Darkness Rising: THE RISE OF THE NEW BLOODS, #2

By K.A Hambly

Sequel to The Rise of the New Bloods, From Dark Beginnings



Eleven months later, and Jyrki is back again. In Wales. What has the ancient prophecy got planned for him now?

Having left New York to embark on a UK tour with the Black Stones, Jyrki set sails across the Atlantic to London, but things don't go according to plan - well they won't when you're still a vampire.
As Jyrki and Blaze begin to start their music career they meet a mysterious cab driver called Dave who takes them to Wales to meet with Ryder, and it doesn't take Jyrki long to turn into a bad vampire either. 
Upon meeting with a guy, simply called Vlad, Jyrki soon learns that the prophecy has another plan for him. He now has to tackle the Underworld that is escaping from the veil that was left open last Halloween at Central Park. 
But there is a darkness rising that might just jeopardise his efforts to become human

• Language: English
• Publisher: kelly Hambly
• Release date: Jan 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386832782

Book preview

Chapter One

Iheard the ship's horn blaring in the depths of my sub-consciousness. Reluctantly, I awoke from my slumber and unravelled myself from the foetal position. With all the strength I could muster, I sat upright against the metal container feeling rather seasick. My head sunk forward and my dark tousled hair fell over my face. I was not exceptionally well versed in travelling, despite being on the run for hundreds of years.

'Oh shit,' I whispered. I lifted my sleeve and checked my watch for the time when it quickly dawned on me that I had missed my alarm. It was 4.30am, and the guards usually did their quick rounds to check on the cargo. How could I be so lapse? It would be quite foolish if they saw me now. It was not something I could afford to let happen, not when I was nearing the end of my journey across the Atlantic.

I sucked in a cold sharp breath and tried to control my nerves, when a slight breeze blew against my face bringing with it a fishy smell that almost made me gag. There was nothing worse than the smell of fish at this ungodly hour, especially when I was feeling dizzy with the rocking of the boat. I only just got to my feet when I could hear a low humming noise from behind me. It was the guard, sounding cheerful at this time of the day.

I stood against the crate of cargo, hoping he would walk straight past me. It was not particularly helpful that I was feeling ravenous. My throat felt dry, and I needed to quench my thirst as quickly as possible. I glanced over to where my bag was on the floor, lying between the shadow and light of the moon. It was easily noticeable and I felt a stabbing pain in my chest with rising anxiousness. The sweat began to drip from my brow and I struggled to dislodge a mouthful of spit as my throat burned with the thirst for his blood.

Carefully and with as much precision as I could muster, I stretched out my trembling foot to pull the suitcase towards me; hoping I would have an extra sachet of blood tucked away somewhere. Before I left America I worked out I needed about thirty to last me for a fortnight. It never occurred to me to add a few extras for emergencies, and this was now fast becoming an emergency. The guard was now inches away from me. He halted by the crate opposite and stopped singing.

'Are you sure it was a shadow?' he said, talking into his radio. 'I can't see anything out of the ordinary.'

Over the static from the radio, a voice crackled back.

'Okay, that's fine Charlie.'

The guard leaned back against the crate and I watched him intently as he took out a packet of cigarettes from his jacket pocket. He lit one up and blew out a puff of smoke. I assumed he was having a sly break, one, which might end up costing him his life. The smell of his blood was now driving me insane and I was on the verge of an attack. I picked up my bag and edged back towards the crate.

I opened the suitcase carefully and crouched down, rummaging through the mountain of stuff I had fetched over from New York, when I came across a picture of April and myself. Things started to go wrong between us a few months ago and I was glad of the opportunity to get away for a while. I put the picture in my coat pocket and was now aware my hands were shaking uncontrollably with hunger. Under the neatly pressed pile of clothes, I found a bottle of pigs' blood Blaze had given me as a going away gift. Let's just say that I was so grateful he had a warped sense of humour.

