Chaos (The Realmwalker Chronicles Book 1) Read online

  “But why? I mean, what’s their purpose?”

  “We used to think it was just in their nature to be evil,” Sam says. “But in the last couple hundred years we’ve come to understand that these Lesser Shades are driven by an intense and unquenchable hunger. They literally feed off of the misery of men. The pain and agony of mankind is what sustains them. That’s why they create horrific events of mass destruction everywhere they go.”

  I cringe as I think of a herd of those things romping over the land unseen by others as they thrive off the turmoil and misery of humans.

  “You said ‘Lesser Shades,’” I point out. “What do the Greater Shades do once they get here?”

  Sam’s face is etched with disgust. “They are drawn to the worst of us, individuals who are destined to do evil. Like parasites, the Greater Shades tie themselves to these people, feeding off the horror and pain they cause. They follow them throughout their lives, whispering dark deeds into their subconscious, encouraging and inspiring them to commit even greater acts of evil.”

  Ember nods. “Stalin, Hitler, Pol Pot. Even men in our own backyard—Manson, Bundy, Dahmer—all tromping throughout history with their own personal Greater Shade.”

  My heart goes cold at hearing this.

  Ember continues, “It is our sole purpose, as Realmwalkers, to make sure these things don’t happen. There is a war going on, Adelaide. It’s good versus evil and human lives are at stake. It’s we who must protect them. We are the guardians of Earth Realm.”

  Chapter 7

  This is too much for me to take. I don’t understand why I was called. I’m not special. I’m not a warrior. I wouldn’t even say I’m particularly brave.

  I think of the giant black monster charging down the street at me. I’m supposed to fight those things? And the Greater Shades? I’m embarrassed to find tears standing in my eyes. I’m not cut out for this. I wish so badly that I could make it all go away. I look at Ember, then Sam. Did they feel like this in the beginning? Were they as scared as I am now? It’s hard to imagine Sam afraid of anything. What do I do?

  I close my eyes and see my father. I’m entirely overwhelmed by the feeling that he’s here with me. I think of how he lived his life and how he would have wanted me to live mine. I want more than anything to make him proud.

  “Okay,” I whisper. I open my eyes. Looking from Ember to Sam I say, “I’m a Realmwalker now. I’m scared, and I don’t have any idea what I can possibly do to help, but I promise you both I’ll do everything I can. I’ll try my hardest.” I’m surprised at the conviction I hear in my own voice and how certain I feel as I say those words. It’s as if my whole life has been leading me here, to this very moment, to say those exact words and accept this calling.

  I look at both of them. Sam is smiling for the first time since I’ve seen him, and Ember is grinning as big as she can.

  Ember squeals and throws her arms around me. “Welcome to the family!” I wince as she squeezes my sore ribs but I can’t help laughing. I feel some relief now that I’ve accepted my fate. At least I know I won’t be alone. I look at Sam over Ember’s shoulder and he nods his head in approval at me. I’m filled with the familiar swell of emotion that I had in Mel’s and Crank’s presence. I just met these two people, Ember and Sam, but already they are two of the most important people in my life.

  It’s beginning to get dark out, so I look at my watch and see that it’s been over half an hour since we left my house. Mom will start to worry if I don’t head back soon. At first, I’m sad I have to leave them. I still have so many questions. Then I remember Mom’s offer.

  I smile at both of them. “Are you guys hungry? My mom made pot roast and it should be ready by now.”

  Ember gets a dreamy look on her face. “Mmm, that’s what I smelled when she opened the door! It had my stomach growling. What do you think, Boss? Wanna stay and eat?”

  “I don’t know. We may get asked questions that we don’t have answers to right now.” He looks to me for my opinion. “Do you plan on telling your mother about Chaos?”

  I haven’t even considered this. “Would she even believe me?”

  “Well,” Ember smirks, “we have ways of proving ourselves.” She glances around, checking to see that we’re alone. Holding a fist out in front of us, she opens up her hand. At the same time, a spark and then a small ball of fire ignites and hovers over her palm. I jump back reflexively, but she’s already closed her fist and the fire is gone as quickly as it appeared.

