Darkness is Lurking
4
Cool autumn air sweeps through the city streets, picking up dust and leaves with each gust. The sun hangs low in the sky, throwing splashes of pale orange, light purple and dusky pink across like oil paint blended together on a canvas. Puffs of warm breath escape shivering bodies, dissolving into the crisp air within seconds as people roam in brightly coloured dresses and coats. Boots splash through puddles while they make their way into warm taverns or homes for the evening.
Matthew stands outside the entrance to the Sage, hands buried deep inside the pockets of his long purple waist coat. Black trousers hugging his legs tightly as he leans against the cold brick wall of the building behind him. He’s only been waiting a few minutes, but in the cold, it feels like hours have ticked by.
Peering up and down the street, watching many Mortals and Marked ones wander by Matthew’s eyes finally fall onto Lewis. He’s strolling in Matthew’s direction. Hands in his pockets. Hair looking dishevelled. A grim look covering his studious face.
Matthew peels himself away from the supportive wall and exhales loudly. “Why such a miserable face?” he asks in his low, smooth voice.
Lewis just shakes his head slightly and pushes the black-rimmed glasses further up his straight nose. “Let’s go inside. I am dying for a drink.” Lewis’ voice sounding tired and worn .
Matthew raises one of his thick brows at him. He’s no stranger to the scent of liquor, so much so, he can tell if it’s a mixture of brandy or whisky, bourbon or scotch.
Lewis doesn’t normally suggest drinking, which is why Matthew doesn’t mind coming to the Sage with him. He’s never forced into drinking alcohol; something he can’t stomach at all. But the fact that his friend is looking as though someone stole his dog tonight, Matthew brushes off the shivering feeling running down his bones and pats Lewis on the back.
“Are you well?”
Lewis gives his head a small shake, and before Matthew can question him further, Lewis says, “Come on, I’m freezing my bits off out here.”
Lewis pushes the heavy oak door open and feels the rush of warmth flooding over his chilled body. The feeling of the tiny hairs covering his fair skin relaxing is relieving. A smile creeps onto his face as they find an empty table near the bar.
“What will you be having?” Matthew asks, pulling some coins out of his pocket.
Lewis shoves Matthew’s hand back inside. “You just sit. I’ll get it tonight.” And he strolls off to the bar where a Shifter is cleaning glasses behind it.
Matthew does as he suggests and takes a seat on one of the timber chairs that squeaks as he settles himself into it. This bar is their favourite to come to-the Sage. All sorts of Marked creatures crowd this place at night.
Hidden in one of the dark alleys of Soho, not too far from everyone’s homes, which makes it their usual meeting spot. Inside feels like home to all of them. There’s the rustic timber bar in one corner with shelves of glass bottles displaying various kinds and colours of liquor. In another corner, an empty stage awaits musicians, and an assortment of mismatching tables and chairs, as well as boisterous supernatural creatures occupies the rest of the tightly packed space.
Matthew peers around the dimly lit room, looking to see if there are any other familiar faces visiting tonight.
Theodore and Florence-wolf Shifters-sit on bar stools drinking together. Theodore’s leaning on the bar top and Florence is laughing at him casually, her orange eyes glowing like fiery embers. Florence’s deeper skin shade reminds Matthew of milk-less coffee, her dark hair frizzy and wild.
Theodore is their current pack leader. A few years older than Matthew, his face is sharp, with bright glowing eyes like stardust and shaggy brown hair. Their visible canines are razor-sharp whenever they grin or laugh.
Irene, who’s a young Spellcaster, sits at a table close by, speaking with a man Matthew knows of but has never personally spoken to. Julius Gray, a powerful Elemental who does work all around London for the Ascendancy.
Most families know his name but have never had the chance to meet him. His intense green eyes, the colour of limes, are harsh against his silver hair. Winkle lines decorate his face, showing his maturity. Elementals are immortal, living for thousands of years and ageing so slow it’s barely recognisable.
