Tomb of Lies: A Dark Secret

By J.R Berune

Two teenagers living a normal life found themselves entangled in a war between kingdoms they actually belong in an opposite world they didnt know. Having found out that the only way to stop this war was to kill and be a sacrifice between them, would their blossoming love and affection for each other help overcome this hardship they were set to face?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris NZ
• Release date: Mar 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781493192151

J.R Berune

The author is an avid reader of any kinds of books, but most particularly fantasy and horror genre. Not a smart writer, as you'd probably realise in the future, but an ok-ok storyteller. Hmmm!

Book preview

Raine

Chapter One

It was an unusually cold day in the middle of summer in the humble town of Ravondale. Amidst the graying sky, the sun’s rays found its way out in the small spaces from the growing lumps of clouds and gave off peach-colored afternoon. The weather seemed to be signaling an early autumn arrival, as gusty winds blew off already dying leaves from its branches.

Not far from the beautiful city clock stand, which stood in the middle of the town, a college’s bell could be heard ringing marking the end of afternoon classes and the start of night classes for the others.

It was four o’clock.

As the halls of the college were flooded with chatters, a girl wearing a floral dress with her hair messily tied up high her head in a ponytail, rushed her way through the crowd while putting on her earphones. Not far from behind her trying to catch up was a young man whose name was a bit odd: Zhero.

Hey sleepy head, wait up! he shouted as he rushed his way amongst the crowd.

Raine! he called out.

Apparently, she couldn’t hear him because she blasted the music earlier to drown the noise in the hallway. Zhero however, managed to catch up and removed one earpiece from her ears which startled her.

Whoa! What’s with the look? You looked like you’ve seen a ghost! he laughed.

Raine stared at him coldly, turned her back and continued her way, without saying anything.

Hey, I’m sorry, alright. he said. "Are you still so mad about that? Look, I could find another one for you, like I’ve said. I mean, there are tons of it and it might not be so hard to have one again," he said, stooping down to see her serious face.

Raine kept her mouth shut and tried to ignore him. She took her phone and raised the volume of her music.

Have you been eating? Do you love it so much you don’t care for yourself anymore? You looked like a monster had sucked the life out of your teeny weeny body, teased the young man, hoping it would crack her up, but soon realized his stupidity with his comment which he thought sounded like he had added fuel to the fire.

Come on, Raine. I could give you another one of it. Not the same one though, he further said while trying to catch up with her pace.

"Could you just shut it! IT is not just an ‘it’. She is a living creature, and has got a name. She was the most beautiful dog I’ve ever had in my entire life! What is it with you, Zhero? Treating animals like they’re just ordinary non-living things! Raine almost screamed at him. Her eyes started welling up with tears but quickly brushed them away, forgetting that they were still in the hall and that several students were looking. Zhero stood speechless and a bit embarrassed. You can’t change Maxi. No other dog could change her." she growled chokingly and went away, leaving her friend looking sorry and red-faced.

Whoa, whistled James, resting an arm around his distraught friend’s shoulder as they both stared at her walking away angrily. What’s the matter with her now? he asked. Zhero shrugged, surprised with the sudden appearance of his friend.

Wait, did you just dump her? asked James with a shocked face.

Zhero looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Dump?! She’s my best friend, probably more of like a sister, idiot! he said and started to make his way too, feeling uncomfortable with James’s rushed comment.

So what, can’t best friends become an item? You guys look perfect for each other, like you are meant to be. James teased but sooner felt like taking back his words when he saw his friend’s reaction in disgust. Okay, never mind about what I’ve said, he said, running his fingers through his curly, red hair. What really happened? he asked.

Can’t tell you. Classified. Zhero simply answered, obviously pre-occupied with other matters in his head and was uninterested in having a chat.

James scratched his head and felt like his friend was leaving him out. Are you guys really dating? he further asked, but was really meaning to annoy his friend.

No James! Zhero exclaimed, much to his chagrin. That’s absurd man, jeez! he blurted. To avoid more meaningless comments, he decided to tell him about what really happened. Well, the thing is that, I purposely ran over her dog with my car.

James looked at him with a slight shock in his face. Seriously, dude? he asked.