  “They don’t call me Ember for nothing,” she says with a wink.

  “That. Was. Awesome,” I say. This opens a whole new set of possibilities. I could share all of this with my mom, even Jana. I wouldn’t have to hold it all in like some terrible secret. But then, how would she feel about it? After losing Dad, Jana and I are all she has left. She’s already so protective of me. She may beg me not to fight. The constant worry about my safety may drive her crazy. I don’t know if she can handle it.

  “I don’t want to tell her anything yet. She’ll worry herself to death,” I decide.

  “Well, then, if we are going to meet your family, we are going to need a good cover story. How do you know us?” Sam asks me. I get the feeling he’s testing me. I’m reminded of something and turn to Ember.

  “Did you call Sam ‘Boss’ a minute ago?”

  “Yeah, he’s the boss. Well, reluctant boss really. He’s the oldest Realmwalker we have right now. Not by age—he’s been in Chaos the longest of all of us, so that makes him the most likely candidate for our leader. We all still vote every six months, but for the last two years, the vote has unanimously been for Sam. Well, except for his own vote of course.” She jokingly punches his shoulder. “He hates having so much authority, but in my opinion, that’s the best kind of leader.”

  “That’s why you sound so familiar. I heard you on Mel’s ear thingie last night. She called you ‘Boss.’”

  Sam nods. “Mel did good getting to you so quickly.”

  “Yeah,” I agree with him. “She saved my life.”

  “So,” Ember reminds me, “what should we tell your mom for now? Who are we, how do you know us?”

  I rack my brain for anything that might be believable. I really hate the thought of lying to Mom, even though right now it’s for her own good. Maybe I can find some middle ground.

  “Okay, how does this sound? I’m not really comfortable lying to my mom, so let’s make the cover story true.”

  Ember nods her head enthusiastically. “Sounds good to me! Tell me what to do.”

  I tell them my plan and we use Ember’s smartphone to put it into action.

  I’m excited at the thought of having friends over for dinner. Real friends. I haven’t had a real friend in who knows how long. When we get to my house, my mom is in the kitchen getting plates out of the cupboard and Jana is slicing cucumbers for a salad.

  “Mom, Jana, these are some friends of mine. This is Ember and Sam.” I motion to each in turn. “Guys, this is my mom, Margaret Shepherd, and my sister, Jana.” Everyone shakes hands and exchanges the standard pleasantries. I can’t help but notice that Jana saves her warmest welcome for Sam. She flashes him her best smile and holds on to his handshake a second or two longer than necessary. I fight the urge to roll my eyes.

  “I hope you’re all hungry,” my mom says eagerly.

  Sam asks if he can wash up before eating, so I point him down the hall to the restroom. Ember and I help set the table.

  “So, you have to tell me, Ember,” Mom starts out, “where did our Addy meet such good-looking kids?”

  Ember doesn’t even miss a beat. “Oh, it’s funny really. We hadn’t even met her before today. Not in person anyway. We’re all members of the same fan club. Have you heard of the band Souls on Board?”

  Jana lights up. “Oh yeah, they’re really good. I didn’t know you were a fan club member, Addy.”

  “Yep,” I say. “I joined online.” Ten minutes ago from Ember’s phone.

/>   Ember continues, “Well, Sam and I came out here from our hometowns. We bought tickets to their show in Phoenix for tomorrow night. When we got here, we thought we’d come meet Addy.” I take note of how she words her response. She’s good. Everything she said is the absolute truth. She bought the tickets from her smartphone right before coming in.

  “Oh, that’s wonderful. I’m so glad you did.” Mom smiles at her.

  We’re almost finished setting the table and Sam hasn’t returned yet. My mom asks me to go check that he’s not lost as she puts some rolls into a basket.

  I head through the living room, intending to go to the back of the house where the restroom is, but I stop when I see him in the entryway. He’s standing and looking at a painting hanging on the wall to the right of the front door. It’s hung over a side table where we drop our keys when we come in. I go and stand next to him and look up at the painting.

