Mirrorville: A Shattered Spell, #1

By Robert G. Culp

After traveling through the mirror…

 

…she realized chaos was coming.

 

But just who is its master?

 

Fourteen-year-old Marley was an outcast, always outshone by her older sister. Everyday, she wishes her father had never went missing. When a dream about a magical city waging war against demons becomes reality — the secrets of her father's disappearance will be revealed.

 

Marley and her sister must journey to this city in another world. For they're the only ones who can stop the growing chaos emerging from the shadows.

 

Unfortunately, in Mirrorville nothing is as it should be. The sisters have swapped lives, and only Marley remembers the truth. Now, she must master the art of witchcraft by trusting two mysterious brothers. If not, everyone she loves will suffer a fate worse than death.

 

The shadows of hell are fast approaching.

 

You'll love this incredible Young Adult Urban Fantasy short story because this is one tale where the magic and suspense will surpass your wildest dreams… or nightmares.

 

Buy it now!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: STEEL HOUSE PUBLISHING
• Release date: Sep 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201274818

Robert G. Culp

Robert G. Culp was born in the small town of Stuttgart, Arkansas and is the award-winning author of The Mystic Brat Journals, a series of three titles with a fourth in progress. The books follow students at a top secret government school, where teenagers are taught to fight the mythical, mystical, and cursed dangers that surround the world. His two novella series, A Shattered Spell and The Fallen, are also set within the same continuity. In his free time Robert enjoys watching TV shows and films, reading Urban Fantasy books, comic books and online fanfiction, while researching Greek mythology, supernatural legends and Arthurian lore. His greatest achievement is to make his readers happy and entertain them with a few pages of pure escapism.

Book preview

1

A Beautiful Nightmare

M arley!

Reyna Timmons had been shouting her little sister’s name for the better half of an hour. Why on earth Marley and her band The Rebels had decided to rehearse in their garage tonight of all nights was beyond her. Didn’t Marley know that Grease auditions were tomorrow and Reyna had to rehearse, so she could get the lead? Reyna was a senior at The Mercynville High School Of The Arts. Which wasn’t your regular type of high school by far. No. This school didn’t just teach boring subjects like English or algebra — this school specialized in preparing its students for a future in the arts. Whether it would be years of training at Julliard or going straight to an audition on Broadway, once they graduated, success was almost guaranteed. As for Reyna herself, she had her entire life planned out.

First, she would get the lead role of Sandy in the school’s production of Grease. Then, she would graduate the top of her class in a few months (which, with her history of excellent grades and extracurricular activities, was assured). Next, she would go to college at Julliard for a few years and continue her education. Finally, she would audition for a starring role in either a romantic-comedy or get a lead role on Broadway. All of this solely depended on how things went over tomorrow. Was Marley just oblivious?

Oh, baby, don’t think I’m just oblivious...!

Marley smirked as she continued to sing lead vocals on a song she’d cowritten alongside her best friend, and stringing another few cords on her electric-blue guitar. These were one of the rare fleeting moments the youngest Timmons sister felt at peace in the world, creating new and epic works of art alongside her band — The Rebels.

It brought her back to happier times. When things in her life made sense. She loved rock, pop, and even a little country. Marley could sing and play them all.

Marley’s best friend, Anna Wallace, was on the bass and sang backup. Anna was awesome. There just wasn’t another word that better described her. Anna carried a four-point GPA at the Mercynville High School Of The Arts, something no other student could say. Anna was just as musically gifted as she was academically. But she didn’t care about being a rock star so much as getting into Harvard in two years. Marley and Anna were each fifteen and had been friends since they were two-years-old. Armie Sitwell played the drums and was seventeen, like Reyna. Armie was a little chunky and wasn’t very popular at school, but he was always kind and cheerful. He also had a serious crush on Reyna, something Marley and Anna tolerated daily.

Right now, the Rebels were practicing for their biggest gig yet — the Mercynville High Showcase. Every band in the school would be performing in front of talent agents and record label executives. Things were looking up for Marley. Maybe one day soon she could leave this suburban town. Mercynville was nice and all, but there was one big problem with it — Marley felt like an outsider. It was almost like being Natasha Romanoff trapped in The Sound Of Music, where everyone expected her to be Julie Andrew’s lame character instead. Barely anyone understood why she’d rather be the Black Widow of Rock instead of a prissy nun singing about how the hills are alive or whatever.

