Darkness Looms: The Young Chronicles, #1

By Bobbi Schemerhorn

When your worst nightmare, follows you into the day.

 

Taya knew two things in life…

 

...Her Uncle Liam told the best bedtimes stories and her family was her everything.

 

But when tragedy struck the Young family, Taya's life changed forever. The dark shadow from her childhood nightmares followed her not only into adulthood, but into the day as well. She was no longer dreaming but rather living through the torment.

 

When her father passed Taya learned two lessons...

 

...The bedtime stories Liam told her were more than just stories and her bloodline had a long legacy.

With this new knowledge Taya must choose a life she never asked for. One that demanded she leave the only thing that mattered to her...

 

...Family.

 

Darkness Looms is book one in the Young Chronicles Trilogy. Will she choose her legacy or return to her loved ones? Follow Taya as she navigates her new way of life.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bobbi Schemerhorn
• Release date: Mar 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781989569122

Book preview

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank everyone who has helped to bring this book to life. My wonderful and dearest friend, thank you for taking time out of her busy life.

To my editor, Mia, thank you for continuing to be patient with me and my lack of grammatical knowledge.

To my cover artist team at Streetlight Graphics, thank you for putting up with my nitpicky changes. Your work never ceases to amaze me.

Authors Note

To my readers, I would like to give you a little back story on this book before you continue. Darkness Looms is a re-write/re-imaging of the first book I ever wrote, as are the next two books in the Young Chronicles. The original series, I felt, was not my best work. I didn’t know much about writing then. Actually, I knew nothing about writing. I made so many mistakes. As I’ve grown and learned as a writer I wanted to return to this series and do it the justice it deserved. I wanted to bring it to life as I originally intended.

If you read that original series, you may wonder why all the characters and the plot are the same in this book. My hope is that if you enjoyed the original series you will love the re-imagining.

I won’t keep you any longer. Enjoy the journey.

Chapter One

The drive to Taya’s parents’ home was like Schrodinger’s Cat: it was both joyous and devastating at the same time, but Taya wouldn’t know which was the truth until they got there. She watched the houses zip past through the passenger window and listened to the radio.

Now for the number one song of the week, the radio announcer said, and a second later Raspberry Beret started.

Taya and Tory locked eyes for a moment and smiled. When the lyrics kicked in they sang along with Prince with great gusto. The uneasiness of the morning slowly flowed away and the joy she always felt when she was with Tory filled her once again.

They pulled up to her parent’s home twenty minutes later and there were already several cars in the driveway and on the street.

Your brothers must already be here, Tory said.

Taya nodded. Looks like. With a sigh she opened her door and climbed out. She went to grab the food from the back seat but Tory beat her to it. He cradled the salad bowl like a baby in one arm and put the other around her shoulders. They followed the noise of the people around the back of the house.

Did you start the party without us? Taya shouted as her family came into view.

Of course not, darling. Her mother hugged her then Tory skilfully relieving him of his load. Why don’t you help me with the rest of the food inside, her mother said. Tim, start the grill, she called to Taya’s father.

What, no hug for your old man before going inside? he called as he struggled to get to his feet.

Taya rushed to him and hugged him so tight she felt him strain for a breath. Dad why don’t you sit, Billy can handle the grill, she said as she released him.

That sounds like a great idea. He put an unsteady hand on her shoulder, and Taya nodded at her second brother, Jeff, to help him back to his seat. Her dad smiled and coughed several times as Jeff helped him into his chair. Taya admired the man, he was always so strong and independent, but when the cancer had hit, he wanted to show that his illness wasn’t a weakness and accepting help wasn’t shameful.

Once their dad was settled, Jeff stood, gave her a warm embrace, and whispered in her ear, Stop looking at him like that. He doesn’t need to see your fear.

They pulled apart and Taya cleared her throat. You’re right I’m sorry, she whispered back.

What are the two of you going on about? her father said.

Nothing, I’m just telling Jeff how stupid his hair looks cut like that.

Hey! Johnny Depp wears his hair like this, he said reaching up and gently patting at it.

Yeah, but you’re no Johnny Depp, Trent, the youngest son, shouted from across the lawn.

Taya smiled wide, No you’re more of a-she pointed at Trent-"who was that guy from The Breakfast Club?" She snapped her fingers trying to recall the name.

