Blame The Goth Girl Vol. 4: We Are Of Good Courage And We Would Rather Be Away From The Body And At Home With The Sisters Of Mercy

By Bettina Busiello

When Onyx is dragged into the faerie version of a rabbit hole, it's up to Lisbeth to rescue her before she falls victim to her mystery stalker.
Meanwhile, Rome attempts to discover the identity of the stalker with the assistance of an unlikely ally. But when he realizes his well-guarded secrets may be revealed, our vampire hero disappears into the night, at the risk of his friendships... and potentially Onyx's life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bettina Busiello
• Release date: Jul 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370336678

Bettina Busiello

Bettina Busiello is a dreamer by nature with an eccentric sense of humor. She spends most of her waking hours either spinning yarns, venturing online games or cuddling her cat October. She lives in Vermont where she is surrounded by enough fresh air to make her slightly high (which explains a lot).

Book preview

Blame The Goth Girl

Vol. 4

We Are Of Good Courage And We Would Rather Be Away From The Body And At Home With The Sisters Of Mercy

By Bettina Busiello

Copyright © 2016 Bettina Busiello

Smashwords Edition

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Bettina Busiello recognizes the trademarks and copyrights of all publications, music and companies mentioned within this work.

All rights reserved.

Original Cover Titling by Jacob Mathews

Cover Art by Christopher Zakrzewski at www.requiemillustrations.com

Editing by Katherine Tate

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Onyx

I woke to a tiny, wide-eyed face staring directly into my eyes.

It’s awake, the mousey voice said.

I shrieked, trying to jerk away only to find myself tied down. Where the hell am I? I wrestled against my bonds. What’s going on? Who the hell are you?

The binding ropes across my body were finally loosened, and I shot upright to get a better look at my surroundings. A crowd of what I assumed were pixies, elves, faeries, sprites, and other… things, were gathered around me. They let out a collective gasp as I sat up.

What fresh hell is this? I asked.

The face that had startled me belonged to a greenish-colored pixie of some sort. She stood on the stone bed I was lying on. Welcome, person, she said with a huge grin.

It reminded me of Lisbeth’s antics and demeanor. Soon, I realized I was with her people.

I’m going to ask again… where am I and who are you?

You were brought here so that we may care for you, another faerie said. This one was older and a tad rotund in stature.

Yes, the green one spoke again, you had a nasty bump on your head. It was like she never blinked.

Um, thanks for that. I thought for a moment, trying to recall the moments leading up to this point. Someone brought me here… a gnome, I think.

Oh yes, the older faerie said, Intin. He asked us to look after you until he returned. It seems as if someone wants to meet you.

Why was I knocked out? I asked, touching the back of my head which now seemed to be healed.

I fear his brutish friend, Tykie, got carried away. She hopped up next to the green pixie. My name is Ilsa and this is Nel, she said.

I glanced at the rest of the crowd, who looked upon me with suspicious gazes.

The rest of you, disperse, Ilsa called out.

Grumbling could be heard amongst the group as they solemnly walked away.

I think I was brought here under false pretenses. I’d like to leave now, I said, moving to get up.

Oh, no. You can’t do that.

Why not?

Intin expressly forbade it. He was paid quite the large sum of gold to procure the Tutorea.

For what? I asked.

That he did not tell me. We were only instructed to look after you while you are here. She reached for my hand, and I instinctively jerked away. We will not hurt you. I’m sorry you were attacked, but believe me when I say that is not our way. Come child, let us feed you and get you changed. I’m afraid your attire is quite inappropriate for the forest.

I glanced down at my black bodice and matching skirt. It is?

Black is too dreary for the forest fae. Since we live in a land of perpetual night, the color black has been outlawed by the fae elders.

My attention was directed toward the night sky. A full moon shone down on the forest setting. I slid off the stone bed and eyed the area around me. If anything, it appeared to be a setting one would see in a fantasy movie. A small collection of faeries carrying a dress hesitantly approached us.

My sisters have been working diligently for the last hour to make you this. She took it and lifted it so I could grab it for myself. It was long and white, designed in an ancient roman style. Another one of the faeries handed me a gold cord which looked like a belt of some sort.

