The Coming From the Shadows Series
Previous Instalments:
- CFTS: A Family Trip – Awakening Love: A Family Trip to Spain
- CFTS / A Family Trip: A Summer Interlude – Exploring Relationships: A Summer Family Holiday
- C.F.T.S: Isolation at the Hotel – Strangers and Secrets: A Tense Family Getaway
- CFTS / Family Trip: Strangeness in Spain – Exploring Relationships and Fear on a Family Trip
Coming From the Shadows
Family Trip: Chaos in Spain
Introduction:
2nd of August, 2014 A.D.
Catalonia Region, Spain
The strong scent of pine and earth wafted deep from within the woodlands within the mountainous area just north of La Jonquera and south of the French border; a delicate operation was underway, floodlights illuminated a recently uncovered tear in the landscape; a muddy pit that had revealed a deep stone stairway that led to what was clearly some kind of lost ancient structure; Philip Wright, a man filled with an insatiable drive for his job, something he had long dreamed off, valuing it even more than his own family, crouched by the opening.
Philip’s face was etched with a bewildered expression; this new discovery he and his team had come to see, having been hired by a mysterious ‘Benefactor’, it was unlike anything they had ever seen before, with a quic glance to the approaching figure beside him, he made a gesture down before he eased him into the opening and down the stone stairway intending to get a closer look; his team-mate following close behind.
The structure itself was perplexing, it’s stone was unlike anything else found in the region; dark, obsidian-like materials that seemed to just absorb the bright light directed towards it “I don’t understand” Philip murmured, his hand gently tracing the strange, intricate markings “They don’t look like anything I have ever seen”
“No, I haven’t either” the distinctively American voice answered; the man who had followed Philip down, Tom, was as equally confused “What did you get us involved in Philip?”
“I don’t actually know Tom; but, think of the funding we will get for future digs if we discover whatever it is that guy back in Girona wants” Philip shifts his gaze to Tom with a smirk
“Or imagine the danger of something monstrous escaping” Tom commented
“This ain’t Hollywood mate” Philip chuckled; breathing in, he let out an irritated cough “The air is defiantly stale down here, seems like the structure is stable, should be safe to enter”
“We should first find out if its safe to even breath in there Philip” Tom looked at him with a slightly irritated expression “We don’t know anything about this; all that first team told us, was it isn’t human in origin, but what the hell does that mean”
“Not sure…., I think it’s just some exaggeration” Philip says “Probably some ancient and lost culture we haven’t discovered, we maybe the first to do so” he said with a wide grin
Chapter 1:
Tossa De Mar, Spain
The warm glow of the sun and gentle breeze created a pleasant experience for those on the sandy golden beach of Tossa De Mar; a gentle lapping of the waves providing a soothing soundtrack to the peaceful scene; here, Jenna sighed contently, the tension of the previous day finally began to melt away.
The stalker incident had left her rattled, and her husband; Philip’s callous disregard did nothing to help alleviate the stress of the situation, the warmth of the sun against her skin, the laughter of her youngest child did wonders for her frayed nerves.
Tyler; the boyfriend of Eliza, Jenna’s eldest daughter, was down on his knee’s painstakingly crafting an elaborate sandcastle with Dylan; Jenna’s youngest; an eight-year old bundle of mischievous energy – Dylan shared traits from both parents, unlike his older sisters; Eliza and Raven, he shared his mothers dark hair but his fathers brown eyes, with a mix of physical similarities.
Dylan, at present was trying to build a moat at Tyler’s encouragement; Tyler himself was present on the holiday at Eliza’s request, he was a fellow Martial Artist, first having met Eliza in their childhood at their classes of Tae-Kwon Do which fostered the foundation of the early friendship, and just as with their expansion from local to regional and eventual international competitions; so too did their bond grow from friendship to romantic, Tyler usually styled his short brown hair into a spikey fringe, with his blue eyes offering a warmth much like the ocean nearby.
Eliza, sharing many physical similarities to her mother such as her long, dark hair that she had tied up into a more practical style to avoid it whipping about her face with the light breeze; her only distinctive different was her blue eyes inherited from her Great-Great Grandfather; Thomas Davidson.
Eliza sat beside her mother, feeling the warmth of the sun against her skin; her eyes were locked onto Tyler, she smiled as she watched him interact with her little brother; the two often shared a rather strong bond, Tyler, since becoming more involved in Eliza’s life, had become a common male figure for her brother; Dylan, there father; Philip had, even since before Eliza was born, been a rather absent figure, always seeking out his dream job and providing very little support to her mother.
Philip’s absence had been some common, Eliza had begun paying attention at an early age; specifically at the birth of her sister; Raven in 1999 when her father failed to even show up, a theme that repeated in 2006 when Dylan had been born.
It had only been recently that her mother had regained control over her financial situation, since Eliza’s birth in 1992; Jenna had effectively been a single-mother, often forced to seek help from her own parents when she needed something.
