The Super Blue Blood Moon: Cirque Superno

By Lyne Delmonte

Think about the last time you went to a circus and all the amazing tricks that you saw. Did you ever say to yourself, "How did they do that?" or "How is that humanly possible?"

There is a little secret. The performers of Dunning Family Circus, like many others, are not human. They are supernatural. They are also members of NACOS or the North American Council of Supernaturals. This is an organization put in place to govern, maintain, and uphold the laws designed for all magical beings. There are three branches of NACOS--the warriors, the council, and the Grand Council.

Kailie Dunning is in charge of the DFC chapter of warriors consisting of vampires, werewolves, fae, Nephilim, and a witch. Shortly after the show is set up and ready, Kailie, who performs in the circus with Tivo, her magical unicorn, is told of missing girls in Ybor City, Florida. Her new team of warriors decide to go out together one night, only to find one of their own has gone missing. Can this group of powerful individuals put clues together to find the missing girls and solve the case before opening day of the circus?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9781639852123

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

1: The Discovery

2: First Meeting of the Season

3: The New Girl

4: Sophie

5: Training

6: The Walk-Through

7: The First Barbeque

8: Bonding

9: Sophie's Fate

10: The Fortress

11: Missing

12: The Girls

13: Clues

14: Witches

15: Working Off Steam

16: The Tunnels of Ybor

17: The Butterfly

18: Breaking Down Walls

19: Backtracking

20: The Ritual

21: Reunions

22: Healing

23: Sheyla's Revenge

24: The Message

25: The Hearing

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About the Author

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The Super Blue Blood Moon

Cirque Superno

Lyne Delmonte

Copyright © 2024 Lyne Delmonte

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2024

ISBN 979-8-88982-408-4 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63985-213-0 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-63985-212-3 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Book One

This book is dedicated to the memory of my baby, my best friend, my confidant, and the best thing that ever happened to me—my Tivo. You were my magical unicorn. To my children, Bryttnie, Kelsie, and Tteven, for the amazing bond that we have and for always putting family first.

1

The Discovery

Which building is it, Mom? Kailie asked. The two-way radio mounted on the dash of her truck came to life as Layney Dunning's voice came through.

It's the new one on the right. Wow! It looks really nice, doesn't it?

Yeah, it does, Kailie said. It's really big.

Layney's voice came back once again with instructions. Hang back while I park. Then we'll get you situated. Layney pulled forward in the semi, which was beautifully decorated with pictures of their show and the words that very clearly displayed Dunning Family Circus on the sides of the trailer. Layney drove the big rig like a pro as she carefully backed into the loading dock. Layney was the ringmaster and owner of Dunning Family Circus. She wasn't your average circus owner. When one thinks back to the old-time circus, one might think of a big thick man in a red jacket with a large curling mustache. Completely the opposite of Layney Dunning. She was the epitome of a circus broad. Layney was small in stature, petite, and cute. She had long blond hair just past the middle of her back that was usually bound up in a ponytail. Her big beautiful eyes were piercing with three different shades of blue in them. Several years ago, there was a song that completely described Layney Dunning. Five foot two, eyes of blue, but oh what those five feet can do. Small but mighty. She could do just about anything. As far back as she could remember, Layney had told Kailie to rely on herself for everything. Layney would say, Learn to do everything that you can so that you will always be able to take care of yourself and never be in a situation where you have to depend on someone else to rescue you. It may be a lot of work, but this was advice Kailie took from her and tried to live by. Kailie had been in the circus as far back as she can remember. She grew up there. This had always been her home. It was the same with most of her friends. The circus was an entity that was full of heritage. When you're in the circus, you grow up there, you marry there, and it is passed down generation to generation. Layney and Kailie were fourth and fifth generation circus performers.

Layney's voice came out of the radio again. Okay, Kailie, you ready?

