Chapter 19

My mind is foggy, my eyelids heavy, and a deep pain settles in the base of my skull. The coppery smell of blood is heavy in the air. Needle like pains shoot down my neck as I slightly move my body. I run my hand down, searching for the source. My fingers catch a thin object that curves at the end, which sends a sharp acute pain down my spine.

I pull hard. The object comes free easily, leaving a dull throb. I hold a tranquilizer dart. What are the odds of been hit twice with one of these within the space of twenty-four hours?

I inwardly kick myself; I am no longing behind the waterfall. I let my guard down. I should have got us out while I had the chance. We were so close, just feet away.

Cursing, I pull myself into a sitting position. Panic fills every pore of my body, the fear so great it renders me immobile.

Large grey concrete steps with a hint of brown, lead to an altar. A black marble slab lies in the centre, covered by a red velvet cloth. Deep red candles surround the slab, each flame flickering wildly in the steady wind. Upon the slab lies a motionless body. Blond long golden curls glitter in the moonlight.

Kayla, her name rushes to my mind, her arms strapped down by black leather binders.

Blood flows freely from open wounds on each of her wrists, gathering in a large pool on the floor. Red mist seeps slowly upwards, like smoke rising into the night sky.

Chanting echoes in my buzzing ears, each unrecognizable word drilling into my heart, vibrating to my soul.

They have started the ritual.

I quickly glance around. I find myself in a circular clearing. Large oak trees line the perimeter, leading to long stretches of woodlands. Dozens of men stand still, huddled together to the left of me, their heads tilted towards the full moon. Their chanting starts to become faster their words all mingling as one.

Anger consumes me. Its black icy hands wrap around my heart as darkness rushes forth. Its deathly grip claims my soul. Fog settles over my mind as everything fades to black.

The fog slowly begins to lift. A beating heart is clutched in my right hand. I let my hand go limp. The heart drops to the floor with a thump that echoes around the now silent clearing. Dozens of men lay dead at my feet. They turn to ash one by one, and their remains become swept up with the wind.

I had let the darkness in. As an angel/guardian we must ensure our thoughts don’t turn dark. Hate, greed, anger, or sometimes even jealousy can become a doorway for the darkness to creep through. Once the darkness claims you, there is no going back.

We become fallen, angels who have fallen from grace. Our souls turn as black as night, all light within us gone. Death and destruction become our only goal in life, pain and misery will bring us pleasure. No good thought will penetrate our minds.

Anger has always been hard for me to fight, always waiting, ready to explode.

I fight as hard as I can to keep it at bay. I have one last job to do before the darkness fully consumes me. I am her only hope.

I rip the binds from her hands with little effort. I scoop her up. Her eyes flutter with the motion but remain closed.

I fear I am too late; her blood loss is great. If she has enough blood left, she will heal within a few hours. If she hasn’t then she will never wake. Time will tell.

I run like I have never run before. I run south, through woodland after woodland, open field after open field. My ears strain as I listen for the sound of rushing water.

I must get through the portal and quick.

The slight heat from her body is doing nothing to the icy darkness that threatens to push me over.

In one split second I had let the darkness in. Strangely, I don’t regret it. If it ensures her safety, then it will be worth it. I will willingly sacrifice myself for her, for the good of the supernatural community. If the ritual has been broken, there may be still a chance for us.

I place her on the ground, under the cover of a large tree, as the darkness begins to root in my heart. I take deep breaths, fighting the darkness with every fibre of my being. Its call is strong and sweet to my ears. I must hold it off a while longer.

Evil, inhumanly thoughts flicker through my mind. I shake my head furiously, half of me delighted at the prospect and the other half disgusted.

“Chris.” The sound of my name repeats in my mind, the voice sweet and angelic. My mind screams to destroy it. My heart races and flutters like a dozen butterflies have just gathered all dancing as one. I am being torn in two, my mind and heart at odds with one another.

“Chris!” The voice becomes louder. My eyes shoot open. A young girl stands before me, her legs unsteady. Her blond hair whips around her in the heavy wind, her once white dress torn and muddy, just a hint of its original colour.

Bruises and cuts line her body. Big bright blue eyes dance with uncertainty. A gasp escapes her full red lips.

I want to rip her to shreds, to destroy all the beauty she holds. The need is so strong that the veil of darkness becomes thicker.

I close my eyes. My mind runs wild with ways to torment and hurt her, to make her scream in fear.

Slowly I open my eyes ready to pounce. Big blue eyes with vivid green specks bore into mine.

“Kayla.” Her name rolls of my tongue. Her hand slowly reaches towards my face.

I scramble back, afraid of what I will do or what I am capable of.

“Stay away from me,” I say through gritted teeth. I hold myself back from lunging at her. I close my eyes.

Feathery fingers run down my cheek, resting at my chin. Heat, and an electric current, mimic her movements. Tenderly, she lifts my chin. Goosebumps rise on my body. A shiver runs down my back. A powerful electric current sends my heart racing.

I open my eyes, slowly. My breath catches in my throat.

“Y-your eyes are black,” Her words are just above a whisper, not a trace of fear.

Thoughts rise in my mind.

Crush her, devour her. Make her scream in agonizing pain. Make terror consume her. She should fear you.

My heart screams in protest, vowing to keep her safe. Her fingers still caress my face.

With lightning speed, I have a hold of her. I slam her into a nearby tree trunk. My hands gripping her throat, cutting of her air supply. I hold her a few feet off the ground, her face level with my own.

Shock, pain and confusion filter through her eyes. She holds my gaze, pleading with her eyes for me to let her go. Not once dose fear appears.

Defeated, I let her go. She slides down the tree and lands on her bottom. She clutches her throat and gasps for air. She stands straight, her shoulders pulled back.

“Did they turn you into one of them?” she asks softly, taking a step towards me. She reaches for me, and her hand gently cups my face.

“If anyone can fight it, it’s you. I can see you struggling. You are stronger than this. You are the strongest person I know.” She steps closer. “I believe in you,” she whispers.

Those simple words ease the fog which has settled over my mind, allowing me to think clearly. She believes in me. Her words float around my mind like a flicker of light in the darkest of places. They give me hope.