Judd Nelson? Jeff said smiling. You think I look like Judd—

Anthony Michael Hall! The yard erupted in laughter. You’re definitely an Anthony Michael Hall.

Ha-ha, you’re so funny. Don’t you have some vegetables to chop?

Taya laughed. She was still smiling when she entered the kitchen where her mom and two of her sisters-in-law were prepping food.

You shouldn’t pick on Jeff like that, her mother scolded.

You heard that, did ya?

Her mother pursed her lips. You three always pick on Jeffy.

Oh, Mom, stop. The man is forty-three years old. If he can’t handle a little ribbing...

Her mother gave her side eye.

Fine, I won’t pick on little Jeffy anymore...today. Taya and her mother shared a laugh and Stephanie and Claire joined in.

The jovial environment continued while the two in-laws regaled them with stories of their children and their escapades. Taya did her best to put on a happy face; she didn’t want to bring the room down with her news of not being able to have children. It was the longest half hour of her life until they finally picked up the food and took it outside.

Stephanie handed the plate of meat to her husband Billy standing at the barbecue. He promptly threw everything on the grill. Taya sat next to Tory at the picnic table while the others grabbed lawn and patio chairs dispersed around the patio. A half dozen children were running around the yard screaming and laughing. Two of Taya’s uncles had arrived while she was inside, so she greeted them warmly before taking a seat. Her cousins, all much older with their own families, weren’t coming.

It’s so strange, Tory said.

What is? Tim asked.

Out of your three boys, two had children, all boys. There are six boys and no girls. Not one girl. He took a sip of beer then glanced around at Taya, her two uncles, and her dad. Come to think of it—he pointed his bottle at Taya— you don’t have any girl cousins, either. Huh, you’re the only girl in your entire family going back at least two generations.

Taya hadn’t thought about it much now that she was older. It would have been nice to have another girl around, but it was just a fact of life that she was always the only girl in the group of cousins when they took vacations together. She looked up at her Uncle James, her father’s youngest brother, the man who was like a second father to her and noticed the two men sharing a look. She was about to say something when a voice boomed from the gate.

Well, hello, Young family! A large blond man with muscles practically bursting out of his shirt, stood with his arms in the air, each hand holding a six pack.

Uncle Liam, the kids shouted and rushed the mountain of a man.

His smile could not be wider, and he laughed with the joviality of Santa himself.

Liam, James said, we didn’t know you were coming today.

What? I wouldn’t miss celebrating the recovery of my best friend.

There was a short lull of awkward silence from her father that made Taya’s heart sink. Taya’s mother took the six packs from Liam, but not before he snatched one. He slid next to Taya on the picnic table bench and wrapped an arm around her, squeezing her so tight she thought she was going to snap in two.

How’s my favourite warrior princess? He beamed at her.

Can’t breathe, she said.

Oh right, sorry. I keep forgetting you aren’t invincible. He smiled and laughed with a wink at her Uncle James that didn’t go unnoticed.

Jeff laughed.

Taya glanced at him. What’s funny?

Just call her She-Ra!

Her brothers joined in.

Okay, pipe down, Mr. Hall. Taya shook her head and smiled while Jeff’s disappeared as his hand reached for his hair again.

When the laughter died down, Liam asked, So what were we discussing?

Tory said, Well, I was just taking notice that Taya is the only girl in the last two generations.

"Actually, Taya is the first female in the Young bloodline in the last three generations. Taya had a great-great cousin who was a girl. Before her was, well, only one generation." Liam took a long swig from his beer.

Really? Tory said. That’s fascinating. You sure know a lot about their family given you’re not actually related.

Liam suppressed a burp and said, I’m a bit of a history buff when it comes to the Young family.

Really? Tory leaned past Taya to get a better look at Liam. Why’s that?

Where is that food? James cut the questions short. I’m starving!

The conversation turned to lighter things as they ate, sports, movies, and television. Taya couldn’t help notice the glares her father and uncle directing at Liam. The tension seemed rather high and she didn’t think it was because of the test results.

Did anyone else notice the Peterson’s house was up for sale? Jeff asked the crowd.

Whatever happened to Donnie anyway? Billy asked. He used to be so much fun; he’d come over and play soccer with us. Do you remember that, Taya?

Yeah, he was a real hoot, she said her smile slipping.

