Chapter: EpilogueSeveral Months LaterIt's strange how people react after disaster. You see the best of people and the worst. Thankfully, it's mostly been the former. Things are being repaired, getting back to normal with the help of big companies and small. Not to mention the dedicated do-it-yourself people.Scientists have been wracking their brains to find the cause of such a global phenomenon. The best they have come up with so far is an imbalance in the eco-system and perhaps in the space around. And, of course, religious nut-jobs have been having a field day preaching about how sin and immorality is the cause. They haven't pinpointed a particular sin this time, they can't, it's too wide. So, the whole world has been tarnished. Except for themselves of course.Funny. They're actually closer than the scientists when it comes down to it. Except that it isn't the doing of the God who watches now.Mysteries come out daily. Strange creatures spotted in the sea, too rapid for anyone to get hold of, a
Last Updated: 2022-05-18
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-SevenThe dogs ran rampant through the living dead. Limbs flew, congealed blood oozed and the smell of rotting flesh permeated the air even more.Those who tried to fight back, biting and clawing were soon defeated, their blackened teeth unable to even scratch the thick skin.Blood and foam frothed at the mouths, neither willing to allow the rancid meat to drop down their gullets. They still remembered the luscious fresh meat that had been given in their best. Tender and prepared with care. What they caught now, on those rare occasions they needed to feed, was not a patch on it.And these beings were not fit for rats.They ignored the humans, save for knocking some over. None seemed injured, even if they hit the concrete hard enough to break a bone. They simply sat up, or lay there. Dazed and in a world of their own. With no voices ringing in their heads, their addled minds forged on to return to normal.They had long since given up on trying to understand anything.When they finished here,
Last Updated: 2022-05-17
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-SixYou have changed me by your love.Thus say I in my heart,In my soul, at my prayers:"I lack my commander tonight,I am as one dwelling in a tomb."Be you but in health and strength,Then the nearness of your countenanceSheds delight, by reason of your well-being,Over a heart, which seeks you with longing.Time felt as if it were slowing down as Isaac made his way over the debris and towards where the horrors had occurred. Everything frozen in eerie stillness under the decrepit skyline.Dust puffed up with each step he took, his heart beating harder as the shell of the main room opened up to greet him.Immediately he saw Atum, shifting from one foot to another as if he had a cramp he couldn't release. The look in the older God's eyes immediately heightened his anxiety and he hastened forward, only to be stopped when Atum lifted his hand.What is written on the brow would inevitably be seen by the eye and his silence said more than his words."Do not allow yourself to weaken. Your st
Last Updated: 2022-05-14
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-FiveThe door shook with the force of the crowd outside, throwing themselves against it blindly. Three had moved to the window and already, their palms were bleeding as the glass cracked and pierced their skin, staining the shards red. Mr Montford and Ash hauled a small book case across the room. The carpet and their haste making it all the more difficult. If there was something for it to snag on or get caught on, then it did. Penalty, perhaps, for dumping its contents into an unsightly pile as if they were logs for the fire. "Is there an attic?" Marie called as she leaned against the sideboard they'd positioned at the door. The drawers already flung from their cubby with the force from outside. "A basement is no good, we'd be completely trapped. But an attic...that seems safer." "I didn't see," Mr Montford answered, sweat pouring from his brow and impeding his grip. "I doubt it. I remember these houses being built. People exchanged attics for garages, easier to access." "And they didn
Last Updated: 2022-05-12
