Shadows of Truth - Awakening

By Shelly McPherson

A prophecy. A talisman of ultimate power. The gods of old. An innocent child. The final fate of them all. Illyria always knew she was different, but knowing the truth of how different she was turned out to be something else entirely. The love of her family and the boy who holds her heart are all that mattered until her eighteenth birthday when the demons plaguing her nightmare step into the light of day. If she has any hope of surviving what is to come, she must trust the shadows of truth. To protect those she loves and a world that believes in her above all else, she must fight. If she falls prey to the darkness within or to those hunting her, all will be lost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644620236

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Shadows of Truth - Awakening

Shelly McPherson

Copyright © 2019 Shelly McPherson

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING, INC.

New York, NY

First originally published by Page Publishing, Inc. 2019

ISBN 978-1-64462-022-9 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68456-405-7 (Hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64462-023-6 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Dedication

Mom and Dad,

Words cannot express my gratitude and love for you both. Without your support, love and encouragement I would not be who I am today.

My Girls,

Thank you for always being there for me, even in my darkest times. Without you reminding me that there is always love, friendship and light in the darkness, I would be lost. I love you all to the moon and back.

Krystal, Mel, Hilary, Jack and Smitty,

Thank you for always being my cheer squad and teaching me not to fear the red lines on my drafts. I never gave up on this dream because of your support.

Lastly,

Thank you to all the people reading this book. Never give up on your dreams! This book is proof that dreams do come true. Always believe in yourself no matter what life throws at you.

For my Opa, I know you are watching over us. This book is for you. I love you always!

Destiny…What sort of guide is destiny for a mere human? Is it something predetermined by the fates? A path awaiting us to walk upon to its final destination? Or do we place a single stone down with each step we take toward the destiny we decide? I chose to believe destiny is what I make of it.

—Shelly McPherson

Chapter 1

Dilmun

1507 BC

Nothing had escaped the devastation from the latest battle between the squabbling children, who called themselves gods. Those among the Sumerian gods who search for the Belialian crystal, a talisman of ultimate power, had all but eradicated their immortal race, the Belialians. Disgusted by their latest actions, Nammu walked among the black flames, devouring everything in its path. The agony of all the lost souls embraced her tightly. The sensation vibrated so fiercely she feared it would shatter her soul. Wrapping her arms around herself, she knelt to cradle a dying child, sickened by the needless loss, the sky ignited from her fury.

They’ve gone too far, she hissed, raising a hand to extinguish the fire, but her power only seemed to fuel it. Enlil, she snarled. His name on her lips only infuriated her more. Ash fell with the rain from the lost life, scorching her soul. Fine! she screamed to the deaf heavens. If you wish to fight for power, I’ll grant you a fight, a single tear mixed with the rain as it fell down her cheek, one to end all! Her words came out in a thunderous roar in the desolate remains of the once-beautiful land of her chosen Belialian children gifted with the power of the gods. Yet these powers did nothing to shield them from this petulant rivalry. Lifting her arms, she began chanting in the ancient tongue older than time itself. Nammu summoned the primordial powers coursing through her veins. Fueled by hatred, she materialized in the great hall of the Anunnaki, the seven judges who decide the fate of all.

The great hall was grand with its beautiful scenes etched on golden walls, telling stories of ancient times and battles long forgotten by the gods. As the fates decreed, the images shifted and showed the events playing out in the realms they rule. The seven Anunnaki sat upon their thrones made of exotic gems and marble, a vanity she found disgusting. It was that pride, which would prove to be their downfall. They sat there discussing the recent events plaguing the human world and of their own realm. Another Pantheon had begun spreading their evil seeds into the hearts of those weakest among the Sumerians gods, thus stirring the battle to contain the greatest power. Yet, they forget; the power belonged solely to the last primordial source of all beings—she smiled wickedly—her. Blinded by their arrogance, they did not heed to those who warned of others out to destroy them from within.

The heated discussion did not cease upon her arrival. Nammu walked gracefully past each throne as though they meant nothing to her. She paused long enough at each throne to stare at the god seated there. First was the god of the moon, Sin. His olive skin almost glowed in contrast to his dark features as he sat with a sorrowful look upon his chiseled features. He toyed with his ruby- and onyx-encrusted crescent blade as he tapped it to the beat of his heart. She saw a vein bulging in his neck revealing the effort it took to control his own fury at the discussion. Sensing her presence, eyes the color of moonstones met her gaze in understanding before bowing his head in respect.

