The Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Update: The Following Story has been Updated as of 28.05.2025 for the purpose of improving the original content.
The Chronicles of the Imperium:
In the Shadow of the Reaper
Back-Ground:
From the loss of her family in 1887, learning to fight that same year from the guidance of a man simply known as ‘The Monk’ – Cathryn Langdon led a crusade against a secretive organisation; The Imperium, a shadowy organisation that acted as uniting voice of various Cultist groups since ancient times, alongside her mentor – despite beginning at the age of 15 – Cathryn proved to be unusually skilled under the guidance of ‘The Monk’.
Between the Ages of 15-18 – Cathryn not only began influencing smaller pocket of resistance against the Imperium’s insidious influence – she had also put a dent into the very activities of the Imperium – from eliminating their High-Profiled Leadership across not just Britain, but during visits to foreign lands alongside her mentor ranging from; Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and even as far as the Eastern world – Until however, her marriage in 1889 to the Leader of the Cult of the Minotaur – George Smythe – George was fully aware of Cathryn’s activities, even providing her protection seeing the benefits of her actions that enabled him to secure more power even if Cathryn never realised it – but, that began a long-term plan – Cathryn found herself subject to his insidious control – and in 1890 with the births of her twin daughters; Elizabeth and Lydia – it spiralled, his limited abuses and became much more psychological and physical – within the first 3-Years of the marriage Cathryn felt the once fierce-flame of her rebellion crumbling – the longer she was subjected to George’s actions the further she declined – she had gone from a once determined and fierce Anti-Cultist; a Hunter – to a Domestic-Slave – suffering Mental and Physical abuse from minor to extreme – and her daughters did not escape.
Elizabeth – the small miniature-female version of her father; her striking resemblance inheriting his blonde hair and icy-blue eyes adopted his ways; she thrived under him and the Imperium’s cruel educational system, ranging from basic education to more terrifying education involving the force observation of torturing animals to killing them; to observing with glee as people were tortured for little not next to no reason.
Lydia though; the miniature-version of her mother in both appearance, sharing her long raven-dark hair and silvery-grey eyes also shared her personality and empathetic nature – her youthful innocence making it nearly impossible for her to adapt to the cruel environment – her screams often went unheard within the empty halls of the Smythe Manor as she suffered nightmares – and the day George escaped an assassination attempt in 1900 he forcibly removed Cathryn from the Estate – banning her from her own daughters – Lydia was left without her only source of warmth and protection.
For 5-Years Lydia was subjected to the brutal education – unlike Elizabeth who thrived, Lydia’s struggles brought a much more severe education down on her – she was forced to adapt, her once-placid and innocent demeanour had been stripped – she had to hide her emotions – in 1905 though with her fathers decision to use her as a sacrificial lamb – William; Lydia and Elizabeth’s older half-brother rebelled – the Manor would be burned down – Lydia would escape and reunite with her mother in London from there, they escaped from Calais to eventually Córdoba – reuniting with Cathryn’s former allies – Lydia would begin training, learning – she had evolved from the timid, innocent child to a weapon despite her youth.
From 1906 Cathryn and Lydia would rescue Norina; an Italian girl who’s family had come under attack from Italian Cultists – leaving Norina the only survivor – she would be adopted, and her twin-lie similarities with Lydia made people often mistake the two as actual twins.
In 1907 the fight continued – Cathryn had accumulated a small group; Cathryn now along with her daughter; Lydia, her adopted daughter; Norina alongside her old mentor ‘The Monk’ and two allies; Xian and am ex-Serbian soldier; Damir would interfere in various Cultist activities – the eventual arrival to the Himalayan mountains led to the interaction with British soldiers – here, Thomas Davidson a Lancastrian born soldier from a working-class background took a particular interest in Lydia – despite her initial dislike of him.
Though in 1908 in Egypt he would rescue her from her own sister; Elizabeth who tried to kill her – he and the Kenyan-Born soldier; Miquel would even join the group to Greece; providing them assistance – during Greece- George was toss aside Elizabeth in favour of Lydia due to seeing just how skilled she had become – Elizabeth would finally reunite with her mother and sister – though tensions remained between the sisters – they struggled to work together on various tasks set by the mother until forced to work together in their time in Australia – during which Lydia would save Elizabeth from a vengeful Japanese woman hunting Elizabeth.
