Eternal Existence by R,.Lynn Archie

Eternal Existence by R. Lynn Archie

Prologue

Ariana’s eyes opened wide to the darkness of the room. She could sense that something was off. Slowly, she pulled herself up against the headboard as she listened carefully and scanned her surroundings. Her eyes focused on the window lit by the full moon. The curtains swayed gently from the evening breeze. Her heart froze and she was suddenly paralyzed with fear.

I shut that window before I got in bed, I’m sure of it, she thought.

She heard nothing but the wind, but she sensed she was not alone. Goose bumps rose on her chilled skin. She kept her eyes glued to the curtain covering a doorway leading to her office. She was horrified when she spied two red glowing objects no bigger than peas that appeared suddenly from behind the curtain.

There was nothing but darkness and the floating red orbs. She gasped and held her breath as fear took over. Her heart pounded harder than ever as she watched a figure slink slowly toward her. Abruptly the curtain was ripped away. The figure stood above her and she could see now that the two orbs were eyes. It was a man and he was tall, maybe six and a half feet. His clothing looked wet and heavy.

His long, dark hair covered most of his face and when he snarled at her she saw two pointed teeth protruding from his mouth. She realized she was holding her breath and took in a loud gulp of air. She tried to scream, but nothing came out! Before she could make a sound the fiend was on top of her as he covered her mouth with his own.

A muffled sound escaped her lips as she realized with complete disgust why his clothes were wet and heavy. Enormous tears streamed down her face. She could smell the blood that drenched him as he held her down. His bright red eyes blazed into hers as her willpower faded to nothing. She was completely vulnerable and she realized she was going to die. She tasted the coppery blood that soaked her lips.

“I have compelled you and you will not scream or move,” he said. “I’ve waited a long time for you.”

“I don’t understand,” she whimpered. “I’m not alone, I have roommates and they’ll come and check on me.”

She cringed as he laughed wickedly. “Really? I don’t think so,” he stated so surely.

They will come, she thought. Then, with horror, she understood where the blood soaking the monster’s clothing must have come from.

“Why are you soaked in blood?’ she whispered.

He laughed again, “Do you really want to know? Or have you already figured it out?”

“You bastard!” she cried, already mourning the loss of her friends.

He smiled even wider at the sight of her tears. It was pleasurable for him to see her in pain.

“I hope you go to hell!” she screamed.

“If I do, Ariana, know that you’ll be with me,” he said, his face close to hers. She could smell the scent of warm, fresh blood, and though she wanted to be repulsed, she found herself oddly attracted to it.

She stared up at him in disbelief and confusion, “How?” was all that she could get out before he silenced her.

“Enough! I’m tired of playing with you, it’s time,” he growled.

She didn't fight him as he tilted her head to the side and his pointed teeth ripped into her tender neck. There was excruciating pain, and then came the blackness.

“Ariana, Ariana, wake up!” screamed Ariana’s roommate, Leora. “You’re having that dream again.”

Chapter I - Precursory

Leora Randell and Scott Parker had been childhood friends of Ariana since middle school. They vowed to always be there for one another and stayed true to that pact by moving in together after they graduated from high school.

Scott’s dad owned real estate and they practically lived at each other’s home anyway, so he offered them a really good deal. He would provide free room and board at one of his condos while they attended college, but the stipulation was that they had to pay all utilities and maintain an A average.

Two months after graduation they would then be required to pay monthly rent if they wanted to continue their residence. They all worked and could definitely handle the bills, so with a sweet deal like that of course they jumped on it.

Scott stood in the doorway of the kitchen as he spoke to Leora, “Hey Lee, I don’t have time to check on Ana, I’m running late this morning. I heard her scream this morning, is everything all right?”

“She’s ok, go, I got it covered,” she said as she poured a cup of coffee.

“Ok good, gotta run and don't forget tonight dinner is on me!” he yelled as he rushed out the door.

Leora took a sip from the mug and sat it down on the counter. She walked down the hallway to Ariana’s room, only to find her still in bed. “Hey Ana, aren’t you going to work today?”

The sheet covered her face as she spoke, “I don’t feel that great today,” she moaned.

Leora marched over and pulled the fabric away. She used the back of her hand and felt Ariana’s forehead. “Well you don’t have a fever but you look like shit.”