The next throne glowed like a midsummer day. Utu, the sun god, was a tall man with golden skin and platinum blond hair with two braids on the right side, representing a deep loss that only she knew, hiding one of his deep amber eyes. He sat as though tired of the endless bickering. He, too, sensed someone watching him and lifted his brow quizzically as she passed. Nammu felt the sun kiss her cheek before she proceeded toward Enki, the trickster god of water. He slouched in his flashy throne bored to death. He gave a twisted smile as he used his powers to trip up the spirits bringing them wine. Nammu’s attention looked past him and focused on his sister, Ninki. Her golden hair flowed in waves around her angelic face, framing the scowl to perfection as she listened to the discussion and witnessed her brother’s actions. Ninki sensed the overwhelming power embrace her in a hug, her blues eyes with a swirl of green widened in shock.

Next, she passed Ishtar in all her elegance as she sat upon the edge of her throne with her hands fisted politely on her lap. Her fiery-red hair seemed to move with electricity as her anger grew. She did not notice Nammu as she approached. Zaqar blended with his onyx throne as he sat still as stone; you never would have noticed the god except for the power of nightmares radiating off him in consuming waves. His amethyst eyes languidly opened to pin her with a stare of surprise. Nammu ignored the other gods as she zeroed in on the one who ignited her fury. She stopped in the center of the elegant hall, her silver hair swirling with her anger, and smiled wickedly at Enlil, the god of air, the master of them all. At least, he believed in such.

What are you doing here? Isn’t there some meddling you must do? Enlil snarled, standing from his golden throne. The room turned eerily quiet.

Nammu smiled, brushing away his attempt to use his massive presence to intimidate her. Is this not meddling? she asked in amusement. Enlil still wore his battle armor with a crown of thorns upon his silken black hair. She smiled at the injury running from the corner of his right eye curving down his neck, marring his perfection. He had not fared well in this battle. His olive skin turned ashen when he heard her chants whispering in the wind he created. Nammu methodically spun, watching the faces of the other gods and the sprites now crowded in the great hall. Her powers reached out, touching each soul to confirm those trusted to protect what was to come.

You wish for war. Her glowing crystal gaze returned to Enlil as she manifested an Ouranian sword and pointed its pristine blade at him, stopping his approach. Think twice before you come closer little one, she spoke to him as a patronizing parent. She took pleasure in seeing the loathing in his eyes at her dismissal in front of his subordinates. Even though he looked as if to be her equal in age and more powerful, they all knew she had created them.

Nammu searched the crowd for the one dearest to her. The one who she feared would not approve of what she was about to unleash, her most beloved son, Anu. He stood away from the group, his wife, Ki, close to his side. He returned Nammu’s loving gaze then nodded his concession. Nammu’s heart filled with joy as she drew strength from his approval. Anu’s brilliant blue eyes darkened with sadness as he bowed toward his mother in respect. Of all the things she was sacrificing with this one action, his loss would haunt her.

Without another thought, Nammu put into motion the only thing left to save them from their foolish arrogance. A dark mist hissed and swirled in the air until it settled on seven of the gods: Sin, Ninki, Utu, Zaqar, Ki, and Anu were of those present who felt the mist burning the mark of the dragon onto their flesh. The others in the room remained ignorant of the honor bestowed upon the chosen protectors of what will be most precious to them all. The last of the power left the hall seeking Neti, the forest spirit, hidden deep within her lush forest surrounding Dilmun. She paused in her hunt and gazed toward the heavens when the power touched her. Her rich auburn hair blew in the gentle breeze. Bowing low, she placed her right fist over her heart in respect of Nammu’s sacrifice as her dragon mark appeared around her calf. Yet there was still one the power sought to find.

You’ve defied me for the last time! Nammu’s voice thundered, shaking the golden walls. The force of her will removed their images, foreshadowing the future was no longer in the hands of the Anunnaki.

You fool! Enlil snarled, feeling her power twisting violently in the room. What have you done? He stepped toward her then thought better of it. When her eyes flashed an iridescent icy blue, he actually took a step back.