Seriously. answered Zhero.

James looked a bit lost. Uh…why did you do that? he asked again.

Zhero didn’t answer. He was now feeling regrets about telling the incident, but just couldn’t keep it a secret from him because James was like a brother to him. He knows it will be revealed soon anyway so he decided to spit it out. The only problem was that he knows James talk too much sometimes, like a girl, so he decided to keep his mouth shut for more information or he might jeopardize his reputation. He was quite popular in their college.

I know what you’re thinking, man. I’m not that person when it comes to you. Trust me. I know you find me a bit of a girl sometimes, and yeah I do admit it, but it’s a different matter for you, my friend. James said with a wink, trying to make him say more.

Zhero grinned. I know. I’ll just tell you soon. Catch up with you later! he said and sprinted outside their institute.

Hey! screamed James, quite annoyed about the half information.

Along the city’s street, Raine was deciding whether to go to a pet shop. She was feeling blue all over again since Zhero brought the matter about her precious dog. It was almost two weeks since her friend ran over her pet when they were both out for a walk in the park. She and Maxi were waiting for Zhero to pick them up along the road and go for a drive somewhere when Maxi suddenly growled madly and detached herself from her lash and started to run across the road towards Zhero who was coming. To Raine’s horror, she desperately waved to Zhero screaming at him to stop. To her surprise, Zhero sped up and moments later, Maxi was under the car, with blood splattered all over the road. That moment she felt her heart crashed, but the strange thing was she felt more energetic.

I wonder why I felt that way…all the time I always felt down and sickly. Must be from anger…? she thought. She was becoming more agitated, and to clear her mind she decided to hop in the library.

Ravondale’s city library was old and wasn’t really that big, but the structural designs were rarely exquisite. No one in town really knew the history of the library other than it came around the early 1600’s, so they never knew who designed and built the building. All they knew was that it is owned by one old professor, who teaches at Raine and Zhero’s college. If anyone would ask the professor about the library’s history, he would just answer I just got it from an old friend who passed it down to me. Old people of the town didn’t really know much about the building too, but there were gossips that it was built secretly during night time in just a week under a building cover. There were large painted pictures of old men who were thought to be the previous owners of the library, gracing each walls of the building.

The inside has two level floors full of old and modern books and everything was being managed by a tall, unapproachable-looking thin, old man wearing a pince-nez. He just stays in an elevated mini-counter, just enough for him to see the whole floors. There were helpers running around to help people with queries.

Searching for old books, Raine went into the second floor. She stood looking at one old painting of an old man with a strange statue of a creature at his back hanging near the entrance of a private point. She stuck her face closer nearer the painting and thought He looks very familiar…and those eyes… She decided to leave the photo and went on to search for books. She was scanning the old materials at a corner absent-mindedly when she felt a presence behind her. Turning around, she gasped in surprise.

What can I help you this time, Miss Rovania? asked the manager in a low, rough tone coupled with his English accent.

Uh, I-I am just looking at the books, Mr. Ravendeaux. said Raine, a bit shaking.

Anything in particular? said the old man slowly, leaning a bit closer to her face.

Raine nodded. If you’re not looking for anything particular, please go anywhere besides this part. said Mr. Ravendeaux, at the same time pointing to a notice that says PLEASE DON’T GO BEYOND THIS AREA, UNLESS WITH AN APPOINTMENT WITH SEARGE RAVENDEAUX.

Raine took a big gulp and felt her face redden. She apologized and quickly went down the first level, still feeling the stares of the old man behind her. Stupid! What was I thinking? she thought, thinking that it was a bad timing for her to meet with the town’s creepy librarian. She was rushing her way out of the library when she heard her phone ringing. While picking up her phone, she bumped into a young man but quickly apologized without looking at him. But with a quick glimpse, she thought she saw a fire inside the young man’s coat.

She stood frozen a bit and quickly turned around to see him while her phone stopped ringing, but the young man quickly disappeared into the library. She was in a daze about what just happened and was startled when her phone started ringing again.

Hi mom, she said, her voice a bit shaky.

Are you alright? You sound like you are in trouble. Where are you? Why aren’t you picking up my call? asked Mrs. Rovania.