“Thanks a lot Lee,” she sighed.

Leora could tell that Ariana had a rough night. Dark circles displayed under her eyes and she appeared exhausted. It was quite normal for Ariana to experience nights like this but normally she sprung back quickly.

“Awww sweetie, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that you look really tired,” she explained. “I’m not used to seeing you like this in the morning; was it a bad one this time?”

Ariana decided to downplay the dream; she didn’t want Leora to be concerned and even the mere thought of it sent sudden fear to her inner core. “No, same old thing, so stop worrying, ok? I just need rest so I’m staying home, that’s all.”

Leora gave her a concerned gaze, not really persuaded at all. Fortunately for Ariana she dropped the conversation for the time being, only because she had to get to work.

“Ok Ana, I hope you feel better,” she bent down and hugged her before she left.

Finally alone she turned on her side and curled up on her pillow. It was daylight and if she wanted to get any sleep she would have to take advantage while she still could. One thing she noticed was that the disturbing images that invaded her dreams seemed to only happen in the evening. This turnabout transpired right after her 24th birthday and had occurred constantly the past four months.

In addition to that, she had been having the same dream repeatedly evening after evening. Only this time it was more dramatic and it unlocked something fresh into the picture. She wanted to rationalize it but she was so tired she could not think straight. The more she tried the further her eyelids lowered; it was a knockout and sleep won the battle.

About seven hours later Scott returned home only to find Ariana sound asleep in bed. “Hey sleepy head, what are you doing home?”

Half awake she rubbed her eyes and stared up at him, “Scotty, what time is it?”

“Umm, 4:00 p.m. and you still have not answered my question.”

She sighed, “I felt exhausted so I stayed home.”

“Ahhh, I see. How are you now?”

“Much better, I’m all refueled,” she yawned between words.

He laughed, “You call that refueled, huh?”

She rolled her eyes at him and pointed at the door for him to go.

“Fine I’m out of here but Lee will be home in 30 minutes. I want you up, showered and dressed by the time she gets here,” he ordered.

She frowned, “Scotty ...” she started but was cut short.

“No Ana, no protesting today, 30 minutes! I’m taking my girls out for some grub and beer, so get ready.” That was all she heard as he vanished into the hallway.

Pizza, wings, and beer ended up being the course of dinner for the evening. Ariana was actually glad to have gone and she enjoyed being with her friends immensely. Before they left, she excused herself to go to the ladies room; the beer had started to take effect on her bladder.

She walked to the bathroom and as her purse slipped down her shoulder she fumbled with it. She was a bit tipsy and bumped into someone coming from the opposite direction. She looked up to apologize and there before her stood the most striking face that she had ever seen in her life. He was gorgeous.

“Excuse me, I’m so sorry,” he smiled and his cheekbones defined his face perfectly.

She was flabbergasted for a second, “Umm...No, I’m the one that should apologize, the fault is all mine,” her words fumbled out. She was mesmerized by his lovely cappuccino colored eyes. His hair was dark brown and cut into a chic short, symmetrical-layered style that hung unrestricted across his brow. He ran his hand through his mane to comb it back only to have it restore itself slovenly out of place.

Damn he looks hot, she thought.

“It’s quite all right, really,” he smiled again.

The alcohol took effect; she felt her knees go weak and stumbled toward him. He quickly anchored himself and caught her, and when her arm touched his skin something took place.

This wonderful wave of seventh heaven spread through her, and although it could not be possible, it felt as though his aura penetrated into every crevice of her soul. She could not explain why she felt the way she did, but before she knew it her arms were wrapped tightly around him. Her lips brushed against his and she could feel the warmth of his breath against her mouth.

She closed her eyes, pressed into him softly and kissed him. The kiss was exhilarating and he reciprocated with enthusiasm. She wasn’t prepared for what she saw when she reopened her eyes.

His cappuccino pupils shimmered bright and the next thing she knew her lips were near his open neck. She yearned for the wonderful aroma beneath his skin. At that very moment her lips parted and her teeth grazed him, then all of a sudden she heard her name called and snapped out of her trance. Without much thought she instantaneously let go of him and stood there very confused.

