A Season of Shadows

By Arlen Beech

Welcome to Milton High, where the favorite teachers are immortal, one out of four students are a daemonic spy and if the celestial hierarchy can’t recruit you, you’re immediately blacklisted. Nobody knows that better than Josh Michaels. It’s been months since he began experimenting with opiates in an attempt to subdue his unruly, reality warping abilities. Now instead of attending his sophomore year, he finds himself running from town to town, desperately trying to stay a step ahead of Hasden and his Ayncestral bodyguard Asmodeus. If it weren’t for Charlie’s zany anecdotes, Josh wasn’t sure if he’d be able to make it through. As it was, he inherently knew that the Watchers, Nina and Thomas were gone. It was as if they had been plucked from this dimension and spirited away to another. Which meant Josh’s soulmate Dianna Imperial was all alone. He only hopes her abilities have geometrically expanded like his, because, the very organization that had so callously crushed him, would quickly set their sights on her and this time they wouldn’t just tempt. After creating a tailor-made fantasy to lower her defenses they would seduce her by any means necessary.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arlen Beech
• Release date: Jul 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005489052

Arlen Beech

Arlen Beech was born in the Silicon Valley and raised on a healthy diet of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Comics. During his decades long career as a paramedic he has been in nearly every tight situation imaginable, including, delivering a baby in a dark alleyway, being shot at and nearly stabbed in the neck. Despite this, he never really knew fear until he witnessed the opioid pandemic unfolding. Having worked two years on a psychiatric ambulance that catered to teen runaways and high-risk suicide cases, Arlen could see trouble on the horizon. His response was, “The Prime Trilogy,” a series that follows the exploits of a fifteen-year old demi-god named Josh who starts self-medicating with painkillers after his reality warping power takes a dark turn. The narrative is shared by his love interest Dianna, who will do anything to get him through rehab, even if it means having to save the universe by herself.Set in an alternate universe, The Prime Trilogy is a gritty, albeit comedic coming of age tale that poses a serious question, “Could the greatest heroes from inspired texts and world mythology, even begin to fill the shoes of a modern teen?”

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

AND NOW, THE HOST

With hands clasped behind his back, Michael stared out of his office window at the surrounding nebulas, his mind reeling. He wasn’t supposed to feel doubt or even fear. By nature, he had always been a creature of unparalleled optimism. Given the circumstance though he tried not to hold it against himself. These were desperate times and the waters were completely uncharted.

I don’t mean to disturb you, his second-in-command said from the open door behind him, You sent for me.

Ah, yes. Ambriel, I have a mission of sorts.

Concerning what?

Casually, he gestured to the sunken circle in the center of the crystal room and the large pillows lining it. With a quaint smile, she bypassed the hardwood furniture that lined the upper level, descended the steps, and pulled two enchanted bladed from her back. A paradox among their kind, she was small of frame but nearly second to none when it came to strength. And though the reddish tan leather of her pants was immaculate, the breastplate of her armor was heavily weathered from leading the Host into battle.

As she took a seat and folded her legs, Michael followed suit, choosing a soft cushion with an airy design directly across from her. Despite my duties here at Division, I have recently begun a sojourn into the All Mind to see which way the scales might tip regarding the Primes.

And the verdict? she asked, her interest piqued. For some reason, the eventualities seem to favor the Monarchy, but that’s not why I called for you. Several times during my journeys, I’ve encountered a shadow-like wraith haunting the liminal borders of the landscape, and each time I attempted to approach it, it cast me away.

A grim look spread across the other Ayncestral’s face as she tied back her platinum hair. Neither of those should be so. The infinite levels of reality are based on balance, and as the Host, we have total authority.

Technically this was true, especially within his own office. Like most dwellings at Division, his was constructed entirely of thick crystal. It facilitated mental travel at a moment’s notice and anchored their physical bodies. I understand your confusion, but let’s just say the spirit in question would be considered ancient, even in an immortal’s world view. So, this time, I’m taking you along to see if we can excise it together.

It’s possible. I can act as an antenna if you provide the frequency, but you know what that entails.

