The Slayer: Bloodlines: The Slayer, #2

By Meg Sechrest

No one can change the past. Perhaps it's also true for an already predicted future.

 

Abigail is living in the weeks after staking Tom. She is depressed and feels hopeless for his resurrection. But as Arlington begins to notice a change in her, he makes a plan to resurrect Tom for Abigail's benefit. However, Abbi has been feeling sick for weeks and no one can figure out why. When she meets Aldestine, the guardian of Heaven, she soon learns there is more to her past, the Bloodlines curse to her Slayer line, and the life she must live as the world's most powerful Vampire Slayer. Abigail is faced with new challenges, new creatures of the underworld, betrayal from those she loves, and more in this sequel to Hell Awakens. 

(This is book two. It is recommended to begin with book one: Hell Awakens)

• Language: English
• Publisher: We're All Mad Here Publishing
• Release date: Aug 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223643531

Meg Sechrest

Meg Sechrest resides in rural Ohio with her husband and four children. When she isn't dreaming up great stories, she likes to spend time with her family and do some sewing. Her best inspiration for writing is Jane Austen or cello music and she often takes long walks listening to classical music wondering what Jane Austen would write in a story. When people ask where she gets ideas for her books, her answer will always be, "I don't know," because she truly doesn't, and she always says that her characters will always have everything they ever wanted in life, even if they don't know that's what they wanted.

Book preview

Prologue

The year was 687 BC and no one quite knew how the small events in one single nation were going to affect the rest of life for all of history. In Syria, they had just surrendered their territory to the Persians and had given up all they had been fighting to win for centuries, including their freedom from the wicked Persian ruler, King Corvis, who was a ruler like none other and was also a man of great power and great wealth. Even the people of Syria hadn't known what the actions and events of their nation would bring to the world and what the surrender of their nation to King Corvis would do to all of mankind for all times to come. Had they known, perhaps something could have been done to prevent the events which had taken place. Your Majesty, a poor, simple peasant said as he bowed to the King on a day when the people of the town were to present their requests to him in court.

What is it you ask of your king? Corvis replied. Go on, Peasant, speak."

Yes, Sire. I...we... I mean, me lady and meself are very poor and we come to offer a chicken for your table. The man reached a chicken out to King Corvis and he motioned to the guard standing to their left to take it from the man.

Continue with your request, peasant.

Well, Sire, you see, since the order for the lower houses, which is where many of us poor townsfolk such as me lady and meself reside ...

What fault do you find in my orders of the lower towns?

Well, you see, Sire, only that since the borders have been put up in our districts, it limits our water flow and sunlight. Me crops are turning brown; somes ain’t growing at all, and me livestock been going without water.

I see. To amend this situation would mean allowing the merging of the districts again, would it not?

Well, yes, sire. I suppose it would. But our families are starving.

Let them starve. Next!

Corvis’s lead advisor leaned in and whispered, Your Majesty, certainly you must do something to help the poor, or else you...

Or else what?!

Pantsis backed away and mumbled, Or surely you will pay for your sins against them.

When King Corvis was at the height of his reign in Syria, seeking the destruction of many people all over the land, the time came for him to choose a wife. At this point, he was still a relatively young man of 45 years or so with many attractive qualities, which caused his confidence to boast that any woman would want him and his assurance overwhelmed him, making his attractive qualities seem far less appealing to any reasonable woman.

Pantsis, Corvis said to his lead advisor on a morning when he’d grown especially tired of his loneliness. I’ve spent all my days lonely. I require a wife. You are my most trusted advisor. Find me a woman worthy of marriage. She must be beautiful and wise but also young. I also want her to be from Syria and not a Persian so the Syrians will not grow angry and think I have betrayed them.

Most certainly, Majesty. I will see to this most diligently and will draft the notice straight away. I will search all the kingdom to find the perfect woman.

Pantsis studied hundreds of women until he found just the right one whose beauty surpassed all the other young maidens in Syria. She had hair that was darker than the night sky and her skin was not tarnished from working in the fields in the sun. Pantsis felt her eyes were like light browned chestnuts and knew King Corvis was partial to the darkened color of chestnut eyes.

When Pantsis reported back to the King the woman he had found, Corvis was pleased and commanded to see her and inspect her himself.

I want to see this young rose that you say is to be my bride. What is her name and what is her age?

A young woman of 19. Aeliana Kattan from Syria.

Wonderful. She is to be my wife. Bring her to me at once.