My hands trembled as I unscrewed the cap and I relished the gushing flow of liquid as it slid down my throat. Hungrily, I licked the last few drops that dripped on my fingers; trying my hardest to sate my hunger. As the blood coursed through my veins, all the nervous energy I had drained away as quickly as it came. It wasn't enough to satisfy me but it would do until the ship docked in another hour. Thankfully, the guy had walked back in the other direction, and so I leaned back and relaxed as I looked out across the approaching harbour, towards the orange blips of light that overlapped on to the calm waters. I shuffled into a comfortable position and stretched out my long legs as I waited for the ship to pull into port.

‘Welcome to London.' I heard a man say to his colleague.

I walked down the ramp from the ship into the busy port and casually walked over to the main entrance, brushing past the workers as they went about their daily business. No-one seemed bothered by this tall, dark-haired man carrying a suitcase through the crates of cargo. This was just as well really, as I was still hungry. Before I had almost given in to the hunger and snapped at these workers, I saw Blaze waiting behind the metal railings for me, as promised and on time.

'Did you have a good trip?' he whispered.

I looked at him through the mesh fencing and shook my head.

'Not really. I am seriously thinking about applying for citizenship. I do not want to go through that again. I hate sailing and I hate the fucking smell of fish,' I spat.

'I take it that's a no then. Throw your bags over okay and hurry for fuck sake,' he said, looking around the dark car park.

Blaze was reeking with nervous energy and he was doing a damn good job of inflicting it on me.

'Calm down, okay,' I said, looking at him with curious eyes. 'There's something different about you – have you had an haircut?'

'Yeah, I needed a bloody change,' he said, standing there with a short messy crop.

'Oh, you do realise I can't be out in daylight now, don't you?' I said, climbing up the fence.

'Yeah, I have a cab waiting for us, don't worry. It's all under control.'

I had just climbed down the fence when I felt a breeze at the back of my leg.

'Aw fuck,' I cussed.

'Shut up will you. You don't want to get caught for being here,' he said, running towards the cab.

'I've just ripped the only decent pair of jeans I have.'

'London has shops!' he yelled back at me.

Blaze threw open the car door, almost startling the poor driver dozing off in his seat.

'We need to get to Islington mate, step on it.'

The cab driver turned around and looked at us through the pane of glass. He shifted his gaze from Blaze to me and smiled. His dark hair was slicked back into a fifties style quiff and he might only have been around twenty years old.

'So, Islington is it?' he said in a thick cockney accent.

'Yes, please,' Blaze said, turning his attention to the window.

'Actually, I was going tell you there was a gate just along that fence,' he laughed.

'Thanks. Now you tell me. So what time is it in the UK?'

'It's just gone five. The sun won't be over the horizon until 5.30 at least, now don't panic alright.'

'How's April?' I blurted out.

Blaze turned to look at me. 'She's fine mate, but I know for a fact she still misses you though.'

'Really? Well, the feeling is mutual.'

'Did she tell you she's going to Egypt in a week or so as part of her course?'

'No, she didn't,' I said, catching the driver looking at us through the rear view mirror. 'When is she going?'

Blaze didn't say anything. He sat upright on his seat and shifted his gaze from the window to the driver.

'Er mate,' he called to the driver. 'You're taking us the wrong way.'

Chapter Two

The look of frustration on Blaze's face alarmed me, as I knew something had to be wrong. It was not often I would see him looking annoyed as he did now. Well, apart from the time he found out I was a vampire. He lunged his fist on to the back of the driver's seat and scowled.

'I said we're going the wrong way.'

The driver glanced over his shoulder at us and flashed a smug smile.

'It's a short cut,' he said casually.

'This isn't a shortcut. What's your fucking game boy?'

The driver hesitated to answer back. We were now heading on to a dual carriageway at an alarming speed. Even I felt tense. Sunrise was minutes away and I had no sun protection.

'Blaze, I have to get out now. It's almost dawn,' I said, checking my watch. I looked out of the window towards the sky that was rapidly changing to a burnt orange glow.

'Hey you, turn this cab around now we have a fucking emergency!' I yelled, slamming my fist against the window.

'Chill guys,' the driver retorted.