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-FourShu beckoned the mortals down one of the alleyways that cut through the buildings to the once bustling streets. People had emerged, loitering hopelessly about the abandoned cars, their eyes glazed and their ears deaf to anything but the words of an unseen being."I cannot guide you to safety," Shu said, his voice full of remorse. "I must find Atum. This battle will ricochet about the world, and you humans do enough damage without the added help. Please," he looked at the four imploring. "These humans are bedevilled. If you can avoid harming them, I would be grateful.""We won't," Isaac spoke up, still struggling with the tight ropes about him. Try and they might, the bonds refused to give. "But you must tell Atum that Am-Heh is not behind all of this. There has to be mercy in him." Tears stung his eyes. Glistening droplets he swiftly blinked back. His voice becoming soft. "I don't want to lose him."Shu gazed at him. Lost for words. No reassurance could be uttered, he couldn't read At
Last Updated: 2022-05-08
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-ThreeA shrill shriek shattered the atmosphere as Babi tore towards Am-Heh, the sword raised high. It swung down, shattering through the arm of the reaching demon.One bite from the blade meant agony. And the wail that left the putrid mouth told of it.The eyes glazed with bubbling anger, and it swung, showering the area in burning blood. All the while trying to rise further, stopped only by the undigested meal in its stomach.Mr Montford grimaced as the warm blood descended, trickling in thick droplets like the vilest of rain. It wouldn't stop him. One dig he was on, many moons ago, never stopped even when they hit a sewage pipe.Although it delayed them when trying to clean. And when the local authorities got involved to remedy it.He slipped on the gore, trying his best to avoid it as he made his way over to where Ash indicated. As he neared, the air seemed to become thicker, as if he was walking through tar or against a high wind.His breath became harsh as the pressure became stronger.
Last Updated: 2022-05-03
Chapter: Chapter SeventeenAlexandre was a seasoned professional, but his nerves bored into his gut like heated needles. It was always the same on opening night. Visions of what could go wrong, last-minute hitches, and a plethora of irksome hiccups danced along with the music.'Think of it like a rehearsal,' he thought, stretching his leg elegantly as he peered into the darkness. 'An invisible audience. Perhaps audiences from the past that still enjoy the theatre." He smiled at the image. 'That would be what I would do, or scare those people I never liked.' Fear was strange; it was such a broad spectrum of emotions. Was it just brought on by mystery or the fear of what might lurk in the shadows? These were questions he sometimes asked when he was in a musing mood.But he hadn't any time to think about that. The conductor was moving on, and the heavy curtain began to lift to reveal the ancient sands of Egypt, golden and glorious with Godly splendour. But in the background, the shadows lurked, indicating a grim
Last Updated: 2025-01-18
Chapter: Chapter SixteenA week slipped by in what felt like seconds.Noelle was engulfed in the whirl of rehearsals and the standard fraught preparations. Despite the rush, there was a palpable dedication and passion in every meticulous detail, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the success of the performances.Each evening, he meant to seek Julian, to have him set his mind at rest, but exhaustion clawed at every inch of his body, and the only place he sought was his bed. His last thought was always on the enigmatic musician, and he hoped he was watching or, at the very least, thinking of him. For Julian, each night passed in a long and uncomfortable fashion. He never slept well, in any case, surviving on adrenaline and taking naps as and when. The longest he had ever slept was just over an hour before waking and having to settle again. It was an issue he'd grappled with since childhood, a constant struggle that often left him restless and anxious. It meant he was often about before the perfor
Last Updated: 2024-10-30
Chapter: Chapter Fifteen"Wine?"Julian pulled a bottle from near his bedding. It was an old-fashioned container, not the original. Taking it from the bar would be unthinkable, so he refilled a quarter when he could. It was tiny enough that it went unnoticed, and it was once in a blue moon. Julian rarely imbibed, fearing his skill on the violin and sobriety would be sapped. This rare indulgence surprised even himself, especially since his mother had always condemned drink.It was a hypocritical criticism. He'd seen the gin in her room, starkly contrasting her public disapproval."What kind is it?" Noelle asked and stepped closer. "I don't wish to be picky, but I find white somewhat bitter.""Claret. It's milder.""Very well."Julian poured with the skill of a footman, his hand steady and the bloody red fluid not even kissing the inner sides."Thank you," Noelle smiled when Julian handed him the glass, ignoring the slight crack etched like a spindly lightning bolt at the rim. "To your health and upcoming mag