“Ana, Ariana, you in here?” she heard Leora call out.

She had not realized it before but they were no longer in the public hallway. Instead they were secured from view in a closed-off empty storage room.

She reluctantly turned away from him for a second to respond. “Lee, I’m in here, hold on a second!” she shouted. However, when she turned around again to face him he was gone.

The ride home was short and as soon as she walked through the front door, Ariana kicked off her sandals. Leora and Scott, closely behind her, watched to make sure she didn’t tumble. Her head was still clouded, however her thoughts stayed focused on the stranger.

“Ana, are you ok?” Scotty asked.

“Just peachy...well maybe a little drunk,” she laughed.

“Yeah maybe a little, come on you, let’s get you ready for bed,” Leora said as she wrapped her arm around Ariana’s waist for support.

“Thanks for dinner Scotty,” she slurred.

He chuckled, “Anytime Ana, sweet dreams my dear friend.”

Leora ushered her forward and as she neared Scott, she saluted him, “Will do, sir,” she smiled.

“She will be fine,” Leora silently mouthed to Scott. He smiled.

As they stood in Ariana’s room Leora turned to face her, “Ana, I can’t believe you drank so much, that’s so not like you at all.”

Ariana hiccupped, “Oh, excuse me. Ummm, you’re right, I don’t know either.”

There would be no sensible discussion tonight and Ariana needed to rest. She had worn a pair of jeans and a pink T-shirt. Leora had her out of them in no time at all. It was May and a warm night so if she wore her bra and panties to bed it would be acceptable.

Leora placed her in bed then kissed the top of her head, “Good night Ana,” she said as she closed the door on her way out.

Ariana laid there half-awake and thought of the encounter with the stranger at the restaurant. Where did he go? Who was he? Why did I act the way I did? echoed in her mind. Before she knew it her eyes had closed.

***

“Judas, tell me what happened.”

“She’s everything you said she would be and of what I clearly remember from my own recollection,” he said, all lit up as he discussed Ariana, “she’s stunning and her hair is longer now, dark brown and wavy as it flows across her shoulders.”

He thought, Damn she’s sexy as hell and that T- shirt really flaunted her...

“Judas, enough, I don’t want to hear your thoughts,” Kirsten shot out.

“Oh,” he laughed. “Sorry, well looking at her you could never tell what she is.”

“That’s actually a good thing for her; otherwise, I don’t think she would have made it as long as she has without being found. Was your connection with her completed?”

He nodded. “Yes, it went rather more smoothly than what I had anticipated.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, as soon as she touched me our unification sealed immediately. She felt what I did and she saw it in my eyes. The combination of all of that was quick and her natural instincts took over. Had we not been interrupted by her friend the deed would have been finalized, but more importantly, I am now in sync with her.”

Kirsten looked pleased. “Yes, there will be time for that later. But at least now the process has started. Her transformation should progress rapidly, which is good because Luthen will be trying very hard to pinpoint her.”

 “I won’t let him harm her!” he stressed as he pounded his fist on a table.

She looked at him and sympathized, “I realize your bond has intensified beyond anything you ever imagined, but you have to keep a clear head my son. She means a lot to both of us.”

He nodded, “Yes you’re right mother. I’m sorry, as the hours move forward I will adjust and be vigilant, don’t worry.”

“I know you will Judas. Now go rest, she will need you tonight.”

Ariana tossed and turned as her repetitious dream performed in her head. But something was off, things looked the same but it felt altered. As she scanned around it was as if she were sealed up tight, almost like being in a bubble of some kind. The darkness, the open window and the covered doorway, they were all there. The only thing missing was the fiend who had attacked her the previous night.

For the first time in months she felt comfortable. Her awareness went back to the doorway and where she had seen those crimson eyes that glowed, only this time an emblem was displayed. It appeared very familiar only she couldn’t recall where she had seen it. The more she stared the brighter it got and the luminous light that it gave off was so familiar. It calmed her and made her feel protected and soothed.

Her attention stayed fastened on the lighted emblem. If she didn’t know better she would have sworn that it was communicating with her. She clutched her pillow and embraced it tightly as she drifted off into a deep state of unconsciousness. Throughout the night she repeatedly mumbled something; she slept peacefully for the first time ever.