A Shade of Innocence (The Illuminati Book 1)

by Jane West

  Before I realized it, I'd gone down several feet. I peered above my head to the entrance. The hole had grown much smaller and dimmer. I was sinking farther down into the bowls of blackness. I still had no idea how much farther I had to go before I reached the end. The only thing I was certain of is that if I slipped and fell, it'd be the end for me.

  I ventured farther down, palm flat against the wall and my stick extended directly in front of me, feeling each step before I eased my weight down on the next stone.

  Just when I started to feel more confident, I made an error in judgment, stepping too heavily on a loose rock.

  The step gave out from under me, and I dropped my stick off the cliff. I felt myself slipping, but I couldn't correct the fall. I tumbled down several feet. By the hair on my chin, I landed with my upper body on the cobblestone as my legs dangling off the cliff. My heart raced so loudly that I couldn't hear myself think.

  I held onto a sharp rock, but my grip was slipping. I had to act fast. With all my might, teeth clenched, I swung my leg over on the stone, hoisting myself back up on the steps. I rested against the wall, heaving air into my lungs. I thanked my lucky stars that I was still alive.

  Then I remembered my stick, my trusty guide. “Damnit!” I was so pissed at myself. Despite my frustration, I was stuck. Whether I went up or down, it was treacherous.

  With an irritated huff mixed with fear and determination, I slowly rose to my feet, my back flush against the wall. I realized more than ever now that one wrong move could cost me my life.

  Once steady on my feet, I descended into the belly of darkness.

  After several steps and time had passed, suddenly I halted. With what appeared to be the bottom of the steps under my footing, I felt a flat surface, and in the far distance, I heard an echo that sounded like water dripping in the distance. I quickly recalled my dreams. The sound of water felt so familiar that it made my hair stand up on the back of my neck. I had to push forward. I couldn't turn back now. I inhaled a dusty breath and I reached out, knocking down more cobwebs. Just passed the thick webs, I felt only space. My pulse kicked up a notch as I slowly made my way, one step at a time, hands stretched out, and groping whatever came into my path.

  Unexpectedly, my fingers touched a barrier on each side of me. I gasped! A corridor! The passage was narrow but more than enough room for me to pass. My footing was flat, no more steps and the stoned floor didn't crumble under my weight. Still not taking any chances, I used caution moving forward.

  There was another mass of cobwebs as I swallowed down a full-blown girl panic. I fought fearlessly, bush-hogging every clinging web that threatened to slap my face.

  As I made my way further down the corridor, I spotted a dim light flickering ahead. The faint sound of dripping water echoed louder now. I had to anchor my footing to keep from jumping with excitement. From what I could tell, I was encroaching upon an opening, possibly a chamber. I picked up the pace with new zeal, my eyes fixed on the small light.

  As I coiled another corner, I stopped dead in my tracks. My heart lurched as if I'd stepped into my dream, the very same dream that had been haunting me since childhood.

  The small candle light held only a dim glow, mostly shadowing the chamber. My eyes washed over an assembly of men draped in scarlet hooded-robes, all facing a high-point panel of nine men. I assumed they were the councilmen Bane mentioned. Dressed in stark white robes, the men's faces appeared masked in gold. It reminded me of a masquerade ball, New Orleans style. I stretched my ears to hear what they were saying, but only soft whispers wafted through the atmosphere.

  I crouched down, keeping back in the shadows, and crept closer to the front, hoping to get a better look. I ducked into a corner, behind the water fountain.

  I eased my breath out slowly, hoping my heart rate would settle. I stayed low behind the barrier, peeking past the edge of the fountain. It comforted me knowing that I was close enough to the passage where I came from if I had to make a quick getaway.

  I began to absorb my surroundings. Light chatter amidst the men drifted in the air. I counted thirteen men standing in a circle. From what I gathered, they were preparing for convocation. It looked important and dangerous.

  On the far left, there were carvings on the wall. With the faint lighting, I had a hard time making it out.

  The petro glyphs were old symbols and drawings cut out of the stone, very similar to the Egyptian art, highly symbolic. I recalled reading that symbolism played a major role in establishing those in power and order. Each symbol of Egyptian gods and goddesses was omnipresent in Egyptian art. How strange to have these markings on the castle walls.