Yeah, she said as she sat up straight and put her truck in gear. She carefully followed her mom's directions and parked the truck and horse trailer. While Layney drove the big semi containing their entire show, Kailie drove a thirty-eight-foot horse trailer. The back section of the horse trailer was the compartment for the horses. There was room for three horses. However, Tivo was the only one traveling there today. The front portion of the horse trailer was where Layney and Kailie stayed. There was a queen-size bed over the front of the trailer that rode over the truck. There was a couch and dinette on one side of the trailer on a large slide out, which was a section that actually slid out to make the trailer appear bigger. Across from that was the kitchen area with a double sink, refrigerator, stove, microwave, and pantry. The door at the end of the kitchen led to a full bathroom, and through the next door was Kailie's room, which had bunk beds and a closet and one more door that led to the horse area.

On long trips, when they stopped for the night, Kailie left the door open between her room and the horse area and spent most of the night talking to Tivo. He was an amazing listener. Once Kailie was parked, she took off her seat belt, opened the door, and stepped out. The sun was just about to set, and the sky had a purple hue. It was so beautiful there. Their little farm was not far from the building where they performed, and most of her friends lived in the same general vicinity during the winter. That was their off time when they worked on their acts, props, and costumes, but now, the season would begin. Tomorrow would be their opening meeting this year. They would see old friends and meet new performers just joining the show for the first time.

As Kailie came around the corner, she saw Denny, who had already started pulling out the tent that would be put up next to the horse trailer. Denny worked for Layney and Kailie and had become part of their family. At their home, he had a small efficiency apartment over the barn. On the road, he drove another truck that pulled a smaller horse trailer. This trailer carried the ponies that they used for their pony rides. Like the trailer Kailie pulled, it had a horse compartment in the back where all six of the ponies rode. In the front, it had a good-sized tack room with a bed in the area over the truck where Denny slept. He was a very good worker who had always cared deeply for all their animals, especially the horses and, of course, Tivo.

Denny was about six feet tall. He had light brown wavy hair that came down to the base of his neck. His eyes were a hazel color. They had an inner ring of brown that blended into an outer ring of mossy green. He had a heart of gold and a beautiful bright smile to match. He was very protective of the family, and he made them feel safe no matter what the circumstances might happen to be. They referred to him as their resident cowboy because he never went anywhere without his old worn-out straw cowboy hat. On his last birthday, Layney and Kailie threw him a party after their shows. Everyone came, and he was showered with gifts. Kailie gave him a gift card to a very nice Western store.

Happy birthday, Denny. I want you to take this and get a brand-new hat, Kailie said.

Thank you so much, Ms. Kailie, Denny said as he took off his hat with so much care, like he was holding a newborn baby. But would you mind if I got something else with this card? Then he stroked the hat with love as if he was petting his favorite pet.

Of course, Denny. You can get anything you like, she said.

I'm just kinda partial to this old thing, he said, his eyes smiling brightly. They looked like they were recalling a time long ago.

Hey, Denny, Kailie said as he rounded the corner with an armful of tent poles.

Hey, Ms. Kailie.

You need help? she asked.

Nope, I've got it, replied Denny.

Okay. Then I'm going to unload Tivo.

I'll have this ready for him in just a few minutes.

Okay, thanks, she said as she walked to the back of the horse trailer and opened the door. Hey, beautiful boy. How's my guy? Did you have a nice ride? Are you ready to get out of here? Kailie unlatched the padded chain at the back of the trailer so that Tivo could step out. Okay, Tivo, come on back. Easy, easy.

Tivo stepped out of the trailer, and Kailie gasped, just as she did each and every time she saw him. He was breathtaking and simply magical. Tivo stood fifteen hands, which meant that he stood five feet tall at the withers or at the bottom of the neck where the mane stopped. His color was that of a pure white snowflake newly fallen just before it hit the ground. His mane and tale were as thick and full as if five horses donated all their hair to him. It was also pure white, but when touched by the light, it threw off a shine so bright that you would think it was spun with strands of pure silver. He had thick white feathers or hair on his legs that began at the knee on the front legs and near the hocks on the hind legs, covering the front of the hooves. His eyes were the most beautiful sky blue with flecks of violet in them, and they sparkled like fireworks on the Fourth of July. But the most brilliant part of this magnificent creature was the golden spiral horn that shone like someone poured an entire bottle of gold glitter on it. The horn protruded from the middle of his forehead, surrounded by a long, thick forelock. Yes, Tivo was a unicorn.