Things would continue on a steady path until – escaping from Australia to Siam to travelling and seeing the group break up for differing goals by 1909 to the return to Europe – Thomas and Miquel eventually fully joining the group in 1909 after Thomas reunited with Lydia.
Now; the group have split up one again to take the challenge to the Imperium and George’s Cult of the Minotaur operating across Britain.
10th of March, 1910 A.D.
Carlisle, England
Around the scarred wooden table; a disparate group had huddled together, their faces etched with a mix of determination and apprehension – this was it, they were beginning a renewed operation against the Imperium.
Cathryn; her eyes sharp as she surveyed the assembled company; her twin daughters; Elizabeth, the older Twin and Lydia; the younger twin – they sat beside one another; to Lydia’s left was the British soldier that had joined them, maintain his promise to reunite with her – Thomas Davidson.
Nearer to Cathryn was her adopted daughter; Norina – then, there was Miquel; a Kenyan-born British soldier who’d joined the group alongside Thomas, Cathryn’s mentor ‘The Monk’ stood towards the opposite end of the table, sat down leaning back in his chair was the ex-Serbian soldier; Damir and beside him with Xian – a Manchurian from the Great Qing.
There group was a diverse mix; but, they had a history of cooperation – while Cathryn’s leadership of the group came about from her experience, Xian and Damir had also taken part in leading groups themselves, though their respect of Cathryn’s experience allowed for an ease in working together without issue “Right” Cathryn began, her voice low but firm “We know what we doing; why we’re organising ourselves here”
Xian, his features impassive was first to speak “I suggest that myself and Damir take up our earlier discussion; we can deal with Leeds; Damir made a few friends amongst the factory workers there, could help organise things against George’s business’ across the English midlands”
Cathryn nodded; pleased with the proactive suggestion “Good idea” she smiled “Damir; you alright doing that with Xian?”
“Da” Damir nodded his head “There is a growing anger amongst workers we could use to fight against the Imperium and its growing grip over the city”
Cathryn nodded; turning her head towards her eldest daughter “Elizabeth; any thoughts?”
Elizabeth shifted her gaze towards her mother, leaning forwards against the table “I think I can track down an old acquaintance of mine from when I was still part of fathers Cult of the Minotaur, a man named; Alistair; he should be in East Kilbride, he wasn’t exactly a loyalist to father, so I might be able to get him to work with me”
Miquel shifted his attention over “I’ll go with you; two would be a safer option than you going alone”
Elizabeth barely registered him, casting only a momentary glance, though even when she did shift her attention briefly, her eyes fixed on a point beyond Miquel and not directly on him “Alright” she said absently; her eyes returned to her mother – Miquel glanced to Thomas who shrugged innocently at him, Miquel then simply rolled his eyes, he was clearly irritated by Elizabeth’s lack of response
The Monk offered a dry chuckle of amusement; his face obscured by the hood he had pulled up over his head; his attire made him an oddity amongst the group; dressed much like a Tibetan-monk “Edinburgh calls for me, so, I intend to travel there”
Cathryn nodded slowly; she was use to his mysterious and often cryptic ways; she turned her attention to the more unreadable face of the group; her younger twin daughter; Lydia sat with her usual unreadable expression “Lydia; I would like you to travel to Glasgow; we have someone prepared to give us information, it might be vital in dealing a crippling blow against George’s activities” she said “Take Thomas with you”
Lydia slowly nodded, almost as if she hadn’t really registered anything – though her shifting posture as she glanced towards Thomas made it clear she had; Thomas grinned as he looked at her “Me and You working together, eh?” Thomas gently nudged her it managed to break her unreadable expression as her lips gently curved into a small smile
Finally, Cathryn looked to Norina “You will be accompanying me to Whickham”
Norina siled brightly nodding her head in confirmation.
It wouldn’t be long before the group dispersed, each going to their intended destinations to begin getting things underway.
15th of March, 1910 A.D.
