Falling Embers: The Lamp Series, #4

By jason cunningham

It all ends here.

FALLING EMBERS is the final book in The Lamp Series. In this epic conclusion, our heroes face their toughest challenge 
yet and the cost of waging war against the Shadow Lurker empire will be heavy. A deadly showdown looms between Tenebris and Salem. No one is safe, and the timeline of history may very well be at stake. 

**Editor's Request: Please do not post spoilers if you choose to review this title. Thank you for being courteous to other readers.** 

Reading Order:

The Lamp (book 1) 
Dark Works (book 2)
Society of Light (book 3)
Falling Embers (book 4)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Phantom Fiction
• Release date: May 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513013275

Book preview

Preface

The Lamp Series is chronological. Please read the books in order for the fullest experience.

Books in this series:

The Lamp (Book 1)

Dark Works (Book 2)

Society of Light (Book 3)

Falling Embers (Book 4)

Chapter 1

THE TEMPERATURE HAD DROPPED ten degrees almost instantly and the last train of the evening had departed two hours ago. Violet waited for him a short distance from the platform, perched on a wrought iron bench with her back leaning against the brick wall of the depot office. Even with the chilly air making her breath visible, she felt warm inside the robe. It was as if the overfilled trash can near the bench were a crackling fireplace, bathing her in its radiant heat as embers popped and sizzled with a hazy plume of smoke. Yet it was the robe which hugged her tightly, keeping her safe and warm.

She heard shuffling footsteps near the depot’s entrance, a stretched shadow appearing over the platform, dipping over the tracks and splashing the adjacent wall. Sam carried a grave expression on his face, his steps slow and plodding like he’d just arrived after some great journey.

Violet rose to meet him, a hopeful look still burning in her eyes. Sam approached her wearily and could only shake his head, a somber glaze covering his visage. His face said it all: I failed.

I’m sorry, he said. I was too late. There was nothing I could do.

Violet sucked in a quick gasp of air, her voice a quiver against the stillness of the night. He’s dead? She rocked backward, falling into the bench and covering her face with her hands. I killed him, she whispered, as if confessing her crime to a judge.

Sam took the seat beside her, rubbing her back comfortingly. I didn’t want it to happen this way, Halo. This was all my fault. I’m the one who brought you here.

Violet sniffled, running a sleeve across her face. Things will never be the same, she said. Nothing will ever go back to the way it was.

I know, he comforted. And I’m sorry.

Violet peered up at him, her eyes glistening in the moonlight. I could never face them again, she whimpered. What I’ve done is not forgivable, Sam. How could I show my face to Micah or Jenny ever again? They’re so innocent. It’s like we’re a different species now.

Sam nodded, still rubbing her gently. It’s best we all stick together. I understand what you’re going through, because I felt the same way after my first kill. It’s true: in a way it does separate us from our previous selves, our previous lives — but change also gives us new opportunities. To bond with those who understand our struggles. Mentors and friends who’ve been there, and have felt what you’re feeling.

I was so mean to him, she pleaded. All Micah and Jenny and Levi ever wanted to do was love me and protect me. And I was awful to them and ruined their lives. Professor Higby… he didn’t deserve that. How many more lives will I ruin, Sam?

Shhh, he whispered, continuing to stroke her back and neck. I’m here for you, Halo. We’re all here for you. Forget about the past; it only brings us pain. Trust me.

What do I do now? she asked the universe aloud. What now? Where do we go from here?

We go home, Sam advised. Let’s start there.

* * *

What passed for normal these days was a constant surprise. A fire pit glowed at the center of the courtyard in that once grand hotel, a trickle of robes passing in the night, forming small groups and then breaking away when the conversations had reached their end. Violet sipped from a chalice brimming with some kind of chilled cocktail, the strong hint of alcohol present as it traveled down her throat. She felt a sudden urge to walk over and join one of these random conversations, or perhaps just listen in to find out what run-of-the-mill Shadow Lurkers talked about in their ample leisure time. Did none of these people have jobs?

Violet felt a hand on her shoulder. It wasn’t Sam’s. She could always hear him coming. This was a different kind of energy altogether — more calm and authoritative. She didn’t bother turning around as the hushed reverence of those mixing it up in the courtyard gave away the suspense.

