Legend of the KamiLah: Released Book II

By J.M. Vrooman

Will the elemental demons and the evil spirit Daeva be released? If that were to happen, chaos would be unleashed upon a fragile world again. Jade Pamal has to continue her journey as the KamiLah. Discovering new friendships along with old ones might be what she needs. When cherished souls are ripped away, can Jade find her courage and face new foes? Fire burns so brightly and is dangerous if you get too close to the flame. In order to rise, first you must burn, or so the saying goes at Kingston School for Ugnis Souls. Jade finds herself in an unfamiliar place with new challenges. Will Jade survive or succumb to social pressure? By looking into her past life, maybe she will discover how to live in the present. As the world changes around her, the KamiLah must find her courage, or fail.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647011635

Book preview

Chapter One

Haunted

Sweat poured down Jade’s face as she jolted from her seat. She had been having the same nightmare for weeks. The flight attendant quickly brought Jade a towel and some water. She gulped it down and tried to forget her fear. Nightmares are a treacherous thing; they haunt and drive the mind into madness. Those who dismiss them as fantasy will fall victim to the void.

We are high above the clouds, flying to Australia. The soul splitter can’t get you here, Faith reassured Jade. Faith had been Jade’s faithful servant and guard since she was an infant. As expected of her protector, she went to the front of the plane to get a status report.

Ever since that tragic night when the five natural souls lost their lives, Jade hasn’t been the same. When someone attempted to engage in conversation with Jade, she just nodded, shrugged, and faked a smile. Although Alexia was reading an elemental soccer magazine, she noticed Jade’s discomfort. Her eyes were red from worry and exhaustion.

Are you okay? Alexia queried Jade nervously. Her degenerating mental state was causing everyone concern. Jade quickly nodded but turned away to hide her real emotions. She could barely look at her friends and family; knowing she could lose them at any moment was almost too much to bear. Could Mr. Davi find the hidden pyramid? Has he released the elemental demons yet? Will the evil spirit Daeva be set free? So much has happened since that night. The soul splitter betrayed my family, and he is going to kill everyone I love. Jade couldn’t help thinking tortured thoughts as she gazed out the window at the dark clouds.

Alexia leaned over and asked Jade, You’re thinking of… She paused, then whispered, Him, aren’t you. Her dark thoughts were suddenly inundated with images of Kai. It pained her soul that the last time she saw Kai, they had fought. There were harsh words exchanged that still made her heart ache. Jade couldn’t stop her mind from wandering again. So many secrets have come to light. Even though Kai is my soul mate, I can’t run to his arms freely. Father would never accept him at his current station. As tradition dictates, I must marry a man of my father’s choosing and give up on the fantasy of love. I refuse to believe that Kai only wanted to use me to find his parents’ killer. Is it my soul or my mind that tells me Kai is good? Why does my heart still yearn for him? It’s not his fault that the soul splitter killed his parents. Mr. Davi betrayed us all.

I still can’t believe he didn’t say goodbye to you, Alexia whispered. Jade looked depressed every time someone mentioned Kai’s name. He was given Mr. Davi’s old job as Tyrus Pamal’s personal bodyguard. It was an excellent advancement opportunity for him and considered a high honor.

Let’s not talk about him, Jade whispered and glared at Alexia. Faith had returned from the cockpit and was sitting nearby. It would be an inconvenience if she were to overhear their conversation. If she knew how Jade honestly felt about Kai, they would never be able to meet again.

When the private plane landed in Australia, Andrew and an unfamiliar man were waiting next to a luxurious limousine. The stranger was extraordinarily handsome but an older gentleman who could have doubled as a model. Andrew, of course, held his own movie-star-like qualities that made most girls stare.

Mr. Andrew, thanks for inviting me along! Alexia shouted and waved excitedly. Jade seemed happy to be there, but her eyes gave away her pain. The only reason Jade’s father agreed to this trip was to bring her closer to Andrew, as he was to be announced as her fiancé.

Ms. Alexia, I’m happy you were able to join us. Faith, if I may be so bold as to suggest we speak relaxed? We are all friends here and don’t need to use honorifics, at least when it is just us, Andrew humbly requested.