When she felt the acceptance of those marked, she smiled victoriously before she spoke the words sealing her fate. A gust of wind lifted her golden hair before a brilliant flash of light revealed a necklace hovering before her. The light caught a sparkling crystal dangling from a golden chain with ancient power swirling inside it. Enlil’s eyes widened in shock when he recognized the Belialian crystal. The one thing he had been scouring the lands of heaven and earth to find. The one thing he kept destroying everything in his path to find. The one thing left more powerful than Nammu.

Nammu spoke stoically, Your arrogance blinds you to the poisons reeking from within this pantheon’s ranks. By the primordial power of creation in my blood, what I bequeath this day shall forever be. She paced the room, watching each of the beings’ eyes widen in disbelief.

Enlil tried to speak, but Nammu raised a hand. Silence! she said thunderously as she waved her hand dismissively, sending him flying back against his throne. "You may wish to sit for this, great king. I warned you that your actions would create great pain and suffering among our people and that of man, yet you…did not heed me. She sighed heavily, feeling her power drain more into the earth, as the chanting around her grew louder. This latest travesty robbed us of those who faithfully served us. The dead among the Belialians are more than the living. Nammu’s flowing movement suddenly stopped before Enlil. Circling him like a predator, she spoke loud enough for the room to hear. Do you think I do not see, Enlil? The pendant moved to hover just beyond Enlil’s reach. You think I know nothing of your treachery? She laughed as his hand tried to reach for the pendant, but he was imprisoned by her words. Amelserru, she whispered softly in his ear but knew the others heard her, one of your own will haunt you from this day forth."

She turned to the seven ashen faces of the Anunnaki and the others as they studied her closely, unsure of what game she was playing. Only those who understood gave a slight nod. She walked to the center of the hall where a great dragon serpent moved along the floor, creating the circle of infinity before branding itself into the marble for eternity. This creature was the source of Nammu’s primordial power. She paused in the center of the orobus and narrowed her gaze on Enlil.

"When you think you have won, great king, an innocent child born in distant lands will return hope to those forsaken. Will return justice to those who sought cruelty. The primordial power within me will yield only to her wishes and with this—Nammu held up the crystal necklace—she’ll be the true Ansahr. At the word, she heard everyone in the room gasp. I see I have your attention. Yes, she will determine the final fate of us all."

She lifted her hands toward the heavenly sky. The marble floor slithered up her legs to embrace her until she felt the earth welcoming her home. By my blood. She cut her forearm with her Ouranian blade, one of the few weapons able to pierce a god’s flesh. A drop of blood hit the floor, and it glowed with unmitigated power, causing the walls around them to tremble. She wiped blood onto her other hand and cradled the crystal in a tight fist. By my words, I seal this fate, by Ansahr’s will so shall it be. She shattered the crystal at her feet.

A violent vortex of wind engulfed her, sending all shards of the crystal away except the remaining necklace, but Nammu’s words echoed in the great hall. By my final breath, she will encompass all those wronged in her soul. Everyone was frozen by what they were witnessing. Nammu just gave her immortal life away…to a child not of this world. A god never gave his or her power to another. It was only taken by another, never given freely for it meant imminent death. When the wind calmed, Nammu stood in the center of the great hall as a beautiful marble statue. The remaining piece of the Belialian crystal necklace laying at her feet and the Ouranian sword hovering in the air.

Whispers began at the insanity of Nammu’s actions. Enlil, finally free of her power, rushed for the remaining piece of the pendant, but right before his hands clutched the golden chain, he heard Nammu’s laughter dance around him. Always the impatient child. Now you will behold the agony from which you’ve reaped. Nammu’s words whispered around him an instant before the necklace and the sword both disappeared. His rage bellowed to the skies, causing the dome glass ceiling to shatter. He aimed his spear at Nammu’s statue, intending to destroy it. The statue seemed to laugh at his power, as it remained standing tall in the center of the great hall. A reminder of what awaited them would haunt them from this day forth.

She has damned us all, Enki said with a laugh of amusement while Enlil’s roar turned deafening.

Not all, Anu whispered as he placed a tender hand on the statue of his mother before leading his wife from the great hall.

Sin looked over at him. So it begins. His thoughts brushed the minds of Anu and the seven others who knew the outcome of Nammu’s sacrifice. This innocent child would either return them to the light or, if she failed, send them back into the silent abyss of oblivion from which they came.

