M.T.D's Devine Wars - The secret Life.
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
1
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
MichaelT.D<br />
Divine<strong>Wars</strong>:<br />
(BookOne)<br />
<strong>The</strong>Secret<strong>Life</strong><br />
Facebook@ MTD_NOVELS<br />
2
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
UNEDITED.<br />
3
<strong>The</strong>Divine<strong>Wars</strong><br />
Series<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
MichaelT.DisayoungAfricanwriterwithasharpvisionfortheartofstoryteling.Since<br />
earlychildhood,hedreamedofwritingstoriesthatreaderswouldfalinlovewithandget<br />
addictedto.Hehastrieddiferentformsofstorytelinglikepainting,drawing,comic<br />
books,musicwritingandnowhehasfinalypluckedupthecouragetobuildabrandnew<br />
relationshipbetweenhispenandpaperwithhisveryfirstnoveltrilogy<strong>The</strong>Divine<strong>Wars</strong><br />
Series.<br />
4
PROLOGUE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"I'm soryMa'am.<strong>The</strong>childwassuccessfulydeliveredbutI'm afraidthe<br />
motherdidn'tmakeit."<br />
Thosearetheexactwordsthatmademylifemiserable.Mydaughterdied<br />
givingbirthtothechildofthemanthatrapedher,andIhadtoraisethis<br />
baby.Ihadtoraisetheverythingthatkiledmyonlybelovedchild.Itwasa<br />
burden.Iwasleftwithnochoicebuttohiresomehandmaidenstohelpme<br />
lookafterthenewbornchild.NotbecauseIwastoooldforthe<br />
responsibilities,butbecauseIhatedthischild,fortakingawaymyworld.My<br />
Angie.InamedthechildMonicabecausethat'sthenameAngiewas<br />
planningtogiveit.Idon'tknowwhatdrovehertochosethatname,butshe<br />
desperatelychoseit.Shesaidshehadastrongfeelingthatmadeherher<br />
chosethenameMonica.<br />
Monicawasnotlikeanyothernormalchild.Heragingwasfaster.Atone<br />
montholdshewasalreadylookinglikeasixmonthsoldbaby.Shehad<br />
alreadylearnthowtositup,howtocrawl,andshecouldsaysomewords<br />
onlyasixmonthsoldbabycanlearn.Wethoughtofitassomesortofa<br />
disorder,sowedidn'tpaymuchatentiontoit.Atthreemonthsoldthe<br />
babyhadalreadylearnthowtowalk,howtoproperlytalk,howtofeeditself<br />
andmanyotherthingsthatonlyatwoyearsoldbabycando.Butwestil<br />
didn'tputmuchconcerntoit.Ayearlater,Monicahadnowgrowntothe<br />
sizeofasixyearsoldbaby.Shehadalreadylearnthowtospeakfluently,<br />
howtorunandthemaidstaughtherhowtoread.Somesuspicionswere<br />
raisedtowhyMonicagrewfastoverashorttime,sowewentseekingfor<br />
guidance.It'sbeenfouryearsnow.Wehavetriedmovingfrom doctorsto<br />
doctors,scientiststoscientists,prieststopriestsbutnobodyhadeventhe<br />
slightestideaofwhatwasgoingon.Afewdaysago,afriendofminetels<br />
meaboutthismanwhoclaimstobeamagician,sorcerer,anenchanterof<br />
somesort.Idon'trealyknowwhatshecaledhim,butshesaidhecanbe<br />
abletohelpusgetanswers.Sowestartedsearchingforthatman.Now<br />
hereyouare,inmyhouseandyouaretelingmethatyouhadadream,a<br />
vision,aboutmygranddaughter.<br />
5
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"YesMa'am,Isawyourgranddaughterinmyvision.Monicaisit?"<br />
"Yes,Monica,That'shername."<br />
"I'vebeenlookingforthisgirlforalongtime."<br />
"What?Why?Whatdidyouseeinthatvisionofyours?"<br />
"IsawtheApocalypse.<strong>The</strong>prophesiedendoftheworld.<strong>The</strong>day<br />
everythingwilfal.<strong>The</strong>daythegroundswilopenbringingforththeflames<br />
andcreaturesthatlurkunderneath.<strong>The</strong>daythebodiesofalmanwillay<br />
deadontheground.Bloodwilflowthesurfaceliketsunamis.<strong>The</strong>daythe<br />
earthwilburn,andatthecenterofalthisdistractionisagirl.Yourgirl,<br />
Monica.<strong>The</strong>prophesiedentitytoendallifeasweknowit."<br />
"Soyouaresayingmydaughtergavebirthtoathingthatwilendthe<br />
world?"<br />
"No.Shegavebirthtotheendoftheworlditself.<strong>The</strong>Apocalypse"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nIguesswehavetostopher,Imeanbeforeshe."<br />
"Yes,youhavetounderstandthatwehavetokilyourgranddaughter<br />
beforeshedestroyseverything.Thisissueiswaybeyondyou."<br />
"Idon'tcarewhatyoudotothatthing,justgetitoutofmylife."<br />
"Alrightthen.<strong>The</strong>AnxientbookofMadroumentionstheonlywayto<br />
stop.Weneedtoburyheralive.Sendingherbackunderneathwhereshe<br />
camefrom.Someritualsneedtobeperformed.I'lhaveeverythingreadyin<br />
2nights.Wehavetokilthegirl.Shehastodie.Shehastodie"<br />
6
CHAPTERONE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
MynameisMonicaLarsandIam goingtotelyouastoryaboutmylife.HowInevergrew<br />
uplikeanormalchild.<strong>The</strong>storyaboutastrangerwhotookmeonahorifyingadventurethat<br />
taughtmehowmuchineverrealyknewmyself.<strong>The</strong>samestoryabouthowifoundoutthatI<br />
wasnotsomuchofahuman,eventhoughIwasbornfrom one.<br />
Thisisastoryaboutmysteryanddeception,loveandromance,dramaandadventure,<br />
thrilandhoror,waranddeathandthehorifyingfactseverybodykeepsthinkingarefiction.<strong>The</strong><br />
storyabouttheENDOFTHEWORLD.<br />
Totelitright,Ihavetotakeyoubacktothedayitalstarted.<br />
18thCenturyScotland,Edinburgh.Fiveyearsaftermybirth,iwasalreadylookingand<br />
thinkinglikeasixteenyearsoldchild.AtthattimeialreadywentthroughpubertyandIwasas<br />
matureasasixteenyearsoldnormalgirlwouldbe.<br />
Iwassitingonmybedroom windowhuggingmyfavoriteromanticbook,Symphony,tight<br />
againstmychest.Mysummerskyblueeyesgazedintotheblueskiesasiimaginedhowmyfirst<br />
lovewouldlook.Ibroughtoutasmileacompaniedbyadeepbreathwhiletheperfectwind<br />
brushedit'swaythroughmyuniquesilver-coloredhair.Icouldfeelthesun'sshineonmy<br />
flawlessskinshimmeringaswhiteasthekeysonthepianointhecornerofmyroom.Ihugged<br />
thebookeventighterasmyreddressdanceswiththewind.<br />
FiveyearssincemybirthandIhadneverbeenoutsidethehouse.<strong>The</strong>closestievergotto<br />
theoutsideworldwassitingonmyman-sizedbedroom windowwhichwaslocatedatthetop<br />
ourhugehouse.HereiswereIgottodiveintomyimaginativeworldoffantasy.WhereIwould<br />
watchthebirdsflyandmakethosesweetrhythmicchirps.Itwastheonlyplaceiwouldgetthe<br />
feeloftheairotherthantheoneinthehouse,thefreshair.It'sonthatwindowwhereifeltone<br />
withtheworld.<strong>The</strong>samefeelingthatusedtoinspiringmetodoaltheamazingpaintingsonmy<br />
bedroom wals.<br />
Myfavoriteandmostnoticeablepaintingofalistheonethatwasontherightwal,ifyou<br />
werestandingatthedoorofmyroom.Itcoveredtheentirewal.<br />
Apaintingofayoungfemaleangelwithonlyonewing.Youcouldtelbythebloodonher<br />
backandhertornwhiteclothesthatshewasinsomesortoffightwhereshelostherotherwing.<br />
Herlongblondhairasmessedupasthehairofagirlwhojustwokeup.Herfacewashidden<br />
behindherhandsthatwerecoveredinblood.Shewasonherkneescryinginadarkforestfulof<br />
olddrytreeswithoutleaves.<strong>The</strong>irbrancheswerepaintedinsuchawaythattheylookedlikeevil<br />
handsreachingouttowardstheangelasiftokilher.Whenyoulookdeepintothepicture,justat<br />
thebackofthecreepylookingforest,youcouldspotawomanwithaheadofanowl.Shewas<br />
wearingadarklongdressandwasholdingahugeknifeinherlefthand,bloodwasdrippingfrom<br />
it.Herhugebirdeyeswerepaintedredandscary,theywerethebrightestandmosthighlighted<br />
featuresofthepicture.<br />
Thispaintingwasabetween-the-lineslatencythatexpressedmythoughtsaboutmyown<br />
7
life.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Acryingangelwithonlyonewingcannotfly.<br />
ThisrepresentedmeandthesadlifeIwasliving,myinabilitytogooutintotheworldtodo<br />
whatIloved.Thiswasfurtherexpressedwhenyoulookattheowl-headedwomaninthebackof<br />
thepicture,whichcharacterizedmycruelgrandmother,MrsPota.<strong>The</strong>owlshapedheadand<br />
hugeeyesshowedhowMrsPotaalwayskeptaneyeoneverythingIdid.<strong>The</strong>knifeshewas<br />
holdinginthepictureshowedthatshewastheonewhocutoftheangel'sotherwingtokeep<br />
herfrom flying,arepresentationofmygrandmotherkeepingmefrom goingoutintotheoutside<br />
world.<strong>The</strong>angelsataloneinthedarkforestsuroundedbydarkscarytrees,whichephasized<br />
thelonelinessandboredom thatatemeupeveryday,tothecore.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasahugebrownwoodenwardrobeonthelefthalfofthewal,itcoveredhalfof<br />
thepainting.Thishalfhidapaintingofahandsomelookingman.Hewasstandingboldand<br />
courageousinfrontofthecryingangel.AKnight,youcouldteljudgingbytheswordthathanged<br />
from thewaistofhisshinningarmour.Hisgoldhairwasflowingwiththewind.Inhishandshe<br />
washoldingtheangel'sbrokenwing,handingittothesadangel.<br />
ThispartofthepaintingexposedthedreamsandhopesthatIwasholdinginsidethat<br />
someday,someonewouldcomeandsavemefrom althemiseryIwasgoingthrough,aboy<br />
perhaps.<br />
Ititledthewholepainting'<strong>The</strong><strong>secret</strong><strong>Life</strong>',Justatthebotom ofthewal.<br />
<strong>The</strong>paintingwouldtakeaprofessionalartistacoupleofmonthstofinish,givenalthe<br />
detailsitwasholding.Butihadalthetimeintheworldtofinishitinonlytwoweeks,giventhe<br />
factthatIwasalwaysindoors.<br />
Ihadneverseteyesuponanyotherpersonapartfrom mygrandmother,thefive<br />
handmaidensthatworkedaroundthehouseandthetwofemaledoctorsthatusedtocomefor<br />
mycheckupstwiceamonth.Ihadnootherfriendsapartfrom mycatandthoughtstokeepme<br />
companyinthequiethouse.From thecoldwinters,throughthehotSummers,tothebeautiful<br />
spring,nothingbutlonelinessroamedbetweenthewalsofthatastonishinghouse.<br />
Thatdayihadnopianolessons.Thatdayiwasnotplayingdressupwiththedolsthat<br />
satinthedolhouseundermybed.Iwasnotplayingdressupwithmyselfinfrontofthemiror<br />
thatstoodagainstthewaljustnexttotheonlywindowihadinmyroom.ThatdayIwasnot<br />
painting.ThatdayIwasnotdoingthedancelessonsthatIusedtogivetomyselfintheempty<br />
spaceinthemiddleofmyroom.Iwasnotjumpingonthebedthatwasawkwardlypositionedin<br />
thecornerontheleft.Thatdayiwasreadingabook.<br />
Sitingonthewindow,iwassosunkintotheromanceofthestoryIwasreadingthatI<br />
beguntofantasiesmyselfasthegirlinthebook.<strong>The</strong>girlthatlivedinabeautifulroyalcastle<br />
withalovingfamily.<strong>The</strong>samegirlthatranawayfrom homeandtraveledtheworldwiththelove<br />
ofherlife.<strong>The</strong>girlwholovedtosinganddance.<br />
"Monica!Monica!"Mygrandmother'svoicewasurgent,pulingmefrom thedepthsofmy<br />
8
daydreaming.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"yesgrandmotherI'm here!"Isoftlyrepliedasmymindsnappedbacktoreality.<br />
"Didyoujustcalmegrandmother?WhatdidItelyouaboutcalingmeyour<br />
grandmother?"<br />
"I'm soryma'am,Iwon'tdoitagain."<br />
"Youbeternot.WhatdidIsayyoushouldcalme?"<br />
"MrsPota."<br />
"Good,nevercalmegrandmotheragain."<br />
ForsomereasonthatIneverknow,MrsPotaneverwasafanofmecalingher<br />
grandmother.Shealwayspreferedcalingherbyhersonorityname,MrsPota.SoIwasforced<br />
tocalherthatbecauseIwaslivingunderherroof.<br />
"I'vebeencalingyournameforawhilenow,didyoufalasleeponthewindowagain?"<br />
Shesaid.<br />
"Notrealy,Imusthavebeenlostinmythoughts."<br />
"Whatwereyouthinkingabout?"<br />
"Uhm .thepianolessons."Isaid,becauseIknewthatifiwastotelMrsPotathatIwas<br />
thinkingaboutaboy,iwouldbeintrouble.SoIdecidedtolie.<br />
"Pianolessonsonthewindow?"<br />
"Yesma'am ."<br />
InoticedthatMrsPotawaslosinghersmileassheglaredatthebookthatIwasholding.<br />
EventhoughIknewitwastoolateforit,Istiltriedtohidethebookbehindmyback.<br />
"Whatisthatyouhaveinyourhands?"Sheasked.<br />
"It'snothingma'am."<br />
"Letmesee."<br />
"It's.it's.it'srealynothing",MyvoicestuteredwithfearasItookastepbackwards.<br />
me.<br />
"LETMESEE!"Hervoicebecameviolentassheextendedheroldwrinkledhandstowards<br />
Shewrenchedthebookfrom myhands.<br />
"Whatisthis?"<br />
"It's.it'sjustabook."<br />
9
"Iknowit'sabook,butwheredidyougetit?"<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"I.Ifoundit.?"<br />
"WhatdidItelyouaboutbringingthingsinthisroom withoutmyknowledge!"Sheyeled<br />
whilestrikingmycheekwiththebook.<br />
"WhatdidItelyoustupidlitlegirl?"Sherepeated.<br />
"Itwasme!"asoftvoicewasheardcomingfrom thedooroftheroom.It'swasMrs<br />
Meikle'svoicewhostoodatthedoor.<br />
MrsMeiklewasanoldwoman,probablyinherlatesixties.Oneamongstthefive<br />
handmaidenswhoworkedatthehouse.Shewasaworkerthere,waybeforeIwasborn.Longer<br />
thanaltheotherhandmaidens.Herhusbanddiedaverylongtimeago,soshemovedinand<br />
startedworkingforMrsPotatosupportherself.Aftermybirth,mrsMeikle'staskswitchedfrom<br />
cleaningthehousetolookingafterme.Sheisthewomanwhoraisedme,alongsideMrsWhite<br />
andMissJamesonwhoassistedherattimes.MrsMeiklewashonestlymyfavoritepersonin<br />
thehouse,mybestfriend,Secondfrom achaius,thecat.ThiswasbecauseMrsMeiklewasthe<br />
onlypersonwhoalwaysfoundtimetohavefunwithMe.Sheusedtogivemepianolessons<br />
twiceinaweek.Usedtotelmewonderfulstorieseverynightrightbeforebed.ShewouldSingto<br />
mewhileIpainted.MrsMeiklewastheonlypersonIfeltfreetotelanything,evenaboutmy<br />
strongdesiretoseeaboyforthefirsttime.ShewasalwaysthereformewhenIwastiredof<br />
playingwithdolsandneededafriendtotalkto.<br />
Onceeveryweek,MrsMeiklewouldsneaknovelsandstorybooksfrom thehouselibrary<br />
intomyroom formetoreadonthoselonelydays.<br />
Amonthbeforethatday,shebroughtabookaboutromancethatihadbeenlongingto<br />
readbecausesheusedtotelmethesweetstoryinthebook.Thiswasthefirstandonlybook<br />
aboutloveandromancethatihadeverread.Itwassucharousingbookthatitalwaysaroused<br />
mycuriosityaboutboys.Suchanexhilaratingbookthatithadalreadybecomemyfavoritebook<br />
beforeievenreachedhalfwaytofinishingit.Ialreadyfinishedreadingthebooktwicebefore<br />
andthatwasthethirdtimeIwasreadingit.<br />
AfterMrsPotaslappedmewiththeboom,MrsMeiklemusthaveoverheardtheechoes<br />
oftheloudbangfrom outsidetheroom.IassumeSheimmediatelyrushedtomyroom toaidme,<br />
likeshealwaysusedtodowhenIwasintrouble.<br />
"Igaveherthebook",MrsMeikleSaid.<br />
ShewalkedtowardsmeasIlaidsobbingonthefloor.Shesatmeupandgavemea<br />
calminghug.<br />
"Itwasmyfault,punishmeinsteadofher",Shesaid.Patingmeontheback.<br />
"Whogaveyouthatpermission?"SaidMrsPota.<br />
"Noone,Ijustthoughtthatmaybe."<br />
10
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Youjustthought?Thisismyhouse,Idothethinkingaroundhere.Ihiredyoutocleanthe<br />
housenottothinkyoucangivemygranddaughteranythingyouwishto."<br />
"I'm sory,MrsPota,ipromisethiswon'thappenagain."<br />
"Ihopeso,andtomakesureitdoesn't,I'm punishingyou.MrsMeikle,Youwilnothave<br />
anymealfortherestoftheday."MrsPotasaid,<br />
"Asforyouyounglady,I'ldealwithyouatthetable.Getreadyforlunch."Shecontinued,<br />
exitingtheroom withthebookinherhands.boldlywalkingthroughthedoor,thereaftershuting<br />
itwithabigbangthatechoedthroughoutthehousestunnedme.<br />
SomehowIfeltthatitwasmyfaultthatMrMeiklewasgetingpunished.Ididnotfeel<br />
rightaboutit.<br />
"I'm soryIgotyouintroubleMrsMeikle.Thiswasalmyfault.It'salbecauseofmy<br />
carelessness",icriedout.<br />
"Hushlitlelady.It'salright.Nunofthisisyourfault"<br />
ShewipedthetearsofMycheeks.<br />
"ButMrsMeikle,I'm theonewho."<br />
"No!No!darling",hervoicewassoftandhereyesgazedpitifulyintomine,"Nonofthis<br />
wouldhavehappenedifIhadn'tbroughtthatbookforyouinthefirstplace.Soalthisismoreof<br />
myfaultthanyours."<br />
"ButMrsMeikle."<br />
"Nodarling,Idon'twannahearanotherwordfrom you.Thisismyfaultnotyoursalright<br />
love?"<br />
"Okay.",Irepliedwithacalm sadsmirk.<br />
"Nowcleanyourselfupandgetreadyforyourlunchmeal."Shesaidasshehelpedmeup<br />
from thefloortomyfeet.<br />
"Idon'twannaeat,I'm nothungry.ormaybeIjustdon'twannasitatthesametableas<br />
grandmother."Isaid.<br />
"Youhavetomychild.YouknowhowgrumpyMrsPotagetsifyoudon'tfolowherrules."<br />
"SometimesIwishIwouldneverhavebeenbornhere",Isaidinasorowfulvoice.<strong>The</strong>ni<br />
headedovertothewardrobetopickupsomethingtowear.<br />
"Iknowmychild,everythingwilgetbetersoon."MrsMeikle'svoicefadedwhilesheleft<br />
theroom.<br />
Inourhousemealswerealwaysservedatthebiglongtablethatstoodinthemiddleof<br />
thedinnerroom.MrsPotawouldsitsatoneendofthetableasIsatattheother.Onrare<br />
11
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
occasionswhenMrsPotawasinagoodmood,shewouldinvitealthehandmaidenstositand<br />
eatwith.Butthosewerejusttheraregooddays.MostlyonlyMrsMeikle,whowasconsidered<br />
partofthefamily,wouldsitandeatatthetablewithus.<strong>The</strong>restofthehandmaidenswouldwait<br />
andthendigintotheleftoverfoods.ThatdayitwasonlyMrsPotaandIatthetablebecause<br />
MrsMeiklewasonpunishment.<br />
MrsPotawassitingatthefarend,lookinggrumpyandcrustywatchingmehurymy<br />
waydownthesqueakyoldstairs.Ihadmychestheldhigh,mylefthandwascuryingthesideof<br />
mybrownishreddress.Swingingitbackandforth.<strong>The</strong>noisesofmyrapidfootstepsechoedthe<br />
room.IthensloweddownwhileIcloseduponmysit.Islowlypuledoutachairwhichmadea<br />
louderingsoundandthentookmysit.<br />
"PleaseexcusemynoisymannersMrsPota",Isaid.<br />
"Youarelateagain.YouknowIneverstarteatinguntilyougethereandyouhavekeptme<br />
hungrysitinghereforawhilenow."<br />
"I'm realysoryMa'am.Itwon'thappenagain."<br />
MrsPotathenmadeasoftgrowl,pickingupherknifeandforktostarteating.<br />
<strong>The</strong>tablewaswordlesswithonlythenoisesofthespoonsandplatesechoingthedinner<br />
room.MrsMeikleandIdugourwayintothedeliciousfood.Itwasmyfavoritedish,roastedfish,<br />
friedriceandsomeveggies.<br />
"Itisalmosttheendofthemeal.Grandmotherhasnotnottalkedaboutanystory.Sheis<br />
justgivingmethosebone-chilinglooks.Sheistooquiettoday.Isitbecausesheisangry?No,<br />
sheisalwaysangryandthatneverstopsherfrom telingherstories.<strong>The</strong>remustbesomething<br />
wrong."ithoughttomyself.<br />
Everytimeatthetable,whenhavingameal,MrsPotaalwaystoldstories.<strong>The</strong>storiesof<br />
herwonderfullostfamily.<strong>The</strong>storiesofhowshemethercharminglatehusbandandhowmuch<br />
theylovedeachotherataveryyoungage.<strong>The</strong>storiesofhowlovegavethem abeautiful<br />
daughter,Angie,mylatemother.<strong>The</strong>storiesofhowthesameloveofherlifelefttheworld,how<br />
hedied.<br />
Noonewouldbeexcusedtoleavethetableuntilshefinishesherreiteratedstories.Mrs<br />
MeikleandIwouldalwaysbeforcedtolisten.<strong>The</strong>storieshadbeenrepeatedsomuchinthe<br />
samemannerthatIevenmasteredalthem andhowtheyweretold,justlikefairytales.Ieven<br />
comprehendedthepartsofthestorieswhereMrsPotashowedherraresmile,thepartsthat<br />
saddenedher,thepartsthatmadeherangryandthepartwhereshewouldstarttalkingabout<br />
theswordthatsatonthewalinthatsamedinnerroom.ItwasMrsPota'shusband'sfavorite<br />
sword.AtthatpointIwouldevenlookattheswordinamannerofpredictionjustseconds<br />
beforemrsPotabeguntotalkaboutit.Ihadgrownsotiredofthestoriesthatievenwhispered<br />
alongasMrsPotatoldthem.Atleastupuntilthepointwhereshewouldtalkabouthowitwas<br />
myfaultthatAngieisdied.Atthispoint,mymoodwouldgodown,myappetitewouldfinishand<br />
myfeelingswouldgethurtasIseizedalmymovement.Iwouldjustsitfrozenonthechair,<br />
12
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
listeningtomyveryowngrandmotherinsultmeandcalmeamonster.Anabomination.<br />
MrsPotablamedmeandarunawayhouseguard,forherdaughter'sdeath.Shebelieved<br />
thatiftheguardhadn'trapedherdaughter,shewouldn'thavegonethroughthedeliverylabor<br />
thatkiledher.Butmostly,shebelievedthatifihadn'tbeenborn,herdaughterwouldhavestil<br />
beenalive.Perhapsthiswastheanswertowhysheneveralowedmetoleavethehouse,she<br />
wasafraidImightalsogetraped.PerhapsshedespisedmebecausesheblamedmeforAngie's<br />
death.Ormaybeitwasalbecauseshesawmeasamonsterandanembarassment,al<br />
becauseofhowfastIaged.NobodyinthehouseknewwhyMrsPotawassocrueland<br />
aggressivetowardsme.Everybodyjustatainedtolivewithitandabsorbthefactthather<br />
actionswilneverchange.<br />
Thatdaythedinnertablefeltdiferent.MrsPotawasn'ttelinganystories.Iwascurious<br />
andconfused.<br />
##"Thishasneverhappenedbefore.<strong>The</strong>reisdefinitelysomethingwrong.Iam donewith<br />
myfood.ShouldIsithereandwaitforgrandmothertostartspeaking,orshouldIjustbeonmy<br />
waytomyroom?"##<br />
"I'm doneeating.CanIpleasebeexcused?"Iasked.<br />
##"Isn'tshegoingtosayanythingtomeaboutthebook?Shehasitonthetablejust<br />
nexttoherplate.Butshehasn'tbroughtitup."##<br />
"Intwonights."Shefinalysuddenlyspokeinalowtone.<br />
"Pardon?"IsaidforIdidnotunderstandwhatshewastalkingabout.<br />
Sheclearedherthroatandsaidinacalm voice,"Intwonights .Iwanttotakeyou<br />
somewhere.Youwilfinalygettogooutsidethehouseforthefirsttime."<br />
"Realy?Ifinalygettogoout!"<br />
Iwasexcited.<br />
"Yes,Monica."Shesaid.<br />
"Whereareyoutakingme?"<br />
MrsPotasuddenlyseizedalhermovementsuponhearingmyquestion.Sheslowlylifted<br />
hersightfrom downtheplate,tomeandpinchedeyes.<br />
"Youareexcused,youcannowgotoyourroom "Shesaid,justtocuttheconversation<br />
short.<br />
Butthatdidnotbotherme,forIonlycaredaboutthegreatnews.Iheldbackmyexcitement,<br />
Leavingthedinnertable.Iwaitedmywholelifeforthatnews.<strong>The</strong>dayIfinalygetseewhatlifeis<br />
likeoutdoors.EverytimeItriedtoaskMrsPotawhenshewasgoingtofinalyalowmetoleave<br />
thehouse,Ialwaysgotthesameanswer,'whenyouareoldenough'.Butthatdaymybiggest<br />
dream hadbeenannouncedtobecomingtrueintwoNights.Itwassooutoftheordinarythat<br />
13
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
thepersonthathatedmethemostwasalwaystheonetograntmethebiggestwish.<br />
Ileftthedinnertable,headedformyroom.<br />
Enteringmybedroom,mywholebodywasbeaming.Ifeltarelieflikesomeonewhojust<br />
letoutsomethingthathasbeeneatingthem from theinsideforalong.Islowlyleanedback<br />
againstthedoor,consequentlyshutingit.<br />
Suddenly,Iwasawakenfrom mydreamyimaginativemomentbythesoundsofmypetcat<br />
scratchingthewardrobedoors.FolowedbyaseriesofMeows.<br />
"Achaius,what'swrong?Whatareyoudoingthere?"Isaid.<br />
Ithenapproachesthecatthatlookedcurious,asthoughithadseensomethinginthe<br />
wardrobe.Itookthecatintomyhandsandobservedasitcontiniouslystaredattheclosed<br />
wardrobedoors<br />
"What'swrongboy?Whathaveyouseeninthewardrobe?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>Igotstartledbyasuddennoisethatcamefrom insidethewardrobe.<br />
Achaiusquicklyjumpedoutofmyhandsandrushedunderthebedontheothersideof<br />
theroom.<br />
"Whatwasthat!",Iexclaimedandcuriouslywalkedtowardsthewardrobe.Slowly,ipuled<br />
openthewardrobedoorsandwasstunnedtofindoutthatastrangeyoungmanhidinginsideit.I<br />
panickedandtriedtoscream butthestrangerjumpedoutandcoveredmymouthwithhispalm.<br />
"No!No!No!Pleasedon'tscream",hewhispered.<br />
IwasafraidsoItriedtoslipoutofhishands.Ibitthepalm ofthehandthatwascovering<br />
mymouthandwhenheletgoinpain,Ifoundthechancetoran.Irantowardsthedoor,butthe<br />
boyrushedinfrontofitrightwhenIwasabouttograbthehundle.<br />
"Heystop.Pleasedon'tscream.Letmeexplain."Hepleaded,"Justcalm down,Iwon't<br />
hurtyou."Hisvoicewasslow,deepandcalming<br />
##Ohmyword!Heisaboy.Whatisaboydoinginmyroom?Didgrandmothersendhim?<br />
OrperhapsMrsPota.IsthisaTest?##<br />
"Whoareyouandwhatareyoudoinghere?"MyvoicewashoarsebecauseIwasnervous.<br />
"Calm down.MynameisHenry.what'syours?"Hesaidcalmly.<br />
"Monica."<br />
"Wait.You'reMonica?"Hesaidinasurprisedmanner.Asthoughheknewme.<br />
"Yes.Why?"Icuriouslyasked.<br />
"She'sthegirltheyweretalkingabout.<strong>The</strong>girltheywanttokil."Hewhisperedtohimself.<br />
14
Butitwasloudenoughformetohear.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Iwasconfusedandcuriousuponhearingthis.<br />
"Whatareyoutalkingabout.Whoarethey?Whowantstokilme?"Iasked.<br />
"Ohshit!IdidIsaythatoutloud?"Hesaid,andcontinued,"I'm notsureI'm supposedto<br />
telyouthat.I'm notsureI'm supposedtotelyouanyofthis."Heanswered.<br />
him.<br />
"StarttalkingorelseI'lscream andtherewilbeguardsinhereinnotime"ithreatened<br />
"No,No!don'tscream.Noguards.I'lexplain",hispleadwassoft.<br />
"Whowantstokilme?"<br />
"Idon'trealyknowwhotheyare.Ijustoverheardthem intheotherroom.Afunnylooking<br />
oldmanandawoman.Shelooksoldtoowithshortbrownhair."<br />
Irecognizedthedescription,Henrywasdescribingmygrandmother.Ialsoremembered<br />
thatinthemorningofthatday,MrsPotainstructedmenottogooutofmyroom untiltoldso,<br />
becausetherewasavisitorinthehouse,IassumeditwasthesamemanHenrywastalking<br />
about.<br />
Isuddenlyheardfootstepsapproachingthedoorfrom outsidetheroom.<br />
"Ohno!someoneiscoming!"Henryexclaimed.Helookedscared."Pleasedon'ttel<br />
anybodythatI'm inhere.IpromiseI'lexplaineverythingtoyou.Please."Hesaidwhilehehuried<br />
backintothewardrobetohide.<br />
"Monica?"MrsMeiklecaledoutwhilewalkingintotheroom,"Iheardnoisesinhere,are<br />
youalright?"<br />
Suddenly,Achaiusrushedoutfrom underthebedandquicklyranpastMrsMeiklethrough<br />
thedoorandlefttheroom.<br />
MrsMeiklelookeddisturbedbythecat'sweirdbehavior.ShealsonoticedthatIwasjust<br />
standingquietandfrozeninthemiddleoftheroom,Icouldfeelmyskinwaspaleandsweaty.<br />
Myheartwasracingitself.<br />
Aftershutingthedoor,MrsMeiklewalkedtowardsme.<br />
"What'swrongchild?Whydoyoulooksoscared?"MrsMeikleasked.<br />
ItriedsohardtofightmyburningurgetotelMrsMeikleaboutHenrybutIfelttokeepitin.<br />
SoIletitout.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>reissomeoneinthewardrobe.Aboy."IwhisperedtoMrsMeikle.<br />
15
"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"Sheasked.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
MrsMeiklethenwalkedovertothewardrobetocheck,andwhensheopenedit,shefound<br />
Henry.<br />
"Whoareyou?Wholetyouinhere?"Shesaidinanaggressivevoice.<br />
IcouldtelbythelookonhisfacethatgeseemedtohaverecognizedMrsMeikle.<br />
"Wait.Isawyouinthatroom too,youbroughtteaforthatmanandwoman."<br />
MrsMeiklelookedconfused.<br />
"Inwhatroom andwhattime?"Sheasked.<br />
"Inthatlibraryroom downstairs,todaymorning."<br />
"Ohyeah,Iremember.Butididn'tseeyouinthatroom whenIcamein."MrsMeikle<br />
suspiciouslysaid.<br />
"That'sbecauseIwashiding."<br />
"Hiding!"MrsMeikleandisaidatthesametime.<br />
"Whywereyouhiding.Whatareyoudoinginthishouse?"MrsMeikleasked.<br />
"It'salongstory."SaidHenry.<br />
"MrsMeikle,Thisboysaysthatheoverheardgrandmothertalkingtoamanaboutkiling<br />
me.Isittrue?"IaskedInasqueakyvoice.<br />
"Boy,whatisthisabout?Whatisshesaying?"MrsMeikleaskedHenry.<br />
"Italongstory."RepeatedHenry.<br />
"Teluswhoyouareandeverythingyouoverheardintheotherroom now,beforeIcalthe<br />
guards."MrsMeikle'svoicewaslowbutthreatening.<br />
"Okayokay.LetI'ltelyoueverything.Justpleasedon'tcaltheguards"saidHenry.<br />
"Alright,don'tdoanythingstupid,andkeepyourvoicedown."SaidMrsMeikle.<br />
Shethenrushedtothedoorandlockedit,thenrushedbacktous.<br />
"I'm goingtostartfrom thebeginning,soyoumightwannasitdownforthis."saidHenry.<br />
SoMrsMeikleandIsatonthebedwhileHenrybeguntotelhisstory.<br />
16
CHAPTERTHREE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Iftheverybeingthatraisedyouthinksyouareamonster,Whatwouldyoudo?<br />
Whatdowetrulymeanwhenwetalkaboutmonsters?<strong>The</strong>wordconjuresupfiguresfrom<br />
gothichoror.Describingsomethingthatyouwouldliketoavoidlookingat,ifatalpossible.<br />
Whatisamonster?DowetalkaboutFrankensteinorDracula,classicalencountersof<br />
exoticpeopleswithnoheadsorgrotesquelyexaggeratedfeatures,andthekindsofimpossible<br />
chimericalbeastsinhabitingthepagesofmedievalbestaries.<br />
Howdoyoufindamonster?Doyoulookintheplaceswherenobodyhaslookedorthe<br />
placeswheresomebodyhas,butnevercamebackfrom.Doyoulookintothebooksandstories<br />
offictionorthefactsoftheindicativereality.Havemonstersbeencreatedoverthecenturiesas<br />
muchmoreoftheindicativemoralandexistentialchalengesfacedbybeingsthantherealities<br />
thattheyhaveencounter.<br />
°[iwaslostinmythoughts]°<br />
Whatismeantwhensomebodycalsyouamonster?Whendoesonebecomeone?<br />
<strong>The</strong>etymologyofmonstrositysuggeststhecomplexrolesthatmonstersplaywithinour<br />
souls.<br />
IfMonsterprobablyderivesfrom theLatin,monstrare,meaning'todemonstrate',doesn't<br />
thatmean'monster'ismuchofadoingthananame.<br />
Yes.Monsteristrulynotthatmuchofanameoratitle,anditisnotalwaysthephysical<br />
appearance.'Monster'istheaction.BecauseyouneedtohavedonesomethingMonstrousto<br />
trulybecomeamonster.Youneedtohavedonesomethingthatwilmakeyoulessofasome-<br />
'body'andmoreofasome-'thing'.<br />
°[lostinmythoughts]°<br />
Whatwouldyoudoifyoufoundoutthatyouhaveanevilpurpose?Adestinythat<br />
originatesfrom beyondthegatesofhel?Wouldyourunfrom yourself?<br />
Ifyouweretofindoutthattherearepeoplewhoaretryingtokilyoubecausetheybelieve<br />
inaprophesythatdescribesyouasademonicexistencedestinedtobringaboutglobalblood<br />
shadeandtheendofthewholeworld,whatwouldyoudo?<br />
Wouldyoustayandfaceyourdestiny,dowhatyouweremeanttodoandfulfilthe<br />
17
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
prophesy?Wouldyoudoitevenafterknowingitistheveryactionthatwilmakeyouamonster?<br />
Ratherwouldyoustayandletthepeopleendyoubeforeyouendtheworld?<br />
Ormaybeyouwouldrunforyourlife.Savingyourselffrom thepeoplewhowanttokilyou<br />
eventhoughtheyhavenoproofthattheprophesyistrue.Aretheytherealmonstersofthestory?<br />
°[lostinmythoughts]°<br />
Butiftheprophesywasataltrue,runningawaywouldmakeyounobeterthanthepeople<br />
whowanttokilyou.Bykilingyou,theywouldbechosingthewholeworldoveryou,chosinga<br />
dozenlivesoverone.Byrunning,youwouldbechosingonelifeoverthedozen,yourselfover<br />
everyoneelse.<strong>The</strong>verydescriptionofaSelfishact,tooselfishinthismater.Andifyouwereto<br />
dothisselfbeneficialact,whatwouldyouseewhenyoulookinthemiror?Whowouldbethe<br />
trueMonsterofthestorythen?<br />
Butbeforealthis,onewilalwaysaskoneself,istheprophesytrueornot?<br />
Isatsonmybedwithacloudofthoughtsovermyheard.Rumblingandthunderingdoubts<br />
continiouslyraisingandcalmingmyheartbeat.<br />
Iwasisdoingthatthingwhereidriftsawayfrom therealworldanddrivedeepintomy<br />
thoughts.AtthatpointIwasrelatingmylifetoabookioncereadtitled'WhoisarealMonster?'<br />
"Areyoualright,Monica?",Henry'svoicecamelikeatinyspecoflightdeepinthebackof<br />
mydarkcloudedthoughts,butigavenothingbutsilencetohim ashecontinuedtostareoutside<br />
thewindowlikehehadbeendoingforabouthalfanhour.<br />
°[Itisalmosttime.]°<br />
Ilookedaroundtheroom asirememberedthefunandsadtimesIhadinit.<strong>The</strong>pianoand<br />
thelessonsiusedtogetfrom MrMeikleonit.Isighedandsmileduponrememberinghowfasti<br />
learnthowplay,iwasalwaysafastlearner.Ilookedatthescratchesonthetoppartofthepiano<br />
whichremindedmeofthedaygrandmotherfoundmedancingontopofit,myshoesmadethe<br />
scratchesasIdanced.Iwashappyfornoreasonthatday.<br />
Asishiftedmysightfrom thepianotothecenteroftheroom,Iremembereditwaswhere<br />
MrsMeikletaughtmehowtosinganddance.<strong>The</strong>veryfirstsongwedancedtowasalways<br />
stuckinmymindandialwayshummedittomyselfwheneveriwasdoingmysolodancing.It<br />
hadaslowrhythmicringtoitthatievenhummeditwheneveriwastryingtoputmyselftosleep.<br />
Althesweetmemoriesihadinmyroom keptputingasmileonmyfacebutthesadones<br />
18
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
werefrowningme.Likethetimegrandmotherfolowedmetotheroom andstartedhitingme<br />
fornotshowingupfordinner,andthetimeigotlockedinthewardrobefor2hoursbyMrsPota<br />
justbecauseiworemom'solddress.<br />
<strong>The</strong>memoriesaregoingtobeleftbehind.Leavingthehousewasgoingtobethestartofa<br />
newlife.<br />
°[Itisalmosttime]°<br />
Aquestionkeptrunningbackandforththroughmymind,'Istheprophesyrealornot?.But<br />
thebiggestquestionIhadwas,'ShouldIleaveorshouldistay?'.Icouldn'tdecide.Ikeptshifting<br />
betweenthetwoanswers.Eachonehadit'sownsatisfyingexplanation.Justlikeeverythingelse,<br />
eachanswerIchoseshadit'sownadvantagesanddisadvantages,abrightandadark,agood<br />
andanevil.<br />
°[Itisalmosttime.]°<br />
Lookingatthedoor,Iaskedmyselfthequestionagain,-'ShouldIleaveorshouldIstay?'-<br />
Idroppedmyheadandlookedatthebagthatwaslayingonmylaps.<strong>The</strong>samebagthathadthe<br />
moneyandmymother'sartbookinit.<strong>The</strong>samebagwhereIpackedmyownartbookand<br />
pencils.<strong>The</strong>verybagwhereicouldnotpackanyclothesbecauseitwastoosmaltocarythem<br />
andmostlybecauseHenryadvisedmenotto,-'unnecessarythingswilonlyslowherdownhe<br />
said'-.Butevenwiththeconfusion,Ihadnotforgotentocaryahattohidemyuniquesilver<br />
whitehair,justlikeHenryadvised.<br />
Ifonewastogoonajourneyleavinghomeforgoodandcanonlycaryonesmalbook<br />
sizedbagwheretheyshouldpackonlytheimportantstufthey'lneed,whatwouldonepackinit?<br />
Iseemedtohavepackedeverythingthatmateredtome.Ididnothavemuchitemsof<br />
importancetocary,onlythetwobooks,themoney,thepencilsandthehat.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>leter!",Ithought,"howcanIforgettopacktheleter?ItisthemostimportantthingI<br />
have."<br />
Iimmediatelygotofthebedandslightlyliftedthesideofthematressonmybed,<br />
reachingmyhandunderittopulouttheleterthatialwayshadhiddendownthere.<br />
"Whatisthat?"AskedHenry.Hefinalyspokeafterabouthalfanhourofawkwardsilence.<br />
"Itisnothing,justsomethingIforgottopackup."Irepliedinajumpyawkwardvoice.<br />
"Comeon,don'ttelmethat.Ireckonit'ssomethingimportant.Imeanforyoutowantto<br />
19
caryit."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"It'sjustaleter."<br />
"Aleter!"Heexclaimed,"Towhom?"<br />
"It'snothingrealy.Justsomethingstupid."<br />
"Isitrealy.?"<br />
Rightafteraskingthatsuspiciousquestion,hewalkedawayfrom thewindow,slowly<br />
towardsme.<br />
"Isitrealynothing,Monica?"Hecontinued.<br />
"Alright,It'sjustalitlesomethingIwroteformother."<br />
Ididn'twanttotelhim thatbecauseIthoughthewouldthinkI'm stupidandsily.Ididnot<br />
wanttoembarassmyself.ButIwassurpriseduponseeingthathedidnottaketheanswerin<br />
themannerIthoughthewouldtakeit.Hedidnotovereactandstartlaughingatmeforwriting<br />
aletertoadeadperson.Instead,Henryjuststaredandsmiledatmewithoutaword.<br />
"SeeItoldyouit'sstupid,becauseMotherwon'tevenreaditgiventhefactthatsheis."I<br />
hesitatedmysentence,thencontinued,"IreadittomyselfatthosetimeswhenIwonderhow<br />
motherwasandhowmylifewouldhavebeenifshewasalive."<br />
"DoyoumindifIlook?"Heasked<br />
"Yes.Imeanno,Idon't.Imeanwhynot."Istammeredwithnervousness.<br />
Igavetheletertohim andhebeguntoreaditoutloud.Loudenoughthatbothofus<br />
couldhearhisvoicebutstilmakingsurethatnobodyoutsidetheroom can.<br />
________________________<br />
°<strong>The</strong>leter°<br />
20
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
DearMother,<br />
Todayisanotherday,andjustlikeeveryother,Iwokeupthinkingaboutyou.Grandmother<br />
doesnottelmemuchaboutyou,butthelitleinformationIcolectfrom herstoriessuggestthat<br />
youwereawonderfulandsweetperson.ThatiswhyIthinkaboutyoualot.<br />
ButsometimesIwonder,howcanIthinkaboutyouifIdonotknowyou?HowcanIdream<br />
ofyouifIhavenevermetyou?HowcanImissyouifIhaveneverbeenwithyou?HowdoI<br />
rememberyouifIdonotknowhowyouwereandlooked?HowcomeIfeelloveforastranger<br />
thatIwilnevermeet?WilIeverknow?<br />
IhavenoideaoftherelationshipamotherandadaughtersharebecauseIhaveneverseen<br />
one.Whichmakesmewonderifthingswouldhavebeendiferentifyouwerehere.WouldIhave<br />
beenhappier?Wouldgrandmotherbetreatingmewithlove?WouldIhavehadthechancetogo<br />
outsideextendingmydiscoveriesfrom thelimitsofthehousetotheinfiniteofthewholeworld?<br />
Wouldyoulovemeorwouldyoualsotreatmethesamewaygrandmotherdoes?Likeamonster.<br />
WilIeverknow?<br />
DespitealthesequestionsanddoubtsIhave,Istilwishyouwerehere.IstilwishIhad<br />
cuddlesmorethantheonesIgetfrom achaius.<br />
EventhoughInevergrewupwithmybiologicalmother,MrsMeiklehasalwaysbeenthere<br />
forme.SheteachesmealsortsofthingsandplayswithmewhenIam lonely.Shefeelslikea<br />
mothertome.<br />
<strong>The</strong>mostfantimeIhavewithMrsMeikleiswhensheteachesmehowhowtoplaythe<br />
piano.Sheissogoodatplayingandsingingthatsheevenwroteasongaboutme.Itisso<br />
beautiful.Thisencouragedmetoalsomakeasongforyou,forus.Itisnotperfectbutithelps<br />
mefeelbeterwheneverIam thinkingaboutyou.<strong>The</strong>wordstoitgolikethis,<br />
MyMotherseemssofarawayfrom me.<br />
Onthatbeautifulwhiteshoreacrossthesea.<br />
ButsheissofarthatalIseeishershadow.<br />
IfIcouldgettoher,IwonderifalIwouldneedisapedal.<br />
CanIpeddlemysmalboattoher?<br />
Ialwaystrytorememberlove'ssoftglowuponherface.<br />
Andthefeelofhertouchandtenderembrace.<br />
Butitisalinmydreamsbecausewewerenevertogether.<br />
21
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Andthedistancebetweenmeandhermakeseverythingseem biter.<br />
WhenIam wearyfrom theburdensI'veborne.<br />
AndthepathisunclearandIfeelsoforlorn.<br />
Iimaginehowlifewouldhavebeenifshewashere.<br />
wouldshelightupthedarknesswithhersmileandtakeawaymyfear.<br />
Wouldherlovingsupportalwaysbenear.<br />
Howheradvicewouldmakethepathaheadseem clear.<br />
WhenIfeelthereisnoonewhoseemstocare.<br />
Orwhentheheartacheseemstoohardtobear,<br />
WouldIrememberhowshealwaysstoodbymyside.<br />
WhenshetenderlywipeawaythetearsIcried.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rearemomentsofgreatjoyandpride.<br />
AndIwishmyMotherwasstandingbymyside.<br />
Iwishshewouldshowmeherlovewithagentalkiss.<br />
JustasIwishsheishappywhereversheis.<br />
IfshecanseemorethanIthinkIcanbe.<br />
AndknowIowemytriumphstoherbeliefinme.<br />
IwishIcouldreminisceaboutthethingssheusedtosay.<br />
Iwanttomisshereventhoughsheissofaraway.<br />
Isailonmyboatthroughthelonelylifecourse.<br />
AndonedayihopeIwilseeherontheshoreacross.<br />
________________________________<br />
"Thisisheartbreaking."Hesaidsoftlyafterfinishing.<br />
"Youthinkso?"<br />
22
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Yes.IcanfeelhowdeepitgoesbecauseIalsolostmymother."<br />
"That'ssad,I'm sory.When?"<br />
"WhenIwas8."<br />
"Whathappened?"<br />
"Mydadwas."Hehesitatedandthenclearedhisthroat,".Shehadanaccident."<br />
Icouldseeinhiseyesthattherewasmoretothestorythanhesaid.Hisdadmighthave<br />
donesomethingmaybe.ButIcouldnotaskhim becauseitlookedlikeitwassomethinghe<br />
wouldnotwannatalkaboutatthattime.<br />
"Iguessthatmakesthefirstthingwehaveincommon,webothlostourmothers."He<br />
saidwhilelookingatmewithaslightgrinonhisface.<br />
"Yeh,Iguess."Isaidandgrinnedback.<br />
"So,what'sthispartthattalksaboutyouleavingthehouse?"Hesaidwhilepinchinghis<br />
eyesattheleter.<br />
"Whataboutit?"<br />
"Whereitsays'wouldihavehadthechancetogooutside?'isitametaphoror<br />
something?"<br />
"Ohyes,thatpart.Welit'safunnystory."<br />
"Humorme."<br />
"Wel.IhaveneverleftthehouseeversinceIwasborn."<br />
"You'rejokingright?"<br />
"NoI'm not.Irealyhaven't."<br />
"Soyou'vespentyourwholelifesuroundedbywals?"<br />
"Yessir.Ihavealwaysbeeninthedark,keptfrom theoutsideworld."<br />
"Isthatwhatthepaintingisabout?"<br />
"Whatpainting!"<br />
Heturnedaroundtolookatthebigangel-paintingonthewalbehindhim,-"Thatpainting."<br />
Hesaid.<br />
"Whatmakesyouthinkthepaintingisaboutme?"<br />
"WelI'm notanartistbutIreckonitisarepresentationofyourlifemaybe,ifI'm not<br />
mistaking."<br />
23
"Interesting.Telmemore,whatdoyousee."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Uhm,theangelwiththebrokenwingseemstorepresentyouandyourinabilitytospread<br />
yourwingsandfly."Hewalkedtowardsthepaintingandpointedatthetearsonit,-"Seehere,<br />
Sheiscrying,whichrepresentsyoursorow."Hesaid.<br />
"Goon."<br />
"Uhhhm,ithinkthedarkforestrepresentsyourlifeinthehouse,beingkeptinthedarklike<br />
youjustsaid,andMaybetheeviltreesreachingouttoyourepresentsthehatredthatyouget."<br />
"Explainmore."Isaid.<br />
IwasamazedathowHenrywasabletoseethepicturethewayIsawit,inawaythat<br />
nobodyelsesaw.Everybodywhohasseteyesonitwouldseethepainting,butnobodysawthe<br />
picture.ButHenrydid.<br />
EverythingelsefadedawayasistaredatHenrywhileheexplainedwhathethoughtabout<br />
thepainting.HisvoicewastheonlythingIwashearinginthatmoment.<strong>The</strong>momentfelt<br />
magical.~~ItisinthatsamemomentthatIfeltaspecialconnectionwithHim.<br />
Helookedyoung,probablytwentyortwenty-oneyearsbuthadadeepsmoothvoice.Iwas<br />
sinkingintoitasIlistened.<br />
"Ialsoseetheowlheadedpersoninthebackofthepictureandbythelooksofit,itseems<br />
it'sthepersonthatcutoftheangel'swingtokeepherfrom flying,judgingbytheknifesheis<br />
holding.Yourgrandmotherkeepsyoufrom goingoutsideandspreadingyourwings,soIthink<br />
theowlheadedpersonrepresentsyourgrandmother."Hesaid.<br />
"Whatelsedoyousee?"<br />
"Welit'shardtonoticebutwhenyoulookcloselyontheangel'slaps,youcanseethatthe<br />
tearsdroppingfrom hereyesspeloutaword,yournameactualy,whichshowsthatthepainting<br />
isaboutyou."<br />
"Thisisfascinating!"Iwowed.<br />
"Yeah,butIthinkthepaintingisincompletebecauseitlookslikethewardrobeishidinga<br />
partofit.Canyoutelmewhatitis?"<br />
Ismirkedathim,knowingthatthewardrobewashidinhapicturemyKnightinshinning<br />
armour.<br />
SuddenlyIbeguntothinktomyself,~~"Canitbethatheismyknight,theKnightinmy<br />
dreams?themantosavemefrom althismisery?Heseemstobetheonesinceheisgoingto<br />
helpmeescapethisplacewhichwilmakehim myhero.Butthedirtyclothesheiswearingare<br />
definitelynoshinningamourandheisnoknight.ButIhavetoadmitheishandsomeandhis<br />
smileisalmostascharmingasthewayIdrewthesmileonmyknight.-Ifhewasnotmyknight,<br />
24
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
howcomeheisabletogetthefeelingandmessageIhidinthepainting?-Hedoesnothave<br />
goldenlonghairlikemyKnight,instead,hisisblackandshort.-<strong>The</strong>heightisnotastalasinmy<br />
paintingbutitisperfect."<br />
"Monica?Helo?Monica?"Hesaidwhilesnappinghisfingersonmyfacetopulmefrom<br />
mydaydreamingandbacktoreality.<br />
"Ohsory,Ijustgotlostinmythoughts."Ianswered.<br />
"Youseem likesomeonewhothinksalot."<br />
"Wel,ifyouhavebeeninthehouseforyourwholelifewithnoonetoplaywith,yougetto<br />
makeafriendcaled'overthinking'.I'vegrownquitefondofit."<br />
"Thatisquiteanoddhobbie."<br />
"Yesitis,sowhatwereaskingagain?"<br />
"Iwasaskingifyoucouldtelmeabouttherestofthepicturehiddenbehindthe<br />
wardrobe."<br />
"Ohthat!Don'tmindit,it'snothingimportant."<br />
"areyousure?"<br />
"YesIam.Ijustwonderhowyouareabletoseethroughthepainting.Nobodyelsehas<br />
beenabletotelwhatitisabout."<br />
"isthatso?"<br />
"Yesrealy.<strong>The</strong>yalseeitasjustafairytalepicture,aworkofimaginationandfantasy.<br />
ButyoumanagedtogetthemessageIputinit.Ithinkthat'sratherfacinating."<br />
"Comeon,Ibetanyonecanreadthroughit."<br />
"Maybesomepeoplecan.ButIwouldn'tknowbecauseIhaveonlyshownittogrand<br />
mother,MrsMeikleandtheotherfourhandmaidens.Neitherofthem sawthetruemeaning<br />
behindthepainting."<br />
"Whyhaven'tyoushownittoanybodyelse?"<br />
"Itoldyou,IhaveneverleftthehousewhichmeansIhaveneverseenanybodyelseapart<br />
from thesefivepeople."Isaidsoftlyandsadly.<br />
"That'sinsane."<br />
"Yesitis.AsaMateroffact,youarethefirstandonlyboyIhaveevermet."<br />
"That'snotpossible,youarelyingtomenowyounglady."Hesaidinateasingway.<br />
"It'srealytrue.Mylifeissadandboring."<br />
25
"Yeah,soundsso."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"ButIguessmaybeaftertodaythingswilbediferent."<br />
"Yeah,withmearound."Hesaidandwinked.<br />
Wegiggledtogetherandinjustmeresecond,theroom wassilentagainaswestaredat<br />
eachotherforamoment.<br />
Henryturnedawaytolookatthepaintingandsoftlysaid,"Youarebeautiful.Imean<br />
you.uhm .uhhh.you.youare."<br />
".youthinkso?"Sheblushedandchuckledathowshyhelooked.<br />
Heturnedbacktome,lookedmeintheeyesandsaid,"Yes.that'sactualythefirstthingI<br />
saidtomyselfwhenIseteyesonyou.Youarerealybeautiful,Monica."<br />
"Idon'tknowwhattosay."<br />
Hechuckled-"Welyoucantelmewhatyouthoughtwhenyoufirstsawme."Hesaid.<br />
"Wel.Ifoundastrangerhidinginmywardrobe,whatelsewouldIthinkapartfrom RUN?"<br />
Webothlaughedatmyefortlessjoke,butstilmadesurewedon'tmaketoomuchnoise.<br />
"Yeh,Iguessyouareright.Youshouldhaveseenthelookonyourface,itwasasthough<br />
yousawaghost."Heteased.<br />
"Ha!ha!veryfunny.Butit'sYourfaultbecauseyoujumpedoutlikeaghostandthat<br />
scaredme.Youlooklikeaghostthough."Iteased.<br />
"Ohhisthatso?"Hesaidinalowvoice-lookingsadandofendedbywhatIsaid.<br />
"Ohno,HeyIdidnotmeanitlikethat."Isaidtocomforthim -buthedidnotsayanything.<br />
Hejustquietlystoodthere.<br />
"Hey,Iam serious,Ididnotmeanyoulooklikeaghost.Itwasjustajoke.Ithink.Ithink<br />
youarehandsome."Ishylysaidandblushed.<br />
Hefinalylookedatmeandlaughed,"I'm justteasingyouMonica,I'm notrealyofended."<br />
Hesaid.<br />
"Yousilyboy."Isaidinreliefandgentlypunchedhim onthearm.-welaughedand<br />
blushedtogether.<br />
Suddenlyathoughtsuddenlycrossedmymind.Iknewitwasgoingtobecrazyandweird<br />
toaskbutIwascurious.<br />
"CanIasksomethingcrazy?"Iasked.<br />
26
"Yeswhynot?"<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Doyouhaveapenis?"<br />
"Whoa!Monicayoudon'taskpeoplethat."Heimmediatelysaidinanawkwardlysharp<br />
voice.<br />
IknewImessedupsoIhadtodefendmyselfandmakesurehedoesnottakeitIthe<br />
wrongway.<br />
"Pleasedon'tmind.It'sjustthatIreadthatthepenisisthemostinterestingandmagical<br />
partofamale."Isaid-andlaterrealisedididnotmakeitsoundanybeter.<br />
"Wheredidyouevenreadthat?"Heawkwardlyasked.<br />
"Inabookofcourse."<br />
"Iknow,buttheyletyoureadsuchadultbooks?"<br />
"Notrealy.Iactualystoleitfrom grandmother'sroom withoutanybodyknowing."<br />
"Youareonenaughtygirlaren'tyou?"<br />
"Itry."Ichuckled,"I'm justacuriousgirl."<br />
"Acuriousgirlindeed."<br />
"Youknow,it'srudetoleavesomeone'squestionunanswered."Isaid.<br />
"Whotoldyouthat?"<br />
"Iread."<br />
".inabook."Hesharplyfinishedmysentence.<br />
"Yes."Igiggled,"lovebooks."<br />
"I'venoticed.Maybeonedayyoucantelmeoneofthestoriesyou'veread."<br />
"Maybe,ifweevergetthechance."<br />
Wesmirkedateachotheragainhiseyesgazedintomineandmineintohis.<strong>The</strong>moment<br />
wassilent.<br />
"Youknow,myquestionisstilunanswered."IpointedouttokilthestaringbecauseIwas<br />
getinguncomfortablewithit.<br />
"Alright,yes,Ihaveapenis,nowcanwepleasetalkaboutsomethingelse?"<br />
"Somethinglikewhat?"<br />
"Howaboutyoursinging?"<br />
27
"No,I'm notgoingtosingforyou."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Ididn'tsayIwantyoutosingtome."-Helaughed.<br />
"Butyouwereabouttosayit,Iknow."<br />
"Okaymaybe.Butwhywon'tyousingtome?"<br />
"Idon'tsingtostrangers."Iteased.<br />
"IthoughtIam nolongerastranger."<br />
"Maybeyouare,maybeyouarenot."<br />
Atthatpointwehadgotensosunkintotheconversationthatwedidnotevennoticedthat<br />
itwasalreadynighttime.<br />
MrsMeiklefinalyknockedonthedoor.-"Monica,it'sme.Openup."Shewhispered.<br />
Iranovertoopenthedoorforher.<br />
Assheentered,shestoppedforawhileandlookedatmeandHenry,shenoticedthesmiles<br />
onourfaces.<br />
"What'shappeninginhere?youbothseem happy."Shesaidwhileshutingthedoor.<br />
"Nothingrealy,Henrywasjusttelingmesomejokes."Ianswered.<br />
"Jokeshuh?"Shesaidandraisedaneybrowatusinateasingwayasthoughshethought<br />
therewassomethingmorethathappenedbetweenHenryandi.<br />
"YesMrsMeikle,justjokes.Youwanttohearone?It'srealyfunny."<br />
"Iwouldlovetodearbutwehavenotimenow.I'm afraidit'stimetogo."<br />
"Already?"<br />
"Yesdear.Haveyoupackedupwhatyouneed?"<br />
"YesIhave."IsaidandasIwalkedtothebedtopickupthebag.<br />
"Good.Areyouready?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Bothofyou?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Iam from checking,theguardshavegoneawayfrom thegatesnowlikeIsaidthey<br />
would,soyoutwohavetoleavenowornever."<br />
28
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
ShereachedherhandsoutforahugandIhuggedback.Thiswasagoodbye.<br />
"Comeheremychild.Thisisit,thetimetoleaveeverythingbehind.<strong>The</strong>momentyoustep<br />
outthatgatethishousewilbecomeyourpast,areyousureyouareready?"<br />
"NoI'm not."Icried,"I'lmissyouMrsMeikle."<br />
"I'lmissyoumoremychild.Butpromisemethatnomaterhowmuchyoumissme,you<br />
wilnevercomebackhere."<br />
"I.ipromise.",-isobbed.<br />
MrsMeiklethenwipedmytears.~"Shushmychild,it'sgoingtobealright.You'vegrown<br />
upnow.Yourmotherwouldbesoproudofyou,andI'm sureshewilbewithyouwhereveryou<br />
go."<br />
"Pleasecomewithus."Isaid.<br />
"Ican't,I'm tooold,I'ljustslowyoudown."<br />
"ButMrsMeikle."<br />
".Hey,thisisnotimeforemotionalbreakdownsmychild.It'stimetogonow.Iloveyou,<br />
bestrongandpleasebesafe,bothofyou."<br />
°[<strong>The</strong>timeishere.]°<br />
"Takeofyourshoes,weneedtobequiet."Shesaidandwealtookofourshoes.-<br />
"Let'sgo,I'lseeyoutothegates."<br />
"Okay."<br />
"Henry,areyourealyinforthis?"Sheasked.<br />
"Yesma'am.Likeisaid,Youtwosavedmylifesoit'sfairthatIhelpsaveMonica's."Henry<br />
saidandsmiled.<br />
"Areyousure?"<br />
"YesIam.It'salifeforalife."<br />
"Good,nowlet'sgo."Shesaid,grabbedmyhandandwealtookdeepbreaths.<br />
Thatwasouronlychancetogetaway,wehadtobecareful.Everybodyseemedscaredand<br />
nervous.<br />
29
°[<strong>The</strong>timeishere.]°<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
30
CHAPTERFOUR<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Everybodywasasleep,MrsMeiklechecked.<strong>The</strong>halwasquietwithonlythenoiseofthe<br />
squeeksofthefloorboardsateverystepwetook.Wehadtobeasquietaspossibleifwewere<br />
goingtomakeitoutofthehouseunnoticed.<br />
<strong>The</strong>housewasdarkwhichmadeitperfectforcamouflageincasesomeonewakesup-<br />
MrsMeiklewascaryingacandletohelpnavigatedarkness.<br />
Afterleavingourroom,that'swerethedificultpartwasbecauseourwaywastosneak<br />
acrossthehaltotheotherend,andjustneartheendwasthestairsthatwouldleadustothe<br />
botom floorwherewehadtogothroughthedinnerroom,intothelivingroom andonceinthe<br />
livingroom,pasttheemptinessoftheotherhalfoftheroom,therewasthedoorthatwouldlead<br />
usoutside.<br />
NervousnessisthenameofthefeelingIhadasweslowly,slightstepafterslightstep,<br />
madeourwaythroughthehaltothestairs.<strong>The</strong>stairswereverysqueakyandloudsomaking<br />
ourwaydownwasgoingtobetricky.Eachstephadtobeasslightaspossibletomakesurethe<br />
squeakinessisnotloud.Wehadtobepatientandconsciousofhowsqueakyeachstairboard<br />
was.Weweremovingbacktoback,withMrsMeikleleadingtheway,Iwasjustbehindherand<br />
Henryafterme.Itwasintense.<br />
MrsMeiklewasjustabouttotakeherlaststepdownthestairswhenIaccidentaly<br />
steppedonaverysqueakyboardwhichmadealoudnoisethatechoedthroughoutthehouse,<br />
andimmediatelyafter,aloudbangwasheardfrom thelibraryroom whichwasthefirstroom<br />
downstairsontheleft.Itisalmostlikethesoundabookmakeswhenitfalsonatableexcept<br />
louder.<br />
"Stop,Somebodyisawake!"MrsMeikleimmediatelywhisperedandrightawaysheblew<br />
outthecandle.<br />
Wealseizedforamomentaswelistened.Surprisingly,therewasnofurthernoiseheard.<br />
"Stayhere,letmecheck."WhisperedMrsMeikle.<br />
Shesteppedofthestairs,slowlyheadedtowardsthelibrarydoortocheckwhatmadethe<br />
noise.<br />
Myheartwasracingatthatpoint-"Nonono,wearecought.wearenotgoingtomake<br />
it."-iwhisperedtomyselfasIpanicked,butHenrythentookmyhandandwhisperedbehind<br />
me,"Hey,relax,wewilbefine."<br />
Suddenlyinthedarkness,therewasawhisperingvoice,"Comechildren,thereisnobody,I<br />
thinkitwasjustthecat."~MrsMeikle'svoice<br />
Itookadeepbreathofrelief.HenryandIfinalysteppedofthestairs.<br />
Nowwehadtogothroughthedinnerroom.<strong>The</strong>floorsintherewerenotmadeofboards<br />
butconcretetiles,sotheywerenotnoisy.Wecouldmovequicklywithoutmakinganynoise.But<br />
31
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Itwasdarkandthecandlewasofsowehadtorelyonourmemoriesofthestructureofthe<br />
room tonavigatethroughit.Henrydidnotknowtheroom verywelsohismovementwas<br />
reluctanttominebecausehewasholdingmyhandasiwasholdingMrsMeikle's.<br />
Halfwayacrosstheroom,weheardanoiseintheback.Itwasthenoiseamatchbox<br />
makeswhenitisbeingstruckbyamatchstick.<br />
[IsitMrsMeikletryingtolightthecandle?No,can'tbe.Sheisinfrontofusandthenoise<br />
iscomingfrom theback.]<br />
<strong>The</strong>nsuddenlytherewaslightintheroom.<br />
"Wheredoyouthinkyouaregoing?"Avoicewashorseandloudfrom thelibrarydoor<br />
behindus.<br />
[Ohno,thatsoundslikegrandmother'svoice.]<br />
Weallookedbackatthesametimeandthereshewas,standingonthelibrarydoorinher<br />
blacknightdresswithacandleinherrightarm,blowingofthematchsticksheusedtolightit.<br />
Hereyeswerepinchedatus.AtthispointIcouldagreewithwhatHenrysaid~becauseMrs<br />
Potarealylookedlikeoneofthoseevilstepmother'sinfairytales~andnexttoherfeetwas<br />
Achaiusthecat.<br />
Shemusthavegotenuptograbadrinkandheardthenoisethatimadeonthestairs.But<br />
wherewasshehiding?<br />
MrsMeikleandiimmediatelymovedforwardtohideHenrybehindus~eventhoughitwas<br />
toolate.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasnothingbutsilenceintheroom asMrsPotaslowlywalkedtowardsthem.My<br />
heartwasracingagain.Iwasrealyscared.<br />
MrsPotawasfinalycloseenoughtous,andthenshestopped.<br />
"Whoisthat?"Shesaid~Shebroughtthecandleforwardtoiluminatetheshadowonour<br />
backprobablytogetaclearvision,whichexposedHenry.<br />
"Isthataboy!Youbroughtaboyinmyhouse!"Sheshouted.<br />
HervoicescaredscaredAchaius,soheranawayfrom her,passedus,andquicklyjumped<br />
throughanopenwindowmakinghiswayoutsidethehouse.Achaius'sactiondistractedMrs<br />
PotasoHenrysuddenlyjumpedforwardfrom ourbacks,rantowardsMrsPotaandpushedher<br />
totheground.<br />
"Run!"Hescreamed,andwealstartedrunning.<br />
MrsPotawasveryoldsoweassumedbythetimeshemanagestogetup,wewouldhave<br />
alreadybeenclosetothegatesoutside.<br />
Wehuriedourwayoutthedinnerroom,throughthelivingroom andfinalymadeit<br />
32
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
outsidethehouse.<strong>The</strong>areaseemedclear,therewasnoguardsnearby.<br />
MyheartwasbeatingsofastthatIcouldhearitinmyhead.Itfeltlikeitwouldjustbeatit's<br />
wayoutofmychesaswerantowardsthegates~locatedquiteadistanceaway.<br />
Henrywasfasterthanussoheleadtheway.-Iontheotherhand,wasoccupiedwith<br />
pulingMrsMeikle-helpingherrun.<br />
Henryfinalyreachedthegateswaybeforeus,hedidnotseem tobestoppingorlooking<br />
back.Hemanagedtolifttheleverthatopensthegatesandheimmediatelyranthroughthem,<br />
anddisappearedinthedarknessoutside.<br />
[Howmuchcanyoutrustastrangerwithyourlife?]<br />
MrsMeikleandiwerestilstrugglingbecauseMrsMeiklewastoooldtorun.<br />
Wewerealmostatthegateswhenweheardavoiceintheback~screaming,"Stop!"~<br />
Folowedbyaloudbang.Itsoundedlikeagunshot.MrsMeikleandiimmediatelystoppedin<br />
fear,atthesoundofthebangandslowlyturnedtolookback.<br />
JustatthedoorofthehousestoodMrsPotawithaguninherhandspointedtotheskies.<br />
Shemusthavefiredawarningshot.Standingnexttoherwastwoguards,from whom iassume<br />
shegotthegun.<br />
[Whathappensnext?]<br />
<strong>The</strong>momentwasintenseinanervewrackingandnail-bitingway.Weweredoomed.<br />
MrsMeikleandIwerestuck.MrsMeiklestoodnexttomewithherarm aroundmywaiste,<br />
lookingstunned,justlikeIwas.~Wedidnotknowwhattodonext.<br />
Suddenly,MrsPotastartedtoslowlybringdownthegunfrom theskytopointingit<br />
towardsus.<br />
MrsPotausedtotelmestoriesofhowsheusedtobeagreathunter,togetherwithher<br />
husbandbeforehepassedaway.<strong>The</strong>ymostlyusedgunstokilhugeanimalsandMrsPota<br />
grewrealygoodatusingthem.Shestilcontinuedtogohuntingafterherhusband'spassing.<br />
Evenwithherold-ageshakyhands,shecouldstilhandleashotgunjustasgoodasshecould<br />
handleaspoononherdinnerplate.Heraimingwasalsosurprisinglygood.<br />
[Wilshebeabletogetaclearshoteveninthedarknessofthenight?]<br />
Assoonasthegunwaspointedstraighttowardsus,therewasaloudvisciousMeowthat<br />
33
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
camefrom thefarleftoftheyard,itsoundedlikeAchaius.MrsPotaimmediatelyturnedand<br />
firedthegunatthecatasheranthroughthemetalbarfence.<br />
AchaiusdistractedMrsPotaagain.~MrsMeiklemusthaveseenthisasachancetorun.<br />
Sheimmediatelyjumpedinfrontofme,withherbodyactingasanobstaclebetweenMrsPota<br />
andi,thenshouted,"Rungirl!Runanddon'tlookba."~beforeshecouldevenfinishtalking,<br />
anotherloudbangwasheard,folowedbyanotherone.<br />
MrsMeiklesuddenlystoppedspeaking.Shejuststoodtherestaring.Tearsthenstartedto<br />
dropfrom hereyes-andrightwhenshewasabouttospeak,shecoughedoutbloodjustbefore<br />
shefeltotheground.<br />
Ididnotknowwhatwasgoingon,IimmediatelywenttomykneestocheckonMrsMeikle.<br />
Shewasfailingtobreathasshewaschockingonherownblood.<strong>The</strong>rewasbloodonherback.<br />
Shewasshot,twice.<br />
Ididn'tknowwhattodo.Iwasscaredandhelpless.<br />
"Staywithme.staywithmeMrsMeikle,wearealmostthere."Icried,"Pleasestaywith<br />
me."<br />
Afteramoment,herbodyfeltheavier.Shestoppedmoving.Hereyeswerefrozenopen.<br />
Shedidnotseem tobebreathinganymore.Herbodywaslifeless.Shewasgone.Diedrightin<br />
myarms.Herbloodalovermyhands.<br />
"No,no,no.pleaseMrsMeikle,pleasedon'tgo."IsobbedandhuggedMrsMeikle'sdead<br />
body.-"Pleasedon't.Pleasedon'tgo.don'tgoMother."Iwhisperedhelplessly.<br />
Henrywasnowheretobeseen.MrsMeiklewasdead.Iwasleftalone,sitingonthe<br />
groundwiththecorpseoftheonlypersonwhoiconsideredamotherinmyhands.<br />
[Thisisalmyfault.]<br />
"Bringhertome!"MrsPotashouted-andeventhoughmyeyeswerefiledwithtears<br />
lookingatMrsMeikle,Icouldheartherapidfootstepsoftheguardsrunningtowardsme.<br />
[Isthisit?Havewefailed?]<br />
Justwhenalmyhopeswerelost,Ifelthandsholdmebymywaist-pulingmeup.<br />
"ComeonMonica.Hury!"Heshouted~Ilooked,anditwasHenry.Hecameback.<br />
34
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Everythingseemedslowatthatpoint-Iwasinshock-alvoicesaroundmewerejust<br />
echoesinmymind.Ididn'tknowwhatwashappeningbutIcompliedwithwhatHenrywas<br />
saying.<br />
Henrywaspulingmebythehandtowardsthegates.Eventhoughmyeyeswerefrozen<br />
behindstaringatMrsMeikle'scorpse,myrestofthebodywaslisteningtoHenry.<br />
"Bringthem tome!Bringthem altome!Iwantthem Deadoralive!"MrsPota'svoicewas<br />
loudinthelonelynight.<br />
Henrymanagedtogetmethroughthegates,hedroppedtheleverthatclosesthem and<br />
quicklyjumpedthroughbeforetheycompletelyclosed~leavingtheguardslockedinside.But<br />
wecouldnotstoptherebecausetheguardswerestilgoingtoopenthegatestocomeafterus.-<br />
Butitwasgoingtotaketimeforthegatestoopenagainwhichboughtussometimetogeta<br />
headstart.<br />
AtthatpointIwasbacktoreality-intotheaction-andwasfulyawareofwhatwas<br />
happening.Myheartwasracingitselfwiththeintensityandthrilofthescene.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasnohousesnearbyonlyalongemptyroadgoingasfarasIcouldseeinthe<br />
darknessofthenight.<br />
Ontheleft-justafewfeetaway-weresomewoods,andthatwereweraninto.Henrywas<br />
stilholdingmyhand,pulingmeasweran.<br />
<strong>The</strong>woodsweredarkandcold,windwasblowingthroughthetrees.<strong>The</strong>hootingsoundsof<br />
owls,thechirpingofthecricketsandtheechoesofanimalfootstepsmadeitascaryplacetobe<br />
atnight.IwastrulyterifiedbutItrustedHenryandneverstoppedfolowinghim.-Heseemedto<br />
knowthewaythroughthewoods.<br />
Aswewerenavigatingthroughtheovergrownbrunchesofthetrees,Imissedastepand<br />
trippedonarootthenfeltothedry-leafyground-slippingoutofHenry'shand.<br />
Henrylookedbackandsawmeonthegroundsohecametoaidme.<br />
"Shekiledher.Shekiledher."IsobbedandthrewmyarmsaroundHenryforahug.-i<br />
trulyneededahug.IhadaltheseemotionsinsidemeIdidnotknowwhattodowith.<br />
"Heyit'salright,it'sgonnabeokayalright?"Hesaidwhilepatingmybackconsolingly.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>yaregoingtokilustoo,Henry."Myvoicewashoarse.<br />
"Hey,don'tsaythat,wehavegotenthisfar,wearegoingtomakeit."<br />
Hebroughtmyhandsdownfrom hisshouldersandwipedmytearswithhis.<br />
"I'm soryforwhathappenedtoMrsMeikle.Irealyam."Hewhispered,"butrightnowI<br />
needyoutofocusalright?Ifwestayhere,thoseguardsaregoingtofindusandkilus,doyou<br />
understand?"<br />
35
Inodedayes.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"soplease,putyourselftogetherfornow,canyoudothatforme?"Hesaidsoftlyand<br />
calmly.<br />
Inodedayesagainwhilewipingtherestofmytears.<br />
"Good.Nowwehavetokeepmoving."<br />
"Whereareweevengoing?"<br />
"Tosafety.Thisisashortcut."<br />
"Ashortcut?"<br />
"Yes.Justattheendofthesewoodsisthecity,we'lgethelpfrom ."-Hesuddenly<br />
stoppedspeaking.ItwasLikeheheardsomething.<br />
"What'swrong?"Iasked.<br />
"Nothing,IthoughtIheardsomething.Squirelsmaybe.Let'sgetmoving."-Hegotup<br />
andtriedtoliftmeupwhenIfeltsomepainonmyleftleg.Ilookedatitandnoticedthatiwas<br />
bleeding,Ihadacut.Imusthavegotenhurtwhenifel.<br />
"You'rehurt."Heurgentlysaidafterhenoticedthebleedingtoo.<br />
"Ohmy,Ididn'tevennotice."<br />
"Doesithurt?"<br />
"Itwasn'tafewsecondsago.NowthatI'venoticedit,ithurtsalot."<br />
Heslowlyputmedown.<br />
"Whatareyoudoing?"Iasked~noticingthathewasrippingthesleevesofhislongsleevedshirt.<br />
"Weneedtoslowdownthebleeding."Hesaidwhilefoldingoneoftherippedsleevesand<br />
thenplaceditonmywound.~"here,holdthisandputpressureonit."HesaidandIdidso.<br />
Hethentiedtheothersleevearoundmyleg-overthefoldedonetokeepitinplace.~"This<br />
isgonnahurt."~Hesaidashegotreadytofastentheknot.<br />
Itookadeepbreathandlookedaway,"Doit."<br />
Withoutmeexpectingit,hefastenedtheknotandimmediatelyrushedhishandstocover<br />
mymouthandkeepmefrom screaming.<br />
"Shhhh.It'sdone."Hewhispered.<br />
Iwaspantinginpain.<br />
36
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Shhhshhshhh.Don'tmakeanynoise,Listen."Hewhisperedagain.<br />
"Towhat?"Ihummedthroughhishandthatwascoveringmymouth.<br />
"Listenclosely."Hesaid.<br />
Ikeptquietandlistenedwithhim -pastthewind,pasttheowls,pastthecricketsandthere,<br />
wecouldhearbarking.<br />
"Hounds."Hisvoicewasimmediate,"<strong>The</strong>yhavebroughthounds,wehavetogo,wehave<br />
togonow!Getupquickly."~Hequicklyliftedmeuptomyfeet.<br />
immediatelyafterstandingup,Istoppedandlistenedagain.Eventhoughitwascoming<br />
from adistanceaway,Icouldrecognizethebarking.<br />
"Thosesoundlikemygrandmother'shounds."Isaid.<br />
"Aretheyfriendlywithyou?"Heasked.<br />
"Notheyaren't,shehasneverbroughtthem inthehouse.SoI'm notsuretheyknowme"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nhowisthatevenhelpfulnews?"Hesaidinasarcasticsharpvoice.<br />
"Ijustthoughtyouwouldwanttoknowthattheyaremygrandmother'sdogs."<br />
"Alright,Howmany?"<br />
"Sheonlyspokeoftwo."<br />
"Iguessweareintroublethen.Howdoesyourfootfeal,Canyourun?"<br />
"Yes,Iguess.Butwhycan'twejusthide?"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>y'lsnifusout,thereisnohidingfrom hounds.Nowlet'sgo."<br />
.andinnotime,wewererunningagain.<br />
Myleftarm wasaroundhisshouldersandhisrightarm wasaroundmywaist,helpingme<br />
run.~Evenwiththewound,Monicacouldstilrun.<br />
<strong>The</strong>barkingwasgetinglouderasthehoundswereclosinguponus.<br />
IcouldnothereanyvoicessoIassumednobodywasholdingthehounds.Whichmade<br />
them moredangerous.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rearenohumanvoiceswhichmeansnobodyisholdingthehounds,whichmakesthem<br />
moredangerous.<br />
<strong>The</strong>houndsweregetingcloser.<strong>The</strong>rewasnosignsofhelparound.<br />
Henrysuddenlypuledmetowardsatreenearby.~"Weneedtoclimb."Heshouted.<br />
37
"climbWhat?"<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Weneedtoclimbthetree."Hesaidandpointedatthetreewhileweapproachedit.<br />
Immediatelywereachedthetree,hequicklyputhishandstogetherhishandsformeto<br />
stepontogivemeaboostup.~<br />
"Youfirst."Hesaid,"Steponmyhandsquickly."<br />
Ididnothesitatetoputmyfeetonhishandeventhoughihadneverdonethatbefore.As<br />
soonasididthat,heboostedmeuptowardsahugebranchwhichigrabbedandusedtopul<br />
myselfup.EventhoughIstruggledabit,IstilmanagedtoclimbuptoahugebranchwhereIsat.<br />
ItriedtoreachmyhanddowntohelppulHenryupbutrightbeforehereachedforit,he<br />
stoppedandlookedback.Oneofthehoundsfoundus.Itcameoutofthedarkness,running<br />
towardsHenry.<br />
Hepuledoutaknifefrom hisbackandstartedtorunawayfrom thetree.<br />
<strong>The</strong>houndwasalreadyclose.ItcoughtuptoHenrybeforeheevengotfarandjumpedon<br />
him -bitingthebackofhisshirtwithit'sjaws.ItwassohugethatIt'sweighttackledhim tothe<br />
ground.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ywerenotsofaraway,soIcouldseeeverythingthatwashappeningfrom thetree.<br />
Hestruggledwithitasitstruggledwithhisshirtuntilitwasrippedofofhim andright<br />
afterthat,itwentforhisskin.<br />
<strong>The</strong>houndwassobigandvisciousthatitcoulddothesamethingtohisskinlikeitdidto<br />
hisshirt.<br />
Henrywasonthegroundandthehoundwasontopofhim tryingtobitehisface.Hewas<br />
holdingitbythenecktokeepit'sheadfrom reachinghis.Hewasfocusedandoccupiedwithits<br />
head,butit'slegswerescratchinghisshirtlesschest.<br />
Surprisingly,hewasstilholdingtheknifeinhishandupuntilhefoundtheperfect<br />
opportunitywherehedrovetheknifeintothehound'sneck,tookitout,andthenstubbeditagain<br />
acoupleoftimesuntilitfeltotheground.<br />
AssoonasHenrygotupfrom kilingthefirsthound,heturnedaroundandtheotherhound<br />
finalyshowedupandjumpedonhim.<strong>The</strong>knifegottossedoutofhishandintheprocess.<br />
Hewasbacktothesamepositiontheotherhoundputhim in,exceptthistimehehasno<br />
knife,noefectiveweapontohelphim fight.~Itwasontopofhim atemptingtobitehim ashe<br />
washoldingitawayfrom hisfacebyit'sneck.Iassumedhecouldnotsqueezeit'sneckto<br />
chokeitbecausetheneckwastoobigforhishands.Hehadnowayout.<br />
IfeltIhadtohelphim becauseonceitisdonewithhim,itwouldcomeforme.<br />
IlookeddownonthegroundandsawahugespikeysticksoIjumpeddownthetreetopick<br />
38
it.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
IquietlyrantowardsHenryandthedog.-Snuckupbehindthedog'sbackandIswungthe<br />
stickatit'sheadashardasIcould.ItwinedandgottossedofofHenry.<br />
Henrywasstilontheground,lookingsurprisedandscared.Ilookedatthedoganditwas<br />
layingonthegroundwining,withbloodcomingoutofit'shead.<br />
WhenIhitthedogwiththestick,Ifeltarushinme.Acertaintypeofrelief.AltheangerI<br />
hadinme,Ifinalyfoundwheretotakeit.Iquicklyapproachedthedog,threwdownthestick<br />
washoldingandpickedupahugestonewhichwasnexttothedogandithrewitagainstthe<br />
dog'shead.<br />
ButIdidnotfeelsatisifiedsoIgotontopofthedog,pickedupthestoneagainand<br />
continuedtohitthedog'sheadwiththestoneuntilit'sskulbroke.<br />
Iwasnotbotheredbythesquishingofthebrainandthebloodthatwassplashingfrom<br />
thedog'sheadasIhitit.AltheangerandtensionIwasfeeling,Itookitoutofthedog.Ikepton<br />
hitingitasIwascrying,eventhoughitwasalreadydead.<br />
"ThatsenoughMonica,it'sdead."Henrysaidbehindme.<br />
Ifinalythrewthestonedownandgotofthedogthenhuggedhenry.<br />
"ItwouldhavekiledyouHenry."Icried.<br />
"It'sovernow .It'sokay.Yousavedme."SaidHenrywhilehuggingmeback,tight.<br />
Afterawhile,westoppedhugging.Irememberedthathewasshirtlessandlookingathis<br />
body,InoticedthescratcheshehadalI'vehischest.HewashurtbutIhavetoadmit,helooked<br />
kindofsexy.<br />
on.<br />
Itwascold,soItookofthejerseyiwaswearingandhandedittohim sothathecanputit<br />
Ashewasputingthejerseyon,hepantedinpain.<br />
"Areyoualright?"Iasked-woriedandconcerned.<br />
"YesIam.Don'twory,I'vebeenthroughworse."Hereplied.<br />
"Youhave?"<br />
"No.Notrealy."Hesmiledatme,"it'sjustathingguyssaysothatgirl'sdon'tworyabout<br />
them."<br />
Hisjokewassilybutitmademesmile.<br />
Iturnedaroundandlookedatthehoundthatlaiddeadontheground.Iwasdisgusted.I<br />
couldnotbelieveIdidthat.<br />
39
"I'veneverkiledanythingbefore,untilnow."Isaid.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Yeahmetoo.ImeanI'vekiledflies,ratsandrabbitsbeforebutnothingthisbig."Hesaid<br />
andwalkedtowardstheotherdogtopickuptheknifehedropped.<br />
Afewsecondslater,iheardfootstepsandvoicesrapidlyapproachingfrom adistance.<br />
Soundedliketheguards.Henryimmediatelyrantowardsme,grabbedmyhandandwewere<br />
backtorunning.<br />
Afterrunningforawhile,Icouldseesomehousesaheadasweapproachedtheendofthe<br />
woods.<br />
InnotimewewereFinalyoutofthewoodsandIcouldseethecity.<strong>The</strong>rewasalotof<br />
houses.Itwasadenselypopulatedcity.Itwasnightbuttherewasstilpeopleoutsidethe<br />
houses,movingaround.<br />
Westoppedrunningforawhile.<br />
"Monica,meetthecity?"Henrysmiledandsaid.<br />
"It'snotasIimaginedit."<br />
"Whatyouthoughttherewouldberainbows,unicornsandfairieslikeinthestoriesyou<br />
read."Hemockedme.<br />
"HaHaveryfunny."<br />
<strong>The</strong>guardswerestilapproachingbehindus.Buttheyseemedtobetoofarbehindwhich<br />
gaveusachancetofindaplacetohide.<br />
Wesuddenlyheardhorsesandloudvoicesapproachingfrom thefarleft.Soundedlike<br />
moreguards.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>retheyare!"Oneoftheguardsonthehorsesscreamed.<br />
Morevoiceswhereheardfrom behind,inthewoods-itwastheotherguards.~"Iseethem!<br />
Getthem!"heartheyscreamed.<br />
"ComeonMonicaletgo!"HenrysaidandpuledMyhandagainanditwasbacktorunning.<br />
Iwasexhaustedbutwehadtokeepmoving.<br />
40
CHAPTERFIVE.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Myheartwasracingitself.Mylegwashurting.Mybreathwasrunningout.Mybodywas<br />
exhaustedbutIwasstilrunning.<br />
Henrywasinfrontpulingmyhandasheleadthewaythroughthecity.Hekeptonpuling<br />
mecornertocorner,blocktoblockandwemadealotofturnstryingtoshakeoftheguardsthat<br />
werechasingafterus.<br />
Atthispointwehadthreeguardschasingbehindus,theothersmusthavespreadoutal<br />
overthecity.<strong>The</strong>exactnumberoftheguardsthatwerelookingforuswasunknown.<br />
Henrywasquickandalert,helookedlikeheknewthecityveryweljudgingbythewayhe<br />
wasnavigatingthroughit.Iwasjustfolowinghisleadnomaterwherehetookme.Eitherover<br />
housesorthroughhouses,Ifolowed.<br />
Wewentthroughadooratonecorner,andfoundourselvesinabaker'skitchen.<strong>The</strong>room<br />
wasbigwithalotofbakersbusydoingtheirjob.Whatastrangecity,wherebaker'sworkevenin<br />
thenight.Itwashotintherebecauseofalthehotcookersthebaker'swereusing.Iliteraly<br />
startedsweatingmorethaniwasbeforeisteppedintothekitchen.<br />
Inthisroom wecouldnotrunbecausewedidnotwanttodrawmuchatentionto<br />
ourselves,sowejustwalkedquickly.IdidnotknowwhereHenrywastakingmebutasusual,I<br />
quietlyfolowed.Ithoughthewastakingussomewheretohide.<br />
Halfwaythroughtheroom,Inoticedthattherewasanotherdoorontheotherendofthe<br />
kitchen,that'swherewewereheading.Ilookedbehindusandtheguardswherestilthere,tailing<br />
usaswenavigatedthekitchen.<br />
"Don'tpayatentiontotothem."Henrysaid,"justkeepyoureyesforward."<br />
Wewerealmostatthedoorwhenaguardcameinthroughitandstoodinfrontofit,<br />
blockingourwayout.Henrythenpuledmeunderatabletohidebeforetheguardnoticedus.<br />
Nowtherewasaguardinfrontofus,andthreemorebehindus.Wewerestuck.<br />
