In the Dark of Light: The Light Keepers Trilogy, #1

By Bettina Melher

A dark secret, a chilling past, and a terrifying future.

When Victoria discovers a shocking secret at her grandmother’s funeral, everything she has ever known is suddenly thrown into question. As she hunts for the truth about her family’s past, she finds herself caught in an ancient battle between the world of light and the world of shadows. But it’s only when Liam, a new student at her school, falls into the clutches of evil itself, that Victoria realises just how dangerous her newfound knowledge really is.

Victoria must stop the evil forces before it’s too late.

In the Dark of Light is a spellbinding young adult novel with magic, mystery, and a touch of romance. If you’re a fan of witchcraft, demons, and the world of the paranormal, then this book is for you.
 

Get your copy of In the Dark of Light today and lift the veil of the shadow world for yourself!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bettina Melher
• Release date: Jun 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386758143

Book preview

PROLOGUE

September, 1613 – England

Hundreds of eyes stared at her. They glistened with frenzied rage, the pure hatred in them unmistakable. Over the hills to the west, the sun was beginning to set, drowning the horizon in blood.

Burn her! someone called from the gathering crowd. More people began to shout foul words at Elvina. Only a few of them remained quiet. The crowd had worked itself up into a blood-thirsty frenzy, and began to chant, Burn the witch! Burn the witch!

Elvina closed her eyes in an attempt to escape reality, even if just for a moment. She had stopped trying to free herself. The ropes digging into her wrists, ankles and around her waist had sealed her fate. She knew what was coming and she had already accepted the fact that nothing and no one could save her now.

Today, she was going to die.

Proceed with the execution! Master Harlow called.

Elvina’s eyes shot open at the sound of his voice. It was the same voice that had sentenced her to death earlier that evening for being a witch and working with the devil.

The man standing to Elvina’s right looked at Harlow, nodded once, and lowered the torch to the stake’s base. The flames immediately spread through the hay and started to consume the dry wood. In an instant the ground below her was alight. The heat rose up with incredible force. Elvina took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes shut as the highest of the flames began to lick at her feet.

Almost everyone in the crowd cheered, except for the mothers who had recently lost their children; they wept and watched as the flames began to swallow the woman who they believed was responsible for their pain.

To the people it seemed that the very gates of hell had opened right in their little village and unleashed the horrors that resided within it.

For the last few months, babies, children and even young women had mysteriously disappeared in the night, and countless of men claimed to have seen a beautiful woman wandering around the village at night. A woman who they said they had never before seen. Then the mutilated bodies of animals were found in the streets and the villagers quickly concluded that these strange happenings were the work of the devil and his accomplices.

Master Harlow had travelled to countless of other villages in the hopes of eradicating those who worked with Satan. Hundreds of women had been accused of witchcraft and working to fulfil the devil’s wishes. They were tortured, hung and burnt at the stake, yet the disappearances and mutilations continued.

Elvina was innocent of the crimes she was accused of; however, she was a real witch. In a way, her death sentence was her own doing. She knew that she had been risking her life if someone were to catch her performing rituals in the woods. But Elvina had no choice—she’d had to use her magic powers in the hopes of saving the lives of innocent children targeted by the evil lurking in the shadows. Most importantly, she had to protect her own daughter, Camilla. She was only seven months old and Elvina had sensed a dark entity having attached itself to her little girl. She could not see the demon, but she knew it was there. She had encountered dark entities before, but never one like this.

Elvina’s husband, Jarvis, was the only one who knew what Elvina really was. She was a witch, but she was a good witch. A woman who served the light and protected the world of the living. She was a guardian of the world of light who fought to keep the entities who resided in the shadow world at bay. Elvina had risked her own life in the hopes of saving a hundred more. But no matter how careful she had been, she hadn’t realised that someone had been watching her closely.

Edith, a recent widow whose husband died in an unfortunate tree-lopping accident, had suspected that Elvina was a witch for quite some time now, so she had followed her late one night. Elvina had been unaware of Edith’s suspicions and ventured to the secret clearing near the edge of the forest. It was her favourite spot to perform her rituals, with an even ground and the trees offering protection from prying eyes.

That night had been an important one—it was full moon and the most powerful time to practice magic. Elvina set down the basket of supplies and had begun by drawing a large circle in the soft forest ground, followed by a pentagram inside it. She used a stick to draw long and precise lines, ensuring each point of the pentagram connected with the circle.

The rustling sound coming from the trees behind her, which Elvina mistook for a harmless animal, was actually Edith retreating back to the village. She had enough proof to accuse Elvina and bring her to justice.

