by T. G. Ayer
“What?” she asked, her stomach tightening.
“They raided the tunnels. Arrested a few acolytes.” He took a breath. “They found a burial site.”
“The children?”
He nodded. “A total of twelve that they have uncovered so far. Decomposition rates spread them out over the last year and a half.”
Allegra shivered, remembering a pair of calm blue eyes. And the man wielding the knife that had spilled the child’s blood. “The high priest?”
Max shook his head. “Not a trace of him. Not even a hint at his true identity.”
Allegra’s fingers curled into a fist. “You won’t find him.” Max sent her an enquiring glance. “He’s too smart, and too powerful. Remember those cops in Londinium? I’d bet my inheritance that they are on his payroll. If I were him, I’d have my people well-positioned all over the world.”
Max nodded. “Hard to find a nameless man.”
Allegra smiled thinly. “He may be nameless. But he isn’t faceless.”
Flavius departed for their home office in the States, promising to meet up with Allegra as soon as she returned to her home on the West Coast.
A day later, Allegra and Max took their leave of Maharani Sonali amidst a farewell banquet filled with best wishes for both babies and oracles.
The priestess Kantha was present too. Sonali must be more forgiving than Allegra would ever be. She’d kept her distance from the priestess, partly because she blamed the woman for Corina’s death, partly because she understood her reasoning.
Who was Allegra to judge when personal emotion, and trust in the gods came into play.
Apollo had helped, but only to a certain extent, freeing her to complete the task herself.
The ways of the gods were often unfathomable.
Allegra had been saddened to leave, the success of the mission tempered by the death of her friend. At least she’d fulfilled Corina’s wishes and averted disaster. Max had tried to talk to her about Corina, but though Allegra knew he bore a grief similar to her own, she avoided the topic. His grief was uncomplicated, while hers was further intensified by guilt.
He wouldn’t understand.
The flight to Athens was long and tiring, the stopover in Kemet sending Allegra into a fit of panic at the crowd that had mobbed her.
Before boarding the plane to Athens, they’d decided to pose as a couple on honeymoon, to avoid scenes like that. Max’s access to fake identity documents was nothing short of amazing, and when they arrived at the hotel in Athens, they booked in as Citizens Robert and Mary Callaghan, newlyweds from the island of Eire.
Allegra sighed as she stared out of the open balcony doors of the room, absorbing the view over the city. Beautiful domed buildings inspired by the Moors and the Persians, dotted the skyline.
She made a mental note to visit the famed Michelangelo's paintings on the ceiling of the temple of Hera. Hailing from Italy, the master had spent much of his later career in Greece.
For now, Delphi called Allegra, the voices of her bloodline summoning her. Perhaps the ancient Pythias would provide her with much-needed solace.
Who knew where she would go from there. She’d fulfilled her first mission and averted the pandemic. She’d saved the world with her visions.
She now knew her purpose.
Being the Pythia wasn’t so bad after all.
THE END
Thank you for reading DARK SIGHT.
The DARK SIGHT series is ongoing, but if you dislike cliffhangers you may prefer to stop here. Thank you for reading!
Want to read more? Then continue on to the EPILOGUE.
Epilogue
Allegra and Max grabbed a taxi to the famous site of Delphi, and headed up to the temple complex. The grounds were large, dotted with a combination of temples to different gods, some in good repair, others a pile of neglected stone.
Over the centuries, many worshippers who followed the Oracle had also erected their own temples close enough to attend the Pythia as well.
Now, the temple complex provided both for pilgrimage visitors as well as for priests and priestesses who, either visit or wish to live within the grounds, not to mention tourists.
Over time, many people had chosen to dedicate their lives to the gods for numerous reasons, in modern times mostly women. The complex was never without the services of trained priestesses.
Much like the pair who closed in on Max and Allegra as they entered the Delphi temple.
They both bowed and the taller, blonde said, “Welcome to Delphi. Please let us know if you need any assistance.”
