Millie chuckled again. “Celine does it. There is nothing to be afraid of.”
“I guess,” Damien conceded.
“Good,” Millie answered, removing a pendant from her pocket.
“Oh, wait, here? Now?” Damien questioned.
“Why not?”
“Feels weird with an audience,” Damien answered, shrugging.
“We could leave,” Michael suggested.
“I’d prefer to stay,” Gray countered. “In case there is anything we can use to find Celine. Some idea stuck in his subconscious.”
“Good point,” Damien answered. “Okay, okay, let’s just do this.”
Millie approached him on the couch. “Sit back and relax,” she instructed.
“Wait!” Damien shouted.
“What is it now?” Gray inquired.
“You don’t suppose there’s another person lurking around in my head like Celine was in Josie’s, do you?”
“Heaven help us if there is,” Gray murmured to Alexander. Alexander snickered.
“No, I don’t imagine there is. Now, sit back and relax, Damien,” Millie answered.
Damien leaned back into the couch cushions, fidgeting a bit. He swallowed hard, adjusting himself. He sighed. “Okay, I’m ready.” Michael perched on the edge of his armchair, across from Damien. Alexander and Gray remained standing, watching from across the room.
Millie dangled the shiny pendant. “Since this is your first time under hypnosis, I’ll explain the process, then begin. I want you to concentrate on the pendant and my voice. Listen to my instructions and try to relax. All right?”
Damien nodded. “Okay,” he agreed, swallowing again.
“There’s no reason to be nervous, Damien. Just relax,” Millie urged, spinning the pendant in front of him. “Concentrate on the pendant, note how it catches the light. Listen to my voice and focus on the pendant. You can feel your body relaxing. Your limbs are getting heavy, your tension is easing. You feel sleepy, your eyes are getting heavy. Close your eyes when you feel relaxed, Damien,” Millie instructed.
Damien’s eyes blinked a few times before closing. “You are feeling more and more relaxed,” Millie said, pocketing the pendant. “I’m going to count backward from ten to one and when I reach one, you will be completely relaxed.” Millie began her slow, methodic countdown. When she reached one, she asked, “Are you relaxed, Damien?”
“Yes,” Damien murmured.
“You’ve been experiencing a recurring dream of late,” Millie began. “Are you aware of the dream to which I refer?”
“Yes.”
“Describe the dream. What do you see?”
“Trees. But not normal trees.” Damien’s brow pinched in concentration. “They are gray, there is no color. It’s so quiet here. No birds, no insects, no sounds.”
“Trees? So, you are outside. Have you seen this place before?”
“No. Never. It’s so cold here. So…” Damien’s voice trailed off.
“Continue, Damien. What else?”
Damien’s brow furrowed again. “What is it, Damien? What do you see? Is it Celine?”
His breathing increased. His body shook.
“What’s wrong with him?” Michael asked, leaping from his chair.
“I’m not sure. Damien,” Millie said, “Damien, you are safe. There is nothing to fear. Relax.”
Damien continued to gasp for air, shivering. “Damien, relax,” Millie urged.
“What’s happening, Millie?” Gray inquired.
“I’m not sure.” Millie approached Damien, feeling his pulse. “His pulse is elevated along with his breathing. He’s shivering as though he’s cold.”
“He complained about the cold before,” Gray recalled.
“Damien,” Millie called again, “Damien, can you hear us?” There was no response.
“Pull him out of it,” Gray insisted.
“Damien, I’m going to count backward from ten. When I reach one, you will awaken.” Millie began her count, speeding through this time. She reached one but Damien did not respond. She paused a moment, staring at him before turning to everyone else. “He’s non-responsive.”
“What does that mean?” Michael queried.
“Can you get him out of this or not?” Gray questioned, approaching Damien.
“I’m not sure. I cannot get through to him. We’ve lost the connection to him.”
“Is there anything we should do?” Alexander asked.
“We must keep him warm. Perhaps this is some kind of shock.” Millie pulled a blanket over him, tucking it in around him.
