Descent: The Demon Chronicles, #1

By Raven Storm

I didn't want to move to this dumpy, cold rural town. Then again, I didn't want to lose my entire family either. We never get want we want.

My aunt told me to stay away from those 'Academy Boys', that something was different about them; something wrong. I know she means well, but I'm not a baby. When Justin gets me accepted into that fancy school of his, I figured it could be a fresh start.

I just have to ignore how everyone stares at me, almost as if they're waiting for something to happen. There's an order to things here; a hierarchy. I'm struggling to find where I fit in to all of this. And this old man keeps appearing in my dreams, calling out for help. He babbles about archangels and demons.

None of that is real, though. It can't be. That would be utterly ridiculous.

 

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"So, I couldn't put it down. I finished it yesterday evening. I should've been painting yesterday but I blew that off. It was the perfect book, perfect genre to get lose in right now. Is the sequel in the works?"
-Kelly L., Missouri

I've just finished this book and absolutely loved it. I was engrossed in the story from start to finish. Would definitely recommend, even if you're not usually a fan of the genre like me. I'm looking forward to book 2! :)
-Elizabeth H.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raven Storm
• Release date: Oct 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215648346

Raven Storm

Raven has always loved to write, but just recently gained the courage to start publishing a few of her romances. Raven's stories will always feature strong females who are figuring out their place in the world, as well as lots of spice! When she's not reading or writing, Raven is teaching music or performing. Thanks for following!

Book preview

Prologue

"A nd the angels, the children of heaven, saw and lusted after them, and said to one another: ‘Come, let us choose from among the children of men and beget us children.’

And their leader said unto them: ‘I fear ye will not indeed agree to do this deed, and I alone shall have to pay the penalty of a great sin.’ And they all answered him and said: ‘Let us all swear an oath, and all bind ourselves by mutual imprecations not to abandon this plan but to do this thing.’

Then they swore all together and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it."

- The Book of Enoch

Chapter

One

"Y ou aren’t from here, are you?"

The cashier popped her gum, eyeing Sera with skepticism and irritation. The eyes of the other customers in line immediately shifted to the newcomer, wary. Sera tensed, and stuffed one hand self-consciously into her Arizona Razorbacks hoodie. The other hand flew to the pendant she always wore around her neck, a gift from her dead mother. It usually calmed her when she was anxious. Which was most of the time.

$3.11.

Sera fumbled for her wallet.

Just a minute… I know I have change somewhere… Sera rummaged nervously, wincing as change spilled noisily onto the floor. The cashier glared at her through a thick layer of mascara, and the old man behind her huffed in irritation.

It’s alright. I’ve got this.

Sera paused, one hand poised to scoop the errant coins back into her bag. He emerged from the back of the line; a tall boy who neatly side-stepped her and put his large slushie on the counter.

Sera jerked, immediately overcome by memories of her older brother. She turned to the taller figure, half-expecting to see her brother’s brown eyes and warm smile. Sera sucked in a breath, her chest growing tight. His hair wasn’t right; instead of straight brown hair, it was almost black, curling around his ears and down his forehead. His eyes weren’t light like her brother’s; they were dark and busy assessing everything around him, including her.

This was stupid. Her brother wasn’t here, and never would be again. He was back in Arizona, buried under the sandy rocks next to her mother and father.

Without waiting for Sera’s approval, the cashier took the boy’s cash and rang the order through. He raised an eyebrow at her, smirked, then grabbed his drink and left.

Her jaw dropped. You didn’t have to do that! She yelled at his retreating back, flushing in embarrassment.

"Your coffee, ma’am." A frustrated noise escaped Sera, and she turned and swiped her coffee from the counter. The door dinged, signaling his departure. Sera stumbled after him, the stares from the other customers followed her out the door.

Hey! You! Get back here! She yelled. The boy froze, his back stiffening for a split second. Slowly he turned to face her, one eyebrow raised question.

Maybe I was sick of waiting behind the annoying girl who didn’t know where her money was. Some of us don’t have all day to wait around, you know? He took a loud slurp from his straw and smirked. His voice was smooth and cultured.

