Days of Darkness

By N.M. Lambert

Sometimes water is thicker than blood.

Andre Robinson had never received a normal childhood. Being given a male name at birth and being taken away from her father at age one, she was forced into her mother's overprotective care where she was rarely allowed to leave the house and endured a sugar-coated homeschooling experience. For ten years, she had questions about who her father was and periodically dreamt about him living with her and her mother in a secluded cabin in the woods. Yet whenever she brought up the topic of her father for discussion, her mother would evade it and send her away.

On the night of her eleventh birthday, an unfathomable accident led to the sudden death of her mother, and she was taken away from Ivanestible and put into her father's custody. At first, her father seemed kind and loving, but lurking within his warm-colored human aura rested a color that was dark and sinister, almost black. For two years, she struggled to decipher what the dark part of his aura meant, which led to a truth that was more horrible than she imagined.

This is the first installment of Andre's story before she got involved with Roseway.

NOTE: Due to the content in this book, it is best suited for readers 18+. Some readers may find the content disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Check the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: N.M. Lambert
• Release date: Apr 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685640002

N.M. Lambert

I am the author of the Threatening Souls series, the Days of Darkness series, and the upcoming Beasts of Shadow trilogy. I am also a freelance editor, singer, gamer, and metalhead.

Book preview

DAYS OFDARKNESS

Book ONE

#1 Amazon KINDLE Bestselling Author

N. M. Lambert

Green Tree Press Edition, 2023

DAYS OF DARKNESS

Text copyright © 2023 by Nicole Lambert

Cover and interior design © 2023 by Nicole Lambert

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Green Tree Press, LLC

522 N. Central Ave #831 SMB #11019

Phoenix, AZ 85004

www.greentreepublications.org

Published in the United States of America

ISBN: 9781685640002

ASIN: B09XLS52V3

BOOKS BY N. M. LAMBERT

THREATENING SOULS (BOOK ONE)

BLEEDING MISERY (BOOK TWO)

TWISTED IGNORANCE (BOOK THREE)

THE DAYS OF DARKNESS SERIES

DAYS OF DARKNESS (BOOK ONE)

To my friends and family as well as my readers. Thank you all for your wonderful support.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

There are a lot of disturbing situations in this book that are not intended for anyone under the age of eighteen. Amongst the very real and very horrific topics covered in this book is the topic of child abuse: physical, emotional, and sexual. This is a book that delves into the very real horrors in the world that are often swept under the rug behind closed doors. This is a story where a child is forced into very disturbing, adult situations and therefore will undoubtably not be for everyone. There’s graphic physical abuse, child neglect, child underaged drinking, emotional and mental abuse, and the grooming, rape, and sexual exploitation of a minor. Addiction is also portrayed in this book, both mentioned and in real time.

You do not have to read this book in order to enjoy the rest of the books in the World of Roseway universe. Your mental health is more important than this book. But if you do read this warning and still choose to proceed, please do so with caution.

Prologue

Andre: The Beginning

T

he bullet felt like molten lava as it pierced Andre’s flesh and shredded her muscle, embedding itself in her bone. As if on cue, Andre stumbled forward before collapsing onto the ground as a huge clump of dirt spilled into her mouth. Tears sprang to her eyes as she fought through the pain, but as soon as they came, she blinked them away. She wouldn’t cry. She would face her death with dignity, knowing she did all she could to survive. As Andre rolled onto her back, spitting out chunks of dirt and saliva, she thought of Aaron and Hermione, and she thought of their disappointed stares. They gave her one command, to survive while they worked to overturn Ivanestible’s lockdown so she could go home, but she couldn’t even do that. She couldn’t even follow that one simple command.

A mischievous, crazed glint lit up her father’s features as he slowly approached her. The gun he had used was still aimed at her, his finger steady on the trigger. It’s a shame, he said coldly, and Andre shivered through the pain. It’s a shame you weren’t the one.

