The Hybrid Organization: Connected To Death

(10) When the Nightmares Feed

Idiot! thought Lucian, I am such an idiot!

     He sat against the side of his bed, his dorm door locked. Lucian kept controlling his anger, for his body started to steam again. Just what is exactly Skyler’s problem?

     Lucian sighed. He missed is old home, the one he can never go back to. Just like Lucian’s old calm self ― that home died in the past. He can never turn back.

     Whispers kept appearing inside Lucian’s head. They want him to sleep. They want to feed on his energy. It’s almost as if revealing his last name made the whispers even more ruthless and chaotic. Yet, Lucian didn’t try to fight them this time. In fact, his eyelids started to droop as they closed. As he fell asleep his body fell hard on the floor to one side, and he started to dream as the voices feed.

     Lindale is a small town of misery. Here, it’s easy to get sick. It rarely rains, and it’s cold. Always cold. There’s only one small market for food and a bunch of small houses, making it crowded.

     Yet nine year old Lucian didn’t mind. As long as he’s with his family ― his mom and dad, as well as his little sister Neveah, nothing could be better.

     He sat in the living room, playing with his toy truck. Neveah drew in the corner. Neveah is eight years old, with long black hair and pale skin like Lucian’s. She likes to wear dark colors, so like black or purple. Her eyes are gold.

     His father, Damon Deadblood, sat in his comfy chair, watching his children play on the wooden floor.

     Lucian’s father didn’t look so good. He’s in his mid-forties and yet his hair is gray, his skin sickly. Deep lines etched around Dad’s baggy tired eyes, and when he coughs it sounds painful. A blanket is over him to help keep him warm. Lucian looked at Neveah, “Hey Neveah, wanna play trucks with me?”

     “No thanks,” said Neveah. She went back to her drawing.

     Lucian sighed. She’s always like this. Neveah never comes out to play with him. She’s always so gloomy.

     “Come on Neveah, come play!” insisted Lucian.

     “No,” Neveah shook her head.

     “It’s alright son,” smiled his father, Dad’s voice sounding painful and strained, “Neveah is allowed to do as she―” He coughed a painful cough, making Lucian wince as Neveah looked up. “Daddy, are you okay?”

     “Your father is fine, Neveah,” promised her mother as she entered the room. Lucian’s Mom, Megan, has dark brown hair and brown eyes. She wore an old fashion dress, and is holding a metal tray with a tea set, “I made you some tea to help clear your throat. Hopefully it will help.”

     “Thank you Megan,” said Damon, “Just your presence gives me the strength to fight this sickness.”

     “I’m glad,” smiled Megan, and handed him some tea. Damon drank some, only to start coughing some more.

     “Daddy?” asked Lucian, worried.

     “Don’t worry my boy,” said Dad, “I am fine―”

     He started to go into a coughing fit. As usual, Mom told Lucian and Neveah to go upstairs so they won’t catch the sickness. The two kids raced up to the second floor, and Neveah went straight to her room and closed the door shut. Lucian went down the wooden hallway and knocked on the door.

     “Come on Neveah, come out,” pleaded Lucian.

     “No.”

     “You can’t keep hiding in the shadows forever,” said Lucian, “Come out and play. I don’t want your future to be lonely.”