With a sigh, he nodded, his hesitance clear in the slow movement of his head and averted eyes. To accomplish this, he would have to grant her access to his own mind and all the sensitive information contained within. Every mission, every fallen Agent, all of it. It was risky, but his choices were limited. I have to know the nature of this entity, Ambriel. Besides, you’re my second-in-command. I have every faith you can be trusted.Then get ready, she replied, as she leaned forward and placed her cupped hands over each of his ears. This might be a little disorienting.Immediately, the floor disappeared from beneath them and the walls of the office faded from view, only to be replaced by the vastness of space and clusters of constellations scattered across it. To ground himself Michael focused on the band of white gold woven into the uppermost borders of Ambriel’s hairline and the iridescent blue light streaming off of it. With every beat of her hearts, the effect seemed to double until they began to slip through the fabric of reality, moving past time and into the infinite planes of perception in the All-Mind.Is this what you were hoping for? her voice echoed faintly. The landscape before them was a flat, misty netherworld occupied only by shining orbs depicting various scenes of both the past and future. This will do nicely, he replied, edging forward. Although the torso sized orbs bobbed about as if tethered a few feet off the ground, they didn’t move out of the way when approached. This meant they could be entered like a web page and the contents relived, something they had no time for.

Carefully he navigated around them. Ambriel purposefully mirrored his steps, while drawing both her curved blades from the sheaths fastened to her back. As they were uncovered, the weapons burned a brilliant blue.

In front of them a grisly image played out, in which Nina lay unconscious. Daemon’s cackled with glee as they coaxed her soul from its shell. It was an ancient ritual that was termed The Shredding.

Pay no attention to these passages, he commanded.

I can’t help it, Ambriel said, her voice strained. She’s one of my closest friends and they’re tearing her asunder. Please tell me this won’t come to pass.

These are only possibilities, he replied, his voice stern. Now focus on the task.

As they approached the next gritty scene, Michael clenched his teeth. Distorted gunshots rang out and a despair filled voice rippled out into eternity. Don’t you dare die on me, Josh!

Despite his convictions Michael let slip with an involuntary shudder. In his travels to similar planes, this memory was a central piece among them all. Each time, the raw emotion threatened to bleed into his own. If only for the fact that its outcome spelled the end of the Directive, he was sworn to uphold.

I’m sorry, an older gentleman’s voice said from within the orb. We’ve done all we can. The damage to his internal organs is just too severe. From here on out we’re going to place him on life support.

As suspected, Ambriel stopped, utterly transfixed. I don’t understand. What brought these eventualities about?

He did! Michael replied, pointing to a clearing just past the orbs.

Seemingly oblivious, a five-year old boy played in a facsimile of his room. With animated zeal shining in his eyes, he pushed a die-cast truck across the wooden floor, steering under the bed next to him and then driving up the side of his floor lamp.

Stepping up to the open-ended construct, Michael glared at him. Who are you, and why are you haunting this plane of possibilities?

Suddenly, the boy’s eyes became black as ink and shadows began to fall from his form like soot from a chimney. I assure you, Archangel, I am no possibility, but an inevitability more certain than death itself, he replied, as he crushed the metal toy in his palm and discarded it. Behold, he cried as his years multiplied and the light curved away from him. I am the scourge that few ever see, and live to tell the tale. I am the Dark Half.

No! You are Josh’s Dark Half, Michael said, motioning for Ambriel to fan out. You belong to somebody.

That is where you are mistaken, Tiny Light. I am a melancholy deeper than the abyss itself, and I am no longer just one half. Even now the dagger of addiction bleeds the boy, and it sustains me, making me so much more than I was ever meant to be. A dagger, might I add, that you unwittingly helped lodge in his back.

Lies! Ambriel growled through clenched teeth. Josh passed through the temptation. I think you’re hiding here because of what he would do if he sensed your presence.

A cruel grin spread across the phantasm’s face and he chuckled, malevolence dripping from his voice. You haven’t told her, have you, Michael?

As if torn, Ambriel looked away before reading his thoughts. Claire is undone, she whispered.

It’s not what you think, Michael explained, holding up his hand to calm her. She asked me to remove a charm of indifference that I had placed on her amulet to keep the Monarchy from engaging her. I transferred it to Josh’s necklace, never thinking he would actually give it to Dianna. Not long after that, he fell under the Daemon’s influence and Claire was attacked.

He thinks it’s his fault, Michael. Why was this authorized?You know the Daemonic branch has just as much authority and we couldn’t intervene unless their actions jeopardized the Directive.

A worthless plan if ever there was one, the Shadow spat. Face it; the boy is lost to you. Every day his thoughts grow darker. So, don’t be surprised when your little acorn doesn’t yield the mighty oak you’ve been expecting, but the cypress of my own twisted desires.

That’s where you’re wrong, Ambriel shouted. We are more than prepared to fight for what is ours by right. With those words, shafts of light began to flood through the open portals to form the frontline defense of the Host. Clothed in battle gear and armed with enchanted weapons they stood at the ready. She raised her sword level with the glowing umbra and gave the command.