It’s all right with me, but let us not forget our manners when others are present, Faith agreed. It was rare for her to be lenient on the rules and regulations. Andrew rushed to Jade’s side as soon as she stepped onto the tarmac.

Jade, I was so excited that I hardly slept! This is Mr. James, my elite guard and closest friend. He will protect all of us on our trip, along with Faith, of course. I’ve tried to call him James, but he hates it, Andrew said in jest.

Mr. James was tall, dark-skinned, with light golden-brown eyes. His facial features were sharp and flawless. He was blessed by Dvasia and was quite skilled at healing devastating wounds. Mr. James looked like a model from a firefighter calendar.

It’s a pleasure to meet you all finally. I have a wonderful dinner prepared at the villa, Mr. James informed them and opened the car door. His beautiful English accent made Faith swoon inside. Jade noticed Faith’s sudden lightness, which came as quite a shock to her. She caught Faith staring at him almost in awe. Jade chuckled because it was the first time she saw Faith taken aback by another.

Jade, how have you been? I’ve been worried about you! I, too, was kidnapped, but as a child. I am sorry you had to experience that, Andrew admitted while they drove to the villa. He could sense they were nervous in the car and made an attempt to clear the air. Andrew hoped it would provide Jade with some comfort. Jade’s hand was trembling, so Andrew gently grasped it to calm her. Although they hadn’t known each other long, Andrew found Jade easy to read. As a model and actor, Andrew traveled the world and met a lot of people. It gave him the ability to tell when someone wasn’t being truthful or trying to hide something. He could see right through her fake smile.

To be quite honest, I have been a little stressed, Jade insisted.

Alexia whispered, A little, more like a lot. Jade glared at her; she knew Alexia was only joking but it struck a chord with her.

Jade, you know that I am here for whatever you need. Just tell me what you want, and I can make it happen. I can tell you’re troubled by something, Andrew insisted, quite concerned. He tightened his grip as if he were saying, I’m here for you.

Thank you, Andrew. Really, I’m fine. I just had a strange dream about… Jade paused for a moment. She still couldn’t bring herself to speak his name aloud. Instead, she called the name of the monster Mr. Davi had become, the Siela Skirstytuvo.

The soul splitter. Didn’t he kidnap you? That sounds like it was a horrific nightmare. Is there anything I can do to help put your mind at ease? Andrew queried. His big sapphire eyes made him look like a puppy begging for a bone. Jade closed her eyes and started rubbing her forehead. Talking about the dream made her head throb. She still wasn’t acting like the cheerful, optimistic girl everyone knew. Before Jade could tell them the dream, they had arrived at the Alistair residence.

The villa was so spectacular that the grandeur of the place took everyone’s breath away. The luxurious views from the balcony made their hearts race in excitement. The waves crashed onto the beach, and the sunset was breathtaking.

This is my home, Jade. I hope you like it here. One day I hope for it to be our home, Andrew stated with the look of pure happiness on his face. Jade gazed back at him happily, but the thought made her heart ache. I would have to leave New York; but would that be so bad. Once everything is over, I could be happy here, Jade thought to herself.

Later that evening, they sat down for dinner in the grand dining room. It had a twelve-foot-long farm table and chic country decor. Jade and Alexia were used to fancy dinners, but this was more like something pulled from a magazine.

We can’t thank you enough for inviting everyone. I needed to get away. Everything is amazing. I am so grateful to have someone like you in my life, Jade acknowledged and managed a genuine smile for a moment. Andrew could tell she was still hiding painful memories. It was clear that her wounds were still fresh.

Jade, I won’t push you, but when you’re ready, will you tell me about your nightmare? Maybe I can help. If you need to talk or vent, I’ll listen to every word, he stated to her, hoping Jade would finally open up. Jade had a look of relief sweep across her face.

Thank you. You always know what to say to make me feel better. It is still bothering me, and I’m not sure if it’s real or something I created from my fear. The soul splitter found the prison where Daeva and the elemental demons are being held captive. I think he knows how to release them, Jade disclosed anxiously. The betrayal was still fresh in her mind; the words felt like a hot iron on her lips. What the soul splitter did was unforgivable, and everyone was shocked by the detailed description and her candor. Faith stood up quickly, almost knocking her drink over.

