Threatening Souls

By N.M. Lambert

The sacrifices, the drama, the horror within.

In the year of 1860, a curse was performed over the suburb of Roseway, Washington, which rests about twenty miles south of Seattle, that killed nearly every living resident. After coming back to Earth as spirits, they form a twisted plan that not only provides them with bodies of their own but also kills off all who venture into Roseway in the future.

Thirteen-year-old Rebekah Jensen has lived a fine life in Marywood, Florida with two best friends, a clique that strives to make her one of them, and a boyfriend who happened to be one of the most popular guys in her school. But all that is about to change when the date of her arrival nears, when she starts to see things that she presumes are spirits—and she is sure that she has gone insane.

After moving to Roseway, she gets sucked into an illusion of the dead, coming to regard Roseway as some sort of cult in which they worship a mysterious being that is introduced to her as the Master. Within the months of enduring Roseway, she finds out more about herself and her purpose in the suburb. Teaming up with a friend, who has a dark secret, Rebekah must put an end to the curse before she ends up like the rest of the victims.

• Language: English
• Publisher: N.M. Lambert
• Release date: Jul 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781639723478

N.M. Lambert

I am the author of the Threatening Souls series, the Days of Darkness series, and the upcoming Beasts of Shadow trilogy. I am also a freelance editor, singer, gamer, and metalhead.

Book preview

Threatening

Souls

Book One

#1 Amazon Bestselling Author

N. M. Lambert

Green Tree Press Edition, 2020

THREATENING SOULS

Text copyright © 2020 by Nicole Lambert

Cover and interior design © 2020 by Nicole Lambert

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Green Tree Press, LLC

522 N. Central Ave #831 SMB #11019

Phoenix, AZ 85004

www.greentreepublications.org

Published in the United States of America

ISBN: 9781639723478

ASIN: B08FH8PBRJ

PRAISE FOR

THREATENING SOULS

I finished reading this novel tonight, and I enjoyed it so much. Nicole does a fantastic job at creating a unique world—the mysterious town of Roseway, and shaping believable characters.

-Victoria Snow, Author of The World of Phoenix: V

In her debut novel, Ms. Lambert shows exemplary mastery by crafting a tale complete with memorable characters, rich descriptions, and a riveting plot. The book was simply impossible to put down.

-Olivia Kuziel, Amazon Reviewer

This book is very suspenseful. I really liked how the plot runs very smooth and connects the past, and present…

-Jaden Morello, Author of The Dorothy Diaries

I liked how the story gave the readers the opportunity to piece the puzzle pieces together.

-Sarah Wazir, Author of 100 Voicemails and I Fell For You at the Cemetery

The mystery behind Roseway drew me in but the writing style and organic story kept me reading.

-Grace, Book Reviewer at QuirkyandPeculiar.wordpress.com

This is the perfect book for a spooky Halloween.

-Paige Green, Bookstagram Reviewer

To my friends and family, and to all of my readers and supporters. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for you

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

Please note this book depicts sensitive topics such as attempted rape, gore, violence, anxiety and panic attacks, emotional abuse, and animal death. I have tried my best to approach these topics with sensitivity, but if you feel any of these topics may be triggering, please be aware.

There’s just something hauntingly beautiful about a candle, its flame dancing freely against the background of night. It is one of those sights that remains shrouded in mystery without a care in the world, and all we can do is stare, mesmerized by its beauty. And in the presence of the candle’s continuous flame, we slowly find ourselves becoming more and more hypnotized as we succumb to the darkness that envelops our minds.

Prologue

Henri: Roseway, Washington

June 14, 1860

T

he girl was a nuisance, the typical example of a needy, self-centered human who didn’t seem to care that much about the background of her chosen father figure. Everything was always about her: her identities, her small family, and of course every new bruise that mottled her skin from her biological father’s hand. Each day, Henri Anderson listened to her patiently, though he could care less about the girl’s miserable life. Yet, he needed her as much as she needed him, for she was ultimately the gateway for him to unleash his full power. The mortal magic users were growing too comfortable in their communities, their world, and he hated them for it. Of course, they knew who he was, the immortal warlock who had quickly risen to the title of immortal ruler shortly after he was made. Yet, they didn’t fear him, not like they should. They had suppressed the immortals for far too long.

