The Shadow Minds Journal, #1

by Kia Carrington-Russell

  Chess Piece

  As light and dark remove themselves from the podium and enter the chess board-

  They realize not everything can be overseen and planned.

  When you are at eye level with your enemy, you begin to have a sense of your surroundings.

  The initial strategy will not be the winning one.

  The winner will be the one who can best adapt to his surroundings;

  To the new players of the game;

  The understanding that in war, there is no such thing as rules;

  And the stamina to last until the end and hold the King’s throat to blade.

  Let the game begin and the victor be righteous.

  Chapter Eleven- Vivian

  Aztec. Fan-fucking-tastic. I had the glorious honor to be confined with the cheerful Gabe in a small carriage attached to demon horses who trailed a path deep below water in an ocean I haven’t even heard of. I felt motion sickness from the speed alone. I was blindfolded prior to boarding and it wasn’t taken off until we submerged far below where I had no way to flee. The chains around my ankles have been removed but the ones on my wrists remained.

  I squinted out into the darkness and depths focusing on the small bulbs of light at the forefront of the horses. Their hair wavered in the water unnaturally. That was the only part of them that could be described as still living. The rest was rotting flesh and bone. The one that I was focusing on had a small fish suctioned to its rib. Without speaking to my demons, I had no idea what kind of demon horse it was but I knew it was focused on only one thing; and that was transporting me to Aztec. Six of them circled the carriage propelling us further into the water with an unnatural pressure that didn’t crush us.

  I sighed irritated and closed my eyes trying to push away the nausea. A part of me wanted to encourage it just so I could vomit on Gabe who sat across from me. My only reassurance that he wouldn’t attack me now that we were alone was the fact that he wouldn’t have gone through all this trouble in the first place. He sat across from me staring at me intensely the entire time.

  “I might vomit on you,” I said putting a hand to my stomach and pretending to gag. He didn’t flinch. I smiled back at him until looking back into the darkness of the sea. It was oddly silent. Not because Gabe didn’t speak back but because my demons were still dormant. It was the first time since being contracted that I couldn’t feel them pumping through my veins. I felt oddly free but weak at the same time. I had become so used to their company that the silence of my own thoughts was overbearing.

  Under the circumstances of how I got here and the inability to do anything about it, I was definitely brooding. Every part of my nature told me to escape. But, it was Haymen’s direct order. My life was for his purpose and disposal. Even if I ended up in Aztec for the rest of my days. There was nothing I could do about it until I somehow freed myself from the chains that connected us. And somehow, I would find my freedom even if that came in death. The other Guardians might’ve been content with their fame and living conditions but I wasn’t. There was a restlessness in me that I could never fully explain even to myself and one day I would pursue that. I was in no position to disobey him now and might not be for hundreds of years depending how long I survived this job.

  With the absence of my demons, unnecessary thoughts came to mind. My old life. My death which was shortly followed by intense training and education of my new one. I quickly buried my questions and curiosity as to whether the old me remained. She was gone. Eaten by the demons that now consumed me. Shortly after being reborn I would watch my old home in silence, expecting to feel some spark of emotion. But to my own disappointment there was nothing. Even when I looked at the man I loved deeply for five years, there was no connection nor appeal to walk towards him. Vivian Lair was dead.

  I learned quickly after that not to engage with my old life in any way. Everything I did was closely watched. I was nothing but a dog on Haymen’s leash and so I learned to bark at his request. I trained to become the Guardian he wanted and emerged myself into the world that was befitting for my killer instincts. And now was no different to that. It’s not that I lacked in pride, I was simply born and programmed to be Haymen’s hound.

  “I’ve always wanted to fuck in a carriage led by demon horses under the sea,” I said aloud to interrupt my own thoughts. The revolving questions in my head would only make me sloppy. I could feel the anger radiate off him as he continued to stare at me intensely. I enjoyed getting under his skin. I smiled and looked into the darkness of the sea. Well at least I knew he was listening. “Come on, I might be imprisoned for a while. Why not help a poor girl like me?”

