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Chapter 31
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2024-11-01 03:31:06Related chapters
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 32
At the first peal of thunder, Clarissa lifted her gaze to the darkened sky and pulled her shawl over her head. The rumblings in the village at this late hour could not be true. Surely not Mathilda and her beautiful daughter. Captured by the monster, Magnus. The commotion had woken her up from a deep sleep and when she looked out, she saw Magnus’ guards dragging two figures off towards the cells. It was her neighbors who told her in hushed whispers who it was, and, in that moment, she nearly collapsed in shock. Mathilda was the bravest and kindest of them all. Who could have delivered her into the hands of that demon?It began to drizzle as she finally arrived at Mathilda’s home. Tobias would surely have an explanation for all of this. Perhaps her neighbors were wrong. Perhaps both Mathilda and her sweet Esther were sleeping peacefully in their own beds. Either way, she had to know for sure.The door was opened at her first knock. Mary gave her a withering look and Clarissa felt inwa
Last Updated : 2024-11-01Shadows In The Fire Chapter 33
For a moment, it felt to Faye, as if a fog was lifting from her mind. A weight, pinned with a lifelong undercurrent of uncertainty, was being replaced by something concrete, something tangible and all was beginning to make sense.Time froze…even the drops of rain appeared to be suspended in mid-air, as a torrent of memories came surging back. Yet far from being overwhelmed, she welcomed it, feeling the uncertainty slipping away, dropping from her mind as if a gossamer veil was being lifted, layer upon layer.‘They were my sisters and brothers,’ she whispered as if to herself. ‘They lived, they laughed, they loved….and he took it all away. He took them away, one by one, without thinking twice. He took their lives, perverted their legacies, and made it seem like the will of God. I remember all of it now.’‘Then tell me Faye, what happened next?’ Esther asked. ‘What happened after this moment?’‘I went home,’ Faye answered. ‘I was broken at the thought of what you and Mathilda were goin
Last Updated : 2024-11-03Shadows In The Fire Chapter 34
The English Coast, 1794‘Those who lose piety, lose their place in God’s kingdom. Therefore, we as the righteous, must ensure that evil has no place amongst us. We must cleanse these witches by fire, so God can look down upon us with mercy.’The cheer erupting from the crowd, as Magnus concluded his sermon, was deafening, and Mary smiled in absolute pride, clapping and cheering with everyone else. Truly, his force of faith, left everyone in awe.She turned to face her father next to her. Tobias had his head down, wringing his hands, a sign that he was anxious. Surely he could not still feel pity towards his wife and daughter, witches who glorified the works of the dark one himself.Mary knew he wished to see them, one last time. She would not permit it though. She would speak to Magnus and convince him Mathilda and Esther deserved no such mercy.She felt a warmth of satisfaction rising within her. She imagined it would take longer to expose Mathilda, but surely fortune had smiled upon
Last Updated : 2024-11-04Shadows In The Fire Chapter 35
‘How could this happen Nolan? You said the lunatic was on birth control. Now she’s running around pregnant with your child, my grandchild!’Nolan threw his arms up in frustration, and it angered Anna even more. He was truly an idiot. His father indulged his every whim as a child, and this, was the conclusive result. Now she had to deal with his reckless mistake, as she had to deal with so many others before.‘She was, Mother! For the ten thousandth time, I don’t know how Faye could have ended up pregnant! Maybe she skipped a day or two. How else would it happen?’Anna pursed her lips in anger. That night when Dr. Miller came to the manor and made her outrageous stand, was etched in her memory. She demanded proof of course and by the next day, all of Faye’s medical records were in her possession. It proved beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she was indeed pregnant and had kept the news secret.For Dr. Miller, it provided a payday, beyond her wildest dreams. Her fantasy could finally see
Last Updated : 2024-11-05Shadows In The Fire Chapter 36
Days later….Watching the simple wooden coffin descend into the open grave, Faye rested her head against Eli’s chest, as a soft rain began to fall. Glancing across, she saw Mark open an umbrella to shelter Sybil, and Eli did the same for her.No one had claimed Deb’s body. After a long and tiresome search, it was discovered her mother had passed years ago and there was no other family to contact. Faye felt extremely grateful to Sybil, Mark and Eli. Within moments of learning this, they had decided to all chip in, along with her, to give Deb a dignified burial.‘Rest well, Deb,’ Faye whispered, as the service ended. ‘We will meet again, old friend.’The four of them were the only ones at the funeral, and it seemed almost surreal that a whole life had passed, with no family or friends to send her off. How lonely must she have been? How many days and nights had she hoped for it all to end, for someone to just be there for her?‘It was a beautiful service Faye,’ Mark said, as they were wa
Last Updated : 2024-11-05Shadows In The Fire Chapter 37
‘Faye, are you sure about this?’‘I am Sybil. You know I’ve never had much of an interest in the day to day running of the coffee shop. Even when I lived here before. You and Mark have been doing great running it and with you getting married soon, it makes sense that you guys start a new legacy. I need to find my own way, after this is over.’She wondered silently how much of her new life she was planning, would include Eli. He’d made it clear he was willing to raise the baby with her, but did she really have a right to expect so much from him?She’d hurt him and shattered his heart in the past, and he was willing to forgive her for all of it. And now, he was by her side, trying to figure out a way to stop Magnus and Mary. What if she was simply placing him in harm’s way?She loved him, she knew that she never stopped loving him, but did she deserve him? He had never been anything, but the perfect boyfriend, while she had been selfish to the core. She’d spent so much time keeping secr
Last Updated : 2024-11-07Shadows In The Fire Chapter 38
The Following Day…The silence in the library, was eerie and unsettling as Faye made herself comfortable at the desk, closest to the window, so she could see the storm clouds rolling in from the distance. She loved this weather. The rain always spoke to her soul and soothed her heart.She let out an almost indiscernible groan as she spread out the books she had in her arms. Kirkwood Library was well stocked, but sadly did not cater much to those interested in supernatural research. The books they had on the subject seemed sadly outdated and she silently wondered if this exercise would bear results.Eli, being the Head Librarian, was able to sniff out what they needed fast, and she was sure the seven books on the desk were about all he could find. Most of them dealt with hauntings and spirit possessions, but none it seemed, could tell her how to kill an evil spirit. Not just banish it, but kill it and send it hurtling to hell, where it belonged.The memories of her life as Clarissa wer
Last Updated : 2024-11-07Shadows In The Fire Chapter 39
As thunder rumbled overhead, Faye settled in the garden with a cup of tea and some scones. She had to continually remind herself that she was eating for two and should have regular meals. She smiled contentedly as she felt the baby move. The little tyke was ready for some lunch too.She mulled over the choice before her. Should she summon Esther and place her in harm's way? What if that was the only way to gain more information? She had no idea what Magnus and Mary's plan for Esther was and Mathilda had gone silent. She no longer appeared in her dreams and visions. Perhaps a sign that she moved on and was at peace? Unlikely, though, since her whole purpose was to see that Esther was taken care of. So where was she? It occurred to her that Mathilda too, might be frightened by what was to come. She had seen so many horrors in her life, it seemed the logical reason as to why she was staying in the shadows. Her own daughter despised her to the point of delivering her to a witchfinder and
Last Updated : 2024-11-07
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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
