8/21/16 New Website, New Book!

Today is the day where the website for my second book comes out! At the time that I am typing this the website has not yet been customized and there are not chapters on it yet, but you can follow this link to go to the website and follow it so you don’t miss the first chapters of book 2!

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter twenty-six

“I am so sorry.” Assistant Dean Johnson Jones said. Mrs. Whyce pressed her hand to her heart. The tears began to stream down her face. Her son was dead. The silent tears stopped as she began to sob onto her equally stunned husband’s shoulder. Two days had passed since Terrence’s death. Dean Light gave the friends permission to tell Terrence’s parents in person. On the condition that Jones went with them. The Whyce’s living room contained all the boys, the cure had worked and Aden was well again. It had also saved Wit from the brink of death. The boys’ parents were there too, they all accepted this terrifying news together. “He was in the unfinished manor when the wires acted up and the building caught on fire. By the time help was notified, it was too late.”

They sat in silence for a while, with Mrs. Whyce’s heart breaking sobs broke it to pieces. Peter felt confined. The walls of the Whyce home, which once had seemed so inviting now seemed to be closing in on him. The door bell rang.

“I’ll get it!” Peter leaped up and, at a normal human speed, darted to the door. He opened it to find Lye.

“Pretend I just found out.” Lye hissed at him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and said loud enough for the people in the living room to hear. “I just heard, I’m so sorry Peter.” Everyone looked up at the sounds of the feminine voice.

Emotions came flooding back to Peter. “He’s gone Lye.” He murmured into her hair.

Lye pulled him closer.

“I know, it will be alright.” She said softly. Her touch, her voice soothed Peter. He pulled away and looked at her. She too had contacts in to cover the gold, her eyes seemed strange without the familiar ring.

“Come in.” Peter took Lye’s hand and gently tugged her into the living room. Curious eyes stared at the strange girl. But no one objected when Peter sat down and she sat on the arm of his chair, running her fingers through his hair. The tears came again and Peter buried his face in Lye’s side. Looking up he noticed that Lye was crying too. She hadn’t known Terrence long, but he had shown her bits of kindness. That was more than any newbie had done in over 200 years, Lye had told Peter. The crying stop, the happy reminiscing began.

“I remember when I taught him to ride a bike!” Mr. Whyce said, his eyes glazed over with the memory. This went on for many hours, Lye took no part in the remembering. She had nothing to remember. No one spoke to her until Mrs. Gladel got too impatient with curiosity.

“Who are you?” She asked. Peter sat up, the tears gone.

“Mom!” He protested, shocked at his mother’s rudeness.

“What?” She asked. “I don’t know her, it’s a fact.” Peter sighed, it was true.

“This is Lye, my girlfriend.” Lye gave faint smile, faint enough that it wasn’t inappropriate for this occasion. This diverted everyone from their sadness.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” Hayden’s mom asked him. Hayden blushed and muttered under his breath.

“Maybe.” Lye’s eyes twinkled mischievously at Hayden’s comment.

“Oh yeah, how did your date with Miranda go?” Hayden glared at Lye. She ignored the glare. Hayden tightened his grip on the handkerchief he was holding, it belonged to Miranda and gave him some comfort while he was away.

“Do you?” Each parent asked this, and only Jerald said.

“Maybe, not sure yet.”

“Who?” His friends asked. Jerald blushed.

“Michelle.” He said.

“Aww.” Lye cooed. “That’s adorable.”

“How is that adorable?” Jerald’s mother asked.

“They are both shorter than five foot.” Peter told her. Mrs. Artision thought about this, her short son and a short girl, she smiled. The mourning wasn’t completely forgotten, but now they all laughed and joked. Remembered Terrence, talked about school, friends, teachers. They mentioned that their English teacher was a psycho, while they shared knowing looks.

A full week passed before they had to return for the end of the school year. They had also been accepted into the alumni summer program. Which didn’t exist but their parent’s didn’t know that. Peter watched Lye sleep on the plane ride home. Her chest rose and fell gently and she breathed. She looked so soft, so fragile. Peter couldn’t help but smile. She was his, he leaned over and kissed her cheek softly. Her eyes fluttered open. She smiled at Peter.

§***§

The ride back to the manor was torture. They passed the Drenac manor, or where it used to be. The building was now a pile of ashes. They were impatient to get back to their new home. To see their new family. Also to see the wolves back up and walking on two legs. Unless Aden and Donte decided to get cocky and walk around the grounds in wolf form. Which they had done the day before they left for Connecticut.

Lye held Peter back before he walked through the manor’s front doors. Peter looked at her. Lye’s eyes widened.

“What?” Peter asked her frantically.

“The gold, in your eyes. It is right were it should be for a mature vampire.” Peter smiled, he knew what this meant. He was done with the change. He no longer needed Lye to keep from going insane. He leaned down and kissed Lye.

“Thank you.” Peter said. Lye threw back her head and laughed.

“For what?” She gasped after regaining her composure.

“For changing me, and my life.” Lye smiled, she held both his hands and looked into his eyes.

“In that case your welcome.” They kissed. After a moment Peter moaned and pulled away.

“I don’t want this to end.” The next words Lye said made Peter smiled.

“Don’t worry, we only have all of eternity to spend together.”