I clenched my fist tightly, reeling with anger. I had just leapt from my seat about to smash the glass in front of me when Blaze pulled me back. To my surprise, I heard a mechanical whirring sound and the windows in the cab went dark.

'What the fuck is this?' Blaze yelled.

'You needed sun protection. Did I hear right?'

Now the smart-ass driver was really beginning to annoy me.

'Do you happen to have a canister of blood too?' I said, jokingly.

'Let me check,' he said.

I wasn't expecting that answer.

He rummaged around in his glove compartment and I turned to look at Blaze who was shaking his head; dumbfounded by what had just happened.

'Here you go, it's only a few days old so it should still be fresh.'

Blaze couldn't contain his anger any longer either.

'Who the fucking hell are you, you little shit?'

'Okay, okay guys I'll level with you.'

'You'd better, unless you want to be on the receiving end of my fangs,' I raged.

'Ryder asked me to get you. He's your nephew isn't he, Jyrki?'

'Him?' Blaze said furiously.

'Yeah, him,' the driver chuckled. 'Why, what has he done this time?'

'He left New York without a word. We don't even know if he's trustworthy and you're telling me the sneaky little bastard is in London?' Blaze yelled.

'No. He's in Wales.'

'Wales?' I said. 'Blaze, is that a part of the UK because I've had enough of boats?'

'Huh? Of course it is, but we need to get to London for the show tonight.'

'No you're not,' the driver said. 'Orders from the boss – 'get them here safely by this evening.'

Due to the tinted windows, it was hard to tell where we were going which did not sit too well with Blaze. He started taking his frustration out by persistently tapping his kneecaps. What with the silver skull rings he wore, the noise was slightly pissing me off.

'I'll sort out this shit okay, so please stop that, it's really annoying.'

'I hoped this would be a simple tour, but oh no, the vampire strikes again,' he muttered.

There was no point arguing with him. He could be so pig-headed at times.

'Oi,' I called to the driver. 'You didn't tell us your name pal and how the fuck do you know Ryder?'

'Well, me and Ryder go way back...oh sorry for not introducing myself, my name is Dave. So, you're a vampire then?'

'Yes, I'm still a vampire, unfortunately.' I groaned.

'Oh yes, you're still a vampire aren't you? Hope you don't mind me asking but do you know why?'

'I thought you knew Ryder? So why hasn't he filled you in with the little details? More than likely he knows more than me.'

'I'm sorry, I didn't realise I was being rude.'

'He left New York without a word. We don't even know if Ryder is trustworthy. Look, I know I'm being snappy, but you must admit being more or less kidnapped by a pre-pubescent teen that thinks he's Elvis is not a great way to start the day.'

'I understand where you're coming from you know, I'm not really all I seem either.'

'What do you mean by that?' Blaze said sharply.

'Well, how do I put this?' he said tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. 'I'm an immortal – not a vampire though, so don't worry.'

'Then what fucking superpowers do you have?' Blaze said.

Dave laughed.

'I'm a warlock.’

'You're a what? A freaking boy wizard?' Blaze laughed.

'No, I said warlock – we'll talk about this later alright. I would prefer it if Ryder did the talking anyway.'

'Why?' I scowled.

'There's a darkness rising, Jyrki. You don't seem aware of it yet but you soon will. I'm taking you to Wales where it will all make sense to you.'

'Didn't Stride mention that place to us once?' I said to Blaze.

'Yeah he did come to think of it. So where is Ryder living then?'

'In a place called Weobley in the Gower. After Jimmy went, all his dealings he had with the underworld were passed on to Ryder to sort out. Apparently, all of his money was left to him too. I'm not sure how or why, but yeah, Ryder isn't exactly living in a cardboard box that's for sure.'

'He never told us any of this,' I said.

'No. Mardok called for him. He needed to discuss things with him.'

'On the night he disappeared?'

'Yes. I know he felt guilty about leaving you like that, but honestly, you'll find out it was for the best.'

