Part of me was burning with excitement, the other more than a little afraid. Was I safe? Was this an elaborate ploy on Viyesha’s part to lure me to my death? Would Aquila and Pantera be waiting for me in the upper room to finish me off quickly and silently? Would the crystal be the cause of my demise?
It was too late to go back, I was committed to this course of action, whatever the consequences. And I had to know what the crystal looked like and what the process involved.
I looked along the corridor, remembering my previous visit, wondering if Viyesha had any idea I’d been present at the Blue Moon Ball. If she did, she said nothing, and continued walking ahead. Then we were at the foot of the stone spiral stairway leading up into the Clock Tower. Viyesha turned.
“Are you sure, Emily? With knowledge comes power, but also danger. You are stepping over a threshold from which there is no return.”
“What do you mean?” I faltered.
“Once you have seen the crystal and know of its power, you will become a real and tangible threat to The Lunari. At this moment in time, if you choose to walk away, there is still a chance I can save you. But once you have looked upon the crystal, you will have no choice. You must join us or The Lunari will destroy you. I will not be able to save you.”
I swallowed. “I understand, Viyesha, but I have to see it. I have to know.”
“Very well,” she said, and turned to climb the stone stairs. Then she stopped, turned to me and said, “Emily, I have to ask. Have you told anybody what is going on here. Your school friends, your mother?”
“No,” I said instinctively, “of course not.” I laughed nervously. “I don’t think they’d believe me anyway, the whole thing is so…….” I was going to say preposterous, but realised how insulting that would sound. “So unbelievable,” I said.
I thought back to what I’d told Seth and Tash. Although I’d told them what was going on, I’d recanted and made a joke of it. The question was whether they believed me. They had their suspicions, I knew, but would they come looking for answers, just as I had, or would I be able to convince them that all was well and I’d just been paranoid?
“Please, Viyesha, you have nothing to fear.”
“I hope so, because The Lunari would not think twice about eliminating extraneous threats. It would look like an accident, of course. They never leave a trail.”
For a second, I wavered. If I thought for a moment I was placing my friends or family in danger, I could not go on. But what did they know? Nothing tangible. Just a silly hocus-pocus story.
“Lead on, Viyesha, I need to see the crystal.” I spoke clearly and confidently, my words providing a cover for my beating heart and dry mouth.
We carried on climbing the spiral stairway, higher and higher, up into the Clock Tower, until an ornately carved, heavy oak door, with a huge iron keyhole, blocked our way. Viyesha removed a loose brick to one side of the doorway and took out a large iron key. She placed it in the lock, slowly turned it and pushed the door open.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was disappointed. It was an empty, hexagonal room, with long thin windows on every alternate wall. The walls were made from the same honey-coloured Cotswold stone as the rest of Hartswell Hall and a vaulted ceiling rose above us, creating light and space. Sunshine flooded in, giving the room a warm, bright, welcoming feel and the only thing of any interest that I could see was a series of strange blue and green markings etched into the smooth, worn floorboards in the centre of the room.
“Oh,” I said, taken aback. “Is this it?”
“This is it,” said Viyesha, laughing at my confusion. “What were you expecting, Emily?”
“Well, the flames of eternal youth, a big blue fire, I suppose.”
“It looks very different at the time of the Blue Moon, I assure you, but for now, there isn’t a great deal to see.”
“But the crystal, where is it?” I asked.
“All in good time,” said Viyesha. “Wait here.”
She walked to one side of the hexagonal room, and loosened another brick in the wall, which she placed on the floor. Behind it was a lever, which she turned. As she did so, a portion of the wall slid to one side, revealing a small stone alcove in which stood a silver casket, less than a foot long and decorated with ancient symbols.
She carefully took it out, warning me as she did so, “Remember not to step over the threshold, Emily. The power in this room is still great and I cannot vouch for its effects. Stay where you are and observe. If the light becomes too bright for your eyes, look away and I will place the crystal back in the casket.”
My heart was in my mouth as I watched Viyesha place the casket on the floor to one side of the hieroglyphics and open the lid. Immediately, the most brilliant blue light filled the room. I leaned forward to see better and there, nestling inside the casket was a large blue crystal, its many facets glinting and shining so brightly, I could hardly look at it.
“Avert your gaze if the light is too strong,” advised Viyesha. “People have been blinded by looking at the crystal too long.”
I did as she bid, looking to one side of the casket, but still mesmerised by the blue dancing light that shone around the room.
“It’s beautiful,” I gasped. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” I felt the crystal around my neck glowing, giving off warmth, as if in tune with the larger crystal.
I watched Viyesha through half lidded eyes, as she picked the crystal up. Brilliant blue light engulfed her hands and her arms, running in rivulets of energy up to her shoulders. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, absorbing the crystal’s energy into her being.
“Its power is waning,” said Viyesha. “A residual energy remains, but not enough to reenergise and rejuvenate us, although enough to do you serious harm, Emily. You wouldn’t last two minutes.”
Gently, she placed the crystal back into the casket and closed the lid.
“That’s enough, Emily, I cannot risk you seeing more.”
At once the room seemed dark and flat and I felt the most intense disappointment, as if my body were being denied an essential nutrient, making me feel negative and irritable.
“Once you’ve experienced the power, you want more,” explained Viyesha, “but more would kill you. It’s like the most powerful drug, overcoming rational thought and possessing you with desire. What you are experiencing now are withdrawal symptoms, which will fade as your etheric body stabilises. Perhaps now you understand a little of the crystal’s power. In the wrong hands, it would be destructive force, which is why we guard it with our lives.”
“Thank you, Viyesha,” I whispered, “thank you for showing me. Tell me, what are the markings on the floor? Are they to do with the crystal?”
“They are the coordinates that unlock the crystal’s power,” she said. “Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs aligned with the natural magnetic lines of the earth. When the crystal is placed within their circle, at the time of the Blue moon, they act like a nuclear reactor releasing the crystal’s full power. Its light becomes intense, filling the entire room, enabling us to bathe in it and absorb its energy.”
