A Shadowlander’s Dream: Book Three - Rules of the Flesh
Written by Kathryn K Williams
Chapter Thirty-Three
Tiffany, the newest and youngest of Kelly’s small gang, sat in her fourth floor room with the covers pulled over her head and trembling in fright, the image of the Flame Dog engraved in her mind. She didn’t want to hurt anyone; she just wanted to be part of a group and not be so alone in this insane school. She still didn’t know why she was at the school in the first place and didn’t feel she belonged amongst them. Kelly gave her a decision, either join her or run from her. She was tired of running and was happy to finally be the one doing the chasing, and it was fun too. She found she enjoyed being the one on top for once, even if she was the lowest ranking girl in the group. It made her feel special the way the kids in the school moved out of her way when she came down the hall. No one would ever pick on her again.
But today Kelly went too far. She knew they shouldn’t have entered The Alleys and got a bad feeling the moment they stepped foot in that dark and gloomy place, but Kelly would hear no buts about it, if she turned away she would instantly rejected from the group and she knew it. Now she was certain that they had upset the Lords of Shadow and feared that she would wake up one morning to find that Flame Dog feasting upon her entrails. She had been sitting in her room for some time when the lights went out and now feared that the Dog was indeed coming for her and she huddled under her covers in fright.
Suddenly there was a banging from the windows behind her and Tiffany jumped up and screamed. She quickly looked over at the window to find it swinging open, the curtains blowing wildly in the wind as a mix of rain and wet leaves poured into the room. Jumping to her feet Tiffany rushed to the window with the intent of closing it, but stopping in her tracks when she noticed something crouching upon the windowsill, watching her. Whatever it was it was small and she could only make out a vague form when lightening flashed and she let out a terrified scream and turned to flee the room.
The creature moved swiftly, leaping at the girl before she could get to the door and shoving her into door. It hissed in the girl’s ears as it perched on her back, forcing her to the ground.
“Tiiifffaannyyy….” It said in a small low whisper and gleefully giggled.
Tiffany sobbed as she struggled under the creatures weight, she could feel its feet upon her shoulder blade, making it impossible for her to move. Its arm moved to the floor next to her face and she could see that the creature was wearing the tattered remains of a long sleeved sweater, it dripping with rain water, tiny finger dangling from the opening in the wristband.
“Please…” Tiffany sobbed, “Please don’t hurt me…”
“Plleeassee doon’t hurt meeee…” It mimicked and cackled, abruptly the fingers clenched into a fist and three short blade sprung forth from beneath the sleeve, curved sharp steel that looked like the talons of some kind of bird of prey and Tiffany was it’s prey.
Tiffany squirmed under the beast and cried out for help only to have her cries cut short as the blade bit into her sides, piercing her lungs and blood sputtered from her lips.
*****
To be Continued . . .
*****
Note: The world of the Shadowlands, Its stories, Characters and ideas are a copyright of Kathryn K Williams.
This story is based upon my manga of the same name. If you wish to view art from this series please visit my deviant arts site at: http://shinigami-shimai.deviantart.com/
For more of my stories visit my deviant hearts site at: http://www.devianthearts.com/viewuser.php?uid=159
Also if you spot any typos or other errors please contact me at katwilliams @ rogers.com