Sera sniffed. Was everyone in this town rude? She shivered slightly as goosebumps erupted over her arms; the air’s coolness here still surprised her. September in Pennsylvania was far different than the dry air of autumn in the southwest.

"You know, it probably wouldn’t hurt to at least say thank you," he huffed, after Sera had yet to say anything intelligent back.

Sera glared.

He sighed heavily, and held out a hand. I’m Justin. His manner was comfortable and confident. Sera wondered for a moment if she perhaps was overreacting to the entire situation. Nevertheless, she ignored the offered hand. Her hands were full anyway.

Charmed, I’m sure, she retorted, giving his appearance a once over. Dark hair, dark eyes, and a devil-may-care attitude that was getting on her last nerves. And his clothes.

You’re dressed up, she remarked flatly.

He blanched slightly at her rudeness, withdrawing his hand. His lips tightened into a severe line. I attend St. Michael’s Academy, and this is our school uniform. He indicated the tie and sports jacket, both of which sported an emblem of a red, snarling dragon stomping on a plant. A small, golden pin winked at her from his lapel.

I see, she replied stiffly.

Justin arched an eyebrow. You don’t know about St. Michael’s? You must be new around here.

Sera’s face grew hot. Was it this town’s goal in life to make every new person as uncomfortable as possible?

I think that’s already been established, she managed to reply, then fell silent. Her hand again went to her pendant, the cold surface of the stone reassuring her. The boy’s eyes flicked to her neck, his expression changing instantly. He took a step forward, moving into her personal space.

What is that? He pointed at the pendant, his eyes wide.

Sera leaned back, trying to maintain space between them. She fanned her face with one hand, suddenly feeling hot despite the coolness lingering in the air.

"Where did you find such an antique piece? It’s… beautiful." Justin’s eyes didn’t move from her neck while he spoke.

Sera frowned, and took a step back. It was my mother’s, though it might have been my grandmother’s or her mother’s. I’m not sure. She gave it to me before she died.

Her voice had an edge to it that he ignored as he moved closer. Slowly he bent forward, and his eyes transfixed on the pendant around her neck. Without thinking, his fingers reached out toward the chain. As he moved closer, she caught an odd scent from him, like a fire being put out by a rainstorm.

Back off, she hissed, clutching the necklace and covering it with her hands.

Justin gave her an apologetic smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Here, take this card and mention my name when you call.

She reached automatically to take the card, and Justin’s hand snatched out to grab her wrist. His other hand reached for her neck, and her pendant radiated heat the closer his hand came to the stone. There was a bright white flare, like the sun glaring off a passing car window. It radiated outward, knocking Justin back, and he hissed in pain. His eyes went wide with disbelief while he clutched his burnt hand.

No way.

Sera seized her chance and took off running, the coffee forgotten on the curb. She sprinted down the sidewalk, terrified he would follow her. She gulped breath after breath, scared and only vaguely sure of where she was going as her feet pounded the pavement.

After a few blocks, she couldn’t breathe and felt dumb when she realized no one was in pursuit. She looked down at the business card she was still holding, slightly crinkled in her clenched fist. The shiny, red crest on the cream card stock matched the one on Justin’s jacket. The stomping dragon was shining in the sunlight and almost looked to be in motion.

St. Michael’s Academy

Ordo ab Chao

Order out of Chaos

Sera tossed the business card to the ground, crushing it into the pavement with a satisfying twist of her sneakers. She jogged the rest of the way back to her aunt’s house.

Chapter

Two

"S era? Where are you?"

Her aunt’s voice was curious, with a tinge of worry. Sera shut the old wooden door behind her, trying to act normal. I’m here! Just got back from… she trailed off, realizing she didn’t have the coffee. I’m back, she finished lamely, dropping her knapsack by the door and kicking her shoes off.

You didn’t have any issues, did you? The town is pretty simple once you get the basic layout.

Vivian came around the corner, running a hand through her greying hair, cut short with the tips dyed dark purple.