It was a typical January afternoon in Florida. It was a little cool, around sixty-eight degrees. Kailie wasn't even sure that it was going to make it to seventy today. So she dressed in a pair of Calvin Klein skinny jeans and a long-sleeved lilac knit top. She brushed her teeth, rinsed, replaced her toothbrush in the holder, and then brushed out her long blond hair and tied it up in a ponytail. On the way out of the door, she grabbed a light jacket, a ball cap with a rhinestone gothic cross, and slipped on a pair Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses to cover her big blue eyes. Kailie glanced at the decorative mirror on the wall in the hallway close to the back door. Yep, she was her mother's mini me. Kailie headed out the back door to help her mom fix a fence at the back of the property. The fence pole had rotted at the base, and they had to replace it. Kailie grabbed the box of tools and threw a fence pole over her other shoulder and headed for the broken fence. Her mom used the post hole digger to dig down a little farther, then she slipped the new pole in.

Kailie, grab that level in the toolbox. What do you think? Does it look level?

Yeah, it looks right. As they pushed the dirt around the pole and packed it down, the pole started to stand upright without moving.

Okay. Now we just have to attach the fence boards and the wire. Can you get the box of horseshoe nails and the hammer? Layney asked.

Here. Kailie handed her the toolbox. She reached in, pulling out the small container of horseshoe nails and the hammer.

Here, Mom. I got it, Kailie said. I can finish up.

You sure? Layney asked.

Yep. Just take the shovels back, and I'll bring the rest of the stuff.

Okay, I have to run to store, but I'll be right back. Do you need anything? her mom asked.

Nope, I'm good, Kailie replied.

Layney picked up the tools and headed back to the house. Kailie finished hammering the wire fence to the pole and was just about to head back when something caught her eye. It looked like a flash of light or something shiny. The back of their property was a thick forest with trees that seemed to go on forever. Tall thin tree trunks stood just a couple of feet from the next, and the forest floor was covered with leaves and a few fallen branches. Kailie walked into the forest in the direction where she thought that she had seen the flash. As she got about fifty feet into the forest, she saw an area where the sunlight shone through and hit the forest floor. Kailie stopped short and gasped. There, in the stream of sunlight, was the most beautiful creature that any person's eyes could ever behold. It looked as though the hand of God had sent him sliding straight from heaven on a ray of sunlight.

The flash that she had seen had to have been the sunlight reflecting off his pure white coat. The glorious animal was lying in the clearing. His mane fell in flowing waves down the side of his neck, and as the wind rustled the tree limbs, she saw little sparkles of silver peek out. Kailie was afraid that if she made a move, it would startle him, and he would jump up and run away. So she stood very still for a very long time. Her feet were glued to the spot as she peeped around the trunk of the tree, mesmerized.

Kailie didn't know very much about unicorns, so she put in many hours of research that night to find out some useful information. She found that there were very few facts known about unicorns since they were mainly creatures of myth and legend. A unicorn's coat could be many colors—jet-black, dark brown, silver, gold, or the most common was pure white. A unicorn's eyes were usually sky blue or a brilliant violet. Their horn appeared to have had a spiral engraved around it that reflected the light to the area around them and gave the impression that they had a shimmering aura surrounding them. They were very intelligent creatures and had the ability to project their thoughts and feelings to anyone they wished. The most incredible gift of the unicorn was the power they held in their horns. The horn was said to hold the power to cure any illness immediately. If the unicorn felt that a person was worthy, they would offer the tip of their horn. This was one of the greatest honors that could be given to a person. There were many stories that described how to catch or meet a unicorn. However, it was not possible. The truth was that the only way to meet a unicorn was to be pure in mind, body, heart, and spirit, which was why a common saying was that only a virgin could look upon or touch a unicorn.