Last Updated: 2024-08-19
Chapter: Chapter FourteenNoelle had never been into the bowels of the opera house. Intrigue surged within him as he gazed around the areas that were always hidden from sight and home only to the spiders and rats. And the inspiration for many of the eerie stories passed between the performers.Below the pomp and splendour of the velvet and chandeliers lay the dusty graveyard of forgotten scenery and costumes that had become food for moths and mice. One could imagine lost spirits lingering near their old costumes and lamenting their demise.All around him, the air was thick with dust and an unpleasant musty odour, the musk of many years of disregard. Even the spiders had given up, curled up, crisp and dehydrated in webs that had caught nothing but dirt and debris.As he descended the stairs, the wood creaking in his wake, Noelle hesitated and felt his heart begin to beat painfully in his throat."Are you certain this is the right way?" He asked stupidly, earning a wry smile from Julian."Of course. Do you reall
Last Updated: 2024-05-25
Chapter: Chapter Thirteen"Will you be watching the performance?" Julian paused, the bow resting elegantly on the fragile strings, looking towards Noelle with his enigmatic smile. "Of course. I have many places where I sit and contemplate or watch the performances. The last great one, however, was the touring company from London. Their Aida was magnificent." Noelle stretched. His muscles became tense even with a short pause. There was a distinct chill in the air, and it bit into the flesh sharply. Even concentrating on the warm notes that evoked the heady air of Egypt didn't help. "I remember. I was an understudy for one of the dancers they used. I did perform in the matinee. Granted, it was not much, but it was an experience to see. They are returning in the Autumn with Rigoletto, but I don't think male dancers are required for that." "Possibly not. I seem to recall that one focuses more on male debauchery, so women would be the focal point," Julian's eyes lifted slowly. "Although, that is not always t
Last Updated: 2024-04-01
Chapter: Chapter TwelveUnder Julian's watchful eyes, Noelle felt himself grow. His body felt lighter; his heart felt more open. Emotions he'd never experienced tore through his soul and radiated in his movements.Even Karl took notice, and his attention slowly moved from simple corrections to entirely focusing on nurturing the budding seed he saw.A mighty oak that could stand the test of time was beginning to break free.Alexandre leaned against the barre, sweat glistening on his temple, and watched impassively as Noelle repeated a section of his solo.A shiver of envy overtook the chill of the cooling moisture as he observed a rival he hadn't recognised.'Think of it as a good thing,' he thought, reaching for a towel to mop his brow. 'Challenges spur you and make you stronger. He might somehow equal me, but I will not allow him to surpass me.' He held back a chuckle. 'These are useful feelings for this ballet too. But I can't let them sully my own talent and hold me back.'Being pleased for him was a hard
Last Updated: 2024-02-23
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-SevenLloyd's eyes fixed on Higgin's as he silently flicked the peelings off the potatoes. The skin curved smoothly in pleasing spirals, removing sprouts and eyes before dropping to the floor with a soft splat.The pot was slowly filling with the bumpy vegetables, and the water was simmering quietly, making them bob on the surface as if trying to escape.Lloyd wondered where they all went. Since he'd been here, he'd barely seen anyone except himself eat. But day after day, Higgins performed his duty or coerced him into doing it.Nathaniel drank. There was always an ornate bottle or flash containing the sharp rum he favoured, and barrels of ale or homebrew were stacked below stairs to provide an endless source of refreshment, except for water. They had to work hard for that by filtering brine or rain.Lloyd could understand their laziness in turning to the good stuff. He smiled, the expression rippling the edges of his lips.People said that when the soul left, it remained as it had been. If
Last Updated: 2025-02-08
