Fallen (The Siren Series #5)

By L.A.Griffiths

After hearing a deadly prophecy, Ellie is in danger of being killed by Marcus's father, the leader of the protectors. Again, Ellie is on the run from the forces that are hunting her with her trusted protector at her side. Along the way she finds herself at her childhood home, desperately seeking a way to remain a part of her father's life. Soon they are thrown back into the darkness where they must help one another if they are both are to survive an ancient evil and Ellie reveals the true reason why Sirens are hunted.

Fallen is the fifth in The Siren Series. A young adult paranormal romance that will keep you in suspense page after page in this urban fantasy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.A.Griffiths
• Release date: Apr 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311192349

L.A.Griffiths

L.A.Griffiths lives in the UK where he has written his first ever book in the upcoming Siren Series. Broken is his first debut novel into the dark side of the supernatural where anything can happen. He has been writing at a very young age, turning anything into a story to keep him entertained. When not writing, his time is taken up by his chaotic dog called T.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Chapter

Fallen

The Siren Series (#5)

By

L.A.Griffiths

Broken

Chained

Desire

Enemies

Fallen

Copyright © 2015 by L.A.Griffiths

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission.

Chapter One

Bring her to me! Richard ordered.

A rebellion had spilled out within the councils’ walls, and I was in the thick of it, and I would have to fight my way through. Richard charged forth with his band of protectors at his back. Their swords clashed with one another, forcing the young defenders back on the offensive as the intruders pushed them back.

The battle raged on below, protector clashing against protector in a bid to protect all that they worked so hard for while the other group were blinding by fear and wanted to get at me at any cost since they thought that I would bring everything that they knew to an end. In a way they were right. The prophecy was about me, and I didn’t doubt that for a second. But now, I had the head of the protectors cutting a path through his very own men to get at me.

Marcus was now in the thick of it, fighting off his brother in arms in hopes to save me from their clutches. He ducked and deflected their strikes in an attempt to avoid bloodshed.

We need to do something, I said to Sophia.

Sophia’s eyes watched Rhea. She had now only just came back into her life after faking her death and telling no one except me about it. Sophia had said to me that she was hurt because I hadn’t told her of Rhea faking her death.

Sophia! I yelled, pulling her out of her daze.

She shook her platinum blonde hair, no, you need to stay here.

Down below were sounds of crackling and bright lights as Rhea fought off the oncoming tide of protectors but she didn’t kill them, only to wound. I felt helpless, and I didn’t want just to sit back and watch as they fought for my survival. I just wanted to run down the stairs and join them, but I was stuck.

Ellie, stay here! ordered Sophia.

I yelled at her to stop, but she threw herself over the balcony and placed a barrier on to the floor to cushion her fall. Sophia ran up to Rhea and used her powers to help the protectors turn the tide of battle. She threw barriers around the protectors, keeping them safe from deadly blows.

Don’t bother with the protectors,' just go for the Siren! Richard ordered.

Fear rippled throughout my body. I took a step back as a large group of men headed for the stairs, all eager to get a chance to capture me. Quickly, Rhea caught them in time and pushed them back as a dark wave threw them from the stairs, crashing down to the marble floor.

Marcus, get Ellie out of here! she cried.

Marcus threw himself up the stairs taking two steps at a time. But behind him, Richard was right on his heels. His face was full of anger and rage.

We need to get you out of here! Marcus said.

We turned around and hurried back through the corridors, but Richard had reached the top of the stairs and was now blocking our path. Sweat flowed down his brow as he held up his blade.

Don’t do this, Dad! Marcus yelled.

Do you think I want to do this!? he replied.

Marcus slowly stepped in front. There is a real threat out there, and we should be united against it not fighting with each other.

I will not listen to these lies any longer! he yelled. Now give me the Siren!

There was something wrong with Richard. His eyes were hollow and full of rage, he looked as if he was about to explode.

Please, listen. said Marcus.

No. No more! Richard threw himself at his son. His sword inches away from his throat. Marcus brought his blade up just in time for him to block his father’s strike. Their swords clashed with each other’s making them sing each time they met. Both father and son blocked each other’s blows, but Richard was faster and stronger than his younger son. The father attacked his son again and again until Marcus fell to his knees in defeat. He raised his sword high into the air, ready for the killing blow to split him in two. I stood rooted to the ground as the sword slowly made its way down towards Marcus body. It was like I was watching his demise in slow motion. I stood my ground and was about to scream but within Marcus’s hands, his sword began to glow a golden aura. Marcus quickly deflected the strike and slowly got to his feet. With what strength he had left, Marcus pushed his father away and prepared himself for another clash.

I’m giving you one last chance, Marcus. Richard said.

I’m not moving. he replied.

Son or no son, I will kill you!

Richard ran at his son with his sword ready to take down his flesh and blood. There was a deep rage within Marcus's father, and I could see it, but where was it coming from? Richard again clashed his sword against his son’s. Marcus blocked and ducked the strikes but was caught off guard with a kick straight to the chest, knocking him to the floor. Richard stared straight at me with glowing hate within his eyes. He threw himself at me with his sword ready to cut me down. I was frozen by his dominant rage as he stood over me brandishing his blade. I had to do something to stop him, or it would all be over and everything we had worked so hard for would be gone. I quickly snatched out for his hand to influence him. I gripped on tight to his wrist and focused on him, but nothing happened, it wasn’t working. Richard threw me against the wall, ready to impale me with his sword.

His son tackled Richard, and I scrambled to my feet away from the two fighting men. Marcus kneeled over his father and started to punch him in the face over and over again. I watched as a blur of fists hit Richard’s head while blood splattered onto Marcus’s already bruising knuckles. There was now full blown rage inside Marcus, and he showed no sign of stopping. The sounds of flesh and bone breaking made me feel sick.

