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
- CFTS / Family Trip: Chaos in Spain – Chaos Unveiled: A Family’s Spanish Adventure
- CFTS / Family Trip: Conspiracy and Unease – Unveiling Family Secrets: A Journey Through Time
Coming From the Shadows
Family Trip:
Mystery and Intimacy
Introduction:
3rd of August, 2014 A.D. Early Afternoon
Near Salou, Spain
The warm Spanish sun beat down on Arthur, warming his skin as he made a wide arch with his hand across the surface of the water; splashing his son; Anthony as they enjoyed a bonding time in the turquoise water of the villa’s pool.
His son’s laughter echoed out into the empty surroundings; it was supposed to be a relaxing family holiday, the first Arthur had managed to organise since returning back to his family from a mysterious trip to Oman.
As they continued to enjoy their time; Laura, his wife, called out, her melodic voice singing out in the idyllic scene “It’s your dad” she said, kneeling by the edge of the pool
Wading his way over, he took he phone, giving her a gentle kiss before moving the phone to his ear “What’s up Dad?” he queried
“Are you aware of the violence that erupted last night in Lloret de Mar?” Ralph’s voice asked, his tone was tight, laced with an anxiety that sobered Arthur up completely
“You mean that Bar that was attacked?; Yeah, I saw about that” Arthur was very aware of the news about the Bar that had turned out to be a front for a prostitution ring forcibly selling women, the report of how those women had been freed by a mysterious cloaked figure displaying inhuman strength
“I need you to do me a favour for me son; your sister is in Tossa de Mar, I want you to make sure she is safe, since it isn’t that far from her” Ralph’s voice indicated an urgency
Arthur frowned a moment “Jenna is in Spain?; I didn’t know that, what she doing here”
“Just check your sister Arthur” Ralph said “Make sure you is alright, I will send you the hotel details in about an hour, I just need to check I have the right place, I don’t want to send you to the wrong hotel”
Chapter 1:
3rd of August, 2014 A.D. – Late Afternoon
Tossa de Mar, Spain
A thick oppressive air clung to Jenna as she said on the edge of the hotel bed, her gaze lost in the patterned carpet; her internal struggles were like a chaotic battlefield, frustration, anger and a creeping fear.
They’d come on this holiday organised by her husband Philip due to his insistence, originally it was due to his job, but, being aware of just how little he had been involved in his ‘Family’s life’ he decided to bring them on his trip to Spain.
For Philip, his dream job had always taken precedence; failing to even turn up during their children’s births.
First, in 1992; Philip failed to turn up for their eldest daughter; Eliza, when she was born, then again failed to appear at the second birth in 1999 with Raven, and a third failure once again in 2006 to their youngest child; Dylan.
His despite his constant absence, Philip retained control for a long period of time.
But, Jenna did not sit idle after the birth of her second daughter, she had begun to take back control of her life, while essentially living as a single-mother, Jenna, with the support of her mother and father, began clawing back her independence, and by her son’s birth towards the present; she had regained financial independence from Philip, he had lost most of his control.
Jenna though still tried to keep things going, some vague hope that Philip would change, while everything pointed to a direction he wouldn’t; she also couldn’t bring herself to subject her daughters and son to a length process of trying to remove Philip from her life, it was simply easier living independent lives, she knew her daughter; Eliza would not even care, she had witnessed her father’s neglect from a young age, and Raven; her recent coming out had been met with open hostility by Philip, she suspected Raven wouldn’t be too bothered, possibly would even be relieved, but, then there was Dylan; despite the constant absence, he would have been the most confused of a drastic change.
As of late though, she was actually questioning if that was even a legitimate reason; the first two days of the trip had been a disaster; She and Dylan, encountered a Stalker sending her into a panicked flight back to the Hotel Room to escape, her attempt to speak with Philip was met with disinterest who just waved her concern off before leaving for his job.
Then there was Raven and Yasmin’s incident; the same Stalker had followed them into the lift; if not for Yasmin’s outburst and the support of a married couple, it would have been possible their Stalker could have followed them right back to the Hotel room, or possibly worse; and now, after two days of absence; Philip had returned from his Archaeological Dig and disrupted the entire peace of the Hotel Room with just being there.
