Elixirs Shadow: Book III Sword of Hadrian Trilogy

By Chloelia Salome

Colette was back in Paris. She should be happy to be home, but that joyful feeling wasn’t there. She tried to force herself to love this place again, but Paris had turned her life completely upside down. This was the city that brought her Hunter. This was also the city that prepared her for the biggest journey of her life. This was no city of lights for a young girl who only wanted to find her way as an average teenager. Now, this was the city of darkness, a city that tore Colette and her loved ones apart and pieced them back together into dangerous individuals. The final installment of the Sword of Hadrian trilogy will bring the reader through the streets of France during the French Revolution, the medieval kingdom of Carserae, and modern-day Paris. Through heartbreak, time traveling and moments of magic, this epic conclusion will leave the reader on the edge of excitement, grasping for the adventure not to end and wanting the characters of the war-torn kingdom of Carserae to remain a part of their life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312460188

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Elixirs Shadow: Book III Sword of Hadrian Trilogy

ELIXIRS SHADOW: Book III Sword of Hadrian Trilogy

By Chloelia Salome

Copyright © 2014

Chloelia Salome

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in review, without permission in writing from the author/ publisher.

ISBN 978-1-312-46018-8

This is a work of fiction. Characters, corporations, institutions, and organizations in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously without any intent to describe their actual conduct.

Cover photo © Andrey Kiselev - Fotolia.com

Back cover photo © Zacarias da Mata - Fotolia.com

Published in the US by Lulu.com

If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.

~ H.G. Wells

PROLOGUE

THE PORTALS...IN ETERNAL TME

It was utterly quiet. He couldn’t feel anything as he plunged through the darkness, pulled by an invisible force. The abyss stretched longer and farther from sight. Hunter shielded his eyes from the sudden blast of light. All he could feel was the ominous presence of the Evil lord.

His thoughts came to him in a rush. His head pounded with the sudden recollection of what occurred twenty, thirty, maybe fifty minutes ago. He was losing track of time. Regardless, Hunter willed his brain to open up to the last few minutes he had on stable ground.

The image that kept coming to his mind was of Colette crying on the battlefield. It was painful for him to watch; it nagged at his heart and ripped it to shreds. He had to be strong, because he had something that was very valuable to both sides. Hunter remembered how painful it was for him to toss all his feelings to the side so he could think of the greater good for Carserae. He had a feeling what he chose to do wasn’t the best choice, since now the Evil could use Hunter to its advantage—that was probably its plan from the beginning.

Hunter had no other choice. He had to put himself before the Evil that would harm Colette. He wondered in that moment where she was, if she were still with Sashki in the castle. What would happen to her now that he was gone? Hunter pondered over the idea that maybe….she would return to school and pretend as if nothing had happened. Maybe she would put all this behind her, and will herself to look towards the future—and a more realistic one, that didn’t include magic and sorcery to the extreme.

As Hunter continued to think, he felt something nagging at his brain. It was a piercing pain, something he hadn’t felt for the span of time he had been traveling through this portal. It was a new sort of pain, one that bothered him more than the others he experienced, during his time as a commander of the Blessed Army.

The pain continued, no matter how hard he tried to push it away. It felt like his skull was confining his brain in a tiny corner and no matter what he did, he couldn’t alleviate the pressure. As the agony persisted, Hunter could only think of one thing. He closed his brain off to any of his memories and willed thoughts of Colette out of his mind.

A second later, the pain was lifted, and Hunter no longer felt like he was being punched in the head by an iron fist. That was it. The pain was coming from the Evil Lord who, for all other reasons, was trying to force Hunter not to think about his past. He was trying to block all memories so that Hunter would…forget about Colette and all he had been through. Hunter didn’t fully understand why the Evil Lord would want him to do that.

How would he be able to push himself to continue through life without knowing how Colette was? How could he live with never being able to see the images of Colette in his mind, knowing the thoughts made him feel better? To make the time pass faster as he traveled through these never ending portals?

Hunter made the decision that thinking about Colette was one of the little sacrifices he could make. Yes, the pain would be great, but at least he would be able to pass the time. And besides, he knew the Evil lord would not try to kill him—although he didn’t know what was in store for him, Hunter knew that the Evil lord wanted to use him for his powers. It was only a matter of time before the true pain became strong and left Hunter disgruntled…and under control of the Evil lord once again.

Time that couldn’t be counted passed by as Hunter continued to think of Colette. He attempted to ignore the pain seeping into his brain. Eventually, he felt some sort of breeze ruffle the hair on his forehead. Sometime later, he was suspended in midair and peering into the eerie darkness.

This way, a voice boomed in the abyss.