She picked up the casket and placed it in the alcove, then moved the lever back into the upright position, triggering the wall panel to slide into place. She replaced the loose brick, then walked back around the room to where I stood.
“Now do you understand why you would not survive the crystal at the time of the Blue Moon?” she asked. “An ordinary full moon would be sufficient, and even that may be too much for you. That is the gamble we are asking you to take, and to which Theo is so violently opposed.”
“Yes, I understand,” I said, thinking of Theo and longing to be with him, imagining occasions in the future when we could bathe together in the crystal’s light, feeling its power simultaneously. It was a powerful image and I quickly pushed it from my mind.
“Surely the crystal needs protecting, Viyesha,” I said. “Couldn’t anyone come in and take it?”
“Oh believe me, if anyone other than us were to touch the crystal, the guardians would know about it,” she replied. “They’d be here in an instant.”
Viyesha tensed suddenly, her senses on high alert. “We must go,” she said urgently, “things are happening.”
“What things?” I asked, confused. “How do you know?”
“The Lunari are coming,” she said, closing her eyes. “I feel their presence drawing close. Come, we must hurry.”
She quickly stepped over the threshold of the hexagonal room, closed the oak door and turned the key in the lock. I watched her place it behind the loose brick, then followed her down the spiral staircase, hardly daring to think what lay ahead.
31. Attack II
As we came down the central stairway, we found Theo, Violet and Joseph in the reception area, waiting for Viyesha. They looked tense and ill at ease.
Aquila stood in the background, surly and menacing as ever, and I carefully avoided his gaze. Pantera stood by his side, her face impassive and impossible to read.
“They’ve arrived,” said Theo in a flat voice. “Flew in to Birmingham Airport in a private jet just minutes ago. We should go to meet them.”
“Agreed,” said Viyesha. “We’ll take the limousine. We need to talk to them, appraise them of the situation before they arrive at Hartswell Hall. It’s too bad Leon isn’t here.”
“Where is he?” I asked.
“He had a business meeting,” said Viyesha. “He should be back by now, but we can’t delay. I’ll call him from the car and ask him to meet us at the airport.”
She paused, then quietly gave her orders.
“Aquila, bring the limousine to the front door. Joseph and Theo, come with me. Violet, stay on reception, it’s business as usual for our guests. Pantera, continue to organise the champagne reception for the Plastic Surgeons.”
She addressed me. “Emily, soon it will be time for you to meet The Lunari. Please, wait in the ballroom and don’t come out until I summon you. That is most important. Do you understand?”
I nodded, not trusting my voice to speak.
“Let me stay with Emily, mother,” pleaded Theo. “I can’t leave her alone. She needs me with her.”
“No, Theo.” Viyesha was firm. “I need you with me. We have to face The Lunari together. Come, we have delayed long enough. We must go.”
I hadn’t seen Aquila leave, but already the limousine was drawing up outside the front door. Viyesha hurried out, followed by Joseph, who turned and winked at me as he went. For a split second, Theo held me in his arms, speaking to me softly. “Do as my mother says, Emily. Go into the ballroom and wait there. Don’t come out until she tells you. Whatever happens, remember I love you.”
Then he was gone and the limousine was speeding down the drive, wheels spinning and gravel flying.
I turned to Violet.
“This is it,” I said, shakily.
She smiled. “It’ll be fine, Emily, don’t worry. My mother’s in control. You have nothing to fear from The Lunari.”
There was a snort from Pantera, who still stood at one side of the reception area, observing me closely.
“You have everything to fear from The Lunari,” she spat at me. “They can extinguish you like a flame on a candle if they so wish. Enjoy what remaining time you have.”
With a look of scorn and derision, she brushed past me and disappeared down the corridor, leaving the air churning behind her.
I looked in panic at Violet.
“Ignore her. Just do as my mother says, Emily,” she said quickly. “Go into the ballroom, and stay there until she returns.”
Needing no further prompting, I let myself in to the ballroom. I shut the double doors firmly behind me, and leant against the doorframe, trying to calm my rising panic. Inside, all appeared normal. The large purple sofas were soft and inviting, sunlight streamed in through the windows and sunbeams played games on the glass facets of the chandelier. The pleated drapes, modern art and contemporary colour scheme was as fashionable and chic as you could wish for, creating an air of luxury that was a million years away from a world of secret societies, age-old beings and eternal youth.
I moved quickly to one of the sofas and sat down, pulling a large cushion on to my lap and holding it tightly. Instinct told me to get out of Hartswell Hall while I still could and run to the safety of my home, but I knew that would only give me temporary respite. I had helped to create this situation. There had been enough opportunities to walk away, and every time I’d forged ahead, all too aware of doors closing irrevocably behind me. Now I had to face the strange world that had become my reality and hope I was strong enough to survive it.
My cell phone pinged suddenly, making me jump, and I saw that a text message had come through. Quickly, I scrolled down. It was from Tash:
Seth & I worried bout u. Ur mum says u r @ Hall.
On the way. One 4 all, etc. xxxx
This was not what I needed right now. I appreciated their concern and they obviously thought they were helping, but this was a misplaced rescue mission. They were out of their depth and this could have serious repercussions if they arrived at the wrong time. More than anything, I didn’t want to place my friends in danger. If they rushed in just as The Lunari were arriving, who knows what might happen? Like it or not, I was on my own and I had to put them off. I quickly texted Tash, trying to sound as normal as possible:
Thnx 4 ur concern, all ok. Having quiet afternoon with Theo.
Get my drift? I need space, dudes. c u Monday. xxx
I pressed SEND, then stared aghast, as my message refused to send. What was going on? My phone pinged again and the ‘low battery’ message filled the screen. No, I screamed silently. Not now. This was the worst possible timing. I pressed SEND again, but it refused to go. Now I had a real situation on my hands. All I could hope was that Seth and Tash turned up before The Lunari arrived and I could persuade them to go.
I went to the ballroom door, opened it and looked out. Violet was still there, manning reception.
“Violet,” I whispered.
She looked up, eyes wide with anxiety. “What?”