I sat against the leather seat and rested my head in my hands. I should've known this wasn't the end of it. I had spent the last eleven months more or less stuck indoors as now the Ankh would not allow me out in daylight. It was all getting too much.

'Okay, we're here.'

'How am I supposed to get out of here, it's still daytime?'

'It's okay, I'll park in the garage. There's an entrance in there that will take you into the house.'

'Don't tell me he's a billionaire too,' Blaze laughed.

'Well, he's not far off it. Jafar had dealings with very influential people. Ryder has now taken over his affairs like I said.'

'I can't wait to hear the rest, I'm sure it will be very entertaining, like all the bullshit you have talked about for the last four hours. Hey, what's up with you Jyrki, your nephew's rich and you look like death warmed up?'

'Hm, I'm very intrigued by all the mystery. I just hope this isn't a trap. He knows the Ankh won't allow me to walk in daylight now.'

'Chill out, okay. Ryder is a good man. Jafar threatened him to do all of those things,' Dave said, looking at me from the rear view mirror.

'Could you wind the window down slowly so I can see where I am? And please don't shake your head at me like that, okay. My vampire instinct has been a bit off lately.'

The windows opened and I found myself in a garage with artificial lighting.

'Blaze, do you think it's safe enough to get out?'

'Sure, everything looks fine Jyrki,' he said as got out of the car door.

Dave opened a door that led into a modern state of the art kitchen. He led us through the hallway, awash with white walls and dark oak flooring. It was the middle of the afternoon but every window had the blinds drawn and almost all the lights in the house were on.

'Hey, it's nice to see you guys,' Ryder said enthusiastically.

It was almost if he had forgotten about his sudden disappearance. The young man I had met almost a year ago in New York now exuded more confidence. He still reminded me of his father, my brother Draven in both physical appearance and mannerisms. He put the glass down on the table and walked over to me, hand proffered.

'I'd like to say the same to you but I'm not happy about the way you got us here,' I said, shaking his hand.

'I am sorry about that. Please, sit down and I will do my best to explain. May I offer you something to drink? Blood? Alcohol?' he said, gesturing to the drinks behind the bar.

'I will,' Blaze said. 'Alcohol, that is. So, what happened to you. You took off quite quickly. It wasn't my cooking was it?' Blaze asked with a smirk across his face. 

'No. Sit down, I'll get you a whisky,' he said, motioning to a black leather sofa.

'What's going on here?' I asked. 'Did you really need to go through all that trouble of getting a London cab to pick us up?'

He laughed. 'Well that was a little joke, but okay, I see your point,' he said, pouring himself another drink. 'I'll get straight to business, alright. I knew the curse wasn't broken before we even left Central Park.'

Angry, I stood up from the sofa. 'What?' I yelled.

'Jyrki, calm down okay,' Blaze said. 'I'm sure he has an explanation.'

'Why didn't you tell me? I could've killed April that night.'

'I couldn't say anything. Mardok made me promise, okay. The Ankh isn't allowing you to walk in daylight now because it's been damaged. The underworld wasn't completely sealed that night and the Ankh couldn't return back to Egypt. It came back to you because you now have another job to finish.'

'What are you talking about?'

'Mardok sent for me that night to tell me I had to sort out Jafar's connections. One in particular is waking up in Egypt fairly damn soon. I couldn't tell you until now as I needed to know you were safe.'

'Safe? Why?'

'There have been demons looking for you.'

'What the hell for?'

'Because you are still the chosen one, Jyrki.'

'Are you telling me there are more demons out there? No, I can't believe it.'

'Yes, many of them escaped from Central Park that night.'

'Okay, let me get this straight. I've been sitting around for eleven months, unable to get on with my life which pissed off my girlfriend so much she decided to leave me two months ago. Not to mention that my so-called life has been in fucking trouble ever since New York and no-one could tell me anything. Thank you, thank very much. If that's not putting my life in danger I don't know what is.'

I was fuming about receiving this news so I angrily walked over to the bar to get myself another drink.

'Sorry, Jyrki but there's more.'

'Go on, nothing could surprise me now,' I said, pouring another