Fated Origins: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Helena Hawthorn Series Book 4)

by May Freighter

  “Do the other humans know of this? Has it reached the masses?” Lilia asked, her tone spiking with worry.

  “They think it is a trafficking operation that’s been established under their noses. London police are investigating the missing cases, trying to find a connection to the increase in violence in the city. It won’t be long before they come across a newborn vampire or two.”

  Lilia’s heart thudded in her chest. She felt lightheaded, so she grasped the nearby counter for support. Her son had returned, and he was not playing around.

  “There is one more problem that has come to my attention,” Ben added.

  Lilia’s face paled. More trouble ahead? “What is it?”

  “Orion must have heard the same news that I’ve received today. He’s pulling the hunters out of Europe to go to America. My guess is that he’s planning to build his army there before taking on Arthemis and his children.”

  “And how many humans fight for that god’s cause?”

  “The hunter clans used to be separate and kept the numbers to themselves. Since Orion started merging them into a larger clan with the leaders being on some kind of a committee, there is no telling how many they have recruited by now. My best guess would be in the thousands.”

  Ben’s words brought her no relief. She closed her eyes, thinking of any way that would help diminish the volatile situation that was rapidly building. She needed some time to think and seek counsel from an old demon that she knew would not be far away. News of an awakened fate must have reached Malachi. She had no choice but to summon him.

  “Procure for me some water, a feather, a candle, and some sand to represent each of the earthly elements. I will put a ward around this place first.”

  “I will get Otto on it right away,” Ben assured her.

  Lilia mulled over whether she should mention Maya. That demon had not returned to their side after her vessel was killed in the fire Ealdraed created to cover up the succubi deaths. “Have you heard anything from your demon friend?”

  Ben raised a brow. “It’s strange to think you care about someone other than yourself.”

  “I care for a great many people.”

  He snorted. “No, I haven’t heard from Maya. She must be trying to find another body to possess.”

  “Tell me if she returns. In the fight against my son and his children, humans will be at a disadvantage. I need powerful beings on my side.”

  “My clan can handle a fight or two with vampires.”

  She was sceptical about that. Humans had the numbers, but they lacked the regenerative ability vampires possessed. Once a grave wound was inflicted upon a mortal, they would die without proper care. She had seen many deaths in her previous lifetime. And with Arthemis’ children being by her son’s side, he was an unstoppable force. Like before, she had to find a way to create a rift between him and his offspring. Without their obedience, he would be unable to defend an offensive attack from all sides.

  “I am going to summon a demon to this place. Do not panic when he comes and do not harm him,” Lilia instructed.

  “Why would you bring another demon here? Isn’t Maya enough?”

  “She is young and foolish. Her emotions drive her every action. I cannot put my faith into her hands.”

  He shook his head. “I trained her for years. She is not an idiot who would endanger a mission because of her emotions.”

  Lilia didn’t see a point in elaborating. This man believed that his demon lover was powerful. Maya had, after all, claimed Lazarus’ energy and memories. In truth, a single demon would not be enough. Lives were at stake and people were going to die. She knew that, and she could see it in Ben’s eyes. He, too, was preparing for more deaths. No war was ever won without losses.

  She inclined her head, leaving Ben behind in the kitchen. The weight of the world was on her shoulders. Not many understood that. Not many knew what her son was capable of. How could they know? They had not seen the sea of dead bodies his children left behind. Arthemis did stay true to his word. He had not killed another being after he promised her he wouldn’t. There was still hope in that promise if he continued to keep it. If not, everything may be lost for good.

  15

  WHEN DEMONS COME KNOCKING

  LILIA

  L ilia locked the door to the bathroom behind her and blew out a breath. She had to get Malachi to come to her aid. He was a powerful demon and, as long as he loved her sister, he would do anything to protect Diya.

  Standing in front of the mirror, she looked around for anything that could be used to prick her finger. In the cupboard under the sink were a lot of bottles she didn’t understand the descriptions of. The other places had no sharp objects either. With a sigh, she placed both of her hands on the mirror and bit her lip. A metallic taste filled her mouth as she cast her spell.

  The tips of her fingers began to glow as she drew the outline of the demonic seal with her blood. She finished by writing the name of the demon she wanted to contact in the middle. “Te invoco, Malachi. Audi orationem meam.”

  The air in the room chilled to the point where she could see her breath. Her reflection began to morph into darkness. It changed to a view of a room and a perplexed white-haired man on the other side.

  His sharp eyes scanned her with interest. “My name has not been used in a communication spell for a long time. Who are you, witch?”

  “This is my new vessel, Malachi. I need your help with my son once more in this lifetime to keep Diya safe.”

  His eyes widened with recognition, and he leant in closer. “Where is she? I have not felt her return. Is she harmed?”

  “When our souls were in the Well of Souls, I used my powers to have her arrive after me. I did not wish to involve her a second time in my mess.”

  “And you want me in it?” He chuckled. “I owe you nothing. On the contrary, I should be the one with my hands around your neck. You have separated me from Diya for no reason. You didn’t even kill your son when the ritual was ready.” He ran his hand through his styled short hair and added, “Tell me where she is, and I’ll look after her.”

