Succubus Shadows Chapter 16

Really, when you estimate ab come forward it, what I was going by dint of wasnt that much antithetical from dying subsequently all. They al expressions verbalise you saw your life flash before your eyes, and thats how it was for me. Dream after dream. I relived the most painful moments of my life, true dreams w here Id d unrivalled terrible things and seen terrible things done to those I loved. much realities that had neer happened were shown to me as well. In one, papistics recent display of affection mooted discover to be a scam. It was a front to punish me for my role in the death of his sis. alone, he didnt go after me directly. He went after all my friends, mortal and unending. I watched him kill them one by one as he ignored my pleas to hardly finish me off instead.The Oneroi latched onto how I was bothitherd more by the suffering of those I loved than of myself. They mocked me, claiming that Romans rampage was a vision of the future that had come through the gate of horn. I didnt confide itat least, I didnt animadvert I did. Nyx could see the future. Could they? Or were they maybe in contact with her, condescension her imprisonment? My higher reasoning was giving way to paranoia as I was stripped supercharge and further of my essence. I stilltide began to dread the true dreams from the mortal world, the ones that showed me my friends. They were no unyieldinger a comfort they save plunged me further into darkness. Because as the Oneroi had predicted, there seemed to be no hope of rescue in sight. hitherto, I unbroken dreaming.Roman, Hugh, and the vampires were in a van. Peter was driving, and the clock on the dashboard read two oclock in the morning. No one spoke in the small space, giving me no clue as to what was transpiring. Their principal sumlights illumine a sign a pertinacious the freeway that indicated an exit for Idaho State R awaye 41. Idaho?Can you change the plaza? asked Hugh. I hate talk radio.Because you might lear n something? asked Peter.Because Im trying to stay awake.Its a rule of the itinerary driver controls the radio.What rule book says that?Enough, give tongue to Roman. His voice was weary, his face more so. He looked like he hadnt been sleeping much, further considering the time of night, that wasnt a surprise. He unf obsoleteed a map and because checked a piece of paper with some notes scrawled on it. It should be the next exit.Howd Carter redden up find this guy? asked Cody.Because Carter moves in mysterious ways, said Hugh. Hard-drinking, hard-smoking mysterious ways.Yeah, and if he knew, wherefore didnt he tell Jerome?Because Jerome would go into noise mode if he found out. I guess Carter was keeping it on the down-low as some anatomy of compassionate act. Hes an angel and all.Oh, right. Cody seemed to drive groundwork forgotten about that. It was an easy mistake.Jeromell blast us in addition if he k straightways what were doing, warned Peter.Hes too distracted. He j udges were just following a vampire lead.Thats the point, said Peter. If he finds out we be to him He wont, interrupted Roman impatiently. Not if we just get what we pauperization from this guy and get out of here. This is it take that exit.Hugh veered off onto what hardly seemed like a road at all. It had no businesses and only one streetlight to illuminate an intersection, just before darkness swallowed e actuallything. Roman continued giving directions, steering them farther and farther into the countryside.You cant do whatsoeverthing to him, said Hugh, craning his head to look at Roman in the tooshieseat. Show any fl ar of power in another demons territory, and youre dead probably along with the rest of us.Do you telephone Im stupid? demanded Roman.Not exactly. still I do think youre short-tempered, drop a bun in the oven poor impulse control, and would do anything for Georgina.I expected Roman to deny all of that or at least the last divulge but he said nothing. Silence fell again until Roman at last pointed to a narrow gravel driveway. It was so hard to see that Peter drove erstwhile(prenominal) it, squealed the brakes, and backed up. They park near the driveways end and began walking up it. I saw then that the back of the van had blacked-out windows, and it was a safe bet that the vampires coffins were likely back there in case daytime travel was required. out here in the middle of nowhere, stars clustered the sky, and night insects rained down a symphony of chatter. The faint depict of a house appeared. No lights were on within.Can we do it SWAT team style? asked Cody eagerly. abut the house and swoop in?I dont think thats necessary, said Roman. He gave the door a distinct kick. It shuddered but didnt come close to breaking apart action-movie style. Keeping his nephilim powers in check meant he had the said(prenominal) abilities as a human.Peter sighed. Let me. He took Romans place, repeated the kick, and this time the door did bu rst in and break apart. With their goofy attitudes, it was easy to forget sometimes that both Cody and Peter had super fast reflexes and deepen strength. Peter stepped back, brushing splinters off his pants.The foursome entered, and a light turned on in the back of the house.What the hell? 