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Epilogue
Last Updated:
2025-01-28 02:04:33
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Shadows In The Fire Chapter 1
Faye Wilding opened her eyes. The beams of sunlight streaming in through the curtains of her hospital room, were the first thing she saw. The voices were quiet now. It felt surreal because usually they were so active, so eager to be heard.She took in her surroundings. The hospital room was cold and impersonal. How long had she been here? The last thing she remembered was Nolan slamming his fist into her face.She lifted her hand. Her left eye felt tender and swollen. Had he hit her so hard and carelessly? He was usually so careful about leaving visible evidence.She tried to remember what happened, the fragments of memories arranging themselves as it all came flooding back to her. It was foggy, but not completely indiscernible. It was always like this. She always had to fight to remember the beatings, as if her mind wanted to block out as much as possible, to spare her almost.Last night had been the annual Children’s Charity Ball, her second as Mrs. Nolan Wilding. They’d been
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Shadows In The Fire Chapter 2
The fire on the beach had died down and all that remained were the glowing embers, and the remains of the charred woman, roped to the stake.Faye looked down. She was wearing a long white dress and her feet were bare as she walked over the burning embers, her arm outstretched to touch the woman’s blackened face. Her eyes were open. ‘Help me, ’the woman whispered, as hot blood flowed from her mouth, over Faye’s hand. ’Please help me. ’ Faye woke with a start as the sound of her cellphone ringing ended the vivid dream. It felt so real, as if she had really been there, on that beach as the woman burned. Even awake she could still feel the heat from the fire, smell the stench of the smoke and charred flesh. All her life these dreams had haunted her and all her life she had no idea why.Her parents used to tell her it was all in her imagination, that she had a vivid way of conjuring up fantastic stories and they even pushed her to become a writer at one point. Only in her hear
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Shadows In The Fire Chapter 3
The English Coast 1794‘Do you understand me, Esther? ’Mathilda asked gently. ’You must trust me, and you must never tell your father or Mary about the people speaking to you in your dreams.’Esther smiled, her face lighting up, stirring Mathilda’s heart. Her precious baby, her daughter. Was this how her gift would awaken? By dreaming of the dead?She would never allow her to burn.‘I understand Mother, ’she answered. ’Are you afraid they will tell Magnus?’Mathilda nodded. ’He is not a good man, dear one, he will take you away from me and I will never see you again.’ ‘I will not say anything to them, Mother, I promise.’Mathilda pulled her into an embrace. ’Our secret my love, ’she said softly, ’our secret forever.'It was late afternoon when Tobias and Mary returned. Outside the sea was restless. A storm was coming and Mathilda pulled her threadbare cloak tighter around her as Tobias opened the ramshackle door of their cottage, followed by Mary, her 12 year old face set in
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Shadows In The Fire Chapter 4
Thunder rumbled in the distance and the night itself seemed to grow darker as the breeze from the ocean whipped at her hair. I am not repulsed, Faye thought to herself, watching the blood from the woman’s mouth trickle down her hand. It was hot, a grim reminder of the horrors she had endured. ‘Are you dead? ’Faye asked. ‘Yes, ’the woman replied, ’I am no longer in this world ’ ‘How do you want me to help you? ’Faye asked, pieces of charred flesh coming away with her hand, revealing the bony structure beneath. ‘Save my daughter, ’the woman said, ’save my beautiful daughter.’ ~ ~ ~Sybil’s number was on speed dial and it took a while for her to answer the phone. Faye smiled indulgently as she waited, knowing her sister was probably knee deep in her wedding arrangements. She was marrying her high school sweetheart in two months time and she wanted every detail to be perfect. ‘Well, ’Faye said in mock anger, ’you certainl
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Shadows In The Fire Chapter 5
‘What happened to your daughter? ’Faye asked. She looked down, wondering why the red hot embers were not burning her feet. The woman was no longer struggling against her bindings and she appeared unaffected by her falling flesh. She must have noticed Faye’s surprise. ‘I feel nothing anymore, ’she said, ignoring Faye’s question. ’My body is but a vessel now, so I may speak to you.’Faye felt a sense of deep sadness, the woman had burned and she was so accepting of her fate, that her only concern was for her daughter. ‘What is your name? ’Faye asked. ’Who are you and how can I help your little girl?’‘My name is Mathilda, ’the woman said. ’And only you can save my daughter. ’ It was raining as Faye boarded the bus which would carry her away from London and back home to Kirkwood. She only carried one small suitcase. All her other belongings would be sent by one of the maids in the Wilding household. She took her seat, with a measure of heartache but also hope, as
