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17No Harm Done
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The Forsaken 18|What Have We Done
Sonja stuck around for a few minutes, listening to Cadence weep her heart out. She was sad it had come to this, devastated that she was forced to show her the scrapbook to get her point across.She wanted to walk into Cadence's room, take her in her arms, and promise her it would be okay. But her daughter wasn't five anymore. Hot chocolate and marshmallows weren't going to heal the ache in her heart.With a heavy sigh, Sonja headed for the front door. The coven had a meeting with the alliance at the Midnight Star pack's camp in the woods.The walk, which took less than ten minutes, was a welcomed relief. She needed to calm down and clear her head before the meeting.The sound of dirt and pine needles crunching beneath her feet soothed her taut nerves, and the heady scent from the violets smattering the forest made her think back to a time when Cadence was just a little girl, and they would venture into the woods to pick flowers. Her daughter loved being out and about as much as picking
The Forsaken 19|Bring To The Table-Part 1
Andrew was livid. They didn't have to be telepathic for Luca to know this. The reckless way he sped through the bumpy dirt roads from the bayou towards the busy city centre said it all. His cousin was okay before they left the house. So Luca could only assume his long chat with Cadence was the real reason for Andrew's sudden anger.Neither Luca nor April dared say anything, let alone ask him to slow down. Leaving him alone was the best thing to do when he was in one of his moods.With nothing to see outside except endless miles of bushes and wheat fields, Luca closed his eyes and listened to April sing along to My Chemical Romance blaring from the stereo, and he allowed his thoughts to drift to Cadence. He knew she loved the band from her large collection of the albums he saw on her desk when he'd snuck in to leave the origami swan. But not as much as she loved dancing. That, Luca knew, was her first love. And like most first loves, Cadence poured all her time and energy into it by wor
The Forsaken 20|Bring To The Table–Part 2
For the longest of seconds, there was stunned silence in the car.April pressed her eyes shut, forcing back her tears. Luca's words felt like a hot slap across her face. They stung like a mother fucking bitch, filling her with such shame and self-loathing that she couldn't look at anything for a long time. She was awfully glad she couldn't see her reflection in her mirror. Else, she wouldn't have been able to handle the shame she would have surely seen there. "I did what I had to. It was for Julian, and I'll do it again if I have to," she said through her tears when she had found her voice again."April, I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. I should never have said those words." Luca apologised, bowing his head in shame.But April shook her head. She didn't want to hear it. Her hurt was still too raw. She asked Andrew to pull up on the side of the road, and she jumped out as soon as the car came to a complete stop.The billions of tiny stars sprinkled across the night sky looked so prett
The Forsaken 21|Haunted-Part 1
The day after Luca and his clan left Shadowbrooke, Cadence stayed in bed and refused to leave her room.Sonja left her alone, giving her all the space she needed. She didn't like that her daughter was skipping school, especially close to her exams. But she understood that she was mourning the loss of a relationship doomed to fail from the beginning.She didn't think Luca was worth crying over, and she could give her daughter a long list of reasons why she was better off without him. But she was once Cadence's age, and she had gone through her fair share of heartbreak before she met Warwick, so she understood her pain all too well.The mere thought of her husband reduced Sonja to tears. She left the cosy warmth of her living room sofa and hurried to her bedroom. She'd spent the evening alone and had dinner alone because Cadence was on a hunger strike. Chances of her daughter venturing out were slim to none. But, on the off chance that she did, Sonja didn't want her to see her in tears.