Ninki caught up to Sin before he left the great hall; she pulled him away from the others. Rubbing her new mark on the back of her neck, she asked in a whisper, What happens now?

Sin’s eyes searched the area before answering. We wait for the Ansahr to be born. Until then, we fight to survive. Nammu’s sacrifice turned the tides of this battle, and from this day forth, we are now at war. Sin’s eyes softened when he took in Ninki’s wide expression. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Fear not, in the end, it is we who will decide our fate, not Enlil. Yet he knew not only did Nammu mark them as the Ansahr’s protectors, but that very mark may be the only thing saving them from their destruction.

Ninki remained unmoving as Sin dematerialized. Deciding it was now time to return home, she returned to the shores of the primordial sea where it met her great river of life. Gazing through the ripples of time, darkness cloaked her vision. Making it difficult for her to see anything about the Ansahr, but her name: Illyria. Ninki smiled sadly before becoming part of her river. It will take more than us to save our fate and this innocent child from her destiny.

Chapter 2

It Begins

December 24, 1888

Goodness, Illyria, what on earth are you doing? the heavily accented voice asked in surprise from behind. Why is your nightgown soaked? Did you go outside and play in the snow? A little lady of almost nine would know better.

Without looking back, I pressed my nose closer to the window to peer through the snowstorm, trapped in fascination by the shadowy figures with crimson eyes gliding silently through the darkness. Granny Cori, when do you think Momma and Poppa will be back? I asked, pressing my forehead against the frigid window. A shiver rocked my body.

That’s why you’re awake at this ungodly hour? She came up behind me and rested a quilt warmed by the fire across my shoulders as she looked over my head. They had something special to do before Christmas morning. I saw her curious glance as she rubbed my shoulders to warm me. How unlike you to be impatient. I saw Cori’s peaceful face scrunch as she watched my reflection. How are you feeling, little one? You look awfully pale, did you have another nightmare? She turned me to face her as she placed the back of her hand against my forehead to see if I was still running a fever. Her fingers soothed through my hair until I felt them pause at soaked hair at the back of my neck.

I smiled brightly at her, but it only seemed to make her frown more. I started to speak, but ghostly voices began whispering around me. Something moved in the corner of the room. I stepped back to peek around Granny Cori. She didn’t seem to notice the faint outline of a girl around my age with flowers for hair walking to the window with a nervous look on her pale face. I heard Granny Cori talking but couldn’t understand as I watched the girl pause a few feet from the window and lift a ghostly hand to point outside then whispered, They come for you. You must hide!

I ran back to the window and wiped away the dew. There was nothing out there. Bumps rose along my skin as I started trembling. The ghostly whispers grew louder, causing the room to spin around me. The moment I saw the fiery eyes from my nightmares, I stumbled back into Granny Cori’s waiting arms. I suddenly had to fight to keep my eyes open as the ghostly whispers turned into thunderous warnings.

Illyria—there was panic in Granny Cori’s voice—are you all right? Oh dear, you’re burning up. She cradled me to her chest. Nickolaos! she shouted.

The ghostly voices began chanting in unison. They’re coming, I whispered, echoing them.

Of course they’re coming home, little bug, your parents will be back soon, Granny Cori said reassuringly, but it wasn’t what I meant.

Trying to get her to understand, I lifted my determined gaze to hers. No, Granny, I reached a trembling hand to touch her soft wrinkled skin, which drew a concerned look. "They’re here, Granny." She looked at me in puzzlement before glancing toward the window.

No, dear, they’re not— she started.

I shook my head. "It’s too late…The monsters…found me…" Right before everything swirled out of focus, I watched her face drain of color. A shrill cry for Grandpa Nicco rung in my ears when I saw a golden light explode out from the amulet around her neck. Before I slipped off to sleep, a soft musical melody embraced me as images of my best friend Gavin’s teasing face and my parents loving smiles flashed before me.

*****

Gavin

Goosebumps lifted on my arms when I felt another crisp breeze nip at my skin from the drafty window. I glanced over to make sure my sister was under the covers. I smiled when I saw Addie curled into a wadded ball of blankets and sound asleep. I tossed and turned a few times trying to get comfortable. I couldn’t believe she could sleep the night before Christmas. Hitting my lumpy pillow a few times to fluff it up, I tried to settle down again. Rolling onto my back, I stared at the old wooden beams and started counting Addie’s little snores but still couldn’t sleep.

