I step over the bridge that connects us to the human world, It feels like in wading through water. The current pushing me back. The air becomes thick making it difficult to breath. I keep pushing forward, the more I push the harder it becomes.
Just when I think I cannot cross over, a bright light shines out through a crack in the void. Continuing forward finally reaching the source of the light and squeeze myself through. I fall forward and land on my hands and knees with loud thud. It was as if something was holding me up and now has released me from its grasp.
I gulp for air, trying to gather myself. I do not remember crossing into the headquarters before, although I must have done when Darren first brought me there so many years ago. But I am almost positive that it should not be as hard to cross over. It was like I was fighting an invisible force the whole way through.
My breathing evened out and I stand on wobbly legs as I take stock of where I am. I’m not sure what I was expecting to find on the other side, but I somehow I thought I would be in a remote spot. Instead I find myself in a small copse of trees, just beyond the tree line I can see a busy street, cars lined up nose to tail. Noise surrounds me, people chattering and children screaming and laughing, a car horn honked not too far away.
Why would there be a portal so close civilisation. Look behind me at the bridge I have just crossed, surprised to find that the entrance is nowhere in site. I stick my hand out trying to feel for it, perhaps it is disguised. But my hand hit nothing, it waved about in the air. The portal had disappeared.
“Well there is no going back now.” I tell myself. Pulling my duffel off of my back I pull out the envelop Dario had given me not 15 minutes ago. I found it strange that I had just left the headquarters in darkness, yet I arrive on the mortal realm in full sunshine. Was it because time runs differently in the different realms or was I travelling for longer than I realised. Another unanswered question I will have to add to the list.
I open the brown envelope, surprised to find stacks of money inside. I pull out a wad of the cash. I haven’t even though about money in my rush to leave. If I ever see Dario again I will have to thank him. Just as I was about to place the envelope of money back in my duffel I notice a bright pink post-it note stuck to the side of the envelop.
Written in a lop sided scrawl was an address and a single name.
Lilith
Pear Tree Cottage
The Glen
Lower Crofton
Bowness
I had no idea where I was now, nor did I have any clue on how I was supposed to find this address. But Dario would not have given me this address if he didn’t think it would help.
With no other option and no idea where else to start, I head out towards the busy street.
Stepping out from the tree line I feel a light breeze cross ruffle my hair, electricity dancing over me making me shudder. I look over my shoulder only to find that the copse of tree were no longer there, instead a dark alley took its place seemingly heading to a dead end. I make a mental note, just in case I ever need to find this place again.
I turn back and look up and down the street, looking for some sign of where I might be. It looks touristy. People milling about drifting in and out of all sorts of knick knack shops.
A notice one sign ‘Bowness on Windermere wonder emporium’. At least I know where I am.
I take a left heading down hill, I notice a sign on the side of the road saying taxi rank. Luckily for me there is a single taxi waiting. Pulling up next to him I gently tap on the window.
“How can I help you miss?” he asks rolling the window down.
“I was wondering if you know this address please?” I pass him over the post-it his eyes glance over it before handing it back to me.
“Sure do, hop in and ill take you there.” He rolls the window back up. I pull open the rear door and climb in, placing my duffel on the seat beside me.
“Shouldn’t take long miss, maybe 20 minutes if the roads are clear. Traffic at this time of year can be killer. I don’t get many requests to come up to Pear Tree Cottage, not for many years.” He chatted away happily in the front seat. He wasn’t a small man by any means, his round belly protruding out in front if him. He was friendly enough and I knew he passed no threat to me.
“So where are you from if you don’t mind me asking, I reckon your not from around these parts?” his tone was casual and friendly.
“No I’m not.” I replied as vaguely as I could. The man continued his chatter, I tuned him out watching as the world flew by outside the car window. Although vehicles were not particularly common in the headquarter grounds, they weren’t unheard off. But I have never seen quite so many all in one place at one time.
