A New Path

Look at the object. Learn the secrets. The small voice didn't stay small for long. After fleeing the cemetery and screeching onto a street with light, Jenny's fear began to dissipate and logic slowly set in. The creature in the cemetery had been nothing but a man. Her senses had simply been heightened by the dark, the cold, and her own emotions getting the better of her.
Look at the object. Learn the secrets. The thought grew in intensity. Learn the secrets. She glanced onto the seat where she had tossed the object. Glittering in the streetlight was an iron key. The design matched those of keys forged hundreds of years before, but the key itself gleamed as bright as a newly minted quarter.
Jenny parked her car in front of Alicia's apartment, picking the key up and turning it over and over in her hands, looking for any clue that it might reveal. The only thing she learned was that it was very heavy, heavier than it should have been for iron. There were no markings, no engravings. For the cryptic way it had been delivered, Jenny had been sure there would be a cryptic clue somewhere. But there was nothing. Frustrated, Jenny pocketed the key and hurried into Alicia's apartment. The storm was rising in intesity, rain pelted the street, the windows, her bare head as she rushed to the door. It beat on the ceiling, sounding like millions of tiny drummers all trying to out-beat the others. It was going to be a long night.

A Dark Message - 6

Without quite knowing why, Jenny chose to follow the advice of the young stranger. Her stomach felt like one giant knot. This was a new sensation; a cross between caution and fear. The girl had seemed nice enough, but something about her was dark... cryptic. But regardless of her feelings, Jenny knew she had to listen to the girl.
She found herself now standing in front of Alex's newly laid headstone. It wasn't a good night to be out here. The air was bitter cold and the wind was picking up, howling through the trees, ripping through her light jacket as if it wasn't even there. Jenny glanced around furtively, feeling a strange sense of unease. The moon cast flickering shadows through the waving tree branches, covering everything in dancing minions.
One shadow wasn't moving; it was blacker than the night and still as stone. When it finally did move, it moved slowly, toward her. Jenny backed up a step, feeling the panic flood through her body. Her limbs felt like jelly. The shadow moved faster now, coming toward her at a swift pace. Running would do her no good; there was nowhere to hide in this miserable graveyard. The only thing she could do was gape in absolute terror as the shadow grew in height, coming swiftly closer. It stopped no less than a foot from her body. The being towered above her. In the dark she could only discern that the shadow had the shape of a man, but the man was too large to be human. Before she knew what was happening, a giant hand snatched hers up, laying something cold and heavy in her palm. "When you're ready, look at what I've given you," a voice whispered. The voice didn't match the body. It was too soft, too quiet. "But don't look unless you know you can handle the truth. For if you can't, this will destroy you, as it destroyed Alex."
Jenny's hand instinctively curled around the object, but her eyes never left the huge bulk in front of her. She nodded briskly, not trusting her voice. The shadow receded, melting back into the dancing minions. Jenny stared after it, rooted to the spot by terror and uncertainty. Her mind was a jumble of a million questions, none of which she knew the answer to. The object in her hand was cold, like steel. Trembling, she finally turned and ran to her car, locking the doors and starting the engine almost simultaneously. One thought shouted in her mind. "Get the hell out of this place. Leave the secrets behind!" Another thought, much smaller but growing in gravity, whispered a different message. "Look at the object, learn the secrets."