Sera felt a brief stab of pain: her aunt looked so much like her mother that it frequently caught her off guard. Her family had only been dead for a month. Relax. It’s fine. Breathe out.

She refocused on her afternoon adventure. I met some boy. He said he goes to some fancy academy nearby. I hope everyone here isn’t as full of themselves, but the evidence so far isn’t encouraging.

Vivian stopped, one hand frozen in the act of picking up a pile of papers. "Did he mean St. Michael’s? Where did you run into him?"

Sera shrugged. Just now at the coffee shop. I was short on some change, and he bailed me out.

Vivian frowned, setting the pile of mail back down. He must be from one of those well-to-do families heavily involved in The Order. You probably want to be careful around him.

Sera frowned; it was a little late for that. The Order?

Vivian pursed her lips, but didn’t elaborate, instead staring out the window. Fall was quickly making its presence known, the air losing its humid feel and leaving behind a telling coolness. Sera didn’t like it, but Vivian didn’t seem to mind the cold air. No one here did. Vivian had grown up in this quaint, Victorian house with its yellow paint and green trim, inheriting it when Sera’s grandparents had died. The only uncomfortable here was Sera.

Vivian sighed. We have some mail to catch up on, now that we’ve returned. I should have just put a hold on everything, but it’s too late now. I didn’t realize how long it would take to …. settle things.

She trailed off uncomfortably, eyeing Sera and then quickly looking away. Yes, things had taken a while to settle. Lawyers. Paperwork. The house. Their things. More lawyers. Their bodies.

At least you had Vivian, she mentally reminded herself. It could have been so much worse.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts, and Vivian thrust some papers at her. Here, you take this pile.

Together they sorted through the papers in silence, quietly making different stacks based on the level of importance. One pile had bills that needed immediate attention, the second needed to be seen to eventually, and a third was for junk mail. As Sera picked through the small mountain of papers, a thick card stock envelope bearing a ruby wax seal caught her attention. Who used wax these days?

Her eyes went wide when she recognized the same symbol that Justin had worn on his jacket. There were no other markings on it other than her name, not even an address or a postal stamp of any kind. She held it up lamely to Vivian. It’s addressed to me.

Nervousness surged through her body. It couldn’t be the same people Justin had mentioned. Who even knew she was here? Well, worrying wasn’t going to solve anything. She snatched the envelope up and ripped it open as her aunt looked over curiously.

"Dear Miss Serafina Thomas,

You have been selected."

Slightly incredulous at such a short message, she flipped the paper over and found it blank. That was all it said? She turned it back to the front and did a double-take as more words appeared. Perhaps it was a trick of the light?

Now that you have been found, report to the Academy as soon as possible. Your orientation will begin, and a guide will be waiting for you.

You will be supplied with all necessary uniform parts and school equipment needs in your dormitory. Please also note that no electronic devices are allowed on campus.

How did this letter get here? I didn’t even apply!

Her aunt wrestled the envelope away from her, giving Sera a look that declared her a simpleton. "Of course you didn’t apply, no one does; they pick you. It’s considered an honor to be selected by most people, though I have no idea how they learned about you moving here. I assume that’s why they offered; your great-grandparents attended and met there, after all. Perhaps they heard about the accident? I’m sure by now everyone in town knows you’re here. That’s easily explained."

Sera rolled her eyes, annoyed at the nosiness of the town’s culture. Regardless, her interest was piqued. My great-grandparents attended? How come I’ve never heard of this school?

Her aunt frowned. Your grandparents wouldn’t talk about it, but I knew your great-grandmother for a few years before she passed. She would tell such fantastical, ridiculous tales about the place.

Vivian sighed, bringing herself back to reality. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and I’d be selfish to tell you not to go. Heaven knows I would never be able to afford the tuition. Honestly, this is probably one of the best things that could happen for you.

Sera wasn’t so sure. But why me? I’m nothing special! Guilt tore her chest as the monster inside of her went on the warpath with her thoughts.

You aren’t unique. Why did you survive?

Vivian’s brow furrowed in thought. They are big into heritage; they like to keep alumni within family lines, apparently.

