Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 69

An Excerpt from The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais by Susan Hanniford Crowley

[image error]

Thank you, Anna James.  Now for an excerpt.

*

“Thanks,” David said as he handed the driver his fare and watched the cab pull away from the curb into the rainy night. The cab’s passenger, an attractive young woman, would wake the next morning with a slight feeling of euphoria but otherwise no memory of their evening together. David grimaced to himself. He could do with some euphoria.

Then he looked across the street and sighed. There it was. A hotel stood in place of the family home his father built in 1857. He missed his mother and brothers. William and George, his older brothers, died in the war. David was supposed to die at Gettysburg, but that vampire . . . He closed his eyes to push away the memory that hurt so much. His honor was robbed that night when his blood seeped into the battlefield. That ghastly, white face stole his humanity with a single bite.

He shook his head studying the building. He took a room there once. He wanted to feel his mother’s gentle presence. He had been desolate. He needed her so the loneliness wouldn’t eat him. But David found nothing. No presence. No feeling the family ever existed.

Heavy rain beat down on him, but David remained untouched by a single drop. Pain, however, still reached through time to touch him.

“You are a deserter. You are no longer my son.”

The image of his little brother Thomas waving from an upstairs window. A hand-painted, wooden soldier David left on the back porch for the boy.

It was over that fast.

David walked down the street in the rain. While his hunger was satisfied, his longing was not. Blood was not enough anymore. Lust for strangers left him empty. David wanted love, and deep in his barely beating heart, he asked, God, take pity on a vampire.

Pain seared through his chest. He fell to his knees. David shook his head knowing vampires did not have heart attacks. Trying to stand, he froze. A vision. A woman falling. Despite the pain, he heard her cries and took to the air, then plunged into the East River.

A million contradictory thoughts ran through his brain, one being that he shouldn’t be in saltwater, but he dismissed them all. He had to find her. A flash of gold caught his eye. He rushed toward it, found her, and pulled her to the surface. She didn’t stir. He pressed her face to his. She’s so cold but so soft. He sighed. Her lips are blue! Holding her tightly in his arms, he exploded from the water and minutes later landed across the street from a hospital.

I’ll just give her to them. All I have to do is walk across the street. She’ll be all right. But he didn’t move. She stirred feelings inside him like no one ever had. David didn’t want to let her go. More than anything he wanted her to live, but he sensed the massive injuries to her body. She had hit the water like concrete. Blood seeped from her ears. No. The moment he brushed her golden locks from her beautiful, still face, his heart broke. He cradled her against him like a child. I can’t let her die.

Her eyes fluttered. She coughed. He laid her on the small patch of grass between buildings. She puked, spewing out blood and black water. She wheezed, trying to breathe through shaky gasps.

“Oh, God, how I hurt!”

“I’m taking you to the hospital. It’s only across the street.”

“No hospital. I’ll try . . . again.” Ragged breaths interrupted her words. “I’ll kill myself . . . sooner or later.”

“Please, don’t say that.”

***

He looked so hurt. Even as her life slipped away, Laura couldn’t bear his pain. It’s a shame I didn’t meet you before the bridge.

*

Now you have met the vampire David Hilliard and Laura Cordelais.  Interested in more? The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais is available in Kindle and Amazon Print Barnes and Noble Print

Please, be safe! Enjoy life!

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!  Now in Nook, Kobo, and Smashwords.

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

[image error]

 

For The Love Of…Lessons Learned From Dogs by Artemis Crow

[image error]

by Artemis Crow

I’ve mentioned in the past that we have been involved in Doberman rescue since 2005. Though our role is not as great these days, we still have a senior diabetic Doberman who’s mostly blind as a permanent foster, and I’m on the board of a Doberman rescue charity.

We’ve had healthy, young Dobies who just needed a place to land until a new home could be found. We’ve had the pleasure of happy puppies and gentle, sweet seniors, and we’ve had several hospice dogs stay with us until the end of their lives. Rescue is breathtakingly beautiful, filled with moments of grace, and heartbreaking – seeing the damage cruelty and neglect can do to a living creature steals the breath and fills the eyes.

But for the crazy emotional roller coaster that can be rescue, there are lessons I’ve learned from the dozens of dogs who have come through our lives. These are lessons for life, and even for my writing, and I want to share them with you today.

