Book of Demons 3

By Finn

Just when Rose thinks things are looking up, the winter holiday takes a sudden and dark turn. Wes decides to move forward with his plans, and the city of Polaris finds itself in grave danger.

One tragic event seems to trigger another until several problems arise within the group. Everyone struggles to battle their inner demons, though its nearly impossible on their own. Relying on others isnt easy, yet individuals are forced to lean on one another and learn valuable life lessons.

Rose does her best to help her friends through these tough times, although she comes to realize that certain problems just cant be fixed. Some tragedies are impossible to be undone, and only time can mend the heartbreak.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543464184

Finn

Finn is a young adult, from Florida. He has a degree in Studio Art and is currently working as an elementary school teacher. He finds writing to be a creative outlet for his busy life, as well as drawing and reading. As a transgender man, Finn often includes many LGBTQ+ characters in his stories. Though, he tries to depict them in nonspecific ways, as the storyline is not dependant on the characters sexual orientation and/or gender expression. Finn hopes that, in the near future, there will be more novels with positive queer representation.

Book preview

124

Lepelliar Woods

H EY, LEPELLIAR? FANG sways back and forth on his swing. His long white hair is pulled into a high ponytail, and he’s wearing his black hoodie.

What? Leper looks at him from the next swing over.

Do you know what Rose and Fayne have planned for Christmas? He asks. Leper can see the edges of his fangs. It’s tomorrow and they said they wanted to do something.

I’m not sure. Leper replies. They never said anything to me.

Oh. Fang murmurs. It’ll probably be something stupid.

Leper laughs. Probably. But it might also be fun.

I doubt it. Fang drawls.

Leper sighs. You’re always so negative. Can’t you try to get along with anyone?

I get along with you. Fang points out.

Because I don’t take your insults seriously. Leper rolls his eyes. You should try being nice.

"Ew, Lepelliar. That’s gross. Fang shudders. Why the hell would I want to be nice to those morons?"

Leper chuckles. It might be fun.

Right. Fang scoffs. Most of them don’t like me, so I really don’t think it’ll be fun being nice to them.

That’s not true. Only Seth and Darcy don’t like you. Leper points out. And I think they’re warming up to you. They’re just trying to get over their Dark demon discriminations.

Oh, fucking boy. Fang huffs, sarcastically. That leaves me with Rose and the child.

Leper laughs, knowing he’s talking about Sage. You might get along with Tanner and Sawyer. Or maybe Blaze. Rose said she’s trying to get them to spend Christmas with us.

Fun. Fang says, monotone. He runs his tongue along the tips of his fangs.

Leper grins. He knows not to take Fang’s attitude seriously.

It’s nice that they’re getting along now. Their friendship might not be perfect, but he’s happy with it.

Although, it took them a while before they actually become friends. He and Fang got into an argument first. It was actually a couple of days ago. Leper asked Fang why he didn’t like to be called his birth name- Faye. But Fang got angry and stormed off.

Leper found him later on, and tried forcing the subject again. Fang got frustrated, and then turned the argument onto Leper by accusing him of being gay.

He’s sure Fang only said that to push him away. Fang isn’t used to having friends yet. He was probably scared.

But Leper wasn’t thinking of that at the time, so he let his anger get the better of him. He ended up taking things too far by taunting Fang with his birth name. He kept calling him Faye, over and over, not realizing how upset he was making Fang.

In the end, Leper apologized and the two agreed to be friends. Leper’s relieved things worked out well. He cares about Fang, just as he cares about all of his friends. He hopes the others will learn to like Fang as well.

They’ll just need to learn that Fang has a short temper, and not take his rude comments seriously. He’s blunt and says what’s on his mind, but is also pretty funny once you get to know him.

Leper turns to Fang. His shimmering, silver eyes are gazing out at the rest of the park. Fang turns and glares at him. Leper laughs.

Yeah he thinks. I can be his friend.

125

Sawyer Hiems

L ET ME SEE. Sawyer demands.