The girl sat at the edge of the property line of a gated mansion. For the past few months, she insisted that they come here, since the owner of the house had passed away weeks before. The girl told Henri that the owner had a son who was to inherit the mansion, but he had not made it out to Roseway yet. Klein, she said the last name was, but Henri had no interest in the family. If his plan worked the way it should, the son would arrive at a literal ghost town, and not soon afterwards, he would become fodder for the hungry spirits that descended upon him.

Today, the girl had a fresh, bloodied gash across her right cheek. She had been talking for a while, Henri knew, but he was hardly listening. Soon, this town would be his; he could almost hear the screams of the villagers as their flesh literally melted off their bodies, could almost sense the victory over the mortals that was within his grasp. Today was the day he and the girl had set, and much to his amusement, the girl was excited. He had promised her immortality, though the girl failed to realize that she would never be truly immortal. He told her the town would be hers.

The girl looked up at him with huge, questioning eyes. Her long, dark-brown hair framed her pale face, and a few unlucky strands caught themselves in the dried blood that was already starting to clot. You think so? she questioned placidly, obviously to a question he had not heard the beginning of.

Mmhmm, he hummed, reaching out with delicate fingers to brush the strands of her hair away from the drying blood. It was then he got a good look at the gash, a mangled mess of flesh and tissue that looked as if someone had carelessly swiped a razor across her cheek.

The girl’s expression soon turned dark. "He did it. Henri did not need an explanation to know the girl was referring to her father. Ava was the one who broke the window, but he would never lay a hand on his favorite."

Ava. The girl’s twin sister. Henri had never met her in person but had heard enough stories to know that she was slightly older.

Without saying anything else, Henri let his magic gently caress her cheek, knitting her skin back together and clearing her complexion of any lingering blood. It wasn’t the first time he healed her; he did so in order to further gain her trust. And each time he did so, the girl looked appreciative and muttered her thanks, not once mentioning how her family reacted to a wound that was there mere hours before completely disappearing.

This time, the girl quickly turned away from him. I’m sorry, she said solemnly. I know I shouldn’t rely on you as much as I do, but—

Rebecca, Henri began, using the girl’s Christian name, but he never finished his sentence. For a moment, the two of them stared at each other in silent understanding. The girl was special. She was one of the special humans who could see and communicate with spirits, an Innocent, the only one in her family. Even her twin sister, who was technically born a day ahead, did not have the same ability. The girl knew that she was special through Henri’s reassurances, and it was that fact alone that made him seek her out. It was the first time, to his knowledge, that an immortal being made an alliance with one of the special humans without the use of torture.

Rebecca hugged his side, her form barely reaching his chest. Henri wrapped a gentle arm around her shoulders, inviting her closer, a tender gesture that furthered her trust in him. The girl closed her eyes, a silent stream of tears erupting from them.

The first of the rain fell just then as greenish clouds suddenly covered the sky. On his command, an invisible dome was planted over the town on the dot of the twelfth hour, the time the two of them had agreed upon. As the first drop of rain landed on Rebecca’s skin, emitting a slow sizzling sound, she buried her tear-stained face deeply into his side. The rain did not affect Henri, since it was ultimately his magic that allowed it to surface.

All throughout the town, people were screaming with half-melted faces and red, blistering skin, calling to each other for help. Those who were inside quickly out to see what the commotion was, only for their doors to suddenly slam shut, sealing them outside. Soon, the entire town fell victim to the rain as all the villagers screamed and ran around in pain and agony.

All except for Henri and Rebecca.

She continued to cling to him even after bits of her flesh fell away, revealing raw muscle and bone. In her last moments as a living entity, she stayed in his embrace until her soul departed from her body. Only when Henri’s arm was the last thing supporting her failing body did he finally let it drop to the ground in a mangled pile of burning, blistering flesh.

