Divine Chaos Book Two

By Robin A. R. Halsey

The prophecy says he will be the last.

 

He was willing to face it all for her but souls can't return from hell unscathed.

 

Six years have passed since Edanna watched the man she loved vanish in front of her. Six years since she took on her role as Guardian to the child who would be his successor. In that time, she has watched Brice grow quickly into a man and been aware as his powers attempted to surface. While her duty to Brice is never far from her mind, her heart longs for Kyan and reuniting with him has become an obsession. As her dreams manifest, she is forced to admit that her desires have placed Brice in danger.

 

 

Trigger warnings: This book contains abduction, blood, bones, captivity, corpses, cults, death, drug use, mental illness, suicide, and torture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Moment Designs
• Release date: Dec 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781777230333

Robin A. R. Halsey

Robin A. R. Halsey is the mother of three quirky children and the wife of a supportive and ambitious dreamer. Robin has been writing for over two decades, producing numerous poems, novellas, and novels. She is also a self-taught artist with a focus on mostly acrylic paintings. Keep up to date on Robin’s creative work by joining the Creatorium Collective at www.rrmoq.com

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Chapter 1

Edanna looked out the window of her cabin, narrowing her eyes as she gazed at the clouds that had begun to obscure the setting sun. She turned from the window and a determined smile spread across her face. A small obstacle. She shrugged and grabbed a canvas bag from beside the hearth.

It’s time, she stated, hurriedly filling the bag with herbs, stones, and a generous sack of ash. Tonight, you come back to me. She slung the bag over her shoulder and moved swiftly out the door.

Edanna travelled through the cool night air, pausing only a moment to look back at her cabin and consider going back for a cloak but instead pushed forward with excitement.

As she travelled, Edanna began to hum, softly at first but growing louder with each step. Realizing that the sound could gain her unwanted attention, she forced herself to stop. From that point forward, each step she took was a firm and focused one. She knew that no matter how prepared she thought she was, tonight was not a guarantee. Just because everything she had read and all the information she had gathered said that this would work, there was no way to know if she was right. Even if she was, the real possibility existed that she would not be strong enough to complete the ritual.

She shook her head at this last thought as if the physical act would serve to knock the doubt from within her. She knew that there was no room for doubt in what she was about to undertake and stopped to stare ahead. Was she ready for this? What if she did fail? She would willingly give her life to succeed in the ritual, but her death almost guaranteed that the suffering of the one she meant to bring forth would last long into the future. She shook her head again. I’m ready, she said firmly and looked up at the moon, I promise. I am ready.

With a newfound determination, Edanna moved smoothly through the trees until she reached an unremarkable, though dense, site within the forest and stopped again, this time peering into the trees around her. Sheridan? Wynn? she called into the night air. Brice?

Relief came over her when no one answered her and after waiting as long as her excitement would allow, Edanna raised her hands together over her head then slowly drew them apart until they stretched out on either side of her. As she did, the trees began to sway and soon the area that she stood in grew into a large opening as the elders leaned away and allowed the moonlight to filter in.

Edanna frowned as the clouds moved across the sky and began to block out portions of the moon’s light, casting shadows into her unnatural opening. Even as the rain began to fall she knew that she had no time to worry about such things. The clouds would be dealt with when the time was right and for now, the light wasn’t necessary. With a gentle nod, Edanna took a few steps forward and knelt on the ground near the center of the ring of trees.

It’s time to rise, she said firmly, placing both hands on the ground in front of her, pulling them slowly up as she got to her feet. Following her movement, a clay figure began to emerge from the earth and soon came to rest on the stone altar that had been hidden beneath it within the earth.

She took a deep breath and methodically began to circle the figure, her hand hovering barely above it as she moved, and her eyes closed tightly. A gentle smile remained on her lips even as a tear escaped her eye. Perfect, she whispered to herself, leaning down over the clay man and softly kissing him. You probably have no idea how much I’ve missed you and I know that you likely haven’t thought much about me. I understand that. She bit her lip and pulled a large white speckled stone from within her sack. This time it will be different. It has to be. This time we’re going to get to live our lives, together, as we always should have.

