The following is a sample of Book 1: Hidden Vessel, from my main series Dragon's Attendants.

You can find the e- book here and in paperback format here

Just another human

As the sun rays pulled me away from my dreams, my heart began pounding faster on my chest. This was the day I was going to move out of my parents’ house and live on my own, down town. After searching for months, I finally found a job, a perfect opportunity to start living independently. It was a promise I had made to myself, before I even applied for higher education.

‘’Victoria! You better get going or you’ll miss the bus!’’, I heard my mother’s voice coming from downstairs. She was always a stressed out person, but such a lovely mother. Even though I was not my parent’s daughter, being adopted early on in my life, these people truly loved me and helped me grow up. My body felt heavy, but I had to get out of bed and get ready. I went down the stairs carrying my last piece of luggage, while thoughts of the way I was going to decorate my apartment filled my mind. My parents’ gaze hid a sense of pride, but also worry. Their light green eyes seemed blurry.

I ate my breakfast hastily and after hugging my parents, walked to the nearest bus stop. My next stop was about ninety minutes away and the long wait and mesmerizing sound of raindrops falling on the glass, lured me in the land of dreams. These dreams were filled with people I had never met and creatures that belonged in fantasy books. I woke up just in time to recompose myself and get off the bus.

As soon as I stepped on the sidewalk of the busy town, loud sounds filled my head and made me dizzy. I did my best to maintain focus and nervousness was overtaken by excitement for my new life, as I searched around town to find my apartment. When I entered my new house I began cleaning and decorating the two-room apartment I chose with my parents’ assistance. The sun was already setting when I sat on my couch exhausted and satisfied with my progress.

I woke up abruptly from the sound of the alarm and found myself still on the couch. My first move was to get ready for work. First day working in a telecommunications company came by quickly. I ended up running around all day taking care of papers and delivering them to different sections, as well as taking care of mails. I was very satisfied with the hours and payment and I worked happily all day long. I decided to celebrate my new life as soon as I had time, by having few drinks at a local bar.

Almost an entire month went by and I was now deep into my version of city life, enjoying every moment of it. My parents called me often enough to beat my nighttime loneliness and I managed to get to know a few coworkers on the first days on the job. I was, as always, very reluctant to suggest hanging out with them. I was considered a hermit type of person.

During break time at work, I always chose to sit alone, enjoying my lunch and daydreaming. My usual routine was interrupted when one of my coworkers, Violet, approached me. She was a slender and light skinned woman with brown curly hair and dark eyes.

‘’Victoria! Are you listening to me?’’, she demanded in a piercing voice.

‘’Hm?’’, I managed, realizing that she had been calling me and I was too deep in my daydreaming to notice her.

‘’A couple of friends and I are going out for a few drinks tonight. Care to join us?’’, she asked. ‘’We are going to a nice night club just outside the city. I’m driving!’’

‘’I’m not sure… it’s not really my preference.’’, I murmured reluctantly. I was mostly worried about her driving, the rumors of her ticket score were well shared amongst coworkers.

‘’Aw… come on now. It’ll be fun! It’s about time I taught you how to have fun the right way’’

I tried coming up with excuses, but none of them were good enough.

‘’I’ll come pick you up at ten!’’, she yelled back at me, while walking away.

The same night, I spent way too much time picking out an outfit. I tried a few dresses and decided on a simple black dress, not too short and a set of black heels, the only pair I could use and walk properly. I threw my thick coat on top and stared outside the window. The first few drops of snow brought a smile to my face. I loved winter time and the serenity snowy weather inspired. December was already upon us and I wanted to enjoy it thoroughly.

My train of thoughts stopped when I heard a car honking. I run out of my apartment and I went in the car. Apart from my coworker, there were two more women in the car, all around Violet’s age.

‘’Girls, this is Victoria’’, she introduced me and I forced a big smile.

‘’This is Maria and this is Anna’’, she kept on and pointed to the women one after the other. ‘’We used to be classmates.’’

‘’Pleased to meet you.’’

The drive to the club was peaceful and as soon as we arrived I felt overwhelmed by the number of cars parked outside the weird square building with its neon name on top. I didn’t have time to process what I was getting myself into, as we walked in the smoky, loud and dark club. My heart dropped at the sound of the music. I made the decision to stay for the night, but never come to a place like that again. The other women were very excited to drink and dance and I stood out like a sore thumb, stiff as a stick, drinking my beverage. Violet was hungrily describing her plan on how to approach a handsome man across the room and I nodded with a fake smile, not really caring about her mission.