  His strong jaw tightened and that wild storm was livid in his eyes dulling his usual emerald green.

  “Maybe it’s sexual frustration?” I continued. “Are you being serviced often?”

  Finally, he bit back. “I suppose that would be your self-worth wouldn’t it? How will Haymen move on when I finally kill you?” He gritted out. Speaking seemed to actually release part of his frustration. Every ounce of his hatred spited on every word. I wondered who he hated more, me or Haymen?

  “Why are you thinking of Haymen when I am asking you to focus on me?” I said brushing my hand absentmindedly over my breast. The motion did not go unnoticed and that pissed him off even more.

  “If Haymen asked you to noose yourself as well, would you?”

  I leaned in towards him with a smile. He didn’t move as I rested my cuffed hands close to his knees. “Of course. I am to serve. But Haymen’s not here right now.”

  I loved irking him and I couldn’t deny that if given the chance I would take him to bed. He was a warrior that radiated power, clean cut muscle and strength. Despite his asshole personality I could imagine the intensity of having him as a lover. I could appreciate a fine specimen even when I had to put work first.

  “Not every prisoner survives Aztec the first night,” he said spitefully changing the topic. “You might want to be careful with that mouth of yours. Especially when you can’t call upon your demons.”

  I shrugged. “Everyone’s at the same disadvantage. I actually considered my communication skills my greatest asset.”

  “This is a prison of real demons. Not fakes. Your human like body is at a disadvantage to those with fangs and claws.”

  “My second greatest strength is optimism,” I said crossing over my legs and leaning back into my seat.

  “Some of these prisoners were captured by the Guardians themselves. I’m sure they have unsettled business,” he said now leaning towards me with his hands between his knees.

  “I have yet to meet someone in this job who likes me,” I said disregarding him. I would never let it show, but I knew too well that I was at a disadvantage. I could only rely on my combat skill to defend myself. I wasn’t planning on dying in this depressing prison but I wasn’t eager for the challenge to survive either. On top of that, it was going to be boring.

  “Always some smart ass comment to make. I wonder how scared you actually are right now?” His tone has changed. It wasn’t as vicious as before but curious almost. I held his gaze trying to read his expression that gave nothing away. Was he trying to see if my kind felt? If we ran on emotion?

  “Oh, she finally has nothing to say?” He said arching an eyebrow.

  “I was just wondering if all angels were hypocrites. You’re convicting the wrong person and hoping for their death within the first night. Doesn’t seem very angelic of you,” I said now getting pissed off.

  “Shedding some tears doesn’t seem very demonic of you. Or are you just not used to getting your own way?”

  I looked at him dead in the eye and gave him the cattiest smile I could muster, I leaned in making him uncomfortable with my proximity. “I was being nice, I actually like you,” I lied. “Let’s just be done with this and let me go. I do have a job to attend to, you know?” And that was the truth. I thought about the children in the orphanage. I didn’t like handing my cases over to
another Guardian. That was my hunt and I didn’t like to hand it over so willingly. Despite being unassigned from the case my mind still pondered over the possible leads. After my run in with Mr. Greenhouse, I didn’t have the luxury to investigate it any further.

  “I don’t think being on the front cover of a magazine naked is classified as work,” he said leaning in so we were nose to nose. Power play and dominance show, that’s all this was. I certainly wasn’t going to back down from him of all people.

  “From your pretty, moisturized hands I’d assume you don’t know much about killing demons. Maybe when you come up the ranks I can give you lessons.” His smile was nothing but feral and I was surprised he hasn’t yet reached for my throat. The look he gave me told me he wanted to wrangle it.

  “Oh, I know too well how to kill a demon,” he threatened.