Glasgow, Scotland
In the late evening – Lydia found herself separated from Thomas, somehow she’d found herself wandering the forbidding darkness of an alleyway – her movements were slow, cautious; normally she would carry a bag with her Jian-Sword attached ti it; but, not believing she would need it to meet with someone who was supposedly an ally, she had chosen to leave it behind at the lodgings she and Thomas had been staying at since arriving into Glasgow – being without her tools and weapons though and with Thomas; she felt a strange sense of fear creeping over her.
It was a foreign feeling for her; the last time she had felt so vulnerable had been her last encounter with a man named; Albert Cain.
Albert Cain had been emboldened by her father due to a plan of arranged marriage once Lydia would have been captured – their first encounter had been in Siam – it resulted in a sword-fight during their encounter, though she lost the fight, during her temporary captivity she would end up being rescued by Thomas after nearly drowning in a River – though the second encounter with Albert would happen in Lombardy; where he had attempted to violate her body after a second fight resulted in a second defeat – she believed however she had overcome those feelings of fear after she managed to finally kill Albert south of Saint-Maurice in Switzerland.
Now though; those feelings were back; she couldn’t quite explain why as it felt like ice coursed through her veins.
Moments ago the plan had been simple; She and Thomas would meet their contact at an arranged spot; simple, easy – they could have gained vital information that would enable them to plan out what to do next and how to hinder the Imperium’s activities and even her fathers; Cult of the Minotaur’s influence within Scotland – She had been steadfast and resolute in this goal.
As she walked slowly, her caution made her much more aware of her surroundings; her eyes kept darting around, she was looking for signs of Thomas – it had begun irritating her that she could spot him anywhere.
Then; things changed; something came lurching from the darkness; it was fast, giving her no room to respond as she felt a sharp pain blossom along her side; the warmth of something wet quickly spreading down from a newly made wound; it knocked the breath from her as she stumbled sideways forcing her to put her right hand out to support herself against the wall as she limply threw a left kick out at whoever just attacked her.
With her balance way off; even her grip against the wall didn’t fully support her as she staggered forwards, nearly tumbling over – though, her foot did managed to connect in her attempt to defend herself, she barely managed to keep herself up as her eyes shifted towards her left; towards the figure barely visible within the darkness.
The world around her began to spin as she struggled to maintain her composure; a rising panic sent her senses into overdrive; each ragged breath sent a jolt of agony through her; she pressed her a trembling hand against her wound, a desperate attempt to stem the flow of warm liquid soaking her shirt.
Moving her right hand from the wall; she slowly edged away from the figure; while she did not bring her usual weapons; she wasn’t fully defenceless; she moved her hand into the inside of her pocket as she slowly edged away; the shadowy figure matching her movement – her slender fingers wrapped around a small, fragile object within her pocket.
As she kept moving, she withdrew her hand from her pocket – as the stranger surged forwards towards her; she clenched her hand tightly, breaking the fragile shell; a powder of finely ground glass was released as she threw her hand upwards into an arch; it was aimed upwards, catching her assailant unprepared within the darkness – halting the attack immediately.
As her attacker moved his hands quickly to his face, her felt sharp pain in his eyes – Lydia took the chance to flee, she fled without hesitation, finding somewhere to hide, lowing herself downwards; here she moved her and, raising to see the crimson covering her hand within the dim moonlight.
Her attention was soon snapped back to her attacker; realising she could her his movement; the heavy footsteps and grunting as they cut through the stillness – she needed to get somewhere safe, or to find Thomas.
With a mounting terror; she looked for somewhere to go; the outline of a building drew her attention – a factory.
With the flicker of instinct, she stood back up; she moved with urgency as she raced to seek refuge there, hoping to escape her attacker.
Steeling her nerves, Lydia took a staggered step forward, she felt pain surge with each movement; but, she made it towards the dark building, by the time she had reached it; her breath was shallow, but quickened.
Twisting her head around, she cast a glance back over her shoulder, the terror of being pursued though propelled her forwards – perhaps if she could reach safety, she could collect her thoughts, tend to her wound and then plan her next move.
Within the confines of the abandoned factory; a chill wind howled through broken windows as its skeletal frame creaked – the creaking added to its ominous and foreboding feeling, acting like a warning of horrors that lay within.
It was dark; very dark – the dim light of the moon did little to help, distorted shadows barely visible as they danced along the walls; the air was thick with the sent of rust and decay a lingering reminder of the factory’s past.
