Tempest Dawn:The Order of the Anakim

By Cecily Magnon

After centuries of manipulation and treachery, Ashtaroth, Queen of the Demons, has made good on her promise. Lord Baal has risen and has taken the hordes to the next level of their ruthless plans. With unstoppable women at his side, Baal sets his sight to start his war on the unsuspecting people of San Francisco.

There's only one thing standing in his way -- The Order of the Anakim. Since the time of the Nephilim, The Order has been the stronghold that have kept the demons at bay. Help is desperately needed when faith and hope are crippled when the demons trample The Order's beloved city.

Can The Order recover as their numbers dwindle and they fracture at the seams?

Will the demons succeed in their quest for war?

Will humanity survive?

Tempest Dawn is the fourth installment in the Order of the Anakim series, and will take urban fantasy fans on an emotional ride.

Get ready for dark and light to collide in this thrill filled paranormal drama.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cecily Magnon
• Release date: Mar 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463440957

Cecily Magnon

Cecily Magnon is from the fertile valleys of northern California, where she lives with her husband and kids, and gets inspired by the diversity, beauty, and bounty of the people and of the land around her.A self-proclaimed nerd girl, Cecily has had a fascination with all topics outside of the norm since she was a little girl. Things of fantasy, magick, sci-fi, the supernatural, and day dreams are the juice that nourishes her imagination and infuse into her writing.According to Cecily, there is no such thing as “ordinary” when you believe and you see that the everyday is filled with magick.

Book preview

Prologue

December 31st, at the stroke of midnight

Queen Ashtaroth lounged on a stone throne in the middle of a clearing, the buzzing of a portal humming behind her. She sighed, letting her head fall back, content with her accomplishments. All of her plans were going accordingly, and soon she would be able to rest and enjoy the fruits of San Francisco. She ran a lazy finger up and down the flat, black rock of the throne’s armrest, enjoying the smooth, polished surface beneath her fingertips.

Eyes lowered to look at the large slab on the ground before her. She could almost reach the edge of the monolith with her pedicured toes. The stone sparkled under the moonlight, looking like the night sky itself. Beautiful. General Barbas had done well. Relocating the stones took a lot of power, especially the heavy slab sitting at her feet. But the stones were essential to resurrecting the king.

Baal would rise once again. Regrettably, she would have to sacrifice eight of her generals. Their essence and their powerful blood was needed to feed the king, to give him the physical form he had lost so long ago.

Only four generals would remain; the strongest and most powerful. The Four would be unstoppable, ensuring their dominion—she would ensure it, tonight.

The Four served her well, offering her both counsel and arms whenever needed. In exchange, she let them into her bed where they continued to be her playthings. She giggled to herself, remembering the way each of the generals would take her—rough and rougher. The generals were hers to command; she was the one holding the powerful generals loyal to the king. It was her bidding they obeyed.

Essences neared, and there were plenty of them. She sat up in excitement, licking her lips as her heart beat faster against her chest. Giggling, almost trembling, excitement filled her with the rush of energy that would soon surge her system. She couldn’t decide which was more satisfying—essence or sex. It didn’t matter, for she could have as much as she wanted of both. She flourished in this realm; the golden city of San Francisco was full of stupid humans—an endless buffet feeding her every need.

Glimmering, crystalline essences drifted through the woods and hovered above the throne. Yessss. She arched her back in pleasure as the essences absorbed into her, expanding her, filling her, making her insides vibrate with pure ecstasy. If only the king were with her now. She could have the essences and his girth inside her at the same time. Mmm, she moaned reaching for her breasts to stress her pleasure as more of the essences melted into her.

A strong gust of wind whipped through the clearing, dissipating the fragile essences above. Bolting up, breasts exposed, nipples hard from her touch, she growled with menace. Sharp, blue eyes darted from left to right. Who would dare disturb her feeding?

The Four materialized. They were at full attention and ready for her to command. She eyed each male with scrutiny while the essences tickled her insides. Musky male scents tantalized her senses to a near frenzy. She could lash out and make them pay for interrupting but decided against it. She had summoned them, after all. Amused with her forgetfulness, she cackled, enjoying the essences’ fading pleasure.

Barbas led the Four. He was massive. Clad in black, leather armor made from a shadow beast’s impenetrable hide. Eyes, a solid black, and skin smooth like black marble. His presence was suffocating, a shadow lord of the highest esteem and her greatest advisor.

