Prophecy Crumbles

By Brenda Wamsley

I felt as though the weight of the world had come crashing down on me. My legs buckled and I collapsed to the ground. James joined me as soft patting of rain fell on the leaves above us. I envisioned innocent people caught in the middle of this war for the sake of power and land, the death and burning. Memories of battles flickered through my mind, the death of countless souls.
"David didn't want to tell me." I whispered and turned to look into the sad eyes of James.
He shook his head. "He was afraid you would... do something... thoughtless."
"Stupid," I murmured, knowing what he meant.
James snickered, becoming suddenly interested in a blade of grass. "That is another way to say it."
"I want to stop him... Von Histler. I need to stop this stupid war."

Will Jane ever find happiness? Will she find the strength to end the prophecy? Or will it kill her?
The final installment of the Prophecy Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brenda Wamsley
• Release date: May 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301555673

Brenda Wamsley

I enjoy writing in my spare time, seeing my thoughts come to life through words and sharing them with others has always been a life long dream. During my non-writing hours, I am busy with three kids (20-7 yrs), my wonderfully supportive husband of 10 years and my job as a information technology instructor at a community college. I tweet frequently. Mostly about my crazy kids and our peculiar cats. Please make sure to rate or comment on my books. I love to have the feedback and appreciate my readers very much!

Book preview

Prophecy Crumbles

Brenda Wamsley

Published by Brenda Wamsley at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Brenda Wamsley

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Contents

Chapter 1 – The Thunder of War

Chapter 2 – Infection

Chapter 3 – The Past Comes Back to Haunt

Chapter 4 – Petro Remembers

Chapter 5 – Poison and Planning

Chapter 6 – The Race to France

Chapter 7 – Take One Down

Chapter 8 – A Ride to Château de Chenonceau

Chapter 9 – A Gallery on the Water

Chapter 10 – Twisted Truths

Chapter 11 – The End of Jane

Chapter 12 – Running with the Pack

Chapter 13 – The Revelations of Constance

Chapter 14 – The Long Road Home

Chapter 15 – Blood and Ash

Chapter 16 – Sadness and Sorrow

Chapter 17 – The Czar’s Plan

Chapter 18 – Flowers and Blood

Chapter 19 – Hearing Voices

Chapter 20 – Deep in the Valley

Chapter 21 – Florac

Chapter 22 – Flock in the Flame

Chapter 23 – Hunting

Chapter 24 – The Cave

Chapter 25 – Absolution

Chapter 26 – Darkness

Chapter 27 – Hope for Eternity

Chapter 1 – The Thunder of War

Sitting at the gilded vanity in my room, I stared miserably into the mirror. It had been five days since I drank the wolf's blood and still my eyes remained the color of Champaign. Since we left France and returned to St. Petersburg, I hadn't cried and was unsure if I was still able to shed the strange blood red tears. Truthfully, I didn't want to know. I continued to have a connection with the wolves. It was faint, but I couldn't tell if it was distance or time that had caused that.

Dmitry sent for a vampire, a physician in his other life, to examine me when we returned. Not knowing what magic or science had inflicted upon me, he could only speculate that I didn't seem to be harmed. The physician took a sample of my blood to examine it in his lab and promised to let us know if he found anything. This news, however, didn't make anyone feel better, especially David.

David promised to treat me as an equal and share his knowledge with me instead of shielding me from the horrors. Instead, he tread carefully around me, still treating me as a fragile girl and not the battle hardened warrior I'd become. Dmitry treated me respectfully and had even spared against me after we returned to Catherine's Palace.

Although Kyrylo was friendly, I worried that the death of their comrades, Petro and Oleksiy, had taken their toll on him as he became less jovial than normal. Even Vladimir seemed to distance himself from me, escaping the castle every chance he could. I wondered if the two blamed me for their loss. I could not, however, hold fault. It was I that ran off to fight and destroy Gabriel alone.

Outside, thunder rolled in the distance. Rising slowly from the velvet covered stool, I glided to the doors leading to the balcony. Tossing them open, I walked out into the cool morning air. The smell of the coming storm and flowers from the garden surrounded me. A violin playing a cheerful melody echoed from the garden below. Following the sound, I spied Dmitry and Irina sitting on a bench below me. Her eyes closed, she smiled happily as he played.

I pulled on the silver chain around my neck and fiddled with the vial of blood in the shape of a crystal heart, Petro's blood, given to me after his horrible death. Having not found a good time to drink it and learn what he wanted me to know, it had become a constant reminder of him. It was warm from resting on my skin and felt like a small beating heart in my palm. I began to twist the top just as I heard a soft thump behind me.

Smelling the familiar scent, I smiled and tightened the cap, slipping it back under my blue silk blouse. Not very quiet today, James. I turned to look at the hulk of a man standing behind me.

Sorry, to bother you, Jane, but… Clearing his throat, he looked down at the floor. His face was still worn with dark circles under his intense burgundy eyes. I wondered if we could… go for a walk.