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-SixLloyd debated returning to Nathaniel's rooms but decided against it.The papers had been hidden for a reason, and he wasn't sure the man would appreciate him digging them out. And he had enough of darkness and gloom. Even when lighting the lamps, the shadows swelled and twisted like ghouls.'Alas, I am but a weak mortal,' he smiled. 'I can't exist without natural light. I don't know how vampires manage. I'd go mad. Not to mention, I'd freak at being stuck in a closed coffin.'As he reached the deck, he avoided the eyes of the other men, keeping his gaze low and humming unmusically. He glanced about him, checking Nathaniel wasn't around. If the papers had been hidden, he didn't want them read, and Lloyd was sure he would receive the sharp end of his tongue, if not worse.He chose a place in the shadows, hoping it would shield him from prying eyes. He swallowed nervously, squinting to read the faded pages, the ink smeared from the damp beneath the board. Even so, his blood ran cold as
Last Updated: 2025-01-25
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-FiveLloyd was assaulted by the smell of dampness and mould when he stepped off the bottom rung and into the curtain of shadows. The thick expanse of darkness let little to no light penetrate its fibres, and what did served to showcase the glistening fungus that gnawed at the boards and made them treacherous to walk on.'Maybe this is another reason that alcohol is the most common fuel here,' he thought grimly, tentatively inching forward to secure his footing. 'There's not many reasons to stay sober.'Except Nathaniel. The thought came unbidden, and he smiled as warmth spread through his body and radiated through his amulet. It was almost as if whatever spirit the gem contained was determined to harness whatever positive energy it found."Thanks," he patted the throbbing stone. "I need all the warmth I can find."He was so focused on finding the right room without losing his footing that he didn't even notice the strange shadow seeping like tar from the wall and rising behind him in a
Last Updated: 2024-12-22
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-FourA dark aura, thick and foreboding, rolled with the mist over the deck, the two merging into a sinister shroud that enveloped the ship.Even the broad and beaming moon in the sky seemed to shrink back as it watched over the ship, pulling the tide away with it.Lloyd stepped out into the fresh air, briefly closing his eyes to savour the breeze's saltiness. After what he'd been through, this felt like Heaven.He was still weak, his legs aching and protesting as he tried to use them, and he slowly hobbled over to the rails.His mind was awash with what he had read, and he was trying to process the information that was slowly forming an intricate mosaic, a mosaic of fear, determination, and a growing understanding of the perilous situation he was in, with each piece falling into place. He looked at the churning mist, hovering like sea foam on the undulating waves."You won't feel so calm and confident soon," he whispered, a bitter edge to his voice. "All the harm you've done, all the inju
Last Updated: 2024-11-18
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-ThreeThe repairs on the ship were slow and methodical.Despite Nathaniel's impatience, he understood the necessity of the slow pace of repairs and the potential consequences of haste. His legendary leadership became evident in his acceptance of the situation. Hasty repairs made for shoddy workmanship and usually led to a worse situation later. It was a bitter pill to accept. The whole aura of the island was not just unwelcoming, but hostile, as if the very air wanted to throw them back out to sea.It didn't dampen his temper, either. The slowness tore at his nerves, and the effort to conceal his impatience was a constant struggle.In stark contrast, Lloyd seemed unperturbed by the chaos around him. The clatter and grumbles were a mere whisper compared to the bustling restaurant he was used to. His mind was fixed on the text, and he concentrated so hard that his head throbbed as he tried to decipher the archaic script and faded lettering.'Pain is good for the soul,' he thought as he too
Last Updated: 2024-10-04
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-TwoAs soon as Higgins saw Nathaniel leave, he headed for Nathaniel's cabin. He came bearing gifts if one could call bread and dried meat gifts. He knocked once, then entered before Lloyd could respond. The sight of the drawn-looking form made him pause, his unease growing like a storm on the horizon.He quickly swallowed when Lloyd looked quizzically at him. He hurried to the desk, placed the chipped plate down, and scribbled a note.'Thought you might be hungry. It ain't much; I haven't cooked for ages.'"Thanks," Lloyd read the note. His stomach grumbled at the sight of the food, but he wasn't sure whether it was with need or revulsion. "And don't worry about it; food is food," he said, the lack of choice in his tone unmistakable.Higgins nodded, offering him the plate. He tried not to stare as he picked idly at the stale crust, his fingers hesitating over the harder parts, a process that seemed to stretch on uncomfortably.Even though their cupboards were never bare, that didn't prom