No, it’s fine. Tanner glowers.

Just let me see. Sawyer grabs his arm.

Tanner huffs, and then pulls off his navy hoodie. His torso is covered in bruises. Some are purple and blue, while others have a green tinge.

Sawyer stiffens. He hates seeing Tanner like this. He can’t believe he was being abused for so long, and Sawyer didn’t even know. Sawyer and Blaze only just rescued him the other night.

Sawyer ended up beating up the guy Tanner was working for. He almost killed him actually, but Blaze stopped him. He said Tanner wouldn’t want Sawyer to become a killer. So, Sawyer ended up sparing the horrible man, and taking Tanner home.

Tanner hasn’t gone back to that place, nor will he ever. Sawyer and Blaze have made it clear that they don’t want him anywhere near that place. Tanner seemed worried about not having a job, but Blaze told him not to worry about it for now. Tanner should spend a few days resting for once. He overworks himself.

He’s also not good at relying on others either. Though, Sawyer hopes he can learn to. He never wants Tanner to get into such a horrible situation ever again. He wants to protect Tanner, just as Tanner has always protected him.

Sawyer blinks back into focus, as Tanner picks his hoodie back up. Sawyer gently touches one of his bruises, making him flinch.

Sorry, do they hurt? Sawyer murmurs.

Uh, it’s fine. Tanner mumbles.

I just don’t understand… Sawyer sighs. Why isn’t your body healing itself faster? Dark demons are supposed to have rapid healing.

Tanner pulls his sweater back on and hugs himself. He shrugs.

Sawyer stares at him. His hair isn’t spiky at all anymore. It’s grown out, so the blonde strands fall over his eyebrows. He looks a bit pale, and there’s dark bags under his blue eyes. He’s also pretty thin.

Maybe you’re not taking care of yourself enough. Sawyer thinks aloud. Your body can’t handle the stress you’re putting it under.

That sounds dumb. Tanner says.

Sawyer rolls his eyes. It makes sense. Dark demons can die from exhaustion and starvation, just like everyone else.

Tanner doesn’t say anything.

You’re going to start taking care of yourself, whether you like it or not. Sawyer pries apart Tanner’s stiff arms, and then takes hold of his hand. Come on, we’re going to out to eat.

But, we don’t have that much money. Tanner protests, as Sawyer drags him away.

Too bad. Sawyer retorts. He holds Tanner’s hand the entire way.

Lately, they’ve been holding hands a lot. And not just because Sawyer’s dragging Tanner somewhere. Sometimes, they’re just sitting next to each other, and they hold hands for no reason at all. Although neither of them ever try to hold hands when Blaze is around. They both know he’d only tease them about it.

But, Sawyer isn’t sure what all this means. He knows he has feelings for Tanner. Heck, he even tried to kiss him once, but stopped because Blaze interrupted. But Sawyer has no idea how Tanner feels.

For now, he supposes it’s okay. He doesn’t need to be romantically involved with Tanner right now. He just wants to protect him. Be there for him.

That’s all Sawyer wants.

126

Rose Silver

O H, GOOD. EVERYONE’S here! Rose beams as Sawyer, Tanner, Blaze, and Sonnet walk into view.

She asked everyone to meet up outside the shack tonight. It’s Christmas. Rose and Fayne told everyone they had a surprise for tonight.

Rose! Sonnet calls, running over to give her a hug. He’s wearing his usual punk attire, but has a Santa hat on his fluffy pink hair.

Hi, Sonnet! Rose hugs him back. I’m so happy you guys are here!

Me too! So what are we doing?

Fayne walks over with a plastic bag. Should I show everyone yet? He asks Rose.

Sure, since everyone’s here. She shrugs.

Fayne pulls out a few packets of sparklers. Ta-dah! He waves them in the air.

Ooh! That looks fun! Darcy cheers.

Do we all get one?! Sage bounces up and down. His brown eyes look huge and are dancing with excitement.