Attack!

Before the first rows even came near, the specter sent out a horrific blast of energy hundreds of times stronger than anybody present was prepared for. It reverberated across the landscape, tearing the open frame of the bedroom apart and sending Ayncestrals flying backward like renegade stars. Michael barely had a chance to brace himself when a second larger wave began ripping its way through the crowd toward him.

All who were caught off guard quickly vanished, their foothold on the plane compromised. Those who were left, reeled backward, clutching their heads, unable to cope with the feelings of remorse and despair their adversary sent out.

From all around, clouds of interstellar gas and dust were beginning to seep in, a startling sign that the landscape was unraveling. Charging forward, Michael unleashed his mental might, telekinetically grappling with the Shadow in an attempt to pin him down. Gloves are off, Ambriel! Looks like it’s just me and you, so unleash the fury!

It’s about time, she cried, wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth as she got up. With blade in hand, she ran at the Shadow from the side. When she was close enough to strike, she purposely lowered her guard and eagerly took a backhanded strike to the side of her face. A blue flash burst from the point of impact and in Ambriel’s place stood two twelve-year-old versions of herself, and they did not look pleased. In unison, they spun and stabbed their opponent in the midsection.

Reality rippled, and a howl echoed across the landscape. Instinctively, the beast lashed out again, only to find the twins had become eight-year-old triplets.

Keep going and see where it gets you, they said as one.

This is what made his regent so valuable. Her duplicates were every bit as strong as the original. The only drawback was that every time she split, her age did as well, and once she reached a certain point, there was really no reasoning with her. Growing in size, the Shadow reached out and palmed one of the girls by the face and knocked the back of her head against one of her sister’s faces. The result was more than he’d bargained for. Six extremely angry four-year-old’s rose from the ground, each waving her own miniature flaming swords.

See what he did, one of the irate girls screamed, breathing heavy and pointing at the cut above her eye. Get him!

Get the bad man, the others shouted as they fell in behind her. Together they hacked slashed and pummeled the Shadow from every angle, weakening the entities’ presence.

Seizing the chance, Michael slipped behind the distracted entity and grabbed him around the waist but when he tried to wrestle him to the ground he was surprised by the rapidly increasing weight.

In this realm your vaunted strength means nothing, The beast roared, Will is all that matters here and I’m every bit as heavy as I believe.

Doubling his efforts, Michael closed his eyes and drew upon the authority that Division had placed within him. Muscles strained as he lifted Josh’s doppelganger and threw him over his shoulder. As the Shadow hit the ground with an animalistic roar he smashed through the impromptu reality, hurtling downward through the other planes of existence toward Earth.Exhausted, Michael crouched down, catching his breath, until he felt able to make the jump back to his physical form. When he opened his eyes, he found himself once again in his office. Surprisingly enough, Ambriel was already up off her pillow and walking toward the door.

Where are you going? Michael asked.

Turning slightly, she grimaced, To talk to Metatron. There’s no way we can let that thing make it to Earth.

Quickly he rose off the pillow to catch up. Listen, I know that as the Archangel to the Gemini you have an attachment to the two Primes, but these children have roles they have to assume, and we have to let certain events play out to make sure they are properly prepared.

That may be true, she replied, her stern gaze meeting his own, but as their personal guard we shouldn’t be sitting here, either. So, I’ll make you a promise. I won’t whip everybody into a frenzy, if you finally start dispatching the big guns.

Who, me and you?Anybody, Michael. I don’t care. Just as long as there’s somebody standing between these kids and the Monarchy. Somebody who can guide them away from the possibilities we saw in those orbs.

For a split second, he considered the ramifications of what she was proposing. It had been hundreds of years since either of them had physically left Division and it wasn’t that simple. Nonetheless he gave a grim nod. Okay, but just so we’re clear, celestial law still applies. That means if Metatron doesn’t appoint us to the task, we have to be summoned.

He extended his hand to her and she eagerly clasped it.

Thank you, you won’t regret this.

I already do? Michael replied as he turned away from his slack-jawed regent and went back to staring out, his office window. Metatron won’t interfere until Josh is ready to accept his destiny, so that leaves us with option number two and a serious question. If these children haven’t asked for our help this far, how much more will they have to endure until they do?

CHAPTER TWO

RITES OF PASSAGE

Over the past few months, Josh knew, he had made some questionable choices. There were the drugs, and of course befriending a score of psychotic Daemons ranked in the top five. Even so, these choices all paled in comparison to what was currently transpiring.