"Whatarewegoingtodonow?"IwhisperedtoHenry.<br />
"I'm tryingtothink.Altheexitsareblockedsowecannotleavethisroom.Butwecannot<br />
stayheretoobecausesoontheguardswilfilupthisplaceandstartsearchingfor."Before<br />
Henrycouldfinish,awoman-oneofthebaker's-cametothetablewewerehidingunderand<br />
peepedatus.<br />
"Heytherechildren,howareyou?"Hervoicewassoft-andshesoundednice.<br />
"fine."<br />
"Fine."<br />
"Wel,youtwoseem tohavegotenyourselvesintroubleandIbetersay,youarenot<br />
41
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
goodathiding.Imeanunderatable?That'sthemoststupidthingyoucaneverdoinasituation<br />
likethis."Shewhisperedsoftly.<br />
HenrylookedaspuzzledasIwas.Webothdidnotknowwhatwasgoingon.<strong>The</strong>woman's<br />
personalitywasbubblyandalsmilesasshecontinuedtospeak.<br />
".Youseem likeyouneedsomehelp,wel,nottoworybecauseMamaBishere.Now<br />
bothofyoujuststayhereandwaitformysignal,Iwilgetyououtofhereinnotime."-she<br />
smiledatusthenleftthetableandrushedintoanotherroom justnearthetablewewereunder.<br />
Amomentlater,MamaB,cameoutoftheroom caryingabigpotinherhands.<strong>The</strong>re<br />
seemedtobehotwaterinthepotbecauseshewasholdingthepotwithpiecesofclothingon<br />
eachhand.Sherushedtowardsthedoorwheretheguardwasstandingandimmediatelyafter<br />
reaching,shefakedafalandspeltthewaterontheguard'sleg.Itwasdeliberatelydone,butshe<br />
madeitlooklikeanaccident.<br />
"I'm sory,Iam sosoryItripped."Shesaidwhiletheguardcursedinpain.<br />
"Shit!youbloodywoman.Youburntmyfeet!"Hecried.<br />
EveryBakerstoppedwhattheyweredoingandstartedtowatch.<br />
"Welthatisnotsoniceofyoutocurseatmelikethat.Thatwasclearlyanaccident."<br />
MamaBsaid.<br />
"Anaccident?!Youdidthatonpurposeyoufool!"Heshouted.<br />
"Welwhatareyouevendoinginourbakeryinthefirstplace."Oneofthebakersshouted.<br />
"Yeah.""Yeah""yeah",thebakerschorused.<br />
"Leaveourbakerynow!"AnotherBakershouted.<br />
whenipeepedattheotherendofthebakery,isawtheotherthreeguardsbeingpushed<br />
outthroughthedoorwecamethrough.<br />
"Comeonyou,letmegetyoucleanedupbeforeyouleave.Itwasmyfaultthatthewater<br />
speltonyou,atleastletmehelpyougetdried."MamaBsaidtothewetguardasshepuledhim<br />
awayfrom thedoorandintoanotherroom.<br />
Thiswasourchancetogetaway,sowecrawledoutfrom thetableandwalkedtowards<br />
thedoor.<br />
"Goodluckchildren.Staysafe."Awhisperedwasheardfrom adistance.ItwasMamaB<br />
wavingatusfrom adoor.Wewavedbackwithathankyouasweexitedthebakery.<br />
Wewerefinalyoutofthatstickysituation,butwestilcouldnotstopmoving.<strong>The</strong>rewere<br />
guardsstilouttherelookingforus.Sowewerebackontherunning.<br />
"Comeon,thisway."Henrywhispered-Ifolowedhim.<br />
42
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Wetookdiferentroads,movingfrom blocktoblock,snuckthroughdiferentstreetsandin<br />
notimewewereinastrangequietpassage.<strong>The</strong>passagewaswideandtherewasalotof<br />
beggersanddrunkeredsspreadoutaloverthesidesofthepassage.<strong>The</strong>yallookeddirtywith<br />
theirdirtyclothes.<strong>The</strong>passagewassmely.Alotofhomelesspeopleinthecoldnight,others<br />
sleepingonthegroundondirtyblanketsandothersstilawake.<br />
WequietlywalkedthroughthepassageasIlookedaroundatalthehelplesspeople.Ifelt<br />
soryforthem.Weweretryingtogettotheotherendofthepassage.Wemusthavereached<br />
somewhereinthemiddlewhenHenrysuddenlystopped,andwhenilookedaheadofus,there<br />
wastwoguardsapproaching.Wetriedtoturnbackandstartrunningbutontheothersidewas<br />
thethreeguardstoo,theoneswelostinthekitchen.<strong>The</strong>ywerealsoapproaching.Wehad<br />
nowheretogoagain.Wewereboxedin.Guardsinfrontofus,guardsbehindusandwalsonthe<br />
side.Ilosthoped.<br />
Henrylookedatme,"Aren'tyougoingtodonatetothepoor."Hesmiled.<br />
"What!"Iexclaimedwithconfusion."Weareinastickysituationandalyouwantmeto<br />
doisgivemoneytothehomelesspeople?"<br />
"Justdoit."Hewhisperedwhilepointingatabeggerwhowassitingatthewalonour<br />
left,holdingacupinhishand.<br />
"NoHenry,weneedtogetoutofhere!"Iwhisperedangrilyathim.<br />
IdidnotknowwhyHenrywastelingmetodothatinsuchasituation.<br />
HenryquicklyreachedInhispocketandpuledoutsomemoney.Hehandedsometome<br />
andkepttherest,"JusttrustmeanddowhatIsay."<br />
<strong>The</strong>guardsweregetingcloser,IdidnotknowwhatwasgoingonsoIdidwhatHenrytold<br />
meto.IwenttowardsthebeggerandputthemoneyHenrygavetomeinthecupthebeggerwas<br />
holding.-"ThankyoukindLady."Hesmiledatme.<br />
Ontheotherside,Henrydidthesame,hegavemoneytoanotherbeggersitedattheother<br />
wal.<br />
IwalkedtowardsHenry,"Whatnow?"Iasked.<br />
"Now,wewait."<br />
"Wait!Forwhat?<strong>The</strong>guardstocatchusandkilus??"<br />
"Justwatch,thisisthefunpart."Hesmiled.<br />
Iwasspeechlesssoididnotaskanyfurtherquestions.Hejuststoodtherewatchingthe<br />
guardsapproaching,<br />
"anytimenow.Anytimenow"."Hecontiniouslywhisperedtohimself.<br />
43
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Whentheguardsgotcloseenoughtous,thebeggerIgavemoneytosuddenlywhistled<br />
threetimes,andfrom nowhere,theotherbeggersthatwereclosetotheguards,jumpedoutof<br />
theirblanketswithswordsandstartedfightingtheguards.Itwassurprisinglyfacinating.<strong>The</strong><br />
homelesspeoplewhererealygoodatfighting,butsoweretheguards.<br />
"Itoldyoutotrustme."Henrysaidaswewatched.<br />
Whilethefightwasinmotion,theotherbeggersthatwereclosetous,liftedtheirblankets<br />
totheskyandmadesomesortofbarierstokeeptheguardsfrom seeingus.Thiswasjaw<br />
dropping.<strong>The</strong>blanketswereheldfrom onewaltoanotheronbothsidesofthepassage,we<br />
couldnotseetheguardsandtheguardscouldnotseeus.Itwaslikeahugeblanketfortandwe<br />
wereinside.<strong>The</strong>otherbeggerswereoutsidefightingtheguards,whilesomewereinsidethefort<br />
withus.<br />
"Thisisthebestofthebestpart."Henrywhisperedtome.<br />
<strong>The</strong>beggerthatHenrygavemoneytothegotup,"Boy,girl,comehere."Hecaledandwe<br />
walkedtohim.<br />
Hequietlystaredatuslookingalgrumpyandscary.Hewashugeandmuscular,wearing<br />
oldruggedclothes.Hethentookadeepbreathandlaughedoutloud.<br />
"Henrymyboy!"HeshoutedwhilepulingHenryintoahug.<br />
"Jamie,it'salwaysgoodtoseeyou."Henrysaid.<br />
IdidnotknowwhatwasgoingonandIjuststoodthereconfused.<br />
<strong>The</strong>yhuggedinanoddwaywherebytheygettohiteachotherontheback.Itwaslike<br />
patingexceptharder.Maybeitwassomethingmendo,Iassumed.<br />
"Iseeyoubroughtafriend."Jamiesaidwhilegrabbingmyhandandthereafterkissing<br />
thebackofmypalm.<br />
"YesJamie,ineedtogethertosafetyquick."<br />
"Henryyoualwaysbringtroublewhenyoucomehere."Jamiesaidinadeepangryvoice.<br />
Everybodysuddenlykeptquiet.<br />
"ButIlikeit!"Jamieshoutedandburstedwithlaughter,"Ilikeitbecausethemoretrouble<br />
youbring,themoremoneywemake."-everybodysuddenlystartedtolaugh.ButIwasjust<br />
confusedanddidnotfinditfunny.<br />
Itwascompletelyoddthattheyallookedcalm andwerenotmindingthecommotion<br />
goingonoutsidetheblankets.<br />
Jamiethenturnedandknockedonthewalbehindhim threetimes,inthesamemanneras<br />
thewhistletheydidearlier.<strong>The</strong>walthensuddenlyopened.Itwasactualya<strong>secret</strong>door,painted<br />
insuchawaythatitlookedlikeitwaspartoftheway.Itwasarealyfacinatingworkofartand<br />
44
lookedsoreal.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Hurygothrough."Jamiesaid.<br />
"ThankyouJamie.Takecareofourguests."Henrysaid,referingtotheguardsasguests.<br />
"Don'tworymyboy,wehavethisundercontrol."Jamiesaidandsmiled.<br />
WewentthroughthedoorandleftJamieandtheotherbeggersoutsidehandlingthe<br />
guards.<br />
Assoonaswegotin,thedoorwaslockedbehindusbysomemeninside.Lookedlikethe<br />
threeknockswerelikeacodetosignalthepeopleinsidetoopenthedoorforJamieandthe<br />
beggers.<br />
"Monica,welcometotheblackmarket."Henrysaidwithahugesmileonhisface.-andI<br />
looked.<br />
<strong>The</strong>placewaswashugeandincrediblyjawdropping.Nobodywouldhaveguessedthat<br />
therewassuchaplacebehindthewalsofthebegger'sstreet.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasalotofpeopleinthereselingdiferenttypesofitems.Everybodyseemedbusy<br />
andmindingtheirownbusiness.<strong>The</strong>rewasjewelry,kitchenwares,clothingandmanyotherstuf<br />
beingsoldondiferenttables.<br />
"Whatisthisplace?"Iasked.<br />
"Thisistheblackmarket,theplacewerepeoplecometotradeorselstolenitems.Itis<br />
anilegalplacethat'swhyitishidden.Itisrunmostlybythieves."<br />
"Thisisincredible.Soyouthievesbuiltthisplace?"<br />
"Yes.<strong>The</strong>Englishfolkusedtoarestthieveswhoselstufinthestreetssothethieves<br />
startedselingtheirstufin<strong>secret</strong>anddiscoveredthisplace.Itthenbecameatradingplacefor<br />
alilegalyearneditems."Henryexplainedaswewalked.<br />
"WhataboutJamieandtheothersoutside,aretheygoingtobealright?"<br />
"Don'tworyaboutthem.<strong>The</strong>yarethepeoplewhoguardthedooronthatend.<strong>The</strong>y<br />
monitoreverybodywhocomesinhereandmakessurenosoldierscomein.<strong>The</strong>yarehighly<br />
trainedswordsmenandcanhandlethemselvesquitewel.Rebelingagainstsoldiersiswhat<br />
theydoandlove."<br />
"Nowondertheyalseemedcalm."<br />
"Exactly."<br />
"Wherearewegoingnow?"<br />
"Wearegoingtomeetupwithmybrother."<br />
45
"Yourbrother?"<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Yes,butnotbiological."<br />
Innotimeweapproachedamanwithahorse-cariage,unloadingsomeitemsoutofit.<br />
"Bily!"Henryshouted.<br />
"Henry,brother."Bilysaidastheyhugged.InthesameoddmannerasHenrydidwith<br />
Jamie.<br />
"Whoisthis?"Bilyasked-referingtome.<br />
"I'lexplainlaterbrother,rightnowweareinalotoftroubleandweneedsomehelp."<br />
"Anythingforyoubrother.Telme,whathelpdoyouneed."<br />
"Weneedaliftbackhome."<br />
"Thatisnotsuchabigthing.Noproblem brother."<br />
"Yes,butweneedtobehidden.<strong>The</strong>rearepeoplealoverthecitylookingforus."<br />
"Don'tworybrother,Iwilhelpyou.Justhelpmeunloadtherestoftheitems."<br />
IsatonacrateasIwaitedforHenryandBilytofinishunloadingthepackages.Afterthey<br />
finished,theyassembledatentontopofthecariage,thenHenryandigotinside.Bilywason<br />
thehorseinfrontdrivingthecariageandwerodeouttheblackmarket.<br />
"Whereareweheaded?"IaskedHenry.<br />
"Tosafety."<br />
46
CHAPTERSIX<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Wesatinsidethetentofthecariage.HenryononesideofthespaceandIontheother.I<br />
beguntothinkandretracealthatwewentthroughinjustonenight.Wegotshotat.MrsMeiklethepersonIconsideredamother-shediedsavingme.Wealmostgotkiledbydogs.Wegot<br />
helpedbythieveswholeadusthroughadooronawal.Weranalaroundthecitywithnothing<br />
butnonstoppanick.Ihadbeenrunningalnightlongwithmylifeinthehandsofstranger<br />
dealingwithotherstrangers.Andnowwewerehidinginacariage,ridingtosomewherecaled<br />
safety.<br />
Myfeetweresore,mythroatwasdrybecausewedidnothavethetimetostopandtake<br />
somewaterevenjustforasecond.Iwasweakandexhausted.<br />
"Lostinyourthoughtsagainhuh?"Henryasked-lookingatmewithconcern.<br />
Islightlysmiledathim andhesmiledback.<br />
"Areyoualright?"<br />
"Notrealy."Isighed,"ButIjustneedtotakeabreath,I'lbefine."Isaidinacrackyvoice.<br />
Hesmiled.<br />
".andalsojustalitlebitthirsty."Isaid.<br />
"Oh,whydidn'tyousayso."<br />
Henrythencrawledtowardsthefrontofthecariageandinabox,hepuledoutawater<br />
botle-Hethencrawledtomewithitandcametositbesidesme.<br />
"Here,haveadrink."Hehandedmethebotle.<br />
IdrainedthewaterlikeIhadnotdrunkanyfordays.Henrywassurprised.<br />
AfterIwasdonewiththewater,IgavethebotlebacktoHenrywithonlyalitleleftinit<br />
whichhedrunk.<br />
"Areyousureyouarealright?"HeaskedafternoticingIwaswipingatearofmycheek.<br />
"I'm fine.Justthinkingalot."<br />
"Ifyouwannatalk,talktome.Iknowit'salhardtotakein,butthebestwaytogetover<br />
emotionsisjusttoletthem alout.Don'tletthem eatyoufrom inside."Hesaidsoftly.<br />
"Thankyou,butfornowIjustneedtoclosemyeyesforabitandrest."<br />
Hepitifulygazedintomyeyes,Icouldseethathewasconcernedandworiedaboutme.<br />
Heputhisarm aroundmeandgentlypuledmyheadtohisshoulder.<br />
"Restabit."Hewhispered.<br />
47
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Wetraveledforawhilebeforewereachedourdestination,thecitywasbiggerthani<br />
thought.Iwassoexhaustedthatiactualysleptofalmosthalfofride.<br />
Wearivedatourdestinationearlymorning.Itwasahugehousesomewhereinthecity.<br />
Notthebiggesthouse,butitlookedlikeahouseofpeoplewhowereclosetobeingrich.<strong>The</strong><br />
otherhousesnearbydidnotevenlookasclosetobeingfancyasthisone.<br />
Henryjumpedoutthecariageandthenoferedahandtohelpmedownashelookedat<br />
meinanassuringway.Igrabbedmybagandtookhishand.<strong>The</strong>momentmyinjuredleg<br />
touchedtheground,itstartedhurtingmorethanitwasandIstartedlimping.<br />
"Youneedtoseetothatwoundbeforeitrots."Bilyshoutedasherodeoftowardsthe<br />
backofthehouse-probablywenttolockupthehorseandthecariage.<br />
<strong>The</strong>houselookedbeterthanitlookedwhenIwaspeepingatitinthecariage.<strong>The</strong>only<br />
ofthingaboutitisthatithadagardenfulofdriedoutflowersAsiftheyhadneverbeenwatered<br />
foraverylongtime.<br />
"WhatisthisplaceHenry?"Iasked.<br />
"Thisissafety.Nobodywilfindushere."<br />
"Areyousure?"<br />
"Yes,Trustme.Comeon,Let'sgoinside."Hesaidashehelpedmewalktothedoor.<br />
Henrydidnotopenthehousedoorinthewaythatnormalpeopleopenadoor.Insteadof<br />
usingakeytoopenthelock,heusedahairpinandaknife,IfoundthisoddlydisturbingbutIwas<br />
notinthestatetoask.WewalkedintothehouseandHenryshutthedoorbehindus.<br />
<strong>The</strong>insideofthehousewascaptivating.Itwaswelfurnitured,decoratedandclean,it<br />
smelednicetoo.<strong>The</strong>walswerecoveredwithpicturesoftrees.<strong>The</strong>floorswereconcretebut<br />
lookedclassy.<strong>The</strong>chairs,thetablesandotherfixturesandfitingswerewelpositioned.Itwasa<br />
bigandaluringhouse.Certainlynotaplaceathiefcanafordbecausetheywouldhavetosteal<br />
halftherichesofarichpersontobuyabuildinglikethat,andtheywouldhavetostealanother<br />
halftobuythefurnitureandhousewareitcontained.<br />
"Henry,isthisyourhouse?"Iaskedoutofcuriosity<br />
Hehesitatedabitbeforeheanswered,"Yes.Yesitis."<br />
Iwaswowed.<br />
Henrywalkedintoanotherroom andafterawhilehecameoutwithacupofwater.<br />
Hewalkedtowardsacupboardthatstoodononeofthewalsofthebigroom wewerein,<br />
heopenedoneofthedrawersandpuledoutaboxwitharedCrossonit.Wehadasimilarbox<br />
athomewhereweusedtokeepalthemedicalaidequipment.<br />
"Heylet'satendtoyourinjuredleg."Hesaidsoftly.<br />
48
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
IlimpedmywaytoasofawereIsattoalowHenrytocheckmywound.<strong>The</strong>sofawassoft<br />
andcomfy,itfeltasexpensiveasitlooked.<br />
Henrybroughtthemedicalboxandabotleofwhiskey.Heuntiedtheclothsthathetied<br />
aroundmyleg,toexposethewound.<strong>The</strong>clothswereonmywoundforsolongthattheywere<br />
fulycoveredinbloodandtheyhadevenstucktomywound.IthurtrealybadwhenHenrypuled<br />
them of.<strong>The</strong>cutlookeddisgustinganddeep,Icouldnotlooksoilookedaway.Henrythenwent<br />
togrababucketthatwasjustinacorneroftheroom andcametoputitundermyleg.Hethen<br />
openedthewhiskeybotleandIknewthereandthenthathewasgoingtopourthewhiskeyon<br />
mywound.<br />
"Whatareyoudoing?"Iscreamedoutoffear,withdrawingmylegfrom hishands.<br />
"Relax.Weneedtodisinfectthewoundbeforewecanputanybandagesonitorelseit<br />
wilrotandyourwholelegwilhavetobecutofsothatitdoesn'tinfectsyourrestofthebody<br />
whichwouldkilyouandalthiswouldbefornothing."Hesaidinaloudvoice.-hisvoice<br />
stunnedmequiet,soijustwatched.<br />
"soshouldIpourthewhiskeyonthewoundoryoupreferrotingtodeath?"Hecontinued.<br />
IwastooshockedtospeaksoIjustnodedayesforhim tocontinueaidingme.<br />
"GoodIthoughtso.Nowhere,biteonthis."Hesaidwhilehandingmeawoodencooking<br />
stickfrom thebox.<br />
"Why?"Iasked.<br />
"Becausethisisgoingtobeextremelypainful."<br />
Withoutanyfurtherquestionasked,Iimmediatelybitonthecookingstickandlooked<br />
away.<br />
Hegrabbedmylegandputitbackontopofthebucketandthenstartedtopourthe<br />
whiskeyonmywound.Itwasrealypainful-Iwasmoaningandbitingonthecookingstickvery<br />
hard,andinnotime,hewasdonewiththewhiskey.Hegrabbedsomecotonwooland<br />
bandagesfrom themedicalbox.Heusedthecotonwooltocleanofthebloodonmylegand<br />
thenusedthebandagetotiearoundthewound.<br />
Rightwhenhefinishedtyingthebandages,Bilywalkedin.<br />
"HeyBily,comehelpmeout."HenrysaidtoBilyashetookofthejerseyIgavetohim -<br />
groaningInpainintheprocess.<br />
"Whatthehel!"BilyshoutedafterseeingthatHenrywascoveredinbloodunderthe<br />
jersey.Hischesthadscratchesonitbuttheywerenotdeep.<br />
"Isitasbadasitfeels?"Henryasked.<br />
"Whathappenedtoyouman?"Bilycontinuedashewalkedtowardsus.<br />
49
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Houndsman,houndshappened.Realybighounds."SaidHenry.<br />
"Youowemeahelofastorybutfirst,let'sgetyoucleanedup."SaidBily.<br />
HenrysatonthesofaasBilycleanedhiswoodsthesamewaymywoundwascleaned.I<br />
couldnotstandthesightofthebloodandwoundsonHenrysoidecidedtogotakealook<br />
aroundthehouse.<br />
Ilookedatthepicturesonthewal,theywerebeautifulandpoetic-Mostlypicturesof<br />
treesandforests.IenjoyedlookingatthesepaintingsbecauseIhadneverseteyesuponthe<br />
workofapainterotherthanme.<br />
WhenIwaslookingatoneofthepicturesintheroom,IoverheardHenryandBily<br />
whispering.<br />
"Sheisbeautiful."Bilywhispering.<br />
"YesIknow."Henrywhisperedback.<br />
IfeltflateredbutpretendedasthoughIdidnothearanythingandIcontinuedtofolowthe<br />
trailofpaintings;pictureafterpicturewhichleadmeintodiferentrooms.WhenIwasdone<br />
lookingaroundIdiscoveredthehousewasfiveroomed.Twobedrooms,akitchen-withasmal<br />
pantryinit,adiningroom andasitingroom.<br />
Myexplorationendedinoneofthebedrooms.Itwasnotsuchabigroom butitlookednice.<br />
Asmalwindowontheleftwithcolorfulcurtainsandasmalwardrobenexttoit.Inthemiddleof<br />
thefloortherewasacarpetwiththepictureofatiger'sheadonit.<strong>The</strong>bedwassmalbutwel<br />
decoratedwithwhitebeddings.Lookingup,theroofboardhadcurvingsofflowersonit.<strong>The</strong><br />
sameflowerdesignsasonthefancylampthatsatonasmaltablenexttothebed.Iwalked<br />
towardsthetablewhenInoticedapictureframehangedfaceagainstthewal.Iturneditaround<br />
tolookandtherewasapaintingofabeautifulwoman,ahandsomemanandayoungboy-they<br />
lookedlikeafamily,MaybeHenry's.<strong>The</strong>picturewasbeautifulypaintedtothetiniestdetails.<br />
"It'sbeautifulright?"Henry'svoicestunnedmefrom theback.<br />
"Yes.Yesitis."Isaid.<br />
Ilookedbackandhewasstandingthere-atthedoor-alreadychangedintootherclothes.<br />
Hewalkedtowardsme.<br />
"Isthatlitleboyyou,inthepicture?"Iasked.<br />
"No,doesthatevenlookanythinglikeme?"<br />
"No.butIassumedsincethisisyourhouse,maybethisisapictureofyouandyour<br />
parents."<br />
"honestly,Idon'tevenknowwhothesepeopleare."Hesaidreferingtothepicture.<br />
"whatdoyoumean?"<br />
50
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Hesmiledandslowlywalkedtowardsthebedandsatontheside.-"Comesitwithme,let<br />
metelyouastory."Hesaid.<br />
Iwenttositwithhim.<br />
"Yousee,forushomelessorphans,lifeisastruggle.Everydaywehavetofightforsafety<br />
andshelter,anditisnoteasy.Wemostlysleepintheopenstreetsandbushesoncoldnights<br />
andpeoplegetsick,someevendie.Sowestartedasystem wherewelookforabondoned<br />
housesorhomeswheretheownersmusthaveleftforavacationorsomething.Weareprety<br />
goodatpickinglocksandbreakingintohouses,Sothat'swhatwedo.-Webreakinandshelter<br />
there,atleastupuntiltheownersgetback."<br />
"Ohhandthisisoneofthehouses?"<br />
"Yes.Bilyfounditandcaledmein.<strong>The</strong>ownersleftawhileagoandwedon'tthinkthey<br />
wilbecomingbackanytimesoon.Sointhemeantimethisplaceisalours."<br />
"Nowonderyouopenedthedoorwithaknife."<br />
Hewinkedatme.<br />
"Sotheownerscanwalkintothisplaceanytime?"Iasked<br />
"Yes,wedon'trealyknowwhen.Wejusthavetobereadyalthetime."<br />
"Soit'snotsafe?"<br />
"Ofcourseitis.From themenlookingforus,it'ssafebutfrom theownersoftheplace,<br />
it'snot.Soit'smorelikeaSafenotSafeplace."<br />
"OhhhIgetit.Soit'sjustthetwoofyouhere?"<br />
"Yes.JustmeandBily."<br />
"Howlonghaveyoubeenhereexactly?"<br />
"Idon'tknowamonthmaybe."<br />
".andwhatsthestorybetweenyouandBily?"<br />
Hejustsmiledatme."Youaskalotofquestions."<br />
"I'm acuriousperson."<br />
"Isee.anyway,meandbilyareastoryforanothertime,fornowgetsomeproperrest,<br />
youlooktired."<br />
"YesIam."<br />
"Sothiswasmyroom butfornow,thisiswhereyouwilbesleeping.I'venoticedyoulike<br />
51
it,andthebedisrealysoftandcomfytoo."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Whataboutyou?Youalsoneedtorest."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>sofasinthesitingroom arealsosoftandcomfy.I'lrestthere."<br />
"Butareyougoingtosleepfineonasofa?"<br />
Hegiggled,"Trustme,I'vesleptonworse."<br />
"Okay.ButIneedachangeofclothes."<br />
"Ohyes,unfortunately,wedon'thaveanyfemaleclothesinthehouse,sofornowyoucan<br />
tryonsomeoftheclothesinthewardrobethatbelongstotheboyinthepicture.Ifyouareokay<br />
withwearingmaleclothes."<br />
"Yes,it'salright."<br />
Hesmiledatmeandstood.<br />
"Alright,soifyouneedmeI'lbejustoutsidethatdoor.Makesuretorest."<br />
Ismiledandnodedashelefttheroom andclosedthedoorbehindhim.<br />
52
CHAPTERSEVEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
°HENRY°<br />
Monicaissleepingintheroom andIalsoneedtogetsomerest.IWalktowardsthesofa<br />
wereBilyissiting-waitingforme.<br />
"Sheisresting."IsaytoBilyasIsitonthesofawithhim.<br />
"Whathappenedtoyou?Wheredidyoufindthatgirl?"AsksBily.<br />
"Wel,rememberwhenIwenttogetsomebreadfrom thebakers'kitchenyesterday<br />
morning?"<br />
"Yes,younevercameback."<br />
"Welthat'sbecauseIbumbedintothesameEnglishfolkthatGaryandIwenttosteal<br />
from theotherday."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>samefolkthatkiledGary?"<br />
"Yesandturnsouttheyhadn'tforgotenaboutme."<br />
"Whatdidtheydo?"<br />
isigh,"<strong>The</strong>ysawmeandchasedafterme.<strong>The</strong>ydidnotseem tobegivingupsoIhadto<br />
runintothewoodstolosethem.Imanagedtoshakethem ofmybacktogivemechanceto<br />
hide,andfoundmyselfatthebighouseontheotherendofthewoods."<br />
"Youmeanthehouseownedbythatricholdwoman."SaysBilyinadeepwhisper.<br />
"Yes,youknowher?"<br />
"YesIdo.Shehiredmetodeliverapackagetoherplaceonce."<br />
"Ohyeahthatsamewoman.SoIsnuckintothehousetohide."<br />
".Wait.Wait.Wait.Soyouaretelingmethatyouactualysnuckintothemostsecure<br />
houseinthecity?"<br />
"YesIsuredid.HonestlyicanjustsayItwastheworkofluck.Thatplaceisdensely<br />
secured."<br />
"Luckyindeedbecausenobodyhaseverbeenabletosneakintothatplacewithout<br />
getingnoticedbytheguards."<br />
"YessoIsnuckthroughthemetalbarsofthefenceandfoundmywaytothebackofthe<br />
53
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
housewereiclimbedthroughawindowintothehouse.<strong>The</strong>yhavesomerealyexpensivestufin<br />
there."<br />
"Iknow.Butitisclosetoimpossiblestealingfrom there,unlessyoutelmeyoudid."<br />
"Nobrother,Ididn't.Ifoundmyselfinthemiddleofafamilyissueandigotinvolved."<br />
"Whatfamilyissue?"<br />
"Sogetthis,thatsameoldwomanwhoownsthehouse."<br />
"Yeah,whatabouther?"<br />
"WelhernameisMrsPotaandMonicaishergranddaughter."<br />
"Wait,soMonicaisactualythegranddaughteroneoftherichestpeopleinthecity?"<br />
"Sureis.nowgetthis,Iwashidinginaroom whenIoverheardMrsPotatalkingtoa<br />
gypsyaboutsomekindofprophesy."<br />
"Aprophesy?"Bilyscofs.<br />
"Yesbrother,aProphesy.Whichremindsme,canyoubelieveMonicahasneverstepped<br />
footoutofherhomeeversinceshewasbornandIwasthefirstmaleshehasevercomeclose<br />
to."<br />
"What,thatiscrazy."<br />
"Ikidyounotbrother,andturnsoutsheisactualyfiveyearsold."<br />
"<br />
Bilyburstsintolaughter.-"Nowaymate,thatgirlmustbeeighteenorNineteenyearsold.<br />
"I'm notlyingtoyoubrother.Ioverheardhergrandmothertalkingaboutitandwhenitold<br />
Monicaaboutit,shedidn'tevenspeakagainstit.Whichmeansitmightbetrue."<br />
"That'sbulshit."<br />
".exactlywhatIsaid."<br />
"Soisthatwhattheprophesyisabout?"<br />
"Yes.<strong>The</strong>prophesysaysthatMonicawassentfrom heltocomeanddestroytheworld<br />
andkileverythingonit.ItsaysthatMonicawilbringdemonsandothercreaturesfrom hel<br />
ontoourworld.<strong>The</strong>prophesyreferstoMonicaas<strong>The</strong>Apocalypse."<br />
"WaittheApocalypse?"Bilyasksinasharpvoiceasthoughheknowsaboutit.<br />
"Yes,youknowaboutit?"Iask.<br />
"Yes.<strong>The</strong>reisaprophesyaboutthat.<strong>The</strong>apocalypseissaidtobethetimewhenthe<br />
worldwilend.Itconsistsof<strong>The</strong>fourhorsemenwhowilbringaboutthisendoftheworld."<br />
54
"Ohapocalypse,likeintheBible?"Iask.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Yes.Inthebookofrevelationsittalksaboutthefourhorsemenoftheapocalypse.<strong>The</strong><br />
horsemanofconquest,whoistheconquerer.<strong>The</strong>horsemanofFamine,whowilbringabout<br />
hungerandshortageoffoodeverywhere.<strong>The</strong>horsemanofwar,whowilbringaboutwar<br />
amongsthumanseverywhereandlastlythemostfearedofal,thehorsemanofdeath,whowil<br />
bringaboutdeathanddestruction.Wearetalkingaboutglobalbloodshed."<br />
"Thatsoundsliketotalchaos."<br />
"Yesitis,andifMonicaistheapocalypseitself,itmeansshemightbealfourhorsemen<br />
inone.Verypowerful."<br />
"Thisisbad.Thisissobad."Iwhisper.<br />
Billaughs,"comeonbrother,youdon'trealybelievethatnonsensedoyou?"<br />
"NoIdon't,irealydon't.ButhowcanweexplainwhyMonicagrewupsofast."<br />
"Idon'tknow,butIdon'tthinkthatispossible.Bytheway,howdidyouevenmeet<br />
Monica?"<br />
"ohyeah.WelIwasgoingtowaituntilnightformetosneakoutofthatplace.After<br />
hidinginthatroom forsolongIhadtoshiftplacesandfindabeterplacetohide.Ifoundmyself<br />
inMonica'sroom andsomehowshefoundme.InnotimeanotherwomancaledMrsMeikle<br />
walkedintheroom andfoundmetoo."<br />
"andhowdidthatgo."<br />
"Welwehadtomakeatrade.Ihadtogivethem informationaboutwhatIheardabout<br />
MonicainreturntheywouldnotgivemeawaytotheEnglishfolk."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>youtsmartedatrickster?"Bilyscofsandlaughs.<br />
"Notrealy,theyareactualynicepeopleandIhadtohelpthem out."<br />
"Okaysothat'sthat.NowtelmehowyouendedupherewithMonica,withalthose<br />
wounds."<br />
"MrsPota,Monica'sgrandmother,wasplotingtokilMonicatokeeptheprophesyfrom<br />
comingtrue,soMrsMeikleaskedformyhelptogetMonicaoutofthatplace."<br />
"Princecharmingtotherescuehuh?"Bilysaysinasarcasticvoice.<br />
Ilaugh,"sowewaitedfornightwhentheguardsweredistractedandmadeourmove.<br />
SomehowMrsPotacaughtthethreeofussneakingoutofthehouse.Iwasscaredthatonce<br />
MrsPotacalstheguardsIwouldbeintroublesoihadtomakeamove.SoIatackedher<br />
and."<br />
"Youatackedanoldwoman!"BilyCutsin.<br />
55
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Nonono.Ididn'trealyatackher,Ijustpushedhertothegroundtogiveuschanceto<br />
escapeandwedid.Weranoutthehouse.MonicaandMrsMeiklewereslowatrunningandat<br />
thatpointIwasonlythinkingaboutmyself,soiranasfastasIcanandleftthem.Iwentthrough<br />
thegateswithoutlookingback.Iwasheadedtowardsthewoods.AsIwasrunningIrealised<br />
thatIcan'tabondonthem justlikethatandletaninnocentsoulgetkiledsoIhadtostopandgo<br />
backforthem."<br />
"That'smorelikeyoubrother.You'veneverbeentheonetoleavepeoplebehind."<br />
"Yeah,that'smygiftandmycurse."<br />
"Youareagoodperson."<br />
"Yeah.SoasIwasrunningback,Iheardgunshotsandaloudhissingsoundlikeanangry<br />
cat,Monica'spetiassumed.Ithinkitwasbeingshotat.IslowlysnucktothegatesandhidasI<br />
peepedintothearea.MonicaandMrsMeiklehadagunpointedatthem,MrsPotawastheone<br />
holdingit,shewasstandingquiteadistanceawayfrom thetwo.Ididn'tknowwhattodo."<br />
"Wherewerealtheguardswhenalthiswashappening?"<br />
"Twoofthem werestandingwithMrsPota,theotherwhereprobablydrunkandpassed<br />
out."<br />
"Typicalpeopleright?"<br />
"Yes,butstillethal.IwatchedasMrsPotafiredthegunagain,thistimeatMonicaand<br />
MrsMeikle.MrsMeiklewasinfrontofMonicasoshegotsheshot,twotimesintheback.She<br />
diedjustthere."<br />
"That'ssad."<br />
"Yes,shewasarealynicewomanandalsotheonlypersonwholovedMonica,her<br />
grandmotherisacruelone."<br />
"Ifeelsoryforthegirl."<br />
"Metoo.SoMonicawasonthegroundcryingoverthedeadbodyofherlovedonewhen<br />
MrsPotaorderedtheguardstocaptureher.Shethrewthegunonthegroundandisawthisas<br />
anopportunity.IrushedinandgotMonicabeforetheguardscouldreachherandweranoutof<br />
thatplaceintothewoods.MrsPotasenttheguardsafterus."<br />
"Youdidgoodbrother,keptyourpromise."<br />
"WelefttheguardsfarbehindandwewereinthewoodswhenMonicatrippedandhurt<br />
herleg,that'sthewoundshehas."<br />
"Okayandwhataboutyourwounds?"<br />
"Mywoundscamefrom hounds.<strong>The</strong>guardssenthoundsafterus."<br />
56
"Ofcoursetheyhavehounds.Howmany?"<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Two.Ihadtofightthem.It'sagoodthingItookyouradvicetoalwaysmovewitha<br />
knife."<br />
"SeeItoldyouitwouldcomeinhandy.<strong>The</strong>worldoutthereiscruel."<br />
"Yesbrotherindeed.<br />
"I'm surprisedyouareevenstanding.Yousurvivedtwohounds?"<br />
"Yes,withthehelpofMonica.Shecametotherescue.Shehelpedmewiththeotherone.<br />
Whileitwasontopofme,Shehitthehoundofofwithasticktoheadanditfeltotheground.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nsheusedahugestonetofinishitof.Shesquishedit'sbrainlikesheisnotlady,I<br />
understandbecauseshewasangry.Soafteralthat,weranbackherintothecityandfoundthat<br />
thereweresoldierseverywherelookingforus,Ihadtobringustotheblackmarketbecausei<br />
knewIwouldfindyouthere,andnowhereweare."<br />
"Youhadahelofanightbrother."<br />
"Yeswe."<br />
BeforeifinishspeakingIhearsobbingcomingfrom theroom whereMonicaissleeping.<br />
Sheiscrying,Ifeelihavetogoandcomforther.RightwhenI'm abouttogo,Bilypulsmyhand.<br />
"Leaveherbe.Shehasgonethroughalot.Sheneedstocryitalout.Sheneedtobealone<br />
fornow."BilysaysInanassuringwayandIlistentohim.<br />
"Right."Isitbackdown.<br />
"Nowyoualsogetsomerestbrother,youlookhorible."Hecontinues.<br />
"Yes.Youareright."<br />
"I'lbeinthebackcleaningthehorse."SaysBilywhileexitingthehouse.<br />
Ilayonthesofaandimmediatelyfalasleep.<br />
57
CHAPTEREIGHT<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Afterhoursofsleeping,Henryfinalywokemeup.Iopenedmyeyestohisshadow<br />
standinginfrontofthebrightsunlightcomingfrom thewindowbehindhim.Whenmyeyes<br />
finalyadjustedtothelight,Iclearlysawhim standingbythebedholdingsomeclothesinhis<br />
hands.<br />
"Heysleepyhead."Hesaidsoftly.<br />
"Hi?"IsaidasIgotupfrom bedandsatontheside.<br />
"Howareyoufeelingnow?"<br />
"Ifealrestful."<br />
Heextendedhishandstowardsmepassingmetheclotheshewasholding.<br />
"Here.Asyouweresleeping,Iwentoutandboughtyousomethingtowear."<br />
"Thankyou."Isaidwhilereceivingtheclothes.<br />
Beforeletinggooftheclothes,heheldontothem andpausedforawhile<br />
".Ormaybeyouarecomfortableinthosemanlyclothesyouarewearing."Heteased,<br />
withahugemockingsmileonhisface.<br />
Iforcefulysnatchedtheclothesfrom hishandsandgavehim adevilishlook,butinaflirty<br />
way.<br />
"Justajoke."Hesaidwhilegivinguptheclothes.<br />
"HowlonghaveIbeensleeping?"Iasked<br />
"Adayandahalf."<br />
"What!"Icoughed.<br />
"Yesyouheardright,youhavebeensleepingforadayandahalf."<br />
Helaughedatmyconfusedfaceandthencametositbythebedwithme.<br />
"Don'twory,it'snormal.Youwereverytired.Youneededtherest."Hesaid.<br />
"Oneandahalfday."Iscofed.<br />
Hesighed."HowareyourealyfeelingMonica."Heasked.<br />
BythelookinhiseyesIknewhewasaskingabouthowIwascopingwitheverythingthat<br />
happened.<br />
"I.Ijustcan'tbelieveMrsMeikleisdead."Isaidinalowvoice.<br />
58
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Doyouwannatalkaboutit?"Heaskedfolowedbyasmirk.<br />
"Uhm .Itjusthurtsthattheonlypersonwhotrulycaredformediedinmyhands.To<br />
makeitworse,shewaskiledbymyowngrandmother."<br />
"<strong>Life</strong>canbecruelsometimesMonica.Ittakesawaythethingsyoulovewhenyouneed<br />
them themost."<br />
"Yes,whydoesithavetobethisway."Isighed.<br />
"Idon'tknow.ButformealIbelieveisthateverythingthathappens,happensfora<br />
reason.It'saldestiny.Ifsomebody.dies.thenthatshowitwasmeanttobe,thatwastheir<br />
destiny.Youcannotchangeit.anditisthisbeliefindestinythatalwayskeepsmegoing.<br />
UnderstandthatMrsMeikle'sdeathwasaltheworkofdestiny.Thatexactplaceandtimewhen<br />
shediedwas,andwilalwaysbewhereherjourneyonearthends.Atthatverypoint,andthereis<br />
nothingyou,meoranybodyelsewouldhavedonetochangethat."<br />
"Butthere."<br />
".NoMonica!"Heshouted,"No.Iknowyoublameyourselfforherdeathand<br />
everythingelsethathappenedbutit'snot,it'snotyourfaultMonica.MrsMeikleknewwhatshe<br />
wasgetingherselfintoandsheknewwhatshewasdoingwhenshejumpedinfrontofthatgun<br />
foryou,Yes,Iwatchedeverythingthathappened.Shesacrificedherself,notforyoutosithere<br />
andblameyourselfforeverything,butforyoutoliveandtobesafe.Iknowithurtsbutshe<br />
wouldwantyoutomoveonandforgetabouteverythingalright?"<br />
Inodedwhilestaringatthefloor.<br />
"Good."Hesaidinalowvoice.<br />
"SowhatdoyouthinkabouttheProphesy?"Iwhisperedwhilestilstaringatthefloor.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>prophesy?Ithinkit'salbulshit.Don'tthinkaboutit,don'ttalkaboutitanddon'tletit<br />
gettoyou."<br />
"Alright.So,wherearewegoingtogonow?"<br />
"We?"Hisvoicewasurgentandlow,"<strong>The</strong>reisno'we'Monica.Ionlyhaveonetask,to<br />
getyououtofthecitytosomewheresafeandafterthat,Iam doneandyouareonyourown.I<br />
canbarelysurviveonmyown,soIcannotafordhavinganextraresponsibilityonmyback.Iam<br />
athief,andthievesmovearoundandgetittroublealot.Iam alwaysontherun.EverydayIdoa<br />
lotoflifethreateningthingsandIcannotmanagetodoalthisandprotectyouatthesame<br />
time."<br />
".andam Ianydiferentfrom younow?BecauseIam alsoontherunandhomeless.You<br />
canteachmeyourtypeoflifeandwecansurvivetogether."<br />
"It'snotaseasyasyouthinkMonica!"Heraisedhisvoiceandimmediatelystoodfrom<br />
thebed.<br />
59
"What?"Ibreathed.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
".FourdaysagoIhadaresponsibilitysimilartotheoneihavewithyouandIfailed.I<br />
failedtosaveafriend.Ilostabrother.Hewasmanslaughterinfrontofmyeyesandtherewas<br />
nothingIdid.Icouldhavesavedhim butIdidn't,ifailed."<br />
".talkaboutdestinyright?"Isaidinacrackyvoice,whileslowlyturningmyheadathim<br />
withtearsinmyeyes-Iusedhisownwordsagainsthim.<br />
Hepauseduponnoticingthetearthatroledoutmyeye,staringasitslowlywentdownmy<br />
cheekandthendroppedtothefloor.Hefrozestaringatthefloor,breathingheavily.<strong>The</strong>angerin<br />
hiseyesslowlyfadingaway,andonhisfacewasthelookofrealisation.Realisationeither<br />
becauseherealisedthathewashurtingmeorbecauseherealisedthathewasgoingagainsthis<br />
ownwords-thateverythingthathappensisaldestinyandnoonecanchangeit.<br />
".Iam goinginthebacktogetussomefood.Don'tleavethehouseanddon'topenthe<br />
doorforanyone."Hesuddenlysaidinalowsadvoiceandthenquicklylefttheroom.<br />
Iwasleftspeechless.Myheartwasaching.IdidnotknowwhatIwasfeelingatthatpointheartbreak,disappointmentoranger.AngryanddisappointedthatiletmyselfbelievethatHenry<br />
andIweredevelopingakindofromanticbond.ButIwaswrong.Ireadhisbodylanguagewrong.<br />
IfeltsoaloneasIcried.Mystomachsuddenlystartedrumbling,IwasveryhungrysoI<br />
wentoutthebedroom intothekitchentolookforsomethingtoeat.Ifoundahugepieceofcorn<br />
breadonplateandIdidnothesitatetotakeabite.Igotthebreadandwenttothesitingroom to<br />
eat.<br />
AsIwaseating,athoughtranintomymind.IcametorealisethatHenrydidnotrealycare<br />
aboutme,heonlycaredaboutkeepinghissideofthedeal,doingwhathepromisedMrsMeikle<br />
andI.IknewatthispointthateventhoughIwassuroundedbyhim andBily,iwasstilalone.I<br />
cametotheconclusionthatIhadtoleavethem andsavethem thetroubleoftakingcareofme.<br />
Iimmediatelyrushedtothebedroom togetmybag.WhenIwasabouttoleavetheroom,I<br />
noticedtheclothesthatHenrybroughtformelayingonthebed,Inevercheckedthem.Iwent<br />
backandpickedtheclothesup,therewastwodresses,aplaneblackoneandawhiteonewith<br />
greenflowereddesignsonit.<strong>The</strong>dresseslookedsobeautiful.<br />
Ifoldedthewhitedressandfititintomysmalbagandthenquicklytookofthemen's<br />
clothesIwaswearingandputontheblackdress.Iwalkedtothemirortocheckmyselfandthe<br />
dresslookedperfectonme.Itfitperfectlytoo,Henrypickedtherightsize.Ithoughtoftryingon<br />
theotherdresstoo,thenIrememberedthatIhadnotime.Ihadtoleavethatplacebeforethe<br />
boyscamebackin.AsIwasputingmyshoesbackon,irememberedthatmyhairwaseasily<br />
recognisablesoIneededsomethingtocoverme.<br />
IlookedinthewardrobebutIdidnotfindanythingusefulsoidecidedtolookinBily's<br />
room.Iwalkedoutmyroom towardsBily's.Beforeiwentin,ipeepedtocheckifhewasinside<br />
buthewasnot.Iwentin.<strong>The</strong>wardrobeinthatroom wasbig,itlookedlikeawardrobefortwo<br />
people.Iopeneditanditwasonlyfiledwithalotofmanlyclothes.WhenIdugintothehanged<br />
60
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
clothes,Ifinalyfoundsomethingdeepinthebackofthewardrobe.Itwasalongblackleather<br />
coat,designedlikeahoodie.ItwastheperfectthingIneededsoiputiton.Itwasalitlebit<br />
oversizedbutitPerfectlycoveredmyhair.Iimmediatelyleftthehouse.<br />
<strong>The</strong>outsidewasquiet.<strong>The</strong>rewerenopeoplearoundbutyetalotofhouses.Iremembered<br />
therouteweusedwhengoingtothehouseandididnotwanttogobackthatwaysoIwentthe<br />
oppositedirection.<br />
IdidnotknowwhereIwasgoingandlookingback,Ihadforgotenthewayback,soijust<br />
keptonwalkingstraightforward.<br />
<strong>The</strong>citywasnotlikeIimagined.Iusedtoimagineitasabeautifulplacefulofnicepeople<br />
livinginpeacelikeafamily.Ithoughtofthehouseslikecastlesandpalaces.Instead,itwasdirty<br />
fulofscrufybuildings.<strong>The</strong>housesweresmal.<strong>The</strong>roadsweredirty.<strong>The</strong>peoplewererude,<br />
everybodywaseitherwalkingaroundorseatedattheirhousesmindingtheirownbusiness.<br />
Othersweredrinkingandmakingnoise,somewerequarelingorfighting.Itwasaviolentplace.<br />
ItwasalmostnightwhenIfoundacrowdofpeoplestandinginacirclewatching<br />
somethingandcheering.IalsowantedtoseebuttherewasalotofpeoplethatIcouldnotsee<br />
anythingpassedthem.Withanatempttogetcloser,iaccidentalybumpedintomanwhowas<br />
partofthecrowd.Heslowlyturnedaroundandlookedatmewithagrinonhisface.Hewasbig<br />
andmuscular.Hehadabigmustacheandlongblackhair,wearingahugebrownjacket.His<br />
teethwerebrownandhisvoicewasdeepandhoarsewhenhespoke.<br />
"WhatcanIdoyouforyounglady?"<br />
"Iwasjusttryingtoseewhatisgoingonhere."<br />
"Welwhydidn'tyoujustask."Hesaidandsuddenlypickedmeupandliftedmetothe<br />
sky,onthisview,Icouldseeeverythinghappeninginthemiddleofthecrowd.Itwasjusttwo<br />
drunkmenfighting.<br />
"Okayyoucanputmedownnow."Isaid,andthemanbroughtmedowntomyfeet.<br />
"Anythingelse?"Heasked.<br />
"Actualyyes.IwouldliketoknowwhereIcanfindsomeTransportoutofthecity.Ihave<br />
money."<br />
"Ohisthatso?"<br />
"Yessir.Ijustwanttogetoutofthecity,Idon'tcarewhereto."<br />
"Whatisyourname?"<br />
"Monica."<br />
"WelMonica.Todayisyourluckyday.Ihappentoknowafriendofminewhowilbe<br />
leavingthecitysoon.Icantakeyoutohim."<br />
61
"Ohthankyou,thatwouldbesokindofyou."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Come,folowme.It'sjustafewhousesaway."Hesaidwhilepulingmebythehand.I<br />
quietlyfolowedhim.<br />
Wehadwalkedquiteadistanceawayfrom thecrowdwhenthemanpuledmeintoadark<br />
halbetweenhouses.Itwasquietandtherewasnopeoplearound.<br />
"Thisway."Hesaidandsmiledatme.<br />
Ifolowedhim butsomefearstartedtobuildupinme.Ididn'tknowwhy,butIfelt<br />
somethingwaswrong.<br />
Halfwayintothehal,themansuddenlystoppedandlookedatme.<br />
"Wearehere."Hesaidandtookasteptowardsme.<br />
IwasscaredsoItookastepbackwards.Myheartbeatstartedraising.<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansmiledagainandtookanothersteptowardsme.Ialsotookanotherstep<br />
backwards.<br />
Myheartstartedbeatingfasterashestartedtowalktowardsme.Iwalkedbackwardsuntil<br />
Ihitthewal.<strong>The</strong>mancoughtmebytheshouldersandthencamecloserandstartedtokissme<br />
ontheneck.<br />
Itriedtoresistbuthewasstrong.Heslowlystartedtokissmeonthecheekthenalthe<br />
waytomylips.Hisbreathwasstinkyandhesmeledbadtoo.Icouldtastethesmelinmy<br />
mouthashekissedme.<br />
AtthispointIknewthattherewasonlyonewaytogetoutofthere.Ihadtousethe<br />
techniqueIreadaboutinabook.Ireadthatmenhaveaweakspot.Everymanwilberendered<br />
powerlessonceyouatackthatweakspot,sowithoutasecondthought,iImmediatelyhit<br />
betweenhislegswithmyknee.Hemournedandletmego.<br />
Iwasabouttorun,buthepuledmebythehandandthrewmebackagainstthewal.He<br />
hadthatangrylookinhiseyes.Hecamecloserandthenpuledofthecoatiwaswearingwhich<br />
exposedmyhair.<br />
"Iseeyouareauniqueone?"Hegrowledandthencontinuedtoharassme.Iwas<br />
powerless.Hepuledupmydresswhilehisotherhandreachedinsidehistrousers.<br />
62
CHAPTERNINE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"I'm abouttogoinsideyou."Helaughedhoarsely,"Don'twory,mycockisfriendly."<br />
Iwasscaredandcrying.Ihadneverfeltthatafraideverbeforeinmylife.<br />
Beforehecouldfulypulouthiscock,aloudvoicewasheardcomingfrom hisback,<br />
"Heyasshole!"<br />
<strong>The</strong>manstoppedandimmediatelyhetriedtolookback,hegothitontheheadwithahuge<br />
stick,Hefeltothegroundandpassedoutwithhishandstilinsidehispants.<br />
IwastraumatizedandconfusedasIpuledmydressbackdown.Iimmediatelylookedat<br />
theshadowinfrontofmetoseethebeingthathittheman.<br />
Hestoodtherewiththestickinhisshakyhands.HewasbreathingasfastandloudasI<br />
was.Breathingsoloudthatitwastheonlysoundheardinthequietmoment.Eventhoughhis<br />
eyesstaredmurderouslyatthemanontheground,Icouldseesomefearonhisface.Itwas<br />
Henry.<br />
ImmediatelyafterInoticed,Irantohim andhuggedhim tightlyandhehuggedmeback.<br />
Withmyheadleaningonhischest,Icouldhearhowfasthisheartwasbeating,Icouldtelthat<br />
hewasrealyscared.<br />
"Youarealright.Youarealright."Hesobbedwhilecaressingmyhair.<br />
"I'm sory .I'm .realysory."Iwhimpered.<br />
Hepuledoutfrom thehugandhistearyeyesstaredintomine.<br />
"Don'tyoueverscaremelikethatalright?WhatifIneverfoundyou?Itoldyounotto<br />
leavethehouse!"Heshoutedatme.<br />
"I'm sory."Myvoicewascracky.<br />
"Don'tdothatagain.Neverdothatagain."Hesaidashepuledmebackintoatighthug.<br />
Despitethetraumatizingscenethatjusthappened.Despitemefeelingafraid.Somehowi<br />
washappy.HappythatHenrywasangryandshoutingatme.Happybecauseitalshowedme<br />
justhowmuchherealydidcareaboutme.IwaswrongandHewaslyingbefore.Hecaredabout<br />
mealot.Icouldhearitinthetoneofhisvoiceandthelookinhiseyes.Hejustcouldn'tadmitit.<br />
Ifeltsafeinhisarms.<br />
"Comelet'sgohomebeforehewakesup."Hesaidwhilewipingmytears.<br />
Ismiledathim andwipedtheonetrailoftearsonhisleftcheek.HepickedupthecoatI<br />
waswearingfrom thegroundandthenputitaroundme.Weranoutofthathalholdinghands.<br />
"It'salongwaybacktothehouse.Howarewegoingtogetthere?"Iasked.<br />
63
"We'lwalkthere.Iknowashortcut."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Webothwalkedslowlyandspeechlesslyforawhile.Untilhefinalyspoke.<br />
"Howareyoufeeling?"Heaskedinalowtone,withhisheadfacedforward.<br />
"I'lbealright."Isaid,withmyheadalsofacingforward.HecouldnotlookatmeandI<br />
couldnotlookathim.Wehadawkwardsilencesin-betweenourtalks.<br />
"Whatwereyouthinking?"Heasked,"Thiscity,thisworld,isacruelplaceforyoutobe<br />
outalalone."<br />
Ididnotsayanything.<br />
"I'm sory?","IjustdecidedtoleavebecauseIthoughtyouyoudon'tcareaboutme?","I'm<br />
happyyoufoundme?".AlthesesentencesinmyheadandyetIdidnotknowwhattosaytohim.<br />
Itwasdark.Ididnotknowwherewewere.<strong>The</strong>areawewereathadhousesthatwerebuilt<br />
farapart,unliketheonesbackattheshelterhouse.<strong>The</strong>rewereafewpeoplewalkingaround<br />
mindingtheirownbusinessesasusual.Henrywaswalkinginfrontofme,focusedontheroad.I<br />
neverknewIgotthisfarfrom thehouse.Iwasfeelingtiredandthirsty.<br />
"I'm thirsty."Isaid.<br />
Helookedbackatme,andwithnoword,helookedbackinfrontandcontinuedwalking.<br />
Afterashortwhileofwalking,hesuddenlystopped.<br />
"Doyouseethathouse."Hesaidinalowtone-referingtoahousethatstoodashort<br />
distanceawayfrontofus,<br />
"Yesiseeit."<br />
"Thatusedtobemyhome."<br />
"Whathappened?"Iaskedaswebothstoodandstartedatthehouse.<br />
Hemadeadeepsigh,<br />
"Idon'tknowiftherearepeoplestillivinginthere.Let'shopethat'snotthesituationand<br />
wecanfindyousomethingtodrinkinside."Hesaid.Heavoidedmyquestionjustlikethat.<br />
Weapproachedthehouse.Aswegotcloserwebeguntonoticesmokecomingfrom it.<br />
Werushedandwhenwegotcloseenough,wefoundthathalf-sideofthehousehadcolapsed<br />
andtherewasasmalfireonsomeofthewood.<br />
"No.No."Henrywhisperedtohimselfasheapproachedthedoorofthehouse.Luckily,<br />
thedoorwasnotonthecolapsedside.<br />
Ifolowedhim asheslowlyopenedthedooranditmadealoudsqueakysound.<strong>The</strong>sound<br />
anoldrusteddoorwouldmake.<br />
64
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>nwesuddenlyheardaloud,deepandmanlyvoicecomingfrom theinside,"Help!Help<br />
me!Whoisthere?"<br />
Afterhearingthevoice,Henrystoppedbeforewecouldenterthehouse.Itwasasthough<br />
herecognizedthevoice.Helookedatmeandaskedmetostayoutside,thenhewentin.<br />
AfterawhileIheardvoicesinside,iwasverycurious,soIdecidedtowalkintoseewhat<br />
washappening.<br />
Inside,itwasdarkwithonlythelightoftheburningwoodiluminatingtheplace,andthere<br />
onthecolapsedsideofthehouse,Henrywaskneelingnexttoaman.<strong>The</strong>manwaslayingon<br />
thefloor.Hislowerbodywasstuckunderahugeplank.<strong>The</strong>housecolapsedonhim.Iwalked<br />
towardsthem astheyspoke."<br />
".thebloodyhousefelonme."<strong>The</strong>manlaughedbreathlessly,"<strong>The</strong>woodgaveup.Itgot<br />
toooldtoholdthehousetogetherforanylongerandIhappenedtobeonthewrongside."<br />
"Youneverlistened."WhisperedHenryinanangrytone.<br />
"What?"<br />
"NowYouseewherethathasledyou?"<br />
"Whatareyoutalkingaboutkid.Youknowwhat,helpmeoutofthis."<br />
Henrydidnothingbutcontinuedtospeak,".Mom alwaystoldyoutorebuildthehousebut<br />
youneverlistenedyoubustard."<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansuddenlystoppedtalkingandstaredatHenryforawhile,<br />
"Son?"Hesaidinshock.<br />
"Youcan'tevenrecognizeyourownson."Henrysaidinadeepsorowfulwhisper.<br />
<strong>The</strong>mantriedtoputhisbloodyandshakyhandonHenry'scheekbutHenryresisted.<br />
"Isitrealyyouson?"Hecoughed,"YouwerejustakidwhenIlastsawyou.Lookatyou,<br />
algrown."<br />
"Youruinedmylife.Youtookawaymyworld.Ihadtoliveinthestreetsanddoalotofbad<br />
thingsbecauseofyou."<br />
<strong>The</strong>manlaughedandcoughedatthesametime.Hewasbreathlessbutstilforced<br />
himselftospeak,<br />
"Yourmothergotwhatshedeservedkid.Butyouontheotherhand.everythingthat<br />
happened.everythingthathappenedtoyouwasalyourdoing.Inevertoldyoutorun,butyou<br />
ran.Youleftyouroldmanalone.Bythelooksofit,lookslikethestreetswasalwayswhereyou<br />
belonged.Atleastyoulookmorehealthythanyourmothereverkeptyou."<br />
"Fuckyou!Mom dideverythingshecouldtotakecareofme.Shestruggledjusttofeed<br />
65
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
mewhileyoujustspentalyourmoneyonwineandwhores."Henryshouted.<br />
HisfatherlaughedagainandthenquicklygrabbedHenrybytheneck,"Thatisnowayto<br />
talktoyourFather."Henry'sfathersaidinadeepangryvoice,"whointhebloodyheleven<br />
taughtyouthatlanguage.Youthinkyouhaveoutgrownyouroldmannowhuh?"<br />
HestartedtosqueezeHenry'sneckwithhishugehairyhand.ItriedtorushtoHenryto<br />
helphim buthestoppedme.<br />
"Monicastayback!"Heshoutedashisfathersqueezedtheairoutofhim,"Thisis<br />
betweenmeandhim."<br />
Istoppedandwatched,butIwasscared.Henryquicklypuledaknifefrom hisbackand<br />
placeditonhisfather'sneck."LetmegoorIswearthisknifewilbecoveredinyourblood<br />
soon."<br />
HisfathercoughedandlaughedagainasheslowlyletgoofHenry'sneck.<br />
"Iseeyouhavegrownsomebals.Threateningyouroldmanlikethis.I'm impressed."His<br />
fatherWhispered,"youknowwhat?Doit.Kilme.Youwilonlybedoingmeafavor,savingme<br />
from thispainI'm in.Mybalsandmylegshavebeencrushedbymyownhouse.Withoutmy<br />
balsandmycockIhavenothingtolivefor,sojustkilmerightnow!"Hesaidaggressively.<br />
Henryjustwhimperedandstared.Stilholdingtheknifeagainsthisfather'sthroat.Icould<br />
seethattherewasapartofhim thatwantedtodoit,buttherewasalsoapartofhim thatdidnot<br />
wanttodoit.<br />
"Kilmeyoubloodybastard!"Hisfathershouted,"No.Asamateroffact,seethat<br />
behindyou.onthechair?That'stheswordiusedto,TAKEAWAYYOURWORLD'likeyousaid.<br />
Socomeon,pickitupanddragitthroughmyheart.Goahead,don'tbeshy."<br />
Henrywasstiljuststaringathisfather,withtearsinhiseyes.Thiswashurtingmeas<br />
muchasitwashurtinghim.ItriedtospeakbutHenrystoppedmeagain,"ShutupMonica!"He<br />
shouted,"Juststayoutofthis."<br />
Ilistenedandcontinuedtowatch.<br />
"Hohoho.Isthatyourlady?Youpickedyourselfabeautifulone.Ihopesheisnotlikeyour<br />
mother.Youknow,thebeautifulonesarealwaysthemoststubborn."Hisfathersaid.<br />
"Shutup!"Henryshouted.<br />
"Doitkid!Pickuptheswordandputininmyheart!"HisfathershoutedatHim,"Doit<br />
Goddamnit!"<br />
Henrylookedpressuredandhisbreathingstartedtoraiseheavily.<br />
"Comeonkid.Doitthebloodyhel!"HisfathercontinuedtopressureHim.<br />
66
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Henrythenquicklycrawledtothewoodenchairbehindhim,whereaswordwassitingand<br />
thenhepickedupthesword.Hequicklycrawledbacktohisfatherandputtheswordagainsthis<br />
neck.<br />
"Isthiswhatyouwant?Huh?"Henrywhisperedbreathlessly.<br />
"Yes,that'sit.Nowputitinmyheart.Goahead."<br />
Henrystaredathisftherwithangerinhiseyesforawhile.<br />
"No.Iwon'tdoit."Henrysaidandpuledtheswordawayfrom hisfather'sneck."Iwon't<br />
doit.I'm notamonsterlikeyou."<br />
"What?Don'tbeapussyyousonofabitch!"<br />
Henrystoodup,<br />
"Yes,iam asonofabitchain'tI?"Hesaidwithasmileonhisfaceandtearsinhis<br />
cheeks,".andnowthatsamebitchisbeggingmetokilitsothatitdoesnothavetosuferany<br />
longer."<br />
"Youhavealwaysbeenapussy,kid,andneveraman.Youarenodiferentfrom thatgirl<br />
standingnexttoyouPietro."Hisfathersaidinalowtone.<br />
"Thatisnotmyname."Henrysaid.<br />
"Ohsoyouchangedyournamehuh?"Hisfatherlaughed,"sowhatisyournewname?<br />
Peter?Brandon?.Douglas?Douglassoundsgreat,Imeanitwouldn'tbesobadtoname<br />
yourselfafteryouroldman.Butno,youwouldn'tdothatright?Icanseetheangeryouhavefor<br />
me,itkilsyoufrom theinside."<br />
"Shutup."<br />
".Youhaveachancetoletitalgokid.Achancetokilme.Tofinalyavengeyourmother.<br />
Butno,youjustwannabepussy.Ascaredlitlekity."<br />
"I'm notscared.Ijustwantyoutosufer.Iwantyoutolaythereinpain.Iwantyoutofeel<br />
theveryhouseyoubuiltcrushyourcockandyourbals,theonlythingsyoueverloved.welLook<br />
whodoesn'thavebalsnow?"<br />
"Niceone."Hisfatherlaughed.<br />
"Telme,father,howdoesitfeeldownthere."<br />
"Ohhhhhitfeelslikeadozenhels.I'vebeenstubbedandshotbefore,acoupleoftimes,<br />
butthispainisnothingcomparedtothat.Justkilmealready,helpyouroldmanoutthismisery.<br />
YouknowthateventhoughIdidwhatIdid,deepdownIstillovedyou.Socomeonmychild,<br />
showyourpapasomelove.Kilme.please."<br />
"No,weareleavingthisplaceandweareleavingyouhere,alive.It'seitheryouwilbleed<br />
67
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
todeathorsomebodywilfindyouandhelpyou.ButwhicheverwayyouendupIwantyouto<br />
rememberthatIsparedyou.IwantyoutorememberthatIhavebecometheverythingyounever<br />
wantedmetobecome,andthat'sagoodman.Goodbyedad."<br />
"Comebackandkilmeboy!"Hisfathershouted.<br />
Henryimmediatelypuledmeoutsidethehousewiththeswordstilinhisotherhand.We<br />
walkedawayashisfather'svoicecriedaloudinthelonelynight.<br />
"Son?Pleasekilme!Pleasejustkilme!Comebackandkilmeyoubastard!"<br />
68
CHAPTERTEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Afteralongwhileofspeechlesswalkinginthecoldnight,Henryandifinalyreachedthe<br />
house.Bilyhadalreadyfalenasleepinhisroom.<br />
Henrywentstraighttothesofawiththeswordstilinhishands,helookedtraumatized.I<br />
assumedhewantedtobealone,soidecidedtogostraighttomyroom.AsIwasabouttoleave,<br />
hefinalyspoke.<br />
"I'm sory."Hisvoicewaslow.<br />
"What?"Ibreathedandlookedbackathim.<br />
"I'm soryforwhathappenedtoyou.Itwasalmyfault."<br />
"Noitwasn't,itwasmyfault.Ishouldhavelistenedtoyouandnevershouldhaveleftthe<br />
house."<br />
"ItwasmyfaultMonica.Ishouldn'thaveraisedmyvoiceatyouandishouldn'thavesaid<br />
thethingsIsaid.IknowImadeyoufeelaloneandIknowthat'sthereasonyouleft."<br />
"it'salright."Iwhisperedandsmiled.<br />
"Iwas.iwasjustafraid."<br />
"Afraidofwhat?"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>responsibility."Hesaidinanguish.<br />
Isawanangerriseinhim whenIsawhim clenchinghisfistashecontinued,"iwasafraid<br />
thatIwouldn'tbeabletoprotectyou.IwasafraidIwouldfailyouthewayIfailedGary."<br />
"Gary?"<br />
"Myfriend,theonetheEnglishfolkslaughtered."<br />
"ComeonHenry,don'tblamethatonyourself,youknowthereisnothingyouwouldhave<br />
done.Imeanyouweretiedup."<br />
"Ofcoursetherewas!"Heraisedhisvoiceandquicklystoodup.Thisstunnedme."Of<br />
coursetherewas."Herepeatedinalowervoicewhileslowlysitingbackdown.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>reyougoagain.Blamingyourself."Isaid.<br />
"IfonlyIhadgotenoutofthoseropesintime,iwouldhavedonesomethingtosavehim.<br />
Atleastfrom thesuferingofhavingyourhandscutoflikeananimal."<br />
"YouareputingtoomuchonyourselfHenry."<br />
"Yeahright.anddoyouknowthemostfunnypart?"Hechuckled<br />
69
"What?"<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Ihaven'tevenhadthegutstovisithisgirlfriendandtelheraboutit."Hesaid.<br />
Iwasspeechless.<br />
Hetookadeepbreath,"ididn'tmeananyofthethingsIsaidtoyouearliertoday."<br />
Ismiledathim andleftformyroom.<br />
Iwasalsotraumatizedwitheverythingthathadhappenedthatnight.Mymindwas<br />
conflicted.Istoodinsidemyroom,withmybackleaningagainstthedoor.Thinkingabouthow<br />
muchpainHenrywasgoingthrough.Tearsstartedtoroloutofmyeyes.AtthispointIdidnot<br />
evenwanttothinkaboutthemanthatalmostrapedme.<br />
Ihadwalkedafewstepsfrom thedoorwhenHenrysuddenlywalkedinandquicklyhugged<br />
me.Afteralthathappened,ahugwaswhatwebothneeded.Ihuggedhim back.Itwassweet<br />
andwarm.<br />
Afterashortwhile,islowlypuledoutofhisarmsandlookedhim intheeyes.Hestared<br />
backintomine.Hebroughthishandstomyfaceandgentlywipedofmytears.Hethendrugged<br />
andtackedmyhairtothebackofmyear,andthengentlyrubbedmyear.<br />
Ifeltastrangeenergypulingmetohisbody.Aseamlessdesire.Iquicklyleanedinand<br />
kissedhim.<strong>The</strong>feelofourlipstouchingforthefirsttimegavemeastrangefeelinginmybely.<br />
Likebuterfliesinmystomach.<br />
Hewasnotkissingback.Heheldmebytheshouldersandgentlypushedaway.Helooked<br />
surprisedashestaredatme.Ifeltshyandlookeddown.<br />
[MustIhavereadhissignalswrong?]<br />
Hethenbroughthishanduptomychinandwithonlyonefinger,hegentlyraisedmyhead<br />
tohiseyes.IwatchedhisfaceasbestasIcouldasheslowlytiltedhisheadsideways,hislips<br />
slowlyparting,hiseyesslowlyshutingashegotclosertomyface.Ididashedid,andinno<br />
time,ourlipstouchedagain.Butthistimethefeelingwasdiferent.Itwasmuchbeter.<br />
<strong>The</strong>feelofthesoftnessofhislipsdancingwithminemademewantmore.Hishandswere<br />
onmywaistandminewereonhischestasthoughtopushhim away.Heslowlydruggedhis<br />
handsdowntomyassandgaveitaslightsqueeze.<br />
Stilkissingme,heslowlypuledmeashewalkedbackwardstowardstheopendoorandi<br />
folowedhislips.Heleanedagainstitconsequentlyshutingit.Heturnedandbroughtme<br />
againstthedoor.HetookoneofhishandsofofmeandIcouldhearhim turningthekeytolock<br />
thedoor.<strong>The</strong>nIwaspulingofhisshirt.Hestilhardbandagestiedaroundhim.Afterwardshe<br />
waspulingupmydressuntilIwasfulynaked.Inmytime,pantiesandbraswereyettobe<br />
invented.Sowehadnothingelsetowearunderneathourclothings.<br />
Heheldmebythewaisteandpuledmeclosertohim andIfeltthehardnessofhisdickon<br />
70
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
mybely.Withmyarmsaroundhisneck,ipuledmyselfupandwrappedmylegsaroundhis<br />
waist.Hewasrubbingmythighsandkissingmyneckashecariedmetothebedandgentlylaid<br />
meonit.Hewasontopofmekissingmeeverywhere.From thelips,tothecheeks,downthe<br />
neck,throughmyboobs,uptomybelybuton.Thisgavemegoosebumps.<br />
Ireachedmyhandsfortheropesthatwereholdinghistrousersupanduntiedthem.I<br />
broughthim tolayonthebedandwentontopofhim thenpuledofhistrousers.Wewereboth<br />
finalyfulynaked.Ilaidontophim aswekissed,ournakedbodiestouchingandrubbingagainst<br />
eachother.Mybelywaslayingonhiswarm harddick.<br />
BeforeIknewit,hewasbackontopme.Mylegswerespreadforhim.Hereachedforthe<br />
lampnexttothebedandputitof.<strong>The</strong>room wasdark.Ireacheddownforhim andslowly<br />
pressedtheheadofhisdickinsideme.Igaspedatthearousingpainofadickpenetratingme<br />
forthefirsttime.<strong>The</strong>sweetpain.Heloweredhimselfuponmeandsunkdeepinside.<strong>The</strong>first<br />
inchquicklyturnedintoanotherfewandIwasalreadygaspingharder.Hemademefeelevery<br />
inchofhim insideme.<br />
<strong>The</strong>feelingofhim filingmeupmademefeelcomplete.Ifeltlikeapuzzleandhewas<br />
insertingthelastpiece.Itfeltwarmerandwarmerashewasslowlyslidinghimselfaltheway<br />
insidemeandalthewayoutsidemeandthenatsomepointitfeltlikehehadbecomeme.Ifelt<br />
tinybitsofelectricityflowthroughme.Mygoosebumpswererunningwild.Myfingersgrasped<br />
intothematress,iwasgaspingandmourning.<br />
[Werewefucking,havingsexormakinglove?Itwasunknown.AccordingtothebookIread,<br />
Itstated'fucking'asmoreaboutarousal;'Havingsex'asalitlemaudlinandcuddles;and<br />
'makinglove'felttruer.Perhapsweweremakinglove.]<br />
Hemournedandtriedtopuloutbutiplacedmyhandsonhim;graspedhisback;puled<br />
him backinandlethim cum insideme.Ifelthiswarm cum hitthebackofmyvirgina.Itfeltlike<br />
itwouldshootstraighttomyhead.<br />
<strong>The</strong>sexwasdreamy,butlayingnexttohim afterwardsmeanttheworldtome.Ourbodies<br />
sufusedwithpeaceonthebed.Bothofusbreathlessandtired.<strong>The</strong>feelingofsatisfactory.<br />
IcouldnotseehisfacebutIcouldsensethathefeltasIdid.<br />
"DidIdoitright."Iaskedbreathlessly.<br />
Hechuckled;itookitasasign,signalingthathelovedit.<br />
"Itwasmyfirsttime."Isaidwhileputingmyheadonhischest.<br />
AsIdozedof,thelastthingIheardwasthevibrationanddeepnessofhisvoicethrough<br />
hischestashesoftlyspoke,<br />
"Thatmakesthetwoofus."<br />
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CHAPTERELEVEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>nextmorningIwokeupnexttoHenry.Hewasawakeandstaringattheroof,helooked<br />
likehewasthinkingaboutsomething.<br />
"Hey."Isaidinalazyvoice.<br />
"You'refinalyup."Herepliedsoftly.<br />
"Yes.Whythelongface?Whatareyouthinkingabout?"<br />
"Ohit'snothing."<br />
"Alright.Wel,IwasalsothinkingandnowIhavetwoburningquestionsforyou."Isaid.<br />
"Askaway."<br />
"Firstpromisemethatyouwilanswer."<br />
"IneedtoknowwhatyouaregoingtoaskbeforeImakeanypromises."<br />
"pleasejustpromiseme."<br />
"Okay."<br />
"Okaywhat?"<br />
"OkayIpromise."<br />
"Alright.Sothefirstquestionis,howexactlydidyoufindmeyesterday?"<br />
"Wel.AwhileAfterIwenttomakeussomefood,Jamie,thebigguywemetthatnightat<br />
theblackmarket,cametothehouseandtoldmethathesawyouheadingwest.Hewas<br />
concernedbecauseyoulookedlikeyoudidnotknowwhereyouweregoing.Soafterchecking<br />
andrealizingthatyouwerenowhereinthehouse,IknewthatwhatJamiewassayingwastrue,<br />
that'showIdecidedtofolowyou.IaskedarounduntilIfoundyou.It'snothardtofindsomeone<br />
inthiscitywhenyouhavetherightconnections."<br />
"Ohhhthatmakessense."<br />
"Yes.Sowhat'sthesecondquestion?"<br />
"Thisoneisalitlepersonal."<br />
Hewentsilentforamomentandthenspoke,"isitaboutmydad?"<br />
Inodedslightlyandsaid,"I'm justcurious."<br />
Hetookadeepbreathandcaledmeinhisarms,"Comehere."HesaidandIroledtohim<br />
andrestedmyheadonhischest."<br />
"I'venevertoldanybodythisstorybeforebutrightnow,ithinktalkingaboutitistheonly<br />
72
wayIcangetitoutofmymind."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Alright.I'm alears."<br />
WelaidonthatbedasHenrytoldhisstory.Withmyearonhim,Icouldhearhisvoice<br />
throughhischest.<br />
______________________________<br />
°Henry°<br />
Welfirstly,myrealnameisnotHenry.ItisPietro,PietroAdan.IchangedittoHenrywhenI<br />
becameastreetboysothatmyfatherwouldnotfindme.<br />
<strong>The</strong>familyihadwasadysfunctionalone.Itwasfulofconflict,misbehaviorandabuse.We<br />
usedtoliverighthereinthecityinthatsamehousethatfelapartlastnight.JustMe,mom and<br />
Dad.<br />
Dadwasalwaysthecruelaggressiveone.Hewasalwaysdrunkandabusivetowardsmom.<br />
Everydayhecomeshomefrom workhewouldeitherstartafightwithmom orhewouldlock<br />
himselfandherintheirroom andabuseher.<br />
Iwasveryyoungatthattime,tenyearsold.Ihadnoclueofwhatwashappeninginthat<br />
room butIwouldalwayshearscreamsbyMom andobjectsbangingandbreaking.Irealyhated<br />
theconflictandshouting,soeverytimethetwostartarguing,ialwaysclosedmyearsand<br />
walkedoutofthehouse.<strong>The</strong>rewasatreequiteadistancefrom home,andthat'swhereIwould<br />
sitforhourswatchingthebirdsflyandwaitingforMom andDadtostoparguing.Ifthe<br />
argumentshappenedatnight,Istilclosemyears,butthistimeIwouldgoundermybedwhereI<br />
hidandhummedasongtomyselfsothatIdidnothearthenoise.<br />
Dadnevercaredmuchaboutme.SometimeswhenMom wasaway,hewouldmakeme<br />
standstilwhilehewhippedme.IfIcried,hewouldwhipmemore,andifididnotcry,hewould<br />
whipmelessandtakemeoutforhorseriding.Hesaidhewantedtoteachmehowtobea<br />
strongman.HetoldmethatifIwasevertotelmom aboutanyofthethingsheusedtodoto<br />
me,hewouldburnmyfaceasapunishment,soIdidnottelmom.<br />
Healsoneverusedtoprovideforthefamily.Hewouldspendalhismoneyonwineand<br />
whores,atleastthatiswhatmom usedtosaywhentheywerearguing.Heonlycaredabout<br />
himselfandhealwaystalkedabouthowmuchhelovedhisprivateparts,<br />
"Iwouldratherlosemyhandsandeyesthanmycockandbals."Hewouldalwayssay.<br />
Hewasselfish.Itwasuptomom totakecareofme,andhim.<br />
Everymorningshewouldgooutandcomebackatdawnwithsomefoodandmoney.It<br />
wasnotmuch,butshealwaysmanagedtoprovideeveryday.Shewouldcomehomewith<br />
bruisesonherskin,exhaustedandsometimestraumatized,andwhenIaskedherwhattypeof<br />
73
workshedoes,shewouldalwayssay,<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"EverythingIdo,Idoforyoumychild.Idon'tcarewhatitisandwhatitdoestome,as<br />
longasithelpsmekeepyousafeandwarm.Thatmakesmehappy."<br />
ButevenwhenshesaidthatIcouldseeinhereyesthatshewasinpain.Shewasgoing<br />
throughalot.<strong>The</strong>painshealwaystriedsohardtohidefrom me,maybesothatIcouldfeelsafe.<br />
Nomaterhowhardsheworkedtokeepusfed,dadneverappreciatedortriedtohelp.He<br />
wouldalwaysstilcomehomedrunkeverydayandstarthitingandabusingmom.Butmom<br />
neverstoppedtofeedhim.<br />
Everytimetheargumentfinishes,nomaterhowbrutalitwas,mom wouldalwayscome<br />
tomewithawarmingsmileandwouldalwayssaytome,<br />
"Don'tworymychild.Daddyisjustalitlebittiredtoday.Itwilbealrighttommorow."<br />
Butitwasneveralright.Itwasthesamethingeveryday.Shewouldgethiteveryday.But<br />
shealwayscametomewiththatsamesmile,<br />
"Daddyisjustalitlebittiredtoday.Itwilbealrighttommorow."Shewouldsay.<br />
Inthemorningshestilwentforwork.<strong>The</strong>sameroutineshedideveryday.Firstshewould<br />
forDadtoleaveforwork,earlymorning,andthenafterthatshewouldcaryherbag,kissmeon<br />
theforeheadandleavethehouse.Iwouldstandonthedoorandwatchhergo.Firstshewent<br />
intotheemptyhorseroom behindthehouseandlockherselfinside.<strong>The</strong>nafterawhile,she<br />
wouldcomeoutandthenheadoutforwork.Ineverknewwhatshealwayswenttodointhe<br />
horseroom andineverasked.<br />
Onedawn,mom camehomefrom workandfounddadsitingatthedoorofthehousewith<br />
acupofwineinhishands.Iwasinsidethehousewatchingfrom thewindow.<br />
"Whereareyoufrom Linda?"Heaskedinhisdeepscarydrunkvoice.<br />
"I'm from work."Mom answered,shelookedscared.<br />
"Whatwork?Whatexactlydoyoudo?"<br />
"Iam acookatafriend'srestaurant."<br />
"Don'tlietomeLinda!"Hequicklystoodupandraisedhisvoiceinherface,"wherethe<br />
fuckdoyouwork!?"<br />
"Iam acookatafriend'srestaurant."Mom repeated.<br />
"Youarefuckinglyingtome!"Heshoutedwhilestrikingherwithhishugehand.<br />
Hepickedherbythehandanddraggedherintothehouse,straighttothetheirbedroom<br />
andstartedtohitherandshoutather.Mybedroom andtheirbedroom werenexttoeachother<br />
soicouldheareverythinghappeningintheirroom throughthewalsofmyroom.Iimmediately<br />
74
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
rantomyroom tolistenedtowhattheywerearguingaboutthistime.<br />
Icouldheardadhitingmom whileheshoutedather.Hesaidthathefoundoutthatmom<br />
worksatafilthymen'sbar.Shewasadancerthere.Hesaidthathefoundoutthatalotofmen<br />
touchherandabuseher.Hefoundoutthatsomeofthem evensleptwithher.Soheforbidher<br />
from goingbacktothebar.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nextmorning,evenaftereverythingthatdaddidtoherthatnight;evenafterforbidding<br />
her,Mom stilwentforwork.Shecamehomelateratdawnandfounddadsitingatthedoor<br />
again,withacupofwineinhishands,<br />
"WheredidyougoLinda?"Heasked.<br />
"Ijustwenttoseeafriend."Shesaid.<br />
"Youarelyingagain!Iknowyouwentbacktothebar."Heshoutedrepeatedlywhile<br />
drugginghertotheroom andstartedtohither.<br />
Iclosedmyearsasusualandhidunderthebed.Aftertheargumentwasdone,mom came<br />
tomyroom withhersamesmileandfoodinhershakyhandsandshefedme.Iaskedherwhy<br />
shewentbacktoworkandshesaidtomeinawarmingvoice,<br />
"Iwouldgothroughadozenhelsjustforyoutogeteventheslightestglimpseofa<br />
heaven."<br />
Sothenextmorningshewenttoworkagain.Hersameoldroutine.Bag-thenkissonthe<br />
forehead-thenhorsehouse-andthenoftowork.<br />
Shewoulddothateverydayandwhenshecamebackshealwaysfounddadsitingatthe<br />
door.Withacupofwineinhishands.<br />
"WheredidyougoLinda?"Hewouldalwaysask.<br />
"Iwenttoseeafriend."Shewouldalwaysanswer.<br />
"Youarelying!Youwentbacktobar!"Healwaysyeledanddraggedhertotheroom to<br />
hither.<br />
Afterfightingwithdad,mom alwayscametomyroom withthefoodshebroughtandfed<br />
meandwouldalwayssay,<br />
"Iwouldgothroughadozenhelsjustforyoutogeteventheslightestglimpseofa<br />
heaven."<br />
<strong>The</strong>ninthemorning,evenafterbeinghit,shewouldstilgobacktoworkandwhenshe<br />
cameback,itwasthesameroutineoverandoveragain.UntilIdecidedtofindoutwhatshewas<br />
realygoingtodooutandwhereshegotthefoodandmoneysheusedtobringbecauseididnot<br />
believewhatdadsaid.<br />
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CHAPTERTWELVE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
FirstlyIwantedtofindoutwhatshealwayswenttodointhehorseroom.Soearlymorning,<br />
Irantothehorseroom beforeshewentthereandhidinside.Iwaitedforhertocomeandshe<br />
did.ShewalkedIandshutthedoorsbehindher,thenshewentandsatonacrateandcried.<br />
IfeltsadforherandfeltlikegoingtocomfortherbutIdidnot,becauseiwasonamission.<br />
Iwatchedhercryforawhileandthenshefinished,wipedhertearsandwalkedouttheroom.I<br />
<strong>secret</strong>lyfolowedherbehind.<br />
Shefinalywalkedintoahugebar.<strong>The</strong>rewasdrunkmenoutsideeverywhere.WhenItried<br />
toenter,thedoormanstoppedmeandchasedmeaway,soIwenttothebacktolookfora<br />
window.Ionlyfoundatinywindow,whereIcouldnotevenfit.Ipeepedthroughitandthat's<br />
whenIsaweverything.Whatdadsaidwastrue.Mom wasadancerinabarfulofdrunkmen.<br />
<strong>The</strong>yweretouchingandabusinghereverywhere.Forcinghertodanceonthem andalso<br />
exposingherbreasts.<strong>The</strong>ylaughedandcheeredastheyexchangedatkissingher.<br />
IwasangryanddisgustedatthissoIranaway.IwenttothetreeIlovedandIsatthere<br />
andcried.IstayeduptodawnwhenitstartedtogetscaryandthatiswhenIwalkedhome.<br />
Ireached,andeverythingwasquiet.Noarguments;noshouting;nobanging;itwasjust<br />
quiet.Iknewsomethingwaswrong.<br />
Iwalkedintothehouseandthereshewas,layingonthefloorinariverIblood;hereyes<br />
werefrozenopenstaringattheroof.Iwasscaredandmyeyesfiledwithtears.Irantoherand<br />
triedtoshakeherbutshewasnotresponding.<br />
<strong>The</strong>woundonherbely,lookedlikeshewasstubbed.<br />
"Mommy!Mommy!Mommy!Wakeup,IsaidasIbrushedherhair.Iam hungry.Wakeup<br />
andfeedmemommy.Butshewasnotresponding.Dadwasnotaround.<br />
"Areyoucold?"IcriedandquicklyrantofetchablankieandIcoveredher.Shewasjust<br />
lyingstil.<br />
"Saysomethingmommy.Areyouthirsty?"Iranandpouredsomewaterinacupand<br />
broughtittoher,"heremommydrink."Itriedtogiveherthewaterbutshewasnotopeningher<br />
mouth.Ithrewthecupaway.<br />
IsawabotleofwineonthetableandIgrabbedit.Shealwaystoldmenevertogocloseto<br />
wine.<br />
"Lookmommy,Iam goingtodrinkthis.Comeandstopme."Icried,"pleasemommy<br />
wakeupandstopme.".<br />
Shestilneverresponded.Iranandlaiddownnexttoher,onthesidewithoutblood,andI<br />
cried.<br />
76
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Mommywakeup,I'm sad.Yousaidthatyoualwayswanttoseemehappy,butyouare<br />
makingmesadnow.Pleasewakeupandmakemehappymommy.Pleasewakeup."<br />
Amomentlater,iheardanoiseoutside.Someoneapproaching.<br />
"Mommyquickwakeup.Daddyiscoming.WakeupandcleanthismessorDaddyis<br />
goingtogetangryagain ."<br />
Andthentherewasaloudvoiceoutside,"ItoldyouLinda!Youbroughtthistoyourself!I<br />
toldyou."Dadyeled.Hesoundedangry.Icouldheartheloudstumpofhisfeetfrom outsideas<br />
heapproachedthedoor.<br />
Suddenlyshegrippedmyhand.Shefinalymovedandwhisperedbreathlessly,"Run<br />
Pietro.Run.anddon'tlookback."<br />
Shestaredatmeandforjustasecond,therewasaslightsmileonherface.Butitfaded<br />
awayfasterthanitdeveloped.Istaredatthetearthatroleddownhereyewhilesheslowlyshut<br />
them.<strong>The</strong>gripofherhandgotlighterandherhandfeltheavier.AtthatmomentIfeltit.Ifelther<br />
leavingme.Shewasgone.Iwasscaredanddidnotknowwhattodo.<br />
<strong>The</strong>doorcrushedopenanddadwalkedin.BeforehecouldseemeIquicklyrantomy<br />
room andthroughthewindow,IleftthehouseandranawayasquicklyasIcould.Ineverlooked<br />
back.Mytearswerebeingblowedawaybythewind.Iwasangry.<br />
IsleptinthestreetsfortwodaysbeforeImetbilyandtheothers.<strong>The</strong>yfoundmecryingin<br />
ahole,Iwashungryandtheyoferedmefood.Bilywastwoyearsolderthanmebuthewas<br />
experiencedinhomelessliving.<strong>The</strong>rewasalsoEla,shewasjustmyage,alsoasexperiencedas<br />
Bily.<strong>The</strong>ntherewastheolderone,Amelia,shewastheleaderamongthethree.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ytookmewiththem andbroughtmetoanabondonedhousewheretheysheltered.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasalotofhomelesspeoplethere,includingJamie,hewasyoungatthattime.SoIgrew<br />
