Then, Diana stepped toward the enchanting waterfalls that seemed to be calling her. It was whispering something but she couldn't understand what it was. Tommy raised his brow and followed right behind, sweating like crazy. It was like jogging in a steam room, only hotter and more uncomfortable. Within seconds his clothes were soaked. The vapor was so thick they didn’t see the pool until they were ten feet away. As they scrambled toward the stone passageway they nearly collided with someone coming out of the right of the pool. It was a tall man wearing a dark tunic and carrying a woman in his arms. The woman also wore a dark tunic but appeared to be unconscious. Tommy looked carefully at the man, trying to glimpse the face behind the steam of cloud, and realized it was Cavin. His eyes were wide and fearful behind the vapor. "Help!"Diana edged at the unconscious woman. “Is that Lanah?” she inquired. Her voice, hushed by the steam, was hardly clear under the wailing warning bells. Cavin
An hour and five miles later, the evacuees walked under the steamed underground with only little lanterns to brighten up their pathway, the tunnel’s main emergency exit led to a trapdoor in the floor of the barn. At least tweeny people had already used this exit by the time Tommy came up the stairs carrying Cavin, on his back, and Damian, carrying Lanah, and on their back was Lady Aya carrying a basket of food and herbs and different bottled mixture. The barn, although wide, could hold no more than fifteen people; the rest had spilled into the barnyard. Men and women lay on the barn’s surface, where Aya dealt with the wounded and prepared doses of herbal mixture. But almost all of them halted what they were doing and glanced at Tommy as he brought in Cavin and Damian brought in Alanah and rested them on the floor.He trudged backward while three women crowded around their unconscious bodies. One local man stripped off Cavin's tunic and slid a vile concoction down her throat. The woman
Dark TunnelFinally, after so many turns and darkness that seemed like forever, Diana finally saw a decent light from the distance. She ran as quickly as she could and when she reached it, she was astonished by the grandeur of the gigantic door. Sparkling gems and glistening golds and pearls which appear to be a million pieces of stone embedded in the door itself and the sheer height was way bigger when she came close, it was more or less twenty feet high and twelve feet in width.Diana opened the slightly ajar door and was stunned by the brightness of the morning sun. Has it already been another day? She thought to herself, she must be walking in a circle for hours.The way out, naturally, was also a way in. It was a boundary between realms. Diana was unaware of her surroundings, she didn't notice a huge dark eagle circling up ahead, she didn't hear what it whispered to the others, 'well done on finding the door to the underworld, that takes real courage and takes a powerful blood t
Cornelius drew his sword and took his warrior stance as his vampire fangs elongated and glistened from the little sunlight that graced upon him. There was not much room to move on this wagon top.The cart unexpectedly hit a boulder and both of them had to catch themselves to keep from falling off. Snow clouds, silver and black, in a multitude of precious metal hues, adorn the sky as if they long to kiss the land but to Cornelius, it was like his death was near because he saw them as a warning.Cornelius looked down over the side to see the carriage was riding close to the boundary of the plain. If he fell over that side, he would hardly hit the bottom, he would fall an extra several hundred feet down the side of the ridge to his death with that thought, Cornelius shivered, and in that shiver was a moment of truth, a story of the emotions that no mask could ever hide. In the array of frozen heights, where the air kisses his lungs so coolly, the sudden blizzard tips the balance of his
UnderworldNear the Valley of DeathIn the afternoon, barefoot on the icy turf, Diana approached the black dense wilderness, filled with the uncertainty of what she had seen in her dreams when she took a nap by the little shaft, but also with the fear of what she saw last night at the underground tunnel, in fact, she was too confused about what happened back there, one moment, she was saving someone and the next, the man disappeared in her grip.Her enthusiasm about what transpired which has been concealed since then but all at once comes bursting up from within her now. She wondered what truly happened back there. Who was that man?Diana was in a state beyond mere apprehension. No word was sufficient for what she had sensed. Now she was at the dense shrouds, touching the gloomy cloud, so black, sleek, like a moonless night sky reflected in the sightless face of a shadow. She was practically as bewildered as she petrified, for it appeared to her that she was both at the dark tunnel an
The distant hills surrounding the barn reminded Damian of the mounts of Daisy Valley, his childhood home. Ancient oaks, birches, and maples covered the steep slopes, and thick scrub covered the forest floor. It was supposedly gorgeous in the fall, but in the summer it was a treacherous landscape, muffled with foliage.It's morning now and he and Tommy started their journey past midnight. They were crazy enough to journey when Goblins were everywhere, Damian sighed as he swung his arm to clear a path through the thickets, but he wasn’t moving fast enough. Tommy had been walking so fast in front of him that he had lost him twice now.Above them was two enchanted birds flew at about three miles per hour, watching for Goblins, it was Aya's idea, though Tommy could effortlessly beat that speed on a flat stretch, now he was slogging up and down the hills while the birds moved in perfectly straight lines above the treetops. They have decided to journey to Aya's cabin to infiltrate the tunnel
