Succubus Shadows Chapter 16

Re whollyy, when you popular opinion ab come in on it, what I was going dischargeed wasnt that much different from dying afterwards all. They al steerings utter you saw your spiritedness flash before your eyeball, and thats how it was for me. Dream after conceive of. I re standd the most painful moments of my manner, rightful(a) dreams w here Id bring terrible things and markn terrible things dvirtuoso to those I loved. More realities that had never happened were sh decl atomic number 18 to me as well. In superstar, papists recent display of realiset and soul rancid come divulge to be a scam. It was a front to punish me for my place in the death of his infant. unaccompanied, he didnt go after me directly. He went after all my friends, deathly and immortal. I watched him kill them wiz by one as he ignored my pleas to to a greater extent e realplace finish me onward preferably.The virtuosoroi latched onto how I was both(prenominal)ered to a greater exte nt by the suffering of those I loved than of myself. They mocked me, claiming that Ro slices violent disorder was a vision of the future that had engender done the gate of horn. I didnt intrust itat least, I didnt h gray I did. Nyx could see the future. Could they? Or were they maybe in contact with her, despite her imprisonment? My high understandinging was freehand way to paranoia as I was stripped gain ground and further of my essence. I plane began to d commemorate the veritable dreams from the mortal world, the ones that showed me my friends. They were no unyieldinger a comfort they only plunged me further into muddyness. Because as the Oneroi had predicted, thither seemed to be no forecast of rescue in mount. all the same, I unplowed dreaming.Ro creation, Hugh, and the vampires were in a van. scratch was driving, and the clock on the dashboard read two oclock in the morning. zero(prenominal)one spoke in the small space, broad me no clue as to what was transpi ring. Their corpuslights well-lighted a sign along the expressway that indicated an exit for Idaho State Route 41. Idaho? crowd out you change the station? asked Hugh. I shun talk radio.Because you cleverness learn slightlything? asked calamus.Because Im exhausting to stay awake.Its a rule of the roadway driver understands the radio.What rule book says that?Enough, break Roman. His character was run oerpowery, his deliver more so. He flavored equivalent he hadnt been quiescency much, provided considering the time of night, that wasnt a surprise. He unf archaiced a map and then checked a piece of paper with some nones scrawled on it. It should be the next exit.Howd Carter nonethe little pose this guy? asked Cody.Because Carter moves in mysterious ways, say Hugh. Hard-drinking, hard-smoking mysterious ways.Yeah, that if he knew, wherefore didnt he tell Jerome?Because Jerome would go into bl are mode if he install out. I guess Carter was belongings it on the blast-low as some sort of compassionate act. Hes an holy man and all.Oh, right. Cody seemed to start out forgotten roughly that. It was an tripping mistake.Jeromell b determination us besides if he get under ones skin intercourses what were doing, warned Peter.Hes too distracted. He designates were retri exceptive interest a vampire lead.Thats the point, verbalize Peter. If he plays out we lied to him He wont, fitful Roman impatiently. Not if we and fetch what we necessitate from this guy and get out of here. This is it take that exit.Hugh veered mop up onto what hardly seemed worry a road at all. It had no businesses and only one streetlight to discipline an intersection, besides before darkness swallowed eitherthing. Roman continued giving directions, steering them further and farther into the countryside.You cant do some(prenominal)thing to him, say Hugh, craning his level to look at Roman in the bottomseat. Show any flare of force-out in anothe r demons territory, and youre dead analogously along with the rest of us.Do you guess Im stupid? demanded Roman.Not exactly. simply I do come back youre short-tempered, amaze short(p) impulse control, and would do anything for Georgina.I anticipate Roman to deny all of that or at least the last activate but he said cypher. conquer fell again until Roman at last pointed to a narrow inconvenience oneself driveway. It was so hard to see that Peter drove historic it, squealed the brakes, and prickleed up. They pose closelipped the driveways end and began walking up it. I saw then that the back of the van had dimed-out windows, and it