Sitting with her mother, she finally let her attention drift to her mother, she had been concerned about her since that phone call the previous afternoon; when Jenna had been urgently asking her to return to the hotel; a sense of vulnerability Eliza was not use to witnessing, she had seen so much of her mothers struggle, to hear and see her visibly frightened brought a protective instinct to the surface “You okay Mum?” she questioned with a concerned tone
Jenna shifted her gaze towards her eldest and smiled “Yes Eliza; much better, this was the right choice I think, its peaceful and easy to relax” her eyes went back to her youngest; watching him with Tyler “Tyler’s a good lad” she said, turning her eyes back to Eliza giving her a warm smile of approval; Eliza smiled in return
Just a little bit further away was Jennas second child; Raven, just like with her sister, she matched her mother in many of her physical similarities, inheriting the same dark hair; unlike Eliza’s hair though; it was much longer, often reaching towards the centre of her back, at present, she had tied her hair into what had essentially become her signature style; a ponytail pulled to the left of her head, where it hung limply over her shoulder, and she had inherited the same Silvery-Grey eyes as her mother, both of whom had inherited that same distinctive colour from Raven’s Great-Great Grandmother; Lydia Langdon.
At present, Raven led on a towel she shared with her girlfriend; Yasmin.
Yasmin was a year older than Raven at Sixteen, she had long dark hair and ocean-blue eyes, and had a rebellious boisterous nature, often proving to chaotic; this nature came as a direct result of her abusive upbringing, the absence of loving parents who so often told her how they didn’t want her; her childhood friendship turned romance with Raven had begun back in nursery, and it provided her stability, with a supportive maternal figure through Raven’s own mother; Jenna, who often found herself providing Yasmin shelter during her need to escape during her father alcoholic outbursts.
Though, her chaotic nature was often tempered by Raven’s influence; Raven was the polar opposite of Yasmin in almost every way, she tended to be more passive, more shy and was usually quiet, it provided a balance.
Though there was moments of assertiveness; as was noticeable the previous day; what had been suggested as a joke by Yasmin; a Velvet Black Choker had become a sudden prized possession for Raven, who now wore it as a symbol of their relationship; her decision to declare her liking for it despite Yasmin’s joking about it had flipped the usual dynamic even if briefly.
Laying beside her girlfriend; Raven had intertwined her fingers with Yasmin’s; they basked in the warmth of the soon, Raven’s eyes filled with a usual quiet contemplation; after a moment, she felt Yasmin’s movement, drawing her attention as Yasmin leaned closer gently kissing her on the lips “Thinking of getting something to drink; coming?” she asked softly
Raven smiled at her softly “Sounds like a good idea”
Eliza’s gaze had shifted, now turned towards Raven and Yasmin; she watched as the two slowly started getting up, still hand-in-hand, she smiled, her features softening as she observed them, Raven made a quick turn to announce where they were going before she and Yasmin set off walking, her gaze remain fixed on them, but she addressed her mother “They’re good together aren’t they”
Jennas gaze drifted over and smiled “They are” she agreed, though there was a flicker of sadness present; Philip, had not been as supportive when Raven and Yasmin had announced their relationship at the beginning of summer; he had been the only one to respond with disapproving hostility, which only furthered alienated his own children from him, even Dylan, despite his young age, proved to be more supportive
Eliza had been the first to become aware, first discovering her sister when she had been searching for answers and sneaking in to observe before it led to Raven finally breaking down as she confided in Eliza; and when it become public knowledge, Jenna was fiercely supportive and protective.
Chapter 2:
Girona, Spain
Far from the pleasantries of the families enjoying themselves along the sandy beaches of Tossa De Mar; the warmth was far more oppressive within the inside of an office in a Girona museum, here, the mysterious ‘Benefactor’ of Philip’s dig, sat in a very well-groomed and entirely out of place for the weather; business suit, he sat completely unphased behind a desk, his attention was towards the individual in front of him, usually, the ‘Benefactor’ was the one in control within the confines of his office, but, right now this was not the case.
Stood in front of the desk was someone, while less elegantly dressed, instead adorn with a simply shirt, but also a set of khaki pants that fit more in line with a uniform used by British tropical uniform during the 1940s with subtle tears indicating how often they are used.