  It’s a portrait of my father in his uniform. We both stand there and look at it for a little while.

  “Did you do this?” he asks quietly. I look at him, but his pensive expression makes it hard to tell if he likes it or not.

  “Yeah. It’s not that great. I was only thirteen at the time. I know it’s pretty basic, but it was done at a time when I still had a clear image of him.” I study the picture too. I pass it every day, but it’s been a while since I actually looked at it.

  “It’s really good. You’re talented.” He indicates one of the items on the table directly below the picture. “Did he die in the line of duty?”

  I pick up my dad’s old police badge and run my thumb over the front of the shield. “No. Nothing like that.” I shake my head, a familiar frustration bubbling inside my gut. “He goes to work every day, puts himself in grave danger, risks his life, and he dies on the side of the road, in the middle of a rain storm.”

  He’s quiet for a moment. Then he asks, “What was he doing?”

  I sigh and look up at him. “He was driving me home from a party one night during a storm. He saw a neighbor of ours stranded on the side of the road, so he stops, gets out to help her, and some inexperienced teenage driver in a sports car comes barreling down the road and hydroplanes right into him.” It’s been four years, but it’s still painful to remember.

  “Adelaide, you should know something.” He takes his eyes off the painting and faces me. He looks at me with conviction in his eyes. “Your father is a hero. He did die in the line of duty.”

  I look back at him, puzzled.

  “Your father took an oath as a police officer. He vowed to serve and protect—not just in uniform, but always. It’s not only a career; it’s a way of life. And that’s exactly what he was doing that night. He saw someone in distress and he knew it was his duty to aid them. Your father’s a hero.”

  I’m speechless, and I fight back tears of shame. All I can do is stare back at him. Why did it take a stranger explaining this for me to understand? Of course my father died a hero. I feel the need to apologize for not realizing sooner. Gosh, I wasted so much time being angry.

  I was angry because I thought he had died doing some mundane task. I was angry because I knew he was worth a more heroic ending. I was so angry that I couldn’t see what was right in front of me the whole time.

  I open my mouth to say I’m sorry to Sam, but I realize he’s not who I need to apologize to. It’s the memory of my dad that I’ve wronged. I say a silent vow to never forget that he died trying to fulfill his oath. He died a hero’s death.

  “Thank you,” is all I can say to him. He nods almost imperceptibly and heads back in the direction of the kitchen. I follow him with my eyes. Does he know he’s helped heal the biggest hurt inside me? I think he must know. I don’t know how he can be so perceptive, but I’m overwhelmingly grateful to him.

  This must be what it takes to be a great leader. You heal your peoples’ wounds, and they will not only follow you but throw down their lives for you. I have no doubt that any and all of the Realmwakers would follow Sam into hell and back. And I’m beginning to see why.

  Chapter 8

  When we return, my mom insists we sit and let her serve us. She’s probably thrilled to finally meet some friends of mine who aren’t stuck up like Tori.

  “Mrs. Shepherd, your pot roast is the best I’ve had,” Sam says, making my mom’s day.

  She beams and waves her hand in a dismissive gesture. “Well, eat as much as you like then.”

  Jana has been watching Sam surreptitiously. I wonder if she’s as obvious to anyone else as she is to me, but I doubt Sam and Ember ever miss anything.

  Jana asks Sam, “So where are you two staying tonight?”

  Sam glances at Ember before he answers, and I know that in that quick look they’ve asked and answered an unspoken question. I can’t wait to know these people well enough to be able to have entire conversations with only a glance.

  “We’ll find a hotel nearby. Any recommendations?” he asks.

  Mom answers quickly, “Yes, I know the best place. It’s called the Casa de la Shepherd! And the best part about it is it’s free!”

  “No, ma’am,” Sam says adamantly. “We didn’t come here with intentions of burdening you and your family. I appreciate the offer, but we can stay in a hotel.”

  “Absolutely not. I simply won’t hear of it.” I’m surprised and grateful at my mom’s insistence.