Irene’s purple eyes land on Matthew’s for a second. They’re the unusual colour of lilac, just like the petals themselves. She’s always fancied Matthew, but he’s never shown much interest in return. It’s not because she’s a Spellcaster and he’s a Seraphim. It’s more the fact that Matthew never wants to be tied down into a marriage. He always ensures the girl is fully aware of his intentions before they share a bed together for the evening. He’s also not opposed to sharing with the occasional man, even though that’s incredibly scandalous.
Lewis returns to Matthew with two drinks in his hands. Placing one down in front of Matthew as they both take in the atmosphere of the bar. Lewis takes a swig of his drink, the familiar bitter taste of brew hitting his lips, tingling his taste buds in delight.
Matthew’s mind settles when he realises Lewis handed him a glass of sugary lemonade instead of something that will make him sick after one sip.
“Is there a reason you want to drink tonight, Lewis?” Matthew questions him as Lewis gulps down half of his pint in one go, “Something tells me that you’re not at ease.” He adds sarcastically.
Lewis swallows his mouthful before answering his friend in a nervous tone, “Valarie and Jordan just arrived from Oxford.”
Matthew sits back in his chair, giving Lewis an encouraging nod. “I’m aware of that, Lewis. It’s all you’ve managed to talk about this whole week.” He leans forward onto the wobbly table between them, looking his friend right in the eye. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Valarie is in London.” Lewis repeats loudly, his voice desperate and nervous.
Matthew crosses his arms in front of his chest and gives a long sigh. “Yes, I heard you the first time. Why is that so bad? You two seemed to get along well when we were there. Daisy even thought something was going on between the two of you.”
Lewis peers at him with a look of utter horror. “Daisy said that to you?”
Matthew presses his lips together to keep himself from smiling, or worse, laughing.
“Maybe we got along a little too well. I don’t know how to act around her now. In Oxford, we spent every day together.” He rubs at his arms anxiously as Matthew waits for him to continue. “I kind of grew a fondness for her, and I don’t know if she feels the same way as I do.”
“Ah.” Is all Matthew says, taking another sip of his lemonade .
Lewis exhales, finishing off the rest of his drink and placing the empty pint on the wooden table, which causes Matthew’s brows to rise with surprise. He hadn’t expected him to down the glass so quickly.
Lewis regularly drinks but never like this. He watches his friend stare at the empty glass before him, his normally brilliant golden eyes a dull brown, like the joy has been sucked out of them. Like a star twinkling out of energy. Matthew hadn’t noticed the tiredness under Lewis’ eyes before they sat down. His black hair is ruffled and untidy, which is completely opposite to how it normally looks.
“Lewis, you’re thinking too much about this,” his gaze not lifting from the empty glass sitting between them. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s nothing to stress about.”
“But what if it’s not?” Lewis mutters as one barmaid strolls towards them, taking his empty glass off the table and replacing it with a new one filled to the brim.
Lewis downs this glass as well while Matthew just watches him with pure enjoyment, his bright green eyes dazzling in amusement. He’s never witnessed this side of Lewis. He’s normally calm, collected, and intelligent. But this? This is something else.
“Thank you, Violet,” Matthew winks at the barmaid as she walks back behind the bar, her short purple hair bobbing around her shoulders. Her black Spellcaster Mark visibly inked onto her flesh.
Matthew turns his scant attention back to Lewis, who is looking a bit riled up. “Look, I know you are nervous or… something, but drinking will not help you feel better.” He tries talking some sense into his friend.
“The Carter’s are a very respectable family within the Seraphim world. Valarie’s parents come from some of the most renowned family lines. And Valerie, she is something else. The way she walks so light and graceful, her long blonde-red hair like golden strawberries. The way she smiles at me like nobody else does…” Lewis dazes off into the distance as Matthew narrows his eyes at him, waving his thin hands in front of his friend’s face to break his daydream .
Lewis blinks himself back to reality.
“You clearly feel something for her, so just pick up from where things ended in Oxford, and all will be fine, my friend.” Matthew reassures him as Lewis slumps back into his chair, his glasses falling off the perch of his nose.
