Tragedy of Me

By Rebekah L. Purdy

With the Curse of the Beast broken, Brielle Healer thought she'd left her bloody, gruesome past behind her. But when more dead bodies are discovered on her property, everything changes. Lord Kenrick and other Knights of the Crowhurst Order want to know what happened to his missing brother who was last seen with Bri. An encounter with Daedric has Bri wondering if there might be a way to bring him back from wherever it is his spirit slipped into. Any attempts to get Kenrick back however, will mean a trip through a hellish realm more powerful and dangerous than either can handle. But tragedy has a way of showing people what they're made out of, and Bri's no exception.Raul Tinker's dark past has finally caught up to him.His vengeful sister Yaelena wants to destroy everything he loves. Although trained in magic, he's no match for Yalena's kind of evil. Yalena promises not to harm Brielle, if Raul agrees to do her bidding. Now, the only way to stop her would be to allow the same darkness that consumes Yalena to consume him as well.It seems like a small price to pay to save Bri. Only time will tell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Independent Publishers Group
• Release date: Jan 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781939765147

Book preview

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Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

About the Author

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Brielle

Crisp air nipped at my skin as I clung tight to my cloak. My frantic steps sounded loud, and I picked up my pace, twigs and leaves crunching beneath each footfall. Barren trees stood like skeletal creatures against the leaden afternoon sky, waving and dancing like they might uproot and chase after me. I shifted my gaze behind me once more.

Wispy shadows moved between the shrubbery, slinking like inky serpents.

"Brielle … Come back. Don’t you want to see us?" a familiar masculine whisper followed me. "We want to see you. To make you remember. All the blood. The screams. Death."

My heart hammered in my chest; my pulse thundered in my ears. Please. Make it stop. Make it go away.

The Fire Ridge Mountains loomed ahead of me, barely visible through the canopy of trees. Just get to Gram’s cabin, then you’ll be safe. My flesh stung as thorns snagged hold of my cloak and skin.

You cannot hide from us. We will always find you.

No. Leave me alone. Fear coursed through me, and my legs trembled. I looked over my shoulder to see the apparitions closing in on me. Ghostly forms of the ones I’d slayed. If I slowed, I knew they’d overtake me.

It’d been just over a week since my curse broke. Over the course of that time, I’d been hearing whisperings in the woods, seeing misty figures conjured out of thin air. But Gram and Raul seemed oblivious to them. Maybe I was going crazy or perhaps it was some leftover remnant of the spell?

A clearing loomed ahead of me. If I made it into the light, I’d be safe because I only felt the presences when I entered the shadow-drenched forest. Catapulting forward, I stumbled through brambles and thicket. Almost there. Keep moving.

Something caught hold of my hood, jerking me backward. Let go, I screamed.

Panic set in as I tugged to free myself. Tears blurred my vision. Shite. I’d only snagged myself on a low hanging branch. I ripped my garment free from the bone-like twigs and hurried on my way.

We smell your fear. We taste it in the air.

The clearing was only a few more steps. I can make it. Just don’t turn around. Right as I reached the cusp of it, I tripped, sprawling to the ground. At my feet lay a mangled corpse. The stench of rotted flesh gagged me as I took in the shredded skin that hung from the man’s chest. His limbs were scattered about like storm debris. His head lolled to the side, eyes wide in a permanent mask of fear. The bugs were already crawling over it, trying to devour what was left.

A scream fell from my lips as I struggled to my feet, backing away. I bumped into an oak tree. There, dug deep into its trunk were thick, bloodied claw marks. The same type of markings I’d left in Dark Pines when I was the beast. No. This isn’t possible. The curse was supposed to be broken.

Oh God. I couldn’t go through this again.

You are a monster. You. Must. Die, voices hissed in unison as they surrounded me. "You will pay … "

Brielle? Raul shouted in the distance.

I’m here, I cried.

He burst into the clearing beside me, followed by Gram. The ghostly murmurings and figures disappeared like they’d slipped back into my mind.

Shh … it’s all right. I’m here. Sun glinted off the blade of his dagger as he slid it back into its sheath. Raul fell to his knees beside me. His dark hair was tied back at his neck, his mahogany eyes filled with worry. His fingers caught my chin as he forced me to look at him. Keep your gaze on me.

I-I found his body like this. He’s torn apart like my other victims. I buried my face against Raul’s chest, taking in his woodsy scent. I thought the curse was broken. That the beast had left me.

The spell was broken. Gram shook her head as if in disbelief. I don’t know what madness this is. But let’s get you back to the house and out of the cold. The last thing we need is to have someone overhear us.

Her stooped figure stood above me, her gray hair pulled back in a loose braid. A brown dress hung about her thin frame like a sack. I noticed the same worry on her wrinkled face that I saw on Raul’s.

In one quick movement, Raul hefted me up in his arms, then carried me to our small cabin. Warmth radiated through me at his touch. His closeness made me feel calm and safe. When we were together, it was like nothing could ever hurt me.

Gram opened the door for us and instantly went to put a kettle on for tea. She grabbed cups from the shelf and placed them on the table.

