Rising Light: The Young Chronicles, #3

By Bobbi Schemerhorn

Rising Light is set to release November 23, 2022.

 

Darkness cowers in the shadows, Hope rises in the light.

 

The moment has arrived. The Alpha must make her final stand against the Darkness. An evil her ancestors have never faced. The Young bloodline is put to its fiercest test. Will Destiny's Champion rise to the challenge, or will the world fall into complete annihilation?

 

Rising Light a contemporary supernatural fantasy, is the final instalment to the Young Chronicles Trilogy. You won't want to put it down, and will be sad when it's over.

 

Grab your pre-order today, Rising Light will be live November 23, 2022.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bobbi Schemerhorn
• Release date: Nov 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781989569184

Book preview

Other Books by This Author

Young Chronicles Trilogy

Darkness Looms

Lingering Shadows

Rising Light

Realm Wardens Series

Blood Magic

The Gift

Tor

Legends of Gronk - Novella

Mechanical Dragons Series

Fire and Water

Spirit

Earth

Air

Reunion

Standalone Titles

Bounty

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank everyone who participated in making this book into what it is now. My beta readers, thank you for your time and patience.

My editor, Mia Kleve, thank you for your constant hard work and devotion to making my words pretty.

And to my cover artist team at Streetlight Graphics, thank you for bringing my covers to such a beautiful life!

Chapter One

Taya scanned the area; the carnage of dead vampires and brutally injured Guardians were scattered around the field. It only took her a second to find the person she was looking for. Marcus. Relief filled her but only for a brief moment. Immediately, dread formed a knot in her stomach. Something was wrong. Marcus helped Duncan move Mattie away from the gore before them—the corrupted Guardian Taya had halved during her battle.

After Marcus, Duncan, and Mattie disappeared into the trees, Taya eased into an easy jog to follow them. She could feel Marcus’s concern like it was her own. When she stepped into the trees and found them, Mattie was doubled over and dry heaving as there was nothing left in her stomach. Her breathing was erratic, and she couldn’t catch her breath between heaves.

Marcus was rubbing her back. It’s going to be okay, we’re all okay now.

Okay? She stood and looked at him. How is any of this going to be okay? Did you not see any of that? She gestured at the field behind them. Taya had a sword sticking out of her back! A sword! And she just pulled it out and kept going. She pointed to where Taya had disappeared and stopped when she spotted her.

Mattie, I’m so sor—

Sorry? You’re sorry? You should be dead! You had a sword stuck straight through you and you just pulled it out and ran like nothing happened. So, explain to me how this is going to be okay? Her hands were shaking, and she had to make fists to make them stop.

I know this all seems really bad right now. Marcus’s voice was soothing.

Mattie pulled away from him.

I think we should get her to one of the Guardian doctors, Taya said. She looked between Marcus and Duncan. Duncan was holding his side where he’d been stabbed several months earlier and wincing. His shirt was completely soaked, and he was paler than normal. Marcus’s lip was split, and a bruise was forming around his eye. She reached for Marcus’s face, and he grabbed her hand. How are you two? You’re not healing very quickly. She turned to Duncan. We need to get you some-

Marcus cut her off. Don’t say it, not here. He nodded toward Mattie.

Mattie straightened. How are you all so calm? And who the hell are you? She pointed at Duncan. Why did John take you? Why would John do any of this? I know we didn’t always treat him great, but this? Mattie clutched at her side and tried to catch her breath.

Taya looked at the field through the tree line. Maybe I should get Domineec; he’s an empath he’ll be able to help calm her.

How can you be so fucking calm? Mattie slurred her words. She swayed on her feet.

I think she’s going to pass out, Duncan said reaching for her but she pulled away.

Mattie struggled to get the words out. You saw—you saw everything I did.

Taya moved in as Mattie collapsed. I know this all seems unbelievable, but I promise it will be explained.

Mattie slumped, her body limp. Marcus picked her up and cradled her in his arms. Let’s go find those doctors of yours.

Taya nodded and led them out of the trees. The Guardians were making fast work of clearing the area. A large bonfire had been built and they were burning the dead vampires. On the opposite side of the field there were ten more on their knees, their hands behind their backs, and guarded by three Guardians.

Taya looked at Duncan, since out of the two of the vampires in her life he was the only one who had voiced concern about the treatment of his people.