The rain continued to fall until every single citizen of Roseway fell into the same heaping pile of burning flesh that Rebecca did.

Soon, the spirits of the dead citizens began to rise, each looking in horror at what used to be their living bodies.

The spirit of Rebecca smiled at him and nodded, as if beckoning him to finally reveal himself as the town’s savior.

And so he did, stepping over the heaping piles of human flesh as he commanded the rain to stop. The dome remained over the town.

All eyes turned to glance at him.

And in turn, he glanced at each and every one of them, donning a new name for himself. From this point forward, he was formally known as the Master.

Chapter

One

Rebekah: Marywood, Florida

November 12, 2009

Y

ou can do this, Rebekah Jensen thought as she stared at her blank expression in her bedroom mirror. Today is just like any ordinary day.

Taking the brush off her wooden dresser, she began to brush through her tangled, light-brown hair, knowing she was lying to herself. Today was anything but ordinary. It was her last day in Marywood, Florida, the town she’d lived in her whole life, and that saddened her tremendously.

From behind, Rebekah heard her door open slightly, and she jumped—not because she was frightened, but because she didn’t hear a knock. She was very peculiar about her privacy, and for the most part, her parents respected that. Her older twin brothers, on the other hand, chose to ignore that rule. In a fit of frustration, Rebekah threw her brush down on the dresser and turned to face one of them. I’m going to kill you! she screeched before coming to an abrupt stop as the oldest brother—Nicholas—stepped in front of her, closing the door behind him and sitting on her bed, making himself comfortable.

Rebekah stomped towards him, clutching her hair brush so tightly that her skin turned white. What are you doing in here? she snapped, grabbing his shoulders and attempting to yank him off her bed.

I can see you’re not dressed, Nick observed, analyzing her up and down. Willingly, he jumped off her bed in an almost mocking gesture and parked himself in front of her dresser.

Rebekah took one look at her pink, plaid pajama pants and white tank top before looking at Nick again. Her eyes narrowed. Well, yeah! Obviously, I’m not ready yet!

Mom’s going to be mad, Nick pointed out. She wants you downstairs, and as usual, you’re running late.

Get out! Rebekah bellowed, pushing him towards her door. Tell her I’ll be downstairs in about a minute! She then slammed the door shut behind him and turned back towards her dresser.

Rebekah sighed and began peeling off her bedroom attire. Then, she shifted through the many pairs of pants she owned. It was a cold Thursday, and Rebekah knew that she would need something semi-warm if she was going to survive the dread of her last day at Marywood Middle School. Ultimately, she decided on a pair of baggy, dark-blue jeans. After putting on a red V-neck and a black wool jacket, Rebekah dashed out of her room, shooting down the stairs as fast as she could. Nick was right about one thing; she usually was running late in the mornings.

Morning, Rebekah, her mother, Katie, greeted her as she made her way into the kitchen and sat down in between her two brothers. Nick told me you’d be down here soon. Her tone suggested that she was the one who had sent Nick in the first place.

He did, didn’t he? Rebekah said, shooting Nick a glare as a bowl of oatmeal was placed in front of her. Looking up at her mother, she watched as Katie placed bowls of oatmeal in all five of the spots on the dining table.

Mark, will you get your father? Katie asked Nick’s twin. He should be out back in the garden.

Mark left the kitchen, and within a few moments, he returned with their father, Paul. Rebekah began to dig into her oatmeal as soon as the others sat down at the table, wincing as the still-hot flakes singed her tongue.

Now, I want all of you to come straight home as soon as school gets out, Katie ordered. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, and I want you all to finish any last-minute packing.

Why do we have to move? Nick complained, making Rebekah roll her eyes. Mark and I only have half a year left until graduation, and it seems cruel that you’d force us to graduate in a foreign city on the other side of the country—

Nicholas! Katie shot him a glare. I will not hear any more of your complaints!

But you’re forcing us to—

Rebekah, Katie interrupted, ignoring Nick’s complaints, you mentioned yesterday that you wish to take the bus home today?