upunderthatshelter,IchangedmynametoHenry.Tohidemyidentity.Iwantedtoforgetal<br />
abouthome.<br />
Ilearnthowtobeasurvivoroutinthestreets.Wehadtostealfoodfrom theselers.Aswe<br />
grewup,ourtheftsgotmoregrand.Idevelopedaskilinobstaclerunning.Ibecamefasterat<br />
running,climbingandjumping.Whichhelpwhengetingawayfrom someonewejuststolefrom.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasawholesystem forthieves.Wehadtheleaders,theadults;<strong>The</strong>rescue,whichwas<br />
Jamieandhiscrew.<strong>The</strong>ywerethepeoplewhohelpedwhenoneofusgotinalotoftrouble;<br />
JamieandIgrewupinthe'Runners'sector.Weweretheoneswhowoulddotheactualstealing.<br />
<strong>The</strong>blackmarketwasalreadydevelopedatthattime.Astimepassed,itgrewbigger.As<br />
wegrewup,wethief'sgrewapart.Everybodysuddenlyhadtheirownînterest.Everybodywason<br />
theirown,butwewerealstilfamily,exceptseparated.BilyandIstuckbyeachother,wewere<br />
bestfriends.Atthistimeihadforgotenabouthomeanddad,tomehewasdead.<br />
Wethendevelopedasystem ofshelteringinotherpeople'shouseswhentheyaregone.A<br />
fewweeksago,welearntthatafamilywilbegoingforavacation,sowewaiteduntiltheyleft<br />
77
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
andwecametoshelterattheirhouse.Bilyfoundtheirhorseandtheircariagesohestarted<br />
usingittotransportcargoforpeopletoearnsomemoney.That'showweendeduphere,where<br />
weare.<br />
_____________________________________<br />
°MONICA°<br />
Henry'sstoryrealytouchedmyheart.Icouldnothaveimaginedthatthatshowroughhis<br />
childhoodwas.Iguessthat'swhyheneverwantedtotalkaboutit.<br />
"Afteralthatyourfatherdid,youjustlethim golikethat?"Iasked<br />
"AlmylifeI'vealwayshiddenthisangerinsideme.Ihadforgotenaboutmydad,butthe<br />
angerwassomethingthatneverwentaway.WhenIheldthatswordonhisneck,hislifewasin<br />
myhands.ThatswhenIrealisedthatkilinghim wouldnotmakemefeelanybeter.Irealized<br />
thatwasn'tsomethingmom wouldwantmetodo.That'swhyIsparedhim."Henrysaid.<br />
"Yourmom wentthroughalotforyou."<br />
"Yesshedid.Sherealydidgothroughadozenhels.Itjusthurtsthatitwasalfor<br />
nothing.Shewentthroughalthatandnowlookatme,livingahel,insteadofaglimpseofa<br />
heaven.Shewasalwaysagainststealingbutnowthesonshegaveherlifeforhasbecomeone<br />
ofthebestthievesinthecity."<br />
"That'snottrue.Whatshedidwasnotfornothing.Youhavesurvivedthislongbecause<br />
ofher;youlookhealthyandyouareabletoprotectyourself;youhavebecomeaman;youhave<br />
madenewfriendsandyounowhaveanewfamily.Thatrightthereisthe'glimpseofheaven'she<br />
wastalkingabout.Seeingyoubecomeagoodman."<br />
"I'm notagoodman!"<br />
"YesyouareHenry.Injustaperiodofaboutfivedaysyouhavesavedmylifemoretimes<br />
thanIcancount.Iwasjustacompletestrangerwhenyoumetme.Youwouldhaveleftmethere<br />
todie,butyoudidn't.Youcamebackbecausegoodpeoplekeeptheirpromises.Youcameback<br />
becauseyouareagoodperson.Iknowthatwhereveryourmotheris,sheissmilingattheman<br />
youhavebecome."<br />
"Thankyou.Monica.Ineededthat."Hesaidwhilekissingmyforehead.<br />
"SomehowIthinkyourlifeisfunandinteresting.Imeanyouhavebeenthroughalthat<br />
dramaandaction,andnowyoujustfuckedTHEENDOFTHEWORLD."Iteasedhim.<br />
78
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Comeon,youarenottheendoftheworld.You'renottheapocalypse."Hechuckled.<br />
"Whatmakesyousosure.MaybeIhadsexwithyousothatwecanmakeaJunior<br />
apocalypse."<br />
"You'reinsane."Helaughed,"andthatremindsme,weneedtoseeadoctorforsome<br />
medicine."<br />
"Medicineforwhat?"<br />
"Youletmecum insideyou.Wedon'twantyougetingpregnant.You'retooyoung."<br />
"Butyouwouldmakehistory.Youhadachildwithafiveyearoldgirl."<br />
Helaughed,"Thatisdefilement."<br />
"Ohyes."Ilaughed.<br />
"ButI'm aseriousnote,areyourealyfiveyearsold?"<br />
"YesIam.ImeanIthinkso,becauseIcan'trememberanythingpastthelastfiveyears.I<br />
meanIremembereverythingstartingfrom Mom'swombuptonow.'andtrustmewhenIsayit's<br />
onlybeenfiveyearssinceiwasborn."<br />
"Waitwhat?Yourememberwhenyouwereinyourmom'swomb?"<br />
"yesIdo,don'tyou?"<br />
"No!Nobodydoes.Thatsagainstnature,that'sagainstthefactsofscience.Itisnot<br />
possibleforaanylivingthingtorememberatimebeforeitwasborn."<br />
"ButIdo.Irealydo."<br />
"Okaythenhowwasitinthewomb?"<br />
"Itwaswarm andsoft.Itfeltlikeawarm cuddlefrom everywhere.Itwaspeacefuland<br />
feltsafe.Onesecondiwouldbehungry,andtheothersecondIwouldbeful,withouteating<br />
anything.Mymindwasjustlikeablankspace,butIcouldfeeleverythingaroundme.Icould<br />
evenhearthevoicesofpeoplespeakingbuttometheyjustsoundedlikemeaninglesssound.<br />
<strong>The</strong>natimecamewhentherewassomethingdiferent.Firstitwaswarm andthenIfeltlikeI<br />
wassqueezingthroughsomethingsoftandthenmysuroundingsuddenlybecamecoldandi<br />
couldhearsoundsmoreclearer."<br />
"Youevenrememberhowitfeltwhenyouwereborn.Okaythatisnotnormal."Henry<br />
saidwithacuriouslookonhisface.<br />
"Ifwhatyouaresayingistrueandnohumancanrememberbirth,thenmaybeIam not<br />
human.MaybeIam abeastofsomesort.MaybeIam realytheapocalypse."Isaidina<br />
sorowfulvoice.<br />
"Youknowwhat,let'sjustdropthisconversation.Maybetherearepeoplewhoremember<br />
79
likeyoudo."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Maybe,butistherepeoplewhogrewupasfastasIdid.Istherepeoplewhohavehair<br />
likemine?"<br />
"Monica,let'sjustforgetaboutalthis.Don'tthinkaboutittoomuch."Hesaidinalow<br />
calmingvoice,"rightnowIam hungry.Solet'sjustgetintoourclothesandgetsomefood.<strong>The</strong>n<br />
wehavetogotothedoctortogetthechildpreventionmedicine."<br />
Inodedayesaswebothgotofbedandintoourclothes.AsIwasputingonmine,i<br />
rememberedIstilhadabandageonmyleftleg.<br />
"Sothisbandageosgoingtostayhereuntilmywoundheals?"IaskedHenry.<br />
"No.Thatremindsme.Youhavehaditonfortoolong,weneedtochangeitandclean<br />
thewound.Minetoo."Hesaidwhileslidingintohisshirt.<br />
"Alright,but,ialsoneedtohavebath.Ifeeluncomfortable."<br />
80
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Afterwegotoutofbed,Henryshowedmetothebathroom anditookabathfirst.<br />
AfterwardsIgotmywoundcleanedandgotmylegsomefreshbandages.Henrypreparedsome<br />
foodforusandwesatandate.<br />
Whenweweredoneeating,wefoundourselveslongcoatstowearthatcoveredourheads<br />
sothatwedon'tgetrecognized.<strong>The</strong>nBilygaveusaliftanddroppedusinthecentralpartofthe<br />
city,thisisweremostoftradingstookplace.Itwasthemostbusypartofthecitywithalotof<br />
people,justclosetotheblackmarket.<br />
Evenafterfivedays,therewerestilsoldiersinthecity,andbythelooksofhowtheywere<br />
movingaroundandlookingateverygirlthatpassed,icouldtelthattheywerelookingfora<br />
certainperson.Meperhaps.<br />
Wemovedcarefuly,makingsurethatourheadsstaycoveredandourfaceshidden.Idid<br />
notknowwhereweweregoingsoIjustfolowedHenry'slead.Wewalkedforawhilewhenwe<br />
headavoicefrom behind,<br />
"Heyyou!"-<br />
welookedanditwasasoldiercaling.<br />
Heslowlywalkedtowardsussoastogetaclearlookatourfaces.Hewasholdinghisgun<br />
firmlyinhishands,oneofhiseyebrowswasraised.Hiseyeswerepinched,hewasnotsmiling.<br />
Hehadasuspiciouslookonhisface.Iwasscaredthatifhewastogetcloseenough,hewould<br />
recognizeus.Maybethewayweweredressedupandhidingourfaceswasabittoomuchthatit<br />
wouldquicklyraisesuspicions.Henrywasstandingbesidesmeandkeptonwhisperinginside<br />
hiscoat,makingsureIcouldhearwhathewassayingbutthesoldiercouldnot.<br />
"Staycalm,don'tsayanything."Hewhisperedrepeatedly.<br />
Icouldhearmyheartbeatraisingasthesoldiergotcloser.Iwasfacingtheground,sothat<br />
hedoesnotseemyface.Hewasfinalycloseenoughtous.<br />
"Youtwodon'thappentohaveseenagirlwithsilverwhitehairaround,haveyou?"<strong>The</strong><br />
soldiersaidinhisdeepandseriousvoice.<br />
"Nosir."Henryimmediatelyanswered.<br />
"Iwouldlikeyoutoknowthat,thegirlisverydangeroustoeverybody,andhidingherfrom<br />
usisacrimeseverelypunishable."<strong>The</strong>soldiersaid.Hewastryingtogetinourminds.<br />
EventhoughIwasfacingtheground,Icouldfeelthatthesoldierwaslookingatme<br />
continiously.<br />
"I'm sorysirbutwehaven'tseenanygirlmatchingthatdescriptionaroundanywhere."<br />
Henrysaid.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"whyareyoutheonlyonespeakingboy.Isyourfriendamuteorsomething?"<strong>The</strong>soldier<br />
saidwhilewalkingtowardsme.<br />
Hewasstandingrightinfrontofmetryingtolookatmyfaceunderthecoat.Iknewatthis<br />
pointthatIwasdonewith.Heslowlyextendedhishandtowardsmyhead,perhapstotakeofthe<br />
coatandexposemyface,butrightwhenhewasabouttotouchme,weheadaloudnoise.Itwas<br />
ahorsegoingwildasifithadseenaghost.Itwastiedtoatreenearbyandlookedlikeit<br />
belongedtothesoldier.Heimmediatelyrantothehorse,andwefoundourchancetogetaway.<br />
Sowedid.<br />
WefinalyreachedwhereHenrywastakingme.Wewentthroughagateattheedgeofthe<br />
cityandheadedtowardsasmal,oldlookinghouse.Itwasisolatedjustoutsidethecity.<strong>The</strong><br />
housewassoclosetothecitythatitwouldalmostbeconsideredpartofit,onlythewalfence<br />
createdaboundary.<strong>The</strong>rewasalotoftreesaround.Outsidetheolddirtydoorofthehouse,I<br />
noticedhowcleanandhealthytheflowerswerekept.Inoticedhowroughlythehousewas<br />
painted.Ialsonoticedthechickensthatwerealaroundtheplace.<br />
Henryknockedandbehindthedoorwasawoman'svoice,<br />
"Comeinplease."-andwewalkedin.<br />
Eventhoughthedoorwasdirty,itwassurprisinglysilentwhenpushingitopen.Itwas<br />
smoothanddidnotmakeanyeringnoiseslikeotherdoors.<br />
<strong>The</strong>insideofthehouselookedmessywithalsortsofmedicinebotlesonshelves,chairs<br />
andonthetables.Onlyonesofawasfreefrom anyitems,Iassumedthatiswerethepatients<br />
satrightnexttotheemptybed;maybethat'sweretheywouldsleep.<strong>The</strong>rewasalsoplantson<br />
thewindows,herbalmedicinesmaybeorjustsomeordinaryplants.Takingasnif,Icouldsmel<br />
afoulscentthatseemedtohavebeencomingfrom thepotthathangedontopofthefireunder<br />
achimney,somethingwascooking;moremedicinemaybe.<br />
Wewerewelcomedbyashort,bubblyandalsmileswoman.Shewaswearingashort<br />
blackbrowsethatleftthebotom partofherbelyexposed.Shehadalongbrownskirtthatran<br />
from herwaisttoherankles.<strong>The</strong>oddthingaboutherwasthatshedidnothaveanyhaironher<br />
headandhereyebrowswereshavedof.<br />
"Comein.Comeinchildren.Takeasitandtelmewhatyouneed."Shesaidinasweet<br />
kindvoice.<br />
"Weneedyourhelpwithsomethingdoctor."Henrysaidwhilewetookasitonthesofa.<br />
"Letmeguess,Youchildrenhadsexandyouwantsomepregnancypreventionmedicines?<br />
Orabortion?"Sheaskedwhilelookingatusinateasingway.<br />
"Uhm yesactualy,howdidyouknow?"Henryasked.<br />
"Wel,whatelsewouldayoungboyandayounggirlcomeheretodo?Alsothegirl<br />
confirmeditwhenshestartedsmilingafterimentionedsex!"Shespokeinaloudvoicewhile<br />
rushingtothepotonthefiretostir.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Sheseemedlikeabusywomanforshekeptonmovingaroundthehouse;movingitems<br />
from oneplacetoanother;mixingliquidsandcooking.Shetalkedtoomuchtoo.<br />
"Doyousmelthatchildren?"ShesaidwhileStiringthepot.<br />
"Itsmelskindofbad."Ijoked.<br />
"Welthat'srude."Shesaidwithafakefrownonherface.<br />
Shethenusedherwoodenspoon-shapedcookingsticktotakeascoopofwhatshewas<br />
cookingandslowlywalkedtowardsus,makingsurenonofitspelof.<br />
"Heregirl,havesome."Shesaidwhilehandingmethecookingstickthatcariedagreen<br />
gross-lookingporidge.Itsmeledworsewhenshebroughtitclosetome.<br />
"Nothankyou."Isaid;pushingawayherhand.<br />
"Amazingchoice!"Shesaid,"Youwouldn'twanttoputthisinyourmouth."-<br />
Shepoureditintoaflowerpotthatsatnexttousandtheflowerthatstoodinit<br />
immediatelydied.<br />
"Youwouldn'twanttoputitinyourmouthbecauseitisPoison."Shejoked.<br />
IfakedalaughbecauseIwasabitterifiedthatshealmostfedmepoison.<br />
"WhatifIdecidedtoeatit?Youwouldhavekiledme."Isaid.<br />
"Ohcomeon,iwouldn'tletyoudothatchild.Ijustwantedtoseehowmuchyoutrusta<br />
stranger."Shesaidwhilerushingbacktothepot.<br />
"So,themedicine.Doyouhaveit?"Henryspoke.<br />
"I'm sorychildrenbutIranoutofthoseafewdaysago.Thosethingshavethehighest<br />
demandaroundhere.Makesyouwonderhowoftenpeoplehavesex."Shesaidwithasadlow<br />
voice.<br />
Henryandibothwerespeechlessuponhearingthat.<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctorlaughedoutloud."OhcomeonchildrenI'm justjokingwithyou.Youshould<br />
haveseenthelooksonyourfaces."<br />
Welaughedawkwardlyatthejokethatwasn'tsofunnyinthatsituation.<br />
Sheimmediatelyrushedtoacupboardononeofthewalsandpuledoutabigglassjar.<br />
Insidewasawhiteplant.<br />
"ThismychildrenistherarequeenAnne'slaceplant.Oneofthemostefectiveherbal<br />
birthcontrolaround.Ihadtotravelacrossthecountryforthis.Oneseedandyourfertilisedegg<br />
wilfalrightout."Shesaidwithexcitement.Shetookaseedfrom theplantandputitinabowl,<br />
thenpouredinsomeliquidfrom anotherbotleandcrushedthem together.<br />
83
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Howlonghasitbeen?"Sheaskedwhilepreparingthemedicine.<br />
"What?"<br />
"What?"Henryandiaskedatthesametime.<br />
".Sinceyoudidit.Howlonghasitbeen?"Sherepeated.<br />
"Idon'tknow.AboutfivetosixhoursIguess."Henrysaid.<br />
"Ohthenyoutwogotherejustintime.Unlessithadbeeneighthours,thenyouwouldbe<br />
toolate."Shesaidandlaughed,"Herechild.Drinkthis."Shepassedmethebowlthatcarieda<br />
milkywhiteliquid.<br />
Idrunkitandittastedsweetandalitlebitsour."Thankyou."Isaid.<br />
Shethennoticedthebandageonmylegandrushedtoit,<br />
"ohmy!didyouhurtyourself?"Shesaidwhileuntyingit.<br />
"Yes.It'sjustacut,it'snotabigissue."<br />
"Ofcourseitis!"Sheshouteduponsetingseyesonthewound,"howlonghasitbeen?"<br />
"Fourtofivedays."<br />
"Welitlooksinfected.Twomoredaysandyourlegwouldberoten.Youareluckyyou<br />
camehereintime."Shesaidandrushedtoashelfwhereshepickedupabotleandtherushed<br />
tooneoftheplantsonthewidowsandtooksomeleavesfrom it.Shepouredsomeliquidoutof<br />
thebotleontoabowl,andthendroppedtheleavestheretoo.Sheusedatinycrushingstickand<br />
crushedtheleavesinsidethebowltogetherwiththeliquid.<br />
<strong>The</strong>mixturemadeapaste;sheusedacotonwooltorubitonmywound.<strong>The</strong>nshegot<br />
somenewbandagesandtiedthem aroundmyleg.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re!alcleanandtreated.Giveitafewdaysandyourlegwilbeasgoodasnew."<br />
"Ihavewoundstoo."Henrysaid.<br />
"Ohshowmemychild.Don'tfeelshy."<br />
Henrytookofhisshirtandthebandagesthenshowedthedoctorthewoundsonhischest.<br />
"Wel,yourwoundsdon'tlookthatbadorinfected.Butwestilneedtocleanthem."She<br />
saidandthendidthesamethingtoHenry'swoundsasshedidtomine.<br />
"Howmucharewepaying?"Henryasked.<br />
ShegentlypinchedHim bythecheek,"ohhyoutwohavebeenwelmanneredsoIt'sal<br />
free."<br />
"Whythankyoudoctoryouaresokind."Isaid.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Awwwwyouaresweetyourself,bothofyou."Shesaidasshepinchedmetoo."Nowout<br />
yougo.Ineedtogetbacktomywork."<br />
Sheescortedusoutthehouseandlockedthedoorbehindus.<br />
Aswewereabouttostartheadingbackhome,werealisedthattheonlypassageintothe<br />
cityhadsoldiersstandingatit.<br />
"CoveryourheadMonica."Henryimmediatelywhisperedandididso.<br />
"Howarewegoingtogetpassedthem?"Iasked.<br />
"Weneedadistraction."Hewhispered.<br />
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CHAPTERFOURTEEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Weneedadistraction."Henrysaid,"youstayhereandIwilgoleadtheguardsoutof<br />
thewayandimmediatelyafterthat,Iwantyoutogothrough.Iwilfindyouontheotherside."<br />
"Howareyougoingtodothat?"Iasked.<br />
"I'm goingtoprovokethem."<br />
"ButtheyhavegunsHenry."<br />
"You'reforgetingI'm arunnerandclimberandthosesoldiersaren't.I'vefacedalotof<br />
thesetypesofthings.JustdoasIsaid."Hesaidwhilehuryingtowardsthesoldiers.Ihadno<br />
powertostophim.<br />
Hestartedtalkingtothesoldiers.Icouldnothearwhathewassayingtothem because<br />
theyweretoofaraway.AwhilelaterIsawthem startchasinghim.Ididnotknowwhathedid,<br />
butitworked.Thiswasmycue.Iimmediatelyranthroughpassway.<br />
ImmediatelyafterIgotontheotherside,asiwasrunning,Iaccidentalybumpedintoa<br />
soldierandwebothfeltotheground.<strong>The</strong>coatflewofmyheadexposingmyhair.<strong>The</strong>soldier<br />
quicklystoodupuponnoticingmeandpuledouthissold.<br />
Hewasthinandshort.Hisuniform fittightlyonhisbody.Hehadasmalmustacheand<br />
overgrowneyebrows.<strong>The</strong>endsofhiseyeswerewrinkledjustlikehisforehead.<br />
"Itisyou."Heshouted.<br />
Iwasspeechlessandscared.<br />
"We'vebeenlookingforyoufordaysnow.YourMrsPotaisgoingtopaymehandsomely<br />
forthis."Hesmiled.<br />
Hegrabbedmyhandandpickedmeup,thenthrewmeinfrontofhim,"Startwalking."He<br />
saidwiththeswordpointedatmyback.<br />
"Pleasesirdon'tdothis."Ipleadedwhilewalking.<br />
"OhIam doingthisforthemoney.Thatway."Hesaidwhilepointingatacariagethat<br />
stoodnearby.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewerenopeoplearoundsoicouldnotscream forhelp.Henrywasprobably<br />
somewheredealingwiththeothersoldiers.<br />
Wefinalyreachedthehorsecariageandthesoldierorderedmetogetin.AsIwasabout<br />
toclimb,Iheardaloudnoiceintheback.WhenIlooked,thesoldierwaslyingunconciousonthe<br />
groundandstandingnexttohim wasHenryholdingastick.Ithinkheknockedthesoldier<br />
unconscious.<br />
"Areyoualright."Heasked.<br />
86
"Yes.Wherewereyou."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Somewhere.Losingsomeguards.Let'sgetoutofherebeforethisguywakesup."<br />
Henryuntiedthehorsefrom thecariageandaswewereabouttogeton,something<br />
happenedtothehorse.<br />
Itwentwildandstartedtorunincircles;makingLoudneighsasthoughitwasmad-scared.<br />
Itwasactingthesamewaytheprevioushorsebackinthecitywasacting.Suddenlytheplaceno<br />
longerhassunlightastheskieswerefulwithblackcrowsflyingaroundshieldingtheareafrom<br />
thesun;thecrowswerealsomakingloudnoises.<strong>The</strong>reweresomerabbitsinacageinsidethe<br />
cariageandtheyalsostartedbehavingoddly.<strong>The</strong>ybeguntobangtheirbodiesagainstthecage<br />
astheymadeloudsnortingnoises.Itwaslikeeveryanimalarounduswentmad.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nsuddenlyalthenoisesseized.<strong>The</strong>windstoppedblowing;<strong>The</strong>horsestoppedmoving,<br />
itjuststoodmotionlessly.<strong>The</strong>crowswerestilflyingintheskybutwithoutanynoise.<strong>The</strong><br />
rabbitsalsostoppedbangingagainstthecageandsnorting.Everythingjustseemedtohave<br />
stopped.<strong>The</strong>groundfeltlikeitwasshaking.<br />
Whenwetriedtolookaround,Henrypointedatsomemudonthegroundthatlookedlikeit<br />
wasboiling.Butthetemperaturearounduswasnormal.Thiswasaghastingandconfusing.<br />
Whenwetriedtogetacloselookattheoddlyboilingmud,ahugeblackhandcameoutofit;<br />
thenanotherone.Webackedawayfrom themudoutoffearwhenwenoticedthatsomething<br />
wasdiggingoutofit.Iwastooscaredtorun,andlookedlikeHenrywastoo.<br />
Aheadfinalycameoutofthemudasacreaturecrawledoutmakingquickrandom<br />
movements.Asitmoved,itmadeanoise,morelikebonesbreaking.Whenitfulycameoutof<br />
themud,itstoodandstaredatuswithit'sthreeredeyes.Itwastalandverythin;almostmy<br />
heightandahalf.It'swholebodywasasdarkasnight.Itlookedlikeashadowwitheyes.Ithard<br />
asmalheadwithasharpchinandshorthorns.<strong>The</strong>rewasdarksmokeevaporatingfrom it's<br />
body;Itwasgurglingandhissingatthesametimeeventhoughithadnomouth;neitherdidit<br />
haveanose.Lookedlikethesoundwascomingfrom thewholeofit'sbodyasitshivered<br />
awkwardly.Ithadlonghandsrunningfrom theshoulderstotheknees;it'sfingerslookedlike<br />
longclaws.It'slegswerealsolongandithadclawsinsteadoftoes.<br />
Henryandiwerefrozenscared,aghastathowitstaredmotionlesslyatus.<strong>The</strong>horse<br />
suddenlyneighedloudlythenranaway.<br />
<strong>The</strong>shadowthenjumpedoverustothebodyofthesoldiersthatwasunconciousonthe<br />
groundbehindus.Itwassurprisinghowfaritcouldjump.Itstaredbackatusandhissedloudly<br />
thenopenedthesoldiersmouthandslowlyjumpedinside.Itsqueezeditselfinthemouthhead<br />
first,thenarms,thentherestofit'sbodyuntilitwasfulyin.Itwasdisgustingtowatch.Even<br />
thoughitwastalandbig,itmanagedtofitintothebodyoftheshortandthinsoldier.Itlooked<br />
likesomesortofpossession.<strong>The</strong>soldierstaredatus,upsidedown,andcriedashewas<br />
chockingontheshadow.Hethenstoppedmoving.<br />
<strong>The</strong>momentwasquiet.Nofurthermovements.<strong>The</strong>crowsflewawayandthesunwas<br />
87
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
shininguponusagain.NeitherHenrynorIhadaclueofwhathadhappenedandwestaredat<br />
eachotherconfused.HelookedasscaredasIwas.<br />
"Whatwasthatthing?"Hewhisperedinacrackyvoice.<br />
Ijuststaredathim;toofreakedouttospeak.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nsuddenlyweheardthenoiseofbonescrackingagaincomingfrom thesoldier'sbody.<br />
Hestartedshakingoddlyandmadeweirdmovementswithhishands.<strong>The</strong>nhequicklystoodup<br />
andlookedatus.<br />
Hiseyesturnedpureblack.Oneofhisshoulerswashigh,theotheronewaslowandHis<br />
headwastiltedtothesiderestingontheshoulderthatwasescalated.Hedevelopedblackveins<br />
onhisneck,Icouldseethem throughhiswhiteskin.Salivawasdrippingoutofhismouth.He<br />
wasshivering.Iknewatthispointthathewasnolongera'He',hewasnowan'it';itwas<br />
nolongera'being'itwasnowa'thing'.<br />
Itstilmadegurglingsoundsandhissedatthesametimewhileshivering.Atsomepointit<br />
soundedlikeitwassayingmyname.Itquicklystartedmovingtowardsus.Makingthatsame<br />
bone-crackingnoise.<br />
"Run!"Henryshoutedpulingmyhand.<br />
Wetriedtorunbuttheshadowwasincrediblyfast.Itcoughtuptousinseconds.Itfirst<br />
wentinfrontofHenryandslappedhischestwhichsenthim flyingandlandedonawoodedtable<br />
aboutahundredfeetaway.Itthenturnedtomeandliftedmeupbytheshoulders.Itwassuper<br />
strong.It'shandswerecold.Myfeetwereofthegroundanditwasstaringatme.It'seyeswere<br />
scaryandididnotwanttolookintothem soIlookedaway.<br />
Itgurgledandhissedmynameagaininmyfacethenitthrewmeback-firsttotheground.I<br />
feltmybodyhitthegroundhard.<strong>The</strong>shockfeltlikeitescalatedtothetopofmystomach;Itfelt<br />
likemybackwasbroken.Isawmylifeflashbeforemyeyes.Iwasbreathlessandcriedinpain.<br />
Ilookedupanditwaslookingatme.Whenitwasabouttopickmeupagain,ithissed<br />
loudlyasHenrydroveaknifethroughitfrom theback.Itturnedaroundandgrabbedhim bythe<br />
neckthenslowlyliftedhim from theground.It'sotherhandreachonit'sownbackandpuledout<br />
theswordfrom it'sbodythenthrewittothegroundnexttome.Ithadaholewhereitwas<br />
stubbedbutinjustasecond,theholehealed.<br />
ItliftedHenryhighintheskyandsqueezedhisneck.Hewasstrugglingforhisbreathbut<br />
theshadowwastoostrong.<br />
EventhoughIwasinpain,iknewihadtohelpHenry.Islowlypushedmyselfreachedfor<br />
theswordnexttome,everythingwashurtingwhenImoved.WhenItouchedthesword,ifelta<br />
certaintypeofenergyflowthroughme.Itfeltlikealmyangerwenttotheswordandsuddenly<br />
themetalturnedredhot.ButIcouldnotfeelit'sheatinmyhands.<br />
Icouldfeelmypainandangerchannelingintothesword.Ididnotknowwhatwasgoing<br />
onwithmebutitfeltgood.<br />
88
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
AsIwastryingtofigureoutwhatwashappeningtomeandthesword,IheardHenry's<br />
neckbonesbreakandsuddenlyhestoppedmoving.Iknewatthispointthatilosthim.Time<br />
seemedtohavestoppedmoving,Iwasinshock.<strong>The</strong>angerinmeraisedastearsroledoutof<br />
myeyes.<strong>The</strong>swordstartingsparking,Icouldsenseitoverheating.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demonthrewHenry'sbodytothegroundandhehitthegroundmotionlesslylikeadol.<br />
Whentheshadowturnedaroundatme,Idrovetheburningswordintoit'schest.Ithissedloudly<br />
andbackedawayfrom me.Ittriedtoremovetheswordbutitgotburntandhissedevenlouder.<br />
Itwasinpain.<strong>The</strong>humanskinstartedtofalofit'sbodyuntilit'sactualbodywasexposedtothe<br />
sunlightanditstartedtomelt.<strong>The</strong>swordfeltotheground.<strong>The</strong>shadowmelteduntilitwasfuly<br />
liquid,thendrieduponthegroundIntoablacksubstancethatlookedliketar.Itwasdead.<br />
IquicklyrantoHenrytocheckuponhim andhewasnotbreathing.Itriedtolistentohis<br />
heartanditwasnotbeating.Hiseyesstaredfrozenatthesky.<strong>The</strong>rewasbloodcomingoutof<br />
hisnose.Hisnecklookedbrokenandicouldseeabonestickoutunderneathhisskin.Hewas<br />
dead.<br />
"Henrypleasecomeback.Pleasecomeback.Youneedtotakemehomebeforethe<br />
soldiersfindushere."Imournedbesideshisbody.<br />
"Comebackyoubastard!Don'tleavemeherealalone.Icannotsurvivewithoutyou."I<br />
criedwhilegentlyhitinghischest."youpromisedtokeepmesafe.Pleasecomeback."<br />
Hewasnotmoving.<br />
89
CHAPTERFIFTEEN.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Ifelthelpless.<strong>The</strong>onlypersonIevergotcloseto;thelastpersonwhohasevercared<br />
aboutme,wasdead.Itfeltlikedejavu-SomebodyIloveinmyhands.ItremindedmeofMrs<br />
Meikle'sdeath.<br />
EverybodyIlovedendedupdead.MaybeIrealywascursed.<br />
Withhisheadonmylaps,IcouldfeelthatitwasnolongerHenry,itwasjustabodynow.<br />
Hewasgone.Ishuthiseyes;bowedmyheadathisfaceandmourned.AlIwantedatthatpoint<br />
wasforhim tocomeback.Thatmomentmademefeelhowmuchherealymeanttome;how<br />
muchIrealylikedhim.Myheartwasaching.IfeltmorealonethatIeverfeltbefore.<br />
Amomentlater,asIwasholdingHenry'scheeks,Ifeltastrongtypeofenergyflowthrew<br />
mestraighttomyhands.<strong>The</strong>sametypeofenergyifeltwhenIwasholdingtheswordearlier,<br />
exceptalitlebitstronger.Suddenly,myhandsstartedtoglow,brightandwhitewithtinyspecs<br />
ofblue.ItwasalsolikeIcouldseethroughthem.Ifeltmyhairfloattoo,itwasalsoglowing.<br />
BeforeIknewwhatwasgoingon,ifeltHenry'scheeksabsorbtheenergy.Isawitslowlymove,<br />
brightly,underhisskin.From thecheekstotheneckwhereitstoppedandglowedevenbrighter.<br />
<strong>The</strong>lightglowedverybrightbutIcouldsuprisinglystandlookingatit.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nIheardHenry'sneckbonesmoving.Itsoundedandlookedliketheyweremoving<br />
backinposition.<strong>The</strong>bloodthatwascomingfrom hisnose,startedtomoveinreverse.Itslowly<br />
flowedbackwardsintohisnose.<br />
Afteralthebloodthatwasonhischeeksflowedbackintohisnose,thelightonhisneck<br />
slowlywentof.<strong>The</strong>ntherewasnothing.Iwaspuzzledatwhatjusthappened.<br />
Ileanedmyheadonhischesttolistentohisheart.Ihearditslowlystartbeatingagain.<br />
ImmediatelyIpuledmyheadfrom hischest,Henryquicklysatupfrom mylapswithonevery<br />
deepbreaththatsoundedlikeagaspatthesametime.Hestartedlookingaroundinavery<br />
disturbingway;breathingheavily.Helookedconfused,lostandscared.Hehadadarkchocking<br />
panic.<br />
Withmymindasconfusedashelooked,Ireachedmyhandsforhischeeksandbrought<br />
hisfacetofacemine.Myeyes,brimmingwithtears,stareddeepintohiswidelyopenedeyesand<br />
iknewheback;Iquicklygavehim atighthug.Mylimbscocooninghim.Mywarmthleechinginto<br />
hisbody,forcingbackthefear.<br />
"Monica?"Hebreathlesslywhispered,thesoundoffearandconfusiontarnishinghis<br />
voice.<br />
Immediatelyihuggedhim eventighter,Icouldfeelhim calmingdown.Hisbreathing<br />
sloweddowntorealisation.Icouldfeelthewarmthofhisbodyasheslowlysethimselfloose.<br />
Hetooktimetorespondtomyhugbutafterhehadfulycomebacktoreality,hehuggedme<br />
backjustastightasIdid.Hewasabitshaky.<br />
"Monica."Hebreathedmyname,finalygetingridoftheconfusionthatwascoursing<br />
90
throughhisbody."Itisyou."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"YesHenry,I'm hereforyou."Iwhisperedback.<br />
"What.whathappened.<strong>The</strong>creature.it."Hisvoicewasahoarsystummer.<br />
"Iknow.Don'tworyIt'sgonenow.Whatmatersisthatyouareback."<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasthesoundofahorseapproaching.<br />
"Heyguyswhatareyoudoingalthewayhere?"Ariderspoke.Irecognizedthevoice.It<br />
wasBily's.Hewaswithhiscariageasusual.<br />
HenryandIfinalystoppedhuggingandgotuptoourfeet.<br />
"We.wecantoseethedoctor."Istumeredwhilewipingmytears.<br />
"What'swrongyouguyslookshaken."Bilysaidwhilegetingofthehorse;lookingat<br />
Henrywhojuststoodquiet.<br />
"SomethinghappenedBily."Isaid.<br />
"Whatexactly?"Heasked.<br />
"Idied.Idied,Bily."Hewhispered.<br />
"Noyoudidn'tHenry."Isaid.<br />
"OfcourseIdid.IthinkIdid."<br />
"Whataretalkingabout?'Bilyasked.Hisvoicefulofconfusion.<br />
"Ineedtotelyoutoosomethingimportant.Butfirstlet'sgohome.Weneedtositdown<br />
forthis."Henrysaidandwenttogetonthecariage.<br />
Bilyandilookedateachotherwithconfusion.IfolowedHenryintothecariage;wesatI<br />
thebackasBilyrodeustothehouse.Henrywasjustquietthewholeway.Hewasjuststaringat<br />
thefloor,thinking.<strong>The</strong>weirdpartisthathekeptonrubbingthewristofhisleftarm,eventhough<br />
thecoathewaswearingwaslongsleeved.<br />
Whenwegottothehouse,Bilydroppedusatthefrontdoorandwenttothebacktolock<br />
upthehorse.Henrywasbehavingoddly.Hepuledmeintothehouseandsatmeonthesofa;he<br />
satontheoneoppositemeaswequietlywaitedforBily.Whenhefinalycamein,hesatnextto<br />
me.<br />
"Ascrazyasthismaysound,IthinkIdied.ithinkIsawhelandIthinkMonica<br />
resurectedme."Henrysaid.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"Bilyasked.<br />
Henryimmediatelytookofhiscoat;thenroledupthesleevestohisshirtandshowedus<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
thewristhekeptonscratching.Hehadaburnmark.Itlookedlikeaveryhotmetalgotwrapped<br />
aroundhiswrist.Itlookedfreshtoo.ButIwaswithhim andIdidnotseeanybodyoranythingdo<br />
thattohim.Hethenimmediatelyunfoldedhisarm andonhispalm,therewasanothermark.<br />
"Itisstilhere.Soitwasaltrue.Ithoughtitwasjustadream."Henrywhisperedwhile<br />
staringatthemarks,hesoundedconfused.<br />
"AlrightHenryslowdown.TeluswhatHappened."Bilysaid.<br />
"Bily,astrangecreatureatackedus."Henrysaid.<br />
"Itcameoutofthemud.Ashadowwiththreeeyes."Iadded.<br />
"Whatareyouguystalkingabout?"Bilyasked.<br />
Henryquicklyrushedtomyroom.Amomentlaterhecameoutwithmydrawingbookand<br />
apencilthenhandedthem tome.<br />
"Drawitforhim."Hesaidtome.<br />
IdidaroughsketchofthecreatureasquickasIcouldandimmediatelyIshowedittoBily,<br />
heseemedtohaverecognizedit.<br />
"Wait.Youtwodonotknowwhatthatis?"Hesaidwhilegetingup,"Thatisafreaking<br />
Shadowdemon!"<br />
"Awhat?"Henryasked.<br />
"Ashadowdemon."Bilysaid;Satbackdown.<br />
"Whatisashadowdemon?"Iasked.<br />
"Isawpicturesofthesethingsinabookonce;Ireadaboutthem too.Shadowdemons<br />
arecreaturesinGreekmythologythataresaidtooriginatefrom hel.Butnevertheless,theyare<br />
justmythsandnothingmore."Bilysaid.<br />
"Welwesawonetodayanditatackedus."Henrysaid.<br />
"Whatdoyouknowaboutthesecreatures?"IaskedBily.<br />
"WelIreadthattheirbodiesaremadeofadarkfluid.Gasand/orliquid.<strong>The</strong>yareactual<br />
demonsandjustlikeyouknow,demonsneedhoststosurvivesotheypossesshumansor<br />
animalsbodies.Butthedothismostlybecausetheirbodiesgetburntwithsunlight,that'stheir<br />
weakness.Sotheyneedsomethingtohidein,morelikeashel,andthat'swhytheypossess."<br />
"That'swhyitmeltedwhenitgotexposedtothesun."Isaid,"Henry,ithinkthosecrows<br />
thatgatheredintheskywereshieldingitfrom thelight."<br />
"Thatmakessense."Henrysaid.<br />
".theyenteryourbodythroughopeningslikethemouth,nose,ears,anus,Virgina,penis-<br />
92
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
holeoranycuts.Sometimetheycanevensqueezeinundertheeyebals.Onceinside,theygain<br />
controloftheirhost'sbody."Bilycontinued.<br />
"That'showitpossessedthatsoldier."Henrysaidwithanexpressionofrealisation.<br />
"What?"Bilyasked.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>rewasasoldierwhowasunconciousontheground.<strong>The</strong>shadowwentinsidehim<br />
throughthemouthandheatackedus."<br />
"Yes.Exactly.<strong>The</strong>ymostlypossessweakanddefenselessbodies.Sometimestheyeven<br />
posseswhentheysensefearinyou.Soyoutwoaretelingmethatyougotatackedbya<br />
creaturethatisjustamyth?"<br />
"Idon'tthinkitisjustamythBily,andthatthingwasincrediblyfastandstrong."Henry<br />
said.<br />
"Italsojumpedincrediblyhigh."Iadded<br />
"Ohyes.<strong>The</strong>demonsalsohavecelestrialabilities.<strong>The</strong>yarefast,superstrong,canjump<br />
realyhighandfarandtheyalsohealrealyfast.AsfarasIknow,itisimpossibletokilitwith<br />
somethingotherthanthesun,andtodothat,youneedtoexposeit'sactualskin,nottheshelit<br />
posseses.Ifwhatyouaresayingistruethenhowdidyouevengetitoutofthesoldiersbodyto<br />
exposeittothesun?"<br />
"WelIdon'tknowwhathappenedbutIstubbeditwitharealyhotsword.<strong>The</strong>soldier's<br />
skinstartedtofalofit'sbodyuntiltheshadowwasexposed,andthenitmeltedfrom the<br />
sunlight."Isaid.<br />
"what!Thatisimpossible.Nothingelsecankilthedemon.Wait,wheredidyouevengeta<br />
hotsword?"Bilyasked.<br />
"WelI."<br />
".Hey.Hey.Enoughwiththat.NowIneedtotelyouwhathappened."Henryquickly<br />
stoppedme.ItwasasifhedidnotwantBilytoknowwhatIdidtothesword.<br />
"Whathappenedtoyouandwheredidyougetthatmark?"BilyaskedHenry.<br />
"That'swhatiwanttotelyou.Nowthiswilsoundcompletelyinsanebutjustlisten."<br />
"Okay."<br />
"Okay."<br />
"Nowafterthedemonsnappedmyneckand.eventualy.Kiledme.Alotofthings<br />
happenedafterthat."<br />
"Wait?itrealykiledyou?Itsnappedyourneck?Areyoualrightbrother?"Bilyasked<br />
withconfusionandconcern.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Iam alrightnowbrother,don'twory.Everythingissurprisinglyfine."Henryloweredhis<br />
voicewhilelookingatme."HowlongwasigoneMonica?"<br />
"Justforabouttwotothreeminutes."Isaid.<br />
"Welitfeltlikeaverylongtimetome.Likehours,ifnotdays."<br />
"Okaysowhatrealyhappened?"<br />
"Alright,iwilstartfrom thebeginning."Henrysaidandstartedtotelhisstory.<br />
94
CHAPTERSIXTEEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
°HENRY°<br />
AsanatempttosaveMonicafrom thedemon'sbeating,Iusedtheswordtheunconcious<br />
soldierwascaryingandIstubbedthedemonintheback.Itquicklyturnedandgrabbedmeby<br />
theneck.Itwaslikethesworddidnotdoanythingtoit.<br />
Icouldnotbreathasthedemonsqueezedmynecktightereverysecond.Isawmylife<br />
fadingaway.Ifeltaquickpainwhenmynecksnappedandthensuddenly,therewasdarkness<br />
andemptiness;thelookofnothingness.Icouldnotfeelanything,hearanythingorseeanything.<br />
Itwasjustblank.<br />
WhenInextopenedmyeyes,Iwasbackatmyoldhouse,Whereiusedtoliveasakid.My<br />
motherwasthereandsowasmyfather.Iwaswatchingthem.Itwasthemomentwhenthey<br />
fault;<strong>The</strong>momentthatleadtomymother'sdeath.<br />
Irememberthatwhenthishappened,IwasatthetreeIusedtogoto,crying.ButthistimeI<br />
waswatchingEverything.<br />
MotherwasarguingwithfatheraboutwhereIwas.Fatherwasdrunklikealways,andthen<br />
whenmothertriedtoleavetogolookforme,fatherpuledhertohissword.Hestubbedherand<br />
threwhertotheground.<br />
"I'lgolookforhim myself."Hesaidandleftthehouse.<br />
ItriedtotouchherandhelpherbutIcouldnot.Mybodywasjustgoingthroughher,likea<br />
ghost.Isawherdieinfrontofmeagain.Itwasallikeiwasrelivingamemory.<br />
Amomentlater,myyoungselfwalkedinandfoundmymom lyingonthefloor,hetriedto<br />
helpherbutshewasalreadydead.<br />
Iheardmydadcomingfrom outside;Myyoungselfwaslyingnexttomom.Iknewthat<br />
fatherwilkilmyyoungselfifhewastofindhim theresoItriedtowarnmyself.<br />
me.<br />
"RunPietro!heiscoming!Run!"Iscreamedatmyyoungselfbuthecouldnothearorsee<br />
"Pietro,run.Heiscoming!"Itriedeverythingbutmyyoungselfcouldnotnoticemeeven<br />
thoughIwasstandingrightinfrontofhim.<br />
IdidnotknowwhattodosoIstartedtoscream atdeadmom.Ihadhopesthatmaybeshe<br />
wouldhearme.<br />
"Mom!Helphim!Dadiscomingmom,pleasehelphim!"Ishouted,"mom wakeupand<br />
helphim."<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>nsuddenly,mom coughtmyyoungseeandtoldmetorun.Ithinksomehowsheheard<br />
me,butstilcouldnotseeme.Iwaslikeaspiritualpresence.<br />
Afteryoungmeranoutofthehouse,iblinkedandthenIwasinanothermoment,another<br />
time.<strong>The</strong>timewhenMonicaandileftdadinthecolapsedhouselastnight.IwastherebutI<br />
wasstilunnoticedandiwatchedeverythingthathappened.<br />
AshortwhileafterMonicaadileftdad;leftthehouse,someoneelsewalkedin.Aman<br />
withdarkhair.Hehelpeddownoutoftheplankthatfelonhim.Dad'sleg'swerecrushedandhe<br />
couldnothelp.<br />
"Let'smakeadeal."<strong>The</strong>manwithblackhairsaidtomydad.<br />
"Whatdeal?"Dadasked.<br />
"Icanhelpyouwalkagainbutyouwilowemeafavor."<br />
"Helpme,pleasejustdoit.Whateverittakes."Dadcried.<br />
<strong>The</strong>darkhairedmanthensummonedoneofthoseshadowdemonsfrom amiror.<strong>The</strong><br />
demonwentintomydadandthenhislegshealedveryquicklyandhestartedwalkingagain.<br />
"Now,formysideofthedeal."<strong>The</strong>darkhairedmansaid.<br />
RightwhenhewasabouttotelDadwhatfavorheowed,everythingwentblackagain.I<br />
wasbackintheemptydarkplace.Myheartwasracingitself,Iwasconfused;Ididnotknow<br />
whatwashappeningtomeandididnotknowthatiwasdead.<br />
Suddenly,Iopenedmyeyesagainandiwasinadiferentplace.Ifoundmyselfinthe<br />
middleofanassemblyofalotofshadowdemons.<strong>The</strong>ywerejuststandinginanorderlymanner;<br />
theyweredommant.Notdoinganything,juststaringahead.Ifreakedoutandstartedtorun,<br />
diggingmywayoutofthebigcrowduntilIrealisedthattheyalsocouldnotsee,feelorhearme,<br />
eventhoughIwasbumpingintothem.<br />
Istoppedrunningandstartedtolookaround.<strong>The</strong>placehadredskies;<strong>The</strong>rewasash<br />
falingfrom abovelikerain-showers.Itwasalsoverycold.<br />
Isqueezedmywaythroughtheparadeofshadowdemons,headedtowardswhatthey<br />
wereallookingatunitIfinalyreachedtheend.Infrontofalthedemonswasaman.<strong>The</strong>same<br />
manwithdarkhairwhoIsawhelpingmydad.<br />
Hewaskneelingbehindahugethronethatwasonfire;talkingtosomebody,orsomething<br />
thatwassitinginit.<strong>The</strong>thronewasfacingtheoppositeway,soicouldnotseewhoorwhat<br />
wassitinginit.ButIcouldhearthedeep;scary;loudvoice.<br />
IthinkIwasinhel,andthethroneiwaslookingatwasthedevil'sthrone.<br />
".Dad,IpromiseIwilgetridofthegirl.Ihavealreadyfoundpeopletodothatforus<br />
whileiworkontheotherissue.Ijustneedtime."<strong>The</strong>darkhairedmansaid.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"WEDON'THAVETIME!"<strong>The</strong>thinginthethroneshoutedandthewholeplaceshook."<br />
<strong>The</strong>girlisgrowingandsoonitwilbehardtostopher."<br />
"Iknow,Dad.Iam workingasfastasIcan.Isentademonearlierandshekileditwitha<br />
regularsword.Sheisstrongerthanwethink"<br />
Iwalkedtowardsthem togetaclearlookatbothofthem,becauseIknewtheycannotsee<br />
me.WhenIgotclosetothedarkhairedman,hesuddenlyturnedandlookedatme.Helooked<br />
confused.Whenhestoodupfrom hisknees,wingspoppedoutofhisback.Wingslikeanangel,<br />
exceptthesewereblackandhaddarksmockevaporatingfrom them.<br />
"Howdidyougethere?Youdonotbelonghere."Hesaidwhilelookingatmewithdevilish<br />
redeyes.Whenhespoketome,hisvoicewasdeepandsoundedlikevoicesofalotofpeople<br />
speakingatthesametime.<br />
Igotscaredandbeguntorun.IranasfastasIcouldeventhoughIcouldnothearanything<br />
chasingme.Afterrunningforalongwhile,Ifoundmyselfsomewhereelse.<strong>The</strong>groundthere<br />
wasredjustliketheskies;therewasasheverywhere.Around,therewasbigandlongstonepilarswiththousandsofdoorsonthem.<strong>The</strong>rewasscreamseverywhere.Likepeoplescreaming<br />
andcryinginpain.<strong>The</strong>screamswherecomingfrom behindthedoors.<br />
Eachdoorhadadiferentvoicescreamingbehindit.Itriedtoopenoneofthedoorsbut<br />
thedoorknobburntme.That'swhereIgotthemarkonmypalm.<br />
Iturnedawayinpainandfoundmyselffacingthedarkhairedmanagain.Thistime,his<br />
devilisheyeswereflippedandblinkingthewrongway.Hiswingswereevenbiggerwithmore<br />
smokecomingfrom them.Hehadadevilishsmilewithsharpteeth.Hishairwasfloating.His<br />
skinwasdarkredwithblackmarkingsonit.<br />
Istartedscreaminginfearuponseeinghisscaryface.Mylegsfeltfrozenwithfear;icould<br />
notrun.Hegrabbedmyleftwristandhishandburntmyskin.That'swhereigotthemarkonmy<br />
wrist.<br />
IclosedmyeyesasIscreamedinfear.Aliwantedwastogetoutofthatplace.WhenI<br />
openedmyeyesagain,everythingwasgone.Iwasbackinthedarkemptyspace.Myhandwas<br />
nothurtinganymore.Icouldnotseeanythingbutdarkness.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nsuddenly,therewasalightfarinfrontofme.Itwasshiningoversomething.Iwalked<br />
towardsit.IfoundthatthelightwasshiningoverMonica;onherlapswasmybody.<br />
Monicawascrying,overmybody.Ilookedatmybody'sneckandsawabonestickingout<br />
underneathmyskin.IknewatthispointthatIwasdead.Thatwastheonlysensiblethingthat<br />
wouldexplainwhatwashappeningtome.<br />
"Monica?Monicacanyouhearme?"IaskedbutMonicacouldnotseeorhearme.Isat<br />
nexttoher,watchingmydeadbodyandcrying.<br />
WhenIfinalytouchedMonicabytheshoulder,somethingoddhappened.Herhandsand<br />
hairstartedglowing,itwasbright,whiteandblue.<strong>The</strong>thelightwentfrom herhands,intome,<br />
97
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
thenstraightgomyneck.Itwaslikethelightwasrepairingme.Itwassobrightthatthedark<br />
placelitup.<br />
Asthelightwashealingmyphysicalbody,myspiritualform startedfading.Iheardloud<br />
gurglingandhissingcomingfrom behindme.WhenIlooked,Isawabunchofshadowdemons<br />
runningtowardsme.Ibeguntorunaway.<br />
MylegsfadedawayandIfeltotheground.<strong>The</strong>shadowdwmonsweregetingcloser.<strong>The</strong><br />
passedMonicaliketheycouldnotaher.<br />
Itriedtocrawlawayusingmyhandsbuteventualy,theyalsofadedaway.<strong>The</strong>demons<br />
coughtuptome.Oneofgotontopofmyhandlessandleglessbody.ItturnedmearoundandI<br />
wasnowfacingit.It'smouthopenedwide,exposingit'smanysharpteeth.Itwasabouttobite<br />
myhead.<br />
IscreamedandclosedmyeyesthenIwokeupfrom Monica'slaps.Ihadlegsandhands<br />
again.IthoughtIwasstilinthatplacesoIpanickeduntilMonicacalmedmedown.Shecould<br />
seeme.IknewatthatpointthatIwasbacktothenormalworld.<br />
____________________________________<br />
°Monica°<br />
Henry'sstoryscaredme.Hewasonlygonefortwominutesandalthosethingshappened<br />
tohim.Heliteralywentthroughheljusttogetbacktome.BilyandIwerebothspeechless.<br />
"saysomething."Henrysaid.<br />
"SoyourealydiedandMonicaresurectedyou?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Yesbrother."<br />
"Doyourealisewhatthismeans?"Bilysaid.<br />
"What?"Henryasked.<br />
"Judgingbyhowshemadeaswordburnwithoutfire,singlehandedlykiledashadow<br />
demon,herbodyglowed,andhealedandresurectedyou,thatmeansMonicamighthave<strong>Devine</strong><br />
powers.Shemightbeadivinebeing.Whichmightalsomeanthatthereisapossibilitythatthe<br />
prophesyistrue."Bilysaid.<br />
"Henry,youtoldhim abouttheprophesy?"Isaidinacrackyvoice.Ifeltbetrayed.<br />
"Ihadto,Monica.Heismybrother.Wesolvethingstogether.Itrusthim."Henrysaid.<br />
Ididnotsayaword.HesawhowdisappointedIwas;hecametositnexttome.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"HeyI'm sory.IwasjustscaredandfeltlikeIshouldtalktoBilyaboutthewhole<br />
situation.Imean,Ibroughtarandom girlinthehouse,theleastIcoulddowastelhim why."<br />
Henrysaid.<br />
"It'salright.Iunderstand."Isaid.<br />
"Besides,afterwhatjusthappened,Weneedalthehelpwecanget."Hesaid.<br />
"Help?Forwhat."<br />
"TofindoutwhatIsaw.Ifatalitisrealornot.Ifithappenstobereal,thenthatmeans<br />
mydadisalivewithoneofthoseshadowdemonsinsidehim.Weneedtostophim."<br />
"Yes."Isaid.<br />
"WhenIwokeuptoday,IneverthoughtIwilgetmyselfinvolvedinsomethinglikethis.<br />
Thisistoomuchtotakein,Ineedsomewine."Bilysaidandwenttothecupboardtograba<br />
drink."Anybodyelsewantsomewine?BecauseifIwasyouandiwentthrewalthat,iwould<br />
definitelyfinishawholebotle."<br />
"Pourussometoo."Henrysaid.<br />
"Idon'tdrink."Isaid.<br />
"Trustme,youneedit."Bilysaid.<br />
Wealsayandsippedonthewine.<br />
"IalsohaveafeelingthatthegirlthatthosetwoweretalkingaboutisMonica.Ifit's<br />
true,thenthatmeanstheyarecomingforher.Weneedtofindoutwhotheyare."Henrysaid.<br />
Inodedayes.<br />
".Butmostimportantly,weneedtofindoutwhatMonicatrulyis."<br />
99
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
IwenttomyafterthemeetingwithHenryandBily.Iwasabitdrunkandfeltfunny.Itwas<br />
myfirsttimedrinkingsoIwasnotfamiliarwiththefeeling.<br />
Iwentandstoodinfrontofthemirorandaskedmyself.'whoam I?';whatam I?;<br />
IbroughtmyhandsforwardtoseeifIcouldmakethem glowagainbutnothinghappened,<br />
nomaterhowhardItried.IfwhatIdidwasreal,Couldtheprophesybetrue?couldIbeadivine<br />
being?<strong>The</strong>apocalypseperhaps.CouldIhavebeentheonewhosentHenrytohel?HowwasI<br />
abletohealandressurecthim?HowwasIabletomakearegularswordburnwithnofire?Why<br />
didtheshadowdemonatackus?<br />
Ihadaltypesofquestionsburningtogetanswered.AsIwaslostinmythoughts,<br />
somethingpeculiarcoughtmyatentionandbroughtmebacktoreality,ormaybenotsomuch.I<br />
lookedbackatthemirorwhenInoticedthatmyreflectionwasnotdoingwhatIwasdoing.It<br />
wasjustfrozenstaringatmewithdevilisheyesandanevilsmile.IfIwasinanormalstateand<br />
notdrunk,thiswouldhavescaredmeoutoftheroom,butitdidnot.InsteadIgotcuriousand<br />
movedcloser.Butmyreflectionwasstilinthesameposition,itwaslikeIwaslookingat<br />
anothermeinthemiror.<br />
WhenIgotcloser,itspoke,<br />
"Wearehel'sdaughter.You.arehel'sdaughter.Youaregoingtokilthem al.Kilthem<br />
al."itlaughed.<br />
Istartedtogetabitscared,butIstildidnotrun.<strong>The</strong>reflectionstartedchokingonblood,it<br />
cameclosertomeandtriedtoreachit'shandtowardsmebutitstoppedatthebarierbetween<br />
us.Itwasasthoughitwasstandingbehindaglass,stuckinside.Itstartedtobangagainstthe<br />
glassandshouting,<br />
"Helpme!Pleasehelpme!"Itpleaded.<br />
Behindher,thewalsstartedtoturnblack.<strong>The</strong>room behindthereflectionstretchedandot<br />
becamelongerthatitrealyis.Suddenlyinthefarbackwal,shadowdemonsstartedtocrawl<br />
outofit.<strong>The</strong>reflectiongotscaredandbangedlouderontheglass,stilscreamingforhelp.More<br />
bloodstartedtoglowfrom hermouthasshecried,<br />
"Helpme!Helpme!"<br />
<strong>The</strong>shadowdemonsbeguntoruntowardsherandshegotmorescared;bangedonthe<br />
glassevenfasterandlouder.Iwasscared;Ididnotknowwhattodo;Itriedtohelpherbutthere<br />
wasnowayicouldpassthroughglass.Iwasrealyclosetothereflection;IwascryingbecauseI<br />
wasdisturbedandconfused.Ididnotwanttowatchmyselfdie.<br />
"Run!Run!"Iwhisperedatit.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nunexpectedly,it'shandfinalycamethrewtheglassanditgrabbedthebackofmy<br />
necktightly,thenstartedtosmileatmeagaim.It'sbodywascold.Itreachedit'sotherhand<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
throughtheglassandholdmyleftarm.Injustablinkofaneye,it'smouthdisappeared.NowI<br />
wasrealyscared;ItwaswhenItriedtoscream whenIrealisedthatIcouldnoopenmymouth,I<br />
didnothaveitanymorejustlikethereflection.<br />
<strong>The</strong>shadowdemonswerestilapproachingfrom afar.<br />
<strong>The</strong>reflectionstaredatme,it'seyeshadbloodflowingfrom them,downitscheeks.<br />
Suddenly,athirdarm grewoutofit'swaist;itwassodisgustingthatIfeltthevomitmovefrom<br />
mystomachandfiledupinmymouth,butIcouldnotpukeitoutbecauseIdidnothavea<br />
mouth,consequently,ibeguntochickonit.<strong>The</strong>thirdarm alsoreachedthrewtheglassand<br />
grabbedmyrightarm.Anotherarm grewoutoftheothersideofthereflectionswaistand<br />
grabbedmyWaist;thenanotherarm burstedoutofit'slefteyethengrabbedthebackofmy<br />
head;thenanotherfrom it'srighteyeandgrabbedmyface;thensuddenlyIhadadozenhands<br />
pulingmetowardsthemiror.Itriedtofightit.Astheshadowdemonswereabouttoreach,<br />
Henrywalkedintotheroom theninjustameresecond,everythingwasgone.Everythingwas<br />
backtonormal.<strong>The</strong>mirorwasbacktobeingaregularmirorandmyreflectionwasbackto<br />
beingjustareflection.<br />
Iwasconfusedandtraumatized.HenrynoticedhowscarediwasasIrantohim forahug.<br />
"Hey,areyouokay?"Heasked.<br />
"Iam scared."Isobbedwithmyheadonhischest.<br />
"It'sgoingtobealrightMonica.Don'twory."<br />
Itseemedhedidnotseeanythingthatwasfrom happeningtome.Ialsodidnotbelieveit.I<br />
assumeditwasjustmyimaginationplayingtricksonme;afteral,Iwasabitintoxicatedbythe<br />
alcoholidrunk.SoIdidnottelhim anything.Hebroughtmeoutofthehugandwipedmytears.<br />
"It'sgoingtobealright.Nowcomeon,wearegoingtoseesomeonewhomighthelpus<br />
withanswers."Hesaid.<br />
Inodedandfolowedhislead;wewalkedoutthehouse,whereBilywaswaitingwiththe<br />
cariage.HenryandIsatinsidewhileBilyrode.Istilhadmycoatonandcoveringmyhair.<br />
"Wherearewegoing?"IaskedHenry.<br />
"Toseeafriendofours."<br />
"Whoandhowwiltheyhelp?"<br />
"Ela.Shereadsalotaboutancientmythology.Shemightbeabletohelpus."<br />
Werideforawhilebeforewearivedatourdestination.Itwasanoldhousesomewherein<br />
thecity,inadenseneighborhood.<strong>The</strong>areahadacoupleofpeoplewalkingaroundasusualbut<br />
nosignsofanysoldiers.<br />
Wegotofthecariage;Bilytiedthehorsetoapole,thenwewalkedtothehouse.We<br />
knockedacoupleoftimesbutnooneanswered.<br />
101
"Ithinksheisnotaround."Bilysaid.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Sowhatarewegoingtodo?"Henryasked.<br />
"Idon'tknow.Maybecomebacklater."<br />
Aswewereabouttoleave,ayoungladyapproached,shewasjustaboutmybodysize.She<br />
wasbeautifulwithlongredhairjustlikemostoftheScotishpeople;theywerecaled'gingers'<br />
asIreadinabook,justlikebrownhairedgirlsarebrunnetes.Hercomplexionwasalitlebitless<br />
palethaneveryoneelse.Herlipswerepink-ish,red-ishorsomewhereinthemiddle.Shehada<br />
fewfrecklesonhercheeks.Shelookedevenmorebeautifulinherdark-themeddesignerdress<br />
thatranfrom theperfectlyfitcolarontheneck;longsleevedonthehands;itfittightonher<br />
chest;itwassmaleronthewaistthanthetopandthebotom -whichwasperfectlyfitonher<br />
hips,folowingthesamesizedownuptothebotom ofherknees.Shelookedamazing,andthe<br />
wayHenryandBilywerelookingathermademeabitjealous.<br />
"Ohtheresheis."Bilysaid.<br />
Whenshenoticedus,shestoppedandstaredatHenry.Hersmilefadedawayandherface<br />
wassuddenlyfiledwithanger.<br />
"You!"Shesaidinanguish.ShehariedtowardsHenryandslappedhim.<br />
"ideservethat."Henrysaidinahumblevoice.<br />
Sheslappedhim again.<br />
"Ideservethattoo."Henrysaid.<br />
TearsstartedtodropoutofhereyesasshestaredatHenrywithdisgust.<br />
"Somegutsyouhave,showinguphereafterwhatyoudid."Shesaid,"youlethim die.<br />
Garywasyourresponsibilitywhenyoutookhim withyouandyoulethim dieyoubustard.You<br />
promisedyouwouldprotecthim."<br />
"Ela.I'm sory,letmeexplain."Henrysaid.<br />
"NoHenry.No.Youneverevenhadthegutstocometomeandtelmewhathappened,<br />
insteadyouwentquietonme.Ihadtofindeverythingoutfrom wordinthestreet.Youaremy<br />
bestfriendandGarywasmyLoveandyoutookthatfrom me.Idon'tevenknowwhatthehel<br />
youaredoinghere.Youknowwhat?Justleave."Elasaidandimmediatelyranintothehouse<br />
andshutthedoor.<br />
SheblamedHenryforwhathappenedtohisfriendjustasmuchasheblamedhimself.I<br />
feltsoryforhim.<br />
"Talktoherman."BilysaidtoHenry.<br />
Henrywalkedtothedoorandknocked.<br />
102
"Goaway!"Elashoutedinasorowfulvoice.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Henrysatandleanedagainstthedoor.Itriedtogotohim butBilystoppedme,"Letthem<br />
talk."Hesaid.WestoodagainstthecariageasweheadHenryspeak,I'm sureElacouldhear<br />
him toofrom theinside.<br />
"Iwasscared,Ela,Iwasscaredofconfrontingyou.Iwasscaredofseeingyouhurt.I<br />
wasscaredofhowyouwouldreact;thatIwouldloseyoutoo.ButIguessnottelingyouearlier<br />
causedmoreharm thanofidid.Youarerightyouknow.itismyfault.Ifailedhim,Ifailedyou<br />
andmostpainfuly,Ifailedmyself.Ihadtowatchmyownbrothergetslaughteredinfrontofmy<br />
eyes.IfIcouldgobackandchangeanything,IwouldchangethefactthatIwastheonewho<br />
survivedandhewastheonewhodied.<strong>The</strong>Englishfolkwantedustoseleveryoneout,totel<br />
them wheretofindeverythiefineidinburghandtheywouldgiveusanopportunitytosay<br />
goodbyes,butGary.Garyresisted.Herefusedtotelthem anythingandsodidI.Heprovoked<br />
them sothattheywouldkilhim firstlikesomehowheknewthatIwasgoingtogetaway.He<br />
lookedoutformeinsteadofmelookingoutforhim.Hesavedmylife.WhenIfinalygotaway<br />
andcamebacktothecity,ididnotknowwhattotelyou.Iwasscared.Garyhe.heleftmea<br />
messageforyou.HetoldmetotelyouthatHelovesyouandhewilalwaysbewithyou;hetold<br />
metotelyouthatitwashischoice.Healsotoldmetoprotectyou.Itisalmyfault.Iam sory<br />
Ela.I'velostGaryandican'tafordtoloseanotherfriend.I'm realysory.andidon'texpectyou<br />
toforgivemebut,justletmelookoutforyoujustlikeGarywantedmeto."<br />
Henry'swordstouchedmyheart.Ievendroppedatear.Ifeltrealysoryforhim.Eladid<br />
notrespondforwhile,therewasjustsilence.<strong>The</strong>nthedoorfinalyopen.ShehuggedHenry.<br />
"Itisnotyourfault.Youdidalyoucould."Shesobbed.<br />
Henrywasjustquiet.<strong>The</strong>yhuggedforawhile.<br />
"Sodoesthismeanwearebacktobeingbestfriends?"Henryaskedastheyfinished<br />
hugging.<br />
"yeahdummy."Shegentlypunchedhim onthechest."IdidnotmeanwhatIjustsaid,<br />
alright.Iwasjustupsetthatyoudidnotcometotelmealthat.Ineverknewyouwerejust<br />
cowardlyhiding."<br />
"I'm sory."<br />
"It'salright.SometimesyoucanbeanAssholebutattheendiftheday,youarestilmy<br />
bestfriendandyouknowIwouldnotstayangryatyou."<br />
<strong>The</strong>yhuggedagain.<br />
"Garyisgoneandhewilalwaysbeinourhearts.Butifthereisonethingthestreets<br />
taughtus,itishowtomoveon.<strong>Life</strong>isanAssholeanditshitsoneveryone,butjustlikeatoilet,<br />
flashawaytheshitandyouwilbeasgoodasnew."Elasaid.<br />
"Thatdoesn'tsoundright."Henryjokedandtheybothlaughed.<br />
103
Itgavemegoosebumpstoseethetwosmilingagain.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"I'm happythatweareback."HenrysaidwhilesmilingatEla.<br />
"Yeah,metoo.Iloveyoukid."<br />
"Iloveyoutoo."<br />
Afteralthat,HenrythoughthewasblaminghimselfforGary'sdeath,buthonestlyhewas<br />
justblaminghimselffornottalkingtoEla.<br />
"So,isthatalyoucameheretodo?"Elaasked.<br />
"Actualyno,weneedyourhelp."<br />
"Helpwithwhat?"<br />
"Weneedsomeinformationaboutsomethingbutlet'stalkaboutitinside."Hesaid.<br />
"Okay.We'lcomein."Elasaidandstoodatthedooraswewalkedin.<br />
WhenIwasabouttogoinshefinalynoticedme.<br />
"Welhelo?Whoisthis?Ihaven'tseenouraround.Whatisyournamelove?"Shesaid<br />
withalotofenthusiasm.Hervoicewassoftandshewasnice.<br />
"Hi.I'm Monica."Isaidandreachedoutmyhandforahandshake.<br />
Shestaredatmyhand,"Don'tbestupid.Givemeahuglove."Shesaidandimmediately<br />
huggedme.<br />
Shewasextremelyfriendlyandsweet.Ilikedher.<br />
"Youaresobeautiful."Shesaid.<br />
"Whythankyou.Youarebeautifultoo."<br />
"Awwdon'tflaterme.Comein,takeasit."Shesaidwhileescortingmetoasofawhere<br />
HenryandBilyweresiting.<br />
<strong>The</strong>insideofthehousewasjustaverage.Ithadtwobigrooms.Oneroom wasasiting<br />
room/kitchen/diningroom,theotherwasabedroom Iassumed.<strong>The</strong>thingabouttheroom that<br />
coughtmyeyewastheshelffulofbook.Sheseemedlikeshereadalotofbooks.<br />
"Sotelme,whatdoyouwanttoknow?"<br />
"Youhavereadalotaboutmythology,fantasyandsupernaturalthingsright?"<br />
"Yes,myspecialty."<br />
"Wel,weneedtoknoweverythingyouknowabouttheProphesyoftheapocalypse,ifatal<br />
youhappenedtohavereadaboutsuch."<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"OfcourseIhave.Thatisoneofthemysterioustopicsihavereadabout."<br />
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CHAPTEREIGHTEEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Elaimmediatelyrushedtothebookshelfandpickedoutthreebooks.<br />
"WelI'vebeenlookingintotheapocalypseforalongtimenowbutnothingisclear."She<br />
said.<br />
"Teluseverythingyouknow."Henrysaid.<br />
Elaopeneduponeofthebooksandflippedtoapage.<br />
"Welinbiblicalform,theapocalypseconsistsoffourhorsemen.Itsaysherethatthe<br />
prophecydescribesaperiodoftimewhenaquarterofthepopulationoftheearthwouldbe<br />
kiledbyacombinationofwars,famineanddisease.<strong>The</strong>prophecydescribesthecausesas:<br />
firstly,aconqueringpeoplewhoseweaponwasthebow-'Ilooked,andtherebeforemewasa<br />
whitehorse!Itsriderheldabow,andhewasgivenacrown,andherodeoutasaconquerorbent<br />
onconquest'"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>firsthorseman.<strong>The</strong>conquerer."Bilyadded.<br />
"Thisisthementionofthefirsthorsemanoftheapocalypse,theconquerer.This<br />
horsemanisalsoknownastheanti-angelinotherbooks."<br />
"okaycontinue."SaidHenry.<br />
"Secondly,itsaysthat,aspeopleengagedinconstantwar,anotherhorsecameout,a<br />
fieryredone.Itsriderwasgivenpowertotakepeacefrom theearthandtomakemenslayeach<br />
other.Tohim wasgivenalargesword."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>horsemanofwar.ExactlyasItoldHenry."SaidBily<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nitfurthersaysthatfoodpriceswilincrease,diseasesinlivestockwilbreakout,<br />
plantswilbeinfected."<br />
"Leadingtofamine."AddedBilyagain.Healsoseemedlikeheknewabouteverything<br />
too.IrememberedthatBackatthehousehesaidthathereadaboutthem.<br />
"itsaysherethat,beforemewasablackhorse!Itsriderwasholdingapairofscalesin<br />
hishand.<strong>The</strong>nIheardwhatsoundedlikeavoiceamongthefourlivingcreatures,saying,"A<br />
quartofwheatforaday'swages,andthreequartsofbarleyforaday'swages,anddonot<br />
damagetheoilandthewine!Whichleadstofamine."<br />
Iwasjustsutedlisteningtowhattheysaid.<strong>The</strong>moretheyexplainedaboutthehorsemen<br />
themoreIcametopeacebecausetheprophesywasnotsimilartomine.<strong>The</strong>rewaswasno<br />
mentionofme.<br />
".andfourth,ilookedandtherebeforemewasapalehorse!ItsriderwasnamedDeath,<br />
andHadeswasfolowingclosebehindhim .whichisthehorsemanofdeath.Thishorsemanis<br />
originalyknownasDiseaseandthathewilbringaboutdeathbyspreadingdiseases,butother<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
bookssaythediseaseswilbespreadby<strong>The</strong>horsemanofFamineandonlyinfoodrelated<br />
things.<strong>The</strong>nthehorsemanofdeathholdsthepowertocarypeople'ssoulstohel.Someeven<br />
say,hecanresurectthedeadashisservants."Elasaid.<br />
Henryandilookedateachotheratthementionofresurection.Iknewhewasthinking<br />
whatIwasthinking.Iresurectedhim,didthatmeanIwasthehorsemanofdeath?<br />
"<strong>The</strong>sefourweregivenpoweroverafourthoftheearthtokilbythesword,famine,and<br />
plagueandbythewildbeastsoftheearth."SaidEla.<br />
"Sothereisnomentionoftheapocalypseasaspecificbeing?Agirlperhaps?"SaidBily.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?Wait.Youguysaren'therebecauseyouthinkMonicahereisthe<br />
Monicafrom thebooks,areyou?"SaidElaInasarcasticvoice.<br />
"No.Butwhatdoyoumean'theMonicafrom thebooks?'"askedHenry.<br />
"Welsomebookshaveadiferenttypeofapocalypse.<strong>The</strong>sebooksgettheirstoryfrom<br />
eventsofthepast.<strong>The</strong>ydescribetheprophesyoftheapocalypseasthedestructionoftheearth<br />
thatwilbebroughtaboutbyonebeing."<br />
"whatdoyoumeaneventsofthepast.Didsomethinghappen?"<br />
"Yes.<strong>The</strong>bookstalkaboutagirlwhohadaquickchildhood.Shegrewupabnormalyfast,<br />
andthenameofthegirlwasMonica.Butsomepriestsmanagedtostopherbeforeherpowers<br />
manifested."<br />
".andwhendoherpowersmanifest?"Iaskedoutofcuriosity.<br />
"Idon'trealyknowbecauseIdidnotreadmuchaboutthisprophesybecauseitisnota<br />
popularoneandnobodytalksaboutit."<br />
"WhatifItoldyouthatI."IwasabouttotelElaaboutmytruthbutHenrygrabbedmy<br />
handandnodedtostopme.<br />
"Don't."Hesaid.<br />
"ButHenry,sheneedstoknoweeverythingifsheisgoingtohelpusout."<br />
"whatdoineedtoknow?"AskedEla.<br />
"It'snothing."Henryintruded.<br />
"Itisnotnothing."Iwhispered.<br />
"Whatareyouguystalkingabout?"Elaasked.<br />
"Henry,itistheonlywayshecanhelpus.Shewon'tknowthetypeofinformationweare<br />
lookingforunlesswetelherthetruth."Isaid.Helookedconvinced.<br />
"Okay.Ela,whatweareabouttotelyouisscarybutpleasetrytounderstand.Itmight<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
soundinsanebutitisaltrue.Butyoumusttelnobodyaboutthis."SaidHenry<br />
"Alright.Youguysarefreakingmeoutnow."SaidEla.<br />
"Promiseyouwon'ttelanybody."<br />
"Alrightalright,ipromise."<br />
"Okay,Monica.Telher."SaidHenry.<br />
"Ela,whatifItoldyouthatIgrewupexactlyliketheMonicainthebooks."Isaid.<br />
"I'dsayyouarecrazyandyouneedapsychiatrist."<br />
"Butit'strue.IthasonlybeenfiveyearseversinceIwasborn."<br />
"That'snotpossible.Howcomeyoulooklikeyouareeighteenorsomething?That<br />
prophesyaboytthegirlwasnevertrue,itwasburiedalongtimeago."<br />
IknewElawasnotgoingtobelievewhatIwassayingsoIhadtoprovideproof.Myhair<br />
wascoveredalalonganditwastimetoexposeit.<br />
"Doesthebookssaythegirlhashairlikemine?"Isaidwhiletakingthecoatofmyhead.<br />
Elaimmediatelystoodup,"silverwhitehair?fastgrowth?Monica?Youguysareplaying<br />
tricksonmearen'tyou?"<br />
"NoEla.Itisaltrue.wedonotknowwhatexactlyIam andthatiswhywecametoyou.<br />
See,afewdaysago,mygrandmotherwantedtokilmebecauseagypsytoldherthathesawme<br />
inavision.Thathesawmedestroyingthewholeworld."Isaid.<br />
"YesEla.Iwastherewhenhesaidit.Iheardital."Henryadded.<br />
Elalookedconfused.<br />
"Thatisnotpossible.Youarelying."Shesaidandchuckledinafearfulway,signaling<br />
disbelief.Itlookedlikeapartofherbelievedandapartofherdidnot.Shewasstrugglingtopick<br />
whatistrue.<br />
"IdiedEla."Henrysaid.<br />
"What?Whatdoyoumeanyoudied?"<br />
"Iassumeyouknowaboutshadowdemons?"AskedHenry.<br />
"YesIdo.<strong>The</strong>devil'sminions.Whataboutthem?"<br />
"Weloneofthem atackedustoday."<br />
"Whatthehel!Doyouevenhearyourselves?"Shescofed.<br />
"Elahaveyoueverknownmetolietoyou?"<br />
108
"NoHenrybutwhatyouaresayingis.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
" .thetruth.ItisthetruthEla.Nowpleasetakeasitandlisten."<br />
Elatookadeepbreathandsatbackdown.<br />
"Weltodayashadowdemonatackedus,Monicaandi."SaidHenry.<br />
"Okay,howdoesitlook?"AskedEla.<br />
"Itlooksjustlikeashadow.Ashadowwithredeyes.Itistalanddark.Ithasdarksmoke<br />
comingfrom it'sbody.Nomouthnonose.Longhandswithclaws.Ohanditalsohassmal<br />
horns."<br />
Elaimmediatelypickedupanotherbookamongtheonesshebroughttothetable;she<br />
quicklyflippedthroughthepagesuntilshestoppedonapagethathadapictureofashadow<br />
demon.<br />
"Diditlooklikethis?"Sheasked.<br />
"Yes."HenryandIansweredatthesametime.<br />
"Soitistrue.Whatyouaretelingmeisaltrue?"<br />
"YesEla."<br />
"Okaythisistoomuchtotakein.Andthedyingpart,isittrue?Ifso,thenhowareyou<br />
stilhere?"<br />
"Weltheshadowdemonkiledmewhenitatackedusandithinkiwenttohel."<br />
"What!"Shescofed.<br />
"ItistrueEla.Itisalongstory."<br />
HenrytoldElaeverythingthathadhappenedtousforthepastsixdays.Everytruthfrom<br />
findingoutabouttheprophesy,torunningawayfrom home;Ashadowdemonatackingus;How<br />
Imadeaswordburnandkiledashadowdemon;HowHenrydied;Whathesawwhenhedied;<br />
howmyhandsglew;andhowIresurectedhim;<br />
ThisshockedEla.Sheseemedscaredandconfused.Itwastoomuchforher.Shedidnot<br />
sayaword.Shejuststoodupquietly,walkedtothedoor,openeditandpointedusout.<br />
"Ineedsometimealone."Shesaid.<br />
Wealwalkedoutofherhouse.<br />
"IunderstandwhatyouarefeelingEla.Wearealjustasconfusedasyouare,thatis<br />
whywecanhere.Weneedanswers.Wewilgiveyoutimetoprocesseverythingandgetin<br />
contactwithmewhenyoudo.Butifyoudon'twantapartinthis,itisalsookay.Idon'tblame<br />
you.Thisisbeyondalofus."HenrysaidtoEla.Sheshutthedoorwithoutsayinganything.<br />
109
"ShewilbeokayHenry.Justletherthink."SaidBily.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Wegotonthecariageandheadedbacktothehouse.Itwasalreadynight.Iwasworied<br />
aboutEla,sheseemedscaredofme.AlIwasthinkingaboutonourwayhome,washerandif<br />
shewasgoingtobeokay.Shewastheonlyhelpwehad.Sheknewmoreabouttheprophesied<br />
thananyofus.<br />
Wilshecomethrough?<br />
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CHAPTERNINETEEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Wereachedhomeashortwhilelater.Wewerealtiredafterthelongdaysowewent<br />
straighttosleep.IdidnottelHenryaboutwhatIsawinthemirorinmyroom becauseIthought<br />
itwasunnecessary.InsteadIturnedthemiroraroundagainstthewalsothatidonotgetto<br />
lookintoit.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nextmorningIwokeuptothebeautyofthesunlightonmyface.Iwasfeelinghappy<br />
forsomereason.Musthavebeenthedream Ihad,butIcouldnotrememberit;itdidnotbother<br />
methough.Igotofofmybed,andrightwhenIwasabouttoputonmyclothes,Inoticedastain<br />
onthewhitesheetsonthebed.Itwasblood,andrightawayIrememberedthatthedoctorsaid<br />
somethingaboutthefertilisedegginmepoppingout,ofcourseitwouldbeinform ofblood.<br />
IcouldnotletHenryseemybedsituation,itwastooembarassing.Ihadtogetridofthe<br />
shits;Iimmediatelypuledthem ofthebedandputthem inabucket.Icouldnottakethe<br />
bracketoutsidebecausetheboyswouldseeme,soranovertohidethem inthewardrobe.As<br />
soonasIputthem inside,Inoticedsomethinginthere.SomethingIforgotIhad,ormaybeIwas<br />
justavoidingitbecauseIwasafraidofwhatIwouldfindinsideit.Itwasmymother'sbook.I<br />
placeditinthewardrobebecauseIdidnotwanttoloseit,butalsobecauseIwasnotreadyto<br />
openit.IwasstilnotreadysoIjustshutthewardrobedoorwithouttouchingthebook.<br />
Noweverythingwasalcleaned,itwastimetoleavemyroom toseetheboys.Iwas<br />
headedforthedoorwhenInoticedapieceofpaperstickingoutunderneathmydoor,somebody<br />
musthaveleftitthereforme.Ipickedupthepaperandonitwasawriting,<br />
"Goneouttogetsomethingatthemarket.Iwilbebackinabit."<strong>The</strong>writingsaid.Ithad<br />
'From Henry',signedatthebotom.<br />
Attheback,therewasmorewritingthatsaid,"<strong>The</strong>reissomeporidgeinthekitchen.Hope<br />
youenjoymybadcooking."withaweirddrawingthatlookedlikeitwasaflower,sunflower<br />
maybe.Ismiledathowteriblehewasatdrawing.Itwassomehowsweetofhim.<br />
AsIblushedatthepaper,Iheardanoisecomingfrom thewindow.Ilookedandwas<br />
surprisedtofindAchaiusstandingonthewidowstrugglingtogetin.Howdidmycatfindme.<br />
"Heyboy?Whatareyoudoinghere?"Isaidwhileopeningthewindowforit.<br />
"Howdidyougethere?Didanybodybringyou?Ithoughtgrandmothershotyou.Areyou<br />
okay?"Isaid,butIgotnothingbackbutalowmeowandacutestare.ImeanwhatelsecouldI<br />
expectwheniwastalkingtoacat.<br />
It'swhitefurwasdirtyandstinky.Idecidedtopreparehim abath.<br />
Achaiushasalwaysbeenastubborncatwhenitcametowater.Heneverlikeditbyhis<br />
sideunlessitisgoinginhismouth.Ialwaysstruggledtogethim inthewaterandwashhim but<br />
thistimewasdiferent.ItwasabitoddthathedidnotshowanyresistancewhenIputhim inthe<br />
water.HejustsatthereandwatchedasIbathedhim.Maybewhenheranawayfrom homethat<br />
night,theoutsideworldtaughthim something,ormaybehehadbeenoutsidefortoolongthat<br />
111
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
hedesiredabath.Buthowcouldiknow?Itwasjustanimalafteral.<br />
Ifinishedwashingthecatanddrieditup.<strong>The</strong>niwasonmywaytothekitchentohavemy<br />
breakfast.Poridge,Iwasalwaysafanofporidge.Backathome,Iusedtofinishaltheporidge<br />
thehandmaidenswouldcook,grandmotherneverlikeditsoIwouldeatherstoo.<br />
IcouldsmelthearomaoftheporidgebeforeIevenenteredthekitchen.Iwasalready<br />
craving.Enteringthekitchen,withAchaiusfolowing,ifoundabigpothanginginthefireplace,<br />
thefirewasstilburning.Igrabbedaplatefrom acupboardandusedthebigspoonthatwas<br />
sitingontopofthepottogetmyselfascoopofthehotporidge.Ifiledmywholeplatetothe<br />
mouth.IcouldfeeltheplategetinghotinmyhandssoIrushedtothesitingroom and<br />
immediatelysetitonthetable.IwentbacktothekitchentograbaspoonandwhenIgotbackto<br />
thesitingroom,ifoundAchaiuslickingtheporidge.Irushedtotheplateandchasedthecat<br />
away;itrantomyroom.<br />
Icouldnoteattheporidge,soihadtothrowitandgetsomemore,butwjenitriedtocary<br />
theplate,itwastoohotbecauseoftheporidge.ThismademewonderhowAchaiuswasable<br />
toputhistongueinit,maybehewastoohungry.<br />
BeforeIcouldgetanotherbowlofporidge,Henrywalkedin.<br />
"HeyMonica,youareup."Hesaid.<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Iseeyoufoundmynote."Hesaidwhilelookingattheporidge.<br />
"Ohyes,andIhavetosay,youarerealybadatart."Ijoked.<br />
"realfunny.Buthey,noteveryoneisbornwithartistictalents."Hesaidandcametositon<br />
thechairoppositeme.<br />
"True."<br />
"Monicaihavetotelyousomething."Hesaid.Helookedworiedanddisturbed.<br />
"What'swrong?"<br />
"Isawmyfatherinmywayback.Iactualytalkedtohim.Heisaliveandwel."<br />
"What!"Iscofed,"Didn'tweleavehim crushedunderthehouse?"<br />
"Yes.Ialsocouldnotbelieveit.Butheokay,standinginfrontofme.Hislegswerejust<br />
finetoo.Itwasasthoughnothinghappenedtohim."Hesaid.<br />
"That'snotpossible.Withthestatewelefthim in,hewassupposedtodie,imean,halfof<br />
hisbodywascrushedandhelostalotofblood.Ifnotdead,thenhemustbeinbedsomewhere<br />
getingtreated,andhewouldneedamiracletowalkagain."<br />
"Yeshewould."Henrysaid;withalookofuncertainty.".andwhatifhegotone?"He<br />
112
continuedinalowtone.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"whatdoyoumean?"Iasked.<br />
"Whatifhegotthemiracle.Butwhatifitwasn'tthetypeofmiraclewethink.Whatifhe<br />
was."<br />
".possessedbyashadowdemon."IfinishedHenry'ssentence.<br />
"Yes.Thatmakessense.WhenIdied,Isawthatstrangemansummonashadowdemon<br />
from amiroranditenteredmydad.Isawhislegshealandhewasbackonhisfeetagain."He<br />
said.<br />
"Weknowthatshadowdemonscanheal.Imeanwesawitwhenyoustubbeditwiththe<br />
swordbeforeitkiledyou."Isaid.<br />
"Yes,thatexplainseverythingnow."<br />
"Butifyourfatherispossessed,doesn'tthatmeanheisdangerous?"<br />
"Youareright.ButIhaveafeelingthisoneisdiferent.Mightbetoodangerousorless<br />
dangerous."<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"<br />
"Mydad.Hewasnotlikethatsoldierthatgotpossessed.Mydadwaslookingnormal.If<br />
anything,helookedbeterthanheeverlooked.Thismightmeaneitherthatheisnolonger<br />
possessed,maybethedemonjusthealedhim andleftoritmightmeanthatthedemonisstil<br />
insidehim,butheisabletocontrolit.Whichmakeshim moredangerousbecauseifhecan<br />
controlthedemon,thenhe."<br />
".Cancontrolit'sabilities."Iadded.<br />
"I'm afraidweareintrouble."<br />
"Yousaidhetalkedtoyou,whatdidhesay?Didhetelyouthemanwhoputthedemonin<br />
him?"<br />
"No.Hejustsaidthatafterweleft.Averygenerousmancameinandhelpedhim out.He<br />
caledhim,themanwhogivesfavors.Mydadwasgrantedafavortoo.Hegothislegsbackbut<br />
hehadtorepaythefavorforhim tokeephislegs.Hesaid."Henrystopped.<br />
".hesaidwhat?"<br />
"Hesaid ."Henryhesitated,"Justsomestupidthings,don'twory."Hecontinued.I<br />
noticedhewashidingsomething.Hewasabouttosaysomethingelsebuthechanged.<br />
"Henry,whatdidhesay?"Iasked.<br />
"Don'twory,it'snothing.Just.justsomefamilythings."Henrysaid.ButIcouldtelthat<br />
