The Darkness Within (4 page)

Althea looked
Taylor
in the eye. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about your transition. What you did to Rufus and how you came into those powers.” The old man sighed while admiring the ring on his index finger. “You know those powers aren’t yours to keep.”

She remembered that ring.
Taylor
never took it off.

“How do you figure?”

“Because they’re not meant for you. They will only corrupt you.”

“I don’t want to give them back.”

“Althea, I’m warning you.”
Taylor
’s face was stern, and his voice harsh. “You’ll turn into something you don’t want to be; I’m telling you! Why do you think the wolf and the vampire sent you away? I can smell the stench of evil on you.”

She cringed. She stunk of evil? How did Granddaddy Taylor know of Vuk and Quinton? She parted her lips to speak, but he cut her off.

“Now, before you go getting all worried, known that I only watch over you, child; I look the other way when you’re with them. I don’t go poking around in your personal life, if you catch my drift.”

She released a sigh. “Thank God for that. Wait a minute. How is it that a wolf shifter and a vampire seem like the norm to you?”

Taylor
laughed. “My dear, in my ninety-nine years of walking the earth, I’ve seen all kinds of creatures in this realm, on earth, and many other realms. I’ve seen some beautiful, breathtaking creatures who are pure evil. And I’ve laid eyes upon the most wretched looking beasts that would give you nightmares. But they were pure of heart. As pure as any ‘light’ creature can be.”

“You’ve dealt with creatures like that?”

“I’ve dealt with many spiritual creatures. Some known to man, such as fae, angels, gargoyles, trolls, and some mankind have never even heard of, not even in legends and fairytales.”

He studied her surprise. “Oh come now, Thea, there is no room for surprises, at least not for this ole bird.”
Taylor
’s laughter echoed in the realm. “You should not be surprised, either. It is in our blood. And is something you should get used to. Surely you remember all the bedtime stories I used to tell you as a child.”

“Oh yeah.” Althea giggled. “I remember you speaking of different realms, angels, gods, and goddesses. You made me feel like I was actually there.”

“Well, child, they were memories of places I visited while battling darkness. There are many realms, too many to count.”

“It sounds like a nice experience.”

Taylor
glanced at her. “You’ll have your own experiences.”

“Really?” She lifted a brow. “There was a point in my life, before I met Rufus where a strong, positive energy surrounded me.” She frowned. “I can’t describe in words how I felt, but it was an otherworldly feeling.”

“Oh, Thea, it was never meant for you to marry. Rufus was only a distraction. Your love for Rufus was real. Unfortunately, he didn’t love you back. That is when the darkness invaded your life.”

“I’m not sure what it is you’re saying. What do you mean darkness?”

“You allowed yourself to be consumed by Rufus. Once you saw him for what he truly was, hatred and the need to get revenge overwhelmed you. Unfortunately, there is a thin line between love and hate.”

She looked down at the ground in shame. “That was a very miserable time in my life,” she stated. “I remember the day well.” Althea laughed as she nervously looked around.

“That feeling you can’t describe was you coming into your Guardian power. It was an introductory stage.”

“Then, it vanished,” Althea confessed sadly. “Why was that?”

“Because, something dark and sinister took its place, with your permission.”

“Oh, Granddaddy, I can’t listen to this.” She sought to change the subject. “Is it safe here?”

“Now, what do you think? I would have never summoned you here if it weren’t. I come here every now and again to gather my thoughts. It’s like my own personal space. I’ve created this realm, you know?”

“Well, what’s with all the fog?”

“Makes it harder for evil to find us. Fog is like a blanket, a cover.”
Taylor
shook his head as he sat down on a wooden bench. When had that appeared? I’ve never understood why some folks fear fog.” He winked at her. “When you were a child, you used to get scared of the fog.”

“Yes, it was always creepy. But, somehow I feel at peace.”

“Talk to me, Thea.”

“Oh, Granddaddy, I’m unsure about so many things. Possessing these extraordinary powers have provided me with a little more happiness than I’m used to.” She sighed.

“But—you’re not truly happy,”
Taylor
told her. “I know you aren’t. I can tell just by looking at you.”

She nodded in agreement. None of the grandchildren could ever tell a lie to
Taylor
without him knowing. “There’s still something missing in my life. When I wake up in the morning, you know I feel scared?”

“That’s because you have yet to fill your destiny, and it doesn’t help that you’ve allowed the negative force to infiltrate you.”

“What destiny?”

“You have two adversaries you must triumph over. However, half of your battle must come from within.”

Althea sighed. “Viktor and the witch, right?” A feeling of dread grew inside her. “I just can’t seem to figure out where Viktor came from. And—the witch. She seems so familiar. Is she someone I know?”

Taylor
clasped his hand over hers. “You know her well. Facing her will be the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far. All other challenges will come naturally, you’ll see.”