Raul brought me over to my bed and set me down. You need to rest for a bit. You’ve had quite a scare today.

My fingers brushed his cheek. What if the beast is back? What if it never truly left me?

We both watched the demon get dragged into the portal.

But what if …

He bent closer to me, his forehead resting against mine. I love you no matter what. I’m not going anywhere. We’ll figure this out.

His lips captured mine. My pulse quickened. The heat spread from the tips of my toes to my head while tingles erupted in my belly. My hands wrapped around the back of his neck, drawing him closer. I caught the faint hint of elderberry wine as his mouth moved against mine.

Eh-hem. Gram cleared her throat. You might be betrothed, but you are not married yet.

Raul drew back with a chuckle. You’re ruining all our fun, Loreen Healer.

I’ll ruin more than that if you don’t keep your hands to yourself. Bloody Gypsies … She swatted at him with a wooden spoon.

It’s not our fault Father Machai got called away before we could marry. Which was true; we’d intended to wed once we’d gotten back to Fire Ridge after defeating Lucia and the beast, after breaking my curse.

That day, I’d watched Lord Kenrick give up his life for me. My chest tightened at the thought. In another life, Lord Kenrick had been my true love before my cousin Lucia had forsaken us and cursed me to turn into a monster to kill people. Lord Kenrick was tasked with killing me, a spell that’d replayed itself over and over again until Kenrick and I, with the help of Raul, broke the cycle. But in doing so, he’d paid the ultimate sacrifice. He’d died, his soul pulled into the portal. I shivered, not wanting to remember being held captive by Father Reynaldo or the tortures I’d endured. And I certainly didn’t want to keep being reminded of all the people I’d murdered while in the form of the beast. Although, maybe that was part of my punishment: the awful memories that haunted every waking moment.

Raul stood, then he sauntered across the wooden floor and grabbed a chair, which he moved close to the bed and had a seat. Is this better?

Gram snorted. You are still within touching distance. My idea of better would have you across the room, cutting vegetables.

He grinned. Don’t let her fool you, Bri. She loves me.

I know, otherwise she wouldn’t have let you park your carriage on our land. My lips turned up in a half smile.

Noticing my change in demeanor, Gram came to sit on the bed where Raul had just left. The curse is broken. Don’t you worry none. You never got up last night, and I would’ve known if you had.

But how do you explain the body on our property? The voices and ghosts in the woods? I kept this second part to myself because, until I figured out what was truly going on, I didn’t want them to worry about me. We’d been through this before when Lucia appeared to me in Dark Pines, back when I believed her to be a phantom haunting the woods. No, I needed to find out whether we were dealing with spirits or something more.

Maybe someone’s trying to make it look like you’re responsible, Raul said, his eyes narrowed.

But why? Because if some person wanted to frame me for murder, they might be more dangerous than the curse had been.

Who knows, child, Gram soothed. Folks do strange, morbid things all the time. Just don’t you worry about it. Raul and I will take care of things. Now sit tight while I go draw some water from the well. I need to get dinner on soon, not to mention I need to check the clothes on the line.

Her gnarled hand gave mine a squeeze before she stood and meandered toward the door. The two of you better keep your hands to yourselves while I’m out.

Raul nodded and then stood. Actually, I think I best bury the body in the woods. Last thing we need is for the townsfolk to start pointing fingers at Bri.

A lump lodged in my throat. How many corpses had he already taken care of on my behalf? It wasn’t fair.

You don’t have to do that. Besides, I wasn’t weak. I’d beaten this before. However, maybe it was better to let them help. At least it’d give me some time to think things through.

Yes, I do. He leaned down and his lips brushed mine. Close your eyes and get some rest. I’ll be back soon.

The two of them left the house. When the door shut, I snuggled into my blankets. But when I closed my eyes, all I saw was blood, bones, and ghostly images. Whether I wanted to admit it or not, I knew trouble brewed on the horizon. The horror was far from over.

Raul

The door shut behind me as I made my way outside. Shite. Brielle’s curse was supposed to be broken. I rubbed my chin and glanced at Loreen. She stood beside the well, drawing a bucket of water, her brow furrowed.

I’m worried about her, I said.

She frowned. As am I.

We did everything that my grandmother said to do. We destroyed the blood contract. Kenrick gave his life out of love for her. We watched the damn beast get sucked into the portal. How is the spell still in place?

It can’t be. I won’t believe it. She hasn’t transformed into the monster since she fled the prison. Water sloshed over the edge of the wooden pail as she slammed it on the ground at her feet. "I’ve spent centuries keeping an eye on her, and I tell you, this wasn’t her doing. Not this time."

As much as I wanted to agree with her, it was hard to ignore the devastation we’d found in the woods. The blood scorched beneath my skin. My power stirred, tingling at the tips of my fingers. My nails dug into my palms in an attempt to maintain control. If it wasn’t her, then who or what did this?

Loreen wiped her hands on her apron. That is what we need to find out. Perhaps one of the townsfolk means to pin this on her. Or maybe it was a wild animal attack.