Yeah, I want one last chance to say bye to everyone, Rebekah said. Can I?

You may. Katie flashed her daughter a smile.

Rebekah didn’t return the smile. Instead, she focused on her oatmeal. Usually on school days, her parents would drive her to and from school, since they both worked there. Her mother was a math teacher, and her father was an English teacher.

The rest of breakfast was eaten in silence, and once the dishes were cleared, Rebekah made a beeline upstairs to brush her teeth. Afterwards, she quickly grabbed her white backpack and met her parents by the front door.

We promise we’ll come straight home after school, Mark said as he and Nick exited the house, dangling a set of silver car keys from his hand.

Rebekah, however, followed her parents into their car, taking a seat in the back and throwing her backpack next to her. In hushed tones, Rebekah could hear her parents talking. Probably about the move tomorrow, she suspected as she leaned back into her seat. I wish we weren’t moving.

For months, both of her parents were set on moving, claiming that it was for a change of scenery. Rebekah didn’t buy that excuse, though, since they had been eyeing the same place for months. She figured it was because of their jobs, even though she thought their jobs in Marywood were pretty stable. Yet, Rebekah’s parents kept insisting that this move would be good for her and her brothers. Rebekah didn’t quite understand how moving would be good for her, especially since the town they were moving to was one she had never heard of before. It was a suburb of Seattle that was built twenty miles south from the city, and Rebekah had only seen pictures of its old-fashioned, run-down architecture. Her parents mentioned the suburb was named Roseway and that it was a historical town that had been around since 1830, twenty-one years before Seattle became a city.

She remembered the day her parents had finally revealed the news to her and her brothers. It was a hot day in July, and her family was gathered around the dinner table. That evening, they were having pizza, something they rarely had due to both her parents’ low incomes. Now that Rebekah thought back, she found the choice in food to be odd, but at the time she was excited. Her brothers also seemed more animated than usual, at least until the news hit.

She remembered her mother plastering a fake, almost eerie smile on her face. Her father had also fashioned that same smile, and though she now realized how unnatural they had looked, she’d shrugged it off at the time.

A sudden silence permeated the air, another factor that went over Rebekah’s head. A rare delicacy in her household, she proceeded to shovel as many slices of pizza into her mouth as she could, and not once did her parents scold her for such fowl table manners.

So, your father and I have been thinking, Katie began, her voice strangely monotonous. She and Paul had shared an excited glance before returning to rest their eyes on their children. We’re moving in November!

Nick nearly spat out his water while Mark slowly put his half-eaten slice of pizza down. Shock was plastered all over their faces. Rebekah didn’t quite understand what about the news warranted their expressions. After all, if they were moving out of the neighborhood into a much better one in Marywood, that would prove to be better for them.

She then thought about the rich neighborhood where one of her best friends lived, and she imagined them being neighbors. Such a fantasy caused her to plaster a smile on her face, and she asked, Will we be closer to Mandy?

The facial expressions of her mother and father soon soured, and Rebekah did not understand the sudden change. Honey, Katie responded in a sickeningly sweet voice that chilled Rebekah, we’re moving out of state.

Suddenly, her brothers’ expressions began to make sense, and her stomach churned. Where? she questioned, fighting the urge to throw up all the pizza she had eaten. Is it the next state over?

Again, her parents looked suddenly troubled, and this time it was her father who spoke. We’re moving to Washington. State.

Rebekah’s heart then plunged into the deepest recesses of her stomach as she looked into her parents’ faces for any sign of deceit. When she found none, she turned her gaze to her plate of leftover pizza crust—the one part of the pizza she never ate. She couldn’t bear to look at her parents right now, not when they threatened to suddenly wrench her away from everything she knew.

We got sudden job offers there, and, her mother continued, the same unnatural smile returning, we gleefully accepted! It will truly be a dream come true for all of us!

Something in Katie’s words left a bitter thought lingering in Rebekah’s mind. It was then when she noticed how differently her parents were acting, almost as if they were under the influence of something.