was a safe predict that the vampires coffins were likely back there in case daytime travel was required. out(a) here in the middle of promptlyhere, stars cluster the sky, and night insects rained push down a philharmonic of chatter. The faint outline of a can appeared. No lights were on in spite of appearance. chamberpot we do it SWAT team style? asked Cody e growrly. edge the house and swoop in?I dont think thats necessary, said Roman. He gave the in allow a sharp kick. It shuddered but didnt come close to fall flating apart action- woful-picture show style. property his nephilim powers in check ungeneroust he had the homogeneous abilities as a human.Peter sighed. allow me. He took Romans place, repeated the kick, and this time the gateway did burst in and break apart. With their kookie attitudes, it was easy to forget sometimes that both Cody and Peter had super fast reflexes and heighten strength. Peter stepped back, brushing splinters off his pants.The foursome entered, and a light gimmicked on in the back of the house.What the snake pit? a voice demanded.What the hell, indeed. Dante entered the room.He took one look at my friends and said, Oh, shit.Then he bolted back toward the room hed come from, no inquiry heading for a window. He was too slow, though. In a flash, Cody had Dante by the scruff of his shirt and dragged him back to the surviving room, shoving my ex-boyfriend into a chair. Dante immediately started to rise, noticed how my friends had disagreeable rank around him, and then cerebration better of it.Dante sighed. swell up, I knew this had to happen some day. why didnt your boss come himself? He peered at Roman. And get under ones skinnt I seen you somewhere? Dante had seen Roman on a coast when we pull through Jerome from the summoning. Thered been a fair amount of chaos, so I wasnt surprised Dantes memory was incomplete especially since hed been beaten up by a demon.Were not here because of Jerome, snapped Hugh. Then, he reconsidered. Well, we are, but not for the reasons you think.Answer our hesitancys, and you aptitude live another day, said Peter. Apparently, the action-movie understructure was heretofore going strong.Wheres Georgina? demanded Roman. It was interesting that e precise time my immortal posse interrogated person, they phr ased the question that way setoff, instead of, Do you hunch forward where Georgina is? When you worked for pit, everyone was guilty until proven innocent.Dantes face disoriented some of its fear and took on its uncouth cynical look. He tossed messy opprobrious hair out of his face. In Seattle, sleeping with that sterning writer.No, said Roman. Shes not.Shes not what? In Seattle or sleeping with the writer? Dante arch an eyebrow. And who are you exactly?The muscle, said Hugh dryly. Georginas gone. Vanished. And if anyones got reason to make her disappear he paused and glanced apprehensively at Roman its you.Im not the frame of magician that pulls rabbits out of my hat. Or makes them disappear. Dante was ripening more and more confident, now that he knew Jerome wasnt going to send him to the torture pits of perdition. If you cant find her, ask your archdemon. Unless hes been summoned again, hell do it.He doesnt, said Cody. just maybe you already knew that.Dante rolled his eyes. You think Im going to go anywhere near Seattle when theres a price on my head? Do you think Im hiding out in the fucking sticks because I compulsion to? The best I can do is sell ch armor and fake great deals to tourists in Coeur dAlene.Carter should have come with us, said Hugh in exasperation. He should have cognise that too after sending us here.Dante stiffened, his arrogance faltering. That angel knows where I am? Then Jerome has to know.Hes keeping it from Jerome. For now. Peter was tacit using that melodramatic voice. That can change if you dont help us.I dont know where she fucking is, okay? I told you I cant make a succuba disappear.Romans hand closed around Dantes do it in a fair approximation of Jerome. Even without supernatural abilities, Roman was serene strong. Youve worked with immortals before. You could do it again and have them do the dirty work.I show my face to any immortal, and Im a dead man, choked Dante. Roman fixed Dante with a dark glare th at re instincted me of the time Roman had well- act to kill me. And when he had killed me in a recent Oneroi dream. At last, Roman let go. Rubbing his neck, a bewilder Dante asked again, Who are you?Cody glanced at the others. Do you think hes double-dealing?Wouldnt surprise me, said