Half an hour later the taxi pulls into a small country lane, we are right out in the middle of nowhere, no homes in sight, over looking a large lake beneath us. The view would be breath-taking, on any other occasion I would stop to admire it, but for now I was eager to see where this address would take me. The lane is slightly over grown, long floppy branches from thorn bushes jutting out and occasionally tapping the side of the car.
Eventually it opens out to reveal a gorgeous thatched cottage. Roses clamouring up the side of the walls in full bloom. The garden was neatly cut back in stripes and pretty flowers grew in boarders. A sign attached to the side of the building announced Pear Tree Cottage B&B. The sign was old and had seen better days, the writing barely visible anymore If nothing else at least I had somewhere to stay whilst I figured out my next move. I hope.
I thank the driver and pay him for his service before climbing out. The taxi slowly rolled away leaving me stood at the end of the garden path alone.
A strange feeling came over me, I felt like I had been here before. The roses feeling so familiar to me. And the door, I know I have seen that door before. I walk down the path, eyes transfixed on the little blue door with a knocker the shape of a snake. His body making a handle with its head staring out at the person daring to enter the premises. A chill went up my back. Quickly pushing the feeling aside I reach out and take the knocker in my hand. Banging once against the heavy wooden door before the door burst open revealing a tall woman with platinum hair falling about her face in waves down to her waist. Her eyes were the lightest shade of blue, almost verging on white. She wore jeans and a black floaty blouse, a stark contrast to her hair. Around her neck she wore a necklace, once again resembling a snake slithering around her neck. From first look you would guess she was mid-twenties, but on closer inspection her eyes looked so much older. They held years of wisdom and knowledge. I stood like a fish out of water, not sure what I should say to this goddess in front of me.
“Can I help you?” she asks, her voice was sweet, like a melody playing on wind. She gave me a once over. Her eyes probing my body.
‘I’m,” I started, stuttering, “Well I am, I was just wondering if you might have a room available.” I managed to get out.
“Sure, your in luck.” A smile lit up her face as she steps aside to allow me entrance. “So the room is £80 a night, and includes breakfast. Would you prefer a lake view or wood view?” she asks as she leads me to a small reception desk at the far end of the hall.
“I don’t mind, you choose.” I give her a tight smile looking around me as the woman busied herself behind the desk. Still not shaking the feeling of having been here before. The cottage had a real homely feel to it. To left sat a living area, a large inglenook fireplace sat in the centre of the wall, three large Chesterfield sofas sat in a u-shape around the fire. On the ceiling above the fire was a huge iron clothes horse, one that you pull down as and when you need it. I expect it was an original feature of the house. Rather than clothes, rows and rows of drying herbs and flowers were tied to the frame drying out. A heady scent of lavender and rosemary surrounded me. On one of the Chesterfield a black cat curled up fast asleep. The rest of the room was filled with trinkets that looked like they should be in a museum. My eyes landed on a picture over the fireplace of a wolf stood atop a hill the full moon behind him making him appear as a silhouette. It was beautiful.
To right sat a huge dining table, easily being able to fit 12 people. It was a beautiful mahogany wood that was shined to a mirror finish. A huge stags head mounted above another smaller fire place, looming over the table like the master of the house. Its glass eyes seeing everything.
“Name please?” the woman asked, I jumped forgetting that she was there for a moment.
“Oh, umm, yes,” I was not prepared for giving a name. Should I lie? I had no idea of who this woman was or if I could trust her. The fact Dario had given me her address, surely meant he trusted her. I decided it would not hurt to give her my first name but I would change my last name just in case. “Avalon Miller.”
“Oh what a beautiful name.” She cooed “Not one you here much anymore. I am Lilith.” Smiling she handed me a key to my room. “Follow me.” She stepped out from behind the desk and headed up the narrow stair case behind her.
I followed closely behind, taking in the antique decor, trying hard not to accidentally brush against anything as I went.
“We are pretty isolated up here, so I doubt you will see anyone during your stay. We don’t have any other guests currently. I don’t tend to advertise as we are pretty exclusive with our guests. How did you come to hear about me?” she asks conversationally.
“A friend recommended you.”