“We have a situation. Seth and Tash are on their way. I have to head them off but I can’t get in touch with them. My phone has a flat battery. I can’t let them arrive at the same time as The Lunari. And I can’t let Pantera see them. Heaven knows what she would do.”
“Do you want to use this phone?” she asked, indicating the reception system.
“Yes, good thinking.” I started to cross the reception area, then froze in my tracks, as I saw two familiar figures walking up the driveway.
“It’s too late, they’re coming. They must have texted from the driveway. What can I do?” My mind raced and went blank.
Violet took control.
“They have no idea of the danger they’re walking into. We have to get them out of here before the Lunari arrive. Go back into the ballroom and I’ll send them into you. Persuade them everything is okay and get them to leave as quickly as possible, preferably by the French windows. While you do that, I’ll divert Pantera’s attention.”
“Okay, good plan,” I said, trying to calm the panic rising within me.
I stepped back into the ballroom, closed the door and went to sit once again on one of the large sofas.
“Just the person I want to see, Emily Morgan,” said a voice from the far side of the room.
Startled, I turned to find a glamorous young woman, wearing a body-hugging cat suit that emphasised her impressive curves, emerging from behind the long aubergine drapes. I recognised her from television. It was the glamour model, Kimberley Chartreuse, and she held a gun in her hand.
“What are you doing?” I asked, not understanding how she knew my name and why she was in the ballroom, let alone pointing a gun at me.
“That’s a pretty crystal you’re wearing,” she said, moving forward.
“What do you mean?” I as
ked.
Instinctively, my hand went to the crystal around my neck. Even if I tried to summon Theo, I knew he couldn’t come, and I was all too aware that Seth and Tash could walk into the ballroom at any moment. This was not good timing.
Kimberley fixed her gaze on me disparagingly, opening wide her huge kohled eyes with their bat wing eyelash extensions, and let out a deep sigh of exasperation through her overly large shiny red lips.
“Quit the dippy chick routine, Emily,” she said in exasperation. “Let’s cut to the chase. I know about the crystals the de Lucis family wear around their necks… how they have youth-giving properties that have kept them young for years. What I didn’t realise was that you wore one as well, which makes my life so much easier. I thought I was going to have to take you hostage and trade you for a crystal. But here you are, alone and unprotected, wearing a crystal necklace. What was the family thinking of? Now, take it off and give it to me.”
My mind began working overtime. She obviously didn’t know about the large blue crystal in the Clock Tower. That was good. But if she took my crystal, I’d be unprotected, and that was dangerous. On the other hand, I needed to get rid of her as quickly as possible.
As I considered my options, I heard voices outside the ballroom door and saw the handle turn. Quick as a flash, Kimberley slid back behind the curtains, hissing at me, “Act normal. Remember, I have a gun pointing at you.”
The door opened, and Violet showed Seth and Tash into the room.
“Here’s Emily,” she said in a bright voice. “You see, everything’s fine. She’s just waiting for Theo.”
“Hi guys,” I waved at them, trying to sound normal, willing Violet to see the panic in my eyes. She didn’t.
“I’ll go and see if Pantera needs any help with the conference,” she said in the same bright voice, and left the ballroom, closing the door behind her.
“Are you alright, Emily?” asked Tash, stepping forward.
“We were worried,” explained Seth.
“Yeah, I’m fine, I tried to text you, but the battery in my phone was flat…” I started to say, but a voice from behind the curtain interrupted me.
“Shut up, Emily, and take off your necklace.” Kimberley Chartreuse emerged from behind the curtain, moving forward and pointing her gun at my head.
“OMG, you’re Kimberley Chartreuse. I’ve seen your reality show on TV,” said Tash in an awestruck voice.
“Cool,” said Seth, eyeing her up and down.
This was clearly not what they were expecting.
“Shut it, both of you,” said Kimberley. “Can’t you see I have a gun pointing at your friend’s head?”
“It’s okay, guys, don’t panic,” I said, sounding more cheerful than I felt.
“Who’s panicking? I’m not,” said Seth.
“Typical,” said Tash, rolling her eyes.
“Cheers, guys,” I said, disdainfully. “So much for rescuing me.”
“Why d’you want the necklace anyway?” Seth addressed Kimberley. “Oh, I get it, you think the crystal has magical properties or something like that. ”
“Be quiet, all of you. Take off the necklace, Emily, and give it to me,” demanded Kimberley.
“I can’t,” I said truthfully.
“I don’t think you understand how serious I am, Emily,” said Kimberley. “I want that crystal.”
“No, I mean, really I can’t. It has no clasp. The chain is sealed around my neck. See?” I held up my hair to show her.
Kimberley laughed. “Removing a necklace is simple when you come prepared.”
As she spoke, she took a small pair of stainless steel wire cutters from her pocket and cut through the silver chain. My necklace fell into her open palm and she wrapped her fingers around it. Immediately, I felt depleted and empty, and an intense weariness filled my being. In the same split second, Kimberley shrieked and threw down the crystal.
“What is this?” she cried out. “It’s just burnt me.” She looked at her hand and there on her palm was a red, raw burn mark.
Tash watched horrified, but Seth was enjoying himself immensely.
“I don’t think it likes you, Kimberley,” he said, grinning widely.
“Seth,” I said in a warning voice, but he was on a roll.
“If that’s what the small crystal does to you, I don’t rate your chances with the big one.” Kimberley stared at him, taking in the implication of his words.
“So, this isn’t the one I want,” she said, picking up my crystal necklace with a small silk handkerchief and holding it up. “Turns out there’s a big crystal.”
“It’s only make believe…” began Seth, then saw my expression. His eyes widened.
“OMG, it's true,” said Tash, “that story you told us…”
“I think you’d better take me to the big crystal, Emily,” said Kimberley, placing my necklace in her pocket and moving swiftly across the room. She pointed the gun at Tash.
“Emily,” said Tash in a shrill voice, “tell her where the big crystal is, for heaven’s sake.”
“I can’t,” I said, feeling faint and cold. “It’s too dangerous.”
