Shattered Souls

by Karice Bolton

  “Which delightful sound are you referring to?”

  “The welcoming committee,” he answered. His fists curled into a tight ball, and I saw the hesitation rise with every step he took.

  It was impossible not to hear the dogs. The barking was our chorus for the night, which only added to my increasing level of fear. But I refused to reveal how frightened I was even though there was no doubt that the nectunt had already blown my cover to Logan.

  “The chain-link fence looks oddly like a maze,” I said, slowing my pace to match Logan’s.

  “Or a trap.” He grabbed my hand and stopped me from continuing. “I don’t feel comfortable with this.”

  “I don’t think we have much choice. Under the circumstances, I can’t ignore the Demonikers’ invitation. I practically begged for it, and I don’t want any more drive-bys.” I looked over Logan’s shoulder and saw a flicker of light in the distance. “They know we’re coming. They probably already know we’re here. There’s no turning back.”

  “There’s always a way out,” Logan mumbled, letting go of my hand.

  I looked into Logan’s blue eyes, which were shrouded in darkness.

  “I need to plant the listening device and then we’ll get out of here,” I promised.

  A huge spotlight turned on from the corner of the property and pointed directly at us, temporarily blinding me. Another searchlight at the far end clicked on and landed on us within seconds. The beams of light danced across the metal fencing and rocky terrain inviting us to press on. We’d have to finish our conversation later.

  “It’s now or never,” I whispered.

  “I’ve got your back, but you’ve got to promise me you won’t...”

  “I can’t promise you anything, babe. It’s about more than my safety.” His face fell as I uttered those last few words, and I turned around quickly so that I wouldn’t talk myself out of this.

  Not seeing an entrance into the network of fencing, I pointed along the side, and Logan followed me as I made my way along the fence. I knew it was killing Logan not to be in front of me, but we needed to appear as non-threatening as possible. One of the spotlights began guiding us around the fence, finally landing on a gate. I took a deep breath in and lifted the latch as I pushed the gate open.

  We wove through the metal fencing, walking closer and closer to the barks and snarls, but there was no turning back. The property was perched along a sea cliff and left very few options for escape. I only hoped that the visit would go well, and we wouldn’t feel the need to run away. I looked down and noticed metal tracking. I pointed to my observation, and Logan let out a sigh. The fencing was able to move on these tracks. It was a maze. A maze they didn’t want people completing. Pushing my worry aside, I was relieved when I saw an opening.

  “Made it,” I whispered as we walked through the gate.

  “I was beginning to wonder if we’d ever find the end or the beginning or whatever it was,” Logan said.

  I looked behind us and noticed several openings to the fenced area. “So the configuration can move.”

  “Yeah. Not exactly what I wanted to find out since I spent most of the time memorizing our way back out of that mess.”

  A brick dog kennel was about fifty feet from us, but I couldn’t tell how many dogs were inside. From the number of growls it sounded like far too many for my comfort level.

  “Do you think we should check that out?”

  I saw a few dark shadows moving inside the kennel, but they were far too big to be dogs.

  “Are you crazy?” Logan asked, shaking his head.

  “We might want to know what we’re up against,” I said, pulling on his hand.

  The spotlights continued to light our way. We were being carefully watched and because of that, it seemed only logical to take full advantage of the possibilities. I wanted to know what all was on this property, and if they knew I knew maybe that would take some of the gusto out of their plans.

  “I’ve never heard noises like this before.” Logan muttered, as we approached the kennels.

  Growls and yips grew louder as we continued toward them. Once we reached the structure, my heart fell. These weren’t dogs. They were snarling beasts. There were ten stalls, separated by fencing.

  “What are these?” I asked in awe.

  “Our worst nightmare,” he whispered. His words lingered in the air as he exhaled, and another chill ran through me as I looked through the fencing.