You all right? she asked when she saw him eye the bonfire.

Don’t worry about me, Sweets. I’m on your side. He touched her arm and gave it a small squeeze. Taya spotted the broad-shouldered god of a man, Scott, speaking to one of the council members, Ishaan. He was the tactical leader.

She scanned the area as she continued to lead the others toward where she’d entered the clearing only an hour earlier, thought it felt like years. Taya spotted Domineec coming toward her, and she rushed to him.

My friend needs medical attention. She pointed at Mattie. She passed out.

Domineec nodded, glanced about, then whistled to a small group gathering injured Guardians in one place. When they looked up Domineec yelled, Tim!

Tim jogged toward them and stopped in front of Taya. How are you healing? Do you need help? He reached for her and Taya stepped aside.

My friend Mattie took a pretty bad beating. She passed out.

Tim looked between Marcus and Duncan, then to Domineec.

Domineec put a hand on Tim’s shoulder and nodded. They’re all right, don’t worry about them.

Tim nodded once and gestured for Marcus to put Mattie on the ground. He knelt and dropped a small medical bag next to her head. He lifted her shirt revealing deep bruising. Her breathing appeared labored as well. Tim grabbed a stethoscope from his bag and listened. He pulled her eyes open and flashed a light in them. He pivoted on his other knee and looked at Domineec and Taya.

She’s in pretty rough shape.

Can we take her to the local hospital? Domineec asked.

Why wouldn’t we be able to? Taya asked. Let’s go now.

Tim shook his head. There would be too many questions we can’t answer.

You don’t know anyone here? Domineec asked.

No not here. We’ll have to take her to the Fifth Temple; it will be the only place we can treat her without raising questions.

How far is that? Taya asked. It had been twenty years since she’d last been there. After they had cleared out the large vampire compound and killed the wendigo. Her stay had been short because she healed quickly from her injuries.

Tim shook his head and gave a slow shrug. Six, seven hours. We have several choppers waiting just outside the perimeter. That’s as fast as we can get her there.

Taya shook her head trying to understand. You can’t take her to the hospital down the street because of questions, but you have helicopters parked just outside?

Tim lifted a hand. There’s a cover story explaining why this area is quarantined. So we can get the choppers in and out without too many questions. It all looks like a military operation. Look, we’re wasting time she doesn’t have.

Can she hold on that long? Panic filled every fiber of her being. Marcus wrapped an arm around her shoulders and Domineec took one of her hands. She felt some of the panic ease.

Tim stepped away and shouted at the men surrounding the corrupted Guardians. Bring us a stretcher and blanket.

A minute later a man ran up carrying a stretcher and blanket. Marcus took them and he and Duncan lifted Mattie onto it. She groaned as they moved her. Tim knelt.

Can you hear me? he said and looked up at Taya. What was her name?

Matilda—Mattie.

Mattie, can you hear me? Can you open your eyes?

She didn’t respond and slipped back into what Taya hoped was sleep.

Domineec grabbed one corner of the stretcher, Taya, Duncan, and Marcus, the others. They jogged from the clearing as best they could without jostling her too much.

When they reached the helicopter and loaded Mattie, Taya tried to follow. A hand reached out and grabbed her arm. It was Scott.

We need you here, he said.

Fuck that, I’m going with her.

Snoops came up behind Scott. Unfortunately, we do need you here, Taya. He looked at Duncan who was getting whiter by the minute. His jeans were now stained dark and his shirt could no longer contain all the blood. You, on the other hand, should go with them. They will give you what you need at the Temple.

Duncan scoffed. Me in a Temple full of Guardians that already hate my kind and all by myself? That’s a hard no.

I’m aware of your condition-

Condition? he snorted. Is that what you lot are calling it now? A condition?

Duncan, Taya started.

Sweets, no.

Yes. You are going. She grabbed his arm and led him to the waiting helicopter. The more you argue the longer you keep Mattie from getting the help she, and obviously you, need. Now get the hell into the bloody helicopter.

He stared at her and she glared back. All right, geez. But if they kill me, I’m so coming back to haunt you.

A vampire ghost... I just might pay to see that.

Duncan glanced up to see Tim holding out his hand. Duncan took it and climbed in. They closed the doors and Taya and her group stepped back as the helicopter took off.