  She needed him on her side. It would not be easy to get him to help her after everything she had done in the past. In this lifetime, she had no choice. “I will tell you if you help me.”

  Malachi did not seem amused. He glowered at her. The anger building inside of him was causing his pale-blue eyes to become black with bright red irises. “You dare use your sister as a bargaining chip with me? I could wipe you off the face of the earth for that. You mustn’t forget, Lilia, you are mortal now. Your body will not withstand much punishment.”

  Her lips pressed together. She knew he didn’t like her, but he was her last hope at getting some reinforcements. Since Reaver and his daughter had betrayed her trust, and the hunters on her side were human, she was losing hope in her quest. “Please, Malachi. I promise to tell you everything about Diya and where she is the second we deal with my son. I can assure you, she is safe where she is.”

  He trapped the cigarette between his lips and lit it. The glow from the end of the stick reminded her of the glow in his eyes as the darkness in them retreated.

  “If I help you,” he said, blowing out a plume of smoke, “you will leave your sister out of your problems. You won’t contact or involve us in any of your schemes. Do I make myself clear?”

  “I want her to find happiness in this life.” The lip Lilia bit earlier hurt from the swelling. The pain reminded her of her mortality and how weak she had become. “You have my word. I will keep away from her if she wishes it. But you cannot make such important decisions for her.”

  He smirked and rubbed his stubbly jaw. “Yes, she hates it when people tell her what to do.” His eyes glazed over with what most likely was a recollection of his lover.

  “So you will come to my aid?” Lilia asked, breaking him out of his happy state.

  “Hold out your palm to the mirror.”

  Lilia didn’t like to have demon tracking
objects on her as they weakened her. A scowl worked its way onto her face as a demon bracelet sank its roots into her skin to feed on her life force.

  “I am currently in Belgium. It may take me a day or two to get to you,” he said when she pulled her hand away from the mirror.

  “Please hurry. The longer we wait, the stronger Arthemis becomes.”

  Malachi was about to say something and stopped himself. He inclined his head and the mirror in her bathroom returned to normal as he severed the connection to him.

  Lilia was left looking at Helena’s face. She kept forgetting that it wasn’t her life she was gambling with. The second soul within her body wanted to live and be loved just as much as she did. Could she sacrifice Helena’s life for the success of her mission? The fate that lay ahead of Helena was dark and painful. That girl had suffered so much, yet she remained determined to be with Lucious. The love they had for one another was remarkable. Despite what kind of monster he was and the countless lives he had taken, Helena saw past that. Her vessel’s determination to stay by his side had Lilia questioning her own motivation.

  Would a time come when I could love my son without seeing him as a fiend?

  Almost a week went by since Arthemis’ return, and Lilia was becoming antsy. Malachi was due to arrive any day now, and the hunters in the hideout were giving her the evil eye after she had put up wards to protect them. The sole kind soul was Otto. He had tried engaging her in conversation on multiple occasions, and she managed to avoid him. They had nothing to discuss that would benefit her or her mission. Though, she was curious about the researcher, Xiomar. She had taken a peek at his room when he was out with the others, gathering information on the vampire movements. The old scrolls written by his predecessors were intriguing. They believed that Orion was the true god in the Human Realm and that he was on a quest to guide them into the light of a better future.

  In the previous cycle, she hadn’t paid much attention to the gods of this realm. They kept to themselves after their argument over what to do with the world caused the eruption of Thera. The tsunami that followed the volcanic eruption had destroyed entire cities and coastal settlements. Many souls perished because of petulant gods and their magnified egos. What she did know was that Orion was not the original god who came to the Human Realm. He was only a part of one.

  Lilia felt the wards around the building warning her of an intruder. She scrambled to a window, seeing Malachi looking up at her from under a street light that illuminated his broad shoulders and tall frame. He raised a brow at the barrier she had put up and smirked. She knew he could easily break it. It had been a long time since she had strong enough power to create impenetrable barriers. With relief drifting through her, she sped for the door and hurried downstairs.

  Ben looked up from cleaning his pistol at one of the tables. “Where are you going?”

  “Someone I know has arrived. I must converse with him.” She put on a coat that was hanging by the main entrance. As she was about to head out, Ben captured her upper arm in an unrelenting grip.

  “It’s dangerous out there. What if the vampires find you?” he inquired with sternness and worry reflected in his eyes.

  “Malachi will keep me safe. He is a demon like Maya.”

  He tucked his pistol behind his back and waved for her to go on. “I’ll watch your back.”

  “There is no need for that, I assure you.”

  “It’s my job to keep you and Helena safe until we figure out what is going on with the vampires and your son. I’m not taking any chances.”

  She saw that there was no point in arguing with him. When she was creating her protector, she should have chosen Ben instead of Lucious who had abandoned his job to prevent Lilia from coming back.

  “You may come along,” she told him and left the pub.