“Stanley” the ‘Benefactor acknowledged, a careful tone laced his voice, the individual in front of him simply radiated a powerful presence, within the Imperium, often even feared due to being the one who had not only discovered an ancient Celestial prison, but had freed the very being the Imperium had sought to find and liberate since ancient times
Stanley’s eyes narrowed; despite the lack of physical markers; his age was noticeable in his eyes, the years of experience that belied the stature of someone in his late 30’s to early 40’s “I do hope I am wrong with what I have been hearing Mister Garcia” Stanley’s voice was icy “Because from what I have heard of people under your command, go directly against the will of our master”
“I…,I assure you; we aren’t forcing people against their will; the only activity that maybe causing a possible scare is simply our observer that is currently keeping watch over Mister Wright’s family” the ‘Benefactor’ answered, stammering as he looked at Stanley; he knew of the Master’s displeasure towards forcing people into positions against their will, despite how often it would be to do so, the Imperium’s Cultists often find themselves using methods that take longer to subject people to their will, even in the case of sacrifice, a rare occurrence that even the Imperium frowned upon, people had to be fully aware and willing
Leaning forwards, Stanley placed his hands onto the desk; he locked his eyes with Garcia carefully, his eyes dark and narrowed “You know the consequences if it turns out to be true” his voice was threatening despite its calmness “So, I would like to know exactly where this supposed ‘Bar’ can be found so that I may check to ensure what your claiming is true”
Hesitating he nodded, moving slowly and carefully, his fingers trembling, an unusual change within his normally controlled demeanour; he began checking through various documents with his draw, finally pulling out a file “You said that it was being operated by one of my coastal operations?; by Leroy?” he shifted his eyes to Stanley before glancing back to the paperwork “He runs a Bar, claims it to be a modest little earner bringing in plent…”
“Location; Now” Stanley tightened his grip against the desk as he interrupted Garcia “I won’t ask again”
“It’s called the Dorada Medias; it can be found Lloret de Mar” he answered quickly; Stanley straightened back up and gave a quiet nod before turning and leaving the office without another word; Garcia, he gently put his finger into the collar of his shirt, as if relieving pressure as he watched Stanley leave
Tossa De Mar, Spain
The day back in Tossa de Mar would continue to pass by with a blur of sunshine and laughter; the comforting rhythms of the waves, eventually was the sun began to dip, casting long shadows across the beach, the group would begin to pack their belongings to begin the return trek back to the hotel.
Later into the evening, they would gather once again within the hotel restaurant; Philip’s absence went completely unnoticed by the group as they enjoyed themselves; as they enjoyed a meal within lively and chatter filled atmosphere along other hotel guests, the clinking of glasses and cutlery.
When they finally finished their meal; they each decided on the next course of action for the evening, while Jenna decided to take Dylan back up to their hotel room; Eliza and Tyler decided they would also return to their own hotel room; while Raven and Yasmin; they decided to check out a guest event in the hotels back rooms.
Eliza and Tyler, being on the floor below Jenna’s hotel room; returned back to their room, setting back into a time for just themselves, with the stresses of the previous day fading, the same worries had begun dissolving, as Eliza took her shoes off, leaving them safely off to the side, she decided to walk back to the bedroom while Tyler made the decision to begin checking the fridge, realising they still hadn’t actually gone to the shop “Eliza” he called out; she quickly popped her head around the corner “I’m going to just go pop round to that shop, we still haven’t got anything” he chuckled
“We haven’t?” Eliza raised her eyebrow, then it clicked “Oh…, there has been way too much going on”
“Hey, chill here, give your mum a text, I will go pick a few things up; text me a list of what you want and if your mum wants anything” he said with a smile; Eliza gave a quick nod, smiling as she watched him leave
Chapter 3:
Lloret De Mar, Spain
As the evening whined down, a neon sign outside blinked erratically, contrasting sharply with other nearby buildings as it cast a lurid glow across the street the ‘Dorada Medias’ it proclaimed, its peeling paint and damaged letters mirrored a moral decay that festered within.
Inside was Leroy; originally from Texas, he had travelled to Spain at the behest of an old friend that had requested help with a failing business, and with Leroy’s connection to one of the many Imperium’s member Cultist groups; the Brother’s and Sister’s of Liberty, Leroy had brought his wealth and knowledge over to assist his old friend, Javier, didn’t realise, was the darker intentions Leroy had to propel his business from its struggling, the aspects of which only became clear once things had begun.
Leroy was a man with slicked-back hair, reminiscent of a style from the late seventies to early eighties; his lips usually curved in some predatory grin, Javier was meant to be the one in control of this business, but, since Leroy’s arrival and subsequent ‘support’ it had fallen out of Javier’s control.
From that very office, Leroy had been performing dark dealings; and as he sat behind the mahogany desk; his cheap cologne wafted about with the stale scent of cigarette smoke; but it wasn’t only his cologne that was present, perfume wafted down from the halls, the echoes of desperate cries had become a usual cacophony of noise that blended with loud blaring music that simply caused ones ears to ring painfully.
