Hope Lost: Unlocked Series, #5

By Lana Kole

Never lose hope…

Coming to terms with what must be done, Daria and the others are prepared to do whatever it takes to defeat Pandora.
But when the curse is activated and everything Daria has been afraid of comes to fruition, will she be able to fight Pandora on her own?
Maybe with the right weapon.
The right courage.
The right chaos.
All of which she can find within herself, if all hope isn't lost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lana Kole
• Release date: Oct 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223393337

Book preview

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Copyright @ 2020 Lana Kole

Hope Lost

First publication: July 31, 2020

Editing by Jess Rousseau

Formatting by Lana Kole

Cover by Covers by Combs

All rights reserved.

Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. 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, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Published by Lana Kole

[e-mail]

www.lanakoleauthor.com

Content Information

For a complete list of content information pertaining to the Unlocked Series, please refer to my website.

Don’t lose hope.

Contents

Previously

1.Improper Introductions

2.Bittersweet Goodbye

3.Incomplete

4.Roommates

5.Date with Death

6.Convenient Chaos

7.Quiet Night

8.Maybe Too Quiet

9.Planting a Seed

10.Rooted

11.Mother Hen

12.Distractions

13.Infected

14.A Gamble

15.Centuries

16.Blind Following

17.Sexpact

18.Ride

19.Bite Worthy

20.We're All Gonna Die

21.Don't Turn Your Back

22.Beginning of the End

23.Face to Face

24.Catching Up

25.Meanwhile, Elsewhere

Afterword

Acknowledgments

Also By

About the Author

Previously

In Truth Revealed:

Using trackers they’d placed on the demons from the warehouse fight, Persy located the whereabouts of Pandora’s demons. Since they were spread out all over town, Daria and the others decided to split up to do their reconnaissance.

Truth was assigned to the innocent-looking demon named Youth. An opportunity arose, and Truth cornered him, questioned him, and learned new information. Information he kept to himself as he and Youth planned to find a way into Pandora’s inner circle and learn her location.

In the meantime, Truth planted the seed of a happy future including all of them into Daria’s mind, and the idea was too promising to ignore. Daria was more open than ever to a happily ever after with five boyfriends. Once the demons set them up for a night alone, Daria let go of her inhibitions, and finally, tension laced baking turned into a long night between the sheets.

However, Truth’s lies came back to bite him in the ass, and the information he and Youth had been exchanging led to an attack on the others during a game, where Betrayal was almost killed.

The lies, the stress, was all too much, and it literally hurt Truth to continue the ruse. But even as he coughed up blood in the sink, he knew he was too close to finding Pandora’s true location to quit.

The bar was attacked as a distraction, and after everyone escaped safely, Daria and Hope raced home to find their house under attack as Pandora attempted to find Sofia. In the middle of the attack, Youth turned on Pandora and forced the demons to disperse. Just when things were settling down, Truth received a call for help from Youth, who feared he couldn’t return to his home since he’d betrayed Pandora. Truth agreed to meet the demon and slipped away to a park to collect him and bring him back to the house.

Shocked that Truth would slip away unexpectedly, the others followed, fearing the worst. But they weren’t the only ones. Pandora tracked Youth down, and once again they were forced to fight for their lives.

In the end, Truth saved Daria’s life by stepping in front of a blade for her, and watching him almost die was too much for her chaos. It exploded in a fury, and a giant sinkhole opened right underneath their feet. Thankfully, almost everyone was able to escape safely, and Daria and her demons even collected a souvenir—a nameless person from the wreckage.

Sofia and Wrath were nowhere to be found, but with no other choice, Daria and her demons retreated to their home and tended the wounded. Truth admitted to his mistakes, explaining everything, and Daria forgave him while bandaging his wounds.

As we left them, Truth was determined to pull the truth out of their hostage by any means possible.

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Improper Introductions

Daria

Truth’s hand was warm in Daria’s as she tightened her grip, making their way downstairs to the living area. Once tastefully decorated, it was now mostly empty except for the pile of pillows on the floor. What Daria would give to just collapse into the center of it and sleep the night and her worries away.

Instead, she met the myriad of gazes belonging to the other demons, the ones who had unwaveringly stood by her side and protected her for what seemed like an eternity. But in reality, her life had flipped on its head and led them to this very moment in less than two months.

She took stock of the bloodstained clothes and the bruises painting their flesh, a color palette serving as a reminder of the damage done to them. Even knowing they would heal exponentially faster than she’d ever thought possible, it still made her worry. Made guilt tickle the inside of her chest and urgency beat at her bones.

What are you doing up? Misery asked and stalked forward to frame Truth’s other side.

Truth listed to the left when Misery tossed his arm over his shoulders, taking most of his weight.

We have a demon to interrogate, right? Truth grunted and stepped forward, leaving them no choice but to walk alongside him.