Marcus, stop! I yelled.

He didn’t care what I had to say. The rage had taken over. I hurried over to him and grabbed his raised fist. His anger flooded through me, and I had to resist the dark feeling that was building within. I tightened my grip on his wrist and forced him to stop what he was doing. I pulled him away from his beaten father and stared at the bloody scene before us. Richard lay unconscious in a small pool of his blood. His face slick with the crimson water and I could not tear my eyes away from the bloody mess that Marcus had created.

Marcus? I whispered.

He quickly turned his back to me to avoid my gaze. I couldn’t think of anything to say to him if I did, what could I say?

Come on. We need to leave. I said.

Marcus didn’t reply. He trailed along behind me as I tried to find a way out of this mess. He followed behind me as we entered into the nearest room. I quickly shut the door and paced back and forth while Marcus remained silent.

Marcus, I need you to focus. I said.

He wasn’t talking. He just stared down at his bloody knuckles with wide eyes and I wanted to pull him out of it. We didn’t have time for this, but I would be there for him when he needed me. Outside of the room more screams and shouts echoed through the building.

Marcus!? I ordered.

His head slowly lifted up from his bloody hands.

His face was drained of colour and had a puzzled look in his eyes. What did I do? he whispered.

Marcus, I need you. I replied.

What did I do? he repeated.

Marcus was no help and right now I couldn’t count on him at the moment. I did think of going back out there and joining the fight, but I thought against it since Marcus was not himself, and I could not put him in that situation. I scanned the shelves to see what potions I could use. I grabbed one of the teleport orbs and tried to decide on a location, but I didn’t have a plan. The thought did occur to me of going back to Marcus’s home, but that was not going to happen since I didn’t think I would be welcomed back. I clutched the orb in my hands trying to figure out where to go when the building started to shake and tremble beneath my feet. The ball fell to the floor, shattering and creating an escape route for us to fall into. My stomach knotted and twisted as we were dragged through the portal and fell through the blinding white light, falling through nothing but air.

Marcus and I fell to the ground, and I quickly stood up. I looked at the building that stood in front of us. The simple house stood over us, welcoming me back. My childhood home.

Chapter Two

Marcus and I stood looking up at my childhood home where I shared with my father. The deeply suppressed feelings of guilt bubbled to the surface. This was a mistake, and I shouldn’t be here. But was this a good thing? Could I just enter and pretend like nothing ever happened? I peered around the wall to see my Dad’s car sitting in the driveway; he was home. Every instinct in my entire body told me to run into that house with open arms. I slowly crept away from the wall but behind me, Marcus’s voice called me back.

What’re you doing? he asked.

I’m going to see my father. I replied.

Are you crazy?! he whispered harshly.

I need to see him, Marcus.

I know you miss him but this is a terrible idea. We need to leave.

He was right; we needed to leave but deep inside I wanted to see my father. I threw myself around the corner and headed straight for my door. Behind me, I could hear Marcus calling me back, but I was committed to this and there was no going back. I crossed through Rhea’s protective barrier, feeling its cold wave wash over me. I stood in front of the door, willing myself to enter but in my mind I asked many times if this was the right thing to do?

Ellie, you don’t have to do this. We can walk away right now. Marcus said.

If I didn’t go through with this would I end up regretting it in the end? I would always ask myself what if I didn’t go inside. I took hold of the handle and opened my front door.

Dad, Dad! I yelled as I rushed into the house.

An underweight man stumbled out of the kitchen, spilling droplets of his hot cup of tea. He stared at me, shocked and bewildered.

Ellie? he whispered.

I slowly made my way over to him, I’m home, Dad. I said with tears welling up in my eyes.

He placed down his mug and threw him arms around me in a tight embrace. Are you here, Ellie? he asks.

Yes, I’m here, I replied as I hugged him tightly.

You’ve been gone for months. he said.

I know, I know. I replied.

I’m so happy that you’re back.

I’m so sorry for leaving you. I replied.

He pushed me away and looked straight at me with red glassy eyes. Where have you been?

I’ve...uh. I didn’t know what to say to him.

My father’s eyes drifted from me and at something that was behind me.

Ellie, who’s that? he asked.

He must have been talking about Marcus. I turned to him and he was standing in the doorway.

Dad, I’d like you to meet Marcus, I said as I made my way over to him.

Marcus slowly walked over and shook my father’s hand.

He has been with me since I got...uh lost. I said.

Thank you for protecting my baby girl. he said.

I looked down at their hands to see Marcus’s hand coated with dried blood. Marcus, there is a bathroom upstairs. Top of the stairs and to the left.

Marcus slowly shuffled off upstairs while my dad took me by the hands and sat me down on the sofa.

Ellie, did he kidnap you. he whispered.

What?! No, I replied. Marcus has been there for me.

Are you sure? he asked.

Yes, Dad, he didn’t abduct me.

So are you going to tell me where you were? he asks.

I took a deep breath, I don’t know if I should, but I’m home now.

Ellie, I need more than that. You need to tell me.

I just don’t want to talk about it. I said.

Were you hurt? Did anyone harm you? he asked.

I didn’t want to tell my dad what had happened during my time away, but the pain was still fresh in my mind to talk about it.

No. I lied.

You know I’m here for you, don’t you?

Yes, I know.

But I get the feeling you’re not going to tell me. he said.

I nodded.

He sighed into his hands, would you like something to eat or to drink, then? he said eagerly.

Yeah, that would be nice, I replied. I should check up on Marcus, anyway.

I sat up from the sofa and watched my Dad hurry off into the kitchen while I climbed upstairs to check on Marcus. I pressed my ear to the bathroom door to hear nothing but silence.

"Marcus, are