Corson led the Water Demons. In his true form, his features would be masked by rushing water which shaped his vessel. In size, he didn’t measure up to Barbas, but in strength, the water demon held the power of the oceans. Ashtaroth purred and let her eyes roam his human vessel—he’d picked a beautiful dark-haired male with dark green eyes, and a strong, chiseled jaw.

Dragoon, who led the Possessors, was a brute. He was merciless, favoring torture over a kill. Ashtaroth frequently had to quell his temper, lest he end his own horde. He was a fiery beast who darkly represented the name. Dragoon was no noble dragon, but a thug and a bastard who only responded to pain and fear.

Nero, the fourth general, led a group the earthen realm had not seen since the time angels walked the land. Ashtaroth shivered, a chill traveling up her spine as she studied the intimidating male. He was beautiful, god-like and darkly radiant in his glamoured form, but Ashtaroth knew underneath the mask of beauty was hideousness personified. Nero was a frightening demon who led the Asags—demons of the earth who had the power of the mountains to fortify their strength.

My generalssss, she greeted. I want to present you with giftssss. She pushed down on a hidden panel on the throne’s armrest and pulled out four medallions. Taking her time, she clasped them, studying the simple discs. She shivered, mind wandering to flashes of her previous ordeal—visions that seemed to come alive before her. She hissed, shaking off the images. The risks were worth it. The hordes needed more power. These would give it to them. She gave a furtive glance over her shoulder at the four males.

Was she taking a chance handing these over to the generals? No, this would ensure their loyalty to her.

The medallions vibrated in her hand. She swallowed as a bite of anxiety crept up her spine. Dark, powerful energy radiated through her as she thumbed the embossed marking of the top coin; the medallions were alive but disconnected from masters who could control the magick contained inside.

She held up a medallion, letting the moonlight catch it. Do you know what this issss? she asked, turning the medallion in her fingers. She leveled her gaze upon Barbas. There were four otherssss who unleashed horror upon this earth. They were imprisoned eonssss ago. Her heart raced, her fingers trembling as memories of her encounter with the Horsemen flooded her with fear.

Barbas, the wise one, grunted, understanding her meaning. His coal-like eyes glowing white as he seemed to expand where he stood. My queen, he snarled and thumped a fist to chest.

The others were antsy, their energies growing into a discordant frequency, making her irritable. Patience. I promise this issss worth your time. She steadied her hands and pushed up from the throne. Swallowing back her unease, she sauntered toward the waiting males. She stood in front of them, letting her loose silk slip fall off her body. She stood naked, running a finger in between her breasts. Haven’t I alwayssss made your time worth it? the Queen asked with a lilt in her voice.

Four pairs of eyes glowed white with lust, making her cackle with glee. She smiled, letting their worship evaporate whatever angst muddled her senses a second ago. Ashtaroth could see them tightening, their breathing becoming ragged as they stared at her. Mmm… Yessss. There will be time for that.

She walked to Barbas and palmed his strong chest. He felt hard as a rock. Her gaze slid down from his chest to his groin, smiling at the growing hardness in between his thick thighs. She looked up at him, liking the way his eyes were glowing as they bore into her. For you, great General Barbassss, I besssstow the gift of war.

He grunted, his chest puffing up beneath her hand.

Hold out your left hand, she ordered.

He extended his arm, his palm turned up, ready to receive his gift.

With a mighty hand, you will wield the power of war. You will be an unbeatable soldier of desssstruction. Ashtaroth pushed the medallion into his palm. His shadow-tinted skin seared with heat as the medallion embedded into his thick flesh. With his arm glowing red, he bellowed in pain into the dark night as he became one with his new gift.

The water demon shifted as he watched the shadow lord fall to a knee. He was next in line.

General Corsssson, you will wield the hopelessness and fear that pestilence bringssss. The life-giving waterssss humanssss need will be a cesspool of diseasssse.

The water demon bowed deeply, accepting his gift.

Risssse my General and open your mouth.

General Corson rose, his mouth opened wide, ready for the queen.

She delighted at the unquestioning obedience and placed the medallion on her tongue. She reached for the general’s head, locking him in a kiss. With her tongue, she pushed the medallion into his mouth.

He played with her offering, tickling the insides of her mouth with his nimble tongue, elevating her heightened desires before he swallowed the medallion.

She stepped back, licking her lips free of the metallic zing from the coin. She released the water demon, letting his body drop to the ground. Violent convulsions wracked his entire vessel turning the general a ghostly white.

