Rushing through the front door the entrance was barely visible, but after a moment the smoke cleared and many shrouded, hooded figured crowded before the staircase. Most I did not recognize but just before the door to the basement stood the Porcelain Child, the very same creature I had seen during the shipwreck over a century ago, her dripping white mask unmistakable within the darkness. At the top of the staircase and within the surrounding doorways were several transparent entities that seemed to be twitching in and out of reality, all with murderous intent in their psychotic eyes, and obviously unsure of what to expect from the sudden intrusion.
The echoing sound of children's laughter seemed to bounce off the walls as many shadows zipped around corners and up the surface of the walls.
As we all stood staring at one another suddenly the distant thunder of a storm could be heard rolling in from the nearby ocean.
The twisted Child turned her head with curiosity and the whole group began to surround me as I stepped forth. Spreading my hands, I lowered my head to prepare for the attack, not really focusing on anyone in particular. As lightning flashed in the distance the pull of my inner demon grew stronger. As if it were now second nature, the blackness within spreading throughout my body. I felt my legs stretch as I grew several feet in height. Bones cracked and muscles swelled, but I felt no pain. It was if the demonic energy surrounding me was somehow amplifying my power.
As I lowered my brow the serpent locks brushed against my scaly, bulging chest and the lot of my enemies cautiously stepped back, unsure of what to make of me.
Suddenly the walls began to bleed and the very foundation shook beneath us as a terrifying voice echoed through the vents.
'GET OUT!'
The ghostly entities stepped forth and suddenly the hooded figures seemed rather nervous. Perhaps they may have been biting off more than they could chew, although I was positive that the house was speaking to me as well.
'Traitor!' I heard the penetrating voice from beneath the porcelain mask that stood before me. As my voice pushed forth I recognized it immediately as the deep, raspy tone within the dark room, the demon that had been with me from the beginning, now free to speak.
'So be it.'
With an abrupt and ear splitting crack, lightning struck just outside the house and using the diversion as an opportunity I leapt toward the Child. Before the others could attack they were thrown about the room by an unseen force. But the Porcelain Child simply burst into smoke before I could reach her. I stood before the basement door, guarding it with the hope that Edward would have sufficient room to escape.
Before I could prepare myself, I felt the Child's fingers pierce my neck and with a stiff jolt I tasted the iron flavor of my own blood. Clouds of smoke bust before me as I struggled to pull the Child off, each delivering a swift slice of their claws through my scaly flesh before busting out of reality again.
Laughter echoed through the space as darkness enveloped me. Pinned against the door, I choked, struggling to speak as blood filled my lungs and the smoke began to clear.
'You cannot . . . have it.'
'You're on the wrong side of the chessboard.' Said a familiar voice as the Porcelain Child crawled down my torso and stepped away, leaving me pinned before the Order.
Feeling the door behind me knock gently against my back, there were many confused expression. Suddenly their tight grip was released and I was moved away from the door. Struggling to stand, I found myself warn and exhausted, the loss of blood too heavy to keep focus.
YOU ARE READING
Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)
خيال (فانتازيا)Meric is a troubled youth living in England near the turn of the 19th century. Neglected and bitter, he was raised within a wealthy dynasty where family secrets are well kept and shrouded by a dark, mysterious past. He soon learns that his bloodline...