Hunter shivered. He knew that voice all too well—and he knew who it belonged to.

Like a trained dog, Hunter obediently walked through the air in the direction of the voice. In that instant, the black abyss opened into a brightly lit area. Hunter shielded his eyes from the sudden light. It brought tears to his eyes.

Welcome…to my kingdom, the Evil lord muttered.

CHAPTER 1

PRESENT DAY

It was warm. Colette ducked her chin farther under the covers and scrunched into a tight ball. As she turned over, a piercing light hit her eyelids, forcing her out of her dreamless sleep into reality.

Squinting, Colette peered around the room. Silk curtains fluttered in a light breeze that came in through the open French doors. She could only imagine a balcony laid on the other side. Opposite her comfy bed was a wardrobe with a mirror reflecting her disgruntled image. It took Colette only a mere second to realize she was not in her bedroom. She had no clue where she was.

Colette sat up all too quickly, her head pounding with a steady migraine. She closed her eyes allowing her head to slowly roll. It felt like a mega bowling ball, on her neck.

Ahh you’re awake, a soothing voice said from the balcony. Liam. Colette’s eyes sprung open, pinning Liam under a death stare that she had practiced in front of the mirror in the past.

You, she muttered as she massaged her neck. Where am I?

That’s a good question, you were knocked out like a log and we didn’t get to finish our business. Liam smirked as he glided into the room, the soft sunlight at his back. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he smiled…and two pointy daggers of teeth peeked from his gums. Colette gasped. It was at that moment when everything came back to her.

When I almost died, our leader of the Damned Justin brought me back to life for a little price—immortality. What could I say? I am needed to complete his plans and what better way than to live forever? I couldn’t just let that opportunity slip from my grasp. Life is too valuable these days, as I am sure you recently discovered. Colette shivered as she remembered the words Liam had spoken—they haunted her. She shut her eyes. She couldn’t bear to look at his face.

You cannot close your eyes from reality, dear Colette. As a Daywalker, I now am stronger than you. I feed on the delicious blood of your kind…and I won’t be destroyed by the sun. I am the weapon Justin has always wanted. But once we get Hunter and his secret, Justin will be unstoppable. So what do you say? Are you still in?

No, Colette said, her voice barely audible. What happened to me? she cried. She tore her hands from her face to look at Liam. He was still smiling at her, now displaying a whole array of deadly daggers. Am I…one of you?

Liam laughed and took a step closer. He sat on the edge of the bed, reaching his hand out to touch Colette’s face. She jerked away and moved to the opposite side of the bed, pulling the blankets tightly around the running clothes she was wearing when Liam kidnapped her.

Sadly no, he said. I never turned you into a Daywalker. I only fed on you…because you have such a…flavor I can’t resist. He slightly licked his lips, his eyes illuminating.

Colette felt a small pang of happiness that she was still human—well sort of, she still wielded some of the strongest powers in her bloodline, but that’s beside the point. Get away from me.

I’m not done with you, Colette. Liam’s voice cut through the air like a dagger.

I know. Colette’s voice was heavy. She remembered what she had said to Liam before he drank from her. I’ll do whatever you want. Just please, don’t hurt me…or Hunter.

Remember our little promise? Liam said. He inched closer to her. Colette had nowhere to go now. She sat straighter and looked into Liam’s eyes. They were nowhere near as cold as they had appeared mere seconds ago.

Yes.

Well, darling, we have a long way to go before you fulfill that promise. Liam reached out and patted her on the cheek. She flinched but couldn’t escape his grasp this time.

Now, you do as I say, Liam said through his teeth as his fingers pinched Colette’s cheek. She avoided looking into his eyes, instead focusing on his golden hair that shone like a halo—the exception was that he was nothing close to an angel of any sort. Quite the opposite, Colette would reckon.

Liam stood up and paced the space between the bed and the wardrobe. Colette knew that she had to follow along with whatever Liam was planning—after all, he would eventually lead her to Hunter. Hopefully they wouldn’t be too late.

So what’s next? Colette asked, trying to avoid thinking about Hunter.

What’s next? My darling, you stay here as I try to find our way out.

You mean the portals? Colette asked, confused.

Yes, the portals.

But I thought you could summon them like….

Like how Hunter kisses you and poof, you appear in the past? Liam said sarcastically.

Embarrassed, Colette responded, Yes.

Liam chuckled. It’s not that easy for me. I’m a Daywalker, not a commander of the Blessed Army. I can’t kiss away all my pain and misery.

Oh. Colette bit her lip. She refused to make eye contact with Liam, although it was very tempting. Well what about the portal at the castle?

I already thought of that. But somehow it’s been closed. I think someone forced it shut.

