Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles Read Online Free PDF

Even within its proximity, the memories of finding her supine form, her hair a copper halo giving the illusion of spilled blood and a Vampire ’ s mark upon her neck, threatened to fell him. Instead he stood in an attempt to still his tremors before it was time to re-enter the world of the Chosen.
    Notus ’ hand alighted on his crossed arms and he opened his eyes to look down on concerned hazel staring back at him. He tried to offer a smile of reassurance, but failed, his crimson eyes filling. His Chooser knew what this cost him and what payment that could still be demanded. Taking a shuddering breath, he swallowed. He did not need to open himself further to Notus. It was hard enough seeing the monk so concerned.
    Soon they would enter the building that had held Notus hostage, exsanguinated and crucified. Where Bastia, Mistress of Vampires, had fooled the Chosen into complacency as Katherine, Mistress of the Chosen of Britain, all the while exacting genocide on those she ruled. It was the place that had started the quest that had bound Fernando and he into discovering the deadly spice and the truth that Vampires did exist as a separate species from the Chosen – that Vampires sought the death of every Chosen. It was this circumstance that thrust Jeanie further into his life, uncovering his true nature, yet still accepting him enough so that love finally took roo t. It was here that sparked nightmares of his own torture at the hands of Violet, and worse the despair of Jeanie ’ s murder by a Vampire.
    Staring up at the theatre that was now the Courthouse of the Chosen of Britain, he tried to collect the tattered remains of what he was – the Angel. He squared his shoulders as best as his ruined back could allow and nodded to Notus.
    It was time to stand before the first Grand Council of the   Chosen in remembered history and give testimony to the truth that Vampires did exist and how the Chosen had foolishly        believed that they had been the ones labelled as such by the mortals. Uncrossing his arms, he carefully walked up stone steps that threatened to buckle his left leg from under him and entered through the large double doors.
    Several Chosen milled in the antechamber, their surprise and curiosity flowed over him as he and Notus entered. He did his best to quell the anxiety that promised to spill out to encompass them. This newfound ability, borne from his torture, was difficult to master, no matter how Notus tried to help.
    Silence befell the large room lit only with gloaming candlelight from the chandelier. The gruesome paintings that had hung when the Vampires had ruled over the Chosen were now gone, leaving darkened patches against mahogany wainscoting. Only one canvass remained – the depiction of a devil subduing an angel with his wing horribly ripped off and terror written across his beautiful face.
    His attention caught by the painting, he heard, rather than witnessed, the other Chosen move through the oak doors into the audience hall. Their nervousness scraped at him, adding to his anxiety.
    “ It ’ s almost time, my boy, ” whispered Notus.
    Unable to relinquish his gaze, he could only nod. Fernando, Bridget, Notus and he knew what most likely would occur if   everything went well, but if it did not, then it was up to him to show the true damage the Vampires had caused to the Chosen. He also knew that if it came to pass, the other Masters and Mistresses would demand his Destruction and it would be Fernando and Bridget fighting to keep him alive. It was a responsibility that he never wanted them to have.
    Are you sure that you wish to go through with this? Sent Notus.
    A frown turned down the corners of his full lips. I don ’ t have a choice .
    The monk caught his worried gaze. You always have a choice. You are Chosen.
    “ Am I? ” he replied and then turned to enter the theatre and the Grand Council waiting within. He did not wait to hear Notus ’   reply, but he felt his Chooser ’