“Help him!” Michael demanded.
“I don’t think I can,” Millie conceded. “He must find his own way back.”
Chapter 6
Damien searched the surrounding landscape. Silence surrounded him as he scoured it. Everything was gray. Trees, ground, sky, all shades of gray. Where was Celine? “Celine?” he called. “Celine, are you there?”
He shivered. It was so cold here. The bitterness penetrated him. A screech pierced the environment. It deafened him. He clapped his hands over his ears. The sound was sickening and terrifying. He dropped to his knees, still clutching his ears as the gut-wrenching sound continued. He grew colder, his teeth chattering as he knelt on the ground. He squeezed his eyes shut.
A warm arm wrapped around him, pulling him close. He opened his eyes, uncovering his ears. “Celine!” he exclaimed, relieved to see her.
“Damien,” she said, her voice reverberating. “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you,” Damien answered. “Why did you leave last time?”
“Damien… mustn’t… here alone… cannot stay… too dangerous.”
Damien furrowed his brow. “I can’t understand,” he began.
“Focus, Damien,” Celine instructed, grabbing his chin and staring into his eyes. “You must focus.” Damien nodded. “You must tell the others, Damien. Shadow World. Tell them, Shadow World, Damien.”
Damien tried to form the words, but his lips barely moved in the cold. “Shadow World, focus, Damien, you must focus. Shadow World. Remember, Damien, Shadow World.”
Damien blinked a few times, the world narrowing around him. He fought to stay but was unable. Celine’s voice faded to a whisper. “Shadow World, Shadow World, Shadow World,” she repeated as it faded away. Damien’s vision darkened, the world blacking out around him.
Michael paced as Damien’s breathing continued to be labored. Damien shivered uncontrollably. “I can’t believe this, I just can’t believe it,” he fumed. “I am here with two warlocks and a medical doctor, and none of you can do anything to help him. This is unbelievable.”
“Calm down,” Gray advised. “You aren’t helping.”
“Neither are you!” Michael shouted.
“Quiet, both of you! He’s trying to speak!” Millie shouted.
Damien’s lips moved, but no words came out. He continued moving his lips, the same motion over and over, yet no sound emerged. Michael rushed to his side. “Damien? Can you hear us? Say something, buddy.”
“Sh… Sh… Sh…” Damien whispered.
“Sh? What’s he trying to say?” Michael voiced. “Come on, Damien, you can do it. What are you trying to say?”
“Sha… Sha…” Damien struggled. He groaned, pinching his forehead, his eyes squeezed shut. “Shadow… Shadow World!” he managed, his voice at a fever pitch. After conveying the message, he slumped, motionless.
“Did he just say…” Alexander asked, turning to Gray, aghast.
“Sounded like it,” Gray answered.
“But that’s…” Alexander began.
“Impossible,” Gray finished for him.
“Damien? Damien?” Michael called. Millie felt his pulse. “Well?” Michael demanded.
“He’s alive, unconscious. He’s passed out from hyperventilating. He’s still quite cold.”
Michael pulled his hoodie from the back of the armchair, laying it across Damien’s chest.
“Come on, buddy, warm up! And wake up!”
“His breathing is regulating, and his pulse is slowing,” Millie reported. She retrieved a vial from her medical bag. She waved it under his nose. His face contorted as he smelled the putrid scent. He startled awake, blinking his eyes a few times.
“Wha-What happened?” he questioned, his voice hoarse. His eyes were heavy, as though he was exhausted.
“You passed out, buddy. How do you feel? Are you warm enough?”
“Passed out? What?”
“You slipped away from us,” Millie informed him, again checking his pulse. “You displayed some concerning physical symptoms. Your breathing was elevated and erratic, your pulse was racing, and you were shivering. You passed out after a while.” Damien shook his head, trying to understand.
“Do you remember anything from the session?” Gray asked.
“Gray, please!” Millie implored.