And not just for you, I thought silently. If The Lunari find us with the crystal, they’ll kill us all. Unless Pantera gets there first. I stared, not knowing what to do. The situation had suddenly become critical. Now my friends were in real danger.
“Take me to the crystal or Ginger gets it,” said Kimberley, raising the gun to Tash’s head.
“I am so not ginger,” said Tash faintly. “I’m a redhead.”
“She hates the word ginger even more than being held at gunpoint,” said Seth.
“Shut up, both of you,” said Kimberley in a low voice, “this is no joke.” She clicked the safety catch off the gun. “I will use this if I have to.”
“Emily, do something,” said Tash, her voice trembling.
“Okay. Let them go and I’ll show you the crystal,” I bargained.
“D’you think I’m a fool?” asked Kimberley, in a steely voice. “They’re my collateral. They’re coming with us. Now, show me where the crystal is, Emily.”
A vague plan formed in my mind. It was crazy and dangerous, but it was all I had. “Alright. I’ll show you where the crystal is, Kimberley, but we have to hurry. The family will be back soon.”
Kimberley gestured to Seth to move in front of Tash.
“Let’s go,” she instructed, “and don’t try anything stupid.”
Slowly, I opened the ballroom double doors, praying that Violet would be standing at the reception desk, but the area was empty and she was nowhere to be seen. If only I had my necklace. I felt horribly vulnerable without it.
“Up the stairs,” I informed Kimberley.
“Good girl,” she said patronisingly. “Just keep going and your friends won’t get hurt.”
We climbed the stairs and reached the central landing, Seth following me, and Kimberley bringing up the rear, jabbing the gun into Tash’s back.
“Now where?” asked Kimberley.
“To the left.”
“Come on, Emily, move it. I need to find this crystal quickly. I don’t want your precious family spoiling my plans.” She jabbed the gun into Tash’s head to make her point.
“Please don’t screw up, Emily,” said Tash, tears in her eyes, “I don’t want to die.”
“You won’t,” I assured her. “Everything will be fine.”
“What plans are they, Kimberley?” asked Seth, conversationally, as if they were talking over coffee. I had to admire him. He was very cool.
She laughed. “To be young and beautiful for ever, of course. Have you any idea what I go through to look like this? Botox, collagen, hair extensions, nail extensions, teeth veneers…. It’s a full time bloody job. I’ve been snipped, tucked, lifted, stretched, trimmed and filled, but I can’t hold back time. I need a more permanent solution.”
“Crikey,” said Seth, “and I thought my life was tough.
”
By now we’d reached the stairway leading to the old servants’ quarters. We climbed the steps and then we were walking along the upper passageway, our feet sinking into the deep blue carpet. Then the spiral staircase was ahead of us. I began to climb, my heart racing, with Seth, Tash and Kimberley following. Would my plan work? Would the family stay away long enough for Seth and Tash to escape? Would Pantera sense someone entering the Clock Tower room? I prayed I wasn’t leading us all to a violent death. I just needed a few more minutes. We reached the old oak door with its carved symbols and huge iron keyhole.
“We’re here, Kimberley,” I said. “This is where you let me and my friends go. I’ll show you where the crystal is, but I’m not going into the room. It’s too risky.”
“Open the door,” she instructed, “I want to see what’s inside.”
Quickly, I pulled back the loose brick and took out the key, placing it in the keyhole. It turned smoothly and then the door was opening and we were on the threshold of the Clock Tower room.
“Where’s the crystal?” demanded Kimberly, unable to hide her disappointment at finding an empty room.
“Over there,” I pointed to the far wall. “There’s a secret panel with a casket behind it.”
“Get it out,” she instructed.
I hovered on the threshold, Viyesha’s words fresh in my head. Seth and Tash watched, wide-eyed.
“This is as far as I come, Kimberley. The room has been attuned and isn’t safe. I’m not stepping over the threshold. If you want the crystal, it's over there. Now, let us go.”
“I don’t think so, Emily. Get the casket out. Now!” She held the gun against Tash’s temple. “If you value your friend’s life, you’ll step into the room.”
“Please, Emily,” said Tash faintly.
This wasn’t part of my plan, but I had no choice. Closing my eyes, I stepped into the room. Nothing happened. No strange feelings and no sudden ageing. I was okay. Slowly, I walked over to the loose brick and pulled it out, revealing the lever. As Viyesha had done, I moved it to the right, and, as before, a panel in the wall opened, revealing the secret alcove containing the silver casket.
“Wow,” whistled Seth. “That is cool.”
“So much for the room not being safe, Emily,” scoffed Kimberley. “A nice ruse but I’m not buying it. Now pick up the casket and place it in the centre of the room.”
With shaking hands, I lifted it out, and placed it amidst the hieroglyphics. Kimberley watched as the ancient symbols started to glow, and the faint, inky blue and green became bright and effervescent. I was in unchartered territory now. Viyesha had kept the crystal away from the hieroglyphics, so I had no idea what would happen. She’d said they would act like a nuclear reactor, triggering its power, so I assumed I was about to see the crystal in all its post-Blue Moon glory, and was all too horribly aware what that signified for me.
“Open the casket,” said Kimberley, standing in the doorway, her eyes full of anticipation and wonder. This was what she’d been searching for, the answer to her prayers, eternal youth within her grasp. She had no idea of the crystal’s destructive power.
“I can’t,” I said. “The crystal is too powerful. I don’t know what it will do.”
“If you won’t, Ginger will,” said Kimberley, pushing Tash into the room.
“Emily, don’t make me do this,” sobbed Tash. “I don't want to go near the crystal. I just want to go home.”
I looked at Tash and at Kimberley. If I opened the casket, this could be the end for me. But what choice did I have?
While I procrastinated, Seth grabbed the opportunity.
“I’ll do it,” he said, stepping forward, in a misplaced attempt to play the hero.
While I admired his bravery, I couldn’t let him. He had no idea of the consequences and, as he went to open the casket, I snatched it out of his reach.
“No, Seth, you can’t. Get back! You don’t know the stakes you’re playing with. I’ll do it. Everyone get out of the room.”