  The beast closest to us wrinkled his snout, exposing glistening fangs. The fence provided a false sense of security, and I took one step toward the beast, watching its jowls quiver in anger. If it stood on its hind legs, it would be much taller than me. As it was, the head came to my chest. I looked down the row of kennels and every animal matched this one in size and demeanor.

  I glanced quickly at the giant dog in front of me one last time before Logan pulled me away.

  “It’s got to be some sort of dog-hybrid,” he said and then pointed to ground. “The fencing is on the same tracks as the last place we came from. Probably only takes a click of a button and the dogs would be released.”

  I shuddered as I gave one last look behind me to see the dog’s thick drool cascading down its jaw, eagerly awaiting a chase.

  “These dogs were bred for this. Whatever this is. I’ve never seen anything like them,” I whispered.

  “Now onto acting like none of that bothered us,” he said, pulling me away.

  We continued to walk across the large lawn toward the stately home. The home was beautiful. No doubt about it. The cobblestone stairs led to a large stone patio and entryway. In the far corner of the patio, there was a large, bronze statue of a man and woman embracing. Kind of ironic, considering the death machines we were just staring at.

  I scanned from window to window, looking for some sort of movement in the brightly lit house. There wasn’t any. We climbed up the stairs, and I realized I hadn’t taken a breath for several steps and gulped the air, popping my ears in the meantime.

  “Ready?” Logan asked, looking over at me.

  I nodded and glanced at the doorbell. Logan pulled on the devil’s horns, releasing a chime into the air.

  “Apparently, they take their name pretty literally,” I whispered, trying to replace the fear that was mounting with humor.

  The door swung open, revealing a grand foyer and a small elderly woman who held the door open for us. Everything was large and larger in this space. The flooring was caramel in color, but the size of each tile was five times bigger than a normal tile square. A glass topped, wrought iron table was in the middle of the foyer topped with a large, porcelain vase filled with flowers. A sitting area, with two overstuffed chenille chairs, ran alongside the far wall. Everything was so expansive that it had a very cold feeling.

  “Mr. Wenthers is expecting you,” she said, gesturing us inside. “May I take your coats?”

  “I’ll keep mine,” I said, turning to Logan.

  “I’m fine too,” he replied.

  Once I stepped inside the entry, the scale of everything became even more apparent.

  “Please follow me this way,” she said, pursing her lips together. Her grey hair was tied back into a bun, only adding to her overly stern demeanor. She stiffly walked through the room, and we followed closely behind.

  Logan locked his hand in mine as we took in the space. The foyer had three hallways leading away, and I wasn’t sure which one we’d be led down. Two of the three were dark, so I was very relieved when she led us through the lit corridor.

  “Mr. Wenthers asked that you remain in his study,” she said, stopping in front of a door that was ajar. “He shouldn’t be long. He had a few pieces of business to take care of.”

  She opened the door and flipped on the light. The space was striking but eerie. The walls were a pale grey, but the accent color was blood red. There were paintings on the wall that evoked things of nightmares, but I wasn’t going to let his gory choice of décor influence me or th
e reasons I chose to visit him.

  “Please take a seat,” she said, closing the door.

  Logan walked over to the wall with the artwork, examining the demons and ghouls that were detailed within the flames. After studying it for several minutes, he walked over to me, his eyes blazing.

  “Are you going to be able to handle it?” I asked. “We can’t…”

  The sharp click of the door signaled his arrival, and I looked at the man entering the room. Surprised at what I saw, I attempted to hide my reaction. The man had to be at least my father’s age, but he didn’t look a day over thirty and that was pushing it. He was dressed in a shiny grey suit, tailored to perfection. His black hair was cut short and styled impeccably. He carried himself with an assuredness that few could pull off, making me uneasy. What was he so sure of?

  Logan stiffened as he watched Ethan walk into the room and circle around his desk. Ethan’s grey eyes took me in like a vulture’s. It was hard to imagine either of our fathers could have anything in common with someone like Ethan.