Well, yeah. But it can wait, Misery argued.

Can it though?

Daria was tired. And not the kind that could be erased with a full night’s sleep. It was the kind of tired that would only be eased once everything was over. Once Pandora was gone, they could finally move on. The sooner the better.

I appreciate the sentiment, really. But it can’t wait. We need to figure out where she is and what to do next, Truth retorted, mimicking Daria’s own thoughts.

Betrayal stepped in front of them, strong and tall with eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Are we just going to act like he didn’t actively lie to us for weeks? he growled.

Frustration peppered her senses, and with her heart thumping, she stepped in front of Truth, meeting Betrayal’s gold gaze with confidence. No more of this. I believe everything he said at the pavilion. I believe it won’t happen again, and I am certain we can trust him. Let’s move on, because we have a real enemy to worry about.

Betrayal’s gaze darted between the three of them, and Daria was more aware than ever of the others in the room and their heavy stares.

For the record, I believe him too, Death added, voice quiet yet stern, like the demon himself.

Beside her, Truth tensed and relaxed, his muscles going taut before melting like honey against her. I know you might not trust me, and that’s okay. But the only way I can prove that I’m trustworthy is if you give me another chance. I won’t waste it.

The tension heightened in the room, anticipating the next movement, someone’s next words. Betrayal leaned away, breaking eye contact and smirking.

Show us what you’ve got. He hasn’t talked so far, he muttered, and just like that, the tension evaporated. Betrayal turned, leading the way to the garage where they were holding the hostage.

Battles, hostages, and torture? What had Daria’s life turned into?

And when could things get back to fucking normal?

Wrapping one arm around Truth’s waist, she and Misery helped him across the living room and kitchen, through the back door, and into the garage. Empty except for Hope, Fear, and a man she’d never before seen sitting in a chair. If one could even call it sitting, since he was strapped to the wood by ropes.

He was in as bad of shape as her own demons were, though she didn’t hold an ounce of sympathy for him. He was fighting alongside Pandora, and therefore he deserved exactly what he’d gotten.

The door shut with a thump behind them, and as they drew closer, Hope’s head lifted and he glanced her way. His summery green eyes ensnared her, but not only because of their beauty. There was something dark lurking in their depths, slithering through the beautiful color one moment, only to disappear the next.

Was he using his power on the captive?

The chair squeaked in protest as the man in question cranked his head around and spotted them.

Oh, thank god. You’re the truth demon, right? Finally. You can tell them whether I’m lying or not, correct?

Daria paused, taken aback by his sudden enthusiasm. The chipper tone in his voice.

Glancing to Truth, she caught his blue gaze and arched a brow. What kind of demon was this guy?

Fear was glaring a hole in the side of his head, though he seemed oblivious, his stare locked on the way they were holding Truth up and the bandage on his chest.

Damn, what happened to you? Dora really did a number on you, huh? the man asked, shifting in his seat against the bindings.

Do you know where Pandora is? Truth questioned gruffly, ignoring his commentary.

He shrugged. Yeah. Have for a while now.

Hope shot them a bewildered gaze as the man spoke.

Where is she? Truth inquired.

Even if I tell you, it won’t do any good. You won’t be able to kill her.

Annoyance skittered over Daria’s senses, but Truth distracted her from anything she could have said as he shrugged off both her and Misery’s holds and stepped forward.

Don’t play games with us. Just tell us who you are.

The man shrugged and shifted in his seat, as much as the ropes allowed him to.

My name is Cadmon. I’m not a demon. Never was, never will be.

Cadmon. That name pinged around her brain, the familiarity striking a chord within until she—

Pandora’s husband? Truth asked, surprise coloring his voice.

"Yeah. Though I think I’d rather prefer ex-husband, as I’m sure you can understand why."

Weren’t you responsible for breaking the demons free in the first place? Daria asked, her mind trying to keep up.

He beamed proudly. That’s me.

Turning her confusion to Truth, she glanced at him for clarification.

He’s not lying, he admitted, then turned back to Cadmon. But that doesn’t explain why you were working alongside her.

Cadmon’s brows dipped low, and he glanced from face to face before realization dawned. Oh! You think I’m working with her? Tossing his head back, he barked out a dry laugh. Hell no. I was at the pavilion to observe. To see how many demons she had brainwashed or blackmailed or whatever. Then I got sucked into the sinkhole. Thanks for pulling me out, by the way.

Truth cocked his head to the side. What the—hell? Why would you pick that moment to try and watch her?

What other chance was I going to get? Her little compound is locked down tight. I have no idea how to get in, and there’s not enough of us left to take on the demons she has at her side. You saw how many there were at the pavilion. Humans wouldn’t be able to take them on.

Humans… what do humans have to do with this?