It’s a little out of fashion, I said.

The faeries all gasped.

I didn’t mean it as an insult, I swear! It’s just… no one has worn this style of dress for like… 2,000 years or something. I half spoke out of my ass on the subject.

Ah. Well that’s when we entered this realm. Our architecture and style represents the last we saw of the human world before leaving it.

Nel tugged at my fishnets. Off, she said.

I gathered it meant I needed to undress. I could have been more uncomfortable with the pairs of tiny eyes watching me as I did so, but I was too freaked out about the entire situation to really care.

As soon as I was down to my underwear, Nel tugged at the hem. Off, she said again.

Okay now wait just a second—

I’m sorry, my dear, Ilsa spoke up again, no black allowed.

Ugh, fine. I completely undressed, trying to keep my hands and arms over my naughty bits.

Ilsa lifted her hand to take mine, but was barely able to reach it from her height. Now we must bathe you.

Is that really necessary? I asked.

Yes. The pool cleanses you of the outside world. The waters will help calm your spirit.

Maybe it was the tone of her voice or her slight accent, but I obliged her request and stepped into the water. Despite it being a forest of perpetual night, the water was warm and comforting. As soon as I was neck deep, I felt relaxed. What kind of pool is this? I asked.

A moon pool. It is known for its healing and cleansing abilities. Now… all the way in, she said.

I was hesitant to get my hair wet but I held my breath and dunked down. Whatever caused the relaxation was now working its full effect on me. I resurfaced only to see the black dye from my hair washing away with Ilsa standing on the shore, holding out her hand.

Time to get out, she said.

How in the hell? I asked while climbing out and grabbing a handful of my hair, examining the now brown tresses.

Ilsa began patting me dry with a soft silken cloth. Just then, two of the faeries sprouted wings while lifting the dress as they flew above me, assisting me with putting it on.

I guess this is a full service boutique?

Ilsa looked confused by my comment.

The winged faeries began tying the gold cord around me and I felt as if I were about to go on stage for a local production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Much better, Ilsa said. She gathered the rest of my clothes and handed them to the other faeries. Burn these.

Hey, wait a sec—

No black, she said again.

I let out a defeated whine. But that was my favorite top.

Now come. Let us feed you. She took my hand again and led me through some thick forest before we came upon a large roman-style building surrounded by twig-huts.

The sound of a flute along with other instruments could be heard in the distance, and a bunch of fae creatures had gathered around small tables piled with plates and trays of food.

I think those seats are too small for me, I said.

Nonsense. We have a seat for you over here.

We continued to walk toward the steps of the building where a cloth had been laid out, almost like a picnic spread. Nel smiled and handed me a goblet filled with some kind of liquid.

What’s this? I asked.

Honey mead, she said with a delighted grin.

I shrugged and chugged the rather sweet liquid. Seconds later, I felt very warm and a tad tipsy. Wow, this stuff works fast.

She filled the cup again. Drink more, she said in her tiny voice.

I downed it again… this time, feeling quite happy. As if I were right where I needed to be.

How do you feel? Ilsa asked.

Good… awesome. I started giggling uncontrollably.

Good, good. Now, let the evening’s festivities begin!

The crowd roared with cheers and applause as the music began playing louder. Everything felt surreal, as if it were a dream… but I was too happy to really focus on the details… or even remember why I was there in the first place.

Chapter 2

Lisbeth

Hey Frank, you around? I asked.

The TV flickered on. Always.

Did Onyx show up for work today?

Nope. I haven’t seen her since she left to buy a fancy new automobile last night.

That’s weird. I figured she’d wanna show it off. Maybe she got hammered and slept in again, I said.

Wouldn’t be the first time, Frank said.

I put my hand to my head and squinted my eyes.

What is wrong? Ezra asked.

Stupid ringing in my ears. Started early this morning.

His fingertips were warm against my skin when he put his hand under my chin and lifted my face. You look fine. He smiled.

You always say that. I stood on my tip toes and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. I guess Onyx will be in tonight… and if she isn’t—oh well. I went back to filing old invoices.

The