“But how will I know if she feels that way about me? Or am I just still a friend in her eyes?”
Matthew leans across the small table between them once again, getting all of Lewis’ attention. “Look Lewis. You’re the smartest person I know our age. I think you are intelligent enough to understand what a girl is trying to say to you.” He smirks and takes another sip of drink. “Besides, we all saw the way she looked at you. It was more than just a friendly way.”
Lewis pushes his glasses back up and shrugs. “Perhaps, but why are girls so confusing? Why can’t they just tell you their emotions, instead of playing with your mind?”
He drinks the rest of that pint as well, slamming the empty glass on the table. Lewis is beginning to look slightly looser in his movements, and his speech is starting to slur. His fingers grab at the buttons secured tightly at his collar, opening them to expose his neck and collarbone as his skin begins to feel heated and clammy from the alcohol.
“I will never understand them.” Matthew mutters quietly, bringing his own glass to his lips.
“Do you think I am hopelessly in love with a girl who will never choose to be with me?” Lewis’ eyes are wide with longing and fear.
He looks at Matthew, who is covering his mouth with his hand, to keep himself from laughing out loud. Lewis arches a brow, which sets Matthew off in a flurry of laughter. Lewis just scoffs at him, annoyed and slightly intoxicated.
“Lewis, you’re asking the wrong person. I don’t know anything about a girl’s feelings. I certainly know how to bed them, but nothing when it comes to how they are feeling. If you are so worked up about this, why not just ask her yourself?”
“I can’t tell her what I feel before she does! I’ll make a fool of myself, and everyone will find amusement in my displeasure.”
Matthew watches his friend cautiously. Lewis is never like this-in a state of panic. Something is different about this girl. “You won’t make a fool of yourself because she feels the same way. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about, Lewis. Well, perhaps just the headache you are going to have in the morning from all these drinks you’re downing.”
Violet appears again to give Lewis another drink and Matthew just shakes his head, partly entertained, partly concerned for his friend’s well-being.
After taking another few sips, Lewis’ hands start to tremble as he places the pint back on the table and stares at it. His voice cracks a little as he asks, “Why does love make you crazy?”
“Because you can’t control it.” Matthew pauses, sipping again before adding. “At least I won’t need to worry about becoming crazy.” He chuckles lightly to himself.
“Why are you like this? You could have a girl. Any girl really in the Ascendancy, yet you choose to just fool around with them instead.” Lewis frowns at him, the alcohol starting to mess with his mind, making the room sway.
“I choose to live this way because I want to. I don’t wish to be wedded to anyone, but I am glad that you do.” His bright green eyes shining into Lewis’. “If you want my advice, and do take it lightly, I am sure she feels the same way. I mean, how could she not? You are a gentleman and kind and brilliantly clever.”
Lewis perks up a little in his chair as Matthew sees Daisy and Kora strolling into the bar, spotting the two of them immediately. Daisy with her dark skin and perfectly curled black locks shaping her angular face. Kora is shorter, with long coppery hair flowing down her back and hazel eyes that glance around wearily. Matthew waves them over to their table before tapping Lewis on the shoulder in a comforting way.
“Cheer up there. We have company.” He mutters before the girl’s reach the table.
“Evening lads,” Daisy says cheerfully while pulling out a chair and sitting promptly, “all right, what’s wrong with the two of you?” she questions after a few seconds of silence.
“Lewis is nervous because Valarie is in town.” Matthew says, amusingly.
He watches as the girl’s faces light up. “Oh, I adored Valarie when we were in Oxford. She is just darling!” Daisy adds excitedly, pulling her coat off her shoulders and placing it around the back of the stiff chair.
“Am I the only one who has not met the eminent Carter family yet?” Kora confirms with them.
Matthew nods at her, reminding her, "Well, you were too preoccupied to accompany us to Oxford last year."
