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    Reclamation
    Reclamation
    Reclamation
    Ebook405 pages4 hours

    Reclamation

    By S. Usher Evans

    ()

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    About this ebook

    From award-winning author S. Usher Evans comes a smashing continuation of her bestselling urban fantasy series. Picking up six months after the Demon Spring trilogy, the Demon Fall trilogy will leave readers guessing alongside our main characters as they explore the new reality of demons and humans.

    Anya's worst fears have been realized. After making a potentially world-altering mistake, she struggles to clean up her mess--and doesn't want to tell Jack, Cam, or Lotan. In the human world, the aftershocks of the new world order continue to rattle even the most hardened demon hunters. Old alliances are broken while new ones falter in new chaos - and Anya is the number one suspect. But Jack refuses to believe she's become the monster they say she is and would move heaven and earth to prove it.

    The final chapter in the Demon Spring / Demon Fall series will shock and surprise readers, keeping them on the edge of their seat until the very end.

    The Demon Fall trilogy is a spin-off series in the Demon Spring universe. It is strongly recommended that readers begin with the Demon Spring series prior to starting this one.
    Content warning for adult situations, depression, and suicide.
    The Demon Spring Series
    Demon Spring
    1. Resurgence
    2. Revival
    3. Redemption

    Demon Fall
    4. Reawakening
    5. Resurrection
    6. Reclamation

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherS. Usher Evans
    Release dateJul 27, 2021
    ISBN9781945438455
    Reclamation
    Author

    S. Usher Evans

    S. Usher Evans is an author, blogger, and witty banter aficionado. Born in Pensacola, Florida, she left the sleepy town behind for the fast-paced world of Washington, D.C.. There, she somehow landed jobs with BBC, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Television before finally settling into a “real job” as an IT consultant. After a quarter life crisis at age 27, she decided consulting was for the birds and rekindled a childhood passion for writing novels. She sold everything she owned and moved back to Pensacola, where she currently resides with her two dogs, Zoe and Mr. Biscuit.Evans is the author of the Razia series and Empath, both published by Sun’s Golden Ray Publishing.

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      Book preview

      Reclamation - S. Usher Evans

      CHAPTER ONE

      Bael, Master of the Underworld, Lord of the Mountain, emperor of all he surveyed, the original athtar demon, stood still as stone, watching the events of the past two years unfold before him in fast motion. He had a lot to catch up on, after all—since he'd been dead for the past year.

      He wasn't resurrected, necessarily. More like given a wonderful gift from his beautiful Lady of the Mountain. He'd seen her traveling through the time river before, first alone, then with the nox prince Lotan. It had been surprising; the only athtar who'd ever known about the time river was Diogo, and his power limited him to a few minutes in the past. Bael had kept his distance for the most part. But when he'd seen his beloved Anat in the river once more, watching their daughter Asherah, he knew he had to speak to her.

      It was unique to see his own magic in someone else's body, to look at Anat and not feel her emotions through their connection. But there had been something else as well, a whisper of a hunch that if he held onto her magic, he might be able to skip over his fate and land in her time. In the future. And he, of course, was right.

      His first order of business was to orient himself. As he'd always predicted, his demise had led to a chaotic future. The balance between humans and demons had been completely upset. A nox of all people (not even a nox belu, just a regular spawn), had thought he could take Bael's place as king of the demons. And poor Anat, too weak to do the hard thing.

      Knowing the present, Bael had gone back to the past, viewing the events that had occurred. Time continued to flow as if he'd never left: from the moment Bael had taken Jackson Grenard, to Anat spawning with Camilla Macarro and their romp through the Underworld. The buildup of the war that would eventually end his life.

      It was heartbreaking, to say the least, to watch Anat pick up Sharur, the sword he'd given her, and use it against him. For thousands of years, he'd considered Anat more than an ally. A lover, a partner. The mother of his child. The other half of his soul. But with one swing of that bejeweled blade, she'd ended any illusion that she felt the same. She'd been poisoned against him, listening to falsehoods and lies spouted by that human, Jackson Grenard.