  “Oh, really? I figured that you would have been up in cloud nine, on level heaven at tea parties, with your beautiful little pinkie poised with that stick up your ass that seems irreversible.”

  His hand reached for my throat but his hold was soft and controlled. I wasn’t scared by the obvious threat. I was certain that if he took the liberty of personally bringing me to this prison he wasn’t going to lose his self-control to kill me now. He stroked the pulse at my neck. The warmth of his finger opposed to my natural coldness made me shudder. My body was reacting to his. If it weren’t for the circumstances I might’ve fallen for the open display of power to silence me. His strength that could kill me within a second but had the control not to, turned me on. He was trying to silence and intimidate me. It was a shame I have used the same methods on others. I had gone quiet for too long and realized that was his intention. I offered him a charming smile and spoke back to him huskily.

  “If this is how you kill demons, with their hands bound I’m not at all surprised you came out the victor.”

  “Demons are an abomination,” he cussed and his grip tightened. He was seeing how far he could push. At what point I might become scared and unravel in front of him? He could cut off my hand and I would make a point not to even hiss at him.

  “Need I remind you that I’m not a demon,” I growled back breathing into his ear. He still didn’t move from this little game we were playing and I wondered how far I could push until he would fling me across the carriage. I began to slide my hand up his leg.

  “No, but you can shift into them. That’s basically the same thing.” He let go of my throat and pushed me back into my chair before my hand glided too high. He tsked in disgust and looked outside the window. It would seem that perhaps I won that little game. I didn’t have the same righteous pride as him. I would do every dirty trick in the book to win even if I had to sleep with him. Gabe however was the opposite of that.

  “Anyone can turn into a monster,” I said. Members of his own had become dark angels. Good turned evil all the time. “Don’t think you are better than me because you have some glitter wings strapped to your back, Angel Boy. It wasn’t my choice to become what I am today. I am nothing but a creation made by my master. But you,” I said pointing my finger at him. “You were born an asshole.”

  The tension and silence only grew and we looked out on either side of the carriage. I had no choice but to wait until we arrived at Aztec.

  *

  An odd current surrounded the castle that was isolated in the middle of the sea. I could barely see the outlines of its full shape until we were closer. The current was howling as we got closer and I questioned what sort of magic was crafted to conceal it from the world. The carriage began to rattle as the demon horses got closer to the current running alongside it. Suddenly they barraged into it. My head hit the top of the carriage from the impact. Gabe didn’t move, his wings were firmed on either side of the carriage so he wasn’t thrown like I had been. Much to my surprise the demon horses were able to pull us through the vortex. It was only seconds until they dipped towards the entrance of the castle leaving the vortex behind us. Once we cleared it there was no more water. It was like being in a confined bubble of air protected by the rapidly moving magic on the outside. Aztec was an eroding castle concealed in the depths of the sea by magic that I imagined very few could break. If it did, the entire bubble would implode and drown those who lived in Aztec. I wondered what witch was mighty enough to craft such an imprisonment in the first place.

  Despite the water not reaching the castle, algae and seaweed still grew in a phantom breeze on the rocky castle. We glided in the air towards the cobble entrance. There were numerous high towers fabricated at both the front, back, and the wings of the castle. To my right was a large pitted area that was caged. There were few tables and chairs which had been affected by the algae as well. Very little lighting gave much away as candles were isolated and flickered in the phantom breeze. We were surrounded by darkness. The time of day would never be known here.

  The demon horses dropped lower and ran to a halt on the cobbled landing in front of the entrance. The opening of the castle looked like an open mouth as the edges eroded in what looked like tiny pinned teeth.

  Gabe opened the carriage door and looked at me pointedly. He would either let me walk of my own accord or drag me out. I don’t think he cared much for which style I would be handed over. I stepped out and my chains clinked together in dramatic effect. He tugged on the small chain that was attached to my wrists as he walked past to follow. I looked over to the towers that were clouded in darkness. From one of them I could see beady red eyes peering at me from the small window. I was already being spied on. I was not going to enjoy my stay here. I dragged my feet slowly taking in as much of my surroundings and exit points.