She placed the stone on the figure’s chest and smiled with a sad determination. You have no idea what’s about to happen and I guess, in the end, neither do I. You were different when your memories returned. Six years apart. I know that I’ve changed. She swallowed hard. Do I even have the right to hope that place hasn’t destroyed the man I knew? She took the small silver ring from her finger and stared at it a long while before perching it on the stone. Kyan, will you still love me the way I love you?

She swallowed and took a step back from the statue, her eyes fixed on the ground at the base of the altar while she breathed deeply in an attempt to calm her nerves. This is going to work, she whispered. Don’t doubt, Edanna. Doubt will destroy you both. Doubt will make you fail.

Edanna kept her eyes closed, raising her face to the sky and holding on to the hope and determination that she had forced up from inside her. She raised her hands above her head once again and slowly opened her arms, opening her eyes to watch the clouds floating out of the way of the light of the moon. Her expression stern, she moved from in front of the statue and watched the light quickly illuminated it.

Confident that everything was set, Edanna hurriedly placed stones at various points on the alter and on the ground around it before sprinkling herbs onto the clay. She took a step back and circled the altar, adjusting a couple of the stones, before picking up the sack of ash and carefully creating a solid circle around everything, ending at the head of the clay figure with herself inside the ash barrier.

Planting her feet, she looked over the placement of everything from where she stood and took a deep breath before again raising her hands into the sky. She carefully directed the light of the moon to each stone, creating small pillars of light around the altar which caused the clearing to fall into shadow.

Timekeeper. Hear my voice, she called into the night air. I claim from you a soul bound to me. He can be yours no longer. You will release him.

What’s with you? Brice turned and looked at his lupine companion who was following him hesitantly. Quinn, this isn’t the first time we’re doing this—why are you so nervous?

The wolf paused and looked around. His fur bristled and he growled while staring into the trees.

Brice looked at the wolf then placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, trying to see what was bothering his companion. He took a step toward the trees, but Quinn quickly grabbed his hand in his jaws and pulled him back.

What has gotten into you? he snapped. Look, I don’t see anything out there and I don’t sense anyone either. Let’s just get to the city. Amenty is waiting for us and you know she doesn’t have much time before she has to get back to the temple. I don’t want to miss our meeting.

Quinn grunted and moved between Brice and the trees and nudged him forward.

Brice looked back to see the wolf again growling at the shadows and shook his head. Come on, he called before refocusing on his path.

There she is. Brice fought to contain his excitement as he hurried toward the small cloaked figure. He slowed a short way from her and began to walk as patiently as his eager legs would allow, resisting the urge to shout her name. Nearly reaching her, he jumped back when a sword swung toward him and quickly knocked it back with his own and peered into the hood while keeping his sword raised. He glanced at Quinn who made no movement toward the figure and relaxed when she dropped her sword.

Brice. She gasped with obvious relief. Come, we can’t be here.

What’s happened? He followed behind her, barely able to keep up to her frantic pace. Slow down! Brice stumbled over the uneven road. I don’t know this place like you do.

She turned and took his hand noting it seemed cold and stared at it a moment. I’m sorry, it’s just a little further. I promise that I’ll explain everything.

He nodded and again allowed her to lead him forward through the dark streets and much deeper into the city. Soon each step he took became laboured and he stumbled again, this time falling to his hands and knees.

Amenty turned to reassure Brice that it wasn’t much further and gasped when he looked up toward her with glowing eyes. Brice? She took a step toward him, but Quinn nipped at her hand as she reached out.

Quinn, what’s gotten into you tonight? Brice questioned, his voice laboured.

Brice, are you all right? She looked at Quinn and nodded toward the wolf. Where I intended for us to go isn’t going to be an option after all. I should have known. I’m sorry, Brice, you never told me.

Told you what?

That you’re a . . . She paused when Quinn began to growl, then reached forward and pulled Brice to his feet. Come on, back this way. She hurriedly began to lead him anew through the dank streets.

Where are we going? he gasped. Brice was finding that each step was getting easier the further they travelled and, while it was improving, the tightness in his chest lingered stubbornly. He wiped the sweat from his brow. Amenty, do you realize that I have no idea how to get home from here?

He knows. She motioned at Quinn. Besides, it isn’t as though I’d leave you here to find your own way.

You are acting strangely. He shrugged.

