Blue Moon (Book One in The Blue Crystal Trilogy)

by Pat Spence

  The two men either side of him raised their fingers off the table in greeting, but neither spoke or altered their expression.

  Badru held his arms aloft, gesturing at the chamber around him.

  “A little dimensional trickery, Emily, nothing more. Our world exists alongside yours, as real and tangible as your reality. We have simply created a bridge from one to the other, for the purposes of our ‘discussion’. A word of caution, though, do not leave the table. You run the risk of becoming lost in our reality and there may be no way back.”

  He smiled, but there was no warmth in his face, just an icy composure.

  “Let’s cut to the chase, Emily. We are most impressed with what Viyesha has achieved. ”

  He nodded his head slightly towards Viyesha in acknowledgement.

  “Hartswell Hall has become a living entity, reborn and renewed. Its energy field is powerful and its protective powers are strong. So far, so good, but then the story changes… as you step into the picture.”

  He paused and seemed to choose his words carefully.

  “It seems to me that you compromise all we have established over the centuries, the stability, the safety, the security of our world and our people. I know of the events that have taken place today, Emily… Pantera has regaled me how you led a would-be thief straight to our crystal and allowed one of the Dark Ones to enter our most hallowed of places…”

  I opened my mouth, but he put up his hand to silence me.

  “You shall have your opportunity to speak, Emily, but hear me out first. Perhaps you do not realise the danger in which you inadvertently placed us… The woman was nothing, an expendable frivolity, who would never have survived the crystal’s power. It is doubtful she will even be missed in her own superficial world. But the Feeder was different… To allow a creature such as that to get so close to the crystal is unforgiveable and a situation that must never be replicated. Thanks to Pantera’s quick action, the threat was removed,” he bowed briefly in her direction, “but we can rest assured that others will follow. And eventually, the Reptilia themselves will come, desperate for the crystal’s energy to give them human form. We cannot allow anyone or anything to place us in that level of danger.”

  Badru still wore his dark glasses, so I was unable to see his eyes, but his voice was icy and I felt panic rising within me. This was real. This was happening.

  He continued. “How can I put it, Emily? You are a chink in our armour. You bring with you nothing but weakness and immaturity, impetuousness and naivety. Plus, your human ties are too strong. Quite simply, you do not fit the criteria for joining our order and I can see no reason to extend an invitation to you, despite Viyesha’s intercession on your behalf.”

  Theo’s hand closed over mine on the table.

  “Very touching, Theo,” said Badru, disparagingly. “You will of course defend her. But what of your family? Where do your loyalties lie? You know we cannot allow outsiders in, unless they become one of us. Must we destroy you as well?”

  The anger in his voice was palpable and I began to feel afraid. I had no doubt these creatures could kill me without thinking twice.

  “I know the rules,” said Theo tightly. “Emily does not present a threat.”

  “On the contrary,” said Badru, “I think she does. Today’s events prove that. She knows too much and others can use her against us. Do I have to spell it out, Theo? She threatens our very existence. And by association, you are complicit.”

  “No, Badru, I cannot accept that,” interjected Viyesha.

  “Silence, Viyesha,” he commanded. “You should have let the Guardians deal with this. Instead of which, you allow an outsider to see the very thing that is our life force and place us in great danger. You have been lax and the time has come for action.”

  “Don’t I get a say in this?” I said, pulling my hand away from Theo and glaring at Badru. I’d heard enough, the time had come for me to speak and defend myself.

  He regarded me curiously. “Very well, speak if you must. This is a fair trial, I suppose.”

  “I would never compromise the crystal’s safety, Badru. Kimberley Chartreuse had a gun and gave me no choice, but I knew she wouldn’t survive. It seemed a watertight plan.”

  “Commendable, my dear,” he said sarcastically.

  “And to prove my loyalty, if you will extend the invitation, I am ready to join you…”

  “No,” said Theo faintly, “it’s too risky. I can’t lose you again.”

  “Ah, of course, Theo, you believe Emily to be your long lost love,” said Badru, with a chilling smile. “How sweet. The woman you’ve waited for through the centuries has come to you once again. But what proof do you have of this, Theo? A face on a necklace? Circumstantial. You have nothing concrete to place before me.”

  “Badru, you have to give her the benefit of the doubt,” interrupted Viyesha. “At least give us some time. It could be her. We have to find out.”

  “Wait,” I said, “I don’t know if I’ve been reincarnated or not. I have no memories of a past life. But I do know that Theo and I have an amazing connection. There is a bond between us I can’t explain. We belong together.”

  “Yes, yes, love’s young dream, very romantic,” said Badru in a bored voice. ‘If that’s your defence, I’d give up now. It is really neither here nor there whether you are Theo’s lost love. All I want to know is whether you have anything to offer us. And at the moment I see nothing. In fact, I see less than nothing. I see threat and danger.”

  “There is something,” I said. “Viyesha told me I wouldn’t survive holding the crystal. It was too powerful. But look at me, Badru. I’m still here. I should have aged and died like Kimberley, but I didn’t. I held the crystal and survived. Does that not tell you something?”