Help Comes Unexpectedly - 5

Jenny walked slowly up the street, toward Alicia's home. Since Alex's murder, Jenny had been staying with Alicia; staying in the apartment where Alex had been killed was just too painful. She sighed, glancing up the street. It was painful staying with Alicia too. She knew her friend was trying to be helpful, to comfort her, but Alex, despite all his failures, had loved her. She knew he had. He was always trying to make her laugh, to help her see the good in everything. She felt so alone with him gone.
She sank onto the steps outside the apartment, not caring that the cold of the concrete seeped through her clothing. Alex had been killed a month ago and the police had made no headway on solving his murder. When she asked for updates, the only response she got was a patient "No dear, we don't know anything yet." They treated her like they would a child. The kind cop was the exception to this rule. He always treated her wonderfully, but he could never tell her anything. Sometimes it felt to Jenny like they weren't even trying.
Jenny sighed heavily, "Alex," she cried, "What do I do? I'm scared. I feel so alone." She wrapped her arms around her chest. "You wouldn't just sit here. You would do something. Anything! You were always the strong one. I can't do it," she muttered, "I can't do anything."
"Yes you can."
Jenny looked up, startled. A young woman stood in front of the steps. Wide eyes in a thin face were framed by short, black hair that spiked in every direction. Her eyes darted around nervously before coming to rest on Jenny's face. "There's always something you can do," she said urgently.
Jenny stiffened, "You don't know that," she snapped. "You don't even know what I'm dealing with."
"I know more than you think." The response was cryptic. The girl glanced up and down the street, then took a step closer to Jenny. "Your answer lies with Alex," she said urgently. "Go to him."
Jenny stared at her, wide-eyed. "But Alex... he's dead."
The girl nodded, "Go to him," she whispered again then she darted down the street and was gone.

New author!

Oh my goodness, it's been f-o-r-e-v-e-r since I last updated. Sorry about that. I've been spending a lot of my time focusing on the novel I'm writing. I'll have to post an excerpt one of these days :). Anyway, considering the fact that my goal is to be a published author, I thought I might promote a new author who recently published her first book. Her name is Lisa Mangum and the book is titled "The Hourglass Door". It's the first in a series, which is nice on one hand and not so nice on the other. I love series... I relish them really, but oh I hate waiting for the next book to be written! The sequel to this book will be published next year, I believe. So I get to wait. Oh well.
Anyway, the story is about a young high schooler named Abby and a mysterious stranger named Dante. It's a love story, but like any good love story it has other elements. This one has time travel, which definitely makes it interesting. I'm not going to reveal the entire plot on this blog, but I will say that it is worth reading, and it's a simple read. There were a few parts that I thought could have been elaborated upon... a little more detail would have made them better, drawing me into the story more, but overall it was good. You'll find that the characters are easy to like, especially Dante who is hot and mysterious, the perfect mix. I'm looking forward to watching her writing career. I hope some of you enjoy her book as well.

P.S. the image above is a picture of the cover of her book. I found the picture online and posted it here so you all would know what you're looking for. No, I have no rights to the picture, so if that was illegal, let me know!

Questions - 4

Jenny sat alone at the police station. The old police officer had gone to get her some water, leaving her alone in her grief. She had one hand pressed tightly to her stomach, feeling somehow that the baby inside her was the only link she had now to Alex. Somehow the thought was comforting, knowing that a part of him lived on in her. The officer returned and set a bottle of water on the table in front of her. "Here you go," he said. A kind smile crinkled around his eyes. Jenny tried to smile back, "Thanks," she mumbled.
"The detective is coming to interview you. He'll be here in just a minute."
"Thanks," she whispered.
The old cop took her small hand in his and patted it softly, "Are you going to be okay?"
Jenny shrugged, "I'll get through it. I have to." But she didn't look like she could get through it, not to the cop. She looked frail and worn, like she might break at any moment.
There was a loud rap on the door and a moment later the detective entered. To Jenny's surprise it was a woman, a young woman wearing a sharp outfit, heels that clicked loudly on the concrete floor, and a scowl on her tight features. Jenny's automatic response was to shrink away from her.
The detective set a file on the table and sat down in front of Jenny. "I understand you're..." she paused, glancing at the file, "Mrs. Harper?"
"Yes."
"Do you know of anybody that may have wanted Mr. Harper dead?"
"No."
"Where were you, when he was killed?"
"I was at my friend's. We... Alex was late and I left," Jenny's voice faltered, "I was so mad at him... I should have stayed." A tear dropped onto the table, "I should have stayed," she whispered again.
The detective shuffled through the file, "It says here that Alex was out of work. Could he have gotten involved in anything illegal?"
"I...I don't know. He didn't talk about work after he got fired."
"How did you get by after he lost his job?"
"Savings. I got a job."
"I see." The detective stood abruptly, "Thank you for your help Mrs. Harper. We'll call you if we need anything else." She nodded at the kind cop next to Jenny, "She can go."
Jenny stood, confused, "Can you tell me who killed Alex?"
"No. We don't know."
"What do I do now?"
The detective stared at her, "Nothing. We'll solve the case."
The old cop took Jenny gently by the arm and guided her toward the door, "You just take the time to get through this," he told Jenny quietly, "I'll keep you updated, and I'll check on you to make sure you're okay."
This time Jenny's small smile was genuine, "Thank you, for all of your help."
The old cops eyes crinkled again. He would be Jenny's rock through the coming months, he knew it as well as she.