  Sam points out, “Ma’am, you don’t know me from Adam-”

  “Are you implying I shouldn’t trust you?” Mom interrupts. Before Sam can say anything, she continues, “If I can’t trust you, a police officer, then whom can I trust?”

  What? I whip my head around to look at Sam. Did I miss something?

  Ember laughs. “Wow, that’s impressive, Mrs. Shepherd!”

  “What gave me away?” Sam asks her with a curious grin.

  “Well, when you’re married to a police officer for twenty-four years, you learn to spot the signs.” She seems proud of herself.

  “Your haircut, for one, is a fairly standard police cut. You’re in great shape. You walk and talk like a cop. Don’t worry—it’s not arrogance, just confidence,” she assures him. “And if all that weren’t enough, you give yourself away by presenting your left side when you greet people.” My mom smiles triumphantly.

  Jana looks confused. “What does that have to do with anything?”

  Sam laughs quietly and explains, “In the academy, they teach you to keep your gun side farthest away from individuals you encounter in the field. It makes it harder for them to grab your sidearm. After years in the field, I guess it’s been ingrained into my daily habits.”

  I understand now why Sam seemed passionate about my father and how he died. Knowing Sam has dedicated his life “top-side” to the same cause as my dad, and that he has taken the same oath, makes me feel closer to him.

  “Not only is he a police officer,” Ember brags, “but he’s the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT commander.”

  I’m completely impressed but not at all surprised that he leads such an important and dangerous task force.

  “Wow!” Jana coos. “That’s so cool! That’s pretty impressive for someone your age, right?”

  Sam shrugs. “No, it’s not really like that. I’m not THE commander. I’m a member of the command team. I still have people over me that I answer to.”

  Jana insists on not letting this go. I’m suspicious she’s really trying to get Sam’s age out of him. “Still, that’s amazing! How long have you been a police officer?”

  He takes a big bite of food to avoid answering, so Ember answers for him. “It’s been, three years, right?”

  Sam nods his head “yes.” I try not to laugh. I can practically see Jana doing the math in her head.

  “So you’re what, twenty-four? You have to be at least twenty-one to join the force, right?” she persists.

  Again, Sam nods his head.

  “Wow. Twenty-four and leading SWAT. I’d definitely call that an accomplishment.�
�� I’m sure Jana thinks she’s endearing herself to him by singing his praises, but I have the feeling she’s only making him uncomfortable. I try to change the subject for his sake.

  “I’ve got a grandmother in Glendale. I go there every summer to visit. We go to L.A. nearly every day that I’m there. It’s my favorite city—away from here that is.”

  Sam gives me a quick look of appreciation before saying, “Yeah, it’s a great city. I’ve lived there a while now.”

  We continue the small talk and learn a little more about Ember. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska. She’s seventeen and graduates from high school next Friday. Her passion is animals and she wants to study animal behavior at UCLA. Her dream would be to tame and train exotic animals. I have every reason to believe that she can do anything she sets out to.

  As Jana and I are clearing the table, my mom asserts one last time that Sam and Ember are to be our guests and that she won’t accept “no” for an answer. They both agree to stay and thank her for her kindness. Jana’s thrilled that they (mostly Sam) will be staying. She asks if anyone’s interested in playing a board game and Ember picks Pictionary.

  Sam immediately points at me. “I get the artist.”

  “Hey, that’s no fair! I didn’t know Addy was an artist!” Ember pouts. She isn’t the only one put out about it either.

  Jana tries to hide her disappointment at not being on Sam’s team. “It’s all right, Ember. We’ll kick their butts.”

  The rest of the evening is spent playing Pictionary and other fun guessing games like Charades and Taboo. Ember proves to be hilarious and keeps us all in stitches. Even the ever-serious Sam seems to be having a good time. I get the feeling that seeing him this way is a rare treat. I’m glad to see that even though these two live dangerous lives in Chaos, they seem like normal, unaffected people. I try to memorize every detail about tonight to add it to the collection of precious memories I keep in my heart.