Sacrifice of the Septimus: Part 1 (Afterlife saga Book 7)

by Stephanie Hudson

  “Now is the time to tell you all I know and more importantly all the King knows.”

  “I’m ready.”

  “I hope so, because this will take you on a journey like no other.” I frowned remembering where the last journey she sent me on ended. In Hell, and I wasn’t just talking about the place.

  “It was long ago when I first met your Draven, only he was so different back then, trust me on this. If you think him intimidating now, then back then he was plain terrifying.” I could only imagine as the small glimpse I had received in my dreams of that side of him, back in his past, had been enough.

  “His name was Arsaces I of Parthia, also known as Persia. He started the Arsacid dynasty when the Gods realised they not only needed a balance over their own kind but one that could influence the mortal kind as well. Back then the world was still trying to compete with the power of men in their quest for greed…as it still does, I suppose.”

  “But why is there no control now?” I asked wondering what had happened to make Draven step down from being seen as King of Persia.

  “Who said there isn’t? Just because it is not recognised by closed eyes it doesn’t mean it is not standing right in front you.” This conversation was making me realise just how little I knew and not only about my own world but about Draven’s world and where he had stood in it.

  “So his name wasn’t Draven?” She smiled and said,

  “No, Dominic Draven was gifted to him as Dominicus, which is the Latin Roman meaning of ‘Our Lord and he who belongs to God’. Draven, his gifted last name means ‘King with great Leadership’ in the Celtic language.” I smiled hearing this, knowing there wouldn’t have been a more fitting name for him.

  “Do you want to know what Keira means?” she asked getting off subject and I hesitantly said yes.

  “It was thought to mean ‘Little dark one’.”

  “Well that’s depressing.” I complained making her laugh.

  “Not when you’re destined to find your light.” I gave her a small smile and said,

  “No, still depressing.” This time we both laughed. Then she looked up at the sky and said,

  “My time is running out and I still have much to tell you.”

  “I know, they will be looking for me soon and I gather there is a reason you are hiding out?” She looked around as if looking for another hiding place or maybe just checking we were still alone.

  “We need to continue this soon as too much time has passed as it is and our last window of opportunity is close to its end.” I was about to ask her to explain this when she informed me in a panicked tone,

  “I can sense them coming, do you think you can get away?” She asked ignoring my question.

  “I think so, as with Draven gone it should be easy.” I thought for a moment and an idea came to me.

  “Give me a few hours and I will make my excuses to go and see my sister. Once they leave I will meet you in the woods behind my sister’s house. Do you think you could make it there?” I asked following Pythia to my feet.

  “Yes, I can do that but how do I get out of here?” We both looked back to the stairs when we heard my name being called by Sophia back inside the bed chamber.

  “Go through that door and follow the first lot of stairs until you reach an open hallway, follow it to the end and the first door you come across, go through it. Then whatever you do don’t open the door that will be facing you as it leads into the VIP.” I told her remembering the door well as it was the one I used when working there.

  “Go down the next set of stairs and you will be in the main part of the club. Then walk around to the back of the bar at the far end and there is a side exit that leads to the bins. Use that and you should get out without anyone seeing you. I would give you my car keys but it may arouse suspicion…”

  “Don’t worry about it, I will get there.” She was just turning and I stopped her by grabbing her arm. There was one more thing I wanted to know before she left.

  “Tell me who you’re hiding from?”

  “Who do you think?” I shook my head hoping when I said his name I was wrong.

  “Draven? No, he’s the one who’s been trying to find you, he wouldn’t…” What she said next didn’t make any sense to me.

  “Yes, he has.”

  “Then why?”

  “Because Keira, if he finds me first then he can keep me away from you.” My hand dropped from holding her as her words started to sink in, landing at the bottom of my stomach and sitting there like lead weights.

  “I’m so sorry.” She nodded once before making her escape and the door closed just before Sophia emerged.

  “Keira, are you alright?” She asked and I turned to face her doing my best to hide my emotions.

