Into The Unknown
The Vampire Touch 2
Sarah J. Stone & Ryan Boucher
Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright © 2017 by Sarah J. Stone
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.
This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is entirely coincidental. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Website: www.sarahjstone.com
Contents
Title Page
Copyright and Disclaimer
Into the Unknown
A New Dawn Preview
Witch Academy Box Set (1 - 5)
Dragons of Umora Box Set (1 - 5)
Special Invitation
More From The Author
Chapter One: Mason
The light never seems to amaze me as much as it does here in the Forsaken realm, where the sun never sets, yet it never burns. I wonder how it all works. How it all fits in.
Zeus stands before me, an elated glow in his eye. He knows the war is not over, but he also knows that he has not lost. Not today. Those who have, have to deal with their loss in their own ways.
“You have done me a great service, Mason,” he finally speaks.
“I know,” I reply.
“Why did you do it?”
This is where things become trickier. Do I tell him of Ankh? A weakness of my own, perhaps.
“I guess it doesn’t really matter,” Zeus says. “I shouldn’t be inquiring about these things. I should just accept the kindness and thank you for the service you have done for us.”
“It’s not quite as simple as you might think it to be, Lord Zeus,” I reply. “Simple kindness is not in my nature, just as I know it’s not in the Forsaken culture’s either. You are the creators, yet you are cruel. Humanity and the vampires alike are your creations, yet we were not set to lead by example. Free will has made us bitter. I have my agendas for saving you and protecting the girl, and you have your agenda for bringing me here and breaking bread. It’s simple: we are the same. You see value in me, and I see value in you, and because of this, we keep each other around and on good terms.”
I speak freely because I know that we are not here to bicker. He will understand what I am saying, and in turn, I will do the same.
“Then what is it you want from me, Mason?”
“Nothing from you. Nothing from any of you. I just like the understanding that we are paradoxical creatures living in a perplexing reality.”
“What do you mean?” A puzzled expression washes over Zeus’ face.
“Your existence was determined by the humans. Created by them. You, in turn, created them. Without them, you would not exist. Without you, they would not exist. A paradox.”
Confusion doesn’t seem to be leaving him.
“Why did you bring me here?” I finally ask.
“Because ten years is a long time, Mason. Who knows what could happen and change in that period?”
I cock a brow. “What are you saying?”
“I wanted to protect our best interests as long as we could. I don’t believe you would break, but I also know that if something is offered or taken from you, you are the kind to throw yourself into the lion’s den to save them. Madison, thanks to you, is safe. We are safe with you here. The rest of the world carries on as normal. So really what I’m saying is, this is a thank you. It’s also just us making sure you’re not going to let us down.”
With that, a wicked smile grows on his face as he waves a hand, and before him, a portal opens. From within, I see the British agent looking in. He’s older, hair lightly greying. No awe in his eye looking into the Forsaken realm.
“What’s going on here?”
“Goodbye, Mason.”
Just like that, Zeus is gone, and I step through the portal.
Chapter Two: Jack
“Mason.” I’m not sure how to handle the Ancient. Without him having been around for so long, things are odd. The world has moved on.
“Agent,” he replies. “I believe there is something we must discuss.”
“A good amount, yes. You’ve missed a lot.”
“I can tell. You’re not looking yourself,” I chuckle.
“I could say the same for you. The man with all the answers, now not having one.” The smile that appeared on his face was now gone.
“And what exactly does that mean?”
“You know that time is fickle in the Forsaken realm? I’m sure it’s not your first go around with their kind. Well, it’s been ten years, Mason. Ten years without a known Ancient walking the world.”
“What?” Shock fills his face. “I couldn’t have been gone for more than ten minutes.”
“Time is fickle,” I repeat.
“Then what am I here for now? Is this some clichéd movie plot where you have to lead me back to how the world has come to work?” He’s confused. Snide comments are expected, I suppose.
“No. I’m here to ask, where is the girl? We know you hid her, we just don’t know where. It’s time she comes back.”
“It is. She was not supposed to be gone for this long.”
“There was no way you could have stopped it?”
“You’re lucky I gave her a strong amount of venom, Agent. Had she awoken, she would have died in the tunnels where she is being kept.”
“The man with all the answers,” I reply.
“You said it yourself: the tides have turned.” His eyes scan across the room. “You’ve done well for yourself. If I’m not mistaken, I do believe the title ‘Agent’ may no longer be relevant?”
“You wouldn’t be mistaken with that assumption, Mason. I head the American agency now. You can call me ‘Director’ now, if you so wish.”
He chuckles. “Director? Your father would be so proud.” He extends a hand, and I take it. “Congratulations.”