...Maybe that’s why everyone seemed to worship at Reyna’s feet. Reyna was a bigger priss than anything The Sound Of Music could ever hope to produce. Reyna was a prodigy. The greatest thing since their mother — the infamous Willa Timmons herself — had been on stage! A true master at her craft! That’s what everyone in Mercynville said... everyone except Marley.

Marley’s life had become something of a joke ever since her dad vanished seven years ago. Her father was the only person who ever treated Marley like she was a star. They had everything in common — music, movies, a shared sense of humor — everything. But then, one night, during a terrible storm, he just disappeared. Marley’s mother, Willa, had concluded that her husband, Patterson, had just abandoned their family. Ever since, Willa put all of her focus on helping Reyna with her journey to fame. Which most of the time left Marley out in the cold.

Marley was just about to start singing the second chorus of Oblivious To The Truth when the power in the garage suddenly went out. What the hell? asked Marley.

Reyna walked away from the fuse box, smirking. Have fun playing in the dark, little sis.

Anna smiled wearily at Marley. At least this time we got to practice for an hour.

Marley sighed, exasperated.

It only took ten minutes for Marley to approach their mother about the Reyna Problem. Reyna, herself, had gone upstairs to rehearse as Marley tried her best to plead her case. Which wasn’t going her way... as usual...

But, Mom, it’s unfair!

Willa Timmons continued to walk towards her office, the sound of her high heels clicking on the hardwood floors. It was located on the far side of the house, which gave Marley enough time to finish the conversation. Hopefully, something would go her way tonight.

"Your sister needs to rehearse for Grease auditions, Marley. It’s the biggest musical event the school has ever produced. There will be scouts from Julliard in attendance."

I know, said Marley. I go to that school too. That’s how I know that they’re having a musical showcase for indie bands.

Willa raised her eyebrow tiredly.

Indie bands? Now, I know you’re just making up words.

Indie means independent, said Marley. Anna, Armie, and I haven’t been signed to a record label yet, but this could be our big break.

Armie and Anna, who had been following Marley and Willa through their walk in the house, decided to speak up.

Yeah, Ms. T, we’ve been getting really good! said Armie.

Willa sighed dramatically. Marley knew where this argument was about to go. Willa, the artist formerly known as The Greatest Starlet On Broadway, was about to utilize her infamous dramatic timing. I can see that since I hear you three kids play every day. Every single day. How about we compromise? Your sister gets to practice, I get to keep my sanity, and you three get to clean out the fridge.

Marley immediately threw up her hands in protest. No way! That’s not fair!

Really? asked Willa. There’s a triple-layered fudge cake inside.

Armie’s eyes lighted up excitedly. With chocolate chips?

White and dark.

Armie licked his lips. Deal.

Marley and Ana both glared at him. If looks could have killed, Armie would have died right then and there. Marley turned her gaze back to her mother. No. We won’t be bought off with week old fudge cake!

Armie shrugged. I will.

Armie! Marley yelled in protest.

Anna looked at Armie with complete disgust. Can’t you think about something other than your stomach, Armie?

Sometimes... a little... not really... nope.

Armie turned to Willa. Can I help myself or...?

Willa smiled back. Sure, sweetie.

But — Mom!

Willa’s smile vanished in an instant as her expression turned frightening.

No buts, Marley. This conversation is over. Besides, you need to consider other avenues other than being a musician. It’s just not practical.

Dad was one, Marley mumbled underneath her breath.

I heard that, said Willa. Your father was many things... but he gave every piece of it up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare for the open house tomorrow. I’ll be in my office.

Willa marched away into the other room. Marley sighed as Anna put her hand on her shoulder. You gonna be okay, Marley?

Yeah, Marley tried to relax her tensed body. She hated how things were in her family. But at least she had Anna and Armie. Dad’s always been a hot topic. We’ll just have to practice at your place for a while.

Hey... I always liked your dad, said Anna.

Marley half-smiled as Armie pulled the remains of the fudge cake out of the fridge with a semi-guilty look. Me too, he said. I always thought he was an awesome guy.

Reyna walked down from the stairs and smiled, decked out in a tight-fitting floral patterned dress. In moments like these, it was hard for Marley to separate her sister from a life-size Barbie doll. Armie noticed Reyna immediately as his expression turned into a nervous daze. What else is new, thought Marley. This is one of those times Armie isn’t thinking about food. Figures. Marley’s expression almost instantly turned frosty at the possibility of one of her friends dating Reyna. She knew that Armie and Reyna used to hang out when they were little, but after freshman year the