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Chapter 13
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2024-10-02 22:33:53Related chapters
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 14
‘Is he still in the garden? ’Faye asked, as they walked into Eli’s house. The entire way there, they had barely spoken a word to each other. It was the most uncomfortable ride of her life. There was a time when even their silences had been filled with unspoken words. Now, all there was, was regret and misery. ‘I left him in the kitchen when I went to your place, ’Eli said. ’When he’s like this, he likes to sit there and do crosswords in the newspapers.’‘Like the old days, ’she added. For the first time she saw Eli break out in a genuine smile, although it was tinged by sadness. ’Yes, like the old days. The only time I have a glimmer of the man my dad once was.’Pastor Evans’ face lit up when he saw her. He dropped the pencil he was holding and reached out with both arms towards her. ‘Faye, how lovely to see you, my dear, ’he said. ‘ It’s been too long. Let me look at you.’His embrace was warm and tender, bringing a fresh wave of sadness to her heart. It was so d
Last Updated : 2024-10-03Shadows In The Fire Chapter 15
‘Where am I? ’Faye asked. At the sound of her voice, candles flared into life and she saw she was in a church, standing at the altar. Not any church, but the one which had burnt down so long ago. She was wearing her wedding dress and when she reached up to touch her hair, it was styled as it was the day she married Nolan, pulled back in a simple, tight bun. ‘This church has seen much through the years.’Faye spun around. The woman who had spoken to her was tall, with beautiful emerald eyes. She came closer to her and Faye wondered why she was not recoiling from this stranger. She felt so familiar, as if she knew her. ‘I am Mathilda, ’she said, reaching up to caress Faye’s cheek. ’You have never seen me as this before.’‘Never. . . . ’Faye replied, ’always you are burnt in my dreams. Why am I seeing you like this now?’ ‘Because your life almost ended, ’Mathilda said. ’If it had, I would be here to meet you for your journey into the next world.’ ‘Almost? ’Faye a
Last Updated : 2024-10-05Shadows In The Fire Chapter 16
‘Please tell me. . . . tell me how to save your daughter, ’Faye implored. The glowing embers from before were dying down beneath her feet and still she felt nothing, no heat, no burning. Mathilda looked at her and it seemed a smile was struggling to form at her deformed, burnt lips, as more blood came from within, thick and with the stench of death. ‘You have all the knowledge within you, Faye, ’Mathilda said. ’You may not remember it now, but in time you will. ’ ‘What knowledge are you speaking of? ’Faye asked. ’And why does it feel as if I know you? ’ ‘Because you do, Faye. You know me as well as I know you. . . . ’ . …………….. ‘There’s something else, Sybil, ’Eli said. ’Something big you should know about.’‘Bigger than your confession that you’re still in love with Faye? ’Sybil teased, clearly trying to lighten the mood. Eli smiled at her, pulling a page from the inside pocket of his jacket. ‘I think so, ’h
Last Updated : 2024-10-06Shadows In The Fire Chapter 17
‘What will I remember? ’Faye asked, speaking to the living corpse before her. ’How will it help me protect your daughter?’The corpse of Mathilda fell forward. Her arm had come away and it seemed as if her whole body would soon crumble to pieces as her right leg too, broke free from her body. She was suspended in a grotesque hanging motion, swaying from side to side. ‘You will remember the gift within you, ’she answered, ’the gift to weather the coming storm and the evil it brings. . . . it has already begun. . . . your enemy is in your world, biding its time. ’ ‘Must I fear it? ’Faye asked. ’Is it too powerful for me to stand against? ’ ‘You must respect your foe, and great it is, but you must never fear it, or else all will be lost, ’Mathilda answered. Before Faye could ask her anything more, all that remained of Mathilda, was dust blowing in the wind. …………….‘There was a sense of finality to the dream, ’Faye sa
Last Updated : 2024-10-07Shadows In The Fire Chapter 18
‘Returning to the scene of the crime? ’Eli asked, as he let Faye into the living room. ’I was sure you would never set foot here again after what happened.’He motioned her to sit and she smiled. After her conversation with Sybil at breakfast, she’d decided the best course of action would be to see Eli, and find out what his dad’s mental state really entailed. ’Eli, whatever may have happened here, I want you to know that it doesn’t change my feelings towards your dad.’Eli sat down next to her on the couch and she was surprised at how his closeness affected her. It made her feel almost shy being this close to him, the same way she felt when they shared their first kiss so long ago. ‘I’m glad you feel that way, ’he said, ’my dad has always loved you and Sybil as his own. It would devastate him if you were to abandon him now.’Faye shifted nervously, tucking her hair behind her ear. How would she broach the subject she had come to discuss with him? It was sheer madness and t
Last Updated : 2024-10-08Shadows In The Fire Chapter 19
Days Later...‘Your father was a good man. . . ’ ‘I will always remember his kindness. . . ’ ‘He’s in a better place now. . . ’ Faye watched as Eli greeted all the mourners on their way out, acknowledging all the things they said about his dad, with a gracious nod of his head and a mechanical smile which showed he was just going through the motions. Pastor Evans was dead and they had just come from his funeral, for which all of Kirkwood had turned out, to pay their last respects to a man, who for years had been such a visible and comforting presence in their lives. The last three days had been rough on Eli. The official story was that the pastor had gone to open the window and then had somehow lost his footing and fell out of it, but Faye and Eli both knew better. Somehow, the pastor’s death was directly linked to the spirit which had attached itself to him, for reasons as yet unknown. Mary. . . . the more Faye thought about that name, the more she