Where in Washington? This time, it was Mark who spoke, and even Rebekah could sense the quivering anger in his voice.

Roseway, her mother said, also growing angry.

Rebekah had never heard of the town before, nor did she care much about it. Fearfully, she shot each of her brothers a helpless look. The two of them were seniors in high school. They would be graduating in May and therefore could leave Roseway and return to Marywood if they so desired. But her, she would be stuck there for years. She couldn’t imagine leaving her two best friends behind for that long.

Yet, the protests of her brothers were shot down, and she knew her protests would also go unheard, so she remained silent. No amount of convincing, she quickly realized, would make her parents rethink their decision.

The car soon lurched forward as her father pulled into a parking spot in front of the school, jolting Rebekah out of her daydream. Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad, she said as she hurried out of the car with her backpack dangling over one shoulder. I’ll see you when I get home!

A little too quickly, Rebekah made it to the front entrance of the school, flinging the glass doors open. The hallway was filled with other students hanging out in small circles. Upon entering, Rebekah felt apprehensive eyes fall on her, but as soon as they saw who she was, they relaxed and paid no attention to her. For Rebekah, and for everyone else, it was like that every single morning. And she knew exactly who they expected to see—or rather, who they feared seeing.

Jamie Simpson, the queen bee of Marywood Middle School and the leader of a very exclusive clique, Eternal Division. Occasionally, Rebekah would see them around the school, terrorizing those they deemed inferior. Strangely enough, Rebekah never recalled Jamie terrorizing her, even though she fit the usual victim profile of not being rich. All of the four members of Eternal Division were rich, especially Jamie, whose mother was a famous pop singer.

In mere seconds, Rebekah reached her locker and stuffed her backpack into it, only pulling out what she needed for her first class: science. As she was about to close her locker, she felt someone clasp their hands over her eyes. Yet, she knew exactly who the person was, and her first reaction was to giggle.

Give me everything you got, a male voice cooed in her ear.

Jake, stop! Rebekah giggled as she felt him release his hands from her eyes. Spinning around to face him, she ran her hand through his blonde waves. I have nothing to give you.

That is where you’re wrong, Jake said softly as he planted a kiss on her lips.

Rebekah felt herself become increasingly giddy as she looked into the green eyes of Jake Stein. He, in turn, stared into her hazel ones, sending chills down her spine.

Rebekah had been with Jake since the beginning of the school year, and she could hardly believe their time was running out. Like the members of Eternal Division, Jake also came from a rich background, and the clique, unsurprisingly, seemed to like him a lot.

Rebekah, about the whole ‘you-moving-to-Roseway’ thing, I’ll try to maintain a long-distance relationship with you, Jake said. I’ll…come visit you. My parents told me I could.

Rebekah paid no mind to Jake’s optimism, nor to the fact that it could be years before he formally visited, and by then they might not even be together anymore. She didn’t know how she felt about having a long-distance relationship. You know that long-distance relationships rarely work, she replied.

I’ll make it work, he insisted. I could visit you on your birthday, possibly Valentine’s Day…all the important days!

Rebekah laughed at his determination, no matter how impossible it seemed. All the important days, huh?

Jake grinned before planting another kiss on her lips. You know how my parents are. They love sending me away so they can have more private time or whatever.

Jake, I seriously think you need a new set of parents, Rebekah replied jokingly.

Hey, if you’d like to lend me yours sometime, that would be great!

Rebekah rolled her eyes but didn’t respond, instead pulling Jake in for a long, passionate kiss.

I’m not interrupting anything, am I? a sudden voice inquired from Rebekah’s left.

Rebekah instantly broke the kiss, shame coating her features. However, once she turned towards the voice and saw it was one of her best friends, Holly White, she felt more relaxed.

No. Kind of? I don’t know, Rebekah said, making room so Holly could join the conversation. She heard Holly giggle. Where’s Mandy?

I don’t know. Holly shrugged, tucking a strand of orange hair behind her ear, revealing her blue eyes and pale complexion. I just got here.