“Jenna!” Philip’s voice boomed out through the hotel room, he had once again moved to the balcony, instead of simply going to get her, he couldn’t bring himself to even more from his comfortable spot “Oi, Jenna!” he repeated, it brought Jenna out of her thoughts with a frustrated groan
Getting up; Jenna left the bedroom, making her way out through the hotel room and approached the balcony; here Philip told her the Hotel reception had contacted them; that someone was asking for her by the Reception ”Are you not going to come with me?” she queried, her eyes narrowed “What if its that Stalker?” she observed her husband carefully
Philip waved her off, simply enjoying the sun too much “You’ll be fine; don’t be dramatic, besides, I am trying to get a bit of sun; I have been working you know”
With a surge of resentment; Jenna shook her head, without another word and left the hotel room, the door slamming behind her as she left.
Chapter 2:
When the door slammed, it echoed loudly; in the room beside Jenna’s was her middle daughter; Raven inherited many of her mothers similarities, from her looks and slender figure to the olive complexion of her skin, the long dark hair; though, Raven’s hair reached as far down as the middle of her back, and just like her mother; Raven inherited the same Silvery-Grey Eyes from her Great-Great Grandmother; Lydia Langdon.
Raven, being the shy and quiet girl she was, was more often than not, very passive; and she felt a surge in unease as the air crackled with tension; she couldn’t help but pace about the room, knowing that her mother had left the hotel room; it meant she was not stuck in the same space as her father, she hated that idea.
Yasmin; a year older than Raven at 16, was her polar opposite; a result of her abusive family life and upbringing, she tended to be very boisterous and chaotic; traits Raven had easily grown accustom too since their friendship began as far back as Nursery, Yasmin’s hair was a dark brown, reaching below her shoulders usually, but at the present moment, had been tied neatly into a bun, unlike Raven’s which had been tied in its usual style as a ponytail over her shoulder puled deliberately towards the left of her head; Yasmin’s Ocean-Blue eyes locked onto her girlfriend, she could see how frustrated and restless she was.
Getting up; she moved silently over; while Raven had her back to her; she wrapped her arms around her waist, leaning her chin against her shoulder, a relatively easy positioning due to Yasmin’s height advantage; the action brought Raven’s pacing to a halt “Hey, hey.., easy; breathe” she soothed gently, her breath warm against Raven’s neck
Raven relaxed into Yasmin’s embrace; leaning backwards into her “I…, I just hate being near him” she admitted
“I know; but, just take a breath…” she said softly “Why don’t we get out of here for a bit; earlier when we got back from the shops, you mentioned wanting to spend time by the pool; let’s go and do that, yeah?”
Raven nodded slowly “Okay” a small smile gracing her lips
As Raven and Yasmin made the attempt to slip out of their room; the door of Dylan’s room creaked open; Dylan, Raven’s younger brother was a blend of their parents physical traits, sharing the same dark hair as their mother but their fathers dark eyes; at eight-years-old he was also a ball of mischievous energy “Can I come too?” he whispered, a voice full of hopeful anticipation
Both girls smiled at him “Sure Pipsqueak” Raven said in a hushed voice “Go get yourself ready and grab a towel quickly” she told him
Dylan shot back into his room; it took a few minutes before he came back; the three slipped out of the hotel room; Philip blissfully unaware of their departure.
Down in the lobby; the three spot Jenna in the midst of a conversation with Arthur “Mum!” Dylan shouted immediately before rushing towards them
Both Jenna and her brother turning to look; Arthur letting his lips curve into a smile as he saw Dylan come rushing towards them follow by Raven and Yasmin; Jenna looked at them with a surprised expression “Uncle Arthur” Dylan quickly latched onto his Uncle with a wide smile
“Hello there laddy” Arthur ruffled Dylan’s hair before shifting his gaze towards Raven and Yasmin “Good to see you both”
“Hello Uncle” Raven smiled warmly; then turned her eyes towards her mother “We’re going to go by the pool”
“Your Dad doesn’t know does he?” Jenna could see it in her eyes, a slight smile curved her lips as she gestured “Go on; but if anyone bothers you, come straight back to me, okay?”