Now, a mere two days later, Elvina was tied to the stake and was struggling to breathe as the flames crept closer.

Elvina met Edith’s eyes. She stood at the very front of the crowd and smiled, satisfied with her good deed of bringing a witch to justice. Elvina broke the gaze, desperately trying to ignore the intense heat. She searched the crowd for Jarvis and her little girl, but couldn’t find them. It was a relief. She knew that if they stayed around her little girl would be killed for having witches blood, and perhaps even Jarvis would be hung for being Elvina’s accomplice. Elvina had no idea where they were, but she prayed that they managed to get as far away as possible.

When Master Harlow and his men had come to take Elvina away, Jarvis and Camilla had barely escaped through the back window. Elvina wished she’d had the time to kiss her little girl goodbye and tell her husband how much she loved him, but it all happened too fast. The villagers were out for blood and Elvina found peace in the hopes of having given Jarvis and Camilla time to get away while they captured her.

Elvina could no longer tolerate the pain. The flames burned through her clothes and had started to boil and melt her skin. It was agonising and she only hoped that she would drift away soon. With one last glance, she searched the village square and through the smoke could just make out a dark figure hiding by the town’s mill in the distance. Elvina knew it was Jarvis. He carried a large bag on his back and cradled Camilla wrapped in blankets in his arms. He turned away and began heading for the dark forest, leaving the village and all its demons behind.

Shortly after, the screams started, but as with all the others who died at the stake before Elvina, the screams never lasted long. When it was all over, the blood-stained horizon had turned black, and with the darkness, the demons came out to play once again.

CHAPTER 1

Present day — Blackheath, New South Wales, Australia

Victoria hadn’t cried since she found out about her Nan’s death. Victoria’s mother, Alison, said that it was because she was still in shock and that they all had to be strong; and together, as a family, they would get through this.

What family? Now that Rhoslyn, or Nan Rose as she used to call her, was gone, the Hales weren’t much of a family. Now it was only Victoria and her mother. Years ago they were a normal family, back when her sister, Natalie, and their father, Tom, had still been with them. But that was a long time ago.

Vic, please try to eat something, Alison said, freeing Victoria from her thoughts.

Alison’s eyes were bloodshot and thick dark bags had formed underneath them. Her shoulder-length brown hair was firmly tied in a large bun at the crown. The blond highlights in her hair made it look like a cinnamon swirl and it was a painful reminder of Nan Rose. She would often wear her hair like this, only hers had been completely white.

Alison looked exhausted and it was easy to see that Rose’s death had shaken her to the very core. Victoria couldn’t bear seeing her mother like this, but there was nothing she could do or say that would console her, and nothing would bring Nan back.

Victoria shook her head. Food was the last thing on her mind. She couldn’t understand how anyone could feel like eating after just having been to the burial. The burial itself consisted of family and very close friends, but now virtually everyone Nan had known had come to gather at her home to eat, drink and celebrate her life.

Victoria could see that Alison was disappointed by her failed attempt to get her to eat. Victoria hadn’t eaten all day, but then again neither had her mother. Alison nodded once and kissed her daughter on the forehead. At the tender age of seventeen Victoria had already been through so much and now Rose was gone too.

Victoria smiled sadly and turned to leave.

Where are you going? Alison asked, her brow creasing. It seemed she had aged another five years at least.

I need to get some fresh air, Victoria said, her voice strained, trying to hold back the tears.

She hadn’t cried all this time and now, when the house was full of people, her emotions finally decided to make an appearance.

Victoria hurried out the front door of the Queen-Anne-style home. It was a beautiful house and by far the nicest on Hat Hill road. The red brick walls and white-painted woodwork of the windows made it really stand out. There was a small gothic tower right above the crescent shaped veranda. Tears pricked Victoria’s eyes as she hurried down the steps leading from the veranda into the immaculate front yard. Large Rhododendrons, in Nan’s favourite shade of pink, offered the front yard privacy from the road.

She was glad to be away from her Nan’s bingo friends. All she wanted was to be alone and mourn the loss of her grandmother.

As soon as Victoria reached the last step of the porch, safely away from the sympathetic eyes of Nan’s friends, the tears began to flow. She was relieved to be out of the house, away from everyone and glad to be on her own. She couldn’t take any more sympathetic comments and sloppy wet kisses on her cheeks. She knew they all meant well and that they were just as shocked and devastated as she was, but Victoria doubted that anybody understood what she felt like. Nan had been like a second mother to her and now she was gone. The house, in which she virtually grew up in, was now nothing but an empty shell of a once warm and loving home.

