Gone: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 3) Nellie Steele (if you liked this book .TXT) 📖

no misunderstanding. Grayson Buckley appeared at the mill earlier this morning. He spoke to Celine. He told her Damien was missing and she should not contact him until he has been found. Satisfied?”

“Damien is missing?” Celeste followed up.

“Damien is with Celine. An early wedding gift to her since she adores him so. It shall be the last kindness she receives from me.”

Both VanWoodsens were silent. “I’m sorry, Marcus,” Celeste replied after a moment.

“Not as sorry as Celine will be when I am through with her. She has betrayed me for the last time.”

Celeste rushed to Marcus. “You do not intend to harm her? Surely something can be done.”

“Oh, something shall be done, my dear Celeste. Something indeed. And no harm will come to Celine herself. But the time has come for the Buckleys to be destroyed. I shall leave no one standing, not Grayson, not Alexander, not even those bloody humans she clings to so vehemently.”

“Marcus,” Celeste warned, “is this plan wise?”

Marcus grasped Celeste’s arms, dragging her several steps. “Do you dare question me?”

“No!” she exclaimed. “I only mean to ensure Celine’s compliance.”

“She will have no choice left but to comply when there is no one alive to help her.”

Marcus released Celeste, who stumbled back several steps. She smoothed her dress, regaining her breath. “We will do whatever you ask,” Teddy assured Marcus.

“Good. I have many arrangements to make. We begin our siege tonight. By tomorrow morning, the Buckleys will be no more.”

“You shall inform us of our part in the plan over dinner?” Teddy asked.

“Yes,” Marcus answered. “Until then, Celeste, would you check on Damien? I have moved both Celine and Damien to the cave near the beach. Ensure he isn’t dead. He could prove useful to us later.” He instructed her on how to communicate with Celine through the enchanted barrier.

“Yes, of course,” Celeste agreed as Marcus stalked from the room. “I should go,” Celeste said to Teddy.

She pulled on her jacket and left the house, heading to the cave. She arrived and used the instructions to view Celine inside. Tears streamed down Celine’s face. She held Damien in her arms. His body appeared lifeless.

“Celine?” Celeste called.

“Celeste!” Celine answered.

“How is Damien?”

“Alive, no thanks to Marcus. How can you see me? Can you let me out?”

“No,” Celeste responded. “Marcus only instructed me on how to speak with you, not how to break the enchantment that holds you inside. Celine, what happened?”

Celine sighed, she released Damien, letting him slide gently to the ground. Standing, she dusted herself off and joined Celeste at the mouth of the cave. “I found a way to slip into Shadow World. I was able to call Damien there, too. I used it as a conduit to communicate with him and hence Gray.”

“What?” Celeste asked in shock. “Shadow World? How did… And Damien survived?”

“I only spoke with him for moments at a time. He became quite ill after each session, but I was desperate!”

“That is why he was always unavailable when I called,” Celeste determined. “And why you were always so concerned about him.”

Celine nodded. “Yes.”

“Oh, Celine, darling. I am so sorry your plan failed.”

Celine began to answer when Damien groaned. “Damien!” she exclaimed, rushing to his side. He writhed on the ground; his eyes still closed. “Damien, can you hear me?”

His eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times, glancing around. “Celine?” he questioned.

“Yes, D, I’m right here,” she answered, taking his hand in hers. “Don’t move. You’re hurt. No, don’t try to sit up, just lay back.”

“I’m okay. I’ve got a killer headache though,” Damien answered, groaning as he held a hand to his head. “Where are we?”

“Marcus moved us to another location. One where no one can find us. He realized that I betrayed him. I’m afraid his retribution will be swift and severe this time.”

“Not if I can help it,” Celeste promised. “Marcus once again owns my soul, but you, sister, risked your life to restore mine. I will not permit him to destroy your life.”

“Celeste, you cannot risk betraying him. He will crush you.”

“I do not intend to do it alone,” Celeste added. “I shall tell Gray as soon as I leave here.”

Celine’s eyes widened with understanding. “Are you sure, Celeste? When Marcus discovers your betrayal, he…”

“Don’t worry about that, it is my risk to take.”

“Celeste! I…”

“Stop, Celine. I won’t listen to it. I will tell Gray whether you approve or not. I haven’t been a very good big sister. It’s time I correct that.”

“Oh, Celeste. Please don’t do this out of guilt. I have forgiven you. We’ll find another way.”

“This is not out of guilt, Celine. It is something I must do. I will protect you as you have protected me.”

“Please be careful, Celeste. And tell Gray I love him.”

“I will on both counts. With any luck, we’ll have you out of there before Marcus realizes we’ve betrayed him.”

Celine smiled at Celeste. “If I wasn’t stuck in here, I’d give you a huge hug, Celeste.”

“When you’re free, sister, I shall collect my payment,” Celeste replied with a wink.

She departed from the cave’s entrance, leaving Celine and Damien alone. “Do you think we can trust her?” Damien asked.

“I’m not sure, but I lean to saying yes. She’s never behaved this way before. Let’s hope she follows through,” Celine replied, staring after Celeste. She turned to Damien. “More importantly though, how do you really feel?”

Damien sat up despite Celine’s protestations. “I’m fine. I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck who then proceeded to reverse and back over me again, but I’m okay.”

“I wish we could get you medical attention now. You could have an internal injury we don’t realize.”

“We’ll worry about that later. Despite my aches, I’m glad I’m here and you aren’t alone.”

Celine smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re here too, D. I’ve missed you. Shadow World visits are no substitute for real world visits. And I am so sorry about how sick it made you!”

“I survived. And it didn’t matter. I was ecstatic to be in contact