It is possible that the soul splitter knows the location of the prison. That traitor was inside your mind and could see every unprotected thought. Your powers are unpredictable. We don’t know what is possible anymore. I’m going to call Professor Calhoun to inform him of the situation. Let’s hope it was just a bad dream. If the soul splitter releases the demons and Daeva, it would be an abomination, insisted Faith; clearly agitated by the situation. She rushed to the kitchen and called the professor for some guidance.

I wonder how one becomes a soul splitter. Is it painful? I mean, it sounds horrific, Andrew blurted out heedlessly, hoping to break the awkward silence. His words only made it worse. It was common knowledge dark magic was not only forbidden but also that only a master could perform it. Tension began to build as they each waited for the other to answer. A few moments of awkward silence had passed when finally Andrew said in jest, I bet Alexia knows, because she knows everything. The girls scowled at him. Alexia disliked being called a know-it-all more than anything. Jade nudged Andrew’s arm, and Alexia continued to glare at him. My apologies, ladies. I meant it as a compliment, Andrew retorted, as he quickly realized he had insulted her.

Do you want to know how one becomes a Siela Skirstytuvo? Mr. James queried, and his question stopped the brewing quarrel. His words were sharp, and the look of frustration filled his eyes.

I beg your pardon, Mr. James. Did I hear you correctly? Do you know how to become a soul splitter? Alexia questioned. She was appalled by his suggestion; the atmosphere suddenly grew ominous.

Yes. It is unfortunate, but as a Dvasia master, I know how to perform the ritual. Although, I don’t agree with telling protégés this information. I feel it is vital for the KamiLah to know. I warn you that this information will hurt your soul to its core, even just to hear it. Do you still want to know? Mr. James disclosed. He looked disgusted and terrified by his own words.

Yes, I need to know. I could use any information that might help me defeat Seth, Jade demanded. For a moment, everyone sat in silence and anticipation. It took Mr. James a moment to compose his thoughts.

As you know, it is a crime against nature to split your soul. No one talks about it because it rarely occurs. The soul-splitting ritual is dangerous because you could kill yourself in the process. The soul splitter needs to murder an innocent soul and absorb it, Mr. James elucidated. Everyone looked at the others, shocked by what they had just heard.

People get murdered every day. Could there be more soul splitters out there? Alexia inquired. It was the question that was on everyone’s mind.

That is a possibility, but only a master can perform the sacrifice, and they should have the help of five other masters, one of each element. After a soul splitter absorbs the new soul, he offers the piece from his soul to Seth as a sacrifice. That innocent soul can’t reincarnate. The ritual is painful for the splitter, but they gain the power of the soul they stole, Mr. James carefully explained. It was clear that the words he spoke genuinely repulsed him.

How can you tell someone has split their soul? Alexia asked, hoping the answer would somehow be helpful.

I think I can see it. The soul splitter’s soul has a dark aura that surrounds it. It still looks normal but that person give off a serious creep vibe, Jade admitted, repulsed by her own words. I can’t imagine that anyone could be so cruel toward another person. Please excuse me for a moment. I need flash air, she requested, rising from her seat. Jade walked to the French doors and opened them gently. The cool ocean breeze engulfed her senses. Lightning danced through the rain to the sound of a thunderous rumble. Jade admired each lightning strike for its beauty and light. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to relax her rapid heartbeat.

Jade turned away from the balcony and noticed a dark figure standing directly in front of her. The hairs stood up on the back of her neck, and an icy chill ran down her spine. When the lighting struck again, it illuminated the shadowy figure. She recognized the ghostly shadow as one of the men who were murdered in the dungeon just a few weeks prior. Her heart sank into her stomach as she gasped for air.

Ahh! Jade managed a high-pitched shriek and backed away toward the edge of the balcony in fear. Andrew, Alexia, and Mr. James rushed from the dining room to find Jade about to fall. Andrew quickly grabbed Jade’s arm and pulled her into his chest. Everyone was confused about what was happening.