Rebekah turned back towards Jake, who was eyeing Holly’s outfit with disgust. Rebekah couldn’t blame him; Holly always wore the same attire: a handmade polka-dot dress and worn-out, black running shoes.

I can’t believe today’s the last day for you, Holly muttered, her voice monotone.

Tell me about it, Rebekah grumbled right when the glass doors to the school opened. She, as well as Jake and Holly, quickly turned their attention to the school’s entrance.

There stood Jamie Simpson, her thick, black hair cascading down her round, tan shoulders. In her hand, she held a plastic bag; its contents were something Rebekah felt curious about. Behind her were the other members of her clique: Teri Olson, whose platinum-blonde hair stuck out in a pixie cut on top of her round, porcelain face; Sabrina Adams, her golden-brown hair framing her brown face down to her chin; and Samantha Shea, whose strawberry-blonde hair was tied into a high ponytail and whose skin tone showed evidence of a fake tan.

With confidence, they strode into the hallway, occasionally pausing by groups to hand out whatever contents were in Jamie’s plastic bag. Rebekah caught a brief glance at what Jamie was handing out: envelopes.

I forgot it’s her birthday tomorrow, Jake noted.

However, Rebekah didn’t respond; she was too fixated on watching Jamie. After handing out envelopes to several people in one group, Jamie turned her head, her brown eyes staring at Rebekah’s group as a mischievous smile played on her lips. Abandoning the other group, Jamie led her clique to Rebekah’s trio—and Rebekah didn’t know how to respond.

Rebekah! Jake! Jamie greeted them as if she’d been friends with them for years, completely ignoring Holly. How are you?

We’re okay, Jake answered for both him and Rebekah.

Great! Jamie said enthusiastically. Rebekah, I hear you’re moving tomorrow.

How does she know that? Rebekah gulped silently. Yeah, I am.

Jamie pulled two envelopes out of her plastic bag and handed them to Jake and Rebekah. Well, I’d be honored if you both attended my party tonight.

We’ll be there, Jake said.

Wait, Jake, I can’t, Rebekah uttered, dipping her head low. Secretly, attending one of Jamie’s parties was the last thing she wanted to do, and for once, she was glad she had some sort of excuse to get out of going. I promised my parents I would go straight home after school.

Jamie pursed her lips together. "Do you always do what your parents tell you to do?"

I have an early flight tomorrow, Rebekah protested.

Sneak out, she egged. You don’t have to stay for the whole thing.

Rebekah looked to Holly for support, but Holly merely turned her head away. It was evident she was at a loss for words, and before she had a chance to think about what she was saying, her next set of words mindlessly tumbled out of her mouth. I…guess I could do that.

Great! See you both there! Jamie beamed, shooting Holly a brief glare before departing from the group.

What just happened? Rebekah wondered as she tore the envelope open. Inside was indeed an invitation to Jamie’s thirteenth birthday party at her house at eight. Quickly, she shoved the invitation back into its envelope. She’s never spoken to me before.

Jake smiled at her before kissing her again. I’ll see you later.

Alright. Rebekah smiled and watched him take off.

As Jake disappeared down the hall, Rebekah shoved the invitation back into her locker. Then, she closed and locked it, proceeding to make her way to her first class.

You’re not really going to…go to her party…are you? Holly asked, following Rebekah. Her voice was low and a bit worried.

I’m…I’m…thinking about it, she admitted sheepishly, gulping slightly. I don’t know, though. The only reason I’d really go is because Jake is going to be there.

Holly shot Rebekah an accusing look. "That’s not a good excuse. This is Jamie Simpson we’re talking about here!"