And that was when Andre remembered all she was to him. An experiment, and a failed one at that. She shouldn’t exist. There was a fine line between mortality and immortality, and she, with the blood of a mortal witch and the immortality of a Spy, knew her existence shouldn’t have been possible. And yet, there she was, proving to the world just how similar human and magic user DNA were to each other, which also extended to the humans who had achieved immortality through exploiting the magical properties found in magic user blood. Immortal beings in general shouldn’t have existed, let alone a half-breed mutt like herself.

But, her father said as he took another step towards her, seeming to relish in her defeat, I can try again. I’m still fertile enough. But first, I have to erase all evidence of you. I’m sure you understand.

And Andre did understand, to a certain extent. Unlike the immortal magic users, whose immortality came from within them and were therefore sterile, Spies gained their immortality from an outside source, and if that source was taken away, they could eventually lose it. Immortal or not, Spies were still human and therefore could infuriatingly reproduce. Her father’s purpose with her had been clear. He wanted to create a sort of super Spy, one who already came equipped with magic user blood so they would never have to fear losing their immortality. And, Andre noted, it didn’t hurt that the super Spies in theory would be able to use magic too. But Andre turned out to be more of her mother’s child than her father’s, and as such, her immortal side wasn’t dominant. It also didn’t help when Andre turned out to be a girl instead of a boy.

As she met her father’s stare, Andre was then reminded of everything her father did to her, everything he subjected her to, in order to study her and monitor her progress. And ultimately, she wasn’t making enough progress, which was why they were there.

I’m sorry, Andre said bitterly, her words temporarily catching her father off guard. I’m sorry I failed you. Even as she said those words, she felt how wrong they were. Stalling. She was simply stalling for time, stalling for a few more breaths.

Her father’s eyes traveled to the blood pouring out of Andre’s wound as he contemplated her words. For a moment, Andre was sure her father had a change of heart, that he was going to let her go. She should have known better.

Cody Robinson swept his gaze to his daughter’s once again, and it was like nothing Andre had ever seen before. The human part of him had been gone a long time ago, but it was only then that she finally saw the full extent of the monster he had become. Immortality had truly corrupted his soul.

Cody raised the gun so it was aimed at her head, a would-be fatal shot. I accept your apology, he said monotonously, and I’m sorry it has to come to this.

And then, he pulled the trigger.

Chapter

One

Andre: Rhineshardt, Ivanestible

April 20, 2004

T

rees were the one thing that gave Andre peace and a sense of belonging. The way their leaves would rustle as their branches rocked back and forth against the wind comforted her. The way their canopies shielded her from the light of the sun gave her a sense of peace. And the nature that blossomed around her—the bushes, flowers, and various insects—fueled her magic and gave her rejuvenated strength, much like the full moon’s effect. As the days went by, she spent as much time as she could in these woods, and she seldom wanted to leave their comfort.

With her mother and father, she lived in total isolation from the rest of the world—and her family was all she needed. Andre didn’t much care for the rest of the world, and living in a petite log cabin in a small clearing in the middle of the woods with her two parents was enough to satisfy her. It was there where she and her mother were free to practice magic while her father watched them with shimmering curiosity. Andre knew he very much enjoyed watching what their magic could do to the point where it fascinated him, since he was a human and therefore had no magic in his bloodstream.

The sun began to set behind the mountains in the distance, alerting her the time was near to return home if she wished to make it back to her parents’ log cabin before nightfall. Spinning around, she broke out into a run. For a witch, she was a rather fast runner, since her mother never taught her how to teleport to places. Therefore, she was forced to walk—or run—everywhere, and she would frequently find herself in situations where she would have to race to her house before the sun sailed completely behind the mountains.

She whispered a spell to herself to make her go faster—one of the safe spells her mother took the time to teach her. After all, the only spells she wasn’t permitted to learn were ones that dealt with combat and teleportation, for Max explained to her there was no need for her to learn them. In the forest, she was safe, and that was all that mattered.

