by Tara Maya, Elle Casey, J L Bryan, Anthea Sharp, Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, Alexia Purdy (epub)
Footsteps were fluttering above her, but they quickly faded. It seemed like they had stopped to listen for something or someone. Maybe they had heard her. She didn’t move for what felt like a millennium, her heart pumping quick and loudly in her ears. She stood still, holding her breath and fearing discovery.
The time ticked on, but Shade didn’t hear any more noises and decided to slowly ascend the stairs to the door at the top. Her hand gripped the old brass knob and she paused. As she gulped back her fear, she listened for anything that might be waiting for her beyond the door. Pray, just pray that no one is waiting on the other side.
Shade turned the knob as quietly as she could; the slow creaking moan of the door echoed in the silence. The wind was still howling outside the basement window, shaking it in its frame until the vibration loosened it and it slammed closed. Her stomach tightened at the sudden noise. Claustrophobia must feel like this, she thought.
Shade opened the door and looked around the gloomy building. Light streamed in through the boarded-up windows as she peered into the long hallway that was just beyond the door. The place was vibrating from the forces outside; everything creaked and sighed, like a ship tossed about in an angry sea. Shade wished more than anything to be home, snuggled in her room, safe. She stepped out into the hall and closed the basement door behind her as quietly as she could.
Now what? Which way do I go? She hated having to listen to the voices for an answer. At least she knew if she had to ask them anything, they’d answer her without fail. She just hoped it wasn’t an answer she didn’t want to hear.
Upstairs, follow the stairs to your right; take them now, the voices commanded in unison.
Shade turned toward her right; the hallway ended by a small banister near the wall. She could see another window frame at the end of it and light spilled through the streaked glass, illuminating the bottom of the staircase. Dust particles swam in the rays and danced all around.
Here we go, thought Shade. Please don’t let there be a crazy person up there! She swiftly walked to the stairs and looked up; she heard nothing but the wind making the walls moan. Moving slowly over the loose floorboards, whose creaking was driving her mad with fear, she reached the landing just as she heard a crash. Her eyes widened and she fought the urge to fly right back down the stairs.
Something big is up there! It’s moving, too! I don’t want to meet that! She couldn’t move from her spot and listened again, but nothing else banged around upstairs. Shade craned her neck so she could hear better. It must have stopped. After taking a breath, she continued up the stairs.
“Don’t ever ask me to do this again,” she muttered under her breath as she reached the landing and peered down to her left. There was another hall, and it opened into a big room that must have been the warehouse’s office area. There were cubicles and papers strewn about on the desks, and old chairs were turned over, as if they had been thrown across the room. Um, not pretty. She looked around; whatever had been up here might still be lurking and hiding from her. It wouldn’t be too hard with all the furniture upturned and scattered throughout the room.
Shade didn’t have to wait too long before she was diving for cover. A bolt of lightning shot across the room, and smashed into one of the bookshelves, which lined the walls. She ducked under a desk, which was still standing upright, and tried to take cover from the flying debris.
What was that? She tried to pace her rapid breathing for she felt like she was having a heart attack. What if she died and no one could ever find her? Her remains would be here in this desolate place for years, if ever discovered.
Shut up, she told herself, shooing the morbid thoughts away. Now, voices, come on, why am I here, to get killed? You better tell me soon, ’cause I am about to hightail it out of here!
Shade peaked above the desk to look around the room. A sonic boom knocked her onto her back, causing more debris to fly past her. The sound had come from a different direction than the lightning. Is there more than one person here? What the hell? She stayed down and prayed they wouldn’t notice her in the mess.
“You can’t hurt me, Jack. I know all your tricks, and they’re pointless against my magic. You can’t best me with your powers; mine will always endure against you.” The woman cackled with a spine-tingling voice. She sounded like the Wicked Witch of the West.
“Give it up, Evie. You don’t have it in you; we’re banging our heads against the walls. I can have reinforcements arrive in a heartbeat. Give it up before I’m forced to make you.” This was a man’s voice, and it echoed with strength in the large room.
