Hierophant: Tarot Trilogy

By Heather Licano

Vengeful and ready to kill, Gabriella Hayden hunts for the demon that's responsible for making her an orphan. After years of searching, she finally gets a lead, but what she uncovers will make her question everything she thought she knew.

Gabbi's impulsive actions and quick tongue often get her into trouble, but her determination yields results and as an added bonus, she saves lives throughout her journey. Her whimsically morose and introverted attitude keeps people at a distance as she hunts demons and uncovers her destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781543938487

Book preview

To Emily

My Little Sister

Copyright © 2018 by Heather Licano

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Print ISBN: 978-1-54395-520-0

eBook ISBN: 978-1-54393-848-7

I would like to thank Emily for reading every version of Hierophant I sent her and offering advice and constructive criticism. I would also like to thank my Mom Pam, Aunt Diana, and Husband Kevin for their unwavering support along the way.

Table of Contents

1

DNA

2

Sacred Blood

3

Seeing the Unseen

4

Vetis

5

Sunny Side Up

6

Hide and Seek

7

No Future without History

8

Blood & Water

9

Hall of Corpses

10

Life or Death

11

Namtar’s Demise

12

Rising Destiny

1

DNA

Her distorted face, half human, half monster, stared down at me. The right side of her face and body was that of a beautiful girl, with her long black hair draped over her naked shoulder. Beauty was met with horror as her left side became contorted, morphing her long black hair into a bald head with black wisps for hair. Her human eye was reflected by a satanic one, as were her scabbed nose and her mouth, which faded into tiny pointed fangs that oozed with saliva. The left side of her naked body had been warped into a hairy skeleton of what once was.

DNA Lounge had decorated all of its walls with paintings such as these in representation of an artist by the name of Boogyman. I would have loved to walk around and study each of them, as they showed both the beauty and horror of my world, but I was here to do a job. I headed to the bar to get a cranberry and vodka before spotting a small empty table in the corner of the club. Dark gray walls with white chandeliers that radiated a red glow created the romantic ambiance, and a single red rose in the center of each table completed the look. There was a band getting set up on the stage in preparation for tonight’s entertainment. I walked past them, across the large dance floor to the table in the corner and watched them set up as I sipped my drink, staining the glass rouge.

I wore a long black dress with red floral designs that clung to the few curves that I had and revealed just enough cleavage. The dress had long slits that reached the middle of my thighs, revealing my black lace tights and two-inch combat boots. The boots didn’t really go with the dress, but in a scene like this, I could pull it off. My hair was braided around my head and into a knot that rested at the nape of my neck.

The band had played their third song when my targets finally showed up. Demons have a way of appearing human, like a glamor. They must blend in or risk being noticed because too much attention could lead to their annihilation. Some people can see them for what they truly are, and that poses a problem for them. If they find out that a human can see them in their natural state, then that human usually doesn’t live long to tell the tale. Survivors often became HDA’s, Hired Demon Assassins, turning from the prey into the hunters— at least, that’s how I got the gig.

The three fiends that I had been hired to take out were dancing in the center of the dance floor, ignoring the human crowd. Watching people dance in a goth bar was both alluring and amusing. Everyone seemed to move with the music, as if becoming part of it. There was no judgement, only the music and the feeling. All kinds could come here and be themselves without fear or judgement.

The three hellions were all male and of varied species, making them an odd trio. Most demons preferred not to mix with others, unless they were related or part of a clan. Even then, fights often broke out among them, resulting in several casualties or lost limbs.

The live band ended their song and placed their instruments down, indicating that they were taking a break. Love Metal began to play from an invisible sound system as several people headed for the back patio behind the stage to smoke and cool off. I watched as the trio headed for the door; then I grabbed my drink and followed them out.

Can I please bum a cigarette? I asked the shortest of the three, in a small mousy voice. Confidence rings with strength, and for some reason, knaves didn’t like to fight for their meals. The short one obliged and then held out a lighter to ignite my cigarette. I smiled and said, Thanks.

The Tarsier demon said, My name is Toby, and you are?

I looked at the ground as I said, Gabriella.