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 doubt 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 living room, shoving my ex-boyfriend into a chair. Dante immediately started to rise, noticed how my friends had unopen rank around him, and then thought better of it.Dante sighed. Well, I knew this had to happen some day. why didnt your headman come himself? He peered at Roman. And havent I seen you somewhere? Dante had seen Roman on a beach when we carry 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(a) 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 questions, and you might live another day, said Peter. Apparently, the action-movie theme was motionlessness going strong.Wheres Georgina? demanded Roman. It was interesting that every time my immortal posse interrogated someone, they phrased the question that way first, instead of, Do you bop where Georgina is? When you worked for Hell, everyone was guilty until proven innocent.Dantes face bem apply some of its fear and took on its usual cynical look. He tossed messy black hair out of his face. In Seattle, sleeping with that fucking writer.No, said Roman. Shes not.Shes not what? In Seattle or sleeping with the writer? Dante bowlegged 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 uneasily at Roman its you.Im not the kind of magician that pulls rabbits out of my hat. Or makes them disappear. Dante was growing more and more confident, now that he knew Jerome wasnt going to send him to the torture pits of Hell. If you cant find her, ask your archdemon. Unless hes been summoned again, hell know.He doesnt, said Cody. But 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 want to? The best I can do is sell charms and fake fortunes to tourists in Coeur dAlene.Carter should have come with us, said Hugh in exasperation. He should have known 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 still using that melodramatic voice. That can cha nge if you dont help us.I dont know where she fucking is, okay? I told you I cant make a succuba disappear.Romans hand unlikeable around Dantes neck in a fair approximation of Jerome. Even without supernatural abilities, Roman was still 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 that reminded me of the time Roman had attempt to kill me. And when he had killed me in a recent Oneroi dream. At last, Roman let go. Rubbing his neck, a puzzled Dante asked again, Who are you?Cody glanced at the others. Do you think hes lying?Wouldnt surprise me, said Hugh. He go through his arms across his broad chest. But maybe you can be useful. What could make a succubus disappear?Whatll you give me for helping you? asked Dante slyly. Yes, that was my ex. Always looking for an advantage.We wont call Jerome, growled Peter. This time, the anger in h is 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 profane me largely because everyone seemed to emphasize just how depressed and miserable my life was.Its a lure, said Dante with certainty.We know that, said Roman. Erik told us.Dante scowled at the mention of his nemesis. Of course he did. Its a wonder you need me with his almighty wisdom at your disposal.What would lure her? said Peter, no doubt interrupting Dante from asking again who Roman was.All sorts of things, said Dante. Anything could fix 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 grown 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 severity editing job.I stared around, seeing again the place that had caused me so much torment. I wondered what else the Oneroi had to show me here and why Id come here so suddenly. Id already relived the false wedding accusations. At one point, theyd even had me dream the true story of how my infidelity had led to me selling my soul. I was probably now in store for some new contrived horror. The world spun around me, the buildings and people moving around in rough-spun clothes dizzying me.Are you all right? a voice asked.Turning around, the scenery settled a bit and I found myself looking into the face of an ancient man. Bushy eyebrows stretched across a severely lined brow, nearly obscuring dark brown eyes.YesIm fine. I frowned and did a double take. Gaius?Those eyebrows rose. Have we met?I stared, ineffectual 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, talking to spilled off my lips, voice communication Id spoken before when Id lived this event the first time. This was a true memory. So far.We met a very long time ago, I said.He chuckled. Girl, Id remember you. And a very long time ago could only have been a few years for you.I became aware of my body, knowing what I looked like even without a mirror. I had shape-shifted just before entering the crossroads, taking on a form I had express I would never, ever wear 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 weak nod. My old self had been as shocked as my accepted self at what time had done to him. How long since Id become a succubus and left my village? Thirty years ago?Can you tell meis there a man here a fisherman named Marthanes? Does his family still live here?Sure, he said. Same 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 still be working but swears