Ok, this is getting complicated, thought Shade. I hope they don’t know I’m here.
“Not so fast, Jack. And the name is Vange now.” She spoke his name as though she was speaking of poison. “You’ve trespassed on my domain. I didn’t know you liked hanging out with ordinary folk now. You might frighten one of them as you speak. You should return to the forest and mountains you claim as your great domain. The cities are mine.” Another boom and crash shook the room.
Shade held her breath. Well, now I know she knows I’m here. Now he does, too! Great!
“The mortal is of no concern to me. You should stop right now before I hurt you. The Queen wants you alive, but I’m sure that if you were wounded, she’d understand it was a matter of life and death. Or, you could just give the talisman back and we’ll call it even.” Jack sent another lightning rod, or what looked like a lightning rod, toward the left corner of the room and jumped from his spot. Shade peered over at him as he ran forward and ducked behind a large wooden beam. He glanced at her for a moment, narrowing his gaze as he watched her. Now he knew just where she was.
What now? Shade turned and looked down the hall to the flight of stairs. If only I can get to the stairs and get the hell out of Dodge. She glanced back at the scene before her. Jack had hunched down behind the desks and stealthily crept toward the woman. He paused periodically to listen and search for her. The woman was hiding quite well behind an office divider, if she was still there.
Don’t run, the voices said.
What am I supposed to do, die? Shade’s heart raced and sweat beaded on her forehead and neck. She gulped and felt lightheaded as her chest burned from hyperventilation. What could she do? They would see her if she bolted. She hung her head down, wishing to be small and invisible. She heard Jack curse as another crash shattered a window on the north end of the building. Shade jerked her head up in time to see Vange flash a smile at Jack.
“I’m truly sorry, Jack, but this isn’t your day. My Queen will love this little artifact. Its powers will truly add to our array of weapons against your precious Queen.” The woman then sprinted toward the shattered remains of windowpane and jumped, no, flew out the window and disappeared.
“We will finish this some other time, Vange.” Jack stood at the windowsill and stared into the light of the day. The cool autumn breeze wafted in and stirred up the stale air inside. He shook his head while he groaned and cursed under his breath.
Shade stood and peered at Jack; he had yet to turn toward her. She decided to discretely sneak away when he suddenly caught her by the shoulder. She screamed, and quickly spun around and forced to face him. His eyes pierced hers as his hands gripped her upper arms. “Let me go!” She yelled as she wriggled around in his grip.
“Oh, quit it. Who are you? Why are you here?” Jack questioned as he stared at her with searing eyes. He squeezed on her arms just enough to make her cry out.
“I don’t know, I don’t know! Let me go!”
He sighed and released her as she pulled away, sending her crashing to the floor.
“Ow!” Shade grabbed her elbow, streaked with blood.
“You said ‘let me go.’” Jack turned and picked up some of his weapons from the floor. He took hold of the sheath hanging on his belt, putting his knife away before he began dusting off his clothes. He wore a tight black shirt with a leather belt tightened around his waist with multiple items strung
onto it, including a sword.
His face was strong and well defined, portraying a radiance of youth. He appeared to be about twenty-five, but didn’t have a hint of stubble, making him not quite look like a teenager. Jack’s dark, black, wavy hair was long, gracing his neck, and his bangs covered some of his tanned face. His eyes had an ancient wisdom about them, making it obvious that he had seen too much for one lifetime.
He’s not bad looking though. Shade stood up and brushed off her clothes as well. She peered up at him, wondering if she should try to run.
“Who are you? Who was—what was—that woman?” Shade’s voice shook as she spoke. “And how do you throw lightning like that? How can she fly?” Shade couldn’t hold back the torrent of questions.
