Book of Demons 4

By Finn

After Headmaster Faraways death, the OA must scramble to pull themselves together. Now more than ever, the group needs to stick together as they fight against Wes. He doesnt seem to be slowing down with his plans, only growing more and more powerful. The group cannot afford to take any of his actions lightly anymore.

While the group works on strategies, Rose and the others are drawn closer together in more ways than one. This tight-knit group becomes something more of a family than a team. When one member suffers, the others seem to feel it too.

Fang finds himself internally conflicted, causing a rift within the team. Lepelliar does his best to understand, but he can only handle so much. Darcy rethinks her views on dark demons, while Sage must learn to cope with his brothers death. All the while, Rose not only becomes a stronger fighter but also a voice of reason.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984515407

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

167

Sage Vaux

S AGE LEANS AGAINST the back of a nearby building, breathing heavily. He just sprinted back here, after having shoplifted from a local store. He almost got caught, when a few of the employees tried to bring him to the back. They threatened to call his parents, which he definitely couldn’t allow to happen.

He’s already been foraging his parent’s signatures for missing school and failing tests. They’d be so pissed if they knew what Sage has been up to. So, to prevent the employees from calling his parents, he had to use his powers against a few of them. He shoved them out of the way, by throwing a few projections in their faces. It was an easy escape, though it still left his heart hammering in his chest.

The whole reason Sage got into shoplifting is because of his friend Levi. He realized how tense and stressed Sage has been, and figured he needed something to release that tension. Something that would give him an adrenaline rush. And Levi was right.

The moment Sage entered the first store, with Levi and Mika, his pulse immediately began to race. He knew he was doing something risky. Something he’d never imagined himself doing.

When he and his friends left the store, he could feel a tingly sensation rushing through his limbs. He’d just done something stupid and selfish, yet he couldn’t help but feel more in control than he had been since Seth was killed.

Sage realized that this racing feeling is much better than feeling sorry for himself. He never knew that doing something so reckless could give him such a sense of freedom. A weight had been lifted off his shoulders, allowing him to finally notice what has been going on around him.

For the past month or so, he’d been in a complete daze. Time flew by, yet Sage felt like he’d been frozen in place. His friends would try to speak to him, though he’d only hear fuzzy, insincere comments.

They pity him. None of them know what it’s like to lose a brother. None of them know what it’s like to feel both pain and numb, all at the same time. None of them know this horrible feeling.

That’s why Sage has resorted to these rebellious behaviors. They immediately cover up these dreadful feelings, leading him to believe that this the only way to get through this. Otherwise, he’s sure he’d eventually fade away, full of nothing but sorrow and emptiness.

Sage blinks back into focus, as his breathing returns to normal. His heart rate slows and he starts to cool down.

He checks his phone. It’s 12:32pm. There’s no way he can return to the shack yet. The others should already be finished with their classes, and will be home by now. They’d realize Sage is skipping school if he came back too early.

Sage gets off the wall and begins walking, at a leisurely pace. He isn’t sure where he’s going, but he’d rather be moving than standing still. The more he moves, the less he has to think.

Whenever he stands in place for too long, those thoughts and feelings seem to return to his head. He can’t allow that to happen.

Sage walks in the direction of Central Park. Maybe he could wander around the maze, getting hopelessly lost. Or maybe he could go into the forest and practice using his powers. It’s been a while since he’s practiced, other than when he used his powers on those shop employees.

Headmaster Faraway used to give him private lessons, since they have the same type of powers. Because so much has been going on, Sage hasn’t gotten to do that in a while. In fact, ever since they met Rose, he doesn’t think he’s had time to practice with the headmaster at all.

Not that Sage blames Rose. He doesn’t really care either way. Although, he’d probably be stronger if he made more of an effort to practice his magic.

Sage passes under the park entrance, and looks up at the gray sky. It’s still winter, so the weather has been rather gloomy lately. Sage finds it quite fitting, given the current situations.