I kept drinking the alcoholic drink the girls ordered for me, enjoying the slight burn it left on my throat, until the glass was empty.

‘’I didn’t take you for a drinker’’, Anna commented and raised her arm to order more.

‘’No I…’’, I murmured feeling out of place.

‘’This round on me!’’, Anna yelled and soon enough, new glasses of vodka were placed on the high table between us.

My eyes fell on Violet and Maria, who were dancing provocatively next to a company of men. Their eyes were glancing towards them with a thirsty look. I scoffed and kept on drinking, feeling progressively dizzy and in need of fresh air. I managed to have another shot, since Maria had already ordered them and sat on a chair, letting my mind go to my happy place, until we left.

Suddenly a strange feeling came through me. My eyes fell on a man at the other side of the room. His facial expressing was stern and deep and made me feel uncomfortable, like he could read my mind. I was taken aback by his appearance. His sharp jawline and long black hair, tied in a low ponytail. The thing that brought chills to my spine though was the otherworldly set of ruby red eyes that stared through my very essence. I blinked once nervously and the man was no longer there. I cursed under my breath and decided to not drink that much again.

I immediately got up and exited the building, in need of fresh air. I forgot my coat, something I recalled when I was already deep in the snow. I kept walking around the park, next to the parking lot, ignoring the catcalls from already drunk men, heading for the club. The muted buzz of the music was left behind me and gentle snowflakes fell on my exposed skin. It was like something made me keep walking towards a certain direction.

Suddenly I realized that every sound was gone, the sensation of cold was not there anymore and my eyes rose from the ground to meet his ruby ones. The man I saw in the club before, was now a few steps away from me, a black cloth, like a cloak, covered his body.

‘’It’s about time you woke up.’’, his voice sounded, deep and mesmerizing.

‘’What are you…’’, I managed to utter, before a breath escaped my lungs. The man was now inches away from me, as if he had teleported. I could feel his breath, hot like the pits of hell, and his ruby eyes seemed to be on fire, his pupils sharp like knives. His features were truly beautiful and he looked not a day older than thirty.   

All of a sudden, my senses returned. I could feel the sharp cold on my skin and hear the buzz of the music again. The predominant sensation though, was immense pain from my abdomen. I glanced down and saw a golden sword piercing through my skin. Warm blood run from the wound and the metallic taste of it was already rising in my mouth. My legs trembled and I lost my balance. As the world darkened around me, the ruby eyes burned my soul.

I bounced of the bed, breathing hungrily and touching my stomach nervously to realize that there was no wound. I found myself on my bed, all tucked in and in my pajamas. The first thing that came to mind was that I had seen a nightmare as soon as I came home, and maybe I got so drunk that I blacked out. I tried to calm down and got up to prepare a big breakfast, feeling extremely hungry. After I ate my breakfast, I got ready to take a refreshing walk in the pleasant cold. Just as I was about to leave the house, the phone rang. I picked it up and Violet’s voice came through the line.

‘’What on earth happened last night? You should have told us you left.’’, she said and my heart bounced in my chest.

‘’I called a taxi, I wasn’t feeling well’’, I murmured. My head was spinning in my effort to recall what had happened after I came out of the club last night. All I could remember was the weird dream.

‘’That’s ok, make sure you drink plenty of water and get some sleep!’’, the woman said. ‘’I have your coat too, I’ll give to you at work.’’

‘’Thanks’’, I said and hung up, after I bid her farewell.

I immediately began searching for my dress, but I couldn’t find it anywhere in my house. Every possible explanation came to mind and I couldn’t help but feel exposed, insecure, like a part of me was gone. I lost a few nights of sleep, my thoughts haunting me.

December came by fast with the memory of the odd dream still lingering in the back of head. I was walking home from work on a day I worked overtime and somehow managed to lose the bus. I didn’t mind though, I loved walking, even if it was careless to walk alone that late at night. The usually busy streets, gradually emptied. A woman’s laugh echoed through the alley walls, scaring me and making me stop my tracks.