Last Updated : 2024-10-09Shadows In The Fire Chapter 20
The English Coast,1794 ‘Your wife has raised your daughters well, ’Magnus said, glancing at both Esther and Mary, where they were sitting on either side of Mathilda. ’They will grow up to be fine young women.’ Mathilda leered at Tobias as he basked in the compliment. Next to her, Esther kept her eyes downcast towards her bowl, while Mary beamed a smile of pure worship towards Magnus. It occurred to Mathilda once again how far gone her elder daughter was. Mary was in complete adoration of the murderer and she would no doubt follow him into hell if he were to ask her. Mathilda stifled back a tear. This was not the daughter she had birthed. Where was the carefree and happy child who loved nothing more than to run along the sand while the waves came crashing in, laughing spellbound every time, as if seeing it was the first? ‘Mathilda is a good wife and mother, ’Tobias answered. ’I am very pleased with her. ’ ‘As you should be, ’Magnus replied. Only Mathilda saw the
Last Updated : 2024-10-10Shadows In The Fire Chapter 21
The English Coast,1794 Mathilda sat on the beach, as Tobias, Mary and Magnus disappeared from her view. She breathed a sigh of relief that the abominable visit was finally over and done with and stretched her arms heavenwards as clouds slowly drifted across the full moon. It was impossible not to be enraged, not after having had to endure the murderer’s presence in her home. How could her husband and daughter not see the evil within him? If she did not know any better, she would have sworn that Magnus himself had charmed them with the old ways, the very thing he was so forcefully trying to eradicate. How was it possible that he could have so many follow his ways? What power did he have that she could not see? She smiled as she felt a gentle and familiar touch on her shoulder. Esther beamed her innocent smile at her as she joined her in the sand. ‘Were you afraid, Mother? ’she asked. ’Why was Magnus looking at you so much?’Mathilda felt physically sick as she
Last Updated : 2024-10-13
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Shadows In The Fire Chapter 57
‘My darling boy, I have missed you every moment of every day, since I’ve left this world. Yes, Eli, it’s me.’Eli let go of Faye’s hand and made sure she was still comfortable, before slowly rising to face the woman before him.Nancy Evans, his mother, who died 9 years ago.Rationally, it occurred to him it was impossible for her to be standing in front of him. He’d been the one to find her, that horrible night, when she’d drowned in the tub, when the pain from her cancer had become unbearable and ultimately ended her life.He remembered pulling her up from the water where she was submerged. Her eyes were open and she was slowly turning blue. Even as he administered CPR, he knew she was gone. She was limp in his arms and he gently laid her out on the floor, her emaciated form bearing almost no weight. He’d wrapped her in a towel, before breaking down in absolute defeat and agony, his tears scorching his cheeks.When he was done, when he could finally find a semblance of composure, he’
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 56
She was acutely aware of everything around her.As Whisper raced through the woods, kicking up mud with her powerful legs, Faye felt as if it was her, as if she were the one running at breakneck speed. Whisper barely stopped to breathe, hurtling over logs and puddles, not once missing a beat. Her power was primal and it surged through Faye, in a current of strength and instinct. ‘I sense your awe,’ Whisper said whimsically. ‘We have done this before, young witch. Clarissa was the only one ever brave enough to merge with me. That is why it feels so natural to you.She did it purely for pleasure though. She wanted to know what it felt like.’Faye was surprised. It seemed Clarissa was quite the adventurer in her day. Was that why she always wanted more from life? Why she packed up and moved to London? Was a part of Clarissa always awake within her? It would explain so much, if indeed that was the case.Seeing through Whisper’s eyes, Faye recognized the area they were in. They were close
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 55
‘Do not be afraid, Faye,’ Mathilda said gently, as Faye leaned back into her pillows. ‘This will bring no harm to you or your baby.’Faye inhaled deeply and protectively placed her hands over her abdomen. Even with all the assurance from Mathilda and Whisper, a part of her still felt nervous for what was to happen. It seemed unreal that she was about to eject her soul from her body, to track down Magnus and Mary. Next to her, Whisper lay outstretched, appearing as if in a deep slumber.‘I can’t help it Mathilda. This was something Clarissa used to do, and those memories haven’t come to me yet. I could fail and place all of us in even greater danger. Even Esther. How can I protect her, if I’m dead?’‘You carry the weight of a great burden, young witch, but your salvation and the survival of your family, lies in you freeing yourself from fear. We can all only help you to a certain point, and from there you must shoulder this alone. The path of a witch, is not an easy one.’‘Nor one I as
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 54