Victoria wiped her tears with the back of her hand and the warm breeze dried them gently. She made her way to the oak tree, which sat right beside the house and the narrow driveway. She sat on the grass below it, resting her back against the bark. This had been her spot since she was a little girl. The warm, spring air was soothing. She closed her eyes and focused on the happy memories she had shared with Nan. Her fingers found the crystal pendant around her neck: it had been a gift from Nan when she was only eight years old and she had worn it ever since. Nan had given it to her shortly after her sister died. Victoria’s fingers caressed the smooth sides of the stone. Rose had been taken too soon. Now she wouldn’t get to see Victoria graduate or celebrate her eighteenth birthday. Victoria’s only solace was that Nan had lived a long and happy life.

The sound of footsteps approaching interrupted her quiet time. She sighed inwardly and turned to see who it was.

What are you doing out here? Uncle Jeremy asked when he reached her.

I needed to get away for a bit. Just sit alone for a while.

Jeremy shuffled uncomfortably. I’ll let you be then. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.

He turned to leave when Victoria said, I’m okay. How are you and Julie doing?

Julie was Uncle Jeremy’s wife and although Victoria never had a close connection to her, she and Alison were best friends.

Jeremy turned to face her again and used his arm to support himself against the tree. They were now both looking out over Nan’s backyard, their backs turned to the quiet street that was lined with parked cars.

You know… We’re coping. It’s not easy on any of us.

I know Nan wouldn’t want to see us sad… she would want us to celebrate the life she’s had, not mourn her death, but it’s just so hard.

I think the hardest part is still to come, but that’s up to your mum and me. We’ll start clearing the house tomorrow, so we can put it on the market while it’s still a good time to sell. In times like these, the market can change in a matter of weeks.

Victoria thought about offering to help, but she knew Uncle Jeremy wouldn’t accept; and besides, she didn’t think she would actually be able to go through with it. Just being in Nan’s house, knowing that she wasn’t there and that she was never coming back was hard enough.

Thanks, Jeremy, Victoria said as fresh tears welled in her eyes.

It’ll be okay. She’s in a better place now and she’s probably looking down on us right now.

Yeah, she probably is, Victoria said, looking up at the clear blue sky.

They hugged and Victoria watched as Jeremy walked back to the house.

A few minutes later, Victoria decided to head back inside. As she entered through the front door, a few guests looked up to meet her eyes, but Victoria quickly turned away. At the foot of the stairs, Spark, Nan’s black-and-grey Siberian cat, meowed quietly. He climbed up two steps and looked back at Victoria.

I know… I miss her too, Victoria thought, sensing Spark’s confusion at his owner’s absence.

Spark meowed once more and continued up the stairs, until he reached the halfway bend, leading up to the second floor of the house.

Instinctively, Victoria followed him.

What is it, Spark? she asked, trying to keep her voice low.

Although this was Nan’s home and she had spent most of her childhood in this house, it felt strangely forbidden to walk upstairs without Nan being there.

Still, she followed him all the way into Nan’s bedroom, where he jumped onto the bed and stared at her. Victoria had never seen Spark act so strangely. She didn’t blame him, but it was starting to freak her out a little.

Come on, tubby, she said as she leaned over the bed to pick him up, but he swiftly moved away from her.

Spark, what’s wrong?

A shimmer from the corner of her eye caught her attention. It was the reflection of glass inside a photo frame on top of the dresser.

Spark lay down and began to purr, something he only did when he was being scratched on his belly or when Nan would pick him up. Natalie walked over to take a closer look at the photograph. It had been taken back when the Hales were still a family. It was here at Nan’s house, and the family had gathered to celebrate Rose’s birthday. Victoria had only been six years old then and her sister, Natalie, was nine. They were both grinning and hugging each other. Their parents stood behind them. They too were smiling and looked very much in love. Then there was Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Julie, and their two sons, Aiden and Jason. It was a beautiful photo and it made Victoria wish that just for a while things returned to the way they were.

When Victoria turned her attention back to Spark, she saw that he was looking at something on the ceiling. He was staring at it.

Victoria expected to see a big spider, but instead there was a thick rope hanging from a ceiling door. Victoria had only ever known of one door that led up to the roof, and it was out in the hallway. As far as she knew, Nan’s house didn’t even have an attic. The space was usually left empty, only used for insulation and wiring. Victoria knew that she shouldn’t go through Nan’s belongings, but Spark’s strange behaviour told her that she should at least have a quick look at what was up there.

Despite being quite tall, Victoria struggled to reach the rope. When she finally did, she pulled hard, expecting the door to require a lot of effort to open, but it came down with a swing, catching Victoria completely by surprise.