hewaslying.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Henry.Iknowyouarelyingtome.Whatdidhesay."<br />
"HesaidIam indanger,okay.HesaidIam indangerfrom you.HesaidifIdon'tbring<br />
him toyouthenalhumanitiesbloodwilbeonme.Hesaidtheendoftheworldisnearandif<br />
theydon'tstopyou,wewilloseeverything.HesaidIcannotrunaroundhidingthedevil's<br />
daughterforlong.Hisdealwiththemanoffavorshasnothingtodowithme.Butithas<br />
everythingtodowithyou,Monica.Mydadisafteryouandhewantsmetoturnyouin."<br />
"Whyisyourdadafterme?"<br />
"Idon'tknow.Backinthathel,rememberIsaidthatIsawthesamemanwhograntedmy<br />
dadafavor?"<br />
"YesIremember.Yousaidhewastalkingtosomeoneintheburningthrone,andthey<br />
were."<br />
".talkingaboutagirl.Thatprovesthatthegirltheyweretalkingaboutisyou.<strong>The</strong>yare<br />
realyafteryou.Thatmeansmyfather'spartofthedealistobringyoutothem."<br />
"Yes.Thatalsomeansthattheshadowdemonthatatackeduswassentbythemanof<br />
favors."<br />
"Yes.<strong>The</strong>ywanttokilyou."<br />
"Butwhy?"<br />
"Maybetheyalsobelieveintheprophesyandtheyaretryingtostopyou."<br />
"Ohmy.Iam goingtodie.<strong>The</strong>yaregoingtofindus.i.i.Iam amonster."Isaidina<br />
whiningvoice.<br />
"heyheyhey.Don'tsaythat.Wehavenoproofofthatyet.Wehavenoproofthatthe<br />
prophesyisrealandwehavenoproofwhothebadguysarebetweenus,andthem.Sononeed<br />
tojumpintoconclusionsherealright.Notuntilwegetproofcanwedecidewhattodonext.For<br />
nowlet'sjustkeepourheadsdownandstayhiddenwhilewesearchforanswers."Henrysaid<br />
andlikealways,hemanagedtocalm medown.<br />
"Butwhatifwefindoutthattheprophesyistrue?"Iasked.<br />
Hestoodfrom hischair;withoutaword,hecantositbesidesmeandgavemeawarm hug.<br />
"Wait.Howdidyougetawayfrom yourfather?"Iaskedwithmyheadleaningonhis<br />
shoulder.<br />
"Ididn't.Firsthewasthere,andijustlookedawayforasecondandthenhewasgone."<br />
"How?"<br />
"Idon'tknow.Hemusthaveranaway."<br />
"Thatdoesn'tsoundright.Whyrun?"<br />
114
me."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Idon'tknow.Maybeithassomethingtodowithhisbusinesshavingnothingtodowith<br />
"Yez.Maybe.Henry,DoyouknowwhatIjustrealized?"Iwhispered.<br />
"What?"<br />
"ifyourfatherisaliveandwel,justlikewhatyousawwhenyoudied,andifthemanof<br />
favorsistheonewhosummonedtheshadowdemonanditlistenedtohim justliketheonesyou<br />
sawinthathel-ishplace.Doesn'tthatmeaneverythingyousawwhenyoudied."<br />
".wasreal."Henrywhispered.<br />
"Yes.Whathappenedafteryoudiedwasnotjustsomethingrandom likeadream.What<br />
ifitwassomekindofa.vision."Isaid.<br />
"Thatsoundsright.ButhowdidIseeit.WhydidIseeit?Whyme?"<br />
"Iguessthatisanothermysteryquestionaddedtothelistofthingsweneedanswersto."<br />
"Yes,thatalsomeansIam moreinvolvedinthisthingthanwethought."<br />
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CHAPTERTWENTY<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
AftertalkingtoHenryInolongerhadanappetite.Instead,idecidedtogotakeabath.Ileft<br />
him sitedonthechair.Ididnottelhim aboutthecatinmyroom.<br />
Beforegetinginthebath,Itookofcthebandagesonmylegtoseehowthecuthad<br />
becomeandtomysurprise,itwasalhealed.Itleftnoscars;itwaslikeitwasneverthere.<br />
Maybethemedicinethatthedoctorappliedonitworked,butwhattypeofmedicineworksthat<br />
fast.Butthatdidnotbothermeasmuchasitshouldhave.Ispentabouthalfanhourinthebath<br />
beforeIcouldgetout.IwasstilworiedaboutthesheetsthatIdirtied.Icameupwithanideato<br />
burnthem,butIhadtowaitfornighttofal,wheneveryonewasasleep.Sointhemeantime,i<br />
hadtotrymybesttokeepanybodyelsefrom enteringthebedroom.<br />
Ifinishedbathing,driedmyselfandwenttothebedroom whereIpickeduptheotherdress<br />
thatHenryboughtmeandputiton.Ididnotknowhowitlookedonme;Icouldnotcheck<br />
becauseIwasafraidtolookinthemiror,soijustdidnot.<br />
Afewsecondslater,Iheardnoisesinthebackofthehouse.Itsoundedlikesomeone<br />
strikingsomethingwithasword;mycuriositydraggedmetogoandcheck.Iusedthebackdoor,<br />
andHenrydidnotseemebecausehewasintheotherroom.Ihadneverbeeninthebackofthe<br />
housebefore,thiswasgoingtobemyfirst.Steppingoutthedoor,therewasahugeyard.<strong>The</strong><br />
boundariesoftheyardweredemarcatedwithaplank-fence,itwaspaintedbrown;notshort,not<br />
longbutjusttherightsize.<strong>The</strong>grasswasnotfresh,butitwasnottoodrytodie.Asmalhorse<br />
housewasbuiltontheleft,atachedtothehouse.<strong>The</strong>cariagewaslayingjustnexttothehorse<br />
house,itwasnottiedtoanyhorse.<br />
AsIlookedaround,ifinalysawwherethenoisewascomingfrom.ItwasBilywhowas<br />
makingit.Lookedlikehewastraining.Hewasshirtless,exposinghiswelbuiltchestandabs.<br />
Hehadabitofchesthairswhichmadehim looksexier.AsmuchasItriedtolookaway,myeyes<br />
werenotobeyingme,insteadIgavesomekindofapeep.Hisbrownhairwastied.Histrousers<br />
werefolded.Hewasbarefooted.Hewasholdingaswordinhishands,strikingapolethatstood<br />
inthemiddleoftheyard.<br />
Ifeltamusedwatchinghim perform althoseamazingstunts,hewasincrediblyfastand<br />
heknewhowtohandleaswordquitwel.Itdidnottakethatlongforhim tonoticemeadmiring<br />
hisskils.<br />
"Hey.Monica.Howlonghaveyoubeenstandingthere?"Hesaidwhilewalkingtowards<br />
meashewascatchinghisbreath.<br />
"Nottoolong."IrepliedasIwasresistingtolookathissweatybutamusingabs.<br />
"Sohowmuchdidyousee?"Hesaid.<br />
Hewasfinalycloseenoughtome.<br />
"Notmuchbutenoughtoseehowgoodyouare.Ineverknewyoucouldhandleasword<br />
likethat."<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Wel,whenyougrowupinthestreets,youhavealthetimeyouneedtolearn,becauseit<br />
istheonlyform ofprotectionyouwilevercomecloseto."<br />
"Youarerealygood."<br />
"Welthatwasnothing.Iknowpeoplewhocanhandleaswordliketheyhandleaspoon<br />
onaplate."Hejokes.<br />
Ilaughedathisjoke.<br />
"So,haveyoubeeninarealswordsfightbefore?"Iasked.<br />
"Again,Iam athief.I'vebeeninalotofswordsfights.Lostacouple,wonacouplebut<br />
eachoneteachesmesomething."Hesaid.<br />
Ismiledathim.<br />
"Iassumeyouknowhowtouseasword."Hesaid.<br />
"Notrealy."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nhowdidyoukilthatshadowdemon?"<br />
"ItwasjustaneasyPickupandpushthing.Itwashonestlyjustmyfearandanger<br />
workingatthatpoint.Idon'tthinkIwaseventhinking."<br />
"Thatiscaledadrenaline."Hesaidwhiletossingtheswordinhisotherhand.<br />
"Adrenaline?"Iasked.<br />
"Itismorelikeanautomaticdefensemechanism everyhumanandanimalhas.Itis<br />
triggeredeitherbyfear,oranger.It'slikeyourbodystartstothinkonit'sown."Hesaid.<br />
"OhithinkIhavereadaboutit."<br />
"Yes.Thatisadrenaline.Morelikeyoubecomeyourownbodyguard."<br />
Ichuckled.Hechuckledtoo.<br />
"CanIholdyoursword?"Iasked.<br />
Withasmileonhisface,hehandingtheswordtome.<br />
"It'sabitheavy."Isaid.<br />
Hechuckledinadeepvoice.<br />
"SowhatwouldyoudoifIwastoswingthisatyou?"Iasked,teasinghim.<br />
Helookedatmewithasmileonhisface,"tryit."Hesaid.<br />
"What!"<br />
117
"Comeon,doit.Swingitatme."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"No.Iwilhurtyou.Idon'tknowhowtohandleasword."<br />
"justtryit.Trustme."Hesaid.Helookedsureofwhathewastelingmetodo.I<br />
hesitatedabookbutIfinalyswungtheswordathim,andincredibly,hemanagedtoduckit.<br />
"Thatwastooslow."Hesaid,"tryagain."<br />
Aftersomehesitation,iswungtheswordathim again,andjustliketgefirsttime,he<br />
managedtoduckanddodge.Hehadamazingreflexes.<br />
"Slow.Tryagain,don'thesitate.<strong>The</strong>bestthingyoucanusewhenyouarefighting<br />
someone,istheelementofsurpri."Hewassaying,butbeforehecouldfinish,Iswungthe<br />
swordathim again;thistimefaster.HemanagetododgeitbutItmadeasmalcutonhischest.<br />
"Ohmy!I'm sosory."Isaidinahorsevoise.<br />
"Itisalright.Don'tworyaboutit,itsjustasmalcut.Iam actualyimpressed,thatwas<br />
pretygood.Iwasn'texpectingitandthatistheelementofsurpriseyoumusthavewhenfighting<br />
somebody.strikewhentheyaredistracted.WeldoneladyMonica,youareafastlearner."<br />
Iblushedandlookeddown.<br />
"Tryagain."Hesaid.<br />
"Again?"<br />
"Yes.ButthistimeIwantyoutoswingasmanytimesasyoucanwithoutstopping.<br />
Surpriseme."<br />
Assoonashefinishedtalking,Ibeguntoswingtheswordithim backtobackasquickasI<br />
could;buthewasincrediblytoofastforme,hemanagedtoduckanddodgeeachswing.With<br />
eachswing,ibecamelessfrightenedofhurtinghim,insteadIwasjusteagertomakeevena<br />
slightscratchonhim butIwasfailing.BeforeIcouldnoticeit,heduckedtheswingtheninno<br />
time,hewasbehindmewithhisarm aroundmyneck.Buthewasnotsqueezing.<br />
"andyouaredead."Hesaid.<br />
Iwasbreathlessandamazed.Ididnotsayaword.<br />
Stilbehindme,hebrought.Hishandstomyhandsandwewerebothholdingthesword.I<br />
couldfeelhisbodybehindme;hisheadwasonmyshoulder.IhadneverbeenthatclosetoBily<br />
before.IthonestlyfeltabitniceandIfeltabitaroused.<br />
"Thisishowyouholdasword."Hesaidwhilehelpingmeholdtheswordintheright<br />
position.<br />
"Youareholdingtheswordinyourhands.Youropponentisinfrontofyou,probably<br />
holdingaswordtoo.Whatdoyoudo?Firstly,youtakedeepbreaths.Don'tletyouradrenaline<br />
118
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
controlyou.Justrelaxyourselfandthink.Watchthebodylanguageofyouropponent,letthem<br />
strikefirst.Iftheirswordisleaningtotheright,youknowthattheywilswingleftfirst.Ifitis<br />
leaningtotheleft,theywilswingrightfirst.<strong>The</strong>nwhentheyatack,youbringyourswordbacka<br />
bittoblocktheirswingandtomakesureyoursworddoesnotgettossedoutofyourhand.Take<br />
astepbackwards,waitforthem togooutofbalanceandthenmakeyourmove."Bilysaidwhile<br />
helpingmemaketherightmoves.Icouldhearhisdeepvoiceloudonmyshoulder.Ifelta<br />
strangefeelingofamusementcoursingthroughmywholebody.Igotcariedawayinthe<br />
moment.Justwhenitwasgetingbeter,Henrycaledfrom theback.Iimmediatelysledoutof<br />
Bily'shandsandlefthim holdingthesword.<br />
Henrylookedatusinanawkwardway.<br />
"Whatisgoingonhere?"Hereasked.<br />
"Nothing."Iimmediatelysaid.<br />
"Iwasjustteachingherhowtouseaswordbrother,don'twory."Bilysaid.<br />
Henrysmiledslightly.<br />
"Sowhatareyoudoingbackhere?"BilyaskedHenry.<br />
"Ohyeah.Elaishere,shehassomeinformation.Shewantstotalktous."<br />
"That'sgreat."Isaid.<br />
"Iguesswewilcontinuethissomeothertime."Bilysaidwhilesmilingatme.<br />
"Yes.Iwouldlovetolearnmore."IsaidwalkedtowardsHenry.<br />
"Letmegrabmyshirt,iwilbeinsideinasecond."SaidBily.<br />
Henryandiwalkedinsidethehouse.WeapproachedElawhowassitinginthesiting<br />
room.<br />
"HiMonica."Shesaidwithenthusiasm whilerushingtomeforahug.Shewasbackto<br />
thesweetlovingElashewasbeforewetoldheraboutme.Itseemedshehadgotenoverthe<br />
wholething.<br />
"Hey."Isaid.<br />
"Howareyoudoing?"Sheasked.<br />
"I'm quitefine,thankyou.Howareyoukeepingupyourself?"<br />
"I'm alright.Stilprocessingeverything.Imean,Ihavealotofquestions.Butfirstlet'ssit<br />
down."<br />
Aswetookourseats,Bilywalkedinandjoinedus.<br />
"Firstly,iwouldliketosayIam soryforhowireactedyesterday.Imean,whatyoutold<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
mewasabittoomuchandconfusingsoIdidnotknowhowtoprocessit.Itmademequestion<br />
everythingiknew,ormaybeeverythingIthoughtIknew."Elasaid,shewasspeakingtoofast.<br />
Shesoundedexcited,"Besidesalthat,Iwasabitoverwhelmedthatiwasrightabout<br />
supernaturalexistence.ThismeansmostofthethingsIhavereadaboutandbelievein,mightbe<br />
true,andtoprovealthis,istheexistenceofshadowdemonsandMonica."Shesaid.<br />
"WhatdoyoumeantheexistenceofshadowdemonsandMonica."Bilyasked.<br />
"Wel,afteryouguysleftIspentthewholenightgoingthroughbooksandresearching.<br />
ButIdidnotfindvaluableinformationbecausethebooksIhavearenotdetailed.But."<br />
"butwhat?"Henryasked.<br />
".ButIthinktheprophesymightactualybetrue."<br />
"howdoyouknow?"AskedHenry.<br />
"YouareforgetingthatIhavereadalotofbooks.ImightnotbeabletoproveitbutI<br />
knowaplacewecangotofindtheproof."<br />
"Where?"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>citylibrary.Ithasaltherightbooksweneed.Imeanthatplaceislikeaparadiseto<br />
me.Ilovebooks."Shesaid.<br />
"Ilovebookstoo."Isaid.<br />
"Ohrealy.Iguessthat'sthefirstthingwehaveincommon.IhaveafeelingyouandIare<br />
goingtogetalongjustfine."Shesaidinahighpitchedvoice.<br />
"Ela,thelibrary?"Henrysaid.<br />
"Ohyes.Wel,wecannotgointherebecauseitiswelsecuredandyouneed<br />
membershiptoaccessthebooks.ButIthinkwemightbeablesneakinatnight,wejustneed<br />
therightdistractionfortheguardsatthedoor.Butwealhavetogobecausewewilreadthe<br />
booksfrom inside.Nobodyisalowedtoleavewithabook."Shesaid.<br />
"Ithoughtwearethieves.Stealingiswhatwedo."Bilysaid.<br />
"Yes,but.I'm westealthebookswherewilpeoplegetinformationforfutureproblems?<br />
Thatplaceiswheremostpeoplegetinformation.Itislikeamuseum ofbooks.Lackofasingle<br />
bookisarealybigproblem.Iam abookreaderandiknowwhatiam talkingabout.Iam ahuge<br />
fanofthatplace,soplease,don'tstealanything.Please."<br />
"Okaywewon't."SaidBily.<br />
"Alrightguys,IguessMonicahasatickettowatchusinaction.Tonight,wearebreaking<br />
intoahighlysecuredlibrary.Doesn'tthatsoundlikefun?"Henrysaidwithalotofenthusiasm.<br />
"OhmyGod,Thatsoundslikesomuchfun."Elasaidandclappedoutofexcitement.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Everybodywassmiling,lookedliketheyenjoyedperformingheistslikethat.<br />
121
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>planwasset.Everybodyhadaroletoplay.Phaseoneoftheplanwastowaitfornight.<br />
'Thievesworkbestinthedark.'istherightsaying.Weatherornotweweregoingtosucceed,<br />
wasunknown.ButIhadhighhopesbecauseItwasalinthehandsofthebestthievesIknew.<br />
<strong>The</strong>onlythievesIknewactualy.IhadneverseenBilyandElainactionbutIassumedtheywere<br />
good.Justafewhourstogo.<br />
Iwenttomyroom totakeabreath,Elafolowed.<br />
"Hey?"Shesaidwhileshutingthedoor.Iwassitingonthebed,staringatthewindow.<br />
Shecametositbyme.<br />
"Hi."Ireplied.<br />
"Thisisaniceroom."<br />
Ismiled.<br />
"So.Monica.Telme,whatisyourstory?"Sheasked.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"<br />
"Imeanyourbackground.Yourfamily.Yourhome."<br />
"Wealreadytoldyoueverythingthereistotel."<br />
"Iknow,butsomehowIstilhavequestionsyouknow."Shesaid.<br />
IlovedthewayElaspoke.Shewasalwayssweetandcalm.Alwayssmiling,likeshehad<br />
nowories.Iadoredherpersonality.<br />
"Alright,askwhatyouwanttoknow."Isaid.<br />
"Firstly,howisit.Howdoesitfeeltogrowupsofast?Didyouknowthatyouwere<br />
growingupfast."<br />
"Itactualyfeelsnormal.IdidnotevenknowthatIwasgrowingabnormalybecauseI<br />
neverknewhowpeoplegrowuntilIstartedreadingbooks."<br />
"Wait.Soyoufoundoutthatyouarenotgrowinglikeanormalchildinabook?Your<br />
familynevertoldyou?"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>ydid,butitwasafterIfoundouthownormalchildrengrow."<br />
"Didn'tyoufreakout?"<br />
"Notrealy."<br />
"okay.Nextquestionis,whendidyoulearnhowtospeak.Sinceyouarefiveyearsold.<br />
Didyoulearnattwomonthsorwhat?"<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Iactualylearnthowtospeakatonemonth.ButIlearntthelanguagewaybeforethat,I<br />
actualyknewthelanguagewhenIwasinthewomb."<br />
"What!You'rekiddingright?"<br />
"No.IrememberIcouldhearvoicesspeakingwhileonthewomb.AtthattimealIcould<br />
seewasdarknessbutIcouldheareverything.<strong>The</strong>voicesweren'tthatclearthough,itsounded<br />
likewhenyouarehearingpeoplespeakingfrom anotherroom throughthickwals.Astime<br />
passed,ilearntthepaternsofthelanguage.ItwaslikeeverythingIhearwouldjuststickinmy<br />
mind,justcirclingaround.Ididnotknowwhatthesewordsandsentencesmeant,untilIwas<br />
born.<strong>The</strong>nIcouldwatchhowthepeoplerespondedtoeachwordandsentences,that'showI<br />
startedlearningwhattheyalmeant."<br />
"Butifyouknewhowtospeak,couldyouspeak?"<br />
"Notrealy.Itriedtospeakbutalthatwouldcomeoutweresoundsthatdidnotmake<br />
anysense.Ididnotyetknowhowtocontrolmyvoice;themovementofmymouthandtongue<br />
formetospeak.Buteverydaythatpassed,itriedharderandharderuntilifinalysaidmyfirst<br />
sentenceatonemonth."<br />
"Sentence?Baby'sfirstlystartwithsayingaword,butyoustartedwithasentence?"Ela<br />
said.Lookingsurprised.<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Whatdidyousay?"<br />
"Mybediscold."<br />
"What!"Elaburstedwithsurprise,"Youactualysaidthat?"<br />
"YesIdid.Myfirstwords."<br />
"Thatisawesome.Likeman,it'sjustincredible."<br />
Ismiled.Elasmiledtoo.<br />
"So.Whatisyourstory?Howdidyouenduphomeless?"Iasked.<br />
Shelaughed,"Iam nothomelesslove.<strong>The</strong>placeyoufoundmeatisactualymyhouse.My<br />
mom anddadarestilalive,theyliverighthereinthecity."<br />
"Ohsoyoualsoranawayfrom home?"Iasked.<br />
"nono.Notrealy.Ilivealonebecausemyparentsaretoooldtotakecareofme.<strong>The</strong>y<br />
actualyliveataretirementhome."<br />
"Whatisaretirementhome?"<br />
"Wel,itismorelikeacharityplace.Wherepeoplewhoaretoooldtotakecareof<br />
themselvesgotolive.<strong>The</strong>repeopletherewhohelptakecareofthem untilthetimetheygiveup<br />
123
onlife."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"OhhhandhowdidyouendupinthathouseandhowdidyouknowHenry?"<br />
"IknewHenrywhenIwasveryyoung.Iwaseightyearsold,ithink;WhenIwasstilliving<br />
withmyparentsthattime.Imethim whenhewastryingtostealbreadfrom myhouse.Iofered<br />
him somewaterandmorefood;wetalkedandthat'showwebecamefriends.Hewouldcomeby<br />
myhousetoplayandIusedtosneakfoodfrom thehousetogivetohim.Onenighthehelped<br />
mesneakoutofthehouseandhetookmearoundthecityandintroducedmetohisfriends,Bily<br />
wasoneofthem.IstartedsneakingoutofthehouseeverynightwithfoodtogivetoHenry,Bily<br />
andtheothers.Istartedplayingwiththem moreoftenandthat'showIlearnthowtolivelike<br />
them,howtosurviveonmyown.<strong>The</strong>ytaughtmehowtobeCunningandtricky.Timecame<br />
whenmyparentscouldnotworkanymore,theywheretakeninbythecharityhomeforelderly<br />
people.Iwasfifteenyearsoldatthattime.<strong>The</strong>nIwassenttolivewithmyaunt.ButIdidnot<br />
wanttoliveinherhouse,soIusedthemoneymyparent'sleftmetobuymyselfahouse.I<br />
alwayslovedtoreadbooks,soiboughtmyselfbooks,sometimesstole.<strong>The</strong>moreIsunkinto<br />
readingbooks,thelessistartedbeingfoundwiththeothers.Ibecamealoner.ButHenrywas<br />
stilmybestfriend.Him andiarelikefamily."<br />
"Thatsoundsnice.DoyoumindtelingmeaboutGary?"Iasked.<br />
Ela'ssmilesuddenlyfadedaway.Herfacewasnowfulofsadness.Shetookadeep<br />
breathandasshewasabouttospeak,Henrywalkedin.<br />
"Hey.Youtwoaregetingalonghuh?"Heaskedwithasmileonhisface.<br />
"Yes.Elaissweet."Ianswered.<br />
"Awwww.<strong>The</strong>reyougo,flateringmeagain.Youarejustassweet."<br />
Henrywalkedtowardsusandsatwithus.<br />
"ElaIneedtoaskyousomething."Hesaid.<br />
"What?"<br />
"Isitpossibleforapersonwhoispossessedbyashadowdemon,tocontrolit?.Imean,<br />
cantheystilbethem,afterpossession."<br />
"Yes.Actualy,therearethreetypesofshadowdemons.<strong>The</strong>yarediferentiatedbythe<br />
waytheytakeovertheirhost'sbodies.<strong>The</strong>irnature.<strong>The</strong>firstoneisthe"qrautos".Whenthis<br />
demonpossesessyou,itdoesnottakeoveryourbody,Itdoesnotcontrolyou.Youwilstilbe<br />
yourselfifpossessed,butitwilinfluencethewayyoumakedecisions.Itonlymanipulatesyour<br />
decisions,choicesandnothingelse.Itismorelikeawhispersinyourear.Itwhisperstoyouand<br />
makesyoudosomethingsinful."Elasaid.<br />
"Canithealaperson?"Henryasked.<br />
Iknewatthispointthathewantedtofindoutwhathappenedtohisfather.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Noitcannot.Thistypeofdemonistheweakestofal,itcanonlyinfluencedecisions<br />
andcannotcontrolthebodyfunctionofabeing.Itonlyexistsspiritualy.OnlyaDrauqoora<br />
klautircanhealahost."Elasaid.<br />
"Okay,telusaboutthem."<br />
"Anachitaurionlypossesesstoshielditselffrom thelight.Liketheonethatatacked<br />
you,thatwasadrauqo.Drauqoisanameinthelanguagearchitauri,theancientlanguagewith<br />
anunknownorigin.Drauqomeans'demonofprey.'Thisdemononlyknowsviolence.Ittakes<br />
overyourwholebodyandcontrolsit.Itislikeitjustusesthehumanbodyasclothes.This<br />
demononlyposseseswhenyourbodyisdefenseless,likewhenyouaresleepingorunconscious.<br />
It'sweaknessislight,butonlywhenitisnotsheled.Italsohasaweaknessofdrowning,youcan<br />
kilthedemonbydrowningthehost.Adrauqodemononlywalkstheearthwhenitissent.Itisa<br />
raretypeofdemon."<br />
"Sothedemonthatatackeduswassent?"Iasked.<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Whataboutthethirddemon?"<br />
"lastbutcertainlynottheleast,wehavetheklautir.Itisaveryraretypeofdemon,nota<br />
lotofbookstalkaboutitbecauseitislikeitdoesnotexist,butotherpeoplebelieveitdoes.<strong>The</strong>y<br />
sayonewhoispossessedbythisdemon,verydangerous.Whenitpossesesthem,theperson<br />
co-existwithitinonebody.Itisliketheybecomepartnersinonebody.<strong>The</strong>personwilstilbe<br />
themselfandwilhavetotalcontrolovertheirbody,butinaddition,theywilalsohaveaccessto<br />
thedemon'spower.<strong>The</strong>ycanuseit'sabilitiesanytimetheywant.Whichmakestheperson<br />
dangerous ."<br />
"Thatmustbeit."Henrywhisperedwithacertainty.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?Whyareyouaskingmethis?"Elaasked.<br />
"Ela.RememberItoldyouthatwhenIdied,Isawamanhealedmyfatherbyputinga<br />
demoninhim?"<br />
"Yes.Butthatwasjustsomekindofdream right?"Elascofed.<br />
"WhatifItoldyouitwasn'tadream?"<br />
"What?"<br />
"EverythingthatIsawwhenIdiedwasreal.ThatiswhyIstilhavethesemarksonmy<br />
hand."Henrysaidwhilelookingatthemarksonhishandandpalm.<br />
"WhatareyoutryingtosayHenry?"<br />
"Listen,todaywhenIwasinthemarket.Imetmydad.Hewasaliveandwel.Hislegs<br />
werefineandhelookedfine.Hesaidthatamanhealedhim,justlikewhatIsaw.Istherea<br />
demonthatisspecificalyusedtohealpeople?"<br />
125
"Nothereisn't.AtleastnonofwhichIknowabout."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nI'm afraidmyfatherisouttherewithaklautirinsidehim,andheisafterMonica."<br />
"Thisisbad.Thisisrealybad.Doyouunderstandwhatthismeans?"Elasaidwhile<br />
panicking.<br />
"YesIdo.weareindanger."<br />
"Henry,ifyouarerightaboutyourfather,thenthestrongestdemonisouttherelooking<br />
forMonica.Trustme,wearemorethanindanger,wearealasgoodasdead."Elasaid.Ihave<br />
neverseenhermorescaredthanshewaslooking.<br />
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CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Afewhourslater,nightfelanditwastimetogetmoving.Everyonewaswearingblackfor<br />
camouflage.AsusualIwaswearingmyblackcoat,hidingmyhair.Bilyrodeustothelibrary,as<br />
Henry,Elaandisatinsidethecariage.<br />
Weparkedthecariageashortdistanceawayfrom thelibrarybuilding,makingsurethe<br />
guardsatthedoordonotseeit.<strong>The</strong>librarywashugeandtal;ithadacylindricalstructure.no<br />
cornerstohideat.Itwassuchaspectacularbuildingthat,justfrom theoutside,youcouldbegin<br />
toimaginehowexhilaratingitlookedinside.Althosewindowsbutstilcannotseewhatis<br />
inside.Itwasanopenbuildingwithnofencesofanysort<br />
Innotime,ourplantogetinwasinmotion.<strong>The</strong>rewasabouteightguardsstandingaround<br />
thebuilding,alarmed.ButI'm suretherewasmore,somewhereouttherepatroling.We<br />
neededtodistractthetwoguardsstandingatthedoorandwehadtheperfectdistraction.Henry<br />
andBilyhadtopretendtoberegularcitizenswalkingbythebuildingwhileElaandihidbehinda<br />
bushcloseby.HenryhadtobumpintoBilytostartafakefight,makingasmuchnoiseasthey<br />
can.<strong>The</strong>librarywasnoplacefornoise,sotheguardswouldhavetogoandstopthecommotion,<br />
andjustasplanned,theguardsatthedoorrushedtowardsHenryandBily.<strong>The</strong>irdistractionwas<br />
sogoodthatalmostaltheguardsputtheiratentiontothem.Oncethedoorwasleft<br />
unatended,Elaandiquietlysnucktoitandmanagedtogetin.Atfirst,wewalkedthrougha<br />
shortquietpassagewithslightlyslopingstairs,thatledustoaslightlyhighergroundthanthe<br />
outside.<strong>The</strong>rewasnothingbutwals.IfolowedasElaledtheway.Wehadtofindawindow<br />
somewhereinthebackwheretheboyswouldcomethroughaftertheyfinishwiththeguards.<br />
Wefinalywentthroughanotherdoorwhichfinalyledusintotheactuallibrary,therewasnoone<br />
butusinside.lookingaround,therewasshelvesonthewalswherebookssat.Somany<br />
books.Somanybooksthattheshelvesranfrom thebotom floor,althewayupasfarasI<br />
couldsee.<br />
"It'sbeautifulisn'tit?"Elasaidaswebothlookedaroundwithsomuchexcitementand<br />
amazement.<br />
<strong>The</strong>remusthavebeenthousandsofbooksinthere-ifnotmilions.<strong>The</strong>floorswerebuiltin<br />
suchawaythateachfloorhadaholeinthemiddle-exceptthebotom floor.Throughtheholes,<br />
youcanseealthewayuptotheroof.<strong>The</strong>rewasalsochairsanddesksneatlyarangedal<br />
around.<strong>The</strong>rewasstairsononeendofthelibrarythatswirledfrom floortofloor,althewayup.<br />
Lookingaround,Isawaplatethatwasnailedonawalwhichread,'Levelone:politicalscience'I<br />
assumedthiswashowtheclassificationoffloorswasdone,eachlevelwithit'sowntitle<br />
accordingtothetypesofbooksyoufindonthere.andthelightingwasincredible.Usingsome<br />
sortofgaslamps,eachlevelhadabouttensmallampsaroundthewalsmakingthebuilding<br />
iluminateasbrightasanyotherbuildinginthecity.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re."Ela'svoiceechoedtheroom breakingmydreamyadmirationofthestructureof<br />
thelibrary.<br />
"Whatdidyousay?"Iasked.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"<strong>The</strong>reisthewindowtheboyswiluse."Shesaidwhilewalkingtowardsawindowonone<br />
ofthewals.<br />
Itwasalitlebithighsoweusedoneoftheladdersthatwereusedtopickupbookson<br />
topshelves,andpushedittowardsthewindowwhereElaclimbedandopenedit.Shehadto<br />
makeabirdsoundasasignaltoseeiftheboysaresomewherecloseandready.Innotime,a<br />
similarbirdsoundwasheardfrom outsidewhichsignaledthattheboyswereready.Icouldnot<br />
seewhatwashappeningbecauseIwasonthefloorholdingtheladder,Eladidalthewalk.ButI<br />
couldhearthewhispers.<br />
"It'stoofar."Henrysaid.<br />
"OneofyouhastoboosttheotherupandIwilpulhim up."Elawhispered.<br />
"Weneedtohurybeforetheguardsgetbackinposition."Bilywhispered,"Comeon<br />
Henry,I'lboostyoufirstthenmaybeyoucanfindawaytopulmeup."Hecontinued.<br />
Amomentlater,ElawasclimbingdowntheladderandIcouldseeHenryclimbingthrough<br />
thewindowintotheladder.HeturnedbacktogoBilyapulbutitseemedhewastofardown.<br />
"Youguysgoahead,iwilfindanotherwayin."Bilysaid.<br />
"Buthowwilyoudothatalonebrother?"Henryasked.<br />
"Justgo.YouareforgetingIam oneofthebestwhenitcomestosneakingintoplaces<br />
likethis."<br />
"Alright.Becareful."<br />
Henryimmediatelyclosedthewindowandclimbeddowntheladder.<br />
Finalygetingaclearlookattheinsideofthebuilding,HenrylookedjustasamazedasI<br />
was.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>booksweneedmustbeonthefourthfloor."Elasaidandwewerenowheadedfor<br />
thestairs.<br />
Weclimbedourwaythroughthesecondlevel,whichhadjustasmanybooksasthefirst<br />
level.<strong>The</strong>plateinthereread,'LevelTwo:History'foralbooksofhistory.Continuingourwayup<br />
wewentthroughthethirdlevel,withaplatewriten,'Levelthree:FictionandNovels.'thislevel<br />
putasmileonmyfaceasIwasahugenovelfan.Wefinaly,finalygottothefourthfloorwhich<br />
hadaplatethatread,'levelfour:Mythology.'itwasalsoaswelbuiltasaltheotherlevelsihad<br />
seen.Withdiferentminiclassificationsofbookstaggedontheshelves.<br />
"Henrycomehelpmewithpickingupthebooks."ElasaidandHenrywenttohelpher.<br />
<strong>The</strong>yusedthewheeledladdertodragaroundtheroom pickingupbooksfrom diferentshelves.<br />
IdidnotpayatentiontothetwoasIwasbusyadmiringtheroom.Innotime,theycaled<br />
metooneofthedeskswheretheysatwithasmalpileofbooksonthetable.Iwenttothem.<br />
128
"So,wheredowestart?"Henryasked.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Let'sstartwithwhattheapocalypseisabout."Elasaid.Shethenpickedonebookin<br />
themiddleofthepiletheygatheredwhichhadacoverwriten,"HistoryOftheUnknown."AsEla<br />
flippedthroughpageslookingfortherightpagetoread,Icouldseediferentpictureswithingthe<br />
book.APictureofasevenheadedcreature,apictureofafemaleheadwithsnakesonherhead<br />
insteadofhair,picturesofdragons,butmostlypicturesofsymbolsandalsodevilishfigures.<br />
HenryimmediatelyputhishandonapagethatElahadflippedto,topreventherfrom coveringit<br />
up.Itwasapagewithapictureofashadowdemon.Itwasabitdiferentfrom theonewesaw,<br />
thisonehadfoureyeswithamouth,butsamebodystructure.<br />
"Wait,whatisthis?"Heasked.<br />
"ItsaysherethatThisisklautir."Elasaidasshereadthetitleonthepagewhichwasin<br />
bold.<br />
"IthoughtyousaidKlautirsaretypesofdemons."Henrysaid.<br />
"Yes,thatiswhatIreadbutthisbooksaysdiferent.ItsaysherethatKlautirisnotatype<br />
ofdemon,itisactualythenameofademon."Elasaidwhileshereadthroughthepage.<br />
"Okayisthatagoodthingorabadthing?"<br />
"Idon'tknow.Itsaysherethatheisthestrongestamongstaldemons.Inhisdemon<br />
form,heisforbiddentoharm ahuman,butafterpossession,hecanmanipulatethestructureof<br />
thebodyheisin.Hegrantsthehostpowertotransform intothestructureofanyothercreature.<br />
Hecantransform andchangefaces."<br />
"Youmeanlikeshapeshifting?"Henryasked.<br />
"Yes.<strong>The</strong>personthathasbeenpossessedhastheabilitytotransform intoanytypeof<br />
livingcreatureregardlessoftheshapeandsize.<strong>The</strong>hostandthedemonco-existinonebody.<br />
<strong>The</strong>yinfluenceeachother.<strong>The</strong>ybecomeone,whichmeansthatthehostisgrantedaccessto<br />
thedemonsmemoryandthedemonisgrantedaccestothehostsmemory.Guys,thismeans<br />
thatifHenry'sfatherisrealypossessed,hecantransform intoanybodyhewants.Hecanbe<br />
anyoneinthecity."<br />
"Thatisbad."Isaid.<br />
"YesIknow.Weneedtobecareful."Elasaid.<br />
"Doeshehaveanyweaknesses?"AskedHenry.<br />
"ItsaysthepersonwhocariesKlautirinsidethem,cantransform intoanyperson<br />
accordingtothefeaturesKlautirhasseen,liketheshapeoftheface,thecomplexion,thevoice,<br />
theeyeandeyecolor.Butthefeaturehehasnotseenarenotincluded.Morelikethehostcopies<br />
thefeatureshecanseeonanytypeofcreature."<br />
"Sodoesthatmean,ifyouhaveabirthmarksomewhereonyourprivatepartsandKlautir<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
hasnotseenthebirthmark.Hecantransform intoyoubutthebirthmarkwon'tbeincludedonhis<br />
body?"Iasked.<br />
"Yes.Thatway,youcanknowwhichpersonisklautirandwhichoneistherealone.But<br />
theproblem isthatnoteverybodyhasbirthmarksoranyotherunique<strong>secret</strong>emarks,soitishard<br />
totel."<br />
"Isthereanythingelsethatcanhelp?"AskedHenry.<br />
"Itsaysherethat,thepossessedbeingcancopytheexactfeatureofanycreaturebut<br />
cannotcopythememoriesofthecreaturehetransformsinto.Also,hecannotenteranybody's<br />
homewithoutbeinginvitedin.Heburnsifheenterswithoutanybodyinvitinghim inside."<br />
"ohlikevampires?"Iasked.<br />
"Yes,somethinglikethat.Soaslongusyoudonottelhim tocomeintoyourhouse,he<br />
cannotcomein.Butonceyouinvitehim in,thenyouhaveinvitedhim forgood.Hewilnowbe<br />
abletoenteryourhouseanytimehewantswithnopermission.Hejustneedspermissiononce."<br />
"Alright.Doeshehaveanyweaknesses?"<br />
"Yes.Itsays,Klautircanonlybekiledbyaswordcaled,zrauka-<strong>The</strong>Divinesword.This<br />
swordisancientandhasbeenhiddensomewhereonthisEarthforthousandsofyears.Onlya<br />
worthy<strong>Devine</strong>beingcansummonthesword."<br />
"Whyaretheoddsofuscrossingpathswiththatsword?"Henryscofed.<br />
Inoticedapictureontheotherpage,whichshowedahumandrowningIwater.<br />
"Whatisthis?"Iasked,pointingatthepicture.<br />
"Oh,itseemsherethatyoucanalsokilKlautirbydrowningthepossessedbeing.That<br />
soundseasybutthehardquestioncomesto,howwouldyoudothat?"Elasaidwhilelookingat<br />
HenryandI.<br />
Elaturnedthepage,andontheotherside,therewasapictureofanothershadowdemon.<br />
Italsohadfoureyesandamouth,butthisoneseemedtohavehairinfirm ofdarksmoke.<br />
"Klautis."Elareadthenameofthedemonoutloud.<br />
"Whatisit?"<br />
"Itsaythatthisdemoniscaledthequeendemon,justlikeKlautiristhekingdemon.<br />
<strong>The</strong>yarecaledkingandqueen,notbecausetheyruleoverthedemons,butbecausetheyare<br />
twoofthemoststrongestdemonsthereis.Klautisissaidtohavethesametypeofpossession<br />
asKlautir.Wherethepossessedbeinggetstolivehandinhandwiththedemoninthesame<br />
130
ody,grantingthepossessedaccesstothedemon'spower."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
".andwhatisklautis'power?DoesshehavethesameasKlautir?"<br />
"No.Itsaysthatklautis'hasthepowertotapintoanybody'smindbringingyourworst<br />
feartolife,nomaterhowbigitis."<br />
"Doesithaveanyweaknesses?"Henryasked.<br />
"Itsaysthatsheonlymakesyouseethings,buttheyarenotactualyreal.<strong>The</strong>yarealjust<br />
inyourmind."<br />
"That'sgoodright?Imeanifthefearsshebringstolifearenotreal,thentheycannot<br />
harm you."Henrysaid.<br />
"Actualy,theycan.Itsaysthatitaldependsonhowmuchyoubelievethatwhatyouare<br />
seeingisreal.Alsodependsonhowafraidyouare.Ifyouaretooafraid,whatyouareseeingcan<br />
actualyharm youforreal.Sothemoreafraidyouare,therealerthenightmarebecomes.Itsays<br />
herethatonlythestrongmindedcanovercomeklautis'powerwhichisreferedtoasTHE<br />
KLAUTISEFFECT."<br />
"Okay,sotosurviveklautis.YoujusthavetoNOTBELIEVE."Henrysaid.<br />
"Yes.ButI'm afraiditisnotaseasyasitsounds.Imean,imagineseeingyourworstfear<br />
rightinfrontofyou.It'safactthereisgoingtobeapartofyouthatisafraid."<br />
"True."Iadded.<br />
"Italsosaysherethat,whereverplaceKlautirgoes,klautisfolows.<strong>The</strong>yarestronger<br />
togetherthanapart.guysdoyouunderstandwhatthismeans?"Elaasked.<br />
"Ihaveaclue."Henrysaid.<br />
"Whatdoesitmean?"Iasked.<br />
"IfitistruethatKlautirisinsideHenry'sfather,hereonEarth,itmeansthatklautis'must<br />
beonearthtoo.Somewhereinsideanotherbeing.Thismeansthattwoofthemoststrongest<br />
demonsareoutthere."<br />
".andtheyareafterMonica."Henryadded.<br />
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CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Bilyfinalyfoundusinsidethelibrary.Ihadnoclueonhowhegotin,andnobodyseemed<br />
toask.Elacontinuedtoflipthepagesuntilshereachedapagethathadthetitle'THE<br />
APOCALYPSE'.Shebeguntoreadwhatwasonthepageoutloud.<br />
___________________________________________<br />
THEAPOCALYPSE<br />
<strong>The</strong>Revelationoftheapocalypsethroughouthistoryhasbeenknownastheprophesiedcompletefinal<br />
destructionoftheworld.<strong>The</strong>deathofeverything.Involvedinthis,arethefourhorsemenoftheapocalypse.<br />
<strong>The</strong>horsemenoftheapocalypsearedescribedinthelastbookofthenew testamentoftheBible,thebookof<br />
Revelations,at6:1–8.<strong>The</strong>fourhorsemen,eachwithhisownpurposewilbringaboutdestruction;conquest,famine,<br />
waranddeath.ButbeforetheReformation,itwasknownthattherewasonlyonehorseman.<br />
In1506inasmaltowninengland,therewasareportofawomanwhogavebirthtoastrangebaby.A<br />
youngwomancaledAngelinawhogotpregnantfrom herbrothergavebirthtoachild.Butherchildwaslikeno<br />
otherchild,sheagedfasterthananormalhumaninheryoungage,Inonlytwoyearstimeshestartedlooking<br />
liketwelveyearoldgirl,Shecouldalreadyspeak,walk,readanddomanyotherthingsthatagrowntwelveyears<br />
oldchildwoulddo.Shealsohadhairlikenootherhair,silver-white.HermothergaveherthenameMonica.<br />
<strong>The</strong>strangechildraisedeyebrowseverywhere.Everybodywastalkingaboutit.Aftercalingapriesttopray<br />
forthechild,thepriestprophesiedthathesaw afuturewherethewholeworldgetsdestroyed,theApocalypseof<br />
theworld.Hesaidthechildwassentbythedevil,shewasnothumanhencethereasonforthequickgrowth.<br />
Monicawassenttodestroytheworldsoshehadtobestopped.<strong>The</strong>ydecidedtoKilherbeforeshedestroyedthe<br />
wholeworld.Buryheralive.Sendherbackunderneathwhereshebelongs.<br />
<strong>The</strong>motherhadnochoicebuttoagreetothisactbecausethewholetownwasinvolved.Everybodyagreed<br />
tokilingthechild.Sothepriestperformedtheritual,theytiedupthelittlegirlandthrew herinahole.After<br />
somesprinklesofholywater,theyfinalydroppeddirtintothehole,thereforeburyingheralive.<strong>The</strong>futureofthe<br />
worldwasnow saved.orsotheythought.<br />
Everythingwentbacktonormal.<strong>The</strong>storywasforgottenandnevercrossedtheboundariesofthattown.<br />
Somepeoplecompletelyforgotitbutsomewerestilwithit.<br />
Fiveyearslater,Angelinagotmarriedandhadababy,butthisbabywaslikenootherbaby.Heragingwas<br />
justlikeAngelina'spreviousbabythattheyburriedandshelookedexactlythesamewiththesameuniquesilverwhitehair.<strong>The</strong>ycaledher'THEABOMINATION'.<strong>The</strong>priestsaw<br />
thesameprophesyagainashedidwiththe<br />
previousbabyandrumorspreadthroughouttown.<strong>The</strong>ywenttodigupweretheyburriedAngelina'sprevious<br />
babywiththethoughtthatmaybeshedugupthechildaftertheritual,buttheyfoundherbornsstilunderthe<br />
ground.<strong>The</strong>wholetowncametotheconclusionthatAngelinawasawitchandsheperformedwitchcraftandgave<br />
birthtoexactlythesamebabythattheykiledfiveyearsago.Nobodyknew whattypeofmagicthatwasgoing<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
onanxtheforcesthatAngelinawasplayingwith,sotheydecidedtoburry<strong>The</strong>Abominationagain.<strong>The</strong>ylet<br />
Angelinagobecausethepriestsaiditwasthedevilthatwasusingher,nonofwhatwashappeningwasher<br />
fought.Thingswentquietforawhile;angelinasworetonevergetpregnantagain.Shewasscared.<br />
Threeyearslater,Angelinawasrapedandgotpregnant.Butshehidherpregnancy,from everyoneelse.But<br />
eventualy,insomeway,someonefoundoutandtoldthetownaboutthisandtheydecidedtokilAngelina<br />
togetherwiththeunbornbaby.Topreventit'sbirth.Sotheyburriedthepregnantwomanalive,andthat'show<br />
theyputanendtoAngelinagivingbirthtotheendoftheworld.<br />
AboutacenturylaterinBritain,AwifecaledFionagotpregnantandgavebirthtoababy,shecaledthe<br />
babyMonica.Rumorspreadthatthisbabywaslikenootherbaby,sheagedfasterthanthenormal.People<br />
startedcalingFionaawitch,everybodyspatonherwhenshewalkedthestreets.Shewashatedbythewhole<br />
town.Herfamilyabondonedher,whichledhertothedecisionofcommittingsuicide.Shetriedtodrownherself<br />
andthebabyinawel.FionadiedbutMonicadidnot.Awomanrescuedthebabyfrom thewelandstartedto<br />
raiseher.Shehadnoclueofwhatthebabywas.Forsomereason,thewomanalsonamedthechildMonica.<br />
Afternoticingthebabywasgrowingabnormaly,thewomantookittoapriest.<strong>The</strong>priestprayedand<br />
fastedforanswersuntilhehadavision.Healsosaw theMonicaasthebringeroftheapocalypse.<strong>The</strong>priestalso<br />
cametothedecisionofkilingthegirlbeforesheendstheworld.<strong>The</strong>yburiedthechildalive.<br />
Isshefinalyputaway?Orwilshecomebackagain?W hen?<br />
Page53<br />
___________________________________________________________________<br />
Afterfinishingreadingthepage,Everybodywasawkwardlyquiet,processingwhatwejust<br />
read.Iwasscared.<br />
"Idon'twanttodothis.Idon'twanttodie.Iam notevil.Idon'twanttodieHenry."Icried<br />
whilehuggingHenry.Icouldfeelthehesitationbeforehehuggedmeback.Hishughadafeelof<br />
doubt,butbeyondthatdoubt,icouldfeelhiswarm lovefightingback.Elastoodfrom herchair<br />
andjoinedinthehug.<br />
"Don'tworyMonica,wearehereforyou."Shewhisperedwhilekissingmyhead.Bily<br />
gaveneagentalandwarmingPatontheback.IfeltalitlesafeIntherehands.IfeltlikeIhada<br />
familyagaingiventhefactthattheydidnotseemelikeeverybodyelsesawme.Ijusthopped<br />
neitherofthem wouldturntheirbacksonme.<br />
"Okay,ifMonicaistrulywhatthebookssaysheis.<strong>The</strong>nmaybeherbiographycanbe<br />
foundIthebookofdivinebeingsandmythicalcreatures."Elasaidwhilegetingbacktohersit.<br />
Shegrabbedanotherbookfrom thepilewiththecoverwriten,'EVERYTHINGSUPERNATURAL'.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Insidethebook,oneachpagewasanexplanationofadiferenttypeofmythicalcreature<br />
andothersupernaturalbeings.From dragonstoangel'stodemons.<strong>The</strong>nameswherearanged<br />
inanalphabeticalorder.AsElaflippedthroughthepages,Irealisedthatshewasgoingtothe<br />
M's.Maybesearchingformyname.Butbeforeshefoundanything,avoiceinthebackofthe<br />
room stunnedalofus.<br />
"Heychildren."Itwasthevoiceofanoldwoman.Shewasstandingbehindus.Shewas<br />
wearingaplanewhitedress.Quietshortinheight.Herfacewasabitwrinkledbutwasstilprety.<br />
HercomplectionwasaswhiteasScotishpeoplecome.<br />
"Shit.Itistheownerofthelibrary."Elawhispered.<br />
"Youchildrenaretrespassing."<strong>The</strong>oldwomansaid.<br />
"Wearesoryma'am,wejustneededsomeurgentinformation."Elasaid.<br />
"Ohno.Nomaterhowurgenttheinformationis,thefactisthatyouaretrespassing.<br />
Nobodyisalowedinherepasseddark.Telme,didtheguardsletyouin?"<strong>The</strong>womanasked.<br />
"Wearesoryma'am,wedidnotknow.Wewilbeonourwayout."Bilysaidandtriedto<br />
leadthewayout,butwhenhetriedtowalkpassedthewoman,shegrabbedhischestand<br />
pushedhim back.ShewasoldandsmalerthanBilybutsomehowshewasstrongenoughto<br />
pushhim.<br />
"Nono.Youarenotgoinganywhereuntilyouanswermyquestion."Shesaidandsmiled.<br />
"Pleasema'am wearenotlookingforanytrouble."Henrysaid.<br />
"That'snottheanswerIam lookingfor.Didtheguardsletyouin?"Sheaskedagain.<br />
"Noma'am."Elasaid.<br />
"Ohsoyousnuckinhere.Whichmeansyouareheretosteal.Youknow,icanhavethe<br />
guardsinhereanysecondnowandtheywouldarestyou.Maybeatmyorder,theywouldeven<br />
prosecuteyou.Nowwouldn'tthatbefantowatch."Shesaid.<br />
"Pleasema'am wearesory.Wedidn'tmeantobringanytrouble.Please,ifyouletusgo,<br />
Ipromiseyouwilneverseeusagain."Henrysaid.<br />
"Ohno.That'sboring,Whereisthefaninthat?Iwasthinking,publicprosecution.Maybe<br />
beheadingorhanging."Shesaidandsmiled.<br />
Iwasscaredandtheotherslookedscaredtoo.<br />
"Pleasema'am thatisnotnecessary.Wejustcameheretoread."<br />
<strong>The</strong>womanlaughed,"Telyouwhat,Iwilletyoualgoforaprice."<br />
"Whatprice?"<br />
"Givemethegirlwiththesilverhair,andtherestofyouwilstepoutofherealiveand<br />
134
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
safe."Shesaidwhilepointingatme.Butthistimehervoicechangedfrom thesoftvoiceofan<br />
oldwoman,toadeepmanlyvoice.Itsoundedfamiliar.<br />
"Whoareyou?"Henryaskeduponhearingthechangeofvoice.Lookedlikehe<br />
recognizedthevoicetoo.<br />
"Ohhhhson,it'sashameyoucannotevenrecognizeyourownfather."<strong>The</strong>womansaid<br />
asherfacebegintochange.Herheightincreased,herfacestartedtodevelopemanlyhair,her<br />
old-agewomanhairslowlyturnedbrown;herclothesalsochanged.Injustafewsecondthe<br />
womanfulytransformedintoaman.thatface.thatvoice .itwasHenry'sfather.Hefoundus.<br />
Hemusthavetransformedintotheownerofthelibrarysothattheguardscouldlethim in.We<br />
wereright,hewaspossessed.<strong>The</strong>fourofuswerealfrozenwithfear.<br />
"Klautir."Elawhispered.<br />
"Surpriseeeee."Hesaidinadeepvoice,withanevilscarylookonhisface,"aren'tyou<br />
gonnaclapforme?Imeanthatwasagoodtrick.Ialmostfooledyouguys.Publicprosecution?<br />
Youshouldhaveseenthelooksonyourfaces."Hesaidandlaughedloudly.<br />
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CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Henry'sdadlookedbeterthanthelasttimeIsawhim .Imean.<strong>The</strong>lasttimeIsawhim,<br />
hewasstuckundercolapsedwoodandmetalwiththelowerhalfofhisbodycrushed.Butnow,<br />
helookedjustfine.HislegswerejustfinejustlikeHenrysaid.Hewasstandinginourway.<br />
"Wel,howaboutanintroduction."Henry'sfathersaid,"MynameisDouglas,Henry's<br />
belovedfather.Whatareyournames?"Hecontinued.<br />
Nobodyansweredhim.<br />
"Oh.Nobodyisgoingtospeak?Butanywayit'salright.It'snotlikeIcareanyway."<br />
Douglassaidandsmiled.<br />
"Whatdoyouwantdad?"Henryasked.<br />
"OhHenry.HenryHenryHenry,myson,orshouldIsayEx-son.Becausetomeyoudied<br />
thedayyouranawayfrom homeandiburiedyouthatnightyouleftmeunderthatpileofwood.<br />
Youleftyourowndadtosufer.Tobleedtodeath."<br />
"Youdeservedit."<br />
"MaybeIdid,maybeIdidn't.Butthatmomentchangedmylife.Asamateroffact,Ihave<br />
tobethankingyou.Becauseifyouhadn'tleftmetheretodie,iwouldn'tbehere,alive.Thatman<br />
wouldn'thavefoundmeandgivenmealthispower."<br />
"Heputsomethingdangerousinsideyou.<strong>The</strong>manwiththedarkhair,Whoishe?"<br />
"Hemyson.heisasaviour.Amiracleworker."<br />
"Heputademoninsideyou."<br />
"Welthat'swhereyouarewrongEx-son.Ialreadyhadademoninsideme,youshould<br />
knowbecauseyoulivedwithme.Whatheputinsidemethatdaywaspower.PowerIcannever<br />
tradeforanything.Hemademeagod.HegavemethepowertobewhateverandwhoeverI<br />
want.IcanevenbeyouIfiwant."DouglassaidandthenimmediatelytransformedintoHenry.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasthesoundofbonescrackingashetransformed.Liketheywerechanging<br />
structureandposition.<br />
HelookedexactlylikeHenry.From thehairtotheshoestotheclothes.Itwaslikelooking<br />
atanotherHenry.<br />
"Ohnowthatsjustmessedup."Elasaidinasarcasticvoice.<br />
"Ohnowwhoisthisbeauty?"Douglassaid,referingtoEla.Despitehim lookinglike<br />
Henry,hisvoicealsosoundedexactlylikehim too.<br />
"Iam notafan."Elasaid.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Oh.Ilikeyou."Douglassaidandthentherewasthesoundsofbonescrackingand<br />
movingagain,thenhetransformedintoEla.<br />
"Ohmygoodnessthisissoweirdguys!Iam lookingatmyself.Thisissoweird.IthinkI<br />
justpukedinmymouth."Elashouted.<br />
"Youarepossesseddad.Youneedhelp.Youdon'tknowwhatyouaredealingwith."<br />
Henrysaid.<br />
"Butido.IknowexactlywhatIam dealingwith,andilikeit.Iwanttokeepthispower.<br />
Yousaidityourself,theonlythingIlovemorethanmyself,ismycock.Andthispowergivesme<br />
theabilitytomanipulatemybodystructuretowhatevershapeandsizeIwant,anddoyouknow<br />
whatIlikeaboutthis?"DouglassaidinEla'svoice,"Ilikethefactthatitgivesmetheabilityto<br />
shapemycocktowhateversizeIwant.Icanevengivemyselfanextracock.Doyouwannasee?<br />
"HesaidwhiletryingtoliftupthedresshewaswearingwhenhetransformedintoEla.<br />
"Nononopleasedon't.ItisweirdenoughthatIam lookingatmyself.Idon'twanttosee<br />
myselfwithtwodicks.Idon'twannaseemyselfwithanydickatal."Ela'svoicewassharpand<br />
filedwithsarcasm.<br />
Douglastransformedbackintohimself,"Althispower,altomyself."<br />
"Whatdoyouwant?"Iasked.<br />
"Ohshefinalyspeaks.Monica,wemeetagain.LasttimeIsawyouiwaslayingonthe<br />
groundwithmybalscrushedunderapileofshit,dying.Butnowlookatme,standinginfrontof<br />
you,beterthanIeverwas.Isn'tthisjustamiracle?"<br />
"Whatdoyouwantdad?"Henryasked.<br />
"IalreadytoldyouwhatIwant.Maybeyoudidn'ttakemeseriousbecauseIwasanold<br />
woman.Welchildren,IwantMonica.GivehertomeandmaybeIwon'tkiltherestofyou."<br />
"Whydoyouwanther?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Wel,ifyouinsist.Letmetelyouastory.Afewdaysago,ahousecolapsedonme,it<br />
crushedmyentirelowerbody.Itcrushedmysweetbalsandcock.Withoutmycockandlegs,I<br />
hadnothingtolivefor.Soijustwantedtodie.Now,twochildrenfoundmehurtunderthe<br />
colapsedhouse,ibeggedthem tokilmebuttheydidn't.Instead,theywantedmetosuferuntil<br />
Ibleedtodeath.<strong>The</strong>yleftmetherewithouthelpingme.AlmyhopewaslostforminuteuntilHE<br />
camein,thesaviour.THEMANOFFAVOURS.Hegrantedmeafavour,hegavemepower.He<br />
gavemepowertogrowmycockandlegsbackonandmanyotherthingsIcandowiththat<br />
power.butyouknow,favoursaremeanttobereturned.HetoldmethatIcankeepmycock,my<br />
legsandthispowerifIwastogetonesinglegirlforhim,Monica.Sheisgoingtoendtheworld,<br />
soshehastobestopped."<br />
"Sheisnotwhattheythinksheis.<strong>The</strong>yaregoingtokilher."Henrysaid.<br />
"Welthat'sjustitrightthere.Idon'trealycarewhattheydotoher.Idon'trealycare<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
whathappenstoanyofyou.Ijustwanttokeepmycock.andthispower.Ijustwanttofuck<br />
whoeverIwant,andIwoulddoanythingtokeepthispower.MyjobisnotevenwithMonica,my<br />
jobistogetsomethingfrom her,therestissomebodyelse'sbusiness."<br />
"Somebodyelse?Asinthemanoffavors?"Elaasked.<br />
"Nonono.Hedoesn'tliketogethishandsdirty.<strong>The</strong>jobisforanotherperson.<strong>The</strong>most<br />
beautifulwomanI'veseen.Shealsogotafavorjustlikeme,shewasgivenpowertoo,but<br />
diferentfrom mine.Anyway,youwilmeethersoonenough."<br />
"Sowhatdoyouwantfrom Monica,Douglas."Bilyasked.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>saviourneedsmetocolectsomethingfrom her.Somethingveryvaluable.OnceI<br />
colectthatthinganddeliverittohim,thenIam afreeman.Butfornow,Iam inhisDept.Sogo<br />
methegirl."<br />
"No."Elasaid.<br />
"YouknowwhatI'vechangedmymind.Iwiljusttakethegirlandkiltherestofyou."<br />
"Youwouldkilyourownson?"Bilyaskedindisgust.<br />
"Justlikeyoukiledmother."Henryadded.<br />
"Ohherewegoagain.BusyblubbingaboutYOURDEADMOTHER,Justgrowupand<br />
moveonalready.Imeanidid.Ialreadytoldyou,thatwhoregotwhatshedeserved!"Douglas<br />
shouted.<br />
"Don'tcalherthat."Henrysaidinanguish.<br />
"Whatareyougonnadoaboutit?"<br />
"Talkshitaboutmotheragainandyouwilfindout."<br />
"Welinthatcase,yourmotherwasadirtywhore.Shewasaratchetpieceofshit."<br />
Douglassaid.<br />
Henrygotangry.HepickeduponeofthemetalchairsandhitDouglasonthefacewithit.It<br />
leftacutonhischeek.DouglascoughtHenrybytheneck.<strong>The</strong>cutonhisfaceimmediately<br />
healed,oneofthepowersofthedemonhehadinsidehim,fasthealing.<br />
Elapanickedandrantothehugeholeinthemiddleoftheroom,<br />
"Help!"Sheshouteddownthehole,hopingtheguardsatthebotom floorcanhear.<br />
"Whatareyoudoingyoupieceofshit!"DouglasshoutedatEla.HethrewHenryacross<br />
theroom andjumpedtowardsEla.Hegrabbedherleftarm.IrantowardsHenry,wholandedon<br />
awoodentablewhichbrokeatimpact.BilyrantowardsElatohelpher.<br />
"Letmego."Elascreamedwhiletryingtoslipoutofhishands,butDouglasseemedtoo<br />
strong,judgingbythewayhethrewHenry.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Youthinkyouareahero?Welyouneedsomediscipline."Douglassaid.Hethenopened<br />
hismouthwiderthanEla'shead.Histeethgrewsharp.Hiseyesturnedblack.Hisheadbecame<br />
thatofamonster.HeimmediatelybitofhalfofEla'sarm;chewedandswaloweditasthough<br />
hewasacarnival.<br />
BilyfinalyreachedElaandDouglas,"Leaveheralone!"HeshoutedandpushedDouglas<br />
downtheholeinthemiddleoftheroom.Afewsecondstherewasasoundthatechoed.<strong>The</strong><br />
soundofabodyhitingthebotom floorrealyhard.<br />
IhelpedHenryupandwerantoEla'said.ShewassitingonthefloorwithBilybyherside.<br />
Halfofherleftarm wasgone.Shelookedterifiedandinpain.Eventhoughshewastryingso<br />
hardnottoscream,Icouldseethepaininthetearsthatroleddownhercheeks.<br />
"Ithurt!Ithurtsalot."Shesaid.<br />
"You'regonnabealright.JustholdonEla.You'regonnabealright."Henrywhisperedto<br />
her.Hisvoicewasfulofpain.Butitwasn'tthepainofbeingtossedacrosstheroom and<br />
landinghardonatable.Itwasthepainofseeinghisbestfriendinpain.Hisownfatherhurt<br />
anotherpersonthathecaresabout.<br />
"Weneedtoslowdownthebleeding."Bilyshoutedasherippedofhisshirt.Heusedit<br />
tiearoundtheremainingofEla'sarm.<br />
"Sheneedsadoctorimmediately."Henrysaid.<strong>The</strong>boysliftedElaup.Wealrushed<br />
downthestairs,HenrywasholdingElaandcomfortingher.<br />
Whenwereachedthebotom floor,wesawDouglas'bodylayingmotionlesslyonthefloor.<br />
Hisneckandlegslookedbroken.<br />
Aswewereslowlywalkingtowardsthedoor,hethenturnedhisheadandlookedatus;he<br />
smiled.<br />
"RememberthisHenry?Yourneckwasbrokenjustlikemine."Douglassaidand<br />
hoarselylaughed.<br />
Withhisneckandhandsstilbroken,hestooduptohisfeet.Hisheadhangingloosefrom<br />
hisshoulders.<strong>The</strong>ntherewasthesoundofbonescrackingandmovingunderneathhisskin<br />
again.Hisneckgotbacktonormalandsodidhishands.Hewasasgoodasnew.Likenothing<br />
evenhappenedtohim .Howcouldhebesopowerful.Hecouldhealthatquickly.<br />
"Givemethegirl!"Heshoutedandthenimmediatelytransformedintoahugebird,<br />
almosttwicemysize,maybebigger.Afewlibraryguardsrushedinsidethelibrarywithguns.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ymusthaveheardthenoise.<br />
Assoonastheguardssawtheweirdlookingbirdthatstoodinthemiddleoftheroom,<br />
theystartedfiringatit.<strong>The</strong>birdthentransformedintoanoversizedblackspiderwithsharplegs.<br />
It'sheadwasthatofDouglasbutitsbodywasthatofaspider.Itwasthecreepiestandmost<br />
disturbingcreatureIhadeverseen.Ahugespiderwiththeheadofaperson.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>spideratackedtheguardsastheyshotatit.Butitseemedthebuletswerenotdoing<br />
anyharm toit.<strong>The</strong>spiderranaroundtheroom,climbingonwals;itusedit'shugesharplegsto<br />
stubtheguardsonebyone.Itwaskilingthem.<br />
Moreguardsrushedinsidetheroom andalsojoinedatshootingatthespider.Itwas<br />
distractedsothiswasourchancetogetaway.<strong>The</strong>fourofusranoutsidethelibraryasmoreand<br />
moreguardsraninside.Aswewererunningout,Icouldhearthescreamsofdyingguardsecho<br />
thehal.Itwasterifying.<br />
Werantowardsthecariagethatwepackedadistanceawaydrom thelibraryand<br />
immediatelygotin.Bily,asusual,wasonthehorse.<br />
"Wherearewegoing?"Henryasked.<br />
"Justholdontight!"Bilyshouted,heimmediatelyhitthehorseanditstartedrunning,<br />
pulingthecariageasfastasitcan.Itwasabumpyscaryride.Wehadtogetawayfrom the<br />
libraryasfastwecould.Bilywasjusttherightpersontorideusoutofthere,hewasincredibly<br />
goodatriding.Werodeof.<strong>The</strong>rewasalotofgunshotnoisesechoinginthedarknight.Ilooked<br />
backatthelibrarythroughawindowinthecariageandIcouldseemoreguardsrushingintothe<br />
library.Moreguardsthantherewaswhenwecame.<br />
WeretheygoingtomanagetostopDouglas?<br />
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CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Werodeofinthecoldlonelynight.ElawassitingnexttoHenry.Shewasinpain.Althe<br />
way,sheneverevenhadaglanceathercuthand.Iguessshewasafraid.Icouldseethe<br />
disbeliefinhereyes.Bylookonhisface,IcouldtelhowmuchhecaredforEla.inhiswatery<br />
eyes,Icouldseehowmuchhewasafraidoflosingher.<br />
Wewerealinshock.Italhappenedsofast.<br />
Whatexactlyareweupagainst?Ahumanbeingthatcantransform intoanythingliving.<br />
Shadowsthatwalktheearth.<strong>Life</strong>anddeath.<strong>The</strong>fateofthewholeworldalinthehandsoffour<br />
people.Whatexactlyistherightdecisiontomake?<br />
Innotime,wewereoutthecityandheadedtowardsthedoctor'shouse.Immediatelyafter<br />
reaching,HenryquicklyhelpedElaoutthecariage;Bilyhelped,theyrushedhertothedoctor's<br />
house.Irantothedoorandknocked.Weknockedforawhilebeforethedoctorheardus.She<br />
finalyopenedthedoor.<br />
"Ohhelochildren,itisyouagain."<strong>The</strong>doctorsaiduponrecognisingmyface.Shelooked<br />
likeshewasfrom sleeping,thatexplainswhyshedidnotanswerthedoorquicker.<br />
"Weneedyourhelp."Isaidandimmediatelysteppedoutofthewaysothatshecould<br />
seeElabehindme.<br />
"Ohmy!Whathappenedtoher.Bringherin.Bringherin,hury."Hervoicewasurgent.<br />
HenryandBilyquicklyhelpedElainsidethehouse.Ifolowedin.<br />
"Putheronthebed!"<strong>The</strong>doctorshoutedwhilesherushedtooneoftheshelvestopick<br />
upsomebotlesofmedicine.ShepassedthemedicinetomeandIcariedittothetablenextto<br />
thebedwhereElawaslaying.<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctorwasinarush.Shebroughtaneedle,somebandagesandafewotherthingsin<br />
abox.<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctortookoneofthemedicinebotlesandpouredsomeofthemedicineinasmal<br />
cup,shemesuredalmosthalfthecup.<br />
"Heregirl,drinkthis."ShesaidwhileholdingthecutonEla'slips.Elaimmediatelydrunk<br />
from thecup,withsomecomplicationssinceshewaslayingflatonthebed.<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctorpuledoutasyringefrom themedicalbox,shetookanotherMedicinebotle<br />
andpuledsomemedicineintothesyringe.ShethenimmediatelyinjectedthemedicineinEla's<br />
otherarm.<strong>The</strong>doctorgentlycaressedEla'shairasthoughtoputhertosleep.Afewsecond<br />
later,Elastoppedmoving,shefelasleep.Oneofthemedicinesmusthavebeensomesortof<br />
tranquilizer.Ireadaboutthem inabookonce.Elawasputtosleepsothatshedoesnotfeel<br />
thepainoftheoperation.<br />
ImmediatelyafterElawasunconscious,thedoctoruntiedtheshirtthatwastiedaround<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
herhand.<strong>The</strong>rewasalotofblood.<strong>The</strong>handwascutalmostinthemiddle,justatthejoint.<br />
"Passmethehemostatic."<strong>The</strong>doctorsaidtome.Ididnotknowwhatitwas.Istaredat<br />
themedicinebotlesforawhiletryingtofigureoutwhathemostaticis.<br />
"It'stheoneinthebrownbotlechild."<strong>The</strong>doctorsaidinasarcasticvoice.Itwas<br />
amazinghowhervoicewascalm eventhoughshewasinarush.Ipassedherthehemostaticin<br />
thebrownbotle.Shetookalargepieceofcotonwoolanddippeditinthehemostaticthenused<br />
ittocleanthewound.<br />
"Whatdoesthatdo?"Iasked.<br />
"Ithelpsslowdownthebleedingbyclotingthebloodquicker."Shesaid.<br />
EventhoughIhadnoideawhatCLOTTINGmeant,ididnotaskanyfurtherquestions.<strong>The</strong><br />
sightofthewoundwasgivingmeshivers,soilookedaway.Innotime,thedoctorwasdone<br />
aidingEla.<strong>The</strong>woundwassawntogether,andthenbandaged.Elawasstilunconscious.<br />
"Alright,wearedonehere.Nowsheneedssomerest."<strong>The</strong>doctorsaidinasoftvoice.<br />
Sheofereduswaterwhichweusedtowashofthebloodonourhands.Bilywasfinaly<br />
oferedbythedoctorashirttocoverhisshirtlessbody.Itwasagirlsshirt,thedoctor's,andeven<br />
thoughitwasfunny,italsolookedsexyonhim,giventhewayitfittightlyagainsthismuscles<br />
exposingtheprintsofhischestandabs.<br />
Henrywasalsooferedashirttoobecausehegotalotofbloodonhisshirt.Henrywasa<br />
bitsmalerandlessmascularthanbilysotheshirtwasnotastightasitBily'swas,butitalso<br />
lookedfunnyandsexyonhim.<br />
"Whatnow?"Henryasked.<br />
"Now,wewaitforhertorest.Shewilwakeupafterafewhours.<strong>The</strong>medicineshedrunk<br />
wilhelpeasethepainwhensheawakes."<strong>The</strong>doctorsaid.<br />
"So,wewait?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Nonochildren.Icanseeyouarealtired,youalneedsomerest.Unfortunately,this<br />
placeisabitsmalotherwiseIwouldhaveoferedyoutostay.Butyoucanleavethepatienthere<br />
forthenight,thenyou'lcomeandpickheruptommorow.Besidesievenneedtogivehersome<br />
moremedicinewhenshewakesup."<strong>The</strong>doctorsaid.Shesoundedtrustworthy.wecouldtrust<br />
herwithElaforthenight.<br />
"Isshegoingtobeokay?"Henryasked.<br />
"Yes,don'twory.Sheisastronggirl,bytommorowshewilbeupandwalking.Shejust<br />
needssomeenergy."<strong>The</strong>doctorsaid.<br />
"Alright.Thankyoudoctor."Henrysaid,"Wewilbebacktommorowmorning."<br />
Henry,Bilyandileftthedoctor'shouseandwewereheadedbackhome.Itwasaslowride.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Insidethecariage,ifelasleepinHenry'sarmsasBilyrodeushome.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nextthingIfelt,wasBilyputingmedownonthebed.Ineverevenfelthim carying<br />
meinside.Iwoke.HenrywasstandingbesidesthebedasBilylefttheroom.Heshutthedoor<br />
behindhim.<br />
"Hey?"Iwhispered.<br />
Henrysmiledatmewithafacefulofwory.Hethensatonthesideofthebed.Isatup<br />
too.<br />
"Areyoualright?"Iasked.<br />
"Ialmostlostmybestfriendtoday."Hesaidinasorowfulvoice.<br />
Iputmyhandonhischeekashestaredatme,"Hey.Sheisalright.That'salthat<br />
maters."Isaid.<br />
Hesmiledandstareddeepintomyeyes,justasIstaredintohis.Hewasabitresigned<br />
from theworywhenhekissedme.Webothneededtohandlethestress.whatbeterwaytodo<br />
it?<br />
Ikissedhim rightback.Afewsecondslater,hetookofmycoat,thenifelthishandson<br />
myback,unzippingmydress.Igotofthebedandletthedressslidedownmybodytothe<br />
ground.Iwasnownaked.Heimmediatelytookofthesmalshirt.Wewerekissingagain.He<br />
slowlylaidonthebedandIfolowedhislips.HewasrubbingmywaistasIwaslayingontopof<br />
him.Aswekissed,Ireachedmyhandinsidehistrousersandgrabbedhisharddick.Imassaged<br />
itabit.BeforeIknewit,hewasontopofme.Hekissedmefrom thelips,tothecheekthen<br />
downtomyneckbones.Hishandwassqueezingmybreast.AsIwasenjoyingthewashewas<br />
suckingmyneckskin,Ifelthishandslidedownmybely,althewaytomyVirgina.Herubbed<br />
arounditabitwithhisfingertightbeforehetookitinside.Hetwistedhisfingerabitinsideme<br />
andiwasalreadygasping.itwasamazingwhathecoulddowithonlyafinger.<br />
HetookoutthefingerandbeforeIcouldbreath,heputtwobackinside.<strong>The</strong>feelingwas<br />
evenbeter.Itfeltlikehewasdoingmagicinsideme.Heknewthatnowiwascravingforhis<br />
dick.Hetookofhistrousersthenlaidbackontopofmeandkissedmeonthelips.Justas<br />
before,Icouldfeelhisdickhardandwarm onmybely.Hethensplitmylegswiderandpushed<br />
theheadofhisdickinsideme.Hedruggedhimselfalthewayinside.<br />
Thistimeitwasalitlelessintense.Hewasinbetweenmylegs,slowlyslidinginsideme<br />
andoutsidemewhilehekissedmyneck.Itwassoarousing,iwasevenfailingtoscream.Iwas<br />
justgaspingdeeply.Icouldfeelhisdickgetingharderandbiggerinside.Ashesunkinsideme,I<br />
couldfeelmystressandworygoingaway.thefeelingofrelief.<br />
<strong>The</strong>firsttimewediditwewerefrom escapingdeath.Wewerestressedandscared.This<br />
time,wewerealsofrom escapingdeath.Wasitbecomingahabit?Havingsexwhenwewere<br />
stressedandscared.Itisthetimewhenweneedeachotherthemost.<strong>The</strong>firsttimewas<br />
dreamy,andthesecondtimewasevenbeter.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Hedidnotwanttocum insidemethistimesohequicklyremovedhisdickandletthe<br />
warm cum splashonmybely,althewaytothebreasts.<strong>The</strong>satisfaction.<br />
Hethrewhimselfonthebedoutofexhaustionandlaidbesidesme.Iusedtheshirtthat<br />
washangingonthesideofthebedtocleanthecum ofmybody.Henrywasalreadyasleep.I<br />
laidbesideshim andimmediatelyfelasleeptoo.<br />
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CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>nextmorning,iwasupwhenHenryjumpedoutofbed.Itwasasthoughhehadabad<br />
dream.Helookedscaredandoutofbreath.Healsolookedlost,bythewayhewaslooking<br />
around.Irecognizedthatlookfrom somewhere.ItwasthesamelookhehadwhenheRose<br />
from thedead.<br />
"What'swrong?"Iasked.<br />
Uponseeingmyface,hetookadeepsighofreliefandsatbackonthebed.<br />
"What'swrong?"Iaskedagain.<br />
"IthinkIhaddream,butitfeltreallikethelasttime,idon'tknowwhatitisbutitfeltreal."<br />
Hesaid.<br />
"Whatwasitabout?"<br />
"Idon'tknow.Nothingwasclear,Everythingwasjustjumbledandrandom.First,likelast<br />
time,itstartedinemptydarkness.<strong>The</strong>nIblinkedandIfoundmyselfinthewoods.<strong>The</strong>rewas<br />
twopeoplethereinthewoods,amaleandafemale.Ididnotknowwheretheyweregoingor<br />
whotheyare,butIhadastrongfeelingthattoldmetofolowthem.SoIdid.<strong>The</strong>ycouldnotsee<br />
orhearmebutIcouldseeandhearthem.<strong>The</strong>ysaidtheyweretrackingdownsomeonecaled<br />
'Destiny'whostaysinsideoneofthemanytrees.<strong>The</strong>yfoundsomefootprintsontheground<br />
somewhereinthemiddleofthewoods,thefootprintswerenotofahuman,theylookedlikea<br />
goat'sprint.theystartedtofolowtheprintssayingthatthoseweretheprintsofthepersonthey<br />
werelookingfor.Buthowcanapersonleavefootprintsofagoat?.asIfolowed,iblinkedagain<br />
andiwasbacktothedarkplace.<strong>The</strong>nIblinkedoncemoreandIfoundmyselfinsidethelibrary<br />
andmyfatherwastheretoo,butasusual,hecouldn'tseeme.hehadbloodalaroundhis<br />
mouth.Probablythebloodofalthosedeadguardsthatwerelayingonthefloor,hekiledthem<br />
al.Someweremissingtheirheads,someweremissingtherehands;Legs.Somewererippedin<br />
halfandothershadaholeinthemiddleoftheirbodiesliketheywerestubbedbyahugedagger.<br />
<strong>The</strong>oneswhowerestubbedwiththehugelegsmydadhadwhenhetransformedintothatgiant<br />
spider-thing.<strong>The</strong>rewasbloodaloverthefloortoo.Idecidedtogoclosertohim andjustasI<br />
wasabouttoreachhim,Injustablink,ifoundmyselfbackinthedarkemptyplace.Butthistime,<br />
therewasalightshininguponasingletreeinafardistance.Ifolowedit.WhenIreachedthe<br />
tree,ithadaholeatthebotom weresomeonecancrawlthrough.JustasIwasabouttocrawl<br />
inthewhole,therewaslightshiningfrom mybackandwhenIturnedaroundtosee,ifound<br />
myselfinahouse.Iwasnotinthedarkplaceanymoreandthetreewasalsogone.Instead,I<br />
wasinasmalhousewithnowindows.<strong>The</strong>househadalotofcandlesthatshedlight.<strong>The</strong>rewas<br />
onlyafewfurniture.Twosmalchairsbythefireplace,ashorttableinoneofthecornersandit<br />
haddeadrabbitsonit.Altheotherfurnitureoftheroom weresmalandcameinpairs.Itlooked<br />
liketherewastwosmalpeoplewholivedhere,maybedwarves.<strong>The</strong>roofofthehousehadroots<br />
growingfrom it.Iblinkedagain,andeverythingdisappeared,iwassuroundedbydarkness<br />
again.IrememberedthatIfelasleepnexttoyousoIassumedIwasdreaming.Itriedtowake<br />
myselfupbyhitingandpinchingmyselfbutitdidnotwork.Isatinthedarknessforawhileuntil<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Iblinkedoncemoreandfoundmyselfbackatthelibrary.Mydadwasstilthere.<strong>The</strong>ntherewas<br />
thesoundsonbonesmovingandcrackingandIknewthatmydadwastransforming.He<br />
reducedinsizeashisbodycolorwasturningblack,atthesametime,hishandsturnedinto<br />
wings;andinnotime,heturnedintoaregularsizebatandflewawaythrewawindow .the<br />
windowsuddenlydisappearedandgotreplacedbyawal.<strong>The</strong>otherwindowsdisapperedtoo<br />
andsodidthedoor.<strong>The</strong>bloodonthefloorsuddenlystartedfloodingtheplace,altheopeningI<br />
thelibrarywerereplacedbywalssotherewasnowaythebloodcouldflowout.Itwasrisingin<br />
levelveryquicklyandiknewthatifIstayedonthebotom floor,iwasgoingtodrown.Drowning<br />
inblood.Ididnotknowwheretobloodwasevencomingfrom butitgothigherandhighereach<br />
second.Irantowardsthestair,steppinginblood,sothaticouldgettothesecondfloor.<br />
ImmediatelyafterIreachedthestairs,Ilookeddownandthebodiesthatwereonthefloorwere<br />
coveredbytheblood,ocouldnotathem anymore.Iranupthestairstothesecondfloorbutthe<br />
blooddidnotstoprising,insteaditstartedrisingevenquickeralmostreachingthesecondfloor<br />
ofthebuilding.Icontinuedtorunupstairstothesendfloorandthebloodwasjustbelowme,it<br />
wasrisingasIwasclimbing.Iwasscared.Iclimbedhigheruptotoplastfloorofthebuilding.<br />
Musthavebeenthetenthoreleventhfloor,Iwastooscaredandoccupiedtocount.Ihadno<br />
whereelsetogoforIreachedthelastfloor,nowhereelsetoclimbexcepttheladderonthe<br />
bookshelves.<strong>The</strong>bloodcoughtuptome.Althefloorsatthebotom wereswalowed.Itwas<br />
raisingupmyfeet.Irushedtowardstheladderandclimbeduptothetopoftheshelves.<strong>The</strong><br />
bloodcoughtuptomeandstartedswalowingmefrom thefeetagain.Itwasthickandwarm<br />
likefreshblood.Innotimeitrosetomywaistlevel,thenquicklyupmybely;tomychest.Iwas<br />
nowswimminginblood.Ifloatedinitasitroseuptotheroof.Mynecksankintoo,thenmy<br />
mouthandbeforeIcouldtakeadeepbreath,myheadwasswalowedtoo.Istartedchokinginit.<br />
Ifeltitflowinginsidemymouthstraightdownmythroat.thefeelingoftryingtobreathbutal<br />
youcanbreathinisblood.Ifeltmywholelifefadingaway.AsmuchasIhatedbeinginthatdark<br />
place,atthatpointIwaswishingtogobackthere,butnothingwashappening.<strong>The</strong>nsuddenly,I<br />
wokeupfrom thenightmare."<br />
"Thatiswhyyoujumpedfrom thebed?Thatwashorible.Iam sosory."IsaidtoHenry.<br />
Whathetoldmescaredme.Icouldnotevenimaginebeinginhisposition.<br />
"ButIdonotknowifitwasjustadream ormaybeitwasalsoreal."Henrysaidwhile<br />
lookingatthemarkshehadonhiswrist.<strong>The</strong>markhegotfrom thepreviousvisionhehad.Hel's<br />
mark.<br />
"Whatdoyouthink?"Iasked<br />
"Ithinkit'snothing.Ithinkitisalsojustadream.Let'snotworyaboutthat."Hesaid<br />
whilesmilingatme.Ismiledbackathim.<br />
WebothgotstunnedwhenAchaiusjumpedontothebed.IevenforgotthatIhadacatin<br />
myroom.Howwasitunderthebedthewholetime?<br />
"Isthatyour."Henryasked.Hewassurprised.<br />
"Mycat,yes."IansweredwhiletakingAchaiusinmyhands.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Howdidhe.Whendidhe.Whatthe."Henrystumered.<br />
"Ialsodon'tknowhowhefoundus.Ijustfoundhim onthewindowtwodaysago.He<br />
lookeddirtyandIneedsoIdecidedtohelphim .PleasecanIkeephim here,heismybest<br />
friendandicannotlethim beouttherealone."Isaid.Iwasspeakingtoofast.<br />
"Monica."<br />
".Hecannotgobackhomebecausegrandmotheralmostkiledhim thatnight.iswear<br />
hewilnotcauseanytrouble,ijustlovehim toomuchtolethim go.Hesavedourlivesthatnight<br />
remember."Ipleaded.<br />
"Monica.Monica.slowdown.Relax.It'sokay,youcankeepthecat."<br />
"Realy?"<br />
"Yes.It'salright."Hesaidandchuckled.<br />
"Ohthankyou.Thankyou.Thankyou."Isaidandhuggedhim.<br />
Assoonaswefinishedhugging,hefinalynoticedsomethingwasdiferent.<br />
"Wait,didyouchangethebedsheets?"Heasked.<br />
"Uhmmm .No.Imeanyes.ImeantheotherswerenotcomfortableandIfoundthese<br />
inthecloset."Isaid.Icouldnottelhim thetruththatIdirtiedtheothersheetswithbloodfrom<br />
myVirgina.Itwastooembarassing.<br />
"Oookay."Hesaid.<br />
Bilysuddenlywalkedintotheroom .ohGod,wedidnotlockthedoorandwewereboth<br />
stilnakedwithonlythebedsheetscoveringthebotom partofourbodies.Myboobswere<br />
exposed.AfternoticingthatHenryandiwerenaked,Bilyimmediatelycoveredhiseyes.<br />
"Okay.uhm .Youguysarenaked.Uhm .Ijustcametocheckifyouarereadytogoand<br />
pickupEla."Bilysaidinanakwardlysharpvoice.Stilcoveringhiseyes.<br />
"Ohyeah."Henrysaid.<br />
"Okay.soyouguysputonsomeclothesandyouwilfindmeoutsidebehindthehouse,<br />
atthecariage."Hesaidandimmediatelylefttheroom whileshutingthedoorbehindhim.<br />
HenryandIbothgotofbedandstartedtoputonourclothes.<strong>The</strong>momentwasawkward.<br />
IsledinsidemydressasHenryputonhistrousers.Ichuckledathowhestartedlookingforhis<br />
shirt,forgetingthathewaswearingthedoctor'sshirtlastnight.<br />
"Whatareyoulookingfor?"Iaskedoutofmockery.<br />
"Myshirt.Icannotfindmyshirt."Hesaidwhilekneelingtolookunderthebed.<br />
"uhm,ifyoufinishlookingunderthebedmaybeyoushouldalsolookatthedoctor's<br />
147
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
place."Ijokedandlaughed.Hehithisheadoutofrealization.<br />
"Ohyeah.Ileftit.I'lgrabanotheroneinthewardrobe."Hesaid.Irememberedthatthe<br />
dirtysheetswerestilinthewardrobe.Ihadtostophim from goingthere.<br />
"Nonono.Don'tgointhere."Iurgentlystoppedhim<br />
"Why?"<br />
"Uhm .because.<strong>The</strong>reisasnake."Iblurt.<br />
"Asnake!"Heshouted.<br />
"Ohno.no.Imean.youcanprobablyfindbeterclothesinBily'sroom right?Althe<br />
clothesintheclosetaretoosmalforyourhotbody."Isaidinanawkwardhoarsevoice.Ihadno<br />
ideawhatIwasevensaying.Ijustwantedhim awayfrom thewardrobe.Iwassurprisedthathe<br />
agreed.Helefttheroom andwenttopickupashirtinBily'sroom.<br />
IwentoutsidethehousetowereBilywasfixingthecariagetothehorse.<br />
"Hey?"Isaid.<br />
"Hithere."Bilysaid.<br />
"So,whatareyoudoing?"Isaid.Ifeltawkwardtalkingtohim afterwhathadjust<br />
happened.Iwasshy.<br />
"Uhm finishingupfasteningupsomelooseties."<br />
Ismiledathim.<br />
"SoyouandHenryare."Heasked.<br />
Idonotknowwhattoanswerhim.Iwasstuckandshy.<br />
"Bilyjustgetonthehorseandtakeustothedoctor'shouse."Henry'ssaidashe<br />
