Harbor of Lost Souls: Rise of the Fallen

By Raymond G Newsome

The Archs help Sullivan battle through loss as they face more challenges, and the battle of their lives. The Fallen bring the fight to their front door in a fiery finale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raymond G Newsome
• Release date: Jun 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393619970

Book preview

The Serpent’s Pit

The torch light flickered off the tunnel walls underneath the abandoned city. Sullivan moved with patience and hesitation. He knew they were there, but the creatures kept their distance. They played the same game waiting for him to get deep enough into the catacombs. The plan was to create a scenario in which he had little hope of escape. He sighed. The damn creatures never changed no matter where he hunted them.

Sullivan closed his eyes tossing the torch into a puddle of water. He counted to ten then spun in a circle extending his sword. The first vampire’s head rolled away as the body dropped. Another screamed in pain as Samael’s sword burst into flame. Sullivan swirled the sword in a protective cyclone. He pushed the fire’s reach to the charging vampires. Their bodies brightened the tunnel mixed with agonized screams. Sullivan made the flame return to the blade.

I don’t know why I expected more.

Who are you talking to? The Other stood next to him.

I thought I was alone, so I guess I’m talking to you now.

What happened to the rest of the nest?

I’m not sure. There’s a lot of tunnels left to search, and vampires don’t vanish. No matter what anyone believes. He glanced up at an empty space. Sullivan stood alone.

Sullivan found his way through the nest. His boots clicked on rocks splashing into water puddles. The echoes bounced off the close walls. He discovered half of the caskets missing. Curses swirled in his head. He felt the heat grow in his ears. His fist slammed into the wall. He decided the night was over with the new revelation. Sullivan searched for a way out of the catacombs.

The stars shined above the city ruins when he stepped out of the darkness. Sullivan inhaled the fresh air staring at the sparkling sky. The night ensnared his remaining senses. He heard a whisper on the wind. Come find us, half-breed.

Don’t worry. You’ll see me soon enough.

Who are you talking to now?

Sullivan glanced over at his flaky companion. Does it matter? The nest is clear. The rest of them escaped before we arrived. I guarantee they heard about our hunting. It’s hard to say where they’ve hidden.

I know where.

I’m not surprised. It can wait until I get some rest. I’m tired. I’m hungry.

I have something ready for dinner so let’s get back to camp.

I’m ready to go home. It’s been how many months? Why am I still here? Sullivan looked weary and defeated.

We’re getting closer to the end of our goal.

It’s your goal. I’m here in Samael’s place. If I had a choice, I would have stayed home with Jessica.

The Other nodded without looking at Sullivan. Sullivan placed Sam’s sword back in its sheath. A lump blocked his throat before his fingers slipped off the hilt. He swallowed the pain and caught his breath.

Is anything wrong?

Sullivan wanted to scream and curse about everything going wrong. He wanted to bitch about him doing the work without knowing the full details. Sullivan wanted to tell the figure in front of him to fuck off. He held back instead. I’m alright. I’m ready for a break, but I’m alright.

I promise. It’s coming soon.

Sullivan turned away letting his wings unfurl. He pushed off the ground hard. The wind caught him allowing him to soar without effort on his way back to their temporary home. He knew the Other would be waiting for him when he landed. Nothing mattered to the silence during his flight. He could enjoy his thoughts.

Sullivan landed next to the shed. Shed was a vague term considering the structure resembled a tiny house. He had run enough boards through the rafters to support a mattress. He slept in the make-shift loft since windows decorated the front and sides of the building. The Other brought two lawn chairs, a side table, an oil lamp, and a metallic fire pit to make it feel like a home. Sullivan borrowed a few books from a nearby library for entertainment.

A fire burned in the pit with both chairs placed near it. Two rabbits roasted over the flames. Sullivan sat in the open staring at the meal. He drifted into his memories of Jessica while enjoying the warmth. The Other brought him back to the present. Are you going to spend most of the time in your usual silence tonight?

Is that a problem?

I expected more questions. I’m used to a bombardment of who, what, where, and why. You don’t ask me anything.

Would it do any good? You don’t offer straight answers. I’ve asked all the questions I have. Let me know when you have a straight answer.

I can’t give you a specific time. It depends on how fast we can find the nests. I have found a few more, but there are more. I’m sure of it. Vampires are not the only threat either.

What else do I have to face?

Right now, the main concern is vampires. The rest are lightweights compared to the vampires. They’re waiting in the depths for a chance to strike, but they’re not as forthcoming.

Sullivan stared for a moment then shook his head deciding against his response. His attention turned to the rabbits. He reached for the closest hare holding it over his lap so the meat could cool. The Other left the extra untouched after pulling the stick away from the flames.

The rabbit had a bland taste without any seasoning, but the meat satisfied Sullivan’s hunger. The Other gave him the second before Sullivan could ask. He felt his partner staring at him as he continued his meal. Sullivan swallowed the current bite.

What are you thinking about?

Listening.

What?

I’m listening. It’s a great skill to learn. There are a lot of voices out there when you learn to listen. As an angel of death, you can hear more than someone could invent even with the strangest imagination.

Sullivan finished his meal. Do you care to explain a little more?

I can’t describe it in a way to do it justice. Close your eyes, Sullivan. The world is waiting for your ear.

Sullivan agreed to try it resting his elbows on his knees.

Good. Now let the noise around us fade away. When the last cricket falls into the background, you’ll hear it.