Toby curtsied dramatically and, looking up at me with his enormous brown eyes, said, It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. He was a short guy, about 5’1 and though I couldn’t see them, I knew his mouth was filled with tiny, sharp teeth.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and instead I smiled as I turned to the other two fiends, who introduced themselves less dramatically.

The Caiman demon said, Hey, I’m Jack. He had raven hair, rough skin, and glowing jade eyes. Due to his glamor, his full form was not revealed, even to me.

Nice to meet you. Then I glanced at the one with glowing blue eyes.

He looked back at me, and it felt like he was peering into my soul. I felt my cheeks grow warm as he extended his right hand to take mine; I moved my drink to the hand holding the cigarette and extended my hand as well, as he said, It is a pleasure to meet you Mademoiselle Gabriella, my name is Phillip. Then he took my hand to his lips and passionately kissed the back of it. His hand and lips were clammy and felt like the skin of a corpse. I had an instant flash of my dead parents lying in their coffins, as I reached out to touch my mothers face. I shuddered and jerked my hand back.

The warmth in my cheeks had drained, and I wondered if my face was as devoid of life as it felt. I bet I fit right into this scene now. I quickly collected myself as I said, It’s a bit chilly out. Then I smiled and took a drag of my cigarette.

The blue-eyed vampire was studying me profusely, making me uneasy. I’m curious. What brings a beautiful woman, such as yourself, out to a hole in the wall alone?

I wondered briefly if he was on to me, then shrugged the feeling off as I said, New place, new scene, new friends, and all that. I was quickly losing my patience, but remembered that I had a job to do, so I pasted a smile on my face once more and added, Everyone is so nice here! with forced enthusiasm.

Toby spoke next, drawing my attention away from the vampire and back to him. He seemed slightly irritated at being overlooked, but I wondered if he was used to it. I will be your friend, Miss Gabriella. What brought you out to California? Chasing a dream?

I smiled at the last comment as I said, More than you could know.

Toby seamed a little perplexed when I didn’t explain.

I’m curious, I said as I turned back to Phillip. What brings three handsome guys out to a hole in the wall on a night like this?

This time it was Jack who replied. What better place to meet such accepting people? The outcasts accept the dark and in return get along quite well. He smiled a dark smile, as if to hide a secret that only his party was privy to. I didn’t let on, but changed the subject.

So, what do you all do for a living, when you are not out exploiting your primal dance moves, that is? Their’ dancing seemed ritualistic in nature.

Phillip continued to stare at me, as if I were the most interesting out of the four of us. What an intriguing word, primal, to describe something as simple as dancing.

I just say it like I see it. What word would you use?

He seemed to think about that for a moment before saying, Prestigious, perhaps would be better?

I finished off my drink and said, Fine, if that’s what you prefer. I think I will be heading out now. It was nice to meet you boys. I put my nearly unsmoked cigarette out in the ashtray and headed in to cash out.

Toby grabbed my arm and said, We hardly had the chance to get to know you! Surely you will stay for one more smoke?

I shook my head and said, Sorry, early morning. Besides, I’m getting bored and want to see if I can find a more prestigious club. I grinned and turned on my heel, heading for the bar. I cashed out and quickly went to my car, then I took out my katana from the trunk and held it to the side, so it couldn’t be made out in the distance. I felt a presence watching me from afar but didn’t try to scope it out. Instead I headed for the alley two doors down from the club. It took only moments before I heard him approach. I pulled the sword from the hilt slowly and held it to my side, waiting to attack.

Toby appeared first, looking a bit more drunk and slightly offended. What part of a dark alley is better than spending time with me? he asked in a salty tone.

I shoved off the wall, pulling my dagger from my boot as I said, One clingy hellion is enough to turn me off, let alone three.

I watched his eyes about pop out of his head as he started to morph into his full form. His lips drew back from his teeth as he hissed, Demon killer!

Tarsiers are known for being very fast and deadly, but due to their large eyes and small brains, they are only able to focus on one thing at a time. I lifted the katana as if to swing it at him, but he dodged the blade and went to attack my left side. As he leaped for my throat, I brought the dagger from my boot up through his chin and out between his large eyes. I kicked his body away from me, holding tight to the blade as it shot out of his skull, spraying me with blood. Then I kneeled at his corpse and jabbed the blade through his heart for good measure.