Oh, sorry mom didn’t hear the first call, she lied. I’m okay, mom. I just came from the library. I was just quite embarrassed because I ended up going beyond a private point, she said with a forced giggle.

I supposed you were met with that Mr. Ravendeaux, weren’t you? asked her mom.

Yep. I’ll tell you all about it later when I get home. I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Bye mom.

Searge Ravendeaux? said Louis.

"Yes. I guess Raine went to the library to clear her mind about that puppy incident, but ended up going to that part. said Lorraine, gripping the cloth she was holding. Raine said she’ll be here in twenty minutes. Guess I have to go and prepare the table then."

Louis Rovania looked a bit troubled. He slowly got up from his chair and quickly went to his study room. He looked into his drawer and pulled out a little round object, which looked like a snow ball. Inside the glass ball, a faint red light was beaming and was suddenly gone. He wiped his brow and inhaled deeply. At least she’s safe now. he murmured.

On the way home, Raine kept thinking about what she saw earlier. These days are becoming stranger and stranger! she thought. I must be really tired. I guess I need a holiday! She then vaguely remembered a strange, slightly large pocket-sized book while browsing the cabinet.

Moonlight Kingdom? That sounded interesting, but I wonder why there’s a need for an appointment with that scrawny old man. she murmured to herself. She was already near her place when she spotted Zhero standing in front of their porch.

This is just great, she groaned as she pouted and walked past him, ignoring his presence.

Zhero stood up and giggled. He was expecting her to ignore him but said Hey, I came here to apologize, okay. said Zhero. He was holding a small box with holes in it. Raine was curious but she was keeping her mouth shut in an attempt to ignore him completely.

I know you are curious with what’s in this box. Zhero said, as Raine just stood staring at him when the front door opened.

Zhero! What a surprise! squealed Lorraine as she hugged the young man tightly. Raine, honey, why didn’t you invite Zhero in? she then asked.

Raine embraced her mom and went inside, ignoring her words.

Oh, don’t mind her, dear. I guess she’s still grieving about what happened to Maxi. said Lorraine apologetically to Zhero.

Oh no, Mrs. Rovania. It was my fault anyway. said Zhero.

Oh, dear me! Would you like to come in and have tea with us? she asked, suddenly remembering they were just outside her house.

I’m afraid not this time, Mrs. Rovania. I just came to give her this but it seems like she’s not interested, he giggled.

What’s in that anyway? asked Lorraine. Then suddenly, the box moved and a faint whine was heard.

I guess he’s hungry. said Zhero with a wide grin. Lorraine looked at him with surprise, her mouth wide open.

Well, I’ll be on my way now, Mrs. Rovania. Tell Raine to take good care of him, even if it wasn’t the same as her pet Maxi. he said and cycled his way home.

Lorraine took the box in their backyard and quickly called her daughter. Raine reluctantly opened it, but much to her surprise, a beautiful white, golden retriever puppy with a pink nose was staring at her. She couldn’t help but fell instantly in love with the cute pup, which was pushing its way in the corner of the box, seemingly afraid.

Oh my goodness, mom! she squealed as she picked up the puppy and cuddled it gently.

Well, you’ve got to thank Zhero for that. I wonder how much he got for it. Lorraine said almost in a murmur, and left her daughter. Put him in Maxi’s place and come in for tea after that. Your dad is not a very patient man. she called out.

Raine’s spirit seemed livened up and quickly bonded with the pup, which she thought must be around two months old. You may not be my Maxi, but I know you’ll give me warm company, she whispered to the pup, which seemed to take a liking to her already and was licking her cheeks. Now, what do I call you? she thought and then heard her mom calling for her. Later, I’ll name you. Stay good. she said and kissed the pup on its forehead as she put him in Maxi’s place.

That night, Zhero was tossing and turning on his bed, obviously cannot sleep, waiting for a message from Raine. Man, I wonder if she liked it! Maybe she has given it away already! The nerve, I spent quite some time looking for such dog. Ungrateful woman. he groaned, but still felt sorry for the foolishness he did with Maxi. He really didn’t know why he ran over the dog with his car. He thought he felt something unusual about the dog and when he saw it ran away from Raine at that time, he ran over it.