  “You look just like your father,” Ethan replied. He looked at me with obvious disdain. “Have a seat.” He pointed to the two leather club chairs in front of the desk.

  Logan and I sat down but said nothing.

  “With the unfolding of recent events, I’m glad you chose to visit. There seems to be quite a fight brewing in the Praedivinus Order to fill your father’s shoes.”

  “It’s not my concern,” I said.

  Ethan cocked his head with a bewildered expression and sat back in his chair.

  “Not your concern?” he repeated.

  “Why did you set a bounty on me?”

  “I didn’t. Never have had one on you.” His brow arched as he took me in.

  “Then what do you want with me?”

  “Well, both of our organizations are pursuing the same thing. Your father and grandfather refused to cooperate with me and—”

  “What organization are you referring to?” I interrupted.

  “The Praedivinus Order. What other Order would there be?” He laughed. “Why else would you have come here if for no other reason than to negotiate your portion? I’m willing to offer you a large sum of money.”

  “Is that why you sent Tom to my home?” I asked, my voice charged.

  “Who’s Tom? I didn’t send anyone to your home. I assumed you came here on your own. I assumed it would be to sell your stake in the Praedivinus Order. Did I assume wrong?” Ethan squared his shoulders, looking at Logan and then back at me.

  “Unfortunately, you’re mistaken. I’m in no way associated with the Praedivinus Order. In fact, I intend to destroy it.”

  Ethan folded his hands on the desk, his lips twisting into a sardonic grin. “Is that so?”

  I nodded.

  “Your life’s in danger and I can guarantee you it’s not me who’s pursuing you. After all, I already have you. Right now. Besides, having an inexperienced leader heading the Praedivinus Order is invaluable from my point of view.”

  I narrowed my eyes on Ethan, watching him choose his words wisely.

  “You do understand what is written in the bylaws.”

  Bylaws of what? I didn’t respond.

  “Please tell me you know you are the leader of the Praedivinus Order. That’s how it works. You’re the first born…Upon death of…” his voice trailed off as he slid his chair to the bookcase and reached for a very large, leather bound book and flipped it open. “Yes, let’s see…Upon death, the leadership roles are inherited. You inherited that honor.”

  “I wouldn’t call it an honor,” I replied, feeling the sting come to my palms.

  “Where is yours?” Ethan asked, tapping the book. “Each Order has their own covenant.”

  I glanced at Logan and then back at Ethan.

  “Well, it sounds like you have no plans to maintain your post at the Order, so my bid to acquire the Praedivinus Order must be coming at a most welcome time,” Ethan said, smiling.

  I shook my head. “Not so fast. I think you misunderstood my intentions. I don’t plan on either expanding the Praedivinus Order or folding it into another Order, especially one that has similar goals.” I stood up.

  “You do understand that the members of the Praedivinus Order are the ones who put the bounty on your head. That’s probably who Tom belonged with, not us. If we wanted you, we wouldn’t have played games. The Praedivinus want you out of the picture because upon your death, according to the bylaws, a new successor can be voted in… someone that they choose.”

  I could feel the anger rolling off of Logan.

  “So since I was mistaken about why you planned a visit to see me, why don’t you enlighten me as to what you are really doing here?”

  “The fairies,” I said.

  “Those smug little creatures deserve what they’re getting,” Ethan said. “Don’t be fooled by them.” A blaze of red ignited behind Ethan’s pupils, and he dropped his eyes quickly. “They have the power to help humans live to their fullest capacity, and they refuse to help us.”

  “Do you talk with them much?” I asked.

  “Enough to know they’re trying to set us up,” he said, the red in his eyes gone.

  “You’re wiping out whole colonies of fairies, and you’re the one feeling set up?”

  “There’s so much you don’t understand. They aren’t as innocent as you think. They’re always only worried about their own survival.”

  “The same could be said for you.” I pointed, gesturing at his obvious ability to maintain a young exterior.