Raven smiled; nodding her head “We will”
Jenna watched as the three of them moved towards the doors, Dylan skipping ahead of them as Raven and Yasmin walked behind hand-in-hand; she felt a wave of tenderness as she watched, then turned he attention back to her brother “What’s with the….” Arthur said, gesturing towards the neck
“The Velvet Choker Raven was wearing?” she smiled as he nodded “Yasmin initially suggested it as a joke; but Raven liked it, Yasmin did apparently try to tell her about things being suggested online about their meaning, but, she liked it, so, Yasmin bought it for her, she’s gotten quite attached to it”
“Ah” Arthur nodded and smiled; the two resumed their discussion as they sat back down.
Chapter 3:
Late Afternoon, Early Evening
Somewhere near Girona, Spain
Within the confines of a darkened warehouse; the was a significant shift, compared to the cooling and more bearable temperature of the late afternoon; the inside of the warehouse felt icy; too icy, it was as though the occupants where in a far colder climate, an air of oppression bearing down, some of the younger Cultists present, unuse to their ‘Dark Masters’ presence could feel the primal fear that his simple presence evoked; his glowing red eyes randomly appearing within the shadows merely to observe the movements of his followers.
In one of the backrooms; Stanley had finished organising some of the Spanish Cultists, following his Master’s instruction to investigate ‘Garcia’ a local Spanish Leading Cultist that had not kept Leroy, a man that had breached the very rules of the Imperium by his decision to Entrap and Force women into Sex Work at the ‘Dorada Medias’ – something that had triggered the ‘Dark Masters’ intervention, to not only free those captured, but to exact a brutal reprisal.
Now, ‘Gracia’ was the target of their Master’s attention; Stanley, the Loyal ‘Servant’ since his act to liberate the ‘Dark Master’ from the Ancient Celestial Prison in Crete back in 1941; Stanley had ensured everything was finally organised, despite his advanced age, Stanley looked no older than his late 30’s to early 40’s, and, despite not being amongst the Imperium’s Council; his service directly to the ‘Dark Master’ had elevated him directly as the Enforcer of their master, he held considerable influence as a direct result f who he served.
With Stanley’s following his instructions though; the ‘Master’ began shifting his attention to other curiosities that had been piqued, he could sense something, initially it had been small fleeting moments, but as of late, it had begun demanding attention; finally, he felt the urge to leave the warehouse, to seek out what was demanding his attention so strongly.
Blackpool, England
Having been given a confirmation by Arthur about Jenna being okay, though highly stressed, he informs his wife; Barbara, her reaction demonstrating her mounting concern for their daughter as she raises a question on if they should have not put their foot down earlier regarding Jenna’s relationship with Philip “I’m not entirely sure” Ralph said, his tone uncertain
“I want to go and check on her” Barbara told him “You said she’s encountered a Stalker”
Ralph nodded “The same one that also later tried getting near Raven and Yasmin”
“No; I want to go, that’s our daughter and her children; Philip isn’t helping her, and it seems he’s exacerbating her stress, I want to go check on her, not just hear how she is doing through Arthur; she wont tell him everything” Barbara stated firmly
Ralph thought a moment “I’ll see what flights are available”
“Thank you” Barbara smiled gratefully; Ralph gave a gentle smile in return
Tossa de Mar, Spain
As the evening began to settle in; Eliza; the eldest of her siblings and like Raven, shares physical similarities with their mother, sharing the same hair colour, though, unlike her sister; Eliza inherited the Deep-Blue eyes of her Great-Great Grandfather; Thomas Davidson; now dressed in a pair of shorts and one of Tyler’s old tops; which practically drowns her, makes her way into the living room of their hotel room; flopping down onto the couch and stretching “Ordered room service” Tyler announces, a wide smile present as Eliza looks over towards him stood In the kitchen “I ordered from the menu you suggested, and despite a little difficulty, got everything requested, including a little surprise for ya” he smiled, walking over towards her
“Mmm…, what kind of surprise are we talkin’ here?” Eliza eyed him with a suspicious glint, though she maintained a light grin; as Tyler drew closer, he leaned in towards her
“Have to wait and see” he winked before leaning in and kissing her; the kiss was long, slow, tender; she often found herself melting into such moments, reaching her arms around his neck; as he pulled back ever so slightly, she smiled at him as they locked eyes
“Can’t you just tell me?” she whispered her tone like a silken purr
“I could…, but that would spoil the surprise” he said playfully “And, after the last time; I made a declaration, I would never ruin a surprise again” he reminded her; Eliza just maintained her grin, she remembered the night two-years prior, during one of their international competitions that they had attended for Tae-Kwon Do; he had revealed his surprise too soon, something she would tease him about constantly as a result; it become a fun memory, just one of this moments that only served to bring them closer.