Be Bold

Allow yourself to take that leap into the unknown. Stretch yourself, even if it makes you uncomfortable, and discover the heights and depths of who you are. You never know unless you try has been a lesson I’ve seen every single foster dog embrace.

Have The Courage And Perseverance To Overcome Obstacles

[image error]

The greatest courage I’ve witnessed was found in those dogs either born with special needs or through injury or disease became special needs dogs. The blind, the paralyzed, the amputees, all of them pushed through their challenges. Even those fosters who came to us starved, or wounded physically, emotionally, and/or psychologically, proved, with time, to be resilient, their ability to live in the moment changing their lives for the better.

Embrace The World In Its Simplest Forms

Because dogs live in the moment, those moments are filled to the brim with everything around them. They live in a world of scents and sounds, sight and taste, touch and the needs of their bodies. People could benefit from slowing down to experience each of those sensory details instead of processing them all as a whole as we are wont to do. We are busy, I get it, yet I fear we are missing out on the simplest inputs that could give us joy. As a writer, I have to remember that my characters are not two-dimensional. By incorporating the senses, I can make them three-dimensional and immerse readers into my world more fully.

Found Family Matters

Our family consisted of human, canine and feline. Three species that chose to live and love together. Each time we brought in a new foster, we worked to introduce them to the pack. Slowly, yes, but with only a few exceptions, the new dogs became a member of the expanded family. In writing, we develop our own families: universally, those who love reading, specifically, those who love your genre, particularly, those who love your books. Celebrate your found family! They are you pack!

Embrace Boundless Joy

[image error]

This is similar to living in the moment, but on steroids. With the cooler weather, I see this example often: the chill in the air, the breeze blowing, the sun shining on their coats sends my three pack into paroxysms of pleasure. Prancing and running, zipping and zoomies, throwing of the head and snorts, these are just some of the silliness that dogs display when filled with joy. They don’t care if they look silly. In fact, I think they grow sillier when their antics are rewarded with our laughter. IRL, this is a lesson we should embrace, especially these days. As a writer, I find boundless joy when a reader tells me they loved my book, and it makes me try that much harder to bring them joy in the next book.

Never Be Afraid To Be Unique

[image error]

Another benefit of living in the moment is a lack of ego. That lack of ego results in amputees who are ready to run in days after losing a limb; they don’t seem to care that they now have three legs, they just want to learn how to balance on their remaining legs. They are who they are; it’s as simple as that. This ability is awe-inspiring and has reminded me more than once that being different or unique isn’t a liability, but our greatest asset. You are unique in all the world, but it’s easier to succumb to the more comfortable state of conformity. As writers, we talk about the importance of voice and how it distinguishes us from other writers. Is it not just as important to embrace that which makes us unique in our lives?

This is my second post about dogs…guess it’s obvious I’m a fan. They have many lessons to teach us; I hope the few I listed above give you food for thought. Do you have any questions about dogs or dog rescue? Ask away!

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

Artemis Crow

www.artemiscrow.com

The Zodiac Assassins series

Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

[image error]





Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IB




[image error]

 

Leona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjW




[image error]





Libra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNg




[image error]





Leona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

[image error]

 

 

 

 

Gemini Asunder  – https://amzn.to/2PyNUig

Change Gears

This week has been a crazy week and I’m ashamed to say that I have behaved like a brat for most of it. It’s one of those weeks where you just sit in the midst of tons of things that seem to go wrong— kids waking you up in the night, internet outages and you can’t get work done, relationship tensions all around you… you get the picture. And yet, here I sit writing this blog, annoyed at myself for being what I’ve termed a brat.

Why? Because I’m whining about things that are all somewhat solvable in a fairly easy way. I’ve still got my job and my health, I’m breathing clean air and I live a comfortable lifestyle. I’m not worrying about whether I am going to be evicted because I ve lost my job and can’t pay my rent. I’m not fighting for my life on a ventilator. I’m not breathing smoke-filled air or worse, I have my home and it hasn’t been snatched up by some fire.

Look, I bring this up because it is normal. I spoke to someone yesterday who told me they were doing well overall and their family was fine, yet they felt guilty given the circumstances of so many others. This is normal I believe and I can relate to it, but I can also say that feeling guilty isn’t really deserved and doesn’t really help anything. I wouldn’t wish horrible circumstances on anyone and I would hope that most people wouldn’t wish them on me. That being said, I do think it’s okay to put things in perspective and give yourself a “wake up call” if you are getting a bit too stuck in your own head— it would probably serve most of us well!