Taya felt like she wanted to collapse. The idea of Mattie not surviving was more than she could bear. Marcus wrapped his arms around her, and she gripped him tightly.

Uh, not to disturb this tender moment, Scott said. But...

Still holding onto Marcus, Taya glanced at Snoops. What do you know?

Not much. Charlie’s not talking, which isn’t surprising. We hauled him off. He’s being taken to the Second Temple.

The insane asylum? Really? Why?

Scott snorted. He’s an Elder that aligned himself with a raving lunatic who commanded a vampire army. That’s pretty insane if you ask me.

Snoops rubbed his face. Nobody asked. But it’s the closest thing we have to a jail. We can hold him there until we figure out what he’s up to. As for this John fellow—or should we call him the Darkness?

Taya pulled away from Marcus, "No, he’s not. He’s something else. I don’t know what he is, but I do know he is not the Darkness."

Well, I guess that’s something.

Silver linings, Scott said smiling.

Snoops furrowed his brow and headed back to the clearing.

Silver linings... Taya scoffed and followed. She heard Marcus say, "I thought it was a bit of good news."

Right! Scott answered.

Taya stopped next to Snoops who was talking to Trevor.

I honestly don’t know who that would be. Personally I would ask Paul, but— Trevor stopped short and stared at Taya. She could see the relief and fear in his eyes.

Taya gave him a small nod and smile. I’m okay. Those two words appeared to give him some comfort.

Snoops said, Go to the Seventh Temple. The Keepers there will have the Young Archives for the Custodians. You will find his name and where to contact him.

Are you talking about Rowan? Taya asked. I can tell you where he is.

No, you can’t, Snoops said with a hint of a smile. Three years ago, he was moved to a Temple to complete his transition to the next Elder to the Alpha. He’s been preparing since Paul’s death. He was there.

What? Rowan was at Paul’s release? Why didn’t you tell me?

Snoops raised an eyebrow. One, it was Paul’s plan never to tell you Rowan had chosen to fully embrace the Second Life because it was never your damn business. And two, there are more important things to worry about at the moment than hurting your feelings.

Why do I always feel like I’m a child when I’m around you guys?

Because you are, Snoops and Ishaan said simultaneously, as he stepped up to the group.

Ishaan continued, We’re going to take the dark Guardians to the Second and the injured to the Fifth. A few Guardians will be left here to mind the fire and insure we don’t attract any further attention.

What about them? Snoops pointed over his shoulder at the seven remaining vampires.

Ishaan stared at them. If we want to keep them alive, the only place they can go is the Second. Or we can dispatch them now, throw them on the fire, and be done with the cockroaches. His eyes moved to Marcus and no one missed the underlying threat.

Hey, Taya shouted stepping into his line of sight. He was a victim to all of this as much as the rest. He has nothing to do with any of it. Marcus is one of us; he is of the Second Life and you’d best get on board with it. The two glared at each other. She added, "And Duncan had better be well taken care of, too. If anything happens to him, I’m holding you personally responsible." She poked Ishaan in the chest and immediately regretted it, but still she held her ground.

She was still in considerable pain from her injuries. Her legs were starting to tingle, and she hoped that meant her spine was healing.

Ishaan looked down at the finger she was jabbing into his chest. He narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw. "And what shall I do with them?" His voice was hard and Taya was certain he could taste blood from biting his tongue.

Taya stared at the seven vampires. She didn’t think they were high enough on the command chain to have any information. Set them loose.

What? All four men said in unison.

Have them each followed. It’s not likely they will stick together. But one or more of them may lead us back to John, or at the very least the compound where they’re hiding out.

Ishaan nodded. That’s a solid plan. Scott, you’re with me.

Righty-ho. Catch you later, Gorgeous. Scott stared at Marcus for a long second. Maybe we can catch a game of rudgeball later once this settles down.

That’d be great. The two smiled at each other and Scott took off to catch up with Ishaan.

Snoops snorted. Well, if Scott approves that’s saying something. He winced and grabbed his side.

Are you okay? Taya reached for him while Marcus moved to his other side.

Marcus said, John laid into all of us pretty good. I’m assuming you, sir, are not immortal?

Sir? Taya and Snoops said.