Their competitive nature and drive began early; from their initial interactions when Eliza was Seven when first attending Tae-Kwon Do; she had met Tyler then; their friendship evolved alongside their sport; they grew close due to being part of a Team that saw them compete from Local, to Regional, National and eventually; Internationally.
Eliza pulled him towards her, kissing him softly before releasing her arms from around his neck “Okay; I look forward to this surprise”
“I am certain you will” Tyler quipped playfully
Chapter 4:
25th of June, 1910 A.D.
Girona, Spain
A Hundred-Four Years prior; Lydia and Thomas had been bac at the Anti-Imperium safehouse for only a day; Lydia, a usually stoic young woman at the age of 19; being born in the December of 1890, stood out significantly from the societies norms, having grown up for the first 15 Years of her life in the oppressive and brutal environment of a Cultist Family; her Father, a Cultist Leader had raised her, much like her older twin; Elizabeth – she was meant to be part of the next generation of Cultists, only, Lydia followed her mother in personality, her moral compass conflicted heavily with her father’s education and the brutality she had been forced to witness, from Animal torture to killings, to the eventually torturing of men and women, these had left permanent mental scars, but, at the age of 15, Lydia had escaped in 1905 to reunite with her mother; Cathryn.
Cathryn, a former Domestic-Slave to George had been cast aside following one of her former Anti-Cultist allies attempted an assassination, the act set George on a vengeance-driven response, forcing Cathryn from the Estate and removing her from their daughters lives, removing Lydia’s only source of warmth and care until 1905 when William; Lydia’s older half brother set fire to the Estate – Lydia, since then, joined her mothers Anti-Imperium lifestyle, training under her mother and a mysterious enigmatic figure known only as ‘The Monk’ she had moved from Timid Child to a Weapon.
Despite this though; Thomas, a British soldier who she encountered in 1908 in the Himalayan Mountains, took an immediate liking to her, even as Lydia herself disliked him initially – but, his persistence and even joining her Anti-Imperium group properly that same year, had begun breaking down those barriers; between initial interactions to the present time, Lydia had begun developing emotions and feelings she couldn’t articulate or even really understand, often opting to write down things in her journal, a safe, private space for her since childhood to reveal the ‘Real’ woman behind the stoic, cold exterior.
Since they where waiting to hear from her older twin; who was at present dealing with problems with the Cult of the Minotaur back in Britain; Lydia split her time between training, interacting with her adoptive younger sister; Norina, who shared a twin-like similarity to her despite Norina’s Italian roots and Lydia’s English roots or, she spent her time writing in her journal.
Discovering her in the back; Thomas quietly came to join her, respecting her need for quiet and maintained a respectful distance as he sat down with her; she knew he was there, but, at that present moment, she needed to finish writing her thoughts down, Thomas understood, shifting slightly to avoid looking as he simply waited for her to finish.
When Lydia finally did; she slowly closed her journal, raising her head and looking towards him, a soft smile gracing her lips “Just wanted to check in on you” he said, his voice warm as he looked back towards her
“I’m okay” Lydia felt her lips tug a little wider, she felt a strange knot in her stomach as she stared at him, momentarily getting lost in her thoughts until he waved at her to regain her attention “Sorry” she said, her eyes drifting about before looking back to him; Thomas simply smiled, eventually though they would begin falling into a familiar pattern, their conversations, despite the mundane topics, simply allowed for them to enjoy each other’s company – Thomas could catch brief glimpses at someone entirely different hidden beneath her usual exterior, and it also enabled him to learn about her, any little thing she was prepared to reveal.