The End.

~~~~~~

Sadly this is the last chapter of Dark Side Manor Book One. However, here are a few facts about the second book. The name is Et terræ filius, which is Latin for Children of the Earth. A small fact about the plot line is, well the title. 😉 Thank you for reading the first book! I am planning on publishing, just, thank you for your support.

 

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter twenty-five

The panic was inevitable. Lye darted and scooped up the lighter. But it was too late. The manor was ablaze.

“Get out now!” Declan cried, they headed to the kitchen but the door was barred. Even the vampires couldn’t open in. The hole in the ceiling had also been blocked. They were trapped.

“Not if I’ve got anything to say about it.” Lye cried. She ripped at the ceiling with her strong hands, she was quickly assisted. One of the beams near them caught on fire. Thinking quickly Peter grabbed it with his bare hands ignoring the burn he thrust it at the hole, causing the debris to burn away. One by one they pushed themselves out of the burning manor coughing. When they were on the ground Hayden held up the bottle.

“We got the cure!” He said triumphantly. They all cheered, Peter look around and noticed something.

“Where is Terrence.” He cried. Terrence wasn’t there. They all turned back to the burning manor their blood turning cold with horror.

“Terrence!” They cried. Peter began to race for the doors, but was held back by Lye. Peter looked at her wildly.

“It’s too late Peter!” Lye said struggling to hold him. ” He couldn’t have survived!” It was true, Terrence was only human. The manor was already more than halfway down to the ground. It sunk in slowly. Terrence, was dead. No! He couldn’t be dead. “Carla!” Lye called. Before their eyes the shape of a young girl appeared. She was see through and floating above the ground. Her hair was short and pulled into tight curls. It was Carla the Dark Side Manor ghost. Lye didn’t have to tell Carla, she knew.

Carla was the disembodied voice they had heard one night during supper. Since then she’d spoken to them through the manor walls many times. Carla’s usually bubbly voice was a deep monotone. “I’ll check.” She said. Carla disappeared through the burning walls. She returned moments later. “Dead.” She confirmed.

“No.” Peter whispered.

Memories filled his mind. Terrence helping him fix his broken bike, crying on Jerald’s shoulder after his favorite Aunt had died. Playing ball, snuggling with his cat. Laughing at a funny cat video. The lovable friendly boy with the jet black hair and ice blue eyes was gone. He was a was now, no longer an is. Tears ran down Peter’s face. He weakened. Lye stepped to his side and supported him. Peter noticed through the haze of his tears that Hayden was being supported by Miranda. Phillip had sunk to the ground and was rocking back and forth moaning.

They had come to Dark Side Manor Academy together, and now they were separated by species and one of them was gone. They barely notice the burning building and roar of sirens. Instead, they gave themselves up to sorrow.

It was over an hour before someone spoke. The fire had been put out and the firemen had left. Carla was the first to speak.

“Wait a moment!” She cried suddenly. Tear stained faces looked up at the ghost. She was looking back at the manor with a strange look in her see-through eyes. Carla glided over to the only standing wall and slipped through. A cry of joy sounded from the wall. Carla came back through beaming.

“How can you be smiling?” Peter asked her cruelly. Carla ignored him and looked back at the wall. Peter stood up, as did everyone else. Out of the wall came a ghost, in the shape of Terrence. Terrence-ghost looked around and spotted his friends.

“What happened?” He called. “Last I remember is that psycho setting the place on fire.” Terrence then looked down at his body and at the ground that was visible through his body. He looked up, his face stricken. “I died?” They all nodded in response. “Cool!” Terrence said to their surprise. “I’m a ghost!” Then his face fell. “My parents.” He moaned. Carla floated to his side and hovered her hand over his shoulder.

“It will be alright. I know you will miss them. I miss my parents, as do all the ghosts here. You will move on, as will your parents. Eventually Dean Light will stage a death for all the newbies. It’s easier that way, I’m sorry Terrence. On the upside, you can come live with me.” Carla’s tone was soft and caring. Terence sighed and nodded.

“Thank you.” He stared his friends down. “Make sure that the wolves are healed. Also make sure my parents are OK.” They nodded, they could fulfill this last wish. With heavy, yet strangely lightened hearts they headed back to the manor.

~~~~~~~~

I apologize for the day late post. But, the last chapter of Dark Side Manor is going to be posted next week!!!!

Also, I am gathering material for book 2! At the end of chapter Twenty-Six I will reveal a few pieces of information about the sequel. Also I ask that you share my book with your friends! Thank you for reading.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter twenty-four

“Mr. Chapman!” Peter gasped. Everyone stood stunned as their new English teacher descended the rest of the stairs.

“Why would you create such an epidemic?” Lye asked slowly, drawing out the question and making it seem like she was scrutinizing each word. Mr. Chapman smiled a stunning smile.

“Well you see, I have been terribly betrayed. My mother was a werewolf, and my father a wolf person. Several years ago this was a terrible scandal, so I was cast out of both packs. Forbidden to return. Your precious Dean made my parents leave with me. I swore I would have my vengeance. It’s quite simple really, cruelty paid back with more cruelty”

“Why on earth are you here offering us the cure for your illness? Does this curse effect you?” Hayden asked sarcastically, narrowing his eyes at the tall muscular man.

“Ha! No, it does not effect m-” Mr. Chapman paused. “Did you just call it a curse? I actually like that.” He began pacing the students, herding them into a tight group like a border collie. “I am not offering it to you, no, I am here to bargain you for it.”

“What do you want?” Lye snarled. Mr. Chapman grinned.

“Why you my dear.” Lye’s eyebrows shot straight up in surprise, her shock reflected in her eyes, making them glitter with panic.

“Why, me.” She said this as a statement not a question.

“Why else? You too destroyed my life. You created the school and since Dean Light consults you for every major decision. Truly, it was you who exiled me. So I want you, dead actually but still, you.” Mr. Chapman glanced at the students that had surround Lye, protecting her. “If you give her to me, I will hand over my special cure.” Out of his coat pocket he produced a large vial, filled with a white liquid.

“No.” Peter said sharply. Mr. Chapman threw back his head in a resounding, shoulder shaking, spine chilling laugh.