As Kailie stood perfectly still, shrouded by the tree in the woods behind her house and marveling at the grace and beauty that she was envisioning, she suddenly felt like she could hear this magnificent creature in her head, inviting her to sit with him. Kailie slowly and carefully walked toward this amazing animal, being very cautious with each and every step. He made no move and sat very quietly as Kailie slipped in beside him. She just sat there for the longest time, enjoying the peace. What seemed like minutes was actually hours. Kailie eventually started talking about herself, her mom, her life, and just life in general. He seemed to understand everything she told him. Kailie knew it was getting late and that she needed to get back to the house, but she didn't want to leave, afraid that she would never again experience anything as incredible as what was happening at that moment. The forest got dark even before the sun actually set.

Finally, Kailie started to slowly rise, taking care not to spook him, all the while explaining that she had to go, but she didn't want to leave. Kailie felt sad as she turned and walked through the forest toward her house. As Kailie reached the gate, she turned to look back, imagining that it was all a dream and positive that he would have vanished. However, she was amazed to see that he was following her. Kailie opened the gate, but instead of closing it, she left it open. The one thing she didn't want to do was try to confine him. Kailie felt that it would be a violation to him, so she made sure that he had access back to the forest should he need to leave. Kailie walked into the barn and to an empty stall just in case. She filled a wheelbarrow with shavings and spread them in the stall to make a soft bed. Kailie filled a bucket with cool water and a feed bowl with grain. Then she filled a hay bag with hay and tied it off to the hook hanging in the corner of the stall. Once she was sure that she had given him access to anything he might need, Kailie turned to him and explained that she was very blessed to have been permitted to spend the day with him. She also told him that she was giving him anything that she thought he would need and tried to make it comfortable for him and that in no way was she trying to contain him. She was simply trying to make him feel welcome, and he could stay if he wanted.

Kailie left the stall door open so that he could come and go as he pleased. As she turned to walk out of the barn and into the house, she stopped, turned back, and said, I do hope to see you again, and thank you. Good night.

Kailie opened the door and walked into the house. All was quiet as she walked into the back hallway of the house. She made her way through the hallway and up the stairs to her room. Kailie never saw her mom, but she figured her mom was in the office taking care of circus business. Kailie entered her room and grabbed her computer to check her email. Then she started checking the web for any information that she could find on unicorns. Kailie spent most of the night researching and finally decided to sleep for a while.

The next day, she heard a commotion downstairs. It sounded like someone was in distress. Kailie jumped up and ran downstairs, where she heard excited voices.

What's going on? Kailie exclaimed.

Layney looked at Kailie with a very strange look on her face. She looked as though something was very wrong.

Mom? Kailie questioned, trying to get some answers.

Do you have any idea about what is in the barn? Layney asked excitedly.

It all came flooding back. It wasn't a dream. It was real.

He's still here? Kailie exclaimed. Oh my god, Mom.

So you do know! Layney yelled as Kailie ran out of the door. Layney ran after her, continuing to bombard her with questions. Where did he come from? How did you find him? Why did you bring him here? Do you know what you've done? Do you know how much trouble we could be in?

Finally, Kailie turned to her mother and said, Mom, calm down. It's going to be fine. She turned and continued walking to the barn with her mom and Denny close behind. First, I didn't bring him here. He followed me home. I just made him comfortable. You didn't scare him, did you?

No, Layney said in an agitated voice. But I'm not sure Denny is going to survive. He just about jumped out of his skin.

Denny, jogging to keep up, now jumped into the conversation, saying, I'm fine, Ms. Kailie. I just wasn't expecting to see anything like that, and I was a bit shocked.

Sorry. I guess I should have warned you.

You think? said Layney with her teeth clenched in frustration.

As they reached the barn door, Kailie turned to her mom and Denny and held up her hands for them both to stop. Please, stay here for just a minute. Denny stopped, but Kailie's mom started to protest, raising her hand and waggling her finger. Kailie reached up and gently took her mom's finger with her hand, and again she said, Please.

Layney took a small step back, pulling back her anger momentarily, her ever so small movement showing that she was agreeing to do as Kailie had asked. Kailie turned and opened the barn door very carefully. She took one slow step at a time, pausing with each step as if she was walking on a frozen lake that was beginning to crack. As she rounded the corner and came to the stall that she had prepared for him the night before, she looked upon this magnificent creature again. The sun streaming in the stall window made the gold on his horn shine like the coins in a pirate's treasure chest, and his mane shone like icicles hanging from a roof on a frozen morning. He turned to look at her, and the violet in his blue eyes was so intense that she couldn't move for a moment.