I’m sorry, Brice. She looked around and turned down another path that led into a small unlit garden. Here, this will work.

Brice followed close behind her until they reached a stone bench and sat down. After a brief moment in silence, Brice turned toward her and took her hand to find that it was shaking. Amenty?

There have been rumours, she whispered, gripping his cold hand and focusing on the ground. I can’t stay long.

Rumors? About us?

She nodded. They don’t know it’s me. At least, they haven’t said anything to me at the temple and there haven’t been any restrictions placed upon me. But I keep thinking that they’re watching me. Someone has tried to come into my room at night a couple of times. I fear they’re trying to catch me away . . . to catch me with you.

Brice nodded slowly but remained silent.

That’s why I was trying to go into the slums. I knew that no one there would know me and that word wouldn’t get back to the high priestess. I didn’t realize that it would affect you the way it did. She shook her head and a tear rolled down her cheek. We hadn’t even made it halfway there . . . if you hadn’t stumbled, you never would have said anything to me. I could have harmed you because of my fear. I’m so sorry.

I don’t know what came over me in the streets, but it isn’t anything for you to worry about. He gripped her hands. Leave with me. Tonight. Right now. Just leave and don’t look back.

I can’t. I took an oath. She pulled her hands back. I don’t expect you to understand. I can’t just leave. I will do my duty, Brice, until the day I die.

He nodded and swallowed. I know. After a long silence, he got to his feet and began to pace. That’s it, then. If you won’t leave, then we can’t keep doing this.

I didn’t mean—

What am I supposed to do? Keep meeting you in secret? Keep rushing through dark streets behind you in hopes that we aren’t seen until one day we are and you’re put to death for betraying your oath? I can’t be the reason you die, Amenty. I can’t and I won’t. This has to end.

You’re asking me to turn my back on everything that I have ever known. I was raised in the temple. Given over by my parents when the spirit chose me. All I know is that life. They’re my family.

He nodded and looked into her eyes. And what am I?

Wynter looked out over the damned, the voices and images around her were little more than noise in a place that she was numb to. Another full moon rises. She smiled.

Hear my voice. A whisper entered the noise and Wynter held her breath. Release him.

I had begun to lose hope in you. She smiled. Visions aren’t always true after all and you have endured so much, young guardian. The smile vanished as she felt another presence enter the realm and quickly reached out to grab the soul that was passing by her, pulling him in front of her and blocking his view.

Timekeeper? Why have you stopped me? This is not my place.

You are later than usual, she stated.

Sheridan shrugged. I stayed away as long as I could. The full moon somehow lets me feel close to what once was. To a time before my brother was bound to this place.

And yourself as well. She nodded. I am sorry that both of you have spent these last six years here.

Six years, he muttered. How long until Kyan can leave this place?

Do you wish for his freedom or your own?

How dare you?

This place torments you as well as him. Mental torture is still torture, Sheridan. You are not like me, you cannot hope to block this place out.

But I am like you. He looked up into her violet eyes. Doing nothing but keeping time and watching suffering.

You did not answer my question.

I wish to end my brother’s suffering, he snapped. You know that. That’s how I ended up here. I was trying to keep him from this. Now let me pass.

Wynter looked into his eyes and a tear rolled down her cheek. I know.

Sheridan softened and stared into her suddenly shimmering eyes and realized with some shock that the shimmering was not being caused by tears. Who are you?

Wynter looked down and blinked a few times, looking back up at him with eyes that he had come to recognize and a face of stone. I am the timekeeper, she said flatly. And tonight, you cannot pass.

Sheridan’s eyes grew wide and as he opened his mouth to speak, he heard a commotion above the chaos ahead of him. What’s happening?

You must trust me, Sheridan. You cannot pass.

I will not stand here and let you keep me away from him. Now get out of my way, Timekeeper.

You mustn’t draw attention our way. You must stay quiet.

Let me pass! he snapped, shoving Wynter to the side which allowed his soul to rush to its place. He looked on in confusion to see that his brother had nearly vanished. What remained was barely visible and the spectre looked toward him with blank eyes and made no sound as it was attacked anew.