The coffee shop

The change clattered onto the counter. "One cup of Joe," the bum mumbled while settling himself onto the stool. His face was blotchy red and his hands trembled. Patches of blue were visible here and there on his coat, but mostly it was gray streaked with brown. A fit of coughing racked his body. The barista looked at the man in disgust; he quickly counted the coins, trying his best to touch them as little as possible, and then turned to make the coffee. "Here," he snapped, setting the cup in front of the bum. "Hurry up with it and move on. You're making my guests uncomfortable."
The bum glanced around the room. It was nearly empty. The one exception was a young woman seated three seats down from him. She was watching him with interest. He nodded to her and turned back to the barista. "Sure," he chuckled. He took a slow sip of his coffee and sighed. "There's nothing like coffee to warm a man's..." loud, hacking coughs interuppted his words, doubling him over. He gasped for air and then straightened up, "bones." he finally finished.
The barista just glared at him.
The young woman moved to sit next to the bum, "Hello," she said, "I'm sorry. I couldn't help noticing you sitting here alone. That cough sounds bad. Are you okay?"
The bum nodded, "I'm fine."
"I don't believe you."
The bum laughed mirthlessly, "Nobody seems to."
The woman beckoned to the barista. "Give him his change back. I'll cover his tab, whatever he wants, make sure he gets it."
The bum shook his head, "You don't need to do that lady. I'm no charity case."
She laughed, "I never said you were."
They lapsed into silence. The barista counted back the bums change and dropped it on the counter.
Thirty minutes later the bum left. His changed remained on the counter; he drank his coffee and nothing more. The woman watched him go, wondering what had brought him to his current state.