      Bael wasn't a vindictive man, and it hurt him just the same to watch her struggle after returning to the human world. Her human wasn't of any help; he had no idea how to manage Anat's mood swings and dark places the way Bael did. Her downward spiral continued until she reached a dark place even Bael had never seen her go.

      Then something changed. The nox prince Lotan had been stolen by his own pack, and while Jack was gone with his human partner, Anat had been given a gift. The knowledge that an athtar was still alive.

      Bael watched her absorb the magic with a little pride—at himself. Even in death, his plans could not be stopped. Diogo had retained his magic, just as Bael had always intended, and had been the one to guide Anat to the Underworld to retrieve the belu magic. And now, it seemed, his plan had come full circle. For had she not been the one to retrieve the magic, Bael never would've been sitting in this bustling cafe in the human world after his own death.

      But that world was no longer his. There were anti-athtar talismans everywhere, which had proven useless against an onslaught of angry demons who'd wreaked havoc on hundreds of cities. Anat had managed to quell the riots by moving the demons back to the Underworld, but it was a temporary measure. The humans would want revenge, the demons would want their own, and poor Anat was in over her head.

      Bael was the only one who could bring order back to this world. And if everything went according to plan, his beloved Anat would rule by his side once more.

      Elonsi was dusty, and never a place Bael enjoyed visiting. Now, of course, it was filled with eloko demons, many of whom were still confused as to how they'd ended up here. Perhaps a day ago, they were fighting in the streets, massacring humans. The next moment, they were here. Undoubtedly, quite jarring for them.

      Their belu, Biloko, was in the middle of a crowd of shouting demons, doing his best to calm their fears and promise he would return them to their homes as soon as possible.

      I will speak to the belu athtar, he said, waving his hands to try to keep the elokos calm. I'm sure she can be reasoned with.

      "Or perhaps you can speak with the real belu athtar." Bael's voice rang out across the group, and it pleased him to see his memory hadn't been forgotten. Every eloko seemed to wear the same mask of disbelief and fear, and Biloko himself paled five shades.

      B-Bael? he croaked, taking a hesitant step back. "What are you doing here? How?"

      I'm just returning to see my old friend, Bael said, walking through the parting crowd. We are still friends, are we not?

      This isn't possible, Biloko breathed, shaking his head. Anat killed you.

      So she did, Bael said. And you did nothing to stop her.

      I was—

      Hiding in your hut like a scared little boy while your spawn fought your battles for you? Bael said, his voice low and even as he came closer. It is a shame that I placed my faith in someone so cowardly. What might've happened had you been there to help?

      Biloko swallowed hard. I meant no disrespect, my lord. You asked me to steer clear, so I was merely following orders.

      Bael had no idea whether that was true or not; he'd skipped over the more boring parts immediately preceding his death. But it didn't matter. The time was near for a cleansing.

      Bael turned around, gazing out across the elokos and searching their faces. He didn't care for the powerful among them, not when the balance was about to shift completely. He was after something else.

      I need to know who amongst you will swear fealty to me, Bael said, his voice carrying across the silent land.

      W-what? Biloko began, but Bael froze time around the belu, leaving him motionless—and more importantly, quiet.

      I have seen what the humans have done in my absence, Bael said, walking out amongst the crowd. They have abused their powers and killed innocent demon lords. Upset the balance of power in this world and theirs. My poor Anat cannot seem to do what needs to be done. He smiled. But fear not, my friends, your king has returned.

      Nervousness rustled through the crowd, and Bael saw hearts turning in his direction.

      Whoever amongst you will swear yourself to me before Biloko, step forward.

      And what if we don't? a rather short man in the front asked.

      Then you shall remain here, with your belu, Bael said with a smile.

      The crowd murmured, but a few brave souls stepped forward.

      The first to reach Bael fell to her knee. I swear my fealty to you, Lord Bael.

      Then you, Bael said, reaching down to lift her to stand, shall be my first.

      The numbers were not as great as he might've hoped; perhaps twenty elokos pledged themselves to Bael. But really, he only needed one.