approached.iwassavedfrom thequestion.Iimmediatelygotinsidethecariage.Henrygotin<br />
too,andwerodeof.<br />
"Hey,Ijustrememberedsomething."Henrysaid.<br />
"What?"Iasked.<br />
"Yourmother'sbag.Youdon'tcaryitaroundthesedays."<br />
"Ohyeah.It'sjustthatwitheverythingthatisgoingon,Iam afraidoflosingit."<br />
"Igetit.Didyouhaveachancetoreadthebookyouweregiven?"<br />
"Notrealy.<strong>The</strong>rehasbeenalotgoingonthatIhaven'thadthechanceto."Isaid.But<br />
deepdownIknewthatIwasstilscaredofwhatIwouldfindinsidethebook.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Afteralongride,wefinalyarivedatthedoctor'shouse.Aswegotofthecariage,we<br />
noticedthatthedoortothehousewasbroken.HenryandBilyrushedinsidethehouse;I<br />
folowed.<strong>The</strong>insidewastrashed.Everythingwasbroken.<strong>The</strong>tablesandchairswereinpieces.<br />
<strong>The</strong>shelvesthatholdthemedicineswerealsobroken,themedicineswereonthefloor,theones<br />
Ithesoftbotleswerebroken,thehardoneswerenot.Everythingwasoutofplaceliketheywere<br />
justthrownaround.Itlookedlikeahuricanejusthittheinsideonthehouse.<br />
WewerelookingaroundforElaandthedoctor,whenwenoticedahandstickingoutfrom<br />
underoneoftheshelves.Somebodywasunderit.HenryandBilyrushedtowardsitandliftedof<br />
theshelf.Itdidnotseem heavysoIassumedthepersonwasnothurt.wefoundthatItwasthe<br />
doctorwhowasdownthere.Shewasnotmoving.Bilyimmediatelyputhisfingersonherneck<br />
tocheckforapulse.<br />
"Sheisstilalive."Hesaid.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nsuddenly,theroom feltstrange.<strong>The</strong>suroundingfeltquiet.<strong>The</strong>horseoutsidestarted<br />
neighingwildly.<strong>The</strong>momentfeltfarmiliar.Itfeltthesameasfirsttimewesawademondigout<br />
ofmud.beforewecoulddoanything,wealnoticedthatsomeoftheliquidmedicinethatwas<br />
spiledonthefloorstartedboiling.Adarkhandsuddenlydugout.Irecognizedthathandfrom<br />
anywhere.<strong>The</strong>strangesilence.<strong>The</strong>animalgoingwild.Iknewitwasashadowdemoncoming<br />
outofthefloor.<br />
Itstoodastalastheonethatatackedusbefore;itwasalsoasdarkandscary.<strong>The</strong>three<br />
redeyes,ithadnomouth.Ithaddarksmokecomingfrom it'sbody.Itlookedexactlylikethe<br />
previousone.Itmadethesamesoundstoo.<br />
"Whatthefuckisthat!"Bilyscreamed.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demonrushedtowardshim.Hewasstandingnexttothedoctor'sunconsciousbody.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demonslappedBilyawayandsenthim flyingacrosstheroom;hehitthewalontheother<br />
end.<strong>The</strong>demonimmediatelyentersthedoctor'snose.Asbigasitwas,itmanagedtosqueeze<br />
throughsuchasmalhole.<br />
Rightafteritwasfulyinside,thedoctorquicklyjumpeduptoherfeet.Icouldseedark<br />
nervesstickingoutunderneathherpaleskin.Hereyesturnedfulyblack.Shewasshaking.<br />
Whistlingandgagglinglikeademon.Shewaspossessedbyanachitauri.Elasaidtheachitauri<br />
Istheonethattakesfulcontrolofthebodywhenitpossesesit.Justliketheonethat<br />
possessedthesoldierthatkiledHenry.Itwasnolongerthedoctorinthatbodybody,itwasnow<br />
thedemon.<br />
NOTAGAIN .<br />
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CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Wasitalwaysgoingtobelikethat?Wasitalwaysgoingtobethateverywherewego<br />
dangerwilalwaysfolow?Wasthereasolution?<strong>The</strong>painoffeelingthatalthatwashappening<br />
wasmyfault.<strong>The</strong>painthatarosefrom theneverendingguilt.Idraggedtheothersinmylifeand<br />
nowmyproblemswereputingthem alindanger.Everybodywhogotinvolvedwithmypath<br />
endedupIndanger.<br />
MrsMeikledied.Henrydiedtoo.Elaalmostdiedandeventhoughshesurvived,shelosta<br />
handandshewasnowlost.Bily?.Hewasalsosacrificingalottohelpme.Itwasheartwarming<br />
howthesefourpeoplestuckbymeevenafterknowingIhadadarknessinsideme.Wasit<br />
becausetheysawalightinmeinsteadofthedarknessthateverybodyelsesaworheard?Or<br />
wasitbecausetheyhaddoubtsaboutwhatItrulywas?Ihadmydoubtstoo.Whatwould<br />
happenifwewerealassuredthatIwastheapocalypse?<br />
<strong>The</strong>onlypeopleIhadclosetofamily.Buttheywerealindanger.Whowasnextonthelist?<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctor,shedidnotevenhaveanythingtodowithmy<strong>secret</strong>lifeorhiddentruth,butshe<br />
becameavictim.Welosther.<strong>The</strong>demonwasincontrol.<br />
Itstoodinthecenteroftheroom.It'sdarkeyesstaringstraightintomineasIstood<br />
againstthewalwithHenrybymyside.Hewasholdingmyhandtightly,Icouldfeelhis<br />
protection.Bilywasontheothersidestrugglingtogetup.Heseemedtohavehurthislegafter<br />
beinghitbythedemonandsentflyingacrosstheroom.<br />
Wewerealstaringatthedoctorwhowasnowademon,waitingforittomakeamove.I<br />
wasscared.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demontookastepforward.<strong>The</strong>nanother.<strong>The</strong>nitwasrushingtowardsus;gaggling<br />
evenlouder.Bilyalsorantowardsus,eventhoughhewaslimping.Hetackledthedemontothe<br />
groundasHenryandidivedoutoftheway.Bilystruggledabitwiththedemononthefloorright<br />
beforeitpushedhim ofofit'sbodyandsenthim flyingacrosstheroom again.Thistimehehit<br />
thewalandpassedout.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demonstoodupandstaredatHenryandIwhowerenowstandinginacorner.Henry<br />
wasinfrontshieldingmefrom thedemon.Itwasabouttoatackusagainwhenweheardaloud<br />
bangfrom outsideandthensomethingcameflyingthroughoneofthewindowsandhitthe<br />
demon.ItwastoofastIdidnotseewhatitwas.WhenIlooked,thedemonwasonthefloorwith<br />
achainwrappedaroundit.Itstartedstruggling;gagglingandgrowlinglouderasthoughitwas<br />
inpain.<strong>The</strong>chainsweredoingsomethingtoit.Somethingpainful.Buthow?Wheredidthe<br />
chainsevencomefrom?<br />
Bilyregainedconsciousness.<br />
Justasthethreeofuswerewonderingwhathadjusthappened,somebodywalkedintothe<br />
house.<strong>The</strong>personwaswearingablackleatherhoodedjacketwithblacktrousersofthesame<br />
material;atthebotom,thetrousersweretackedinsideblackboot-likeshoes.<strong>The</strong>hoodwas<br />
coveringherhead.ormaybehishead.Itwashardtotel.<strong>The</strong>personwaswearingafacemask,<br />
150
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Itwasactualyascufwhichcoveredthelowerpartoftheface-from thenosedowntothe<br />
neck.Eventhoughtheywerenotcovered,itwashardtomakeouttheeyesbecausetheywere<br />
hidingintheshadowofthehood.<strong>The</strong>handshadblackglovesonthem;holdingahugeweapon.<br />
Itwasshapedlikeacrossbowwithawiderbase.Itlookedlikeitwastheweaponusedtofirethe<br />
chainthatwaswrappedaroundthedemon,becausethecrossbowwasalreadycockedwith<br />
anotherchainonit.Icouldalsospottheswordhandlesthatwerestickingoutfrom herbackon<br />
herleftandrightshoulder.<br />
Wewerealwatchingquietlyashedidhisthing.Uponnoticingthatthedemonwastrapped,<br />
heputthecrossbowdownonthefloor,thenpuledoutthetwoswordsfrom herback.<strong>The</strong><br />
swordswereabitshorterthananormalsword,almosthalfthesize;theywerealsoabitcurved<br />
andabitwiderthananormalsword.theylookedmorelikebigknivesthanswords.maybe<br />
somewhereinbetween.<strong>The</strong>rewasonlythesoundofhisshoestappingthefloorasheslowly<br />
approachedthedemon.Ithennoticedthatbesideshavingtheswordsandthecrossbowhealso<br />
hadtwosmalerknivesonhisleftandrightleg.Howcansomebodyneedthismanyweapons?<br />
Hewalkedwithhiseyesstaringstraightatthedemon,Itwaslikehedidnotevennotice<br />
thatwewereintheroom too.Hefinalyreachedthedemonandstoodbesidesitasitcontinued<br />
tostruggleinpain.Henryandiwerestilstandinginthecorner,Bilywasstandingontheother<br />
side,holdingapieceofplankinhishandthatwashelpinghim standbecauseofhisinjuredleg.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manthenputtheswordagainstthesideit'sneck,buthedidnotusetheedgesofthesword,<br />
insteadheusedthefuler-theflatsideofthesword.Assoonastheswordtouchedtheskinof<br />
thepossessedbody,thedemonscreamedevenlouder.Itlookedliketheswordwasburningit's<br />
skin.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demoncontinuedtostraggleastheswordwasburningitmore.Itthenlookedatus<br />
andforjustasecond,wegotaglimpseofthedoctor.<strong>The</strong>eyeswentbacktonormalhumaneyes,<br />
andhervoicesoundednormalasshepleadedtous,<br />
"Helpme!Pleasehelpme."Shesaid.<br />
Butinjustasecond,hereyesturnedbacktoblackandhervoicewasgone,itwasbackto<br />
gagglingandgrowling.<br />
Itwasinthatmomentthatwerealisedthatthedoctorwasstilintheresomewhere.She<br />
wasstilfightingforherbody.<br />
"Stopstopit.Youarehurtingher!"Henryscreamed.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manfinalylookedatus.Hethenstaredlongandhardatme.Hesteppedawayfrom<br />
thedemonandslowlywalkedtowardsuswhilecontiniouslystaringatme.Hewasgetingclose<br />
enoughformetonoticethathiseyeswereodd.<strong>The</strong>pupilinthelefteyewasblue-ishincolor,<br />
whiletherightonewaskindofred.Hefinalystoppedwhenhereachedus.Heextendedhis<br />
handandtouchedmyhair.<br />
"Monica?"HesaidInanunsurevoice.Butthevoicesoundedlikethatofafemale.<br />
<strong>The</strong>strangerimmediatelytookofthehoodandpuleddownthescufthatwascovering<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
themouthandnose.Itwasatthatmomentthatwerealisedthatitwasactualyafemale<br />
underneaththemask.Herhaircolorwassomewherein-betweenblondeandbrunete.Some<br />
kindofgoldcolor.Itrandowntohershoulders.Herskinwasalitlelesspalethantherestofus.<br />
Shewasbeautifultoo.Howcouldawomanlookthatbad-assanddangerous?Moreimportantly,<br />
howdidsheknowme?<br />
"Monica?"Sherepeatedandimmediatelyhuggedme.Hervoicewassoftandsweet,it<br />
matchedherbeautybutdidnotmatchherbad-asslook.<br />
Ihadnoclueonwhatwasgoingon.Ihuggedherbackjustforthesakeofnotbeingrude.<br />
"Isawyoudie.Ithoughtyouweredead."Shecontinued.Shebrokethehugandthenhold<br />
mebytheshoulders,"ithoughtyouweredead.Whathappened?.ImeanIsawyoudieinfront<br />
ofmyeyes.wherehaveyoubeen?"<br />
Ihadnothavetheslightestclueofwhoshewasorwhatshewastalkingabout.Iwas<br />
speechless.Ididnotansweranyofherquestions.Ididnotknowhowtotelherthatididnot<br />
knowher.Shelookedhappytoseeme.<br />
ShefinalynoticedthatIwaspuzzled;confused.<br />
"Don'tyourecognizeme?"Sheasked.Igaveanegativenod.<br />
Hersmilesuddenlyfadedaway.<br />
"it'sme.Mash."Shesaid.<br />
"Mash?"Bily'svoicesoundedunsurefrom thebackoftheroom.<br />
Sheturnedaroundandstaredathim forashortwhile.<br />
"Bily?Isthatyou?"Sheaskedwhilewalkingtowardshim.<br />
"Mash."Bilyresponded.Helookedlikeherecognizedher.<br />
"OhmyGodBily,itisyou."ShesaidandhuggedBily.Hehuggedherbackjustas<br />
passionateasshedid.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ykneweachother.<br />
"Wherehaveyoubeen?"Bilyaskedwhilebreakingthehug."Whatareyouevendoing<br />
here?"<br />
"It'salongstory."Shesaid.<br />
Bilyhuggedheragainbutthistimeshedidnothughim back.<br />
"Youhaven'tchangedabit.YourfacelooksexactlythesameasthelasttimeIsaw<br />
you."Mashsaid.<br />
"Youhaven'tchangedabittoo."Henrysaid.<br />
152
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Ithoughtyouwouldbehalfwayacrosstheworldbynow .howdoyouevenknow<br />
Monica?"Mashasked,"Youknowwhatwe'lcatchuplater.Firstly,let'shandlethedemon."She<br />
continued.<br />
"Handlethedemon?Howdoyouknowwhatitis?Whyareyouevendressedlikean<br />
assassin?"Bilyasked.<br />
Mashwalkedtowardsthedemonandputoneofherlegsonit'schest.<br />
"Letmere-introducemyself.mynameisMashaelthehunter.Itrackdownanythingthat<br />
doesnotbelongonthisworldandIsendthem backwheretheybelong,eitherbykilingthem or<br />
by.kiling.them .okaylet'sjustsaymostofthetimes,Ikilthem .butanyway,shadowdemons<br />
happentobeoneofthosethings."Shesaidinaboldvoice.Shefinalysoundedasbad-assas<br />
shelooked.<br />
153
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Letmere-introducemyself.mynameisMashaelthehunter.Itrackdownanythingthat<br />
doesnotbelongonthisworldandIsendthem backwheretheybelong,eitherbykilingthem or<br />
by.kiling.them .okaylet'sjustsaymostofthetimes,Ikilthem .butanyway,shadowdemons<br />
happentobeoneofthosethings."Shesaidinaboldvoice.Shefinalysoundedasbad-assas<br />
shelooked.<br />
"Soyouhuntdowndemonsandyoukilthem?"Henryasked.<br />
"That'swhatijustsaid."Mashsaid.<br />
"Thosebladesyouhave,howweretheyabletoburnthedemon.andhowarethechains<br />
abletoholdthedemondespitehowstrongitis?"<br />
"It'snotaboutthechainsandtheblades,it'saboutthematerialtheyaremadefrom."<br />
Mashsaid.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"<br />
"Shadowdemonsaremostlyknowntohaveoneweakness,Light.Indemonform,when<br />
theirskingetsincontactwithlight,theyburn,meltandeventualydie.Butwhentheypossess,it<br />
isalmostimpossibletokilthem.Becausethen,it'sbodyisprotectedfrom thelightbythebody<br />
ofthehost.butitisalsoknownthatyoucankilthedemonbydrowningthehost,thoughIhave<br />
nevertriedthismethodbeforebecauseitishardtogetthedemoninwater.Apartfrom these<br />
twoways,therewasnootherwayofkilingademon,untilAthousandyearsago.ABritishhunter<br />
discoveredanotherweaknessfortheshadowdemons.Ametalcaledgariansteel.Oneofthe<br />
mostraremetalsontheplanet.Hediscoveredthatwhenthemetalcomesincontactwitha<br />
demon'sbody,whetherpossessedornot,itmakesthedemonweak.Aswordmadefrom garian<br />
steelcankilademonbydrivingtheswordthroughit'sbody.Ademoncanhealfrom anywound<br />
butitcannothealfrom awoundmadebygariansteel."<br />
"Sothechainitiswrappediniskilingthedemon?"Henryasked.<br />
"No.Youcanonlykilthedemonbydrivinggariassteelthroughit'schestorhead.Ifitis<br />
justonit'sbody,likethewaythechainis,itonlytorturesthedemon.Burnsitfrom insideout."<br />
"Sowhatdowedonow?"<br />
"Wehavetokilit.Iam cutingofit'shead."Mashsaidwhilespinningherblades.<br />
"No!Youwilnotdoanythingofthatsort."Henrysaidinahoarsevoice.Hethenranto<br />
standbetweenthedemonandMash.<br />
"Whatareyoudoing?Thisthingisdangerousandneedstodiebeforeithurtspeople."<br />
Mashsaidwhilebitingherteeth.Shelookedangry.<br />
"Iam sory.Wecannotalowyoutodothat."<br />
154
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Youdon'tknowwhatyoudealingwith.NowgetoutofmywaybeforeImakeyou."<br />
"Listen.<strong>The</strong>reisadoctorstuckinsidethatbodysomewhereand."<br />
".No!<strong>The</strong>reisnothinginthatbodyexceptademon.Idon'tknowwhothehostwasto<br />
youbutsheisgone!"MashraisedhervoiceatHenry.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>doctorisstilinthere!"Henryshouted,"<strong>The</strong>doctorisstilinthereandyousawit.<br />
Wealsawher.Sheisfightingthedemonandwehavetohelpher."Hesaid.<br />
"No!Youdon'tgetitdoyou?Demonsaredeceiving.Whatyousawtherewasnotwhat<br />
youthinkyousaw,itwasjustthedemontryingtogetyoutohelpit."Mashsaid.<br />
"IknowwhatIsaw,anddeepdownyouknowtoo."<br />
"Look.Iam ahunter.Ihuntdownanythingthatpossesathreattothepeople.Ifinda<br />
demon,itisathreat,soikilit.Youstandinmyway,Itakeyouasathreattoo.Sogetoutofmy<br />
way,youarewastingmytime."Mashsaid.Shesoundedscaryandlookedlikesherealytookher<br />
huntingthingserious.<br />
"Lookaroundtheplace.Whatdoyousee?"Henryasked.<br />
Mashjuststaredathim withafeduplook.<br />
"Whatdoyousee?"Henryrepeated.<br />
"Iseeademonandthreepeopletryingtoprotectit."<br />
"No.Doyouseehowthishouselooks.Lastnightthisisnothowitwasinhere.<br />
Somethingwashereanditdamagedtheplace.Nowlisten,lastnightwebroughtavery<br />
importantpersonhereformedicalhelpandtodaywecometopickherupandwedon'tfindher.<br />
Insteadwefindahousefulofbrokenfurnitureandoneunconciousdoctor.whateverhappened<br />
hereandwhateverhappenedtomyfriend,onlythedoctorknows.Withoutthedoctor,icannot<br />
findmyfriend.andmyfriendisaveryimportantpersontome.Iwoulddoanythingtomakesure<br />
sheissafe.SoIneedthedoctoralive.Wearegoingtofindawaytogetthedemonoutofher.<br />
Untilthen,youwilnotlayasinglehandonher."<br />
"WelIam soryaboutyourfriend,ihopeyoufindherbutrightnowyouareinmyway."<br />
Mashsaidwhileputingherbladesbackonherback.ShethenquicklytookHenry'shandand<br />
flippedhim againstthefloor.Shewasincrediblyfast.Shelookedlikeaprofessionalfighter.<br />
AfterHenryhitback-firstonthefloor,mashquicklywentontopofthedemonandbefore<br />
shecouldpuloutthebladesagain,Bilyshotherwiththechaincross-bowthatwaslayingon<br />
theground.<strong>The</strong>forcetossedherofofthedemonwhilethechainswrappedaroundherbody,<br />
trappingherhands.<br />
"Bilywhatareyoudoing?"Sheshoutedinangerandanguish.<br />
"I'm soryMash.Icannotletyoudothat."Bilysaid.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Youpeopledon'tknowwhatyouaredoing.ThatcreatureIsdangerous."<br />
"Thatcreatureisholdingsomeonewhoknowswheremyfriendis."Henrysaidwhile<br />
getingup.<br />
Mashwasstrugglingtogetoutofthechains.Eventhoughtheycouldhurtsomeone<br />
possessedbyademon,thechainsdidnotseem tobedoinganythingtoMashexcepttrapping<br />
her.Onherbodytheywerejustlikenormalchains.<br />
"Bily.youtrustmeright?YouknowthatIalwaysdowhatisright."Mashsaid.<br />
"Wearealsotryingtodosomethingright.andthatistosaveourfriend."Bilysaid.<br />
"ListenMash.Wearenotagainstyou,andjudgingbywhatyoucando,wedon'twanna<br />
beyourenemy.Wearejusttryingtosaveafriend.wecaneitherdothiswithyouorwithoutyou.<br />
Forme,ithinkitwouldbebeterifwediditwithyou.Wejustneedtogetthedemonoutofthe<br />
body,andafterthat,youcandowhateveryouwanttoit."Henrysaid.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>reisnowayofgetingademonoutofthebody."Mashsaid.<br />
"Haveyouevertried?"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>reisnowayof."<br />
".haveyouevertried,Mash?"Bilyasked.<br />
"No.butIhavereadalotabout."<br />
".nomash,youhavenevertriedandthat'salweneedtohear.Iknowthatthereisa<br />
wayofgetingthedemonoutofthedoctor'sbody."Henrysaid.<br />
"Alrightsmartypants.Let'ssaysomehowthereisawayofgetingthedemonoutofthe<br />
body,andlet'ssayyoumanagetogetitout,whatmakesyousosurethehostwilsurvivethe<br />
process?"<br />
"We'lneverknowunlesswetry."Isaid.<br />
"Shefinalyspeaks.Ican'tbelieveyouarewiththem Monica.You'veseenwhatthe<br />
demonsarecapableof.theytookawayeverythingfrom usand,you.Youaresidingwiththem."<br />
Mashsaid.<br />
"Idon'tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout.Idon'tevenrememberknowingyou.Youmight<br />
knowmynamebutI'm notthepersonyouthinkIam.Thisisaljustamisunderstanding."Isaid.<br />
IfinalytoldherwhatIdidnotwanttotelher.<br />
"IknowyouMonica.Iwouldrecogniseyourfacefrom anywhere.Yourhair.your<br />
eyes.yourvoice.Iknowit'syou.Ijustdon'tknowhowyoucan'trememberme.Wewereso<br />
close,youaremysister.Maybetheatackmadeyouloseyourmemory.Iam stiltryingtorap<br />
myheadaroundhowyouarestilalivewhenyoudiedinmyarms."Mashsaid.<br />
156
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>moreIspoketoher,themoreconfusedshemademe.Sheknewme?Wewere<br />
sisters?whatatackwasshetalkingabout?WhendidIdie?Whowasshe?<br />
"AnywayasIsaid.Wewiltalkabouteverythingelselater,let'shandlethedemonfirst<br />
beforemoreshowup.You,howdoyouplanongetingthedemonoutofthebody?"Sheasked<br />
Henry.<br />
"Idon'trealyknowbutwewilfigureitout."Henryanswered.<br />
Mashlaughed,"Youdon'tevenhaveaplan.Getmeoutofthesechains,letmekilthe<br />
demon."Shesaid.<br />
"Okay,whatifweweretoforcethedemonoutofthebody?"Henrysaid.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"Mashasked.<br />
"Waitguys,youdorealisethatweareplotingagainstademonthatislisteningto<br />
everythingwearesayingright."Bilysaid.<br />
"Don'tworyaboutthat.Itcannotunderstandwhatwearesaying.Tothedemon,itis<br />
justlikewearemakingrandom sounds."Mashsaid.<br />
"Ohalrightthen.Goin."<br />
"oksowehavetoforcethedemonoutofthebody.<strong>The</strong>chainsarounditarehurtingthe<br />
demonright?"AskedHenry.<br />
"Yes.Why?"AskedMash.<br />
"Isthereawaywecantortureitmorewithouthurtingthehost'sbody?"<br />
"Howmuchyoutorturethedemondependsonhowmuchgariansteelyouputonit's<br />
body.Wecantortureitmorebyputingmoregariansteelonit.ButThatwon'twork.Ithas<br />
nowheretogoafteritleavesthebodysoitwilnotleave."<br />
"Butwhatifweweretooferitanotherbodytoposses?"<br />
"What?"<br />
"Whatifwhiletorturingit,weoferitanotherbodytoposses."<br />
"Ohsoyouwantittoleavethedoctor'sbodyandpossessomeoneelse?<strong>The</strong>nnowwe<br />
wilhavetokilthenewrevenant."<br />
"Revenant?Whatisthat."<br />
"That'swhatIcalapersonpossessedbyademon."<br />
"Okthatsoundscoolerthancalingthem ademon.ImeanitisademonInahuman<br />
body,wecannotcontinuecalingitademonafteritposseses.Ithinkweshouldalusethatterm,<br />
Revenant.Itsoundsawesome."Bilysaid.<br />
157
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Weallookedathim forplayingaroundinsuchasituation.<br />
"I'm sory.I'm sory.eish,Iwasjustmakingasuggestion.Henry,continue."Bilysaid.<br />
"Right,Sothisismyplan.WetorturetheRevenantwhileweoferanotherbodyforitto<br />
posses."<br />
"Ha!Seehejustcaleditrevenant."Bilyinteracted.<br />
Weallookedathim angrilyagainforcrackingunnecesaryjokes.<br />
"I'm soryagain.Continue."<br />
".Wetorturetherevenantwhileweoferanotherbodyforthedemontoposses.Butwe<br />
won'tletitpossestheotherbody."<br />
"Whatareyougetingto?"Mashasked.<br />
"Look,whenthedemonleavesthedoctor'sbody,weatackitbeforeitjumpsintothe<br />
secondbody."Henrysaid.<br />
Elahadthatlookonherfaceasthoughapartofherwasagreeingtotheplan.<br />
".andlikeyousaid,gariansteelcanhurtthedemonwhetherpossessedornot.Somaybe<br />
wecanuseittokilit."<br />
"Demonsaretoofastintherenaturalform,itishardforanordinarypersontostopit."<br />
Mashsaid,".itishardforanordinarypersontostopit.Youareluckyyouhaveme."She<br />
continued.<br />
"Sodoesthatmeanyouwilhelpus?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Getmeoutofthesechains."Mashsaidinacalm voice.<br />
"Canwetrustyou?"Henrysaid.<br />
"Getmeoutofthesechains."Sherepeated.<br />
"I'm sory,weneedtoknowifwecantrustyoufirst."Henrysaid.<br />
Mashdidnotsayanything,shejustlookedatBily.<br />
"Wecantrusther."Bilysaid.<br />
"areyousure?"Henryasked.<br />
"Yes.I'veonceknownMash.Iknowwecantrusther."Bilysaid.Hewalkedtowards<br />
mashandhelpedherup.Hethensetherfreefrom thechains.<br />
"Alright.Yourplanisokaybutitneedsafewchanges."Mashsaid.Shepickedupthe<br />
chainsthatweretiedaroundher.<br />
158
"Whatchanges?"Henryasked.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Torturingtherevenantmorewilnotdrawthedemonoutofthebody.Aslongasthe<br />
revenant'sbodyisnotthreatened,thedemonwilstayinthebodynomaterhowmuchpainyou<br />
dotoit.<strong>The</strong>onlywaywecanmakeitditchthebodyisbythreateningtherevenant'sbody."<br />
"Howdoyousuggestwedothat?"<br />
"Wetrytodrowntherevenant.Hopefulythedemonwilditchthebodyinfearof<br />
drowning."<br />
"Wilthatwork?"Iasked.<br />
"Weneverknowunlesswetry."Mashsaidwhilelookingatme.Sheteasedmebyusing<br />
myownwordsonme.<br />
"Okaysothisistheplan."Mashsaidwhilepickingupthecross-bowthatBilydroppedon<br />
theground.Shestartedtocockthechainonit.<br />
"What'stheplan?"Henryasked.<br />
"Isthereabathtubinhere?"Mashasked.<br />
Bilyrushedtochecktheotherroom.Amomentlaterherushedback.<br />
"Ihavegoodnewsandgoodnews."Besaid.<br />
"What'sthegoodnews?"Henryasked.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>goodnewsisthatthereisaperfecttabintheotherroom.<strong>The</strong>othergoodnewsis<br />
that,italreadyhaswaterfiledinit."Bilysaid.<br />
"Okaysonowalweneedistheotherbodywearegoingtooferthedemon."SaidMash.<br />
"I'ldoit."SaidHenry.<br />
"Youdounderstandthatifatalwefailtostopthedemon,itwilpossesyou?"<br />
"YesIknow.ButIam abletodefendmyselfandkeepitfrom enteringmybody."Said<br />
Henry.<br />
"Noyouwon't.Youwon'tbeabletodefendyourselfbecauseyouwilbeunconscious."<br />
"WhatdoyoumeanIwilbeunconcious?"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>demonsonlypossespeoplewho'sbody'sareshutdown.ImeanPeoplewho's<br />
bodiesaredefencelessatthemoment.Forexample,someonewhoissleeping,unconsciousor<br />
someonewhorecentlydied."<br />
"Thatexplainsalot."SaidHenry.IknewthathewasthinkingwhatIwasthinking.Thatit<br />
wastruethatdemonspossesdefenselessbodies.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>firsttimethedemonatackedus,thesoldieritpossessedwasunconsciousatthat<br />
time.ThatexplainedwhythedemondidnotpossesHenryandIbecausewewereconscious.<br />
Instead,itwentfortheunconscioussoldiers.<strong>The</strong>doctorwasalsounconsciouswhenthedemon<br />
possessedher.Itmadeawholelotofsense.<br />
"Hey.you.idon'tknowyouyet.What'syourname?"MashaskedHenry.<br />
"Henry.MynameisHenry."<br />
"Wait,youareHenry?Bilyusedtotalkaboutyoualot."Saidmash,".anyway,Henryare<br />
yousureyouareinforthis?BecauseIpromiseyou,ifatalthedemonmanagestopossesyou,i<br />
promiseiwilstopatnothingtoputyoudown."<br />
MashwalkedtowardsHenry.<br />
"Yes.IwoulddoanythingforEla.Shemeansalottome.Eachsecondwewasteis."<br />
Henrysaidbutbeforehecouldfinish,Mashquicklypuledoutoneofherbladeandusedit's<br />
handletohitHenry'shead,whichknockedhim unconscious.Bilyrushedtohisbodysothatit<br />
doesnothitthefloorhard.<br />
"Whatdidyoudothatfor?Areyouapsycho?"Ishouted.<br />
"Hesaidithimself,eachsecondwewasteisasecondyourfriendspendsoutthere<br />
alone.Besides,hewouldn'thaveagreedIItoldhim thatIwasgoingtohithim withmyswordto<br />
knockhim out."<br />
"Wilhebealright?"Iasked.<br />
"He'lbealright.Don'twory."Bilysaid.<br />
"Oksoweneedtogetthem bothtothebathroom."Mashsaid.Bilyimmediatelycaried<br />
Henrytotheotherroom.<br />
Hecamebacktohelpwiththerevenant.Itstruggledalotbutwemanagedtocaryittothe<br />
otherroom andputitonthefloorwiththechainstiltiedaroundit.<strong>The</strong>sameroom wereHenry<br />
waslayingonthefloorunconscious.<br />
"Howarewedoingthis?"Bilyasked.<br />
"WewilputtherevenantinbathtubandleaveitandHenryinthisroom.<strong>The</strong>threeofus<br />
wilhideoutsidethedoorandwaitforthedemontoleavethebody.Onceitleavesthedoctor's<br />
body,wewilrushin.Iwilfirethechainatittotrapitbeforeitenter'sHenry.YouandMonicawil<br />
helpthedoctoroutofthewater."Mashsaid.<br />
Bily.<br />
"Whatifthedemondoesn'tleavethedoctor'sbody?Won'ttheydrowntogether?"Asked<br />
"Ittakesaboutsixtysecondsforapersontodrown.Ifthedemondoesnotcomeoutat<br />
fiftyseconds,wewe'lstopthedrowning.ifwefailtogetthedemonoutofher,Iwilkilthe<br />
revenantnomaterwhatitcosts."Mashsaid.Shesoundedseriousanddangerous.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Bilyandmashliftedtherevenantandputitinthetub,facingdowninthetub.We<br />
immediatelyrushedoutoftheroom andhidinthesidesofthebrokendoor.Henrywaslaying<br />
quiteadistanceawayfrom thebathtub.Thiswastogouschancetostopthedemonbeforeit<br />
gotintoHenry.<br />
Mashwasstandingontheothersideofthedoor,holdingthechaincross-bowtightand<br />
readytofire.Shealsostartedatimeronherpocketwatch.Bilyandiwerestandingonthe<br />
oppositeside.<br />
"Howwilthedemonknowthatthereisanotherbodyoutsidethetubthatitcanposses,<br />
ifitcannotseeit?"Bilywhispered.<br />
"Itcansenseit."Mashwhisperedback.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ntherewassilence.Wewerepeepinginsidetheroom waitingforsomethingto<br />
happen.<strong>The</strong>revenantwasjuststrugglingtogetoutofthewaterinthebathtub,buttherewere<br />
nosignsofthedemoncomingout.<strong>The</strong>chainsarounditthatwereburningitandthedrowning<br />
shouldhavebeenenoughtortureforthedemontostayinthedoctor'sbody,butitwasn'tcoming<br />
out.Iwascountingthesecondsinmymind.<br />
Fifteensecondsandnothingwashappening.Justthesoundofchainsclinkingunder<br />
waterastherevenantwasstrugglingtobreath.<br />
Thirtysecondsandstilnothing.Myheartwasracing,Iwasscared.Iwasscaredthe<br />
doctormightdie.<br />
<strong>The</strong>fourtysecondsmarkhitandtheywasstilnothing.Icouldfeelthetensionbuildingup.<br />
Bythewasshewasstandingatthispoint,Isuspectedthatshewasreadytorushinbeforeus<br />
andkiltherevenant.Iwasright.<br />
Assoonasitwasfourty-fiveseconds,mashtriedtorushinbutBilystoppedherandmade<br />
herlistentothesoundthattherevenantstartedproducing.<strong>The</strong>samenoiseademonmake<br />
whenitismovingandbeforeitposseses.<strong>The</strong>soundofbonescracking;thegagglingand<br />
hissing.Weknewatthispointthatitwasfinalyhappening.<br />
Adarkhandburstedoutofthewaterandtouchedthesideofthebathtub.<strong>The</strong>water<br />
suddenlyturnedblack,anddarksmokestartedrisingfrom it.<strong>The</strong>demoncrawledoutofthe<br />
waterandstoodtalbesidethebathtub.Mashimmediatelyjumpedbetweenthedoorandfired<br />
thechaincross-bowatthedemon.Unfortunately,thedemonmangedtoseeitcomingand<br />
dodgeditquickly.IthissedloudlyatusandthenruntoHenry'sbody.Mashranintoo.Bily<br />
rushedtowardsthedoctorinthetubwhowasnotmoving.Istoodatthedoorandwatchedin<br />
fear.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demonopenedHenry'smouthandsunkit'shandsinside,itwaspossessinghim.<br />
Beforeitcouldgetit'sheadinhim,Mashjumpedonitandmanagedtotackleittotheground,<br />
awayfrom Henry.Surprisinglyshelandedonherfeet.<strong>The</strong>demonfeltothegroundandquickly<br />
roledbacktoit'sfeet.<strong>The</strong>possessionwasstopped.Mashwasincrediblygoodatfightingthe<br />
demon.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Bilypuledtheunconsciousdoctoroutofthetubandrushherouttheroom.<br />
ShewasnowstandingbetweenthedemonandHenry.Withouthesitationthedemon<br />
atackedher.Itswingedit'slonghandatherbutshemanagedtoduckanddodgeandthenhit<br />
it'sfacewiththechainlesscross-bow,iteventualybroke.Mashwasalmostasfastasthe<br />
demonwas.Itswingedanotherhandather,butasshewasduckingthehand,thedemonused<br />
it'slegtokickhertotheground.Itthenbroughtit'sfingerstogetherandtheyformedasharp<br />
hand.Almostlikeadagger.IttriedtostubMashwhowaslayingonthefloor.<br />
"Hey !"Iscreamedatthedemontostopitfrom stubbingMash.<br />
Itturnedit'sheadatmeandhissed.Igotsoscaredthatifroze.IdidnotknowwhyIeven<br />
screamedatit.<strong>The</strong>demonwasdistracted,Mashtookthisasanopportunity.Shegotup;<br />
steppedonthebathtubandjumpedonthedemon'sshoulder.Beforeitcouldgetherof,she<br />
quicklypuledthebladesfrom herbackandimmediatelywrappedthem aroundthedemon's<br />
neck,thenshecutit'sheadcleanof.<strong>The</strong>blademusthavebeenrealysharptoperform sucha<br />
taskandMashmusthavebeenrealytrainedtodostuntslikethat.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demon'sheadfeltotheground,then<strong>The</strong>restofthebodyfeltoowithMashstilon<br />
it'sshoulders.Butshelandedonherfeet.<strong>The</strong>demonthenmeltedandturnedtoatar-like<br />
substance.Itwasdead.Herbladesmusthavebeenmadeoutofgariassteeltooforthem tokil<br />
ademon.Iwastraumatized.<br />
IrushedtowardsHenrytocheckonhim.Itriedtowakehim upbuthewasnotresponding.<br />
"Whyisn'thewakingup?"IaskedMash.<br />
ShetookabuckedofwaterthatwasinacornerandthenpouredsomewateronHenry's<br />
face.Buthedidnotwakeup.<br />
"Monica!Ineedsomehelphere!"Bilyscreamedfrom theotherroom.<br />
"GohelpBily,I'lbundleHenry."Mashsaid.<br />
"But."<br />
"Justgo.Igotthis.He'lbealright."Shesaid.SomehowItrustedher.Maybebecause<br />
shesavedus.Irushedouttheroom tohelpBily.<br />
Ifoundhim kneelingnexttothedoctor'sunconsviencebody.Hewasapplyingpressureon<br />
herabdomentoremovetheswalowedwater.Thiswasatechniquethathadjustbeen<br />
discoveredafewyearsbackbyasocietyinAmsterdam.Ireadalaboutitinabookonce,butI<br />
didnotfinishthebooksoIdidnotknowmuchaboutthetechnique.<br />
"Sheisnotbreathing.Comehelpmewiththis."Bilyshouted.Irushedtohim.<br />
"WhatshouldIdo?"Iasked.<br />
"WhenItelyouto,iwantyoutoblowairinhermouth.Canyoudothat?"<br />
162
"Yes."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"OkayI'ltelyouwhen."Hesaid.<br />
Heusedhispalmstopressonthedoctor'sabdomenafewtimes,thenhepausedandtold<br />
metoblow.<strong>The</strong>nhepressedonitagainandtoldmetoblow.Butthedoctorwasnotresponding.<br />
Wasshedead?<br />
BilypressedonheracouplemoretimesandIblewinhermouthwhenhepaused.Wedid<br />
thisoveragainafewmoretimesuntilthedoctorfinalystartedbreathingagainandvomitedout<br />
thewater.Butthestrangethingisthat,thesametimethedoctorwokeup,iheardHenrywakeup<br />
aswelintheotherroom.<br />
Henrycamerushingoutoftheroom towardsus,andwithasmileonhisfacehesaid,<br />
"IknowwhereElais."<br />
163
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"IknowwhereElais."Henryrepeated.<br />
UponnoticingthatthedoctorwasIntheroom too,Henrywalkedtowardsherandsquatas<br />
shewassitingonthefloor.<strong>The</strong>doctorwasabitshaken.Shelookedtraumatisedandconfused.<br />
Shewasfrozenandwasnotsayinganything.<br />
"Doctor,areyouokay?"Henryasked.<br />
"Sheisconfused,shejustneedssometimetoprocesseverything."Mashsaidwhile<br />
walkingintotheroom.Shewascaryingherbrokencross-bowinherlefthandandthechains<br />
wereinherrighthand.<br />
"Youhitme."HenrysaidtoMash.Hewasangry.<br />
"Ihadto.Weneededyouunconsciousremember."Mashsaid.<br />
"Wewouldhavedoneitanotherwaybutyoudecidedtohitme.Doyouknowhowmuch<br />
thathurt,ihaveamassiveheadacherightnow."<br />
"Itwilgoaway.<strong>The</strong>jobisdoneandthat'salthatmaters."Shesaid.<br />
EverybodystoppedtalkandwatchedastheDoctorfinalystoodup.Shewasshivering<br />
whileslowlywalkingtowardsHenry.<br />
"Isthisreal?"Sheaskedinalowcrackyvoice.Tearsroleddownhereyes.<br />
Henryheldherbytheshoulders.<br />
"Yesdoctor.Thisisalreal.Youaresafenow.Wearefinalyoutofthatplace."Hesaid.<br />
"OkayokayIbelieveyou.ibelieveyou.Buthow .howwereyouthere?Whatwasthat<br />
thing?Ihadsomethinginsideme."<strong>The</strong>doctorstumeredassheshivered.<br />
"areyousureyouareokaydoctor?"Mashasked.<br />
"Yes.I'lbealright.Iam justabitconfused.ImeanIsawthings.Ifeltthings.Icouldn't<br />
controlmyownbody.Ihadsomethinginsideme.I,uhm .Idon'tknowwhat'sgoingon."<br />
"Thisisfacinating.Youaretelingmethatyoucouldfeelthedemoninsideyou?Iwanna<br />
knoweverything.Iwanttoknowwhatyoufeltwhenyouwerepossessed."Mashsaidwhile<br />
putingdownthecross-bowandchains.<br />
"Possessed?Demon?Iwaspossessed?Whatareyoutalkingabout?I.I.Ihonestlydon't<br />
knowwhatisgoingonhere.Whoexactlyareyoupeople?"<strong>The</strong>doctoraskedinasorowfulvoice.<br />
Icouldseehowmuchpainshewasgoingthrough.Itwasaltoomuchforher.Ihadafamiliar<br />
momentandfeelingwhenIfirstfoundoutthatIwastheapocalypse.Icouldonlyimaginewhat<br />
shewasgoingthrough.<br />
164
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Doctor,wearegoingtohelpyouunderstandeverything.Butfirstyouneedtotelus<br />
everythingyousaw,feltorheard.Startingfrom thebegining."<br />
"Hedestroyedeverything.Heisthedevil."Shewhispered.<br />
"Who?Canyouteluswhathappenedhere?"Henrysaid.<br />
"Wait.<strong>The</strong>girl.whereisthegirl?Isshealright?Where.whereisEla?Didhetakeher?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctorpanicked.<br />
"Relaxdoctor.IthinkElaisfine."Henrysaid.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?Howdoyouknow?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Isawher.WhenIwasunconsciousihadanotherdream andithinkIsawher.IfIam<br />
rightthenElaisbackatthehouseandsheissafe."Henrysaid.<br />
"Ican'tbelievethis.Henrydoyouevenhearyourselfrightnow?.Imeanyouaremaking<br />
assumptionsfrom adream?YouthinkElaisokayjustbecauseyousawherinadream?Youare<br />
insaneHenry.Foralweknowshemightstilbeoutthereandindanger.Wecannotstart<br />
makingconclusionsfrom adream ."Bilyshouted.HesoundedangryatHenry.<br />
"I.Idon'tknowBily.Itfeltkindofreal."<br />
"Kindof?ThosearejustdreamsHenryandnothingelse."<br />
"Alright.Wasitadream whenIsawmydadgetingpossessedbyademon?Heshowed<br />
upandyousawhim withyourowneyes,hewaspossessed.andhowdoyouexplainthis?"<br />
HenrysaidwhileshowingBilythemarksonhishand.<br />
"Wait.Yousawyourdadgetingpossessedbyademoninyourdream anditwastrue?<br />
andWhatdoesthatmean?<strong>The</strong>marksonhand?"Mashasked.<br />
"It'salongstory."Henrysaid.<br />
"Youseethingsdon'tyou?Strangethings.Random scenesofplacesorsomethingthat<br />
happened."Mashasked.<br />
"Yessomethinglikethat."Henrysaid.<br />
".andwhenseeingthosethings,doyouSometimeshappentogotoaplacewhere<br />
nobodycanhear,touchorfeelyourpresence?"<br />
"Yes.ActualyIdo.howdoyouknowalthat?"<br />
"Holycrap.Youmustbea.Imeanthisisincredible."Mashsaid.Shehadthesame<br />
smilesherarelymadeonherface.<br />
"Imustbeawhat?WhatareyoutalkingaboutMash?whatam I?whatarethosevisions?<br />
whyam Ihavingthem?"<br />
165
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Wealhaveahellotofexplainingtodo.FirstlyweneedtoproveifhenryiswhatIthink<br />
heis."Mashsaidwhilepickingupherweapons.<br />
"whatdoyouthinkIam?andhowdoweproveit?"Henryasked.<br />
"Weproveitbyprovingwhetherornotwhatyousawwasreal.WeneedtoprovethatEla<br />
isrealyatthehouse.whereverthatis."Mashsaidwhilewalkingtowardstheexitdoor.<br />
"Whereareyougoing?andwhataboutthedoctor'sstory."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>doctor'sstoryisnotrunningaway,isit?Itcanwait.Besides,sheisalsocoming<br />
withus.Withalthathappenedtoher,she'lfeelmuchsaferwithus.Wearetheonlyonesclose<br />
enoughtounderstandwhatsheisgoingthroughandwearetheonlyoneswhocanhelpher.so<br />
comeon,let'sgetmoving."Mashsaidwhileleavingthehouse.<br />
HenryandBilyimmediatelyhelpedthedoctortowalk,shewaswalkingrealyslow.She<br />
musthavebeeninpainwithalthefightingthatwenton.Wealslowlywalkedoutthehouse.We<br />
wereheadedtowardsthecariage.<br />
Henrygotinsidethecariagesothathecanhelpthedoctorup.Bilywasontheground,he<br />
grabbedthedoctorbythewaistandliftedherupthecariagewhileHenrypuledherin.Shedid<br />
notseem thatheavyforBilyhihowshortandsmalshewascomparedtohim.<br />
"Doyoualsowantmetohelpyouup?"Bilyteasedme.Iscofedathim inaflateringway<br />
andgentlypushedhim away.Igotupthecariageonmyown.Hesmiledatmeformyatitude.<br />
Hemusthavefounditcute.<br />
WewerealinsidethecariageexceptMash.Shedidnotseem likeshewasgoingtogetin.<br />
"what'swrong?Aren'tyoucomingwithus?"Bilyaskedher.<br />
"OhIam.Justnotinthatthing."Shesaidreferingtothecariage."Iridealone."<br />
"OhNonono.Youarenotridingmyhorse."Bilysaid.<br />
"IneversaidIwantedto."Mashscofed.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nhowareyougoingtotravelifyouwon'tridemyhorseorgetonthecariage?"<br />
Mashsmiledandhim thensheturnedaroundandwhistledtowardsthewoods.Itwas<br />
silentforawhileaswealstaredintothewoodstoseewhatshewhistledfor.Suddenly,there<br />
wasthesoundofsomethingapproachingfrom thewoods.Ablackhorsecamerushingout.It<br />
hadnorideronit.Innotime,itreachedusandstoppedinfrontofEla.Itwascaryingtwobags<br />
thatwerehangingonit'sback,lookedliketheywereusedtocaryweaponsin.Ialsonoticedthat<br />
thetoppartofit'sleftearwascutof;italsohadascaronit'sbackhipthatwasshapedlikean<br />
'H'.HforhunterorHforhorse?Icouldonlyguesswhatitmeant.Itlookedlikeabarbarianhorse<br />
who'sriderbatlesalot.Shemusthavetraineditrealygoodforittobethatinteligentthatit<br />
respondedtoherwhistle.Iassumedshedidnotevenhavetotieittosomethingtokeepitfrom<br />
runningaway.Itwasloyaltoher.<strong>The</strong>ymusthavebeenrealyclose.<br />
166
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Guys,meetGandalfthehunter."Mashsaidsheplacedthechainsshewasholding,ina<br />
oneofthebagsonthehorsethenshetossedthebrokencross-bowontheground,likeshedid<br />
notneeditanymore.Maybebecauseitwasbroken.Shethengotonthehorse.<br />
"Thatlookslikeasmarthorse."Bilysaid.<br />
"Yep,herealyis.Ifoundhim inthewildtrappedinanetandIhelpedhim out.Hewasa<br />
wilduntrainedhorse,butwhenwegottoknoweachother,hecamearound.Wewerethesame,<br />
him andi.Bothlostintheworldwithnobody,sowekepteachother.Hesavedmylifeacouple<br />
oftimesandIsavedhis.Somethingjustclickedbetweenus,webecamethebestofBudds.We<br />
areeachother'sfamily.<strong>The</strong>yearshespentIthewildalonemadehim smart,thismadeiteasy<br />
forustosticktogether.Weunderstandeachother.andthat'swhyIdonotevenneedtotieor<br />
lockhim up.hecanneverabondonemeandheiscapableoftakingcareifhimself."<br />
"Yougotluckytofindsuchahorse."BilysaidandtriedtotouchGandalf'sheadbutit<br />
resistedandsnorted.<br />
"Oh,don'tdothat.Hehatesbeingtouchedbysomebodyotherthanme."Mashsaidwhile<br />
climbingthehorse.<br />
"Quiteahorseheis."<br />
"YeahIknow.Heisperfect.Soshalwegetmoving?"Mashsaid.<br />
Bilyclosedthecariagedoorsandrushedtohishorsetooandgoton.Herodeitasit<br />
puledthecariage.Weweremovingcalmly.Throughthecariagewindow,IcouldseeMash<br />
ridingherhorsejustbehindus.Shelookedlikeshewastalkingtoit,butIcouldnothearwhat<br />
shewassayingbecauseshewasabitfarbehind.EventhoughGandalfcouldnotspeak,hemust<br />
havebeensmartenoughtounderstandwhatmashwassaying.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Afteralongslowride,wefinalyreachedthehouse.IgotofthecariageandHenryhelped<br />
thedoctordown.BilyandElarodeoftothebackofthehousetosecurethehorses.<br />
"Wherearewe?"<strong>The</strong>doctorasked.<br />
"Wearesomewheresafe.Ifmyvisionisright,Elamustbeinside."Henrysaid.Hetook<br />
hisknifeandpinandbeguntopickthelockuntilhegotitopen.Hepushedthedooropenand<br />
whenhetriedtostepin,Someonefrom theinsideswungabroomstickathim.ItwasEla.Henry<br />
managedtoblockthestickwithhishand.<br />
"OMGHenryisthatyou?"ElascreechedwhilestaringatHenry'slefthand.<strong>The</strong>onewith<br />
themarksonit.<br />
"Yesandouch!Whatwasthatfor?"Henryasked.<br />
"I'm soryIthoughtyouweresomebodyelse."Shecriedandhuggedhim.<br />
Elaseemedshakentoo.Whateverhappenedbackatthedoctor'shousemusthavescared<br />
heralot.<br />
"Itwasbad.Itwasrealybad.I'm sogladyouarehere."Elacried.<br />
"You'reokay.You'resafenow.Iam hereforyou."<br />
Elanoticedthatthedoctorwaswithustoo.Shewasstandingnexttome,absentminded.<br />
"Doctor.Youarealrighttoo!"ElasaidwhileleavingHenrytohugthedoctor.Withno<br />
word,thedoctorhuggedherback.<br />
Elareachedherhandtowardsmeandpuledmetojoinginthehug.Idid.Aftersome<br />
seconds,wefinishedhugging.<br />
"I'm sogladyouareokay.Whathappened?"Elaaskedthedoctorbutshestildidnotsay<br />
aword.<br />
"SheneedssometimeEla.Alothappenedtoher.Let'salsitdownfirstandcatchup<br />
witheverything."HenrysaidwhileHelpingthedoctorwalktothesofa's.<strong>The</strong>fourofussat.<br />
BilyandMashsuddenlywalkedintotheroom from theotherside.<strong>The</strong>yusedthe<br />
backdoor.<br />
"Ela?You'rehere?"Bilysaidastheyapprovedthesits.<br />
"YesBily.wait,whoisshe?"ElaaskedreferingtoMash.<br />
"Iam Mash,andyouareEla."Mashsaidwhileshesat.<br />
"Notquitetheintroductioniexpectedbutokay."ElasaidInasarcasticvoice.<br />
168
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Elawhathappenedbackatthedoctor'shouse?"Henryasked.<br />
Iactualythoughtthefirstthinghewouldrealiseisthathisvisionwastrue,butitseemsat<br />
thatmomenthewasonlyconcernedaboutElaandwhathappenedtoher.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>doctordidnottelyou?"Elaasked.<br />
"Sheistootraumatisedtotalkrightnow."<br />
"Why?Whathappenedtoher?WhatdidDouglasdo?"Elaasked.<br />
"Douglas?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Myfatherdidthat?WhatrealyhappenedbackthereEla?"Henryasked.<br />
"Welitalstartednormal.Iwokeupinthedoctor'shouseandyouguyswerenotthere.I<br />
wasconfusedandscared.Wakingupwithhalfmyarm missing.Butthedoctormanagedtohelp<br />
calm medown.Shesaidthatyouguyswenthometorestandthatyouweregoingtocomeback<br />
topickmeupanytime.Myarm washurtingbutmybodywasfeelingjustalright.Alitlebit<br />
weak,butstrongenoughtowalk."<br />
"Iam soryIwasn'tthereforyou."Henrysaidinalowtonedvoice.Elasmiledathim.<br />
"So,thedoctorandIwerehavingsometeawaitingforyouguystoshowupwhenwegot<br />
aknockonthedoor.<strong>The</strong>doctorwenttocheckand foundamanthere.Ipeepedandsawthatit<br />
wasactualyDouglas.Hetoldthedoctorthathewaslookingforagirlwho'sarm wasmissingan<br />
arm andthathewasmyfather.SomehowheknewthatIwasatthehouse.Iwasinaposition<br />
werehecouldnotseemebuticouldseehim.<strong>The</strong>doctorlookedatmewithoutDouglasnoticing<br />
andIgaveherasignalnottolethim in.ShetoldDouglasthatshedidnotreceiveapatientof<br />
thatsort.Heaskedhertoinvitehim intocheckbutsherefused."<br />
"Hecannotgointhehomewithoutbeinginvitedin."Henrysaid.<br />
"Waitwhoarewetalkingabout?"Mashasked.<br />
"Wewilexplaineverythingtoyouafterwardsmash,butfirst,justsitandlisten."Bily<br />
said.<br />
Elacontinued,"Soyes.Irealisedthathecouldnotcomeinsidewithoutbeinginvitedinso<br />
Isignaledthedoctortonotinvitehim in.Heaskedheragainbutsherefused.Hereachedhis<br />
handtowardsherandtriedtograbherbutshemanagedtostepaway.Inoticedthatwhenhis<br />
handwentthrewthedoor,hegotburnt.That'swhathappenswhenhetriestoforcefulyentera<br />
homewithoutaninvitation.hegetsburnt."<br />
"Isheavampire?"Mashinteraptedwithaconcernedangryface.<br />
"Nomash!Comedown.Wewilexplaineverythingipromise.Pleasejustlistenquietly."<br />
Henrysaid.<br />
Elacontinued,"Right.Soimmediatelyafterhegotburnt,hequicklypuledouthishand<br />
169
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
beforethedoctorcouldnoticewhathadhappenedandIsawhishandhealinjustseconds.He<br />
thensmiledatthedoctorandsaidthathehadthewronghousethenwalkedaway.<strong>The</strong>doctor<br />
askedmewhohewas,IdidnotwanttogetherinvolvedsoItoldherthatIdidnotknow.Iwasin<br />
thebathroom wheniheardanotherknockonthedoor.<strong>The</strong>doctorwenttocheck,andtheni<br />
heardhertalkingtoHenry."<br />
"Me?"Henryaskedinshock.<br />
"Justlisten."Elasaid.<br />
"Alrightgoon."<br />
"SoIwasabouttowalkintotheroom werethedoctorandHenrywerewhenIheard<br />
Henryaskheraverystrangequestion."Elasaid.<br />
"Whatquestion?"Bilyasked<br />
"Whereisthegirl?"Elasaid,"Thatiswhatheasked.IfounditquitestrangethatHenry<br />
wasreferingtomelikethatinsteadofusingmyname,soistoppedmyselffrom goingwalking<br />
intotheroom.InsteadIhidbehindshelfandwatchedthem.Inoticedsomethingoddabout<br />
Henry.Hewaswearingthesameshirtthatheworebackatthelibrary.<strong>The</strong>sameshirtthatI<br />
speltmybloodaloveritthepreviousnight.Buttheoddthingisthat,theshirtwasclean.Itwas<br />
likethebloodwasneverthere.Ibecamesuspicious.Ithennoticedonhislefthandthathedid<br />
nothavethemarksthathewassupposedtohave.JustasmysuspicionswereraisingHenry's<br />
face,bodyandclothesbeguntochange.HetransformedintoDouglas.<strong>The</strong>doctorwasscared<br />
andIwasafraidshewouldtelhim wereIwasoutoffear.SoIdecidedtosneakawayfrom the<br />
shelf.<strong>The</strong>doctorsawmebutshedidnottelDouglas,insteadshedistractedhim togiveme<br />
chancetoescape.Iwasscared.Isnuckintothebathroom whereIfoundawindow.Itwashard<br />
toclimbthroughitwithonehandbutImanaged.Iranawayfrom thehouseintothewoods.<strong>The</strong><br />
factthatIleftthedoctoralonewithaverydangerousmanwashauntingmebutIwastooscared<br />
toturnback.Ifoundamanwhogavemearidebackinthecityandthat'showIfoundmyself<br />
here.butyouguyswerenothere."<br />
"Heisthedevil."<strong>The</strong>doctorwhisperedwhilestaringatthefloor.Shefinalyspokeaftera<br />
longsilence.<br />
"Whatdidyousay?"Henryasked.<br />
"Heisamonster."<strong>The</strong>doctorrepeatedinshighervoice.Thoughitwasabitcracky.Her<br />
voicewasfiledwithfear.<br />
"Canyouteluswhathappenedtoyoudoctor?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Yes .yes."<strong>The</strong>doctorsaidasshebeguntotelherstory.<br />
"_______________________________________<br />
170
°<strong>The</strong>Doctor°<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
.Whenthegirlleft,hestartedlookingforher.Hefoundboy'sshirtsthatIforgottothrow<br />
awayandheknewthatYouwerealatmyplace.Hegotangryandstartedthrowingthings<br />
aroundaskingmetotelhim wereElawasbutIwastooscaredandconfusedtospeak.whatis<br />
he?Amanwhocanchangefaces?How .howisthatpossible?<br />
EventhoughIhelpedthegirl,Iwasrealyscared.Hesaidthathewasnotgoingtostop<br />
breakingthingsunlessItoldhim whereElawas.Istildidnottelhim anything.Hedroppedmy<br />
shelvesandbrokemyfurniture.Ifinalytriedtorunawaybuthegrabbedmeandthrewme<br />
againstthewal.MyheadhitintoitandIpassedout.<br />
Thatwasnottheworstpart.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nextthingIfeltafterpassingoutifsomethingcrawlingintomynose.Icouldfeelit<br />
crawlingintomyskinandslowly,iwaslosingcontrolofmybody.ItfeltlikeIwasgeting<br />
paralized.Ittookcontrolofmywholebody.Icouldfeelitmovingaroundundermyskin.Ithen<br />
foundmyselfstandingupandlookingatHenryandMonica,butIcouldnotmovemyownbody<br />
ortalk.<strong>The</strong>nmyvisionstartedtobluroutintodarknessthenIcouldnolongerseeanythingbutI<br />
couldstilfeeleverything.Itwascold,darkandscaryinthere.Icouldhearhissingandgaggling<br />
everywhere.Itwasinmymindtoo.<strong>The</strong>nsuddenlyIcouldseeagain.Butsomethingwasn'tright.<br />
Ifoundmyselfinmyhousealalone.Itwasveryquietwithonlymymovementsmakingthe<br />
noise.Itwasalsocold.<strong>The</strong>surprisingpartisthateverythinginthehousewasperfectandstil<br />
organised.IcouldseeandcontrolmybodyagainbutIcouldstilfeelsomethingcrawling<br />
continuouslyunderneathmyskin.Itwasahoriblefeeling.<strong>The</strong>doortomyhousewasopen,but<br />
whenIlookedoutside,Icouldnotseeanything.Itwasjustblankdarkness.Ihadnocluewhat<br />
wasgoingon.WhenIwalkedawayfrom it,thedoorsuddenlyshutitselfwiyhaloudbang.It<br />
stunnedme.Ihadnoideawhatwasgoingon.Awhileafter,iheardHissingandgagglingcoming<br />
from outside.<strong>The</strong>ntherewasthestampoffeetslowlyapproaching.Asthestampinggotlouder,<br />
thehissingandgagglinggotloudertoo.Somethingwascominganditsoundedangry.Iran<br />
underneaththebedtohide.Myheartwasracing,mymindwasconfused,mybodywasintorture<br />
andnothingwasmakingsense.Finaly,thestumpingandhissingstopped.<strong>The</strong>rewasjust<br />
silence.Icrawledoutfrom underthebed.Icouldnolongerfeelanythinginsideme.<strong>The</strong>place<br />
wassoquietitfeltlikeIwasdeaf.Inoticedthattherewasacuponatableatthewalandthe<br />
waterinitwasvibrating.AsIwalkedtowardsit,Icouldhearonlythesoundofmyfootstepson<br />
thewoodenfloor.Itriedtopickupthecupbutitslippedandfeltotheground.<strong>The</strong>strangepart<br />
isthatitdidnotmakeanynoise.Justsilence.AsIwastryingtofigureoutwhy,<strong>The</strong>doorbehind<br />
meburstedopenwithaloudbang.Iimmediatelyturnedaroundandfoundmyselfstaring<br />
straightintheeyesofashadowyfigure.Itwasstandingatthedoor.Ithadthreeredscaryeyes.<br />
It'sbodywascompletedarkness.it.itwasjusthoriblyscary.Iscreamedandithissedatme<br />
eventhoughithadnomouth.Itriedtorunintotheotherroom,butitcoughtuptomeinjust<br />
seconds.ItgrabbedmebythehandandwhenIlookedbackatit,itimmediatelyswungit's<br />
sword-shapedhandatmyheadandmyheadwascutofmybodyandfeltotheground.Icould<br />
171
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
feelthepainrightbeforeeverythingblackedout.Idied.Ithink.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nwhenIopenedmyeyes,Iwasbackinthehousewithmyfulbody.<strong>The</strong>thingwasnot<br />
thereanymore.<strong>The</strong>doorwasjustokaylikenothingeverhappenedtotoit.Everythingwassilent.<br />
<strong>The</strong>feelingofsomethingcrawlingunderneathmyskincamebackexceptthistimeitwas<br />
accompaniedbyamassivepainontheneck.Icouldnotstandalthatpainandsufering.Itfelt<br />
liketorture.ImovedbackwardsuntilIhitthewalwereIleanedagainstasIsatdowntryingto<br />
stopthepain.Icouldhearhissingandgagglinginmyheadandihititmultipletimestotryto<br />
stopitbutnothingwasworking.<strong>The</strong>nsuddenlyalthepainstoppedandthesoundsinmyhead<br />
wentquiet.<strong>The</strong>nIheardHissingandgagglingapproachingfrom outsidethecloseddoor<br />
accompaniedbyloudfootsteps.itwascomingagain.iquicklycrawledunderneaththebed.<br />
<strong>The</strong>doorburstedopenandIcouldseethedarkfeetenteringthehouse.Iwastryingsohardnot<br />
toscream.<strong>The</strong>hissingandgagglingwasmakingmyheartbeatevenlouder.Itslowlywalked<br />
towardsthebedandthencametoastop.Iwasfacingit'sfeetupclose,therewasdarksmock<br />
comingfrom them butIwasn'tchockingonit.<strong>The</strong>thingwasnotdoinganything,itjuststood<br />
there.Iclosedmyeyesandturnedmyheadtolookawayfrom it'sfeet.Afteralongsilence,i<br />
decidedtolookandseewhatwashappeningwhenIrealisedthatthebedhadvanished.Iwas<br />
hidingundernothing.Iturnedmyheardandfoundmyselflookingupatthedemonanditwas<br />
lookingdownatme.<br />
"Pleaseleavemealone."Iwhispered.<br />
Ithissedatme;bentoverandgrabbedmebytheneck.Itliftedmetoit'seyes.Iwas<br />
chockingandfeltit'shandssqueezingmyneck.<strong>The</strong>nthelastthingIheardwasmyneck<br />
snappingrightbeforeeverythingblackedout.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nexttimeIopenedmyeyes,Iwasbackinthehouseandeverythingwasbackto<br />
normal.Butthefeelingofhavingsomethinginsidemewasbackalongsidethemassivepainon<br />
myneckwhichhadgotenworse.<strong>The</strong>hissingandgagglingsoundsinmyheadwerealsoback.<br />
<strong>The</strong>housewascoldandquiet.IcametoaconclusionthatIwasinsomekindofloop.Itfeltlike<br />
hel.Itwasphysicalyandpsychologicalytormenting.Iknewthatanytimethethingwilbeback<br />
soIdecidedtoblockthedoor.Idraggedthebedandlifteditagainstthedoor.Idraggedasofa,<br />
table,achairandothersmalerthingstothedoor.DespitealthepainiwasfeelingIforced<br />
myselftodragmorethingstoblockthedoorbecausethefeariwasfeelingwasbigger.<strong>The</strong>fear<br />
ofthethingcomingbackandputingmeinworsepainthanIwasfeeling.<br />
AssoonasIputthelastthingIcouldpossiblyputagainstthedoor.Althepainand<br />
soundsinmyheadwentaway.Itwascomingagain.<strong>The</strong>hissingandgagglingalongsidethefeet<br />
stampingwasapproaching.Ibackeddownfrom thedoorinfearandwenttositinacornerwitb<br />
myearsclosed.Iwaspanting.EventhoughIclosedmyearsastightasIcould,Icouldhearthe<br />
thingapproachingthedooruntilitcametoastop.Everythingwasquiet.Itwasn'tdoinganything.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nsuddenly,thedoorcoughtfireandbeforeIcouldreact,thewholehousewasonfire.<strong>The</strong><br />
heatwasmassiveandthefirewaseerywherethatinnotime,mybodycoughtthefiretoo.Iwas<br />
burning.<strong>The</strong>painwastoomuch.AsIwasstrugglingandcryinginpain,Iwaschockingonthe<br />
smoketoo.MywholebodywasinpainandIcouldnotbreath.Ifeltothegroundandeventualy<br />
blackedoutagain.Idiedforthethirdtime.itwastrulyaHelforme.<br />
172
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Itwastotaldarkness.Icouldfeelstilfeelsomethinginsideme.<strong>The</strong>nforsomeseconds,it<br />
letgoofmybodyandIregainedcontrol.IsawHenry,MonicaandMashstandinginfrontme.I<br />
criedforhelpbutinnotime,thedemonwasbackincontrolagainandiwasbackindarkness.<br />
Iopenedmyeyesandfoundmyselfbackinthehouse.Mybodywasbacktonormalbut<br />
thepainofsomethingcrawlinginsidemeandthepainontheneckwasaccompaniedbyanother<br />
pain.Thistimemywholebodywasinpain.<strong>The</strong>thingcameandkiledmeagain.<strong>The</strong>nIwokeup<br />
inthesamehousewithahigherpain.Thishappenedtomeoverandoveragain.Eachtimethat<br />
thingwouldkilmeinacompletediferentwayandwhenIwokeup,Iwouldfeeltheefectofthe<br />
pain.Iwasbeingtortured.Ijustwantedtogetoutofthatplace.Itriedtohide,tofightbackand<br />
toblockitfrom getinginsidethehousebutsomehowitwasalwaysfindingawaytokilme.I<br />
couldnotrunoutofthehousebecausetherewasnowheretoruntooutside.Justcomplete<br />
darkness.<br />
IthadkiledmeforabouteighttimeswhenHenryshowedupinthehouse.Hefoundmein<br />
acornercryingandscratchingmyself.<br />
Hewalkedtowardsme"Doctor?What'shappening?Whatiswrong?"<br />
"Leavemealone.Pleasejustleavemealong."Icried.Ithoughitwaspartofthatthing's<br />
trickstotortureme.<br />
"It'smedoctor.It'sHenry.Whathappenedhere?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>painsuddenlystopped;thehissingandfootstepswereheardapproachingfrom<br />
outside.<br />
"Whatisthat?"Henryasked?<br />
"Itiscoming.Pleasehelpme.Pleasekeepitawayfrom me."<br />
"Keepwhataway?Whatiscoming?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>doorburstedopenandthethingwalkedin.<br />
"Ashadowdemon."Hesaidwhileshieldingme.<br />
IhidbehindHenry'sbackasitapprochedus.Whenitwasfinalyclosetous,itreachedit's<br />
handtowardsuswhichSurprisinglywentthroughHenryandgrabbedmebehindhim.Itwaslike<br />
itcouldnotseeortouchhim.<br />
"Nonono.Pleasedon'tkilme.Please."Icried.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demon'shandturnedintoafatnailanditimmediatelystubbedmychest.Idiedagain.<br />
WhenIwokeup,mybodywasbacktonormal.ButIcouldfeelthepainonmychest<br />
alongsidealtheotherpainsfrom theotherdeaths.SurprisinglyHenrywasstilthereinthe<br />
housebutthedemonwasgone.<br />
"Doctor.Whathappened?Ithoughtitkiledyou."Heheldmebytheshoulders.<br />
173
"Isitrealyyou?"<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Yes.It'sme.Ithoughtitkiledyou.Isawyoudie."<br />
"Itdid.Fortheninthtimenow.Itkeepsoncomingandkilingme.Icannotstandthepain.<br />
Pleasehelpme."Ihuggedhim.<br />
"OkayIwil."<br />
"WhatisgoingonHenry.Whatisthatthing?"<br />
"Thatisashadowdemon.We'lexplaineverythinglater.Rightnowwearetryingtohelp<br />
you."<br />
"Ifeelsomethinginsideme.ItkeepsmovingaroundandwhenIdie,icanfeelit<br />
controlingmybody."<br />
"Canyoufightit?"<br />
"Itisverystrong.Ican't."<br />
"Doyouwanttogetoutofhere?"<br />
"Yes.Pleasehelpme."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nIwantyoutofightit.Youarenotalone.Iam hereforyou.Althisisnotreal."<br />
"Itfeelsreal.Icanfeeleverything.<strong>The</strong>painisrealtoo."<br />
Beforeicouldfinishtalking,thedoorburstedopenandthedemonwalkedin.Butasitwas<br />
abouttoruntowardsus,itstopped.Itsuddenlyhissedloudlyinpainandfeltoit'sknees.Itwas<br />
growlinginpain.<strong>The</strong>everythinginthehousestartedtomeltintowaterstartingfrom theroof<br />
slowlygoingdown.Isuddenlystartedvommitingwater.Althepainwasgoneexcepttheone<br />
whereIcouldfeelthedemoncrawlinginsideme.ButthistimeIcouldfeelit'spain.Everything<br />
turnedtowaterandIfoundmyselfdrowninginit.Icouldnotswim becauseitfeltlikeIhad<br />
chainswrappedaroundme.IfeltthedemoncrawoutofmymouthrightbeforeIpassedout.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nthenextthingInoticed,Iwaschockingonwater.Butthistimeitwasthegoodway<br />
becauseIwascoughingitout.IopenedmyeyesandnoticedthatMonicaandBilywerenextto<br />
me.IhadafeelingthatIwasoutofthathoribleplace.<strong>The</strong>painwasgoneandIcouldnolonger<br />
feelthedemoninsideme.<br />
.andnowhereweare.<br />
.WhatHappenedtome?.<br />
_____________________________________"<br />
174
°MONICA°<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Ifeltsoryforthedoctorafterhearingalthatshewentthroughinsuchashortperiodof<br />
time.Iwouldnotevenbeclosetoimaginingherpain.<br />
Henryturnedtoher,"<strong>The</strong>rearealotofthingsthatwedon'tbelieveexistdoctorbuttheydo.<br />
Likewhathappenedtoyoubackthere,youwerepossesedbyashadowdemon."<br />
"Possesed?"Shewhispered.<br />
Mashstoodup,"yes,anditseemsthatwhenademonpossessesyou,ittormentsyour<br />
soul.Thatmakesmuchmoresense.ittormentsyoutokeepyoumindandsouloccupiedasit<br />
usedyourbody.andHenry,shesaidthatyouwereinherheltoo.Isthattrue?"<br />
"Yes.Iactualythoughtitwasjustadream butnowIknowitisn't.also,Elaisherewhich<br />
provesthateverythingIsawwastrue."<br />
Mashlookedlikeshejustrealisedsomething,"OhBloodyhel.Icannotbelievethis."<br />
"WhatMash?YousaidthatyoumightknowwhyI'm havingthesevisions,thisistheright<br />
timetospilthebeans."Henrystoodtoo<br />
Shewalkedtowardshim,"Ithinkyouareahunter."<br />
"What?Ahunter?Whatdoesthatmean?andwhatmakesyouthinkso?"<br />
"Becausethatisexactlyhowitstartedwithme."<br />
"What?"Henrywassurprisedandlookedconfused.<br />
"Wait.Canyoushowmeyourback?"Sheasked.<br />
"What?"<br />
"Showmeyourback."Sherepeated.<br />
Henryhesitatedabitbeforehetookofhisshirt.HeturnedhisbacktowardsMash.Icould<br />
alsoseethathehadsomesortofmarkonthetopmiddleofhisback.Itwaslikeatatoooftwo<br />
swordscrossingeachotherandinthemiddle,therewasadrawingofaneye.Idonotknowhow<br />
Inevernoticedthisbeforewhenhewasnakedinfrontofme.MaybeIneverpaidatentiontohis<br />
back.<br />
Mashsmiled"JustasIthought.Youhavethemarkofahunter.Iam right.Youarea<br />
hunter."<br />
"OkayIdonotfolow.Ineedaseriousexplanationrightnow.Untilsomesecondsago,i<br />
hadnoideaIhadatatooonmyback.Ihaveneverevenseenitbeforeandidon'tknowwhereit<br />
camefrom.Howam Ievenahunter?Ihaveneverhuntedanythingbefore.unlessrabbitscount."<br />
175
Henrysaid.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"No.Notthattypeofhunter.Okaylet'salsitdownfirstandI'lexplaineverything.You<br />
wannaknowaboutyourvisionsandyourhuntersmark.MonicawantstoknowhowIknow<br />
her.justasmuchasIwanttoknowhowsheisstilaliveandwhyshedoesn'tknowme.and<br />
Bily."ShestoppedandlookedatBily.".BilywantstoknowwhyIlefthim."Hervoicewaslow.<br />
Bilyscofed,"withpleasure."<br />
"Alright.<strong>The</strong>nletmetelyoumystorywhichhastheanswerstoalyourquestions."<br />
176
CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"OkayIdonotfolow.Ineedaseriousexplanationrightnow.Untilsomesecondsago,i<br />
hadnoideaIhadatatooonmyback.Ihaveneverevenseenitbeforeandidon'tknowwhereit<br />
camefrom.Howam Ievenahunter?Ihaveneverhuntedanythingbefore.unlessrabbitscount."<br />
Henrysaid.<br />
"No.Notthattypeofhunter.Okaylet'salsitdownfirstandI'lexplaineverything.You<br />
wannaknowaboutyourvisionsandyourhuntersmark.MonicawantstoknowhowIknow<br />
her.justasmuchasIwanttoknowhowsheisstilaliveandwhyshedoesn'tknowme.and<br />
Bily."ShestoppedandlookedatBily.".BilywantstoknowwhyIlefthim."Hervoicewaslow.<br />
Bilyscofed,"withpleasure."<br />
"Alright.<strong>The</strong>nletmetelyoumystorywhichhastheanswerstoalyourquestions."<br />
_____________________________________<br />
°MASHAEL°<br />
It'scrazyhowonedaycanchangesomebody'slifeforever.<br />
Inthebegining,everythingwasperfect.<br />
IwasonlyTenyearsoldandlivinginafamilyofthree.Itwasaboutfifteenyearsagointhe<br />
cityofGlasgow.IlivedwithMymother,myfatherandI.EventhoughwelivedinScotland,we<br />
wereoriginalybritish.MymothergotpregnantwithMonica.<br />
Irememberwhenshewasborn,Iwasthehappiestgirlalive.Ialwayswishedforasister.<br />
BeforeInoticedit,shewasalmostasbigasIwas.Wewerelookingalmostthesameage<br />
andpeopleactualythoughtweweretwins.Butshewasalwaysmylitlesister.andwebecame<br />
bestfriends.Butotherchildrenusedtolaughatherforherstrangehairsoourparentsusedto<br />
dyeitblackeverytwoweeks.<strong>The</strong>yloveduswithaltheirlives.<br />
Sometimes,theywouldtakeMonicaintoa<strong>secret</strong>room downinthebasement.Ididnot<br />
knowwhattheywenttododowntherebecauseitwasarestrictedarea.Thisdidnotbotherme.<br />
OnedayIwentouttoplaywithmyotherfriendsattheparkbecauseMonicahadaflu.I<br />
rememberIwasonaswingwhenIhadmyfirstvision.<br />
OnesecondIwasswingingtoohightheotherIfoundmyselfflyingoftheswingandhit<br />
thegroundthenIpassedout.Iopenedmyeyesandfoundmyselfbackatmyhouse.Iwas<br />
standinginthecenterofourbedroom andMonicawassleepingonthebed.Ididnotwantto<br />
wakeher.Ithenheardanoisecomingfrom ourbathroom.Itwasaroom partofourbedroom.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Iwenttocheckwhatitwas.WhenIgottothebathroom,Ifoundthatthenoisewascoming<br />
from thebathtubdrain.Itsoundedlikesomethingwasmovinginthepipes.Ithoughtitwasthe<br />
ratsthathadalwaysbeenbotheringus.<br />
"Shutup!"Iscreamedintothedrain.<strong>The</strong>noiseSurprisinglystopped.<br />
WhenIwasabouttoleavetheroom,Inoticedthatthetaponthesink,ontheothersideof<br />
theroom,wasopenandwaterwaspouringoutofit.Iwalkedovertoshutit,butbeforeIcould<br />
touchthetap,somethingstrangehappened.<strong>The</strong>watercurvedandstartedtofalupwardsfrom<br />
thetaptotheroof.IwasamazedbythissoIwatched.<strong>The</strong>nsomesecondslaterthewaterfroze<br />
-nottoice,butitjuststoppedmoving.<strong>The</strong>suroundedthensoundedweirdlysilent.Asiwas<br />
tryingtofigureoutwhatwashappening,igotstunnedwhenthenoiseinthebathtubdrain<br />
startedagainbutthistimeitwasgetingloudereachsecond.<strong>The</strong>wholebathtubbeguntoshake.<br />
Iknewsomethingwascomingbutiwantedtoknowwhat,soIstayedandwatched.<br />
That'swhenIsawthem forthefirsttime.<strong>The</strong>ywerecomingoutofthedrain.Somethingso<br />
bigcomingoutofasmalholeinatub.<strong>The</strong>yweretwoofthem,theystoodtalintheroom.It<br />
wasshadowdemons.AtthattimeIdidnotknowwhattheywere,atfirstIcouldnotrunfori<br />
froze,tryingtofigureoutifiwasdreamingornot.<strong>The</strong>watersuddenlydroppedtotheground<br />
andiknewthatwasmycue.<br />
Iranoutofthebathroom towardsMonicaandtriedtowakeherupbutshecouldnothear<br />
me.WhenItriedtotouchher,myhandswerejustgoingthroughherbodylikeIwasaghost.<strong>The</strong><br />
demonwalkedoutofthebathroom andapproachedthebedwereMonicawassleeping.Itriedto<br />
scream formotherandfatherbutnobodycouldhearme,noteventhedemons.<br />
ItriedtocoverMonicawithmybodybutthedemon'shadwentmeandgrabbedMonicaby<br />
theneckandliftedherofthebed.Itriedtograbit'shandtostopitbutIcouldn't.Myhandswere<br />
justgoingthroughit.Iknewatthatpointthattheyalcouldnotseeme,iwasnotphysicaly<br />
there.<br />
MonicawokeupandthefirstthingshesawwasathreeeyedShadow.<strong>The</strong>lookonher<br />
facehurtmethemost.Shedidnotevenknowwhatwasgoingon.Itwaschokingherbutshe<br />
managedtoscream.Motherandfathercamerushingin.<br />
Isuddenlywokeupattheparkontheground.<strong>The</strong>rewasabunchofotherchildrenaround<br />
me.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ylaughedandsung,"Shefeloftheswing."<br />
lookedaroundmeandrealisedthatIwasstilinthepark.Myheadwaspoundingbecause<br />
oftheimpactwhenIfeloftheswing.<br />
AtthispointIwasn'tthinkingstraight.AlIwasworiedaboutwasmyfamilyandifthey<br />
weresafe.Igotupfrom thegroundandranhomeasfastasIcouldatthesametimeHoping<br />
thateverythingisfine.WhenIreachedhome,Irushedin.<br />
"Mother?Father?Monica?"Ishoutedbutbodyanswered.Iknewatthatpointthat<br />
178
somethingwasrealywrong.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Iimmediatelyrushedtothebedroom.Isawmymotherfirst.Shelayingonthefloor<br />
motionlessly.WhenIrantoher.Ifoundthatherneckwasbroken.Iputmyheadonherchestto<br />
listentoherheartbutiheardnothing.Itwasnotbeating.Herbodywasabitcold.Hereyeswere<br />
frozenopenandtherewasbloodinthem.ShewasstaringstraightatMonicawhowaslayingon<br />
theotherside.<strong>The</strong>rewasbloodaloverherbody.Iquicklycrawledtoherandnoticedthatshe<br />
hadahugeholeonherchestalmostthesizeofherhead,likeshewasstubbedwithahuge<br />
dagger.Shewasnotmovingtoo.<br />
Itriedtowakethem upbuttheywerenotwakingup.Ilookedaroundformydadbuthe<br />
wasnotthere.Eithertheytookhim orhemanagedtogetaway.Ifeltalone.Ididnotknowwhat<br />
todo.Idraggedmother'sbodytowardsMonica'sbodyandIlaiddownonthefloorwiththem.<br />
<strong>The</strong>blooddidnotbothermeatal.Imournedalaloneandeventualyfelasleeprightthere.<br />
<strong>The</strong>nextmorningthepolicewokemeupastheycametocleanup.<strong>The</strong>neighborsmust<br />
havecaledthem.<strong>The</strong>yaskedmetotelthem whathappenedandItoldthem whatIsawbut<br />
nobodybelievedme.<strong>The</strong>ysaidIwasyoungandimaginative.Instead,theysuspectedmyfather<br />
kiledthem alandranaway.Myaunttookmeinandprovidedshelter.<br />
Twodayslaterthepolicefoundmyfather'sbodyinarivernearby.<strong>The</strong>ysaidhekiled<br />
motherandMonicathendrownedhimself.<strong>The</strong>casewasclosedlikeitwasnothingimportant.<br />
Nofurtherinvestigation.Nobodybelievedmysideofthestory.Thismademeangryand<br />
eventualymademerunawayfrom thatcity.IfoundmyselfinEidinburghwereIlivedinthe<br />
streets.ItwashardformetogetalongwithaltheotherstreetchildrenbecauseIwasangryal<br />
thetimeandneverlikedtosocialise.Iwasalwaysalone.<br />
IhadspentaboutsixdaysineidinburghwhenIcameacrossaplaceweretheytrained<br />
peoplehowtofight.Itwassomesortoffightingschool.Ifiguredthatwastheperfectplaceto<br />
takeoutmyanger.Throughfighting.IdecidedtosignupbuttheownersaidthatIwastooyoung<br />
andtoogirlytobeapartofthem.SoIkickedhim inthenuts.Surprisingly,hewasimprest.He<br />
saidthatIhadgutsandheneededstudentslikeme.Sohetookmein.<br />
Istartedtrainingthereandlivingthere.Itbecamemynewhome.Iwaslearningsword<br />
fightsandhandonhandcombat.IdiscoveredthatiwasarealyfastlearnerandIwasgoodat<br />
whatIwasdoing.Ihadsuperfastreflexes-Iwasquickerthantheothersatreactingtoan<br />
atack.Iwasalsothefastestonmyfeetthanaltheotherstudentsofmyage.Iwasafanof<br />
shortswordsandsotheyweremysignatureweapons.<br />
<strong>The</strong>schoolhadneverseenanybodyascommitedasIwas.Becauseofthis,Iwas<br />
crownedoneofthebestyoungstudentstheyhad.IwasalwaysfocusedonwhatIwasdoing<br />
andInevergaveup.EverytimeIfel,iwouldalwaysgetbackupnomaterhowhurtIwas.<strong>The</strong>y<br />
caledmeTHEGIRLWITHOUTASMILE,becauseIwasalwaysserious.<br />
IthadbeenaboutthreeandhalfyearsoflearningwhenIfinalyfoundmyselfinasword<br />
match-upwithanotherstudentofthesametraininglevelasIwasandilostthefight.Hewas<br />
alsooneofthebestandialwaysusedtoamirehisskilswhenhewastraining.Heneverusedto<br />
179
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
stayintheschoollikemebuthealwaysshowedupeveryaftertwodays.EventhoughIspent<br />
everydayinschooltrainingunlikehim,hewasstilabletobebeatme.Webecamefriendsand<br />
startedtrainingtogether.ItwasBily.<br />
Afterawhile,weeventualydevelopedfeelingsforeachother.Wesortofbecameathing.<br />
Atfourteenyears,IstartedhavingvisionswhenIsleep.Visionsofmyoldhouse.ItoldBily<br />
aboutitandaboutwhathappenedtomyfamily.Butjustliketheothers,hedidnotbelieveme.<br />
<strong>The</strong>visionswouldcomeonceinafewmonthsforoverayearanditwasalwaysthesame.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>yarejustdreams."Bilywouldalwayssayeachtimeitoldhim aboutit.<br />
Buttometheyfeltmorethanjustdreams.Iknewtherewasamessageinthere<br />
somewhere.<strong>The</strong>worldwastryingtotelmesomething.SuddenlyIstartedfeelingincomplete.I<br />
startedtofeelliketherewassomethingIwasmeanttodoandtheanswerwasinmyvisions.I<br />
feltlikeIhadapurposethatIwasavoiding.Iknewthatstayingatthatschoolwouldnotgiveme<br />
anyanswers.<br />
OnnightIdecidedtoleave.Ididnottelanybodyaboutit.Ijustdisappeared.Ididnoteven<br />
saygoodbyetoBilybecauseiknewhestopmefrom going.Itwasahardchoicetomake.<br />
Walkingawayhurtmeasmuchasiknewithurthim.ButIhadtogiveupmylove.Ihadtogive<br />
upmynewhome.Ihadtogiveupeverything.<strong>The</strong>rewasmoretomethanIknew.Iwent<br />
searchingforanswers.<br />
Itraveledbacktomyhomecity.<strong>The</strong>cityIhatedmorethananything.Iwenttomyold<br />
houseandfoundoutthatithadbeenabondonedeversincemyfamily.<br />
Irememberedthatinmyvisionstherewasalwaysabrowndoor.<strong>The</strong>same<strong>secret</strong>door<br />
thatledtotheroom weremyparentsalwaysrestrictedmetogo.Iassumedmyanswerswerein<br />
there.Ifoundawaytogettheolddooropenandwentin.Myanswersweretrulyinthere.My<br />
family'sdeathwasnotanaccident.Itwasmyparent'sfault.<br />
<strong>The</strong>hiddenroom wasactualyalab.Myparentswerestudyingthesethings.<strong>The</strong>ywere<br />