Allegra smiled. “Thank you. I’d like a little privacy if that is possible?”
The women stared at Allegra as if such a request was completely unexpected.
The shorter priestess, her dark skin heralding her Nubian roots, rested her hand on the taller woman’s arm, restraining her from responding further.
She gave Allegra a grave nod and a low bow. “Welcome, my Lady. We will do as you wish. May I ask if you require attendance?”
Allegra frowned. “Attendance?”
The woman bobbed a low curtsey and whispered, “All Oracles are provided with a handmaiden for assistance in transcribing the visions. Our handmaidens are experienced Readers. Though they cannot see your visions, they can read the thoughts you wish to convey.”
Allegra shook her head and smiled. “I don’t need a handmaiden.”
The woman frowned, confused for a moment until her eyes widened. “You speak?” she asked softly, beckoning Allegra to follow her into the Oracle’s temple.
Allegra didn’t answer, deciding the less people knew about her abilities, the better.
The temple was small with a domed ceiling and stone columns encircling the temple floor. Half a dozen stone seats dotted the perimeter of the temple, leaving the rest of the space empty.
The priestesses took their leave in respectful silence and Allegra left Max’s side to wander around the temple. After navigating the floor, and absorbing the ancient echoes of the temple, Allegra sat on a sun-drenched stone seat.
From there she watched Max, hiding a smile. He’d been quiet since they’d left Indus, and Allegra had given him space. Their attraction had been put aside, the mission to save the world given top priority.
Perhaps now, in the ancient city of Athens, they may have time to explore what they felt for each other. He’d gained her trust and respect with his passion, honesty and determination.
She took a breath and was about to fall into the depths of the vision when the sound of rapid footsteps pulled her free. She watched as Max turned to stare at the irate, dark-skinned, bald-headed man marching toward him.
They were far enough from her that she shouldn’t have heard their conversation, but the acoustics within the temple were strange, tossing sounds around, allowing her to hear every word.
Max bowed quickly. “General Aulus.”
So this was the famous General Aulus. Allegra had pictured someone far more discerning than the slim, taciturn man who stared infuriated at Max.
The general ignored Max’s greeting. “What in Hades’ name is going on here, Vissarion?”
“I’m not sure what you mean, Sir,” responded Max, his spine stiffening.
His demeanor began to worry Allegra. And the unannounced presence of the general, in lieu of a phone call, meant something dire.
“You’ve been avoiding my calls. I’m here to ensure you both return safely to the Capital.”
Allegra frowned as Max shook his head and said nothing.
Aulus let out an irritated breath and glared at Max. “What is the meaning of this trip? What are you doing here instead of returning her back to the States?”
“The meaning of this is that Allegra has her own opinion and if you thought to consult with her, you’d know she has no intention of being controlled by any one country or government. If you still wish to help her, then you are most welcome, but don’t try to force her to do something that is both aga
inst her will, and more importantly, against international law.”
Aulus glared at Max, but said nothing.
“I apologize, Sir. But I am asking for leave to remain on the Pythia’s protection and advisory detail.” Max glanced at Allegra and she shifted her gaze. She didn’t want him to think she was eavesdropping. Max continued. “If only to retain some influence on the Pythia’s activities.”
Allegra stiffened. What did that mean?
She listened more intently now as Max continued, “Through me, you currently have a place at her side. Which you will lose if you attempt to control her, or her power. I’m at your service should you need me. I’ll do what I can, but she is not under our control.”
Aulus grunted, a thin smile slicing across his mouth. “You have failed then?”
“No, Sir.”
“So you have done as I asked?”
Allegra perked up, more than curious now.
Max remained silent.
“Vissarion. Have you seduced her yet? Do you have her under your control as requested? You know how vital her compliance is.”
Max said nothing but even if he had, Allegra wouldn’t have heard him through the ringing in her ears.
Fury, hurt and shame filled her.
But more than that, the dizziness colored her vision with such power that she was unable to control it. She slumped down onto the stone seat staring up at the stone ceiling of the temple.
