Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
The Growing Shadows of Uncertainty
Part 3
Related Stories:
- Eliza Wright – Youth Empowerment in Martial Arts: Eliza’s Tae-Kwon Do Match
- A Friend in Need – Silent Screams for Help: A Friend in Need
- Eliza and Tyler 1 – A Playful Romance: Eliza and Tyler’s Journey
- Eliza and Tyler 2 – Eliza and Tyler: A Tale of Love and Vulnerability
Previous Instalments:
- The Growing Shadows of Uncertainty: Part 1 – Unraveling the Shadows: A Tale of Darkness and Courage
- The Growing Shadows of Uncertainty: Part 2 – Unraveling Uncertainty: A Tale of Shadows and Cultists
Chapter 6:
The grime and decay mixed with the stale beer, urine and desperation that wafted through the alleyway; Daniel, all bravado and cheap cologne, held a small container in his hand; the addict in front of him, a skeletal figure twitching with anticipation as he reached forwards with a trembling hand “You get it when I get my dough mate” he clicked his fingers “Come on; hand it over” he spat, maintaining his eyes on the young man in front of him
Just as the transaction was taking place; a voice cut through the tension “Excuse me” a woman called out, her tone even and almost melodic, slowly she was striding forwards towards them “I am looking for information”
Daniel whirled around; Akaterine came to a stop, she stood there, a striking figure of beauty amongst the urban decay; her hair was pulled back, emphasing the angles and lines of her face, then he realised something; he was staring towards ‘amber’ coloured eyes, and they eld an unnerving intensity
He took a moment “Information about what love?; you lost?” he questioned “This ain’t no tourist trail” Daniel’s tone dripped with sarcasm
Akaterine ignored his jibe “I am seeking knowledge regarding a disturbance, a shift in the balance”
Daniel couldn’t help but laugh; it was harsh, grating “Disturbance?; the only disturbance here is you, you’re interrupting my business, now piss off before I make you” he took a step towards her, pufgfing out his chest, he was used to tiniidating people, used to getting his way with a sneer and a raised fist; he didn’t care if he needed to use violence – he would do anything to get what he wanted
Akaterine though; she remained unmoved, simply staring at him “I ask again; having you noticed anything…, unusual”
Daniel’s patience snapped; he lunged forwards, grabbing for her arm – he intended to slam her back towards the wall, t try and intimidate her and scare her off “Listen here you wier….”
He never managed to finish his sentence; one moment he was reaching for her; the next…, he was on the ground, his arm was twisted behind his back, the pain was excruciating – the speed and precision of her movement had been impossible to comprehend, Daniel tried to buck and writhe, but her grip was like iron.
“Have you noticed anything unusual?” Akaterine repeated, her voice still calm, but with an edge that sent a shiver down Daniel’s spine
Panic flared; desperate, he kicked out, scattered loose gravel and shards of broken glass towards her face; it was a cheap trick, but one born of desperation.
Akaterine released him; she barely flinched as a few fragments grazed her cheeks – Daniel scrambled to his feet, his adrenaline coursing through is veins, he bolted – blindly running for the end of the alley.
Daniel slammed into a solid wall; a hand, impossibly strong closed around his throat, lifting him up off the ground – he dangled gasping for air, staring into the face of his captor.
Gallus.
His dark hair was neatly cropped, his face almost serene; but his eyes, the same intense amber as Akaterine, burned with an unsettling power “My companion asked you a question” Gallus said, his voice a low rumble “Have you noticed anything…, unusual”
Daniel could only croak; his windpipe constricted – fear, raw and primal consumed him, he tangled with so many dangerous people in the past, but this…, this was different, it was something else entirely.
Chapter 7
The sterile smell of disinfectant hung heavy in the air as Tyler carefully guided Eliza through the automatic doors of the walking centre; Eliza’s face was pale, on the drive from college she had not improved much; she made little murmurs now and again “Take it easy” Tyler said softly; his arm protectively around her “We’ll get you seen”
Eliza gave a partially nod as she leaned against him; the nauseating feeling had returned; it was as sharp as ever, twisting her insides into knots; she felt heavy, leaden – her body was simply betraying her.
They checked in at the front desk; the receptionist offering a polite but impersonal smile – in the waiting room, it was a cacophony of coughs, rustling magazines and nervous energy; Eliza sank into the chair, feeling the bile raising in her throat “I…, I need to get to the toilet” she gasped, clutching Tyler’s hand
Tyler shifted his gaze back to her, concern etched in his expression as he stood, helping her to her feet and quickly guiding her.
The receptionist looked up; watching them go, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes, she had seen many sick people before; so it was unusual, she felt sorry for Eliza, something was really effecting the young woman.
Inside of the cramped cubicle; Eliza battled a relentless wave of nausea; when it finally subsided, she felt utterly drained and depleted; finding herself leaning back as she sat on the cool tiled floor; her head swimming, she just wanted to stay there, on the cold, hard floor and disappear.
Then, there was a knock; it was soft.
“Eliza; are you okay?” Tyler called softly
“Just…, just give me a minute” she whispered, her voice weak
It took a moment, but she finally tried to stand up; but her legs just didn’t want to move; she just leaned back against the wall, defeated.
Tyler, not hearing anything was growing more concerned; knocking again he called out “I’m coming inside” he gently pushed the door open, peering in, he found Eliza slumped on the floor, her face ashen “Eliza” he moved into the toilets and approached her, kneeling down he gently stroked her face
“I feel…, really bad” she told him, her eyes were partially closed “I am so tired”
Carefully, he lifted her up, and brought her back out into the waiting room; he noticed the receptionist watching them, she had a look of concern present.
Moving to a row of benches closer to the window, he hoped that the fresh air may help her as he lowered her down onto the bench, sitting down beside her as she rested her against hist lap; her eyes closed as she could feel the cool breeze on her face, it offered a small measure of relief to the unyielding nausea she felt.
Written By: Westley H.
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