Edanna continued to concentrate on her breathing. After calling to the timekeeper and reciting the incantation that she was sure would bring Kyan’s soul to her. She had been prepared for some sign from the timekeeper, but nothing had come, and the incantation had produced no result. All this planning. I had everything, I’m sure I did it right, but you’re still not here. She dropped slowly to her knees and allowed her tears to fall. I miss you.

After a moment of self-pity, Edanna forced herself back to her feet. What did I miss? she whispered. I have to have missed something.

Edanna went over the ritual again and again in her head but could find nothing. I’m not giving up, Kyan. I promise you. She stood beside the clay statue and sighed before reaching out toward her ring only to realize that it had begun to vibrate. She held her breath and took a step back, watching as the stone on the figure’s chest began to glow and slowly sink into the statue. The clay began to smooth, soon taking on the clear image of the man she knew. Colour came slowly to the statue, though remaining earthen, and clothing soon followed. Edanna took another step back, striking the magic field that had been created by the line of ash and gasping as a shot of pain ran through her. She dropped to her knees, writhing in the mounting pain emanating from her back and fighting back tears while scolding herself for her stupidity.

How? a voice whispered.

Edanna gasped and looked up to see the figure on the alter beginning to sit up. Through tears and pain, she looked into the shimmering blue eyes that had only existed in her memory for six long years. Kyan. She reached her hand toward him only to see him recoil and fall off the back of the alter. Kyan, it’s me. Edanna. She fought to get her body to respond and crawled to the other side of the alter, coming face to face with a dark earthen wolf with frightened shimmering blue eyes. His eyes darted around as he seemed to attempt to look around him all at once and he quickly moved away again when she approached. There’s nothing to fear here.

He paused and looked into her eyes, then moved quickly away from her again, this time striking the field that she had yet to drop.

Edanna heard him yelp and watched as he pressed his back against the magic wall until a large flash momentarily blinded her and a loud boom sent the birds rushing into flight in the distance. As her sight returned, she reached up to the altar and pulled herself up, looking around into the trees that were slowly placing themselves back into their correct positions and finding that there was no one around that she could see or sense. Kyan? she whispered, dropping back to her knees and slumping forward against the alter, unaware as the rain began to fall.

Chapter 2

Y ou know what you mean to me, Amenty got to her feet and began to pace, but I can’t just turn away from everything. It isn’t as simple as all that.

Brice leapt to his feet and stood in front of her, forcing her to stop pacing. Amenty, I love you and I don’t want to lose you.

You . . . Brice, you’re so young, how can you know what love is?

I know it because I feel it. There is no other word for what goes on within me when we’re together or when we’re apart. I know that this is love. He smiled. Besides, you’re not that much older than me.

Amenty looked up, even through the torchlight she could see the lights that had begun to dance in the sky. I shouldn’t have allowed this. I was just so curious about you.

Curious?

I saw you, Brice. Before we met, I saw you in a vision. She smiled to herself. At the beginning of the vision I saw you sneaking through the dark streets of this city. I thought that you seemed to be exploring though you never seemed to venture too deeply.

I was trying to learn these streets when we first met. My grandfather runs a shop in this city but I’ve never been allowed to go there. I only see him when he visits.

Amenty nodded. That wasn’t what intrigued me about you though, that part of the vision was fairly ordinary. My first curiosity was the shadow that followed you, a man, tall and thin. He radiated with remorse and regret and was protective of you. I’ve never seen any indication of him since I have been with you though I think I’ve sensed someone once or twice. Do you have any idea who might follow you like that?

Brice shook his head.

After that, the visions took a strange turn where I saw you as much more than you are now. In my vision, I came to know of your soul, a part of you that’s been buried by those around you. A part of you that makes you special. She looked deeply into his eyes. Tonight was the first indication I have ever had from you about the truth of who you are.

The truth?

I realize now that you weren’t hiding it from me, you simply don’t know. I can’t help but wonder if there might be a good reason that you don’t know who you are.

Some vision made you think I was someone else and that’s why you met me that night? I don’t care. What matters to me is that we met.

Amenty shook her head. It has to end before we’re both in trouble.

I don’t care what sort of trouble I get into. I will face anything to be with you.

That’s infatuation, Brice. It will fade in time.

Brice reached out toward her but she moved away. After a long silence, he nodded to himself. All right. If that’s what you want, then I will leave you alone.