He kicks a rock, as he shuffles his feet down the icy park path. He still hasn’t made up his mind what he’s going to do. He’s not sure which direction he should go in.

Sage stops walking and looks around. He notices an old man sitting on a park bench. He’s feeding the birds.

The old man suddenly looks up. Hey, kid. He waves to him. Shouldn’t you be in school?

Great. Sage grumbles to himself. Why can’t everyone just leave me alone?

168

Fang Faraway

F ANG WIPES THE sweat off his forehead as he approaches the shack. He just got back from a run through the forest. He’s not wearing shoes because he likes to practice his magic while he runs. He feels more connected to his powers when he directly touches the ice with his feet.

Fang pulls open the front door. Everyone seems to be gathered in the living room. The only ones who are missing are Sage and Tate. Something must be going on.

Everyone looks up when Fang closes the front door. There’s an eerie silence stretched over the group.

What’s going on? Fang raises an eyebrow. He tightens his ponytail and walks further into the room.

Fang, maybe you should sit down. Rose says, kindly. She has a worried expression on her face.

What happened? Fang immediately asks. He knows it must be serious and doesn’t want her to sugarcoat the situation.

Uh, Fang. Darcy starts.

Fang crosses his arms and narrows his silver eyes. Just spit it out already.

Wes killed Headmaster Faraway. Lepelliar blurts.

Fang stares at them for a moment. He… He killed him?

Yeah. Rose supplies.

Fang glances down to Fayne. He’s avoiding eye contact.

Oh. Fang blinks, hardly able to believe it, though he knows it must be true. They wouldn’t lie about something like this. His grandfather is really dead. At the hands of his older brother.

He doesn’t know how to feel. He isn’t sure what kind of reaction he’s supposed to have. And he certainly doesn’t want to figure it out in front of all these guys.

Fang grits his teeth and spins around, striding towards the door. He marches back out into the snow, thankful that no one is following him.

His grandfather was murdered by his older brother. This isn’t a typical situation for someone to be in, so Fang has no idea what he should do. How is someone supposed to react in this type of situation?

He begins skating through the trees, trying to distance himself as much as he can from the shack. He doesn’t want to show emotion in front of the others. He isn’t even sure what kind of emotions he’s feeling anyway.

Fang was never very close with his grandfather, though he has always respected him. He was the one who looked after Fayne after all. Technically, he even took care of Fang, since he shared a body with Fayne.

Fang glides over the snow, slowing down slightly. There’s no need to rush. He doesn’t have anywhere to go.

He reviews the events in his mind. Wes killed his grandfather. He was the only parental figure that Fayne had left. How is his brother dealing with this?

What should I do? Fang asks himself. He isn’t sure how he can possibly make this any better. How can he help Fayne get through this?

But then Fang realizes something. There’s nothing he can do. There’s no way for him to help Fayne.

And that’s because Fang is just like Wes. He’s also a murderer. He’s the one who killed their parents.

Fang recalls the blank look on Fayne’s face, back at the shack. He looked so lost. So empty.

Both of Fayne’s brothers killed the only parental figures he’s ever known. Both of his brothers are crazy, murderers.

Fang breathes in slowly, trying to calm himself, but he can’t seem to do it. Not when that one thought is parading around in his head, repeating itself over and over.

I’m just like Wes.

169

Rose Silver

T HAT WENT… ROSE trails off. She didn’t expect Fang to react that way. She replays the scene in her head, completely baffled by what took place.

Leper blurted out that Headmaster Faraway was killed, without thinking of a better way to say it. Fang’s expression was instantly cleared of all emotion, just like Fayne and Leper’s.

Rose noticed him look over to Fayne, possibly because he always looks to Fayne for what to do. But Fayne avoided eye contact with him, leaving him clueless. Then Fang turned and walked out the door.

Rose wonders what’s going through everyone’s heads. So far, there have been no tears after Headmaster Faraway’s death. Everyone seems to have frozen, as though they aren’t sure what to do anymore. Headmaster Faraway was an important figure in everyone’s lives. And now he’s gone.