Before Rebekah had a chance to respond, the first bell rang, echoing throughout the hall. There were five minutes left to get to class. The two friends then parted ways and headed to their homerooms.

~~~

Hours soon passed, and Rebekah had emptied out her entire locker, shoving everything into her already twenty-pound backpack. Securing the straps over both her shoulders and slamming her locker shut for the last time, Rebekah started to lug it towards the bus loop.

I can’t believe Jamie did that, Amanda Palmer, who preferred to go by Mandy, commented as soon as Holly was done explaining the situation. Do not go to that party.

Rebekah barely paid any attention to Mandy’s advice. Her mind was racing with thoughts about Jake and her desire to spend as much time with him as possible. Even if it meant going to a party for someone she barely knew.

A few moments later, the trio ended up at the bus loop, and Rebekah reluctantly entered the bus for the first time in her life. With her eyes zoning in on Jake, she made a beeline for the back, and Holly and Mandy hesitantly followed her, despite their protests.

Hey, Rebekah called out, taking a seat next to him. Holly and Mandy, on the other hand, favored the seat that was directly across the aisle from Rebekah.

Jake offered her the same greeting as he put his arm around her. She leaned into him. How was your last day?

Rebekah attempted to shrug. Kind of boring, she admitted, but sad. I still had to do the schoolwork.

Jake chuckled a little. Of course you would complain about doing schoolwork on your last day.

I don’t want to go, though. I would be leaving everything behind me. Rebekah shook her head. I can’t even imagine myself living in any other place but Marywood.  She sighed and glanced at the ground. A growing feeling of nausea washed  over her.

Shhh, Jake whispered. You’ll be okay.

I hope so, Rebekah thought as she craned her head to look at Holly and Mandy. Instantly, she noticed that they were looking at the back cover of a book. Rebekah raised an eyebrow. What’s that?

Holly jerked her head towards Rebekah, startled. Oh, umm… she stumbled, glancing at Mandy.

"Bleeding Misery, Mandy finished. You know, the book I was working on for about a year now."

You finally published it?

Mandy nodded. "I self-published it yesterday. She paused briefly, gazing at her novel and then handing it to Rebekah. Here, take it."

Rebekah took the novel from Mandy’s hands. Are you sure?

You’re going to need something to read on the plane, right? Mandy said, smiling a little. Besides, I don’t know if we’ll ever see each other again.

Well, thanks. Rebekah grinned as she tried to stuff the book into her overflowing backpack. Then, she leaned into Jake even more and closed her eyes, allowing the bus to rock her back and forth, back and forth…

She stayed in that position for nearly ten minutes until the bus came to an abrupt stop. The doors soon opened, and  six people stood up, including Teri and Sabrina.

This is my stop, Jake whispered to Rebekah.

Rebekah looked up at him and nodded. Within seconds, the two kissed for the final time, and all Rebekah could feel was an emptiness in her stomach. Tears cascaded down her cheeks. She didn’t want to let go. She didn’t want to lose him just to move to the other side of the country. As she hugged him tighter, she began to sob even harder.

Jake patted her back and squeezed her tighter. He then untangled his arms around her, and hesitantly, Rebekah let him out of the seat and into the aisle. As she watched him exit the bus, her heart sank. She bit her lip and leaned back against her seat, letting the tears continue to fall.

Before the bus started moving again, Jamie and Sam made their way to the back. Rebekah wiped the tears with the back of her hand and eyed them with curiosity, knowing that their intention was to convince her to go to Jamie’s party. Yet, she was shocked when Jamie and Sam decided to sit down—not in the empty seat next to her, but on her two best friends.

Hey, Rebekah! Jamie waved cheerfully as if everything was normal.

Rebekah knew she shouldn’t be surprised by Jamie’s choice of seating. Yet, she couldn’t help but feel a little shocked and irritated. You’re on…Holly and…Mandy, she said.

What? Jamie blinked as if she didn’t understand Rebekah’s statement. Turning her head slightly to her right, her brown eyes came into contact with Mandy’s green ones. I’m so sorry. She issued the fake apology while unscrewing the cap of her water bottle. I don’t know what got into me—ahhh!

Rebekah watched in silence as Jamie’s water bottle tilted slightly, letting the water flow out of it and into Mandy’s lap. Instantly, Sam whipped out her phone and started recording the entire thing.