The wind whipped her long, orange hair around as she sprinted over tree roots and fallen trunks. The sky was getting increasingly dark, and Andre began to hear the faint chirping of crickets. Within moments, she stumbled out of the forest and into the clearing, completely out of breath. She panted as her eyes swept over to the log cabin, watching its door swing open. Her father stood in the doorway—her loving father who was always there to welcome her home whenever she had been gone for hours in the forest.

Andre, he spoke calmly, his voice colder than usual, you’re later than usual.

Andre glanced behind her at what was left of the sunset. All that was left was a dark pink infused with a light purple. The rest of the sky was completely black, and the first of the stars began to appear. Even though she always raced the sunset home each day, she realized she was returning home later than usual. Usually, the sun was halfway behind the mountains by the time she returned home instead of completely gone. I’m sorry, Dad, she said shamefully as she laid her eyes on him once again. I lost track of time.

Instead of staying mad at her, his facial expression softened, and his lips broke out into a smile. That’s okay. At least you’re back now, he said as he beckoned her to come inside. Come on, now. Dinner is waiting for you, and I’m afraid your mother is very worried.

Andre walked towards him and slipped past him into the house. Briefly, he touched her shoulder lightly as he followed her into the kitchen. Her mother was already seated at the dining room table, and bowls of soup had been placed at each of the three places.

Her mother looked up suddenly as the two of them entered the room. I can see you found her, she said.

Her father nodded. She just came in.

Andre’s eyes found her mother’s briefly before her mother left her seat at the dining room table and kneeled in front of Andre while placing both of her hands on Andre’s shoulders. Andre, honey, I fear for you, she said—and Andre became terribly confused.

Mom, I would’ve come back. You don’t need to worry about me, Andre said.

But her mother didn’t seem to hear her. This reality you’re seeing—it isn’t real, she said. You need to wake up.

Before Andre had a chance to rebut, she felt her body stiffen as the world faded into blackness. No. No! she bellowed, willing for her parents to save her. In no way did she intend to be taken from her ideal reality by the darkness again. But her yelling was no use, for her parents were no longer in sight. By that time, she contemplated crying, but the tears refused to fall.

The sound of something slamming reverberated throughout the entire two-story house, startling Andre out of her utopian dreamscape. As the last of her perfect dream faded away, she groaned as she pulled the covers tighter around herself. She would give anything to make that dream her reality, to become lost in the bliss of a perfect family.

Muttered, rapid-fire voices soon accosted her ears, and Andre sat bolt-upright in her bed. Her mother, Max, almost never had company over, so hearing what indeed was a conversation startled her. Slowly, she crawled out of bed and crept to the exit of her bedroom, wearing only her blue nightgown. The wooden floor was cold under her bare feet as she threw open her door and stole out into the hallway.

It was there where the voices were louder, and Andre could finally make out what they were saying.

…putting the entire country on lockdown! one of the voices said, nearly a whisper. And for what? Because of Roseway, a town that’s thousands of miles from us?

You heard him, a voice that could only belong to Andre’s mother said. Each day, Henri grows stronger, and it’s only a matter of time before he comes attacking our doorsteps!

The first voice huffed. "What about the mortals who don’t live in Ivanestible, Max? What about me? Do you think it’s right for William to just abandon us?"

Andre stiffened at the mention of the mortal king, William Cavanaugh. Admittedly, she knew very little about magic user affairs, since Max barely told her anything, but William was one name she did know, which was why it was alarming he was the center of the conversation.

As quietly as possible, Andre began to make her way downstairs. A sudden burning curiosity overtook her, one that made her need to know the full extent of what was happening to her home.

And then, something her mother said made her freeze where she stood. What about the Rhineshardt deaths, Hermione?

Rhineshardt deaths? Andre questioned, for this was the first time she had heard of any deaths in her hometown.

There was a sigh. Then, Those haven’t been linked to Henri, Max! You heard William. For all we know, those could just be unfortunate accidents!

Andre forced herself to creep forward towards the downstairs kitchen, where the voices were coming from.