So next time you are getting annoyed with yourself or feeling guilty, do something about it. Got for a walk to clear the mind or take it a step further and make a difference— volunteer, donate, advise others. You may have to get creative these days but the need is plenty.

Happy writing this week!

Elven Wisdom Paranormal-Scope

I had “Zombie Wisdom” last week. Now groups are coming out of the woodwork demanding equal time. Let’s see what the elves have to say.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

Aries:

Elves do everything they can to calm themselves during these hard times. There are those people who like to push buttons. Ignore them and take better care of yourself. A pampering day is in order.

Taurus:

Elves are highly organized and find that it helps them be more productive. Make a task list and check it off as you go. Look for other ways to organize your work.

Gemini:

Elves are into family and friends. Reach out and call someone you’ve been missing.

Cancer:

Elves spend a lot of time listening to avoid misunderstandings. Do the same. Ask questions, if you don’t understand something.

Leo:

Elves are frugal with their money. It’s time to make a clear budget and stick to it. You will thank yourself later when you need the money.

Virgo:

Elves know when someone is not telling the whole truth. Be aware that some people have something to hide.

Libra:

Elves don’t work themselves into the ground and neither should you. Build time in to rejuvenate. Take care of your health.

Scorpio:

Elves don’t compete with each other. They focus on individual goals for self-happiness. Do the same.

Sagittarius:

Elves focus on their work to get the most done in the most efficient way, so they can move on to the next project. Embrace your work with the same energy.

Capricorn:

Elves keep their eyes wide open for possibilities. New adventures are coming your way.

Aquarius:

Elves are creative in a limitless way. So are you. Embrace your creative abilities.

Pisces:

Elves don’t let stress get to them. They bake cookies. Look at different ways to relieve stress. You might want to ask your doctor.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!  New: Now in Nook and Kobo

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

 

 

[image error]

 

 

A Writing Prompt for Two Chairs by Susan Hanniford Crowley

[image error]

This is a September beach. Write a story about the two who sit in these chairs and what brings them to this beach. Breathe in the ocean air. Feel the warmth of the day. Write and be free.

*

Remember! Love yourself and others. Wear a mask and maintain a safe social distance.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!  Now in Nook and Kobo

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

[image error]

 

Push Ourselves

This past week, my kids started school and man was it a doozy. We survived and truth be told, the both liked their teachers and made it to the weekend seemingly healthy (and yes I realize kids can be asymptomatic when it comes to Covid). But the week was not without it’s difficulties and learning experiences.

My oldest was anxiety ridden all week long and I honestly questioned whether he would get through it and what would happen if the anxiety was around to stay. I’m glad to report it is dying down into week two but I am not ruling it out as completely gone.

My youngest was happier to be returning to school but full of questions and quite a big slice of mischief. I’m happy to report that he is better acclimated and behaving better than expected when it comes to his virtual days.

The lesson learned this week on all sides was that it is okay and even makes sense to push ourselves, not to a point we feel defeated but certainly to a point we are challenging ourselves. It is what will make us stronger and better at navigating the craziness we call life.

Happy writing this week!

Zombie Wisdom Paranormal-Scope

Just because I had “Vampiric Wisdom” last week, there was a certain group that demanded equal time. So here it is. Let’s see how wise zombies really are.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

Aries:

Zombies are attracted to brains to eat and also to listen too. They are addicted to academic lectures online. Consider taking an online course. It’s perfect for social distancing.

Taurus:

Zombies love a good dance rhythm. Consider playing your music more and dancing to it. Maybe a little “Thriller.” It’s also good exercise.

Gemini:

Zombies are very good with detailed work. They look at everything so it’s in their nature. It’s time to notice the details of your life. Are you missing out on good stuff?

Cancer:

Zombies can’t count money. It’s important to keep control over your budget this week. Look over your finances and see where you can save.

Leo:

Zombies are emotionally attached to their clothes no matter how ragged they look. Go through your wardrobe and weed out the worn out.

Virgo:

Zombies love to collect items. That could be a fun hobby.

Libra:

Zombie never step on the crack in the sidewalk and wherever they happen to be. I think that’s why they sway as they walk.  Ask your doctor about walking as an exercise.

Scorpio:

Zombies are surprised if they run across another zombie and there’s a spark of recognition. Keep in touch with someone close to you.