Looking surprised at my tone of voice, Seth backed away.
“I mean it,” I said. “Every one, step back over the threshold. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Kimberley gestured for Seth and Tash to fall back, and they all stood in the doorway, watching me silently.
I said a prayer, placed the casket on the floor and slowly lifted the lid. Immediately, the room was filled with a brilliant blue light. The crystal sparkled and shone, bright blue veins of pulsing energy running along its facets, spilling out of the casket and onto the floorboards.
“Oh my God,” whispered Kimberly, completely awestruck. “It’s beautiful. I had no idea. I can feel the energy. It’s already making me feel young.”
“OMG, that is amazing,” said Tash.
“Yowza wowza,” said Seth. “Look at that!”
Blue light filled the room and, despite the danger, I felt an overwhelming sense of wellbeing and love as I looked at the crystal.
“Pick it up,” instructed Kimberley.
Aware that this really could be the last thing I did, I placed my fingers around the crystal’s cold, hard surface and felt its warm light travelling up my arm, energising and rejuvenating. Slowly, I picked it up and held it in the palm of my hand, blue shards of energy pulsing around me. I felt amazing, invincible and strong, as though a powerful drug was pulsing through my veins.
“Dangerous my foot!” exclaimed Kimberley. “You just want eternal youth for yourself. Let me have it.”
She dropped the gun and, pushing Seth and Tash out of the way, darted towards the crystal, her eyes glinting with desire, the blue light flickering in her face. She smiled at me as her fingers closed around the crystal and then it was in her hand, and the blue flames were running up her arm, pulsing all round her body, consuming her in a living blue light.
I turned to Seth and Tash.
“For God’s sake, get out of here now! Before the family gets back or Pantera comes. She can’t know you’ve seen the crystal.”
“Not without you, Emily,” said Tash, firmly.
“We’re not leaving unless you come with us,” said Seth.
I could see they were determined, but they had no idea of the danger they were in. I had to act quickly if I were to save my friends.
“Okay,” I said, thinking fast, “there’s a door at the bottom of the Clock Tower leading to the gardens. We’ll use that. Let’s go.”
I just hoped Joseph had replaced the warped, swollen door. If not, we were dead, because by now, I knew Pantera would be on her way. Quickly, we ran down the spiral steps, Seth and Tash leading the way.
“Don’t take the corridor,” I instructed. “Keep going down.”
It seemed to take forever, going round and round, down and down the spiral staircase, until finally we reached the ground floor. I looked around. We were in a small dark empty chamber and there to one side was the door, thankfully replaced with new timber, a metal key in the keyhole.
“This way,” I said, running to the door and turning the key. The door swung outwards, sunlight pouring in, and I opened it wide for Seth and Tash. I let them believe I was coming with them, following them outside and saying, “Over there to the circular fountain, there’s a pathway that leads to the church.” Then, at the last minute, I stepped back in, closed the door behind me and turned the key.
“Emily, what are you doing?” cried Seth, turning and hammering on the door.
“Come out, Emily, don’t be stupid,” called Tash.
“Sorry guys,” I called from behind the door, “I have to go back. I can’t come with you. Take the path to the church and you’ll be safe. I have to see Theo. I’ll see you in college on Monday and I’ll explain everything.”
I left them calling and hammering on the door, and prayed I was doing the right thing.
As fast as I could, I ran back up the spiral staircase, up to the Clock Tower room, not knowing what I would find.
&n
bsp; Breathless, I arrived and stared at the sight before me. Kimberley was standing in the centre of the room, bathed in blue light, the crystal still in her hand, rivulets of blue energy covering her body in a criss-cross network. She looked radiant, her skin glowing and translucent, her eyes shining and bright. I knew what she was feeling. That over-powering sensation of wellbeing and euphoria, as if you could do anything, take on the world.
Then, slowly her face began to change and I saw a startled, uncomprehending look pass over her features. Before she could speak, there was a popping sound as her lips burst and collagen oozed down her chin. The veneers in her mouth dropped like peas from a pod, revealing blackened stumps beneath, and her hair became wispy and grey, the long extensions dropping to the floor like freshly cut corn. Her skin began to droop and sag, hanging on her bones like rags on a tree, and her body began to stoop and shrink, her catsuit too large for her wizened frame. With a horrible smacking sound, her breast implants fell to the floor, simply too large for the shrunken creature she’d become.
“No,” she screamed, in a harsh, rasping voice, looking at the wrinkled, mottled skin on her arms. “What’s happening? I want to stay young.” She threw the crystal onto the floor and backed towards the wall.
“Stop it happening,” she croaked at me, “reverse the process.”
I stared at her aghast. “I can’t. I’m sorry. I tried to warn you. The crystal’s just too powerful.”
Her back was up against the window and I could hardly bear to look at the grotesque creature she’d become. She seemed to crumple and shrink before my eyes, her skin drying out like old parchment, shrinking and splitting to reveal the skeleton beneath. I turned away, unable to watch this premature death and decomposition. It was horrible but at least the demise of Kimberly Chartreuse was quick. Within seconds, she was nothing more than a heap of bones, and then even the bones began to disintegrate, turning into a pile of fine grey dust. What normally took thousands of years had occurred in less than a minute.
I slumped back against the cold stone wall of the Clock Tower, stunned and shocked, the thought running through my head, “That could have been me”.
If I thought the ordeal was over, however, I was wrong.
The crystal lay in the centre of the room, blue and pulsing, the energy radiating outwards.
Although I didn’t hear anything, I was aware of something above my head and slowly looked up. There above me, nestled into the wooden struts that formed the room’s arched roof was a malevolent black entity. It hung, like an ominous black bat, two glistening eyes watching all that had happened. I tried to scream, but the sound died in my throat and I was aware of a terrible chill emanating from the creature. I pushed myself closer into the wall, wondering if I could make it to the door or whether I should try to put the crystal back in the casket.