As he sat counting paper money out; he heard a knock which echoed through the room; Leroy swivelled around in his chair, his eyes narrowing as the door opened; Stanley silhouetted against the dim light, his attire was out of place for a place like the Dorada Medias “Mister Leroy?” he said, opening up his greeting with a pleasant tone, as he strode forwards, moving his hands behind his back; Leroy leaned forwards, eying him carefully “I am Stanley, I am sure you know me, the man who freed our Master; and I have come here to have a word, at said masters request”
Leroy’s eyes gleamed with amusement “A word huh?” he said, his voice thick with a Texan drawl “Pull up a chair Stanley; what’s on your mind?” he gestured towards the cracked leather seat opposite his desk
Stanley remained standing, his eyes fixed on Leroy “I’ve heard of your illicit trade; heard the cries of desperation; the women…, you are acquiring…”
“Illicit?” Leroy interrupted with a light chuckle; a low guttural noise that escaped his mouth, he pushed himself to lean back, lacing his fingers together over his stomach “Now, now Stanley; that there is a harsh word, these ladies are providing a service; they’re employed” he said with a wink, his smile widening
“I can arrange a private showing for you, I have a wide selection that could cater to your tastes” he paused “Got a particular girl in mind, or is it ‘the Master’ you speak of that wants to have a visit hm?”
Stanley’s expression remained unchanged, a chilling stillness that sent a shiver down Leroy’s spine; it was then Leroy started to realise something wasn’t quite right “The Master is displeased with your activities Leroy; deeply displeased”
Leroy’s smile faltered; quickly straightening up in his chair “Displeased?; listen here you limey, I ain’t taking orders from you, I want you out of my operation at once” Stanley slowly tilted his head, observing Leroy’s sudden shift, Leroy quickly gestured “Get out!”
Stanley simply turned his back on Leroy an unnatural stillness that clung to the air, a sense of impending doom; without looking, he spoke plainly, the tone carried no tone “You will regret this decision Leroy” then, he was gone and Leroy felt his hand shaking as he sat uncertain about what just happened, trying to rationalise things
Tossa De Mar, Spain
The Hotel ballroom pulsed with music and light; there had been a various of class acts from dancers to magicians; it had been rather enjoyable as Raven leaned against Yasmin, her head resting comfortably against her shoulder; sat on their table were empty glasses that had contained soft-drinks, but, now, Raven had begun succumbing to tiredness as her eyes were partially closed, the day had taken its toll; Yasmin smiled as she gently stroked Raven’s hair “You okay?” she asked
Raven hummed contentedly “Just tired” she answered
“Want to go back up to the room; you can get some proper rest there instead of potentially calling asleep here” Yasmin gently leaned in, kissing along her neck
Raven murmured her agreement; the thought of being able to curl up in bed with Yasmin was a welcome idea; they slipped out from their seats and began to make their way to the hotel lifts.
As they began to wait in the lobby, a sudden chill seemed to sweep through the air, Raven shivered, a prickling sensation crawling across her skin; she felt vulnerable, exposed; she glanced about, her silvery-grey eyes darting around nervously from one face to another.
Yasmin felt it too; a subtle shift in the atmosphere; a sense of unease that set her on edge; she scanned around, her eyes narrowed searching for the source of their discomfort; finally, she found it; a man was sitting alone in dimly lit corner, he was staring towards them with cold unwavering eyes.
Something unsettling about his gaze made Yasmin’s blood run cold.
Without a word, Yasmin pressed the button for the lift, her eyes fixed on the indicator; they seemed to crawl, like each moment was stretching “Maybe we should take the stairs” Raven whispered, her voice barely audible
Yasmin shook her head “No; there are more people here and wanting to use the lift” normally, she wouldn’t mind the idea of being alone; she could easily mess around and tease her without anyone to judge them, but, with the stranger watching them, Yasmin did not want to risk that kind of isolation
Chapter 4:
As Yasmin and Raven continued to wait; Yasmin could feel Raven’s hand as she began to tremble; gently, Yasmin eased her closer until she was stood directly in front of her, she wrapped her arms around her protectively, offering silent reassurance; she used the reflective surface of the lifts doors to keep track of what the man was doing, and once he began moving, she moved her attention onto their own reflection “Don’t look around” she whispered to Raven, sensing her growing anxiety, she could feel her girlfriends body shake “Just stay close to me”
When the doors finally slid open; Yasmin ushered Raven inside, quickly followed by a group of hotel guests, and unfortunately; the man had also managed to slip in just before the doors closed, seemingly unnoticed by the others.
Realisation dawned on Yasmin; he could follow them directly to the hotel room; her grip tightened on Raven; the man tried to shift subtly, getting uncomfortably close; his presence had become a suffocating weight in the small space; and Yasmin felt Raven’s trembling body, finally, Yasmin twisted her head “Excuse me!” she snapped, her voce sharp and clear “Why are you so bloody close” she glared at him, it was done purposely to draw attention “Is there a reason you’re invading our personal space?”
A woman stood close by noticed the fear on Raven’s face and Yasmin’s defensive posture; she stepped forwards “Are you girls alright?” she asked, her voice filled with concern, her husband standing beside her was looking at the strange man, his eyes narrowed
“Why are you standing so close to these young girls mate?” the husband questioned
Flustered and embarrassed by the sudden attention, he quickly stammered an apology getting off as soon as the lift came to a floor, he didn’t know which floor he was just simply eager to escape the uncomfortable situation that was developing.