BarnDiana began to pace after hearing from the old witch that Damian and Tommy went to Aya's cabin to rescue her. It was an outrageous intention especially with the Goblins everywhere. But Aya had convinced her not to worry, as she already sent a flock of birds to advise them to come back. While waiting, Aya told her to take a rest and gave her a goblet of fresh blood.Meanwhile, a bald woman with raw stitches in her scalp was shearing off Lanah’s and Cavin's hair. She was dressed in a dark kilt and black cloak like the other local woman at the barn. The bald woman's face was blank as she ran the razor over Lanah's head, which was held inert by a cloth strap looped around her brow. She was laid in a makeshift bed fitted with other sashes that bound her wrists to the side and her ankles to the bed legs. Another woman was preparing a salve of herbal mixture. She asked about it and Aya told her that it was needed to make sure that Cavin and Lanah's would be trapped on their body after t
"But you know better than that Lucinda, we all know that right now she is the most important person in our community. After all, he was the only one who could open the portal to the underworld." Sullivan kept smiling. “I assure you, Lucinda, even Camellana tried to open it with the codex of the demons but she couldn't. She failed, and those rumors that some dark sorcerers of the church were able to open the portal with their version of the codex were all rumors and lies, to threaten us. Oh well! It's quite relevant. Didn’t you wonder how I learned that it was just a mere ploy? It’s because, like yourself Lucinda, I have spies everywhere and right now I am ahead of you in any way."Lucinda was deafeningly quiet for the first few minutes. She didn't do anything but stare at the orange glow that seemed to be buzzing more and more, not moving a muscle. The other chief, expressing their dissatisfaction, swung their head back and forth, their gaze alternating between Lucinda and Diana. It w
" I… I've come to realize that things aren't quite as black and white as I've been portraying them to be. I don't need to give up something to become someone else. I'm hoping to gain something more. But as long as you were with me. I don't care anymore, Andrew. My grandpappy can wait. In fact, the tenth century can wait. Right?” She looked at him with a sheepish expression.It took him no time to respond affirmatively. His hands glided down her back to her shoulders as they reached his chamber, then he went down her neck back again. "Yes, my love." The corners of his mouth split into a sensuous smile. "Your grandfather can wait." His words kissed the side of her face. “However, I believe you could push yourself even further. You are powerful Diana. Never hold back yourself. Do whatever is necessary to survive.”“Why? Do you want me to be like you?” She exhaled as his hand became entangled in the buttons on the front of her gown. Slowly giving her goosebumps.“You are really similar to
Diana's heart began to beat again, her lungs began to fill with air, and she took a deep, gasping breath. Slowly, the chill began to melt away from her body, dissipating in the face of the raging river coursing through her, ratcheting up her seer magic a notch. The amazing bliss she felt from his single drop of blood fueled her mind and made her want for more, and she felt like she was drunk on lust. Diana could see everything so clearly now, and at that moment, she wished she could have Andrew with her. Now! Right here, right now!And so she stepped closer, coming to a complete stop in front of Andrew. Then she pushed herself to her toes and grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him against her for a long, passionate kiss. In that kiss was the sweetness of passion, a million loving thoughts condensed into a moment. In that kiss were the promise of years and the sweetness of waiting for real love.She then drew back just as fast as she had come. Diana was aware that people were starin
Blanca's cheeks were flushed. "I'll be delighted to comply with my lord's wishes." She kissed his cheek once more as she grinned. It had been a long journey, a long adventure, and she had given up hope that she would ever see Dimitri's smile once more...The ladies with the wine approached them, and Blanca whispered to Dimitri, "This area looks like a battle zone, and I can't wait to taste you again." He halted when Elfar groggily waved the ladies over to them. "How is he going to get it ready for a celebration by tonight?" "He was drunk as hell." Blanca wondered as she waved her hand to Elfar, who reciprocated by waving his hands in their direction."The stubbornness of Elfar should never be underestimated. He was more than just a mere wolf. He is my sire demon for a reason.""I get what you're saying. He's just as stubborn as you are!" Blanca spoke with a little smile on her lips as she gave him a sly look. "Don't be concerned. There's no danger of that, my love. My stubbornness wil
