Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles by Karen Dales Read Free Book Online

his outstretched hands and face. Each time brought a surge of energy. This was part of the pact, a part that his mind recognized. It was a symbiotic relationship that meant he could go without feeding for extended periods of time, but if he did not allow the demons to feed, then he would need to feed and they would feed from him. Tonight there was more than enough for all and he shuddered as another demon caressed his face before floating off for another victim.
    Notus could not believe what he was experiencing. He tried to cross himself, but that did not abate his fears. Shuddering, he glanced up at his son ’ s face. He did not know how this could be happening, but the look on the boy ’ s face ignited a seed of fear that he had refused to believe was always there.
    “ Stop this, please. For God’s sake, Gwyn, please stop, ” begged Notus, pulling at his son ’ s arm.
    It was not the fear and desperation from his Chooser that opened his eyes; it was the use of that name. The Angel of Death glanced down at the cowering monk. How could he tell the man he has known for centuries the sense of exhilaration and power he felt as the demons captured their prey? He sadly shook his head. Notus would never know.
    At last the cries of the slaughtered ceased and a white-faced demon presented itself to its master.
    Terrified, Notus clung to his son, eyes wide at the creature.
    “ As you so ordered, so has it been done, ” reported the creature. Its black maw tinged with red dripping blood.
    The Angel felt his Chooser shudder at the sight of the creature that once haunted his nightmares and felt his anger reduce. “ You have done well. Return until next we meet. ”
    The apparition completed what could only be construed as a bow and slowly the mists receded, revealing the residue of chaos.
    Some chairs on the stage were knocked to the floor, leaving those Chosen to stand, pinned to their spots in terror. Other chairs held Mistresses and Masters curled into themselves in an attempt to make themselves small against the rising of the demons. None knew that they were safe from harm. Only Fernando and Bridget stared at the wreckage of frightened Chosen who tried to hide in corners or had cracked the oaken door with bloodied hands. Only the Master and Mistress of Britain had ever experienced the mists before and to have survived it a second time still filled them with fear of their friend.
    The theatre reeked of terror and blood and the Angel breathed heavily of its scent, his face a cold mask barely containing his disgust at the Masters and Mistresses. Too much focus on internal politics and too little on the realities surrounding them, that was what allowed for the Vampires to twist and warp the Chosen away from what they were meant to be. It was that weakness which opened the floodgates for genocide.
    Blood red eyes roamed the wreckage until he found what he was looking for.
    There, laying beside the red velvet curtain draped innocuously at stage right was the body of the Vampire who had stood at Hugo ’ s side.
    Uncaring that he limped, the Angel strode over to the stairs that lead to the creature. He did not care that the Chosen watched him with fear and loathing. Their emotions flowed over and around him, but he held his in check. They would feel nothing from him.
    His footsteps rang in the silence as he climbed the steps. Notus ’ sandaled feet scuffed behind him in an attempt to keep up. Both halted at the top as they stared down at the man who stood second to the Master of France. It was Notus ’ sharp intake of breath that alerted the others to follow until they all stood in a horseshoe around the creature.
    There, laying face up on the varnished wood, the Vampire growled and hissed, exhibiting its dual fanged teeth for the Chosen to witness. Hilde of Germany gasped at the sight. It was not just because of the teeth, but also at the reason why Hugo ’ s second lay trapped on the floor. The creature ’ s limbs had been