You can stay here during the lockdown, Max said. And Irena too, since she’s already here.

You know I can’t do that, the other voice said.

Soon, the two magic users were in her sight, and Andre recognized Hermione Rose, Max’s best friend. Hermione was the only visitor Max occasionally had, aside from her sister, Kiki’s, family. They seemed to be the only ones Max truly trusted.

Which made this situation that much more severe. From what Andre knew of Hermione, the witch lived in Athens, Greece with a Foreseer named Irena Sanchez and a group of undocumented Innocents. Those two terms were something Max deemed harmless enough for Andre to know, and she recalled how the Innocents were humans who could see and communicate with spirits.

And then, something else struck Andre. Max mentioned that Irena Sanchez, a human who could catch glimpses of the future in dreams, was here in Ivanestible. But humans aren’t allowed in Ivanestible, Andre thought, are they?

Lost in thought, Andre stumbled the last few steps, instantly alerting the two magic users to her presence. Hermione looked cool and resigned, whereas Max looked horrified.

Andre! Max breathed. How long were you standing there?

But Andre barely heard Max’s question. What’s going on? she asked.

Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Max said, which earned her a glare from Hermione. Max then met the glare with one of her own as she added, Don’t start, Hermione!

She deserves to know, Max, Hermione said. You can’t keep shielding her from stuff!

Max clenched her fists. It’s better this way, she said in a voice that oozed finality. Then, she turned to Andre and added, It’s nothing.

"It didn’t sound like nothing, Andre grumbled before meeting Hermione’s stare. Why is a human in Ivanestible?"

William gave me permission to bring her, Hermione said, since she’s under my protection.

Andre, Max pleaded, and it was that voice that nearly broke her, "please just forget what you heard. It really is nothing."

And because Andre knew not doing so would hurt her mother, she didn’t press the subject further. She didn’t question why William was placing Ivanestible on lockdown, nor did she question how Henri Anderson, the self-proclaimed ruler of the immortal magic users, was growing stronger, someone who her aunt, Kiki, told her about one year on her birthday. Kiki, her husband, Stan, and their seven-year-old daughter, Holly, were the only people who, behind Max’s back, educated her on matters Max wished to shield her from. Perhaps it was through them when they visited later tonight that Andre would be able to get her answers.

Are you staying for Andre’s birthday? Max asked Hermione. Kiki and her family will be coming by later today.

Hermione shook her head. I’m surprised William lets them in Ivanestible at all.

Hermione! Max chastised as she cocked her head in Andre’s direction. And there it was, the unspoken scolding. Don’t mention Kiki and her family’s banishment in front of Andre. Besides, even William can’t keep them out if I invite them in myself.

Hermione laughed. I wish I could stay, but Irena and I should be heading back now. After all, Irena’s allowance in Ivanestible only goes so far. Then, she turned to Andre and said. Happy birthday, Andre. I hope the big one-one brings you lots of joy!

This time, it was Max’s turn to laugh. "The big one-one?"

Eleven, Max, Hermione said. She’s turning eleven, right?

Max laughed even harder. Why don’t you get dressed, Andre? Then, we can go into the marketplace for your birthday dinner.

"Preferably in something that does not cover every inch of her," Hermione noted, which earned her another glare from Max.

It’s safer this way! Max chided, to which Hermione rolled her eyes.

Andre, however, was no longer listening to them as she turned on her heels and bounded up the stairs to her room. It was there where she sifted through identical black, floor-length, long-sleeved dresses that left much to the imagination. Andre groaned as she pulled one out. She hated wearing them, but her mother insisted it was for her own protection.

After shrugging on the dress, Andre tied her hair back before fastening a long, black veil that covered her facial features and neck. After forcing a couple black gloves on her hands, she shoved her feet into a pair of black socks, which were then shoved into black combat boots. Afterwards, Andre looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. As soon as she turned eighteen, Andre vowed she was never going to wear such hideous attire again.

By the time Andre returned to the downstairs kitchen, where her mother still stood, Hermione was already gone. Max instantly beamed at her and said, Are you ready?