Probably a crazy woman, I thought. I was getting used to seeing crazy people in this big city. It wasn’t at all common in the suburbs I grew up in.

Suddenly, two women walked in front of me, coming from a smaller alley. They were fit, lightly dressed and looked down on me. I shivered, afraid that they might attack me to rob me. One of them had curly blond hair and the other one fiery red short hair. The first thing I noticed on them was huge, burn like, scars on their faces.

‘’Is that her?’’, the blonde one asked.

‘’It seems so’’, the other one answered.

‘’I’m sorry. Are you talking to me?’’, I asked and already began backing off. I had the worst feeling for these strange women.

The redhead approached me and I stupidly stood there for a second, waiting for an answer. Her hand flew towards me and she slapped me hard enough to make my ears buzz.

‘’What the hell are you doing?’’, I yelled and touched my cheek.

Suddenly the redhead grabbed my hands and held them behind my back. She moved extremely fast and I had no time to even think. I stepped on her foot with all my might and kept trying to break free, but I was unsuccessful. When I looked in front of me, the blonde woman was already inches away and had her arms in fists. At that moment she proceeded to punch my face and stomach, every move sent pain signals in my brain and left me breathless. I was sure I kept screaming for help, but help never seemed to come. My face became numb from the punches and I was about to throw up. All I could hear was the hits landing on my body and the weird foreign language the women had been conversing in.

Then something odd happed. A man appeared out of nowhere, just behind the blonde woman. His eyes were golden and carried disapproval. The next second a sharp blade flew in front of my eyes, slicing the blonde woman’s throat. I felt the redhead’s hold loosen and jumped sideways, trying to get away, the pain and fear left me shaking and made me kneel down. I glanced up at the scene and in front of my very eyes the man jumped towards the red head and pierced her skull with the silver sword he was griping on.

A savior

Unable to move or speak, I stood there, heaving, wishing I was dreaming. The man acted in a way that showed he had done this before. He took a piece of cloth out of his pants and wiped the blood from his blade caringly. He withdrew the blade in the black, leather sheath hanging from his belt.

‘’You should be more careful.’’, he commented, deep low voice, like the growling of a dog. He approached me and the street lights fell on him. I was trying to get up, placing the palms of my hands on the walls of the street, while counting my teeth. I was taken aback by the man’s appearance. I lost my words when I realized his masculine and tall figure, as if a warrior from the fantasy books I adored, had appeared in front of me, but dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved black shirt. His skin was ever so handsomely tanned, a small scar under his left eye, like a cut, made him look even tougher. His hair was black and short. He seemed to be in his mid-twenties.

‘’Let me get you home.’’, he spoke again and then frowned, annoyed of my failure to react. ‘’Do you mind showing me the way?’’, he kept on. My mind was filled with questions.

‘’How can I trust you?’’, I managed to say between my swollen lips. I must have looked awful. He frowned even more and crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes scanned me, as if measuring my condition.

‘’Do you even have a choice?’’, he asked. ‘’You better hurry up, your face has open wounds.’’ I nodded, still confused and scared. Glancing around for the dead bodies we were about to leave behind, I realized they were no longer there. I looked at him shocked, while more questions kept emerging in my head. It seemed like I had no choice, but to oblige to this odd savior. The walk to my house was an awkward experience. I felt like I was about to faint from the pain and shock. My legs were trembling and so did my hands when I tried to open my door.

‘’You better sit down’’, he suggested as soon as we entered my house. He closed the door behind him and his eyes glanced around, taking in my personal space. I had so many questions at the tip of my tongue, but the numb pain coming from my face and body left me mute.

‘’Any clear alcohol and cotton?’’, he asked.

‘’Yes, pharmacy locker in the bathroom’’, I managed to say and sat on my couch, while pointing towards the direction of the bathroom. He went in and out quickly. Holding the bottle of alcohol and a cotton ball he sat right in front of me on a small stool. He looked at my face reluctantly and offered the cotton to me after dousing it in a few drops of alcohol.

‘’You have an open wound above your upper lip and your right brow.’’, he said. I took the cotton and began patting it, feeling a slight burn. I focused on his oddly colored golden eyes, ready to ask my questions.

‘’Who are you? And those women… Who were they? Why did they attack me?’’ He pursed his lips and looked back at me seriously.

