The Lightest Dark (The Dark series Book 1) Read online

  I shook my head. “I don’t get it. What the heck do you want from me? I’m no one.” He laughed, but didn’t answer. Instead I felt him shifting. His free hand went under my legs as he shifted me as well, and I was suddenly in a bride carry with my hands tied and in my lap as he took off into the tunnels.

  A thought was trying to make its way to the forefront as I turned my head to look behind us, watching as the small light I'd created faded into a pin prick, then nothing. Instead of listening to it, I wondered at Tristan’s fate as well as mine in this unexpected turn of events.

  A sudden ominous feeling came over me and I had a feeling my life was about to change. I wasn’t sure if that was going to be a good, or a bad thing. What I did know is that I wasn’t looking forward to it. After all, change had a tendency to bring heartbreak along for the ride as far as my life was concerned.

  I just hope I made it through it with my sanity intact.

  Chapter Five

  As he made his way through I tried to make out where we were. Try as I might it was impossible seeing as how he was moving too fast for me to see, let alone recognize anything around me. It wasn’t something I was used to and it was starting to grate at me a bit.

  It felt a bit like losing a part of yourself. You can function normally, but it’s not the same as when you had all your abilities operational and it gave you that edge. Or maybe it was more like when you have an itch on your nose and arms filled with important papers. Normally you can scratch that itch, but if you try and then lose all those papers...

  Surprisingly though, the wind wasn't biting into my skin the way it did when Tristan carried me. I had to wonder at why that was. Maybe it was a special ability, or something this guy had. Weird, but it made being carried this way a lot more pleasant, even if it was a demon carrying me.

  At least I was pretty sure a Hunter was a demon. Tristan had never actually said that it was. If it wasn’t that, it was going to raise a whole other pile of questions that I wasn’t sure I was ever going to get an answer to, especially with how this guy was responding. I pushed it out of my head bringing more important matters to the forefront, like what the heck was going on and where was he taking me?

  I debated speaking for a minute, or two and decided to just go for it. I needed to be bold for once, at least when it came to my own personal safety and not Ryan’s. That not to mention he said I couldn't scream, not that I couldn't speak.

  Not that it would do me any good at this point, but maybe he would actually answer this time. "Can I ask where you're taking me now, or maybe even why you're taking me?" My voice was surprisingly clear despite how fast we were going.

  I started to look up, when his deep voice stopped me again. "I wouldn't if I were you.” A shiver went down my spine at the taunt.

  No demon should sound so… appealing. Then again they were supposed to be able to tempt you to the dark side. I guess this was how some of them did that. By speaking with a voice that had you wanting to drop your panties, regardless of what he was saying, or even what he looks like, though I had a feeling he had a face to match if his body was anything to judge by.

  I shook my head to clear the thought, instead trying to get what he said to actually register with my brain. It took a second, but I got it and all it did was make me even more curious. "Why?" He didn't answer, instead I felt him shifting. He pulled me tighter to him, maneuvering me so that my face pressed into the crook of his neck.

  I shifted so that I could at least look behind us, even if I couldn’t make it out, when I suddenly felt my stomach jumping into my throat as I saw the world drop out from under me in reverse. Sounds as weird as it felt.

  I let out a strangled scream that was lost in the crook of the Hunter's throat as I hid my face, hoping he wasn't about to drop me into oblivion. I felt the wind catch his wings and suddenly we were soaring into the sky. Somehow I’d forgotten about those, but I was happy they were there now.

  Demon or not, he didn’t let me drop into the abyss so he couldn’t be all bad… at least I hoped not, otherwise I was in for a good deal more hell later and with how this morning was starting out, I wasn’t sure I could handle it to be honest. My bravado ended at standing up to idiots bothering Ryan and that wasn’t all too often if I’m honest.

  He let out a chuckle, "I warned you.” I stayed silent. My face stayed pressed into the crook of his neck though he didn't seem to mind. My pride left with that fall and as scared as I'd been, I wasn't sure actual words would come out of my mouth at this point anyway. Maybe he'd take it like I'm giving him the silent treatment now. If you’re going to dream you should dream big… or was it good?

  Anyway, we'd flown at a steady rate for what felt like twenty minutes when I finally gathered enough courage to look at my surroundings. A strangled gasp escaped my mouth as my eyes took in all that they could. The view from this height was terrifyingly beautiful.

  There were different shades of greens and other splashes of color from plant life as far as the eyes could see. It was a bit muted by the shadow of night, yet no less beautiful. They'd told me it was all like a desolate wasteland in most places... it had me starting to wonder.

  As I took in as much as my eyes would let me, I noticed dotted here and there were the grays, browns, and reds of buildings that had long since been overrun by nature, the moonlight giving the land of ruins an ethereal glow. "It is a sight to behold. I've never gotten tired of the view up here. It’s always consistently changing and yet it always remains beautiful."

  Startled, I wanted to kick myself for having been distracted, however momentarily it was. I turned to face my captor and was astounded. My eyes widened and a small gasp left my mouth, but I wasn't aware of either as my mind focused on the creature.