Liam cleared his throat and Taya shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She glanced at her dad, hoping for some assistance.

He instantly understood her silent plea. He just up and took off one day. Nobody knows what happened to him.

Got what he deser— Liam started but was cut off by James.

Does anyone want another beer?

Taya shifted again in her seat, thankful her father and uncle stepped in. Liam it’s good to see you again. She needed to change the topic. It feels like it’s been ages. I think the last time we really saw each other was at my college graduation. What have you been up to?

It’s good to be seen, he said with a smile, reaching for another hamburger bun.

Out gallivanting the country no doubt, Tim said.

Taya noticed a tightness in her father’s smile. It was a little off, but she brushed it away and grabbed a couple beers from the cooler. As she sat back down and slid the extra beer across to Liam as he took a large bite from his burger.

The conversational banter returned, with them going back and forth about the latest sports game. Meanwhile, Taya studied the man who had been a part of her life for as long as she could remember.

He must have sensed her staring because he looked up from his burger. Wha? he asked through the food.

I’m just thinking what a lucky man you are.

The conversation stopped as the others listened in.

Why’s that? he said with a slight laugh.

You never seem to age. What’s your secret?

He met her eyes and a chill went down her spine, not a bad chill, but one that told her that something was about to change.

Immortality, he said after a few seconds.

Tim spit and choked on his drink and James cleared his throat.

Taya looked at her father as his face went red. You all right, Dad?

Taya’s mother rushed to his side and rubbed his back.

I’m fine, just went down the wrong tube, is all. He cleared his throat, and she spotted that tight smile again.

Remember, Dad, lungs are for breathing, not drinking. The group chuckled once they were certain their father was all right. So—she turned her attention back to Liam—this immortality, were you born with it? She smiled playfully. Liam was always coming up with strange tales.

Some are.

Really? How would one know if they were immortal? I think I would enjoy being around for a few centuries. Taya let out a playful laugh.

Well... He swallowed his bite, put his burger down, picked up his beer and took a long pull. You’re the only current female in the Young blood—

Okay, James’s voice boomed through the backyard, I think old Liam here was drinking before he got to our little gathering. Weren’t you, old boy?

There’s that tight smile again but this time on Uncle James, thought Taya.

Perhaps we should call him a cab and get him home, James said. It’s getting a bit late.

Uncle, it’s only seven.

Her father stood and came around the table to stand behind Liam. Liam swallowed the remainder of his food and cleared his throat. Perhaps you’re right. I am a bit tired. He smiled at Taya and bid everyone a good night.

James, why don’t you help me here with ol’ Liam, her father said.

James jumped to his feet and rushed to help their father escort Liam from the backyard through the house.

You need some help, Dad? Billy asked rising from his chair.

No, we’ve got this, son.

Billy sat back down next to Stephanie, who was rocking the youngest of their boys, Rowan, to sleep. Taya leaned on the table and sipped her beer.

That Liam is a strange one, isn’t he? Tory said.

Yeah. He used to tell us these wild stories when we were kids. Immortal warriors fighting for mankind. Monsters that hid in the dark. She and her brothers all shared a knowing laugh. I should go say goodbye. She put her beer down and went into the house.

She heard the three men whispering, and there was a great deal of tension.

You’ve gone too far this time, Liam, Tim said.

Look, the Elders sense it, many of the Guardians feel it. She was born two generations early, Liam said. Stan has been beside himself of late, insisting he can feel her.

Taya eased herself closer to the men, making sure to stay hidden behind the wall separating the kitchen from the front foyer.

He’s always been able to feel her, from the day she was born.

Naw, it’s different, Tim. It’s like Destiny has woken him, telling us the Alpha is on her way. He can pinpoint her now, feel her emotions.

She’s aged out, you said so yourself, James said.

The Darkness doesn’t care that she’s aged out, and Destiny hasn’t chosen another. Taya is the one, Liam pushed back.

So, what are we supposed to do? Tell her?

We wait. It won’t be much longer. That’s all we can do. It doesn’t matter that she’s forty. It’s coming, and so’s her time. Liam’s voice was so definite no one else said another word. Taya heard the front door open then close.

What do we do? her uncle asked.

She heard her father sigh. Nothing, just like when she was born and the Elders came. There is nothing we can do but wait.