He stared at her quietly. It seemed as if he were trying to decide whether or not to answer. His piercing grey eyes examined her, making Shade flush as she stuttered. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’m not going to hurt you, if that’s what you’re thinking.” If he had been a teenager, he would have rolled his eyes, Shade thought. “I’m Jack, by the way. I have the power to throw lightning, because it’s part of what I am.” He grinned, watching her face drop in disbelief. “She can’t really fly, it’s more like, float gracefully.”
What the…?
“Okay then…” she chuckled nervously, more scared than ever. “How’d she make the room explode in a sonic boom? What do you mean you’re made of lightning? That’s insane.” Shade shook her head, squeezed her eyes closed before blinking nervously. This strange, young man just stared at her, a wry smile upturning the corners of his mouth. He seemed amused by her rant.
“That was Evangeline. Vange is what everyone calls her now, though I used to call her Evie.” He paused, looking lost in thought. “But, that was a long time ago. She’s an elemental fire witch, but not just any old witch. She’s a hybrid offspring of a witch and a faery. She’s a skilled fighter, and she has taken something from my Queen. I was sent to get it back.” Jack started to walk toward the staircase, leaving Shade stunned with her mouth hanging open in silence.
Okay, that was unexpected. She watched him begin down the stairs. Now what? What was the purpose of her being here? Why did she have to witness all that? Hello, voices?
Why, oh why, do I listen to the stupid voices? Why can’t they leave me alone! All they have ever done for me is get me into a lot of trouble.
“Wait! Why I brought here? Stop! Don’t walk away from me…I need answers here!” Shade scrambled after the strange man, nearly tripping down the stairs. “The voices told me to come here and I want to know why. What am I supposed to see or do here? Stop already!” She cried out again.
Jack was already at the front door. He studied the nailed-in boards, and began tearing them down. How did he get in? His muscles rippled as he held one plank and pulled. It crashed to the floor as he went for another one. She grabbed his arm to get his attention, but he spun around, grabbed her wrist instead and squeezed it tight. Shade whimpered, surprised by the pain.
“Don’t touch me, I might inadvertently electrocute you.”
Her eyes widened as she stared at his hand tightening on her wrist. He let her go and sighed, his lips tight with discontent.
“I don’t know why you were brought here. You say you hear voices? Only oracles can hear voices. Strange,” he said, more to himself than to her. “Anyway, I’m made of lightning and blue fire. I guess I have to show you, because if you happen to touch me when I am not properly shielded with this glamour, I can hurt you, and it could be fatal.” Jack stared at her with some concern in his eyes. He stepped back from her and seemed to shake a bit, as though dusting himself off. The air around him liquefied as his glamour melted away and the brightness of his skin illuminated the dark hallway.
Shade gasped. He still looked like Jack, but his skin glowed with a blue aura. Blue fire flickered all over him. Electricity crackled along his entire body, yet he didn’t burn. His eyes blinked at her, smiling at her awe.
No way!
“You see, I’m made of electricity, like lightning, and white-hot blue fire. One touch and I can zap you to heaven.” He closed his eyes as the air, like liquid, poured over him. His glamour reappeared on him, like a drizzle of honey. Jack opened his eyes and studied the shocked expression on her face.
Shade could hardly stand. She was confused, stunned and in sheer disbelief. “How do you do that? What the… no… can’t…how?” She leaned on the wall, her legs felt dangerously limp.
Jack straightened up and narrowed his eyes at her; the air was still shimmering around him. He seemed to pull it in tighter around him, solidifying whatever it was that formed his glamour. The glow was all but gone. His skin lay smooth, tanned and flawless.
Turning, he pulled the rest of the boards off the door and swung it open. It screeched on its hinges, letting the fading light illuminate the doorway. He stepped out onto the steps and turned to look at Shade. “I suggest that you come with me. I don’t know why your voices led you here, but the oracle where I live might be able to help you. You would have to follow me right now though. What do you say? Maybe she has the answers you seek.” He watched her slowly step outside.
Shade breathed in the cool autumn air and felt more grounded. Gazing up at him, she nodded. This seemed like the only solution to her predicament. Might as well.