Hugh. He cover his arms across his broad chest. But maybe you can be useful. What could make a succubus disappear?Whatll you authorise me for helping you? asked Dante slyly. Yes, that was my ex. Always looking at for an advant advance.We wont direct Jerome, growled Peter. This time, the anger in his voice was not faux movie style. It was real, again a reminder that at the end of the day, he really was a vampire who could break necks easily.This sobered Dante up. Fine. Not that I care what the fuck happens to her. How did she disappear?Again, the story was recounted, something that was beginning to cast down me largely because everyone seemed to emphasize just how dispirit and miserable my lif e was.Its a lure, said Dante with certainty.We know that, said Roman. Erik told us.Dante scowled at the follow of his nemesis. Of course he did. Its a ask you need me with his al energyy wisdom at your disposal.What would lure her? said Peter, no doubt interrupting Dante from asking again who Roman was. both sorts of things, said Dante. Anything could create a lure, but visions like that would most likely be tied to dreams. Did you guys lose Nyx again?No, said Hugh.Dante shrugged. Then look for something else that can control dreams, maybe try a I stood in the settlement Id cock-a-hoop up in.The transition was so abrupt that I was dizzy for a moment. There hadnt been a transition, no fragmenting of the image or a fade to black. It had been a quick movie cut. A bad editing job.I stared around, seeing again the place that had caused me so much torment. I queryed what else the Oneroi had to show me here and why Id come here so suddenly. Id already relived the false wedding accusa tions. At one point, theyd all the same had me dream the true(p) story of how my infidelity had led to me change my soul. I was probably now in store for some new project horror. The world spun around me, the buildings and people moving around in rough-spun clothes dizzying me. be you all right? a voice asked.Turning around, the scenery settled a bit and I build myself looking into the face of an ancient man. Bushy eyebrows stretched across a heavily lined brow, more or less obscuring dark brown eyes.YesIm fine. I frowned and did a double take. Gaius?Those eyebrows rose. Have we met?I stared, unavailing to speak for a moment. Id known Gaius since the time I could walk. He was a blacksmith, the brawniness of his arms proving as much. But hed been young the last time Id seen him, a man in his prime. With no control, lyric spilled off my lips, words Id spoken before when Id lived this event the early time. This was a true memory. So far.We met a very long time ago, I said.He c huckled. Girl, Id remember you. And a very long time ago could only have been a few years for you.I became aware of my eubstance, knowing what I looked like even without a mirror. I had shape- stired just before entering the village, taking on a form I had utter I would never, ever wearing again. And, in fact, after this day, I never would wear it again. I was in my original body fifteen-year-old Letha, too tall with thick, tangled black hair. Id come here to find out something. Something I had to know.I gave Gaius a wan nod. My old self had been as surprise as my current self at what time had done to him. How long since Id force a succubus and left my village? Thirty years ago?Can you tell meis there a man here a leanerman caused Marthanes? Does his family still live here?Sure, he said. resembling house theyve always been in, out past the I know where it is, I said quickly.He shrugged, not minding my interruption. Hes probably down at the bay, though. Hes too old to sti ll be working but swears his sons-in-law cant get by without him.Sons-in-law. Of course. My infants would have gotten married long ago.Thanks, I said. I began to walk away. It was tenuous seeing you again. He gave me a puzzled look but said nothing more.I walked toward the bay, where the water glowed with such a vivid, teal-tinged blue that it seemed to be some Technicolor vision. surely nothing in nature could work such beauty. Longing and nostalgia welled up within my watching self.The town was busy at midday, and I dod more faces than I expected. Children Id known grown to adulthood, adults Id known now in their golden years. The waterfront was just as busy, with ships loading and unloading goods that made business in the Mediterranean boom. It took me a date to find my sire, and here, I earned more looks than I had in the village. Women were rare in this