  Once she was outside, she strode across the empty road and smiled at Malachi. “I am so pleased to see you. Thank you for coming to help me.”

  The demon snorted and popped a cigarette into his mouth. He used a metal lighter to ignite the end of the white stick and inhaled deeply. “I’m not here to help you, Lilia. I’m here to help myself.”

  Her face fell. “What do you mean?”

  “You said you know where Diya is. She is my priority, not you. To be honest, I don’t care what happens to you and your narcissistic son.”

  Ben tensed next to her. She could sense his agitation growing at Malachi’s dismissive behaviour.

  Malachi gave Ben a once-over and cocked a brow. “Is this the protector you mentioned in your past life? He seems feeble and…human.”

  “There was a problem with my original protector,” she admitted, diverting her eyes. “He did not do his duty and—” She cut her speech short. He did not need to know the details of her failure. “He may already be dead by my son’s hands.”

  As the words left her lips, her heart squeezed painfully, and she gasped. Helena was ready to awaken and take control once again. Thinking and talking about Lucious and his sacrifice was making her vessel unhappy. She noted that for the future to avoid having the same issue.

  “Let’s walk and talk,” Malachi said. He glanced at Ben with a cold stare. “Alone.”

  “She is not going anywhere without me,” Ben retorted.

  Lilia lifted her hand, stopping Ben from engaging the demon further. “I will go with him. He is a friend.” She emphasised the last word and measured Malachi’s reaction.

  The demon gave Ben a gorgeous smile as the wind played with his white hair. “The lady gave her order, doggy. You can retreat to your doghouse.”

  Ben ground his teeth together loudly enough for her to hear. “Don’t go too far. If he does something to you, I will pump him full of bullets with pleasure.”

  Malachi winked at him. “Woof.”

  Lilia shook her head. The two men were behaving like children. She could understand Ben’s childishness since he was merely a young mortal, but Malachi was thousands of years old. This taunting of the human hunter was pointless.

  Ben left the two of them alone and moved to stand in front of the pub while she and Malachi started to walk up the street. She noticed that not many humans were around. Most of them were at home, preparing themselves and their children for the following day.

  “What is it you wished to discuss in private?” she asked when they turned the corner.

  Malachi stopped and stared at her for a long minute. It made her nervous, but she acted as if it didn’t affect her. “Is Diya truly safe? How come I have not felt her returning to this realm?”

  “She hasn’t been born yet,” Lilia clarified. “That is why.”

  “Then how do you know it’s her?” He crossed his arms, stretching the material of his dark green parka. “You wouldn’t be lying to me now, would you?”

  “What reason would I have for lying? You are the demon here. Your kind is known for deceit and falsehoods.”

  “Fates are full of shit, too,” he said in dismissal. “You’ve lied to many people in your lifetime to keep humans from stoning you to death or to get what you wanted.”

  Lilia huffed. “What gave you that idea?”

  “Diya told me about your journeys and your desperation to fit in.”

  She looked around, noticing the stray humans taking an interest in their discussion. Grasping his wrist, she pulled him around the nearby corner. Then, once she was satisfied that no one was listening, she poked her index finger at his chest. “You cannot know or understand what I have been through. Allow me to remind you that you, too, have wounded my sister with your lies.”

  “I lied about what I was to not scare her away. I loved her!”

  “And kept your demonic origins a secret until she gave birth to that thing.”

  Malachi slapped her hand away and loomed over her, pushing her up against the wall until their faces were so close together, she could feel his heated breath on her cheeks. His eyes turned black with his anger, and he punched the wall next to her head, shattering
the brick to pieces. Luckily, he did not make a hole big enough for his hand to come out on the other side.

  “Yakshi is not a thing. She is our daughter, Lilia.”

  Undeterred by his threatening act, she replied, “She, like my son, is a monster. They must be taken care of for the sake of this realm’s stability.”

  He moved back and let out a soft chuckle. “You are obsessed with balance and ‘doing the right thing’. I thought it was a phase, but I guess I was wrong. You were so blinded by your desire to save some humans in your past life that you did not care enough to get to know your son.”

  “Their souls are precious!”

  “Spare me the drama,” he grumbled, running his hand through his hair. He dropped his cigarette and killed the tiny sparks with his heavy boot. “I’ve seen humans doing terrible things for science and religion. I have witnessed them killing their loved ones to get ahead in life or to gain more riches. They are nothing more than food. They deserve the end that is coming.”

  She placed her hands on her hips. “If they are gone, your food source will also vanish.”

  He laughed. It was a deep sound that shook her insides. “Life without Diya has been…meaningless. No woman compared to her in beauty or strength of character. A few came close, but their souls could not withstand the darkness in me. They became obsessed and possessive to a fault. Living a life like this is pointless in my opinion. Or do you disagree?”

  “You have had women other than my sister?” Lilia wrinkled her nose.

  “It is hard to be celibate when you feed off of people’s pleasure, and Diya gave me permission to move on if she didn’t come back after one hundred years.”

  She scoffed. “I do not believe you were able to last a century without fornicating left and right.”