Rose laughs. Everyone can have their own pack. There’s tons of sparklers in there.

Wow, thanks Rose. Leper grins.

This is much more exciting than what we usually do- just walk around Polaris to look at the lights. Sawyer comments, walking over.

Well, the night is young. We can always do both. Sonnet points out.

There’s lighters in the bag, by the way. Fayne adds.

We don’t need a lighter. Blaze whispers to Sonnet. Rose knows it’s because he has the power of fire.

She notices Sonnet’s mouth turn up in a smile. She’s so happy those two got back together.

Here, I’ll pass them out. Fayne starts handing boxes to everyone.

Soon enough, everyone has a box of sparklers and is lighting them up.

Rose stands beside Fayne, Leper, and Fang.

Rose giggles as Fang has trouble flicking the lighter. He glares at her, but Leper jabs him in the side to stop.

Wow, look Rose. Fayne lights his sparkler. I can spell my name in the sky.

He starts writing with his sparkler. Rose gazes at the glowing lines forming in the open air.

She lights her own. Sparks fly off the stick as Rose drags it through the sky. She draws lots of pictures with it. Hearts, stars, happy faces. She tries writing everyone’s names a few times too.

Eventually Rose ends up alone with Fayne, because Fang and Leper start running with their sparklers. Rose thinks she hears Leper warn Fang not to light his hair on fire. She laughs and then turns back to Fayne.

Look I’m writing your name. She drags her sparkler though the air.

The light reflects off his smiling face. His gray eyes shine in the light. Rose grins at how happy he is.

Okay, let me write your name. Fayne starts writing in the air. He tries to draw a rose at the end, but it looks kind of funny. I tired. He chuckles.

I loved it. Rose laughs.

You know, I’m really glad we all met you. Fayne says, softly. You’ve changed all of our lives.

Rose flushes and stares at him. I-I didn’t…

Yeah, you did. Fayne continues. I’m happy I’ve gotten to know you.

I’m happy I’ve gotten to know you too. Rose murmurs, slightly embarrassed.

I think I like you. Fayne blurts.

W-what? Rose stutters, blushing fiercely. She couldn’t have heard him right.

I said, I think I like you. He repeats.

Wh-why’d you say that? Rose stammers. She knows she might have a bit of a crush on him, but she never imagined he’d actually like her back.

Um. Because I meant it. Fayne says, confused. It’s something that I realized recently, and I wanted to tell you.

O-oh. Rose’s face feels really hot, even though it’s freezing outside. I-I think I like you too.

Fayne smiles. Really?

Rose laughs, nervously. Yeah… I really like it when we’re together. We have lots lot of fun.

Fayne drops his dead sparkler, and says Me too. Then he hugs her.

Rose blushes fiercely, but hugs him back.

So, um. Fayne says awkwardly. Do you want to date me?

Rose chuckles, shakily. Uh. Y-yeah. Sure.

Fayne pulls away and grabs her hand. Merry Christmas, Rose.

Rose smiles. Merry Christmas, Fayne.

127

Blaze Williams

B LAZE LAYS IN the snow, beside Sonnet, holding his hand. Everyone finished lighting their sparklers and is staring up at the stars. Darcy suggested going into the city, but no one really wanted to leave their peaceful spot in the forest. Especially since it’s such a clear night.

Do you remember when you were trying kill these guys? Sonnet suddenly speaks up. And now you’re friends with them.

Blaze chuckles. Yeah, I do remember that.

I tried to take Rose to one of your parties once, and I told her to invite her friends. Sonnet starts laughing. B-but then you guys attacked them.

Oh, yeah. Blaze laughs with him. Rose probably thought I was crazy.

It seems like so long ago.

Yeah. Blaze sighs. Leper tried to threaten me with you that night.

He did? Sonnet gasps. Why would he do that?

He wanted me to call of the attack, so he threatened to hurt you. Blaze explains. Obviously it worked.

You stopped attacking them because of me? Sonnet smiles.