“Oh?” she looks around her eyebrow cocked. “Does this friend have a name.” By now we had reached the landing and she walked to the furthest door along the corridor.
“Dario Montario.” I replied, her hand stilled on the door. Looking at me with astonishment.
“Dario sent you?” she questions, a hint of disbelief in her tone.
“Yes that’s right.” Starting to feel uncomfortable under her gaze as she stood studying me.
“Right.” She said breaking eye contact and pushing the door open. “Well I hope the room is too your liking, I will be downstairs if there is anything you need.” I pass her as I walk into my room. Her eyes still lingering on my face as I passed. I could feel a tingling sensation over my skin like standing next to something cold for too long.
“Thank you,” I mummer as I close the door softly behind me, shutting out her probing gaze. The rooms temperature went up be several degrees and the tingling sensation disappeared.
Well this is interesting, I thought to myself. Who is this woman, and why was she so uncertain about Dario having sent me here. I mulled over her reaction, she definitely seemed on edge.
I suddenly felt exhausted. I placed my duffel bag down on the chaise lounge at the end of the bed and take a look about myself. The room was small but comfortable. The bed looked comfortable and inviting. There was a floral bedspread with pretty pink rose buds covering it. A window looked out across the valley below and over the lakes, under the window sat a small desk with a vase full of roses, presumably from the garden, and a small clock. The numbers read that is was three fifteen in the afternoon. Pulling my shoes off and lay down onto the bed deciding it wouldn’t hurt to have a nap for an hour.
My eyes drifted closed and I fall into a fitful sleep. Images and faces of people that I do not recognise swirling about in front of me. No noise, just faces upon faces. There was one face that stood out more that the rest. It was a young boy, the same blue eyes and platinum hair as my host. I watched mesmerised as his image changed from a young toddler and matured into an older child no more that 9 or 10. He seemed so familiar to me but I had no idea why. His eyes sparkling with mirth and his face split into a grin. He was beautiful. Who could this boy be?
I awoke to a light tapping on the bedroom door. Dragging my eyes open I realise I have slept the whole afternoon away, it was pitch black outside. The moon was fully up in the sky casting haunting shadows into my room. “Yes?” I called out trying to rub the sleep for my eyes. “I thought you might be hungry, if you would like to join me in the dining room for some dinner?” Lilith’s musical voice came from the other side of the door. “That would be lovely, I will be down in 5 minutes.” I called back. I listened as Lilith retreated down the hallway, the floorboards groaning under her small frame. Shifting off the bed, I make my way over a door on the opposite wall and flick the switch. Thankfully finding a small bathroom with a wash basin, toilet and shower. Standing over the basin I splash some water on my face, my brain still reeling over the faces in my dream. The boys blue eyes etched into the front of my memories. Grabbing a towel and drying
I wake up the next morning to bright light blaring into my face. Holding my hands up to shield my eyes from the light, I realise that I’m back in my bedroom. Still in my clothes from last night and a soft fluffy blanket draped over the top of me. Lilith must have managed to get me upstairs last night. My head is pounding recalling the details of our conversation last night. Somehow I feel like a weight has been lifted from my chest. So much of my life has been lived completely in the dark. Not really knowing who my parents were or where I came from. And now I know. Not only am I Hunter and a half demon, but I am also bound to another person and I am a royal fire wielding kick arse hunter. It was a lot to take in, but it felt right to me, I wasn’t scared of the information. I guess a part of me always new the truth, I just couldn’t remember. I couldn’t remember Lucas, how could I have ever forgotten about him. My heart aches just at the thought of him.