Her eyes widened, waiting expectantly for the next reaction from the general. Corson quieted and pushed up from the ground, his movements stiff and measured before his handsome vessel returned to normal.

Mmm. The queen pressed her bare chest into his. She angled her head, snaring him in another kiss.

He grabbed an ass cheek squeezing hard and making her wince as he ground his center into her.

She would have fucked him right then, but two more gifts awaited. Reluctantly and out of breath she took a step toward Dragoon.

The third general was bristling with eagerness, his cheeks puffing out to accommodate the heavy respiration.

Eassssy, Dragoon. Your gift comessss now. She pouted, the gesture playful, making him grunt with excitement. I give to you the gift of famine.

Dragoon looked at her with question, his excitement waning.

What issss wrong, dear general? Aren’t you happy with my gift?

You want me to starve the humans?

Yessss. Sssstarve the humans of everything that givessss them hope, faith, courage. You will deplete them of their physical sustenance, but also of their spirit. You will empty them, my dear Dragoon.

Dragoon sneered, his evil oozing out at such a small gesture.

She cackled in delight as she stood back, enjoying the realization spreading through her general’s dimwitted mind. He wasn’t the smartest, but he had expertise that served her well. She rammed the medallion into the general’s muscular chest. The disc burrowed itself into his flesh, like a maggot burrowing itself into a carcass. Dragoon screamed a deathly howl as the medallion went deeper, becoming encapsulated within the well-honed muscle fibers of his vessel. The medallion activated, surrounding the General in a black cocoon.

Ashtaroth watched with wide, excited eyes as the cocoon shrank around Dragoon’s form, suffocating him. He struggled for breath, his meaty fingers frantic, trying to free the membrane wrapped tight around his face. She chuckled, amused at the struggling male in front of her.

He dropped on all fours, gasping for breath as the cocoon disappeared and the beautiful black tint faded from his skin. He grunted, slobber dripping from his gaping mouth. He tried to grab for her, but she pushed him away.

Not now, Dragoon. She turned from the still-gasping demon and stepped toward the Asag. Nero, Prince among the Asagssss… You bring the final blow of death. If all else failssss, you will unleash what humanssss cannot escape—death.

Looking straight ahead, he tipped up his chin and pounded his chest with a fist. He had no expression etched on his face, except for deathly calm. Even with all her years, she was but a child to someone like Nero. The Asag, wise with the experience of time, was the perfect bearer of the Horsemen’s most powerful gift.

Hold out your hand. She almost held the demon in reverence as she studied him, trying to penetrate the glamour that would reveal his true form.

Nero extended his arm, palm out, fingers held tight.

Ashtaroth placed the medallion in the middle of his palm. The coin shimmered in the large, rock-like hand before transforming into a long green scythe.

He gripped the aged but sturdy wooden handle of the weapon. The Scythe of Death, he rasped, voice sounding painful and dry. Thank you, my queen.

She acknowledged him with a shallow nod as she stepped away, turning to walk back to her throne. She could feel the heat of their stares. Her center warmed, readying her to take any of them into her body, even Dragoon. She sat down, the cold stone sending a delightful shudder through her skin. It is done, she exclaimed. She crossed her long legs, loving the way the generals held her in their gaze. She arched her back and squared her shoulders. Her breasts lifted. The coins you took were filled with my blood.

The Four eyed each other. Corson and Dragoon shifted.

She let a smile stretch her full lips, their nervousness delighting her. You took the coins. Pledge your vows. Take a blood oath to your queen. Malessss were so simple, she thought.

Each general straightened, chest out, shoulders back. We vow fealty to the queen.

She cackled, loving the rumble of their combined voices. Duty calls, dear generals. She breathed in, letting the scents of pine and brine fill her lungs. Barbas prepare for our king’s rising. Ensure everything is ready.

Without hesitation Barbas obeyed. His form wavering in the darkness until he disappeared completely.

She leaned forward, holding the water demon in her sight. Corson send your demons back to the sea. They will be called when needed.

Corson lifted his chin, a sexy smirk hooking the corner of his lip. He hesitated as if wanting to say something.

Ashtaroth narrowed her eyes. General?

The water demon bowed in response and disappeared quickly.

What about us, my queen? Dragoon grunted.

She snapped her gaze back at Dragoon. He was like a rabid dog on a leash, hungry to tear into flesh. Dragoon, have your hordes sssscatter around the city. Go play. She shooed him away with a playful flick of her wrist and studied Nero, the Asag. Older than Barbas and shrouded in more mystery and power, even he belonged to her now. General Nero. Be my eyes in the city.