Snoops snorted again. No, I’m not. I think it’s time for me to get to the Fifth, and by the looks of it, you should as well.

Taya took a long look at Marcus. The Temple will have blood for you.

Marcus shook his head. No, no blood. Not ever. I will heal, just slower. I do need to find Tammy and the others, though.

Let’s walk and talk, Snoops said. Taya, you will come with me to the Fifth. Marcus, I will have you taken to the Third. They’ll be able to help you find your family. We have the best world surveillance in that Temple.

I don’t think— Taya started.

You said so yourself, Marcus is of the Second Life. Therefore, he has the freedom to move from Temple to Temple like the rest of us.

You have no reservations whatsoever?

Snoops’ voice filled with what Taya could only classify as gratitude. When John abducted us last night your vampires stood side by side with Scott and fought as hard as they could to protect me and your friend. I’d trust them with my life any day. He sighed. I’m certain Scott feels the same, and he won’t keep his yap shut about it. Word will spread very quickly if it hasn’t already started.

Taya felt a lump in her throat.

I’m also certain Paul would have agreed if he’d had a chance to get to know them. Now, come on, let’s hitch a ride.

A Guardian assigned to the cleanup ran toward them as they were climbing into a car. Snoops, Taya, hold up.

What’s wrong? Snoops asked.

Master Jack was hoping Taya could give some assistance to one Guardian in particular before she left.

Jack? Snoops shook his head. When did he get here?

About twenty minutes ago.

Marcus leaned into Taya and whispered, Who’s Master Jack?

He’s the lead medical director and a council member, she said. What does he need me to do?

You should just come with me.

Taya shrugged. Okay, lead the way.

The three of them followed the Guardian back into the dead zone.

Chapter Two

Taya, Marcus, and Snoops stepped back onto the field. Fast work was being made of cleaning up the bodies and the injured. The Guardian led them to where John had held her friends. Nearby, was one of the corrupted Guardians Taya had been forced to fight.

As they approached, she could see the grass around him was soaked and stained red. The sheet they had laid across the man was a deep crimson, and the stain kept spreading. He was conscious but not speaking, he would nod occasionally at the man kneeling by his head and holding his hand.

They stopped short of the small group surrounding the fallen Guardian. Taya’s stomach clenched and her anger at John rose. If it hadn’t been for him, her actions would not have been forced and this Guardian would not be lying here.

A man in a leather coat and jeans stepped in front of them. His hair was messy, and dirt covered one side of his face. Taya noticed his sword’s handle just over his right shoulder.

Jack, Snoops said as the men clasped forearms.

He gave Snoops a quick nod and turned to Taya. I need you to help him.

Taya looked from the man on the ground back to the Elder. How?

He has a fatal wound and is asking to be released rather than live eternity in a coma.

Taya glanced at Snoops.

We all saw you take the chi from a dark Guardian in the middle of a battle. This should be nothing for you.

Marcus touched the small of her back and leaned in. You once told me you thought this was why you were still alive; to help those who cannot be healed.

Taya knew their words were true, she just wasn’t sure how she felt about taking the man’s chi. The stories of Meredith ran through her mind; how her ancestor had taken the chis of others and slowly turned dark herself. Would this one act lead her down that road? The power given from another’s life force was enticing. Could she resist it?

Snoops touched her elbow drawing her attention to him. It’s the kind thing to do. His condition is devastating. He’ll never recover.

Taya frowned. When she’d struck the man with his sword, she’d struck him at an angle. It was an injury that he should have been able to recover from. Perhaps it was the vampire blood they were referring to.

Taya took a deep breath, looked at Marcus then stepped up to the Guardian. She heard Jack tell the others to step away. The grass beneath her feet squished and sloshed as if it had been raining, but it hadn’t. The Guardian holding the man’s hand laid it across his chest, kissed his forehead, and stood.

She knelt next to the man. He was struggling for every breath he could barely get any air. There was nothing crazed about him now. He was likely coming down from the high of the vampire blood, but except for his inability to breath he was calm.

She asked Jack, He was under vampire blood influence, I swear. It—it’s why—

Jack shrugged. We believe because of the nature of the injury and the blood loss he’s been cleansed.

Taya glanced up at Snoops, The nature of his injury? My injuries were just as bad but they weren’t fatal. She reached for the sheet.