  One carving drew my attention, the depiction came from a mix of different animals. I assumed some mythical creature stemming from pagan religion. The carving, a bit worn, had seen better days. Still, I could make out its contour. I found it fascinating and eerie at the same time. Its head had the shape of a serpent. Resting on top of its head, laid two horns like a beast. The body was scaly, resembling a dragon. The front feet were feline, yet its hind feet were razor-sharp talons, as deadly as the creature's scorpion tail. What a strange creature.

  Above the heads of the panel of men in white robes, I noted a glowing eye in the center core of a triangle sitting on top of a pyramid. Chills wrapped its sharp claws around my spine as I realized that the eye was the same eye on the back of a dollar bill.

  I hunkered down behind the fountain, gasping. “Holy hell,” I murmured, silently. “What have I gotten myself into?” I held my hands flush to my chest, feeling my erratic heartbeat. Why did I get the feeling that somehow the eye carving here and the eye in my dreams were connected?

  All at once, I heard feet stirring, and a loud thud hit the ground. I rose to my knees, peeping past the fountain. I spotted two red robed men carrying white sticks. What the hell! I widened my eyes, studying the pile in their arms. Then quickly I covered my mouth to quiet my scream, “Holy cow! They were bringing in bones? Human bones?” My blood turned cold as I watched.

  The two men set the pile in a pit in the central core of the chamber and started a blazing fire that rose high as it licked its way to an opening in the ceiling.

  Then things began to shift fast. On the side closest to me, I spied a five-pointed star carved into the cobblestone floor as it began to separate. Out from the bowls of its grave came a throne gilded in gold.

  The men in robes gathered around the giant fire as the men in white rose to their feet. Hands joined, faces lifted to the flame, they all commenced chanting.

  The cadence rose higher as the intensity grew. The words were unclear, but I didn't have to understand. Deep to my core, I knew it was pure malevolence, and it sickened me.

  I wanted to run, but my feet stayed planted on the ground.

  When the chanting stopped, silence spread amidst the robes. A loud crash like lightning barreled through the chamber and dark, ominous clouds grew from nowhere. The wind howled as the fire thickened and shot up.

  The men had fallen to their knees, bowing, arms spread, and palms flat to the floor as if in prayer. 'Prayer to what,' I dared asked. The fire began dancing, swirling, expanding, shrinking and then expanding once again as if it was going to explode.

  I watched in terror as a creature stepped from the center of the blaze. Unlike anything I'd ever seen, the creature possessed the shape of a man engulfed in flames.

  I jumped back, eyes wide and gulping terror. For a second my first thought was to run to this creature's distress, dropping him to the floor and blanketing him with my body.

  Then I realized that wasn't the case at all. I sat back on my heels and watched. Stun seized my mind on so many levels of freak-the-hell-out that I couldn't think straight. Sweat beaded across my forehead.

  The flames that had swallowed him had died, and the creature slowly morphed into something unfathomable.

  I couldn't call him a man. He couldn't possibly be human. I recalled the dancer with the horns earlier. It hit me; the
creature was a deity, a god that they worshiped.

  The creature was intriguing. His scaly body had to have stood at least ten feet tall. The horns he wore appeared as his crown, and a protruding tail that was as threatening as his piercing fangs sent crippling chills down my spine. The beast's feet were talons and his hands, claws of a lion's. He was hideous.

  Repulsed and terrified, I wanted to run for my life but I knew I couldn't. I had to find Bane and warn him about his uncle.

  Without any warning, I heard a familiar voice rise from above the deadly quiet. My eyes raked the chamber until I found Bane.

  Cloaked in red, he stood tall in front of the golden throne where the beast sat on the throne, holding a scepter with the tip carved into a snake. I steadied my eyes on Bane as I listened.

  Feast of the Beast

  “Rise, my brothers,” the creature's strange mechanical voice shouted. “We are gathered here tonight to feast!”

  A quiet stir washed over the chamber as the scarlet and white robed men rose to their feet, now facing the beast sitting upon the throne.