  He leant forward and regarded me closely.

  “It is true the crystal is still powerful and should have had an effect on you, and yet you appear to be untouched. That is unusual.”

  He paused for a moment, as if thinking. “Violet, what aura do you see around Emily?”

  “Blue,” she answered, surprised to be consulted, “Emily’s aura has always been bright blue, the same as ours.”

  Badru continued to stare at me.

  “I must admit, that is unprecedented. Maybe you do have something, Emily.”

  He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

  “Very well, here’s my proposition. I find you interesting, Emily, and that has bought you some time. You have until the next full moon. Theo, it would seem the love of your life is not quite as fragile as you think. She has a strength that could be of use to us. If she withstands the initiation, she may join us. Of course, if the crystal destroys her, then our problem is solved. Viyesha, you know what needs to be done?”

  “Yes, Badru,” she bowed her head.

  “For now, I will call my dogs off.” He leaned back and smiled at me. “The Twin Assassins, that’s how Atsu and Ata are known in the order. Although I warn you, Emily, any step out of line, and I will not be so generous second time around.”

  “Thank you, Badru.” I stared back at him, disliking him intensely, yet all too aware of the power he held.

  “Now, one other small matter,” said Badru. “How did this woman come to know of our crystal and its youth-bestowing properties? It is a closely guarded secret and I do not know of any lapses in our security. ”

  Leon, who up to this point had remained silent, now spoke.

  “We believe we know the source, Badru. Two weeks ago, Joseph disturbed someone in the grounds taking pictures with a telephoto lens. He saw the same individual speaking to Kimberley Chartreuse in the gardens late last night. Turns out he is a private detective known as Mr Nelson, a grubby, two-faced opportunist, who would sell his own grandmother if the price were right. I paid him a visit this morning. He passed on photographs and information to Kimberley Chartreuse, a woman paranoid about ageing, in exchange for money.”

  “I see,” said Badru, thoughtfully. “And
where is this Mr Nelson now?”

  “Disappeared,” admitted Leon. “For all his dishevelled appearance, he is clever, with the survival instincts of a cockroach. He simply blended into the background and vanished. But Aquila will find him and silence him.”

  “Very well,” said Badru. “Aquila, your priority is to find this scum before he does further damage. Destroy him.”

  “Consider it done,” said Aquila, in his rasping voice.

  Badru looked around the table and smiled pleasantly, as if he’d just chaired the parish council AGM.

  “I believe that concludes our business,” he said briskly. He turned to me, “Remember, Emily, if you haven’t become one of us by the next full moon, you know the consequences. And I won’t delegate the task to my twins. I will come for you myself.”

  He smiled sweetly and, to make his point, removed his dark glasses. I had assumed he would have clear blue eyes, but I was mistaken. I stifled a scream. Instead of beautiful eyes, Badru had red rimmed, empty eye sockets. It was like looking into the face of an angelic demon and an involuntary shudder ran through my body. He spoke in a whisper, “You may think I see nothing, Emily, but I see everything. The mind’s eye is so much more powerful.” He replaced his dark glasses and rose from the table, then as afterthought, turned and said, “Your friends, Seth and Tash...”

  The blood drained from my face. “Yes?” I asked, fearing the worst.

  “They were at the hall earlier this afternoon. I’ve let them go for now. But I shall be watching. If I find out they know anything….” He drew his finger across his throat in a slicing movement.

  “Do you understand?”

  I nodded, unable to speak.

  Badru clicked his fingers and his henchmen rose too. Then, before my eyes, all three disappeared. I stared in disbelief. One minute, they were there, the next they were gone, and simultaneously, the dark emptiness of the torch-lit cavern vanished and I was looking once more at the familiar wood panelling of the library.

  33. Family

  As before, the de Lucis family sat around the table and the three seats opposite me were empty. The only difference was that Aquila and Pantera were gone.

  I turned to Theo, sitting beside me. “Did that happen or did I have a really weird dream?”

  He said nothing, but smiled sadly and squeezed my hand. He looked shell-shocked.

  Leon spoke. “It happened, Emily. And bravo for defending yourself. There aren’t many who could remain so composed under such circumstances.”

  “Honestly, talk about mind games,” said Joseph, in disgust. “Why do they do that?”

  “You have to admit, it is kind of cool,” answered Violet.

  “There was nothing cool about that,” said Theo, angrily.

  “Okay, everyone, quiet,” said Viyesha, holding up her hands. “Emily, I’m sorry you had to go through that, but you should never have taken that woman into the Clock Tower or handled the crystal yourself. It was a dangerous strategy and, but for Pantera’s quick action, could have had disastrous consequences.”

  “It’s our fault, mother,” said Theo bitterly. “It would never have happened if we hadn’t left Emily on her own. The blame lies with us for leaving her exposed and vulnerable.”

  “True, Theo,” answered Viyesha, “but in a strange way, it saved Emily. I have seen Badru destroy people for less, but he’s intrigued to know why the crystal had no effect.”