“Uh,” Damien pondered, “I was in that place again. I was alone. I was so cold, and a loud screeching pierced my ears. Then Celine came. She was so warm. She told me to come back and tell you something. What was it?”
“Shadow something?” Michael recalled. “You said something about a shadow.”
“Shadow…” Damien began. “Shadow… Shadow… Shadow World, she said tell them Shadow World!”
Alexander and Gray exchanged a glance, shock on their faces. “Are you sure?” Gray asked, his eyes wide.
Damien reflected for a moment. “Yes, she said, ‘Tell them Shadow World.’” Damien nodded. “I’m sure.”
Gray and Alexander shared another glance. Michael noted the exchange. “Does that mean something to you?” he inquired.
“I’m not sure. Is it even possible?” Gray asked Alexander.
“Normally, I’d say no, but this is Celine we’re dealing with. Impossible is not in her vocabulary. If anyone has found a way, it would be Celine.”
“Would someone mind telling me what the hell is happening? What are you two talking about?” Michael demanded.
Alexander strode to a bookcase across the room. He selected a book, paging through it. He found the entry and handed it to Michael. Michael glanced at the page, reading aloud. “Shadow World… A non-earthly realm existing in the void. Shadow World is a harsh, unforgiving environment: colorless, silent and cold. The realm is rarely visited except by adjudicators, who enjoy its neutrality. What does this even mean?” He glanced to Alexander and Gray.
“Many spaces exist beyond the earth. Shadow World is one of them,” Alexander explained.
“I still don’t…” Michael began.
“He’s saying Damien was in Shadow World. That Celine was there with him. His description fits, but it’s impossible,” Gray contended.
“Why?” Michael asked.
“For many reasons,” Alexander expounded. “First, as the book mentions, Shadow World is harsh. A human could not survive there for long. Second, one does not simply slip into Shadow World. It is difficult, perhaps impossible for a human.”
“It’s difficult even for us. I doubt either of us could enter that place if we tried,” Gray added.
“Yes, but could Celine?” Alexander posed.
Gray considered it. “Perhaps. But even if she’s found a way, how is he getting there?” Gray asked, pointing to Damien.
“So, Celine is trapped in Shadow World?” Damien croaked, his voice still hoarse. Millie poured him a glass of water to sip.
“No, I doubt it. I’m not sure even she could survive there for weeks. She must be coming and going. But from where and how?” He pondered a moment. “You say she’s not there at first when you arrive?”
“This time she wasn’t,” Damien answered. “The other times she’s there, but I can’t see her at first. And her voice is all distorted. But I can feel her, she can touch me.”
“This time she wasn’t there when you arrived, though?” Gray repeated.
“No, she came and asked what I was doing there. She said I couldn’t stay but to tell you Shadow World and then everything went black.”
“Amazing,” Alexander remarked. “She has found a way to slip in and out of Shadow World AND to call a human there, too.”
“More importantly,” Gray added. “She’s found a way to communicate.”
“I am… astounded,” Alexander admitted. “This is quite a revelation.”
“I agree. It’s… almost beyond belief,” Gray answered. “I am also, however, concerned.”
“Concerned?” Michael inquired.
“Yes,” Gray replied. “We have a way to communicate with Celine, but it’s dangerous. These physical symptoms will continue to wear on Damien each time he enters Shadow World.”
“Perhaps that’s why she only makes contact for minutes at a time,” Alexander suggested.
“Yes, it seems she’s being cautious. She’s well aware of the toll this would take on him,’ Gray responded. “Still, we must be cautious on our end, too. We must keep an eye on him, monitor him day and night. He should never be left alone.”
“I agree,” Alexander replied.
“He’s slipping into this every time he tries to sleep. It’s exhausting him,” Gray added.
“Sedatives may help with that,” Millie chimed in.
“Yes. A sedative will likely stop him from being able to slip into Shadow World. But we must be careful not to block Celine’s ability to communicate,” Gray answered.
“It will be a delicate balance to strike,” Alexander admitted.
