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Destroyer of Shadows (Scarlet Rain Series, Book 4): Scarlet Rain, #4
Destroyer of Shadows (Scarlet Rain Series, Book 4): Scarlet Rain, #4
Destroyer of Shadows (Scarlet Rain Series, Book 4): Scarlet Rain, #4
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Destroyer of Shadows (Scarlet Rain Series, Book 4): Scarlet Rain, #4

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The end is here.


After three decades of rule under the horrific treatment of the vampires, a new evil has been brought into the world. Kanesis, the vampire god. He wants the world, and his Shadows—the double-crossers who have toyed with the rebels to gain their freedom—will do anything for him to achieve it.


The Rebellion has a new cause to fight, and old enemies and new friends must bond together to beat back the coming tide. Blood will be shed on all sides, but will the end justify the means? The rebels flee to Scotland to find an answer on how to end Kanesis, but their journey will test their limits, and pull a family, created by the harshness of their past, apart.


The end of one world draws to a close, and a new world is being born…but whose world will it be?

LanguageEnglish
PublisherIsara Press
Release dateJan 14, 2015
ISBN9781507058374
Destroyer of Shadows (Scarlet Rain Series, Book 4): Scarlet Rain, #4

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    Destroyer of Shadows (Scarlet Rain Series, Book 4) - Miranda Stork

    Destroyer of Shadows

    Miranda Stork

    Published by Isara Press

    Copyright © Miranda Stork 2015-2016

    The right of Miranda Stork to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

    All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

    All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers; Isara Press.

    ––––––––

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    Dedication

    To all of my readers, who have kept on reading, despite the numerous and cruel cliffhangers of most of my books. I’d also like you to know that my private title for this book was, ‘The One Where Everybody Dies’. Hehehe!

    Seriously, I love you guys.

    The Scarlet Rain Series

    Vigilante of Shadows (Book 1)

    Keeper of Shadows (Book 2)

    Creator of Shadows (Book 3)

    Destroyer of Shadows (Book 4)

    Chapter One

    The wind was colder than it had been, despite the fires far in the distance. Psyche stared out over the horizon of the hills, squinting as though it would make her see closer and beyond the landscape. The sky above was a myriad of dark greys, casting the dips and valleys of the countryside below into darkness and hidden shadows. The green of the grass looked dark and sickly against the bare trees in the grip of winter, two lonely ravens cawing at one another as they raced one another back to their nest. Psyche ran her hands over her arms, shivering against the cold in her thin sweater, her stormy grey eyes filled with disappointment. There was no time to enjoy the scenery when Kanesis was only a few hundred miles away in New London, burning and tearing apart every last remnant of humanity that had existed.

    At least we saved some time in getting here, Psyche reminded herself, gazing over towards some rusty, disused train tracks further down the hill. Getting to the borders of Scotland would have taken them days if they hadn’t come across an old railway carriage, not far from the human rebels’ town. A little magic from Andred, and she had managed to power the creaking rust-bucket as far as they had come, before she had grown too tired. A smile passed over Psyche’s lips like a ghost. I suppose everyone must have travelled like that years ago. It was amazing, going as fast as the wind. Except for that moment when Deron stuck his head out of the window and almost got his dreads caught in a passing tree. She sniggered, the moment of mirth temporarily overcoming her fear at the situation. The laughter died away as she looked over at the distant hills again, her stomach twisting at the thought of what was happening on the other side of them.

    This is no good, she muttered to herself. I have to know what’s going on. Bringing her hands up in front of her face, gazing down into the work-calloused palms, she rubbed her fingers together. Power snapped like taut elastic bands inside her body, tiny sparks leaping along her arms in a rush into her waiting hands. A deep purple glow grew around her fingers, and she willed the magic into something more substantial that she could hold onto, weaving together the strands of power as she concentrated on what she wanted to see the most—New London. There was a tinkle of silver bells, and the aura around her hands jumped together into a small cycle of energy, purple streams chasing one another as an image rippled in the centre of the portal.

    Heaving a relaxing sigh as she let her muscles ease again, Psyche peered forwards into the image, her eyes flickering back and forth as she tried to make sense of the shapes. The disjointed pictures finally came together, and she clapped a hand over her mouth in horror. It was a landscape of fire and hell, orange flames licking at every building and corner, screams echoing out into the darkness beyond the heat. Shadowy figures who were no longer Shadows marched around in their uniformed clone bodies, slicing and hacking at anyone who ran in their way. And at the centre of it all was Kanesis, his leathery wings beating loudly as he fanned the flames, roaring into the night as he tore open bodies in search of more blood. Psyche’s eyes prickled with unshed tears as she took in the devastation, her chest tightening as she fought against the urge to throw up. Before she could push further, hisses and sinister giggles travelled through the clogged air, and black, clawed fingers pulled at the edges of her portal, slamming it closed.