The men’s voices rose and fell, the sound of chattering and footsteps echoed from the tourists within the complex. Birds on a nearby tree sang their song with exuberant joy.
And overlaid upon the peaceful scene was one of total destruction.
People screamed. A hole in the ground a hundred feet deep, lay before her. Houses, and rubble, bodies and vehicles all lay in a haphazard mess within the hole, and as Allegra blinked she got a better idea of the size of the hole.
Bigger than some towns, the hole spanned an area at least two miles wide.
Thousands of homes.
Hundreds of thousands of people.
Allegra gasped, holding a hand to her chest.
A shadow traveled along the center of the hole and the sound of a helicopter filled her ears. Scanning the sky, she identified a news chopper flying overhead, the emblem of a Quechua priest emblazoned on its side.
Peru.
Allegra blinked, inhaling sharply, her heart slamming against her ribs so hard it hurt. So many people dead.
The victims must be warned before it was too late. Evacuated, so at least the loss of their homes would not mean the loss of all those lives.
More resolved than ever, Allegra got to her feet. She pushed her pain deep inside as she turned to watch Max, now alone, staring at the retreating back of his commanding officer.
She could no longer trust him.
But, as cold as it sounded, she needed him to carry out her duty. She had a purpose now, a plan to help the world, using her ability for the betterment of mankind.
She wasn’t just someone’s daughter, or a mere carrier of a bloodline.
She hurried toward him. “Max?”
He turned to Allegra, his face closed off from her. “What’s wrong?”
Allegra suspected all Max needed was to look at her to know she was upset. She’d have to work on that. From now on, her emotions were hers, and hers alone.
She shook her head and swallowed. They had their work cut out for them now.
“There is something that I have to say.”
A frown marred his forehead. One which he quickly replaced with an inscrutable expression. It must have been the cool edge to her voice that did it.
“Go on.”
Allegra stiffened her spine and her resolve. “Going forward, I will require your help. But to do so, I will need your cooperation.”
“You know you have my total cooperation, Allegra.” A smile teased his lips. “Our relationsh-”
She shook her head, feeling tears threaten to fall. She didn’t let them.
“There is no relationship.”
Max’s smile disappeared and he glanced again in the direction in which the general had gone. His expression hardened again and Allegra guessed he understood now.
She cleared her throat and he looked back at her. “My visions will continue to take me to places across the world. I cannot act on those prophecies alone. If you do not wish to help me, I am sure I can petition someone else for assistance.”
Max shook his head. “You don’t need to worry about that. You have my full, undivided cooperation. Just say the word and I will provide whatever you require.” He spoke as formally as she did, and Allegra’s heart broke a little more.
She nodded, then took a deep breath.
“Then we need to leave for Peru. Immediately.”
THE END
Thank you for reading. The DARK SIGHT Series continues with CURSED SIGHT.
[ Image: Cursed Sight ebook.jpg ]
Skin Deep - A SkinWalker Novel #1 Sample Chapters
Skin Deep Ch1
There was a razor-fine line between protector and vigilante, and right now I knew I was skating it blind.
Funny thing was, I didn’t much care.
Tangled nerves sparked liquid fire within my veins. Muscles tightened, knees locked in a solid crouch. The fevered rush was a familiar beast. Moisture filmed my palms, heat simmered in the whorls of my ears. On occasion, even my heart missed a beat or two. Slick palms and a dubious pulse were understandable. Hot ears? Not so much. Grandma Ivy had a theory — hot ears meant somewhere, someone spoke your name.
Not in a good way either.
If Grams was right — something I did not doubt — and my ears were some sort of psychic thought-detector; then I'd bet my twisted Panther DNA it meant some mean-assed Wraith was groaning for my head on a bloody spike. A fair number of those Shades lost in the Ether would have me to thank for their current address. But, as yet, none had dropped by to voice their dissatisfaction.