I understand that you are troubled, Tenebris said.

Violet felt a shiver rack her body, his voice booming with a current that struck her somewhere inside. I’m okay now, she uttered softly.

If you so desire, I will remove Sam as your preceptor.

No, she said. Sam’s fine.

You are Halo, he reminded her. You may be new to our family, but you are not beholden to any one of us. If I have offered freedom to the world, how much more would I give to you? The liberty you now possess is absolute.

Violet glanced down, wanting to unburden herself of this constant weight on her back, but she was afraid. It took a moment to build the courage to speak. I don’t like who I’ve become.

How so?

I just don’t like myself very much, she said. And I don’t know how to get back to the people I love.

What prevents you from going to them?

They don’t know the truth, that I‘ve done things. Terrible things. I could never face them now. I’ve become a monster.

Tenebris didn’t speak, but she could still feel his presence beside her, his massive form towering over her. He seemed content just to listen.

Can you help? she asked. Please. Can you help me?

What is your request?

Violet forced herself to do this, to be bold and courageous. There was nothing left to lose anyway. If she couldn’t see her family again, at least she could help them.

Continue to protect them, she said. Jenny and Micah.

Of course, Tenebris responded, seemingly amused that she’d have to ask.

And also, she said, faltering, her voice growing shaky, I would like you to help Levi. She waited for Tenebris to speak but when he didn’t, she continued softly. I know he’s a Lamp Bearer, but he means a lot to me. He saved me when Dev tried to kill me so if I mean anything to you, I think that maybe you owe him. Levi is the reason I’m still here.

Violet continued staring at the ground, afraid to look up and witness his reaction. He was breathing deeply, perhaps considering what she’d said.

Your request, he exhaled, is a difficult one to grant.

But not too difficult for you. I know how powerful you are.

Again, she waited as he respired beside her. I will consider your request, Tenebris said. If you will also consider remaining with us for a while.

Violet smiled widely, her face beaming. Okay, she affirmed. I will. Thank you.

Forgive me, he said, but it seems you have forgotten how to be young. Tenebris motioned toward the groups of others. Go enjoy yourself, Halo. Our people have a multitude of pleasures in which you’ve yet to indulge. Partake as you like, as often as you desire. We have no rules among us, except that of complete and utter freedom. Allow your newfound liberty to wash away those disconcerting thoughts. You are not bound by your inhibitions here. We rule this city, and there are privileges to being royal.

Royal, she scoffed, not meaning to sound to so casual in front of Tenebris. But thanks.

And then he was gone. The heavy presence left her and she steered her head left and right to make sure. He’d left her completely on her own. And she actually began to feel that sense of freedom of which these people so often spoke.

Either give yourself over to this, she told herself, or don’t do it at all. Her former life and this new world were certain to clash, so she would have to choose: leave everything behind and step into the skin of Halo once and for all, or abandon the Shadow Lurkers for good and flee without glancing back. The decision was not as obvious as she was hoping.

She glanced over at a group of five Shadow Lurkers and began to wonder what they actually called themselves. Surely they went by some other title than the one ascribed to them in that comic book. The group opened up as she approached, a confusing mixture of emotions on their faces — anxiety blended with curiosity. She dipped her head in a respectful bow, since she didn’t know how else to greet people like this. Their heads bowed lower.

Hi, she said. My name is Vi… Halo. Name’s Halo.

Everyone smiled warmly. Of course they knew who she was. One of the men, who looked middle-aged but was extremely fit, said, So glad you’ve joined us. We’re all so curious about you, Halo.

Me? she said. Are you kidding? I’m the one with a million questions.

They laughed hard. Someone offered her a pipe, which she refused as she continued to sip from her chalice. So what are we called? she asked, now relaxed by their casual demeanor. Are we Shadow Lurkers or what? Because I don’t care for the name.

More laughter. One of the younger men spoke. People call us a lot of things. But we have no formal titles. It would go against our ethic.

Violet nodded, the sharp bitterness of the drink still stinging her throat as she gulped back more of it.

Careful, someone warned her. You’ll want to go easy on that.

Yeah, she replied. Never been much of a drinker anyway. She brashly handed the chalice to the older man and eyeballed the one with the pipe. Whatcha got in there anyway? Is that the same stuff Sam is always toking on?

