by R. L. Wilson
Eternal Shadow
The Urban Fae Series
R.L. Wilson
Copyright © 2020 by R.L. Wilson
All rights reserved. No parts of this book reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction names characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictious manner. Any resemblance to actual person living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.
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Cover Designer: Gombar Sonja
Editing: Theresa Schultz
Proof Reader: Cassie Hess-Dean
Formatting: R.L. Wilson
R.L.Wilson Eternal Shadow, The Urban Fae Series, Book Three.
March 2020 ASIN:
R. L.Wilson/Exquisite Novelty Publishing LLC
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.rlwilsonauthor.com
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Contents
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Sneak Peak of Eternal Darkness
Also by R.L. Wilson
Acknowledgments
Thank you for purchasing Eternal Shadow
Thank you to all my supporters, friends, Arc group, and beta readers for encouraging me, even on the days when I wanted to throw the towel in.
Special thanks to Kelly your mentorship is invaluable. You kept me motivated, gave me advice, and never asked for anything in return. The world needs more people like you.
Special thanks to my husband and kids who stayed up late listening to my ideas and being alpha readers. I hope to make you guys proud of me.
Last but not Least I have to thank God for giving me the strength and the courage to keep striving. R.L.Wilson
Blurb
In the shadows of New Orleans there are no good guys
I never imagined my search for momma would reveal such dangerous secrets.
Setting out with a voo-doo priest and my bestie I hunt for the devil. But my mission is derailed when I stumble upon a house of missing shadows.
I'm sure the devil stole them. Possession of Shadows taken from others will give him more power. Making him nearly impossible to kill,
Things get more complicated as more missing Shadows go on the rise. Not only do I have to find momma I have to find her shadow too.
Failure to find momma could mean death to her and infinite power to the devil.
Because, while this town is riddled with secrets, momma might have the biggest secret of them all.
Can I find the missing shadows and use them to set momma free?
Prologue
Normally, I’m not afraid of the dark. But in the South the night skies become pitch black. The street lights are few and far between. Just like the houses.
Not that I can’t defend myself—I can. However, I’m walking alone down a dirt road in an unfamiliar territory. I don’t look dangerous; I’m a small-framed girl. Wearing comfortable flip-flops and stretchy shorts. No visible weapons. No obvious aura of magic. You wouldn’t know I’m supernatural.
The clack of my steps hit the pavement as I trot down the street. Night has fallen upon me as I make my way to Momma’s from the gas station. I had the sudden craving for ice cream, but they didn’t have butter pecan. Mainly, I need to clear my head. A short walk always does me good.
My arms and legs ache, covered with scratches and small bruises. It won’t stop me from searching for Momma.
The stuffiness never stops here. It’s humid still, but not unbearable. The brush of the grass and sting of mosquitos licking at my shins make me hurry. The scent of the summer’s fresh-cut grass and blooming flowers reminds me of Southern living. We never get the aroma of flowers in Night Heights.
I picture Momma’s face, remembering her smile. She must be terrified. I will bring her home.
The sound of footsteps behind me puts me on alert. I’m too nervous to turn around and look. Is it an animal, or two people? I pick up the pace, staring straight ahead. I’m ready to whip out my magic.
Kato told me I needed to be careful. He’d be pissed if he knew I was out by myself.
Harsh whispers drift through the air. It’s not an animal behind me. The tenor voices of men are a dagger to my soul, making my mouth go dry as I try to stay calm. If it’s two men, I can take them if they’re not supernatural.
My breathing increases, then I see a flash of bright lights up ahead. It’s a car barreling down the road. Should I flag them down?
The car gets closer and I view a man with electric blue hair. His face is pasty and he glares at me. I inch closer to the car. He continues going, after showing his fangs. Another blood-sucking vampire.
I’ve got to get home. Only two blocks to go. I don’t have time for this shit. I’ve got bigger things on my mind. If they’re trying to sneak up on me, they’re doing a terrible job. One of them must be heavier; his breathing is loud and rough.
Morgan must be worried, but I’ll be home in a minute. Once I get these wannabe stalkers off my ass.
I take a swift right at the corner to make sure they are indeed following me. For a few seconds, there are no footsteps. I wipe the sweat from my brow. They’re gone. I thought they were trouble.
As soon as my heart rate decreases, the footsteps sound again. It’s best to get prepared. These fuckers want a problem. I’ll be just the one to give it to them. As long as my magic works.
They have a slight advantage over me. Not just because they are men. They know the city better than I do; I can’t make any more turns or else I’ll be lost and unable to get back to Momma’s house.
I move from a street with an occasional streetlight to one with a flickering dim light several hundred feet ahead. I blink and keep moving. I need to reach the light. Then, I will turn around and unleash my magic. Right now the night consumes most of my vision. No point in fighting the darkness.