You do recall that I have a license, don’t you? He asked as the wind whipped wildly through his hair.

In response, Charlie grinned from the driver seat as he gunned the engine of the rickety Jeep, causing it to lurch forward, his freshly casted hand rocking just on top of the steering wheel. What’s the problem, Michaels? Would you prefer I drive to town with my knees?

As unnerving as the thought was, his friend was actually a pro when it came to that. The mornings were few during the school year when the redhead hadn’t multitasked while driving, and this included eating a bowl of cereal while he navigated the path to Milton High. What concerned him wasn’t the plaster addition to the other boy’s dominant hand, it was the high dose of narcotics they’d both taken just minutes before.

Don’t worry, Josh, I got this. Besides, I can’t necessarily perform telethon duty with my scrolling hand encased in a brick.

In response, he sighed. It was an essential part of the plan. After nearly leveling his grandparents’ house with his out of control powers, he knew some drastic measures needed to be taken. This included ditching Richard’s version of rehab. At this point there was way too much aggression between himself and his mother’s boyfriend for that to work. Instead, he and Charlie had come up with a better scheme. As insane as it sounded, they took the remainder of the prescription they had gotten in Nevada and split it between them. He still felt pretty confident that they could rehab themselves. To do this though, they’d need money, which was why they were headed to the bank to pull out every last dime either of them had.

Okay, I have it narrowed down to a few people, Josh said, holding up Charlie’s phone. Are you sure none of them will trip if we ask where to score?

What choice do we have? Charlie asked with a shrug. I mean none of these people are really friendly toward me anyway, so who cares what they think?

With a wary shake of his head, Josh hit send on the group text. Even though most of their summer had been spent dabbling with drugs, they’d never actually bought any themselves. In fact, they didn’t know the first thing about where or how the interaction took place.

They had one thing working to their advantage though; they had last year’s class rosters with the phone numbers of all their fellow classmates saved in their e-mails. Stoners, jocks, future farmers, nobody was safe. If he even thought they could score, they were included in the pool.

So, what’s our timeline looking like? Charlie asked as he slowed their speed. It was a fairly rural back road consisting of only two lanes, but for some reason there was an impressive string of brake lights up ahead.

Well, I checked it out online and most rehab places are pretty firm about the three-month rule.

We’re really not that bad though.

As much as Josh wanted to agree, he realized that technically they were addicted. Per the site, you could become hooked after the first try. You just focus on driving and then finding us a new hide out. Once we’re settled in we can detox on our own terms. Since the pills are so outrageously expensive, we’ll stick to smoking opium. Little by little we can scale back the dose until we’re clean.

So, I take it school’s not jumping off this semester?

Josh nodded. The thought had been nagging his conscience ever since they’d left the basement. The reality of the situation was that they were officially on the run. They were marked men and quite literally anybody at school could be an Operative. Don’t worry. Once we’re sober, I can resume my training with Thomas. After that I can personally take care of the Monarchy.

The corners of his friend’s mouth immediately curved downward into a stage five stress frown and his brows scrunched together. Sue’s gonna ground me for the rest of my teenage life. You know that, right?

And my family won’t?

At least your family would understand why you’d disappeared. What am I supposed to say? `Sorry I’ve been missing, Mom, but me and the neighbor boy inadvertently ticked off the spiritual mafia. Don’t worry, I’ll be back sometime near spring.’

Listen! It’s simple. Every week or so we contact a separate family member and tell them we’re okay. We don’t have to let them in on the plan, we just give them enough info to keep them off our backs and stop the police from getting involved.

Speaking of, Charlie muttered under his breath as he rapidly downshifted and the Jeep slowed to a crawl.

Almost instantaneously Josh became aware of the acrid stench of road flares. There had been an accident and it looked like a doozy. Two twisted masses of metal that used to pass for SUVs were being pulled to the side of the road.

All things considered, it didn’t appear to be as bad as it looked. Both drivers were out and talking to paramedics at the front of a train of flashing lights that seemed to go on for miles. What was weird was the impromptu lane that traffic was being funneled into was littered with clothes, magazines and knick-knacks but nobody seemed to mind. Given the chance, the cars drove over the debris as if they couldn’t wait to be free of the scene. Once the opposing traffic had diminished some, a balding officer in a reflective vest held up his hand and waved his flashlight in their direction. When the Jeep crept forward, Josh fought the surreal sensation that followed. It was almost as if they were on a cheap, slow-motion carnival ride. Of course, there were no lap bars holding them in place, but it felt the same. Even the road crews moved robotically as they tried to clear the other lane. All that was missing was a cheesy song for them to sing as the cars rolled past at a snail’s pace.