“I wasn’t asking, I was demanding. You don’t get a choice.” He pointed an accusing finger at Lye. “She comes with me whether she wants to or not.”

“No.” Peter repeated, more firmly this time. Mr. Chapman walked up to Peter.

“What are you going to do about it? Your only half a vampire” Without warning, without a word, Peter moved. He shoved the bigger man was such speed, such force, that Mr. Chapman was airborne. He sailed across the room and came crashing into the stairs caving them in. Peter walked around the group, he stood by the stairs waiting for Mr. Chapman to get up. He did.

Mr. Chapman threw himself at Peter, his strong hands closing around Peter’s throat. Peter pulled them away easily. He was stronger now, more powerful. No one was going to kill his mate, his master, if he had anything to say about it. Peter’s fist closed and hit Mr. Chapman’s head, but it never made its mark. It was reflected as Mr. Chapman brushed Peter away. Reaching into his other coat pocket he pulled out a tiny bottle and gulped down the contents. Whatever it was Peter didn’t like the looks of it. Mr. Chapman shoved Peter into the wall, literally, Peter went through the wall and came out into a parlor. Peter landed in a poised position as if he was an Olympic runner and his race was about to start.

Ecrin was on Mr. Chapman’s back when Peter came back into the room. She sank her teeth into his neck and blood welled from the bite wound as she dropped off. Mr. Chapman cried out in pain but still swung for Lye. She dodged and brought her fist to the side of his head sending him reeling back. No one helped while they fought. They were in silent agreement. This was between the two of them. Lye twisted and move gracefully, she turned and attacked, retreated, and attacked again. It was like watching a warrior perform perfect gorilla warfare.

After Lye had successfully twisted out of his grip on her shoulders she reached into his pocket. She threw the bottle up and the cure sailed through the air and was caught neatly by Hayden. Mr. Chapman didn’t even notice. He continued to claw at Lye. But it was almost fruitless, it wasn’t a full moon. Whatever he had drunk had worn off and now he was weak. They had the cure, he had revealed himself, he was beaten. He knew it too.