Her breaths were much more ragged as she swayed in her movement; each breath felt like it was laced with urgency – the searing ain a constant reminder as she moved much slower, the sogginess of her top began causing it to stick to her wet skin; she was working purely on adrenaline.
Whoever her attacker had been – it was clear he had been planning, he had only struck once she had been alone and separated from Thomas, she suspected he may have been observing her for some time only striking once she was alone.
Outside of the Abandoned Factory
Following Lydia’s only option of escape; her assailant moved with a predators ease, his eyes landing onto the abandoned factory, the irritation in his eyes was still present, but, maintaining his composure and reacting with careful action, he’d managed to clear his eyes without too much of a problem, there was still sharp pain with each blink, but, he at least hadn’t been blinded.
As he came to a stop; his shadow was cast forwards towards the door; a sly smirk curved his lips “Once I have dealt with you; I can move onto hat sister of yours” he said to himself; his tone icy with a sinister tone “I’ll be rewarded once I have killed the both of you” he let out a chuckle before beginning to move towards the door, as he drew close to it; he noticed the blooded handprint were Lydia had clearly pushed it open; his grin widened as he followed Lydia’s only direction – entering within the factory with an eerie silence to continue his hunt.
Moving between different rooms; Lydia had begun searching for things she could use, to tend to her wound; she had stopped paying attention to her pursuer – her focus now was needing to stop the bleeding.
Eventually; she came across a glass bottle that contained some liquid; opening the lid, she brought it up to her nose, wrinkling in response to its smell; it was alcoholic in nature, shifting her eyes a moment, she made sure she was still alone, then began looking for anything further she could use – seeing nothing though, she simply placed the bottle down.
After a struggle she managed to tear the bottom of her jacket for fabric that she could use; she then proceeded to remove the jacket along with her top; exposing herself from the waist upwards – reaching for the bottle; she turned it into the torn fabric before placing it against the wound.
She felt the burn; a pain that surged and already searing pain; she lashed out with her right hand; punching her shift against the wall as she ducked her head down, tightly closing her eyes as she gritted her teeth.
Wandering along the empty halls; the stranger came to a stop – a loud thud drawing his attention, slowly, he twisted around to begin moving in the direction of the noise he had just heard; his grin wide, he knew she was somewhere close by.
Out within the dimly-lit streets; Thomas felt a growing anxiety washing over him; the unsettling realisation that Lydia was nowhere to be found, his heart began tor ace as he scanned the shadowy corners of the streets and alleyways I his search the night air thick with uncertainty “Blood hell Lydia” he muttered frustratedly
His frustration and worry pushing his desperation, each step echoed his building dread.
As he navigated the winding streets; he suddenly spotted movement beneath a street lamp; his eyes landed on Elizabeth “What are you doing here?” Thomas questioned, his eyes landing on Miquel beside her then back to Elizabeth – his voice had a blend of surprise and relief
“My contact in East Kilbride gave me a significant warning; I needed to get here, but…, by the looks of things I might be a bit late” Elizabeth had noticed Lydia was no with him, her eyes then scanned their surroundings before turning back to him “The informant you and Lydia came to find; it was a trap” she told him; her voice grave and insistent; the seriousness of her expression only exacerbated the tension within the air “We need to find my sister before Jack does”
“Jack?” Thomas questioned; his brow furrowed
“Yes; Jack” she answered her tone clipped and tense “Jack is a Cultist I once worked with, he is amongst the inner-circle of my father, he and his brother; Bartholomew, he is here in Glasgow, and is like the one who has orchestrated this trap”
Elizabeth let her eyes wander a moment “She should have killed him in Grece” she continued; her voice now a mix of anger and frustration “But no; she let him live” – the consequences of her sisters act of mercy had come back to haunt them
“Then let’s get searching” Thomas said; his voice now laced with even more urgency
The four soon got moving; they spread out to try covering more ground in the desperation to find Lydia.
Back in the confines of the abandoned factory; Lydia finally finished tending to her wound, tearing more fabric free from her jacket; using it to string the alcohol-soaked fabric against the wound as tight as she could, it wasn’t much but it would have to do.