‘’My name is Zero Eserith and I am an executioner for the Brotherhood of the Forests. These women were demons.’’, His words echoed strangely in my ears. He exhaled troubled and crossed his arms. ‘’As for the reason of their attack I can’t be quite sure yet.’’

‘’What?’’, I stammered, the curiosity surely showed clearly on my face.

‘’I fear that after this attack I have to explain more than a few things to you. It is unheard of demons, especially of this skill, attacking a common human.’’, it seemed as if he was talking to himself.

‘’I don’t understand…What are you even saying?’’, I asked, frowning.

‘’You better rest. Get some sleep and I’ll explain more tomorrow. ‘’, he answered and stood up. I was extremely tired to say no. I walked to my room and fell on my soft bed. As soon as I closed my eyes, my thoughts drifted away, the only hope in my head was that everything I witnessed was nothing but another weird dream. When my eyes opened though, I realized that it was reality, since my body was still in pain. I went to the bathroom and looked at my reflection. I frowned at my deformed face, my grey eyes stared back at my scars and my messy black, long hair. I took a quick hot shower, trying to wash away a weird feeling of disgust that overwhelmed me. I dried off and wearing fresh clean pajamas, went in my kitchen, starving. I nearly jumped in place when I saw the man with the golden eyes, Zero, leaning against my kitchen bench. I almost forgot he was still there. I straightened my grey long sleeve shirt and headed for the coffee machine.

‘’Good morning.’’, I murmured, my head still bombarded from yesterday’s events and explanations. I was eager to learn more today though, like he had promised me.

‘’Good morning’’, he repeated and crossed his arms. ‘’I have to tell you a few things’’, he kept on and stared at my every move.

‘’Yeah you have to.’’, I agreed and pressed the on button of my coffee maker. I reached for the fruit bowl and the bread basket. ‘’Breakfast?’’, I asked casually. I wasn’t sure how to act around my strange savior. Then I realized.

‘’I’m sorry I just remembered...’’, I began, feeling my face flushing. ‘’I am Victoria Blackburn’’, I introduced myself and he chuckled, a small smile formed on his lips.

‘’No need, I know everything I need.’’ His words made me feel uncomfortable and darkened my expression.

‘’Did you go through my things?’’, I asked, griping on the porcelain mug as if it was the one at fault.

‘’Sit, and listed to me’’, he ordered and I followed, eager to hear his explanation.

‘’First things first.’’, he started, ‘’I contacted the headquarters of the Brotherhood of forests and they grand me permission to explain in details. They are the ones that informed me about you. I did not go through your things.’’

‘’Good’’, I interrupted, ‘’I want to know everything about these women and about you and this brotherhood of yours’’, my voice was getting calmer.

‘’These women are demons, like I said yesterday. They rose from the Flow of the dead, using material bodies. The Flow of the Dead is a different dimension of sorts, the place where our souls get recycled. It is a natural procedure were the souls of the dead get filtered and chosen to rise on earth again. These souls look for human newborns to bind to and become their hidden personalities. Demons are souls than never managed to find someone to bind to. They embody their abilities and souls using the powers of nature and their true bodies belong to the flow of the dead. Therefore they disappear when they are killed on earth.’’, he explained and I recalled the fact that the dead bodies of my attackers disappeared. His words shook me to my very core, as they uprooted everything I thought I knew about this world. It felt like I had fallen deep in one of my fantasy books.

‘’It’s like you are telling me that every little faith and science effort in this world is at false’’, I murmured, refusing to accept his words.

‘’Let me finish my words’’, he reacted abruptly and frowned deeply. ‘’These women arrived in a location demons don’t usually appear in, which means that they were teleported through a gate we call gate of zero time. I don’t know why they chose to attack you, but the only reason you are still alive is because I was ordered to keep you that way. This is the reality and the sooner you accept it, the better.’’

My eyes couldn’t glance away from his golden ones. The resistance to accept these facts was deeply rooted in my very being.

‘’This Brotherhood wanted me alive you say? Are there others like you?’’, I asked.

‘’Yes. The Brotherhood is one the two organizations controlling this world. The other one is called Ambassadors of the queen.’’, he answered and I nodded.

In my mind the dilemma was clear. Either he was telling the truth or I had a crazy person in my house and had to get rid of him. I inhaled deeply and bounced from my chair aiming for the drawer. I got a big knife out, feeling insane for even acting this way.