Sagittarius:

Zombies sometimes feel sad. They can’t always remember why. It’s time to make a list of your happy times and also watch movies that make you laugh. If the feeling continues, please, see your doctor.

Capricorn:

Zombies have hidden talents, such as; cooking brains, drawing brains, etc. Don’t get stuck in a rut. Try something new.

Aquarius:

Zombies often have a library of cookbooks. Relax more in life. Read.

Pisces:

Zombies get into their work zone and can’t see anything else. Be sure to enjoy your time away from work. It’s your time to recharge.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!  New: Now in Nook and Kobo

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

 

 

[image error]

 

 

If You Get This Before Midnight, Please, Vote! – Susan Hanniford Crowley

In a few hours, the first round of the contest will close for the book cover contest. Please, vote and help push us into the 2nd round. Below is the dynamic cover created by cover artist Cindy Samul for The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars. Please, vote, and share. Thank you.

https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/9171/

[image error]

Thank you and have a great weekend. Remember! Stay safe and wear a mask. It’s Labor Day weekend in the U.S.A., so please, drive carefully.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!  Now in Nook and Kobo

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

 

 

[image error]

 

 

An Excerpt from When Love Survives by Susan Hanniford Crowley

“I would have never thought I would like a love story based on the September 11, 2001, but I was wrong. Regina and Gregor’s story was heartfelt and compassionate with a zing of magic and the paranormal. When Love Survives is a wonderfully written love story of two hearts finding each other on a day when terror ruled.”

-Joyfully Reviewed

*

“I’m late!” Reggie stared at the alarm clock. “I can’t believe this is happening to me!” Pulling her wet, red hair into a sophisticated bun, she ran down the stairs of her apartment building. She never liked her hair.

The postman slipped the mail into the boxes. “Hey you, Regina O’Malley?”

She stopped. Crap! I’m going to lose the best internship in the city and maybe a chance for a great job when I graduate. “Yes.”

He handed her an envelope from Alaska. Read Immediately was written in large letters, so she ripped it open.

Dear Reggie,

We can’t get through on your cell, and your father and I have been worried sick. We’re sending our love and protection. We’ve held off telling you this, but it’s time you know. Remember how you always made a joke that your father was a leprechaun and your mother an elf? Well, sweetheart, I hope you’re sitting down because it’s true. Call us as soon as you can. We have a lot to tell you. We love you, and please, be careful.

Love,

Mom

Mom’s letters were always strange but this one took the cake. If what her mother said was true, it explained all the weirdness in Reggie’s life. Giggling nervously, as she usually did to cope, she folded up the letter and put it in her pocket before rushing out the door.

Damn! The bus is at the corner.

Reggie ran.

It pulled away from the curb into traffic. She screamed, but it didn’t stop. Why would it? The city drowned out her screams. That was life in New York. You screamed and most people didn’t notice. Exasperated, she looked at her watch. Damn, I want that job.  She flagged a cab.

The cost from Brooklyn to Manhattan would be a mint, but an internship with a good brokerage house was worth its weight in gold. Reggie tried to think happy thoughts. That’s what her mom had taught her. And when she got home, she’d have to find that cell phone.

The ride was nerve-wracking. Her mind kept dwelling on things she couldn’t change. She thought the pale gray suit would make the best impression. Maybe she should have worn the pink, low-cut crepe blouse instead and not this blue, silk one. Reggie lifted her fingers to her mouth and immediately put them down again. The last thing she wanted to do was waste a perfect manicure. Oh, God, Mr. Holmut is going to be so angry. Her academic advisor at NYU had worked hard getting this paid internship for her.

The cab stopped and it wasn’t for a light. They were in Manhattan. Reggie looked around to see if she could figure out her location. The World Trade Center was only four blocks around that corner at the most. After paying the man, she leaped out of the cab.

She was almost there, pausing only to catch her breath in front of the coffee shop before the corner. A tall man opened the door, pulled her inside, and shut the door behind her.

*

Do you want to know the rest? When Love Survives is available now in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

*

Thank you and have a great weekend. Remember! Stay safe and wear a mask. It’s Labor Day weekend in the U.S.A., so please, drive carefully.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!  Now in Nook and Kobo

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

[image error][image error][image error][image error]

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

 

 

[image error]

 

 

For The Love Of…Excerpts #4 by Artemis Crow

[image error]

by Artemis Crow

Book four in my Zodiac Assassins series is a novella called “Leona’s Cage”. Here is the first chapter for your reading enjoyment!