Nirvana, on the other hand, smirked and murmured, "I happen to know that you are killing all of the offspring you have spawned through your wicked younger years," Nirvana said with a smirk and a "tsked."Camellana looked at Danny with a guilty expression on her face.Nirvana went on to say, "After all, you are not the only one that has spies." It turned out to be true. Nirvana had covertly dispatched spies across the hamlets in order to gather information about Camellana's plan.Continuing to dig, Nirvana said, "You are gathering military resources for yourselves to take with you, leaving Redberg Village as a shell of its former self, with its great walls as its sole defense. And I'm not sure what the assembly of the knights had expected you to perform, but I'm sure it's something big, something monumentally important. Despite Sulu's self-assurance and bluster, your very situation was dire. Andrew Norton was led here by my spy, and you are well aware that I am probably the only person i
Diana made a shaky motion with her head. Several strands of filth dropped from her hair and landed on the dirt floor. Diana then continued to recount all that had occurred earlier, while the others sat there and sobbed as she spoke. The others were so enraged at the traitors that it was understandable that they were infuriated. Even Anna had been questioned about what had transpired, and she proceeded to tell them about her confrontation with Sulu as well, which elicited a gasp from the audience.The elderly lady was deafeningly silent. Diana recognized that she was just as excellent at concealing her feelings as Lucinda was. In addition to being a charismatic leader, she would also be an excellent commander of their troops, as Anna would be.The following morning, Diana, Danny Nirvana, and Elfar, who had recovered from his wounds, arrived in the Redberg Village, which was close to Camellana's villa. As a result, Knight Leo chose to stay for another day at the witches' new cavern, firs
Elfar had the distinct impression that the ground itself was enraged at them. Massive mountains of loosened rock were falling into the cavern, and the rapid shift of such a large amount of mass was causing the entire area to become unstable. A louder, sharper disturbance could be heard just above their heads, and when Elfar peered up, he noticed fissures appearing in the concrete and stone roof of the tunnel. It was a terrifying sight. Within seconds, the fissures had grown in length and width. Clods of earth spilled out of them, strewing the train rails with their ashes."Run!" Elfar let out a yell. He snatched Anna and Leo's arms once more. "The tunnel is about to collapse! Is it possible for Nirvana to create some gateways, perhaps portals, to allow us all out?" Elfar was the one who inquired."I'm not sure if it's even possible to do so. Lucinda had made certain that her spell was strong enough to prevent anyone from entering or exiting the cavern without her permission. It's not t
Leo and Anna seemed to smile at their successful accomplishment.When they returned to Diana, they saw that she was barely holding her own against Sulu, but Nirvana was on her side as well.But Anna rushes to the other witches who were still battling with the two elders, and the three of them are found dead in the ravine, practically sizzling with the lava, as the enormous beast slowly drops its black tail into the ravine and falls. Along with the witches, of course. Then Anna threw herself at the elders and engaged in combat with the four friends. While Tommy engaged in combat with the four huge goblins that had fallen from the above-ground pit. And Leo rushed to Diana's side to assist her.Although she was backed up against the ravine that encircled Sulu's dais, Diana came close to falling, until the snake plunged into the lava under her feet. Nirvana was well aware that Diana was on the verge of being pushed over the ledge and into the abyss of molten lava below her feet. She didn'
Tommy added, "Oh well, D. I had planned on eating snake BBQ for dinner this evening, but it's not even feasible with that shadow hanging over me. Doesn't it look like a green screen that was used in future movies, D?""Yes, it's some kind of animated fuck of crap! In addition to a pot of giant worm soup. So put an end to your stomach aches and put your wolf fangs on, Tom."Then both of them halted their mind foolish conversation then Sulu's boomed around the niche of the chamber."Your commander Cornelius is a weakling," Sulu howled. "...Cornelius was a softie, but Nirvana here, on the other hand, was astute in assisting me, as were the two other chiefs." The two elders of the Dark Native's coven appeared out of nowhere, causing the witches to gasp in surprise. It took them completely by shock. It's no surprise why Sulu was successful in apprehending Lucinda. "Traitor!" Anna muttered under their collective breath while the rest of the witches stared at the two older leaders with contem
But Sulu is a master at exploiting the relatively weak aspects and outsmarting his stronger opponents. Yet he was livid, and his hands trembled. His fury had such a potent effect on him that if he had stayed that way in front of a human, it would have blinded them. Nevertheless, Diana was not a human. Vampire Seer, the Fated One. She wouldn't be phased with this jerk. She thought to herself.Sulu, on the other hand, flashed a menacing smile and lifted his hands in the air as if invoking his magical abilities. "Arise, my brethren!" he said emphatically.Then unexpectedly, the huge shadow and black barrier started to wiggle and move. To slither towards them. It was not a column that had fallen. It had come to life. And it was now poised to swoop down on Diana's entourage.Meanwhile, Knight Leo vampire knights and Aya's witches were frantically fighting with the Goblin who was waiting at the entrance to the Gathering Hall. It was a bloody battle. With its hammering power, the battering r