As the King was a man to be pleased with only his eyes, he was satisfied at her pale skin and nice figure, and he cared nothing for Aeliana’s disposition or manners; he spent little time getting to know Aeliana and merely saw that she was of lovely adornment, making arrangements for them to be wed at once, much to the young woman’s dismay. Aeliana was a woman of passion and excitement and was led by her heart, not her reason. When she was told she was to marry for obligation, she was devastated.

My dearest, he is the King and you must obey orders. You must marry him, said Aeliana’s aunt as they packed her very few belongings.

I do not love him, nor could I ever.

Marriage isn’t about love, especially not to the king. Aeliana's aunt kissed her and said goodbye as palace guards escorted her out.

When Aeliana arrived at the palace, King Corvis greeted her in the throne room, and she was surprised by how handsome she thought he was; nonetheless, she was turned off by his attitude when he spoke.

Welcome to my palace. You will be pleased with your rooms as everyone who visits my palace is pleased with the measures taken. My palace is quite extraordinary.

She gave no response to his arrogance but only curtsied and was shown out the side door and was escorted to her room. On her way past, her glance caught notice of a man she found particularly attractive and her eyes stayed fixated on his flowing dark hair and relaxed face.

Hello, she said and nodded.

His eyes followed her as she walked by but he said nothing in return as a conniving smile appeared on his face.

Later that evening, while the new queen was readying herself for bed, a knock came to her door.

Your Highness, her visitor whispered.

Unknowing who it was and still nervous to be in this new and uninviting place, she slipped into her robe and cracked open the door, peeking her head around.

Oh, good evening, she said, seeing the face she’d been so drawn to earlier, who was also one of the king’s most loyal friends, Delino.

Delino took her hand and brought it to his lips as he studied her beauty. He looked into her eyes and brushed her long brown hair back from her face.

Her Highness’s comfort is my highest priority, he responded and entered her room.

After their affair had gone on for many months, Aeliana became with child. She did her best to hide her state the best she could and stayed away from the King as often as she could and was ashamed of her condition. When the King summoned the presence of his queen one day, she sent word that she was unavailable to him as she was unable to hide her condition from him any longer; the King was enraged.

I demand to see my new queen at once! he ordered from the palace servant who had given him word that the queen would not be joining him that morning.

Your majesty, the servant knocked. The King demands your immediate presence in the throne room.

You may tell His Majesty that I am unwell this day and I shan’t be joining him.

The servant curtsied and went away. The queen’s continued refusal to see the King caused King Corvis to go to her chambers himself.

What is it that ails you, my queen? Corvis asked as he stood outside Aeliana’s bedroom chambers and knocked.

I have fallen ill. There’s no reason for alarm.

I shall send someone to assist you in your illness.

Truly, that is not necessary.

Someone will come to you first thing.

Afraid he would find her condition, knowing they had not been together for some time and he would surely have her head, she devised a plan to remove him from her life forever. Later that evening, when her lover made his usual visit, she explained everything that was happening.

I do not want to be his queen anymore. When he finds out about the child, he will surely do away with us or send us away! This child belongs to you, she whispered to Delino. Will you help me find a way for us to be together?

He leaned over her, bringing her lips to his. As they kissed, he said, I will do whatever my Queen demands of me.

I have a plan to murder the king.

Murder? But he has not wronged us.

Aeliana kissed Delino as she said, Are you more faithful to him or me?

You.

Unbeknownst to her, unfolding amid her plan was something more powerful than she. The King’s advisor, Pantsis, had a vision of the plan she was brewing and informed the King.

Sire! Pantsis called out as he rushed into the throne room the very next day.

King Corvis stood from the throne, taken aback at the state of his advisor, and he called out to him. Pantsis, what ails you? Hurry at once.

I have seen the future.

Tell me, my most trusted one, what is it you see?

Your death.

Tell me. What is it you see?

You will be betrayed by the ones you hold most dear.

They must be punished!

Their actions cannot be stopped now, Sire, but they will be held accountable for what they have done and will do, my lord.

And what will be their punishment?

Because of the evil that is within their hearts, henceforth from this day onward, every woman born into their bloodlines shall be cursed to slay all the evil that walks the earth and every man born into their bloodlines shall be cursed to the night and the two shall be separated all of their days, making them mortal enemies.

––––––––

2019

Delius? Why are you here? Satan said and walked away from the Beast’s cage. Don’t even think you’ve come back for my prized possession again.

No. I’ve come to strike a bargain with you.

Bargain? Me? Satan laughed for a moment. Actually, go on. I’ve been known to strike a deal now and then.

Good, because you have something I want.