Why are you here? You’re supposed to be dead! Jade shouted at the shadowy figured and flailed around, trying to escape Andrew’s tightening grasp. They were shocked by the erratic behavior but tried to calm her down.

Who are you talking to? It’s just us. No one is going to hurt you! Alexia shouted in an attempt to calm her. But she couldn’t hear their comforting words.

I’m sorry I couldn’t save you! Jade cried out, and tears flowed from her eyes. Unable to get away from Andrew, she began to use her magic. Her Dvasia tattoo began to glow. Mr. James grabbed Jade’s head and pulled it to his, trying to diagnose her condition. She flung her head back and hit Andrew’s chin, causing him to bite his lip. Mr. James finally was able to grab ahold of Jade’s head and quickly analyzed the situation.

Megoti! Mr. James shouted as his Dvasia tattoo glowed a deep purple. Jade instantly fell asleep from the spell.

What’s going on? Faith questioned. I heard a commotion. Then she noticed Jade was asleep in Andrew’s arms. Without another word, he gently carried Jade to one of the bedrooms to rest.

Ms. Jade suddenly panicked, so I put her to sleep, for her safety and for everyone here. There is no telling what would have happened if she lost control. Her eyes were glossed over as she shouted, ‘Why are you here? You’re supposed to be dead.’ Do you have any idea of what she was talking about? Mr. James inquired. Faith had a concerned look upon her face.

Are you positive? Ms. Jade has strange dreams, sometimes even bad nightmares, and she screams in her sleep. Faith questioned his actions. Everyone knows that a Dvasia soul was not allowed to perform a spell on another without consent unless in a life and death situation.

I don’t believe that was the case. Ms. Jade’s eyes were wide-open, and she was standing near the balcony. It was as if she saw something that wasn’t there. If Andrew hadn’t grabbed her, she would have fallen over the edge. When I analyzed her vitals, Ms. Jade’s blood pressure and heart rate were elevated. I could tell she was about to use Dvasia magic as a defense. I don’t know what she was planning, but I think she was in her right mind. I had no choice but to put her asleep, Mr. James cautiously explained.

It could be posttraumatic stress disorder. Ms. Jade went through a very traumatic event in the dungeon. Five naturals were murdered right in front of her. She was only able to save one man that night. I think it still haunts her that she was unable to save the others. She also dreams about the soul splitter. We will have to ask her what happened when she wakes up. It’s good that Ms. Jade is getting rest. She hasn’t been sleeping well since it happened, Faith insisted.

She will have a good dream, I promise, Mr. James reassured her and was relieved that Faith wasn’t angry.

Jade had been asleep for almost ten hours, and Andrew and Mr. James had gone to the photo shoot for his movie. When she finally woke up, the sound of the waves and birds filled the atmosphere. She walked downstairs and saw Faith making breakfast and Alexia tanning by the poolside.

Good morning, Faith, Jade uttered as she rubbed her eyes and yawned. Faith had just finished making her breakfast and was bringing it to her.

How are you feeling, Ms. Jade? There is no rush, but when you’re ready, maybe we can talk about what you remember from last night? Faith questioned, hoping not to make her feel uneasy.

What happened to me last night? Jade inquired as she attempted to recall what occurred. She was completely clueless about the situation. Jade’s mind felt cloudy like she was standing in a room filled with smoke. She noticed Andrew and Mr. James weren’t present. Alexia leaned over the edge of the pool when she saw Jade sitting at the table.

Good, you’re awake. You really frightened us, she stated as rushed over to hug Jade. She was soaking wet, but getting Jade wet was half the fun. Even though Alexia was soaking wet, Jade embraced her. It was comforting to know Alexia was alright. Do you remember what happened when you were awake? You were saying some strange things and thrashing around a bit. It was like you saw something that wasn’t there. You don’t remember? Alexia queried nervously. Jade looked upset as she tried to think about what happened.

Don’t push her, Ms. Alexia. Ms. Jade will remember in due time. It’s okay to have fears. They won’t hurt you unless you let them, Faith reminded Jade, hoping it would comfort her. All she could do was wish these words were encouraging enough to get through to Jade. All of a sudden, the events of the previous night came flooding back in distorted images. Everything from the shadow to hurting Andrew flooded her mind.