Sera eyed her aunt’s torn expression. You don’t seem very excited.

Her aunt lowered the letter and looked out the window, lost in thought. "Your great-grandmother told wonderful stories, but she never exactly had nice things to say about the place. Everyone said she was too far gone at that point and not to believe a word she said. They had many opinions on The Order, and I’ve recently formed my own about them. Trouble and bad luck follow those who get involved with them."

Vivian’s fingers clenched around the letter, angry. Sera wanted to ask about this mysterious ‘Order,’ but she also could see the fury in her aunt’s eyes. Vivian dropped the letter, and it fell to the tabletop.

I’m sorry, I promised myself I would be strong for you, and I can’t even hold myself together. Vivian dabbed her eyes with the corner of her apron.

Sera picked up the letter, rereading it. Dorms? What do they mean dorms?

Vivian gave her a look like she was dense. You would live there during the term. It’s too much trouble to travel up and down the mountain each day.

Then she sighed, sitting down at the table. The pile of junk mail shifted, spilling onto one of the other piles. Sera and Vivian glared at it, their shoulders drooping.

Vivian eventually broke the silence. I know you’re going through a lot right now; we both are. I don’t want you to think I’m pushing away my responsibility for you or hoisting you off on someone else. I just think… She broke off, lost for words. I just think this might help you take your mind off things, a new beginning almost.

Sera’s lips thinned as she thought about it. Maybe her aunt was right; anything would be better than sitting around, brooding about her dead family. Instead she could focus on the history of her great-grandparents. Fine, I’ll do it.

Her aunt gave her a sad smile, then frowned in confusion, searching the tabletop. Where’s the coffee?

Chapter

Three

There were several different routes between the main street and Vivian’s house, but either way, it was about a mile in distance. The route could also change based on how Sera felt; she could take the sidewalk, which was the longest but safest way, or she could cut across the old train tracks and through a small patch of woods for a shortcut.

She liked using the time to clear her head, and the woods were always quiet and empty. Shortcut it was. It was easy to be able to think in the woods, and lately she’d had a lot to think about. If only the ghosts of her family would stop chasing her.

Hurriedly she skipped across the worn wooden railroad slats, unworried about looking both ways. The weeds and grass growing up through the metal were testament enough that a train wouldn’t be coming through any time soon. Beyond the tracks were the woods, thick and dark with growth and vegetation, and about the length of a football field. It was a grove of wildness hidden within the depths of the nauseatingly quaint Victorian town.

Sera picked her legs over the logs and stumps, her eyes always on the ground to avoid tripping. Small bits of sunlight peeked through the heavy foliage, but for the most part, it was shaded and quiet. Every now and then, the silence was interrupted by the sounds of birds or a small animal scurrying through the undergrowth.

Her hand went to her pendant, automatically seeking comfort as her thoughts drifted. There was only a week before she left for St. Michael’s. The idea of attending was growing on her, but probably for the wrong reasons. She figured the busier she was adjusting to her new life, the less she had to deal with the aching hole left by the absence of her family. Sera closed her eyes tight, but it didn’t stop the memories as they assaulted her.

What do you mean dead?

The officer wrung the brim of his hat nervously, not meeting her eyes. I’m sorry, the other driver seemed drunk. He hit them head-on; he was going too fast. By the time we got there, everyone—

STOP! JUST STOP!

She fell to her knees, a sharp stick gouging into her thigh and bringing her back to the present. She grabbed the stick, snapping it in half in spite and tossing it against a nearby tree.

Sera stiffened as another sound cut through the silence: voices. Curious, she stood and crept closer. In a small cluster of pine trees were three figures, though it was hard to see their faces with the branches and needles obscuring them. The voices were anxious, but grew easier to hear the closer she got. Sera ducked behind a large, thick tree to listen.

You need to stop; this is getting out of hand. How many of us will be gone before he gets what he’s after?

Sera didn’t recognize the voice, though that wasn’t saying much she she’d only met a handful of people so far. Another voice replied to the first, but this one she did recognize. Sera slapped her hand over her mouth to keep from gasping out loud.