obsessedwiththesupernatural.Ifoundalotofbooksandresearchaboutdiferenttypesof<br />
creatures.Vampires,warewolves,witches,demons,treeswithfacesandmanymore.Oneofthe<br />
mosteyecatchingthingIfound,wasahumanskulinaglassbox.Itwasanormalskulbutitit<br />
hadfangs.Itlookedlikeavampire'sskul.Ontheglassbox,therewasatagwriten'PROOF<br />
THATTHESUPERNATURALEXIST.'<br />
IopenedtheboxandwhenItouchedtheskul,itshowedgavemeanothervision.Isawthe<br />
personwho'sskulitwas.Isawtheplacesshehadbeenat.Shewasdangerous.Althose<br />
peopleshekiled.AldrainedoftheirbloodandinthatvisionIsawmoreofherkind.<br />
ThatvisionprovedtomethatwhatIsawkiledmyfamily,wasreal.<strong>The</strong>supernaturalexist<br />
andtheyaredangerous.MyangerroseafterreadingasIreadparent'snotes.<strong>The</strong>notesthathad<br />
diferentincidentsofpeoplemysteriouslyfounddeadalaroundtheworld.Othersdrainedof<br />
theirblood.Othersfoundwithmassiveanimalscratchesonthem.Otherswho'sheartswere<br />
missing.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Thismademethinktomyself."Whatmakesthem sospecialthattheycandowhatever<br />
theywhatevertheywantandtakewhicheverlifetheyfeellikeandstilgetawaywithit.<strong>The</strong>ylive<br />
amongstusbutstilunnoticed.Nobodycarestostopthem becausenobodybelievestheyexist.<br />
Butmyparentsdidandididtoo."<br />
Ihadtostepup.Ihadtofightthewar.Thatwasmypurpose.Ontopofthat,Iwanted<br />
revengeontheshadowdemonfortakingawaymyworld.<br />
Istudiedalmyparentswork.Everythingtheyknewwasinthatlab.Ireadthebooksand<br />
folowedtherumorsofthesupernatural.IstartedtohuntthesethingsdownwhenIwasready.<br />
<strong>The</strong>journeyledmetodiferentplacesacrosstheworld.Iwasgoodattrackingdownthese<br />
creaturesbecauseIhadanabilitytohelpmeout.Iusedtohavemorevision.Thisabilitywas<br />
notcontrolable.VisionswouldcomerandomlyandwhenIfolowedthem,theyledmetoplaces<br />
wheresomethingsupernaturalwashappening.Placeswhereiwassupposedtobeattheright<br />
time.Iusedthisgifttohuntdown<strong>secret</strong>creaturesofthe<strong>secret</strong>world.<br />
IalsodiscoveredanextraabilitywherebywhenItouchsomebody,deadoralive.Icould<br />
seethingsthattheyhaveseenbeforeandplaceswheretheyhavebeen.ThatexplainedwhyI<br />
hadthatvisionwhenItouchedthevampireskulinthelab.Thisalsohelpedmeinmyjourney.<br />
<strong>The</strong>samejourneythatledmetogariansteel-Oneofthestrongestmetalsthereis.<br />
<strong>The</strong>journeyalsogavemeanswerstowhatitrulywas.Ifoundoutthatiwaspartofthe<br />
racecaled,THEHUNTERS.<strong>The</strong>Hunterswereknowntohaveperishedathousandyearsago.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rearenorecordsofwhayhappenstothem,theyjustdisappeared.<strong>The</strong>ywereknownasthe<br />
EYESANDEARSoftheworld.<strong>The</strong>ywereprotectors.<strong>The</strong>yhadabilitiesjustlikemine.<strong>The</strong>yal<br />
hadsimilarabilitiesrelatedtotheeyesandearsbuteachHunter'sabilityworkedinadiferent<br />
wayfrom theothers.<strong>The</strong>yusedtheseabilitiestoHuntdowncreaturesthatpossesathreatto<br />
theworld.Huntingwastheirnatureandpurpose.Ahunterwasidentifiedbythetatooseachone<br />
hadontheback.<strong>The</strong>sametatoooftwocrossingswordswithaneyeinthemiddle.Itwasa<br />
naturalsymbol-Likeabirthmark.<br />
Huntersalwaysdidwhattheyweremeanttodo.<strong>The</strong>ywerewhattheyweremeanttobe.<br />
Fearlesswariors.<strong>The</strong>ybelievedthatthevisionstheyhad,wasjusttheworldtryingto<br />
communicatewiththem.<br />
Ahunter'sabilitiesarenotpassedonbygenesorfamilyties.Ahunterischosenrandomly<br />
bynature.Oncechosen,nomaterwhereyougo,youwilalwaysmeetyourpurpose.<br />
Ithoughtiwastheonlyhunteraliveuntilsomeminutesago.<br />
___________________________________<br />
°MONICA°<br />
181
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Mashael'sstorywasshockingbutitexplainedhowsheendedupthewayshewas.<br />
Everythingwasclear.<br />
"SoyouaresayingIam ahuntertoo?"Henryasked.<br />
"Yes.Astimegoesby,youwillearntounderstandyourvisions."Mashsighed.<br />
"Thatexplainsalot.Likehowiam abletoclimbrunsofast.Atfirstithoughtitwasjust<br />
somethingnormal."<br />
"Itdefinitelyisn't.Butwhateveryourpurposeis,that'sforyoutofindout.Ihavetoldyou<br />
everythingyouneedtoknowandI'lstopherebecauseIdon'twanttosaytoomuchandgetyour<br />
hopesup."Mashsaid.Henrywasconfusedanddidnotseem likehewashappyaboutit.He<br />
seemedasthoughhedidnotwantwhathewas.<br />
"So,wewerefamily?"Iasked.Itwastheonlythingrunninginmymind.<br />
"Yes.Istilwonderhowyouarestilalive."Mashlookedconfused.<br />
"Iam nottheMonicayouthinkIam.<strong>The</strong>Monicayouknewdiedfifteenyearsago,butI<br />
wasonlybornfiveyearsago."<br />
Elastoodandbeguntowalkaroundtheroom,"<strong>The</strong>bookswereright.<strong>The</strong>storyweread<br />
inthelibraryaboutthemanylivesofMonica.MaybetheMonicaMashknewwasoneofthose<br />
lives.ButthatMonicadiedandnowsheisbornagain.Whensheisbornagain,shecariesno<br />
memoryofherpreviouslives."<br />
"Whatareyoupeopletalkingabout?WhyisMonicaalive?Howisshefiveyearsoldwhen<br />
shelooksseventeen?alsowhywasthatdemonafteryouatthehouse?andwhothebloodyisis<br />
themanwhoatackedthedoctor.<strong>The</strong>manwhochangesfaces."Mashasked.<br />
"Alrightcanwetrustyou?"Henrylookedatmash.<br />
"Isavedyouassesandihavetoldyoumystory.IthinkI'veearnedmytrust."Mash's<br />
voicehadbitsofsarcasm.Butconvincingenough.<br />
"Canwetrustherguys?"Henryaskedtherestofus.<br />
"Shedeservestoknow.Monicawasherfamily.Shehastoknowtheotherreasonwhy<br />
thosedemonkiledher."Bily'svoicewaslow.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"Mashasked.<br />
"Monica,doyoutrusther?"Henryputhishandonmylap.<br />
Istood,"Yes.Youcantelhereverything.ButIdon'twanttohearthatstoryagain.It<br />
scaresme.SoIwilbeinmyroom ifyouneedme.Ifeeltired."<br />
"I'm tiredtoo.Ineedsomerest."<strong>The</strong>doctorspoke.Shewasquietthewholetime.<br />
182
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Youcancomesleepinmyroom withme."Ihelpedherup.<br />
"Wilyoubeokay?Bothofyou?"Ela'svoicewassoft.<br />
"Yes.Don'twory."Isaid.Ihelpedthedoctorwalkaswewenttomyroom wherewe<br />
restedsidebysideonthesamebed.<strong>The</strong>othersremainedtelingMasheverythingweknew.<br />
183
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
IopenedmyeyeswhenIfeltsomeonegentlycaressingmyhair.ItwasMash.Shewas<br />
sitingbythesideofthebedwhereiwassleeping.<strong>The</strong>doctorwasstilsleepingontheother<br />
side.<br />
IslowlyhotoutofthesheetstositjustlikeMash."Hey?"Myvoicewaslazy.<br />
"Hi.Ididnotmeantowakeyou."Shesaid.<br />
"It'sokay.So,youaredonetalking?"Ilookedoutatthewindowandnoticedthatitwas<br />
nightalready.<br />
"Yes.<strong>The</strong>yhavetoldmeeverythingIneedtoknow .thatyouarenottheMonicaiknew.<br />
Thatyouwererealybornfiveyearsago,andotherthings."<br />
Isighed.<br />
".Ifinditratherfacinatingyouknow.ImeanyoulookexactlylikethesisterIlost.Same<br />
eyes,samesmileandsamehair.ButwhenIlookatyou,IfeellikeIam lookingather.Youmight<br />
notrememberyourpreviouslife,butIfeelaconnectionbetweenus.<strong>The</strong>sameconnectionIfelt<br />
withtheMonicaiknew.Shewasmyfavoriteperson.Shewassweet,kind,lovingand<br />
beautiful.justlikeyou."<br />
Ismiled."Sowhatareyougoingtodo?"<br />
"Whatam Igoingtodo?"Sheaskedback.<br />
"ImeanIcouldn'tstopatthinking.youkileverythingthatpossesathreattotheworld.<br />
<strong>The</strong>prophesysaysIam athreat.So."<br />
Shechuckled,"YouthinkI'm goingtokilyou?"<br />
"Kinda.Imeanyounowknowthatparentsdiedbecauseofthedemonsthatwereafter<br />
me.<strong>The</strong>otherme."<br />
"No,thatwasn'tyou.Also,myparentsknewwhattheywereupagainst.<strong>The</strong>yknewwhat<br />
youwereandtheystilprotectedyou.Evenafterknowingtheforcesthatwereafteryou.Iused<br />
towonderwhattheyusedtodowhentheytookyouinthat<strong>secret</strong>room.NowIhavesome<br />
theories,Ithinktheywerestudyingyou.Tryingtofigureoutwhatyouwere.Whichmakesme<br />
thinkthattheydyedyourhairnottokeeptheotherchildrenfrom laughingatyou,buttohideyour<br />
identity.IneverfoundanybooksInthatroom thattalkedaboutyou,maybetheyhidthem ina<br />
specialplace."<br />
"I'm sory."Istaredinhereyes.<br />
shesmiledatme,"IspentyearswishingIcouldchangethepast.Wishingiwastherefor<br />
you.Yearsandyearsofmissingyou.andnowtheworldhasgivenmeachancetoseeyou<br />
again."<br />
184
"Whatdoyouthinkabouttheprophesy?"<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Whatithink?.Ithink,imustbeaskingyouthatsamequestion."Shestaredintomy<br />
eyes.<br />
"Idon'tknow .Idon'tknowwhattobelieve."Myvoicewaslow.Ilookeddown.<br />
"Lookatme.Whatdoyousee?"<br />
Ididnotsayanything.<br />
Shecontinued,"Afterhearingmystory,whatdoyouthinkaboutme.Am ithegoodguy<br />
orthebadguy.Ihavemetalotofpeopleandtheyaljudgemediferently.Somesayiam good,<br />
somesayiam bad.ButIneverlistentothem becauseIknowthatIam whatibelieveIam ."<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctorsuddenlystartedscreaminginhersleep."Pleasedon'tkilme.Pleaseleaveme<br />
alone!"<br />
Shewassweatingalotandmumering.Sheseemedlikeshewashavinganightmare.When<br />
Itriedtotouchhertowakeherup,shejumpedoutofbedandrantoacornerwhereshesatand<br />
rappedherselfoutoffear.Shewashidingherface.<br />
"Pleasedon'tkilme.Pleasedon'tkilme."Shecriedrepeatedly.Herhandswereshaking.<br />
"Doctor.ItismeMonica."Islowlywalkedtowardsher.<br />
Sheopenedhereyesandlookedatme.<br />
"Isitrealyyou?"Hervoicewascracky.<br />
Ikneeledinfrontofher,"Yesitisme.Youjusthadabaddream.It'sokay.Weareherefor<br />
you."<br />
Shehuggedme.Icouldfeelhershakingasshesobbed.<br />
"It'sokay,Iam hereforyou."<br />
Webrokethehugandihelpedherup.Ihelpedthedoctortothebedwereshelaidwhile<br />
holdingmyhand.Iwassitingontheside.Sheimmediatelyfelasleep.Butshekeptongeting<br />
startledinhersleep.Iwasworied.<br />
"Thisisalmyfault.<strong>The</strong>doctorissuferingbecauseofmylife.MaybeItrulyam the<br />
apocalypse."Myvoicewaslowandsorowful.<br />
Mashwalkedtomeandputherhandonmyshoulders."Wedon'tknowthatyet.Ialso<br />
wantedtotelyouthatiknowhowwecanknowwhatyoutrulyare.Iheardaboutthisperson<br />
caledDESTINY.Hehastheabilitytoseeaperson'spurposeinlife.Hecanseeyourdestiny.I<br />
havealreadytoldtheothersabouthim andwehavedecidedthatwewilbeginlookingforhim<br />
tommorowmorning.wedon'tknowifheisrealbutIcanhelptrackhim down.IfatalheIsreal,<br />
thenwecanknowwhattodonext."<br />
185
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Whatifwefindoutthatitrulyam theapocalypse?Whathappensthen?"<br />
Mashsighedandsquatinfront."Look.Iam knownformakingharddecisions.When<br />
somethingisathreat,Ikilitnomaterwhoatalcostnomaterwhogetshurt.Iam realygood<br />
atit.Ithoughtabouteverythingyourfriendstoldmeandthetruthisthat.Idon'twanttobethe<br />
onetomakethedecisionwhenitcomestoyou.EventhoughIam convincedthatyouarenother,<br />
everytimeilookedatyouIseemylitlesister.IlovedherandIstildoandthat'swhyIknowI<br />
won'tbeabletodoit.Iwon'tbeabletomakeyourdecision."<br />
IsawthelookinhereyesandIsawhowmuchsherealylovedme.<br />
Shereachdowntoherlegandpuledoutaknife."YouareagoodpersonMonica.Iknowit<br />
andyoudotoo.Ifeverythingsuspectedaboutyouistrue,thenthefateofthewholeworldisin<br />
yourhands.Whentherighttimecomes,thedecisionwilbeyourstomakeandiam sureyouwil<br />
maketherightone."<br />
Sheputtheknifeonthetablenexttothebed.Shestoodupandwalkedtowardsthedoor.<br />
Beforesheopenedit,shelookedbackatme,"RememberMonica,youarewhatyouchose<br />
tobe.andalsorememberthatIdon'twanttobetheonetomakethedecision.Sopleasedon't<br />
makemebe."<br />
Shewalkedoutandshutthedoorbehindher.<br />
IstaredattheknifeasIthought.Iknewbygivingmetheknife,shewastryingtotelme<br />
thatIwastheonetostopmyselfwhenthetimecomes.Tousetheknife.Everythingshesaid<br />
maderealisesomething.DeepdownIknewthatendingmyselfwouldendmysorowandsave<br />
people.That'swhatIrealybelievedeventhoughIkepthidingit.Everybodywasgoingtokeep<br />
dyingifIstayedalive.<strong>The</strong>demonswerealwaysgoingtokeepcomingandkileverythingthat<br />
comesintheirway.EverybodyIlovedwasdanger.<br />
Maybetheapocalypsewasnotcoming.Maybeithadalreadystarted.<strong>The</strong>apocalypseis<br />
deathanfeverywhereIwent,peopledied.Thoseclosetomeandthosenotclosetome.Who<br />
knewhowmanymorepeopleDouglaswaskilinginsearchofme?Whoknewhowmanymore<br />
peopleweregetingpossedinsearchofme?EverywhereIgo,deathanxdestructionfolowed,<br />
theexactdefinitionoftheapocalypse.Whatwastherightmove?<strong>The</strong>decisionwastrulymineto<br />
make.Butfirst,Ineededtoknowmypurpose.Iwasgoingtomakethedecisionafterwemeet<br />
themantheycaledDESTINY.<br />
Icouldnotsleepanymoresoidecidedtocheckontheothers.Islowlysledmyhandout<br />
ofthedoctor'shandmakingsureIdidnotwakeher.<strong>The</strong>nIwalkedouttheroom andleftthe<br />
doorslightlyopen.Iwalkedtothesitingroom whereHenryandElaweresleeping.Eachona<br />
diferentsofa.HenrywaslayingcomfortablyandElalookedlikeshejustdozedofwhilesiting,<br />
shewasholdinganovelagainstherchest.<strong>The</strong>coverlookedfamiliar.Itlookedlikethecoverto<br />
toahorornovelionceread,AMIRRORWORLD.<strong>The</strong>firstandonlyHorornovelMrsMeikle<br />
alowedmetoread.<br />
IwalkedtowardsElaandtriedtopulthebookoutofherhandtoseethetitle,butI<br />
186
accidentalywokeEla.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"OhMonicahey."Shewhispered.<br />
"Hi.Iwasjusttryingtogetthebook.SoryIwokeyou."<br />
"Ohit'salright.You'veactualydonemeafavorbecausethesesofa'sarevery<br />
uncomfortable.Ican'tbelieveIevenfelasleephere."Shehandedtheboom tome.<br />
"Meantforboys."Ijoked.<br />
Shechuckled.<br />
"Ifyoulike,youcansleepinmyroom withthedoctor.It'snotabigbed,butmore<br />
comfortablethatthesofa's."Isaid.<br />
"Whataboutyou?"<br />
"I'vesleptenough.Besides,youneedtherestmorethanme."<br />
"OhIwon'tletyouasktwice."Shejokedandgotup.Shewalkedtothebedroom.<br />
IlookedatHenryandhewassoundasleep.Hewassleepinglikeababy.Helookedcute<br />
andfunnybecauseofthewayhesleptwithhismouthslightlyopen,oneofhislegswasup<br />
restingonthebackpilowandhishandrestingacrosshisforehead.Thismademesmile.<br />
IlookedatthebookElagavetome.Iwasright,itwasasimilarbooktotheoneIread<br />
before.AsIwaslookingatthebookcover.Iheardcomingfrom thebackofthehouse.<strong>The</strong><br />
soundofswordsslammingagainsteachother.IassumeditwasBilypracticingagain.Iwentto<br />
watch.<br />
IpushedthebackdooropenandsawBilyandMash.<strong>The</strong>yweredoingaswordfightinthe<br />
yard.Istoodatthedoorandwatched.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ywerebothincrediblygood.Itwasfunwatchingthem.<strong>The</strong>ywerelikethebestswords<br />
peopleIeversaw.<strong>The</strong>ywerebothgoodbothwiththeirswordhandlingandfootworktoo.<strong>The</strong>y<br />
lookedhappyandseemedliketheywerehavingfun.MashseemedbeterthanBilybecauseshe<br />
wasfasterthanhim.Sheblockedeachoneofhisatacks.Whensheatacked,Bilywasalso<br />
abletoblockheratacksbutshemanagedtotosstheswordoutofhishandsandtackledhim to<br />
theground.<br />
Shehelpedhim backup,"TooslowbutYoustilgotit."<br />
".Youonlybeatmebecauseyou'vebeenpracticing."Hesaid.<br />
"Ifoundyoupracticingtoo."Hervoicewasmocking.<br />
"Ipracticewithapole.Butyou,you'vepracticedwithbeterthingslikevampiresand<br />
Demons."Hejoked.Shelaughed.<br />
"I'vealwaysbeenbeterthanyou."Sheteasedhim.<br />
187
"Don'tforgetlasttimewefought,youlost."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Shemovedclosetohim,"LasttimeijustletyouwinbecauseIhadathingforyou."<br />
Sheleanedinandkissedhim.Heheldherbytheshouldersandgentlypushedheraway.<br />
"Whatareyoudoing?"Hesaidinanangryvoice.<br />
"I.Ithoughtwewerehavingamoment."Mash<br />
"Youdon'tgetitdoyou.YouleftmeMash.Ilovedyouandyouleftme.Youdidnoteven<br />
saygoodbyeandleftmenoideawhereyouwent.Itriedlookingforyoueverywherebutnothing.<br />
Youhurtme.Youhurtmyfeelings.Youleftmealone.Iwouldhavehelpedyou.Wewouldhave<br />
gonesearchingforanswertogetherbutyou.Youwereselfish.Youonlycaredaboutyourself<br />
andwhatyouwanted.Didyoueveneverstoptowonderhowmuchpainyouwereputingme<br />
through?IfeltlikemyworldendedwhenIwokeupthatmorningandcouldn'tfindyou.We<br />
promisedeachothertoalwaysbetogetherbutyoubrokethatpromise.andyoucomeback<br />
actinglikeeverythingisokay?"Heshouted.IhadneverseenBilyasangryashelooked.<br />
Mashwasspeechless.<br />
Suddenly,iheardaloudscream comingfrom insidefhehouse.ItsoundedlikeEla.I<br />
rushedinsidethehousestraighttomyroom.Henrywasalreadytheretoo.<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctorwasstandinginthefarcornercrying.ShehadMash'sknifeinherhands.I<br />
shouldnothaveleftitthere.Elawasstandinginthemiddleoftheroom besidesHenrytryingto<br />
calm thedoctordown.Iwasstandingatthedoorwatchinginfear.<br />
"Doctor,pleasegiveustheknife.Wecanhelpyou."Henrytriedtowalktoherbutsheput<br />
theknifeonherneck.<br />
"Don'tcomeclosetome."Shethreatened.Shelookedmorescaredandshewasshaking<br />
evenmorethanbefore.Shewasshakingtoomuchthatshemightaccidentalycutherthroat.<br />
HenryandElahadtolistentoherandsothatshecouldtaketheknifeofherthroat.<br />
Iwasconfused.Ididnotknowwhathadhappened.Didshehaveanothernightmare?<br />
"Pleaseletushelpyoudoctor."<br />
"Youcannothelpme."Shecried.<br />
BilyandMashrushedinthehousetoo.<br />
Bilywalkedintotheroom "What'sgoingon."<br />
Henrylookedatthedoctor,"Shejusthadabaddream.Butwecanhelpher."<br />
Shetooktheknifeofherneck,"Youdon'tunderstandhowitfeels.Itfeelslikehel.<br />
EverytimeIclosemyeyes,Iseeit'sface.Iseeittryingtokilmeagain.EverytimeIshutmyeyes,<br />
Ionlyseedarkness.andwhenIseedarknessitremindsmeofthatthing,itremindsmeofthat<br />
188
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
horibleplace.Icanstilhearitinmybrain.<strong>The</strong>hissingandthegaggling.Icanhearit<br />
everywhere.Ihearitwhisperinginmyearoverandoveragain."<br />
"Puttheknifeawayandwecantalkaboutthis."Bilysaidinacalm voice.<br />
"No!Itkeepsonwhisperinginmyhead!<strong>The</strong>soundsaren'tgoingaway."Shesaidwhile<br />
hitingherheadwithherotherhand.<br />
"Let'sjustalcalm down."<br />
"No!Youdon'tunderstand!<strong>The</strong>feelingkeepsgetingworse.Youmighthavegotenthat<br />
thingoutofmebutsomehowitfeelslikeit'sstilapartofme.<strong>The</strong>feelingofitcrawlingunder<br />
myskinkeepshauntingme.Icanstilfeelit.eatingmeupfrom theinside.whenIlaydownI<br />
feellikeI'velostcontrolofmyownbodyagain.Youalcausedthis.yes.thisisalyourfaults."<br />
"Wewerejusttryingtohelp."Elasaid.<br />
"Nobodywouldwanttolivelikethis.Youthinkyouhelpedmebut.Youjustmadeit<br />
worse."Shesaid.Sheimmediatelydruggedtheknifeacrossherthroatthenfeltotheground.<br />
Iscreamedoutoffearandlookedaway.Shekiledherself.<br />
189
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE<br />
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Howmuchlongerwasitgoingtogoon?Howmanymorepeopleweregoingtodie?<br />
Weweretoobusytryingtofiguretheapocalypseoutsothatwecouldavoidit,thatwedid<br />
notrealisethatwewerepulingitcloser.<br />
<strong>The</strong>doctor'slastwordshadbuiltaseriesofthoughtsinmymind.Iwassitingonthesofa<br />
absentmindedandtraumatizedforhours.Tearscontinuouslyrolingdownmyeyes.Icouldnot<br />
evenconcetratesontherealworld.<strong>The</strong>nightwaslongbutIwastoodistractedbymythoughts<br />
thatIdidnotevennoticethatmorninghadalreadyrisen.Iheardavoicecalingmynameatthe<br />
backofmyheadbutIdidnotrespondbecauseIthoughtitwasoneofmymanythoughtsand<br />
imaginations.<br />
"Monica?"<strong>The</strong>voicecaledagainandIfeltsomebodytouchmyshoulderpulingmeback<br />
toreality.IturnedtolookedandfounditwasHenrycalingme.<br />
"areyoualrightMonica?"<br />
Iwipedmytears,"Notrealy.ButIwilbeokay."<br />
"Alright.Iwassayingthatitistime.Wearegoingtoburythedoctornow."<br />
"IwasthinkingmaybeIcantrytoressurectherlikeididwithyou."<br />
Hesighedandcametositbymyside.Hishandonmyshoulder,"Idon'tthinkitwouldbe<br />
agoodidea.Shesaiditherself,tryingtohelpheronlymadeitworse.Itwasherchoicetodie<br />
andwecan'ttakethatawayfrom her.Besides,Idon'tthinkyourresurectionpowersworkthat<br />
way."<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"<br />
"Inmyveryfirstvision,whenidied.RemeberIsaidthatIsawyoucryingwithmydead<br />
bodyinyourhands?"<br />
"Yes.Iremember."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nIguessyoualsorememberthatIsaidthatyourhandsonlystartedglowingwheni<br />
touchedyouinmyspiritualform .andthat'swhenyouhealedme.Whichmeansthat,ifIhadn't<br />
touchedyou,youwouldn'thavehealedme.Sounlessthedoctoralsogoesinaspiritualform<br />
andtouchesyou,Idon'tthinkyoucanressurecther."<br />
Ilookedatthefloor,"Butwhatifyouarewrong?Whatifyoutouchingmejustjump<br />
startedmypowers?Maybewecanputyoutosleepagainsothatyoucangoinyourspiritual<br />
form,thenyoucantouchmeandseewhathappens."<br />
"Idon'tthinkitwilwork.IdonotcontrolwhatiseeinmyvisionssoIdon'tthinkIwilbe<br />
abletoseeyouortouchyou."<br />
Mashwalkedin,"IcalittheAstralworld."<br />
190
"What?"Henryasked.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Icouldhearyourconversationfrom theotherroom .iheardyoutalkaboutyourvisions<br />
andspiritualform.SoIwantedtotelyouthatWhenyougoinyourvisionswherenobodycan<br />
seeortouchyou,IcalittheAstralworld.andthespiritualform,IcalittheAstralform."She<br />
said.<br />
"Why?"<br />
Shesmirked,"It'smuchcooler.butanyway,abouttheresurectionthing.Wewilfigure<br />
thatoutsomeothertime.Rightnowithinkthedoctorisbeterofdeadandrestinginpeace,than<br />
aliveandsuferingthenightmares."<br />
"That'sexactlywhatIthink."<br />
"Wearereadytogo.Wearewaitingforyou."Mashsaidwhyleavingtheroom.Headed<br />
towardsthebackdoor.<br />
Henrystood,"AreyoucomingwithusfortheburialoryouwilstayhomewithEla?"<br />
"WhyisElaremaining?"<br />
"She'shurt,sheneedstorest.Also,Shetooksomepainkilerssoshefeelsdrowsy.She<br />
isactualysleepingintheroom."<br />
"IthinkiwilremainwithEla.Idon'tthinkI'lbeabletowatchyouputthedoctorunder<br />
dirt.I'veneverseenanybodygetinghuriedbefore.Seeingherkilherselfisenoughtraumafor<br />
me."<br />
"Iunderstand.Elamightneedthecompany."<br />
Hewalkedtowardsthebackdoor.<br />
"Hey!"Istoppedhim.Istoodandwalkedtowardshim,"whatabouttheblood?"<br />
"Don'twory,Bilycleanedital."Hesaidandkissedmyforehead.Hecontinuedwalking.<br />
"BeCareful."Ishoutedasheshutthedoorbehindhim.Hemusthaveheardme,ornot.<br />
Henry,BilyandMashweregone.OnlyElaandIwereleft.Elawassleeping,soatthattime<br />
ItfeltlikeIwasalone.Iwentbacktothesofatosit.<br />
Istartedabouteverythingthathadhappened.IcouldnotstopbutkeptthinkingthatI<br />
wouldhaveresurectedthedoctor.IdidnotagreewithwhatHenrysaidaboutmypowers.Ihad<br />
adeepfeelinginsidemethatIwouldhaveressurectedthedoctor.<br />
WhenIhealedHenry,ifeltthepower.Itcamefrom deepinsideme.Ineededtoprovethat<br />
Irealydidhavethepowers.Irememberedthatmypowersoncemadeaswordburnwithout<br />
meltingit.MaybeIcoulddoitagain.Ihadtotry.<br />
IknewtherewasnoswordsinthehouseandMashtooktheknifeshegavemewithher.<br />
191
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>closestthingIhadtoaswordwasthekitchenknives.Irushedtothekitchen,straighttothe<br />
knife-blockthatsatonthetable.Ipuledoutthelargestknifetherewas.<br />
Iheldtheknifetightinmyarm andtriedtotapintomyinnerpowerbutnothinghappened.I<br />
triedtoholditwithtwohandsandlookedatitashardasIcouldwhileimmagingitburning.I<br />
heldittighterandimaginedharderbutnothinghappenedtotheknife.<br />
MaybeIluckedfocus.<br />
Itookdeepbreathstocalm myselfdown.WhenIwascalm enough,Iclosedmyeyesand<br />
triedtofeeltheknifeinmyhands.Iwastryingtobeonewiththeknife,sothatIcouldchannel<br />
thepowersintoit.somethingireadaboutinabookaboutmagic.Ithoughtmaybeitcould<br />
work.IfocusedashardasIcouldbutnothingwashappeningtotheknife.<strong>The</strong>onlythingthat<br />
washappeningisthatitwasfrustratingme.Islammedtheknifebackintheknife-blockoutof<br />
frustration.<br />
Maybemakingtheknifeburnfailed.ButIhadnotyettriedtohealsomebodylikeIdidwith<br />
Henry.Ihadanurgetotryittoo.Butonwhat?<br />
Elaimmediatelycrossedmymind.Herhandwascutof,sowhatifIcouldhealher.Maybe<br />
makeitgrowback.<strong>The</strong>rewasonlyonewaytofindout.Irushedtothebedroom door;Iopenedit<br />
slowlyandwalkedin.Istoppedforawhileandstaredatthecornerwerethedoctorkiledherself.<br />
Isighedasthefeelingofbeingguiltyforherdeathhitmeagain.Ilookedatthefloorwhichwas<br />
sparklingclean,beforethat,therewasbloodalover.Bilydidagreatjobatcleaningit.ButI<br />
knewthatEverytimeIlookatthatcorner,Iwouldalwaysrememberthatincident,andeverytimeI<br />
lookatthatfloor,iwouldalwaysimaginetheriverofbloodonit.<br />
Iclosedmyeyesandtookadeepbreathtofocusonwhatiwentintheroom todo.Ilooked<br />
atEla,shewasasleep,whichmadeittheperfecttimetotestmyhealingability.<br />
Shewassleepinguprightandspreadedthewholebed.Heinjuredarm wasontheleftside<br />
soIwalkedtoit.Icouldnotsitonthebedbecauseiwouldhavewokenher,soIhadtokneelon<br />
thefloor.-shehadbandagestiedaroundthearm.Igentlyputmyhandsthearm andtooka<br />
deepbreath.Istaredatthearm ashardasIcouldbutnothinghappened.Iclosedmyeyesand<br />
tookanotherdeepbreath.Itriedtodigdeepinsidemeandfocusonthearm.Ipeepedwithone<br />
eyetoseeifitworked-itdidnot.Itookadeeperbreathandshutmyeyesagain,focussing<br />
harder.<br />
"Areyouprayingforme?"Hervoicestartledme.Shewasawakeandstaringatmewitha<br />
mockingsmileonherface.<br />
"No.Imeanyes.YesIwasprayingforyou."Imumered.Icouldhearmyselfthatmyvoice<br />
soundedawkwardandnotconvincing.Iwasnervous.<br />
Shelaughed."Ididnotknowyouarereligious."<br />
"WelIam.Iam veryreligious."Myvoicewassharpandstilawkward.<br />
"Okay.Thankyouforprayingformethen."Shesaidwhysitinguprighttoleanherback<br />
192
againstthewal.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Isatonthesideofthebed,"You'rewelcome."<br />
Shelookedatthecorneroftheroom andhersmilefaded,"<strong>The</strong>othersaregone?"<br />
"Yes."Isaidinasadvoice.Istaredatthefloorcontinuouslyforawhile.<br />
Shesighed,"Youlooklikesomethingisbotheringyou.Areyouokay?"<br />
Ilookedatherandnodedano.<br />
Herbrowsfarowed,"Whylove?What'swrong?"<br />
"Ijustcan'tstopthinkingaboutthedoctor'slastwords.Shesaiditisourfaultsthatshe<br />
wassufering."<br />
"Nolove.Don'tthinkaboutthat.Itwasn'tourfaults."<br />
"You'reright.Itwasyourfaults,itwasmine.<strong>The</strong>demonsareaftermeandotherpeople<br />
keepgetinghurt.Whatifthestoriesarerightanditisalrealytrue?WhatifIam themonster<br />
everybodysaysIam?"<br />
Eladidnotsayanything.Shejustlookedatmewithworyandconcern.<br />
Isighedandstaredbackatthefloor,"Iam scared.Iam scaredforeverybody.Idon'teven<br />
knowwhyyouarealhelpingmeifyouknowthatIwilendtheworld."<br />
"Welpeoplehavediferentbeliefslove.Weareyourfriendsandwebelieveinyou.We<br />
believethatyouwildotherightthing."Shesaid.Shemovedtowardsme,"Look,ihavebeen<br />
studyingsupernaturalthingsforawhilenow.Thingsthatnobodyelsebelievesin.Ghosts,<br />
monsters,vampires,werewolves,dragons,magic,demons,prophesiesandmanyotherstrange<br />
things.anddoyouknowwhatmostofthesethingshaveincommon?"<br />
"What?"<br />
"Aheart.<strong>The</strong>yalhaveaheart.Eventhoughthebraindoesmostofthethinking,theheart<br />
istheoneresponsibleforthedecisions.Whatyouwantwilalwayslurkinyourmind,butwhat<br />
youneeddwelsinyourheart.Sowhenthetimecomesforyoutomakeadecision,don'tletyour<br />
mindoverpoweryourheart.Dowhatyouneedtodoandnotwhatyouwanttodo.Don'tthinkbut<br />
feel.Youareagoodpersonandiknowyouwilmaketherightdecision."Shesmiledatme.<br />
"Youdon'tunderstandEla!"Iraisedmyvoice,"ifeelitinsideme.Ifeelsomethingbig<br />
tryingtogetout,andiam afraidthatifitdoesgetout,itwiltakecontrolofalofme.Thattime<br />
whenImadetheswordburn,Itappedintothatpower.Ihadatasteofwhatwasinsidemeand<br />
eventhoughitwasjustsomethingsmal,Icouldfeelitovertakingme.ItwaslikeIcouldnot<br />
controlmyself.<strong>The</strong>powerwascontrolingme.IcouldfeelaltheangerIhadinme.and<br />
amongstthatangeris."Ihesitated.<br />
"What?Amongstthatangeriswhat?"<br />
193
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
".AmongstthatangeristheangerIhaveontheworld.Deepinsideme,iam angryatthe<br />
worldandthat'sthetruth.Iam angrythatitgavemethistypeoflife.itgavemeamiserablelife.<br />
Iam angrybecauseIfeelthewholeworldisagainstme!"Myvoiceescalated.Ifelttheanger<br />
magnifyasispoke.<br />
Elawasjuststaring.<br />
"IAMANGRYTHATTHEWORLDMADEMEAMONSTER !"Ishouted.<strong>The</strong>housestarted<br />
shaking.Icouldfeelmyhairfloating.<strong>The</strong>bedweweresitingonrosefrom theground.Icould<br />
feelthepowercoursingthroughmywholebody.Ifeltstrongandangry.IcametorealisewhatI<br />
wasdoingafternoticingthelookonEla'sface.Shelookedscared.<br />
Ifinalytappedintothepower.ButitwasscaringEla.<br />
"Monica,justcomedown."Hermouthwasfiledwithfearasshespoke."Justtakea<br />
deepbreathandpleaseputusdown."<br />
<strong>The</strong>fearalniverherfacemademesad.Ilistenedtoherandtookadeepbreathtocalm<br />
down.Ifeltthepowerslowlyfadeaway.Myhairstoppedfloating,thehousestoppedshaking<br />
andthebedslowlydescendedtothefloor.Everythingwentbacktonormal.<br />
"Iam sosory."Icried.<br />
"It'sokay.It'salright.Youmanagedtocontrolyourselfandthat'sgood."Hervoicewas<br />
cracky.Ialsonoticedthatshewasshaking.<br />
"I'lneedsomeair."Isaidandrushedoutoftheroom.Iwantedtogiveherspace.<br />
Iwenttothebackofthehouseandsatonastooloutside.<br />
Ifeltthepower.Ifeltmyangertakingover.Ialmostrippedthehouseapart.Iwouldhave<br />
kiledEla.<br />
IknewthatwasjustafractionofthepowerIhadinsideme.Whatwouldmyfulpowerdo?<br />
Destroytheworld.<br />
Withmyheadbetweenmylaps,isobbed.Iwasscared.<br />
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CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Isatoutsideforalmosttwohourswatchingtheblueskiesandthebrightsun.Iwas<br />
thinkingaboutwhatMashtoldme.AfterwhatialmostdidtoEla,Ihadabitofbeliefthatthe<br />
prophesywastrue.Buthowtofightit.Howtopreventit?<br />
Ifinalyheardthesoundsofhorsesapproaching.Ilookedandcouldseeahorsepulinga<br />
cariagefrom afar.Evenatthatdistance,icouldstilrecognizethecariage,itwasBily's.<strong>The</strong>y<br />
werefinalybackfrom theburial.IquicklywipedmytearsasIwalkedovertotheshortfenceto<br />
openthegateforthem.AsBilyrodethecariagethroughthegates,hewavedatmeandsmiled.<br />
InoticedHenrywasinsidethecariage,butIcouldnotseeMashanywhere.<br />
IwasabouttoclosethegatewhenIheardloudnoisesofahoarseapproachingfrom far.<br />
Itsoundedlikeitwasrunning.Ilookedaroundtoseewereitwascomingfrom butIdidnotsee<br />
anything.<strong>The</strong>noisegotlouderandcloseruntilofinalyspotedablackhorseapproachingrealy<br />
quickwithariderinblackonit'sback.ItwasMashandGandalf.Iimmediatelyopenedthegate.<br />
Innotimetheyreachandcamethrough.Iclosedthegatebehindthem.<br />
"Heisexcited.Helikesagoodrun."Mashsaidtomewhilegetingofthehorse.Bily<br />
wasinthehorse-housesecuringthecariageandhishorsewhileHenrywasatthedoorwaiting<br />
forme.<br />
"Ithoughtmaybesomeonewaschasingafteryou."Isaid.<br />
"Ohno.Gandalfwouldnotbethisexcitedifitwasthatsituation.Hewouldbemore<br />
excited.Helovesdanger."Shepatedthehorse'sneckanditneighed.<br />
IslowlywalkedtowardsGandalfandextendedmyhandtowardshim totouchhisneck.<br />
Surprisingly,hedidnotresist.<br />
"Welthat'sweird.Hedoesn'tlikebeingtouchedbutheisnotresistingyou.Lookslikehe<br />
likesyou."Mashsaid.<br />
Ismiledandpatedthehorseevenmore.Itwasmyfirsttimetouchinghorseanditfelt<br />
amazing.It'ssoftfur,andit'sneckmusclesalwereexcitingtocaress.Gandalffinalymovedhis<br />
headfrom meandthenwalkedtothehorse-housealalone.ItwaslikehewastelingmethatI<br />
hadtouchedhim enough.<br />
IturnedtoMashwhowasfixingherbootsnexttome,"Aren'tyougoingtotiehim."<br />
"No,Heissmartheknowswhattodo.Hecanneverrunawayfrom me.Ifanything,he<br />
wilhelpguardBily'shorse."<br />
Withoutsayingawordtoher,iwalkedawayandtowardsthedoorofthehousewere<br />
Henrywasnolongerstanding.<br />
AsIwasabouttoheadtothesitingroom,iheardBilyurgentlycaloutMash'sname.I<br />
stoppedandwalkedbackandhidbehindthedoortoover-hearwhathewassayingtoher.<strong>The</strong><br />
doorwasslightlyopensoIcouldpeepthroughitandseethetwo.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Hey.Abouttheotherday.Iam soryforwhatIsaidtoyou.Iwasjustangryatyou.I've<br />
beenangryatyouforarealylongtimeandIdon'tknowwhy.andwhenyoucamebackididnot<br />
knowhowtoreact."<br />
Shesmirked,"it'sokay.Ideservedit.Iam notrealyapeople'spersonsodon'texpectme<br />
tosaysomethingnicetoyou."<br />
Bilychuckled,"iknow.You'veneverbeenapeople'sperson.Hearingyoucompliment<br />
someonewouldmakemepuke."Hejoked.<br />
Shepunchedhischest,alitlebitharderthanshewassupposedto.<br />
"Ouch.Youarenotsupposedtopunchmethathard."Bilyrubbedhischest.<br />
"WelIenjoyedit.IwantedtodothateversinceIsawyouforthefirsttimeagain."<br />
"Why?"<br />
"BecauseImissedyou."<br />
Bilysmiled,"Whatdidyoujustsay?"Hejoked.<br />
"I'm notgoingtosayitagain."Sheraisedaneyebrowathim.<br />
Helaughed.<br />
Shetookasteptowardshim,"I'm soryIwalkedawayfrom you.Ifanything,thinking<br />
aboutyoualmostchangedmymindaboutleaving.Butmyvisionsweregetingworseandthey<br />
werecalingmesoihadtodoit.IdidnotwantyoutocomewithmebecauseIdidnotwantto<br />
getyouinvolvedinmyshit.Itwasmyfamily,soitwasmywar.Iwasgoingtocomebackforyou<br />
butshithappened.IgotmyselfinalotmorethanIthoughtIwould.Idon'tevenknowhowto<br />
explainmyselfbutIjusthopethatyouwouldforg."<br />
Beforeshecouldfinishhertalking,hetookastepforwardandkissedher.<br />
SomehowIfelthappyforBily.Ismiledandwalkedawayfrom thedoorbecausewatching<br />
peoplekisswouldberealycreepy.<br />
Iwalkedtothesitingroom andfoundHenryandEla.<br />
"Monica,goodtiming.Comesitwithus,Ineedtotalktoyou."Henrysaid.<br />
DidElatelhim whathappened?<br />
IwalkedtothesofanexttotheonewhereElawassiting."Areyouokay?"<br />
Shenodedslightly.Icouldseeitonherfacethatshewasstilshaken.Ismiledather<br />
slightly.<br />
Henryspoke,"Monica,IwantedtotelyouthatMashknowssomebodywhomighthelp<br />
usfindoutwhatyoutrulyareandhopefulyhelpusknowiftheprophesyistrue."<br />
196
"Destiny?Mashalreadytoldmeaboutit."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"That'sgreat.also,IthinkiknowwheretofindDestiny."<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"<br />
"RememberthatdaywhenIhadavisioninmysleep?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>niguessyourememberwhatItoldyouisaw."<br />
"YesIrememberexactlywhatyoutoldme."<br />
"Summariseitforus."<br />
"Alright.YousaidFirstitwasdarkness,thenyoufoundyourselfinthewoodsfolowinga<br />
manandawomanwhoweretrackingdownfootprintsofagoat,sayingit'saperson.<strong>The</strong>nitwas<br />
darknessagainandthenyoufoundyourselfatthelibrarywithdouglasanddeadbodiesonthe<br />
ground.<strong>The</strong>ndarknessagain,exceptthistimetherewaslightshininguponatree.Youfolowed<br />
thattreeandfoundoutthatithadaman-sizedholeatthebotom whichlookedlikepathway.<br />
Youturnedaroundandfoundyourselfinahousewhichlookedlikeitwasundertheground<br />
judgingbytherootsthatweregrowingfrom it'sroof.<strong>The</strong>ndarknessagainandthenyoufound<br />
yourselfbackatthelibrarywithdouglas.Douglasturnedintoabirdandflewawayandthenthe<br />
placefloodedwithblood.<strong>The</strong>nyouwokeupbeforeyoudrownedinit."Ispokenonstopand<br />
realyfastthatitmadeHenrydrophisjawoutofamazement.<br />
Hegasped,"HowareyouabletoremembereverythingItoldyouinthesameorderit<br />
happened?"<br />
"Ihaveasharpmemoryremember."Ismiledathim.<br />
"Anyway.Ithinkifiguredoutthatvision."<br />
"What?"<br />
"Ifyouthinkaboutthatvision.Youtakeawayalthelibraryanddouglasscenes.You<br />
wilrealisethatthethreeremainingscenesareconnected.somehow .OkayIthinktheyare<br />
connected,iam notsure."<br />
"Whatmakesyouthinkthat?"<br />
"IfIam notmistaken,thevisionwastryingtoleadmetoDestiny.Idon'tknowifit'sthe<br />
samedestinythatmashwastalkingaboutbutIthinkitis."<br />
Ifarowedmybrowsathim,"idonotfolow."<br />
"Ifyourealyremembereverything.<strong>The</strong>manandwomaninthewoodswhowere<br />
folowingthegoattracks,ItoldyouthattheysaidtheywerelookingforamancaledDestiny.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ysaidhelivesInatree.andthenafterthat,inthedarkplace,isawlightshiningoveratree<br />
197
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
withaholeatthebotom whichlookedlikeadoor.Whichmightmeanthathishousewas<br />
underneaththetree.andthenasIwaslookingatthetree,iturnedandfoundmyselfinahouse<br />
withrootsontheroof,whichmightbeDestiny'shouse.Maybeithadrootsontheroofbecauseit<br />
waslocatedunderatree."<br />
"Thatmakessomuchsense."Elasaid."<strong>The</strong>visionmighthavebeentryingtotelyou<br />
weretofindDestiny."<br />
"Butthat'snotal.<strong>The</strong>visioncontinued."<br />
"What?"Iasked.<br />
"Backatthedoctor'shousewhenmashknockedmeout,ididnotonlyseeElaandthe<br />
Doctor.Iactualyhadthreevisions.Italstartedinthedarkplaceasusual.<strong>The</strong>nIfoundmyself<br />
backhereatthehouseandIsawElarushinginthroughthebackdoor.That'showIknewthat<br />
shewasatthehouse.Iblinkedandwenttothedarkplaceagain.AfterawhileIblinkedagain<br />
andfoundmyselfinthedoctor'smind.<strong>The</strong>placewhereshewasgetingtortured.andItriedto<br />
helpherasshesaid.<strong>The</strong>naftereverythingmeltedtowater,italvanishedandIwasbackinthe<br />
darkplace.Iblinkedagainandtheniwasbackatthathouseintheground.Itlookedjustas<br />
before.IwasjustabouttostartlookingaroundwhenIfeltsomeonetouchmyhandandavoice<br />
askedwhatiwasdoingthere.IlookedbackoutoffearandthenIwokeupinthebathroom next<br />
toMash."<br />
"Youdidn'tseetheperson'sface?andhowwasheabletoseeandtouchyouinyour<br />
Astralform?"<br />
"Astralform?"Elaasked.<br />
"ItiswhatMashcalsthepointwerethebodyisinaspiritualform whennobodycanhear,<br />
touchorseeyou.It'snotabiologicalorphysicalform."Henrysaid.<br />
"Welthat'ssomestrangestufDoctor."Elascofed.<br />
Henrychuckled,"Anyway.Itwasnotclearenough,butimanagedtoseethepersonwho<br />
touchedme.Helookedshort,almosthalfmyheight.IthinkIalsosawhornsonhisboldhead.<br />
Hiseyesalsolookeddiferent,likethoseofananimal.That'salIcansayIsaw."<br />
"CanhebeDestiny?"Elaasked.<br />
"Maybe."<br />
Iclearedmythroat,".Ormaybeitwasthemanoffavorsplayingtricksonyou.<br />
Rememberwhenyouwenttothathel-ishplace,yousaidthatthemanoffavorswasabletosee<br />
youandthathetouchedyouandaskedyouasimilarquestiontotheonetheshortmanasked<br />
you.Heaskedyouwhatyouweredoingthere.Yousaidthemanoffavorsthendevelopedhorns<br />
andwingsandthathiseyeswhereabnormal.Don'tyouthinkthetwovisionssoundsimilar?"<br />
"Youareright.Butwhy?"Henrywhispered.<br />
198
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Wedon'trealyknowthat.Maybeitwasjustacoincidence.Solet'sassumethetwo<br />
visionsarenotconnectedatal,andalsothatthepersonthattouchedHenrywasrealyDestiny.<br />
Thatmightmeanthatweknowwheretofindhim .That'sifHenryremembersthetreewherehe<br />
lives."Elasaid.<br />
"Ido.IrememberthetreebutIdon'tknowwheretofindit."Henry'svoicewaslow.<br />
"We'lletthattoMash.Sheisahunterafteral.Shecantrackhim downandHenryjust<br />
hastolookoutforthetree."<br />
"Soundslikeaplan."HesaidInasharpvoice.<br />
"ButwhatifIam rightanditisrealythemanoffavorsplayingtricksonyou.Doesn'tthat<br />
meanwemightbeheadingstraightintohistrap?"Isaid.<br />
Henrysighed,"Wedon'thaveanotherchoiceMonica.Thismightbethebestshotwe<br />
haveatfiguringyouout.Wehavetotakethechance."<br />
"Besides,wehaveMashonourside.Sheisaweapon."Elajoked.<br />
Wechuckled.<br />
"Alrightthen."Isaid.Ilookedatthewidowandsawthatitwasalmostdarkoutside.<br />
BilyandMashwalkedin.IhadneverseenBilysmilingasmuchashewas.Helooked<br />
happy.Mashwasstilmash,sheonlyhadaslightsmirkonherface.<br />
"Ohheyguys?Whatareyouupto?"Bilyasked.Hesoundedashappyashelooked.<br />
"Nothing.Justtalking."Henrysaid.<br />
"Alright.Enjoy.Mashwilbesleepinginmyroom tonightsincethegirl'sroom isful.So<br />
seeyouguyslater."Bilysaid.Him andmashwenttohisbedroom andshutthedoorbehind<br />
them.<br />
Ismiled<strong>secret</strong>lyagain.Imighthavebeentheonlyonewhonoticedwhatwasgoingon<br />
betweenBilyandMash.HenryandEladidnotseem tomindatal.<br />
Istood,"Ithinkiam alsogoingtorestabit.Elaaren'tyoucoming?"<br />
"Uhm yes.Imeanno.ImeanIslept.Idon'tfeelsleepyanymore."Elamamered<br />
awkwardly.Itfeltlikeshewasjusttryingtoavoidme.Icouldnotblameher.Ialsowouldnot<br />
wanttobealoneinaroom withthepersonwhoalmostkiledme.<br />
Ifakedasmileandwalkedtomyroom asIwonderedifshehadalreadytoldHenrywhat<br />
hadhappened.Igotintheroom andshutthedoorbehindme.Iwalkedstraighttothebedand<br />
jumpedon.Amomentlater,icouldhearnoisesthtoughthewals,comingfrom thenextroom.<br />
<strong>The</strong>soundofsomeonemourningandabedsquiking.IknewatthatpointthatitwasBilyand<br />
Mash.<strong>The</strong>ywerefucking.<br />
199
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
IwonderedifBilycouldhearHenryandIfuckingfrom hisroom,thewayicouldhearhim<br />
andMashfucking,from myroom.ButitdidnotbothermethatmuchbecauseIwassurprisingly<br />
enjoyingthenoise.Itarousedme.Ineverknewhearingotherpeoplefuckwouldturnmeonas<br />
muchasitdid.Iclosedmyeyesandfocusedonthenoise.IslowlystartedtouchingmyselfasI<br />
beguntoimaginethatitwasHenryandIdoingit.Itfeltgood.<br />
200
CHPTERTHIRTY-FIVE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Monica?Monica?"Heshookmeandpuledmefrom mydreams.<br />
Iopenedmyeyestothebrightlightshininguponmyface.Iblockedthelightwithmypalm<br />
toshademyeyes.Ifelasleep.<br />
Henrystoodbymybed,"Wakeup.Wehavetogetready."<br />
"whattimeisit?Howlonghavebeenasleep?"Myvoicewassleepyandlazy.<br />
bed.<br />
"It'seightinthemorning.Comeongetup."Heoferedhishandandhelpedmeoutof<br />
"Ohmy.Idon'trememberfalingasleep."Iyawned.<br />
"Nobodyeverdoes.WehavetogofindDestiny.Getyourselfcleanedup."Hosvoicewas<br />
sharpashewalkedouttheroom.<br />
Immediatelyafterheleft,Ismeledmydressanditwasstinking.Ihadbeenwearingitfor<br />
days.Ineededachange.Iwalkedtowardsthewardrobetofindmyotherdress.Iopenedthe<br />
doorsandafoulscentcamerushingout.thesheetsIputinthere,Iforgotaboutthem.<strong>The</strong>had<br />
beeninthebucketwaterfordaysandhadevenstartedstinking.Ipushedthebucketfurtherinto<br />
thewardrobewithmyfoot.Itwasnotthebesttimetodealwiththem.<br />
Asiwasabouttoreachforthedressthatwasfoldedinsidemybag,Isawmymom'sbook<br />
sitingnexttothebag.Istaredatitforawhilethinkingwhethertoopenitornot.Ijustgrabbed<br />
mydressandshutthedoorswithouttouchingthebook.Iwasstilscaredofwhatiwouldfind<br />
inside.ItookoftheblackdressIwaswearingandsledintothebeautifulwhitedress.Irushedto<br />
thetablenexttothebedandgrabbedahairbrushandthenbrushedmymessyhairclean.Isat<br />
onthebedasIputonmysmalblackshoes.IwaseagertoseehowIlookedsoirushedtothe<br />
mirornexttothewidowwhenIrealisedthatthemirorwasturnedfaceingthewal.I<br />
rememberedwhathappenedthelasttimeIlookedintothatmiror..Iwasscaredtolookagain,<br />
SoIdidnottouchit.Inoticedtheblackcoatthatwasstickingoutunderneaththebed.Iwalked<br />
towardsitandpuleditout.ItwasabitdustysoIgaveitashakebeforeIputitonandcovered<br />
myhairwithit'shood.Iwasready.Iwalkedoutoftheroom.<br />
IfoundHenry,BilyandElasitingonthesofa'sinthesitingroom.<strong>The</strong>ywerehaving<br />
breadandtea.<br />
Henrylookedatme,"Justintime,yourteaisstilwarm.Comejoinus."<br />
IwalkedtothesofatotakeasitnexttoHenry,igrabbedacupofteaandapieceofbread.<br />
"Where'sMash?"Iaskedandbeguntoeat.<br />
"She'sprobablyoutsidegroomingGandalf."Bilysaid."She'snotafanofbreakfast."<br />
Ismiledathim.<br />
201
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Henryclearedhisthroat,"Thatdresslooksgoodonyou.<strong>The</strong>whitematchesyourhair."<br />
Hepuledthehoodofmyheadtoexposemyhair.<br />
Iblushed.Hesmiledatmewhilestaringintomyeyes.Icouldfeelmycheeksturningpink.<br />
"Youguysaresocutebutyouaregoingtomakemepukemybreakfast."Elajoked.<br />
Bilychuckledwithfoodinhismouth,"Letthem havetheirfun."<br />
Wealateinsilenceforawhile.<br />
Elaputhercupdown,"Sotodayistheday.Youguysfinddestinythenyou'lknowthe<br />
truth."<br />
"Whatdoyoumean,YOUGUYS,aren'tyoucomingwithus?"Iaskedwhileputingdown<br />
mycup.Iwasdoneeating.<br />
"No,asmuchasIwouldloveto,iwon'tbecomingwithyou."Shesmiled.<br />
"Why?WilyoubeokayIthehousealone?"<br />
"Bythetimeyouguysgetback,youprobablywon'tfindme.Ihavetoseeanotherdoctor<br />
forsomemedicines.Butafterthat,iam goingbackatmyplace,youguyswilfindmethere."<br />
"Wilyoubesafe?"<br />
face.<br />
"Don'tworyaboutme.Iwilbeokay."Shestaredinmyeyeswithawarm smileonher<br />
Henrystood,"OkayIthinkwearealdone,itistimetogonow."<br />
Bilystoodandrushedtohisbedroom.Thisremindedmeofwhathappenedtheprevious<br />
night.<br />
Elastoodandhuggedme."Takecaredear.Whatevertruthyoufindwhereyouaregoing,<br />
alwaysrememberwhatyouare."<br />
IsmiledatherasshewalkedtowardsHenryandhuggedhim."Keepyourselvessafe."<br />
Bilywalkedoutofhisroom withaswordhangingonhiswaist;Elawalkedtowardshim<br />
andhuggedhim.<br />
"Evenwithonehand,sheisstilahugger."Bilyjoked.Elagavehim adevilishlookand<br />
punchedhim onhischest.<br />
"Byeyouguys."Shesaidwhilewalkingtowardstowardthebedroom andshutthedoor<br />
behindher.<br />
"We'lhavetowaitawhile,ihavetofixthecariagetothehorsefirst."Bilysaidwhile<br />
headingtowardstheotherroom wherethebackdoorwaslocated.<br />
202
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
HenrywasabouttostartwalkingwhenIpuledhim backbythehand.Istaredinhiseyes<br />
andthenquicklykissedhim.Hekissedback.Itwasashortkiss.<br />
Hefarowedhisbrowsinaflirtyway,"Whatwasthatfor?"<br />
"Iam scared."Myvoicewaslow.<br />
Hesmiledatmeforawhileashisbeautifulbrowneyesstareddeepintomine.Hethen<br />
kissedmeagain.Heheldmebythehandandpuledmetothekitchen.<br />
"Whatarewedoinghere?Iaskedasheclosedthedoor.<br />
Hewalkedtowardsmeandkissedmeagain.Hegrabbedmyassandsqueezed.<br />
Ipuledbackmyhead,"WemustgetgoingHenry."<br />
Withoutaword,hekissedmebetweenmyneckbonesandmanagedtoshutmeup.Itwas<br />
moreofaSHUTUPANDKISSMEtypeofmoment.Ifeltbitsofelectricityflowthroughmywhole<br />
bodyashesuckedonmyneck.Iclosedmyeyesandliftedmyheadashekissedmeacrossto<br />
theothersideofmyneck.Mygoosebumpswentwildasheheldmebythewaistandliftedme<br />
andtoputmeonthekitechencounter.Hewalkedbetweenmylegspushingmydress<br />
backwardsandthenhekissedmylipsagain.<br />
Kissingistastelessbuthiskisseswereassweetashoney.Hislipsweresoftandwet.Our<br />
tonguesdancedwitheachotherasthekissgotpassionate.Mybodyvibratedandmyheartbeat<br />
spedupasIfelthishandslowlymovingfrom mythighedalthewayinsidemydress.Ikissed<br />
him evenmoreasherubbedbetweenmyvirgina.Heteasedmebydragginghisfingerinside,<br />
thenbeforeIcouldgasp,hepuleditoutandkissedmeagain.Histeasingwasmakingmemore<br />
erotic.<br />
Whilekissing,heheldmebythewaistagainandbroughtmedownfrom thecounter.He<br />
thenturnedmearoundandkissedmyneckfrom theback.<strong>The</strong>feelofhisharddickleaningon<br />
mybackmadecraveitevenmore.Ireachedmyhandtothebackandsleditintohistrousers<br />
andtouchedhisdick.Itwaswarm andIfeltitgetingbiggerandharderbetweenmypalm.He<br />
kissedmybackasheuntiedhistrousersanditdroppedtotheground.Icouldnotbelievehe<br />
wasmakingmedoitatsuchatimeandinsuchapublicplace.Butitwasveryarousing.<br />
Hetooktoobothofmyhandsinhisandthenbentoverwithmeandmademetouchthe<br />
counter.Hekissedthebackofmyneckandthenpuledmydressuptomywaist.Iwasaboutto<br />
liftmybackuprightthenheleanedbackontopofmemakingmebendoveragain.<br />
"Stay."Hewhisperedinmyear.hiswhisperturnedmeonevenmore."Closeyoureyes<br />
anddon'tlookback."<br />
Iclosedmyeyes.<strong>The</strong>nhesteppedbackandIcouldnotfeelhim onmeanymorefora<br />
moment.Ithoughtheleftmesoitriedtolookback.<br />
Hespankedmyass,"Isaiddon'tlookback."<br />
203
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Iclosedmyeyesandobeyedhiscommand.Heusedhislegstomakemespreadmine.<br />
WhenIleastexpectedit,hedrovehisdickinsidemefrom thebackandmademegasplikea<br />
madgirl.Hewentalthewayinuntilicouldfeelhisbalstouchmevirgina.Hefiledmeup.<strong>The</strong><br />
painwassweet.Hegrabbedmywaistandbeguntopulmebackandfourthashisdickwentin<br />
andout.Itwasgetingwarmerandsweetereachsecond.Mygaspinggotlouder.Hewastaking<br />
mybreathaway.Hethendrovehimselfbackalthewayinandmademescream.Hequickly<br />
coveredmymouthandstopped.<br />
"Henry?Monica?It'stime."Bilywasheardcalingfrom outsidethedoor.<br />
Withhisdickstilinsideme,Henrybentovermeandwhisperedinmyear,"Shhhhhhh."<br />
"Wearepackingsomebread,wewilberightout."HescreamedouttoBily.<br />
Hewasnotdoinganythingforamoment,Itriedtolookbackbuthespankedmyassagain<br />
andmademelookforward.Hewaiteduntilthebackdoorwasheardslammingclosed,thenhe<br />
continued.Hegrabbedmyboobsandsqueezedconsiquentlypulingmybackuprightandhe<br />
kissedmylipsfrom theback.Mybodywasupbutmywaistwasbenttoalowhim togoinside<br />
meeasily.Hewasstilsqueezingmyboobsashefuckedmeharderandfaster.Iwasgasping<br />
alotbutsilently.Itwasabitpainfulthathewasdoingitsofast,butienjoyedit.<strong>The</strong>skinofhis<br />
dickslidingagainsttheskinofmyVirginamadetheateafeelwarmer.Itfeltlikealhisbodywas<br />
goinginsideme.Imournedabitlouder,andthenhestoppedandwhisperedinmyearagain,"<br />
Am ihurtingyou?"<br />
Inodedano.<br />
"IfIam,youshouldtelmetostop."<br />
Hecontinuedtofuckmeevenharderandmorefaster.Icouldnottakethepainbuti<br />
wantedmore.Hewasmakingmecum.Hefeltlikeasexmachine.Howeasilyhewentinsideme<br />
andoutsideme.<strong>The</strong>nhegaspedandquicklypuledhisdickoutthenmusterbatedthecum on<br />
myback.Itwaswarm andarousing.Itwassaticifyingsex.Wewerebothoutofbreath.<br />
"Don'tmove."Hesaid.<br />
Heliftedhistrousersbackandandthenwalkedtotheothersideofthekitchenandpicked<br />
uponeteatowelfrom theonesthatwerehangingonthewal.Hewalkedbacktomeandthen<br />
usedthetoweltocleanthecum ofmyback.Hethrewthetowelinthedustbinjustnexttous,as<br />
Idroppeddownmydress.Iwascatchingmybreath.<br />
Hekissedmyforehead,"Naughtygirl."<br />
Iblushed.<br />
Ifolowedhim aswewalkedoutthekitchen,throughthesitingroom uptothebackdoor.<br />
WefoundMashalreadyonherhorse.Shewasfulypackedwithalherweapons,andso<br />
wasBily.<br />
204
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Whattookyouguyssolong?andwhereisthebread?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Ohwewerelookingforwhattousetocaryitandwedidnotfondanythingsowejust<br />
left."Henrysaidashehelpedmeupintothecariage.Healsogotonandcametositbesides.I<br />
wasalsmiles;Hisarmswerearoundmeandmyheadwasleaningonhisshoulderaswerode<br />
of.<br />
205
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Werodeforalmostanhourbeforewereachedthewoods.Westoppedbeforewecould<br />
enter.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>woodsaretoothickforustogothroughwiththecariage.Onlyhorsescanpass.<br />
Wehavetoleavethecariagebehind."Bilyspokefrom outside.<br />
Henrygotofandhelpedmedown.<br />
"Howarewedoingthis?"Henryasked.<br />
BilygotofthehorseandgaveHenrytoholdthelease."Ithinkwewilleaveithereand<br />
justhopewefinditwhenwecomeback."<br />
<strong>The</strong>placewashiddenenoughforthecariagenottobespoted.Bilyuntieditfrom the<br />
horse.<br />
"WhataboutMonicaandi?"Henryasked.<br />
Mashturnedtous,"Monicacanridewithme.GandalflikeshersoIassumehewilalow<br />
hertogeton."<br />
"Alrightthen,letmehelpherup."HenrysaidashehelpedmegetonMash'shorse.Itdid<br />
notresist.HethenwenttogetonBily'shorsealongsideBily.Iimmediatelyputonmyhoodto<br />
covermyhair.<br />
Itwasmyfirsttimeridingahorsesoiwasabitscared.Mashmusthavenoticedmyfear<br />
andsoshetoldmetoputmyhandsaroundher,andsoIdid.Westartedridingintothewoods.<br />
HenrybehindBilybuthewasnotholdingontohim,insteadhishandswereholdingontothe<br />
backofthesaddle.Mash'shorsedidnothaveanormalsaddle,itjusthadsomesortofmat.I<br />
understoodgivenathowshewasawildrideronawildhorse.<br />
"Wherearewegoing?"Iasked.<br />
"IheardthatDestiny'shouseisfoundsomewhereinthemiddleofthewoods.Wewil<br />
startsearchingfrom there."<br />
Werodeforawhilebeforewereachedthecenterofthewoods.Westoppedandgotof<br />
thehorses.<br />
"Whatarewesupposedtolookfornow?"Bilyasked.<br />
Mashstartedwalkingaroundfrom treetotree."Wemustbelookingforclues.Footprints,<br />
or<strong>secret</strong>doorsinthetrees."<br />
"Thisisgoingtobealongday."Henryscofed.<br />
"Alright,everybodystartlookingaroundforanything."Mashsaid.<br />
206
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Wealstartedlooking.Ontheground,intheskiesandonthetrees,tryingtofind<br />
something.<br />
"Doesanyofthetreeslookliketheoneinyouvision?"IwhisperedtoHenry.<br />
"Icannottel,theyallookthesame.Butwejustneedtofindonewithaholeatthe<br />
botom."Hesaid.<br />
Wecheckedalthetreesinthatareabutfoundnothing.<br />
Mashsighed,"Ithinkweneedtostartmoving."<br />
"Towhere?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Let'sgodeeper."Shesaidandstartedmoving.Wefolowedher.Henrywasbesidesme<br />
amdBilywasbehindushordinghishorsebythelead-rope,leadingit'sway.Gandalfwasinfront<br />
withMash.UnlikeBily'shorse,Gandalfwaswalkingfreelyonhisown.Mashdidnotneedaleadrodetopulhim<br />
around.<br />
Wewalkedforaboutanhour,checkingtreeaftertreeandlookingforanycluesonthe<br />
ground.<br />
Henryfinalystoppedusandlookedaround,"Ithinkirecognisethisplace."<br />
Bilystopped,"What?"<br />
"ThisiswhereIsawthemanandwomaninmyvision.<strong>The</strong>onesthatwhenlookingfor<br />
Destiny."<br />
Mashwalkedbacktous,"Whyhaveyoustopped?"<br />
Henryfacedthewest,"Ihadavisionsomedaysagowhereisawamanandwomanwho<br />
saidthattheywerelookingforDestiny."<br />
"Ohthebloodyhel.andyoujustdecidetotelusthisnow?"Mashsoundedangry.<br />
"Ididnotthinkitwasimportant.ImeanIwouldhavetoldyouaboutthevisionbutIdid<br />
notbelieveinit,soijustkeptittomyself.andMonica."<br />
"Alrightgenius.Whatelsedidyouseeinyourvision?"Mashasked.<br />
"Ialsosawatreewithadooratthebotom."<br />
"That'sperfect.Thatmeansyoucanrecognisethetreeright?"<br />
"Maybe."<br />
"Alright.Teluswheretogo."Mashsaid.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>Manandwomanwerewalkingwest.Ifolowedthem andsomewherewefound<br />
goatfootprints,theyfolowedtheprints."<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Sotheywerelookingforagoat'sfootprints?andwhatwilwedowiththosefootprints?<br />
Henry,Wearelookingforapersonnotagoat.Sogiveususefulinformation."Shesaid.She<br />
soundedserious.Notthatshehadeversoundedanylessserious.<br />
HenryturnedtoMash,"Iknowbutinmyvision,thosepeoplesaidthattheprintsbelong<br />
toDestiny."<br />
Mashsighed,"Peoplegivetheiranimalsweirdnames.Iwouldn'tbesurprisediftheman<br />
andwomaninyourvisionhappenedtohavelostagoatcaledDestinyandtheywerelookingfor<br />
it."<br />
Ichuckled.IfoundMash'ssarcasm ratherfunny.<br />
Henrylookedbacktothewest,"<strong>The</strong>nwhatwasthepointofmehavingthatvision?"<br />
Mashwalkedtowardshim,"Youareright.Inalmytimeofbeingahunter,IcansayI<br />
havelearntthateveryvisionhasameaning.Weshouldnotunderestimateavision.Solet'sdoit.<br />
Let'sheadWestandseewhatwefind."<br />
Beforewestartedmovingagain,IwasthirstysoiwalkedtowardsGandalfwhowasin<br />
standinginthebackwithabotleofwaterhangingfrom hisback.JustasIwasabouttograb<br />
thebotle,Isawamanlyshadowstandingbehindatreefarbehindus.Hewaswatchingus.I<br />
quicklyturnedaroundandtappedBilyontheshouldertoshowhim,butwhenIlookedagain,the<br />
personwasgone.<br />
"What?"Bilyaskedme.<br />
"IthoughtIsawsomebodywatchingus."Iwhispered.<br />
Hesmiledatme,"idon'tseeanything.Maybeitwasjustananimal.Comeon,wehaveto<br />
getmoving."<br />
Iforgotaboutit.Maybeitwastrulyjustananimal.Idrunkthewaterandputitbackon<br />
thehorse.IwalkedtoHenryandMashwhowereinfrontandwestartedwalkingwest.<br />
Wehadwalkedforawhilewhenwefoundprintsontheleafygroupthatlookedlikecleaved<br />
hooves.<strong>The</strong>footprintsofagoat.Wefoundthem justasHenrysaidwewould.<strong>The</strong>ywereleading<br />
tothenorth.Mashkneeledandtouchedoneoftheprints.<strong>The</strong>nshepickedsomedirtfrom itand<br />
smeledit.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>searefresh."Shesaid.<br />
Bilywalkedtowardsher,"Whatdoyoumean?"<br />
"Imeantheywerejustmadesomeminutesago.Ifwehurywemightcatchuptothe<br />
thingthatmadethem."Shesaid.<br />
WewereabouttostartfolowingthedirectionoftheprintswhenMashstoppedus.She<br />
lookedattheprintsagain.<br />
208
"<strong>The</strong>searedoubleprints."Shesaid.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Doubleprints?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Yes.Ifyoulookclosely,judgingbyhowdeepandwidetheyare,youcantelthatthey<br />
weretracedback."<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"Henryasked.<br />
"Imean,thethingthatmadetheprintsdidnotgonorth.Insteaditsteppedbackintoit's<br />
prints,walkingbackwardsandwentSouth.<strong>The</strong>onesheadingnortharejusttomislead<br />
people.nowIwanttoseethisanimalbecauseitseemsrealysmart."<br />
Wefolowedthetracksintheoppositedirectionastheywereoriginalygoing.Afterawhile,<br />
wenoticedthattheywerecomingfrom Behindasmalbush.Wewalkedbehindandbushbut<br />
foundnothing.<strong>The</strong>tracksstoppedthere.<br />
Bilysighed,"YouwerewrongMash.<strong>The</strong>animalcamefrom hereandheadednorth."<br />
"Iknowwhatiam talkingabout.I'vestudiedtrackingforyears."Mashsaid.Shesounded<br />
confident.<br />
Shekneeledandthentouchedthestartofthefootprints."Thispointhasbeensteppedon<br />
severaltimes."<br />
"Explain"Bilyasked.<br />
"Imean,theanimalhastracedbackintotheseprintsseveraltimesnotjustonce.It'strue<br />
thattheanimalstartedhere,butitdidnotgonorth."<br />
Shethenbentoverandblewawaytheleavesthatwereonthegroundwhichexposednew<br />
footprintsthatwereheadingeast.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>animalwenteast.<strong>The</strong>printsthatheadnortharefake.Itmadethem justtomislead<br />
people.<strong>The</strong>animalstartedhereatthisbushandheadednorthtomakethefalseprints,thenit<br />
walkedbacksteppingintothesameprintsuptothispoint.andthenitfinalywenteast.andi<br />
cantelbecausetheeastprintsdon'tlookliketheyweretracedback."Mashsaid.Shewasrealy<br />
goodatwhatshewasdoing.Hersuspicionswereright.<br />
Ifwefolowedtheprintstothenorth,whoknewwherewewouldhavefoundourselves?<br />
Thatrealywasasmartanimal.<br />
said.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>printsarestilfresh.<strong>The</strong>animaliscloseby.Let'sfolowthem totheeast."She<br />
Wefolowedthenewprintstotheeast.Afterawhileofwalking,wefinalynoticedthatthe<br />
printswereleadingtoatreethatstoodisolatedfrom othertreesaroundthearea.<br />
Henryhuriedforward,"Irecognizethattree.It'sthetreefrom myvision."<br />
209
"Iguessyouwereright."BilysaidtoMash.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Mashsmirked,"Ahunterisalwaysright.JustlikeHenrywasrightaboutthetreeand<br />
thegoatprints."<br />
Aswewalkedtowardsthetree,avoicewasheardcomingfrom abush."That'sfar<br />
enough!"<br />
Westoppedandlookedtoseewhowastalking.<br />
"Whoareyoupeople?"Itspokeagain.Itsoundeddeepandmanly.<br />
Mashwalkedforward,"WearelookingforamancaledDestiny."<br />
"What'syourbusinesswithhim?"<br />
"Wejustwantsomeinformation,wearenotlookingforanytrouble.<br />
"Thatboynearthetree,whoishe?"<strong>The</strong>voiceasked,referingtoHenry.<br />
"I'm Henry.Whoareyou?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>voicegotlow,"Imustbeaskingyouyouthatsamequestion.Whoareyou?Isaw<br />
youinmyhousetheotherday.ButyouvanishedbeforeIcouldtalktoyou."<br />
Henrywalkedforward,"Youarethatmaninthehousefrom myvision.<strong>The</strong>manwho<br />
touchedme.YouliveInthetreedon'tyou?Howwereyouabletoseeandtouchmeinmyastro<br />
form?"<br />
"BecauseIam notanordinaryperson."<strong>The</strong>voicesaidandthenwalkedoutofthebush.<br />
Hewastrulynotanordinaryperson.Hestoodnexttothebush.Hewasshortjustlike<br />
Henrysawfrom hisvision.Helookedlikehewashalfmyheight.HewasboldandInoticedthe<br />
tinyhornsstickingoutfrom hisforehead.Hiseyesdidnotlooklikethoseofahuman;<strong>The</strong>pupils<br />
insidewereabitredandlargerthannormal.HiseyesremindedmeofMash'sdiferentcolored<br />
eyes.<strong>The</strong>manwasalsoshirtlessandabitchubby,hehadabigbely.Besidesalthesestrange<br />
features,themosteyecatchingonesofalwerehislegs.<strong>The</strong>ywerenotlegsofaperson,they<br />
werelegsofagoat.<strong>The</strong>yhadfuronthem too.Thatexplainedthegoatfootprintswewere<br />
folowing.Hewashalfhumanhalfanimal,thatbeinghistophalfofapersonandbotom halfof<br />
agoat.<br />
Wewerealshockedatseeingapersonofsuchsort.AlexceptMash,shedidnotlook<br />
surprisedatal.Maybeitwasbecauseshehadseenalotofweirdcreaturesinhertime.That<br />
wasnotsomethingnewtoher.<br />
"Whoareyou?"Bilyasked.<br />
<strong>The</strong>goatlegsmadehim walkfunnyasheapproached."Iam thepersonofwhom you<br />
seek.<strong>The</strong>onetheycalDestiny."<br />
210
Wefinalyfoundhim.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
211
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN.<br />
<strong>The</strong>goatlegsmadehim walkfunnyasheapproached."Iam thepersonofwhom you<br />
seek.<strong>The</strong>onetheycalDestiny."<br />
Hisaccentsoundedfrench.<br />
"You'reafaun."Mashsaid.<br />
Destinyscofed,"Nono.Don'tcalmethat,ihatethatname."<br />
"What'safaun?"Henryasked.<br />
"Afaunisamythologicalhalfhumanhalfgoatcreature."Bilysaid.<br />
"IpreferyoualjustcalmeDestiny.That'swhateverybodycalsme."Hebreathed.<br />
Mashwalkedtowardshim,"I'veheardalotaboutyou.Isittrueyouareabletosee<br />
people'sfuture?"<br />
DestinygrabbedMash'shand.Hiseyesimmediatelystartedtoglowashestaredinthesky,<br />
"OhhhIseeyouhavefoughtalotofbadthings.You'vemadealotofenemiesinyourpath.But<br />
theonlyenemyyou'vefailedtodefeatistheoneinsideyou.<strong>The</strong>anger.It'sbeeneatingyouup<br />
eversince.eversincetheydied.Youfailedtorunawayfrom it.Itmakesyouthirstyforviolence.<br />
That'swhyyouaresohardoneverybody.That'swhyyouchosetobeafighter.Youwanted<br />
somethingtotakeoutyourangeronsoyouchosetochaseafterbadguys.Youchosetodo<br />
good.Youareagoodperson,butyoudon'tbelieveit."<br />
AtfirstMashlookedhelpless,asthoughwhatDestinywassayingaboutherwastrue.For<br />
someseconds,isawhertoughfacegetoveruledbysorow.Afterwards,Isawherbegintoget<br />
angry.<br />
Destinycontinued,".forthebetermentofgood,you'vetakenawaychildrenfrom<br />
mother'sandmother'sfrom children.Althoughyouweredoinggood,itmakesYoubelievethat<br />
youarebad.That'sanotherreasonwhyyouchaseafterbadguys.Becauseyouwanttotorture<br />
yourselfbyputingyourselfintheirpath.Sothattheycanhurtyouwhileyouhurtthem ."<br />
Mashscofed.<strong>The</strong>angerom herfacewasgetingworse.<br />
"Stop."Shebreathedoutinalowvoice.<br />
Destinylookedather,".You'velostalot.Youarealsobatlingwithlove.Youleftyour<br />
firstlover,butyouneverforgothim .Yoursecondloverbetrayedyou.He."<br />
"ENOUGH!"Mashshoutedasshetwistedhisarm thatwasholdingher,whilewithher<br />
otherhand,sheheldapocketknifeonhisneck.ShewassofastIdidnotevenseehergrabthe<br />
knifefrom herleg;shetwistedhisarm justasfast.<br />
Destiny'seyesstoppedglowingimmediatelyaftersheremovedhishandfrom herskin.It<br />
wasasthoughhispoweronlyworkedwhenhetouchestheperson.<br />
212
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Nothingyou'vesaidistrue."Herfurywassogreatthatshegrowledherwords.Hervoice<br />
wasfiledwithanguish.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re'sthedenial.It'sanotherpartofyou."<br />
Destinylookedscaredasmashheldtheknifeonhisneckwithherdaringeyes.Icouldsee<br />
theangeronherface.andherheavybreathing.Itwaslikeshewasbreathingoutaltheangerin<br />
theworld.Besidesalthis,Destinycontinuedtospeak.<br />
Hisvoicewasrusty,"Thoseeyesstaringatme.Isawittoo.<strong>The</strong>yhaven'talwaysbeen<br />
diferentlikethat.Redandblueforbadandgood.Itwasher,thewitch.shewastheonewho<br />
bestowedthecurseontoyou.Shechangedyoureyes."<br />
Mashtackledhim tothegroundwhilestilkeepingtheknifeonhisneck.Shewastoo<br />
quick,whichmademewonderhowshewasabletodoitwithoutevencutinghim.Sherealy<br />
wasexperienced.<br />
"Isaidenough."Herangergotworse.Shepushedtheknifeclosertohisthroat.<br />
HenryandBilyrantohersothattheycouldstopher.<br />
"Mashstop!"Bilyshoutedandtriedtotouchher.Shequicklytwistedhisarm,gotupand<br />
broughttheknifetohisneckandmadehim freezeinfear.Henryalsotriedtogetclosetohelp<br />
Bily,sheusedherotherarm andquicklyputtheotherknifeonhisthroattoo.Again,Ihadno<br />
ideahowshemanagedtopultheotherknifefrom herotherlegsofast.<br />
HenryandBilyhadtheirarmsupassheheldaknifeoneachonesneck.Ihadneverseen<br />
herthatfurious.Shelookedlikeshecouldtakethem aldownbyherself.Iwasjustthe<br />
unexperiencedgirlwhowatchedbecauseIwastooscaredtogetinvolved.<br />
"Mash.Calm down.Weareyourfriends.Sunflowergarden."Bilysaid."Sunflower<br />
garden."Hecontinueinasoftwhisper.<br />
Shestaredathim forsomeseconds,thenclosedhereyesandtookadeepbreath.Inno<br />
time,herbreathingbeguntoslowdown.<br />
ItwasasthoughBilyknewhowtocalm herdown.SUNFLOWERGARDEN.Whatdidit<br />
mean?MaybeSunflowergardenwassomesortofahappyplaceforher,andEverytimeshe<br />
goesuncontrolablyfurious,shewouldpictureittocalm herselfdown.Butthatwasjustmy<br />
assumption.<br />
Shesighedasshepuledtheknivesoftheirnecks;sheputthem backintheknife-pockets<br />
onherlegs.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nexttimeyoudothattome,youwon'tbealivetotelyourownstory."Mashsaidto<br />
Destinyinhernormalvoice.Sheoferedahandtohelphim up.Hetookitdespiteherthreatening<br />
hislife.<br />
Hedustedhisfur,"Afterwhatjusthappened,Idon'tevenwanttotouchyou."<br />
213
"Goodlet'skeepitthatway."Shesaid.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"You'reahunter.Thatexplainshowyouwereabletomakeitpastmytraps."<br />
"Whattraps?"<br />
"Ihavetrapsalovertheplacetokeeptheunworthyfrom findingme."<br />
"Dothosetrapshappentobeinthenorth,whereyourfakefootprintslead."<br />
"Ohhhyoumanagedtoseethroughmymisdirection.Iam notsurprised.Youhuntersare<br />
realygoodatwhatyoudo."<br />
Henrysteppedforward,"ihaveaquestion.Mashsaidyouseepeople'sfuture,their<br />
destiny.Buthowwereyouabletoseeherpastandpresent?"<br />
"Corection,Idon'tseepeople'sdestiny,iseetheirpurpose.actualytocometothinkof<br />
it,iseeeverythingwhenItouchyou.Past,presentandjustaglimpseofthefuture."<br />
"Whyjustaglimpseofthefuture?"Bilyasked.<br />
"WelifIsaweverythinginthefuture,iwouldbeagodwouldn'tI?"Hisvoicehada<br />
sarcastictone.<br />
Destinywasaguywhospokeinahappyandfunway.Hedidnotsoundtooseriouswith<br />
hiswords.Hesoundedlikesomebodywhowasproudofwhathewas.<br />
Hecontinued,".Forthefuture,Iam onlyabletoseesomebody'smainpurposeand<br />
somethingthey'lachieve.ButIcannotseehowthey'lachievethatsamething.Peoplemostly<br />
comeherefortoknowthey'refutureandnottheirpast.That'swhytheycalmeDestiny."<br />
"Nobodywantstoknowtheirpast."Henry'svoicewaslow.<br />
"Exactly,becauseeverybodywantstoescapeit.Imeaniftheyweretogothroughalthe<br />
troubletofindmejustsothattheycanknowthey'repast,theywouldn'tcalmeDestiny.<strong>The</strong>y<br />
wouldhavetochangemynametoORIGIN."Hejokedbutnobodylaughed.Eventhoughhehada<br />
bigsmileonhisfacewaitingforsomebodytolaugh.<br />
IfoundhisExpressfunnybutIheldinmylaugh.<br />
"Ohcomeon!That'sanicejoke.Iwondereverybodyitelittodoesn'tgetit."Hesaidwith<br />
alotofsarcasm.<br />
Hesoundedevenfunnier.<strong>The</strong>laughterwasfilingmeup.Ifinalychuckled.<br />
Heturnedtome,"Ohsee.<strong>The</strong>youngladygetsit.Iam notgoingtoexplainthejoketothe<br />
restofyoubecauseitwilbelessfunnyifIdo."<br />
"Wegetthejoke.It'sjustnotfunny."Mashsaid.Shewasalwaysthestraight-to-the-point<br />
type.Alwaysspokethetruthnomaterhowmuchithurtssomeone.<br />
214
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"No,ijustthinkeverybodywhocomeshere,comeswithnohumor.It'slikeIputasignon<br />
oneofthetreessayingHUMORTOBELEFTATTHISTREE."Hesaidwithmoresarcasm.<br />
Ilaughedoutloudwhiletheothersjustwatchedmeinsilence.<br />
DestinyslowlywalkedtowardsmewhileIlaughed,"Ilovethisgirl.Sheseemsmorefun<br />
thananyofyou."<br />
"You'refunny."Isaid.<br />
"Iknowright.Nowtakeofyourhoodysothaticanseeyou.Ineedtorememberyour<br />
wholeface.<br />
IhesitatedandlookedatHenry.Iwasn'tsureifIwasalowedtoshowhim myhair.Henry<br />
nodedatmeayesatme,signalingthaticouldshowDestiny.Itookofthehood.<br />
Destinywassurpriseduponswingmyhair.Hestoppedsmilingandjokingaround.Itwas<br />
asthoughherecognizedme,"Itcan'tbe.Youarethatgirl.I'vebeensearchingforyouforyears."<br />
"Youknowher?"Mashasked.<br />
"Yes.andno."<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Youshouldalcomeinside.Ineedtoknowwhosheis.andwhyalwaysIseeaflashof<br />
herfaceineverybody'sbleap."<br />
"What'sableep?"Iasked.<br />
"BleapiswhatIcalthethingsIseewhenItouchsomebody."Hesaidwhilehuryingto<br />
thetree.Hegrabbedabranchandpuledopena<strong>secret</strong>door."Come,alofyou.Inside."<br />
Wealwalkedtothedoor.ItwasjustabithigherthanDestiny'sheightandasmalofour<br />
heights.Destinywentinfirst,thenHenryfolowed,buthehadtobentovertowalkin.<strong>The</strong>nMash<br />
andBilybentoverandwalkedintoo.IwasabouttogoinwhenIheardanoisefrom theback.I<br />
lookedandsawashadowofapersondeepinsidethewoods.Itwasthesameshadowisaw<br />
earlieranditwasjuststandingbetweenthetreesmysteriouslywatchingus.<br />
"Getinandclosethedoorbehindyouyounggirl."Destinyshouted.Hisvoicestunnedme<br />
andmademeturnmyheardtohim.Whenilookedbackagain,theshadowwasnolongerthere.<br />
Itjustvanished.IknewatthatpointthatitwasnotananimallikeBilysaid.Butikeptittomyself.<br />
Iturnedtothetreeandrealisedthattherewasstairsinsideleadingdown.Ienteredand<br />
puledthedoorclosedbehindme.<br />
215
CHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHT<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Aswewalkeddownthestairs,withourbacksstilbentover,Inoticedhowthepathhad<br />
burningfire-sticksonthewalswhichshedlighttothepath.Wefinishedthestairsandfound<br />
ourselvesfacingtwodiferenttunnelsgoingindiferentdirections,Destinyledustotheoneon<br />
theright.<br />
"Wheredoestheotherpathlead?"Mash'svoiceechoed.<br />
"Ohthatoneleadstoadiferentroom inthehouse."Destinysaid.<br />
"Youhaveahousedownhere?Howwhereyouevenabletobuildalthisalone?"Bily<br />
asked.<br />
"WhosaidIdiditalone?"Destinysmiledbackathim ashestopped.Hepushedopen<br />
anotherdoorandthenledusinsideahouse.Itwasasmalhousebutbigenoughforustofinaly<br />
standupright;Bilycouldtouchtheroofjustbyliftinghisarm.<strong>The</strong>room wefirstsawwasthe<br />
kitchen.Ithadalotofcandlesonthewalsthatiluminatedthedarkness;theyalsomadeitlooka<br />
bitcreepy.Inoticedhowthewalswereconcrete,whichmighthavebeendonetokeepthe<br />
undergroundinsectsoutofthehouse.Atthetopofthewals,inoticedtherewasairvents,buti<br />
didnotknowhowtheventilationsystem downthereworked,aliknewisthattherewasenough<br />
