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Chapter 20
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2024-10-10 18:23:20Related chapters
Shadows 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 : 2024-10-13Shadows In The Fire Chapter 22
‘I’m not comfortable with this, ’Sybil said, as she poured each of them another cup of tea. ’In your condition Faye, the last thing on your mind should be chasing after some supernatural entity. Lord, this is madness!’Faye took the cup Sybil offered and looked to Eli for support. He most of all would understand why she was doing this, why she was pursuing this seemingly unattainable goal. His own father had fallen prey and victim to this evil. The Mary he had called for in his sleep, she was connected to this somehow and Faye knew Eli would not desert her in this moment. He himself wanted to see justice prevail, if only to give some peace to his father’s memory. ‘Sybil, ’he said, ’I know how dangerous this must seem, but Faye has a chance to finally live a normal life, free of all these haunting dreams and visions. If this is her destiny, she must face it.’Sybil’s jaw literally dropped as she stared aghast at Eli. ’You make it sound as if she has to fulfill a prophecy.
Last Updated : 2024-10-14Shadows In The Fire Chapter 23
Three days after their gruesome discovery of Deb’s body, Eli did his best to comfort Faye. She was still visibly shaken by what had happened and both he and Sybil watched her around the clock.Yet again, they were convinced that Deb’s death was directly linked to Magnus somehow. Perhaps, due to her investigation about the secret history of Kirkwood and the witch hunts which took place so long ago. Her death, mere days after that of his father, left them all reeling and more than just a little apprehensive. Kirkwood was a hive of activity. The police suspected Deb was murdered elsewhere and her body then taken back to the B&B. Reporters had swarmed the area and Faye spent a lot of time indoors, fearful that her picture might somehow show up in the newspapers and be seen by Nolan. Her pregnancy was something she could no longer hide and her bump was clearly visible. What they couldn’t fathom, was how Deb’s body had been burnt to the extent it had, without leaving any trace evi
Last Updated : 2024-10-21Shadows In The Fire Chapter 24
By late afternoon, Dr. Todd Lavery arrived. After skimming over the details of Deb's presence in Kirkwood, he deemed it imperative to visit in person, to discuss it further.Faye, Eli and Sybil watched him pull up in the driveway and get out of his car. Middle aged and graying at the temples, he looked every bit the consummate professional in his dark brown suit and immaculately polished shoes. Sybil opened the door before he could knock, inviting him in. Once all introductions were out of the way, he made himself comfortable in the chair by the window, graciously accepting the cup of tea Faye handed to him. ‘Your call intrigued me greatly, Miss Bennet, ’he said in his deep baritone voice. ’Deborah James escaped from Hillcrest two years ago and until today, we had no word on her whereabouts.’Faye chanced a quick glance at Eli and Sybil. They were as surprised as she was at the revelation, that Deb was an escaped mental patient. ‘What was wrong with her? ’Faye asked. ’
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Shadows In The Fire Chapter 25
‘My God, ’Faye heard Sybil mutter. ’What madness are we dealing with?’Dr. Lavery’s mouth was set in a thin line of concentration as he placed his teacup on the side table, next to the chair. It was plain to see, that he was as disturbed as they were, at what was being discussed. ‘She was one of the subjects? ’Faye asked. ’Dr. Lavery, please, I beg you, tell us what you can about her. Were you a doctor back then?’ ‘No, ’he answered, ’that was, in fact, one of the things that inspired me. My projects with Professor Moore.’‘So you’re not bound by confidentiality when it comes to that time, ’Eli said. ’You can tell us what happened back then?’Dr. Lavery waved his finger at them. ’Clever, and yes, I can discuss it.’‘Then please, Dr. Lavery, ’Sybil interjected, ’tell us. My sister’s life may depend on what you can share with us.’Dr Lavery cast a quick look of confusion at Faye. ’Miss Bennet?’Faye’s eyes darkened. ’I’m deeply involved in this, Dr Lavery, and whatever you
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Shadows In The Fire Chapter 26
‘Faye, I could lose my job if anyone found out. I can’t just show a body to you!’The voice of Janice Lee dropped to a theatrical whisper as she stared at Faye in mock horror and disgust. ’Besides, you were the one who found her. You know the condition the body’s in.’ Janice Lee was the attendant on duty at the morgue and an old friend from high school. But clearly, right now, she’d forgotten all about their friendship, and, all the times Faye had covered her ass when she got into trouble. ‘Janice, please, you have no idea how important this is. All I’m asking for, is ten minutes, to say goodbye to my friend. You know what that is, don’t you Janice? The thing I was to you, once?’ Janice pressed her lips together and folded her arms stiffly. ’That was a long time ago, Faye.’‘Not that long. Remember who took the blame when your dad found the joint in your room? Who was your alibi the night you had a romantic rendezvous with Jimmy Craig and the candles you lit almost burnt
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Shadows In The Fire Chapter 27
Faye felt the warmth of the sun on her body, and she heard waves crashing against the rocks as she slowly removed her hands from her face. Why was she on the beach? Only moments ago, she’d been next to Deb’s body, calling out to Bess.She turned around, seeking the voice which had spoken her name. It wasn’t Deb. The woman was shorter, with blonde hair and dark eyes, wearing a long, flowing white dress which reached to her ankles. Her feet were bare, and she played with the sand, running her toes through it, smiling joyously at Faye. ‘You have called for me, ’she said softly, ’and I have come.’Faye smiled nervously, feeling the water from the ocean wash over her feet. ‘Bess?’‘Yes, Faye. I am Bess.’‘You don’t look anything like Deb.’Bess smiled again, her eyes lighting up with emotion. ’This was my first life, as Bess. . . . you are seeing me as I was, not what I became in my other lives. Like the ones before her, Deb was merely a vessel for my soul. It took me
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Shadows In The Fire Chapter 28
She stirred in the darkened cavern, deep under what was once the church, which had burned down so long ago. Her body felt sore and tender, after slumbering for more than 200 years. Her muscles ached, as she stretched and purred on the altar which had been her resting place for so long.Whisper adjusted her eyes to the darkness, and she sensed she was not alone. Mathilda was there, and Bess. Their presence granted her peace and comfort. Had it happened? She was only to awaken once the chosen one came into her full power, to guide and protect her on this journey through absolute darkness. If she received this reprieve from her slumber, it could only mean Magnus had returned, and the final battle was to be fought.‘Whisper, ‘Mathilda said, reaching out to stroke her pitch-black fur. ‘We have missed your council greatly, old friend. I fear we need you once more.'Whisper purred contentedly as she fully stretched beneath Mathilda’s caress. Her mind grasped the words she heard, but she str
Last Updated : 2024-11-01
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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