The quiet male bowed, the movement slow and deliberate and he too disappeared to carry out her orders.

She let out a long breath as she slumped back in her throne. Baal would not understand what she had just done. This was for her alone. And she needed to protect herself.

She needed to find herself a weapon.

Chapter One

When the war of the heavens subsided, the Great Angels came to cleanse the earth, and Baal was thrown into the Netherworld… He’s come! The queen’s red mouth spread into a smile. She could feel him hovering over her, his mere presence weighing her down, pinning her in place. His hot breath fanned her neck, making her tingle. She reached for his head and pulled the invisible King into a kiss…

*o*

Koraki, the human angel: he would have been the best sacrifice, but he had proven too strong, until they discovered the existence of a daughter. A child with bloodlines tied to the Nephilim…

*o*

The wavering mass solidified and a man fell to his knees with a grunt. Thick, dark hair fell in waves over the stranger’s head, obstructing his face. Jarron, wait! Brooks called out as he rushed towards the man. He’s not a demon! Jarron reluctantly released his hold on the lightning. The spark exited his blade and shot back into the sky, illuminating the fat grey clouds from within. Suddenly, the stranger grabbed Jarron’s forearm and Brooks’ shoulder. They were swallowed into a vacuum, traveling through a tube, their speed increasing as they neared the end, and were thrown onto the ground with a heavy thud, black soot clouding around them… My daughter… I feel her. This is where she’s trapped. I have to find her, or she will be lost forever…

*o*

You cannot get away from me, Elysa. Her legs were trembling, strain and fatigue overwhelming her. Jarron, she breathed deeply, enjoying the softness she felt all over her body. She reached for him, but he was gone. Her scalp started to tingle and awareness slowly permeated her mind, pushing against the haze of the spell that befell her mind and body. She screamed. It wasn’t Jarron. He wasn’t here…

*o*

A tall figure was appearing before her, disturbing the air, and stirring the noxious smell of sulfur around her. Her lightning surged to her fingertips, called once more by the anger boiling inside her. No more tricks! she cried out as she sent another wave of red fury into him.

*o*

Ellie knelt next to him, staring at the dead man—a man she’d killed… No, no, no. Mr. Will… Anya was choking back a heavy sob, laying her hand tenderly over the man’s heart. Ellie, this is your father…

*o*

The smell of smoke tickled his nostrils, waking Jarron. He’d been knocked unconscious, and shackled to a tree in the middle of a cavern…

*o*

Ellie picked up her rods, slipping them into a sheath sewn into the back of her jacket. Ellie was falling, her mind slowly going black as everything slowed and she felt her muscles giving out. He escaped. Gina whispered trying not to smile at the relief of knowing Jarron was no longer captive. Let’s get out of here. A large hand wrapped around the back of Gina’s neck, lifting her off the ground, preventing her from creeping away.

Laughter boomed behind her as she was lifted higher, her skull feeling like it would snap from her vertebrae with just a flick of her assailant’s thumb. Ellie was being carried away, screaming and fighting; each demon, holding back a limb, her torso lifting up and arching as she tried to kick and punch her way out of their hold…

*o*

He was inside her mind, controlling her, merging his thoughts with hers so she couldn’t be without him. His thoughts were hers and he was her Master. He swallowed the last shimmering wisp of her essence into him, his climax reaching its pinnacle as he rammed into her bucking body, her cavern squeezing him dry. You’re mine, Elysa. He lowered his lips to hers, kissing her hungrily…

*o*

Gina tightened, her eyes snapping open as a bright light filled her cell—Phoebe! No one can help you right now. Just me. Gina pushed her fists against the cell wall. Power surged through her arms, vibrating her fists like a jackhammer, shattering the concrete bindings of the thick wall standing in the way of her freedom. The blocks crumbled, large chunks of mortar falling heavily to the floor. She jumped out of the way and covered her face from the dust clouds rising from the debris. Get out! Now! Phoebe said quickly. Gina ran for the large hole she’d just created. She could see the deserted yard beyond. A wire fence glinted near the flickering lights of the solitary lamp post on the block. Run! You must get to safety. Quickly. She ran. She didn’t look back. She had only one thought and that was to get out of the yard. I’m coming back with help, Ellie. I promise…

January 4th, just past midnight

Wet auburn hair clung in heavy chunks against her dirt-streaked face. Gina Banton forced herself to look ahead and not look back at the prison she’d just escaped. She tore through the darkened street as heavy rain pelted the windshield of the car. The rain had descended too quickly. The storm felt unnatural, adding to her fears. She was breathing too hard, her heart unwilling to settle down. Trembling, her cold fingers wrapped tightly around the steering wheel as her wet hair continued to drip like a leaky faucet. She felt like a drowned rat.