The rooftop view of Chicago's night sky was glorious. Faint strains of a string quartet wafted from the restaurant below. My mark had not yet arrived. I supported the steel crossbow with strong, steady hands. While its weight was solid, it was also a comfort. So strange when its purpose was to end a life. I crouched on the edge of the rooftop, a mere shadow, invisible in my dark turtleneck and black leather pants. The high-necked sweater was camouflage, hiding the stark truth beneath.
From hairline to lower spine, the skin of my back was imprinted with the tapered, irregular pattern of a Panther's pelt. Very few Walkers have such a Mark. A blessing and a curse, it meant I was special. It also meant growing up in the Colony pretending I didn't hear the snide whispers and envious comments.
Muscles bunched, tensed. I steadied the weapon, balancing it on my knee. A sudden wind gusted around me, tugging at my hair, pulling slim strands free from the thick braid, which hung to my waist. Loosened strands whipped around and stung my cheeks with tiny slaps. The one thing I got from my mother that I could have with me all the time — thick, midnight hair that sometimes caught my father's eye and cast a grayness over his face. Times when the distance between us felt like miles.
The glittering night was subdued. Silent condemnation? Even the chatter of traffic was a whisper on the air. A powerful engine throbbed below. An old Bentley pulled up to the curb pouring its passengers onto the sidewalk. Two young women, rail thin to the point of skeletal, were draped over their distinguished host, doe-eyed and adoring. I restrained the bitter urge to vomit.
Silver hair, arrogant lines. My target had arrived.
Game on.
The girls tittered and the night air drew the sound to me, crisp and clear. If I'd cocked my ear, I'd have heard the words he uttered to them. But I wasn't interested in anything he had to say.
Enjoy it while you can, you piece of scum. Tonight I will send your sorry hide back to the Darkness where you belong.
Larson Keyes: Politician, adulterer, wife-beater. King o
f vices. But none of it mattered - Senator Keyes was already dead. What was contained within the flesh-and-bone shell of the man was NOT a man. Inside the polished exterior, something insidious and gut-wrenchingly evil now lived, had taken slow and deliberate control. Neither the senator, nor his family, would ever know he'd been killed by a Wraith. A possessor of bodies, devourer of souls.
I forced my jaws to unclench — my teeth hurt.
Sliding the tiny vial into the chamber in the crossbow, I readied the weapon, taking care to keep my fingers clear of the poison-tipped arrow. The diminutive arrow was designed to sink into the creature’s flesh, decreasing the possibility of it being removed. The longer the poison remained, the quicker the death.
I aimed and fired a single silent shot.
Below me, the Wraith clutched his chest. His breath clattered in his throat, Adam's apple bouncing in tempo. His eyes bulged, face caught in a horrible grimace, pulled taut in a gross parody of shock and agony. Screams echoed around him as the large man crumpled to the unforgiving concrete.
The sight of Keyes' now-lifeless body spurred both horrified girls to run in terror. They did not see the dark wispy shadows, which spewed from his mouth. Did not see those shadows writhe and curl and twist away from the body, smoky gray fingers reaching for the tiny rips in the Veil, seeking to escape to the questionable safety of the Dark-World. They should be grateful to be blessed with such blindness. I certainly would have been.
The body of the Host lay discarded. A dried husk of the man smiling and preening mere minutes before. Desiccated skin lay sunken on bones, papery thin and fluttering in the breeze.
I rose, stretched my cramped limbs. I had time to contemplate the blood on my hands. Impossible to avoid the body count. After all, I was a killer. A Wraith-Hunter. But even though it's the Wraith I track and sever from this World, it's the body of the Host I have to terminate. The same Host who dies soon after the Wraith takes up residence, smothered by an evil blackness which sucks the life from him until what's left is a living shell without a soul. The Host was a lifeless puppet, and it didn't matter. My heart still shattered a little, ached a little each time I lined my target up within the cross hairs of my scope. Every time I watched a Host die by my hand.