You're still here. Are you okay? In her mind, she saw a beautiful flowing brook with green grass and shade trees. It looked very peaceful. It occurred to her then that he had put this picture in her mind. He was communicating with Kailie. He was showing her that he was at peace, comfortable, and happy. Can I bring in someone to meet you? Kailie saw blue, just the color blue. Kailie hoped she was correct in thinking that this was a yes. She turned back to look at the door and said, Mom, you guys can come in slowly. Don't spook him.

Her mom opened the door and walked in with Denny walking close behind.

When Layney Dunning saw him, her hand immediately went to cover her mouth as she took in a very deep breath, and her blue eyes grew to twice their normal size. Kailie looked at Denny and noticed a tear forming in his right eye. They all just stood there for the longest time, and finally, with a voice so quiet it was barely audible, Layney said, Oh my god.

I think we need to go sit down in the house and talk, Layney said, continuing to stare. I have a lot of questions, and then we need to figure out what we need to do.

They all turned to head back to the house as Kailie glanced over her shoulder to take one more look at the unicorn in her barn, just in case he disappeared. They all made their way to the kitchen table, the usual meeting place for important discussions, and sat down. Kailie told the story of how she had discovered the unicorn, trying not to leave out any details and how he had followed her home.

I don't know where he came from or how he ended up in the woods behind our property, but I think he just doesn't want to be alone. I did some research, and from what I read, they usually stay in groups of four or five and are close like a family. But he was alone. Maybe he is looking for a family. I think he wants to stay.

I don't think that's a good idea, Kailie. You can't confine a unicorn, her mom said, sounding very concerned.

I know, Kailie said in her defense. That's why I left everything open. Let's do this. We can let him stay for a while, and I'll see what I can find out from him. If, at any time, he wants to go, he can. But if he wants to stay, he's the one that will make that decision.

I'll think about it.

Kailie squealed like a little girl.

And how do you propose to find out anything from him? Layney asked.

He communicates with me, Kailie said as she walked out the door.

Kailie barely heard her mom as she headed back to the barn. Of course he does.

2

First Meeting of the Season

Tivo had been with the Dunnings for just over a year now. When they traveled the country on their regular tour the previous year, Tivo chose to travel with them. Kailie told Tivo everything, and he seemed to understand her. She made sure that he knew what to expect and how and why they did things the way they did. He understood that there were people out in the world who would love to capture him and would treat him badly. Kailie was afraid if anyone knew the truth, that Tivo was a unicorn, he would be taken, sold to the highest bidder, or used by someone who had no respect for him or someone who would abuse him. Or he could be sold to a lab somewhere and kept by people who would kill him and dissect him in the name of science. There were so many things that could happen to him. It was best just to keep him under cover.

Tivo had a red and white tent that was attached to the trailer. It was put up each time they stopped. There were side walls that went all the way around the tent. They attached to the bottom of the tent top and hung to the ground, making a completely enclosed area. Inside was a portable stall. Tivo's stall was twelve feet by twelve feet, so he had plenty of room. The sides of the stall were made of a steel tubing frame and had a nylon polyester skin that completely covered three of the panels. The front panel had a door in the middle, making it easy for him to go in and out, and the top portion of the front stall had bars, giving him the ability to look out and people the ability to look in so they could make sure he was doing well. The other thing they did to make sure that Tivo's true identity was not discovered was to make him a special halter that fit right over his amazing horn. It gave the impression that the horn was built into the halter. To the average person, Tivo appeared to be a beautiful horse dressed as a fictional unicorn, because everyone knew that there was no such thing as a real unicorn. At one point, Kailie asked Tivo why he found her. You see, when she was doing research on unicorns, she found out that they showed up when they had a message or something they were supposed to do. She was still waiting to find out that answer. Kailie didn't know how or when she would find out, but she did know that eventually, it would be revealed.