“That was Clarence’s fault! Who fights Infernals with only their bare hands, you know that is just asking for wounds. I wish I could have gone. You all seemed to have such an exciting time without me.” She slumps back into her seat, folding her arms in front of herself protectively. Turning her attention to Lewis, she softens her face. “So, tell me about this girl, Valarie.”
Lewis leans forward excitedly. “She is lovely, caring, and sweet. I could stare at her all day like she’s the most exquisite oil painting in the whole museum. I’m so nervous. What if I do something stupid when I finally see her again?” He says honestly, sipping more of his frothy beverage before wiping his clammy palms on his trousers.
Daisy shoots Matthew a smirk before continuing. “From what I saw when we were in Oxford, she fancies you, Lewis. And the only stupid thing you are doing right now is drinking up half of the bar!”
The three of them chuckle as Lewis tries to hide his blushing cheeks with his hands. “I have not drunk half the bar !” Lewis exclaims, which makes Matthew howl with laughter. “I’m nervous, which is normal when you feel things for someone. Something none of you seem to have felt yet.”
Containing themselves, Daisy shakes her head before agreeing with him. “We know Lewis. I am sure it will all be fine. Unless you don’t stop drinking now. I am just going to take this away from you to be safe.” Pulling his empty pint towards her.
Lewis lets out a small wince of sadness as he watches his drink being dragged out of his grasp.
“Now that that has been discussed.” Matthew changes the conversation, turning to the girls. “Kora. Might we have a word?” he looks at her straight in the eyes.
Kora’s eyebrows crease gently before giving a small nod. “I suppose. I could use a drink myself. Come with me to the bar.” She says, standing and waiting for him to follow suit.
Daisy leans over and rubs Lewis on the back gently as his eyes start to flutter open and shut. The alcohol taking over his senses.
Following her towards the barmaid, Matthew waits for Kora to order her drink before asking her without hesitation. “Did you speak with Charles for me?”
Letting out a breath, she nods slowly. “Yes, and it was very uncomfortable. He says Robert will not allow you to attend any Ascendancy meetings until you are of age. It’s technically the law, and he can’t break it to let you attend.”
“Of age!” Matthew echoes loud enough for the man beside them to jump in startlement. Running a hand through his dark hair, he lets out a groan of annoyance. “How come Charles has been allowed to attend since he was ten years old, and I am not allowed until I am twenty?”
“Most likely because his father is the leader of the Ascendancy.” Kora’s tone is blunt as she shrugs and Violet hands her a glass of gin mixed with something bubbly .
“Charles…” Matthew drifts off in thought for a moment, “always living the fortunate life. Just because his father is the leader doesn’t mean he should have special privileges over the rest of us.”
Kora takes a small sip of her sweet gin. “I know, but he is in line to take over when Robert retires. I guess his father wants to train him up before he becomes the new leader so he can see how everything is run.”
“Charles as the leader.” Matthew shakes his head at her in an annoyed way. “I always hoped Robert would choose someone else.”
Giving a small giggle, Kora tilts her head in a sympathetic way. “I don’t think any of us really want Charles as our leader, but I suppose it’s the law. The leader’s family is first entitled before everyone else is.”
“Still, I should be allowed to attend the meetings at least,” Matthew pauses, staring at the barrel of beer left sitting behind the bar. “It’s not like my father even goes to any of them.”
Kora places her glass on the timber bench top and touches Matthew gently on the arm. “I know, Matthew, and I am truly sorry for that. At least we have my brother, who gives us all the information we need.” She tries cheering him up a little.
“Yes, my point exactly. Clarence attended every meeting when he wasn’t of age, so why am I not allowed?”
Kora’s forehead wrinkles as she looks at her friend. The feeling of a knife twisting inside her chest appears again. Matthew, who has always been there for her, even when she was told by her uncle that her parents were no longer living.
She looks at him, feeling her eyes stinging with wetness as Matthew realises what he had just blurted out. Grabbing her wrist, he pulls her into his arms tightly. His mouth kissing the crown of her hair-not romantically, but in more of a sibling way. “Kora, I am so sorry. I just forgot for a moment.” His voice is urgent with guilt.