Andre nodded, and soon, the two of them took off out of the house and down the street, towards the direction of the marketplace. Rarely did Andre ever get to leave the house, and when she did, it was always to the Rhineshardt marketplace, which was only a ten-minute walk away. The day was hot, since summer was fast approaching, which proved to be even hotter underneath all the clothing Max made Andre wear. By the time the two of them reached the marketplace, Andre was sweating bullets, and she couldn’t wait to return home and cool herself down.

Max began to steer Andre towards the meat section of the marketplace. Do you have anything special in mind? she inquired.

Andre shook her head. And then, something immediately caught her eye. What about that? she questioned as she pointed to a stall that was selling rattlesnake.

Max followed her daughter’s line of sight, and suddenly, her entire demeanor changed as if someone flicked a switch. You can’t have that, she said.

Andre glanced at her mother, confused. Why?

Because! Max began, and then, she stopped as she closed her eyes tightly. Just, please pick something else, like maybe chicken or beef.

Andre wanted to press her mother further, but she soon decided against it as she honed in on a stall that was selling pork. She didn’t wish to upset Max any more than she already had.

After Max bought some slabs of pork, the two of them soon turned to the produce section of the marketplace. From there, Andre picked out some potatoes and corn, hoping her mother wouldn’t veto her choices again. Max didn’t, and after purchasing the two sides, she steered her daughter towards the baked goods section, where she bought a handsome chocolate cake for dessert.

Now weary and with arms full of bags, the two of them began to maneuver their way out of the marketplace when something suddenly caught Max’s eye. Instantly, she slowed to a stop, and Andre nearly bumped into her. Mom! Andre said, alarmed, but it appeared as though Max was paying no attention to her.

Max took a step forward and then another as her eyes honed in on something in the distance. "I don’t recall seeing that here before," she said, and it was as if she were in a trance as she took a few more steps forward.

Mom, you’re scaring me! Andre cried as she followed her mother’s line of sight. It was then when she saw the lone, hooded vendor, who appeared to be selling bottles of an unidentifiable black liquid. The vendor’s eerie presence caused Andre to move closer to her mother, and frantically, she tugged on her mother’s sleeves.

Andre, stop! Max scolded as she continued to move forward. I want to see what they’re selling.

They’re scary, Andre said defiantly, but it didn’t seem like her mother was listening anymore. As the two of them closed the gap between themselves and the vendor, Andre felt herself become even more fearful. Something wasn’t right.

Hello! Max called cheerfully as she waved to the vendor. Andre took particular note of how the vendor didn’t wave back. What do you have?

The vendor’s hooded face turned slowly to stare at Max. A special kind of black tequila, they said in a scratchy voice that almost sounded female. I made it myself. Care to try some?

Max nodded, and the vendor poured some of the black tequila into a shot glass before handing it to her. Max took a long sip and smacked her lips together as if savoring the flavor. It tastes…fruity, she said, surprised.

"That’s because it’s black tequila, the vendor said. It’s not like regular tequila."

Max nodded as if it that was the most obvious answer in the world. Andre watched her mother’s movements carefully, and it soon finally dawned on her that her mother may have been under the influence of a spell. How much for a bottle?

Andre paled. Mom, no! she chastised, but none of the adults were listening to her.

Forty ivanas, the vendor replied proudly. The ivana was the official currency of Ivanestible.

Quickly, Max reached into her purse and pulled out the money, placing the bills neatly on the table. Then, to Andre’s horror, the vendor bagged one of the bottles and handed it to Max, and thus, the spell was broken.

Max blinked a few times as if trying to get her bearings. Yes, well, best be on my way! she said before steering Andre out of the marketplace.