With a struggle she leaned to collect her top and pulled it back over her head before pushing her left arm through the sleeve then her right before gently pulling the bottom down all the way – it was still soaked with blood, but without anything else; she would need to just put up with the uncomfortable feeling.
Collecting her damaged jacket; she put it back on slowly.
In that moment though; the assailant emerged from the darkness – he emerged like a nightmare that sent Lydia into a panic as she saw the glint of metal as he made to strike.
Twisting; Lydia felt the pain surge across her ribs; barely managing to raise her left arm; connecting her wrist against her attacker’s wrist, stopping the blade before it had made contact, she felt the tension in her muscle as she struggled to keep a much stronger opponents arm at a short distance.
With a quick movement; she manoeuvred with practised skill to turn her attackers own momentum and movement against him – she barely managed to accomplish it as the knife he was holding struck the wall behind Lydia; quickly, she brought her leg upwards; kicking her foot out as she pivoted on her left leg, throwing her foot forwards into a ‘side-kick’ into her attackers chest, he knocked her backwards against he wall, but, also knocked him away from Lydia and causing her attacker to stumble back against the ground.
Without hesitation; she regained her posture and rushed back out into the empty halls.
Now darting her way through the factory; she found herself reach the shop floor; moving between rows of old machinery and long forgotten boxes; she felt the oppressive weight of fear weighing down on her, she felt as though she was being watched as she moved – prickling at the back of her neck, sweat beading on her forehead as she navigated the rusted machinery and hanging chains.
The ghosts of those that once worked there haunting her steps – a sense of familiarity twisted into a cruel mockery – this had once been a haven of productivity, now, it was a labyrinth of death.
A sudden low growl cut through the silence and Lydia came to a standstill; her heart pounding in her chest; she could feel him nearby, he was lurking within the darkness, prowling like a predator stalking its prey.
The silence was her only ally here – but, that was also slipping away, shadowed by the sinister movements of her pursuer; with ach strained breath, she readied herself, somewhere within the darkness of this maze she needed to find something that she could use to defend herself with.
Spotting something, she darted towards it; reaching for a pipe buried beneath debris, clamping her fingers around its cold surface – the first time since all this began, she finally have something she could use.
Heavy footsteps echoed; sending a shiver down Lydia’s spine, deciding to hide; Lydia crouched behind some old machinery making herself less visible within the darkness – Jack, her pursuer, savoured the thrill of the hunt “Lydia” he hissed, the sound rolling off of his tongue like a dark whisper “You can’t hide forever, it is only a matter of time”
Maintaining her silence; she moved, she was returning back to her element, she had learned to move in the darkness unseen, it was a skill she had relied on since childhood – she found him, observing his predatory movement, narrowing her eyes she kept him within her line of sight as she began to mimic his movements, following closer than he realised she was.
Jack’s eyes scanned around; he came to a stop – the silence began to make him question if she had escaped.
As he stood still; his back towards Lydia – she made her move, she swung the metal pipe at the back of his head; though, her twisting strained her injury, and even as she made contact; her sudden pain had a momentary lapse in the swing diverting it downward just before impact, landing instead against his shoulder.
Staggering only a moment; he twisted around, his hand suddenly coming forwards as his fingers wrapped around Lydia’s throat – he’d seized her in her moment of weakness, a dark grin stretched his lips as he looked at her with predatory satisfaction “Is that it?” he queried; bringing his right hand forwards, he raised his knife and swung it forwards
With little room to manoeuvre; Lydia dropped the pipe in an instant to move her hands to grab Jack’s wrist, desperately trying to stop his attempt to strike; it led to a struggle as she felt him forcefully pushing her until she backed into an old machine, the sharp edges stabbing into her back as she struggled to breath while also holding his hand away; he soon overpowered though, barely giving her a chance to move her head – catching the side of her face with the edge of the knife.
Lydia felt the sharp, cold bite of the knife as cut across her cheek – her adrenaline kicked back in, without wasting a moment, she swung her hand forwards, her palm open as she struck in straight on the throat causing him to let go of her neck and move back as he began coughing.