It was not just Christmas tomorrow; we’d get to see Illy and her family. It had been a few days since we were all together. A few days too long, I thought. Too excited to sleep, I decided to inspect the gifts I had made.

I can’t wait for her to see what I made for her. I reached under my pillow to pull a small wooden horse charm I had been diligently working on for months. I hope she likes it and Addie’s. I reached under my bed to pull out a small wooden box that held the necklace I had made for my sister out of river shells. I inspected them once more. They had to be perfect. Finally satisfied, I placed the box back under my mattress.

I flopped back on my bed, impatiently waiting for sleep to come. Watching the snow outside our window swirling in the air as it fell, some even seemed to hesitate as if to prevent the inevitable act of piling on the ground. I couldn’t wait to get my hands into the snow tomorrow. Oh, what fun we will have. I covered a laugh with a soft cough. What fun I will have getting the girls. Last time, they ganged up on me and suckered me into a sneak attack, but this time…A large smile broke across my face as I went through my plan again. Then to make up for getting them mad at me with the snow, I’ll give them their gifts. The anticipation of tomorrow’s excitement had my heart beating faster.

I started to close my eyes to help aid sleep, but right before I started to doze, I heard a soft knock on the front door. Who could that be? As quietly as possible, so not to wake Addie, I pulled back the covers and sneaked out of the room.

Tiptoeing across the creaking floor, I crouched down to look around the corner. From this vantage point, I knew no one would see me, yet I could see straight down into the sitting room. I strained to hear, but the tension I felt flowing in the air was undeniable.

"Paul, Annaliza—I don’t know how—but…they’ve found us. They’re comin’, soon," Ryden spoke in an angered rush.

Why are Illy’s parents here?

How did they know where to look? Mother’s voice cracked in denial, and I tried to listen carefully. Miya, does your family know where you are?

Once I heard the fear in my mother’s voice, I couldn’t stand not seeing her. I skipped the creaky step before making my way down a few more until I saw her feet, then froze immediately when Miya stepped out from the corner. My heart stilled when I caught sight of her face twisted in fear. What I didn’t understand was the strange sensation stirred in me and tried to take over; it demanded to be down there. Demanded to be allowed to help fight whatever was scaring them.

Wait, I thought, where’s Illy? Panic crawled out from my heart. I didn’t hear or see her. How strange. They never went anywhere without her in tow. Miya began pacing back and forth just inside the sitting room.

No, Anna. Does yours? Miya’s lilting voice matched the fear I saw on her face.

What’s going on? I softly placed my foot on the next step down, then forced myself to stay still when I heard mother’s soft sobs.

No…No…I would never risk that. She spoke between sobs. What are we going to do, darling? You and Ryden must have a plan in case this happened. Mother’s voice drifted to an end before she stood and approached Father.

He wrapped his arms protectively around her before kissing her hair. "We need to send the children away before they arrive. I saw his eyes harden as his entire body stiffened. Miya, how much time do we have?" Father spoke too steadily. I knew that tone; he was beginning to calculate every angle.

Something bad was happening. My stomach churned in on itself. I sat on the steps before my legs gave out, but I kept my body pressed against the wall so I couldn’t be seen. I knew I was not meant to hear this and that I shouldn’t be listening, but something told me I must.

A few days, maybe less, it’s unclear, but it is soon, too soon. They sent the Viracocha along with his Eltu Gadanna. Miya’s faint voice filled with horror as she rushed into Ryden’s arms.

What! Father roared in a hushed tone. "Why would they send him?" His face was white with total shock.

Shhh, darling. I heard the sound of shuffling feet.

I pressed myself closer to the wall, thanking the shadows for their cover as I caught a glimpse of Mother’s face looking up. I sighed in relief when she returned to the others.

We must not wake the children. This is going to be complicated enough without them knowing. The rocking chair started squeaking as she rocked back and forth, a nervous habit of hers.

"They must know about the girls. That is the only explanation for sending the deadliest of assassins belonging to the Lengians…but how?" I heard Father pacing frantically.

The rocking chair stopped