airtobreathandalsokepttemperaturecool.<strong>The</strong>floorsweretiled.<strong>The</strong>kitchenlookedabit<br />
emptywithonlyafewthingslikeashortcupboardononewal,whichhadjustafewcupsand<br />
platessitingonit.<strong>The</strong>rewasashortcounter-tableinthecenteroftheroom whichwasbuilt<br />
aroundafatmetalbarthatranfrom theflooralthewayuptotheroof.Lookedlikethebarkept<br />
thehousefrom colapsing.<strong>The</strong>roofhadmetalbarseverywherewithwhatlookedlikeglass<br />
sitingontopofthem tokeepthedirtfrom falingin.<strong>The</strong>rewasalsoasinkontheotherwal;<br />
thoughithadnotaponit.Howwouldhegetawatersystem downthere?<br />
<strong>The</strong>nwewalkedthroughadoorwhichledusintothesitingroom.Itwasabitbiggerthat<br />
thekitchenwhichmadeitlookmoreemptygivenitalsohadcountablefurniture.<strong>The</strong>wals,the<br />
candles,thefloorandtheroofwerejustlikeinthekitchen,exceptInthere,theglassontheroof<br />
hadcracksandtherewasrootsgrownfrom it.<strong>The</strong>rewasalsoonlyafewfurniture.Thislooked<br />
liketheroom Henrydescribedfrom hisvision.<strong>The</strong>rewastwosmalchairsbythefireplace,a<br />
shorttableinoneofthecornersandithaddeadrabbitsonitandabigchoppingknifestanding<br />
betweenthemeat.Ononeifthewalsstoodawineshelf,ithadalotifwinebotlesonit.<strong>The</strong>re<br />
wasahugemetalbarinthecenterofeachroom runningfrom thefloortotheroof.Justnextto<br />
themetalbar,wastwosofa'slinedupfacingtwoothersmalerrockingchairs.Itlookedlikea<br />
therapyroom giventhatthepatientssitonthelargersofa's,whileDestinysitsonthesmaler<br />
ones.Buttheywheretwoofthem andonlyoneofhim.Maybehelovedtohavethechoice.He<br />
ledustothesofa'swherewesat.Destinysatononeoftherockingchairsfacingalofus.<br />
Ilookedaroundandsawtwoothercloseddoors.Oneonthefarleftsideandtheotheron<br />
theright,whoknewwheretheyled?.OnlyDestinyiguess.<br />
Destinyclearedhisthroat,"Startbyintroducingyourselves.IknowthegirlisMash.What<br />
abouttherestifyou.?<br />
216
"I'm Bily."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Henry."<br />
".andI'm Monica."<br />
"Whydoyoulivedownhere?"Mashasked.<br />
"Ohlongstoryshort.IusedtoliveInthecityahundredyearsago.Ihadajob,fortune<br />
teling.<strong>The</strong>peoplelovedmebecausemypredictionswhereneverwrong.Iwasthemosttalked<br />
aboutinthecityandbeyond.Butnobodyknewhowilookedinfulbecauseionlyusedtospeak<br />
tothem behindawalthroughsomeholes.<strong>The</strong>ywouldslidetheirhandthroughoneoftheholes<br />
sothaticouldtouchthem andreadtheirlife.Thatway,nobodyeversawme,iwasjustavoice<br />
behindawal.Humansareafraidofwhattheydonotunderstandandthat'swhyInevershowed<br />
them myfulself.Astimepassed,suspicionswerebeingdrawnonwhymypredictionswere<br />
alwaysrightandonwhyinevershowedmyselftothepeople.<strong>The</strong>ysuspectedIwasawitch<br />
doingblackmagiconthem.Oneday,amanmanagedtosneakintomyhouseandhemanaged<br />
toseemyfulself,heranandtoldthewholecityandtheyformedanangrymobwhichcame<br />
lookingformesothattheycouldburnmealive.Becausethat'swhattheydidtowitches.<strong>The</strong>y<br />
brokeintomyhouseandfoundmebutthankstomylegs,iwasfasterthanalofthem soiran.I<br />
ranandneverlookedback.Ihidasjustashadowinthewoodsforsomeyearsuntileventualy,<br />
thepeopleforgotaboutmeandwhattheysaw.OnedayIfelintoaholeandfoundmyselfin<br />
tunnelsunderground.Itusedtobeaminebutitlookedliketheminersgaveupbeforetheygot<br />
far.Ittookyearsbutwiththehelpofsomefriends,Imanagedtobuilditupandmakeitahome.<br />
Rumorstartedspreadingthatpeoplesawmeinthewoodssotheoneswhostilneededmyhelp<br />
startedtotrackmedown.EventualytheywouldfindmeandIwouldtelthem theirdestinyin<br />
return,theybroughtmegiftsandkeptmyhomea<strong>secret</strong>.<strong>The</strong>yfinalystartedcalingmeDestiny<br />
asa<strong>secret</strong>codetheyusedwhentalkingaboutme.Astimepassedmorepeoplestarted<br />
searchingformeandotherswerejustdoingitforfun,soIsetuptrapsinthewoodssothatonly<br />
theworthyandtheoneswhotrulybelievedwouldfindme.andnowhereweare,fiftyyears<br />
later."<br />
"Youlookhappyforapersonwho'slivedhiswholelifehidinghisidentity."Bilysaid.<br />
Destinylaughed,"IfIdon'tenjoymyownlife,thenwho'slifewilienjoy."<br />
"You'resmart."Mashsaid.<br />
"That'sanextraabilityofmine."<br />
"Nowontoyouguys.<strong>The</strong>boy,Henry.Whathappenedtoyourmotherwastragic,Iam<br />
realysory."Destinysaid.<br />
"Ihatetotalkaboutit.Buthowdidyouknow?Youhaven'ttouchedmeyet."Henrysaid.<br />
"Youwereinmyhouseafewdaysago.Itouchedyouremember.Butthevisionwasabit<br />
blurybecauseyouwereinwhatyoucal,yourAstroform .Itriedtotalktoyou,butyoujust<br />
vanished."<br />
217
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"YoucanseesomeoneintheirAstroform too?"Mashasked.<br />
"Myeyesseeeverything."<br />
"Inoneofmyvisions,isawsomebodywhowasabletoseemetoo.Doyouhappento<br />
knowhim?theycalhim THEMANOFFAVORS?Hehasrealydarkhair."<br />
"No,haven'theardofhim butI'lmakesuretolookintoit.Maybeitwasjustabroken<br />
visionbecauseOnlyafauncanbeabletoseeyouinyourAstroform becausethepowersofa<br />
hunteroriginatesfrom fauns.Bilionsofyearsagotheraceofthefaunswasthreatenedbythe<br />
humans.Faunscouldnotdefendtheirteritorybecausetheywereoutnumbered,Sotheydecided<br />
toawakenanunknownweapontousetoprotectthemselves.Toawakethisweapontheywere<br />
supposedtoperform aritualwhichmadethem messwithancientmagicthattheydidnot<br />
understand.<strong>The</strong>yhadtosacrificethemotherofalfauns,thrownintotheblueflameofthe<br />
dragon'sden.<strong>The</strong>ritualwentwrongandandflameexplodedwhichsentamagicalbeam across<br />
theworld.<strong>The</strong>beam wasonlyvisibletoafaun'seyesothehumansdidnotevennoticeit.U<br />
fortunately,thebeam turnedeveryfauninit'spathintodust.Onlyacountablenumberoffauns<br />
survived,theothersperished.<strong>The</strong>survivingfaunswereforcedtolivein<strong>secret</strong>,hiddenfrom the<br />
outsideworld.Itwaslaterdiscoveredthatthebeam didnotonlycaryextinction,italsocaried<br />
evolution.<strong>The</strong>samebeam thatperishedthefaun'sracealsostartedtheraceofthehunters.<br />
Random childrenweregetingbornwiththepowerofenhancedsight,hearingandphysic .and<br />
asthechildrengrewup,theirvisionsledthem tobecomingtheprotectorsoftheworld.<strong>The</strong>se<br />
enhancedhumancametogetherandformeda<strong>secret</strong>colonyandthat'swhentheybegintocal<br />
themselvesTHEHUNTERS.<strong>The</strong>yHunteddownalsortsofsupernaturalevil.<strong>The</strong>ywerethe<br />
<strong>secret</strong>guardians,theHEROESINTHESHADOW.Itwaslaterdiscoveredthateachhunterwas<br />
bornwithasimilarmarkontheirbacksforidentity.andalsothelineofthehunterswasnot<br />
passedonthroughbloodties.Itwasnotabiologicalthing.Becausehunter'swouldhavechildren<br />
whowerenormalhumans,andhumanswouldhavechildrenbornhunterswithoutanyblood<br />
connectionswiththeancestralhunters.Ahunterwasbornrandomlythroughoutthegenerations<br />
thatfolowedanduntilnow,nobodyknowswhy.Butrumorsaidtheraceofthehunterswaspast<br />
onspiritualy.Butthehuntersbelievedtheywerechosenbytheworldandalsothattherevisions<br />
wasawaythattheworldcommunicatedwiththem .Century'spastofthem protectingtheworld,<br />
whentheirracesuddenlydisappearedwithnotrace.Nobodyknewwhathappenedtothem or<br />
wheretheywent.<strong>The</strong>yjustvanishedwhennobodywaslooking.Afterthat,nochildwasheardto<br />
bebornwithahunter'spowersforyears.ButnowhereisMashandHenry,whoknowshow<br />
manymoreareoutthere?"<br />
"Non."Mashbreathedout.<br />
"Youdon'tknowthat."<br />
"IdobecauseI'vesearchedforpeoplelikemesothatIcangetsomeanswers.andi<br />
foundnon."<br />
"Huntersarethebestathidingfrom theoutsideworld.Livingintheshadowsiswhat<br />
theyaregoodat.Iwouldn'tbesurprisedifyouwereunabletofindthem."<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Bilysighed,"Okay,althesestoriesaremakingmyheadspin."<br />
"<br />
Ichuckled,"SoHenryrealyisaHunter?WhatDestinydidyouseewhenyoutouchedhim?<br />
"Isawthebetrayalofalovedone."Destinywhispered.<br />
"What?Who?"Henryaskedinahighvoice.<br />
"Thatisnotformetotel.Thatjobisfortime.Itwiltelyoueverything."<br />
"When?Whenwilithappen?"<br />
"Soon."<br />
Henrylookedconfused.Iwastoo.Whowasgoingtobetrayhim?<br />
Destinysighed,"Alrightmovingforwardnow.IhaveseenMash'sandHenry's.Sowhose<br />
next.howaboutBily?"<br />
Bilyputhishandforward,"AlrightbutIwantyoutosaynothingaboutmypast.Youwil<br />
onlymentionmyDestiny."<br />
"Alright."DestinysaidashetouchedBily.Hiseyesbeguntoglow.<br />
Destinywasnotsayinganythingforawhile.<br />
"Whatdoyousee?"Bilyasked.<br />
Destinywasquiet.<strong>The</strong>otherslookedjustasconfusedasIwas.<br />
HefinalyslowlyletgoofBily'sarm withaconfusedlookonhisface.<br />
"Destiny,whatdidyousee?"Mashasked.<br />
"Nothing.Ijustsawdarkness."Hebreathed.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Idon'tknow.Idon'tknowwhatitmeans.Maybeit'sjustyourmindblockingme."<br />
Destinysaid.Icouldseebythelookonhisfacethathewashidingsomething.<br />
"Comeonjustteluswhatitmeans."Bilyshouted.<br />
Destinysmiled,"Timewiltel,Bily.It'snotformetotel<br />
Bilysighedandleanedbackonthesofa,"alrightthen.let'smoveontothereasonwe<br />
arehere,Monica.Yousaidthatyou'vebeenseeingherfaceinotherpeople'sbleaps,howand<br />
why?"<br />
"That'smyquestiontoo.Idon'trealyknow .EverytimeItouchsomebody,rightafyeri<br />
seetheirDestiny,IalsoseeaflashofMonica.Justabriefvisionofherface.I'vebeentryingto<br />
219
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
findoutwhatitmeantforyearsnowbutIgotnothing.SoeventualyIjuststartedtoignoreit,<br />
eventhoughitappearedineveryone'sbleap.nowthatI'vetalkedaboutit,Ijustrealisedthatidid<br />
notseeitinMash's,Henry'sNotBily'sbleap."<br />
"Why?"Henryaskedwhilelookingatme.<br />
"Idon'tknow."Destinysaid."IthinktheonlywaytofindoutisifIseeherbleap."<br />
IwasnotreadytofindoutwhoorwhatIwas.Iwasnervous.Iwasscared.Myheartwas<br />
racingandifeltlikeIwasrunningoutofbreath.Ihadtobuymyselfsomemoretime.Evenafew<br />
secondstocatchmybreath.Ihadtostal.<br />
"Iam abitthirsty.CanIhavesomewater?"Iasked.Iassumedhehadnowaterinthe<br />
housebecausetherewasnotap,soIthoughtthatmaybetheywouldletmegooutsidetograb<br />
thewaterfrom Gandalf.Whichwouldgivemesometimetobreath.<br />
"Uhm,alrightIwilgetyousome.I'lbebackinasecond."Destinysaidandwalked<br />
towardsthecloseddoorontheright.Heclosedthedoorbehindhim afterheentered.<br />
<strong>The</strong>otherslookedconcerned.<strong>The</strong>ymusthaveseenthefearonmyface.Henrycameto<br />
sitbesidesme;heheldmyhandandsmiledatmetocalm medown.<br />
Afterawhile,weheardthedoorDestinywentthroughopenslowly.Hecanwalkedout<br />
withashotguninhisarms.Hewentinhappyandcameoutscaredanddisturbed.Wewereal<br />
surprisedatthesuddenchangeinhismood.Hestoodandthedoorandateardroppedfrom his<br />
eyeasheslowlyliftedthegunandpointeditatme.SeeingthisHenryimmediatelystoodand<br />
stoodinfrontofmewithhisarmsup.Bilystoodwithhisarmsuptoo.<br />
"Oh,thebloodyhel."Mashsaidassheslowlystoodtoo.Isawher<strong>secret</strong>lypulouther<br />
pocket-knifefrom herlegintheprocess.Sheputherhandsupwhileholdingtheknifeinsucha<br />
waythatDestinycouldnotseeit.<br />
"Whatareyoudoing?"SheaskedDestinyinlowvoice.<br />
"I'vefinalyseenit.I'veseenital."Destinybreathed.Hisvoicewascrackybecauseof<br />
fear.Helookedrealyscared.<br />
"Seenwhat?"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>end.<strong>The</strong>apocalypse.It'scoming.Monica.ThatiswhyIseeherineveryone's<br />
future.Becausesheiseveryone'sdestination.Sheiseveryone'sfinishline.Sheisthedestroyer<br />
ofworlds."<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?Younevereventouchedher.Howdidyouseethat?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Oh,itdoesn'tmaterrightnow.I'veseenital.Itwilbehorible.Isawdeadbodies<br />
everywhere.Althatblood.Althatfire.Sheisthedevil'sdaughter.Hermissionistoendthe<br />
world.Tokileverybody.I'veseenherfulform.Herhairwilreplacedbyfire.Hereyesasredas<br />
thebloodshewilbestandingin.Herdevilishsmilerepresentinghowmuchshe'lenjoykiling<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
everybody.Herdarkwingswilbeonfirebuttheywilnotburn.Darksmokewilbecomingout<br />
from thewingsjustlikeitwilcomeoutfrom thebodiesofthecreaturesthatwilkneelbehind<br />
her.<strong>The</strong>smokewildarkentheclouds.Sheisthestorm .<strong>The</strong>apocalypticstorm.Shewilbring<br />
helonEarth.<strong>The</strong>groundswilripopen.<strong>The</strong>falofthehumanrace."<br />
Moretearsroledfrom hiseyesashespoke.Hiswordswerescaringme.<br />
"Justputthegundownandlet'stalkaboutthis."Mashsaid.Shetriedtowalktowards<br />
him buthecockedthegunandpointeditatherto.<br />
"Nobodymoves."HesaidandbroughtthegunbacktopointingatHenryandI.<br />
"Let'sjustcalm down."<br />
"No!"Heshouted,"Henry,getoutoftheway.Idon'twanttohurtyou.Iam notthebad<br />
guyhere,Monicais.Shehastobestopped.Shehastobekiledbeforeit'stoolate.Beforeshe.<br />
"<br />
"Beforeshewhat?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Beforeshedevelopsherfulpower.Soonshewildevelopherfulpowerandshewil<br />
remembereverything.Herpastlivesandhermission.Shewilrememberwhosherealyisand<br />
whereshecomesfrom .hel.Althatshefeelsforalofyouwilfadeawaywhenshedoes.She<br />
isthedevil'sdaughterandwhensheremembersthat,Shewilbeunstoppable.Aguncanstop<br />
hernowbutitcannotstopherwhenherfulpowersdevelop.Ineedtostopher."Hesaid.<br />
"Pleasedon'tdothis."Henrysaid.<br />
Hedruggedhisfingerontothetriggerandgotreadytoshoot."HenrymoveorelseIwil<br />
shootbothofyou.Idon'tmindkilingoneinnocentpersontosaveadozen.Youareprotecting<br />
theapocalypse.Sheisusingyoucan'tyousee.Sheisusingalofyou!"Hescreamed.<br />
"Whatmakesyousosure?"Mashasked.<br />
"Youdidnotseewhatisawthatiswhyyoucannotunderstand."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nshowme."Shesaidandtookastepforward.<br />
"What.How?"<br />
"You'veseenmylife.I'm sureyou'vealsoseenmeusingmyabilities.Oneofthe<br />
abilitiesistheonethatmakesmeseethingsthatsomebodyhasseenifItouchtheirhead."She<br />
said.<br />
"Yes.Youareright.YoucanseewhatIjustsawandthenyouwilunderstandwhati<br />
mean.youwilunderstandthatshehastodie."Hisvoicewashoarse.<br />
"Yes.Thatright.Soshowme.Makemeunderstand."Shesaidandslowlybegunto<br />
walktowardshim.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Hepointedthegunather,"ButhowcanItrustyouwon'tdoanythingstupid?"<br />
"BecauseItrustyou.andthatiswhyI'm stilwalkingtowardsyoueventhoughyouhave<br />
agunpointedatme.Itrustthatyouwon'tshootbecauseyouwanttoshowme.youwantmeto<br />
understand."Shesaidinlowcalm voice.<br />
Helookedconvincedanddidnotshootather.Immediatelyshegotcloseenough,she<br />
twistedthegunoutofhishandsandquicklykickedhim intotheroom behindhim.Shepuledthe<br />
doortolockhim insidebuttherewasnokey.<br />
"Run!"Sheshouted.<br />
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CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Run!"Mashrepeated.<br />
Webeguntorun.Henrywaspulingmyhandandleadingtheway.Bilywasrightbehind<br />
meandMashmusthavebeenbehindBily.Wemadeourwaythroughthekitchenandintothe<br />
tunnels.Itwashardtorunwithourbackbent,butwehadto.Wefinalyreachedthestairsand<br />
wentup.Henrykickedthetreedooropen.Wewerefinalyoutside.Westoppedandlooked<br />
aroundandfoundthatthehorsesweregone.<br />
"Justkeeprunning!"Mashorderedfrom behindassheapproached.<br />
Wecontinuedtorunintothewoods.Myheartwasracing.Iwasrealyscared.Althe<br />
pulingandtherunninginthewoodsfeltfamiliar;ItfeltlikethetimeHenryandIescapedfrom<br />
homeandthehoundswerechasingafterus.Exceptthistime,wewerenotrunningfrom hounds,<br />
wewererunningfrom ahalf-breedhumanhalf-breedgoat,thismademeevenmorescaredthan<br />
whenwewererunningfrom hounds.Ifailedtoevenlookbacktoseewhatwashappening,my<br />
eyeswerejustforwardfolowingHenry'sleadbecauseIdidnotwanttotriplikethefirsttime.I<br />
couldhearBilyrunningjustbehindmebutIcouldnothearMash.Shemusthavebeenfar<br />
behind,buthow,forapersonasfastashershewassupposedtobeaheadofalofus.Maybe<br />
shewasbehindbecauseshewastryingtoprotectusfrom Destiny.<br />
Wehadrunforquiteadistanceawayfrom theTreewhenwereachedinanopenpartof<br />
thewoods.IletgoofHenry'shandsothatIcouldholdupmydressbecauseitwasrestricting<br />
mefrom runningtoofast.AsIwastryingtocatchuptohim,IbumpedintosomeoneandIfelto<br />
theground.IlookedatthepersonIbumpedintowhohadfalentoo,tomysurprise,itwas<br />
Destiny.Hewasholdingabotlethatlookedlikeithadamilkyliquidin.Helookedconfusedand<br />
scared.<br />
"Whoareyoupeople!"Hescreamed.Hegotupandquicklyranaway,straightintothe<br />
denserwoods,hewassoscaredthatheevenlefthiscontainer.<br />
AsIwaswonderingwhathadjusthappenedandwhyDestinybehavedlikehedid,Ifelta<br />
handtouchmyshoulder.IlookedanditwasHenry;hehelpedmeup.<br />
"Whatwasthatalabout?"Bilyasked.<br />
"Idon'tknow."Henryanswered.<br />
Mashfinalyshowedup."Whathappened?Whydidyoustop?"<br />
"WeranintoDestiny."Henrysaid.<br />
"What!Didhedoanything?areyouguysokay?"<br />
"Surprisingly,hedidnotdoanything.Helookedscaredandranaway.Helookedlikehe<br />
didnotevenrecogniseus."<br />
"Thatdoesn'tmakesense.Howcouldhenotrecognizeyou?"Mashasked.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Idon'tknow.Maybewhenyouhithim toohardthathelosthismemory."Bilychuckled.<br />
"That'snotpossible.WhenIhithim intothatroom imadesureIdidnothithim toohard<br />
tohurthim ."<br />
"Whydidyounotwanttohurthim?Hewantedtohurtme."Myvoicewaslow.<br />
"No,hewasjusttryingtodowhathethoughtwastherightthing.hewasjust<br />
confused."<br />
"Okaysoyoudidnotwanttohurthim,butwhatifyouhithim andheaccidentalyhithis<br />
headintosomething."Bilyscofed.<br />
"Anyway,ifyousayheranaway,thenheisscaredofusnow.Thatproblem issolved,<br />
nowwherearethehorses?"Mashasked.<br />
"Idon'tknow.Weleftthem outsidedidn'twe?IdidnottieupmyhorsebecauseIthought<br />
Gandalfwouldlookafterher."Bilysaid.<br />
Mashscofed,"Ohthebloodhel,Bily!Gandalfisnotbabysiter!"<br />
Mashturnedaroundandwhistledintothewoods.ShewascalingforGandalf.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rewasnoresponse.Shewhistledagainevenlouder.Afterawhile,weheadfootsteps<br />
approachingfrom thedensewoods.Somethingwasrunningtowardsus.Weallookedinthe<br />
directionwherethesoundswerecomingfrom.IwassurewealhopesitwasGandalf,butamad<br />
mancameoutinstead.<br />
Hestoodandstaredatuswithabidsmileonhisfacewhichmadehiseyeslookina<br />
creepyway.Helookeddirty.Hisfacialhairwasovergrown,dirtyandshaggy.<strong>The</strong>middlepartof<br />
hisheadhadnohair,onlythesides.Hewaswearingruggeddirtyclothes.Downtohisfeethe<br />
onlyhadoneshoeonhisleftlegandIsawhistoestickingoutofahole.Butwhatcoughtmy<br />
atentionwasthefactthathewasholdingahandguninhisrightarm.<br />
Mashsteppedforward,"Whoareyou?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>madmanlaughedandstaredatme.<br />
"Wantdoyouwant?"Bilyasked.<br />
"It'snotwhatIwant,it'swhathewants."ThatmadmansmiledatBily.Hisvoice<br />
soundedlikecrackylikesomeonewithdamagedthroat.<strong>The</strong>voicecameoutwithawhisper.<br />
"Me?"Bilyasked.<br />
"No.I'm talkingaboutthemaninthewoods."<br />
"Whichman?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>madmanlaughedagain,"Youarefunny.Youarealfunny.he,hecalshimselfthe<br />
stranger."<br />
224
"Whatdoesthestrangerwant?"Mashasked.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Ohhhh.hewantsmetodohim afavorandhewildomeafavor.hesaidifIdohim a<br />
favorhewilletmebewithmyfamilyagain.heshowedthem tome.theyarestilalive."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>manoffavors."Henrywhisperedtome.<br />
Mashtookanotherstepforward,"Doesthefavoryouaredoinghim involvedusingthat<br />
guntokilMonica."<br />
"Ohnonono.thisgunisnotforyou,thisgunisforme.itwilhelpmeseemyfamily.I<br />
am notgoingtokilanybody."<strong>The</strong>madmansaid."Iam notamurder,iam notamurderer.I<br />
didnotkilmyfamily.itwasjustamistake.<strong>The</strong>candle,it.Ididnotseeit,itburntthehouse."<br />
Hecriedoutwhilehitinghishead.<br />
Wewerealconfusedathowhewasbehaving.Heseemedrealymentalydisturbed.<br />
"Iam notamurdererright?Ididnotkilmyfamilyright?"Hesaid.<br />
Mashtookanotherstepforward,"Yes.Youarenotamurderer.Youdidnotkilyour<br />
family.itwasalamistake.NowgivemethegunandteluswhattheStrangerwants."Mash<br />
said.Hervoicewaslowandcalming.Shewasrealygoodatnegotiatinginthosetypesof<br />
situations.<br />
<strong>The</strong>madmanstartedsmilingagain,"Ohyes.whathewants.He,he,hewantsmeto<br />
passamessage.yes.Message."<br />
"Whatmessage?"<br />
"Uhmmm .whatmessage?Whatmessage?"Herepeatedwhilehitinghishead,"Ohyes.<br />
Iremember.Iremember."Helaughed.<br />
"Telusthemessage."<br />
Heslowlyliftedthegunandpointeditatthesideofhisownhead.<br />
"Youarerunningoutoftime."Hewhispered.<br />
"Whatdoyoumean?"Mashasked.<br />
"Ohhhhbyenow .Iam goingtoseemyfamily."Hesmiledandpuledthetrigger;blowing<br />
hisbrainsout.Hisbodyfeltotheground.<br />
"Bloodyhel!"Mashscreamed.<br />
<strong>The</strong>scenewassodisgustingandscary,itmademesick.Iturnedawayandthrewup.<br />
Henrypatedmyback.Asiwascleaningmyfacewiththebotom ofmydress,Iheardthesound<br />
ofacrow.Islowlylookedupandsawitsitedonabranchinoneofthetrees.<strong>The</strong>otherswere<br />
busylookingatthemadman'sbody.<br />
Suddenlyanothercrowflewuptothetree.<strong>The</strong>nanotherandanother;innotime,thewhole<br />
225
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
treewasfiledwithcrows,theywerenotdoinganything.Notevenmakinganyraspynoises.Just<br />
staringatus.Iturnedaroundandcaledtheotherstosee.<br />
"Whataretheydoing?"Bilyasked.<br />
<strong>The</strong>crowssuddenlyflewdowntousandstartedflyingaroundtheareamakingloudnoise.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ywereeverywherethatitwasimpossibletorun.Wealstrugglestokeepthem away.<br />
Everyonewastryingtoprotectthemselves.IcouldnotevenseewheretheotherswerebecauseI<br />
wasbusyfightingthecrows.Icouldjustheartheirvoicesastheystruggledtoo.Suddenly,the<br />
crowsalflewtothetheskiesandstartedmovingaroundInacircularpatern.Morecrows<br />
showedupandjoinedtheothers.<strong>The</strong>yweretryingtoshedtheare;blockingthesunlight.Iknew<br />
atthispointwhatwashappening.<strong>The</strong>lasttimesomethinglikethathappened,ashadowdemon<br />
showed.Suddenly,thewoodsfeltquiet.<strong>The</strong>crowsstoppedmakingnoiseandthewindstopped<br />
blowing.Irealisedthatiftheshadowdemoncomes,itwilpossesthebodyofthedeadman,i<br />
lookedaroundanxrealisedthathisbodywasnolongerthere.<br />
"Something'scoming."IheardMash'swhisperbehindmybackasistaredatthecrowsin<br />
theskies.<br />
"No,itisalreadyhere."Bilywhisperedtoo.Iturnedaroundtolookathim andfoundhim<br />
staringdeepintothewoods.Ilookedtooandsawit.Threeofthem.Standingbetweenthetrees<br />
andlookingatus.ItwasaShadowdemon.<br />
"That'snottheonlyone."Henrywhispered.Ilookedinthedirectionhewaslookingand<br />
sawanothershadowdemon.Alsostandingbetweenthetrees;staringatus.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re'sanotherone."Mashsaid.Shewasalsolookingatanothershadowdemoninthe<br />
woods.Weweresuroundedbythreeshadowdemons.Iwasinthemiddle.<br />
Everybodyslowlywalkedbackwardstowardsme.Whenwewerealcloseenoughtoeach<br />
other,Mashpuledoutherbladesfrom herback.Bilyalsopuledouthisswordfrom hisWaist.<br />
MashhandedoneofherbladestoBily,"Yourswordwon'twork.YouneedVariansteel."<br />
BilydroppedhisswordandgotMash'sblade.ShegavetheotherbladetoHenry.She<br />
slowlywentdownandpuledouttheknivesfrom herlegs.Iwasnotsurprisedthatshegavethe<br />
biggerbladestoHenryandBilywhileshekeptthesmalerones.<br />
"ProtectMonica."Shewhispered."Remember,ashadowdemoncannothealfrom a<br />
woundmadebyVariansteel,sothemoreyoucutit,theweakeryoumakeit.tokilit,youmust<br />
Stubiteitherinthechest,onthemouthorcutofit'shead."<br />
<strong>The</strong>ywerealaroundme.Eachonefacingademon.<strong>The</strong>yalsuddenlyrantowardsthe<br />
demonsandthedemonsrantowardsthem.Iwasleftaloneinthecenter.Iwasscared.Ipicked<br />
upBily'sswordandheldittightinmyarms.<br />
IsawHenrybegintofight.Hewasdodgingsomeofthedemonsatacksthoughsome<br />
werehitinghim.Buthewasdoingapretygoodjobforsomeoneinexperiencedatfightingas<br />
him.Iguesshewastakingadvantageofhisadrenaline.Hewasfightingwithfear.Hewastrying<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
tocutitbutitwastoofastatdodging.Itkickedhischestwhichsenthim rolingontheground<br />
buthegotbacktohisfeetasitapproachedhim again.<br />
IturnedaroundandlookedatMash.Shewasthemoreexperiencedone.Shewasableto<br />
dodgealtheatacksthedemonmade.Itswungit'shandather,shedodgeditwhileusingthe<br />
knivestocutit.Itswungatherwithanotherhand,shedodgeditagainandcutitagain.She<br />
turnedaroundatitandfoundherselfinit'shand,itcoughtherbytheneckandliftedher.As<br />
mashwaschocking,Itstartedmakingadaggerwithit'sotherhand.Mashusedoneofthe<br />
knivestostubintothehandthatwasonherneck,whichforcedthedemontolethergooutof<br />
pain,shefeltotheground.Asshewascatchingherbreath,thedemonpuledtheknifeoutofit's<br />
arm andthroughitaway.Isawtheknifeflyovermyheadandlandedbehindme.Iturnedtolook<br />
forit.Isawitfalashortdistancefrom me.IwantedtogoandpickitupsothatIcouldthrowit<br />
backtoMash,butIwasscaredbecausetheknifewaslayingonthegroundcloseBilywhowas<br />
fightingtheotherdemon.InsteadIstoodinfearandwatchedhim fight.<strong>The</strong>demonwasfaster<br />
thanhim atatackingbuthewasabletododgemostofit'satackswhilemakingcutsonit's<br />
body.<br />
Everythingwashappeningsofast.Ididnotknowwhattodo.Myheartwasbeatingsohard<br />
Icouldhearitinmyears.WatchingeveryonefightwhileIdidnothingmademefeelunhelpful.I<br />
feltlikeIhadtohelpbutIwastooscaredtomakeamove.<br />
IturnedaroundtothesoundsofHenry'sscream forhelp.Hewasonthegroundandthe<br />
demonwaswalkingtowardshim withit'shandsfulytransformedintodaggers.Inoticethathe<br />
losthisweapon.Ilookedaroundandsawitlayingonthegroundfarfrom him.<br />
"Iam coming!"Mashscreamed.Isawherquicklyclimbthedemonshewasfighting.She<br />
jumpedintheskyandasshefel,shestubbedthetopofthedemon'shead.Sherantowarfs<br />
Henryandleftthedemonmeltingandshriekinginpain.OnherwaytoHenry,shepickedupthe<br />
bladethathelost.Sheapproachedthedemonrealyfast,andthenshewentlowandsledonher<br />
kneeswhichmadehercutthedemon'slegsof.<strong>The</strong>demonfeltotheground.Itbeguntocrawl<br />
towarfsHenryrealyfastasitgaggled.Mashrushedtoitandasshewasabouttostubit'shead,<br />
Ifeltsomethingtouchmyshoulderfrom behind.Iquicklyturnedaroundandfoundmyselfface<br />
tofacewithashadowdemon.Ithissedinmyfaceandgrabbedmebytheneckthenliftedmeup.<br />
<strong>The</strong>swordImyhandsdropped.IstruggledasItstartedsqueezing.<strong>The</strong>nIsawaswordslideout<br />
throughit'schest.Somebodystubbeditfrom behind.Itletmegoandwebothfeltotheground.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demonbeguntomelt.IsawBilystandinginfrontofme,hewastheonewhostubbedit.He<br />
savedme.Herushedtowardsme.<br />
"Areyouokay?"Heaskedashehelpedmeup.<br />
IcriedandnodedasIwascatchingmybreath.<br />
"It'sokay.It'sokay."Hesaidwhilestaringintomyeyeswithhisarmsonmyshoulder.<br />
Suddenly,iheadanothershadowdemongagglingandquicklyapproachingbehindme.<br />
Bilypuledmearoundandbroughthimselfbetweenmeandthedemon.Hewastryingtoshield<br />
me.Suddenlyhefrozeashestaredatmewithpainandfear,hesoundedlikehewaschokingon<br />
227
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
something.Hefinalycoughedoutblood.Ilookeddownandsawahugeblackhandstickingout<br />
from hisstomach.<strong>The</strong>rewasashadowdemonbehindhim,itstubbedhim.Hesacrificedhimself<br />
toprotectme.<br />
Withit'sarm stilthroughhim,thedemonslowlyliftedhisbody.Iwatchedhim gaspin<br />
morepain.Itfinalythroughhim him away.<br />
Ithissedatmeandasitwasabouttoatack,Mashjumpedinfrontofitandstubbeditin<br />
onthechest.Itfeltothegroundandbeguntomelt.Suddenly,thecrowsintheskyflewaway<br />
andthesunwasshininguponusagain.IsawHenryruntowardsBilywhowaslayingonthe<br />
groundstrugglingtobreath.Mashandirantowardsthem too.<br />
"Bily!Bily!Holdonbrother.Holdon,wegotyou."Henryshouted.<br />
<strong>The</strong>woundonBily'sstomachwastoobig.Hecouldnotpossiblysurvive.Ifeltsoryswing<br />
him layingonthegroundinpain.Mytearsuncontrolablyroleddownmyeyes.Ikneeledand<br />
heldontoBily'shand.Henrywasholdinghisotherhand.<br />
Bilycoughedoutalaugh,"<strong>The</strong>ywerefourofthem.<strong>The</strong>bloodybastardswerethefourof<br />
them."<br />
Hewasinpain,hecouldhardlyspeakbuthewasstilforcinghimself.<br />
"Nonono.Pleasebrother,don'tgo.PLEASE!"Henrycried.Hiseyeswerefiledwith<br />
tears.SeeingHenryinpaintoomademecryevenmore.<br />
Mashwasjuststandingnexttouswatchingquietly.WhenIlookedather,Isawatearrol<br />
downhereyeforthefirsttime.Shequicklywipeditof.ButIcouldstilseethepainaloverher<br />
facealthoughshewastryingsohardtohideit.<br />
Bilycoughed,"Myparents.<strong>The</strong>ydiedinafire."<br />
"What?"Henrywhispered.<br />
Bilyturnedhisheadandlookedatthebotlelayingnearus.<strong>The</strong>botlethatDestiny<br />
dropped.<br />
"Thatmustbepapfrom therarewasidiplant."Bilysaid.HeletgoHenry'shandand<br />
slowlyreachedintohispocket.Hepuledoutalighter.<br />
".<strong>The</strong>papishighlyflameable."HesaidwhilehandingthelightertoHenry."I.Idon't<br />
wanttobeburied.WhenIdriftaway,burnme.Itwilkeepthedemonsawayfrom mybody."<br />
"No."Henrybreathedinasorowfulvoice.<br />
Bilystaredinthesky,<br />
".Darkness.Destinysawnothingbutdarkness."Hesaid,"Isee.iseeitnow ."His<br />
voicefadedintoawhisperashisheaddropped.Hiseyesstoppedmoving,theyjustfroze.While<br />
holdinghisarm,Ifelthislifeleavehisbody.Hewasgone.<br />
228
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"NoBrother!Brother!Brother!"HenryshoutedasheshookBily'sbody."Mash!Do<br />
something,pleasedosomething."<br />
"He'sgoneHenry.<strong>The</strong>re'snothingwecando."Mashsaidinalowvoice.Shewalked<br />
towarfsthebotlewiththepapinitandpickeditup.<br />
"No.Wearenotburninghim!"Henrycried,"Wecansavehim .wecansavehim."<br />
HenryputhisheadonBily'schestashesilentlysobbed.Hethentookadeepbreathand<br />
lookedatme.<br />
"Monica.yes.youcanbringhim backlikeyoudidwithme."Hesaidandquickly<br />
grabbedmyhandsthenputthem onBily'schest.<br />
"Idon'tthinkIcan."Myvoicewaslow.<br />
me.<br />
"Yesyoucan!Don'tbeselfishMonica.hesavedyounowsavehim !"Henryshoutedat<br />
Hewasscaringme.Ididnotknowwhattodo.Ijuststaredathim.<br />
Henrysighed,"Iam sory.Ididnotmeantoraisemyvoice.heistheonlybrotherI<br />
have.Icannotlosehim .pleasesavehim .pleaseMonica."Hiscrywasmakingmesad.<br />
IdraggedmyhandstoBily'swoundandclosedmyeyes.ItriedtofocusashardasIcould<br />
butnothinghappened.IopenedmyeyesandnodedatHenry.<br />
"Comeon.Tryharder!Youcandoit!"Henrysaid.<br />
Iclosedmyeyesagainandfocusedharder.Stil,Icouldnotfeelthepower.WhenIneeded<br />
itthemost,itdidnotwork.Ifeltahandtouchmyshould.IlookedanditwasMash,shewas<br />
holdingabunchofwoodinherhand.Shedroppedthewoodandhelpedmeup.<br />
Afterseeingthewood,HenrystoodandrushedtowardsMashandpushedher.<br />
"Whatareyoudoing!"Heshouted.Hetriedtopushheragainbutshethrewhim tothe<br />
ground.Shequicklygotontopofhim andputherhandonhisheadconsequentlypushingit<br />
againsttheground.<br />
"Heisgone,Henry.Heisgonecan'tyousee!"Shescreamedathim.<br />
"Wecansavehim.Wecansavehim."Henrycriedinalowvoice.<br />
"Listentome.Wearewastingtimehere.hislastrequestwasthatweburnhim.Nowwe<br />
candothisintwoway.EitherIknockyououtrightnowandIburnthebodymyselforyoucan<br />
takeadeepbreath,manupandwecandothistogether."<br />
Henrywassilent.<br />
"Iam coolwitheitherbothways,sodon'tmakemechosethefirstoption."Shesaid<br />
whileletingHenrygo.Shetookthelighterfrom him.<br />
229
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Hestood,tookadeepbreathandwipedhistears."Alright.Let'sdothis."<br />
Mashwalkedtowardsthebodyandpickedupthebotleofpap.Sheopeneditandpoured<br />
thepapaloverBily'sbody.<strong>The</strong>papwasabitlikeporidgesoshehadtouseherhandstorubit<br />
onhisface,handsandlegswhileHenryandiwatched.Shebeguntolaythewoodontopofthe<br />
body.Ipickedupmoresticksandtookthem toher,Henrydidtoo.<strong>The</strong>woodcoveredthewhole<br />
body.Mashgottheremainingofthepapandpoureditontopofthewood.<br />
"Anylastwords?"Mashsaidasshelitthelighter.<br />
"Letmedoit."Henrysaidinalowvoice."Iam hisbrother.Hewantedmetodoit."<br />
Mashgavethelightertohim.<br />
Henrytookanotherdeepbreathandsteppedforward,"We'vebeenthroughalotbrother.I<br />
wishourjourneytogetherwouldgoonalitlebitfurtherbutit'ssadthatithastoendhere."<br />
IwalkedforwardandheldHenry'sotherhandashelitthelighter.<br />
"Goodbyebrother.Untilwemeetagain."Hewhisperedanddroppedthelighteronthe<br />
body.<strong>The</strong>woodimmediatelystartedtoburnwithabigfire.Wealsteppedbackandwatched.<br />
Henryfrozestaringatthefireastearsroleddownhiseyes,justliketheyroleddownmine.<br />
Inevergottoknowhisbackstory,butforhisdestiny.hediedahero.<br />
230
CHAPTERFOURTY<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Mashwalkedawayandwenttopickupherweapons.Afterawhile,weheardanoise<br />
approachingfrom deepinthewoods.Iwalkedawayfrom Henrytoseewhatwascoming.Henry<br />
juststayedstilstaringatthefire.Mashhadalreadypickedupalherknivesandpackedthem<br />
backonherbackandlegs.Westaredinthedirectionwherethenoisewascomingfrom.It<br />
soundedlikeahorse.Itwasrunningtowardsus.Finaly,wecouldseeitapproaching,itwas<br />
Gandalf,buthewasalone,Bily'shorsewasnotwithhim.<br />
Mashstoppedhim,buthewasactingweird.Helookedlikesomethingscaredhim.Hewas<br />
jumpyandkeptonneighingloundly.<br />
"What'swrongboy?"Mashaskedthehorse.Itkeptonneighinglikeitwastryingtotel<br />
hersomething.<br />
<strong>The</strong>horselookedlikeitwasrunningfrom something.<br />
"Heisscared.<strong>The</strong>lasttimehedidsomethinghewastryingtowarm meabout<br />
something."Mashsaidtomeasshewastryingtocalm thehorsedown.<br />
"Butwhatishetryingtotelyou?"Iasked.<br />
"Idonotknow.IcantrytoseewhathehasseenbutIhavetotouchhisskinfirst."<br />
"Butyouarealreadytouchinghim."IsaidasIsawherhandsGandalf'sneck.<br />
said.<br />
"No.Ineedtotouchhisactualskin,notthefur.Ineedtotouchthescaronhiship."She<br />
IlookedandIrealisedshewastalkingaboutthescareshapedlikeanH.Maybethat'swhat<br />
itwasfor,maybeshemadethescarsothatshecouldbeseeingwhatGandalfsees.<strong>The</strong>scar<br />
wastheonlypartofthehorse'sbodythathadnofur.Buthowwasshegoingtotouchitifthe<br />
horsekeptonmovingaround.<br />
"CanIhelp?"Iasked.<br />
"No,youwilmakehim morescared.Icancalm him down."Mashsaid.<br />
Iwatchedherasshecaressedhisneck.Gandalfslowlystartedtocalm downandstopped<br />
movingaround.<br />
"That'sitboy.Calm down,I'm hereforyou.Ineedtoseewhatyousaw."Shesaidasshe<br />
walkedtohiship.<br />
Sheputherhandonhissarthenhereyebalsflipped.Hereyesturnedwhite.Iassumed<br />
shewasseeing.<br />
Aftersomesecond,shepuledherhandawayfrom Gandalf.Gandalfimmediatelystarted<br />
pushingMashwithhishead,likehewastelinghertogeton.<br />
231
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Whathappened,whatdidyousee?"Henryaskedinalowvoice.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>yarecoming.Possessedpeoplearecominghererealyfast.<strong>The</strong>yareapproaching<br />
from thewestandtheydon'tseem tobestopping."Mashsaid.<br />
Henrywalkedforward,"Wecanfightthem.Howmanyarethey?"<br />
"Idon'tIcountedseventeen,ortwenty.Buttheyarealot.Bily'shorseiswiththem,ithas<br />
beenpossesedtoo.Gandalfwasluckytogetawaybeforetheysawhim."<br />
"Thosearetoomany.Wehavetogetoutofhere."Henrysaid.<br />
MashpuledGandalftous."Henrycanyouride?"<br />
"Uhm,noIhaveneverlearnttoridehorses."<br />
Mashscofed,"Ohbloodyhel.Geton,bothofyou."<br />
"What?<strong>The</strong>threeofusaregoingtorideonehorse?"Henryasked.<br />
"No.Onlythetwoofyou."<br />
"What!Whataboutyou?"<br />
ShewalkedtothebaghangingonGandalf'sback.Shereachedinandpuledoutametalic<br />
triangle-themusicalinstrument.<br />
"Demonsarecomingandyouwanttoplaymusic?"Henrysaidinasarcasticvoice.<br />
"Onethingyoudon'tknowaboutdemonsisthattheyhatevibrationsandhighpitched<br />
sounds.Thistriangleisaveryspecialone.Whenyouhititwithanothermetal,itvibrates<br />
consequentlymakingaloudnoise."Mashsaid.<br />
"Whatdoesthathavetomean?"Henryasked.<br />
Wesuddenlyheardaloudscream comingfrom deepinthewoods.Itsoundedlikea<br />
shadowdemon.<strong>The</strong>rewasalsonoisesofwoodcrackingandfootsteps.<strong>The</strong>ywereclosingup<br />
onusrealyfast.<br />
"Wearerunningoutoftime!Getonfast!"Mashscreamed.<br />
HenrytriedtogetonbutGandalfresisted.Hedidnotlikebeingtouchedbysomebodywho<br />
isnotMash.MashtookHenry'shandandslowlymadehim touchGandalf'sneck.<br />
"It'sokayboy.Heisafriend.Ineedyoutotrusthim"shesaidtothehorse.Gandalf<br />
suddenlystoppedresisting,heturnedtoalowustogeton.<br />
HenryquicklygotonandMashhelpedmeuptoo.<br />
AfternoticingthatMashwasnotgetingon,Gandalfbeguntoneighloudly.Hestarted<br />
pushingherwithhishead,askinghertogetonbutsheresisted.Shetouchedbetweenhisface.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"It'sokayboy.Iwilbeokay.Ineedyoutogetthem tosafety.Please."Shesaidtothe<br />
horseasshestaredinhiseyes.Gandalfstoppedneighing.<br />
Shehuggedhim."Goodbyeoldfriend.Youwilforeverbemypal.NowIwantyouto<br />
forgetaboutmeandgobehero.Henrycan'tridesotheyarealrelyingonyou,Iwantyoutorun<br />
eastandnomaterwhathappenstome,don'tstoprunninguntilyoureachsafety."<br />
Gandalfdroppedhisheadtorepresentsadness,orrespectormaybegoodbye.<br />
"Mash,whatareyourdoing?Wecan'tleaveyouhere.<strong>The</strong>yaretoomanyofthem,youcan<br />
nottakethem al.<strong>The</strong>ywilkilyou."Henrybegged.<br />
"Don'tworyaboutme.Thisismydestiny.Iwasmeantforthis.IfIdie,iwildiedoing<br />
somethingIlove,andthat'sbeingawarior."<br />
"No.Wecan't.Wecan'tafordtoloseanotherperson."Henrysaidinasorowful<br />
voice.<br />
Mashsmiledatusandbackedawayfrom thehorse.Shereacheddowntoherlegand<br />
puledoutaknife.<br />
"WhenIhitthistriangle.Itwilmakealoudnoisewhichwilprovokethedemonsand<br />
makethem comeaftermetostopthenoise."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>ywilkilyou."Henry'svoicewasasadwhisper.<br />
".Iam twotimesfasterthananormalhuman."<br />
"Butyouarenotfastenoughforthedemons."<br />
"Isaiddon'tworyaboutme.AfterIhitthistriangle,youguyswilrideeastandiwilrun<br />
north.<strong>The</strong>demonswilchaseaftermetothenorthuntiltheystopthenoise.Bythetimethey<br />
catchuptome,youguyswilhavealreadygotenaway.Findaplacetohideandforgetabout<br />
comingbackforme."<br />
"Pleasedon'tdothisMash.Wecanalgetoutofthisalive."<br />
"Ifwealruntothecity,wewiljustendupleadingthedemonstherewhichwil<br />
endangerthepeople."<br />
Weheardthenoisegetlouderandcloser.Ilookedbackandsawthem,theywerealotof<br />
them theywereapproachingrealyfast.LeadingthepackwasBily'shorseandonit,was<br />
anotherrevenant.<br />
"Monica,remember.theymightsayyouarebadbutyouareonlywhatyoubelieveyou<br />
are.Ihopeyoualmaketherightchoice."MashsaidandimmediatelyhitGandalftomakehim<br />
startrunning.<br />
Aswerodeof,Iheadaloudhighpitchednoisecomingfrom theback.Mashhitthe<br />
triangle.Ilookedbackandsawherrunwest.Altherevenantssuddenlychangedtherecourse<br />
233
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
andchasedafterMash.SuddenlyIcouldnotseethem anymore.Gandalfranasfastashecould,<br />
hewasincontrol.Hewasrealygoodandsmartatnavigatingthroughthewoods.Ihadmy<br />
handstightlywrappedaroundHenry.Werodeof.<br />
Afteralongride,Wewerefinalyoutofthewoodsandbackinthecity.Gandalftookus<br />
straighttothehouse.<br />
Herantowardsthebackofthehouse,thegatewasnotopensohehadtojumpusoverthe<br />
shortfence.Hestoppednearthebackdoorandneighedatus,orderingustogetof.Ijumped<br />
downandHenrydidtoo.Gandalfneighedagainandthenbeguntorun,hejumpedoverthefence<br />
andranbackinthedirectionwecamefrom.MaybehewasgoingbackforMash-eventhough<br />
sheinsistedheshouldn't.Iunderstood,hecouldnotlethisbestfriendgojustlikethat.Hewas<br />
afteralahunterhimself.Ijusthopedhewouldfindherstilalive.Butafeelinginsidemetoldme<br />
thatitwastoolate.Shecouldnotpossiblyhavesurvivedtwentyrevenantsalone.<br />
Withoutaword,Henrywalkedinthehouse.Ifolowedhim.<br />
Hewasjustquietandwentstraighttothesofawerehesat.Iwenttositnexttohim.Itried<br />
totouchhim butheresisted.Hewastraumatized.Irealised,afteralthathadhappened,he<br />
neededsomespace.Istoodandwalkedtomyroom.AsIwalkedin,IrealisedthatElawas<br />
alreadygonelikeshesaidshewould.IslowlyshutthedoorandleanedagainstitasIdrugged<br />
mybodydown.Isatonthefloorandbeguntocry.IdidnotwantHenrytohearmesoIcried<br />
silentlyeventhoughIwasholdingalotinside.Itwasrealyhurtingafteralthathappenedandal<br />
thatwefoundoutaboutme.Ilostalhope.<br />
Afterawhile,Ifinalystoodfrom thedoorandwalkedtowardsthebed.Igotandand<br />
coveredmywholebodywiththesheets.Icriedevenmoreandeventualyfelasleep.<br />
<strong>The</strong>soundofadoorbangingwokemeup.Ilookedatthewindowandrealisedthatitwas<br />
alreadymorning.Iwasasleepforalmostfifteenhours.Igotoutofbedandwalkedofofthe<br />
room.<br />
AsIapproachedthesitingroom,InoticedHenrysitinginthesamepositionIlefthim.Did<br />
heevengetanysleep.Iwenttositbesideshim.Itriedtoholdhishandbutheresisted.<br />
"What'swrong?"IwhisperedasIstaredatthefloor.<br />
Hestaredatthefloorcontiniouslyashespoke,"Howmanymore?"<br />
"What?"<br />
"Heraisedme.Heprotectedme.Apartfrom Ela,hewastheonlyfamilyIhad.andnow<br />
heisdeadanditisalbecauseofme.Nowhowmanymorepeoplearegoingtolosetheir<br />
familiesbecauseofyou?"<br />
"Henry,don'tsaythat."Iwhispered.<br />
"Bilyisdead.MrsMeikleisdead.<strong>The</strong>doctorisdead.Elalostherarm.Foralweknow,<br />
Mashmustbedeadtoo.Ialsodied."<br />
234
"Butisavedyou."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Noyoudidn't.Thatdemonwasthereinthefirstplacebecauseofyou.Ifyoupoison<br />
somebodyandthentakethem tothehospitallater,thatdoesn'tmakeyouahero.Thatdoesnot<br />
makeyougood.butlet'ssayyoudidsaveme,thenwhataboutalthoseotherpeoplethatyou<br />
didnotsave?<strong>The</strong>yaldiedbecauseofyou."<br />
"Henry,youarehurtingmyfeelings."<br />
"Iwentoutforsomeairyesterdayintheevening.AsIwalkedinthestreetseverybody<br />
wastalkingaboutalargenumberofpeoplemysteriouslyfounddeadinthelibrary.<strong>The</strong>ytalked<br />
aboutahoverofcrowsinthesky.<strong>The</strong>ytalkedaboutpeoplemysteriouslydisappearing.Thatis<br />
alus.Wedidalthat.Justbecausewekeeprunningfrom thetruth,otherpeoplearedying.<strong>The</strong><br />
guardsatthelibrary,thosepossessedpeopleinthewoods,theyalhadfamily's."<br />
"Henry."<br />
"Wecan'tkeepdoingthisMonica.Wecannotkeeprunning.We'vebeentryingtorun<br />
from itnotknowingthatwearerunningtowardsit.Iseeitnow,Everywhereyougo,death<br />
folows.Mayeyourealyaretheapocalypse.andyouhavetobestopped.Althishastoend."<br />
Hesaid.Hegotupandwalkedtowardsthefrontdoorwherehestood.<br />
"Henry,pleasedon'tdothis.Idon'tknowwhatIam .andI.Ididnotaskforthis.Ijust<br />
wanttobesomebodynormal!"Iscreamedandthehouseshook.Itriedtowalktowardshim but<br />
hetookastepbackwards.<br />
"What?Youwanttokilmetoo.again?"Bisvoicewaslow.<br />
"No,it'snotlikethat.It'sjustthatIcannotcontrolthisthinginsideme.<strong>The</strong>power,and<br />
theanger.Ifeelitgrowing."<br />
".andthat'swhyyouhavetobestoppedbeforeit'stoolate.<strong>The</strong>morewehideyou,the<br />
moredemonsshowupandtakethelivesofinnocentpeople.<strong>The</strong>morewekeepyoualive,the<br />
moreweputtheworldindanger.Somebodyhadtomakethedecisionandididnotwantittobe<br />
mebut."Hestopped.IsawthelookinhiseyesandIknewthathehaddonesomething.<br />
"ButwhatHenry?"<br />
Hesighedasatearroleddownhiseye,"DoyourwmeberthatdayItoldyouthatImet<br />
myfatheratthemarketafterwelefthim todie.Itoldyouthathetoldmetogiveyouuptohim .<br />
Butinevertoldyouthatalongsidethat,healsotoldmewheretofindhim."<br />
Myheartbeatslowlystartedtoraiseashespoke.<br />
"Ithoughtlongandhardlastnightandiam nothappyaboutthedecisionImadebut,<br />
therewasnootherchoice."<br />
"Henrypleasedon'tdothis.Wecanfigureitouttogether.I.IloveyouHenry.Iloveyou<br />
okay.Ithurtsmetohearyousayalthosehoriblethingsaboutme."<br />
235
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Iknow,andthatiswhyitwashardformetomakethedecisionImade.Ithurtsme<br />
morethanithurtsyou.Butiam justtryingtodotherightthing.Idon'texpectyoutoforgiveme,<br />
butthechoicehadtobemade.Ihadarealygoodtime."Hesaid.<br />
Heslowlyopenedthedoor.IsawDouglasstandingoutside.<br />
"Henryrun!"Ishouted.Buthedidnotdoanything.HeknewthatDouglaswasoutside.<br />
Washetheonewhobroughthim.<br />
"Ohfinaly,ithoughtyouwouldneveropenthedoor."Douglassaidinhisdeepvoice,"<br />
welhelogirl,wemeetagain."<br />
"Pleaseno."Isaidwhileslowlysteppindback.<br />
IrememberedthatDouglascouldnotcomeinsidewithoutaninvitation.Butthatdidnot<br />
makemeanylessafraid.<br />
Henryclearedhisthroat,"I'm soryMonica.<strong>The</strong>truthisthat,lastnightI.Itriedtokilyou<br />
inyoursleeptoputanendtoeverything.Butthenirealisedthatifidid,youwouldjustendup<br />
beingbornagainsomewhereelsewithoutanymemoriesofus.IfIkiledyouitwouldjusttakeus<br />
backtowherewebegunandalthatwehavedonewouldbefornothing.SoIcametothe<br />
decisionthattheonlypersonwhoknowshowtostopyouforgoodismydad.Inolongerwant<br />
anypartinthis,soiam handingyoutohim ."<br />
"Henrywhatareyoudoing?"<br />
"Iam protectingwhat'sleftofmyfamily.Iam protectingthepeople.IwouldbeselfishifI<br />
wastochoseyouovereveryoneelse.andIwouldcarytheguiltonmyback.SoIam choosing<br />
everyoneelseoveryou.<strong>The</strong>dozenoverone."<br />
"PleaseHenry.Let'stalkaboutthis.Youaremakingamistake."<br />
"SaythewordsHenry.Invitemein.Don'tlistentoher,sheismanipulatingyou."<br />
Douglassaidashestaredatmewiththatevillookinhiseyes.<br />
"Shutupdad."Henrysaidwhilebitinghisteeth.<br />
"PleaseHenry."Ibegged.<br />
"Iam soryMonica.<strong>The</strong>reisnootherway.Ithastoend.Ididnotwantittobeme<br />
makingthedecision."Henrysaid.Hecouldnotevenlookstraghtinmyeyes.<br />
Icontinuedtowalkbackwardsastearsroleddownmyeyesindisappointment.Ifelt<br />
betrayed.Ifeltalone.Ihadneverbeensoscaredinmylife.EverythingaboutDouglaswas<br />
intimidating.<br />
Henrysteppedawayfrom thedoor,"Dad,comein."<br />
Hedidit.Heinvitedhim in.<br />
236
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Withpleasure."Douglassaidwithascarysmileonhisface.Hisbigshoesmadealoud<br />
stumpashesteppedin.<br />
HestoppedbesidesHenryandheldhim ontheshoulder,"Youdidgoodson.Youdidgood.<br />
Iwaswrongaboutyou,yourealyaremanenough."<br />
Iwalkedbackuntilifinalyreachedthewalbehindme.Iwasshaking.<br />
"Nonono.Please.Pleasedon't."Ibegged.<br />
Douglasbeguntowalktowardsmerealyfast,"Youdon'tknowhowlongIhavewaited<br />
forthismoment,girl.Iam happythatmysonhasgrantedittome."<br />
"Youareabetrayer!Ihateyou!"IscreamedtoHenry.Hejustlookedaway.<br />
Douglasfinalygotclosetome.Igatheredsomecourageandtriedtorun,buthishuge<br />
handgrabbedmyfaceandandthrewmeagainstthewal.Ifelttheimpactofmyheadslamming<br />
thewalrightbeforeifeltothegroundandeverythingwentblank.AlIcouldseewasdarkness.<br />
Ipassedout.<br />
237
CHAPTERFOURTY-ONE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Iwokeupandwithamassiveheadache.ItriedtomovethenIrealisedthatmyhandswere<br />
spreadandchained;eachonetoapilar.Iwaschaineddownandonmyknees.Iwasinabig<br />
building.Itlookedlikeatemple.Ithadnoroofandonlythelightfrom themoonwasiluminating<br />
theplace.<strong>The</strong>rewaswoodendeskseverywhereandIwasonthestageoftemple.Itriedto<br />
scream forhelpwhenIheadfootstepsapproaching.<br />
"She'sfinalyawake."Avoicesaid.ItsoundedlikeDouglas.<br />
IstaredatthedoorfarinfrontofmebutIcouldnotseeanythingbutdarknessinsideit.<br />
AfterawhileIcouldseeDouglaswalkingslowlywalkingintotheroom Iwasin.<br />
"Letmego.Please."Ibeggedinfear.<br />
"Why?Sothatyoucandestroytheworld?"Hesaidasheapproached.<br />
"Iam nottheApocalypse."Isobbed.<br />
"Ohhhchild.Iunderstandyourpain.Itwilalbeoversoon."Hesaidasheclimbedthe<br />
stairsupthestage.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nkilmealready!Justgetitdonewith."Icried.<br />
"Kilyou?Ohno!No!Nochild."Hesaidandgrabbedmyhairthenliftedmyheadupto<br />
hisface."AsItoldyoubefore,Kilingyouisnotjob.That'ssomebodyelse'sjob."<br />
"Who?"<br />
"You'reright.Ialmostforgot.Ineedtointroduceher."Hejumpedofthestage.<br />
"Introducewho?"<br />
"Wel,ibetyoualreadyknowwhatIhaveinsideme.<strong>The</strong>powerofwhichiscaledKlautir.<br />
KlautirisKinginthedemonworld,thestrongestofal.Butakingneedsaqueen,andwherever<br />
thekinggoes,thequeenfolows.HerandIwheremeanttobe.Sowithoutanyfurtherdelay,let<br />
meintroducetoyou,thewomancaryingthequeenKlautisinsideher.Monica,Iintroducetoyou<br />
mypartnerandtheloveofmylife,DianaPota.COMEOUTDARLING!"Heshouted.<br />
Istaredattheshadowyfigurethatapproachedinthefarback.Whenitfinalysteppedinto<br />
thelight,Iwasshockedtorealisethatitwasactualymyveryowngrandmother.ItwasMrs<br />
Pota.ShewasworkingwithDouglas.<br />
me?"<br />
"HeloMonica?"Shesaidatthetopofhervouce."OhhI'vemissedyou.Didyoumiss<br />
Igotscaredandtriedtopulthechains,buttheyweretoostrong.Asshegotcloser,I<br />
realisedthatshewasnotasoldassheusedtobe.Herwrinklesweregone.Herwhitestripsof<br />
238
hairweregonetoo.Shelookedyoungerthansheusedto.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
DianareachedDouglasandtheykissed.Itwasdisgustingtowatch.<strong>The</strong>irlongsnake-like<br />
tongueslickedeachotherastheykissed.<br />
Shewalkedtowardsthestairs,"Ohthismanisdelicious."<br />
"Whatareyou?"Iwhispered.<br />
"DearMonica,Iam whatI'vealwayswantedtobe.Iam agoddessnow.Yousee,after<br />
youranawayfrom home,iwasangry,ButIhadnotimetochaseafteryou.BecauseIhadmy<br />
ownthingstoworyabout.Myownhealthtolookafter.Inevertoldyouthisbut,Iwassickand<br />
dying.Ihadcancer.IhadcanceruntilIgotastrangevisitfrom asaviorinblacksitinginmy<br />
library.Hesaidhecouldhealme.Hewantedtomakeadeal.Hegrantedmeafavor.Hegranted<br />
mepowertohealmyself."<br />
"Byputingademoninsideyou"Isaid.<br />
"Ohnodarling.Heputpowerinsideme.IhealedmyselfandfeltmuchbeterthanIever<br />
feltinmylife.Ifeltpowerful."<br />
"Didthedemonmakeyoulookyoungtoo?"<br />
"Ohyes.Youseechild,oldageisjustlikeadisease.Itconsumesyourbodybitbybit,<br />
makesyouweak,untileventualyyoudie.Butjustlikecancer,imanagedtohealmyselffrom<br />
thatdisease.Imanagedtode-agemyself,andnowI'm youngerandifealgood."<br />
"Buteachfavorhastoberepaid.Whatwasyourprice?"<br />
"Exactly.Hegavemealthispowerforasmalprice.HetoldmeIcouldkeepitifonly<br />
Igettokilyou."<br />
"Whydoeshewanttokilme.WhydoalthosedemonswanttokilmeifIam goingto<br />
destroytheworld.Shouldn'tthedevilbehappywithme?"<br />
"Ohhe'snotthedevil.Heisasavior.Heisheretosaveusal,Giveeverybodyabeter<br />
worldlikehedidwithDouglasandI."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>nwhatpartdoiplayinalthis?Whattrulyam I?"Iasked.<br />
"Youaretheapocalypsedarling.<strong>The</strong>angelofdeathanddestructionsenttodestroythe<br />
world,becauseit'syournature.I'vefiguredyououtnow,I'vestudiedyou.Youarenotahuman.<br />
Buthavingbeenbornfrom onemeansyouhavetofolowtherulesofthehumanbody.It's<br />
facinating.Youhavetogothroughchildhood,thenteen-hooduntilyouareanadult.Yourbody<br />
operatesInsuchawaythatForthefirstyearsafterbirth,yougrowupsoquickly,that'suntilyou<br />
hitpuberty.Afterpuberty,yourgrowthrateslowsdownandyoustartgrowinglikeanormal<br />
human.Thisissothatyoucanhavetimetostudyhowtouseyourpower.Thisexplainswhy<br />
afterfiveyearsold,youstoppedgrowingsofast.YouhaveamissionMonica,andthatisto<br />
destroytheworld.Itiswhatyouareandyouwilnotrestuntilyoudoso.Thatiswhywhenyou<br />
239
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
die,youkeeponcomingback,andyouwilkeeponcomingbackuntilyourmissioniscomplete.<br />
Yousworetoneverleaveearthuntilyoudowhatyouweresenttodo.Ifyouhappentodiebefore<br />
youcompletethismission,yougetsentbackonearthandyougetbornagain.Butbeingborn<br />
againhasasideefect.Whenyougetbornagain,youtemporarilylosealthememoriesfrom<br />
yourpastlife.Youwilonlyremembereverythingafteryoudevelopyourfulpower.Beforeyou<br />
fulpowergetsunleashed,yourbodyisvulnerabletoanymortalweapon.Youcandiejustlikea<br />
normalhuman,butafteryoupowerdevelops,youwilbecaomeafulimmortal.Youwileven<br />
stopgrowing."<br />
Douglassteppedforward,"Butwedon'thavetoworyaboutthatbecausenowwehavea<br />
savior.Heisheretosaveusal.Heisheretoopenthegatestoparadise.Buttoopenthose<br />
gates,heneedsakey.ZRAUKA,alsoknownasthe<strong>Devine</strong>sword,it'sthekeythatwilleadusto<br />
paradise.<strong>The</strong>swordthatcankilanyimmortalcreature.<strong>The</strong>saviorhasbeenlookingforthis<br />
swordforcenturyandnowwehavefoundit.Ithasalwaysbeensealedinthisverytemple.and<br />
that'swhyweneedyou.Becauseyouaretheonlyonewhocanbreakthesealandawakenthe<br />
sword.anditismyjobtogettheswordfrom you.<strong>The</strong>ntherestisuptoDiana.Afterthat,Diana<br />
andIarebothfreeofourdebttothesavior,themanoffavors."<br />
"Whatmakesyouthinkiwilgetyouthatsword?"Iaskedinalowshakyvoice.Iwas<br />
realyscaredandconfused.EverythingtheytoldmemademefeellikeIdidnotknowmyself<br />
anymore.<br />
Douglasjumpedontothestagewithhisscarylook,"Youwilgetusthatswordbecause<br />
youhavenochoice."<br />
"Iwon'tdoit."Iwhispered.<br />
Hewalkedtowardsmeandpunchedmyface."Don'tbestubbornlitlegirl.Getusthe<br />
sword!"<br />
EventhoughIwasinpain,iwasnotgoingtogivethem whattheywanted.<br />
"Iwon'tdoit."Isaid.<br />
Hepunchedmeagainharder,"Getusthesword!"<br />
"Iwon'tdoit."IsaidasIcriedinpain.<br />
Hecrackedhisfigureswithhisdevilishlook.<br />
"Iaskyouonelasttime.Wilyougetusthesword."Hisvoicewasdeeperandscarier.<br />
Inodedano.<br />
Hesteppedforwardandpunchedmeinthestomachmultipletimeswithoutgivingme<br />
chancetobreath.ItfeltlikeIwasgetinghitbyatrain.<strong>The</strong>painwasnothinglikeIhadeverfelt<br />
before.<br />
Douglasstoppedpunching,"Getusthesword."<br />
240
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
MywholefaceandstomachwashurtingbutIstildidnotwanttogivethem whatthey<br />
wanted.SoInodedagain.<br />
"You'reastubborngirlaren'tyou."Hesaidandtriedtopunchmeagain,butDiana<br />
stoppedhim.<br />
"That'senough,youwilkilher."Iheardherwhisperinhisear.<br />
Ichuckled,"Iam smartenoughtoknowthatyoucannotdoanythingtome.Youneed<br />
mealive."<br />
DouglasandDianalookedateachotherandlaughedoutloud.<br />
Douglassteppedback,"Youknowwhat?Weknewyouwouldbestubborn,andthat'swhy<br />
wecameprepared.Youareright,wecannotdoanythingtoyou.Butwhatabouthim?"Hesaid<br />
whilestaringatthedoorinthefarend.<br />
"Bringhim in!"Dianashouted.<br />
IlookedatthedoorandsawtwoshadowdemonsdraggingHenryintotheroom.<strong>The</strong><br />
moonlightwasnotdoinganythingtothem likethesunlightwouldhavedone.Whentheywere<br />
closeenoughtothestage,theythrewhim onthefloor.Hewasunconscious.Hisfacewas<br />
bleedingasthoughhewastortured.<br />
"Whatdidyoudo!Yousaidyouwon'thurthim ifhegaveyouwhatyouwanted!"I<br />
shouted.<br />
"Isaidthatdidn'tI?Imusthaveforgoten.Wel,mysonshouldhaveknownwelenough<br />
thatIam notatrustworthyperson.Idowhateverthefuckiwant."Douglassaid.<br />
"GiveustheswordMonicaandyourdearloverwilwalkoutofherealive."Dianasaid.<br />
IrememberedhowHenrybetrayedmeandIfelttheanger,<br />
"Inolongercareabouthim.He'sabetrayer.Youcandowhateveryouwant,itwon'thurt<br />
me."Isaidinalowvoice.<br />
"Ohbutthat'swhatyouthink.Butdeepdownyouknowthatyoustilcare.Youstillooove<br />
thelitleman."Shesungtomockme.<br />
"Idon'tlovehim."Iwhispered.<br />
Dianacametomyface,"Welgreatthen.Thatmeansyouwon'tmindwhatI'ldoto<br />
him .Youseemychild,thispowerinsidemeenablesmetohackintopeople'sminds,straightto<br />
aspecialdooroffearandimagination.Icanusetheirimagination,tobringtheirworstfearsto<br />
life.Withthatsaid,letmehavesomefunwithyourfriendandwe'lseeifyoutrulydon'tcare<br />
abouthim."<br />
Diana'seyesturnedblack.Sheturnedawayfrom meandlookedatHenry.<br />
241
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Wow,heisacomplicatedperson.Hehasalotoffears.Iseethem al.<strong>The</strong>biggestones<br />
aredisguisedasguilt.Hehasalotofguiltdeepdown.Hepinseverythingthathappenson<br />
himself.Hebelieveseverythingishisfault.Welhowaboutweexplorethatguilt."Shesaid.<br />
Suddenly,awomanappearednexttoHenry.<br />
Shehadshortblackhairandabeautifulface.HerskinwasjustaspaleasHenry's.She<br />
waswearingaplanebrowndresswithsomeblackshoes.Shewasabitslim andShelookeda<br />
bitold.<br />
ShelookedatHenryandthenrantowardsHim andkneeled.<br />
"Henry?Henry?"Sheshoutedassheshookhim."WakeupHenry."<br />
HervoicewasassweetasanyvoiceIhadeverheard.Ithadacalm pitchtoit.<br />
Henryfinalyopenedhiseyestoherface,"Mother?"<br />
"Yesmyson.Itisme."Shebreathedwithabeautifulsmilespreadingthroughhercheeks.<br />
"Youarehere?You'restil.howareyoustilalive?"Heaskedinalowsleepyvoice.<br />
"Ohyes!Iam hereforyoumychild.Ineverleftyou."<br />
"am idreaming?"Hesaidashefulyopenedhiseyes.<br />
"Nono.Iam realyhere.Imissedyouchild.Irealymissedyou."Hervoicewassweetand<br />
soft.<br />
Shehuggedhuggedhim.Hedidnothugherbackashewastryingtofigureoutwhatwas<br />
goingon.<br />
Shebrokethehug,"what'swrongmychild?Aren'tyouhappytoseeme?"<br />
"I.Iam confused."Hebreathed.<br />
shesighed,"Iam soryIleftyoualone.I'm soryIwasnevertherewhenyouwere<br />
growingup.Imeanlookatyou,youareamannow .IneverrealydiedHenry.andrememberi<br />
alwayspromisedyouthatIwouldgothroughadozenhelsjustforyoutohaveaglimpseofa<br />
heaven,andthatiswhyI'vebeensearchingforyoualtheseyears.Icouldn'tleaveyoualoneon<br />
thisworld,Icouldn'tleavemysweetbabysoIfoughtandisurvived.andnowhereiam,afterso<br />
manyyearsI'vefinalyfoundyou.ButitseemsyouarenothappytomeasmuchasIam happy<br />
toseeyou.ButIunderstand.You'vebeenthroughalot.IunderstandyouareangrybutIknow<br />
youwilforgiveme."Shesaidandtriedtoholdhischeeksbutheresisted.<br />
"No.No"hewhispered<br />
Shestood,"Okay.Okay.You'rehurtingmyfeelingsbutit'sokay.Iunderstand.Ialways<br />
imaginedourreunionbeingabitbeterandhappierthanthisbutitseemsyou'vegrownupnow.<br />
Itseemsyou'vegrownawayfrom yourmother'slove.Ifseemsyouleftmeinyourchildhood.As<br />
242
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
muchasithurtsme,IthinkI'ljustgetgoingnow.Lookslikeyouaredoingjustgoodwithoutme.<br />
Goodbyeson.Iloveyou."Shesaidandwalkedawayfrom him,headedforthedoor.<br />
"Mom!"Henrystoppedherashegotuptohisfeet.<br />
Herantowardsherandhuggedher.<br />
"Pleasedon'tgo.Pleasedon'tleavemeagain."Hecried.<br />
Shehuggedhim back,"Iwon'tson."<br />
"Imissedyou.<strong>Life</strong>hasbeenhardwithoutyou.Everythinghasbeenharderwithoutyou."<br />
"Iam sosory.ButI'm herenow.Youdon'thavetoworyaboutalthat.I'm hereto<br />
protectyoumybeautifulchild."Shecaressedhishair.<br />
Hebrokethehugandstaredinhereyes,"Promisemeyouwilneverleavemeagain."<br />
Shewipedhistears,"Ipromiseyoumychild."<br />
Hehuggedheragain.Ihadneverseenhim ashappyashewas.Hisfacewasblooming<br />
withexcitement.Hehadneverlookedatanybodywithsomuchloveandpassionashelookedat<br />
her.Herealylovedhismotheralot.ItisatthatmomentthatIrealisedthathewasalwaysa<br />
brokenpersoninside.That'swhyheblamedhimselfforalotofthings.Ashappyashewas,<br />
losinghismotheratthatmomentwouldrealybreakhim more.Ifiguredthat'swhatDianawas<br />
planningtodo.Hismotherwasnotrealythere,shewasjusttryingtotorturehim.Ihadtohelp<br />
him.IrememberedthatElasaidthefearswereonlyasrealasyoubelievetheyare.IfIcouldtel<br />
him itisnotreal,hecanovercomeit.<br />
"Henry!HenryItisnotreal!Don'tbelieveit!"Iscreamedbuthecouldnothearmeeven<br />
thoughwewereinthesameroom andIwasscreamingatmytopvoice.<br />
"Don'tbothermychild.Ihaveblockedhismindfrom seeingorhearingus.Asfarashe<br />
knows,wearenoteveninthisroom.HecanonlyseewhatIwanthim tosee.Hecanonlyhear<br />
whatiwanthim tohear."Dianasaid.<br />
"Thatwhorelooksasstubbornassheusedtobe."Douglassaidinalowvoice.<br />
"Nowlet'sgototherealfun."Dianasaidandhereyesturnedevendarker.<br />
IlookedatHenryandhismother,theywerestilhugging.<br />
"Ihavealottotelyoumother.Ihavealottoask.IhavealotthatIwanttodowithyou<br />
thatImissedasakid."<br />
"Yesmychild,buttelme.Whydidyoukilme?"Hismotherasked.<br />
Suddenly,bloodstartedcomingoutfrom hermouth.Henrybrokethehugandstepped<br />
back.Shehadawoundonherstomachandbloodwascomingfrom ittoo.Aswordsuddenly<br />
appearedim Henry'shand,itwasdrippingblood.<br />
243
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"What?Mother.What'shappening?"Hisvoicewashorse.<br />
"WhydidyouYoukilmeHenry?Youkiledmeandleftmetodie."Shesaidassheslowly<br />
walkedtowardshim.Healsoslowlysteppedback.<br />
Helookedattheswordinhishand."Nonono.Pleasedon'tsaythatmother.Pleasedon't<br />
dothis."<br />
"HowwouldyoukilYourownmother?"<br />
"Ididnotdoit."Henrywhisperedinasorowfulvoice.<br />
"Ohyesyoudid,rememberbackatthehouse?"Shesaid.Shehadbloodaloverher<br />
mouthalthewaytotheneck.Herstomachwasalsobloody.Herdresswaswetwithblood.<br />
you."<br />
"Nonono.Please.Ididnotdoit.Itwasfather.Hekiledyou.Heistheonewhostubbed<br />
"Ohyes.Butitwasalbecauseofyou.ItisyourfaultthatIdied.Isuferedbecauseof<br />
you.Youmademesufer.Youwereaburden."<br />
"Pleasemotherdon'tsaythat.Youarehurtingmyfeelings."<br />
Shefinalyreachedhim andwalkedstraightinfrontofthesword.Shecontinuedtowalkas<br />
thesworddraggedintoherbody.Henrywasfrozeninfear.Hewasinpain.Hiseyeswerefiled<br />
withtears.<br />
"You'vedoneitagain!"Shewhisperedandfeltotheground.Shesuddenlystopped<br />
moving.Shedied.<br />
Henrysatdownandtriedtoshakeherbutshewasnotmoving.<br />
"Mom pleasewakeup!Pleasedon'tleavemealoneagain.Don'tleavemehere.Ididnot<br />
kilyou.Itisnotmyfault.Itisnotmyfault.Iam sorymother."Hesobbed.Herbodyturnedto<br />
dustinhishands.<br />
Suddenly,aboyappearedbehindhim.HewasalmostastalasHenry.Hehadbrownhair<br />
andapaleskin.Hewaswearingablackshirtandablacktrousers.HerantowardsHenry,<br />
"Henry?Heymanwhathappened?"Heasked.<br />
Henryturnedaroundtolookathim.<br />
"Gary?"Hebreathedwithashockedexpressiononhisface.<br />
"Yes,it'smeman."<br />
IrememberedGary.HewasthefriendwhogotslaughteredbytheEnglishfolk.Whata<br />
horibledeathhedied.Havingyourhandscutofandyourthroatslitwascompletetorture.I<br />
rememberedthatHenryblamedGary'sdeathonhimself.Dianawasgoingtousethisguiltto<br />
torturehim more.<br />
244
"Pleasestop.He'shadenough."Isaid.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Ohbutyousaidyoudon'tcareabouthim .Didyoulie?"Dianaasked.<br />
Ideniedcaringagain.Inoded.<br />
"Welgoodthenlet'scontinue."<br />
IlookedatHenryandGary.HenrywassitingonthefloorandGarywasstandingnextto<br />
him oferingahandtohelphim up.<br />
"TakemyhandsHenry.Letmehelpyouup."<br />
"Gary,what?whatareyoudoinhere?Howareyouevenhere?"Henry'svoicewascracky.<br />
"TakemyhandsI'lexplain."Garysmiled.<br />
HenryreachedoutforGary'shands.Whenhetriedtopulhimselfup,thehandsrippedof<br />
Gary'sbody.<br />
"What!"Henryscreamedoutoffearandthrewthehandsaway.<br />
"Takemyhandsthewayyoutookmylife."Garysaidinadeepvoice.<br />
"Ididnotkilyou.<strong>The</strong>Englishfolkdid."Henrywhisperedwithsomuchsorow.<br />
"Ohbutitwasyourfaultthatwewerethereinthefirstplace.andinsteadofhelpingme,<br />
yousavedyourselfandranaway,youselfishlitlebastard."Garysaid.<br />
Suddenly,aduplicateofHenryappearedbehindGarywithaknifeinhishands,itusedthe<br />
knifeandslitGary'sthroat.Garyfeltotheground.<br />
"No!Youidiot,whathaveyoudone?"Henryshoutedathisduplicate.<br />
"IdidwhatwedidHenry.Wekiledhim.You'resupposedtobehappy.Iam happy."<strong>The</strong><br />
duplicatesaidandsmiled.<br />
HenryquicklycrawledtoGaryandplacedhishandsonthewoundonhisthroattostopthe<br />
bleeding.<br />
"Nononono.Don'tdie.Don'tdie.IdidnotkilyouGary.Pleasedon'tdie."Henrycriedout,<br />
"Help!Pleasehelp!"Hescreamed.<br />
"Mybloodisonyourhands.Justlikeithasalwaysbeen."Garywhisperedandchuckled<br />
asheclosedhiseyes.Hedied.<br />
Henrylookedthishandsandtheywerebloody.Suddenly,Bilycamerushinginandran<br />
towardsHenry.<br />
"Henrywhathappenedhere.Weneedtoslowdownthebleeding."Bilysaid.<br />
"Bily?Whatareyoudoinghere?No,youarenotreal,thisisn'treal.Pleasetelmeitisn't<br />
245
eal!"Henryscreamed.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Bilysteppedback."OhHenry.Italreal.Justlikeitisrealthatyoukiledme."<br />
"No,notyoutooBily.Youknowitwasn'tmyfault.You.youdiedprotectingMonica."<br />
"Ohyes.<strong>The</strong>girlthatyoubroughthome.Justthinkaboutit.Ifyouhadn'tbroughtMonica<br />
inourlivesinthefirstplace,IwouldstilbealiveandElawouldstilhaveherarm.Itisalyour<br />
faultHenry.Youcausedalthis.Youkiledme.Ithoughtwewerebrother's!"Bilyshouted.<br />
"Wearestilbrothers,Bily.Youknowthat.Pleasedon'tblamethisonme.Iwasjust<br />
tryingtohelpher.Ididn'tknowitwouldleadtothis."Henrysobbedwithariveroftearsinhis<br />
eyes.<br />
"YoubroughttheapocalypseInourlives.Whatdidyouexpect?Paradise?"<br />
"No,I'm sory.Pleaseforgivemebrother.I'vedonetherightthingnow.I.ihavegivenher<br />
awaytoDouglas.Shecannotharm usanymore.shecannotharm anybodyanymore."<br />
"Ohbutwilthatbringmebackfrom thedead?"Bilyaskedinadeepscaryvoice.<br />
"Please.forgiveme."<br />
"Youkiledme!"Bilyscreamed.<br />
"Ididn't."Henrysobbed.<br />
"Youkiledme!"Bilyrepeated.<br />
"No."Henrywhispered.<br />
"YOUKILLEDME!"Bily'svoiceshookthebuilding.<br />
AshadowdemonappearedbehindBilyandstubbedhim withit'shand.Itwasnotlikethe<br />
othershadowdemons,thisonehadHenry'shead.ItliftedBily.<br />
"You'vedoneitagain."Bily'svoicefadedintoawhisperjustbeforehedied.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demonthrewhim totheground.Hisbodysuddenlystartedtoburn.<br />
"Noooo."Henrybreathedandfeltohisknees.<br />
<strong>The</strong>shadowdemonkneeledbeforeHenry.<br />
"ItisdoneMaster.Who'snext?"ItsaidinHenry'svoice.<br />
Henrysatonthefloorandhidhisfacebetweenhiskneesashesobbed.<br />
"Ididit.Ikiledthem al.Itisalmyfault."Hewhisperedtohimself.<br />
<strong>The</strong>shadowdemondisappeared.Bily'sbodystoodupwhileitwasstilonfirewithabig<br />
holeonit'sstomach.Gary'sbodyalsostoodup,ithadnohandsandit'sneckwasbleeding.<br />
246
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Henry'smotheralsoshowedup.Shewasstilcoveredinblood,butthistime,halfherfacewas<br />
roten.<strong>The</strong>threeofthem stoodsidebysideinfrontofHenry.Hismotherwasinthemiddle,<br />
Bily'sburningbodywasonherleftandGary'shandlessbodywasonherright.Henrydidnot<br />
hearthem coming.<br />
"standup."Hismother'svoicestunnedhim.<br />
"Pleaseno.Please.Justleavemealone.LEAVEMEALONE!"Henryscreamedinsorow.<br />
Hewassufering.<br />
"StandupHenry."Bilysaid.<br />
"Standupandfaceusman."Garyadded.<br />
Henryslowlystoodup.Herealisedthathehadaswordinhishand.<strong>The</strong>swordthatkiled<br />
hismother.Helookedatitanditimmediatelyturnedintoasnakeandithissedinhisface.He<br />
gotscaredandthrewittotheground.<strong>The</strong>momentthesnakehittheground,itbrokeandsplit<br />
intoanintrusionofcockroaches;theyrushedtowardsHenryandcrawleduphislegsashe<br />
struggledtogetthem of.Moreofthem continuedtoclimbeduntilhisbodywascoveredwith<br />
cockroaches.<strong>The</strong>ywerecrawlingaloverhim.Snakesandroachesmusthavebeenhisother<br />
fears.<br />
Hescreamedashestruggledwiththeroaches.Icouldseethathewasinpain.Havingal<br />
thoseinsectscrawlingonhisbodywassomethingevenIwouldhaveneverwantedto<br />
experience.<br />
<strong>The</strong>cockroachesalsuddenlyfeltogroundandturnedtodust.Eventhoughtheywere<br />
nolongeronhisbody,Henrycontinuedtobeathimself.Hewassocreepedoutthathemusthave<br />
felttheywerestilonhim.Hefinalystoppedandwenttohiskneesashecried.<br />
"Pleaseleavemealone."Hebegged.<br />
"Admitthatyoukiledus."<strong>The</strong>threechorussed.<br />
"Ididit.Itwasalmyfault.Ikiledyoual."Henry'svoicewaslowandhoarse.<br />
BilysuddenlyturnedtodustandsodidGary.HismotherthentransformedintoDouglas.<br />
EventhoughtherealDouglaswasstandingnexttoDiana.<strong>The</strong>oneHenrywasseeingwasjust<br />
anotheroneofhisfears.Hewasafraidofhisfather.<br />
DouglaswalkedtowardsHenryandhelpedhim up.<br />
"Myson.IsthiswhatItaughtyou?Tobeweak?Tobeapussy?Whenareyougoingto<br />
growsomebalsandbeaman.Amanisnotsupposedtobebeggingformercylikethis.I'l<br />
teachyoualesson."Douglassaid.Abeltappearedinhishands.<br />
ThisremindedmeofwhatHenrytoldme.Whenhesaidhisfatherusedtomakehim stand<br />
stilashewhippedhim toteachhim howtobecomeaman.<br />
"Standstil,ifyoumove,Iwilwhipyouevenmore."Douglassaid.<br />
247
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Henrytriedtorunbuthecouldnot.Itseemedasthoughhecouldnotmove.Hewasjust<br />
restrainedinoneposition.Douglasbeguntowhiphim.<strong>The</strong>soundsechoedthewholeroom upto<br />
thesky.<br />
Henrycouldnotmovebutisawthepaininhistearsthatroleddownhiseyesatevery<br />
stroke.<br />
DouglassuddenlygrabbedHenrybytheneckandliftedhim oftheground.Hethrewhim<br />
againstadesk.Henry'sbackslammedhardintothedesk.AsHenryscreamedinpain.Douglas<br />
wenttopickhim upbytheneckagain.Heliftedhim upandslammedhim againstthehardfloor.<br />
"Beaman!"DouglasscreamedashepunchedHenry'sfacecontinuously.Henrywas<br />
getingweakandhelpless.<br />
Douglasgrabbedhislegandthrewhim acrosstheroom.Henrylandedonanotherdesk<br />
consequentlybreakingit.Hewasinsomuchpainhecouldnotevenmoveorscream anymore.<br />
Hewasjustcoughingthepainandblood.Douglasfolowedhim.Heliftedhim bytheneck,<br />
punchedhim inthestomach,andthenthrewhim againstthewal.Henry'sbodyslammedthe<br />
walwithaloudsound.Hethenfelhardonthefloor.Douglasliftedhim upbytheshirtagain.<br />
"Beaman."Hesaidinhisfaceandpunch<br />
edhisstomach,makingHenryspitoutblood.Douglashithim againmultipletimes.<br />
Evenafterwhathedid,itstilhurtmetoseeHenryinalthatpain.Icouldnotwatchany<br />
longer.<br />
"Alrightstop!Iwildowhateveryouwant.Pleasejuststop."Icried.<br />
Diana'seyesturnedbacktonormal.<strong>The</strong>DouglasthatwasholdingHenrydisappearedand<br />
henryfeltotheground.AltheilusionsdisappearedbutHenrywasstilhurtbecausehe<br />
believedinwhatwashappening.Helaidhelplessandmotionlessonthefloor.<br />
248
CHAPTERFOURTY-TWO<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Ohhhsoyoudocareaboutyourfriend.Mychild,youlovehim.Loveisnotsomething<br />
youcanjustturnyourbackonandforget.Ifso,thenit'snotrealylove.Iam surprisedyoufelin<br />
lovewithhim thisfast,whatdidhegiveyou?"Dianajoked.<br />
"Shemadeagoodchoice.Stoppingalthis.<strong>The</strong>boywouldhavedied"Douglassaid.<br />
"Youpeoplearemonsters!"Ishouted.<br />
"Ohyesweare.Nowonyothedeal.I'm goingtountieyounow.Ifyoubehave,thiswil<br />
albeoverbeforeyouknowit."<br />
Douglaswalkedtowardsmeandunlockedthechainsfrom myhands.Itriedtogoto<br />
Henrybuthestoppedme.<br />
"Whatareyoudoing?"Heasked.<br />
"Henryishurt,heneedshelp!"Ishoutedathim.<br />
"That'swhyyoushouldhury,thesooneryousummonthesword,thesoonerwe'lget<br />