As time ticked away though; they were eventually finding themselves being brought back to the typical news of their fight against the Imperium; Norina, standing at the doorway, leaning in slightly looked towards them, speaking in her native Italian, Lydia glanced over, smiling and acknowledging reverting to the Italian for ease of communication – Lydia learning of their mother finally receiving a telegram, it was clear; they would be returning back to England.
3rd of August, 2014 A.D.
Tossa de Mar, Spain
Back in the present day; the evening had fully descended over Spain, long shadows spread across the bright grounds of the Hotel; Jenna, joining her husband; Philip, albeit, with reluctance, attended a hotel party in the ballroom, the atmosphere was thick with laughter, music and the constant clinking of glasses, but for Jenna, the air was suffocating.
Philip paid very little attention to her; despite it being his idea, supposedly for ‘Bonding’ Philip instead chose to start drinking, enjoying the party atmosphere, commenting how he had spent two full days at the Archaeological Dig Site, and is entitled to relax – he simply continued to disregard Jenna’s feelings completely, she observed even as his attention began drifting to many other women, some relatively the same age as their own daughter, she felt sickly observing his open flirting, words often slurred with alcohol.
Jenna simply felt everything sinking with each passing minute; unable to stand it for much longer, Jenna slipped away, seeking solace of the night air outside; finding a place to sit by the pool, she stared into the shimmering light of the water.
She wouldn’t remain alone for long though; a figure had just arrived, emerging from the shadows, his presence radiating an unnatural and unnerving stillness; the air seemed to grow colder, though in her distracted state, Jenna barely noticed the change, failing to even see her misting breath – slowly, the figure approached, his movements fluid, graceful and silent; he sat down beside her, maintaining a respectful distance.
Jenna never even realised he was there until he finally spoke; his voice low, a quiet whisper that sent a shiver down her spine “Troubled?”
Jenna jumped; startled by his sudden arrival; turning sharply to face him, her eyes widened with alarm, it was like he was cloaked in shadow, his features were obscured by the darkness “Who…, are you?” she questioned, now on guard, though she recognised this was certainly not her previous stalker
“I’m no one important” he replied; his voice laced with an unsettling calmness “But…, if you do want a name; you can call me Riaz” there was a silence that extended between them as he stared towards her “I can see you are upset; would you like to talk perhaps?” he queried
Jenna hesitated “How…, do you know I am upset?, I could just be…, unwell…”
He simply gestured to her posture and reddening eyes “It is rather obvious you are upset my dear” he shifted his tone; it became a little more…, hypnotic, he had locked eyes with her, capturing her gaze as she stared at him
Slowly, Jenna eased herself back down; sitting facing him; the silence extended between them again; he did not press her, he instead let her gather her thoughts; finally, she began to talk; she was hesitant, but as she spoke, it began to come out, she found herself unable to hold back information – she explained about how she entered her relationship with Philip, their marriage, about her fears for her children, she essentially poured everything out to him.
He simply listened to everything she said; listening intently; when Jenna made mention of a ‘Benefactor’ that had recruited her husband and his team, he narrowed his eyes a moment, recognising it as something ‘Gracia’ would likely go by t avoid providing his name.
Tilting his head; he continued to hold her gaze captive “This…, ‘Benefactor’…” he inquired, his voice carefully neutral “Do you know his name?”
Jenna shook her head “No; I don’t know much about him, Philip doesn’t really explain anything”
Chapter 5:
Once again there was a silence that extended between them; he kept his eyes on Jenna’s carefully, Jenna though, found she simply couldn’t look away, his gaze was intense – hypnotic, and now that she had released a torrent of emotions, things had begun to settle, she felt exhausted but strangely light “I…, don’t understand” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper “How did you do that?; how did you get me to open up like that”
A slow, knowing smirk curved his lips; almost predatory, his eyes seem to flicker of something ancient and powerful behind a strangely unassuming exterior “I have that effect on people; Jenna” he replied, his voice a silken caress “I have a ‘gift’.., people struggle to.., keep things in”
The moment was becoming entirely unnerving, but one thing that hadn’t clicked for her, was the most simply; ‘her name’ – she had never made any mention of it, but, his use of it with such familiarity didn’t even seem to click, instead she had fallen onto the strange allure present, and that felt more of a pressing question for her, the air seemed to have become unnervingly intimate, she simply found herself drawn to him.