The Husband and Wife both looked to Raven and Yasmin “Are you girls okay?” the woman asked again
“Yes; Thank you” Yasmin said quickly, her voice tight “We’re fine now”
A Few Hours Earlier
Returning back to the hotel carrying various bags of different weights each containing all manner of different purchases, he made his way through the lobby, taking notice of someone sat alone in the corner as he stood by the lift; as he waited, he observed the stranger through the reflection of the lift doors, when the lift finally opened, he stepped in narrowing his eyes a moment before setting the lift to go to the floor for Jenna’s hotel room, intending to drop off her belongings first.
Eventually, Tyler would finally return to his and Eliza’s hotel room; Tyler brought in a bag of various different things ranging from meals for breakfast and other meals as well as snacks and various different drinks ranging from alcohol to non-alcoholic.
As Tyler began outing things away, he heard Eliza’s footsteps drawing his attention, he smiled as he looked at her; clearly drying her hair “Have you been to my mum’s room?” she queried
“Aye” he answered “Got everything she asked for, she should be unpacking it now” he told her with a wide smile, he held up a small bottle of orange; holding it out towards Eliza
“Thank you” she said taking it with her left hand, moving over towards the couch
Tyler moved over once he had finished putting everything away, sitting beside Eliza “So, what would you like to do then?” he smiled
“Well.., going to have this drink; then go and get dressed” Eliza smiled she said with a light chuckle
“Don’t have too” Tyler joked, leaning close and kissing along her neck before grinning as he looked at her carefully
“Well.., I know what you want to do” Eliza said with a slight giggle; her eyes now fixed onto him “I suppose we could do that instead of wasting time looking for something to watch…, more physical eh?”
Tyler maintained his grin; and after a moment, he was rather quick to position his arms to lift her up; cradle-carrying her back to their bedroom as laughter escaped her lips.
Present Moment
As soon as the lift doors opened on their floor; Raven and Yasmin practically bolted for their hotel room, Raven fumbling with the key, her hands shaking; finally though she managed to unlock the door, they quickly got inside and closed the door, locking it behind them, Raven leaving the key in the lock for extra precaution.
Observing them was Jenna as she finished stirring a cup of tea, having observed how they came rushing in brought concern and worry back to her face “Are you girls alright?”
Raven shifted her gaze to her mother shaking her head “I think we just encountered the stalker you had a run in with yesterday” she said “I think he’s still here in the hotel; he followed us into the lift, he only left because someone confronted him”
Yasmin gently put her arms around Raven, trying o keep her calm; Jenna, she felt a wave of panic return; no longer was it just some random encounter that she could have misunderstood, now her daughter felt threatened “We’ll get this sorted out” she said, her voice trembling slightly as she approached them, easing one arm around both girls to give them a gentle squeeze “Go on; go get yourselves calmed down, if you need something to eat or drink; Tyler brought some shopping up earlier”
Yasmin and Raven both nodded; but Jenna could see she was clearly shaken; the girls made their way to their room, Raven briefly stopping a moment to see her younger brother sleeping in their mothers room, she looked at Yasmin and smiled softly a moment before continuing into their room and closing the door.
Jenna, she made her way to collect her mobile; once again feeling a desperate need to contact her daughter
Chapter 5:
The air hung heavy in the afterglow of their physical intimacy, the silence broken by laboured breathing, as Eliza led back her arms resting near her head as she stared up at Tyler; her face flushed, Tyler grinned as he lowered his head, gently kissing along her neck “I love you, I really do” Tyler declared softly against her neck
“I know” Eliza said, her voice barely above a whisper as she ran her fingers through his short hair “And I love too” she added, her eyes partially closing as she felt the warmth of his breath against her neck, she felt comfortable with their physical closeness, it as the only time Eliza ever allowed herself to be physically vulnerable, and only Tyler had ever gotten to see this side of her.
The phone then drew their attention as it began to vibrate against the bedside table; Tyler shifted his attention, his eyebrow raising a moment as he reached over, picking it up; seeing the contact as ‘Mum’ he looked to Eliza before answering it for her, placing it onto loudspeaker “Eliza” Jenna’s came through the speaker “Could you and Tyler come up here a minute, please?” they could hear the strain in Jenna’s voice
Catching her breath Eliza cleared her throat “Okay; just give us a minute and we’ll be up” she said quickly
“Thank you; and…,, sorry if I have interrupted” Jenna said, her voice now adopting an apologetic tone
“Ah, don’t worry about it” Tyler said with a chuckled “We’re finished” he added comically; after a second the call was ended, he looked down to Eliza, her gave him a playful punch against the shoulder “What was tat for?” he chuckled
“I can’t believe you just told her ‘We’re Finished’…” she stared at him with a mixture of seriousness but also amusement
Tyler just chuckled; after a moment, they finally got off from the bed, got themselves dressed, then finally left the room to go up to Jenna’s hotel room.