"Chaopados," Daria whispered.

His gaze darted to hers with surprise and he nodded. The very ones.

You still lead it? After all this time? Hope asked, surprised.

Well… yes. What else was I supposed to do all these years to keep myself busy? Plant a garden?

All these years? How the hell are you still alive? Misery barked.

He stuttered, gaze bouncing around the room as his eyebrows shot sky high. Hold on, none of you remember? Mumbling a curse, he glared at the ceiling. I was made by the gods. Assholes. They wrote me out of the history books, didn’t they? Figures.

Why did they make you? Truth inquired, cocking his head to the side.

Pandora and I were supposed to balance each other. They just... didn’t take into account that we’d fucking hate each other.

So you… you’re the one in charge of the cult that kidnapped them and almost killed me? Daria asked. What are the fucking odds?

Cadmon arched a brow and tried to sit straighter in his chair. And you’re Daria, right? The one who wiped out an entire location?

Her cheeks flushed as guilt rose up to constrict her throat. Betrayal’s face appeared, their night together, the promise they’d made rising to the forefront of her mind. No more guilt.

Swallowing the emotion down, she faced Cadmon head-on. That was me.

She battered back the reflex to explain herself to him—that it was an accident, that they’d kidnapped her demons, that they’d attacked them—because none of it mattered.

Daria had done what she needed to do to protect them, and she’d do it again.

Why are you trying to kill Pandora? Truth asked, pulling the attention back to himself.

Cadmon shifted in his seat again. "It’s simple. She has some of the demons trapped, I want them to remain out in the world. After the Maleston branch of chaopados was wiped out, it became clear that we needed to shift our goals. Not that it’s any of your business… He paused, studying each of them before continuing. We decided that if we couldn’t control the demons, then we’d have to accept just leaving you out in the world, creating chaos all on your own. Pandora stands in the way of that."

So what is your goal? Truth questioned.

To get Pandora out of the way. To kill her.

Why didn’t you try to kill her at the pavilion? Why just watch?

Shifting in the chair, he flexed his arms and shoved against the ropes. I wouldn’t normally be this loose-lipped, you know. I’m only telling you all this because we have the same goal in mind.

And if you don’t, we’ll just make you, Betrayal growled.

Rolling his eyes, Cadmon continued with a huff. Pandora can only be killed by a specific blade. One crafted by the gods who created her. Any other wound, she’d just heal from.

"Any wound? What about a beheading?"

You don’t wanna try it and find out, trust me, he said.

Where is this blade?

It’s… in a museum.

Daria groaned. A museum? You’re kidding me.

Now we have to steal a knife? Why can’t anything be easy?

Truth cocked his head to the side. Would you be willing to work with us?

Uhm, wait, Truth, I think we need to talk about this first, Misery interjected.

What is there to talk about? He hasn’t told a single lie since I’ve been in the room. Everything rings true, and we could use all the help we could get. He has an entire cult at his expense.

Yeah, of humans, who can’t really do anything, Hope argued.

"Have you guys ever pulled off a heist? Truth retorted. Because I sure haven’t."

Okay, let’s just think about this, Daria interjected, stepping between them. Placing a palm softly against Truth’s chest, she met his blue gaze, the determination in them shining outward. It’s okay, she mouthed to him, and then to Misery before turning her attention to Hope, a tic in his jaw blinking in and out of existence. We can go inside and talk it out, she offered.

"Persy!" a deep voice shouted from the house.

At once, they all turned toward the back door. Through the window, they saw Pain run from the kitchen to the living room, shouting nonsense.

She took a step toward the house, fingers curling lightly against Truth’s chest.

Daria, wait, I— The pressure against her palm disappeared as Truth’s voice choked off, and she turned to find an empty room. Misery stared at the space Truth had occupied with his mouth agape.

Where’d he go? Daria asked, her stomach dropping as dread overwhelmed her.

N-No… he just disappeared. Into thin air, Misery whispered.

He stiffened, and Daria darted her gaze to his, to the darkness swimming inside that she’d come to love as just another part of him. Daria, I think… this doesn’t feel righ—

Warning bells sounded in her head, and Daria leapt forward, fisting her hand in his shirt just as he faded from sight, turning transparent before fading completely. Her fist clenched around nothing but air, and Misery was gone.

She stepped back, staring at the spot they’d both just stood in, and there was nothing. No evidence that they’d ever existed.

Youth? Youth, where are you? another voice called, and Fear jerked her gaze up to the main house. She took a single step before stumbling to a stop, twisting her head around to study them. Her own affliction was rampant in her gaze. Fear was afraid.

It’ll be okay, Hope said to her, his voice low and comforting, even as more shouts sounded from within the house.

Fear nodded, putting on a brave face, but she faded into nothing the same way Truth and Misery had.

Daria’s heart