This, I wasn’t expecting. A man flung out of time, not upset, not confused; instead, he still keeps his graces about him. I can’t say I’m surprised, but I still am. Interesting how everything ends up working out.
“Thank you.” He nods. “But now, it’s time to discuss the girl. Is she still safe?”
“I hope so. There’s no chance that someone could have found her, unless by pure luck. I had someone taking care of her until my return. She should be fine.”
I take this time to step behind my desk and pull an envelope from a drawer. I place it on the table. It’s labelled and sealed with Mason’s name on it.
“I don’t know where the letter came from. It just appeared one day. It’s for you, of course. I haven’t read it. I’ve only kept it safe for the last ten years.” He nods and steps forward, taking the letter before putting it in his pocket. Over the years, curiosity over the letter has been great. I’ve considered on multiple occasions to open it and read it, resealing it with my own seal. This, however, is not who I am or who I’ve become.
“Good thing I stopped here first, then. I will tell you where the girl is, and you can go save her,” He steps to the window and draws a curtain. The sun pours in. He remains behind the curtain. The dark afternoon colors give a golden hue to the room.
“When the sun is down, I must speak with her before you arrive. I’m sure you understand.”
I nod.
He closes the c
urtain, avoiding any direct rays of sun that may have come in.
“I doubt my phone would work now.” He pulls it out to check. The sound of messages floods the room for a good few minutes. It’s still alive. Not that this would be the issue, but rather, with the restrictions on cards these days you wouldn’t think it would last all this time. He goes through a few before he looks back at me. “Anyway, can you order me a vehicle?”
“There’s an agency car downstairs. You can take it.” I press a button on the intercom system. “Beth, can you bring the keys to the Interceptor. We’ve got a guest, and he’s going to need some time settling down again.”
“Yes, sir,” she replies. There’s silence for a while, waiting for Beth. When she comes in, she walks to the desk and places the keys on it.
“Thanks, miss,” Mason says bowing his head.
She curtseys, confusion plastered on her face, as she knows that anyone who comes into my office would have to first go through her.
“Tinted windows?” Mason asks.
“Yes. The world has moved on, Mason. Remember that as you go through the streets. You might be surprised.”
“I’ve only got one goal today, Director. I won’t be thinking about much else, I’m sure. Now, give me until tomorrow morning until you come to this address.” Mason takes the same letter I gave him moments before from his pocket, opens it, and hands it to me.
“You clever bastard,” I can’t help but say.
“I knew you would never look,” he says, walking to the door. “Now, promise you’ll only come in the morning.”
“Yes, I promise.”
“Goodbye, Beth. I will see you both again soon,” he finishes, leaving.
Now it’s merely a waiting game.
Chapter Three: Madison
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
God saw the light was good and separated the light from the darkness.
God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night”.
The heavens and the earth were completed in their vast array.
By the seventh day, God had finished the work he had been doing; so, on the seventh day, he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because, on it, he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
On the eighth day, the devil awoke.
I know something is wrong with the woman who’s speaking with me. I can’t tell what, nor do I understand what she’s truly saying, reading bible quotes to me that are close, yet so very different than the verses themselves. The last one in particular, was wrong.
My dear, I have watched you grow up from a child into a woman. You are a light in the world that I cannot explain. The light of the Gods that dance through heaven and earth. You are not alone, for you have me.
You have me, but…
He is coming.
I don’t understand what she’s saying. This woman, my mother, giving me advice on something I am unaware of. All her features are the same – her soft, warm smile, her beautiful, brown her, and her hazel eyes. Her voice, though, is wrong. Her voice is American. Ten years have come to pass in this world, wherever it may be. I have aged in my own terms. She has not.
I can’t explain it.
“Who’s coming?” I ask.
The nightmare, she replies, now you’ve got to wake up my girl.
The voice changes again. This time, a man’s voice. A familiar voice. One that I grew accustomed to in my youth.
“You’ve got to wake up now,” his charming, deep voice whispers. The woman begins to change. She changes from the lady into the handsome features of the vampire who was forgotten long ago.
“Wake up!” With the last words that leave his mouth, I am snapped back into a well-furnished room. Beside me sits the vampire, his long, lazy legs draped over one another in a wooden chair. Beside him, a bottle of wine and two glasses, both filled.
“I’m too young for that,” I reply. My voice has changed.
“Not any longer, Madison,” he replies.
“What do you mean?” I’m confused. I’m not sure where I am. I don’t know what’s going on, and instead of giving me a direct answer, Mason is only giving me run-around riddles.
“Time has moved on, it seems, for the both of us. It’s morning. The sun will be out soon. I won’t be here long,” he says, sipping his drink.
“What?”