After a few minutes, Eliza and Tyler arrived to her mothers hotel room; Jenna let them inside, and they could see the worry etched in her expression “What’s up mum?”
Jenna thought a moment and began to tell her what Raven and Yasmin had encountered downstairs; Tyler’s expression dropped as he connected the dots “A man sat in the corner downstairs in the lobby?” he questioned, Jenna slowly nodding her head, he moved slightly placing his head firmly against his head “Stupid!” he said to himself, hitting his forehead
“Tyler?” Eliza shifted her posture, reaching up and grabbing his hand to pull it away from hitting himself “Don’t do that”
“I saw him” Tyler said “I saw him when I came back, and I ignored it” he said, his tone irritated, he was angry with his decision to not take action when he had a chance
“Tyler; if it was just some random stranger that made no movement to be a threat while in your presence, how would you have known?” she questioned, trying to reassure him “If you had taken action against some random person, you’re the one who’d be in trouble”
Tyler looked at Eliza carefully; he could see a softness in her eyes and thought for a moment, he was still feeling a sense of guilt though but slowly nodded “We should report it” Jenna said, Eliza and Tyler looking towards her “We should go downstairs to reception and report it, get police involved”
Eliza slowly nodded “That makes sense”
“I’ll walk you down to reception” Tyler said; his eyes shifting towards Jenna “Eliza can keep an eye on Dylan, Raven and Yasmin”
Eliza looked toward him, smiling and nodding her head “I’m okay with that” she said, turning her attention back to her mother; Jenna nodded
“Thank you Tyler” Jenna said, feeling a wave of relief; Tyler gave a warm smile before the two ventured out from the hotel room
Lloret De Mar, Spain
In the Dorada Medias a Leroy looked up as one of the newer Cultists came into his office; a young lad barely in his twenties “What is it boy?” he questioned with a dismissive tone; the young lad, Carlos, looked at Leroy carefully, but his face seemed to show the expression of someone in perpetual bewilderment
“You asked me to track that Inglés person” he said with a hesitant voice “I lost track of his movements” he told Leroy, he swallowed in nervousness
Leroy did not look amused at this news, though when a scream ripped through the music and nearby chatter; he noticed Carlos’ shift in expression; he raised an eyebrow “Your first time in here kid?”
Carlos nodded quickly; his face pale “Sí” he confirmed “It is” there was a sound of laughter that seemed to drown out the cries of someone begging, with the clinking of glasses; he could also hear other sounds, subtle sobs that escaped from the back rooms creating a symphony of despair that was clearly unsettling him
Leroy smirked “Relax kid” he said as he rose to his feet, approaching Carlos like a predator “Maybe we need to get you seeing one of our girls eh, make you really understand your position, your one of us; these sounds shouldn’t be upsetting, they are a declaration of your power if people beg”
Carlos maintained his unsettled expression.
Chapter 6:
Outside in the streets, a strange figure, a complete anomaly, cloaked in ancient robes with a deep hood drawn over his head slowly approached the building; he knew where to go, the sounds of the music and the sense of predatory energy.
Inside the Dorada Medias; the air was thick with the scent of sweat, cheap liquor and a vivid sense of desperation; the dance floor lit up with various flashing light as writhing bodies, mostly men, their eyes glazed over with lust as the ogled scantily clad women forced to gyrate on the stage; this place was less of a bar and far more of a human meat market.
The doorman; a hulking man by the name of Juan shifted his weight from foot to foot; he observed the crowd, the music was loud, almost deafening and the air was suffocatingly hot, but…, then it changed, and it changed drastically.
Stood in the doorway; the robed and hooded figure had come into the building; Juan shifted his gaze towards him, he felt a sudden sense of primal fear rush to the surface, like everything in his body was demanding he run; he did his best to ignore it, reminding himself he had a job “I.D.” Juan barked, though his voice trembled as he stepped to block the stranger from advancing any further beyond the door
The Strange figure simply inclined his head slowly; he didn’t speak, and his stillness became unnerving it only serve to amplify Juan’s increasing sense of terror; he felt as though he was under threat; his hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
Suddenly; there was a flash of movement that Juan could barely even register; the figure’s hand had shot out from beneath his dark robes and gripped Juan by the throat; he lifted the man up off the floor with what seemed like effortless strength, his grip as tight as a vice and only getting tighter
Juan gasped; his eyes bulged as his legs kicked about when he realised he was no longer touching the floor, panic clawed at his throat; the raw sense of desperation flooding his senses “Your name” the figure hissed; his voice a low guttural rasp “Speak now; or I will ensure you are permanently silent”
The figure tightened his grip; not once did he even react to someone’s attempt to intervene, not even noticing multiple stabs to his back, his focus was entirely on the doorman; Juan was completely and utterly terrified, he choked out his name “J-Juan…, My name Juan”
Beneath the hood there was unholy glow of crimson that flashed momentarily; then, with little effort, he simply tossed Juan aside like a ragdoll, his attention finally turning to the man who had stabbed him multiple times in the back.