The door had a built-in ladder that extended effortlessly. Although it was early afternoon, there was no source of light in the attic: the ladder went straight up into darkness.

Victoria started to climb the ladder. She pulled her phone out of the pocket of her pants and switched on the flashlight feature.

As she reached the top the entire attic came into view. There was a small round window at the far wall, but it was covered with a transparent black sheet, allowing only a trickle of light to shine through. The phone’s light did very little, but she could just make out a table pushed up against the wall, right below the window. It was a very large table and was crammed with stuff on top. A strange shimmering light on top of the table caught her eye.

Vic! What are you doing?

Victoria jumped, almost dropping her phone. She looked back down and saw her mother standing there, eyes wide and hands on her hips.

Victoria felt her cheeks grow hot. She felt like a thief who had just been caught red-handed.

I was just looking, she said, then quickly added, I wanted to see the whole house before it gets sold.

Alison waited until Victoria descended the ladder again. She did not look impressed.

You shouldn’t be up here! Especially not today. You should be downstairs with everybody else, Alison said, her voice cutting the air like a sharp knife. She had changed from a mourning daughter to a scornful mother in an instant.

I’m sorry, Mum. I don’t understand why you’re so mad, I just want—

You’re never to go up there again, do you understand? There’s nothing but old boxes of junk.

But Mum, I didn’t do any—

Enough! Alison said, holding her right hand in front of her.

Victoria couldn’t understand why her mother would overreact like this. She couldn’t remember the last time she had seen her this angry. This was Nan’s home and her mother treated her like she was a stranger who had just been caught stealing.

Victoria could only shake her head in both defeat and disappointment. She walked past her without another look, and Spark quickly followed suit, leaving Alison standing in Rose’s bedroom alone.

Over an hour later, most of which Victoria spent in the kitchen trying to avoid her mother and Nan’s friends, the house was almost empty again. The last trickle of guests had said their goodbyes and now it was only family left.

Victoria emerged from the kitchen after she finished stacking the dishwasher. Julie, Jeremy and Alison were sitting around the coffee table and speaking quietly. They immediately stopped when they noticed Victoria standing by the door. She was carrying Spark’s transport cage in her left hand, and felt Spark’s weight shift as he nervously paced from side to side.

I’m finished now, Victoria said.

Oh, thank you, sweetheart. We still have a lot to discuss, so Jason and Aiden will drive you home.

Victoria nodded and then walked out. She could tell that her mother was feeling guilty. Victoria had absolutely no idea why her mother would react the way she did. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was hiding something from her, and now she pretended like nothing had happened at all.

Victoria felt a little better once she was inside the car, knowing that she would be home soon. Despite the circumstances, she enjoyed seeing her cousins again. Aiden was twenty-three years old and very likeable. She liked him more than Jason, partly because Jason didn’t make much of an effort to talk to anyone. He was usually locked up in his room playing video games.

I guess Spark is all yours now, Aiden said, looking at Victoria in the rear-view mirror.

Yeah, he is. I just hope he won’t struggle to get used to his new surroundings. Poor guy thinks he’s going to the vet, I’m sure.

Aiden smiled and Victoria noticed that he had changed a lot since she had seen him last. He lived in Sydney and even though it was only a two-hour drive, he rarely visited his parents and younger brother, let alone Victoria or her mother. His face appeared the same, except for the extra facial hair, but he seemed more mature and it pained her to think what Natalie must have looked like if she hadn’t died. She had only been three years younger than him.

How are things at school? Aiden asked, distracting her from her thoughts.

Victoria hesitated. The last thing she wanted to think about now was school. After this weekend she’d have to go back there for another term until she finally graduated year twelve. She couldn’t stand school. It wasn’t the learning—on the contrary, she actually enjoyed it—but she just couldn’t fit in with the other students, and never had. She was a loner and since her father left and her sister died, she had often been bullied and picked on by the more popular groups in her grade. She did her best to ignore them, but it had been hard to do when it was usually more than five against one.

A lot of people still gossiped about the Hale family, and sometimes when Victoria and her mother would go to shop for groceries or go for a long walk, they would get curious looks and hushed comments about her father or Natalie. It was usually the older people in the town, but it still hurt.

Her sister’s death hadn’t exactly been normal. A lot of people speculated whether something more sinister had been at play, but as far as Victoria knew, she had fallen very ill and then passed away in the night. What really bothered Victoria, though, now that she was old enough to understand and make her own opinion of her sister’s death, was that there had been no burial, and that instead her body had been cremated and her ashes cast out into the forest.

Whenever Victoria had brought the topic up with her