It seems too much of a coincidence. I wish Father Machai had married us before he left, then I could take her from this place and give us both a new start.

My plan was to move us to one of the coastal towns, far from the rumors of Dark Pines and Fire Ridge, somewhere we could outrun our pasts. Where I could forget my banishment and the horrific things I’d done. This was my chance to be happy. To finally feel loved. But what kind of life would Bri have as the wife of a Gypsy? A traveler who spent months out of the year moving around and selling goods.

He’ll be back soon. Until then, we need to be more mindful of our surroundings, both the land and the people who roam it. She retrieved her bucket and carried it toward the house. Setting it by the door, she then proceeded toward a line of clothes strung between two trees.

With a grunt, I stalked toward my carriage, grabbed a shovel, and then headed into the forest. The acrid stench of death hung heavy in the air as I approached the remains. Beneath the rot, I caught a whiff of something stronger. Something that a mere human couldn’t sense. Dark magic. It seared the back of my throat as if I breathed in smoke. My lungs filled with the invisible remnants of the power.

In the late afternoon sun, the shadows shifted. The impending darkness seemed to be closing in. A shiver went through me. The tainted magic was strong.

Who did this?

It didn’t seem likely that another witch would enter our property, not if they knew I dwelled here. So what then?

The heaviness that hung about the corpse reminded me of the portal. Of the corruption that tainted Lucia and the beast.

No. It cannot be, I whispered. I had watched the creature be sent back from where it came. It doesn’t matter if the beast has consumed her again. I love her. I will not leave her. Even if it means I spend the rest of my days burying the ones she kills.

Brielle had fought so hard to free herself from this madness. If she found out she was the cause of this, she’d want me or Loreen to end her life. She wouldn’t be able to go through this horror again.

My chest tightened as I knelt beside the body. Claw marks covered the torso. Shredded skin hung like a tattered shawl, exposing bone and innards. Then I saw the dark slashes burned into the flesh. There were no teeth marks, which seemed unusual. Bri always fed on those she’d killed.

I stood. My gaze shifted around the clearing, searching for more evidence, until it landed on a nearby oak. Deep grooves covered the bark. Bloodied scratch marks. I walked closer to the tree. My fingers traced the wood. Already the taint burned my flesh. I dropped to my knees and rubbed my hand in the soil to rid myself of the sooty residue.

There was only one thing that caused this type of damage.

A fire demon. Which meant someone had summoned it to our woods. But who, and why? I had a list of enemies several miles long. However, this appeared more personal. Someone knew of Brielle’s prior condition and knew I was with her. Otherwise, they would’ve cleared the magic from the area. They wanted us to find it.

Brush rustled at my feet as the breeze kicked up, carrying with it an autumnal chill. I hurried to bury the body, not wanting anyone else to happen upon it. We’d been through so much already. The only good news I could take back was that Brielle wasn’t really responsible for this. But Loreen and I would need to be on our guard.

By the time I finished my task, sweat beaded my brow. Dark strands of hair escaped the leather strip that secured it. I glanced at the forest floor. No one would ever know what lay buried beneath. With one last sweep of the ground, I scattered leaves and twigs over the site.

Tonight, I planned to hunt in the woods and it wouldn’t be for food. My magic thrummed inside. Fire seeped into my veins, wanting to be released. When I found who did this, I’d make them pay.

Brielle

After several attempts of trying to sleep, I finally threw my blankets back and climbed from bed. What I needed to do was stay busy. To put my focus on something other than the grisly images.

With a sigh, I moved toward the hearth at the back of the room where a large cauldron hung above dancing flames. Embers snapped, sending up a spray of sparks. I jumped back, not wanting to light myself on fire.

The scent of Gram’s lavender soap wafted in the air. It reminded me of Dark Pines and of all the times Gram and I used to go into town to sell her soaps and elixirs. Back before the curse had driven us to this forsaken place.

The door sprang open, and I jumped. For hell’s sake, you gave me a start.

Gram first carried an armful of garments in, placed them on my bed, then went back out to fetch the pail of water, which she set on the table. You best be watching your mouth, girly. You’re not too old to be switched.

Raul grinned as he walked in carrying an armload of wood. Yeah, you best listen to your elders.

I rolled my eyes. Funny. And this is coming from the man who curses more than a bloody pirate.

"Ah, but I’m older. I’m allowed to say such things. But you, my Little Brielle, are but a young lady and shouldn’t allow those kinds of words to form on your lips."

Well, remember that you’re betrothed to this young lady.

He set the logs near the hearth and turned back to me.

My gaze shifted to his tunic, and the smile left my face. I reached for a nearby chair to steady myself. Blood painted the front of his garments like a madman’s canvas. My stomach clenched.

It wasn’t you. Raul caught my arm.

How can you keep defending me? You saw the mess in the woods. You, more than anyone else, know what I’m capable of, know of the devastation I can cause. Did you not see how ripped apart that man was? My hands waved around frantically.

I found traces of fire magic on the body and nearby trees. Someone put the corpse there, knowing we’d find it. They wanted you to believe you did it.

Could it be true? Was