The Pain of Discovery - 3

"Jenny, I think you need to see this." Alicia said as she rushed into the room. She flipped the channels on the TV, stopping on a news station. "Isn't that your apartment complex?"
"Was. It was my apartment complex. Not anymore." Jenny said, glancing momentarily at the TV and away again. "Not anymore." She whispered, so low Alicia couldn't hear. The thought left a lummp in her throat. She missed Alex, even after all the stupid things he'd done, she missed him.
"Jenny are you seeing this?" Alicia's voice was shrill, panicked.
"What happened?" She whispered after a long silence.
Jenny jerked toward the Tv. Alicia's words made her feel uneasy. What she saw made her sick. Her apartment complex surrounded by flashing red and blue lights. Policemen everywhere. The news reporter was saying something about a murder. Before she was even fully aware what she was doing, Jenny was rushing from the room, running back to her apartment in the same state of panic she had been in when she left. For some reason she couldn't explain, she knew something was wrong. She felt it in her gut. "He's fine." She told herself. "Stop panicking yourself. Alex is fine." But no matter what she told herself, she couldn't bring her mind to believe the words. She raced around the corner and ran up to the police barrier. "Please!" She sobbed, "Please, I have to get in. I have to know!"
The policeman gave her a blank stare. "Lady, you can't go in."
"I have to!" She shrieked. She ducked under the yellow tape and bolted past the policeman, who had probably had one to many donuts in his life and was unable to stop her. She felt somebody try to grab her on her way into the building but she shoved them away, feeling nothing but raw panic. She burst through the door of her apartment, searching for some sign of Alex. The room was full of strangers. "No." she sobbed. She grabbed the arm of the person closest to her. "Was it Alex?" She whispered.
The man stared at her for a moment then looked away, unable to face her pain.
"Don't!" She shrieked, "Tell me! Where is he?"
The man swallowed noisily and pointed to the other room. He blinked rapidly through eyes filled with tears.
Jenny raced into the room then stopped, closing her eyes, unable to face it yet. When she opened them she found the room was empty. It hadn't been empty only seconds before, but it was empty now. Empty except for Alex's still body lying on the floor. His eyes were closed and she would have thought he was asleep, but she couldn't help but notice the blood staining the carpet. It was pooled around his head. "Alex." She whispered, "I'm so sorry. I never should have gone."
She knelt next to him and threw herself on his body. Sobs racked her small figure. Her fingers dug into the fabric of his shirt, clinging to life, to a love she had thrown away. She frantically ran her hands along his chest, his face, through his hair, placing in her memory every curve of his body. "Alex, please don't." She sobbed, "Please. I was wrong. I can't live without you. The baby is yours." She pressed her lips to his, trying to breathe life into him. "You can't." She sobbed hysterically, "I need you. I've always needed you."
He lay still beneath her.
"Alex!" She screamed, "Don't leave me! I can't do this alone!"
She felt a pair of arms pull her away from him. "Leave me alone!" She shrieked, ripping from their grasp and dropping to the floor next to her husband. Her hand brushed the locket that had dropped from his graps. Instinctively, her fingers wrapped around the locket. She didn't know what it was or why she wanted it, but somehow she knew she couldn't leave it. "Please." She sobbed to the man standing next to her, the man who had tried to pull her from her love, "Please. I can't leave him yet. I can't." She whispered.
He knelt next to her and put his arm around your shoulders, pulling her into his chest. He smelled like old spice and cigars. The smell was comforting, it reminded her of her father. His rough hand stroked her hair. "I'm sorry miss. I'm so sorry." He held her while she sobbed against him, held her like a father holding his child. When her body stopped convulsing against him he spoke. "I know you want to stay, but right now we need to get you away from here. They have to investigate the scene." He pulled her away to look at her face. "I'll take you to the police station. They'll want to talk to you about this. Can you handle that?"
She nodded, feeling safe if he was there. "Will you be with me?"
He smiled and his eyes crinkled, "Yes. I'll be there."
"Thank you." She whispered.

Murder - 2

Alex slowly climbed the stairs to the apartment. He clutched a silver locket tightly in one hand, a small doll in the other. He was hoping for a girl. Jenny had wanted the locket he held since she had seen it in the vintage shop window. He'd made up his mind to give it to her for their third anniversary, which was in a week. He had made a small alteration to it, but she would know it was the one she'd seen. He couldn't help smiling in anticipation. Jenny would love it.
Alex turned down the hall toward his apartment and noticed the door was cracked open. Pale yellow light spilled into the dark hall. NO. He thought, NO! She left. I'm too late! He ran down the hall, nearly hysterical. Jenny couldn't have left, she couldn't! He shoved the door open. The apartment was empty, empty and cold without Jenny's warmth. His knees nearly buckled, but he raced through the door, hoping to see her. He'd promised Jenny he would get home in time for their first prenatal, but some idiot side-swiped his car on the way home. He had to wait nearly an hour for the police to show up and do their job.
The only light in the apartment came from a small lamp, which lit up the desk. Jenny's note lay on the desk.
Alex read it, wishing the words weren't for him. The paper was already stained with Jenny's tears. Now his tears mingled with hers. The gifts dropped to the floor as he fell to his knees, heartbroken.
He didn't see the dark figure slip from the bedroom, or feel the blow that took his life.