The Forsaken 22|Haunted-Part 2
Sonja never thought she would find love at forty. And at first, she'd felt strange about going on dates and doing things young kids did. But Warwick had soon fixed that. With his spontaneity, he'd kept her on her toes and made her feel young again. Their dates were always an adventure, and they rarely did the same things twice.Each outing with him was different. He'd take her picnicking, the movies, the concert, the theatre, the flea market and any place he could think of. And it wasn't long before Sonja realised it wasn't the activities she liked as much as the company. If he'd taken her to clean stables or pick up dog poo, she would have gladly done it, because she loved spending time with him.Moments spent in Warwick's arms were like waking up to a new day full of wonder and excitement, and she knew she'd never tire of making love with him. He became her drug quickly. They'd make love every chance they got and anywhere they could. So finding out they were expecting Cadence two yea
The Forsaken 23|Closer
Giza was unbearably hot. The arid air infused with the sweet aroma of spices and incense hit their nostrils as soon as the plane touched down at Sphinx International Airport.It was just after 9:00 AM when they walked into the main terminal, but the place was a hive of activity and chaos. Everywhere they turned, excited chatter greeted them in different accents, from people rushing in and out of the country. Thousands were eager to be reunited with their loved ones, while others appeared ready to leave the desert behind them and return to 'civilisation'.April and Rosalie struggled to keep up with the two men's long strides, as they moved swiftly through the crowds of travellers and airport staff. After trying to play catch up, they gave up and stopped at a curio shop, while Luca and Andrew carried on to the baggage collection area.It was a quaint little place, tucked between Tomes & Notes, the major bookseller in these parts, and Fresh Roast, which served the best bottomless coffee
The Forsaken 24|Far From Home-Part 1
They awoke in the early evening, just as the sun was dipping on the horizon. But it was still unbearably hot, as April and Rosalie discovered when they left their tents. A gentle breeze blew from the west, sending wisps of their long hair and fine particles of sand flying in their eyes."How was your rest?" Rosalie asked as they headed for the female restroom."What rest?" April frowned at the witch. Plagued by thoughts of her meeting with Ethan and the curator, she'd barely slept. She was excited and nervous all at once, and she couldn't believe how close they were to their goal. Twenty long years without Julian were finally coming to an end. She grew sad and mournful when she thought of all the days they were forced to spend apart, and all the time they would have to live apart, too, because there was no way Julian would forgive her for her indiscretion."Is this it?" Rosalie couldn't hide her horror when they pushed the rickety door and stumbled inside.April felt guilty for not pre
The Forsaken 25|Far From Home-Part 2
While Luca spent a relaxing evening at the market, April, Andrew and Rosalie didn't have such a luxury.They got flat tire halfway to the tomb of Djet, one of the most photographed sites of Ancient Egypt.It took Andrew over fifteen minutes to change the tire with the inadequate tools they had in the rental car. By the time they reached the rendezvous point, they were all irritable and annoyed.Since Andrew knew the place inside out from his past visits, they easily located the entrance.Once inside, April and Rosalie were disappointed to see the tomb only had one main room. Other than the treasure chest Andrew had told them contained fragments of the Kings' sarcophagi, there was nothing much to gush over.Andrew ushered them down the narrow stairs to a secret room in the basement and activated a switch on the floor.Rosalie gasped when a secret door materialised on the wall and slowly creaked open, revealing Ethan and a distinguished-looking man lounging in two of the four armchairs
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The Forsaken 62|A New Dance
Luca reached up and caressed her cheek.Cadence closed her eyes, wishing he wouldn't, but at the same time, she didn't want him to stop. He was her own little pill, her addiction, one she knew was bad for her, but couldn't give up or refuse all the same."Luca," she whispered as he pressed her body close to his.They didn't say anything for some time as they stood there, revelling in their heated embrace.Soon, though, just having Cadence in his arms was no longer enough for Luca. He had to have to her. So he picked her up and placed her on the altar bed.It was cold and hard, but Cadence didn't notice. All she was aware of was the heat between them as he covered her body with his.Their kissing was tentative at first, but grew more heated and urgent as he greedily pried her mouth open, demanding more of her while removing their clothes, stripping them of everything standing between their desires.Cadence was stunned by how easy it was to put aside all her uncertainties and give in to
The Forsaken 61|Things Changed
Long after she'd called Sonja and asked to hitch a ride with them to Bridgetown, Cadence was still in her room, sobbing in her hands, crying over the Origami swan Luca had left for her on her desk at some point during the day.Like that first time, his message was short and to the point. 'We need to talk'."Oh, Luca!" Cadence thought sadly. He'd picked a hell of a time to want to talk. She honestly didn't see how talking would change anything. Her father was right. She had to go to Bridgetown for Emme, if not for herself. She had to honour her mentor's memory. And she knew in her heart that Luca would never leave his brother, especially when he missed twenty years with him."It wouldn't have worked out anyway. Long-distance relationships hardly ever work out," Cadence consoled herself as she got up from the bed and wiped away her tears. She stuffed her music box in her backpack and took one final wistful look at her room before she headed out. She was going to miss her home and Shado
The Forsaken 60|Out Of Love