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Shadows In The Fire Chapter 6
‘Excuse me?’Lost in thought while staring out the window as the rain came down in a gentle sheet, Faye had not heard what the woman next to her had said. She was older than Faye, pretty with beautiful grey eyes. ‘I asked if you’re also heading to Kirkwood, ’the woman said with a smile. ’I’m Deborah by the way, Deb for short.’She extended her hand and Faye did the same, returning her smile. ’Faye, and yes, that’s my destination.’‘Visiting? ’Deb asked. ’I heard its beautiful this time of year.’‘Actually, I’m moving back there, ’Faye replied. ’I spent some time in London and now I’m going back home.’‘Awesome, ’Deb said. ’Forgive me if I’m being forward. You just seemed so pensive ever since you got on the bus.’‘Just had a lot on my mind, ’Faye answered. ’Are you just going to visit Kirkwood?’‘Its business and pleasure, ’Deb said, shifting the heavy file on her lap. ’I’m doing research for an article I’m writing.’‘Really? ’Faye said. ’You’re a journalist? What coul
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Shadows In The Fire Chapter 7
The English Coast,1794 ‘See, Father? See how she rebels against the teachings of God, sympathizing with the witch!’ Mary’s words were delivered in a biting, venomous tone and Mathilda could only stare at her elder daughter in shock as Tobias nodded his head in agreement. ‘You have gone mad Mathilda!' Tobias said through clenched teeth. ’If anyone were to hear of your blasphemy, they may construe you to be a witch yourself!’‘Let them! ’Mathilda bit back. ’Tobias, husband. . . . . this is not the will of God, but of a madman!’ ‘She has been tainted by her association with the witch, ’Mary interjected, ’we must pray for her, so her soul may escape damnation.’‘Be quiet girl! ’Mathilda said. ’You are still my daughter and you will be treated as such! Do not make me beat you into submission!’Mary rushed to Tobias’ side, finding safety in his arms. ‘Father, do not allow her to do this, ’she pleaded. ‘Never Mary, ’Tobias said, ’Never will she beat you. . . .
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The English Coast,1794 ‘Tobias, I beg you, ’Mathilda implored, ’stay here with me and the children. . . . do not go to watch Bess burn.’ Anger flashed in his eyes at the mention of Bess and he pulled Mary closer to him as if trying to protect her from her own mother. ‘The sacred blood of Christ compels us to bear witness to the destruction of evil, ’he said hoarsely. ’I do not understand you Mathilda. I fear for you.’‘Do not fear for me, but for yourself and our daughter, ’Mathilda replied, close to tears. ’Mary has been seduced by Magnus and his teachings which are so very wrong.’‘Sacrilege and blasphemy! ’Mary spat. ’Father, I fear she has been tainted by evil, by Bess.’ ‘Mathilda, ’Tobias said, his tone firm and cold. ’Until such time as you repent, you are never to leave this house again. ’ . ….………‘You’re playing with me, right? ’Faye, said as the bus slowed down due to the rain coming down more intensely. Deb just to
Last Updated : 2024-09-22
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Shadows In The Fire Epilogue
Faye basked in the soft rays of sunlight, streaming through the window, where she sat in the nursery. After the events of that night, she packed up and moved in with Eli, beginning their lives anew. They hadn’t gotten around to getting married yet, but they would soon.Mathilda Evans made her way into the world, two weeks before Christmas. Her birth was a joyous moment. She came into the world, kicking and screaming, a fighter from day one.Eli had been with her through it all, and when they finally held their daughter in their arms, their lives felt complete.Now, their little fighter, was peacefully asleep in her cradle. Faye smiled contentedly, gazing out the window, to the garden, where Eli, Sybil and Mark were having a snowball fight, as a light dusting of snow began to fall once more.Sybil and Mark were married soon after that night and shortly after their wedding, they had the biggest surprise of all. Sybil was pregnant and their baby would come in the summer.As for Janice L
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 62