Althea lifted a brow while repeating
Taylor
’s words. “All other challenges?” She laughed nervously. “What are you talking about, all other challenges?”

“You come from a long line of Guardians.” The man paused, giving her time to absorb the knowledge. “On my side, dating back to slavery times, every generation has a handful of powerful Guardians.” He pointed to the emerald ring on his index finger. “I am a Collector and a Guardian, just as you are. We have the power to Collect and Guard, while some members of our family only have the powers to Guard these evil beings.

Althea glanced at the ring her he’d given her just before he passed. The emerald appeared to vibrate beneath her touch, and she couldn’t help but notice how it resembled
Taylor
’s. “This ring has a purpose, doesn’t it?”

He nodded. “Do you know what that purpose is, child?”

Althea closed her eyes and sighed. “Honestly, Granddaddy, I’m almost afraid to answer that.” She searched
Taylor
’s eyes and he mentally confirmed her thoughts. “I’m supposed to trap something in here, aren’t I?”

“Do you know what?”
Taylor
cleared his throat. “Don’t second-guess yourself. All your life, you’ve known there was something different about you. Now, it’s time to serve your purpose and fulfill your destiny.”

“But—this. How am I supposed to do this?” Her thoughts drifted to Rufus, Viktor, and the witch. “I have fulfilled my destiny. I’m stronger now.” Althea crossed her arms. “I’m no longer a victim to Rufus. I’m happier. My business is successful, and I’ve—”

“There is so much more to happiness and fulfillment than business. Yes, you’ve achieved so much with your life, but not the spiritual part of your destiny. You see, when you left Rufus, you opened yourself up to a terrible, terrible entity.”

Althea cringed at the desperation in
Taylor
’s eyes. “The witch.”

“You must capture her in your ring.”

“And Viktor?”

Taylor
rose and walked around for a few moments before speaking. He turned and tapped his cane several times. “Viktor must be destroyed at all costs since he is a part of the witch’s power.”

“Okay, Granddaddy, spit it out. Tell me everything. Mom has a ring like this, and so do many of our ancestors. In every family picture, I’ve seen these rings.”

“A Guardian’s purpose is to collect and retain the negative entities drawn to them. Certain spirits are attracted to us. When they present themselves, we must battle and trap them. On some occasions, we create our own negative entities. We must trap and oversee them until the time comes for us to destroy them.”

Althea swallowed hard. “What if we fail to do this?”

“We cease to exist.”
Taylor
held up his ring. “I have quite a few entities I’ve created trapped within this ring. It is my duty to never let them out. During my life, I’ve made many unwise decisions. Overseeing these entities is a cross I must bear.”

“For how long?”

“As long as I must.”
Taylor
shrugged. “I still battle, but within the spiritual realms.” The old man kissed her on top of the head like he used to when she was a child. “It is also my job to watch over you while you come into your true powers. Not the powers of your negative entities. I know you’re attached to them, but they will only seduce you. Get rid of them.”

Suddenly, the fog grew thicker and
Taylor
’s voice grew distant. Althea couldn’t see her own hand in front of her face. “Granddaddy!” She walked around, but bumped into the wooden bench.

* * * *

Althea awoke covered in sweat. Tears misted in her eyes as she remembered being so close to Grandpa Taylor.

Chapter Four

The dark figure ensnared the wolf with strong bands of energy. “Rest a while, beast. I grow stronger each moment. Soon I will be able to stay within the human realm for longer periods of time, and your precious Althea will cease to exist!”

“We’ll see about that!” With a flick of his wrist, Quinton threw the figure against the wall.

“Oh, didn’t you know?” The figure floated to its feet, releasing hideous laughter. “I’ve been slipping in and out of the realm for brief moments at a time. Viktor ensures that I grow stronger with every visit.”

Vukasin growled as the energy bands slipped from his body. He’d shifted between man and beast in anger. “What does Viktor have to do with this?” He bared his teeth.

“She is the key to my existence in the human world. There cannot be two existing within the same plane. Viktor knows this. With his help, I will take over Althea’s life.”

The witch chanted something before disappearing.

“Quickly, follow her!” Vukasin roared.

Quinton gritted his teeth. “She’s cast a spell! The vampire struggled, but he could go nowhere.

“Let me try,” Vukasin said in a huff. “Aaarggh!” Again, the wolf tried accessing the human realm, but couldn’t. “Damn her!” he roared. “We’re trapped here. This is impossible. She shouldn’t have this kind of power.” He paused before sending Althea a telepathic message.

“Now do you see how serious this situation is?” Quinton muttered. “Her strength has tripled since the last time we clashed with her.”

“Do you think Althea can come to us?”

“Her powers are just as strong as the witch’s. Of course she can come here, there’s no doubt in my mind,” Quinton said all in one breath. “How can we protect her when we’re trapped here?”