Last year, during one of their shows, she realized that Tivo wasn't in his stall. She found him at the back area of the building that led to the floor of the arena. This was what they called the back door. He walked into the area where the performers entered and looked through the curtain into the ring.

What are you doing here? Kailie asked. You know you shouldn't be here. Let's go back.

Tivo didn't move. He just kept staring into the ring.

Hey, Tivo, do you like what you see? She saw blue, Tivo's sign meaning yes. Would you like to go into the circus ring? She again saw blue. Okay, how about this? After shows tonight, I'll bring you in. Just you and me, and we'll play. Blue again, then he turned and went back to his stall.

That night, true to her word, Kailie walked Tivo to the back of the building. They went in through the back door and continued through the curtain into the circus ring. At first, they just stood there for quite a while. Then Tivo began walking around the ring slowly. Soon after, he increased his speed, trotting around the ring. Kailie stopped him and asked, Tivo, do you want to perform? All of a sudden, in her mind flashed the brightest blue she had ever seen. Really? And then suddenly, the blue intensified. Wow, okay, I'll teach you a routine, and we can work together. This time, Kailie had a picture that flashed in her head of Tivo in the ring with her, standing on his hind legs and walking toward her, and the background was a shimmering blue.

From that point on, they practiced every chance they got. Kailie would describe to Tivo the trick in detail, and in a matter of minutes, he had it down. From the changes to laying down, sitting up, side passes, a walking rear and a bow. It all came so easy for him. He would have the trick mastered almost immediately, and soon, they put together an act and found the perfect music to accompany it.

Kailie was so proud. But even better, Tivo was having fun. He seemed so excited and happy to perform. They continued to practice all through the winter in their home. They made sure the act corresponded perfectly to their music. It actually turned out to be a beautiful act. This would be the first time Kailie and Tivo performed it, and they were both very excited. After making sure that Tivo was set and secure in his stall with everything he needed for the night, Kailie headed to the trailer.

Is Tivo all done? Layney asked.

Yep.

Are you excited about seeing everybody tomorrow?

Yes, I am. I can't wait to see Azi, Kailie said. Azi was Kailie's best friend, and she'd been on the show for the past four years.

When Azaya first came to the show, she was sent to Kailie so Kailie could teach her the aerial routine. She walked in that first day with an air of confidence. She was kind of stiff and scary. As she approached, Kailie saw instant attitude and worried this new girl would be very hard to get along with. She had a North Asian look, alabaster skin, deep dark almond-shaped eyes, a perfect little nose, and soft thin lips. Her long black hair fell to the middle of her back with random curls popping out as it flowed down past the top of her shoulder. The closer she got, the more Kailie noticed that her body softened. And when she finally reached Kailie, her smile widened, and her bubbly personality rushed out as she said, Hi, are you Kailie?

I am.

I'm Azaya, but you can call me Azi.

Okay, Azi, are you ready to start? Kailie asked.

Sure, let's go, she said.

As Kailie taught her the routine, they talked nonstop. They had an instant connection. From that point on, they were inseparable. She was so nice, and it seemed that they had so much in common. Kailie and Azi, along with a couple of other girls, performed the aerial display. Four Spanish webs hung from the beams at the top of the building with an invisible line, making a perfect square around the circus ring.

A Spanish web was a long cotton rope inside a polyester sleeve with an eye at the top. This was connected to a swivel, which allowed the web to be spun around. There was a loop that was attached to the top of the web. This was for the aerialist to secure an ankle or wrist through the loop so that they could spin freely. The Spanish web, when performed by more than one aerialist, became a beautifully choreographed dance in the air.

When is everyone else coming in? Kailie asked her mom.

Everyone is coming in throughout the night. I'm sure there will be some that will show up in the morning, Layney explained.

So when is the meeting? Kailie asked.

Tomorrow afternoon. Your Cirque Superno will officially begin then.

Kailie and some of her friends had renamed the circus a few years back. The name stuck, and although it was never official, Dunning Family Circus was known by everyone in the industry as Cirque Superno.

Okay, then, I'll see you tomorrow. Night, Mom, Kailie said as she passed her mom on the way to her room.

"Good night. And, Kailie, it's going to be a good