Smoldered Flames: Part I of the Edonia Series
Epilogue

Helena

The Bloodvenom Warriors and their Alpha tumble down… down… down into the chasmic beyond. The portal is like cool oozing liquid over the skin. Helena’s stomach does a flip and she almost vomits at the sensation. Soon, everyone somersaults into a world of green. Bedford stone mansion with multiple guest houses dot the earth in the near distance.

“Ouch!” someone shouts. Glancing over, Helena sees Beta Jacques rubbing his tailbone.

“You got that right,” she barks a laugh. “That will never get old.”

“Nice of you to finally join us, Alpha. How many times must we save your ass again?” someone else grumbles. Fucking Lotus.

Helena rises to her feet, giving a mock glare at my Delta. “Now that’s no way to speak to your betters. Last time I remember, I had to rescue you from that damned succubus. She had you by your balls! Literally!” laughter rings out, bringing a grin to her lips.

She waits for the noise to die down. “I need healers stat! We have several who need to be tended to.” Helena turns to Jacques. “Have the omegas ready the available guest houses, and please gather the pack for a meeting tonight.” They nod once and get to action.

***

The luminous moon paves its way into the windows of the Packhouse. An odd assortment of couches and chairs allow the pack to be relaxed and comfortable. Alpha Helena stands in the middle of the room, waiting for the remainder of her pack.

“Now that we are all here, I’m sure you guys are aware of more hybrids in the territory.” a few mumble agreements. “I’ve met the Spirit Custodian, and we have work to do.”

“Do you mean…” a fox-witch shifter begins.

“That the prophecy is actually true?” Helena finishes, directing her attention to her Beta. “We need to double up training. Mothers and children are to learn the basic forms of defense-in their home, their persons, and likewise.” She faces her delta, and he straightens his shoulders in preparation. “Round up all of your squad and reinforce the borders, homes, and businesses in Hy-Brasil.” Alpha Helena turns her attention back to her pack, elation filling her heart. “I need all hands on deck. If you would like a get-out-free card, now’s your chance. No one will attack you-verbally or otherwise-, no one will guilt trip you. We will supply a small boat to leave the islands if needed.”

She waits a few minutes. No one raises a hand to leave. No one shouts out their fear or objects. They knew what was coming long before the mainland dwellers heard wind of it. Thanks to Helena. The Bloodvenom Warriors give various indications of agreement. She releases a small breath of relief.

“This meeting has reached its end. May your hearts burn honest and true. May your fiery spirits be blessed by Adramalach’s temper.”

War cries echo against the old walls of the Packhouse. I’ve got to remodel this building. Gods’ forbid it caves in, Helena snorts to herself.

The last of the pack members filter out. She sighs with slight relief, shaking away the trauma threatening to brim over. She looks down at her hands when the smell of brimstone wafts in her nose. The beginnings of fire appear in her hands. When she plummeted to earth like some fallen angel, it felt like floodgates had finally broken down. But now a hellish beast dwells within. A wrathful tiger clawing for vengeance. I’ve got to find a way to leash that. That could be a hazard to those around me. Especially with these warring emotions.

She wanders up the stairs leading to a few rooms. The master suite is decadent with a California king sized bed, creamy white and gold bedding with a matching throw at the end. Tall windows with sheer blinds allow natural light to spill into the room. Embroidered chest-of-drawers, vanity mirror, and a small night stand decorate the room. Two doors lead to other parts of the suite, but her eyes wander to the old brown leather drawstring lying on the bed.

A force pulls Helena forward, drawing her near the bag. Her hands move on their own accord, dumping its contents until a small stygian-hued egg tumbles out. Well hello, little one. I forgot all about you.

A high pitched shriek makes the hair at the nape of her neck stand on end. Helena picks up the smooth object and shockwaves shoot up and down her spine. Flames spread out in the room, but she and the egg are unharmed.

Crack… croak.

Crack, crack… warble.

The pitch black, gold and magenta shell breaks. Small hellish orbs peer back at me. A mixture of a purr and a hiss forces a smile from me. Feisty aren’t we? A presence in the back of my mind chirps in harmony with that thought.

“Helena?” I snap my head around at the sound of my name. Beta Jacques stands at the doorframe, shock forming on his face.

“She did say to find my Cohort. I guess he was here all along.” I laugh deliriously.

So it begins.

**************

Cimmerian skies grow heavy with impending rain. Skeletal crows shriek out warning calls as a small wooden carriage rolls under a stone bridge. Its rickety wheels awaken two prisoners from their slumber. Guards take hold of them, dragging them around like ragdolls.

The prisoners are too dazed to complain. Their listless eyes take in the gloom around them. A gothic castle stands tall in all its inkish glory. Turrets jut out, with smaller, high towers competing for the heavens. Archers stationed in the arrow loops, armed and ready for the smallest disturbance. Sentries glare down in disdain at the prisoners as they are practically carried inside the fortress’ walls.

There is no light here, only darkness. Stygian walls, stygian floors, leaving the average visitor with no hope. Every few steps antique sconces fill the unlight hallways with a little luminance. Soon, a giant wooden door stands at attention. Its dark oak holds many unidentifiable runes. The doors open, revealing an extravagant throne room. Archways consist of writhing emerald snakes weaving in and around them. Golden chalices litter the ground and bodies lay around showing a grand feast took place with salacious deserts. One prisoner wrinkles their nose as the smell of happy endings flows into their nasal.

“Ahh, thank you my lovely servants. Place our guests at my feet.” an airy voice says.

A seductress. Sex demon incarnate. Her femme fatale ways stir heatwaves in the core of women. Her alluring gaze can make the average joes cock stand at attention. With a blood red dress soaking into the buxom woman’s sensuous curves and ombre rich skin, leaves someone to beg for a taste between her legs. Her upturned bright gold eyes are captivating, but be careful they will steal your breath away. Or maybe your soul. Depending on her mood.

“I was wondering when you would return to me, pup.” She states, her long slender finger gently tapping the side of her face. “And you brought a friend! Such a good dog,” the woman coos.

Growls slip out from one of the prisoners, quickly followed by a grunt of pain as a guard kicks them in the gut.

The woman frowns. “Now, now that is no way to speak to your Mistress, is it?” she tuts. “All will be well, you will get your punishment soon.”

She turns her brilliant eyes to the other prisoner. “It seems I have another soul to cleanse.” Sighing dramatically she rises from her luxurious throne, stretching gracefully like a cat from a nap.

The second prisoner flinches. “Who.. who are you?” They whimper, sweat and exhaustion cover them from head to toe.

“Why haven’t you heard? I’m Luvana. Luvana the Scorned.”

And then the sands appeared. It swarms the second prisoner, chills set in as it consumes them in eternal darkness.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this story as much as I’ve written it! I’m currently going back to the drawing board for Book 2. It may take a while so bare with me please:)

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