Lye was pushed away. Mr. Chapman leaped up onto the broken stairs and darted to the hole in the ceiling. Before he ducked through the hole he pulled one more thing out of his pocket, opened and dropped it. It was a lighter.

~~~~

Only Two Chapters Left!

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter twenty-three

Midnight began to roll around. Everyone had gone to bed early, though no one would sleep. Peter slowly crawled down from his bed. Slipping silently through the door and zipping down stairs he made his way past the parlor, which reeked of sickness, and towards the doors.

“What are you doing Peter?” Peter’s blood ran cold as Lye’s scathing voice sounded from behind him. He paused with his hand on the door handle, ready to open in. I could just go, not tell her just leave. Peter thought. Instead he turned around to face Lye. She was mostly concealed by the shadows, but Peter could see her tantalizing eyes glaring at him through the dark. Reaching into his belt Peter retrieved the paper and handed it over to Lye. Her eyes scanned it, she scoffed. “No Way.” She said.

“Why not?” Peter snapped. A cough came from the direction of the parlor. More quietly, “Why not?” He started to open the door but he heard Lye tell him to stop. Miraculously his body obeyed her rather than his own mind. “What was that?” He whispered.

“You’re not you’re own.” Lye told him, Peter blinked. He was still unfamiliar with all these vampire terms. “You will only be your own vampire if I am killed. Since I am alive if I order you to do something you have to. Cruel, but handy.” She narrowed her eyes in the shadows. “This could be a trick.” Lye reasoned, pointing to the paper Peter had handed her. Peter didn’t even blink.

“I realize that Lye. But I am ready to risk that if it means curing Wit, Aden, everyone.”

“Well I’m not!” Lye protested, she rested her hands on Peter’s shoulders. “I’m not willing to risk losing you.” Peter pushed her hands away and tightened his jaw. She seemed shock at his rejection but didn’t protest.

“Except for last night I’ve barely seen you, which means I’ve been quietly going insane. You’ve tortured me Lye, and now you say you can’t lose me?” Lye sighed.

“Peter,” She began.” I’ve spent these past few months trying to find a cure. You should know that, all I wanted to do was help. I didn’t think you’d hate me for trying to help your friends.”

“I don’t, I just wished you had taken me with you. I may not be as old as you and may not be as wise as you are but I could have been of assistance. I felt neglected and rejected by my mate, Lye. Do my feelings not matter anymore?” Lye sighed again.

“They do, I should have thought about your feelings more Peter. I’m sorry.” Peter nodded.

“Alright, I forgive you. Now you can make it up to me by helping me with this.” Lye’s face was one of pure torture, she had two choices. Go with Peter and risk it being a trap, or let him go alone and risk never seeing him again. The latter won over the former.

“Fine, but on one condition.” Peter nodded, it sounded reasonable. “We don’t go alone. Wait here.” It took a few moments for Lye to convince sleepers out of their beds but when she returned she was followed by Ecrin, Miranda and Hayden, Terrence, Phillip Declan, and Jerald. “No protesting.” Lye cut off whatever Peter had been about to say.

“Alright then, let’s go” The night had turned colder by the time the stepped out into the black. The light from inside the manor ceased to brighten the dark as Declan closed the doors. They set out across the grounds. They traveled at a slow pace because only five of them had enhanced speed. The time was 12:20 by the time they reached the manor. It was a brand new, partly unfinished building and looked small because the trees nestled half the building out of sight. The side door was open. Taking deep breaths Peter led them into an unfurnished kitchen with gray and white linoleum. They walked through a dinning hall, into a smaller hall and found themselves in a room that resembled the Dark Side Manor stair room. There was a hole through the ceiling at one side of the room and several ceiling beams were out of place. They continued looking around, and then the lights switched on.

“So you stupidly decided to come. Excellent.” A rich, man’s voice echoed through the newly lightened room.

“I knew it.” Lye snarled, it was a trap.

“Oh no my dear.” The voice said smoothly. “I do have the cure, because you see. I created the illness.” Down the stairs came a man clad in black. He turned on the landing to face them. No one expected who they saw.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter twenty-two

“Achoo!”

“Bless you.” Peter said to Olly.

“Wasn’t me that was Blake.” Peter shrugged, said bless you to Blake and bent his head to his book again. Two more sneezes followed, which were followed by six more. Peter was tense enough as it was. He now heard every creak and inhale in the entire manor, he had accidentally ripped a door off its hinges. He had slept late because of the noise and had gotten to school in seven seconds. His throat felt like it was on fire 24/7 except on the Saturday after every full moon when he had his monthly blood. He was cranky and tired, Lye spent all her time trying to end the wolf people sickness, so on top of feeling awful Peter felt left out. Peter cracked.

“What is with you?” He snapped at Blake. Peter stopped, it wasn’t just Blake, it was Wit, and Olly, and Jerald.

“What’s going on?” Donte walked in supported by Eloy. Donte looked bad, his skin was gripping his bones he had lost a lot of weight. There was no longer a sparkle in his eyes, he coughed and sneezed. His eyes were also unfocused, looking at something none of them could see. He looked like Lye did when she was having a vision. Olly exploded, he jumped off the couch and shouted.

“This is your fault!” Wit, Blake and Jerald stood up after him. The parlor seemed to expand as it filled up with the entire Dark Side Manor residents. “You, ” Olly paused to cough. “You stupid wolf people spread your illness to us!” His body was seized with another round of hacking.

“It was not our fault!” Donte protested weakly. Blake joined in on the accusation.

“Yeah it was! If you hadn’t started it, we wouldn’t have gotten it!” They were all breathing heavily, coughing, trying to focus their eyes on one thing. The room reeked with sickness. This went on for several minutes. Yelling, coughing, defending, until Hayden decided to cut it off.

“Will you shut up?!” He cried, all noise quieted. Next to him stood Miranda. She had her hand rested on Hayden’s shoulder, keeping him calm.

Suddenly Wit went into another coughing fit, after four minutes it hadn’t stopped. No one payed much attention until he pitched backwards and lay sprawled on the floor coughing blood.

“Wit!” Blake and Olly cried. The crouched down by their friend covering their mouths as they coughed.

“Move.” Miranda had moved from her position by Hayden’s side and was pushing her way through the tangle of bodies, and one skeleton since Michelle had gotten scared. Claire too pushed through the crowd and knelt down by the coughing werewolf. They pushed him into a still position and began feeling his pulse and other things they did too fast to see. Suddenly Miranda sat back on her heels dumbfounded.