Henryhelp."Dianasaid.<br />
"Buthewildie."Iwhispered.<br />
"TimeistickingMonica.Henrywon'tbealiveforlong."Douglasmocked.<br />
Itookadeepbreath,"Okay.Telmewhatihavetodo."<br />
"Turnaround."Douglassaid.<br />
Iturnedaroundandrealisedthattherewasahugewoodenboxthathadbeenbehindme<br />
thewholetime.Itlookedoldanddusty.ButthemostdisturbingthiswasInthefarbackofthe<br />
stage.<strong>The</strong>rewasgiantspikesthatlookedliketheywerebuiltfrom concrete.<strong>The</strong>yranfrom the<br />
floorandhadgrownaboutfivetimesmyheight.<strong>The</strong>ywereveryintimidating.Justlookingat<br />
them sentashiverupmyspine.<br />
Douglaswalkedtothewoodenbox.Hepunchedithardseveraltimeconsequently<br />
breakingthewoodof.Afterthewoodfelof,itexposingabigsquareblock.Itlookedlikeablock<br />
oficeormaybeglass.itlookedlikeitwasplantedfirm intotheground.Stuckinsidetheblock,I<br />
couldseeasword.<br />
"Nobodyknowswhatthissubstanceisbutitisunbreakable.<strong>The</strong>ycalittheseal.Itseals<br />
theDivineswordfrom theunworthybeings.Ithasbeenhereforthousandsofyears.Alothave<br />
triedtobreakitusingdiferentmachinesbutneitherofthem madeevenasinglescratch.But<br />
onlyaworthybeingwithdivinitycanbreaktheseal.OnlyyoucanbreakthesealMonica.So<br />
comeonoverhere."Douglassaid.<br />
249
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Iwalkedtowardsthesealandstoodbehindit,facingHenrywhowasinthefarbackofthe<br />
temple.Itouchedtheseal.Itfeltlikeitvibratedabit.Ifeltthepowerthatitwasholding.<br />
"Howam Isupposedtobreakit?"Iasked.<br />
"ByusingyourpowersMonica.FocusonthesealandI'm sureyouwilfeelit'spower.You<br />
wilknowwhattodoafterthat."<br />
DouglassteppedawayandwenttostandneartheedgeofthestagewithDianaasthey<br />
watchedme.<br />
"Remember,everysecondyouwasteisasecondlostforHenry.Sobegin."Shesaid.<br />
Iwasshaking.Ikneeledandputbothmyhandsontopoftheseal.Iclosedmyeyesand<br />
triedtofeelit'spowerbutIfeltnothing.Itriedashardascouldandnothinghappened.<br />
"What'sgoingonMonica?"Dianaasked.<br />
"Idon'tknowhowtousemypowers."Isaidinalowvoice.<br />
"Okaylisten.thebestwaytotapintoyourpowersisbyusingyouremotions.Emotions<br />
arestrongandtheycanbeareliableassetwhenitcomestoawakensomethinginsideyou.So<br />
useyouremotions.Focusonyouranger,focusonyouinnerpain.Focusoneverythingthat<br />
makesyoufeellikeamonster.Gatheralthoseemotionsandyouwilfeelthepowerstart<br />
coursingthroughyourveins.Nowcloseyoureyesandtryagain."Dianasaid.<br />
Itookadeepbreathandclosedmyeyes.Icouldhearmyheartbeatinginmyhead.Ibegun<br />
tothinkaboutalthepainIhadbeenthrough.Althepaintheworldgaveme.AlthepainDiana<br />
causedmewhenIwasstayinginherhouse.AlthepainandangerIfeltwhenDianakiledMrs<br />
Meikle.IthoughtaboutEla,Bily,Mash,thedoctorandalthoseguardsatthelibrary.Ithought<br />
aboutaltheotherpossessedpeoplewhosuferedbecauseofme.IthoughtaboutHenryandI;<br />
thepainhecausedme.<br />
Suddenly,IfeltthesealbegintovibrateasIsearchedforthepainandangerinsideofme.I<br />
focusedashardasIcouldandthesealdidnothingelsebutvibrate.<br />
"YouareholdingbackMonica!Youarenotfocusinghardenough.Letitalout,don'tbe<br />
afraid."Diana'svoiceechoedmythoughts.<br />
Icontinuedtodigdeeper.Ithoughtaboutalthethingsindetail.HowDianausedtoabuse<br />
me,andexactlyhowalthosepeoplegothurt-From ElatoBily.Icouldfeeltheanger<br />
magnifyinginsideme.<strong>The</strong>sealvibratedalitlebitmorethanbeforebutitstilwasnotenoughto<br />
breakit.Igaveup.<br />
"Ican'tdoit."Icried.<br />
"YesyoucanMonica.DoitfordearoldHenry.Thinkabouthim,heisdying."Dianasaid.<br />
IlookedatHenryandifeltangerinsideme.Iclosedmyeyesandputmyhandsbackon<br />
theseal.Ifocusedevenmore.Iwentthroughalthethingsthatangeredmetothetiniestdetails.<br />
250
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
ThistimeIeventhoughtabouthoweverybodycaledmeamonsterandhowIalmostkiledEla.<br />
<strong>The</strong>sealvibratedharderandthetempleshooktoo.AshardasItried,thesealstilcouldnot<br />
break.Istoppedandwithdrewmyhandsfrom it.<br />
"TRYHARDERYOULITTLEPIECEOFSHIT!"Douglasshouted.Hisvoicewasloudand<br />
scary.<br />
"Ican'tdoit.Ican't."<br />
"Yesyoucanyoubloodygirl.Youareholdingback.Youarescared."<br />
"Irealycan't.I'm tryingashardasIcan."<br />
"DoyouknowthatwhetherIgettokeepmylegsornotalreliesinmebreakingthatseal?<br />
IfIfailtodelivertheswordtohim,thenhewiltakeawaymypower,mylegs,mycockandmy<br />
bals.SoiwantyoutoknowthatIcandoanythingtokeepmybalsandcock.Soifyoudon'tget<br />
thatsealopen,youwilseethemonsterItrulyam ontheinside."Douglassaidandhiseyes<br />
turneddark.Hisvoicegotdeeperandscarier.<br />
"I'm sory,butidon'tknowhowto."Icried.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>dayHenrydied.Iwasthere.Iwatchedeverything.Isawyouuseyourpowertobring<br />
him backtolife.Howdidyoudothat?"Heasked.<br />
"Idon'tknowI."<br />
"Youwhat?"<br />
"Iwasscaredokay!"Ishouted."Iwasangry,iwassadandiwasscared.Iwasscaredof<br />
losinghim.I.Iwasrealyscaredoflosingsomebodyicaredfor."<br />
Douglasgrinnedandgrowled,"Welthenletmemotivateyou."<br />
HejumpedofthestageandbeguntowalktowardsHenry.Iheardhisbonescrackingashe<br />
beguntotransform.Agiantbirdwingpoppedoutofhisback,thenanother.Hisfeetalso<br />
transformedintogiantbirdfeetashejumpedandflewtoHenry.Hecariedhim withhisfeetand<br />
immediatelyflewtothedarksky.HewentashighasIcouldsee.HethendroppedHenry.<br />
IwatchedHenry'shelplessbodyfalingfrom theskylikeabagofwheat.Iknewthatfaling<br />
from thatheightwouldkilhim atimpact.Itwouldbreakalthebonesinhisbody.Itwasthe<br />
worstmomentIhadeverbeenthrough.AlIwantedwastosavehim.<br />
"Nooo!"Iclosedmyeyesandscreamedinfearashewasabouttohitthefloor.Ididnot<br />
hearanysound.Ifeltastrongtypeofenergycoursingthrewmyveins.Iopenedmyeyesand<br />
sawHenry'sbodyfloatingjustabovethefloor.Icouldfeelmyhairfloatingtoo.Ifeltpowerful.I<br />
feltincontrol.Myhandswereglowingblueandwhite.I'm theonewhostoppedHenryfrom<br />
hitingthegroundwithmypower.Icouldfeelhisbodyeventhoughhewasfarfrom me.Icould<br />
feeleverythingaroundme.Icouldevenfeeltheseal.Icouldfeelthepoweroftheswordinside<br />
calingme.IusedmypowerandgentlyputHenrydowninacorner.Iputmyhandsontheseal<br />
251
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
andchanneledalmypowerintomyhands.<strong>The</strong>sealbegintocrackandthewholebuilding<br />
beguntoshake.Everybitoftheenergyandpowerihadatthatmoment,Idirecteditintotheseal<br />
untilitfinalybroke,theforceofthebreakthrewDianaofthestage.<strong>The</strong>swordjumpedintomy<br />
handandsuddenly,althepowerfaded.Idrainedit.Iwasbacktonormal.<br />
Iwasstandingonthestagewiththeswordinmyhand.Itfeltlighterthanitlooked.Itfelt<br />
lighterthananyswordihaveevertouched.<br />
"Weldone,Apocalypse."Dianastoodandbeguntoclap.<br />
Ijuststared.<br />
"See,alyouneededwasabitofmotivation."Douglassaidashelandedand<br />
transformedbacktonormal.<br />
"Holdingthatswordmakesyoulooklikeatruedevil'sdaughter.Atruedestroyerof<br />
worlds.Atrueangelofdarkness.Nowalyouneedissomewings."Dianasaidandhereyes<br />
turneddark.<br />
Ifeltapainonmyback.<strong>The</strong>nIfeltsomethingbegintogrowoutofit.Itwasrealypainful.<br />
Mybackbonesfeltliketheywerebreakingandmyskinfeltlikeitwasripping.Angelwings<br />
finalygrewoutofmyback.<strong>The</strong>ywerebig;theywereasdarkasshadowdemonsandhaddark<br />
smockcomingoutofthem.Ifeltpowerfulwiththem onmyback.Icouldfeelthem inconnection<br />
tomybody.IfeltthecontrolIhadoverthem,Icouldcontrolthem aseasyasIcouldcontrolmy<br />
hands.Itwaslikeanextrabodypart.<br />
IsawHenryinthecornerlookingatmeinfearashedraggedhimselfagainstthewal.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re,nowyoufulylooklikeanangelofdarkness.Adestroyer.Itisoneofyourfears.<br />
Becomingtheangelofdeathanddestruction.IsawitthemomentImentionedittoyou.Iwas<br />
justwaitingfortherighttimetoshowyou.Thatishowyouwillookwhenyourfulpowergets<br />
unleashed."Dianasaid.<br />
"Nowgivemethesword."Douglassaid.<br />
IlookedattheswordandrememberedthatDianasaiditwasverypowerfulandcouldkil<br />
anyimmortalbeing.<br />
"No.HowaboutIkilyouboth."Isaidinanguish.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ylaughedatme.<br />
"Kilus?Areyouserious?Ifeeldisrespected."Dianasaid.<br />
".andhowexactlyareyougoingtodothat?"Douglasasked.<br />
"Yousaidtheswordcankilanyimmortal.SoI'luseittokilyouboth."<br />
<strong>The</strong>ylaughedagain.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Child,youdon'tevenknowhowtouseasword."Dianasaid.<br />
Douglassteppedforward,"Alrightnowenoughjokingaround.Givemethesword."He<br />
saidwithangerandhiseyesturneddark.<br />
Irealisedthatifthewingsweremyfear,thentheywereasrealasIbelievedthem to<br />
be.andIfinalybelievedthatiwasrealytheangelofdeath,destructionanddarkness.That<br />
meantIcouldusethewings.<br />
IjumpedandflewofthestagetowardsDouglasandDiana.Ihadtheswordpointedat<br />
them asIapproached.ButbeforeIcouldreach,thewingsvanishedandifeltotheground.<br />
"OhPoorMonica.Youthinkyouaresmart.IputthosewingsonyouandIcaneasilytake<br />
them away.Thatwasjustanilusionofyourfear.Yourrealwingsareyettogrow."Dianasaid.<br />
"I'lkilyou."IsaidasIgotuptomyfeet.MybodywasinpainafterthefalbutIdidnot<br />
paymuchatentiontoit.<br />
"Oh.Welthencomekilme."Dianasaid.<br />
Iheldontotheswordwithbothmyarmsandpreparedtoatack.<br />
DouglastriedtoatackmebutDianastoppedhim.<br />
"Nonohunny.Letmehavemyfunfirst."Shesaidandlickedhisface.<br />
"Alright.Makeitquick."Douglassaid.Hesteppedasideandwatched.<br />
"YourbiggestfearrightnowwouldbethatIalsohadaweapon.Thankyouforthat."<br />
Dianasaidandaswordsuddenlyappearedinherhand.<br />
Irantowardsherandswungmyswordbutshedodgedandkickedmyback,sendingme<br />
failingtothefloor.Igotupandturnedtoheragain,Irantowardsherandswungtheswordagain,<br />
butshedodgedandmadeaslightcutonmyleg.<br />
"You'reweak.Thatswordcanonlyworkforyouwhenyouhaveyourpowers.Rightnow<br />
youdon'thavethem soitisjustlikearegularswordinyourhands."Dianasaid.<br />
Igotangryandatackedher.Sheusedherswordandblockedmyeverymove.Shehadone<br />
arm behindherbackandonearm holdingthesword,whilstiwasholdingmyswordwithtwo<br />
arms.Shewasfasterandmoreexperiencedthaniwas.Ifeltpowerless.Tearsbeguntorol<br />
downmyeyesasIswingedmyswordather.<br />
Irememberedthatherswordwasjustanotheroneofmyfears.Shewasjustusingmyfear<br />
asaweapon.<strong>The</strong>swordwasasrealasIbelievedittobe.SoformetobeatDiana,Ijusthadto<br />
believetheswordwasnotreal.Itookadeepbreathandwhisperedtomyself,<br />
"<strong>The</strong>swordisnotreal."IWhisperedrepeatedlyuntilIbelievedit.<strong>The</strong>swordinDiana's<br />
handsuddenlydisappeared.<br />
253
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Smartgirl."Dianasaidasshebroughtherhandsforwardandclenchedherfists.<br />
Withoutthesword,shewaslessarmedthaniwas.SoIsawthisasanopportunity,buti<br />
alsorememberedwhatBilytaughtme.'LETYOUROPPONENTSTRIKEFIRST'.Istoodand<br />
waitedforhertoatack.ShetriedtopunchmebutImanagedtoduckanddodge.Iswungthe<br />
swordatherbutshealsododgedandpunchedmyface.Igotangryandswungatheragainbut<br />
shedodgeditagain.Shetwistedmyarm andmademedropthesword,thensheusedherother<br />
arm andpunchedmyfacehard.Shegrabbedmebytheneckandliftedmeoftheground.She<br />
wasstrongerthanshelooked.<br />
"Youareuseless."ShesaidInmyface.Shethenthrewmeaway.Iwentflyingacrossthe<br />
room andlandedononeofthegiantspikesbehindthestage.Itwentthroughmefrom theback<br />
andcameoutthroughthestomach.Itstubbedme.<strong>The</strong>feelingofhavingsomethinghuge<br />
throughmybodywaspainful.Icouldnotmove.Icouldseemylifefadingaway.Mybodyhanged<br />
helplessandmotionlessonthespike.MyheadwasUpsidedown.Icouldnotfeelmybody.Iwas<br />
dying.IslowlyturnedmyheadandlookedatHenry.Hejustwatchedinthecorner.Myvision<br />
beguntoblurout.<br />
"Bringhertome!"Dianascreamed.<br />
IcouldnotseeclearlybutIsawagroupofshadowdemonsrushingtowardsme.Ishutmy<br />
eyesforasecondandthenextthingInoticed,Iwaslayingonthestagefloorinariverofblood.I<br />
wasstilweak.<strong>The</strong>rewasagroupofshadowdemonsstandingnexttome.Ifinalygaveupand<br />
shutmyeyes.<br />
WhenIopenedmyeyesagain,Ifoundmyselfinawhiteroom.Mybodyfeltlight.Iwas<br />
nakedandbarefoot.<strong>The</strong>room wasemptyandquiet;ithadnodoororwindow.Itjusthadwhite<br />
wals.Iturnedaroundandsawamirorjustliketheonebackatthehouse.Itwasturnedfacing<br />
thewal.IwalkedtowardsitasIrememberedwhathappenedthelasttimeIlookedinamirormyreflectionalmostkiledme.Iclosedmyeyesandturnedthemiroraroundthentooksome<br />
stepsback.ItookadeepbreathandopenedmyeyesandIsawit.IsawexactlywhatIfeltinside<br />
me.<br />
MyreflectionwasalsonakedexceptitwasnotlikeIwas.Ithadhugewingslikethoseof<br />
abat,theywereburningatthebotom.Insteadofhair,itwasfireonthehead.<strong>The</strong>eyeswerered<br />
andscarylikethoseofadevil.<strong>The</strong>reflectionhadhornsontheforeheadtoo.<br />
AsImovedmyhand,thereflectiondidexactlywhatIdid.Itwaslikethemirorwas<br />
showingmewhatiwasontheinside.WhatIbelievedItrulywas.Istareddeepintomyeyesand<br />
Isawalmysufering.Ifeltmyangergrowing.Myhairbeguntofloatandmyhandsbegunto<br />
glow.MyeyesturneddarkandIbeguntolevitateintheair.Icouldfeelthepowercomingback<br />
insidemeagain,butthistime,Iwasn'tgoingtoholdback.Ilookedatmyreflectionagain.<br />
"Let'sgobewhattheywantustobe.Let'sdestroythem al."Myreflectionspoke.<strong>The</strong><br />
exactwordsIwantedtohear.Itputasmileonmyface<br />
Iclosedmyeyesasmybodywasintheair.Iopenedmyeyesandfoundmyselfbackinthe<br />
254
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
temple.IwasbackinbloodyclothesandMybodywasfloatingabovethestage.Altheblood<br />
thatwasonthestagefloorbeguntofloatbackontothemassiveholeonmybely.<strong>The</strong>wound<br />
beguntohealuntiliwasbacktonormal.DouglasandDianawerestandingatthefarbotom<br />
watchingme.DianawasholdingtheDivineswordinherhand.<br />
Iraisedmyhandsandliftedalthedemonsintheroom oftheground.Ifoldingmyfists<br />
andbeguntoclenchthem inanger.Bydoingso,Iwassqueezingthebodiesofthedemons.<br />
<strong>The</strong>yshriekedloudlyinpainasIsqueezedevenharder.Isqueezedsohardthatheirbodies<br />
foldedandcompressedintobalsuntiltheyalpoppedanddied.<br />
Ibroughtmyselfbackdowntothestagefloor.Icouldfeeltheswordeventhoughitwas<br />
notinmyhands.ItimmediatelyflewoutofDiana'shandandcametomine.Iwasangry.My<br />
handsglowedandtheswordsuddenlystartedburninginablueflame.Itfeltpowerful.<br />
IjumpedofthestageandwalkedtowardsDianawithadevilishlookonmyface.Myhair<br />
wasstilfloating,myhandswerestilglowingandtheswordwasstilburning.<br />
DouglasrantowardsmeandhitmebutIdidnotfeelanything.Itjustfeltlikeasting.I<br />
grabbedhim bytheneckandliftedhim oftheground.BecauseItlookedlikethatwasa<br />
commonmoveamongstalofthem.IlookedintohiseyesandIsawthefear.Hewasstruggling<br />
togetmyhandsofofhisneckbuthewasweakerthanme.<br />
"Please."Hebeggedbreathlessly.Isqueezedhisneckandbrokeit.Hishandsdropped.<br />
Hestoppedstruggling.Hestoppedmoving.Hisbodyfeltheavyandlifeless..Hewasdead.I<br />
turnedaroundandthrewhisbodyatthefarbackofthestageanditlandedonthespikesjust<br />
likeIdid.<br />
IturnedtoDianaandwalkedtowardsher.Hereyesturneddarkasshetriedtosearchfora<br />
fearinmethatshecoulduse,butshedidnotfindanybecauseIwasnolongerafraidofanything.<br />
Ibecamemybiggestfear.Sheimmediatelywenttoherkneesandbeggedforherlife.<strong>The</strong>fear<br />
satisfiedme.<br />
"Please.Pleaseforgivemedaughter.Iam yourgrand."Beforeshecouldfinish,Iswang<br />
theswordandcutherheadof.Herbodycoughtfirefrom theswordandbeguntoburnasitfel<br />
totheground.Herheadroleddowntomyfeet.Iwasdisgustedbyit.Iliftedmylegandstumped<br />
onithardconsequentlybreakingit'sskulandsquishingit'sbrain.<br />
AsIenjoyedhavingDiana'sbrokenbonesandbrainundermyfeet,iheardHenrypantingIn<br />
thecorner.Myhairwentbacktonormal,myhandsstoppedglowingandtheswordstopped<br />
burning.<strong>The</strong>powerfadedawayandiwasbacktonormal.Idroppedtheswordandrantowards<br />
Henrytohelphim.<br />
"Don'tcomeclosetome!"Heshoutedinfeareventhoughhecouldbarelyspeak.<br />
Heleanedagainstthewal.HisfacewascoveredInbloodandoneeyewasswolen.His<br />
lipswereabitswolentoo.Hewasbleedingontheforehead,from thenoseandfrom themouth.<br />
255
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Hehadmultiplecutsonhishandsandlegstoo.Hiswhiteshirtturnedredbecauseofalthe<br />
blood.Hewassitinginhisownblood.<br />
"Isaw.sawwhatyouare.youare.youarethedevil."Hespokewhilecatchinghisbreath.<br />
Aftersavinghim,hestilsaidalthosehoriblethings.Itmademefeeldisgustedand<br />
angry.Ihadenoughofthat.Ihadenoughofhim<br />
"NoHenry.Iam theapocalypse.Iam goingtodestroyeverythingincludingyousocaled<br />
family."isaidinanguishasislowlywalkedtowardshim.<br />
"Wh.wh.whydidyouevensavemeifyouaregoingtodestroytheworld?"Henry<br />
coughed.<br />
"BecauseIwantedyoutosee.iwantedyoutoseewhatIhavebecome.Whatyouhave<br />
mademe.Thisisalyourfault."<br />
"Ohhtherewegoagain.LooksliketodayisTHROW YOURSHITONHENRYday.I'm<br />
tiredofhearingeveryoneblamingme."<br />
"IcaredforyouHenry.Ilovedyoubutyoubrokeme.Youbetrayedme.Maybethisis<br />
whatdestinysawIyourfuture.THEBETRAYALOFALOVEDONE.Makesmewonder,didyou<br />
evenhaveanyfeelingsforme?"<br />
"OfcourseIdid.Irealydid."Hecried,"ijusthadtomakethedecision.IdidwhatI<br />
thoughtwasright,andtrustme,itwasharderformethanitwasforyou.Butthedecisionhadto<br />
bemade.Iam soryMonica.Ididnotmeantohurtyou."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>rewasanotherway."<br />
".Notherewasn't't."Hewhispered.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>reisalwaysanotherway,Henry.Youjustcouldn'twaitforustothinkofa<br />
solution."<br />
"IwasunderpressureMonica.InthatmomentIfeltlikeIwascaryingthewholeworld<br />
onmyback.Ifeltlikethefateoftheworldwasinmyhands.Ihadtochosebetweendropping<br />
theworldandtakehand,orletingyougotosavetheworld.Ichosetheworldjustlikeanyother<br />
humanbeingwithsympathywould.Giventhatopportunityagain,Iwouldn'tchangemychoice.I<br />
wouldstilmakethatdecision.<strong>The</strong>onlythingIwouldchangeIsthatiwouldmakesuretheydo<br />
notgiveyouachance."<br />
Hiswordswerehurtingmyfeelingsandtearsweredroppingoutofmyeyes.Iwas<br />
speechless.<br />
"I'm notgoingtolietoyouMonica,IlovedyouandIenjoyedaloursweetmoments<br />
together.Youshowedabrokenorphanboyhowtolove.Butthetruthis,I'vealwaysbeenafraidof<br />
you.Eversinceyoubroughtmebackfrom thedead,IdevelopedthispotionInsidemethatwas<br />
afraidofyou.Itwasverysmalbutafterwhatihavejustseen,Iam moreafraidofyouthani<br />
256
haveeverbeen.I'm scared."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Ishouldhaveknown."Ibreathed.<br />
Henrybeguntolaugheventhoughhewasinpain.<br />
"Whyareyoulaughing?"Iasked.<br />
"Becauseihavesucceeded.Ihavesucceededinstalingyou,toalowmydadtoget<br />
awaywiththesword."Hisvoicewasdeepandcracky.<br />
IimmediatelylookedbackatthespikesandrealisedthatDouglaswasnotthereanymore.I<br />
rantowardsDiana'sbody,whichhadburnttoashes,andfoundthattheswordwasgone.<br />
Douglastookitandranaway.Ishouldhavefinishedhim of.Hemusthavefakedhisdeath.<br />
Henrylaughed,".andnowtheonlyswordthatcankilyouisoutthereinthehandsof<br />
yourenemies.Ihopetheystopyou."Hisvoicefadedintoawhisper.<br />
Iwalkedtowardshim,"YouknowwhatHenry?IwasthinkingabouthealingyoubutI've<br />
changedmymind.YougavemeawaytodieandsoIhavetorepaythatfavor."<br />
"Welifyouaregoingtokilme,doitnow."Henrywhisperedwithhiseyesclosed.He<br />
couldnolongerevenspeak.Heusedupalhisenergy.<br />
"I'm notgoingtokilyou.BecauseIwantyoutosufer.Iam goingtoleaveyouhere.You<br />
havebrokenbonesandwounds.Youwilbleedtodeathanytimesoon.SoI'lleaveyoutobleed<br />
todeathbecauseIwantyoutothinkaboutwhatyouhavecaused.andalsoIwantyouto<br />
rememberthatYOUCHOSETHEWRONGSIDEOFTHEWAR."Isaidandwalkedaway.<br />
AsIwalked,iheardhislowwhisperbehindme,"Domeafavor.MakeitquickforEla.<br />
Don'tlethersufer."<br />
Hearinghim saythatbroughtmoretearstomyeyes.ButIdidnotwanthim toseethatI<br />
washurting.Icontinuedtowalk.<strong>The</strong>realreasonIchosenottokilhim wasbecauseIcouldnot<br />
doit.Ilovedhim toomuchthatIwasnotgoingtomanagetokilhim.Walkingawayandleaving<br />
him todieonhisownwaspainfulenoughforme.<br />
IwipedmytearsasIsteppedoutthedoorofthetempleandIthoughttomyself,<br />
'IAMDONERUNNING.IAMDONEHIDING.IAMDONEIGNORINGTHEFACTS.IWILLBE<br />
WHATIWASMEANTTOBE.IAMGOINTOEMBRACEWHOIAMWHENITALLCOMES.IAM<br />
GOINGTOBEWHOTHEYALLWANTMETOBE.IAMGOINGTOBETHEAPOCALYPSE.'<br />
257
EPILOGUE<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
«NINETEENDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
Somewhereonearth,inahiddencave,amanwithdarkhairsitsonhisthrone.<strong>The</strong>throneis<br />
madeofstone.Hehasapale-whitetypeofskinandbrowneyes.Heiswearingalongblack<br />
jacketthatrunsalthewaytohisknees.Itismadefrom amaterialcaleddragonsskin.Itlooks<br />
almostlikeleatherandalmostlikesnakeskin.Onhisfeet,hehasblackshoesmadefrom the<br />
samematerialasthejacket.<strong>The</strong>ycalhim themanoffavors.Butmostjustcalhim THEMAN.<br />
Asmalcreaturecomesrunningintotheroom.Itisshort-almostkneelevelheight.Ithasa<br />
greyskin.It'seyesareround;ithasapointynoseandears.tinypointyteethhidebehindit's<br />
smallips.Ithasnohair.Itonlywearsasmaloversizedshirtthatrunsfrom theshoulderstoit's<br />
knees.Itisacreaturefrom thespeciestheycaltheELVES.<strong>The</strong>elvesservethemanoffavors.<br />
"Master!Master!Ihavenews."<strong>The</strong>elfcomesscreamingintotheMastershouse.It'svoiceis<br />
smalandsqueaky.<br />
"That'sfarenough!"Adeepervoicecomesfrom thebackofthethrone.It'sthevoiceof<br />
anotherelf.Thisoneisabitdiferentbecauseitisabitbiggerandhastinywingsonit'sback.It<br />
isthecommanderofalelvesbutItservesthemanoffavors.<br />
"NonoRue,lettheelfspeak."<strong>The</strong>manspeaks.<br />
"Butmaster,theelfisdisrespectingyourrulesbycomingclosetothethrone."Ruesays.<br />
<strong>The</strong>mangetsupfrom histhroneandwalkstowardsthesmalerelf."<strong>The</strong>yaremyrulesRue,so<br />
Icandowiththem asIplease."<br />
"Th.th.thankyoumaster."<strong>The</strong>elfsaysasitkneels.<br />
"Nowtelme.Whatnewsdoyouhave?"<br />
"<strong>The</strong>re.thereisru.ru.rumorab.ab.aboutagirlwhoh.hasbeenborn.Th.th.theysayshe<br />
grewupveryquicklylikenootherhuman.<strong>The</strong>g.g.grandmotherislookingforagypsytotelher<br />
whatherchildis."<strong>The</strong>elfsays.<strong>The</strong>elveshavedificultiesofmumeringwhentheyspeak.<strong>The</strong>ir<br />
sentencesdonotalwayscomeoutstraight.ExceptforRue.<br />
"Monica.She'sbeenbornagain."<strong>The</strong>mansays.<br />
"Master.wehavetogetridofher."<br />
"IknowRue.Ihavetopayavisittothegypsybeforehegoestoseethegirl'sgrandmother."<br />
DarkangelWingsimmediatelygrowontheman'sback.<strong>The</strong>areblackanddarksmockisflying<br />
258
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
outofthem.Helaunchesandfliesawaytofindthegypsy,Ruealsofliesandfolows.Ruegoes<br />
everywherehismastergoes.Whenthetwoareflying,theyareinvisibletothehumaneye.<br />
**<br />
«EIGHTEENDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>yhavefoundthegypsyathishouse.<strong>The</strong>gypsyishavinganap.<strong>The</strong>manandRueareinhis<br />
bedroom<br />
"Whatarewegoingtodowithhim master?"Rueasks.<br />
"Heisgoingtodoajobforus.Hewilhelpuskilthegirl.SoJustlikealtheothers,weare<br />
goingtoshowhim whatMonicais."<strong>The</strong>mansays.Hewalkstowardsthegypsyandtoucheshim<br />
ontheforeheadandshowshim afuturewhereMonicadestroysthewholeworld.<br />
".whatnowMaster?"<br />
"Nowwegohome.Hewildotherest.Hehasseenwhatwewanthim tosee.Ihaveshown<br />
him howtokilthegirl.Whenhewakesup,itwilbejustlikeadream tohim.Hewilbelieveit'sa<br />
vision."<br />
"Butmaster,Howdoweknowheisgoingtodoit.Howdoweknowwhatyouhaveshown<br />
him won'tscarehim?"<br />
"That'swhatiwant.Iwanthim tobeafraid.That'swhyhewilmakethedecisiontokilthe<br />
girl,becauseheisafraidofwhathehasseen."<br />
<strong>The</strong>manbringsouthiswingsandfliesaway.Ruefolows.<br />
**<br />
«SEVENTEENDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansitsinhisthrone.Heneversleeps,andcangoforweekswithouteating.Heisdivine.<br />
Ruewalkedintothecaveandstandsbeforetheman.<br />
"Master,Yourfathercalsforyou."<br />
Withoutaword,themanstandsupfrom histhroneandwalkstowardsanotherroom inthe<br />
cave.Inthere,isasmalpoolofredwater.<strong>The</strong>manstepsintothepoolandlayswithhiseyes<br />
closedinthewater.<strong>The</strong>poolswalowshim andhewakesupinthemiddleofanassemblyofa<br />
259
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
lotofshadowdemons.<strong>The</strong>yarestandinginanorderlymanner;theyaredommant.Notdoing<br />
anything,juststaringstraightaheadatthegiantthronethatsitsfarinfrontofthem.Hewalks<br />
towardsthethroneandkneelsbehindit.<br />
<strong>The</strong>placehasredgroundsandskies.<strong>The</strong>reistinyspecsofashfalingfrom theskytoo.<br />
Inthegiantthroneinfrontofhim,sitsabeingthatnobodyhaseverseen.Heisthekinhofthe<br />
underworld.Histhroneisalwaysfacingthedarknessandnobodyhaseverbeeninfrontofitto<br />
seethebeingwhositsinit.Everybodywhocomestotalktothebeingkneelsbehindthethrone<br />
andonlylistenstothevoice.<strong>The</strong>ycalhim,<strong>The</strong>Voice.Today,theking'svoicehassummoned<br />
hisson.<br />
"Howmanymoreheartsdoweneed?"<strong>The</strong>voiceasks.Itisdeepandloudthatitechoesthe<br />
wholeplace.<br />
"Weneedtwomorefather.Afterthetwoheartsaregathered,thentheorbwilbecomplete<br />
andwecanlocatetheswordandbreaktheseal."<strong>The</strong>sonspeaks.Hisvoiceissmalcompared<br />
tohisfather.<br />
".andthegirl.Haveyoufoundheryet?"<br />
"YesIhavefather.Ihavesentsomebodytokilherjustlikewealwaysdo.<strong>The</strong>yhandlethe<br />
girlwhileIcontinuelookingforthesword.Afterthegirlisdead,thenwecancolectherheart."<br />
"Good.Ithasbeencenturiesmyson,butdon'tgiveup.Havepatience.Don'tletmedown."<br />
<strong>The</strong>voicefadesasthemandisappears.<br />
Hewakesupfrom thepoolbackinhiscave.<strong>The</strong>poolistheonlywayhegetsincontactwithhis<br />
fatherintheunderworld.<strong>The</strong>waterintheredoesnotgetinghim wet.Itisdivinewater.<br />
**<br />
«FIFTEENDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>manisinhiscavetalkingtoRue.HegrabsRuebytheneckandliftshim oftheground.<br />
"Whereisthesword!"<strong>The</strong>manshoutsinanguish.<br />
"Wearestillookingsir,wehaveeveryelfouttheresearchingforit."Rue'svoiceishoarseas<br />
heischoking.<br />
"IwanttoremindyouthatIgaveyouafavorandsavedyourpeople.Youhavetorepaythat<br />
favorbyfindingmetheswordandnotalwaysbringingmeuselessnews.Yourpeopleshould<br />
findmethesword,becauseifyoudon't,iwilkileveryoneyouandfeedyoutothebeastsinthe<br />
underworld.DOYOUHEARME!"Heshouts.<br />
260
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Yesmaster."Ruesays.<strong>The</strong>mandropshim totheground.<br />
"It'sbeenthreedaysnow,isthegirldead?"<br />
"NoMaster.<strong>The</strong>yfailedtokilthegirlbecauseshemanagedtorunaway."<br />
"Whereisshe?"<br />
"NobodyknowsMaster.Butthegoodpartisthat,rumorhasspreadthatthegirlisthe<br />
Apocalypse.Soeveryonewilbelookingoutforher."<br />
"Yes,that'sgood."<br />
".andmaster,thegrandmothertothegirl,Iheardshehateshergranddaughter.Wecanuse<br />
hertokilthegirl.<strong>The</strong>biggestweaponwecanuseagainstthegirl,isherownfamily."<br />
"Youareright.Letmepayheravisit."Hesaysandbringsouthiswings.<br />
"Iwon'tbecomingwithyoumaster.Ihavetohearwhatmypeoplehavefoundoutaboutthe<br />
sword."<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansaysnothingandfliesaway.<br />
**<br />
«FOURTEENDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansitsonasofainalibrary.HeisinthehouseofMonica'sgrandmother,MrsPota.He<br />
isweldressedinasuit.Blackjacketwithawhiteshirtinside,blacktrousersandaredtie.<br />
MrsPotawalksintothelibraryandseesthestrangersitinginherhouse.Sheimmediately<br />
runsforhergunandpointsitathim.<br />
"WhoareyouandwhatareyoudoingInmyhouse?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>manstandsandslowlybeginstowalktoher."Iam asavior."<br />
"Don'tmoveanycloserorelseiwilshoot."Shesaid.<strong>The</strong>mancontinuedtowalktowardsher.<br />
MrsPotashotthegunthreetimesbutthemanstoppedthebuletsintheairbeforetheycould<br />
reachhim.Hedroppedthem totheground.<br />
"Whatareyou?"Sheaskedinfear.<br />
"Itoldyou,iam asavior.Iam heretohelpyou.Iknowaboutwhatyouhaveinsideyou.What<br />
youhidefrom everybody.Itiseatingyouupeveryday.Youaregetingweakerandweakeras<br />
timepasses.<strong>The</strong>cancer,youdonotmuchtime."HesaidwhileapproachingMrsPota.<br />
261
"Howdoyouknowthat?"Shewhispers.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Hereachesherandslowlypulsthegunoutofherhands."Icangrantyouafavor.Icanhelp<br />
you.Icantakethecanceraway."<br />
"Whotrulyareyou?"Sheasks.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>ymostlycalmethemanoffavors.Iam abletoseethroughonesdesires.andicansee<br />
thatyoudesiremoretime.Youwantthecancertogoaway.Icanmakeyouadeal."<br />
"Whatdeal?"<br />
"Icangiveyoupower.Powertohealthatcanceraway.Butyouhavetorepayme."<br />
"Howmuch?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>manlaughsandwalksbacktohissit."Idon'tneedmoney.Ineedyoutodosomething<br />
thatyoualsowanttodo."<br />
"Whatisthat?"<br />
"Ineedyoutokilthegirl,Monica.Youalsowanttokilher.Iwilgiveyouthepowertoheal<br />
yourself,andinreturn,Ijustwantyoutokilthegirl."<br />
"Whyshoulditrustyou?"<br />
"Becauseyouarehelpless,Diana.Iam youronlyhope."<br />
"You'rejustastranger.Iam notgoingtofalforyourbulshit."<br />
"Alrightthen.Iwilseememyselfoutsinceyoudon'twantmyofer."<strong>The</strong>mansaidand<br />
stoodup.Hebeguntowalktowardsthedoor.<br />
"Wait."MrsPotastopshim.<br />
Heturnsaround.<br />
"Whyshoulditrustyou?"<br />
"BecauseIam amanofmywords.Now,givemeasimpleYESorNOtomyofer."<br />
"Yes.Iam helpless.Idon'twanttoloseagoodchanceatlife,soyes."<br />
"Good."<strong>The</strong>mansays.Hewalkstowardsherandgrabsherbytheneck,thenimmediately<br />
breaksitandkilsher.Heextendshishandtowardsamiroronthewal.<strong>The</strong>mirorbeginsto<br />
shakeasademoncrawlsoutfrom it.<br />
Itisalikeashadowdemonexceptitisredincolorandhasfourblackeyes.Itstandsand<br />
staresattheman.<br />
"Klautis,queenofaldemons,Ineedyoutopossesher,healherandGrantherthepowerand<br />
knowledgesheneedsabouteverything.SheshouldonlyknowwhatIwanthertoknowand<br />
262
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
nothingmore.Youalreadyknowthethingstoshowher."<strong>The</strong>mansaysandfliesawaythrough<br />
theroofleavingthedemontopossesMrsPota.<br />
**<br />
«THIRTEENDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>manissitinginhisthrone.Ruewalksin.<br />
"Master,thegirlhasbeenspoted."<br />
"Where?"<br />
"Inthecity,sheisaloneinpeerroad,theonethatheadswestofthecity."<br />
"Ohhhthatroadhasalotofdangerousmen.Icanusethem."<br />
"Master,whydon'tyoujustkilhedyourself?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>mangetsup,"Rue,youknowIcannotgetclosetohernow.Imighttriggerherpowers.<br />
andwedon'twantthatrightnowbecauseshewilbedangerous."<br />
<strong>The</strong>manbringsouthiswingsandfliesaway.<br />
Asheflies,heseesMonicaheadingtowardsadangerousstreet.Heknowssheisacuriousgirl<br />
soheknowshowtogettoher.Hefliesaheadandlandsinaplacewithalotofpeople.<br />
Everybodyinthestreetwaseitherwalkingaroundorseatedattheirhousesmindingtheirown<br />
business.Othersweredrinkingandmakingnoise,somewerequarelingorfighting.Itwasa<br />
violentplace.<br />
HeseesMonicaapproachingfrom afar.Healsoseesacrowdofpeopleaheadofherwhowere<br />
watchingafight.<strong>The</strong>manknowsthatMonicawilalsowanttowatch.Hewalkstowardsabig<br />
andmuscularman.Hehadabigmustacheandlongblackhair,wearingahugebrownjacket.His<br />
teethwerebrownandhisvoicewasdeepwhenhespoke.<br />
"Heyyou."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorscals.<br />
"What?"<strong>The</strong>othermansays.Heisabegger.Hehasaclotharoundhiseyes,heseemsblind.<br />
"Iwanttohelpyou."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorssaysholesquating.<br />
"Youcanhelpmebygivingmesomemoney."<br />
"Ohhhbutmoneyisnotwhatyoudesirerightnow.Itwasatragicthingwhathappenedto<br />
youreyes.Losingeyeslikeyoudidmustberealypainful."<br />
"What'syourproblem man.areyouheretomockme?"<br />
263
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Ohno.Itoldyou,Iam heretohelpyou.Iwanttomakedealwithyou.Grandyouafavor.<br />
Whatdoyousay?"<br />
"Whatfavor?Icanmakeyouseeagain."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorssmiles.<br />
"Bulshit."<strong>The</strong>blindmanscofs.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavorsputshishandsontheblindmansbandageforawhile.Hetheninthe<br />
bandagefrom hisface.<br />
"Icanseeagain.Icanseeagain.ICANSEE!"<strong>The</strong>manscreamsashejumpsup.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavorscalmshim down."See,itoldyouIcanmakeyouseeagain."<br />
"Whoareyou?Areyouanangel?"<br />
"Iam asavior.Now,Ihaveeasilygivenyouyoureyesandicantakethem awayjustaseasy.I<br />
havedoneyouafavor,nowit'stimetorepay.Dothissimplethingforme,andyoucankeepyour<br />
eyesforaslongaswish."<br />
"Whatdoyouwantmetodo?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavorspointsatMonicawhowasapproaching."Youseethatgirl,sheisgoingto<br />
stopatthatcrowdofpeoplewhoarewatchingthefight.Shelookslost,shedesiresahelper.I<br />
wantyoutogetherandtakehersomewherequiet,thenkilher."<br />
"Whatman!Youwantmetokilayounginnnocentgirl?"<br />
"comeon,don'tplayinnocentwithme.Iknowwe'lenoughaboutalthebadthingsyouhave<br />
doneandalthepeopleyouhavekiled,yourviolencemadeyouloseyoureyes.Iknowyouare<br />
capableofdoingit.ButIfyoucannotdoitthenohwel,Iwiljusttakethoseeyesbackandgo."<br />
"No.I'ldoit."<br />
"Good.Don'tletmedown,ihateitwhenpeoplefailtorepaytheirdebts."<strong>The</strong>manoffavors<br />
saysandwalksaway.<br />
HegoestoanearbywalwherehestandsandwatchesasMonicawalkstowardsthecrowdof<br />
peoplewatchingthefight.Sheistooshorttoseewhatisgoingonsoassheisstrugglingtoget<br />
alook,Shebumpsintothemanthatthemanoffavorssent.<strong>The</strong>manliftsMonicaupandhelps<br />
herwatchthefight.Hebringsherdownandtheybegintotalk.Afterawhile,themanisseen<br />
walkingawayfrom thecrowdandMonicaisfolowinghim.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavorsslowlyfolowsthetwountiltheymadeatunrintoaquietdarkhal.<strong>The</strong>man<br />
offavorsbringsouthiswingsandfliestotheskytoseewhatisgoingon.Heseesthattheman<br />
wastryingtorapeMonicainsteadofkilingher.Suddenly,aboysneaksbehindthemantryingto<br />
rapeMonicaandhitshitwithastickwhichmakesmakeshim falunconscious.<strong>The</strong>boytakes<br />
Monicawithhim andtheyrunaway.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavorsgetsangryandfliestotheunconsciousman.Hesquatsandshakeshim to<br />
264
wakeshim up.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Whatwereyoudoingyouful?Itoldyoutokilthegirlnotrapeher."<br />
<strong>The</strong>othermanlaughs,"Shelookedatractive.Iwoulddoanythingtogetmycockinsideher."<br />
"SoIgiveyoueyesandthat'swhatyouusethem for?Pleasure?Manwilneverchange."<strong>The</strong><br />
manoffavorssaysI'm anguish.<br />
<strong>The</strong>othermanlaughsagain,"That'swhatyougetfortrustingastranger.Iam amadman.<br />
Nevertrustastranger."<br />
"Itoldyouthatihateitwhenpeoplefailme.andyoujustfailedme."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorssays<br />
andgrabbedtheothermanbytheneck.<br />
"Whatareyoudoingman.Letgoofme."<strong>The</strong>othermansaysandtriestogetup,buttheman<br />
offavorsistoostrongeventhoughhisbodysizeissmaler.<br />
"Youareasinner.I'm realygoingtoenjoytorturingyou.Seeyouinhel."<strong>The</strong>manoffavors<br />
saysandsnapstheotherman'sneck.<br />
Hebringsouthiswingsandfliesaway.HesearchesforMonicaandseesherandtheboy<br />
walkingoutofaburninghouse.<strong>The</strong>manoffavorslandsadistanceawayandwatchesthem run<br />
away.Hethenhearsavoicecomingfrom theburninghouse.<br />
"Kilmeson.Comebackandkilmeyoubustard."<strong>The</strong>voicescreamedinthelonelynight.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>boy'sfather."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorssaystohimself.Hewalkstowardstheburninghouse<br />
andgoesin.<br />
"Comebackandkilmeson.Don'tletyoufathersufer."<strong>The</strong>voicecontinuedastheman<br />
walkedin.<br />
"DouglasDouglasDouglas."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorssaysashefindsamanstuckunderthe<br />
wrecksofacolapsedhouse.Hislegsarecrushedandheisbleedingmassively.<br />
"Whoareyou?Howdoyouknowmyname?"Douglasasks.<br />
"Iam asaviorandicanseeeverythingaboutyou.Youareatoughman.Youkiledyourown<br />
wifeandyourownsonranawayfrom home.Youdon'tcareaboutanythingbutyourcockand<br />
balsbecauseyoulovesexandwhores.Butnowlookatyou,yourcockandbalsarecrushed."<br />
"Ohboohoostalkerbitch.Soyoudidyourresearch.It'sgoodthatIgettomeetafanbeforeI<br />
die.andhey,sinceyouarealreadyhere,domeafavorandkilme."Douglassaidinadeepvoice.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manwalkstowardsDouglas"OhIwanttodoyouafavor.Butit'smuchbeterthankiling<br />
you.Icangiveyoubackyoucock."<br />
"What,youamagicianorsomething?"<br />
"Itoldyou,iam asavior."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorssays.Hewalksovertothehugeplankontopof<br />
265
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
Douglas'legs,heusesonehandtolifttheplankandpulsoutDouglaswiththeotherhand.Heis<br />
incrediblystrong.Douglas'legsaresocrashedthathecannotwalk.Hisboneshavebeen<br />
broken.<strong>The</strong>lowerhalfofhisbodyisalcrushed.<br />
"Whatareyou.Howareyouthatstrong?"Douglasasksashepantsinpain.<br />
"Again,iam asavior.Icangiveyoubackyourlegs"<br />
Douglasjustcontinuestopantinpain.<br />
"Let'smakeadeal."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorssays.<br />
"Whatdeal?"Douglasasks.<br />
"Icanhelpyouwalkagainbutyouwilowemeafavortoo."<br />
"Helpme,pleasejustdoit.Whateverittakes."Douglascriesdesperately.<br />
"Good."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorspunchesDouglasunconcious.Helooksaroundandseesasmal<br />
miroronthewalbehindhim.Hewalkstowardsthemirorandtouchesit.<strong>The</strong>wholehouse<br />
beginstoshakeasashadowdemoncrawlsoutfrom themiror.Thisshadowdemonunlike<br />
others,hasfoureyesandhugehorns.<br />
<strong>The</strong>shadowdemonkneelsbefirethemanoffavors.<br />
"Klautir,kingofaldemons,IknowIforbidyoufrom walkingtheearthbutnowineedyouto<br />
dosomethingforme,inreturn,iwilnotkilyouforbetrayingme.Ineedyoutopossesandheal<br />
thisman.Granthim yourpoweroftranformation.Givehim theknowledgeheneedsabout<br />
everything.HeshouldonlyknowwhatIwanthim toknowandnothingmore.Youalreadyknow<br />
thethingstoshowhim."<strong>The</strong>mansays.<br />
KlautirimmediatelycrawlsintoDouglas'mouth.Afterawhile,Douglaswakesupandhislegs<br />
begintoheal.Hegetsfulyhealedandstands.<br />
"Ifeelpowerful.Ifeellikeicandoanything.Ifeelincontrolofmywholebody.IfeellikeIcan<br />
evenmovemybones.IknowthingsthatIdon'tevenrememberknowing."<br />
"IhavegivenyoupowerDouglas.Powertobewhateverandwhoeveryouwant.ThatpowerI<br />
haveputinsideyoualsogivesyouinformationaboutwhoiam andwhatmypurposeis."<br />
"OhIknowalotofthingsnow,iknoweverything.Thisthinginsideme,itfeelsgood."<br />
Douglassmiles.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavorswalkstowardsHim,"Now,formysideofthedeal.<strong>The</strong>girlthatwasjustin<br />
herewithyourson.Sheis."<br />
".theapocalypse.iknow.Iknownow.Youareheretosaveusal."Douglascutin.<br />
"Yes.I'vefoundsomeonewhowilkilthegirl,butiwantyoutofindmesomethingthatis<br />
connectedtoher.Asword."<br />
266
"<strong>The</strong>Divinesword.<strong>The</strong>keytoparadise."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Yes.iseeKlautirhasgivenyoualtheknowledgeyouneed.Idon'tevenhavetotelyou<br />
anythingmore.I'm sureyoualreadyknowwheretofindme.ItrustyouDouglas,youaresmart<br />
andcapableofdoingwhateveryouwish,soIknowyouwon'tfailme.Butifyoudo."<br />
"Iknow .youwiltakeawaymypowerandcock.Iknow.Formycock,Icandoanything."<br />
"Good.I'm sureyouknowwhoklautis'istoo."<br />
"Myqueen."Douglassmirks.<br />
"Yes.Sheisonearthtoo.Findherandyoutooshouldworktogether.Don'tfailme."<strong>The</strong>man<br />
offavorssays.Hebringsouthiswingsandfliesaway.<br />
**<br />
«ELEVENDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>manisstandingbesideshisthronetalkingtoRue.<br />
"Ihavefoundsomebodytohelpmehuntdownthegirlandsomebodytohelpmefindthe<br />
swordsincetheelvesarefailing.IhavenotimetodoeverythingmyselfsoIneedthem both."<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansays.<br />
"Master.youputthetwomostdangerousdemonsonearth.Ithoughttheyaresupposedto<br />
beprisonedforwhattheydid.Ithoughyoubanishedthem."Ruesays.<br />
"YesRueiknow.Imaketherules,Icanbreakthem wheneverIwant.Besides,thetwoare<br />
makingupfortheirmistakes.IwouldbethedevilifIwastodenythem achancetoredeem<br />
themselves.ButI'm notthedevilam I?"<br />
"NoMaster.Butyouarehisson."<br />
Anelfsuddenlywalksin."Ma.ma.master?"<strong>The</strong>elfkneels.<br />
"What?Haveyoufoundthesword?"<strong>The</strong>manasks.<br />
"N.n.notyetMaster.Butwehaveseenthegirl.Sh.sh.sheisattheh.ho.housejust<br />
outsidethecity.B.b.butsheisnotalone.Sheiswithab.b."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>boy."<strong>The</strong>mansaysandbringsouthiswings."Rue,let'sgo."<br />
<strong>The</strong>ybothimmediatelyflyaway.<br />
<strong>The</strong>yspotMonicabeingheldcaptivebyasoldier.Hehasagunpointedather,Heistakingher<br />
toacariage.<strong>The</strong>manandRuelandadistanceawayastheywatch.<br />
267
"Whatarewegoingtodomaster?"Rueasks.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Wearegoingtoupthegame.Ineedtosendthem aviolentshadowdemon."<strong>The</strong>mansays.<br />
"Butthereistoomuchsunandnounconsciousbodyforittoposses."<br />
Suddenly,aboysneaksuptoMonicaandthesoldierwithastickinhishand.Hehitsthesoldier<br />
withthestickatthebavkoftheheadandthesoldierfalsunconscious.<br />
"It'sthatboyagain.Thisisthesecondtimeheissavingher.Ithoughttheyarestrangersbut<br />
theyseem closerthanthat.Butanyway,nowwehaveanunconscious.Alweneednowissome<br />
shade."<strong>The</strong>mansays.Heraisedhisarmsandsummonsthousandsofcrows.<strong>The</strong>yflyaround<br />
andcovertheskytokeepthesunlightfrom reachingthearea.<br />
"Ohthat'ssmartMaster."Ruesays.<br />
"Nowfortheshadowdemon."<strong>The</strong>mansays.suddenly,ademondigsoutfrom theground<br />
meatMonicaandtheboy.Itjumpstowardstheunconscioussoldierandposseseshim.Afterthe<br />
possession,thecrowsflyawaybecausenowthedemonissheledbyhumanskinandcannot<br />
burn.<br />
Monicaandtheboytrytorunbuttheshadowdemonisfasterthanthem.Itrunstothem and<br />
goesinfrontoftheboy.Itslapshischestwhichsendshim flying,thereafterlandingona<br />
woodedtablesomefeetaway.ItthenturnstoMonicaandliftsherupbytheshoulders.Itthen<br />
throwsherdownandherbackslamsagainsttheground.<strong>The</strong>girlbeginstostruggleinpain.It<br />
walkstowardsherandlooksdownather.Ittriestopickthegirlupbuttheboyrunsbehinditand<br />
drivesaswordthroughit'sback.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>boyispersistent,buthedoesn'tknowwhatheisdealingwith.Thatswordcan'tdo<br />
anythingtothedemonexceptangerItevenmore.Iwilbetyouahundredpieces,theboydies<br />
beforethegirl."Ruesays.<br />
"Shutupelf."<strong>The</strong>manordersastheycontinuetowatch.<br />
<strong>The</strong>demonturnsaroundandgrabstheboybytheneckthenslowlyliftshim from theground.<br />
It'sotherhandreachesonthebackandpulsouttheswordfrom it'sbodythenthrowsittothe<br />
ground.Itliftstheboyhighintheskyandhebeginstostruggleforhisbreath.<br />
"Whoo!"Rueshouts,"Itoldyouthattheboydiesbeforethegirl.Givememyfiftypieces,I<br />
wonthebet."Ruesays.<br />
"Arg!ShutupelforelseIwilpulyourtonguerightoutandtieitaroundyounecktochoke<br />
youtodeath."<strong>The</strong>manIanguish.<br />
"Sorymaster."Ruesayssilently,"Sorylastquestion,wouldyourealydothattome?"<br />
"Speakagainandyouwilfindout."<br />
Ruekeepsquietoutoffearandtheybothcontinuetowatch.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>girlreachesfortheswordthatthedemonthrewtotheground.<strong>The</strong>swordsuddenlyturned<br />
redhotafterthegirlheldit.Butshedoesnotseem tofeeltheheat.Sheistheonecausingit.<br />
<strong>The</strong>boystopsstrugglingasthedemonfinalysnapshisneck.<strong>The</strong>girlseestheboydieand<br />
suddenly,theswordinherhandsstartstosparkasitwasoverheating.<strong>The</strong>demonthrowthe<br />
boy'sdeadbodytotheground.Itthenturnsaroundatthegirlandshedrivestheburningsword<br />
intoit'schest.Ithissesloudlyandbacksawayfrom her.Ittriestoremovetheswordbutitgets<br />
burntandhissesevenlouder.Itisinpain.<strong>The</strong>humanskinstartstofalofit'sbodyuntilit's<br />
actualbodygetsexposedtothesunlightanditstartstomelt.<strong>The</strong>swordfalstothegroundas<br />
theshadowfulymeltsanddies.<br />
"Master.Didshejustkilademonwitharegularsword?"Ruesays.<br />
"Herpowersaredeveloping.<strong>The</strong>yhavedevelopedquickerthanexpected."<strong>The</strong>mansaysand<br />
bringsouthiswings.<br />
"YouwanttoflyawayMaster,butwhataboutthegirl?Aren'twegoingtokilher?"<br />
"Douglasisalreadyhere.Heiswatchingfrom theotherside.Hewilhundleher."<br />
"HowdoyouknowDouglasishere?"<br />
"Icansensethedemoninsidehim."<strong>The</strong>mansaysandlaunchestotheskythenfliesaway.<br />
Ruefolows.<br />
**<br />
«TENDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansitsinhisthronethinkingaboutMonicawhenRuewalksintotheroom.<br />
"Master?"<br />
"NotnowRue!"<strong>The</strong>manshoutsinanguish.<br />
"Master,yourfathercalsforyou."<br />
<strong>The</strong>manimmediatelygetupandwalkstotheotherroom wheretheredpoolislocated.He<br />
sleepsinitanditswalowshim.Hewakesupinthemiddleofanassemblyofshadowdemons.<br />
<strong>The</strong>yarestandinginanorderlymannerlikebefore;theyaredommant.Notdoinganything,just<br />
staringstraightaheadatthegiantthronethatsitsfarinfrontofthem.<strong>The</strong>manquicklywalks<br />
towardsthethroneandkneelsbehindit.<br />
"Youhaven'tcometomeinalongtimeson.Howeverythinggoing?"<strong>The</strong>voiceinthegiant<br />
throneasks.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Iam stilworkingoneverythingDad.Weareprogressing."<br />
"OhbutIdon'tseeanyprogress.Ihearthegirlisstilalive."<br />
"Iam handlingitdad."<br />
"YOUAREFAILING!"thevoiceshoutsandthewholeplaceshakes."<strong>The</strong>girlisdeveloping<br />
fasterthanherpastlives,whichmeanswearerunningoutoftime.Ifherfulpowerdevelops<br />
thenalourplanswilberuined."<br />
"Dad,IpromiseIwilgetridofthegirl.Ihavealreadyfoundpeopletodothatforuswhilei<br />
workontheotherissue.Ijustneedtime."<br />
"WEDON'THAVETIME!"<strong>The</strong>thinginthethroneshoutedandthewholeplaceshook."<strong>The</strong><br />
girlisgrowingandsoonitwilbehardtostopher."<br />
"Iknow,Dad.Iam workingasfastasIcan.Isentademonearlierandshekileditwitha<br />
regularsword.Sheisstrongerthanwethink."<br />
Asthemantalkstohisfather,somebodyapproachesbehindhim.Hegetsclosetothemanto<br />
lookathisface.<strong>The</strong>mansuddenlyturnsandlooksattheperson.<strong>The</strong>manisconfusedatseeing<br />
ahumanwalktheunderworldfreely.Hestandsupfrom hiskneesandbringsouthiswings.<br />
"Howdidyougethere?Youdonotbelonghere."<strong>The</strong>mansaysandhiseyestransform into<br />
devilishredeyes.Hisvoiceisdeeperthanusualandsoundslikethevoicesofalotofpeople<br />
speakingatthesametime.Heistryingtoscarethehuman.<br />
<strong>The</strong>humangetsscaredandbeginstorunawayrealyfast.<strong>The</strong>manjustwatcheshim go.<br />
"Whowalkstheunderworld?"<strong>The</strong>voiceinthethroneasks.<br />
"Iknowthatboy.HeisfriendswithMonica."<strong>The</strong>mansays.<br />
"Howdidhefindhimselfhere.Nohumancanwalktheunderworld.BRINGHIMTOME!"<strong>The</strong><br />
voiceshouts.<br />
"Yesfather."<strong>The</strong>mansaysandfliesaftertheboy.<br />
HetrackstheboydowntotheplacecaledHAEL.Haelisaplaceintheunderworldwithbig<br />
andlongstone-pilarswiththousandsofdoorsonthem.Thisiswhenthesoulsofthosewho<br />
diedsinnerscometogettorturedfrotheirsins.<strong>The</strong>reisscreamseverywheretheplace.<strong>The</strong><br />
soulsofpeoplescreamingandcryinginpaincomingfrom eachoneofthedoors.<strong>The</strong>doorsare<br />
caledCels.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manseestheboytryingtoopenoneofthecels.Hefliesbehindhim.<strong>The</strong>boygetsburnt<br />
aftertouchingthedoorknobofthecel.Heturnsaroundinpainandfindshimselffacetoface<br />
with<strong>The</strong>Managain.Thistime,hisdevilisheyeshavebeenflippedandareblinkingthewrong<br />
way.Hiswingsareevenbiggerwithmoresmockcomingfrom them.Hebringsoutadevilish<br />
smileattheboywhichexposedhissharpteeth.Hishairisfloating.Hisskinturnsdarkredwith<br />
blackmarkingsonit.<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>boygetsscaredandscreamsinfearuponseeing<strong>The</strong>Man'sscaryface.Heisfrozenwith<br />
fearthathecannotrun.<strong>The</strong>mangrabshisleftwristandburnshisskin.<strong>The</strong>boycloseshiseyes<br />
andscreamsagainthenhemysteriouslyvanishesinthinair.<strong>The</strong>manisconfused.Hefly'sback<br />
tohisfather.<br />
"Whereisthehuman?"<strong>The</strong>voiceinthethroneasks.<br />
"Heisgone."<br />
"Whatdoyoumeanheisgone?"<br />
"Idon'tknow.HejustdisappearedwhenIgrabbedhim .Icannolongersensehispresence<br />
here.Heisgone."<br />
"Howwasheabletogethere?"<br />
"Idon'tknow.Ithinkhehaspowers.Maybewitchcraftorsomething."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>reisnomagiconearthstrongenoughtobreakthroughthebarieroftheunderworld.<br />
Findoutwhattheboyis."<br />
"Yesfather."<strong>The</strong>mansays.Hecloseshiseyesandwakesupbackinhiscaveinthered<br />
water.<br />
Hegetsoutofthewaterandfinds<strong>The</strong>waiting.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>reissomebodyheretoseeyouMaster."Ruesays.<br />
"Who?"<br />
"It'sDouglas."Ruesays.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manwalksbackintothethroneroom andfindsDouglaswaiting.<br />
"WhatdoyouwantDouglas.Didyoukilthegirl?Isawyouattheparkinthecitywatchingthe<br />
demonatackher."<br />
"Ididnotkilthegirl.That'swhatIam heretotalktoyouabout.WhenIsawthekilthedemon,<br />
irealisedsomething.Ididsomeresearchandfoundoutthatsincetheswordbelongstothegirl,<br />
wecanuseherpowertobreaktheseal."<br />
"No!Ifshegrowspowerful,shewildestroyourplans.Wecan'triskthat."<br />
"Buthowarewegoingtobreakthesealthen?BecauseDianaandIfoundtheswordandthe<br />
sealseemsstrongerthananythingIhaveeverlaideyeson.Wetriedeverythingbutcouldn't<br />
breakit."<br />
"Iknewyoutwowouldn'tfailme.Iknewyouwouldfindthesword.Whereisit?"<br />
"Itwashiddeninanabondonedtemplesomewhereattheedgeofthecity."<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Good.Wecannotusethegirlspowertobreakthesealbecausewewilriskunleashingher<br />
powerwhichwilmakeitdificulttodefeather.Forthepastcenturies,wehavebeenkilingthe<br />
girlandgatheringherheartstomakeanorbthatwilbestrongenoughtodeartheseal.Weneed<br />
sevenofherheartsandwehavemanagedtogetfive.Onlytwomoretogo.Sokilthegirland<br />
bringmeherheart,thenwewaitforhernextlifeandwegetthelastheartandcompletetheorb."<br />
"Thatwiltakeforever.Wekilherandstartsearchingforhernextlife?Thatsoundslikealot<br />
ofwork.Usingherpowersoundseasierandfaster.Eventhoughsheunleashedherpower,she<br />
doesnotknowhowtouseityetsoDianaandicaneasilytakeheroutaftershebreakstheseal."<br />
"No!Youdonotuseherpower.DowhatItelyou.Kilherandbringmeherheart.Nowget<br />
outofhere."<strong>The</strong>Mansays.Douglasleaves.<br />
<strong>The</strong>mangoestositinhisthrone.<br />
Rueturnstohim,"Master,youdoknowthatDouglasandthedemoninsidehim arestubborn.<br />
Hewilgoagainstyourwordagainandwilgofortheeasyway.Hewantstopayhisdebtquicker<br />
sohewilgoforthequickerwayout."<br />
"IknowRue.That'swhatiwanthim todo."<br />
"Butyoujustforbidhim from doingit."<br />
"Iknow .andIalsoknowthathewon'tlisten.Ijustforbidhim sothatwhenthingsgowrong,<br />
dadwon'tpinitonme."<br />
"<br />
"That'scleverMaster.Butdoesthatmeanthetwoofuswilnolongerbetryingtokilthegirl?<br />
"Wewilstiltrytokilthegirlateverychanceweget.IfDouglasmanagestogethertobreak<br />
thesealbeforewekilthegirl,thenwewin.IfwemanagetokilthegirlbeforeDouglasgetsher<br />
tobreaktheseal,westilwinbecausewewilhaveherheart."<br />
"Itsoundslikearaceofwhogetstothegirlfirst."<br />
"YesRue.Yesitdoes.Iloveagoodchalenge.Itgetsabitboringwithyouelves.Atleastnow<br />
Douglasisheretomakethingsinteresting."<strong>The</strong>mansmirks.<br />
"AlrightMaster.Soundsgoodtome."<br />
"Thatremindsme.Ihavdanewtaskfortheelves.Telthem thatinsteadoflookingforthe<br />
swordnow,sinceit'sfound,Iwantthem tofindoutwhattheboywithMonicais."<br />
"Whatishemaster?"<br />
"Idon'tknowRue.That'swhyIwanttheelvestofindout."<strong>The</strong>mansaysinasarcasticvoice.<br />
**<br />
272
«FIVEDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>manissitinginhisthronewith<strong>The</strong>byhisside.Forthepastdays,theyhavebeenlooking<br />
forMonicabutsheisnoonetobeseen.<br />
Anelfwalksintothecave.<br />
"M .m .master!"Itsaysandkneelsbefore<strong>The</strong>throne.<br />
"Whatdoyouhaveforme?"<strong>The</strong>manasks.<br />
"No.no.nothingmaster.Weha.ha.havefoundnothingabouttheb.b.boy.Wedon'tknow<br />
wh.wh.wheretheyarehiding."<br />
"Soyoucameheretotelmethatyouhavefoundnothing!"<strong>The</strong>manshouts,whichscares<br />
theelf.<br />
"Y.y.yesmaster.Ith.tho.thoughtyouwouldwanttokn.kn.know."<br />
"Doyoutakemeasajokeelf."<strong>The</strong>mansaysandwalkstowardstheelf.Hegrabsitbythe<br />
neckandliftsitofit'sfeet.<br />
"Ma.ma.masterican't.b.breath."theelf.saysasheloseshisbreath.<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansnapstheelf'sneckandkilsit.Hedropsit'sbodytontheground.Hewalksbackto<br />
histhroneasRuerunstotheelf'sdeadbody.<br />
"Nonono."RuecriesasheCary'sthebodyoutthecave.<br />
"Teltheresttotakethatasawarningtoneverbringmeuselessinformation."<strong>The</strong>mansays<br />
asRueleaves.<br />
**<br />
«FOURDaysbeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansitsinhisthronealoneinthecave.RuewalksinwithDouglas.<br />
"Douglas.Youhaven'tfedmeanythingforthepastdays.whatishappening?"<strong>The</strong>manasks.<br />
"Hejustkiledamassnumberofsoldiersatalibraryexposingourexistence.<strong>The</strong>nhewent<br />
andatackedthewomanthatlovesoutsidethecitysir.<strong>The</strong>Doctor."Ruesaysashewalkstothe<br />
throne.<br />
"WhyDouglas?"<strong>The</strong>manaskedcalmly.<br />
273
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"IalmosthadMonicaatthelibrarybutguardscameinandstartedtoshootatme,IdidwhatI<br />
hadtodo.Unfortunately,bythetimeIwasdonewiththeguards,Monicaandherfriendshad<br />
alreadygotenaway."<br />
"AmongthosefriendsisyoursonDouglas,areyouholdingbackbecauseyoudon'twantto<br />
hurtsyourson?"<br />
"Idon'tgiveafuckaboutthatpieceofshitandyouknowthat."<br />
"TelmeDouglas,doesyoursomehavepowersthatIshouldknowabout?"<br />
"NonofwhichIknowabout.Whydoyouask?"<br />
"Nevermind.Whatdidyouwantwiththedoctor?"<br />
"ShewashidingsomethingIneeded.AfriendofMonica's.Iwasgoingtokidnapherand<br />
makethem surenderMonicainexchangeforthegirl,butshegotaway.SoIgotangryand<br />
trashedtheplaceandleftthedoctorunconscious."Douglasscofed.<br />
AnelfwalksintothecaveandkneelsnexttoDouglaswhowasjuststanding.<br />
"Master."<br />
"Speak."Ruesaid.<br />
"Th.th.thegirlhasbeenspotedh.h.headingtowardsthep.pl.placethatDouglasjust<br />
atacked."<strong>The</strong>elfspoke.<br />
"I'lgogetthem!"Douglassaysandturnsintoabatthenfly'saway.<br />
"Bythetimehegetthere,theywilhavealreadygotenaway."Ruesaid.<br />
"Youareright.Douglassaidthatheleftthedoctorunconscious.SendademonthereRue."<br />
"AlrightMaster."Ruesaysandfliesaway.<br />
**<br />
«ONEDaybeforethesealbreaks.»<br />
<strong>The</strong>manistakingawalkinthewoodswhenheseesMonicaandherfriendswalking.<strong>The</strong>ylook<br />
liketheyarelookingforsomeone.<strong>The</strong>manknowstheonlypersontheywouldcomelookingfor<br />
inthewoodsisDestiny.<strong>The</strong>manseesthisasanopportunity,hecanuseDestinytomake<br />
MonicabelievesheistheApocalypse.<strong>The</strong>manfolowsthem.<br />
Monicaandthefriendsstop.<strong>The</strong>yaretalking.<strong>The</strong>manstandsfrom afarandwatchesthem.<br />
Monicalooksintheman'sdirectionandseeshim.Sheturnstocalherfriendbutasshelooks<br />
274
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
again,themanflies.<strong>The</strong>ydidnotseehim.Monicaandthefriendscontinuewalking.<strong>The</strong>man<br />
fliesbacktothegroundandfolowsthem.Hefinalyseesthem talkingtoamawithgoatlegs.<br />
Heknowswhothisis,itisDestiny.<strong>The</strong>yhavefoundhim.<br />
Aftertalkingforawhile,Destinyleadthem toadoorinatree.Monicawasthelasttoenter.<br />
Beforesheentered,shelookedbackandsaw<strong>The</strong>Manwatchingthen.Sheturnswasandwhen<br />
shelooksagain,themanbringsouthiswingsagainandfliessothathecannotbeseen.Monica<br />
walksintothetreeandclosesthedoorbehindher.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manfliestothetreeandwhenhelands,oneofthetwohorsesthatstoodoutsidegot<br />
scaredandranaway.<strong>The</strong>otherhorsechasedafterit.<strong>The</strong>manwalkstowardsthetreeand<br />
figureshowtoopenit.Heopensitandwalksin.Hetakesthestairsdownthehalinfinds<br />
himselfinfrontoftwodiferenttunnelsleadingindiferentdirections.Hedoesnotknowwhich<br />
waytheywentsohetakestheoneontheleft.Hewalksthedarktunnelsandfindsalockeddoor.<br />
Heuseshissuperhumanstrengthandbreaksthepadopen.<br />
Heentersandfindshimselfinaroom withalotofbooksonashelfononewal.Ontheother<br />
waltherewasweaponshangingfrom it.<strong>The</strong>manwalkstowardstheweapons.<strong>The</strong>reisaxes,<br />
knives,swords,sawsandguns.Hepicksoutashotguntolookatit.Suddenly,Somebodywalks<br />
intotheroom andshutsthedoor.<strong>The</strong>manturnsandlooksonlytofindthatitisDestiny.Destiny<br />
triestorunbutthemanthreatenshim withtheshotgun.Destinyfreezeswithhisarmsupasthe<br />
manwalkstowardshim withtheshotgunpointedathim<br />
"Whoareyou?"Destinyasks.<br />
"Iam thesavior.Iam heretoshowyouthetruthaboutthegirlyouhavehere."<br />
"Whichgirl?"<br />
"Monica.Sheisadangerousgirl."<br />
"How?Why?"<br />
<strong>The</strong>manreachesclosetodestiny."Youwon'tbelieveunlessIshowyou."<br />
HeimmediatelytouchesDestiny'shandandDestiny'sredeyesbeguntoglowevenredder.<strong>The</strong><br />
manshowsDestinyavisionofafuturewhereMonicadestroysthewholeworld.Heshowshim<br />
althedetails.<strong>The</strong>manfinalylet'sgoofDestiny'shand.<br />
"Yousee?"<strong>The</strong>manasks.<br />
Destinylooksscaredandshocked.Heistraumatizedwithwhathejustsaw.<br />
"Whatisshe?"Hewhisperedinfear.<br />
"SheistheendoftheworldDestiny.Yousawalthedestructionsheisgoingtobring.Althe<br />
peoplesheishoingtokil.Sheisthedevil'sdaughter."<br />
"Sheistheapocalypse."Destinysaysinalowvoice.<br />
275
"YesDestiny.adshehastobestopped."<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"How?"<br />
"Withthisgun.Kilher.Shemightseem nicebutdeepdownsheisn't.Sheisusingyoual."<br />
"I'veseenital.Herpastlivesandhermission.Sheisdangerous.Whenherfulpower<br />
developsshewil.shewilkilusal.Shewilbeunstoppable."<br />
"Yesofcourse.SoitisuptoyouDestiny.<strong>The</strong>fateofthewholeworldisinyourhands.This<br />
guncankihernowbutitwon'tbeabletokilherlater.Sothisistheonlychanceweget.Kilher<br />
beforeshekilseverybody.Savetheworld."<strong>The</strong>mansaysandhandsDestinytheshotgun.<br />
Destinygetsthegunwithsecondthoughtbuthetakesadeepbreathandwalksouttheroom to<br />
Monicaandherfriends.<strong>The</strong>manwaitsIntheroom.Itishardtohearwhatishappeninginthe<br />
otherroom sothemanjuststandsandpatientlywaitsforgunshots.Afterawhile,Destiny<br />
comesfalingintotheroom thenhitshisheadonthefloorandlaysthereinpain.Awomanpuls<br />
thedoorandlockshim in.Shedoesnotsee<strong>The</strong>ManstandingIntheroom becauseshewastoo<br />
quick.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manthenhearsMonicaandherfriendsrunningaway.Hegetsangryandwalkstowards<br />
Destinyandholdshisneckagainstthefloor.<br />
"Youfailedtodoasimplethingyouidiot!"<strong>The</strong>manshouts.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>othergirl,shewastooquick."Destinysobsinpain.<br />
"Youhadasimplejobandyoufailedme!"<br />
"Sothiswasalaboutyou?"Destinyasks,"whoareyou?"<br />
Upontryingtoget<strong>The</strong>Man'shandsofofhim,Destinyaccidentalytoucheshim andhiseyes<br />
begintoglow.Heishavingavision.<br />
Afteramoment,Destinypulsawayhishand.Helooksmoreshockedasbefore.Heis<br />
traumatizedabouthejustsaw.Hiseyesarefiledwithfearashestaredat<strong>The</strong>Man.Heisso<br />
scaredthathismouthbeginstoshiver.<br />
"Iwaswrongaboutthegirl."Destinyshiversarehespeaks.<br />
"Soyou'veseenit.You'veseenthetruth.It'sashameyouwon'tbealivetotelit."<strong>The</strong>man<br />
says.<br />
"ButthefirstvisionIsaw,aboutMonica?"Destinyasksinconfusion.<br />
"Iam theonewhotouchedyounotyoume.Whichmeansyoujustsawwhatiwantedyouto<br />
see."<br />
"Whatareyou?"<br />
"Iam thestrangeryoutrusted.Nevertrustastranger.NowIwilenjoytorturingyou.You<br />
276
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
almostkiledsomebodyandthat'sasin.IwilseeyouinHel."<strong>The</strong>saysandsnapsdestiny's<br />
neck,consequentlykilinghim.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manbringsouthiswingsandfliesthroughtheroofuptotheoutsideofthetree.Hefliesin<br />
searchofMonicaandthefriends.Heseesthem talkingsomewhereInthemiddleofthewoods.<br />
Helandsadistanceawayandwatchesthem.Ashewatches,amadmancomestohim toask<br />
forMoney.<strong>The</strong>manoffavorsSee'sthisanopportunity.Hegetsanidea.<br />
"CanIhavesomemoneykindsir."<strong>The</strong>madmansmilesathim inacreepyway.<br />
"OhIcangiveyousomethingmorethanmoney.Icanhelpyoumeetyourfamilyagain."<br />
"Myfamily?Ididnotkilmyfamily.Iam notamurderer.Ididnotkilmyfamily.Itwasjusta<br />
mistake."<strong>The</strong>madmansaystohimselfcontinuously.<br />
"Listen.Iknowwhereyoucanfindyourfamily.<strong>The</strong>yarewaitingforyou.Icantakeyouto<br />
them."<br />
"Whoareyou?Areyouanangel?"<br />
"Iam asavior."<br />
"Showmemyfamily.Ididnotkilthem.Showmemyfamily."<strong>The</strong>madmanrepeated.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavorsputshishandonthemadman'sforeheadandshowshim avision.Avision<br />
ofhisfamily.<br />
"Iseethem.HeyPeter.Heywife."Hesays<br />
andsmiles.<br />
<strong>The</strong>mantakeshishandofthemadmanandstopsthevision.<br />
"Bringthem back.Bringthem back."<strong>The</strong>madmancries.<br />
"Listen,icantelyouhowtogeytoyourfamilyifyoupassamessageformetothosepeople<br />
standingthere."<strong>The</strong>manoffavorssayswhilepointingatMonicaandthefriends.<br />
"Okayeasyjob.WhatshouldIdo.Iwanttoseemyfamily."<strong>The</strong>madmansays.<br />
"Iwantyoutotelthem thatTHEYARERUNNINGOUTOFTIME."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>yarerunningoutoftime.Ohyes,theyarerunningoutoftime.Ohyesyesyes."<strong>The</strong><br />
madmansings.<br />
"Doyouhaveaknifeoranysharpobjects?"<br />
"Ihaveagun."<strong>The</strong>madmansaysandpulsoutagunfrom underneathhispants.<br />
"Whatareyoudoingwithagun?"<br />
"Istoreitfrom thesleepysoldier'sthatarecamping,thatway."<strong>The</strong>madmansayswhile<br />
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pointinthewestofthewoods.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
"Okay.SothisiswhatIwantyoutodo.Afteryoupassthemessagetothosepeople,you<br />
canseeyourfamilyagainbypointingthegunatyourheadandpulthetrigger.SogoTelthem<br />
theyarerunningoutoftime,thenpulthetrigger."<br />
<strong>The</strong>madmanimmediatelywalksawayandheadstowarfsMonicandthefriendsashesingsto<br />
himselfrepeatedly,"You'rerunningoutoftime.Pulthetrigger.Youarerunningoutoftime.Pul<br />
thetrigger."<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavorswatchesasthemadmanapproachesMonicaandthefriends.Hefinaly<br />
seesthemadmanshoothimself.<strong>The</strong>manoffavorshasmanagedtoscarethem.<br />
Heliftsuphishandsandsummonscrows.Hethensendsthem towardsMonicaandthe<br />
friends.Heliftshishandsagainandfourshadowdemonscrawloutthemudbehindhim ina<br />
shade.<br />
"Kilthem al."<strong>The</strong>mansaystothedemons.ThreeofthedemonsrushtoMonicaandthe<br />
friendsasthecrowsflytotheskytocoverthesunlightandalowthedemonstowalk.Ondemon<br />
remainswithhim.<br />
HewatchesasMonica'sfriendsfightthedemonswhileMonicastandswatching.Afterseein<br />
twoofthedemonshavebeenkiled.<strong>The</strong>mangetsangryandsendsthelastdemontowards<br />
Monica.Itrainstoherbutasitisabouttostubher,herfriendcomesIthewayanditstubshim<br />
instead.Itthrowsthefriendaway,butasittriestogoafterMonica,anotherfriendcomesinthe<br />
wayandkilsthedemon.<br />
Uponseeingthis,<strong>The</strong>mangetsangry.Hegetsanotheridea.Heremembersthatthemadman<br />
saidthatthereisagroupofsoldierscampinginthewest.Hebringsouthiswingsandflieswest.<br />
Heseesthecampofsoldiers.<strong>The</strong>yareeighteenofthem.<strong>The</strong>manlandsatthecampandthe<br />
soldiersgetscaredandatackhim.<strong>The</strong>ystartshootingathim butthebuletsarenottouching<br />
him.Hequicklystartskilingthem onebyone.Heistoofastforalofthem injustsecondshe<br />
kilsalthesoldiersatthecamp.Ahorsecomesrunningand<strong>The</strong>mangoesandkilsittoo.He<br />
recognizesthehorsefrom backatthetree.<strong>The</strong>onethatgotscaredandranaway.Buttheother<br />
horseisnowheretobeseen.<strong>The</strong>mandoesnotmind.Heliftsuphishandsandsummons<br />
Nineteenshadowdemons.<strong>The</strong>shadowdemonspossesthedeadsoldiersandthedeadhorse.<br />
"Goandkilthem al!"<strong>The</strong>manshoutsandtheshadowdemonsheadeasttowarfsMonica<br />
andthefriends.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manbringsouthiswingsandfliesaway.<br />
**<br />
«MomentsAFTERthesealbreaks.»<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>mansitsinhisthrone.Anowlcomesflyingintothecavecarying<strong>The</strong>Divinesword.Itlands<br />
andtransformsintoDouglas.Heisbreathless.<br />
"Whathaveyoudoneyouidiot?"<strong>The</strong>manasks.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>girlistoostrong.Iam lucktonhavegotenaway.Dianaisdead."<br />
<strong>The</strong>mangetsupandquicklyrunstowardsDouglasandgrabbedhim bytheneck,thenliftshim<br />
toawal.<br />
"You'veunleashedher.GivemeonereasonwhyIshouldnotkilyourightnow!"<strong>The</strong>man<br />
shoutsinanger.Hisvoicegetsdeeperandscarier.Hiswingspopout,Hiseyesturnred,his<br />
teethturnsharpandhishairbeginstofloat.<br />
"Becauseyouwilneed.Iwilservebyyourside."Douglasbegs,"Wheneveryouneedme,<br />
I'lbeheretohelp.Ihavebroughttheswordbutatthesametimeihavedoomedusal,itdoes<br />
notcountasafavorrepaid.Sowe'lcountitasIstiloweyouafavor.Pleasedon'tkilme."<br />
<strong>The</strong>manthrowsDouglastotheground.Hecalmsdown.Hisvoicegetsbacktonormal.His<br />
wingsgobackintohisbody.Hiseyes,teethandhairturnbacktonormaltoo.<br />
Ruewalksin."Iheardscreaming.What'sgoingon?"<br />
Withiutaword,themanwalkstowards<strong>The</strong>DivineSwordandpicksitup.Hetriestoactivateit<br />
butnothinghappens.Hecannotactivateit.Heisnotworthyofit'spower.<br />
Douglasgetsuponhisfeet."Wealreadytriedthat.Buttheswordonlyworksforthegirl.<br />
Monicaistheonlyonewithaccesstoit'spower.Ifyouaregoingtousetheswordtoopenthe<br />
gatesthenyouneedthegirl."<br />
Ruestepsforward,"DoyouunderstandwhatthismeansMaster?<strong>The</strong>swordisnotthekey.Al<br />
thesecenturiesyouhaven'tbeenabletoopenthegatesbecauseyouhavebeenkilingofthe<br />
key.Monicaistherealkeytoopeningthegates.Douglasisright,weneedher.<br />
"Thatmakessomuchsensenow.Weneedthegirlaliveupuntilsheopensthegates.Where<br />
isshe?"<strong>The</strong>manasked.<br />
"<strong>The</strong>elvessawherheadingwestoutofthecity.<strong>The</strong>ysayshelookssadandalone.She<br />
doesn'tlooklikesheknowswheresheisgoing."Ruesaid.<br />
"She'ssadbecauseherfriendsbetrayedher.I'lgogether."Douglassays.<br />
"No!"<strong>The</strong>manstopsDouglas."I'ldothisonemyself.Ifwearegoingtouseher,thenwe<br />
needtousestrategy.Ineedtogetcloseher."<br />
"ButMasterdidn'tyousayifyougetclosetoher,youwiltriggerherpowers?"<br />
"HerpowersarealreadytriggeredRue.ButIdidnotmeanthattypeofclose.ImeanIneedto<br />
getclosetoherasinIneedtogethertotrustme.Yousaysheissadandalone,thatmeansshe<br />
isinneedofafriend.Ineedtogethertobemyfriend.Shefinalybelievessheistheapocalypse<br />
279
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
whichmeansIcanusethattomanipulateher.Wefinalyhaveachancetoturnheronourside.<br />
Sheprobablyfeelsalonebecausenobodyunderstandsher,Iwilgivehersomebodywho<br />
understandsher.Somebodywhowil.Bethereforher.Andwhenshetrustsmewelenough,we<br />
wileasilygethertoopenthegates."<br />
"Thatsoundssmartsir."<br />
<strong>The</strong>manbringsouthiswings,"Rue,ileaveyouinchargeofthisplace.Youandyourpeople<br />
stiloweme.Telmyfatherthatiwilbegoneforawhile.Telhim it'spartoftheplan.and<br />
Douglas,golivealitle.Taketheswordwithyouandguardit.IwilcommunicatewhenIneed<br />
you."<br />
"How?"Douglasasks.<br />
"Ihavemyways."<br />
"Welthen.Iwilbearoundwhenyouneedme."Douglasgetstheswordfrom themanand<br />
leaves.<br />
"WhatareyougoingtodoMaster?"Rueasks.<br />
<strong>The</strong>manoffavors,spreadshiswingsandsays,<br />
"I?.IAMGOINGTOBRINGTHEAPOCALYPSEHOME."<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
THEEND<br />
(OfBookONE)<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
FOLLOWMYFACEBOOKEPAGETOFIND<br />
OUTMOREINFORMATIONABOUT<br />
DIVINEWARS:BOOKTWO.<br />
@MTD.NOVELS<br />
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DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
BookTwooficialtitleandcover.<br />
Divine<strong>Wars</strong>:UNLEASHED!<br />
283
BooktwoSynopsis.<br />
DIVINEW ARS:THESECRETLIFE<br />
<strong>The</strong>Apocalypsehasneverbeencloserasthe<br />
battleforlove,WarandDivinitycontinues<br />
inthissecondinstallmentoftheDivine<br />
<strong>Wars</strong>series.<br />
Aftertheeventsofthefirstbook,Monica<br />
givesintothedarknessassheexploresher<br />
newlydiscoveredpowers.Shehastoadjust<br />
tonewloveandanewenvironment.Butnot<br />
everythingisasitseemsasherpaststarts<br />
tocatchuptoher.<br />
Willshefinallydowhatshewasmeantto<br />
do?willshefinallydestroytheworld?<br />
284
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