Isn’t that rather the point? You can’t tell me you honestly care about them. Their lines are weak and dying. Think of it as us just speeding the process along.

Justin’s voice was arrogant, and he waved a hand dismissively while standing nonchalantly against a tree. A third voice chimed in, quieter and more subdued than the other two. Sera was unable to hear what it said. Whatever it was, it made the first boy angrier.

"I think Justin is just trying to keep all the glory for himself. Any progress he’s made has been with our blood, and it’ll be you or me next! Justin doesn’t need either of us; he doesn’t need anyone! But I do think he’s afraid of losing his grandfather’s attention, aren’t you, Justin?"

Sera heard a vicious, animalistic snarl.

What have you done lately besides fail continuously on the project and get more of us killed? The angry voice argued.

The boy with the softer interjected, but this only enraged the other boy more.

"He did what?"

They shifted their stances, and Sera was finally able to see the other two boys. All three of them were dressed in khakis with red dress shirts; their black sports coats draped over nearby rocks.

One boy had dark hair like Justin, but built a bit smaller. The boy with the softer voice had dirty blonde hair and stood taller and broader then Justin. The boy with the dark hair advanced on Justin, incredulous. "Where did you find him? When? We haven’t found one in ages!"

Sera took a step forward to gain a better view, and her sneaker slid across some mud. She reached out to steady herself, grabbing onto a branch and snapping it cleanly in half. The sound echoed in the silent forest, making her wince. It was likely karma from snapping that other branch in anger earlier.

Figured.

Adrenaline pumped through her veins, and she looked up, cursing as Justin’s eyes locked right onto hers. She turned to run but found him directly in front of her, blocking the way.

She yelped and tumbled to the ground, mud sticking to her hands and knees. How had he gotten there so fast?

Fancy meeting you here, he began, dragging out each syllable as his eyes locked onto her necklace. She stared at him, her body not catching up to her racing thoughts as she tried to stand.

Problem? The angry, dark-haired boy sauntered up beside the two of them, trying to look bored but failing with an eager glint in his eyes.

No problem here, Justin said calmly, his eyes not leaving hers. Just assisting the lady on her way.

"On her way? You don’t know what she’s heard. " A red spark grew in the other boy’s eyes, and Sera’s stomach dropped into her feet. Justin stepped in front of her, turning around, so his back was to her. She heard the same primal, snarling sound as before. Whatever it was, it immediately sent the other boy stumbling backward.

"In your haste to talk about my grandfather, you seem to forget exactly who he is and who that makes me. I said that the lady was going to be on her way."

There was a second vicious snarl.

Reg, leave it. The boy with the dirty blonde hair tugged Reg away, shooting Sera an apologetic look. Reg didn’t press any further but shot her a dangerous glare. Both boys passed behind a tree, and then they were just…gone. Justin turned to face her, his muscles visibly relaxing.

Sera was far from relaxed. "What the hell was that?"

Over her initial fear, shock and anger raced through her body like a poison. She pointed one finger in Justin’s chest, which was surprisingly thick despite his lithe stature. He calmly grabbed her hand and dropped it to her side. He withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her to wipe her muddy hands.

Again, a little thanks wouldn’t be off the mark. The first favor I did for you was free; now you owe me.

Sera’s jaw dropped, and she deliberately wiped her hands on her jeans. He raised an eyebrow but put the handkerchief away.

Excuse me? She gasped.

He grinned that smug, irritating grin. The headmaster is my grandfather. Since it was me who brought you to his attention, I do believe an expression of gratitude is in order for your admission. I’ve done quite a bit for you lately.

He leaned against the tree, pushing Sera slightly until her back was up against the rough bark. His earthy, dark smell saturated her senses, and his eyes were boring into hers. "You owe me."

Sera felt her heart drop into her stomach. What do you want?

His eyes hungrily searched for the pendant around her neck. Let me have a closer look at the taIi—I mean, necklace, and we will call it even. For now.

Sera grabbed the pendant with her hand, hiding it from his searching gaze. He had been about to call it something else, but what?