Taya heard footsteps coming her way and she scrambled to get out to the backyard before her father and uncle spotted her. What were they talking about? It had to be about me; I’m the only girl. Who are the Elders? What does Liam feel coming? Who or what are the Guardians? And who is Stan?

Taya jumped when her father came up behind her. You all right? his laugh was light, but forced.

I came in to say goodbye. I take it Liam is gone now?

Her father put an arm around her. Yup.

The two stood and looked out at the yard and the family.

Her father sighed again. Okay, it’s time.

Taya looked up at the man who had raised her. He was everything to her. He looked into her eyes, and she realized, in that instant, her life as she knew it was over.

Chapter Two

The crisp white snow covered the cemetery like a frozen blanket. It gave the place a serene, almost peaceful, feel. Tory held open the limo door and offered his hand to Taya. She hesitated for a moment. If she got out and walked to the grave then he would really be gone. If she stayed in the car and closed her eyes she could feel her father next to her. It wasn’t fair, he’d been so young and fought so hard. The pressure at the back of her neck ached. It had been her constant companion for a week. The shadowy darkness followed and invaded her dreams.

Taya? Tory leaned in when she didn’t take his hand.

She rubbed the back of her neck and took a deep breath. Exhaustion was like a coat enveloping her body, she was no longer able to hide it, and she felt like she had swallowed a rock. She glanced through the opposite window toward a small snow-covered garden with an angel in the centre. Next to it was the shadow figure, and the rock in her stomach grew. She ground her teeth as the pressure on her neck increased.

Taya?

Taya closed her eyes and took another slow breath. When she opened them, the pressure was gone along with the shadow. It’s just my grief, she thought. She turned her attention to Tory, and he held his hand out to her again. This time she took it and he helped her out of the car.

Her brothers were escorting her mother to the graveside. Taya’s breath caught in her throat and her eyes burned from the tears. When she blinked they ran down her cheeks. Tory stood next to her, holding her hand and patiently waiting for her to make the first move.

Taya dabbed at her face, straightened her back, smoothed down the front of her coat, and stepped away from the car. She heard the door slam, then felt Tory’s hand on the small of her back. They slowly made their way toward her family and a row of chairs set out for her, her mother, and her three brothers. A chair was left empty between her youngest brother Trent and her mother.

Tory helped Taya to her seat and stepped back. Taya immediately grabbed her mother’s hand and a second later made eye contact with Trent as she took his hand, too. Like their father, Trent was secure in letting his emotions show. His eyes were bloodshot, likely from a long night of no sleep and crying. She kissed the back of his hand, and he kissed her cheek.

She stared at the coffin and the large picture of her father in front of her, barely hearing Billy’s eulogy.

Taya caught movement from the corner of her eye, and she looked up. Liam smiled gently at her from behind the grave. A stoic older gentleman she had never seen before stood next to him. She met this man’s eyes, and he tipped his hat toward her.

She couldn’t take her eyes off him. She felt a tug at her arm. She looked up and realized her mother and brothers were getting to their feet. Taya rose, releasing Trent’s hand. Her brothers and she stepped up to the coffin along with Liam and her mother. Three ropes were gently laid out, each running under the coffin to the other side. The six of them picked up the ropes and in unrehearsed but synchronized movement they slowly lowered the coffin into the ground. When it touched the bottom, they released their ends of the rope into the grave.

A shovel was at the foot of the grave standing in dirt. Taya grabbed the shovel from the foot of the grave and tossed dirt from the nearby pile onto the coffin. She paused before handing the shovel to her mother, who repeated the ritual. Billy was next, repeated until all six had done their part. Taya, her brothers, and her mother embraced each other. Not a word was spoken, not between them, not to anyone at the graveside. It was silent except for the winter birds in the trees. They held a wake at Taya’s parent’s house. They were silent for the entire ride from the cemetery. An ache grew in her chest, she wanted to cry, to break down over her loss. But, unlike her father, Taya didn’t show that kind of emotion. She couldn’t. Growing up with three brothers and a half dozen male cousins she’d had to be tough. She couldn’t be a typical girl. Certain events in her early life taught her she needed to stand her ground. Like her mother, she felt deeply but never showed it. She was always strong and stoic, more so than her father, the dreamer and stargazer.

Taya helped her mother put out a platter of sandwich’s and several of the casseroles that friends and family had brought. She’d just finished setting out the plates, forks, and napkins when her mother put an arm around her waist.