When we returned to St. Petersburg, James had treated me like someone who was dying, constantly asking me if I needed to rest or sit down. All of a sudden he now wanted to take me for a walk in the coming rain. Curiosity gripping me, I decided there must be something important that he needed to discuss or he wouldn't have asked.

Let me get my cloak. I started back toward the door.

Do you mean this cloak? He smiled whipping the black material quickly over my shoulders.

I noticed he gazed nervously around before taking me by the hand. Leading me to the ledge, James climbed up on it, ready to jump. Deep inside, panic filled me. He was so secretive and I wondered what his scheme might be.

Planting my feet before he could take me over the edge, I quizzed: Why don't we take the stairs? I slipped my hand out of his.

He turned to look at me with an innocent expression. This is faster, and I wanted to get you back before the rain.

As if on cue, another rumble of thunder, closer this time, reverberated through me. Flickers of lightening high in the charcoal clouds warned that it was not a storm to carelessly be out in.

Giving my hand a squeeze, James smiled coyly. What? Do you think I'm trying to kidnap you?

Well, you've done it before. I smirked recalling the first time he stole me away from my father and the second time from David. You just seem… anxious, that's all.

Do you want to go for a walk or not. Sounding annoyed, he climbed down from the ledge and pursed his lips causing little wrinkles around his mouth.

Yes, I whispered and wondered what could be so important and secret that we needed to slink away to discuss.

Good. He jumped over the side and down the two stories to land with a thump; a soft grunt escaped his lips.

Gathering up my skirts, I followed his leap and soon stood next to him. No longer hearing the sound of the violin, I couldn't see Dmitry or Irina anywhere in the garden. James glanced around, as well, verifying there wasn't anyone to spy on us.

This way, he whispered and pointing me to a grouping of trees toward the wall that surrounded the palace grounds.

I hosted my gown and followed James, not at all dressed for a run. He wanted desperately to talk to me in private and my curiosity and concern surged heavily in my chest. Growing impatient with the secrecy, I wanted desperately for him to tell me what was wrong.

I slipped into the dark umbrella of trees and saw James crouched close to the stone and wrought iron wall. I hoped he didn't plan on jumping over, and I vowed that if he did, I would not follow him no matter what burning desire toward this mysterious knowledge pulled me.

James, I'm not dressed for hunting, I gently teased, hoping he would reveal his scheme. If you wanted to go-

I didn't bring you here to hunt. His dark red eyes looked intense as he slowly turned to look at me.

I waved my arms at the trees.Then why are we… hiding… like this?

Lightning flashed in the darkening sky, the rain was coming quickly. I pulled the hood of my cloak over my head and waited for James to explain himself.

Jane. He approached me and took my hands in his. His fingers were icy to the touch as though I was burning with a fever. What do you know about Von Histler?

Pulling my hands out of his, I narrowed my eyes. Just what I told you before. He changed Gabriel and seeks only power… and knowledge.

I put my hand on the vial under my shirt and remembered when I had met Von Histler. Petro and I had been captured and he asked me some strange questions in his desire for knowledge. I'd found out from Constance, the demon child, that she worked with Von Histler and had tricked Gabriel to believe that the Prophecy was about him and I.

The prophecy, James whispered, as though he read my thoughts. He rubbed his hands together as though he were chilled You believe that it is about Von Histler.

Yes. A shiver of fear ran down my spine.

The Dakhanavar have returned from their… trip. France is in disarray. There is a group, Cadets de la Croix, who are fighting with Michael for control of the French land. Although they had said they are fighting for the king, Ivan believes this group is backed by Von Histler. Fighting is again breaking out on the Spanish boarder as the Spaniards are also trying to invade France in its weakened condition.

I felt as though the weight of the world had come crashing down on me. My legs buckled and I collapsed to the ground. James joined me as soft patting of rain fell on the leaves above us. I envisioned innocent people caught in the middle of this war for the sake of power and land, the death and burning. Memories of battles flickered through my mind, the death of countless souls.

David didn't want to tell me. I whispered and turned to look into the sad eyes of James.

He shook his head. He was afraid you would… do something… thoughtless.

Stupid, I murmured, knowing what he meant.

James snickered, becoming suddenly interested in a blade of grass. That is another way to say it.

I want to stop him... Von Histler. I need to stop this stupid war.

It's not just the vampires, my dear. The unrest from the humans has also fanned the flames of war. You can't just kill one vampire and stop everyone from fighting. It's like… He looked up as drops of water fell from the trees above and splattered on his cheek. Stopping the thunder and expecting the rain to end.

I considered James for a moment. David didn't want to tell me at all, did he?

No. James swallowed hard. He wanted to wait until after the wedding… when you were safe in China. I didn't think it was fair to you, but he feels… he was afraid that you wouldn't…

As James trailed off, I knew exactly what he was trying to say. David was afraid I would run off to end the prophecy and try and stop the war as I attempted over a week ago. Although David promised to be more open and not hide these things from me, he still tried to shelter me from the horror of the world.

