The Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Previous Instalments:
- T.I.C: The Crete Disaster – Surviving the Imperium: Morgan’s Escape and Redemption
- Coming From the Shadows T.I.C: Aftermath – Dreadnought and Betrayal: The War Against the Imperium
- Thomas’ Love – Santorini Secrets: Passion and Pain in 1911
- The Imperium Chronicles: The Scars of Crete – The Rise and Fall of the Cult of the Minotaur in Crete
- T.I.C: The Dying Flame – The Dying Flame: A Tale of the Imperium
- T.I.C: William’s War – The Rise of William Smythe: A Dreadnought’s Fury
Coming From the Shadows
Morgan and Cathryn
Background:
Born in 1872; Cathryn Langdon was born at the beginning of the purge of the British ‘Hunters’ a group born within the Medieval period when the Ancient Guardians had begun to dwindle; the ‘Hunters’ only objective, despite being a disorganised resistance was to challenge the Imperium – The Imperium, a uniting voice of various Cultist groups dating back since Ancient Times.
East of Lancaster in 1872; on the safe haven of a Farm, the Hunters found themselves under attack by the leader of the Cult of the Minotaur; Elias Smythe – Cathryn, who had just been born at the time, to Cyril and Evelyn Langdon had been born into a crisis – Her parents though with the aid of a man simply known as ‘The Monk’ would flee the attack, seeking safety in the South at a village called; King’s Langley, here, Cathryn was raised in isolation with her mother and father, her training as a ‘Hunter’ would begin once she reached the age of 5, but, in the year of 1887; the Cultists would track down Cathryn’s family, murdering Cyril and Evelyn who fought back in desperation.
Cathryn, who had been hidden away could only watch in horror as her parents were murdered – orphaned, Cathryn would saved the following day by Anne Smythe; the woman who would adopt the girl, providing her much needed support, unintentionally though, Cathryn was brought into George Smythe’s orbit; the son of Elias and who, as of 1887 had taken the reigns of power over the Cult of the Minotaur.
George; a sadistic and manipulative man would take advantage of Cathryn, using her skills as a ‘Hunter’ to his advantage, letting her continue her training and eliminate his rivals while slowly using her infatuation with him to eventually force her into marriage – from there things would spiral for her, she became little more that a Domestic Slave; suffering Physical, Emotional and Psychological Abuse – at 17 she would suffer a miscarriage caused by George’s violence, and despite her body and emotions never adjusting, she would be pregnant only months later giving birth to twin in December of 1890; Elizabeth born on the 20th and Lydia who would be born hours after on the same day as Cathryn; December the 21st.
For 10-Years Cathryn was faced with the same domestic violence, sexual violence became common; mental and physical abuse continues; slowly breaking Cathryn down until 1900 – in 1900, Cathryn was forcibly removed from her daughters by George, despite her pleas and begging including offering complete submission, George completely removed her.
In 1905 though; Lydia would escape, reuniting with Cathryn and the two would flee – Lydia would follow her mothers footsteps as they returned to her roots, rebuilding her life as a ‘Hunter’ to take the fight back to the Imperium and against the Cult of the Minotaur, Cathryn scarred by her life with George would later find herself trapped once again though after an encounter with an American Cultist; Morgan Mason – a Man 10-Years her younger who’d taken an immediate liking to her beauty, unfortunately though, his Cultist upbringing overrode his feelings.
Using his Cultist training; Morgan would try to twist Cathryn into submission; trying to make her passively dependent; and would have likely succeed if not for Lydia’s intervention.
Introduction:
In December of 1911 on the 18th; Cathryn and her twin daughters; Elizabeth and Lydia, along with her adopted daughter; an Italian girl named Norina, would confront George in Crete.
During this confrontation though; William, a son of George from a previous Union would launch a devastating trap resulting in the Cultists being caught in an explosion, and unfortunately catching Cathryn and her team in the crossfire.
When the ground collapsed into a crater, Cathryn struggled, and despite her past with George, still tried to save him; unfortunately though, William wanting George’s death decided to sacrifice Cathryn to ensure it, stamping on Cathryn’s hand to make her fall.
Cathryn would suffer a severe shoulder injury during that fall as she found leverage to halt her descent, though George would be long since lost to her; forcing her to climb back up; here, she would encounter Morgan once again – a man changed after 2-Years in an Imperium Prison Facility in France, still holding feelings for her, Morgan would rescue her while she was at her most vulnerable.
Chapter 1:
The 29th of January, 1912 A.D.
Lodging House, South of Heraklion
The relationship between Morgan and Cathryn had begun to rebuild, with Cathryn taking notice of the changes Morgan had undergone, and despite his age of 28 compare to her age of 39 – he still retained those same feelings towards her.
Sat in the silence of the Lodging house, Cathryn sat on the bed that had become her sanctuary, her mind though was flooded with memories of her past trauma’s; she simply stared, running over everything inside her mind, she hated what she was feeling, it felt like a step back, she had already told Morgan, due to his changes, due to the very visibility he displayed and the respect he showed which was so different from the last time, he had clearly changed – yet even despite their rekindling of a connection, of physical intimacy which further displayed these changes, she found herself being stuck in the memories of his past manipulation with not just him, but George.