That sounds so weird. Blaze laughs. But, yeah.

Sonnet rolls over and kisses Blaze on the cheek. That’s so sweet.

Blaze keeps laughing. Maybe Sawyer’s right. We are a weird couple.

He said that? Sonnet chuckles.

Yeah, once. Blaze shrugs.

You guys have gotten pretty close. I’m happy you have good friends. Sonnet smiles.

Me too. Blaze looks into Sonnet’s brown eyes. It’s different for me. I’ve never had friends that I can seriously rely on. And, you know, I actually help them sometimes too. It’s crazy.

I know. Sonnet beams. You help a lot of people. You don’t realize how helpful and brave you are. You helped take care of Fayne when Wes had him. You helped steal Fang’s body. And then you helped Sawyer rescue Tanner-

Shh. Blaze puts his hand on Sonnet’s mouth. You can’t act like you know about the last one.

Why not? Sonnet whines.

I’m sure they’d get mad if they found out I told someone about what happened. Blaze figures. It was pretty horrible to see. I thought Sawyer was going to kill that guy.

I’m proud that you stopped him. Sonnet murmurs. I think the old you wouldn’t have cared.

The old me wouldn’t have helped Sawyer in the first place. Blaze counters.

That’s true. Sonnet hums. I like how you’ve changed. You care about people.

Well, I’ve always cared about you. Blaze points out.

Sonnet grins. I know. But now you care about other people too. You have real friends.

Yeah. I’ve gotten really close with Sawyer and Tanner. Blaze admits. I guess I do care about those morons.

Sonnet laughs. I’m sure they-

Just then, a voice booms from above. Sorry to crash the party! But we have some unfinished business with you guys!

Everyone immediately gets to their feet. Shane Jones, Reed, and Tate flit their wings above them. Five other Shadow Hunters run into view.

Blaze puts his arms protectively in front of Sonnet, lighting a small flame in each of his hands. Stay by me. He mutters.

128

Sage Vaux

S AGE RUNS TO Seth’s side, as the Shadow Hunters close in on them. It seems like most of them can transform. One of them turns into a large, black panther. Another grows horns on his head and blades out of his forearms. Then there’s a Shadow Hunter with claws, similar to the ones Tanner can grow.

The other two Shadow Hunters don’t transform, but must have hidden talents, like the rest of the OA. Sage wonders what kind of powers they have.

And then there’s the flying Shadow Hunters. Shane has her lacy, black wings. Reed has his sharp, bat wings. And Tate, the youngest of them all, has his fluttering dragonfly wings.

Sage gasps when the panther leaps towards him. Sage doesn’t have a weapon. He jumps back and shields himself with his arms, but a blonde wolf bounds in front of him- Tanner.

Sage watches as their teeth snap at each other, and their claws swipe through the air. Sawyer zips over, pulling out his small dagger.

Are you okay? He asks Sage.

Y-yeah. Sage nods. He isn’t used to fighting alongside Tanner and Sawyer anymore. It’s been so long. Sawyer speeds away to help Tanner.

Sage looks up to see what everyone else is doing. On one side, Rose is twirling her staff around, fighting off the Shadow Hunter with the blades. Fayne is standing behind Rose, clearly unsure of what to do. Leper’s swiping his feathery wings against Reed’s sharp bat wings.

Further over, Seth and Blaze are throwing flames at the other two Shadow Hunters. It looks like one of them is telling the other what Seth and Blaze’s next moves will be. He can probably see into the future. The other is throwing electrical balls of energy at Blaze and Seth. Sonnet is hidden behind Blaze. Blaze keeps pulling him out of the way of the electrical explosions.

Beside them, Darcy is fist fighting with Shane and Tate. Sage charges over to help her, when Fang slides in front of him. Sage gasps, realizing Fang is on their side now. He looks like he’s skating on a sheet of ice, with his white hair billowing behind him.

Sage moves out the way, as Fang glides over to the Shadow Hunter with the claws. He whips his hands out, throwing