  He was gorgeous with clear amethyst eyes, a strong jaw covered in stubble, olive skin, and inky black hair that's length would rival my own. He was awe inspiring to be sure, but that wasn't what had me ready to throw my arms around him in exhilaration and punch him in the face at the same time.

  I know him… or judging by the new set of wings and the black vines, I guess I should say knew. "Dark?" My voice was barely a whisper as his name fell from my lips like a forbidden thought, but I knew he'd hear me all the same. He used to be able to hear the tiniest whisper from a mile off and if earlier was any indication I don’t think that’s changed.

  Judging from the fact that he was still the fastest being I knew and he was able to hear Tristan and I almost five feet below ground, I was incline to believe he'd only gained abilities since I'd seen him last rather than losing them.

  Then again I could be wrong. I hadn't seen him since my mother's passing two years ago. Things change even when you don't want them to… or maybe because we wish they'd stay the same, though I’m sure life wouldn't be the same without change. It would probably end up boring and monotonous.

  Anyway, the elders in the council had assumed he'd been killed in the run as well, though they'd never found any evidence to support that theory. I have to wonder if maybe it was to cover up what really happened to him seeing as how he was very much alive, albeit a bit different…

  Okay a lot different, but I wasn’t about to start pointing that out. I was pretty sure he already knew that.

  Those captivating eyes- familiar yet somehow different- turned to me, his signature smirk playing on his lips, "Took you long enough, Candy. Did you miss me?"

  I made a face, "You? Yes, but that nickname can go back into the hole it crawled out of. No one but you ever called me that." He gave me a curious look, but didn't say anything else.

  The reminder of that name gave me the slap in the face that I needed. He may have been my boyfriend two years ago, but he'd still just kidnapped me and did who knows what to Tristan. That's not even mentioning the fact that my hands are tied.

  I could more than likely change the rope into something that could help me get away, but I decided to keep the ability to myself for now. I needed to keep my guard up, not to mention w
e were really high up and there was a chance I'd fall from the sky if I attempted something now.

  No, it was best to wait until he took me where ever we were going and he left me to my own devices. Dark hadn't known about my ability back then so chances were good that was why he assumed it was Tristan who'd created the wall earlier.

  They never had gotten along.

  It was at least another hour if not longer, when he finally started to descend into a field of wildflowers that made their home in front of a –surprisingly- well preserved mansion. In all honesty I know that’s what it is, but in my opinion it looks more like a fortress.

  It was three stories, made of a variation of grey brown and yellow stone with beautiful archways, qua-trefoil and clover shaped windows, and parapets. It was beautifully intimidating and would have been at home among the castles of days long past.

  At least from what I’d gathered from pictures in books of them. Made me wonder at its existence in the first place, but I didn’t think I was in a position to ask about it. That and I was starting to question exactly how much of what I'd been told my whole life was true and what was a lie. More so than I'd ever done before after seeing how much life was still thriving as we flew overhead.

  He landed just inside the entrance where the doors opened of their own accord into a foyer. There was a spiral staircase to the right of us that he ignored, instead heading further into the home. If I were by myself I would have went straight up there to snoop, but I wasn’t so I couldn’t. Maybe I’d have a chance in the future, but I didn’t foresee that happening anytime soon. Not with me being freshly kidnapped and all.

  My eyes absorbed every detail as usual. The main floor seemed to be one large open space encompassing the great room, dining area and kitchen. What seems to be the study is tucked into an alcove. I guess to provide some kind of privacy however small it may be.

  There's an open door to the left of us that seems to lead to a small hall and more rooms. I can't help but feel curious about what I would find. I shake my head slightly hoping it will help clear it. I have to keep reminding myself that I could be in some serious trouble.

  The fact that Dark still hasn't placed me on my feet, or set me down somewhere to untie my hands is just reinforcing the idea. I turn to look up at him. His face has become a blank mask. Not a trace of his playful side he’d shown me in the sky was remaining.

  "Calista, I'm sorry I left you. It wasn't my intention, but after watching what happened to your mother and then...” he sighed, a sound filled with the remorse he was conveying. “I just wasn’t able to stay. I wanted to come back for you, but I couldn’t. Not then."

  My brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about Dark?"

  "Calista, what do you know about what happened to her on the day your mother died?"

  "They said she was killed by scavenger demons. They told me the same about you, but without a body I never was too sure about that one. I'd always hoped you'd somehow survived, but I never really believed it." At least not until now.

  He nodded as if he'd thought as much. His eyes had a faraway look in them as he started to move toward the open door on the left. “The lying snake would say something like that. The council is about as corrupt as the pre-apocalyptic government was.”

  He moved forward past two doors to the end of the hall. The door once again flew open at his approach and I had to wonder if maybe telekinesis was on that growing list of his new abilities, or if they had been rigged to do that.

  It wouldn't have been impossible, but with how little technology was used these days, it would be hard to find someone who could do it. Then again, thinking on how secluded this house was, there was always the possibility that Dark had done it himself. He did have a knack for that type of thing when he was still in the compound.