  Solidified soldiers and gargoyles were cemented into the exterior of the castle. Their eyes followed our every step towards the entry. One of the gargoyles shoulder began to drip from the rocky wall as it lowered its top half to snarl at me in warning.

  “Man, I am way too pretty to be in a place like this,” I said under my breath. Gabe ignored me as he tugged on my chains to hurry my pace. It was definitely to my disadvantage that I couldn’t call upon my demons in a place like this. The powder that Gabe had blown into my face the day we fought still had me crippled and I imagined that would only continue as I was in here.

  From the darkness and mouth of the castle, a long scaly creature twice my height walked out. A black robe enveloped his disgustingly thin figure and he produced a candle. I was grateful the robe concealed everything but his scabby lips. Without saying anything he turned and indicated for us to follow. Gabe looked at me and I shook my head.

  “That is one ugly ass-” He tugged on my chains and dragged me behind him. I walked further into the mouth of the castle. Looking behind me, one of the gargoyles watched on. Chanting murmurs from below echoed through the numerous hallways within the castle. I didn’t understand the language but instinct pricked at me to run the other way.

  A curdling scream echoed from one of the hallways and the clanking of metal hit the ground. All three of us stopped and looked in that direction. After a deafening silence, Gabe and I both looked towards the scaly demon. He turned and continued walking. Gabe was watching me carefully and so I made sure not to make eye contact. I clenched my jaw in agitation. I didn’t know fear but I knew when I was in a place I shouldn’t be. Without my demons this might very well be the place that I would die in. Every pump of my blood told me to run the other way. Instead, Gabe tugged on the chain for me to keep walking.

  There was something confined within Aztec that held a raw power that I’d never felt before. By the way Gabe was walking, he felt it too. The hairs on my body rose and I didn’t care if Gabe gave me shit for it–I grabbed onto the chains closest to his hand so I wasn’t too far away from the one creature in here that might have a fighting chance. That and I would throw him at the beast that might dare attack me.

  I paused for a moment to look down at my feet. There was nothing but I felt slithering snakes around my ankles. I caught Gabe’s gaze who had
just been looking at his own feet as well. If looks could kill he would be dead. I was so pissed that he brought me to such a creeper of a place. We ascended spiral stairs that grew darker the longer we walked. The uneven cobble steps would’ve had most tripping. Gabe’s broad shoulders and wings were almost dragging on the sides by how confined the staircase was. The chanting murmurs followed behind us as if chanting the demons within to sleep.

  Something snaked around my legs and constricted. This time I actually fell. Gabe caught me by my elbow and pulled me to the next step. I looked behind squinting in to the dark trying to find the creature that had snagged me. Whatever it was that tripped me, felt like the very demon my instincts warned me about.

  A flicker of another tentacle that couldn’t be seen struck at my cheek. The smell of blood instantly wafted the room. I hissed at the strike I couldn’t defend myself against. Gabe stopped and pressed the back of his knuckle along my cheek as if to confirm. I pulled away from him snarling but he tugged me forward by the chains. When Gabe looked back at the hooded demon for answers he was already gone still ascending the stairs.

  Gabe turned and followed him. I couldn’t so much as see the demon but I felt it. Small tentacles surrounded and followed me. Whatever it was, it had taken an interest in me.

  “Great. I’m going to be eaten before I get up the bloody stairs,” I hissed under my breath. That and the number of stairs I was climbing had my legs in jello mode. I had no choice but to slow down as I fought against the constricting tentacles and uneven stepping. Gabe continued to tug on my chains half dragging me up. I hissed again as the demon took another small lick at my arms. This time the demon who was leading us paid attention. He began chanting with the others and very slowly I could feel the demon cower away. Was all that chanting really just to trap one singular demon?