Sashki… Colette murmured.

Or the Evil lord. It is possible he’s afraid Hunter’s knight in shining armor is going to come and save him.

Ha-ha, very funny. Besides, I thought you were working with the Evil…lord, Colette said, confused. She wasn’t exactly sure why Justin was now called the Evil lord but she didn’t want to raise question on that now. She finally brought her eyes up to his.

Let’s just say the Evil lord and I are on separate circuits right now, to some extent, Liam responded as he kept his gaze focused on Colette. It made her shudder and want to curl up under the covers. But she didn’t let her eyes stray from his.

Okayyyy. Colette nodded her head. So what do you want me to do?

Stay here, order room service, whatever, and wait until I come back. Liam crossed his arms over his chest.

That’s what your mega hero-plan is? Colette was incredulous.

As a matter of fact, yes. I can’t risk having you wandering the streets. Only one of us can be out on the field in search of a viable portal. And that one of us is going to be me—I have more experience. I know what to look for.

And you expect me to just stay put? Don’t you want to chain me down or something?

That’s what my guys are for. Liam cocked his head to the side as Colette raised an eyebrow. On cue, the burly men trudged in from the balcony and stood behind Liam, their arms crossed over massive sized chests. They were the exact epitome of what presidential bodyguards ought to look like. These three men were massively tall, dressed in full black, their muscles threatening to burst the seams of their jackets.

You can’t be serious, Colette said, shaking her head and raising her arms in the air. This is so…cliché.

Oh I am dead serious, Liam said as he walked closer to Colette. She sat rigid below her covers. And if you try to do anything, darling, these guys know exactly what to do. Got it? Liam smiled, his faces just mere inches from hers. When Colette looked into his eyes, they were a fiery blur. She barely nodded her head.

Liam closed the distance and kissed Colette lightly on the cheek before pulling way and trudging across the room to the door. I’ll be back soon, darling. Boys, you know what to do. Liam winked.

What about my parents? Colette yelled as Liam opened the door. He slowly turned to look at her.

For all they know, you’re spending the next couple of days, possibly weeks, at your friend Madeleine’s house—easier to get to school that way and study for the big tests. Liam smirked. He skipped out the door and let it slam behind him.

Liar! Colette screamed. She threw a pillow at the door and pulled on her hair. She was furious.

Colette turned to her three guards. They all stood together in a straight line in front of the wardrobe. Colette stormed out of the bed and marched towards the balcony. One of the guards stepped in her path and stared down at her.

She punched him in the chest and yelled, Dude?! I’m walking to the frickin’ balcony. If you want, follow me there! She pushed past his tree trunk of an arm and stomped onto the balcony. A cold breeze nipped at her cheeks as her hair whipped wildly behind her. Wrapping her arms around herself, Colette took in the view.

She was still in Paris, but in a much less affluent arrondissement than the one she lived in. Colette could make out the Eiffel Tower and the Seine but not without squinting. She really was in the middle of a bunch of rooftops. Looking down she saw some tourists idling around on the cobble stone streets. Many were avoiding the men illegally selling Eiffel Tower key chains. It always made Colette laugh when she saw the police coming through the streets and the men running with their illegal key chains strapped to their fanny packs.

Some cafés down the street were already open; the sweet aromas of coffee and croissants wafting up towards Colette and the numerous other balconies along the building. Colette could tell that Liam chose the perfect spot as the hideout. It was nestled in an area secluded from the treacherous tourist attractions but it had the quiet touch of adventurous tourists. This place didn’t attract any sort of attention whatsoever—despite this, the hotel looked rather expensive. Colette wondered where Liam got his money.

When Colette’s nose was pink and numb from the cold, she forced herself back into the room where the warmth engulfed her. She shivered as her bare feet padded across the carpet. Colette looked around the room, inspecting all the doors and furnishings more closely. After turning some doorknobs and the disappointment that followed when they didn’t open or lead to a closet, Colette turned to the last door. The guards watched her as she took the handle and turned it. There was a click and the door opened. Satisfied with herself, Colette walked through the door into a living area. The guards trudged behind her as she inspected her new surroundings.

The living space was small with one white sofa and a big screen TV mounted to the wall. The walls, a pale lime green, complimented the white, fluffy carpet that caressed her feet. There was another balcony that overlooked the same view as before. Directly across from Colette’s door was an identical one. She looked once at the guards looming over her before crossing the space and opening that door. It also easily opened into a room identical to hers. This is some suite, Colette murmured, still wondering how Liam was able to afford this.