She nods against his shoulder. “I know, Matthew. ”
“I will never say anything like that again.” He pulls back and lets out a long breath. His green eyes flicker from Lewis’ back to Kora. “Come on, it seems our friend needs to go home and sleep off all that liquor.”
Kora turns back to see Lewis slumped over the table, his head resting in his folded arms and glasses knocked askew on his face. Daisy just sits beside him, her hand holding his in a comforting way.
“I think we should get him home.” Matthew announces as they approach the table.
Daisy reaches to touch Lewis’ forehead and fixes his glasses. “Is this all really just over Valarie?”
Matthew’s mouth curls into a smile. “Indeed. This is why I will never let myself fall for anyone. It just seems to make you anxious and irrational.”
Kora wanders over, slipping her own coat on and then Lewis’.
“You can’t help being in love with someone, Matthew.” Daisy whispers, and Matthew gives her a sideways smirk.
“Like you and Clarence are.” He murmurs, wriggling his eyebrows in an amused way.
Daisy’s face snaps to his beside her with wide eyes before she pinches Matthew’s arm, who yelps out in pain.
“Are you two all right?” Kora’s soft voice breaks them apart.
Daisy gives her a smile, ignoring Matthew’s face of amusement. “Fine. We should leave before he is sick in here. Last time, Violet yelled at me and made me clean up after myself. It was revolting.” Cringing slightly at the memory.
“I’ll get him.” Matthew says, slinging an arm under Lewis and lifting him up to his wobbly feet.
Daisy holds open the door as Matthew holds Lewis up, leading him outside into the bitter cold air. The moon shines faintly overhead, gleaming down in weak incandescent beams. Less people crowd the street and fewer carriages are outside waiting to escort people home .
The four of them walk down one of the quiet damp alleyways, steam from the underground workshops floating up through grates and warming their toes. Puddles litter the uneven cobblestone laneway.
Matthew’s boot sinks into a pool, his sock instantly soaking with cold, dirty water. He swears softly to himself but pushes on. Lewis is in no shape to get home on his own.
Kora and Daisy trail in front, the two of them discussing their favourite bookstore in Mayfair.
It’s a decent walk between the Sage and the Chiswick Manor. They turn down another alley. Oil lamps are faintly lit on either side, guiding them down as they plod along slowly. Lewis’ dragging feet struggle to keep up with Matthew’s stride.
“How are you so good at carrying me?” Lewis blurts out, his voice slow and slurred.
“Years of experience.” Matthew mutters in response.
As Matthew continues following the girls, half holding up Lewis beside him like a garment hanger, the overwhelming scent of dark energy fills his senses.
Infernal energy. Ominous and chilling, as if a gust of blistering cold wind blows in their direction out of nowhere. The stench of metal and rubbish filling his nose, raising the tiny hairs on his arms to stand up in response. His pulse beats harsher with each passing second. Darker energy increasing in mists of shadows.
Kora and Daisy halt before him. Their eyes widening the same way Matthew’s do as they look around silently.
“Matthew, why are we-” Lewis begins, but Matthew slaps a palm over his mouth to silence him.
His emerald eyes flicker around, trying to catch any movement. Only Infernals bring this sort of energy to the world.
They’ve trained for years on how to track and fight Infernal demons. Sensing their powers. Following their shadows and stench. Matthew knows it’s close by. “You three wait here.” He whispers to them as soon as he comes to stand beside Daisy .
Dropping his hand from Lewis’ mouth, he props him up against the wall of the alleyway on the wet cobblestones.
Lewis is too drunk to even notice that the ground is still damp from the downpour earlier this afternoon.
Matthew walks wearily towards the end of the alleyway, his hand resting on the handle of the blade tucked into his weapons belt. Angelic energy vibrates through the silver hilt, which also senses the closeness of the Infernal creature. Matthew’s exposed fingers wrap around the cool metal handle right as the creature drops from the roof of a store, landing in front of him, its clawed hand swinging towards Matthew’s neck.