Flight - 1

Jenny stomped from the room, slamming the door behind her. She'd been waiting for Alex for too long. She was going to be late. Alex, of course, never came. This wasn't really a surprise to her. He never followed through with his promises. Apparently she didn't matter to him. She had hoped that he would listen when she threatened to leave him, but he didn't. She was alone, as always. She did leave him a note, in case he showed up three hours late.
Alex. I warned you I would leave if you didn't come. Don't come looking for me. You won't find me. I'm scared. I can't do this alone. I'm going to find someone who can support me. As far as I'm concerned this baby isn't yours. Stay out of my life. Jenny.
The note was written hastily. The words scrawled aross the page were barely legible. It didn't matter. Alex would be able to read it.
Jenny ran down the stairs of the rundown apartment complex. I can't do it anymore. She thought. I can't live here, in this life, with that man. I never should have married him. The tears ran unchecked down her cheeks, blinding her as she ran. She slammed into a stranger, nearly knocking him off the sidewalk, but she hardly noticed. Her only thought was that she had to escape the existence she was living in, and give this baby a better life than the one she had.

Whew!

Whew! I hope you all enjoyed that story! It was originally going to be one post. HAHA! Clearly that didn't happen. As I was writing, the story just grew in my head. I had to speed things up a bit in the story, because it was turning into a novel, and I am not ready to work on a fantasy just yet. But it was fun, writing in the spur of the moment, letting things develop on their own.
There are definitely cons to writing fantasy. It gives you the ability to alter the world to your story. Need another realm? No problem. It's fantasy, anything can happen. Throw it in! Need a magical element? Oh yes! Definitely throw it in! We love that!
It was great, working with that freedom.
But I think I'll do something different next time. Hopefully it'll be a little shorter, but no guarantees. I guess we'll see!
For my readers, what did you think? What genre do you prefer to read, or even write in?

Oh. P.S. Did you love that trailer for Twilight or what? I have to admit, it made me even more excited to see the movie!

Understanding Dawns - 6

The dark was stifling. I felt trapped in my own body, unable to move or breathe. My chest felt like it was on fire every time I tried to take a breath.
I slowly became aware of a steady warmth moving through my body. It was comforting. I felt my muscles relax as it moved toward my heart. The warmth pushed away the fire in my chest, replacing it with a pleasant calm. I felt my heartbeat return to its normal, steady rhythm.
When I opened my eyes Caden was sitting next to me. He desperately clutched my hand, holding it next to him. His other hand rested on my chest. His eyes were closed tightly shut, and his lips moved almost in an almost imperceptible whisper. "Please Kyra. Not like this. Not like this." He repeated over and over.
"Caden?"
His eyes popped open. "Kyra! Thank heaven! I thought I was too late."
"Where is Lahuir?" I tried to sit up, knowing I should be fighting, but Caden stopped me. He kept his hand pressed against my chest.
"Don't move yet. You're not completely healed."
I lay back. The same warmth I had been feeling again surged through me. It stemmed from Caden's hand.
"Lahuir?" I asked again.
Caden shrugged, "He's gone." He grinned mischievously at me, "He took a bit of a fall... out the window."
"What?!" I lurched to my feet and rushed to the window. "How?"
He moved to stand next to me, "You really should let me finish." He sighed. He glanced out the window. "He didn't see me coming, and I wasn't thinking. I just had to get him off of you."
I stared glumly out the window. "What are we supposed to do now? How do we save our world?" I felt tears sting in my eyes. We had lost. Because Lahuir had turned, we had lost.
Caden slipped his hand into mine, "No. Not all is lost. We can still win."
"How? My union with Lahuir was supposed to unite those still in hiding."
"Your union? With Lahuir?" Caden's eyes flashed with anger. "When was that decided?"
"I don't know. Ya'shiie was guiding me. He said it would save our worlds."
"Ya'shiie was a liar." He hissed. "The union was supposed to be between two lovers, not two complete strangers. You were supposed to be the key to finding the lovers."
"Oh!" I breathed. Suddenly I felt hope again, followed by a deep longing. I understood now. I wasn't the key to finding the lovers. I was going to be one of the lovers. Caden stared at me, as if seeing me for the first time. "Oh." He finally whispered. "It's us."
I nodded.
Caden grinned and grasped me against him. His lips found my mouth almost before I had a chance to react.
His eyes sparkled happily when he pulled away. "I didn't dare think it. I knew I was falling for you the first time you yelled at me... for almost killing you." He chuckled, "But I couldn't allow that. I'm a nomad, a loner. I've never wanted or needed anybody. But then I met you." He whispered. He took my face tenderly in his hands and pressed his lips softly against mine. "I know now why I had those feelings. You and I Kyra. We're going to save the world."