She pressed her foot on the accelerator, the steady mechanical vibrations traveling up her leg giving her some comfort. She was in one of The Order’s vehicles. It was safe, she told herself. By luck, it had been left alone where she and Ellie had parked it. She sniffed, her chest aching as she thought about her friend. Gina had escaped; it had been the only way. She would get help for Ellie. Her foot pressed harder on the gas, guilt making her angry. She should be more cautious. The demons could still be around, but subtlety was not in the equation at the moment. Her nerves were on fire with adrenaline and too many emotions were riding her.

Ragged plastic sutures around the steering wheel cut into her palms as she clutched the wheel tighter. She jerked back, knuckles turning white as a strong and sudden presence emerged next to her.

Relax, child. You are safe, Phoebe greeted in her etheric voice, the quality no longer human but something otherworldly.

What’s going on, Phoebe?

The Ancient One didn’t look at her. She seemed lost in thought as she peered out the window.

Phoebe had helped her escape the prison. The ‘light being’ had possessed Gina and let her Earth Strong powers be channeled. Phoebe’s strength had given her the power to bust through the thick concrete wall of her cell; it had given her the energy to run, and the will to survive. I want to thank you, Gina mumbled. She could still feel the Ancient’s powers coursing through her system like a river at the end of a quick run. The power was receding, leaving her feeling more like herself… weak.

I have been wandering the realms for thousands of years. Phoebe sighed deeply. I have learned much and not enough. I have been spending my years repenting for my mistakes. The Ancient was a figure made of white light. The light was now dim, but clearly held the soft shape of a beautiful, robed woman.

That’s new. Gina twisted slowly to look at the figure next to her. I can see you. You’re not just a ball of light.

Phoebe almost smiled. You are a keen observer.

Gina looked back on the road. The rain was heavier, coming down in thick sheets, making visibility extremely difficult. Are you gonna tell me what’s going on?

We must help the rightful queen. If we fail in this, there will be no hope. Darkness will rule.

Rightful queen?

Yes. A prophecy was foretold many years ago. Phoebe paused. The prophecy is not complete. The prophet was cut off from the vision before it could finish.

What is it?

And from the ashes, twelve shall rise to bring rage against the dawn. The Omega will reign, and the end will begin with the destruction of midnight…

Gina quieted in contemplation as she turned the words over in her mind, reciting the words, silently, methodically, repeatedly, trying to make sense of it. The Omega?

Phoebe was nodding. The end. She dipped her head. I found her many years ago. A bright light inside a demon’s vessel. Part human, part demon, wronged all of her life, but never broken.

"A demon? Are you fucking kidding me? Gina’s anger surged faster than she could control. Demons had been the bane of her existence… at least in the past three weeks; she’d been abducted and tortured the first time she’d encountered them. I am not gonna fucking help any demon. What is wrong with you? Whose side are you on?!" She couldn’t control the outburst. She didn’t want to. What Phoebe was saying was ridiculous.

Phoebe remained quiet for a long time. I am on the side of good, of the light. I am here to help.

You’re on the side of crazy. Gina stared ahead, her forehead knotting, her knuckles cracking. Oh my god, she suddenly gasped. She slowed the car, quickly pulling over. Her hands shook as she cut the ignition. Phoebe, she hissed as she slipped down to the floor, frowning when she noticed Phoebe was gone. Great timing, Phoebes, she scoffed.

Her heart thundered, rattling her rib cage as she inched up to peek out the window. Demons marched down the street in front of her; some were beautiful, some were ugly, but all were terrifying. Dark energies reeked out of their forms like sludge creeping out of a sewer.

The knot in her throat grew tight and painful, and she felt herself paralyzed by the mere sight of them. She knew what demons were capable of. She’d experienced their brutality first hand. The hairs on her arms stood on end as grunting and howling resounded loudly through the streets. Afraid of being seen, and afraid of being caught again, she fisted her hands tightly against her side. Tears threatened to fall as the dark energies neared the car.

She prayed, silently. Her body curled tighter, pressing against the floor as demons stopped right