The man; Roberto holding a short-flip knife backed up slightly; having just witnessed how easily this strange figure had tossed the doorman aside like he was nothing, and how he gave no reaction to the multiple stabbings; it finally clicked in place; as part of Leroy’s Cultists, he was privy to the ‘Dark Master’ that the Imperium served, and he now realised that was exactly what he was up against – the look of recognition was obvious, still, he couldn’t back out now, and tried once again to stab him.
Before the knife could connect; this ancient, otherworldly being’s hand shot out, grabbing him by the wrist; a sickening crack followed; Roberto let out a scream of agony.
Retaining his grip on the broken limp he lifted Roberto up, hoisting him into the air as he thrashed about and screamed; his eyes now wide with terror; without a word, the Ancient creature hurled him across the room, sending him crashing into the bar, scattering bottles and sending the bartender sprawling.
The sound of music abruptly cut out; replaced by the sounds of terrorised screams; panic erupted; the cloaked figure simply walked slowly forwards, his presence radiating an aura of raw power, it filled the senses with dread; he only stopped once again as someone held a long-barrelled shotgun in his direction; it was at point blank range, his face was a mask of terror, his hands trembled against the weapon; the figure simply tilted his head, regarding him with cold indifference, his red eyes flickering beneath his hood “Run” he commanded, the very room shaking to his command “If you value your life; Run”
A woman screamed as a shotgun boomed; chaos escalated.
Tossa De Mar, Spain
After Jenna and Tyler had left the hotel room, Eliza was now alone to keep watch over her siblings and Yasmin, and in Raven and Yasmin’s room, Raven had begun growing more and more restless, her hands constantly moving against her ears as if trying to block out some unheard noise, having noticed Yasmin tries her best to comfort Raven.
Out in the main living space; Eliza decided to try using some visual distractions to keep her mind off of things; then, she heard something; a subtle, almost imperceptible creak, like an old floorboard protesting beneath an unseen weight; it had come from the very room she was in, not from the hallway, and it was too close to have come from any other room; Eliza’s instincts kicked in; her muscles tensed as she shot upwards to her feet, immediately on guard “Raven?” she called out, her voice low, but a warning beneath the surface of her tone
After a moment; Raven finally managed to get herself to her feet, with Yasmin close behind; the door of their room slowly creaking open as Raven’s face emerged bearing a mixed look of concern and a slightly pained look present within her expression “Yes?” she asked
“Are you and Yasmin moving around in your room?” Eliza queried, her eyes scanning around the space, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise
Raven frowned, shaking her head “No; we was just laying in bed” she shifted her gaze back a moment to look at Yasmin who remained close to her; she felt Yasmin’s arm around her waist, they both exchanged puzzled looks before she looked back to her sister “Why?”
“I heard something” Eliza said, now beginning to walk around, her movements light; she moved towards her mothers room, gently knocking on the door before opening it, she found Dyland fast asleep on the bed; that ruled him out, gently closing the door again, she looked at her sister and Yasmin; then there was another subtle creak “There” Eliza said as she looked at Raven and Yasmin “Did you hear that?”
The three of them stood in the hallway, listening intently to the sounds of subtle creaking it was as if someone was walking along the hall; yet there was no one even there “I don’t like that” Raven said; her voice soft but tense
As if in response to her discomfort; the creaking abruptly stopped; a sudden silence that seemed more unsettling that the noise itself; Eliza raised her eyebrow as she looked at Raven with a mixture of disbelief and apprehension, she searched her sisters expression for any sign of understanding, Raven simply shrugged her expression a mix of confusion and fear.
Sensing the mounting tension; Yasmin decided to inject a bit of levity into the situation “Maybe Raven can speak to Ghosts” she joked, a nervous smile playing on her lips
Raven though was not so amused “Not funny” she said quietly; Yasmin offered an apologetic smile.
Chapter 7:
Lloret de Mar, Spain
Within the Dorada Medias; the cloaked figure ignored the close impact of a shotgun, barely even acknowledging it as it ripped through his robe; he simply grabbed the individual by the throat as he stalked forwards; his grip unyielding as a subtle cracking followed, before he simply threw the body down the stairs ahead of him; as he descended down, the sounds of women’s captivity echoed out through the cramped hallways; he moved with cold precision, his footsteps heavy and deliberate.
He began to break down the doors he passed; the inhuman strength marking short work of the flimsy locks as he continued to stalk his intended target, his actions enabled for many of those in captivity to finally escape.
Finally though; he arrived to the back office a simply push flung the door inwards with a resounding crash as it struck the wall; it revealed Leroy and Carlos cowering inside; Leroy’s face was ashen, he stumbled backwards, knocking stacks of files over, Carlos, his eyes wide in panic fumbled with a pistol before rising it up.