I’m really sorry, Jamie said with fake sincerity, unable to hide her wicked smile.

But Mandy kept her expression as blank as possible. Staring directly at the camera, she said in the most monotone voice she could muster, "Cute and original." Then, she flipped her stomach-length blonde hair over her shoulder, letting the soaked tips air-dry.

Jamie and Sam rolled their eyes and then slid into the seat next to Rebekah.

Are you still planning on attending my party? Jamie asked as if nothing had happened.

Umm…sure? Rebekah replied in a small voice mainly to appease Jamie. The truth was, however, she was still undecided, especially after what she had just witnessed.

Out of the corner of her eye, Rebekah noticed a black shadow. Cocking her head to the side, she saw nothing, and she shivered in her seat. There had been something there. She was sure of it, and yet it disappeared within a second.

Rebekah, are you listening to me? Jamie demanded.

Rebekah didn’t respond to Jamie, for the same shadow—or rather, a strange figure that was draped in black holding what appeared to be a knife—entered her vision. Rebekah’s eyes widened, and she began to feel a bit light-headed as the bus came to a gradual stop. Before she could come to her senses, the figure disappeared once again.

Jamie and Sam let Rebekah slide out of the seat after she made a move to exit the bus. She had to get out of there. She had no idea what that thing had been, but from the first instant she spotted it, she had felt its energy gently caress her as if it was trying to pull her into sudden unconsciousness. As she got out using the two seats in front of her for support, she slowly made her way down the aisle. She could feel her legs wobble with each step she took. Her vision quickly faltered, and she could feel a pounding headache coming on.

Rebekah! she heard Holly cry out from behind her.

Rebekah whipped her head in Holly’s direction, only to notice the same figure, standing just mere inches from her. Her eyes soon rolled into the back of her head, and her knees collapsed inward. Then, she felt herself falling down the stairs…

…and she heard the gasps from the other students right before she blacked out completely.

Chapter

Two

Rebekah: Marywood, Florida

T

here was no light.

She felt numb and heavy.

Shrouded in black, she was alone in her mind, sobbing quietly. She couldn’t move; she couldn’t see. She was unable to form words, and the noises of the outside world seemed distant. She was unable to comprehend them. Trapped in her own mind, the darkness slowly faded, and soon, she found herself in a place she thought she would never get to see: the verdant forest of the town she would be moving to.

She quickly found herself in a small clearing that was surrounded by trees. Rain pelted her from above, and she glanced at the cloudy sky. Rarely did Marywood get any rain, and Rebekah extended her arms outward so that the raindrops landed on them. Yet, she felt nothing.

Her name was whispered through the trees, and Rebekah cocked her head to the side, seeing nothing at first. Then, she noticed movement within the woods—movement that belonged to a black, shadowy figure. The thing from the bus? Rebekah wondered as she took one step back.

The figure moved closer to the clearing, extending its hand towards her. Rebekah searched for the knife it had held previously, but she saw nothing. Then, the figure emerged from the dark recesses of the woods, revealing a face that was all too familiar.

Jake Stein.

Rebekah squinted at him, confused. What is he doing in Roseway? she wondered. How did I end up here?

I was getting worried about you, Jake said, his voice devoid of all emotion.

Looking at him strangely, Rebekah stammered, But…why…?

In heavy strides, Jake moved towards her, wrapping his arms around her. I thought they had taken you already, he murmured into her hair.

What do you mean? Rebekah asked, breaking free from his grasp.

I thought they— Jake started to say but suddenly stopped as he stared at something behind Rebekah, his mouth hanging open.

Rebekah glanced behind her into the eyes of the shadowy figure from the bus. Letting out a scream, she ran behind Jake, clutching his arm tightly. Jake, we need to go! she screamed at him.

But Jake refused to move. Instead, he pushed her farther behind him. You will not claim her, he spoke calmly to the shadowy figure. She has not left for Roseway yet.

She has not left for Roseway yet? Rebekah repeated as her heart pounded inside her chest. Am I not in Roseway?

The shadowy figure said nothing to Jake. In response, it raised its knife and twisted it into Jake’s stomach.

Blood started gushing from the wound, and Rebekah watched in horror as Jake collapsed onto