  “Listen, I’ll make it easy for you. Now’s the time when you should be in college, enjoying life. I’ll make it so you never have to worry about money again. Just accept my offer. Don’t make me go after it another way.”

  “Like you did my father?” Logan shot up from his chair.

  “I wondered if you knew,” Ethan said, his eyes darting to mine. “Raises the stakes, doesn’t it, knowing what I’m truly capable of?”

  “Logan, not now,” I whispered, grabbing his arm.

  “If you’re wise, not ever,” Ethan said. “You do know who we have on our side, don’t you?” His eyes narrowed as he waited for my reaction.

  “Naming an Order after demons doesn’t make you connected to the underworld anymore than anyone else,” I replied. “Nice touch, though.”

  “You’re as stubborn as your father,” Ethan said, shaking his head. Standing up, he moved to the cabinet behind him and scanned the shelves until his finger landed on a box. He grabbed the ivory box and a photograph fell from behind it. My eyes landed on the unexpected image, shocking me to my core. It was a wedding portrait of Ethan and Lara, embracing and laughing. He caught me staring at it and picked it up.

  “She’s as trustworthy as the rest of your family,” he snarled.

  “Yeah, tell me about it,” I said, my brow furrowing. “She betrayed her own brother and joined you?”

  ”Joined me? She left me after ten years together. Someone better must have come around for her to pair up with.” The bitterness laced his words as he shook his head. “She was just toying with me.”

  “How so?” I asked, watching him attempt to hide the hurt in his eyes.

  “She apparently got what she wanted from me and took off. She left one morning and never came back,” he said. “She didn’t even bother to take her things.”

  I stiffened with the realization that he had no idea she was dead, and that the two people involved were sitting across from him.

  “You two were together for ten years?” I asked, my heart pounding.

  “She was the best set of eyes and ears I had in the Praedivinus Order. It’s a real shame. Now back to the important things in life…I’m sure Logan can assist you in finding the covenant since I’m sensing this is all new to you.” He flashed Logan a serpent-like smile. “And then we can make the arrangement.”

  “And why do you want control over the Praedivinus Order? You’re already well on your way to
finding what you’re looking for. Zelo seems pleased with the progress you’re making. Why’s that not enough?”

  “Let’s just say healthy competition isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” Ethan said.

  “I have no interest in selling you, giving you, gifting you any part of the Praedivinus Order. Ever. There are many things I don’t agree with my father and grandfather on, but this would be one of those rare moments.”

  He grabbed an ivory box from the cabinet and lifted the lid off. A light red glow spilled out of the container, and I immediately began feeling lightheaded. Ethan placed the box on the desk and laughed.

  The room began spinning. My vision doubled. This was not good. Not now. I reached for the desk to stabilize myself.

  “Something bothering you, Triss?” Ethan asked, grinning. He took a step back, chuckling to himself.

  I looked over at Logan, but he didn’t seem the least bit affected.

  “I’m fine,” I replied, trying to shake off the strange sense of darkness that was numbing my senses.

  Ethan hesitated and then slowly walked away from his desk, his eyes reddening. Logan quickly reached across the desk and slammed the lid shut on the box while I slowly slumped in the chair. I was connected to that crystal or it was connected to me. Concentrating on the energy that was being produced from inside the tiny box, I tapped into the frequency and shattered the waves. The box erupted into flames as my body and mind became my own again.

  There was a stunned silence in the air as Ethan continued staring at me, watching as I regained my senses.

  “Well, that explains it,” Ethan said quietly. “You seemed far too sure of yourself and now I know why.”

  “Same could be said of you,” I muttered.

  “You have the ability to see between this world and the next. That changes things slightly.”

  “How so?” I asked, not liking where this was going.

  He burst out laughing. “Triss, your father was an interesting man,” Ethan began. “I never knew where he stood. Now, Logan, I knew exactly where you father stood and look what happened to him.”

  I felt Logan’s anger through the nectunt, and I reached over to touch his hand, sliding my fingers through his, hoping to calm him down.