Deep down though, there was something that was trying to tug; to warn her of the dangerous encounter she was trapped in “Thank you” she said; her words seemingly strained “For listening”
‘Riaz’ simply nodded, his dark eyes promising more, much more; and it was a dangerous allure Jenna was struggling with.
Back in the Hotel’s ballroom the air pulsed with a frenetic energy; music simply vibrated the floor, laughter continued to echo; Philip, caught in the intoxicating swirl of the party atmosphere found himself drawn to a dark, secluded corner; here, with a woman draped in a shimmer dress, eyes sparkling with mischievous and lips painted a seductive crimson – Philip, heavily intoxicated just couldn’t resist, though; clearly alert enough to be able to distinguish her from Jenna.
For Philip, this woman was something Jenna wasn’t – he could do what he wanted, Jenna, with mysterious upbringing and usual fierceness resisted; it was only as of late, under extreme stress she had been so ‘agreeable’ simply due to the environment not being suitable for an argument; this woman he found himself entangled with, he could do exactly what he wanted, lips met in a intoxicating kiss as they moved further into the shadows.
Upstairs in the hotel room; a different scene unfolded entirely; with her mother and father absent from the room; Raven found herself looking after her little brother alongside her girlfriend; Yasmin; right at that present moment though, Raven and Yasmin found themselves trapped at one end of the bed while Dylan, commandeered the middle of their bed and their pillow, packets of empty sweets nearby as he lay sprawled like a starfish – he had fallen asleep like that.
Raven groaned slightly “Well…, we’re not going to be enjoying any comfortable sleep tonight” she said, a playful exasperation within her voice “How are we supposed to sleep with pipsqueak hogging the entire bed”
Yasmin chuckled as she manoeuvred behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist and pulling her close “He’s just a little guy” she said softly; Raven instinctively leaning back against her, Yasmin rested easily against the headboard as they sat nestled together “You look tired though; if you need to sleep Raven, just sleep against me” she soft softly
Raven felt her lips curve; a soft smile playing on her lips as she found comfort within Yasmin’s embrace.
On the floor below; in Eliza and Tyler’s room; they had enjoyed their own quiet intimacy; the room glowing ever so slightly from the television as credits from the movie they had watched rolled across the screen, leaving them in a comfortable silence; Eliza was nestled against Tyler with a smile playing on her lips “That was nice” she murmured “I liked that” she added, her voice soft
Kissing the top of her head he smiled at her “I knew it would be worth it; took me ages to find that movie, but, after all the stress you’ve been under, you deserved something of a special” he told her, his voice warm and affectionate
“Thank you” she said; tilting her head back towards his shoulder and looking at him with a warm smile, she moved her left hand upwards, untangling their fingers and she placed her hand against the side of his face, gently tracing her fingers along his cheek
Blackpool, England
Having organised things; Ralph made his way into the small room; a room that he had turned into his personal office, here, he shifted his attention towards some; a Mysterious Puzzle Box with a intricate pattern, but, not obvious indicators of how it is even opened; it had once belonged to his Grandmother; Lydia – she had carried the box since her escape from the Smythe Estate back in 1905, it had eventually fallen into his possession, and just like Lydia, he had still not found a way to open it, or even work out what it was.
Though as he stared at it; he could hear the strange, subtle whispers that emanated from the box itself; he narrowed his eyes as he looked at it carefully; but twisted upon hearing Barbara’s voice “Hm?” he murmured
“What time is the flight?” Barbara repeated
“Tomorrow afternoon, it’s a late flight, but, it’ll get us where we need to go so we can go check on Jenna” he said, flipping the switch of his office to turn off the light, exiting the room and pulling the door shut behind him.
Within the darkness; the strange, subtle whispering that emanated from the Box continued eerily into the night.
Written By: Westley H.
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