Oh my god, Andrew! I hit him, didn’t I? Is he okay? Did I hurt him badly? Jade stated, stunned by her behavior.

Mr. Andrew is excellent, and he went to his photo shoot. We will swing by later to show our support and to apologize. Although I’m sure he doesn’t require one. Faith reassured her as she placed Jade’s favorite breakfast down. Jade slumped down in her chair, ashamed of what she did.

After breakfast, Jade, Alexia, and Faith went to Andrew’s photo shoot. When Jade entered the large room full of cameras and beautiful costumes. She saw Andrew surrounded by beautiful models. Jade couldn’t help but feel upset and jealous. The horrible feeling was swept away, however, as soon as their eyes met. Once Andrew saw Jade, he shouted, Cut! and ran to hug Jade.

Andrew, I am so sorry. I … Jade tried to apologize but was cut off by Andrew. She noticed he had a cut on his lip, and made a sad, please-forgive-me look. Jade thought about the horrible incident and her eyes welled with tears because it became overwhelming.

My darling, there is nothing to apologize for, Andrew insisted and lifted Jade’s face so their eyes would meet. He brushed away her tears and hugged her.

But your lip and cheek, its bruised, Jade uttered and began to wipe his cheek. He looked intensely into her eyes, and for a moment it felt like only they existed.

This is makeup. Mr. James healed me yesterday. The mark you gave me only adds to the reality of the photo shoot. The producers like it. The bruise makes me look tough and roguishly handsome. You don’t need to worry about me. It’s my job to take care of you, Andrew insisted.

Andrew then led them to his dressing room so they could talk privately. Jade could feel the glares from the models as she walked by them. Once the door was shut, they all sat around the table to discuss the events of the previous night. It took Jade a moment to find her courage. The events of the prior night returned to haunt her.

I was admiring the view. The lightning startled me and when I turned away, there was a dark, ghostly figure sitting in front of me. The soul I saw… Jade paused and began to hyperventilate. Andrew’s hands were warm and big; they seemed to calm Jade the tighter Andrew grasped her hand. The man I saw has been dead, but he stood right in front of me. The soul I saw was one of the naturals who died in the dungeon at school. I will never forget his face, she recalled and felt an overwhelming amount of sadness.

Looking quite concerned, Mr. James interceded, It doesn’t surprise me that you saw a deceased soul. You are blessed by Dvasia. That means you will see souls that have passed on now and again. Most Dvasia souls can only see the souls they have summoned. However, I am concerned about the soul you saw, because he was a natural soul. If you had said the man you saw was an elemental soul, then I wouldn’t be worried. When a natural soul is trapped in this world and can’t pass on, they will haunt people as ghosts. Mr. James informed her. Before they could discuss more, a loud knock on the door reminded Andrew he needed to get back on set.

I am sorry, but I have to finish the photo shoot and do a final meeting with the producers. But we will meet up later, okay? I have a lot of wonderful things planned for us while we’re here. Let your worries go and enjoy yourself, Andrew insisted and sneaked a kiss on Jade’s cheek. He quickly ran off before Faith could strangle him. Jade turned as red as a tomato, and all Alexia and Faith could do was laugh at her expense. Alexia teased Jade the entire ride back to the villa. Once there, they found it easy to relax and unwind.

Chapter Two

Released

Lightning struck around the private jet as it began its descent into Egypt. Mr. Davi had taken precautions to hide their location from everyone. There was no airport, no sound on the radio asking their position. The four men who accompanied him sat patiently, waiting to land. There were whispers between the men here and there, but for the most part, the ride was silent. Mr. Davi, the Siela Skirstytuvo, hated laughter and chatter. As they grew closer to the ground, the men peeked out the window and noticed they were surrounded by sand as far as the eye could see.

The first man Mr. Davi selected was Mr. Harold Sterling. He was the youngest master to graduate Ayle School for Zeme Souls. Harold was timid by nature, which made him look weak. Most of the Zeme masters were muscular or, at the very least, had a toned definition to their