    Psyche pushed herself away rapidly, gasping for air as she scrabbled back along the wet grass. The portal spun furiously before sinking into itself and disappearing with a loud pop, leaving only purple wisps of energy that floated off into the atmosphere. Breathing heavily, Psyche squeezed her eyes shut, leaning her head forwards into her knees. The Shadows. They closed it, knowing I was watching them. How the hell did they do that? Looking up again, Psyche rubbed at her tired face, letting out a shuddering breath. Why us? she murmured. Why this place? Why Britain? There must be a link.

    There probably is, but bugger me if I can work it out.

    The sound of Andred’s voice made Psyche twist her head back to see the goddess striding over, her long blond hair twisted back in a neat plait. Giving her a wave, Psyche replied, Me either. There’s more chance of us finding out this is all a dream.

    That actually happened to me once, Andred frowned, coming to ease herself down next to Psyche. The folds of her long white skirt whispered alongside each other as she sat on the damp ground, revealing the black leather of her army boots beneath. Hooking her arms over her knees, she gave Psyche a wry sideways look with her piercing blue eyes, giving her a wink. I thought I was in the middle of Alexandria, buying figs as Cleopatra swept past in her procession, but it turned out I’d just eaten too much cheese the night before. A low breath left her lips as her shoulders sagged with worry. No such luck with all this, of course. And to top it off, I can’t get through to anyone in the Otherworld. It’s like trying to send smoke signals in a dark room. Her head turned sharply as she sniffed the air, and her arms linked tighter as she gave Psyche a searching look. You, er...you didn’t have a little portal going here, did you?

    The young Weaver’s cheeks flushed red as she looked down at the same hands that had created the portal, clasping them tightly closed as she gave a short nod, biting her lip with shame. Yes. Sorry. I know I’m not supposed to, but I hate not knowing what’s going on down there. We must have got here faster than Harold and Melinda could have, and I’m worried about her. Psyche closed her eyes, the black hole of worry in her gut swirling. I know she’s a pain in the backside, and about as much help as a kettle made of ice, but I’ve always looked after her. She was my little sister, in a way, even if we weren’t sisters by blood. And you can’t choose who your siblings are.

    Andred’s expression softened, and she put an arm out to wrap it around Psyche’s shoulders, squeezing her in close. I understand that. She is part of our makeshift family, even if she’s not as strong as us. The arm loosened, and the goddess leaned back, taking in a deep breath of the rain-scented air. But the fact remains that you can’t open portals. We can’t risk it. The Shadows might be able to use one to find us, and then we’re back to square one.

    The two women sat in silence for a moment, and Psyche turned to stare back at the small camp the rebels had set up. Aodhan and Arianwen were doling out the food, Michael going around the group with a bottle of water for their cups. Emma really had done as she promised, giving them enough supplies to take them to Scotland and beyond. Psyche’s heart sank in her chest as she remembered Emma’s refusal to follow them with the other humans, though. She had argued that whatever came, they were not going to run—they were going to fight, however hopeless. Some of the humans had left on their own after her agreement though, running off into the wilderness of Britain to try and find their own way, and hopefully safety.

    Her attention whipped back to the group as Deron stood up sharply, striding away a few paces to light a cigarette. He took a long drag, staring off into space. The death of Glen had hit them all hard, but Michael and Deron most of all. He had been like a son to them both, and they hadn’t even had time to give him a proper burial. It had been a week since they had left New London, and the pain was still as fresh. And Melinda. How must she be feeling? When I get hold of Harold, I’m going to rip him apart and fling him through a portal to Kanesis himself.