district, choosing to avoid the rough sailors and workers. I turn up my father largely because of his voice, shoutin g orders just as he had in my youth. atomic number 18 you trying to cost me a fortune? What do you do out there all day? My granddaughter could catch this umpteen fish wading by the beachHe was yelling at a man I didnt know, his face shamefaced and cowed as he displayed what must have been todays meager catch. I wondered if this was one of my sisters husbands. The man promised to do better and then scurried away.Fa Marthanes?My father turned at my approach, and I tried not to gasp. Like Gaius, the years had work away Marthanes the fisherman as well. How old would he be now? mid-sixties? Seventies? Time had grown bleary since I became immortal.What do you fate? he snapped. Ive got no use for prostitutes anymore. Go down to Claudius if youre looking for business. He hasnt slept with his own married woman in ten years. Not that I blame him. That womans a harpy.Age might have grayed and thinned out his hair, lines might have creased his facebut my fathers language was still the same.N-no. Thats not why Im here. I met youa few years ago.He frowned, looking me up and down. Never seen you in my life. Pretty sure Id remember someone as tall as you.As a succubus, I could change into any mans fantasy, taking on the shape of a woman whose beauty transcended words. Yet, even with that ability, the old remarks about my height still stung.Well, I remember you. beholding his eyes shift impatiently to his workers, I asked, Do you know a musician named Kyriakos? Hed be my age er, about thirty years one-time(a) than me. He used to live southmost of town.My father snorted. That Kyriakos? Hes no musician. He took over his fathers business when he died. Does okay with it, even though the rates he demands for my fish are ridiculous.Does he still live in his same house?You mean his fathers house? Yes. Like you said, in the south. My fathers fidget was palpable now. He didnt know me. He had no use for me.Thank you, I said. I was about to tell him it was minute to see hi m, as I had Gaius, but my father was gone before I could.With a heavy bone marrow, I walked back through town but instead of heading south, I took a detour to my old home, wondering what Id discover. What I found was my mother, hanging clothing outside, humming as she did. Off to the houses side a middle-aged woman dug herbs out of the ground. It took me a few moments to recognize her as my junior sister.My mothers face was different, but her kind eyes were still the same as she gave me directions to a place I already knew. My sister glanced up and watched a moment, then returned to her work. neither recognized me. Just like with my father, I was a brief interruption to their day.Id known this would happen. It was what Id sold my soul for. My contract with Hell had erased all memories of me from everyone who had ever known me. The Oneroi had shown me a lie on my wedding day. Id been a virgin, faithful to Kyriakos. But a pair off years later, weakness had struck me. Id betrayed h im, and it had devastated him more than anyone could have imagined. Hed wanted to kill himself over the heartache, and only my bargain had saved him. That was the uprightness.Stillsome part of me had approximation maybe, just maybe someone might recognize me. Just the faintest lighting of remembrance.Kyriakos could have been down near my father, overseeing his fleet, but something told me hed be doing administrative tasks, not manual labor. My hunch was correct. earlier Id become a succubus, Kyriakos and I had had our own house. He must have travel back to his familys home after Hell erased his memories.I braced myself to meet the peeress of the house, the woman Kyriakos must have doubtless married. But when he came out to see who was visiting him, I found him alone. Seeing him made my heart stop. He too had been touched by age, but he was still young enough that the lines were few. entirely the faintest of gray graced his hair, and like my mother, his eyes were the same. Ac herontic and wonderful and full of goodness.Do you need help? he asked, voice prosperous and curious.For a moment, I couldnt speak. I was rum from seeing him, filled with a fuse of love and pain. I wished so in earnest that I had stayed with him, that I had never pull such sins. I wished I didnt wear this youthful face. I should have grown old with him. My ability to conceive children had seemed unelaborated at the time, but maybe we would have eventually had a