline every time someone invited me to check out the club which had a strict twenty-one and older policy in place. Angelo and his partner Ivan owned the club. Angelo managed the front office and Ivan managed the entertainment and bar.

  They were both friendly men, in their forties who always treated me like family whenever I saw them. Angelo was of Spanish descent, olive skinned with deep brown eyes and dark hair. He had a killer smile and well-built body, which was why he helped to fill in as a bouncer on busy nights like tonight. Ivan was Russian, with a thick accent, full salt and pepper beard, dark hair and striking blue eyes. He was shorter than Angelo, but no less built. They were a striking couple.

  “Check it out, I am officially able to reap the fruits of my labor.” I showed him my ID, which proved my statement.

  “Good for you girl!” He grabbed something out of his pocket and held it out to me. “Make sure you give that to Roger at the bar. He will make sure everything is on us tonight.” He secured a strap across my wrist that said VIP in black letters.

  My smile widened as I gave Angelo another hug. “You guys are the best.” I kissed his chee
k.

  “Make sure you go upstairs and say ‘Hi’ to Ivan, he won’t want to miss you. He talks about you all the time. Says you are a bloody genius with sound and wishes he could woo you away from your violin long enough to work for us full time.”

  “Maybe someday, Angelo.” My heart clenched at his words. I would love to work full time for them, but it was too much of an attachment. Too much permanency that could be swept out from under me at any moment. I couldn’t get close to anyone again, they would just be taken away from me.

  “Go have fun girl. You work too hard.” He kissed my forehead in a fatherly gesture and pushed me inside.

  My eyes immediately struggled to keep up with the flashing lights. The bass of the music pulsed in my ears and I was transfixed immediately. This was exactly what I needed, somewhere to forget about life. I made my way over to the bar and flagged down Roger, their lead bartender. I flashed him my wristband, and he nodded in approval.

  “What will it be then?” He smiled warmly at me.

  “Well, Roger, I just don’t know. I have never drank before, if you can believe that.” I laughed at my own naivete.

  He laughed with me. “I will take good care of you, love.” He turned and began to do his magic with bottles and ingredients. He set a martini glass in front of me and filled it with a brightly colored liquid.

  “Let’s start off simple,” he gestured to the glass. “A Cosmo. Fruity and not too strong.”

  I took a sip and surprisingly I enjoyed it. “Thanks Roger.” I slipped him a twenty-dollar bill as a tip.

  “Come see me when you are ready for another.” He reached over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Ivan said he would be down in a minute so stay put or I’m in trouble.” He smirked and returned to his other patrons.

  I turned and looked toward the stage as the band began another song. The singer’s voice was good, but their guitars were a little loud and drowned out the synth they had in the background. I swayed along to the heavy beat as I waited for Ivan, my head moving back and forth unintentionally. I scanned the crowd, taking in the various groups of people. The club catered to the goth scene and most of the people were dressed in various attire in the genre.

  Ivan approached me from the right, just as a chill went down my spine. I shook my head and swallowed deeply from my drink to try to stop the feeling. The alcohol traced a pleasant path down to my stomach and warmth spread through my veins. The feeling quieted slightly as Ivan gave me a large hug. He was a huge man, towering over my 5 foot 8 inch frame, with wide shoulders and dark features.

  “Darling, I am so glad you could finally come.” His Russian accent was pleasant, and I loved speaking with him of his homeland. “You must come more often. Help me with band selection and set up. These idiots don’t know what they are doing.”

  Laughing, I said, “Give them a break, Ivan, they look like babies just learning to play their instruments.” I waved at Roger and pointed to my empty glass. He gave me a thumbs up in acknowledgment.

  Ivan chuckled. “You are younger than them, varobushek.” I smiled at the Russian endearment he used for me, little sparrow, indeed. “When will you join me here full time? You would enjoy working for us, yes?”

  “I like what I do, Ivan, I’m not ready to give it up just yet.”

  He wrinkled his nose at me and patted me on the cheek. “You must meet my nephew, he is a good man for you. Come.” He grabbed the drink Roger had just set in front of me and dragged me toward the roped off VIP section.

  “Ivan, I’m not looking for love right now.” I tried to tug my hand away from him. The prospect of a boyfriend was not unattractive to me, I did have needs, but it was yet another unneeded complication.

  I couldn’t afford attachments. Everyone who got close to me either died or left. I couldn’t let myself grow close to anyone else. My mother gave her life to protect me. Kyara gave her life to protect me. I wouldn’t let their sacrifices be in vain by letting the wrong person get too close to me.

  Just thinking about their memories made me shudder in pain. I cut off my trail of thinking abruptly and looked back to Ivan.

  “You meet my nephew, Nathan.” I growled, giving up, and let him take around the corner.