  “My brother Du Pont, it is good to see you once again. I understand you have something to purge among this good fellowship of brothers.” The creature spoke with authority.

  “Yes, wise one, your presumption is correct.” Bane kneeled.

  “Then get on with it, for we have a celebration to get to, to revel in our success,” the creature hissed, pounding his scepter against the stone floor.

  “Thank you, omnipotent one for allowing me to take the floor.” Bane's voice rose among the men and spoke with confidence. “It has come to my attention that there are some among us who wish we should proceed with another direction in obtaining our New World Order.” Bane's face appeared tensed and threatening. “I must confess that I have been blackmailed into following orders I wish not.”

  Loud chatter spread like wildfire in a dry wheat field.

  All at once, the beast leaped to his feet, stomping his scepter against the floor, demanding obedience. “Be quiet, you imbeciles!” The creature snarled with loathing. He looked past Bane and then cut his baleful eyes back to Bane. “Now, proceed with your grievance my brother.” The creature seated himself back onto the golden throne.

  “I have been a long time servant to our cause, working toward our new system, where mankind's world and the mystical realms can live in peace and harmony. We are at the threshold of profound change, and I desire to do my part.”

  “And your part, my brother is,” the creature asked as if he was uncertain.

  “The girl, the hybrid, has been entrusted to my care. She has been promised to me in a blood contract,” Bane hesitated. “The girl is our one and only true answer to bring forth perfect health and harmony to our worlds! Lord Cruis, we should embrace this awe-inspiring chance and allow this precious gift to live and fulfill her destiny.”

  Suddenly, emerging from the scarlet robes, a man rose and approached the beast. “I am truly sorry for speaking out of term. If I may be so bold, I'd like to approach the council?”

  The man encroaching was Van.

  A hush scurried over the robes.

  “Brother, Dunn, you better have a good reason for this disruption!” The creature's threat solidified the cluster of robes.

  “What my nephew is trying to say is that we must go forward as planned with the hybrid. However, my nephew has expressed his concerns with the young girl.” Van exclaimed. “The child is not accustomed to our way of life and may not be a willing participant, I fear to say,” Van spoke fluidly.

  The creature leaned forward, his eyes targeted Van, “Why do you speak this?”

  Bane stood silent, shoulders straight, face unreadable.

  “The girl has had a dreadful life. Living with an alcoholic host has taken a toll.” Van's voice was sharp and angry. “I have reason to believe the hybrid is not stable. Rumors have surfaced she is a drug addict. If this is true, she is a contaminator and must be dealt with accordingly,” Van spewed his lies.

  “Has the hybrid lost her virginity?”

  “Yes, I believe her purity has been compromised by my nephew, sire.”

  The creature cut his eyes at Bane. “Are these claims true, Brother Du Pont?”

  The slew of scarlet robes stirred with busy chatter.

  In a flash, the creature sprinted to his feet, snapping his deadly tail at the cloaked men. “Quiet you feeble half-wits.” He railed with his indignation. The chamber settled, and the creature turned his attention back to Bane. “You may answer the question, Brother Du Pont.”

  Bane cut his deadly eyes at his uncle and then back at the creature before he replied. “The girl remains as pure.” Bane slipped his uncle a dark glare. “I'll not hide my true feelings any longer,” Bane bellowed. “In the beginning, I desired no part of the hybrid. She's rebellious, willful and has a short fuse of a temper.” An echo of laughter spread among the robes. “Seeing past her flaws, I have had a change of heart, and therefore my wishes have changed as well. Cruis, great almighty, I wish to do my duty for the good of the cause, by taking this young woman into my house of protection. I will join her creating immortality.” Bane stood tall and courageous. He didn't flinch one time under the heated glare of the insidious creature.

  Van shouted at Bane, “You fucking bastard! How can you betray me? You ungrateful—”

  Bane remained silent, though carrying an angry scowl.

  The chamber exploded into a restless clamor, rising above the other, feet shuffling, frantically and fists raised in the air. The white robes and their gavels pounded with great force, louder and louder. The voracious noise penetrated the air.