How are you holding up, dear?

I’m okay, Mom. How’re you doing?

Oh, you know. She smiled, but Taya saw the deep sadness in her mother’s eyes, as though she was standing at the bottom of an abyss looking up and all she could see was darkness.

Taya understood that look because she felt the same. She couldn’t put her finger to it, but she felt as though she was drowning, gasping for air only to be met by water. The two breathed as one. Her mom took in a ragged breath and patted Taya’s hand. We should join the others. Her mother put on a smile that hid her grief and pain, mostly.

Taya followed her mother out of the kitchen and watched her move from one person to the next. Every so often someone would hug her or shake her hand and offer their condolences. Taya smiled and said thank you, but inside she was screaming for everyone to just go away. After the tenth person she finally excused herself and went to her childhood bedroom. It was her mother’s sewing room now but there was a chair to sit on.

For a moment she was taken back to her childhood, to when she was only a small girl, no more than five. The room was dark and she was hugging herself, hiding in the corner of the room. A dark shadow filled the doorway, looming over her.

Taya buried her face in her hands and tried to shake the nightmare away. She straightened at a gentle knock on the door. Liam filled the doorway. She smiled. Liam, her voice was nearly a whisper.

Mind if I join you? he asked in the quietest tone she had ever heard from this mountain of a man.

She stuck her lip out and frowned, fighting the sobs that so desperately wanted out. She shook her head before dropping her eyes. No, of course. Come in.

He closed the door behind him and took a seat on a stool. His knees were nearly touching his chin and Taya snorted at the sight. They sat in silence for a long moment, so long it soon become awkward.

You need to say something, Taya finally blurted.

Startled Liam stared at her. What would you like me to say?

I don’t know, tell me the stories you told me as a small child about your immortal soldiers and the monsters under the bed.

Liam watched her thoughtfully. Those soldiers are called Guardians. Comprised of many races, they are a vast army from around the world, all serving one true purpose.

Taya snorted. The way Liam spoke made him sound like he was retelling a legend. Okay, she said. I’ll bite, what is this ‘one true purpose’?

To protect mankind from those things they refuse to see, and to wait for the Alpha to appear and lead them.

Who is this Alpha?

Liam’s face became serious, an expression she had never seen before. He was always so carefree and jovial, now he looked grim. Not grim like you would expect from a man who’d just lost a dear friend, but rather the look of a man who was going to war. Taya you need to prepare yourself.

Her eyebrows knitted together. For what?

It’s coming and you need to be ready.

What’s coming? Liam you’re scaring me. What are you talking about?

He grabbed her wrist and locked eyes with her. Her hand went numb and it felt like he would snap her wrist. She narrowed her eyes and the ache at the back of her neck became a steady pressure. The stone in her stomach she had thought was grief turned to anger. She ground her teeth.

You’re hurting me, she said dropping her voice. Let go. She heard a whisper in her ear, as though someone was standing next to her speaking over her shoulder.

Liam’s eyes widened and he released her. They both got to their feet. I’m sorry, he said. Taya you must—

The door swung open, cutting him off. Taya changed her focus from Liam to her Uncle James, now standing at the door. The pressure eased and the stone of anger returned to grief. Uncle.

I’ve been looking for you... Well, Tory’s been looking for you. Everyone is clearing out. Your brothers are helping your mom clean up, and Trent is going to stay with her tonight. So if you want to go home...

Taya sighed and nodded. Yes, that sounds like a good plan. Without looking at Liam, she walked past her uncle, gently squeezing his hand as she did.

Before she was out of earshot, she heard Liam say, Her time is coming. She needs to be ready, and so do you. Destiny will have her champion.

Uncle James stepped into the room and closed the door so she couldn’t hear them. She didn’t care. What in the world could she possibly have to prepare for? Her father was already dead; she’d spent the last five months preparing for that. She didn’t want to think about it anymore. She needed sleep and she hoped her exhaustion would make it dreamless. A night without the shadowy darkness was a relief she prayed for.

She found Tory in the living room, waiting with her coat and purse. Taya hugged her brothers and their families goodbye, then held her mother for a long while before letting her go.

I’ll talk to you later, Mom. I’ll call you in the morning.

Yes, of course. She led them to the front