family.Just like with everyone else, I claimed to need directions, stammering out the first random place I could think of. He described the way in detail, though I already knew it.Do you want me to escort you there? This is a safe areabut you never know.I smiled but snarl no joy. The same Kyriakos. Infinitely kind to others, even a stranger. Ill be fine. I dont want to take you from your work. I hesitated. We meta few years ago.Did we?He studied me, manifestly searching for the memory. His eyes remained blank, though. No stick with of recognition. I was a stranger. I had never existed for him. I wondered if hed even remember me when I left here.He shake his head, sound sincerely apologetic. Im sorry. I dont recall it. He was waiting for my name.Letha. The word burned on my lips. Like this shape, the name was dead to me. Only Hell ever used it.Im sorry, he said again.Its okay. Maybe Im wrong. I thoughtI thought you were a musician. When wed been married, he worked for his father but had promises of giving that up and playing music full-time.Kyriakos chuckled. Only as a hobby. Most of my days are hunched over numbers.The loss of his intake made me almost as regretful as his lack of memory. Wellyour wife must be glad to have you home.Not married, Im afraid. He was still smiling. My sister keeps house for me when shes around.Not married? I asked incredulously. But why? At your age I blushed, realizing how rude I sounded. Im sorry.He wasnt offended. At your age, marriage is all girls think about, huh? You probably have a 12 suitors with as pretty as you are. Typical. few had found me pretty while mortal he had always believed me beautiful. I just never found the right woman. Id or else be alone than spend my life with the wrong person. A dreamy, sad look filled his features, and then he shook his head and laughed. It was an uneasy laugh. Anyway, you dont want to hear some old man babble about romantic nonsense. Are you sure you dont want me to show you the way?No, noI think I know where its at now. Thank you. I started to turn away and then paused. Kyriakosare youare you happy?This question from someone less than half his age caught him by surprise. And I was surprised he answered. Happy? Wellcontent, I guess. I have a good life. Better than most. A very good life, really. Sometimes I wonderMy breath caught. Wonder what?Nothing, he said, giving me another good-natured smile. More nonsense. Yes, Letha. Im happy. Why do you want to know? tripe of my own, I murmured. And you re sure you dont remember me?I had my answer before I spoke. No. Those eyes had never laid sight on me before. I was just an odd, sledding girl. I was no one.Im sorry, I dont. He winked. But Ill remember you now.Somehow, I doubted it. loss him, I felt my heart break. Really, my heart was breaking all the time. Youd think it could only happen once. This was what Id wanted. What Id gambled eternity for. Kyriakos was happy. Id saved him and should be happy in return. Yet, I felt unhappier than I had since becoming a succubus. I decided at that moment Id never use Lethas shape or name again. I wanted to wipe her from my mind too.Its so easy with you, hissed the Oneroi. It was Two, I thought. I was back in the box. We dont even need the ivory gate.I was so scarred from that memory of Kyriakos, by the truth of what it really meant to be erased from someones life, that I was accustomed to agree with Two. Then, a tiny visible light within me glimmered just a bit. I studied the two Onero i carefully.What was the other dream? I asked. Before the one about my husband? Why didnt you let it finish?It did finish, said One. Their blue, blue eyes were the same, bring out nothing.It didnt, I argued. You cut it off. It didnt go the way you planned, did it? My friends found out something from Dante something you didnt want them to know.They found nothing, Two replied. It was a lie. We gave you false hope, hope that will turn to ashes when you find yourself outgo the rest of eternity here.Youre the lie, I said. The get off within my ragged, worn body flared just a little more. The dream was true.One continued the denial. The only truth is that you cant tell the difference. And that there is no hope.Youre lying, I said, but as those cold sets of eyes surveyed me, my spark wavered. Uncertainty spread within me. Id been through so much, a mental baby of sorts, that I questioned once more if I trusted myself. My words were bold, but I no longer knew if I could believe them.Tw o smiled, able to see into my mind. Dream, he said.