This, I knew, was one of the Dark Ones that Theo had mentioned, dark matter that sought human form, its only means of achieving its goal the crystal that lay before me. What was it Theo had said? This was the threat the Guardians took seriously, the dark force they thought they’d destroyed that night in the fields. Clearly, they hadn’t been successful, and a stray had somehow found its way to the crystal. When I opened the door, I must have inadvertently let it in.
Instinctively, I put my hand to my neck, expecting to find my crystal there. Then I remembered. Kimberley had taken it. So where was it now? I looked over to the pile of dust at the far side of the room, and there, twinkling and shining amidst the remains of Kimberley Chartreuse, lay my crystal with its silver chain.
With a gasp, I dived for it, my fingers delving into the dust and clasping the crystal for all I was worth. At the same time, the entity dropped and I had the sensation of a black octopus landing over me, cold and clammy, fastening on to me and sucking out any positive thought. Never had I felt so negative, weak and utterly exposed. I tried to scream, but the blackness filled my mouth, suffocating and smothering, and as I fought to breathe, I realised the monster was sucking the breath out of me, pulling out my life force with deadly speed and precision.
Just as I felt I was slipping into unconsciousness, a blood-chilling, deep-throated roar filled the Clock Tower room, its reverberations echoing around me, and I felt the hideous black entity being ripped from my body. I was thrown to one side like a rag doll and lay, spent and exhausted, watching as another black shape, all sinewy muscle and gleaming fur, fell upon my attacker.
For what seemed like an age, but was in reality no more than a few seconds, the two forces did battle: one an amorphous black shadow, the other a magnificent black panther, with gleaming white teeth and savage yellow eyes. I cowered as I watched the panther sink its hooked claws into the black matter, tearing it apart with power and fury. A horrible screaming rent the air and within seconds the black entity was dead, ripped to shreds that fell to the floor like pieces of blackened, burnt rubber.
Instantly, they began to disintegrate, evaporating into the air until nothing remained.
Silently, the huge black cat watched, making sure no portion remained, then in front of my eyes, its sleek black form began to change. The fur retracted, its shape elongated upwards, and it began to take on human form. Suddenly, I was looking at Pantera, haughty, ruthless and condescending as ever.
“Pantera,” I gasped, “thank you…”
“Thank you for what?” she spat at me. “You think I did this for you? My job is to protect the crystal. Not you. If you didn’t have your protective necklace in your hand, I would have destroyed you as well. ” Her voice was full of hatred and dislike. She indicated the pile of dust on the floor that had once been Kimberley Chartreuse. “You and that harlot let this damned creature in. You had no right coming to this room. It is hallowed territory and you betrayed us.”
I gasped at her words. “No, Pantera. I would never betray you….”
“Silence! You should have gone the same way as her. Done us all a favour.”
“What kind of creature are you?” I asked her. “Do you have no compassion or feeling?”
“I am older and more powerful than you will ever be,” she hissed back at me.
Quickly, she picked up the pulsing blue crystal and placed it back inside the casket, closing the lid firmly. At once, the room became drab and monochrome, as if we were in an old black and white movie, and I felt a chill descend around me. She placed the casket into the alcove and moved the lever into the upright position, so the panel slid back into place. Then placing the loose brick into the wall, she turned to me and said in a cold, matter of fact voice, “Your death would be a blessing. You put the crystal at risk, which we cannot allow. Whatever the family’s wishes, your days are numbered. I personally will see to it.”
She turned to walk out of the room and nearly collided with Theo, moving rapidly up the stairs.
“Emily,” he shouted, running in to the room and seeing the dusty heap that had once been Kimberley. “What are you doing in here? Are you all right? Thank goodness Pantera was here to protect you.”
He pulled me to him and for a split second my eyes met Pantera’s over his shoulder. Her enmity and hatred sliced into me, then she was gone, disappearing down the spiral stairs. I clung to Theo, feeling his strong arms around me, providing a haven of safety and security. He saw Kimberley’s small black pistol, lying on the floor where she had thrown it, and held me tighter.
“Emily, what happened here today? I should never have left you.”
“I’m okay,” I said quietly. “Now you’re here, Theo, everything’s alright.”
But his next words brought a fresh chill to my heart and my newfound feeling of wellbeing was short lived.
“I’m sorry, Emily, we have no time,” he said gently. “The Lunari are downstairs and they want to meet you.”
32. The Lunari
Theo and I walked into the library. The curtains had been drawn and the light was dim.
The family sat at one side of the large polished
mahogany table, and I noticed Leon was back. As usual, Aquila and Pantera stood to one side, surly and aggressive. I made sure not to make eye contact with either of them. I needed my wits about me and would not let them intimidate me. Two empty chairs were placed at the table, between Violet and Joseph, and Theo and I sat in them. Opposite were three more empty places and I looked at Theo questioningly, but he shook his head, telling me not to speak.
We waited in silence for no more than a minute, then the library doors were flung open and three individuals, wearing long blue cloaks, entered the room. Each had the smooth even features of the de Lucis family and long blond hair. I guessed they were male, but their beauty was so intense, they could have passed for either gender. In a split second, my eyes took in the details: the dark glasses giving an air of intrigue and mystery, the ivory skin and cruel mouths, the exquisitely manicured hands, large jewelled rings and long fingernails tapering to sinister points.
They were sleek and deadly, like beautiful vipers.
As they moved into the room, everything began to ripple and change around me, as if in a dream sequence. The walls extended outwards and the wooden panelling became rough, dark stone, while the ceiling rose upwards into an inky blackness. Beneath my feet the floor became smooth and cold, and torch lanterns, placed at regular intervals along the walls, created sombre, dancing shadows, their flickering light revealing strange markings carved into the stone. Yet again, I noticed a circle crossed by an infinity symbol.
An eerie chill filled the air, making me shiver, and I realised we were in a stone chamber of cavernous proportions. The table at which we sat had also altered, changing into a huge oval of smooth black granite, lit from above by a large, wrought iron lantern, bearing hundreds of small burning candles, and suspended from the cavern roof by a heavy black chain. Our seats were immovable stone thrones, placed at regular intervals around the table, each made comfortable by cushions in thick, blue woven fabric.