‘’You need to leave. I can’t believe all this. You must be a crazy person! You belong in a clinic!’’, I erupted and felt like I was saying it mostly to my own self. The things I lived were far from normal. Maybe I was going insane. He rose his eyebrow at me and stood from his chair. He was just a step away when his expression turned so serious, that fear shot through my spine like a lightning bolt. My eyes glanced at his sheath, which still had the sword in it and the image of the woman with the blade through her skull came to mind. My mouth dried.

‘’I’m afraid I can’t do that. I am ordered to stay with you for twenty-four more hours’’

‘’I don’t want you here!’’

‘’This is no game Victoria. If you won’t cooperate, I’m afraid I won’t be that gentle.’’, he replied, way too indifferent for the situation and came inches away from me. I could feel my heart bouncing fast on my chest and my body entered a fight or flight situation.

‘’I said leave!’’, I shouted and my arm moved on its own, carrying the big kitchen knife towards the man’s right shoulder. I released my hand and took a few steps back, meeting the kitchen bench with my back. My hand moved to cover my open mouth, shocked from my own actions. He was frowning slightly, like he was merely bit by a mosquito. He reached the hilt and pulled it out, spraying a few drops of blood. He left the blood stained knife on the bench. He simply stood there, blood dripping from the wound, a stern expression on his face, silent. I couldn’t stand seeing him like this and rushed to get a few paper towels. I pressed them on his arm and heard a light chuckle from him.

‘’So indecisive’’, he murmured, pleased with my reaction.  I couldn’t find a comeback as I felt idiotic for not being able to make up my mind. This man saved my life.

‘’Let me clear things up for you.’’, I spoke and took a step back. ‘’I can’t possibly believe the things you are telling. I thank you for saving me and I’ll find you a good mental clinic.’’ Suddenly he laughed, almost barking, and looked at me from top to bottom. I shivered.

‘’Give me a few more hours and you will believe me’’, he said, casually. I frowned, but decided to cooperate. I nodded, as if something inside of me tried to convince me that this man was honest in his words and his theories were reality. I glanced at his wounded arm.

‘’I’m sorry’’, I stammered.

‘’Its fine.’’, he shrugged off.

My eyes fell on the clock across the room and I gaped in panic, since I was almost late for work. I run to my room to get dressed and when I was ready to leave, saw none other than my strange savior standing next to the door, all dressed up.

‘’I have to get to work.’’, I commented and frowned slightly.  

‘’I’m coming too.’’, he declared and opened the door for me.

‘’No!’’, I yelled. ‘’I don’t want you messing with my work’’

‘’Don’t worry. I’ll just take you there and then bring you back’’, he replied. ‘’I must make sure you are safe’’, he kept on with a serious note and even though he sounded like a soldier, his words made me feel safer.

My day at work was a tough one, since I was unable to focus. My mind was travelling to last night’s events and mostly to the man who had saved me. I was scared, but also intrigued by him. Every bit of him could make any woman swoon and I felt awkward for even considering such a thing. I tried to shake off the thought of having a man like that very close and personal to me, especially after recalling the casual way he murdered two women. After my shift ended, I tried to sneak out of work, avoiding questions about my scarred face, since even with make-up on anyone could tell that something was wrong. As soon as I left the building, I saw Zero approach me in order to walk beside me. His imperious expression seemed like a permanent part of his face.

‘’Let’s go.’’ I spoke and noticed, at the last moment, my colleague, Violet, who rushed behind me. She glanced at Zero, wide eyed, realizing he was walking with me. Her gaze was thirsty.

‘’Hey.’’, she stammered. ‘’I’m Violet.’’, she introduced herself and leaned slightly near him, exposing her bosom. ‘’And you are?’’ The man clearly rolled his eyes at her, making me hold a laugh. He was obviously annoyed by her bubbly personality.

‘’Zero. Are you Victoria’s friend?’’, he asked, trying to maintain a gentle and serious behavior.

‘’Of course. But she never mentioned you.’’, she kept on and smiled wide, completely ignoring my existence.

‘’I see.’’, he declared and looked at me. ‘’Shall we?’’. He asked and motioned me to leave. I nodded and waved goodbye to Violet who waved back at us in confusion.