It’s clear to me they are not professionals. If Prentiss had sent them to hunt me, I wouldn’t hear them coming. This is the perfect time to attack: while I’m visually impaired by the night.
The suspense is killing me. I spin around and they have the same faces. Twins, I suppose; their hair is the same electric blue as the guy who passed me in the car. Their faces match too.
“Get her.”
I spring into a run without a destination. I’m lost, but I can’t stop now. My feet are heavy, and the footsteps get closer. I run faster, darting my gaze from left to right. I notice a dark alley up ahead.
I duck off into the alley. The darkness will protect me. They won’t be able to see me. Once they get here searching for me, I’ll unleash a bolt of hot magic.
Hiding behind a garbage can with sweat r
acing down my face, my heart beats like a drum. This town has too many clones. They tiptoe past the garbage can and I hold my breath, not wanting to make a peep.
One is fading. His body is a shell of the other twin. The other one is more substantial. He’s the leader as the spirit twin follows.
I inch back toward the wall as a rattle sounds out. I cover my mouth and glance over at the garbage can. I knocked the top off.
The footsteps come my way. I ignore my fears and dip into my magic. The garbage can scrapes against the gravel. As soon as they expose my body, I unleash magic balls one after another. The solid one goes flying across the alley.
I pause, preparing to release more fire at the other. My hands tremble. If he comes any closer, he’s toast. He darts his gaze from me to his twin and then runs off.
I exhale. Shit, they nearly got me.
Chapter One
I knew the day I met him he’d be trouble. A hothead is what Andrea calls him. He is one tough-ass trainer, for sure. He’s supposed to be teaching me how to use my magic. Not that I don’t know how. I’m just rusty at the skills I have used. Some of my magic I have yet to tap into, but I’m a quick learner. Still, this is not going as planned.
This gym is scorching hot, like a sauna. My body glistens with sweat dripping to the floor. My sunburned skin is chapped and peeling. I have been training for two hours. I can’t take much more. He’s like a drill sergeant. He needs to ease up a little.
“Concentrate!” Chris yells as he throws another fire ball toward my head.
My heart rate increases as I duck and roll across the mat and then onto the wooden floor. Balls of magic slam against the brick wall. My bones ache with agony. I lie there for a second, knowing I have to find some energy. Get up and fight, I keep telling myself.
“Next time, can you give me a heads-up?” I growl.
“The enemy won’t when he’s unleashing his wrath on you. Be prepared; now concentrate.”
He’s taking too much pride in this job. I have to go against Prentiss, to get my Momma back. It’s dangerous, but this training will kill me before the war.
I pop to my feet then roll my eyes. Chris blabs about all the girls who want him. I’m slightly confused about what they see. He looks all right, but not my cup of tea. His hair is long and shabby. And he has the worst attitude, too conceited for me.
A swarm of magic fireballs come flying my way one after another. This time I crack them with concentration all before they reach my face. I saw it coming. The fire is burning within everything. I’m quick when heat is aiming for my body.
“You have deflected seventy percent of the fire I’ve thrown at you.” A smile cracks upon his face. “More than any other witch here. With my training, you’ll be the baddest witch in the land.” He laughs.
He’s laughing, but it’s true. I’m badass when it comes to my mother. I will move mountains to bring her back home. I just can’t concentrate right now. I can’t stop thinking about Momma, is she here, or in Detroit? I can’t wait to get my hands around Prentiss’s slimy neck. I’m going to squeeze his soul out of that skinny body of his.
“Harmony!” Chris yells.
I tilt to the side, avoiding the fire. The heat is getting close. Even if he hadn’t yelled my name, I would have moved.
Andrea steps on the mat. By her mean glare, she wants to test me. Maybe I’m doing too well for her liking. I fear her rejection. I need her acknowledgement that I am a great witch. Better than the other witches she’s trained. Why I need her approval, I can’t explain. Not like it’s going to help bring Momma home.
She flings her hand toward me. I block it and jump back. Shit, her magic is hot. We circle around each other. I keep my eye on my target, and swiftly she reaches in. I jump back just as quickly. The sound of my tennis shoes hitting the floor echoes through the large gym.
“So, you think you are hot shit?” Andrea growls. She pulls her hair back and puts it up in a ponytail. Her high cheekbones are more prominent now. She looks like she’s going to kick some ass. If I were dirty, I would have thrown some hot magic her way. But I’m not that cruel; I’ll wait until she’s ready.
Chris eyes us like it’s a Saturday night movie on Netflix. He’s dropped the magic balls to the floor. Wondering who’s going to win this battle. Until this point, no witch was ever on Andrea’s level. And maybe I’m not either, but I’m up for the challenge. I’m not going to tuck my tail and run. Besides, Prentiss is as fierce as it gets. I don’t fear him, and I’m certainly not going to fear Andrea.