The Lurker smiled, raised and lowered his shoulders. I’ve not inquired of him.

Why do you people talk so friggin’ smart? she asked, prompting more laughter from them. Sam does that sometimes too, but he tries to hide it. Probably for my sake.

You are such a surprise, one of them told her. We never expected anything like you.

What? she asked. You mean dumb?

It occurred to Violet, after this fourth bout of spontaneous laughter from the group, that she was either far more hilarious than she’d ever imagined, or they were deathly scared of her and had simply decided to placate. It was a bizarre thing to realize that these frightening and powerful so-called Shadow Lurkers were worried about making a good impression on her. She remembered commanding Sam to go and he had obeyed. What kind of figure did they imagine her to be anyway?

She decided to find out.

Violet locked eyes with one of the younger, quieter ones. You there. Give me your name.

Vincent, the man gulped.

Vincent, she repeated slowly. What is it that you do, Vincent?

Beg your pardon? he asked timidly.

What. Do. You. Do?

I, he stammered. I’m a musician. I play for the courts, or when we gather for parties.

What instrument? she asked.

I play the harpsichord.

Harpsichord? she mocked with a chuckle. What in the hell is that?

The younger man nervously cleared this throat. It’s, um, a musical instrument that resembles a piano.

I want you to play for me right now. An original piece, not something another guy wrote. I want you to improvise on the spot — a song for Halo. And do it well, because I have an ear for mistakes. If there’s one thing in all the world that I hate, it’s an off-key melody.

Um, he began with some hesitation. So I am to wheel my instrument out here? Into the courtyard?

The young musician studied her face for a moment and Violet stared him down. He glanced away bashfully and turned to exit the courtyard as she’d asked.

Wait! Violet commanded. She extended her hand and curled a finger to draw him back to her. When the young musician had settled his weight before her she said, I’m only kidding with you, Vincent!

There were confused glances and half-grins. Some brief, unsure laughter.

I’m joking! Violet shouted. Lighten up, you guys.

The chorus of nervous laughter erupted once more, and Violet knew that they feared her. That she had power over them.

And it felt amazing. If only Micah were here to enjoy this with me.

Chapter 2

THEIR HANDS MET AT the partition glass in a symbolic embrace. This was their tradition; Jenny hadn’t touched or hugged her husband in what felt like decades. Their handprint smudges remained on the glass, fading slowly, while they took their seats. Jenny was frightened to see him so thin and badly wanted to bring him a big, hot meal — but they never allowed it. Levi twisted his wrists around, adjusting them inside the handcuffs, trying to gain some measure of comfort for just a moment.

For the first time, neither of them spoke for the first thirty seconds, both unsure of what to say anymore. They’d been carrying on with these visits for so long now that hopelessness was beginning to grip them both.

Usually, when one was feeling down, the other would pick up the slack and carry the conversation, even if that only consisted of a few strained remarks and the odd light-hearted joke. But today, neither felt much like laughing. Or talking.

Levi stared into his wife’s beautiful but exhausted eyes, wondering when this all would end. She did the same, careful to hide her demoralized inner state from him. But they both knew the other was suffering immeasurably. When will this end? their eyes groaned.

With a minute left on the clock, Levi decided to end the silence. So there’s a guy in here named Reggie. He’s about ten years older than me, has this thick mustache. Levi used an index finger under his nose to illustrate.

The other day I see him in the quarry and he’s going on about how he’d gone into a gas station for a pack of smokes and bought this lottery ticket. When the clerk opened the register, Reggie saw an opportunity and snatched the money out, then ran out of the store and jumped into his car. It was his first robbery, first crime ever, and the whole thing was caught on surveillance camera. He got arrested and sent up the river the next day, but guess what — that lotto ticket — his numbers actually hit. Million dollar jackpot too. Guy won the friggin’ lottery and never saw a dime of it.

No way! Jenny exclaimed.

If Reggie had just gone home and watched the drawing, he’d be on a yacht somewhere instead of busting logs inside Hinnom Valley. Levi raised his chained hands to scratch the stubble on his jaw. I guess sometimes luck is right around the corner but we just get greedy.

Or impatient, she offered, flashing a smile.

Levi returned the grin just as the guard called out, Time’s up!