Just so we’re clear, she began, I’m not taking it off, and you don’t actually touch it.

His eyes narrowed. Take it or leave it, she stated, standing her ground.

I touch it once, with one finger, he shot back.

She gritted her teeth together, unsure. Fine.

He smirked, amused with the back and forth. Your terms are accepted.

Sera swallowed and reluctantly tilted her head back, bringing the necklace forward. Justin moved in closer; his eyes level with the amber stone. It was a beautiful necklace; she agreed with him there. An amber stone was surrounded by an ornate filigree, though she was unsure what kind of metal. It was golden in tone and wrapped around the stone in a loving embrace.

Justin’s hand slowly reached forward, and he hovered just over the very top of the pendant with his pointer finger. Sera felt an uncomfortable pressure build in her chest as the pendant became hot. She took a large breath in, and his finger touched the top of the charm. There was a flash of white and a sizzling sound. Just like last time.

Ow! He drew back, hissing and shaking his hand in pain. Sera grabbed the stone herself, not feeling anything out of the ordinary. It felt like a regular piece of jewelry, though it did give her an immediate sense of calm.

I feel pretty confident that you’ll do just fine at The Academy, Justin said, putting his finger in his mouth and sucking on it. Instead of angry, his expression was more amused as he regarded his injured hand. The sun shone off his dark hair, and Sera twitched slightly as the wind blew his ashy, earthy scent briefly towards her again. She turned her head away.

See you soon.

Sera looked back to deliver a smart remark, but he was gone. She spun around in disbelief, but there wasn’t a sign of anyone else around. A frustrated sound echoed from her throat as she tried to rub the mud off her jeans. Well, one thing was certain. She wasn’t going to get any more answers unless she went to that stupid, stupid school.

Chapter

Four

"H ello?"

It was a man’s voice. Sera spun around, finding herself in the middle of a field. It was dark, and a thick blanket of fog surrounded her.

Can anyone hear me?

The man sounded mostly curious, but also worried. Sera turned towards the sound but was unable to see anyone. He sounded close, but far away at the same time.

This is most inconvenient. Are you there?

Sera waved her arms in front of her face, trying to dispel the fog. Instead, it thickened and swirled, curling up her arms and clogging her nose and mouth. She started to cough.

Hello? His voice was still there.

Sera managed to scream and woke up.

Chapter

Five

Sera jerked upright, nearly falling off the bed as Vivian banged on the door. Her voice thundered through the thin walls. Are you ready to go? Get up! We leave in an hour!

Sera groaned at her aunt’s anxious voice, pulling the comforter back over her head. All thoughts of the dream vanished, leaving her with dread and anxiety for the day ahead.

Today was the day.

She was going to St. Michael’s and wouldn’t be back here for months. Her bag was packed and ready by the door, ‘appropriate’ possessions included. In the end, it wasn’t much—her underclothes, a few changes of casual clothes, and a few books and other knick-knacks that would stay in her school-issued trunk. Her bedside table was empty; the photo of her family tucked into a side compartment in her bag. She hoped that a change of scenery would drive away the strange dreams she kept having.

Eventually, they were both ready. Together, they walked across the front porch and down the stone steps to where Vivian’s car was parked on the street.

Take a last look. It could be awhile, her aunt advised.

Sera obediently turned to look, if nothing else, just to give her aunt some semblance of control of the situation. It really was a beautiful house, despite its age.

Painted a cheerful golden yellow, it one looked closely remnants of an older paint job could be seen peeking through chips here and there. The trim of the house was forest green, working well with the gray stonework that covered the bottom section of the house as well as the front porch. Two red brick chimneys stood on either side, like a pair of regal guardians overlooking the street. Sera had lived here only a few weeks, but it already felt like someplace she could come home to. With a sigh, Sera and Vivian hopped into the car, and drove off.

St. Michael’s was buried deep within the mountain range that shadowed the town. Despite being close geographically, it took Vivian close to an hour to navigate the twisting mountain road full of sharp turns and steep angles.

"You would think with all of their money they could afford a