Death is such a strange concept. One minute you’re alive and walking around, and the next minute it could all be taken away.

The last time Rose saw Headmaster Faraway he was alive and peaceful. And now he’s dead. Because one of his grandsons killed him.

Rose turns to Fayne. He’s looking down at his hands, while gripping his wrist. She wants to do something to make him feel better, though she isn’t sure what.

Do you want to go on a walk? She finally asks.

Fayne doesn’t respond. He only shakes his head.

Maybe there isn’t anything she can do. Maybe there isn’t anything anyone can do.

I’ll go on a walk with you. Shane suddenly tells Rose.

Oh? She looks up.

Yeah, come on. Shane stands up. You too, Darcy. Let’s go.

Me? Darcy points to herself.

Yes. Come on. Shane starts walking towards the front door. She pulls it open and stands to the side, waiting for the other two to join her.

Rose and Darcy shrug and walk over to the door. They step out into the cold.

Gosh, I was worried you guys wouldn’t come for a second there. Shane murmurs, once the door is closed. We shouldn’t be hovering over those two right now. All we’re doing is crowding them, while they’re still trying to make sense of what happened. Talking to them won’t do any good, at least for now.

Oh. Darcy states. I guess that makes sense.

They were the closest people to Headmaster Faraway. It must not seem real to them that such a reliable person in their lives is suddenly gone. He has always been there for them. They’re not used to not being able to turn to him. Shane explains. She always sounds so smart when she speaks.

I wonder if Fang feels the same way. Rose ponders. He left as soon as he found out.

I’m not sure how Fang’s feeling. But I doubt he feels the same way as Fayne and Leper. Darcy mulls it over. I mean, he doesn’t really get close to people, does he? I’m sure he’ll be fine. It’s probably just shocking.

Hmm. Maybe. Shane reflects. Either way, I’m sure he’s more worried about Fayne than himself.

So, what do you think we should do? I didn’t even know what to do when Seth died. Rose confesses. I’m not sure how to help Fayne and Leper.

Well, all you need to do is be there for them. Shane replies. There isn’t anything specific you should do. But if they seem like they need a distraction, then you can be that. Or if they need to talk about it, then listen. Just be there. That’s it.

Okay. Rose nods. I think I can do that.

What’s most important is that we take the burden off of them by taking care of OA stuff. Like that meeting tomorrow. Shane comments. I don’t think either of them are going to want to deal with discussing strategies for taking down Wes.

Right. Darcy nods. Leper and Fayne shouldn’t have to worry about that right now. Let’s make sure that the three of us focus on going to that meeting tomorrow, so they don’t have to.

Exactly. Shane agrees. We can’t lose focus. If we let ourselves slip, then Wes could strike again. He could kill again.

Rose swallows. We can’t let him kill anyone else.

170

Sawyer Hiems

I S EVERYTHING OKAY? Sawyer asks Tanner, once they’re further away from campus. I was really surprised when you showed up.

Sawyer glances over at Tanner. He looks unharmed, though maybe a little tired or stressed. He’s wearing his navy hoodie and a pair of sweatpants, which both look too large for him. His blonde hair nearly touches his eyes now.

I’m fine. Tanner quickly says. But I need your help with something. Well, I mean, I guess I don’t. But I figured you’d get mad at me if I didn’t ask-

What’s going on? Sawyer interjects, squeezing Tanner’s hand slightly. I’m glad you came to me.

Tanner bites his lip for a moment. Well, my friend is in trouble. She’s basically being held captive.

"What? Sawyer raises his eyebrows. Now I’m really glad you came to me."

Tanner smiles slightly, and then his expression drops again. You won’t like where we have to go.

Oh. Sawyer exhales, beginning to figure it out. Let me guess. You met her while working for Dean?

Yeah. Tanner looks away. He’s not letting her leave.

Sawyer takes in another breath. I really hate that guy.

I know. Tanner mumbles.

I’ll still help you. Sawyer states. This doesn’t change anything. Actually, it makes me want to help you even more. I don’t want you to go by yourself.