Jack began walking and stopped before he reached the sidewalk. He waited for Shade with a look of concern. “You can’t tell anyone what you see or where we go. No one. Understand?”
She took in the seriousness of his face. “Of course,” she answered hesitantly.
He nodded, made his way onto the sidewalk and then headed off toward the forest.
Chapter Two
THEY WALKED FOR so long, it seemed like an eternity before they reached the edge of the woods, at the city’s end. Entering the quiet forest made Shade more aware of how alone she suddenly felt. Should she trust this stranger? Where were they going? She peeked over her shoulder as the city faded behind them, engulfed by the shrubs and trees as they progressed deeper into the woods.
She shivered as the breeze caressed her skin. The forest came alive with animal calls, leaves rustled and branches swayed violently above them. The day was vanishing, the sunset swirled in colors of tangerine orange, pink and a smear of blue.
Shade suddenly felt panicked, realizing she didn’t have a flashlight and the night was quickly approaching. “Um, Jack?” Her voice seemed loud in the open air, but he kept going.
“Yes, what’s up?” Jack pushed branches aside and avoided tripping on the thick, gnarled roots crawling across the forest floor.
“It’ll be dark soon. Are we close yet? I don’t have a flashlight, do you? Maybe I should come back during the day tomorrow?” She ducked under a low branch as the forest around them thickened, swallowing them in its embrace.
“We’re quite near. Don’t worry. The dusk is nothing to fear. Just don’t go near any little faeries you might see. They like to enthrall you, suck you into their charms, and they won’t release you. They enjoy torturing mortals.”
Her eyes widened as she dug her heels into the dirt. “What? Did you say ‘faeries’? Are you kidding me? You don’t really believe in them, do you? They aren’t really real….” Shade’s voice trailed off as she examined her surroundings more closely.
What the heck is he talking about?
He chuckled. “I’m not joking; they really do exist. What do you think I am? The fey—faeries—like me come in many sizes. We exist in this world parallel to yours, hidden in plain sight. We’re magical beings, but most are bound to stay within the boundaries of the land of Faerie.” He offered, but found her face still full of confusion. “Don’t worry, I won’t trick you or charm you like the tiny demi-fey do. The farther you go into these woods, the more and more you’ll see.” Jack grunted as he pulled away some overgrown branches that stood in their way.
“It’s a whole new world out here, with things you could ne
ver imagine. This is our territory, away from the iron cities.” He continued to wrestle with an unrelenting vine, turning red and impatient with the vegetation. Was it fighting with him? Shade thought it odd that it appeared almost alive, trying to ensnarl him. “Faeries can’t stand iron, you know; it’s our kryptonite.” He pulled his sword by the hilt tied to his back and began hacking at the thick vegetation that surrounded them.
Shade crept forward, more wary and spooked than before. Faeries aren’t that bad. I guess things could be worse. Could be tigers and lions and bears, oh my! She hurried to keep up with Jack, pulling her sweater tighter around herself. The sun had gone down, and the heat had receded with it. “Jack?”
“Yes?” A slight impatience now tainted his voice.
“It sounds like Vange knows you… intimately. Do you know her well?” Shade fumbled over a root sticking up from the dirt.
Jack pressed his lips together as his pace hesitated for a moment. He furrowed his brow as she waited.
“I did know her. Intimately, I mean. That’s all changed now. We were, well, lovers. Engaged once.” He swung his sword harder, making the branches fly easily out of their way. “I loved her very much. Then the Unseelie Court started raging war against the Seelie Courts of Faeries, especially the one I reside at. She changed then, switched sides, started using dark magic. I’m not sure what made her choose to change, but she up and left one day and never returned. She became one of the evil Queen Aveta’s top lieutenants.
“She’s been stealing magical artifacts from our clan. They’re probably trying to beef up their armory of weapons and magic against us.” Jack stopped, breathing in slowly as the memories washed over him, morphing his face into a still mask.