“He’s dying.” She said quietly. “If we don’t find a cure soon he will die in the next twenty-four hours maybe more, but I doubt more.”

“No!” Olly and Blake’s voices were a strangled cry, desperate for their friend. Then it sunk in, if Wit died, all that were sick would die. It was a purge. No one spoke for a long time, they were too horrified. All the werewolves, Donte and Aden looked at their friends. A silent goodbye. It was torture, Peter had to get away.

Ignoring the punch in his gut as he walked away from Lye Peter left the sad scene and walked out the front manor doors. Breathing in air, which he didn’t need, filled Peter’s lungs the fresh cold winter air. The night was calm, the half moon was glowing in the pitch black sky, it looked like a white blob in a sea of ink. The stars glittered so dimly you had to be looking for them to see any. The leaves that had survived the snow rustled in the trees and on the ground as a slight breeze brushed them up into the air and made them dance with specks of snow. A pitiful and painful howl sounded from the woods to Peter’s right. They knew, the wolf pack knew they were dying. The healers had failed to heal themselves.

Suddenly a sound stood out among the others, a strange musty scent filled Peter’s nose, his eyes looked about in the dark, he found nothing. Whoever, or whatever, it was was at least twelve feet away from him. Loud thudding steps sounded in the night, heading for Peter. All the nerves in Peter’s body stood on end, his brain rewired and forced him into an defense position. A massive hot blur leaped over Peter’s head, Peter prepared for it to land and turn at him. But it didn’t. It continued into the forest not looking back, it’s black fur glinting slightly in the pale moonlight. Peter stayed still, calming down before he noticed that whatever it had been, had dropped something.

Peter reached down and picked up a thickly rolled piece of paper. He unrolled it and looked at the message written in a scrawled black script.

I have the cure for the illness. Meet me in the Drenac Manor at midnight to collect it.

Peter’s breath labored, the cure for the illness. It could help Wit, and everyone else. Peter looked around and then back at the paper. His mind was telling him, go. Peter squeezed his eyes shut tightly. But I can’t leave Lye for that long, the Drenac Manor was just built and is at the other side of the grounds. Despite his mental protests Peter knew, this could be the only way, he had to. He had to trust that this wasn’t a trick. Carefully Peter rolled the paper back up and tucked it into his belt. He turned back to the manor and slowly walked to the front doors. Resting his hand on the door Peter thought about what he was going to do. He could not convince himself out of it. With that in mind he pushed the door open.

A cold blast of air greeted him as he stepped into the hall. He walked past the parlor, and saw that a quiet vigil had began. Peter sought out Lye.

“I’m heading to bed.” He said curtly. Lye nodded.

“I’ll be right there.” She said, her voice sounded distant, tired even.

Peter took no notice, he took control of his new speed and found himself in his room in an instant. He sat on Lye’s bay window bed staring out the window. Even with his enhanced sight he couldn’t see the Drenac manor. Peter’s thoughts twisted in his mind once again. Before he could single one out Lye opened the bedroom door. Peter look back at her as she came to sit by him.

“I’m sorry Peter,” Her voice cracked with emotion. “I didn’t mean for your change to be so hard. I have responsibilities that you many never understand and I know that this has been painful for you.” Peter cut her off with a tender kiss. When he broke away he saw golden tear tracks that ran down Lye’ delicate face. With his thumb Peter wiped them away, as he’d done the first time he’d truly been alive.

“I know Lye, I understand. It’ll be alright.” She gave him a smile. Taking his hands she guided his left hand to lay over her heart and his right on her neck. She positioned his fingers over her carotid artery. Peter felt he veins pump, but her heart was still. He looked Lye in the eye.

“Just because my heart doesn’t beat, doesn’t mean I don’t have blood rushing through my veins. I’m not completely cruel Peter.” Peter nodded and laughed softly.

“That anatomy makes no sense Lye.” Lye smiled and also laughed.

“I know.” She whispered.

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter twenty-one

It was now February. The months had crawled by, minute by minute. When they had first come to England they had been known as The Six, now they were The Five. Peter spent all of his time with Lye. None of them had ever seen Peter smile like that, not to mention smile like that at someone. Declan explained to them that the two were mates, Hayden and the others didn’t take this too well. Dave was the next to change, he became a Spi-person, his slender build was pure coincidence. Other than that, no one else had joined the creature world. They were all dreading it.

“What are you?” Phillip said out of the blue one day. His question was directed at Claire. Claire had been sitting on the edge of Declan’s parlor chair, they had been talking when Phillip interrupted. Clair looked around until she spotted Phillip looking at her, it was easy to notice considering he was sitting next to her.

“What?” She asked Phillip, her eyebrows raised.

“We know what everyone else is, but we don’t know what you are.”

“That’s true.” Said Terrence. Claire inhaled sharply, and paused to think before she spoke.

“Have you heard of Myrll yet?” When the newbies had all shook their heads ‘no’ she continued. “Myrll is the most powerful fairies ever. She is the one who keeps the creature world from human eyes. She is also my mother.”

“So you’re a fairy?” George asked from across the room. Claire shook her head, her short blonde hair swishing across her face.

“Not quite, you see, oh how do I put this in a way that won’t make everyone cringe? Female fairies don’t necessarily need a male fairy to have a child.” Claire cleared her throat awkwardly. “However it is, well, preferred. So I am technically only half a fairy since I do not have a father.” She cleared her throat again and looked down at her hands in her lap. “That was awkward.” She flipped her blonde hair out of her face. “So I do have fairy like powers, just not in full.” Michelle walked in at that moment looking tense. Aden who had been standing by the door said,

“Hi Michelle.” Michelle screamed, and shifted, the room was filled with gasps surprise. Before their eyes Michelle’s flesh, muscle and inner organs seemed to disappear, leaving nothing but white bone. It was like looking at a skeleton in a science book. Michelle took deep breaths, which looked impossible considering she had no lungs. Blake and Olly howled with laughter at the newbies’ expressions.

“Sorry.” Michelle’s voice moaned, the jaw of the skeleton moved to accommodate the words.

“So,” Donte said from the piano in the corner. “that’s one more person changed.” Phillip’s mouth still hung open by the time they got over the initial shock.