  “Uh yeah.”

  “What are you doing up here?” I took a deep breath and made my excuses, knowing that unless I wanted them to, no one could read my thoughts.

  “I sometimes come up here to think.”

  “You’re worried about my brother, aren’t you?” The answer I wanted to give her was ‘more than she could ever know’ but instead I answered with a lie, knowing this time it was for the greater good if what Pythia had told me was true…that she could never lie.

  “Actually I am worried about Libby, she’s stressed because Frank’s been working a lot and she doesn’t get much company these days.” Sophia gave me a sympathetic smile and suggested,

  “Look it’s probably too late notice now but how about we drop you off after our shopping trip and then you can invite her to the next one, after all she will need a bridesmaid’s dress too.” I walked up to her, linked my arm with hers and replied,

  “That’s a great idea, she will love that.”

  “Good, then it’s settled, although we might have to put reins on our own child Pip as you know how she gets when excited and with planning your Hen do she is close to her limit before bursting.” I laughed as we walked back to the staircase and I queried, taking the opportunity to tease her,

  “And you’re not?”

  “Of course I am...” she said stopping me in my footsteps and giving me her most serious face before winking at me and adding,

  “I just hide it better.”

  “Of course you do.” We both chuckled but mine died long before Sophia’s, as after letting Sophia take the stairs before me I couldn’t help but look back at the door the Oracle had escaped through. All that she had told me felt more like her confession and I had to wonder if when I finally met back up with her, if then it wasn’t time for Draven’s confession. I didn’t want to think about it like that but she had left me little choice, especially after dropping that last bombshell on me. Why on earth would Draven want to keep the Oracle from me…?

  Unless he had more to hide.

  I paused, thinking about the last thing she told me and couldn’t help but mutter the most important question of all to myself,

  “What are you hiding, Draven?”

  Chapter 10

  Strength in Numbers

  Shortly after this I went shopping as planned, but first I checked on RJ. I wasn’t surprised to hear that she wasn’t yet awake, not after the emotional rollercoaster she had spent the week riding. I also knew how she would feel when finally waking up and it wasn’t going to be pretty. She may not have taken any drugs, but it did turn out that she had drank enough alcohol to sink a battleship, thankfully having the sense at the time to do this after she had driven to the cliff face.

  Not long after Draven and I had called it a night we ended up finding a wide spread of cans and bottles within a short perimeter of where we had found her. It had been a case of ‘drink one and then see how far you could throw it’ game. So with this being the case I wasn’t sure when RJ would be ready to see me but Seth, who hadn’t left her side for a change, had sworn a vow to me that he would let me know when she woke. Not only this but he would also tell her that I was here for when she needed me, as I knew now was not the time to push it.

/>   Which led me to now and sitting half exhausted surrounded by shopping bags and being named minder whilst Sophia and Pip played dress up. I didn’t mind as I would much rather be left sat here so I could get lost in my thoughts. For the last two hours I had been acting the part but not really remembering any lines spoken.

  “Of course we will have them designer made but we just wanted to get a feel for the colours and styles you like.” Sophia was speaking and I looked up to see her emerge a Goddess in a deep purple A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline, tight bodice that then flowed into a floating skirt of chiffon all the way down to the floor.

  “Wow, Sophia it’s beautiful!” and it was the truth.

  “You think so?” Was she joking, so I asked her,

  “Are you joking?! Of course you look amazing and the colour…well…” She laughed and spun so the skirt flared out as if it was underwater.

  “The colour is called ‘regency’,” she said and this time I was the one laughing,

  “Very fitting then.”

  “And what about me, me, me? Drum roll if you please.” Pip said from behind the curtain and I automatically started vibrating my tongue against the roof of my mouth without question. I gave Sophia a head nod indicating towards Pip and prompting her to join in. After a dramatic sigh and an eye roll she did, meaning Pip popped out from behind the curtain seconds later, shining like a purple star.