Warwick took small sips from his mug as he stared at Sonja. He knew his unwavering gaze was unsettling for her. But for the life of him, he couldn't look away."You are staring," Sonja admonished quietly, unable to take his scrutiny any longer."I'm sorry." Warwick smiled, showing his fangs briefly as he crossed the room and took her hands. He turned them over and kissed her palms like he used to back then, before that night all those years ago. His simple gesture reminded Sonja of how much she'd missed out on. All the little things she'd forced herself not to think about until now made her want to cry."How is it possible? You haven't aged a day," he murmured as he brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. "It's like time stopped the day I left, and now it's picking up right where we left off."Sonja wept harder at his words. They were absurd. As much as she loved her daughter and didn't regret a single moment with her, Cadence's existence was a painful reminder of how much time
The Forsaken 59|Your Dream
Luca hated to break up the reunion party, but the newly freed vampires had to feed and get ready to clear out of Shadowbrooke. So while everyone prepared for their departure, Cadence and her father went to the crypt to talk.Cadence sat on the altar bed, and he joined her and took her hand."You did nothing wrong, Cadence.""I locked you away." Cadence shook her head. She knew he was trying to make her feel better. But nothing would change the fact that her blood had sealed him in and robbed him of twenty years of his life he would never get back."And your blood has freed me now," Warwick reminded her.Cadence gave him an incredulous look. "You read my thoughts?""I can, but I didn't have to. I can see it in your eyes, the guilt you feel. It's time you forgave yourself."Cadence didn't say anything after this. There was so much she wanted to say to him, though, but she barely knew him, barely knew what he liked and didn't like."There'll be plenty of time for that," Warwick smiled and
The Forsaken 58|Freed
The anxiety in the cellar had mounted to an unbearable point. It was so intense that Luca could almost taste it in his throat. He swallowed hard, unable to believe that in just under an hour, it would all be over. All the years of tireless searching for the star and hoping for a miracle had finally come to this moment.April tugged at his arm and led him to the corner of the room, away from the ritual space.Rudolf, now awake, looked subdued as he sat on the cot with his back pressed against the wall and silently watched the excitement in the centre of the room."Do you think it will work?" April asked, her voice barely audible. But Luca had heard her. He gave her a sidelong look to reassure her. "Of course, it will!"April tried to smile. But her eyes clouded up with tears as she played with her hair.Luca pulled her close and asked, "what's wrong?""I am terrified." April bawled on his chest. Her sniffling drew the attention of the witches, and they stared at them for a bit before r
The Forsaken 57|Closure
They all took Emme's death hard, but none of them had the luxury to grieve. They still had a lot more to do. And Sonja gave them just the distraction they needed. She got everyone to work as soon as they returned to the manor.While the three younger witches prepared the cellar for the ritual, she went to her house to pack a few things and close off the place.She was surprised to find her sister and Romulus waiting for her."What do you want now?" she asked impatiently."That was a hell of a risk you took." Luann rose and stretched her limbs. Romulus also stood up and moved aside to let Sonja through.Sonja knew her sister was referring to Ethan, and she didn't want to get into it with her. "It worked. That's all that matters.""And we are grateful."Sonja was about to turn the key on the door. She stopped and looked at Luann, surprised to see something close to sincerity, or maybe remorse, in her eyes."So, what's the plan? You're going to open the door?" Luann asked."Nothing will
The Forsaken 56|The Price Of Magic
"What took you so long?" Luca demanded as soon as Emme took on her human form again in the woods where she'd left them. "I got tied up," she replied. "Did you find them?" Sonja asked, sounding a little anxious. Emme nodded her head and filled them in, giving them as much detail as possible.When Luca heard about Ethan's small army, he wanted to abort the plan. It was too dangerous. They'd banked on the fact that Ethan's fledglings would be resting and at their weakest since it was daylight. But knowing they were awake and in bloodlust, he didn't want to take a chance and risk all their lives."He's locked them up in cages. If and when he realises what's happening, he won't have enough time to release them all!" Emme argued.But nothing anyone said would change Luca's mind. "No! It's too dangerous. We're dropping this whole thing and heading home. NOW!"April decided to settle the matter the old school way. She called for a vote. Cadence understood the urgency, but on the other han
The Forsaken 55|Ethan's Lair
By the time Rachel reached the manor, she was hysterical and almost breathless from running. It took some time for Sonja to calm her down and get the whole story from her."I told you it wouldn't work! Ethan's figured out the star we gave him is a fake." April was the first to fall apart. And it wasn't long before everyone had something to say, and the tension in the room reached an unbearable point.April wanted to open the door urgently, get the hell out of Shadowbrooke, and leave the pack and Sonja's coven to deal with Ethan's wrath.Luca and Andrew refused to entertain her. They couldn't sit back and watch the town go up in flames. They had an obligation to help. After all, Ethan's retaliation was solely on them this time around."Did they fucking help us twenty years ago?" April couldn't keep a lid on her emotions as she and Luca went head to head, exchanging heated words. The tension brewing between them for years now had finally bubbled over, and their verbal war was devastatin
The Forsaken 54|Tricked
Hours after he'd left Luca, Ethan was still fuming. He couldn't believe how Sonja's daughter had messed up his plan at the last minute. He should have accounted for the fact that she might change back, but the thought had never crossed his mind, in all honesty.He'd had no intention of returning Cadence. In fact, he would have killed her right there, while in her spectral form, and hung her on that same tree where Luca had hung his father. Yes, he had planned to make Luca watch him take away what was most precious to him."Damn that fucking cat!" He slammed his fist on the glass tabletop. The untouched goblet toppled over. Surprisingly, it didn't break, but the liquid inside made a mess all over the cracked surface.Eugénie was a picture of calmness. She'd been with him long enough to get used to his fits of rage. They no longer disturbed her."We'll get him soon enough." She purred as she got up from her seat and draped her arms over his shoulders. Ethan grunted his displeasure, an