“You have been asleep for ten years, Madison. You have been lying in this bed for ten years. I am sorry for this loss, but the Forsaken tricked me into a time lapse. You are not alone in this confusion.” He smiles at me. I can’t bring myself to smile back, pulling the blanket off myself to inspect. It’s true, my body has changed from that of a young child to that of a young adult.
“You’re not completely lost, Madison. I have placed you in the care of someone who has been keeping you up to date. Keeping you safe and sane. You may have seen them as dreams.” It strikes me. My life was not my own; my life was a series of dreams. That’s why everything was so peculiar. Ten years of dreams. “I promised you I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, and my promise was completed against not only my will but yours. Take the time you need, my dear. It’s a lot to take in. You will be in good hands when the Director comes to find you. You can trust him. He is a good man.”
“I don’t want you to go. I’m not ready for that yet,” I shout, and I don’t really know why. He’s not been here for me. He’s done nothing for me, and yet I feel drawn to him in a strange way. He saved me, after all. My memories, or rather, the dreams come flooding in and out as they do.
“Where do the dreams come from? The people I speak to?” He looks at me.
“There must have been someone here if they were important. If not, it’s the same as any other dream.”
“Just before I woke up, I saw my mother. She quoted a bible passage,” This seems to catch the vampire’s intrigue. “And at the end of it, she said, ‘on the eighth day, the devil woke up,’ or something like that. What could it mean?”
“I don’t know,” he replies honestly. “But what I can tell you is that it’s probably nothing big to worry about, and you shouldn’t concern yourself with it. Now, the agent is on his way. You will find food and drinks downstairs. Your senses may be quite heightened to the sensations of taste for quite some time. You’ve only been getting a nutrient supplement. I will be in touch soon, Madison Mahoney.”
He stands up and begins walking out. A strange man. My protector. What more do I need than to say that. Keeping me safe all these years, no matter where he was.
I try to get up and out of bed to no avail. My legs don’t work the same way they did in my dream state where I had incredible control. Nothing seems like those sweet memories. A series of dreams encompasses most of my youth. Things never seemed to get any better from the day I was taken from my home.
I have to think hard. The dreams are fading and coming back as they choose, as dreams often do.
And then, an old lady walks in.
“Madison…” Her voice was the voice of my mother toward the end of the last dream instalment. “From what I understand you will be leaving soon. It will be sad to see you go. I’ve grown rather fond of you in our years together. Come, my dear.” The old lady takes my hand and begins walking. From the doorway, it seems we enter a cave system. Nothing you’d ever expect. In the distance, I can hear tortured screams. I can hear the cries and pleas for help.
“What is this place?” I ask.
“Mason’s prison,” she replies, leading me down a few dark tunnels. “It’s the safest place you’ll find yourself. He hasn’t been around for some time.” She strokes her brow. “I do believe some sentences are probably up.”
I ignore the old lady for now. This is too much to deal with. Being kept safe in a vampire’s prison – I can’t imagine any of it bein
g good. The cruelty that must have taken place there.
We walk the rest of the journey in silence, apart from the old lady’s grunts. It seems that she’s still fit. She can’t be young, though. No, definitely not young.
“You taught me in my sleep,” I say, finally. “You taught me about the witches.”
“Yes, I did.”
“Why?”
“What do you remember before your great sleep?”
“I don’t know what I remember. I remember the house. Daffyd’s house. The vampires. My blood being some kind of ancient power or something like that.”
“And that is all true. I taught you about your kind. I taught you about your heritage. I taught you about magic,” the old lady replies. We finally make it to the end of a long tunnel, where at the top of a staircase there is a door. A door that leads into her home. We enter her home and take a seat at the kitchen. Mason wasn’t wrong. The dark blue sky gave away the rising sun.
“You say you taught me magic?”
“Yes. It will come back to you in time. Ten years of dreaming is bound to get lost before you process it all. If you ever need me,” I hear cars stopping in the distance, and so does she, “come back here. I won’t be around much longer, I’m sure, but until then, I will save you, my little girl.”
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Chapter Four: Victor
“Where were you?”
“Traveling,” I reply to my long-time friend.
“You’ve been gone a long time, Victor.”
I look up at him through my eyebrows and scoff, “A long time? Time has no meaning to us, and you know it, Robert.”
“The world has changed since we last saw one another.”
“I can tell.” I take a seat. Robert is my servant. Or was my servant. Time has moved on. I can’t really tell what we are now. To welcome me back to the world, as he has in the past, he sets up whatever room I am in as if it was still the time period I left in. This time? I left in the year of their lord, eighteen hundred and four.
The Vampire Touch 2: Into the Uknown Page 1