“What are you?”

“I’m a Skel, in other words I transform into a skeleton.” She indicated her body with a sweep of her thin arm. “Obviously. Oh wait, I need to change back.” Within a moment Michelle looked like Michelle again.

The door to the manor creaked open, Lye came in with Peter by her side. Like always they were holding hands. Peter still looked terrible. His skin was pale and splotchy; his eyes, which darted around a lot, no longer had visible veins, and the irises were still pure gold. He kept shifting from one foot to the other, he was uncomfortable all the time. Always looking at the clock in classes, anxious to get out. But he always seemed to relax while standing next to Lye. As if her presence soothed him as he was still feeling strange in his own body. Lye, looked concerned.

“Lye, is everything alright?” Claire asked, she shifted her eyes from Lye to Peter. “Is something wrong with Peter?” Lye shook her head, the worried look didn’t shift off her face.

“Inika is ill, the whole wolf pack is.”

“Nonsense!” Donte exclaimed, breaking the silence. “I am in the wolf pack and I most certainly am not…” His protest of not being ill was ironically cut off by a wracking cough.

“Donte, are you alright?” Eloy steadied his friend as another coughed seized Donte’s body.

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Donte responded “Just something in my throat that’s all.” Lye shook her head.

“No, he is not fine. The entire pack was like that, some were worse. Also, there is a bigger problem.”

“Other than an entire species being ill? What could be worse Lye?” Mr. Roblin’s voice was scathing, cold. Lye met his gaze unflinchingly.

“They have never seen this illness before.”

The information sunk in. The wolf people treated sickness, knew every herb and plant in the world, had seen every illness and knew how to cure it. Now they were sick, with something that could possibly kill them, and they didn’t even know what it was.

“No!” Donte suddenly cried out, he was looking at Aden. Everyone turned their heads to look at the tall Scottish boy.

“What is it?” Declan asked. Donte pointed at Aden.

“Aden was going to become a wolf person.” Peter raised his eyebrows and looked at his friend.

“Really?” Peter asked, his voice was tight because Lye had disappeared shortly after Donte had started coughing. Aden nodded.

“It was my decision.” Aden said scratching his head.

“I don’t see the problem.” Claire said. “You said he was going to become a wolf person, not that he is one. There’s a difference in tense.” She pointed out.

“No…” Another cough. “You don’t understand.” Lye reentered the room carrying a glass of water which she handed to Donte.

“It has already begun.” Lye said. “The procedures have started. On the full moon, Friday, Aden will take his final transformation. After that the sickness will be able to claim him. Inika said is has been spreading for over a month.” Donte’s cough had subsided.

“That’s what I was trying to say.” Donte’s voice after only a few moments of coughing had turned hard and raspy. His eyes were red and watering, he looked tired all of a sudden, like he hadn’t slept in months.

§***§

It was an epidemic. Donte hadn’t been seen in days. None of the wolf people made it to school. The teachers noticed their missing students, and the students their missing teachers. No announcements had been made, safe for the meeting that had introduced the creature world to the newbies. The illness was being ignored.

More people had changed besides Aden, Phillip had decided to become a shifter he could now change into a lynx at will. It surprised them when little Jerald became a werewolf. George, along with Daniela, had joined the group of magic. They were now a sorcerer and a sorceress, although sometimes Daniela seemed more like a witch then a sorceress. But Terrence and Hayden were left out so far.

A sneeze roused Peter from his thoughts. He was sitting in the parlor, trying to distract himself since Lye was meeting with Dean Silk, again.

“Bless you.” He said to Aden. Peter looked at him sadly, the tall blonde Scot had come down with the illness just the other day. It had ceased his body and wouldn’t let go, Aden refused to be quarantined no matter the protests. Aden looked at Peter, Peter’s heart dropped to his knees. Aden’s skin was sickly pale and all of his veins stood out. His eyes were red from lack of sleep and watering, they were also troubled from the visions that seemed to have come with the epidemic.

Lye walked in, she and Peter shared a look. Lye’s look asked what was going on, Peter’s was cold. Ecrin, who had seen Peter ignore Lye raised her eyebrows in surprise. Lye hadn’t noticed, she was completely oblivious, and this made Peter angry. He couldn’t help himself when Lye sat next to him and stroked his cheek softly. He closed his eyes and let out a small sigh. He turned his head to look at Lye. She smiled and held his head in her hands studying his eyes.

“The gold is starting to retract.” Lye commented.

“Is that good?” Peter asked.

“Yes, it means that the change will be finished in, a month maybe two.” Lye responded while nodding. Eloy’s voice called from the hall.

“Supper!” Peter abandoned his books and holding Lye’s hand made his way to the dinning hall. Inside Hayden was arguing with Eloy.

“It’s the rules and you know that!” Hayden was protesting. Eloy just shook his head.

“I can’t have you changing manors and possibly spreading this illness. Since Aden refuses to be quarantined.” Aden rolled his eyes and let out a spluttering cough. Only George had caught Eloy’s first words.

“Why are you changing manors?” George squeaked. Hayden turned to look at the smaller boy, George’s jaw dropped in surprise. After a few minutes he regained his composure and slowly closed his mouth. Awkwardly clearing his throat he spoke.

“Well, that makes a whole lot of sense now.” Slowly backing away George went to his seat next to Daniela.

“What makes sense?” Peter asked. He looked at Lye and did a double take when he realized that she was smiling. Lye winked at Peter and turned to speak to Hayden.

“Who?” The single word caused confusion. Declan exasperatedly sighed.

“Will you be less cryptic Lye?” Declan asked his sister. Lye smiled at him and shook her head. Hayden bit his lip, without looking at Lye he said,

“Miranda.”

“I know.” Hayden’s head rose slightly at these words.

“You know? Oh wait, she’s your friend and you are psychic.” Lye nodded.

“Pretty much. I thought she was into Aden but, whatever.”

“I am so confused right now.” Jerald said sinking into his chair. Hayden took a deep breath and turned. Everyone looked at Hayden, and his golden irises.

“That makes sense.” Peter said in a relaxed tone. Peter saw Hayden’s clenched fists and tightened jaw. He understood. “Eloy, either she comes here or he goes there. One has to happen or else Hayden is going to go crazy.” He shifted his eyes to the manor head. “You do know why this has to happen don’t you? Or, do you know nothing of our species?” Peter asked him blatantly. He was surprised with himself, that was the first time that he’d referred to vampires as his species.