    Torolf and Vladimir were sat together in deep conversation, both gazing over towards Psyche and Andred in concern. A smile curved Psyche’s lips as she caught a glance at her handsome werewolf, the smile threatening to turn into a grin as she shifted to look at Vladimir staring over at Andred. It was obvious he had feelings for the goddess—feelings that were reciprocated—but neither of them had made a move yet. Inghard and Fiona fell into that category too. Psyche twisted the other way to take in the sight of the brave clone offering the human woman some of his meal. They were sat close together, talking rapidly to one another. But Inghard’s eyes never left Fiona’s face. He was like a lovesick puppy. Rekeda was sat by herself in the centre of the group, people-watching as much as the young Weaver was, taking in each conversation as though storing it away for later, in case it should happen to be useful for them. She ate slowly, as though each bite might explode on her tongue. The Dansu still wasn’t sure about being able to behave with a corporeal form yet.

    Pasyche turned back to the green landscape spread out before them like a thick carpet, letting out a gentle sigh, clasping her hands together tightly. If only we knew what to do. We’re flying blindly in a direction, hoping to find the answer. But the only one really in control at this moment...is Kanesis and the Shadows.

    A growl reverberated through the air as Kanesis descended upon a small, terrified group of humans. He landed heavily, his clawed feet stamping against the broken concrete below so hard that dust cascaded out in a thick sheet. The burning heat from the nearby buildings thrilled him to his core, and he grinned maliciously at the destruction, a structure creaking as it gave way beneath the assault on its plaster and steel frame. The humans shrank back in horror at his smile, piercing screams ripping through the air as he took a deliberate step forwards. Delicious. Their blood is always so much more potent when they’re petrified. Clacking his long talons together, Kanesis reached down for the humans, snatching the three of them up in his large hands. One of them was a woman, but the other two were men. Kanesis huffed at his own observations as they attempted to wriggle themselves free. He didn’t care what gender they were. No one considered the gender of their food so long as it was tasty.

    Finally tiring of their pleas and cries for help, he bent his great head and sank his fangs into their flesh. It was like a light going off in his brain, sparks flying through the sky in a tremendous fireworks display. Their blood ran along his tongue, soaking into every tastebud and sending his senses into a frenzy. It was fire and magic and rich wine all at once—and he was sure that one of them had been taking some kind of drug, due to the buzz he got off it. Kanesis dropped the limp humans to the ground, tossing them aside as he wiped the back of his hand over his mouth, licking languidly at his long teeth. I can never get enough of that taste. There isn’t enough blood in the world to quench my thirst, but I’ll have fun trying, anyway. A grin stretched over his features, his dark eyes lit with malice.

    He glanced up, over towards the corrugated steel structure only a few hundred metres away. When he and his Shadows had crossed the river, they had whispered to him about how it was a town built by humans, the last of their rebellion. Even if I can’t get to the immortals yet, I can certainly take care of this lot. His dark eyes roved across the upper battlements of the makeshift ‘town’, spotting the points where a human was placed with a long sniper gun. Kanesis laughed loudly, the sound echoing across the barren landscape. Guns were little more than plastic toys to him, and the humans behind them weren’t much better. He gazed over his shoulder, towards the march of the army following him. His Shadows, in their new vampire clone bodies. Each one was in the same grey uniform, their red eyes gleaming with renewed purpose as they marched steadily towards the waiting humans, their fangs sliding out in readiness. That fool of a demon actually believed they were his. To believe something you know nothing about is yours is madness.

    He beat his wings heavily, clearing the air around him as he took in a deep breath. I love that scent. Kanesis closed his eyelids appreciatively. War. Snapping his eyes open again, he strode forwards heavily with thousands of his vampyric Shadows behind him, focussing on the badly painted sign above the large gates of the makeshift town ahead. Some of the letters had been blotted out with thick black paint hastily thrown over it—as though it would hide them being there—but he could make out the words ‘Elephant’ and ‘Castle’. The first of the shots rang through the air as one of the humans fired too early, and he felt a mild sting against his ear as the bullet missed him by inches. Not that it matters if it sinks straight through. I am not a run-of-the-mill vampire. I am a god.

    Kanesis grit his teeth as he broke into a dead run, flapping his leathery wings hard. His footsteps thundered along the ground as his undead soldiers followed suit, racing faster towards the metal gates. With a final heavy flap, Kanesis rose into the sky, spreading his wings out and gliding along towards the battlements. To his delight, the humans atop the structure with sniper guns didn’t flee in terror, but simply took aim and shot as one. Six tiny flashes of light burst from the ends of the barrels, six bullets sinking into his flesh. Kanesis ground his teeth at the annoyance, bending to use his talons and pick the pieces of lead out. Irritating vermin, he growled, spinning himself around. Dropping into a steep dive, he swept towards them, knocking two humans flying from the top of the wall

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