Last Updated: 2024-08-26
Chapter: Chapter FourI couldn’t avoid the old bridge on my way back. Typically, workmen were making so-called improvements on the street, diverting traffic and pedestrians. I often wondered how much work got done. The times I saw them, all they were doing was chatting like washerwomen or going over the plans. I seldom saw actual work. The work, or lack thereof, was the furthest thing from my mind as the bridge loomed dark and severe before me.The tunnel looked endless as the gloom consumed the light, and the sound turned to pitiful echoes.The memory of Matthew and that fateful day surged forward and made my head throb with its aggression. I could almost feel the bile return, and my muscles twitch and contort again. ‘Be brave.’The voice returned to me, singing like the seraphim in my ears. It was so clear I turned to look to see where it had come from.But there was no one, only the leaves dancing in the breeze from the wilting trees.Nothing but weeds ever grew here, no matter how hard people tried.
Last Updated: 2024-12-26
Chapter: Chapter ThreeI can’t describe how I felt when I stepped into the house. The familiar smells, sights, and comforts were like manna from heaven after the sterile hospital. I knew such relief would be slightly short-lived since we would be moving, but heck, I was damned well going to enjoy it!The next few months passed without much to talk about. I saw odd shadows now and again—shadows that had no business being there—but I didn’t think much of it. Three weeks after my discharge, my parents took me to the new house for the first time. It was in a quieter neighbourhood, set back from the road and close to the farmland spanning green and gold in the near distance.It was a quaint building and older than the other homes, most of which had been built for social housing, so the red brick exterior and arched windows stood out.The garden was the most impressive part, at least from the outside. It was a haven for wildlife with roving roses and bushes speckled with wildflowers that poked through the leav
Last Updated: 2024-12-25
Chapter: Chapter TwoI awoke to the glare of artificial light and the rhythmic beep of a heart monitor. A tube connected the back of my hand to a drip, the bag half empty of fluid.A stiff hospital gown had replaced my clothes; worse, my underwear was gone. No doubt, because I was unable to move to the restroom. But despite everything, that was the first thing that bothered me.Then I felt the warm hand clasping my own and the tears dripping onto my skin.My mother was sobbing silently, her eyes full of relief. After holding back her sorrow, her delight at seeing me wake up had overwhelmed her, and her heart released her emotions. My father was sitting by her side. He was the more stoic type. But I could tell from the redness, half hidden by his glasses, that he hadn’t been without tears himself. Guilt flooded over me, and if I hadn’t been so tired, I would have been crying, too.“You bloody idiot.” My father spoke first, the reprimand dulled by the happiness he clearly felt. He was holding back a smile.
Last Updated: 2024-12-25
Chapter: Chapter OneThe day my friend died.The memory is clear yet also hazy. I remember sitting near the old railway bridge, breathing the toxic combination of mould and whatever substance he was smoking.Matthew wasn’t much older than me, but he had a world of experiences I could never have imagined.We both admitted these experiences wouldn’t scratch the surface of those we would have had in the city on the mainland, but they were still thrilling. Ventor was beautiful, with rolling, steep streets leading to the beaches and a virile fishing spot. We were admired for the fresh fish and seafood, and understandably. There’s nothing better than fish that has just been caught; there’s a flavour that frozen food can’t match.Couple with homegrown vegetables…it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. But as a youth, you don’t appreciate how lucky you are. The grass is always greener, or should I say the sea is always bluer.He had been a clean-cut and polite boy in public. His brown hair was impeccably
Last Updated: 2024-12-25
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