And what would I get from this arrangement?

The Slayer.

Ooh, this does intrigue me. I had her once down here locked in a cage, but that didn’t last long. We all know Aldestine is calling dibs on her soul.

Delius chuckled.

Well, I can pretty much guarantee it this time.

Fabulous. What is it you want me to do?

Release Tom Barclay.

Satan groaned. No can do.

Why not?

I don’t have the power.

Who does?

Satan walked down the corridor into the lower Hell cavity, motioning for Delius to follow. Satan pointed to the Demortusmaros—the Sea of the Dead Souls. Demetrius does. He’s the guardian of Hell’s souls. There’s only one being higher than him when it comes to releasing souls.

But I don’t need a soul. I just want a vampire.

Either way, you need Patrick or Demetrius. He’s not here anyway. Left about two weeks ago.

Damn, Delius said. Delius began walking out of the lower Hell chamber to the main gates. Satan followed.

Delius, what on earth do you want with that pain in the ass anyhow?

Delius turned back to look at Satan and grinned.

Big plans are in the making. Prepare to be amazed.

Satan watched as he walked up the mile-long entrance to Hell and disappeared into the city streets above.

What did he want? Patrick asked as he approached from the darkness behind where Satan stood.

Your son.

Which one?

The more dislikable of the two.

And did he see Tom?

Young Barclay isn’t down here, Satan said and approached where Patrick stood at the gates. He left a few weeks ago, actually.

Who let him out?

Beats me. You act like I care about who comes and goes down here.

You bloody demon! That’s your job!

Hold that thought. Satan turned away and used his rod to shoot a fireball at someone, incinerating them on contact. That’ll teach you. I have only a few rules down here and you just broke one of them! Does anybody else want to break the three rules? Let me see a show of hands. I didn’t think so. Get back to your business.

Patrick laughed. What are your rules?

No spitting. That’s a vile and disgusting habit. Let’s at least show a little decorum. No pissing on each other. We have to live here.  We may not have morals, but, civility, we can have. Plus, there’s no maid service. I’m not going to clean up the mess, are you?

Patrick smiled, let out a small laugh, and shrugged, agreeing. What’s the last one?

No one drinks my liquor. No one.

Ah, I see. Who supplies the condemned with their liquor? Patrick pointed to the barrels and the many, many drunkards.

The demons fetch it.

Of course.

Satanwalked toward his isolated corner where sat his throne of dead serpents. A four-foot-long preserved serpent made up each arm and rows of seven-foot-long serpents made up the back, extending down to the bottom.

I wish I could help you, but as I said, young Barclay isn’t here. Plus, I really don’t like you. The last time you were here, you made me give back two humans to Aldestine.

They didn’t belong here!

I was just having some fun! You never let me have any fun.

"Don’t do it again! Demetrius is the guardian of the souls, not you!"

Patrick walked away from Satan, frustrated that now he was going to have to find Tom.

That wretched demon is never any help to me. I should cast him into the Sea with all the trapped souls and be rid of him once and for all, Patrick mumbled as he walked up the dark stone stairs.

ONE

Grundy Hill- two months prior

––––––––

Leave me alone! Abbi yelled as she swatted the bugs swarming all around her and ran through the thick brush. Get off me! she screamed, swatting the large, obscure-looking flies that almost resembled beetles as she continually glanced behind herself and ran as fast as her legs would carry her through the woods as she kept tripping over tree stumps and vines and she fell to her knees one last time just before the edge of the woods.

When she got to the edge of the trees, she felt a sense of freedom as the bugs flew away, and she stepped out of the thickness of the forest and into the sunlight again. But as she walked farther and farther away from the edge of the woods, she felt a coldness cover her body, and when she looked down at her hands, blood began to drip from her fingertips.

Abigail, she heard and looked in front of her to a figure reaching out.

Gasping, Abbi sat up in her bed, waking up from the very unusual dream. She walked out of her room and into the bathroom to brush her teeth, thinking about what it could’ve meant.

Why do you look so ill-humored today? Arlington asked Abbi as she trudged down the stairs still in her pajamas. Glaring at him as he stood dressed in his usual of all black and his hooded black cloak and sipped a cup of coffee, she replied, I had the strangest dream.

Oh? What was it about?

I’m not quite sure. I was running through the woods and bugs were chasing me. Then, when I got out of the woods, I felt cold even though the sun was shining on me, and my hands were dripping in blood.

Arlington sipped his coffee for a few moments without saying anything.

Abbi interrupted the silence when she said, How do you have nothing to say?