“Wait, you guys are proposing he continue to go there?” Michael asked, incredulous.
Gray turned to Damien. “Do you think you can communicate to Celine to contact you during the day? So, you can rest with a sedative at night?”
Damien considered it for a moment. He nodded his head. “I can try. I am learning to navigate this place. If I stay focused on Celine, it’s much easier.”
“No, no, no, wait!” Michael insisted. “This is dangerous. Are you serious?”
“Yes, I’m serious. Why do you two never believe I’m serious?” Gray queried.
“I can do it,” Damien affirmed. “I’m okay. I can do it. I want to do it.”
“All right,” Gray said. “Then we move forward with this plan. The next time she contacts you, tell her the plan. And ask where she is. Once we have that information, we’ll determine what to do next.”
Michael sunk onto the couch next to Damien. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay,” Damien answered. “Exhausted, but okay.”
“You should remain here tonight. You’ve taken quite a physical toll,” Alexander suggested. “You shouldn’t waste energy returning to the main house. I’ll have a room prepared.”
“And I’d recommend a sedative,” Millie added.
Damien pushed himself straighter. “No. We haven’t told Celine the plan yet! She may try to contact me!”
“We can’t risk it,” Gray countered. “You’ll take the sedative. We can’t afford for you to slip off to Shadow World and become too ill to return.”
“But…” Damien began.
“No buts. Besides, Celine knows not to draw you back too soon. And if she tries and can’t reach you, she’ll try again.”
“One more night. I can withstand it,” Damien argued.
“Damien,” Gray lectured, “I want her back as much as you do. We have to do it smart and safe. We’re making progress. We have a lead. We’re one thousand times better off than we were hours ago. Take the win.”
“He’s right,” Michael agreed. “You’ve got to rest up for the next time Celine contacts you. You have to stay focused so you can tell her the plan.”
Damien sighed, frustrated but resigned. “Okay.”
“Wonderful. We’ll administer the sedative following dinner. You’ll have a good, long sleep. You’ll be more than ready the next time Celine contacts you,” Millie commented.
“One more thing,” Gray added. “Let’s keep this development to ourselves. It do
esn’t leave this room, understood? Shifting alliances or not.” Everyone agreed.
Damien spent the hours until dinner teaching Michael how to play chess. The activity kept him quiet and resting while allowing his mind to relax. Alexander and Gray searched for information among Alexander’s reference collection about Shadow World. They hoped to learn as much as possible, including a way to enter the realm themselves. If they could enter the world and speak with Celine, it would ease the burden on Damien.
When dinner rolled around, they had learned nothing to allow them to enter the realm. For the time being, the responsibility to communicate with Celine laid solely with Damien. After dinner, Millie administered the sedative, despite Damien’s protestation. He had temporary misgivings about the sedative. Eventually they convinced him it was for the best. He assented, agreeing only after the promise of one final game of chess as the sedative kicked in.
As they finished the game, Damien yawned. “Tired?” Michael asked.
“Very,” Damien admitted.
“Get some sleep, buddy. See you in the morning!”
Alexander walked Damien to his room. “What you’re doing is very brave, Damien,” Alexander told him as they walked.
“Thanks. But I’d do anything for Celine.”
“I realize that. But Shadow World must be frightening, especially now that you know the dangers.”
“I’ll be okay. Celine will protect me.”
Alexander smiled at him, nodding his head. “She will.”
Damien shook his head as they entered the bedroom. “I’m concerned about her more than myself. She’ll protect me, at the cost of herself.”
“She can take care of herself very well, Damien. She’s smart. She won’t risk either of your lives.”
“But if something happens, she’ll sacrifice herself. If Shadow World is dangerous for her, too, I worry she’ll…” Damien’s voice trailed off.
“We’ll find her, Damien, before that happens,” Alexander assured him.
“Let’s hope,” Damien answered, yawning. “I am so tired.”
“Have a good rest, Damien,” Alexander said. “See you tomorrow.”
Gone: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 3) Page 7
