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Chapter 23
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Shadows 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. ’
Shadows 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
Shadows 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
Shadows 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
Shadows 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
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 29
Eli had fallen asleep, soon after their conversation ended. Looking at him, sleeping soundly, Faye felt a moment of contentment, where everything that happened the past few days, seemed a million miles away.She understood why Eli had been less than thrilled to learn she had gone to the morgue to speak to Bess. He wanted to be with her, for all of it. His only motive was to protect her and she adored him for it, but the situation had left her no other choice. She was certain Bess would not have appeared to her, with him or anyone else there.In the darkened room, a voice gently called her name.‘Faye...’A comfortable warmth ran the length of her body. Peaceful, and gentle.‘Esther, is it you, sweetheart?’Instinctively, her hand went to her abdomen, feeling the roundness of her ever-growing bulge. The baby moved inside her, bringing a smile to her lips, tinged with both hope and despair.‘Yes, it’s me Faye.’From the shadows Esther came, gliding across the floor in the soft glow of
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 30
‘Do go with them, Father, ’Mary said. ’Magnus will not begrudge you, one final goodbye.’Tobias slowly rose from the stool, a look of madness in his eyes. He was a broken man, staring at his condemned wife and daughter. ‘Will you be alright?’ he managed in a hoarse whisper, directed at Mary. ’The night is cold and dark.’‘Father, ’Mary said sternly, ’what darkness can befall me, when evil itself was amongst us all along? Fear not, for my faith protects me.’Mary turned to Mathilda and Esther once more. ’Mother, why not call upon your dark allies to free you? Or has the evil of your soul perished, as the evil of your flesh soon will?’Mary motioned to the guard to remove Mathilda’s gag. She coughed as the filthy rag was pulled from her mouth. ‘The only evil, is you, Mary!’Mathilda spat. ’Since the moment I first held you in my arms, I knew that you were the one tainted by evil. The cursed fruit of my womb, and today, all my fears have come true!’For a moment it seemed as
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 31
The Wilding Estate, London...Anna Wilding sneered contemptuously at the woman seated opposite her. What drivel was she preparing to spew? And how did she manage to slither onto the grounds, at this hour of the night? Clearly, security was lacking on the estate.‘And what did you say your name was?’ Anna asked coldly.‘Eva Miller, Dr. Eva Miller. We have met before, Mrs. Wilding. I treated your daughter in law after her fall down the stairs a few weeks ago.’Anna bristled inwardly, remembering her last confrontation with Faye. For some reason, the little bitch seemed…stronger…that day. The way she stood up to her, was unlike anything she had ever done during her marriage to Nolan.Perhaps Nolan's fists, had beaten her into growing a backbone.‘That woman is no longer a part of my family, doctor. If you came looking for her, I would suggest trying the closest gutter, from where she came. If I never see that worthless garbage again, it will be too soon.'Eva Miller smiled wryly. ‘The p
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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
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 48
Whisper positioned herself comfortably, in the centre of the kitchen counter, as her spellbound audience of four, circled her with curiosity and a good measure of trepidation, amongst three of them.‘The cat you’ve been feeding…talks?’Faye couldn’t help but be amused at Eli’s incredulous tone. Granted, it wasn’t the easiest thing she ever had to tell him. After her conversation with Whisper, she’d left the garage in a state of pure wonder and shock, as what happened, finally had a moment to settle in her mind .‘Yes,’ Faye answered. ‘She talks and she’s a magical creature, known as a familiar. She guides and protects witches. She has lived for thousands of years, moving all over the world, to fulfill her duty in the grand design. She was there, in 1794, living with Mathilda's coven.'Eli and Mark, who’s jaw was practically on the floor, glanced at each other, both unable to believe what they were hearing.'And here I thought our news of getting the stun guns was huge,' Mark drily not
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 47
The English Coast, 1794Clarissa hurried inside her cottage, as the excited jeers from the crowd, watching Bess burn, reached her ears. She closed the door behind her, latching it shut and sank down to the floor, allowing her tears to run free. It felt as if her heart was being crushed within her. Slowly, piece by piece. Another sister had been lost.Bess had burned. Magnus had wilfully taken her life and there were people in their village, who supported him and cheered him on, as he lit the kindling, to take her life.What sway did he have? How did he manipulate the weak and desperate, to the point where they could watch their friends and family die at his hand? All while cheering him on and believing he was doing God’s work.She had not the strength to get up and crawled to her little bed. She pulled the blanket up to her chin as the heartbreak inside her, threatened to consume her very being. How many more had to die in the flames before they found a way to stop this demon? Every t
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 46
There was a chill in the air, as Eli and Mark made their way across the parking lot, to Eli’s pick up. They’d gotten a few supplies. Mostly food for themselves, August, and Whisper, as well as the most important items they had come for, stun guns.Being able to protect themselves was high on their list of priorities. They still didn’t know when the next attack would come, and when it did, they wanted to be ready. Luckily, the house was relatively safe, so that was one less thing to worry about.‘You okay?’ Mark asked. ‘You’ve been a bit quiet since we left the house.’Eli inhaled deeply, savoring the cold air before answering.‘I’ve just had a lot on my mind. Losing my dad, reconnecting with Faye and now this whole business with Magnus and Mary. It’s just making me question a lot of things.’‘Are you worried about Faye? I think she can handle it, and we’re all with her in this.’Eli smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. Truth be told, the last while he felt as if Faye were slipping a
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 45
The following morning, the rain somewhat subsided, but the threat of more, was evident in the dark clouds forming on the horizon. Eli and Mark were heading into town, but first, they made sure the house was completely secure. They double checked all the doors and windows, leaving strict instructions for Faye and Sybil, to not leave the safety of the house and to always stay together.The previous night, Eli had fetched August as well, but for some reason, he refused to go inside. He stayed on the porch the entire night, and occasionally growled at something, none of them could see. This obviously just made all of them feel more on edge. Animals were in tune with the supernatural, so clearly August was aware of something they were not. The only time he calmed down, was when Eli gave him some food and water and left a blanket for him, under the swing seat.‘Please, don’t open the doors for anyone, even if they sound like they’re dying out there. I doubt August will let anyone through th
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 44
They’d found an abandoned old cabin in the woods, falling apart but it provided some measure of shelter. They withstood the cold, knowing it would help slow down the decomposition of Nolan and Anna’s bodies. They knew they had to conserve their strength. The bodies were weak, and just agile enough to get them around. Mary stared at the hands which now belonged to her, lined, with age and lacking youthful vigor. It would take time to get accustomed to it. Precious time, which they did not have. The bodies would decay soon, and they had to strike before that happened. The longer they stayed within these vessels, the more vulnerable they would become. The strength they had fed on, with the deaths of Pastor Evans and Deb, would not sustain them for a substantial amount of time. It had taken a lot to end their lives, more than what they had expected. She glanced at Magnus, who stood by the remains of the window, savoring the icy chill from outside. ‘How much time do we have?’ His