Twilight Trailer.

Hey all you twilight fans. I was surfing the web last night and learned that Summit entertainment is going to release one more trailer for the movie before it is released November 21st. YAE!!!
So, it comes out in theatres October 10, but fans of twilight can see a sneak peek on October 9th on Entertainment Tonight OR via the twilight widget. It will available on the widgest at 8:00 PM PST for one hour before launching on Myspace at 9:00 PM PST. Anyway, I was thrilled to learn this. I loved the books and am impatiently waiting for the movie. Stephenie is an extremely talented author.

The Light Shatters - 5

Ya'shiie took my hand and let me to a small room. The room had a window that looked over the entire city. "Wait here Kyra. Lahuir will be here shortly."
I stopped him before he could leave the room. "What am I here for Ya'shiie? How can I save these great realms if I remain in this room?"
Ya'shiie gently patted my hand, "These two realms must unite and become one. To do that you, the only human left still fighting for your realm, must unite yourself with the greatest fighter of our realm. Together, the two of you will be unstoppable. It will create renewed hope and vigor in those still able to fight. You will become a great light, one that will push away the Kaifuri and their dark world."
"And who must I unite with?" I whispered, knowing that I needed the information, but also knowing that I wouldn't like the answer.
The old sage smiled softly, "Lahuir. He has done more to keep this war at bay than any man in our realm. He has risen through the ranks and become our greatest military commander. He is the man you will unite with."
I nodded and turned away. Ya'shiie quietly left the room. I felt like I was in a nightmare. How had this happened? Why was I the only one that could save our worlds? I stared out the window, seeing nothing but darkness through the fog in my mind. One face flashed repeatedly in my thoughts: Caden. I couldn't help but see his smile and hear the memory of his heart beating as he held me next to him.
I suddenly wanted to cry. I never cried. I never wanted to cry. This was new to me. But the sage was right. I was in love. Caden had managed, quite by accident I was sure, to break through all my carefully built walls and find the path to my heart.
But I had to bind myself to Lahuir. He was to be my mate.
The thought sickened me.
I heard footsteps outside the room and quickly pushed away my new emotions. If joining with Lahuir saved my world than that's what I would do. I had been fighting for it since before I could stand. I couldn't give up on it now.
Lahuir entered the room, followed closely by Ya'shiie. I remained where I was, by the window. I wanted to see life outside the prison walls I was about to drop on myself.
Lahuir crossed the room and slipped his hand into mine. "Kyra. We belong together. You know that." He said soothingly. He glanced slyly at Ya'shiie.
I couldn't look at his face. I fought the urge to tear my hand from his and flee from the temple. My hand jerked, but he grasped it tighter and pulled my body next to his.
A stab of fire shot through my stomach. Lahuir held me so tightly against him I couldn't move. But I could feel pain coursing through my stomach. I looked into his face. His eyes were changed. They glowered at me. His mouth was twisted in a malicious grin. "Everything will be just fine Kyra." He whispered. He shoved me away. I stumbled against the window, clutching my stomach. Blood oozed between my fingers and dripped to the floor. Lahuir held a bloodied dagger firmly in his hand.