Her hands are fluorescent orange. I don’t know all her magical capabilities, but this can’t be good. She swats at me, nearly nipping my face. Concentrating on trying to get my magic to work, I swat back, flicking a buzz on her wrist.
“Good one.” She nods.
It’s hard for me to swing at her. Even though she doesn’t act her age, she is old enough to be my mother.
I back up, hitting the wall as she holds out her hand, unleashing magic from her palms. The aroma of burnt flesh and the hot balls of magic have me racing to the other side of the gym. This old lady is crazy.
She is swift to follow me. “You want to save Jeanette? Get up and fight.” She unleashes another ball of magic. I deflect the ball; it drops to the ground. She set Chris up to be my instructor. Now, she is taking over the session. Chris was doing a good job, I thought. Or I’m doing a good job at dodging the fire.
Anger bubbles inside me. She keeps going on and on about how I can’t save my mother. I don’t like that thought. I can and will save my mother.
The room becomes smaller. The walls are caving, and it’s blazing hot. I open my mouth to catch my breath quicker. The pain in my chest is like my lungs are collapsing.
I nervously bite the inside of my mouth, the metallic taste of blood grounding me in the fight at hand. I stand to my feet as she glares at me, coming full force and throwing a slew of magic. I observe the fire in everything around, but I can’t deflect the magic ball. Instead, I hop out of the way.
Her plan is to irritate me. So I’m too frustrated to fight back. I peep her game. Shooting a blaze of fire from my hands, I watch it hit her in the shoulder so hard it makes me wince. I arch an eyebrow in her direction. Yeah, I’ve got some magic too.
Andrea continues coming toward me and now I’m cornered, with nowhere to run. Trying to fire more magic, all that’s left is a slight buzz. I slip down to the floor. I’m tapped out, no more energy, and my magic isn’t working. I’m sure Andrea thinks she’s won.
But she doesn’t stop firing the magic balls. Every inch of my body is moist from the heat. I glare at her and view the malice that burns within her eyes. Is she training me, or trying to break me down? She’s going too far, and I feel like my life’s in jeopardy.
I rise to my feet and call out to all the surrounding energy. Everything in this gym has a fire burning within. I’ll use all this energy to overthrow Andrea. She wanted the beast. Well, here it is.
Before I can rattle out more magic, she grips the sheath on her hip. Then she pulls out a sword. I stare at its sleek texture, and its bright silver color glints off the brick walls. She points the artifact in my direction, forcing me to the ground as she gets closer. A spell is trapped inside and I’m sure she just unleashed it on me. We are supposed to battle using magic—no one should have swords.
“You lost. You need to figure out how to gain control of your magic,” Andrea boasts.
“I have control.” I throw a mean stare at her.
“Sweetie, you must first learn to follow before you can lead.” She taps me on my cheek before turning away. She waltzes out of the gym with Chris following behind her.
“You are no threat to anyone except yourself, and those who trust you,” she mutters as she walks out the door.
I lie on the floor of the gym, sweaty, hot, and in tears. I have to train harder if I want to beat Prentiss.
Andrea is right, I’m a lousy witch. Will I ever be skilled enough to go against
the Devil?
Chapter Two
I sit on the gym floor, hands covering my face. I gave up on the squabble with Andrea. It was one of those rare occasions when fighting wasn’t worth it. I’m training, yes, but there is no trophy at the end of this battle.
I hear a loud thud of the door closing. Training is over for me, so they can leave. By the sound of one set of footsteps, I’m sure Chris came back to finish training. I separate my fingers and peek at the shoes. Bright orange with navy stripes; it’s definitely Kato. I’m glad he came to check on me. I’m unraveling at the seams.
“What’s wrong with you?” he says as he gets closer. A hint of panic wiggles into his voice.
I glance over at him. The expression of concern for me on his face makes me feel special. The smoky smell of Camel cigarettes blooms with his presence. He’s been in the bar with Jazz the hell-hound all night.
“Nothing.” I shake my head as I blink back tears.
“Why are you crying?” He takes a seat next to me on the dusty gym floor.
“I don’t know.” I close my eyes.
He rests his hand on my shoulder. As my muscles relax, the tension rolls off my back.
“Well…” I let out an exacerbated huff. “Andrea is being a bitch. For no good reason.” I’m questioning why she wanted to train me. Now sharp jabs throb in the pit of my stomach. Momma used to call it instinct. I wonder if there is something more to this long-lost cousin of mine. She appears to be an angry, jealous teenager. I shake my head at myself. I’m turning into Morgan.