  The creature lifted his scepter high above his head as lightning shot out amidst the robes. In a hot flash, scarlet bodies scattered, heads ducking, men falling over as their bodies went limp.

  Then a sudden rush of silence fell, and the chamber stilled, eyes wide with horror. The creature paused, eyeing every robe carefully before he took his seat. “Brother Van Dunn,” the creature addressed him with renowned disdain, “Another outburst and I shall literally have you for dinner.” The creature bared his sharp pointed fangs.

  The uncle nodded in silence, his jaw working.

  “Brother Du Pont, I expect you to take the girl under your wing tonight. We all need to do our part. A new world rid of sickness, death, and famine.”

  Van leaped to his feet, taking bold steps closer to the throne. “Please ole great one, you must hear me out,” Van pleaded.

  The creature snapped his eyes at Van. “If I allow you the floor, will you accept my decision once and for all?”

  “Yes, Cruis, of course,” Van answered swiftly.

  The creature turned his attention to the white robes, “Do you agree with my decision of hearing Brother Van Dunn's argument?”

  In a collective voice, the white robes agreed, shouting, “Aye!”

  Cruis nodded his head for Van to proceed.

  “I am not blessed with immortality as my nephew. Of course, I use that term loosely, Brother Du Pont has lived for three centuries, and I am still working on one.” Soft chortles of laughter bubbled from the robes. “Yes, I am one of the humans in our brotherhood, so please allow me to speak on behalf of my human brothers and my brothers who are of the gods.” Van's determined eyes washed over the robes, and then he cut his baleful eyes to Bane, holding his stare briefly and then back to the creature's face. “Let us share tonight a wondrous gift.” His arms stretched apart, welcoming. “Let us partake in the girl's essence and we all rule as gods! We won't need to wait for her offspring to bring perfect harmony to our system. Let us take what belongs to us now and relish in the delight of everlasting life,” Van roared as he searched through the scarlet and white robes.

  “What good is a kingdom when you have no courtiers,” Bane challenged Van. Then he addressed the robes, “If we abort our original goal, we will be facing extinction!” Bane's voice was forceful and direct. “Will gods rule over each other?” B
ane cut a hard glance at Van and then turned his focus on the creature and the white robes. “This,” Bane pointed to his uncle, “Is the ramblings of a desperate, aged man, craving attention like a suckling baby crying for his mother's tit.” Bane's voice deepened. His grave tone caused shutter throughout the robes. “The girl belongs to me,” he fisted his chest, showing dominance, “And it will be a cold day in hell if anyone challenges me.” With a predatory stance, Bane stood tall as a mountain and solid as one too.

  The creature tapped his chin, as he appeared to ponder over both men's argument. “You must ask yourselves why these lowly ones deserve a second chance. Humans are each other's worst enemy. They destroy everything in their path. Because of their hard headedness, they are faced with many plagues.”

  Bane spoke up. “I believe the girl is the answer to our prayers, sire. We the Illuminist created her for this sole purpose. It is our true destiny to enter a New World Order free of pestilence and war. Disease free,” Bane shouted with fervor, fist raised high as the others followed. Excitement soared among the robes as they bellowed their support.

  Van scoffed at Bane, “My dog knows more tricks than that bitch you want to bed!” Vile spewed from Van's mouth.

  “Silence old man! I've had enough of your insidious lies,” the creature lashed out.

  Immediately, Van bowed his head as if in remorse, though I had a sneaky suspicion it was far from what he held in his black heart. “Forgive me, sire.”

  The creature stood up, gripping his scepter in his right hand. “The councilmen and I will grant this wish to Brother Du Pont. If this hybrid does not comply, your punishment will be death.” The creature narrowed his black eyes. “Are we clear, Brother Du Pont?”

  “Yes, sire, absolutely!” Bane gave a curt bow and exited the floor.

  The creature, Cruis, turned his evil gaze on Van. “For your treason and lies, Brother Van Dunn, I shall revoke your privileges as a member of this Brotherhood. You shall remain disfellowshiped until I decide you have learned your lesson.” The creature roared, “Be off with yourselves,” the creature lifted his gaze, “This meeting is adjourned.”