"Kyra!" I heard someone cry my name, but I didn't know where they were calling from. I couldn't focus on them.
"Lahuir, what have you done!" Ya'shiie cried.
Lahuir turned to him, laughing, "I've destroyed the world. She was the only piece I was waiting for. It's finished now!" He grabbed the tip of the knife and flung it across the room. It buried itself deep in Ya'shiie's chest. He groaned and crumpled to the ground.
I clutched the windowsill, determined to fight Lahuir. I would not lose this way. I'd fought too long to die like this. I stood upright, bracing myself against the wall. I slipped my knife from its sheath and held it as tight as I was able.
Lahuir glanced at me. A wicked grimace filled his features. "You were supposed to die." He muttered.
"I won't die so easily." I gasped. "You can't take the world from me."
He laughed, "I can. I already have. Why do you think the Kaifuri are coming? I led them here."
I gripped the knife more tightly. "Traitor."
His eyes flashed fire. "Traitor?!" He screamed, "You think I'm the traitor? Look at you! You fight for something you cannot achieve. Everyone you have ever known has died because of your fight. You are responsible for the death of thousands of people. You are the traitor here. All I have done is chosen the winning side."
He yanked the dagger from Ya'shiie's chest and slowly sauntered toward me. "And now, I'm just speeding up the victory. Once you are dead there will be no hope for the rest of them."
I felt a moment of fear. I was going to die. I could see my fate as clearly as I could see him. This was not how I had planned on dying. I was always going to die in battle, taking down hundreds of the enemy before they took me. This was wrong.
And then I realized I could kill him. He would die with me.
My fear vanished.
Lahuir advanced, clearly choosing a point of attack. Suddenly, he shot toward me. I could barely follow the movement. I responded swiftly, blindly, throwing the knife in front of me where I knew he was coming. I heard it cut into his flesh moments before I felt his dagger plunge into my chest.
He crashed against me, knocking me to the ground. I saw the hilt of my knife. The blade was buried in his stomach.
He yanked it from his body and threw it out the window. "You think I'm that easy to kill?" He cried. "This is nothing." He pointed to his stomach. "But you. You were easier than I expected. I had planned on fighting an equal." He laughed, "You were no more than a child."
I couldn't focus on him any longer. My chest felt like fire was ripping through it. His voice sounded as loud as thunder one moment and as quiet as a whisper of wind the next. I was fading in and out of consciousness, trying to keep my grasp on reality.
"Kyra no!" Caden's voice blasted in my ears. His face flashed in my vision, and then disappeared. I heard the sounds of a scuffle, but the noise was far off, miles away. Blessed blackness finally took over and enveloped me in its calm grasp.

The Darkness Comes - 4

Here is the fourth section of this story. Bear with me, there is more. If you haven't read the rest of the story, I suggest you read that first. "The Dark of Night", "The Night is Darkest just before Dawn", and "The Battle ensues"