As she lost herself deep in thought; the silence of the bedroom was palpable – it felt as though time stood still and all that existed was merely the turmoil she felt, her eyes began to well up, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her.
Then, she felt it; a gentle presence beside her.
Morgan, having recently returned back from his trip to collect supplies for their kitchen, had found the lodging house empty, and after a brief exploration, discovered where Cathryn was and what state she was in; He eased himself down beside her, his movements were cautious, he didn’t want to startle here – here the difference in height became noticeable as he sat next to her.
While Cathryn’s long Raven-Dark hair cascaded messily around her shoulders and down her back; Morgan’s own hair, short and dark was a little more tidy, and his forest green eyes offered a warmth as he looked towards Cathryn.
Gentle, his hand brushed against her left; a soft, comforting touch that drew her attention.
Cathryn turned her attention; her own silvery-grey eyes locking onto his; tears finally falling down her face as the lump in her throat formed.
Morgan’s expression was once of concern, he didn’t speak though, but his presence spoke volumes.
Chapter 2
As the silence between them extended; Morgan remained by her side, keeping his gaze locked on hers, he simply waited, giving her time to process things, he could see the turmoil brewing within her, but she could also see his confusion and concern through the look in his eyes – he was struggling to find the right words, to comfort her without pushing her away.
Finally, he found the words to break the silence; his voice was soft, gentle “What’s wrong Cathryn?” the question was simple; yet it held a significant depth of emotion Cathryn didn’t expect
Taking a deep breath; when she spoke, her words were simply spilling out much like a dam breaking “Everything I have gone through…, it wont leave my head; I can’t stop thinking about it all…, about the moments I thought I wouldn’t survive, I keep thinking of him…, ‘George’ and what he did, things that happened in Italy with you…, I keep thinking of ‘Us’ and I…, I am not sure what to believe…, I am lost”
Morgan retained his expression of understanding; he understood, and his eyes never left hers “You’re not sure if you can trust me” he said; his voice hinting at sadness, but also understanding
“I want too…, I want…” Cathryn broke eye contact, looking down, wiping her eyes “I want to believe you…, I want to trust you; but I keep thinking about everything that has happened…, not just you…, like I said; George too….” Her words displayed desperation as her body shook
Morgan thought carefully; his face displayed deep regret – shifting his position, he kneeled down onto the floor and off of the bed, now directly in front of her, his hands gently cupping her face, his thumbs stroking her cheeks “I know I have hurt you” he said, his voice barely above a whisper “I know I made mistakes; and I know, despite those changes you yourself see, that these scars run deep, and I don’t expect you to just change at the snap of a finger or forget everything that’s happened to you”
As he spoke; Cathryn acknowledge the softness in his voice, she felt a sense of calm as his thumbs gently stroked her cheeks, she simple stared into his eyes, searching for signs of deception; but all she saw was sincerity.
It was then he did something that took her by surprise as he straightened up, rising to his feet and moving from her; she watched him carefully, a hint of confusion present – Morgan retrieved a knife, Cathryn’s eyes widened as he brought it over and placed it into her hands – his actions were gentle, yet also firm.
Kneeling back down in front of her; he guided her now trembling hand up; placing the knife against his own throat “If ever you feel you can’t trust me” he said; his voice soft “If ever you feel I am threatening you, that I am not being honest with you, use it”
Cathryn’s stared at him – the words hung in the air as she just froze up, his words were soft and gentle despite the blade being against his throat.
“I would rather you end my life if you feel threatened; will accept it, without regret; I have hurt you, and I know I have; and I am willing to do anything to make this right, it wont be done overnight, it might take years, but I am committed to everything I have told you Cathryn, to make things right” his voice was soft, filled with conviction
Slowly, Cathryn moved the knife away, her hand trembling; Morgan’s eyes never left hers, his gaze was filled with a deep understanding, Cathryn, slowly placed the knife down before moving her hand to his face, her fingers gently tracing the lines of his jaw “Do…, do you love me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper
Morgan’s response was immediate; no hesitation present “Yes; I love you Cathryn” he told her, his voice was filled with that same conviction “I love you regardless of the difference in our age, regardless of the past or present, or even the future; and as I have said the other day; I will help you find and reunite you with your daughters”
As he spoke; Cathryn felt a wave of emotion – she had never heard anyone tell her those words an mean them; Morgan’s declaration was like a breath of fresh air filling her with a sense of hope “May I kiss you?”
Cathryn’s response was simply a silent nod; a profound gesture – Morgan shifting leaned close, his lips brushing against her lips as he kissed her, it was a gentle, intimate touch that sent a shiver down Cathryn’s spine, she could feel the softness and warmth of his lips; the world simply melted away leaving just the two of them lost in the moment.
The two eased onto the bed; Cathryn’s arms snaking there way around Morgan’s neck as she drew him closer, taking positions onto the bed as she deepened their kissing.
In that moment, Cathryn had finally found something she wanted for so long; all that she needed now, was to simply reunite with her daughters.
Written By: Westley H.
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