The manor head gave in. “Alright, alright!” He said shaking his head. “Tell her to come since her manor has no wolf people.” Hayden smiled and asked.

“Can I do that, like, now?” Hayden asked him, he was all out of breath from excitement. He grinned and vanished after Eloy reluctantly nodded.

Chapter Twenty

Chapter twenty

Peter saw Lye for the first time since that morning, in the cafeteria. She was sitting at her usual table, Peter hurried to sit next to her. As he sat down his tensed up body seemed to relax and his lungs began breathe again. Relieved Peter gasped aloud. Lye reached up and ran her fingers through his hair.

“I know, it’s hard for a changing vampire to be away from his or her master for more than a few minutes. It will get easier I promise.” All through dinner people stared. Not other vampires though, they knew Lye, so they had known that this was going to happen. Everyone fell silent as Dean Silk entered the room and walked over to the table that Lye and Peter were sitting at.

“May I see you in my office Miss Moon? Her voice was lowered to a whisper, which was fruitless since her presence alone drew attention. Lye sighed comically while rolling her eyes.

“If you must.” Lye stood up and Peter stood up with her.

“Not you Mr. Gladel.” Dean Silk told him. Peter thought of the feeling that he’d had all morning when he had been away from Lye. Right now, all he wanted, all he needed, was to be next to her. He searched Dean Silk’s eyes making sure that she saw his irises.

“Please.” Peter begged quietly. Dean Silk didn’t argue. She merely led them out of the dining room and down to her office. Once inside she sat on the edge of her desk and stared at the two students before her, she sighed.

“Lye do you know what you have done?” Lye nodded. “I understand why you changed him, the timing though, the timing.” Dean Silk shook her head. “Now I either have to have the manor heads tell the newbies, or have a meeting and tell them my self, or both.”

“Adeline,” Lye said softly, this surprised Peter. He had never heard anyone call Dean Silk by her first name before, then her remembered the story Lye had told him a few days ago. The two of them had created this school together, they were friends. “It wasn’t just the fact that I wanted to, it was the pull. I am sorry that I didn’t consult you before changing him, it wasn’t just the pull that night. It was December 19th, I wanted him to change on Ashleign’s death date. To try to make a day that had been so sad for me, better in my memory.” Dean Silk nodded.

“Yes, I understand Lye, I understand.” She shifted her gaze to Peter. “Peter,” she said “How did you take the news of the truth of the school?” Peter thought for a moment.

“Well, I took it better than Lye expected.” Lye nodded in response. “I mostly accepted it without much explanation because, well, I saw my eyes.”

“Ah, yes of course, the eyes.” she sighed “I just need to figure this out.” Dean Silk, put her hand on her forehead.

“One thing you could do,” Lye began “is proof. Peter believed because of his eyes. If the manor heads ‘changed’ in front of the newbies it would be hard proof.” Dean Silk frowned in concentration.

“Maybe…” she murmured.

“Adeline I am older than you,” Lye said. “don’t you trust me?” She asked her old friend. Dean Silk nodded.

“Yes of course Lye.”

The two immortal girls discussed tactics for a while longer, then it was back to class. As far as Peter was concerned, back to the torture.

§***§

A month had passed since Peter’s change. Tensions were high and the manor was always quiet. Nothing was the same, and it never would be. Werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters, sorcerers, they all existed. Peter suffered every school day. Lye explained to him that the pain of being away from her would lessen. Somehow Peter doubted that. He didn’t know that he could feel this way. He craved being next to Lye. Since his change Peter saw a new side of Lye. One that was gentle, and sweet. He could feel himself falling for her, it seemed like a movie cliche but it was true.

The full moon came and went. After another week of torture Peter just wanted to stay at the manor with Lye. However, that night Peter would go to his first meeting. He’d only ever been around three vampires at once, tonight he’d be around hundreds. After 9:30 Lye pulled him up to their room, she handed him a garment bag and pointed to the curtain.

“Get dressed.” She told him. Peter changed into the black suite and stared at the golden tie in confusion. “You ready?” Lye called from the other side of the curtain.”

“I have no idea how to put a tie on.” He called to her. He heard her laugh softly.

“I can do it for you.” Peter stepped around the thick material and stopped. Lye was wearing a short navy blue dress that fit her body perfectly. The back of the dress had a hole cut in the middle of the material and navy strings crossed the hole in a intricate pattern. She was wearing black heels and matching black jewelry. Lye had swept her hair into a french twist and was bushing silver pins into the side when she turned to face Peter. She smiled at him. “You clean up very nice.” She said holding her hand out for his tie. Peter grinned at her as she looped the tie around his neck and pulled it into a knot.

“You look stunning Lye.” He ducked his head to kiss her, she pulled back and laughed.

“Don’t mess up my lip gloss silly.” She cupped his chin in her hand. “You ready?” She asked gently.

“I suppose.” Peter said nervously. Lye took his hand and they walked out of their room.

“You two look great.” Ecrin was standing by the staircase waiting for them. She was wearing a stunning red gown with lace sleeves. The skirt was shorter in the front and longer in the back, the material swirled around her legs revealing gold sandals. A golden bracelet glittered on her wrist as she moved her hair out of her face. Lye smiled at her friend.

“She outshines us doesn’t she Peter.” She teased Ecrin, whom rolled her eyes.

“You look lovely Ecrin.” Peter agreed. He looked around the slim hallway. “Where’s Declan?” He asked.

“Hello.” Peter jumped as Declan’s voice echoed from behind him. Declan raised an eyebrow at Peter’s surprise. “I suppose your sense of hearing and touch haven’t been tampered with yet. Soon.” Peter nodded cautiously and looked at Declan’s suit. The material was a charcoal gray color, with it he wore a green tie.

“That tie doesn’t match your eyes.” Ecrin commented at the same time Lye did. Declan shook his head with exasperation. He decided not to respond and was down the stairs in the blink of an eye. The fast movement made Peter loose his breath from surprise. Lye gave him a gentle look.

“You’ll get used to it, I promise.” She said. Taking Peter’s hand again she led him downstairs with Ecrin in front of them. As they walked down the stairs Peter noticed that the back of her dress was made of the same red lace as the sleeves.

They stepped out into the stairs room, unfortunately all of the inhabitants of the manor were there. Peter caught Phillip’s eye and felt a pang in his chest. He bit his lip and looked at his friends sadly. After what seemed like minutes he felt a slight tug on his hand, he turned his head to look at Lye. She gave him a small reassuring smile. Gathering his breath, and his courage, he walked through the crowd of people holding on to Lye’s hand for dear life.