Dude, Toby, save some for me! Jack said as he and Phillip came around the corner and into the alley. I pulled the blade from Toby’s chest as I stood, back turned to the two remaining monsters.

You killed him, you bitch! Jack said as soon as he saw Toby dead at my feet. I awaited his attack but it didn’t come, so I turned around to face them both.

Phillip said, I tried to tell him that she was more than she appeared. Don’t be as foolish as he was and rush into battle unprepared. He was calm as he explained this to Jack.

Jack sneered and said, Fine, ladies first? then gestured with his hand that Phillip should fight me next due to his advice.

Phillip took a deep breath and stepped into the light of the alley. Ms. Gabriella, can you find it in your heart to walk away from this battle? There is something about you that sets you apart from the others. Not beauty, I have seen beauty and it doesn’t consume me. Something unique, it goes deeper than what you let on.

I rolled my eyes this time and said, Though you flatter me with your words, I have a job to do. I never leave a job unfinished, and if I did make an exception, would you vow to never kill again?

Phillip looked to the ground, almost in mourning. Alas, that is something that I cannot promise, as blood is my way of life. I could spare your life, but that is all.

I shrugged and said, Ever the fucking gentleman, aren’t you? I lifted my sword as I prepared for battle. Lucky for you, I have never been much of a lady, so we can drop the pretenses.

Even you cannot see your true form, he said sadly. His arms and legs began to crack as they morphed into their demonic form. Vampires appear beautiful, at first. They cannot hide their cold skin, as the corpses that they wear are indeed, dead. Their eyes often give them away, but when they morph, that is when they truly become dangerous. I watched as his arms bent inward, breaking the bones as they became deformed. His legs did the same, knees cracking as they bent inward toward each other. He began to shred his shirt, exposing a very hairy chest. Instead of watching his full transformation, I decided to get this battle over with.

When demons morph, that is when they are their most vulnerable. Some may think that it is fighting an unfair battle, but my knives are all I have to fight with. I cannot change my entire body into a weapon, so it’s fair from my perspective.

I took the dagger in my hand and tossed it into Phillip’s heart. His arms were locked to his side, still transforming into wings. I don’t know what you see in me, but I see a protector of humanity.

Well, you certainly do not fight a fair battle, but I suppose that if you had allowed me to complete my transition, you would have been the one to perish.

Phillip coughed blood as I approached him with my sword, preparing to remove his head. His arm was transforming back into a human one. He quickly flashed it across my cheek and I felt a slight sting. I watched as he brought his clawed hand to his mouth and tasted my blood. Then he looked up at me in awe as he said, There is more to you than even I could have guessed! If I had known what a relic you were, I would have fled when I had the chance. No, I am honored to die by your hand. Then he placed his head down and accepted my blade. I wanted to wait to kill him, to ask him what he was talking about, but the Caiman had completed his transformation and was about to attack. I brought my sword down across his neck, removing his head as his body fell to the ground. His body returned to the corpse that it had once been, so it smelled like rotten flesh, as I pulled my dagger from his heart. I held my breath as I turned to face the Caiman.

Blood ran down my sword and dripped to the ground. I gave my final attacker a stare cold as death. He snarled at me with a face full of fangs, like a wild animal snarls just before he attacks, as if to strike fear into his opponent’s heart. I wasn’t falling for it. I held my ground and moved with him as he danced around me, occasionally thrusting his head out of his saggy neck skin, trying to find my Achilles heel. I threw my dagger, aiming for his heart, but the blade seemed to bounce right off of his hard, scaly chest. It didn’t even scratch him!

We danced around the two bodies; Jack was avoiding my advances with the katana, and I was avoiding his clawed hands as they snapped out at me. On our third dance around the bodies, he came at me, claws out, eyes flashing, and ready to kill. I moved to the side and spun elegantly, bringing my sword down over his wrinkled neck and completing my pirouette, as his head fell at my boots.