Jenny looked at the guard and said, I’m sorry, but could we have just a little more time? Maybe a couple of minutes?

The guard didn’t respond; he just turned away. But he also didn’t advance toward Jenny to remove her. She took that as permission.

Levi, she started, not knowing how to say this. I have to tell you something.

Everything all right? He instinctively reached for her hand, just a twinge of movement, then felt awfully stupid for having done it. They both knew physical contact was nothing more than a dream now, just sparks of a former life that no longer existed. Jenny pretended not to notice.

We’re all safe, she said. Me, Violet, Micah. Everyone is safe.

Good. That’s a relief to hear. Levi sighed as he leaned back in his chair. How’s old Wilson holding up? They lift his suspension yet?

Jenny swallowed nervously. She couldn’t look at him. He stiffened at her reaction and sat up in his chair. What’s wrong, Jenny? Did something happen?

She nodded yes, tears welling up and spilling from her eyes, unable to speak. She wiped the tears away with the palm of her hand and tried to get the words out. I’m so sorry, Levi. I didn’t want to worry you.

You can tell me, he said. Is Wilson okay?

Jenny wept, shaking her head no.

What the hell is happening out there? he asked. Jenny, I need to know what’s going on or I can’t help.

How could you help? she replied. There’s nothing you can do from here anyway. She wanted to tell him about everything — about how their home didn’t exist anymore, how she was staying at Micah’s and that Violet had disappeared into the night with Tenebris, wearing the robe he’d given her. But she couldn’t. It was too much, too overwhelming. It would crush him.

They got to Wilson, didn’t they? Levi knew the answer already, even before she lowered her head to confirm it. So who’s watching the place now?

Time’s up, the guard called once more.

Levi, she said, I have to go. We’re fine, okay? Everyone is safe.

How? Levi demanded. How are you safe, Jenny? How is that possible?

I’m sorry, she said again, the guard finally approaching her with his hand extended to escort her out.

Who’s protecting you? Levi asked again.

I love you, she said as the guard finally tugged her out of the room.

Love you too, he replied in a whisper.

* * *

Levi returned to his cell a broken man. He groaned bitterly for the friend he’d lost. Wilson had been a good man, a tough guy from the old neighborhood, who’d sacrificed himself to ease their burden when he could’ve taken the easy way out and declined to help. Levi felt the sting in his throat as he thought about all Wilson had done for him. He tried to swallow the anger mounting up inside, flashes of heat coursing from his stomach to his face. His fists, those useless fists, tingled with energy and all he wanted to do was smash something.

But then his eyes fell upon the small lamp on the floor, resting near his filthy mattress. The calm glow inside its base stilled his mind in an instant, his anger draining away and being replaced by a sensation of coolness entering him. The tremble in his fists was gone.

All this, Levi said to the object without blushing. Is all of this worth it? Whatever you are trying to accomplish — is it all worth it?

It wasn’t a challenge so much as a surrendered curiosity. Usually, whenever an inmate was talking to himself inside his cell, the surrounding inmates would all taunt him and tell him to shut the hell up. But it was different with Levi, and none of his neighboring prisoners spoke a word. They understood that this man’s fists had sent two people to their graves already.

But if they could see his eyes welling up with tears as he stared at a child’s toy on the floor, they would surely be baffled. I need to know, Levi continued, his emotions now completely unrestrained. Is it all worth it?

His question lingered in the cold, lonely prison cell.

Chapter 3

MICAH HAD NOT HEARD from the girl in weeks. He’d left Jenny alone in the apartment and ventured out into the countryside to visit his parents. He had needed to clear his mind, to get away from work and the awkwardness of being around Victoria at the office every day. She hadn’t said a word to him, apart from the usual work-related stuff, since catching hell from Violet that day on the street. Micah had noticed her avoidance and actually began to feel badly for her.

There were times when he even thought about taking Victoria out to lunch and apologizing for how cold he’d been acting toward her. It especially hurt on those lonely nights when he knew in his gut that his beloved Violet wasn’t going to return to him and having someone to hold, even if that someone was Vicky, seemed very desirable. But instead of calling her, he fled the city in a hurry, without looking back.

Micah slurped from his bowl of soup and caught a stiff glare from his mother. Sorry, he apologized. When his mother’s intrusive stare didn’t fade,