Colette scanned Liam’s room with her eyes. She dared not to walk in and touch things because she was afraid the guards would pounce on her. Instead, she stared at his neatly folded black pants on the dresser and some papers stacked on the desk. All the curtains were shut, making the room seem ominous and uninviting. Colette found it strange that Liam was so neat and orderly. His bed was perfectly made with the corners of the sheets tucked tightly under the mattress. She definitely was not expecting this.

After standing in Liam’s doorway for several minutes staring at his few belongings, one guard wrung his arm through hers and pulled her out. Come on, he said. Enough googly eyes. Colette rolled her eyes and let herself be pulled away by the guard while the other one closed the door firmly behind them. They brought her back to her room where they closed the door and took residence in front of the wardrobe.

Trying to ignore the guards, Colette made her way back to the balcony with one of the bed’s blankets and a book she found on the bedside table. The book was some sort of mystery romance—definitely not something Colette enjoyed reading. They just seemed really cheesy and a waste of a read. Colette thought, reading these books was a complete waste of time. But hey, she had all the time in the world, because she was being held prisoner by Liam.

Colette curled up in one of the wrought iron chairs on the balcony, pulling her feet under her. After the blanket was wrapped tightly around her, she opened the book. As the minutes crawled by, Colette’s eyes scanned the pages. She didn’t really follow what she was reading. Rather, she glanced over every word and watched the pages turn before her.

As the sun inched higher up in the sky, Colette’s stomach grumbled. At first, she tried to ignore it. But the grumbles didn’t subside as time went on. Tossing the book on the table, Colette marched into her room where the guards were now lounging around. She pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders.

I’m hungry, she announced. The guards looked at each other before glancing at her upturned chin. She was sure they were gonna start laughing at her.

What do you expect us to do? The biggest guy asked.

I want to order room service.

Oh yeah? the same guard challenged her as he stood to his full height.

Yes. Colette curtly nodded her head.

Okay, the princess wants some room service. The guard lifted his hands in mock defeat before turning towards the phone. He pressed a button and then there was a long moment of silence.

Yes, we would like to order room service, he said into the receiver. The two other guards shook their heads and held back chuckles. Come here! he barked to Colette.

Jumping in her skin, Colette marched over to the guard and took the phone from his outstretched hand. He crossed his hands over his massive chest and watched her. The lady on the other line babbled off the different meal packages Colette could order. She randomly chose one. It sounded good—especially since it had chicken smothered in hot sauce. Colette’s stomach grumbled at the thought of mouthwatering food. The guards laughed out loud, making her blush. After ordering the food and hanging the phone on the receiver, Colette walked into the living room. The guards began to follow her but she stopped and put a hand up.

Whoa, hold onto your reins, boys. I think I can get my food myself. The guards regarded each other for a millisecond before shrugging and walking back into her room. They crumbled onto her bed and turned on the TV. That was much easier than she expected.

Colette sat on the arm of the sofa, waiting for the doorbell to ring. When it did, she jumped up and ran to the door, hands shaking. She opened it to be confronted by a very small and kind looking maid.

Oh my God thank you so much! Colette said as she took the tray and placed it on the coffee table. Under her breath she hissed, Please, I beg of you, please help me! The maid looked at her with an eyebrow raised.

I’m sorry Ma’am but I have no idea what you’re talkin’ about. Please enjoy your meal. She turned to leave.

No please! Colette whimpered. She grabbed the woman’s arm and pulled her back towards her.  I was kidnapped! Colette tried to keep her voice down as she tried to steady herself. I’m being held captive by the really tall man with the blond hair. I’m sure you’ve seen him leaving. Please, you have to help me get out! Tears were spilling from the corners of Colette’s eyes, blurring her vision.

The maid’s eyes softened. She pulled her hand out of Colette’s shaky grip. She patted Colette’s hand for reassurance. Ma’am, I think you are reading too many romance mystery novels. She winked and pointed to the book that was clutched in Colette’s other hand.

No! You are not listening to me! That man with the blond hair that left this morning—his name’s Liam. He’s a killer! He frickin’ kidnapped me!

Oh Liam? Ma’am, he is the nicest husband anyone could ask for. He even gave me a bigger tip earlier for helping him with his coffee and newspaper. The maid smiled warmly as she said this. Colette’s face went ashen white. Husband?!

What?! She scream-whispered.

Oh yes, Liam is rather very kind.

What did he tell you?

Well he told the concierge that he was going out for the day to his job…and that you were staying in to rest.

Please elaborate, Colette said as she pressed her fingertips to her forehead and closed her eyes.

I thought your husband would’ve already told you this—

Well I was very tired the other night and totally forgot what Liam told me, Colette snapped back.

Yes Ma’am, the maid said. "Well, he told