————————–

“THIS WAS Leona’s moment.

Soon, power would course through her. She would learn from the Master until she was greater than Circe, more ruthless than Asmodeus and his demonic minions, and powerful enough to destroy Zeus.

Soon, she would have her daughter and the ache of her loss would be a mere memory.

Leona pushed the door with one hand, slowly so she could react in the face of an attack. The interior was crude: a bed, a table, and a hooded person occupying a chair in front of a seriously misplaced fireplace. This was Hell, after all.

Leona stepped inside the shack. “Are you the Key?”

The hood nodded.

“The Master of the Dark’s cage…”

Leona hesitated. Mors’s warnings about corrupting her soul had stuck in Leona’s mind despite her certainty about her path, the job she had to do.

The old bitch got to you.

She shrugged her shoulders and rolled her neck, resisting the urge to scratch the sudden itch in her back, right where Asmodeus’s soul had been attached to hers. It was as if he were standing next to her, whispering in her ear, digging his claws into her skin, spreading more of his inky black evil inside her.

You are weak, pathetic. Even her father had decided to join in the let’s-grind-Leona-down party. You had one role to play, be a good mother, and you couldn’t even do that right. You didn’t protect your little girl.

Leona gripped the edge of the crude two-person table, the splinters that burrowed under her skin no more noticeable than a gnat. She tried to take a deep breath. Everything about this moment seemed monumental, yet somehow only skin deep: the goosebumps covering her flesh, the sweat rolling down her back, the itch between her shoulder blades. Her body seemed light, almost faint, compared to the magnitude of this meeting.

She had found the Key who would free the Master. The request was simple, but the rest of her life hinged on the words stuck in her dry mouth.

She cleared her throat and forced them out. “You will take me to the Master. You will free him for me.”

The figure nodded. “I am the Key. I will unlock the cage for you.” The Key dropped the hood of the robe. Thick, wavy, blonde hair tumbled free, a river of gold that ended at the small of her back. She stood and turned to Leona, her head still lowered. “I will sacrifice my soul in service to you.”

After the winding journey Leona had endured in Hades, wondering if she’d ever gain entrance into Hell, wondering how she’d find the soul needed to open the Master of the Dark’s cage, she’d felt triumphant relief when the blood-red cabin had appeared in the empty darkness.

It winked out as the woman raised her head, revealing her lovely face and wide, blue gaze.

Their eyes met and the combined stench of ozone and sulphur and smoke rolled over Leona. The shack filled with a static charge that caused tiny, blue flashes to spark off the edges of its surfaces. The magical power filling the space wasn’t dispersing; in fact, it was growing, but she couldn’t see beyond what was right before her eyes.

Swamped by a tortuous disbelief, Leona’s legs wobbled and her grip failed; she couldn’t support her weight.

She dropped to her knees, wheezing. “Mother?”

“Leona.” Her mother took a small step—a delicate smile on her pale face—the movement as slow and graceful as Leona remembered. “I’ve waited for this moment for so long.”

A loud, buzzing noise filled Leona’s ears; a wave of heat washed through her. She fell forward onto her hands, her palms slapping the rough floor before she collapsed onto her left hip. The static sparks danced over her exposed skin, each charge giving a slight sting before dancing away to discharge somewhere else.

She sucked in air to fill her lungs, but couldn’t get enough to counter the weakness spreading through her limbs. Her vision narrowed to a pinpoint.

A hand touched her head and ran down her hair. “Stand, my daughter. I would greet you properly.”

“No, no.” Leona jerked away from the woman. This couldn’t be happening; this must be some cosmic, psychic ‘Fuck you’ meant to stop her. “Get away from me.”

Leona made a fist and tried to punch the vision smack in the middle of her smile. But the Key rocked back, easily avoiding the attack.

The momentum sent Leona to floor. Her shoulder hit first, the abrupt stop slamming her head against the warped surface. Pain and rage mixed together, trapping her between the need to curl into a ball and the desire to jump up and fight.

Faint or fight. Story of my life.

“You aren’t my mother; you aren’t Rhian. Whatever Hell-sent monster you are, show yourself.”

The woman stared down at her, a frown chewing at the edges of her smile until it was gone. Her blue eyes narrowed, the gentle expression swept away by a current of wild power; iron will broke through the placid surface.