I forced the blade of the dagger through the armor of scales, until it penetrated the heart. Then I stood up and sprinkled each body with a special dissolvent powder that disintegrates the remains and doesn’t leave any evidence behind. I lit two matches and tossed one onto the remains of Toby and Jack. I stood over Phillip’s remains for a moment as I contemplated what he had said. He practically gave his life to me the moment that he tasted my blood. That sort of thing didn’t happen every day. I stood there waiting to see if he would move, but I knew he wouldn’t. Vampires don’t get an exception. A blade to the heart and decapitation is exactly how they die. Since their corpses have been animated and brought back to life for a second time already, they don’t get a third chance at life. I lit up his remains and turned back toward the parking lot of the club. The alleyway was lit with purple flames from the burning corpses, and I was covered in blood as I walked back to my car.

I typed a code into the aftermarket keypad that I had installed, which was hidden underneath the license plate. Being an HDA on the road is a tough gig, but being a female HDA would be impossible if it weren’t for this handy little setup. The trunk itself had been enchanted so that it could hold everything I needed within, though spacious, a girl needs room for her accessories. Inside the trunk I had my closet, which included a shelf that spanned the inner rim of the trunk to hold all of my shoes. It also had several tubs to hold different articles of clothing, mini toiletries, and makeup, all of which were securely fastened to the bottom of the trunk so they didn’t move during transit.

There was a hidden button right under the latch, where the trunk closed. I pressed this button and a keypad popped out, like a DVD player, from under the right speaker. A red light indicated that it was secure and if the code was entered incorrectly two times, then the entire car was set to detonate after five seconds. I typed in the code, turning the keypad light green before it retreated under the speaker. There was a clicking noise as the locks released the second hidden compartment. Everything in the tubs, including my shoes, lifted up slowly to reveal my weapons compartment. I had this compartment designed to hold all of my knives and a few extra things that I may pick up along the way. In the center was a very long carve-out to hold my katana in its sheath. I wiped the blood off the blade before placing it in the sheath and then the trunk. I got into my electric blue convertible Camaro and headed back to the hotel.

I started hunting when I was seventeen, but a series of events took place before this life claimed me. Ever since I can remember, I could see things that the rest of the world was oblivious to. I could see the things that went bump in the night, but they never scared me. A part of me felt like they were meant to be there, as if they belonged, but I didn’t.

When I was seven years old I befriended a Leo demon on the playground. I had pointed out his tail and asked him what he was. We became close friends, two very different souls finding where we belonged in one another. I still kept in contact with him, but when I became an HDA, he moved to Las Vegas to be an artist.

I was attacked by my first hellion at the age of twelve. He had caught me staring at him in a grocery store. After that he followed us home and the next day followed me to school. I couldn’t tell my mom because she always accused me of telling stories when I told her about the things that I could see. He ended up being a big hairy spider demon that wanted to feast on me and my parents. When I got off the bus to walk home, he was waiting for me at the bus stop. There was a man in a fedora too, but he was reading a newspaper and minding his own business, or so I thought at the time. The monster waited for me to get home and then climbed down the chimney when he found all the doors to be locked. I was ready to fight him with a kitchen knife when the man in the fedora knocked on my door. He said that he was there to help and came to my rescue, just as the brute was exiting the fireplace. I watched as the fedora man fought, maimed, and inevitably killed the villain in my parents’ living room. Then he disposed of the evidence with some kind of powder and fire. That was when I learned what an HDA was. I had asked the fedora man to teach me how to hunt, but he said that this is a life that chooses you. No one in their right mind would sign up for it unless they had a damn good reason.

ra and that I would lead them home. Sometimes they would question me between torturing my parents, but they mostly questioned them. They both refused to admit a thing until they died; Dad died from pain, and they slit Mom’s throat. Once they were dead, they turned their torture devices toward me. I had my middle nail ripped out as they started to question me. Though I was in pain, I refused to scream, as they demanded that I tell them where the entrance to my father’s kingdom was. They were about to rip out my thumbnail next, but feeling the pain from the first nail, I blacked out. The next thing I knew, Fedora Man was standing over me covered in blood. He told me that I must not tell the cops anything about demons, lest they have me committed. He said that he took care of the remains, so there would be no evidence of them. It would appear as if my parents were tortured to death, but the human attackers spared my life. I was to tell the police as little