She used the moment to kick her foot forwards forcing him back a little more to create some more distance – but she didn’t stop with that, she stepped forwards into a spinning motion; the twisting sending a searing pain, she fought through it though – she threw a kick out in her spinning motion; her foot – specifically her heel, made solid contact against Jack’s face, the impact both sudden and forceful sent him crashing to the ground reeling.
Lydia used the opportunity to start her escape – with him stunned, she couldn’t hesitate as she set off into a run, her adrenaline pushed her to move, each step sent a new wave of pain through her though – she had entered into a full sprint.
Jack though had gotten back to his feet and set off after her; proving to be just as fast as he quickly caught up towards her.
For Lydia her world just suddenly seemed to tilt as everything almost seemed to slow down – a surge of pain hit her head, she felt her hair being yanked backwards – Jack had just pulled her hair, it sent her head backwards, throwing her completely off balance, she tried to regain her balance as she found herself in an awkward position as Jack pulled her back forcing her to bend backwards at a painful angle.
With a menacing glint in his eye, he brandished the knife – it’s blade shimmering threateningly in the dim light.
He had meticulously forced her into a position to loo upwards, so she could see the knife clearly; it made their dynamic clear – he had the power in their lethal game, he swung downward.
In desperation, she moved her hands to grab at his wrist trying to stop him; though all Jack needed to do to hinder her, was execute a swift and calculated moved that pulled her off balance completely; within an instant, Lydia’s world changed she felt herself give way, unable to stabilise herself – she collapsed down to the cold hard ground, landing harshly onto her back, the impact jolting her entire body.
As she lay there; she felt an overwhelming sense of shock wash over her, rendering her stunned and utterly vulnerable – the cold tendrils of fear clung to her chest – tightening their grip as she gazed upwards, her heart racing in her throat; Jack loomed over her, a menacing figure that suddenly came down atop of her, an intense jolt of pure terror rushed through her,
She needed to act quickly; instinctively, as dread threatened to paralyse her; she threw her hands upwards once more, she knew her survival depended on it, in her hasty move, she miscalculated her grasp – she felt the sharp edge of the blade slice through her right palm, the pain was immediate and searing, but she pressed on, ignoring blood that trickled down from her hand against her face,
Desperately shifting her focus, she moved her left hand around Jack’s wrist; using all her the strength she could muster; she pushed her thumb and forefinger between his wrist – she targeted the pressure point, her grip was just enough to halt his downwards thrust at the same time, she moved her head – the blade stabbed down just missing her by inches – it had become a battle of wills and fierce determination for survival.
With a quick, but forceful jab with her blooded hand – she struck with precision against the base of Jack’s throat, deliberately aiming for yet another pressure point, the sharp tip of her fingers digging just enough to draw an immediate reaction.
Jack instinctively clutched his throat as he straightened back up and away from the unexpected blow.
Seizing the moment; Lydia rolled away from him, scrambling to her feet; filled with urgency she was propelled forwards, barrelling towards the heavy doors and with an explosive for and one swift motion; she threw herself right through them, crossing the threshold to the outside world.
Once free, Lydia bolted into a full sprint; her heart raced in rhythm with her feet pounding against the pavement; the chill air of the night filled her lungs, invigorating, even as fatigue set in – her limps grew heavier, she dashed through the streets with chaotic fearful memories of the encounter slowly fading into the back of her mind
Finally, she began to sow down; eventually coming to a stop as she leaned forwards, placing her hands against her knees as her body heaved with her heavy breathing; the exertion catching up with her; sweat mixing with blood and the scent of the alcohol was still present but seemingly amplified from her body as it burned covering her entire being in sweat from all her efforts.
As she finally straightened up; her gaze swept the area – finally her eyes landed on a familiar figure rushing towards her, calling out -the voices were distant and echoed in Lydia’s current state, even when Thomas finally got directly in front of her, she was clearly disorientated – but, relief washed over Lydia as she stared at Thomas.
They were finally there; Thomas’ presence soothed her frayed nerves.
The reunion was a light in the darkness, fear replaced by hope – without missing a beat, Elizabeth suggested they leave before Jack could find the; Thomas agreed as he put a protective arm around Lydia, leading her away – the four; Lydia, Thomas, Elizabeth and Miquel set off to avoid being pursued by Jack.
Written By: Westley H.
Leave a Reply