Lucas POV I have been stuck in this hell for 10 years now. My father making sure to create me in his image. Any joy or happiness that I once felt was soon whipped out of me. Generally with the back of my fathers hand, but on occasion I was left in the cells to rot with the rest of the creatures that my father deemed as enemies. They call me the Prince of Darkness. And they are not wrong, after all my father is Lucifer, the devil himself, God of death, King of the shadows and the first fallen angel. He made me his executioner and right hand man after his last one disappointed him. Its no surprise really, it doesn’t take much to disappoint Lucifer. My only redeeming quality is that I am his last remaining heir. He needs me alive to hold his thrown from those who would look to take it from him. I stalk down the cold narrow corridors towards the dungeons. Its nothing new, I know these corrid
It took me a while to pull myself together and find the energy to return back to Lilith’s cottage. I knew I had no choice, I couldn’t just continue lying on the ground wallowing in self pity for all eternity. I had questions. Questions that only Lilith would know the answers too. At least that was the hope. It was well past midday by the time I had returned, the sun hovering over the tree line. The air held a light chill to it signalling the start of a new season approaching. I push the front door open and let myself in. Following the smell of homemade cooking I headed towards the kitchen. The door was open and peeked my head around the door frame to make sure Lilith was there. She was stood over the aga stirring something in a large heavy bottomed pot. Freshly made bread sat in the middle of a heavy wooden farmhouse table, chopped into large chunks. I stepped into the room, before even announcing my present Lilith calls out in her musical voice, “Avalon dear
Lucas POV Three days, three days had past since the vampire girl had given me the information, yet I had found barely anything. I had no idea where to even start. After all, someone had managed to cloak her from everyone for the last 10 years. If she was in the mortal realm I would he able to feel it and track her through our bond. The bond was like a rope that tied her soul to mine. It had always been loose in that the bond had been formed, but we had not completed the ritual which would have created an unbreakable connection. A connection which would have overcome any magical boundaries. Being only children the last time I had laid eyes on Avalon it would have been unethical for our mothers to have put us through the ritual known as hand fasting. Once that ritual had been completed then the rope would pull taught, tethering her soul to mine. What she would feel, I would feel. If she was hurt, I would be affect
Lilith insisted on starting my training almost straight after our chat. Something that I was both pleased about and dreaded to my bones. I was very conscious of the fact that my birthday was mere days away, and I didn’t want to find out what would happen if I wasn’t prepared. At the same time, the whole idea of being a creature at all, wielding a special gift, scared me. I had grown up believing that I was a human, a hunter. The only special power I ever hoped to gain was that of super strength or to see in the dark. Our first session did not go well. Lilith instructed that the first step in control was being able to call upon the fire at will. We spent hours in the back garden, focusing on drawing the flame out from my core with out even a spark to make up for my efforts. I was told over and over again, that all magic stems from emotion. That I had to work out what emotion was my trigger. I had already worked out my trigger was loss. Replicating that though was no e
I slammed the little blue door behind me, my breathing ragged as I tried draw in enough oxygen and get my beating heart under control which threatened to burst out of my rib cage. “Avalon? What is wrong child?” the concern in Lilith’s voice evident as she takes in the sweating mess in front of her. I try to regale everything that had just happened to me, all the while still trying to calm my beating heart and catch my breath. She listened wide eyed. She looked scared as she took in what I was telling her, her already pale complexion even more ashen than I could ever have imagined. “You say the man’s name is Lysander?” Lilith asked, her voice quite. “Yes, do you know him?” my eyebrows up in my hair line. “No, I do not know the name. But from the way you described him its not hard to work out he is demon.” Lilith dropped down into chair that sat against the wall. “A demon?” my voice squeaked. “Does that mean they know that I am here?”
DING DING DING The clock chimed out, its ringing grating through me like nails on a chalk board. My heart sped as I waited for the pain. I flinched as each little chime called out. The last chime sounded and the house was once again cast into a deathly silence. I looked to Lilith, who looked at me expectantly, she opened her mouth to stay something but before the words could come out a ringing started in my head drowning everything out. My head reached out and clutching my temples hoping the pressure would stop my head from ripping in two. This is it, this is what I had been waiting for, time was taunting me, lulling me into a false sense of security. I could feel my body temperature rising, sweat beading on my head. I don’t know how but I must have fallen to the floor, because next thing I knew Lilith was standing over me, her lips moving but I could not hear what she was saying. All of my senses were drowned out with the ringing in my head.