Taya, don’t, Snoops said.

She had to see the injury; she didn’t remember it being that bad. Her stomach lurched, more from the shock than the mess in front of her.

The adrenaline from the fight, her inability to stop and take in every detail of what she was doing must have kept her from knowing what she’d done.

She had struck him at an angle, but rather than slicing his belly, the wound was much deeper. Taya had severed the man in half. He was not a man with a gapping stomach wound, he was a man in two pieces, from his lower right rib cage to his left shoulder. He had half a lung and part of his heart, the rest of his body lay several inches away from him.

Taya set the sheet back down and her hand moved to her mouth. He looked up at her, unable to speak, each breath coming in weak gulps. A tear ran down his temple. Taya didn’t stop her own tears from falling.

I’m so sorry, she whispered.

He reached for her hand. You did... what... you had... to do. His voice was barely above a whisper. He closed his eyes and Taya was certain he wouldn’t open them again. His chest stopped moving and the wheezing from his lungs ceased. But only for a second.

The Guardian’s body, unable to truly die, brought him back and he gasped for new air only to find none. His suffering showed on his face and on those around him. The Guardian who had held his hand sobbed uncontrollably.

Jack knelt and touched her shoulder. This man is one of mine; he is a good man. He’s a victim, an unwilling participant in John’s army and he will continue to suffer unless you put a stop to it.

What’s his name?

Hugo, the sobbing Guardian said.

Taya gripped Hugo’s hand and leaned close to his ear. I’m truly sorry this happened. I am certain you fought well as a Guardian, and if not for John you would have continued to uphold a valiant life as one of my immortal soldiers. Tears streaked his temples while Taya’s tears dripped from her eyes. She put a hand on his forehead since there wasn’t much of a heart left in his chest. She gently kissed his eyes and whispered, Good journey brother.

Taya closed her eyes and listened to his breathing. She matched the unsteadiness and the erratic heartbeat began to settle and fall in line with hers.

The world slowed to a stop and fell away. A peaceful love fell over her and washed away the horrors of the last several hours. In that moment, it was only her and Hugo. Taya felt the tether, it was surprisingly strong, his immortality refusing to let go. It tugged at her heart, and she had to bear down to pull it back.

Taya breathed deeply and listened to his heartbeat gain strength. She pulled on the, tether tighter and tighter until a rush of energy hit her and threw her back on her heels. Not positive what to do, Taya released his chi, let it go into nothingness. The world slammed back to her, and time resumed.

The peace she had felt was replaced with the pain of guilt and sorrow. Marcus helped her to her feet and put his arms around her.

I’m sorry, she said to Jack. I didn’t know what else to do; I let his chi go.

Jack nodded and swallowed. He said nothing, merely joined the other Guardians gathered around Hugo’s body.

Come on, Snoops said. Let them grieve in privacy.

Taya looked over her shoulder and said, Are they all Jack’s?

Snoops sighed. Yes.

I’m really sorry about his chi—

You did the right thing. We don’t know if he was fully cleansed or not. It’s best you not find out the hard way.

Now what? Marcus asked.

Snoops stopped and faced them. He was exhausted and holding his side. We continue with our plan. Taya and I will go to the Fifth and you to the Third Temple.

Taya swayed on her feet and Marcus steadied her. You all right, love?

I just felt very lightheaded. It’s probably just a delayed reaction to Hugo’s release. Taya looked around the field. Nearly everyone was gone now. The pile of vampire bodies a smoldering pile of ash. All the Guardians had been removed, and Jack and his people were wrapping Hugo’s body.

Snoops, they need to bury him with the rest. He deserves to be kept with those of the Second Life, Taya said.

Snoops half nodded. We don’t have a place for Guardians, but I will ensure we make one.

You’ll need to.

Snoops’ eyebrows rose. Are you saying you’re going to release more? You think that’s smart?

I don’t know, Taya said and started walking again. But I’ve heard so many talk about the hospital at the Fifth, how full it is with those who have been fatally wounded and are put into comas to rest comfortably. Maybe we should bring them out of their comas and ask if they wish to be released.

Snoops was silent and it made Taya nervous. She had thought he would be completely on board with the idea but he didn’t look happy at all.

When they found a car heading to the airport, Taya and Marcus climbed in. Snoops stepped away and grabbed one of