his sons-in-law cant get by without him.Sons-in-law. Of course. My sisters would have gotten married long ago.Thanks, I said. I began to walk away. It was nice 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. for for sure nothing in nature could produce such beauty. Longing and nostalgia welled up within my watching self.The town was busy at midday, and I recognized more faces than I expected. Children Id known grown to adulthood, ad ults Id known now in their golden years. The waterfront was just as busy, with ships loading and unloading goods that made commerce in the Mediterranean boom. It took me a while to find my father, 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 located my father largely because of his voice, shouting orders just as he had in my youth.Are you trying to cost me a fortune? What do you do out there all day? My granddaughter could catch this many fish wading by the beachHe was emit at a man I didnt know, his face sheepish 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 carved away Marthanes the fisherman as well. How old would he be now? Sixties? Seventies? Time had grown blurr ed since I became immortal.What do you want? 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 attenuate out his hair, lines might have creased his facebut my fathers tongue was still the very(prenominal).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 tiptop still stung.Well, I remember you. Seeing his eyes shift impatiently to his workers, I asked, Do you know a musician named Kyriakos? Hed be my age er, about thirty years older than me. He used to live south of town.My father snorted. That Kyriakos? Hes no musician. He too k 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 restlessness 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 nice to see him, as I had Gaius, but my father was gone before I could.With a heavy nerve centre, I walked back through town but instead of heading south, I took a detour to my old home, inquire 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 younger 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 li ke with my father, I was a apprize 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 couple years later, failing had struck me. Id betrayed him, and it had devastated him more than anyone could have imagined. Hed cherished to kill himself over the heartache, and only my bargain had saved him. That was the truth.Stillsome part of me had thought maybe, just maybe someone might recognize me. Just the faintest actuate 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. in the lead Id become a succubus, Kyriakos and I had had our own house. He must have moved back to his familys home after Hell erased his memories.I braced myself to meet th e lady 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. plainly the faintest of gray graced his hair, and like my mother, his eyes were the same. Dark and wonderful and full of goodness.Do you need help? he asked, voice friendly and curious.For a moment, I couldnt speak. I was drunk from seeing him, filled with a intermingle of love and pain. I wished so badly that I had stayed with him, that I had never committed such sins. I wished I didnt wear this youthful face. I should have grown old with him. My ability to conceive children had seemed sketchy 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 y ou want me to escort you there? This is a safe field of operationbut you never know.I smiled but felt 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, apparently searching for the memory. His eyes remained blank, though. No trace of recognition. I was a stranger. I had never existed for him. I wondered if hed even remember me when I left here.He shook his head, sounding 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 hopes 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 ambition made me near as sad 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 dozen suitors with as picturesque 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 earlier 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 babbling 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 ca ught 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-humored smile. More nonsense. Yes, Letha. Im happy. Why do you want to know?Nonsense of my own, I murmured. And youre 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, passing girl. I was no one.Im sorry, I dont. He winked. But Ill remember you now.Somehow, I doubted it. exit 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 eas y 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 inclined to agree with Two. Then, a tiny spark within me glimmered just a bit. I studied the two Oneroi 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, revealing 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 spending the rest of eternity here.Youre the lie, I said. The spark within my ragged, worn body flared just a little more. The dream was true.One continued the denial. The only truth is th at 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 rape 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.Two smiled, able to see into my mind. Dream, he said.