Tanner turns his focus back to Sawyer. Thanks. He murmurs.

Anytime. Sawyer replies, confidently.

It means a lot to him that Tanner actually came to him for help. He usually tries to do things on his own, and ends up struggling. Only recently did Sawyer finally get Tanner to open up to him a bit more.

It took a while to figure out how to get Tanner to talk to him. Rose actually gave him advice on how to get through to him. Sawyer ended up drawing a picture based on how he’s been feeling, and hoped that Tanner would understand what he meant.

Fortunately, he did and ended up feeling really guilty for making Sawyer worry about him. It wasn’t Sawyer’s intentions to make him feel bad, though he’s glad it worked anyway.

He’s been a lot closer to Tanner since then. Sure, he hasn’t been able to fully express how he feels about him, but it’s still been nice. They’ve been spending a lot of time together, especially since there hasn’t been much to do lately.

Sawyer finds it funny that Tanner has been doing all sorts of things to entertain himself, mostly during the days that Sawyer goes to school. When Sawyer gets back, Tanner usually tries to help him with his homework. Sawyer thinks Tanner might miss school a little bit, though he never says that he does.

It’s a bit odd that they act so casual with each other, since Sawyer kissed him a while ago. Tanner started to kiss him back, so it’s obvious that he feels the same way, even though he shoved Sawyer away in the end. Tanner was struggling with a few things at the time, so Sawyer hasn’t tried to bring up their kiss since then. He hopes he’ll be able to at some point, since it’s been driving him crazy.

Every time Sawyer sees Blaze and Sonnet together, he gets immensely jealous. He wishes he could be closer to Tanner in that way. Maybe once he helps Tanner rescue his friend, he’ll be able to talk to him about it. He wonders if it’ll be awkward.

For now, though, Sawyer should focus on helping Tanner. It means a lot to him that he was finally able to come to him, so Sawyer needs to do everything he can to help rescue Tanner’s friend.

So, did you have a plan? Sawyer brings up. Or were you just planning on winging it?

Oh, Tanner seems to realize. I didn’t have a plan. I guess I figured we’d just see what happens.

Sawyer snickers. Okay, that’s fine by me. Do you want to ask Blaze to help too? He might get mad at us for not having a plan though.

No, no. Tanner quickly shakes his head. I don’t want to bother Blaze.

Tanner, it wouldn’t be a bother. Sawyer points out. But it’s fine. We won’t ask him. I know you’re not used to asking people to help you. I’m just glad you were able to ask me though.

Tanner doesn’t respond.

Should we go now? Sawyer asks him, still hanging onto his hand.

Oh, uh, maybe I should call her first. Tanner suggests. I should make sure it’s okay to come now.

That makes sense. Sawyer agrees.

Tanner stops walking and pulls out his cell phone. He calls his friend, and waits for her to pick up. It takes a few rings, but she eventually answers.

Hey, Red. It’s- Tanner stops, like he’s being interrupted. Oh. He says next.

Sawyer thinks he sounds a little worried. He wishes he could hear what Tanner’s friend is saying.

Uh, okay. Tanner replies into the phone. Yeah. Pause. Uh, okay. Pause. Don’t do anything dumb. Pause. Yeah, whatever. Pause. "Okay. Be safe. Seriously. Pause. Bye."

Sawyer watches as Tanner puts his phone back in his pocket. So, what’d she say? He asks.

Well, I guess it’s a good thing I called. Tanner mumbles. We shouldn’t go today.

Why? What happened? Sawyer looks at him, concerned.

Well, Dean saw that his phone had called me. Apparently Red never deleted it from his history. She used his phone to call me, before I had her number. Tanner explains. So now Dean knows I’m coming.

Oh. Sawyer groans. Your friend is dumb.

Yeah, I know. Tanner rolls his eyes. So, it’d be a bad idea to go tonight, since he’s already pissed off. She said tomorrow would probably be better.

Oh. Okay. Sawyer agrees.