  A young man stood up as we walked through the doorway. My breath caught in my throat as I took in his figure. His appearance was in total contrast to the club, with dark gray trousers hanging from his narrow hips and a dark button-up shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. His long dark hair was scattered across his forehead and his sharp green eyes held more intelligence than his age suggested. He was classically handsome with high cheekbones and a full mouth and lips.

  Ivan said a few words in Russian and greeted the man with a hug. “Lorelei, love, this is Nathan. You sit, talk.” He kissed me on the cheek and disappeared back upstairs.

  “Well, that is just a little awkward.” I laughed nervously and held my hand out in greeting to Nathan. He gently lifted it to his mouth and placed a soft kiss on my knuckles. A shiver ran down my spine and heat pooled in my belly.

  Oh, boy, this man is a charmer, and I was in serious trouble.

  “Nice to meet you Lorelei. My uncle has told me a lot about you.” His voice was soft, and he spoke with a slight English accent.

  I was a sucker for accents.

  Vincent had a beautiful accent.

  No. I wasn’t going to think about Vincent. He had abandoned me. I had moved on. Right?

  “I have heard nothing about you until today.” Could I be any more socially awkward? I felt like slapping myself in the face.

  Nathan’s laugh was rich and melodic like his voice. I could write music to that voice. He gestured to the bench seat next to him. “Well, we just have to fix that by getting to know each other.”

  I sat down and smiled up at him. “Kind of hard to do in a club.”

  “Yes, but at least we can dance too.” His green eyes sparkled with heat and mischief.

  ∞∞∞

  We ended up talking and dancing for most of the night. When last call came and went, I was in Nathan’s arms and leaving to go to his hotel room. He was kissing my neck, and I was swept up in an alcohol and lust fueled haze. I heard whispers in the night, my instincts prickling with awareness and begged me to listen to them.

  “Nathan, stop please.” It took everything I had to pull away from him, my movements sluggish from the alcohol in my system.

  “What’s wrong, love?” His brow furrowed with concern.

  Swallowing harshly, my head started pounding and my fingertips tingled with electricity. “I would like to go home. Tonight went way too fast for me.” My voice was harsh, and I wobbled when I tried to walk. Nausea overwhelmed me, the world spinning around me as electricity practically buzzed in the air.

  Nathan steadied me, his green eyes sharp as they scanned the darkness of the alley. “What are you feeling right now?” His tone turned serious, and a mask fell over his features. I shivered at the sudden change.

  “What?” I muttered.

  “What are your instincts telling you right now?” he snapped, his hands holding my shoulders firmly.

  My head was spinning, the onset of a panic attack starting to bubble up within me. My heart rate escalated as goosebumps erupted over my body.

  “Lorelei, focus.” His hand along my neck tilted my chin up to look into his eyes. I stood transfixed as his thumb swept over my pulse in a smooth rhythm. “Calm.” His voice was soothing, pulling me deep under his spell.

  “What do you sense? Close your eyes and listen to your body.” His soft touch continued along my exposed skin. My eyelids slid closed, and I reached out with my mind to the danger.

  “Across the street. A man. He is looking for me. I have to go!” I snapped to attention, trying to pull away from him. Nathan did not remove his hands. I gave him a serious look and dropped my voice, “Let me go.” I poured every ounce of power I had into the statement.

  Green eyes stared blankly at me, blinking and waiting.
His hands slid down my arms and fell to his sides. “Lorelei, don’t do this. I need to protect you.” His jaw clenched, the words were clipped and harsh.

  Theera….

  I screamed as the voice echoed through my head. “No.”

  I turned and ran the opposite direction, away from Nathan and the mysterious voice.

  “Lorelei, stop!”

  Nathan yelling proved to be the downfall of us both.

  The man I sensed the danger from snapped to attention.

  And he was not alone.

  My exit was blocked by two large men who grinned at me. Their wide smiles exposed gleaming white teeth and a set of razor sharp fangs. My blood chilled in my veins. One man moved to the right while the other moved to the left as they tried to enclose me. I inched backward toward Nathan.

  Sounds of hissing and fighting grew louder, I turned my head slightly to see what was happening without losing track of the thugs.

  Nathan was masterfully blocking and dishing out punches against two fanged attackers. As one would attack, Nathan would block. It was a beautiful deadly dance that entranced me. He seemed to be gaining the upper hand as he was able to snap the neck of one of his attackers, when I was grabbed from behind.

  Rough hands dragged me back against a hard body, threading through my hair to jerk my head to the side. “This one is going to taste lovely, Guardian.” He laughed at Nathan. “And there is nothing you can do to stop me.”

  Sharp claws sliced through Nathan’s chest and he tried to move toward me. He grunted in pain and countered with a swift kick to the knee of his attacker. Another neck snapped before he was able to gain any ground. The hand holding me dug painfully into my hip and chest. Acrid breath fell across my neck and I could feel the points of his sharp fangs pressed against the tender skin of my neck.