The three creatures took their seats at the head of the table and the one in the centre began to speak, making my skin prickle and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“Good evening, every one. Good evening, Emily. Please forgive our indulgence, we do so prefer to be in familiar surroundings. As it was not possible for you to come to us, so we have come to you, bringing our world with us.”
He spoke in soft, sibilant tones, his voice smooth and caressing, but with the hypnotic power of a snake about to strike. A hint of menace hung in the air and I felt I’d entered a deep pool where hidden underwater currents swirled ominously below the surface, threatening to pull me under.
Once again, I looked at Theo, questioningly, and again he shook his head.
“Emily, I must apologise,” the creature continued, “I have the advantage. I know you, yet you know nothing of me. Let me introduce myself. I am Badru, head of the Lunari, and these are my elders, Atsu and Ata, the twins.”
The two men either side of him raised their fingers off the table in greeting, but neither spoke or altered their expression.
Badru held his arms aloft, gesturing at the chamber around him.
“A little dimensional trickery, Emily, nothing more. Our world exists alongside yours, as real and tangible as your reality. We have simply created a bridge from one to the other, for the purposes of our ‘discussion’. A word of caution, though, do not leave the table. You run the risk of becoming lost in our reality and there may be no way back.”
He smiled, but there was no warmth in his face, just an icy composure.
“Let’s cut to the chase, Emily. We are most impressed with what Viyesha has achieved. ”
He nodded his head slightly towards Viyesha in acknowledgement.
“Hartswell Hall has become a living entity, reborn and renewed. Its energy field is powerful and its protective powers are strong. So far, so good, but then the story changes… as you step into the picture.”
He paused and seemed to choose his words carefully.
“It seems to me that you compromise all we have established over the centuries, the stability, the safety, the security of our world and our people. I know of the events that have taken place today, Emily… Pantera has regaled me how you led a would-be thief straight to our crystal and allowed one of the Dark Ones to enter our most hallowed of places…”
I opened my mouth, but he put up his hand to silence me.
“You shall have your opportunity to speak, Emily, but hear me out first. Perhaps you do not realise the danger in which you inadvertently placed us… The woman was nothing, an expendable frivolity, who would never have survived the crystal’s power. It is doubtful she will even be missed in her own superficial world. But the Feeder was different… To allow a creature such as that to get so close to the crystal is unforgiveable and a situation that must never be replicated. Thanks to Pantera’s quick action, the threat was removed,” he bowed briefly in her direction, “but we can rest assured that others will follow. And eventually, the Reptilia themselves will come, desperate for the crystal’s energy to give them human form. We cannot allow anyone or anything to place us in that level of danger.”
Badru still wore his dark glasses, so I was unable to see his eyes, but his voice was icy and I felt panic rising within me. This was real. This was happening.
He continued. “How can I put it, Emily? You are a chink in our armour. You bring with you nothing but weakness and immaturity, impetuousness and naivety. Plus, your human ties are too strong. Quite simply, you do not fit the criteria for joining our order and I can see no reason to extend an invitation to you, despite Viyesha’s intercession on your behalf.”
Theo’s hand closed over mine on the table.
“Very touching, Theo,” said Badru, disparagingly. “You will of course defend her. But what of your family? Where do your loyalties lie? You know we cannot allow outsiders in, unless they become one of us. Must we destroy you as well?”
The anger in his voice was palpable and I began to feel afraid. I had no doubt these creatures could kill me without thinking twice.
“I know the rules,” said Theo tightly. “Emily does not present a threat.”
“On the contrary,” said Badru, “I think she does. Today’s events prove that. She knows too much and others can use her against us. Do I have to spell it out, Theo? She threatens our very existence. And by association, you are complicit.”
“No, Badru, I cannot accept that,” interjected Viyesha.
“Silence, Viyesha,” he commanded. “You should have let the Guardians deal with this. Instead of which, you allow an outsider to see the very thing that is our life force and place us in great danger. You have been lax and the time has come for action.”
“Don’t I get a say in this?” I said, pulling my hand away from Theo and glaring at Badru. I’d heard enough, the time had come for me to speak and defend myself.
He regarded me curiously. “Very well, speak if you must. This is a fair trial, I suppose.”
“I would never compromise the crystal’s safety, Badru. Kimberley Chartreuse had a gun and gave me no choice, but I knew she wouldn’t survive. It seemed a watertight plan.”
“Commendable, my dear,” he said sarcastically.
“And to prove my loyalty, if you will extend the invitation, I am ready to join you…”
“No,” said Theo faintly, “it’s too risky. I can’t lose you again.”
“Ah, of course, Theo, you believe Emily to be your long lost love,” said Badru, with a chilling smile. “How sweet. The woman you’ve waited for through the centuries has come to you once again. But what proof do you have of this, Theo? A face on a necklace? Circumstantial. You have nothing concrete to place before me.”
“Badru, you have to give her the benefit of the doubt,” interrupted Viyesha. “At least give us some time. It could be her. We have to find out.”
“Wait,” I said, “I don’t know if I’ve been reincarnated or not. I have no memories of a past life. But I do
know that Theo and I have an amazing connection. There is a bond between us I can’t explain. We belong together.”
“Yes, yes, love’s young dream, very romantic,” said Badru in a bored voice. ‘If that’s your defence, I’d give up now. It is really neither here nor there whether you are Theo’s lost love. All I want to know is whether you have anything to offer us. And at the moment I see nothing. In fact, I see less than nothing. I see threat and danger.”
“There is something,” I said. “Viyesha told me I wouldn’t survive holding the crystal. It was too powerful. But look at me, Badru. I’m still here. I should have aged and died like Kimberley, but I didn’t. I held the crystal and survived. Does that not tell you something?”
He leant forward and regarded me closely.
“It is true the crystal is still powerful and should have had an effect on you, and yet you appear to be untouched. That is unusual.”
He paused for a moment, as if thinking. “Violet, what aura do you see around Emily?”
“Blue,” she answered, surprised to be consulted, “Emily’s aura has always been bright blue, the same as ours.”
Badru continued to stare at me.