I’ll hear it?

Everything.

Sullivan concentrated on ignoring the sounds around him. The insects slipped further in the distance until nothing remained. Sullivan feared he wouldn’t know it would work. Tears trickled down his cheeks. Cries from the living and dead flooded Sullivan’s mind. The pain from the war between the Fallen and Archangels overwhelmed him. He sputtered as the suffering filled his body.

What have we done? Sullivan whispered.

Sullivan woke up in his bed. The taste of blood left his mouth bitter. Unsure of the source, he checked his teeth and cheek to come out with a clean finger. Sullivan’s palms pressed into the eyes on either side of his head. A migraine vibrated through his skull.

Sullivan slipped out of the loft and grabbed a fresh set of clothes from a bag. The dirty clothes landed in a pile under a window as he pulled on fresh jeans. The shirt flipped over his head blinding him for a second. When he pulled it down, the Other stood in the door staring at him. Sullivan jumped no matter how often it happened.

Shit, why do you do that?

Get your stuff ready. We’re leaving for the next nest.

Sullivan sighed. I hate when you spring shit on me. I don’t know why I’m surprised. It happens every other morning.

He reached for the bag to toss the dirty clothes on top of the rest. The Other raised his hand.

Leave those. I’ll care for them later. Take the bag and your weapons now. We’re heading north.

My first chilling experience. Where is the location?

Norway. The nest has grown at an exponential rate since we first began the hunt. Our mission is to clean them out.

Sullivan tossed everything over his shoulder. The jacket settled under his gear as he prepared for the cold air. I’m ready.

The Other grabbed Sullivan’s sleeve watching the shed melt away into a swirl of colors. Sullivan felt the wind’s sting before the snow came into focus. Mountains surrounded them. His sigh fell to the building storm.

We’re close to the entrance. Follow me. The Other led him through a crevice in the stone face. The land’s natural roar outside disappeared into silence with each step into the mountainside.

I have never experienced such absolute darkness. Could it be harder to see? Hello? Of course, you’re already gone.

Sullivan pulled his sword out. They knew he was in the cave.

We’re ready for you.

Ritual

Calista stared at her brother. Lukas leaned back in a chair with his arms crossed. Neither broke eye contact in the small house in the Cajun swamp. They could hear the wolves and angels preparing for the night’s festivities. Calista’s wedding to Chamiel began once the full moon reached the black sky.

Josette sighed. She slammed her glass on the table. I swear. The pair of you are beyond stubborn.

She needs to listen to reason. Lukas never looked away.

When you say something reasonable, I’ll start to listen. Josette, tell him this is the only way I’m going to get married today.

Hey, don’t you drag me into your quarrel. I gave up on both of you a long time ago.

The staring contest ended. Lukas and Calista turned their attention to Josette. She shrugged then returned to the dishes in the sink. Lukas sighed. He decided no amount of arguing would change his sister’s mind.

Fine. We’ll do it your way. It’s against wolf tradition but if it’s what you want.

Thank you. Calista brightened. I always wanted you to be the one, not an elder.

You get your wish. Now hurry along and get ready.

Calista nodded jumping up and rushing out the door. Lukas sighed again. He walked over behind his mate kissing the back of her head. Josette turned to wrap her arms around him.

You’re a wonderful brother, my love.

Yeah yeah. I’m still going to catch shit for it.

To hell with what they think tonight. It’s her moment, not theirs.

I know. That’s why I agreed to marry them.

Josette kissed him. She sat down in Calista’s abandoned chair. A moment’s rest was all she required before going to help Calista. Four hours remained until nightfall. The full moon would rise soon after, lending its light to the ceremony.

Are you going to be okay?

Yes, I’ll be fine. They’ll try to argue, but I’m Alpha. I will have the final say to honor her request.

Okay. Remind them she almost refused to have it here in the first place. Call it a compromise.

I will.

The couple left their home together parting ways on the path. Josette sped off to assist Calista. Lukas went to inform the Elders he would be officiating the ceremony instead of one of them. Electricity flowed through the air from the building moon. Angels and wolves hustled around the village trying to finish last-minute details. Lukas inhaled a deep breath releasing it as slow as possible. He walked into the community building where the Elders waited for him. Their father sat among them.

My fellow Elders, I’m here to tell you I will be the one overseeing the ceremony tonight. It’s Calista’s choice. I won’t disappoint her.

Five voices whispered together. Lukas admired the decorations for the upcoming celebration. Centerpieces of flowers and moss graced the tables. Intricate designs made of vines left amazing shadow art on the walls and ceiling. A tap on his shoulder brought him back to the present.

If she wants you to do it, then so be it. It’s a great honor for one’s family to ask such a thing. You are the alpha. You’ll receive no argument from us.

Thank you. Lukas bowed his head.

Make it a night she won’t forget. Their father squeezed his arm.

Lukas nodded making his way out of the building. He dashed down another path to get ready. The village grounds echoed with each footstep. He felt lost in an Old West ghost town since everyone went home to prepare.

A creak of the door announced his arrival. Chamiel turned to see the newcomer. The Archangel grinned at his future brother-in-law. Welcome to the party. How did things go with the Elders?

They gave their blessing. It’s their wedding gift to Calista.

Chamiel clapped in excitement. That’s wonderful. She’ll be so happy.

Lukas studied the angel. You already knew, didn’t you?

"I have no idea what you’re talking about Lukas. I’ve