The meeting was held on the South West side of the school on the highest floor. The room was large with red stained wooden flooring, the walls were painted white and hanging from the center of the ceiling was a large crystal chandelier. The room as packed with people, not people, vampires. It was crowded with no room for chairs or tables. The only piece of furniture in the large room was a long bar that spanned the entire right side. On it were crystal glasses holding a thick red liquid. Peter swallowed hard knowing what was in those glasses, and knowing that he was going to drink it. Lye led him to the far side of the room, they stepped out onto a large balcony where more vampires stood, talking and sipping from their glasses.

Lye moved through the crowd to stand next to her friend Miranda. Miranda grinned at Lye before shifting her gaze to Peter.

“Welcome to your first meeting Peter. I should also say welcome to our race.” Peter nodded a silent thanks. A big, thick muscled guy with cropped blonde hair held out a tray to Lye. On it were more of the filled crystal glasses. Lye took two, nodded at the boy and handed a glass to Peter. He took it and held it delicately between his fingers. He stared at the thick liquid for several long moments.

“It’s not as bad as you think mate.” Peter turned to see a tall dark skinned boy standing behind him. The boy’s hair was cropped short and dyed red, the color matched his tie and his drink. “In fact it’s better than chocolate, I promise.” The boy spoke with a clear Australian accent. He smiled at Peter showing off his perfect white teeth. He held his hand out to Peter. “The name’s Nate.” Peter shifted his glass to his left hand and grasped Nate’s with his right.

“Peter.” Nate nodded.

“Oh I know, the entire school knows. Even the newbies. You’re the first changed, the first to know.” Nate turned and gave Lye a slight nod. “Congratulations on your friend Lye.” Lye’s mouth pulled itself into a smirk. She turned to address Peter.

“Drink.” She commanded pointing at the glass in his hand. Peter took a deep breath, his eyes flickered down to his glass. Slowly, he raised it to his lips. The glass felt cool against his lips. Tipping his head back he let the rich liquid, the blood, run into his mouth and down his throat.

Instantly he felt a rush of energy pour itself into his body. His veins tingled with adrenaline and his fingers twitched like he was on a sugar high. He closed his eyes as the taste of the blood danced across his tongue. As he swallowed he felt a warmth grow in his stomach, it spread over his whole body in seconds. Peter was left breathless, gasping for air. He opened his eyes to see Lye smiling at him. Peter licked his lips, chasing all traces of blood into his mouth. He sighed contented. A sudden thought crossed Peter’s mind jolting him out of his calm state.

“Who’s blood is this?” His own voice sounded foreign to his ears. Nate shrugged.

“Some human’s. We hold blood drives all over the world, people come thinking that they’re giving blood for a good cause. Well, they are feeding hungry vampires so it truly is a good cause. Eventually you’ll be able to tell the nationality of the person by the taste of their blood.” Nate demonstrated this by taking a sip from his glass. “Ah” he sighed “Italian blood.” Declan appeared next to Nate, he rolled his eyes. Declan took a sip from his own glass and gestured at Peter’s.

“What do you think?” Declan asked him. Peter looked down at his glass thoughtfully.

“Well,” He said, hesitating “The thought of it I’m not quite fond of, but I love the taste.” Declan nodded in agreement. He turned his head to Lye.

“Maranee and Stephen are here.” He said to her. Lye nodded at look at Peter, her brown-gold eyes searching his gold ones.

“Will you be alright for a bit?” She asked him. Peter raised his glass and gave her a small smile.

“I’ll be fine.” He said. “I’ve got this.” Declan chocked back a laugh and pretended to be taking another drink. Lye smacked his arm before pushing him towards the balcony door, Miranda followed them inside. After they’d left Nate turned back to Peter.

“So Lye is your mate.” Nate said to him. Peter blinked in surprise.

“She’s my, what?” He asked Nate, his tone held a emotion even Peter didn’t recognize. Nate laughed.

“You’re mate, it’s a romantic bond between a Master and their Friend. It comes from marking rather than claiming.”

“Marking, claiming. I’m sorry can you, explain more?” Peter asked his dubiously.

“Of course I can, I also will.” Peter rolled his eyes. “When a vampire claims somebody they are basically telling other creatures that the person is going to be a vampire. It also lets other vampires know that they can’t change him or her, it has to be the vampire that did the claiming. Does that make sense.” Peter nodded.

“Also, claiming can be done with a single touch, a gift, really anything that has a bit of venom on it. Marking is essentially the same as claiming, except it’s usually done with a kiss. Once that person is changed the Master and Friend become mates due to the fact that the friend was marked. Everyone knows that Lye kissed you, so therefore now that you are a vampire the two of you are mates.”

“Can a vampire and their master become friends even if they were claimed?” Peter asked. Nate nodded thoughtfully.

“I mean’s it’s happened before so it is possible. It’s just more of a hassle to go with one method and then change the whole dynamic of the relationship.” The two boys talked for almost an hour before Lye returned. She brushed her fingertips across the hand that was holding Peter’s drink, she wrapped her fingers around his wrist and brought the glass to his lips.

“Drink up.” She told him. “You’ll need to have several glasses before the night is up.”

It was late into the night by the time they returned to the manor. Lye had made Peter drink five glasses of blood, so as they walked back Peter was submerged in a calm state. Donte and Eloy were the only ones awake, they sat in the parlor drinking ‘adult drinks’ when the group of four walked in. Eloy looked up and spoke cautiously.

“How did it go?” He asked. Lye answered first.

“It went great. Peter made a friend, and took his first blood very well.” Lye ran her fingers through his hair as she said this.

“What did it taste like?” Donte asked Peter. Peter chewed on his lip before answering.

“Better than anything in the world.” He remembered what Nate had said earlier, he repeated it. “Better than chocolate.”

4/5/16

Announcing that all Dark Side Manor Chapters (1-19) have been updated and ready to be read all the way through! This Saturday (The 9th) Chapter 20 will be uploaded for the first time!

4/3/16

On the third day of April in the year 2016 I have 100% completed Dark Side Manor Book 1! The excitement is so real and it is amazing! I send out an update after I update all the chapters (Of course if you catch errors, tell me!) After that I will upload a new chapter every Saturday!