  She turned to me. “You had a close call, Emily, but you’ve come through it. Now you’ve seen The Lunari and know their capabilities. They have conquered death and time, and live according to their own rules. Never underestimate their power.”

  “Where are they now?” I asked.

  “Aquila is taking them to the airport,” answered Violet.

  “If they’ve conquered time, can’t they just teleport?” I suggested.

  “Excellent idea, Emily,” laughed Joseph.

  “Transference of matter is beyond even their capabilities,” said Viyesha, calmly. “What you just experienced, Emily, was a trick of the mind, a powerful form of hypnosis that they have mastered.”

  “But no less real for existing only in the mind,” added Leon. “In fact, all the more dangerous, because imagination is limitless, and in The Lunari’s reality you create your own nightmares.”

  I shivered and felt for Theo’s hand. He closed it around mine and I felt his energy flow into my body.

  “Well, look on the bright side, at least I’ve bought myself some time,” I said in a cheerful voice that masked my fear.

  “Time is all you have, Emily,” said Joseph, solemnly. “Your other options have run out. You have no choice but to join our family now.”

  “Assuming she survives the crystal,” Violet reminded him.

  I looked around the table and realised how fond I’d become of Theo’s family.

  “Oh, I’ll survive it alright, Violet,” I said purposefully. “I survived it earlier on tonight when the crystal was much more powerful. All I have to do is wait for the next full moon. You just watch me.”

  Theo looked at me angrily, his face white and strained, but he was powerless to argue.

  I stared back at him, looking eternity in the face and wondering if I had just made the biggest mistake of my life.

  THE END

  Blue Moon

  If you enjoyed reading Blue Moon, please leave a review at your favourite retailer. Thank you! Pat Spence

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  Other titles by Pat Spence

  True Blue (Book Two in The Blue Crystal Trilogy)

  Into The Blue (Book Three in The Blue Crystal Trilogy) coming soon …

  Abigail’s Affair

  A quirky love story set in the UK and Australia

  Sample

  True Blue (Book Two in The Blue Crystal Trilogy)

  PROLOGUE:

  Two figures peered through the oppressive darkness, surveying the scene before them. The smell of decay hung everywhere, ingrained in the ancient walls. Undisturbed for many years, the air lay heavy and stale.

  It was a natural underground cavern, enhanced by man at some point in the past, the sweeping vaulted ceiling of the main chamber giving the impression of a vast subterranean cathedral. Stacked on shelves hewn into the rock lay the rotting remains of centuries old coffins, spewing out their bony contents onto the ground beneath.

  The smaller of the two figures carelessly flung open the lid of the nearest coffin, inhaling deeply the cadaverous odour that spilled forth.

  ‘Enough,’ commanded the other. ‘Let them be. We have not come to wake the dead, but to find a resting place for the living.’

  The smaller figure indicated a raised plinth at the far end of the crypt, on which stood a large lead tomb.

  ‘Perhaps there…’

  The larger figure crossed to the raised area and, moving the heavy lid to one side with apparent ease, examined the inside.

  ‘Perfect. Remove the occupant. Make space for the girl.’

  The sighing of a thousand souls seemed to fill the chamber, causing the air to tremor and long settled dust to rise in clouds.

  ‘Silence,’ commanded the larger figure, raising its arms, its raspy voice rippling through the darkness. ‘There is work to do. My time is nigh…’

  PART ONE: TEENAGE LIFE

  1. Classroom

  I put my foot down on Martha’s accelerator and felt her surge forward. Arriving early at college, I parked and walked slowly to my English seminar, hovering nervously in the classroom doorway. I
wasn’t looking forward to seeing my friends. Last time I’d seen Seth and Tash had been at Hartswell Hall when they’d witnessed the power of the blue crystal for themselves. My fingers went to the small blue crystal hanging round my neck and stroking its smooth, cool facets, I felt better.

  ‘Emily, you have some explaining to do!’ Tash’s voice came from down the corridor and I turned to face her. Seth was with her and neither looked happy.

  ‘What’s going on, Em?’ he asked. ‘Why did you go back into the Clock Tower? And what happened to Kimberley Chartreuse? She was fit.’

  Not any more, I thought.

  ‘Sorry,’ I said, looking down. ‘I couldn’t come with you.’

  I was saved from further explanation by the arrival of our English tutor.

  ‘Why are you standing out here?’ demanded Miss Widdicombe. ‘Come into the classroom. At least pretend to show willing.’

  She ushered us in and we sat at our desks.

  ‘We’ll continue this at break-time,’ said Seth in a whisper.

  I nodded. That gave me a couple of hours to get my story right.

  ‘Okay, I thought we’d take a look at one of our set texts for next year,’ announced Miss Widdicombe. ‘Who’s heard of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe?’

  ‘I have,’ called out Seth, sprawling on his chair, his legs too long to fit under his desk.

  ‘And?’ asked Miss Widdicombe.

  ‘It's about a guy who makes a pact with the devil,’ said Seth. ‘He sells his soul for knowledge and magic.’

  He looked across at me and I felt a prickling sensation at the back of my neck.