  Either way, I still wasn't about to start asking questions. Satisfaction may have brought the cat back to life, but I wasn’t so lucky as to have nine lives. At least I was pretty sure I didn't. I wasn't about to test it.

  He walked in to what I assumed was some kind of in-home bar. At least from the pictures I’d seen of them from the old world. There was a pool table off to the far right, a full service bar straight ahead of us complete with stools, and along the wall to our left was an impossibly large couch set. The room was filled with soft lighting that was strategically placed along the walls giving a laid back feel throughout the room.

  From what I'd seen so far, it looked like you could have pull the inside of this home from before the apocalypse. I hope that isn't the case, but with the way everything looked brand-new, I wouldn't be ruling it out.

  Just because I'd never heard of anyone with that ability didn't mean it was impossible. In all likeliness it probably did exist. If all these other abilities like mine have popped up through the years I don’t see why that wouldn’t at some point.

  I shook my head trying to bring my thoughts back into focus and see if there were any kind of exits in this room should I need one. He moved and placed me gently on the end of the couch. "Feel free move around, or take a nap if you'd like. The door over to the right of the couch is the facilities if you need them. I have a few things I need to take care of before I move you to a room. Should you want anything else just speak my name."

  Without waiting for me to respond, he was out the door.

  He'd neglected to untie me so I figure that wouldn't be an option for me. The fact that he said all I had to do was speak his name made trying to somehow sneak out impossible. Not that I had intended on it. Quite the opposite actually.

  After that comment about the council I was more incline to stick around and find out what he'd meant. If there was some kind of conspiracy going on I had a feeling that I’d need to know about it. Especially since it may have involved my mother. At least I was assuming. I could have read that wrong, but I didn’t think so.

  There was that and I'd really like to find out why I'd reacted how I did to him, or if it even was him that caused my weird blackout. There was a chance that it had been a coincidence, but somehow I didn't think so on that note either. I just hoped with all the assumptions I was making I didn’t make an ass out of myself.

  On another note, my premonition the day before made it seem like multiple creatures would be attacking the compound in a few hours and I had to wonder at the timing of it. I also hope that Ryan is safely away from there and still at the safe house, or at least somewhere that was safely away from the creatures I’d seen.

  Realizing I might not have the privilege soon, I decided I should probably give my thoughts a rest and get that nap in. I was a bit wary of sleeping here, but if Dark had intended something sinister I think it would have happened by now. At least I hope that's the case.

  I grabbed the surprisingly soft throw off the back of the couch and settled in. I took one last assessment of my surroundings then closed my eyes and relaxed as much as I could, considering.

  My only comforting thought as I drifted was that my ability still remained the proverbial ace up my sleeve. I just hope it's enough to win the hand.

  Chapter Six

  It felt like half an hour passed as I lay there with my head up in the clouds. Figuratively this time, though I wouldn’t mind it in the literal sense. I had almost, but not quite gotten to sleep. My consciousness was in that place between awake and sleep. I’m sure you know the feeling.

  I was surprised I even made it that far given my state of mind when I’d lain down. I guess this is what they call an adrenaline crash, or something along those lines. I’d heard about them, but this was the first I’d experienced one. Hurray for new experiences.

  Anyway, I was half asleep like I said, and my mind was lingering there for a bit when a noise startled me back to full alert. So much for getting any kind of rest. Then again I hadn’t really thought I would.

  Careful to keep my breathing even, I cracked an eye open enough to see, but not be seen. Dark had entered the room again, but he wasn't alone now. Someone was
standing next to him just out of view. Or it was more like he was blocking me from their view. It was hard to tell, but I got the impression from his body language that he didn’t want this person anywhere near me.

  That said, I closed my eyes not willing to chance being caught. If Dark had reason to half hide me from this person- regardless of the fact that I hadn’t seen him in the last two years- I was inclined to fake sleeping. Getting up was just asking for trouble and I didn’t want any part of it.

  I felt them move toward me. Dark's voice suddenly came from above me. "She's asleep. We'll ask her when she wakes up."

  "If you ask me, I think bringing her here was a waste of time. You’re sure she's the one? She doesn't seem like she'd know a glow demon from a fire angel."

  The sound of a woman's voice drifted from the doorway. It would have been a very pleasant voice to listen too had she not had an undercurrent of callousness in every word. Just the sound of her voice had me wanting to cringe and pull the pillow over my head to block the sound. I could only imagine how Dark was feeling being on the receiving end.

  "She'll tell me. She has no reason not to. Unlike you, she won't keep things that can help others to herself just to be spiteful. If I tell her why, she’ll help."

  "What makes you so sure? After all, it's been two years since you've talked to this girl, let alone laid eyes on her before a few weeks ago. Who's to say she hasn't changed for the worse since you knew her? That’s not even mentioning the fact that she seems tight with the second in their army. She could probably have us destroyed with a wave of her hand if she felt like it. Then where would our people be?"

  Wow.

  The woman had one serious case of spite and pessimism going on. I wasn't sure if she was always like that, or if she'd reserved it just for me. Either way, it seems the decision to feign sleep was a good one and I was having no regrets in that regard. I just wish I knew what the heck she was talking about.