  “I know, I know, it’s to die for!”

  “Oh it’s something alright.” Sophia whispered as she came over to stand next to me. I nudged her quietly and took in the sight that was Pip in all her glittering glory.

  “Wow…it’s…it’s…” I started to say trying to think of the right words and both Pip and Sophia looked at me expectantly and as if in sync both said,

  “Yes?”

  “Yes?” but only one of them was mocking me and it wasn’t Pip.

  “It’s so YOU!” I shouted as it came to me and Pip squealed in excitement and started clapping her dainty hands, causing all her massive rings to clash together. One ring was so big it even spread over three fingers. It was a tiny tea pot pouring tea into two cups attached to neighbouring fingers. It was cute but looked very uncomfortable to wear. But I needed to forget about the rings, because all eyes were on the dress she was currently spinning around in.

  It was tight, short, covered in sequins and had a factory load of ruffles but it was so Pip that you couldn’t help but smile. Oh and it was also purple leopard print that strangely looked as if it had suffered a petrol spill, having the same rainbow metallic effect as when petrol splashes to the floor. The corseted top was covered in different shades of purple stones ranging in size. Looking at it as a whole it suited Pip down to the thighs, as that’s as far as it reached. But I had to wonder if the designer wasn’t also some mad scientist by day and drag queen by night.

  “So?” She said and at first I wondered what she was asking me, but then it dawned on me that this wasn’t something she was trying on for the Hen do or a night in Transfusion, but something she was planning to wear as my bridesmaid. I cleared my throat and tried to picture how we would all look stood next to each other on the day and strangely I quickly made up my mind.

  “I think it’s perfect for the wedding.” Hearing this Pip’s eyes went huge along with the smile she gave me, before she ran full speed towards me and jumped into my arms, whether I was ready for her or not. Thankfully I had the good sense to open my arms and catch her just in time.

  “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She chanted in my ear kissing my cheek, no doubt covering me in her orange lipstick. I looked at Sophia who mouthed the word ‘Really?’ at me and I shrugged my shoulders making her mutter,

  “Oh what the Hell pits!” Then she joined in the mad girl time and added to the ‘hug pile’. The woman in the shop started to walk over to us, no doubt ready to kick us out for our unruly behaviour when Sophia spoke, stopping her in her tracks,

  “We will take these two dresses along with that whole rack over there.” Hearing this made the woman’s eyes widen in a way it was obvious she was totalling up her unexpected profit for the day.

  “Of course! Girls you heard her, let’s get these dresses de-tagged and bagged for these lovely ladies.” She ordered plastering on her ‘sales’ smile.

  “Oh and that one over there, oh and that one…oh what the Heckadoodles, I will take that whole rack…yes, yes the bright ones with oodles of sparkles!” At this I thought the woman’s head was going to rotate like an owl in utter shock.

  “Oh my…yes, yes right away Miss.” I grinned and bit my lip to hold in the laugh and just shook my head when the woman then looked to me and asked,

  “And you Miss?”

  “No I am fi…”

  “She will have the red lace one that’s on display.” I was about to finish saying I was fine until Sophia thought otherwise.

  “Good choice, it will look beautiful on you.” The manager commented before leaving to help with the mammoth purchase and I turned to Sophia in question.

  “What? I saw you looking at it and thought it would be perfect for a certain girl’s night out that will be coming up shortly.”

  “Woohoo!” Pip shouted from behind the curtain as she had disappeared to get changed.

  “Don’t worry, I will look out for you, no naked Imps, I swear.” The pat on my shoulder to go with Sophia’s whispered promise didn’t inject much confidence in me and my look probably said as much. Which was no doubt cause for her chuckle as she walked back into the changing room and another demonic wink later the curtain was drawn and I deflated back onto the stool with a sigh.

  “What am I getting myself into?” I muttered to myself and from both sets of giggles coming from straight ahead I knew they had heard me. I think something like desperation must have been written all over my face because the manager came over with a plastic cup of water to offer me. I looked up at her and asked,

  “There isn’t any Vodka in that by any chance?”