Suspiciously, I watched James, his long brown hair falling into his face and flowing over his wide shoulders. He could hide nothing from me and often encouraged me to take risks. I wondered why he told me this now, as though he tried to tempt me into running off.

Pulling back my hood just slightly, I probed, why are you telling me this?

James' smile was bittersweet. In a few days, you will be married to my brother. He hoped to take you to China and leave this war behind. To return only after the end was his plan.

I couldn't leave it like this. I felt angry at the thought of hiding away.

Yes, and he knows that. James stood as another flash of lighting shoot through the sky. We, my brother and I, know the horror of war, Jane. The pain and despair can be too much for even the most hardened warrior. He wants to keep you out of it.

How can he expect me to just let it go? I felt rage and grief boiled in me. As long as Von Histler feeds the flames, the fires of discord will burn. What if he doesn't stop with just France? I can't just run away when I could do something to stop him.

That is why I wanted you to know. James turned back to me, his face paler than usual. David and I both know how heartbreaking war can be. It changes a person… thickens one’s heart. David doesn't want that to happen to you. I felt that when you found out… You would hate him for deceiving you. I can't let that happen.

Standing, I brushed the dirt and grass from my gown. Thank you for telling me, James. Truly, you are a wonderful and caring brother.

He took my hand weakly in his cold one. I won't lie to you, dear Jane. He loves you more than you can imagine. The world could be in flame and he would take you to the moon to keep you safe. He fidgeted with the clasp on my cloak, like a mother with an ill child. I believe the same as you, if there is something I can do, saving thousands by destroying one. I would do it, no matter the cost to my own life.

Unsure if I believed exactly the same as James, I felt that if I could do something to stop innocents from dying, I would. I stood on my toes and wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He enfolded his arms around my waist and sighed contentedly. Our relationship had come so far from the first time I'd met James. From fear and hate to love and loyalty, James had grown so much and had truly become a part of my family.

Coughing awkwardly, James pulled away and cleared his throat. When captured by Gabriel, he was horrifically tortured. I remembered the dozens of swords thrust through his body, the pool of blood around him, and the desperate look of hunger when I freed him. He was more animal than man and I wondered what kind of toll it took on his mind and body.

James, are you feeling well? questioned and scrutinized his face.

He smiled. I'm fine… Just not quite my old self yet.

Physically and mentally, he'd been through a lot the last few days with the bleeding and being cut almost in half by Gabriel, I believed him. However, he looked more ashen than normal, weaker somehow, as though energy was draining out of him still.

When the rain stops, promise me we will go hunting. You'll feel better with a bit more blood in you. I whispered, gently touching his arm.

I wanted him to know that he was not alone. David and I would help him. He refused to show weakness or suffering and it reminded me how much he acted like my father. Horribly sick, father would still work on.

Yes. He agreed, looking out into the garden. The rain is slowing. If we run, we may not get soaking wet on the way back to the palace. He smiled the same crooked grin that David gave me.

You go on. I need to clear my head. Seeing the concern in his eyes, I added: And before you say anything, I promise I will not leave these walls without telling you.

He narrowed his eyes and I knew he was contemplating dragging me back into the palace. Finally, his mind settled, he kissed my cheek and trotted toward the castle.

I watched him as the wind grew stronger, rustling the leaves overhead. A shower of cold water fell and soaked into my cloak. The sky had darkened so much that it almost felt like night. Another flash of lightening and boom of thunder shook me.

A yearning for freedom enveloped me. Closing my eyes, I could see trees flying past me, cold snow crunching under my feet. The wolves ran through mountains, hunting and playing. They called to me to join them, but I couldn't. There was a battle at my door and I needed to answer.

The wolves had called to me several times. The strength of their thoughts fading as they ran further away, fleeing to the safety of mountains far from any two-legged creatures. I was the only one they trusted.

Thanks to my mental link with the pack they knew my thoughts and concerns. They felt the need to turn back to me and help. I encouraged them to stay away. This was a human and vampire problem, not theirs. For them to be harmed because of something we have caused would be appalling. No, this was something I needed to fix.

I wondered how much of the prophecy was really true and how much was a lie, part of Von Histler and Constance's plan. Perhaps, my attack on Gabriel was just what she had predicted. After all, my attack had thrown the French coven off balance, leaving the center of Europe open and vulnerable. It seemed like just the thing they would have wanted.

Had I played into this evil plan? Was I to blame for the attacks and death of innocent lives? My chest ached at the thought and I considered the mysterious talk Petro had with Von Histler. Considering the vial once more, I wondered if knowing the truth would make me feel any better about the destruction of Gabriel and this new quandary.

Chapter 2 – Infection

Once more, I went to uncap the vial around my neck and uncover the secrets Petro wanted to reveal to me. However, the scent of vampire filled my nose