Caden led me through the darkest parts of the city. The blue streaks were not falling here. He moved slowly, cautiously, making sure every move he made was safe.
We came to a corner of the city that had been abandoned. There were no people around, only crumbling buildings and rubble.
Caden reached into his pocket and pulled out a small crystal. He threw it into the air. It hovered above us. Light radiated from the crystal, creating a bright orb with the crystal as the center.
Caden scooped me into his arms and jumped into the orb, grabbing the crystal as it rushed by him. We were falling, plummeting to the earth. The bright light of the crystal was replaced by an eerie, green glow.
Caden hit the ground running, still carrying me. The earth beneath his feet was deep green, and flat as a still lake. There were no trees, no mountains. Nothing but grass. He seemed to fly across the land. I never felt the thud of his feet touching the ground.
In the distance a city rose up like a spire from the land. The city was clearly our destination.
I heard a horrid sucking noise behind me and felt the air rush by my face. When I looked back I saw a black hole open in the sky above us. Dark objects dropped from the opening, landing upright. The stood tall, shrouded with black cloaks. They were the Kaifuri.
"Caden. They're here!" I cried.
Caden glanced back and saw the creatures. "Oh no!" He groaned. He picked up his speed. The landscape flew by in a blur.
Within minutes the sky was filled with gaping holes, all dropping the malevolent creatures. They fanned out behind us, following us. Their eyes gazed out from their cloaks, dark and loathsome.
The Kaifuri did not have the speed of Caden so they slowly fell behind. The city loomed in front of us like a glittering sanctuary. By the time we reached the gates the Kaifuri were no longer in my sights.
Caden did not slow his speed when he entered the city. He raced through the streets, until he came to a tall building. The doors opened as soon as he neared them and he rushed through. A dark-haired man stood waiting inside the entrance.
"Caden," He said enthusiastically, "I've been expecting you!"
Caden stopped in front of him. He released his hold on me, setting me gently on my feet. "Lahuir," He nodded, "I come not for pleasure. The Kaifuri have taken Ja'riel. They have breached the gate between our realms. They are coming for our city."
Lahuir stiffened, "Already?"
"It is so."
"I didn't expect this so soon. What brought them here?"
Caden dropped his eyes, "I fear it was me. I had to save Kyra. It was the only way. I believe they followed me into our realm."
Lahuir's eyes widened, "Kyra?" He turned to me and took my hand, "The key." He whispered, awed.
I stared at him, unable to pull my eyes from his. Caden tightly gripped my free hand.
"Lahuir?" He said, breaking the silence, "What must we do?"
Lahuir's eyes snapped back to Caden's face. "We warn the city. Tell them to prepare. How long do we have?"
"Ten minutes, at most."
He nodded, "They will be ready." He dropped my hand, "Take Kyra to the temple. Prepare her for what must be done." The way he said the words sent chills up my spine. He turned and hurried from the room.
Caden led me into the building, up winding flights of stairs, "Caden?" I whispered, "What do I have to do?"
Caden glanced at me, "I don't know. Only Lahuir knows. All I know is that you must go to the temple. There will be further instructions for us there."

The temple was located at the top of the building. It was bright and open. Huge openings let in streams of sunlight. A man stood in the center of the temple. He wore a gold robe which hung to his feet. His hair was gray, and his skin was leathered with age. He was a sage.
"Welcome Kyra." He said, "I am Ya'shiie. Follow me." He took me to a small room and handed me a simple white gown. "Put this on." He commanded.
I obeyed, slipping off my faded tunic and sliding the gown over my body. My knife remained sheathed at my side, easily accessible.
I followed Ya'shiie back to the main room of the temple. Caden paced the room, impatiently waiting for me. He froze when I walked in, "Kyra." He gasped. His face showed open admiration.
I felt my cheeks flame red.
Caden recovered quickly and looked away, "Have they told you what must be done yet?"
"No."
He nodded and crossed the room to my side, "I must go Kyra." He bent and kissed my cheek, "You look beautiful."
The flame returned to my face. He chuckled and walked out.
Ya'shiie watched us. His eyes showed concern. "You must not look at him with those eyes Kyra."
I turned to him, "What eyes?"
"With eyes of love. You and Caden can never be. The lot has fallen on you to save our realms and because of that task you must forget your love for him."
I didn't reply. My love for him? The sage was delusional. I loved no one. I never had. My love was focused on my world and keeping it alive.


I'm sorry. I know this is a terrible place to cut off the story, but I didn't want it to get too long. I promise I'll post the rest soon.