Before the two of them made it very far, Andre swore she heard the vendor mutter, Please enjoy, under her breath, which caused Andre to shiver even more.

~~~

Back at the house, Max and Andre quickly put the groceries away, and then, Andre bounded up the steps two at a time to her room. From there, she quickly sloughed off her concealing attire in favor of a pair of blue jeans and a white tank top—something she was only permitted to wear around the house. She then yanked her hair out of its binding, and her orange locks fell a quarter of the way down her back.

Andre sighed as she collapsed onto her bed. Her aunt’s family wasn’t due to arrive until closer to the evening, and her mother wouldn’t bother her until their arrival. She thought of seeing her aunt’s family again, including her annoying, yet lovable, seven-year-old cousin, Holly. She thought of the gift they would present her with, another book filled with knowledge her mother didn’t want her to know. It was through those gifts where she learned about Henri Anderson and the immortal magic users, since she wouldn’t have known of their existence otherwise.

Then, Andre thought of her father—or rather, the father her mind conjured up in her dreams. She rarely slept, but when she did, she imagined what he must have been like, since she never knew him. Max refused to talk about him under any circumstances, which caused her curiosity to soar.

Andre rolled onto her side and rummaged in her nightstand for a piece of paper and a pen. Every year, she wrote to her father and asked Max to deliver her letter. And every year, she was left with disappointment when her father never wrote her back. This year had to be different, however. Her father would write back, and the two of them would be able to build a lasting relationship.

Andre sat up in her bed and, with her pen poised, began to write her letter.

Dear Dad,

It’s me again. Your daughter, Andre. I’m eleven now, almost a teenager! Soon, I will be an adult, and I will be free!

Mom still doesn’t talk about you. You guys shouldn’t fight like this. It hurts me, and I wish you guys would get back together and take me with you to your cabin in the woods (I dream about this cabin often).

Please write back this time! I want to get to know you, and I want to see you. I don’t even know what you look like (do you have blonde hair and hazel eyes like in my dreams?). Please write back! And stop fighting with Mom!

Love,

Andre

After she was done writing, Andre stared at her letter for a while. She could already picture her father opening the letter and smiling at its contents. She could picture him writing back a time and a place where they could meet, and her taking him up on his offer. She pictured herself running into his arms as he enveloped her in a tight hug, cooing her name over and over again. And Andre started to feel warm as she thought of what they would do together, the conversations they would have.

Andre! her mother called from downstairs.

Instantly, Andre’s vision shattered, and she carefully folded the letter and placed it in her nightstand before leaping off her bed. She would give the letter to her mother later tonight after her aunt’s family left, like she always did.

Kiki’s family arrived early this year, and as soon as Andre dashed into the hallway, she could hear hushed murmurs between her aunt and her mother. Andre liked Kiki, and at times, she wished her aunt were her own mother. At least that way, she would actually have a father, and she wouldn’t be cooped up in her bedroom all the time.

As soon as Andre came downstairs, all eyes soon turned to her, and all form of conversation ceased to exist. It was Holly who decided to break the silence, and her lips spread into a wide grin as she bounced out of her father’s arms, screaming, Andre!

Holly soon collided with Andre, nearly knocking them both backwards, as her tiny arms wrapped around Andre’s waist. Hi! Andre said, awkwardly patting Holly’s back as the three adults watched them, amused.

Holly soon abruptly pulled away. Guess what? she said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. I get to be in a play!

Wow, that’s exciting! Andre said, confused, as her eyes briefly met her aunt’s and uncle’s.

"Her human class is putting on a production of Snow White, Stan said, and Holly here gets to be Tree Number Three."

I wanted to be Snow White because she has my same last name, but they said Snow White didn’t have red hair, so they gave it to Jamie, Holly said bitterly. "Because Jamie has black hair!"

Andre didn’t know what Snow White was, nor did she know anything about human culture, but she still plastered a smile on her face and said, You gotta start somewhere!

Holly’s grin widened. I’m one of five trees!

Kiki laughed. "As much fun as it is talking about your upcoming play, it’s Andre’s day today, she said before her eyes found Andre’s. How are you? Is my sister treating you well?"

Max shot Kiki a glare, which made the witch laugh harder.

Andre glanced between the