Why did I do that anyway? Crazy old me, he said as he finally closed his eyes.

The next morning, Raine was quietly putting away her things in her locker at her college when someone tugged her ponytail. She quickly felt annoyed and already knew who it was.

Good morning, sleepy head. greeted the dark haired Zhero, grinning widely.

Shut up, you fat jerk! groaned Raine, still mad at him but not as heavy as it was before.

Although calling him fat, Zhero wasn’t really. He was lean but visibly carved with muscles, and he likes wearing tight fit shirts to trace his physique, making him more popular with girls besides his handsome face, but also with guys who were envious with his built.

What, calling me fat now? That was so affectionate of you. How ’bout I call you something too, like a walking stick maybe? I think it’s perfect for your ugly, shapeless figure. Do you li— Before he could finish his sentence, a hand heavily knocked him out.

Careful! groaned Zhero as he held up his nose. He looked visibly upset. You sure couldn’t take a joke, Raine. he muttered while sitting still in the college’s miniature park.

Sorry. was all Raine could say. Now she felt really sorry for always punching him. She thought, maybe that was the reason why he ran over her pet, as a form of revenge. But she also thought it was too much for revenge, and knew Zhero wasn’t the kind of a person who could do such things. But lately though, she noticed he’s been acting differently.

Late puberty, maybe. she thought and smiled.

Now you’re smiling? You really love seeing me suffering, don’t you? asked Zhero, still pinching his nose. Hey…about that pup, how’s he doing? he asked, staring into the sky.

Saber? she asked.

Zhero looked at her, confused.

I named him Saber, like a sword. Because I know one day he would protect me— and use him as a weapon to bite you too. she said giggling.

Zhero sat speechless. Looking at his face’s reaction cracked Raine even more and made her laugh harder. Just kidding. Thanks for that. Where did you buy him, anyway? she asked. Zhero remained silent and said, That’s a secret. remembering the time when he got it from an old person, dressed awkwardly along the streets and gave the pup to him for free, and along it telling him not to mention anything about giving it to him. That is strange though. Why does it have to be a secret anyway. he thought, feeling uncomfortably strange when he met the person.

Raine didn’t question him any further because she sensed his seriousness when he didn’t want to reveal where he got it. After tending his bleeding nose, they parted ways for class.

It was a long day for Raine, so she decided to visit an unusual garden she found just a few weeks ago when passing a short cut to her place after class. It was a garden that she got intrigued with which seemed enchanted to her because of its atmosphere, and that everytime she goes there, she feels recharged.

The garden’s entrance wasn’t really visible to the naked eye. Vines curved their way along the stone arches, and thick leaves hung down, covering most of the entrance. It was a perfect camouflage. Raine thought this place used to be a park but was abandoned, because of the overgrown plants but nevertheless, wild plants and flowers graced and populated the area.

Breathtaking sceneries of different kinds of flowers like lilies, red and white roses, tulips, and shrubs that grew side by side were doted all over the place. When the sun’s rays warmly reflect, the plants give off diamond-like sparkles from water droplets.

At the center of all these majestic plants was a water fountain, which in the middle stood a statue of an unknown exotic bird. It was unusual because of its plumage marking designs engraved on its stone wings. It looked like some kind of ancient symbols, but it didn’t bother Raine because she wasn’t interested with what the symbols meant. The set of its long tails which almost were like that of a peacock seemed to be on fire, only it wasn’t. And the bird statue was placed in a twisted position in the center of the fountain and looked like it was ready to fly.

Not far from the bed of flowers and to the eastern part of the fountain was a cluster of oak and birch trees that seemed to lead into a dark woodland. Raine once ventured into it but never got farther when she saw trees in grotesque shapes and that it seemed like there was no life in it. She never had the courage to visit it again.

As the horizon faintly boasted its colorful hues of yellows and oranges, Raine sat down near a big, oak tree that stood almost at the edge of a downhill path that stretches its way into the town’s graveyard. She untied her long, soft, curly brunette hair which elegantly dropped down to her waist. Her milky skin reflected the sun’s evening rays. Leaning against the tree, she decided to play a