“I must admit, that is unprecedented. Maybe you do have something, Emily.”
He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Very well, here’s my proposition. I find you interesting, Emily, and that has bought you some time. You have until the next full moon. Theo, it would seem the love of your life is not quite as fragile as you think. She has a strength that could be of use to us. If she withstands the initiation, she may join us. Of course, if the crystal destroys her, then our problem is solved. Viyesha, you know what needs to be done?”
“Yes, Badru,” she bowed her head.
“For now, I will call my dogs off.” He leaned back and smiled at me. “The Twin Assassins, that’s how Atsu and Ata are known in the order. Although I warn you, Emily, any step out of line, and I will not be so generous second time around.”
“Thank you, Badru.” I stared back at him, disliking him intensely, yet all too aware of the power he held.
“Now, one other small matter,” said Badru. “How did this woman come to know of our crystal and its youth-bestowing properties? It is a closely guarded secret and I do not know of any lapses in our security. ”
Leon, who up to this point had remained silent, now spoke.
“We believe we know the source, Badru. Two weeks ago, Joseph disturbed someone in the grounds taking pictures with a telephoto lens. He saw the same individual speaking to Kimberley Chartreuse in the gardens late last night. Turns out he is a private detective known as Mr Nelson, a grubby, two-faced opportunist, who would sell his own grandmother if the price were right. I paid him a visit this morning. He passed on photographs and information to Kimberley Chartreuse, a woman paranoid about ageing, in exchange for money.”
“I see,” said Badru, thoughtfully. “And where is this Mr Nelson now?”
“Disappeared,” admitted Leon. “For all his dishevelled appearance, he is clever, with the survival instincts of a cockroach. He simply blended into the background and vanished. But Aquila will find him and silence him.”
“Very well,” said Badru. “Aquila, your priority is to find this scum before he does further damage. Destroy him.”
“Consider it done,” said Aquila, in his rasping voice.
Badru looked around the table and smiled pleasantly, as if he’d just chaired the parish council AGM.
“I believe that concludes our business,” he said briskly. He turned to me, “Remember, Emily, if you haven’t become one of us by the next full moon, you know the consequences. And I won’t delegate the task to my twins. I will come for you myself.”
He smiled sweetly and, to make his point, removed his dark glasses. I had assumed he would have clear blue eyes, but I was mistaken. I stifled a scream. Instead of beautiful eyes, Badru had red rimmed, empty eye sockets. It was like looking into the face of an angelic demon and an involuntary shudder ran through my body. He spoke in a whisper, “You may think I see nothing, Emily, but I see everything. The mind’s eye is so much more powerful.” He replaced his dark glasses and rose from the table, then as afterthought, turned and said, “Your friends, Seth and Tash...”
The blood drained from my face. “Yes?” I asked, fearing the worst.
“They were at the hall earlier this afternoon. I’ve let them go for now. But I shall be watching. If I find out they know anything….” He drew his finger across his throat in a slicing movement.
“Do you understand?”
I nodded, unable to speak.
Badru clicked his fingers and his henchmen rose too. Then, before my eyes, all three disappeared. I stared in disbelief. One minute, they were there, the next they were gone, and simultaneously, the dark emptiness of the torch-lit cavern vanished and I was looking once more at the familiar wood panelling of the library.
33. Family
As before, the de Lucis family sat around the table and the three seats opposite me were empty. The only difference was that Aquila and Pantera were gone.
I turned to Theo, sitting beside me. “Did that happen or did I have a really weird dream?”
He said nothing, but smiled sadly and squeezed my hand. He looked shell-shocked.
Leon spoke. “It happened, Emily. And bravo for defending yourself. There aren’t many who could remain so composed under such circumstances.”
“Honestly, talk about mind games,” said Joseph, in disgust. “Why do they do that?”
“You have to admit, it is kind of cool,” answered Violet.
“There was nothing cool about that,” said Theo, angrily.
“Okay, everyone, quiet,” said Viyesha, holding up her hands. “Emily, I’m sorry you had to go through that, but you should never have taken that woman into the Clock Tower or handled the crystal yourself. It was a dangerous strategy and, but for Pantera’s quick action, could have had disastrous consequences.”
“It’s our fault, mother,” said Theo bitterly. “It would never have happened if we hadn’t left Emily on her own. The blame lies with us for leaving her exposed and vulnerable.”
“True, Theo,” answered Viyesha, “but in a strange way, it saved Emily. I have seen Badru destroy people for less, but he’s intrigued to know why the crystal had no effect.”
She turned to me. “You had a close call, Emily, but you’ve come through it. Now you’ve seen The Lunari and know their capabilities. They have conquered death and time, and live according to their own rules. Never underestimate their power.”
“Where are they now?” I asked.
“Aquila is taking them to the airport,” answered Violet.
“If they’ve conquered time, can’t they just teleport?” I suggested.
“Excellent idea, Emily,” laughed Joseph.
“Transference of matter is beyond even their capabilities,” said Viyesha, calmly. “What you just experienced, Emily, was a trick of the mind, a powerful form of hypnosis that they have mastered.”
“But no less real for existing only in the mind,” added Leon. “In fact, all the more dangerous, because imagination is limitless, and in The Lunari’s reality you create your own nightmares.”
I shivered and felt for Theo’s hand. He closed it around mine and I felt his energy flow into my body.
“Well, look on the bright side, at least I’ve bought myself some time,” I said in a cheerful voice that masked my fear.
“Time is all you have, Emily,” said Joseph, solemnly. “Your other options have run out. You have no choice but to join our family now.”
“Assuming she survives the crystal,” Violet reminded him.
I looked around the table and realised how fond I’d become of Theo’s family.
“Oh, I’ll survive it alright, Violet,” I said purposefully. “I survived it earlier on tonight when the crystal was much more powerful. All I have to do is wait for the next full moon. You
just watch me.”
Theo looked at me angrily, his face white and strained, but he was powerless to argue.
I stared back at him, looking eternity in the face and wondering if I had just made the biggest mistake of my life.
THE END
Blue Moon
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