The English Coast, 1794How long she sat in the darkness, Mathilda did not know. Everyone she ever loved was gone and she was truly alone in this new world, tasked with the overwhelming responsibility of keeping watch, until the day Clarissa and Magnus, would face each other for the last time.Clarissa had already been reborn. How many lifetimes would it be, before she was strong enough to defeat the demon? How many years, would she, Mathilda, wait before being granted the gift of sleeping, until it was her own time to be reborn?She was so tired. All she wanted was to rest, but the will of the Goddess had been communicated to her, clearly and concisely. She had a sacred duty, and she would see it through.When she finally had the strength, she made her way to the village square where the smoldering remains of Clarissa remained. Already the dogs had begun their feast. There were more than 10 of them, each one wanting its piece of flesh and bone.They dispersed, whimpering, when Math
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 61
‘Are you sure Janice? Working a double shift?’Tim Conway looked sheepish as he stared at her and momentarily, Janice felt a pang of guilt. He was supposed to take over her shift at the morgue, but he began complaining about stomach aches and feeling unwell. So, she offered to cover his shift, but not out of the goodness of her heart.Because they wanted her here…They said they needed her here…When the two living corpses appeared in the morgue earlier, she’d been shocked and astounded. Even more so when they spoke to her and it felt as if she entered a lucid dream, from which she couldn’t wake up.In all the years she’d worked at the morgue, she always suspected someday, something like this would happen. The pills she’d put in Tim’s coffee earlier, appeared on her desk out of nowhere. That’s why he was feeling ill. He’d gratefully accepted the cup from her hand, glad for the warmth away from the biting cold and rain outside. He never suspected she’d drugged him.They didn’t want a
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 60
Night had fallen and Faye was happy to be back in her own body. As exhilarating as the experience was, of merging with Whisper, it wasn’t something she planned to do again anytime soon. How Clarissa managed it, and enjoyed it, all those years ago, was beyond her understanding. It was a complete reality shift which defied all logic. Beyond belief, her spirit had left her body and merged with another living being.And considering their bloody return when Whisper killed the demon in her room… She could still taste its foul blood in her mouth but was happy that no harm came to the people she loved. If anything, ever happened to them, because of her and the situation they found themselves in, she would surely die.Sybil and Mark seemed fine. Mathilda explained to her that it was some sort of sleep spell the demon performed on them, and it would have no lasting effect on them, or August. They were a bit groggy and disorientated after waking up from their impromptu slumber, but copious amoun
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 59
‘Think about it, my dear boy. Only by killing the witch, will you ever be free from her temptations. The evil in her soul is too powerful. She will corrupt you and you will never enter the gates of Heaven. You will never be reunited with us, the people who love you more than life itself. Kill her, Elijah. It is the will of God that she must die…’Listening to it speak, in his mother’s sweet voice, turned Eli’s stomach. How was this foul creature so good at playing its part? Had Mary and Magnus become stronger, instead of weaker? Their hijacked bodies would soon decay completely, yet they had enough power to cast this illusion.‘I’m no killer,’ he said coldly. ‘I will never take another life, especially the woman I love. My mother would never ask such a thing of me.’Momentarily, just for a split second, he noticed how its eyes changed color. It went from the radiant green of his mother’s, to pitch black. Lord, was this a demon? He wanted to call out to Mark and Sybil, but the house ha
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 58
July 31, 2016‘Harold, I feel the chemotherapy is helping. I feel a bit stronger today. All the doctors say my chances are waning, but I don’t believe them. I feel God is answering my prayers and soon I will be well again. You and Eli have been so good to me during this trying time. Our family is truly what keeps me going.’Nancy took a deep breath and leaned into her cushions. Speaking had exerted her and the rasp in her breathing, was evident for all to hear. ‘I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and cook Eli’s favorite meal. It’s one of the things I look forward to, the most,’ she continued. Pastor Evans swallowed back his tears. They were sitting in their room, on a small little couch by the window, overlooking the garden. This was Nancy’s favorite spot. She always told him it gave her so much peace to sit there and read, while he and Eli were out for the day. It also gave her the perfect vantage point, to see them come home. The minute they walked through the door, she would be
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