Is it my imagination, Charlie whispered, or does it seem like Deputy Dog’s looking right at us?

Josh shifted in his seat as the patrolman directing traffic walked toward them with a scowl. Only feet from their bumper, he held up his hand for them to stop, and then bent down to pick something up.

Charlie cursed under his breath.

It wasn’t until the officer came back up and Josh saw the slipper in the headlights that he began to panic. There was only one set he knew of that had plastic eyes and hand-stitched whiskers, and they belonged to his mother. Before the vehicle was in park, he sprang from the open side and darted past the surprised officer. "Please let this be a coincidence," he thought as he dodged around the other cars with reckless abandon. He hadn’t noticed before, but the line of emergency vehicles was noticeably bowed outward. At first glance, it had looked like they were parked that way to protect the road workers, but the closer he came the more it became apparent that there was a second set of cars just on the other side.

With each step that he took, Josh could hear a growling noise growing louder. It wasn’t until he rounded the set of ambulances that he realized it wasn’t extrication tools like he’d thought. The sound was actually coming from him. After that it didn’t matter how many people were dragging him back; he had already seen the slipper’s match lying on the asphalt only inches away from everything he’d ever held dear, and his vision flooded with crimson.

CHAPTER THREE

THREE POINT DISHARMONY

Did you hear that growl, it was definitely a monster?

Calmate wey! Dianna snapped over her shoulder at her sister. Give me a second.

Even though this was an abandoned building she wasn’t sure if she should release her powers yet, just because they were scared and couldn’t see. With trembling hands, she activated the face of her phone and held it aloft to dispel the darkness.

Across the room two red eyes peered at them curiously. It was a little larger than a cat but not quite dog sized. Removing the scrunch tie from her hair she infused it with psionic energy, took careful aim and then tossed it in the animal’s general direction. As the fabric hit the far wall it detonated like a flash grenade and two raccoons were sent scurrying out of sight.

Feel safe now? She asked, turning to her sister.

I’ll feel safe once we’re home. Now find the stage and let’s do this.

Snorting Dianna traipsed off farther into the shadows. Ever since they’d been children Cammy had been quick to fight. For the most part, she was pretty much fearless. In ninth grade her reputation sky-rocketed after she squared off against another girl who boxed at a local gym. After she’d knocked her out, Cammy then turned on the group of older cousins the girl had brought as intimidation and began to trade blows with them as well.

If it had claws or fangs though Cammy wanted nothing to do with it.

Throwing caution to the wind, Dianna scanned the rows of seats and then after she was sure the coast was clear she climbed onto the stage.

During its heyday, back in the 40s, the Burbank was an opulent venue that had doubled as both a cinema and a theater. It , ,, had an ambience that immediately improved your state of mind, or at least that’s what Nina had told her when she’d loaned her the key to the front door.

Bear in mind, this was a good six months ago when her housemate claimed to be part of a restoration society that was working on getting the place up and running again. Now that she knew the woman for what she truly was, it was more likely that this tight-knit group of entertainers and investors were immortals as well.

Holding her throw blanket against her chest as if it were made of spun silver, Cammy gave an exasperated sigh. How long did she say they’ve been at this?

It closed in the 90’s and supposedly the restoration society has been chipping away at it for the past year.

Yeah, I guess one of the upgrades must be that musty old fabric smell.

In response, Dianna shook her head as she traced her way along the backstage area to the wings. In retrospect, the dance studio might have been better but that’s what had brought them here in the first place. Nina had been acting strange ever since they’d run across that homeless man out in front of the clinic. They had barely gotten back to the house, when she slipped right back out the door. Her excuse was she was going out to dance but when she didn’t show up for girl’s night two hours later Dianna began to suspect something. They tried the studio but it was closed, which led them here. Once again it looked like a dry run but she wasn’t going home empty handed.

Are you ready to chase the blues away? Dianna asked once she’d found the huge metal throw switch.

Yes, please. Mama requires entertainment.

Gripping it with both hands, she hefted the switch upward, and the auditorium was showered in a golden light. Apart from the worn-out seats in the audience and the torn carpet, the place didn’t really look all that bad. A brand-new maroon curtain stood behind a newly paneled stage that was large enough to fit an ensemble cast and a few midsize props.