The strange figure advanced quickly; he moved at a speed Carlos hadn’t expected and before he could squeeze the trigger; he gripped the gun; his hand clamping down with a crushing force; the gun discharged into his hand but there was no indication of any effect; his red eyes flashing beneath his hood as he eyed Carlos; Carlos quickly began to bed, plead for mercy.
He simply twisted the young mans hand around forcing Carlos to face down his own weapon before being forced to squeeze the trigger and fire on himself; the sound of a light thud soon following as the figure now turned its attention directly towards Leroy; the scent of copper wafting through the air; he now advanced forwards; kicking the desk and sending it crashing back against Leroy; pinning him back against the wall.
Leaning in close; his face inches from Leroy; his glowing red eyes burning with a cold, cosmic fire “I despise humans” he hissed; his breath reeking of ancient secrets as he paused clearly reflecting on something “I once tolerated your kind, but you dared to harm her”
Leroy stared in fear, he wasn’t sure what this creature was on about; all he new was he was utterly terrified.
Reaching forwards; he gripped Leroy around the neck “Your actions defile the Imperium you claim to serve” there was another pause, purposely he forced Leroy to look past him, towards the door where he could see his imprisoned girls has escaped “Choice is essential for loyalty; a willing sacrifice is still a sacrifice; and I will not tolerate freedom being taken from those who serve”
As his eyes flashed again; as bright as his growing anger, he gripped tighter “Since you were so willing to take the freedom of those women; I shall take your freedom from you”
Tossa De Mar, Spain
Tyler walked with Jenna down to the hotel’s reception; the weight of their anxieties heavy as they approached the front desk; Jenna’s voice was laced with concern as she spoke to a young receptionist, recounting the events of the previous day ad the experience of her daughter Raven and her partner; Yasmin; she emphasized on the hotels need to take action, providing details of the stalker.
The young receptionist listen attentively; her expression growing increasingly more serious; a flicker of recognition crossing her face as Jenna repeated the description, with a murmured excuse, the receptionist disappeared for a moment into the backroom; after a short moment, she returned with her supervisor in toe, they spoke in rapid Spanish, their words to quick for Jenna or Tyler to follow, finally, the supervisor looked to Jenna, his expression grave “Señora; please come with me” he said, gesturing towards the back office
Inside, the supervisor provided a security recording of the previous day on his computer; it showed a man leaning over the front desk, Jenna recognised the man as the same one that had stalked her from the pool; Tyler also recognised him as the same one from his return to the hotel that evening “That’s him” Jenna confirmed “He was following me and my son yesterday, and just this evening, he sent my daughter and her partner into a panic, following them into the lift”
The supervisor nodded solemnly “We understand your concerns Señora; the hotel will respond accordingly, I shall contact Policía immediately, and I shall come by your hotel room tomorrow morning so we can speak further once I have more information, I will need to also begin asking if others have encountered this stranger as well”
Satisfied; Jenna nods in agreement; she and Tyler then leaving to return back to her hotel room; upon returning, she and Tyler discover Eliza sitting in the living room with Raven and Yasmin “The hotel is going to look into it” she said, her voice reassuring “They’ve got footage of him and will be talking to police”
Eliza nodded; her expression still guarded “Tyler and I will stay here, just to add that extra sense of safety”
Jenna smiled gratefully “Thank you” she shifted her gaze to Tyler and back to her daughter again “I do apologies for interrupting” she said, then shifted her gaze towards Raven and Yasmin “You girls should go get some sleep, try not to worry”
Raven, while still unnerved, nodded as she and Yasmin got up; both deciding to hug Jenna before they returned to their room for the evening; though, Raven still felt a wave of unease that seemed difficult to really get to grips with.
Jenna, feeling the waves of exhaustion also decided to turn in; going to her bedroom to lay on the bed, watching as Dylan sleeps peacefully; it didn’t take long before she too fell asleep.
Eliza and Tyler meanwhile settled into a comfortable embrace entwined together on the couch; they spoke for a while; though due to their physical intimacy earlier, Eliza had been struggling to actually keep herself fully alert the entire time, and had Tyler and her mother not returned at the time they had, would most likely have already fallen asleep, so, as they spoke, it was Eliza who would end up lulling in the conversation first, her head gently falling against Tyler’s shoulder as she fell asleep.
Tyler kissed Eliza on the head before he found himself closing his eyes and falling asleep himself.
While watching over the pair; an ethereal ghostly presence of a woman watched them; her silvery-grey eyes fixed on both Eliza and Tyler, a slight smile curving her lips; turning her head slowly, she moved causing the boards to subtle creak under her movement as she went between rooms; her eyes carefully checking on Jenna and Dylan; she maintained the same warmth in her eyes, then she finally checked upon Raven and Yasmin; she could see they too had also finally fallen asleep, once again offering a warm smile before turning to disappear.
Written By: Westley H.
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