  “Excuse me?” She gave me a blank look and obviously didn’t get the fact that I was joking, unlike the three giggling shop assistants that were by the till.

  “No, worries, I have a bottle at home with my name on it. I will just take the water for now. Thanks,” I said doing a Sophia classic and winking at her and giving a little salute with the cup before taking a sip. The lady laughed nervously and said,

  “Oh, you’re joking.” And I replied,

  “One can only hope.” Then I downed the lot and gave her back the cup. I don’t think she was up to form with scouse humour so just decided it best to leave with a confused smile.

  By the time we left the shop I think the woman was ready to pop open the bubbly and shut shop early, not that I could blame her after dealing with two crazy rich people and their sarcastic, could be alcoholic friend. I had to laugh when they offered to have it all sent down to our limo for us, as no doubt an excuse to get us out of the shop quicker…after paying of course. But like them, I too was more than ready to call it a day myself, that was until I saw a particular shop that used to bring back horrible memories. Well, not today because despite all the crap going on right now and the damning truth that most likely was waiting for me back at Libby’s, I loved Draven and no matter what, I was going to marry him…

  My way.

  “Just hang on a sec, let’s go in here.” I laughed when I saw Pip’s face drop, no doubt from the lack of shiny objects they sold. I was going to have to start calling her Magpie Pip.

  “Aww come on Titty Ticklers, let’s at least find one that smells like it’s got glitter in it!” We had been put through the ‘Boob’ related nicknames all day as she was still trying to come up with the perfect name for us to be called. We had even had ‘The three Boobeteers’ only this invoked the whole conversation about we needed a fourth so I could be named ‘Tittanian’ instead of ‘D'Artagnan’ as I had the biggest ones. This was quickly followed by ‘Best Breasties’ and even stretched as far as ‘Melo
n Mates’, which brought much amusement to our waiter at the time. It was ‘The Tit Touchers’ she finally drew the line at, thinking it too pervy.

  “Yeah but you like the smell of leather.” Sophia counteracted and running along this theme I added,

  “Yeah cheer up, you could always buy a nice tie or something for Adam.”

  “Ooo, yes! Yes, I could! One that’s rough on the skin and chafes when used as restraints. Okay, let’s go in.” Then she walked in ahead of us causing the little bell to announce her arrival.

  “Did she just say that?” I asked Sophia who only replied with a snigger.

  “Excuse me…uhhum, I said excuse me.” Ah so snotty nose still worked here then, figures, I thought shaking my head at the way she was flittering around Pip who was ignoring her as she was trying to pick a tie by touching them all.

  “Oh don’t mind me, you go ahead and burp, better out than in I say.” Pip responded without even looking at her and the girl made a snorted noise of outrage. It was at this point I thought it best to clear my throat to draw attention away from my friend who was harmlessly looking for a gift.

  “Hello again, Dandy is it?” I asked knowing full well it wasn’t.

  “It’s you.” She looked me up and down, doing that wrinkled pug nose thing again and I was half tempted to ask her if her pits smelled bad but refrained. Then she moved to the beauty next to me and her eyes nearly popped out of her head.

  “Is that Gucci?” I had no clue how anyone could tell one dress designer by the other and had to wonder if she didn’t just spend all of her free time with her head stuck in a glossy magazine.

  “Sophia this is Dandy…”

  “Mandy,” she corrected snippily and I ignored her.

  “Charmed, I’m sure someone would be…so what are we looking for?” She muttered the insult part of this comment turning back to me and I grinned, glad that Sophia was on my page.

  “Found it! Feel this one, I think its wool…that’s surely got to rub like a bear’s ass on a tree after a few hours of pulling,” she said skipping back to us and Mandy Dandy’s face was a picture. You could see the nasty comment about to slip out when she stopped after Sophia patted Pip on the head and said,