I’m thinking.

She rolled her eyes and popped a bagel into the toaster.

In other news, it’s been eight weeks since Tom was sent to Hell and I fear that nothing will ever be right again. I need you to do something about it or I need some closure, she said and took a sip of coffee. 

Arlington groaned and fluttered his eyes as the disgust he had for her ongoing obsession over Tom became evident in his face and mannerisms. 

I don’t know what it is you expect of me. You’re the one who sent him to this perpetual state of damnation. I don’t know how to rectify the situation.

Abbi’s face soured at the bitter taste of Arlington’s coffee, and she reached to add more sugar as she said, I want you to get him out. 

Arlington spewed coffee out of his mouth and across the kitchen counter. Excuse me? You want me to what?

After she wiped up the coffee, Abbi perched herself on the counter next to where he stood, removing the mug from his hand.

Please, Arlington. You need to do something.

"No, I do not need  to do anything."

Abbi let out a disgusted groan at her father’s persistence on the matter. Yes, you do. It’s your fault!

Enlighten me, daughter, on how this would be my fault. Go ahead. I’m listening.

You brought him into my life. That’s the first reason. If it hadn’t been for you, I would’ve never met him to begin with.

Now hold on, that’s not entirely true.

What?

Arlington let out a long breath of air as he moved to the fridge and put the creamer away.

For many reasons I can’t go into right now, there’s a decent certainty you would’ve met him without my coercion.

How do you know this?

I know many things, Abigail. Sometimes you just need to trust people.

Abbi sighed, resting her elbows on the counter as she ran her fingers through her hair. Well, it’s still your fault that I became so close to him.

"You mean because I warned you, actually told you not to fall in love with that vampire and you didn’t listen to me?! Do you mean that?! I’m still not comprehending how any of this is my fault!"

You knew I would be able to touch him!

Perhaps, but that didn’t mean you needed to be intimate with him. It isn’t like young Barclay is known for his outstanding personality.

Abbi smiled. I like him.

I don’t see why. Just unlike him.

It’s not that easy. Haven’t you ever been in love, Arlington?

Arlington thought about telling Abigail how he’d once been in love with her mother; instead, he replied, No, and neither have you.

You are impossible. I don’t even know why I try with you.

I don’t know either.

Then at least take me to the Barclay mansion and visit the family cemetery. I need closure.

Feeling very puzzled at her request, he took back his mug and moved to refill it. You do realize he isn’t actually buried there, don’t you?

Of course I do, but I remember Tom saying that they had put up a tombstone for Henry when he went missing in 1786 and I figured the family had done the same for Tom. Abigail sighed and shrugged as she hopped off the counter. Please, Arlington. I need to do something other than sit around your house.

Why don’t you get a job? I hear people actually feel very happy from having jobs.

Abbi rolled her eyes. That’s not what I mean.

Well, I’m not made of money.

I know. I’m just not ready to start working again. You don’t have a job. It’s hard for me to have a job with the way that I am.

Arlington set his mug down and pulled his wallet from his back pocket. He handed her some cash and said, Here’s $100. Buy some groceries today, would you?

Abbi rolled her eyes and took the money, setting her coffee down. What else do I have to do with my life? Start a fund for stray animals?

Do as you wish, but know that I’m completely against all charities. 

I was joking.  

He also handed her his credit card and said, Go to the store and use that to splurge on whatever you want. Obviously, don’t come home with half of West Virginia, but you know, female things or whatever.

Why? she asked and pulled her bagel from the toaster, tossing it onto a plate before she went to the fridge to get the cream cheese.

I am your father, Abigail. It is my business to take care of you.

As she spread the cheese onto her bagel she said, I know it’s just so... fatherly.

Don’t get too used to it.

Abbi smiled. Oh, believe me. I won’t.

Arlington walked toward the kitchen doorway and without turning back to look at her he hollered, I’ve got some business I need to deal with. I won’t be back for a few days, possibly. I left a list of groceries for the store. There is more money in the drawer.

Bye, Abbi replied as he walked out of the house.

As soon as he was gone, Abbi went to the grocery store to accomplish the list Arlington had left. As she drove through town, she passed Tom’s house and stopped on the way past.

Oh, Tom, your house...

She parked and got out of her car, walking up the front porch stairs.

Would it hurt to go inside? It’s not like he would know.

Abbi peered through the windows and turned to look out over the front yard. Your house needs a woman’s touch.

TWO

Arlington walked into the Grundy Hill Sheriff’s Department requesting to speak with Jack.