It is.

All I ask is one thing from you. He reached forward and placed his hand on her shoulder, gently turning her to face him and staring at her tearful eyes. He leaned forward, pulling her close before kissing her lips. After a moment, he felt her move closer to him and breathed in her scent as he held her tightly.

It’s time to go, she whispered.

Brice gently pushed her back but continued to hold her shoulders while looking into her eyes.

Amenty moved out of his reach and did her best to stand rigid and keep herself from trembling. I’ll lead you out of here. It wouldn’t be safe for you to get lost in this place.

Brice sighed and nodded toward her before pulling her behind him and drawing his sword.

Brice? What is it? she gasped.

Look over there, do you see it?

Amenty followed his gaze and stared at the dark outline of a large beast in the alley ahead of them. By the gods . . . how did that get into the city?

Do you know what it is?

Amenty nodded and grabbed his hand, pulling him away as quickly as she could. Not something we can face. Where has Quinn gotten to?

He can take care of himself. He’s no ordinary wolf.

I’m aware of that. He’s an immortal, she answered as they ran through the streets. I’ve studied them and Quinn isn’t the only one who’s been in this area. I wonder if he’s gone to see the others.

Why didn’t you say anything?

A wolf came into the city and the guards were none the wiser. In fact, you come into the city and no one has followed you. That was no accident.

All right, I’ll accept that, he answered and stumbled.

Amenty pulled Brice back to his feet. I’m sorry. The only way to get away from that creature is to go deeper into the city.

Brice swallowed, he had no desire to relive the feelings that he had when they first started to travel. Leave me if I fall, he said flatly.

Amenty stared at him. I can’t promise that.

Who are you? Sheridan demanded into the darkness.

Wynn opened her eyes and sighed, rolling to face her husband and placing her hand on his shoulder. Sheridan, wake up. She watched a tremor run through him as he rolled away from her coming to rest on the edge of the bed. Sheridan, she said firmly and reached out again.

Get away from him! he snapped, shoving Wynn back and falling from the bed.

Wynn struck the ground on the opposite side, her head striking the wall behind her. She gasped, reaching up and grabbing the back of her head. Sheridan, she whispered, blinking to try and keep the room from spinning. She swallowed as a rush of power began to build up within her, something she had only felt a few other times in her life, and closed her eyes as tightly as she could. Help me.

Sheridan sat straight up, the images in his mind lingering even as he fought them off. For a moment he questioned how he had ended up on the floor but as his mind cleared he knew the answer. Shifting to his knees, he moved to get back onto the bed and prepared to apologize for waking Wynn as he knew he likely had but instead heard a barely audible whisper in the darkness.

Where are you? He scrambled onto the bed and saw her slumped against the wall, her shoulders trembling and a trickle of blood running down the side of her neck. Please tell me that I’m dreaming.

You don’t dream, she whispered, her eyes still tightly closed. You endure sleep, my love, that is all.

Sheridan carefully lifted Wynn and moved her onto the bed. I shoved you again, didn’t I?

She bit her lip, trying to ignore the pain in the back of her head.

He pulled her forward, moving her green hair away trying to see the wound on the back of her head, but her hair was already too matted from the blood. Just stay here, I’m going to get a basin and some water. I need to get a look at that wound.

I’ll be ok. She managed a smile but kept her eyes tightly closed.

Sheridan looked at his wife worriedly and hurried into the kitchen. I’m going to have to start sleeping on my own, he muttered as he hurried back. These nights are getting worse. I can’t believe I let this happen. I should have seen it coming, I should have— He dropped the basin and rushed back to his room when he heard Wynn scream finding her sitting rigid in their bed with her eyes glowing and wide open. Wynn?

Brice, she stuttered, the glow slowly leaving her and a tremor quickly taking over the rigidity. As she began to shake, she slumped forward into Sheridan’s arms and began to sob, burying her face in his chest.

What happened? Sheridan ran his fingers through her matted hair. I thought at worst I was coming back to a dragon.

That’s what I thought I was fighting, Wynn sobbed. But when I opened my eyes . . . I saw . . . She shook again.

Brice?

She nodded and tried to steady herself.

Wynn, did you have a vision?

She