The mood around the breakfast table, was pensive and quiet, after Faye broke the news of her and Whisper becoming one, to Sybil and Mark. It was clear both of them were upset by it and Faye couldn’t blame them for being worried. The looks on their faces when she told them, was a mixture of shock and disbelief, sprinkled with a healthy dose of 'what the fuck.'When Whisper first told her, she too had her concerns, but as she warmed up to the idea, she realized it would be safe to do. Her physical body, and her baby’s would be safe in her own bed, while her spirit would merge with Whisper, to hunt down Magnus and Mary. Mathilda would be there to guide the process and she knew she and her baby were in good hands.It was Sybil who eventually broke the uncomfortable silence. She took a sip of tea and cleared her throat, making sure she had everyone's attention.‘I know it makes sense to you, Faye, but I’m honestly scared to death about this. Look at the four of us, holed up in or own home,
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 53
Faye opened her eyes and felt Eli’s arms around her. She turned to face him, finding him smiling boyishly, as he took in her naked form. Their night of passion had lasted until the early hours of the morning and she lost count of how many times Eli had taken her. It was almost as if he wanted to make up, for all the years they’d spent apart, and she was glad he did.Her body had never felt so satiated, and loved at the same time. He had taken her to new heights of pleasure, with every achingly gentle thrust of his body.‘No regrets?’ Eli asked, tucking her hair behind her ears. ‘I have none. Last night confirmed our love, and our future.'Faye gently ran her fingers along his chest and gently pinched his nipple. God, his body was so hard and strong...‘None whatsoever, Mr Evans. Thanks for reminding me what I missed out on, more than once.’The memory of her body, reacting with Eli firmly inside her, quickened her pulse once more. She’d forgotten what an amazing lover he was, or how b
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 52
The English Coast, 1794‘She has left us,’ Mathilda whispered, into the cold silence of the darkness. ‘And soon, my Esther, will too. Tell me Bess, for what was it all? The suffering, the pain and the immeasurable heartbreak?'Bess pulled her closer and Mathilda took a measure of comfort in her friend’s closeness. Watching Clarissa leave had been difficult, but knowing she had to say goodbye to Esther too, was tearing at her very soul. The Goddess had decreed Esther would sleep, until such time she was needed. There would be no rebirth for her, just yet.‘The difference, though,’ Bess interjected, ‘is that Esther will sleep until she is ready. Our sister, must begin again, without a moment of respite.’‘As will you, dear friend. I will be alone to keep watch, until the time comes.’‘The Goddess knows best, Mathilda. If I must go down the path of rebirth, I shall not question it.’Mathilda led Bess away from the gruesome sight of Clarissa’s remains, down the path towards the beach wher
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 51
The English Coast, 1794The village square was shrouded in darkness, and all the excitement had passed, when Mathilda and Bess found Clarissa, close to the stake where her life had been taken. The smell of burning human flesh, still permeated the air, and some of the dogs from the village, were cautiously circling the still smoldering pyre.She was huddled close to her body, rocking back and forth, with tears streaming down her face. She had burned. Her mortal life was over and all that remained of it, was the heap of crisp flesh and bone, discarded where she died. Magnus had instructed the guards to leave her where she was, only to be removed in the morning. He wanted her remains to serve as a grim reminder to anyone who indulged in witchcraft, what the ultimate punishment would be.Clarissa looked up at Mathilda and Bess. It felt as if her heart was breaking inside her as she remembered the pain, as the flames lapped and feasted upon her. She could not forget how it felt, as the sm
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 50
The English Coast, 1794The day Clarissa died …‘I imagined you would show more fear in my presence, but it appears you are much stronger than what I originally anticipated. The other witches have taught you well.’Clarissa spat at Magnus, through the iron bars of her cell. A laugh of victory escaped her, as she watched him tend to Mary, who was still a trembling wreck on the floor, after she enacted the curse upon him.She felt no fear whatsoever. If anything, she pitied them both. He thought he would feast on witches for all eternity, but the ancient curse she cast upon him, with the help of all her sister and brother witches who died at his claw, would ensure that in one of her future lives, she would destroy him for good.‘How pathetic you are,’ she proudly retorted. ‘The light of my kind, all but turned you and your devil wench, into rats, scurrying at dawn. Tell me demon, do you expect me to cower?’Magnus growled savagely, reaching for her through the bars, but she was too quic
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 49
The storm that erupted a few hours later, was strong enough to knock out the power again. This time, it lasted longer than during the night and just added to the tensions in the Bennet home.After August’s earlier display, everyone was on edge and completely focused on security around the house. The dog refused to go out again and made himself comfortable next to Whisper, on the couch by the window in the living room, while the rain came down unabated. Night would fall soon and with the power out, one question remained unanswered amongst them. Would the darkness give Magnus and Mary the incentive they needed, to attack?Eli and Mark checked the doors and windows at regular intervals, and none of them were without their stun gun. It had a clip, and easily hooked onto the belt loops of their denims. Having it with her, helped Sybil , in particular, to feel a bit more relaxed. ‘If they come, we fight,’ Eli said, as they gathered in the kitchen for sandwiches and ice tea. ‘We don’t back