Please empty your pockets and step through the metal detectors, the guard said to Arlington as he entered the building.

He groaned at the mundane modern life of humans and emptied his pockets of a couple of items—a wallet and keys and a lighter. How precautionary.

Here’s your wallet and other belongings, sir, the guard said. Just through those doors and to the left you will see...

Arlington walked away and looked for Jack’s nameplate somewhere. Once that was found, he didn’t bother to knock and addressed himself as he walked inside.

Demetrius...

When you’re in Grundy Hill, I’m Jack Lacombe. How many times must I say this to you?

Fine.

Jack closed his laptop and looked up at him. What do you want?

I have something important for you to do.

It’s always ‘important’ with you, so you claim. Yet, it never is. This couldn’t have waited until I was at my other job? You had to come and see me here?

"You’re very rarely down there doing your actual job. I have to come here!"

Jack fluttered his eyes and gave a deep groan. Fine. You’ve made your point. What do you want?

Release Tom.

Why don’t you just do it?

Arlington didn’t respond.

You don’t have the power to do it, Jack said with a sly smile, relaxing back in his desk chair, resting his arms behind his head. Why should I? Who’s he to me?

Do you want to be the cause of Abigail’s death?

Jack scoffed. Warlock, just get to why you came.

Already told you. I need a favor.

Which would be?

I want you to pull Tom Barclay out of Hell.

Jack let out a long breath, and in the way he looked at Arlington, and the next words he spoke, it could be said he was mocking him in a sense. You have a lot of nerve coming here to ask such a large favor as that.

I know you can.

You’re right. I can. The better question is, will I?

With a smirk on his face, Arlington said, It will benefit you.

Jack stood and approached Arlington where he remained leaning on the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest, waiting for his response.

I’m very curious why you’re so concerned about this.

Two reasons, Arlington replied.

I’m listening.

The first is that my daughter can hardly function in life without him. I need the Slayer back.

So, the Slayer fell in love with the most powerful demon? There’s something interesting.

Arlington shook his head. Despite all my reservations.

The real question is does he love her? Jack replied.

Arlington shrugged. Do Barclay men know how to love?

Jack’s face was indifferent as said, I doubt it. As he was gathering his things to leave, he turned back and said, What was the second reason?

The second and most important is that the Slayer prophecy is being fulfilled.

With a quizzical brow, Jack asked, How so?

She’s dying.

Jack thought about the prophecy for a moment and said to Arlington, You should’ve known this would happen, putting a Slayer with a vampire. What are you going to do?

She needs the talisman.

And this is why you want me to pull Barclay out of Hell. Because you’re not powerful enough to do it, Patrick doesn’t give two shits, and you think that I’ll care because Abbi is dying.

Yes.

Arlington continued leaving and Jack mumbled, It will be arranged.

Arlington walked out and for a brief moment, Jack contemplated releasing Tom’s soul from the Demortusmaros until he realized that’s exactly what Arlington wanted, and he didn’t want to be the real enemy to Abbi or to satisfy Arlington either.

Damnit... As much as you want her for yourself, you want her to choose you, Jack. She would hate you forever. You really would be the enemy in all this if she could never touch her precious vampire again, he grumbled and dropped his head onto his desk to think.

Sheriff Jack? Mandy, his secretary, said from the intercom.

Jack buzzed back. Yeah.

There’s a man out here who says ...

Delius didn’t wait for Mandy to finish speaking but walked right into Jack’s office.

Why is it you are never in Hell where you’re supposed to be?

What is it with everyone needing summoned souls today? Who is it you want, Delius? Jack stood and grabbed his jacket and keys and walked to the door. You’re going to have to walk and talk because that damn warlock got here before you.

Fine. I need Corvis.

Ha. Fat chance.

Jack waved at Mandy on the way out and Delius commented on how human he seemed.

Of course, I do, Delius. I can’t be a pissant. I have to play the game and blend.

Have a good day, Sheriff Jack, the guard said on their way out.

Jack waved one finger as he walked through the double glass doors.

Honestly, Delius, why are you here?

I’m very serious, Demetrius. I need Corvis.

You came to the wrong man. Patrick put him down there, not me. Jack climbed into his SUV and looked at Delius as he said, Go see Patrick Barclay. Jack shut his car door and drove off.

Demetrius, I know you can! Delius yelled as Jack drove away.

✪✪✪

Jack left Grundy Hill and went straight for the Demortusmaros–The Sea of Dead Souls.

He walked down into the lower Hell chamber and down the dark corridors, transforming into