Leona bared her teeth and willed the beast inside her to take over. Claws broke out from under her fingernails; her canines pierced her lips. She growled long and low. The need to strike and savage the cruel chimera sent her body into spasms, but she couldn’t rise. She was trapped by flesh and bone that refused to cooperate.

She dropped her head and reached for the dark magic she’d been studying, the power she’d used in an attempt to throttle Lyon while still in the InBetween. She hadn’t used the power in Hades because she’d been afraid it would draw more attention to her location, as if the huge cracks in the ground that Spiritus had claimed Leona’s corruption was causing weren’t enough of a giveaway.

I’m not in Hades anymore.

She raised a hand to the creature that dared claim to be her mother, and concentrated on using the power to squeeze her throat.

The woman didn’t react.

Leona growled and tried harder. A slight whiff of sulphurous stench and rotten flesh rose from her body, but not the wave of fetor that normally flowed from her when loosing it.

“Your power is disabled, isn’t it?”

Leona dropped her arm. “What do you know about it?”

“The rotten-egg, demonic reek gives it away. And since I didn’t feel anything…”

Leona growled again, shaking her head, her fists striking the ground in frustration.

The Key squatted next to her and held out cupped hands. “Come now, I see the warrior. Where’s my sweet girl?”

She opened her hands and revealed a single, purple iris, as dark as the early night sky.

Leona gasped, the magic as beautiful now as it had been when she was a child. “No.”

Her hands shook; her claws retracted. She couldn’t stop the impulse to reach out and touch the soft flower, but she pulled her hand back when she sullied the delicate petals with her blood.

The Key waited, silent, unmoving, as if assessing.

Suspicion regained traction and pushed aside Leona’s instinctive yearning for the mother she hadn’t seen in years. This was Hell; there was no limit to what this realm could do, including tapping into her memories to break her down.

She slapped away the Key’s hands. “Get away from me.”

The iris fell to the floor, bounced once, then disappeared, leaving no trace of its existence.

The woman stood, swiping at her voluminous, white robes to straighten them. “Quit fighting this.”

Leona dropped her head, concentrating to keep her full belly from purging. It took minutes, but finally she pushed off the floor and staggered to her feet, turning away from the Key’s outstretched hands.

But she rose too fast; she wobbled and everything went black.

The Key grabbed Leona’s shoulders from behind.

Leona tolerated the woman’s grip until the feeling in her body returned, until she could see again. But when she attempted to step away, the Key fought her, tried to pull her closer, to envelope her in a hug.

Leona stiffened and jerked out of her grip, turning to face the thing wearing the face of her dam. “Keep your hands off me or I’ll use my claws to eviscerate you.”

With no warning, the Key shoved Leona’s chest with both hands, the connection solid and powerful.

Leona fell back and landed on the cot. Her brain demanded she jump up and tear the woman apart, but her body nixed that idea. The child that still dwelled deep within her heart wanted to snuggle into the illusion, but Leona couldn’t bear to fall into the longing only to be slapped back into reality. It had taken too many years to forget the woman’s touch, her smell; the carrot dangling in front of her must not be allowed to threaten her mission.

Leona let her body win the argument; she sagged into the bedding, spent.

“Are you done questioning what you know to be true? What you can see with your own eyes?”

Okay, so the monster is going to play this out.

“I have seen much in my life, the weirdest of it in the last few days. So, no, I’m not done questioning. How is it that you’re solid? Why aren’t you just an ephemeral wisp?”

“I am whole because a Key’s soul must be protected from the forces which seek to destroy it.” The woman straightened her robe. “Now that you are here, we must prepare to leave.”

Leona searched the Key’s face for the love she remembered from her childhood, but she couldn’t see it. The face was the same, the skin as smooth as the day her mother had died, her smile soft and beautiful, but her eyes…her eyes lacked the warmth Leona had basked in as a child.

This creature or vision looked resigned, as if it knew this had been ordained. Its eyes were filled with purpose, as if it had been waiting for Leona for years. As if it were waiting for Leona to submit, to relax and fall into the trap.

Hades had been full of tricks. Hell was already proving to be much worse.”

—————————

 

May your words flow freely,

 

Artemis

Artemis Crow

www.artemiscrow.com

The Zodiac Assassins series

Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

[image error]





Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IB




[image error]

 

Leona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjW




[image error]





Libra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNg




[image error]





Leona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

[image error]

 

 

 

 

Gemini Asunder  – https://amzn.to/2PyNUig