So, what’s it going to be? Cammy asked as she spread her blanket out over as many front row seats as she could. At one time, they were probably quite nice. If anything, they were plush, but the metal parts were all rusted now, and the armrests looked like multiple patrons had used them as ashtrays.

I’m thinking Paso-Doble, Dianna replied as she straightened her oversize red t-shirt and shed her sweats to reveal the black Uni-tard and leggings she wore underneath.

Cammy took a seat and kicked her feet up on one of the scattered orchestra chairs. That should be interesting, seeing as Paso requires two people.

Chuckling, Dianna nodded. I could see where that might be a problem. Focusing her will, she let a thin wisp of tri-colored energy float off into the air next to her. At first it seemed nondescript, but with a little effort, the flames grew and began to take shape. Two arms and a set of legs later, it had blossomed into a surprisingly accurate replica of a traditional dressed dancer. Only this one had Josh’s face.

Oh, you are good, Cammy cried, raising her hands to her mouth.

Next, Dianna reached out with her mind and grabbed ahold of the boombox they had left by the door. As if carried by unseen hands, it floated up to the nearest balcony and set itself down on the ledge just above the suspended sound system.

Luckily one of the first things Nina had replaced were the speakers. With a telekinetic push, Dianna activated the Bluetooth, and rich Latin beats flooded the theatre.

With a mischievous grin, she locked eyes with her dance partner and then proceeded into a fiery dosado. They deliberately circled each other, then rushed together into a box step heading out to stage left. Curiously, they twisted and spun through promenade after promenade until Josh spun her into his arms and embraced her from the rear. This was exactly what she’d needed to calm her nerves. Like always, her power expanded almost geometrically and as she turned out away from the simulacrum of her boyfriend, sparks streamed off of her fingertips and rapidly morphed into the familiar shapes of friends and family members. Within seconds they too were whirling around the dance floor. Feeling better, but far from done, she twisted and turned through the makeshift dance troupe until her amber partner whisked her entirely off of the stage and into the air.

Seriously, Manita, her older sister shouted.

The only response Dianna could manage was a loud giggle as she flung her head back and leaned into the turn. Higher and higher they climbed up past the first set of balconies all the while aiming for the ceiling.

This was the prize, there were two gorgeous, glass chandeliers, up there, and there was no way she was going home without touching at least one of them. At this point there was so much energy streaming off of her it actually looked like she and her partner were on fire, but that was nothing. Once they finally reached the top and glided between the two massive bushels of hanging glass the reflection was nothing short of a miniature aurora borealis. Orange and yellow light sparkled brilliantly from every angle, enveloping them both. She was only inches away from brushing the ceiling with her outstretched hand when the building violently shook, as if it had been struck by a meteor. Both chandeliers lurched, one of them ripping from the ceiling entirely and plummeting. To be truthful, she wasn’t sure what broke her concentration first, the boom-box shattering on the ground or her sister’s scream as she ran for cover. At any rate, she quickly found herself sans partner or protective flames and tumbling toward the hardwood stage below.

Frantically, she tried to muster her concentration, but it was useless. By the time the mass of glass smashed into the audience, she was so dizzy she could barely see. Then, inexplicably, she felt a set of strong hands grasp her by the waist, slowing her descent. Like a drunken skydiver she hit the stage and tumbled forward with the momentum, only to roll onto her knees. It was less than graceful but a veritable miracle considering the alternative.

Um, Manita… I really think we need to get out of here.

Turning toward her sister’s voice, Dianna brushed her bangs from out of her eyes and cringed when she saw the look of dread. Cammy was still down in the aisles, standing only a few feet away from her shredded blanket and seat, but it wasn’t the fallen chandelier that had her so rattled. It was almost as if she were staring straight through her. Spinning around, Dianna came face to face with her mysterious benefactor.

Josh! she gasped.

Only it wasn’t; it couldn’t be. She’d never seen him look so hostile, almost jealous.

Are you okay? she whispered, reaching out for him.

Immediately, he looked repulsed, as if he were sickened by the sight of her, and then it happened. Like ash falling from a burning tree, shadows began to slough away from his features and his eyes became black as ink.

Di, that’s not him, Cammy cried, as she cautiously climbed onto the stage behind her. We need to run, now!

In response, the darkening figure directed his gaze to the unlit wings of the stage. As if by silent command the dark stretched toward him, swallowing all light in its path. Muscles tensing, she backed away slowly, keeping her hand up, just in case. It was odd that whatever this thing was, it never spoke; she wondered if it even could.

His eyes darted back to her, and he searched her up and down