      Very well, he said, when there were no more cries of support from the crowd. He nodded slightly. This is where I take my leave.

      The world slowed around Bael and the twenty elokos, and the woman who'd spoken up first inched closer.

      My lord, she said. What would you have us do?

      Bael turned away from them, concentrating on the space between the threads of time. As if pushing aside a curtain, Bael opened a portal to a timeless zone. A space where time would cease to exist. He stepped through to the other side and beckoned the elokos to follow.

      You will be safe here, he said with a warm smile. And I will return in time with a precious gift.

      Bael returned to Elonsi, leaving his twenty loyal elokos behind. Time resumed its pace in the Elonsi world for the rest, including Biloko, who blinked three times before pulling his spear from his back.

      You are not welcome here, Bael, he said. Not if you will be usurping my powers.

      They're yours because I gave them to you, Bael said with a smile. And since you no longer swear fealty to me, I will have to take them back.

      Bael felt the tug of the eloko's magic pushing him from the lands, so he stopped time once more. Taking the eloko's own weapon, Bael struck him in the heart, then used his sword to decapitate the belu.

      As the belu's head fell from his body, the magic he'd held for thousands of years came to the surface. Bael reached forward to take it in his hands, careful not to want to take it for himself. He'd learned that lesson many times. It was not for him but for him to give.

      This time, he would give it to those who would know and appreciate the gift. And who would do his bidding unequivocally.

      As he stepped back into the time portal, time resumed once more, and the land of Elonsi collapsed on itself, taking every treacherous eloko and the dead Biloko with it.

      He closed the portal, finding his twenty reverted humans collapsed on the ground, their powers gone with their belu. Bael walked to the one who'd spoken up first, the ambitious woman he'd selected as Biloko's successor.

      Gently, he roused her, smiling as she blinked heavily at him.

      Who are you? she asked in a language Bael hadn't heard in a long time, but still understood. Where am I?

      I am Bael, he said softly. And I come with a gift from God. But first, I demand your loyalty to me.

      She slowly nodded, that spark of ambition back in her gaze. I will be loyal.

      Bael took her hand and helped her to her feet, walking her back to the bright orange magic waiting for her.

      This power is ancient, he said, resting his hand on her shoulder. And if you take it, it will make you one of the most powerful creatures in existence.

      What would you have me do with it? she asked.

      Build me an army, Bael said. Starting with the rest of the humans here. And then we shall begin our work.

      CHAPTER TWO

      What had she done?

      Anya paced the living room in Ath-kur, chewing her fingernails to the quick and finding no solace. At least Cam, Lotan, and Jack weren't there, probably back in the human world to help with the clean-up and aftermath of the attack. She wasn't sure what she'd say to them—she wasn't even sure she knew what to say to herself.

      Time travel was supposed to be just viewing. She'd traveled back in time and watched events over and over again. She hadn't even been corporeal there. Just a shadow of herself.

      So how the hell could she have brought Bael back?

      Running her hands through her hair, she walked to the window, waiting for him to make his appearance. This Bael was from the era just after she'd left him again, when he realized she was falling for Jack and turned even more vindictive than she'd thought possible. Surely, there would be some punishment in store for her.

      No. Things were different now. He was no longer the all-powerful monster who'd found her outside her village thousands of years ago. She had the same power, theoretically equal to him in every way. He couldn't take it away from her even if he wanted to.

      She would keep repeating that until she believed it.

      Some small, perhaps hopeful, part of herself tried to convince her she'd imagined things. That in her sadness of seeing Asherah again, she'd dreamed all of it. But she'd become accustomed to believing her own eyes, and even that little candle of hope snuffed out.

      What it all meant, she had no idea. She searched the human world and Underworld for any sign of him but couldn't See him. Whether because he was hiding himself or because in some place she couldn't find or…

      Her spiraling panic quieted as the connection between her and the only person who would truly understand lit up. Diogo was on his way to her. She'd slowed time to keep Jack or Cam or Lotan from finding her, so Diogo had taken some time to prepare and arrive in the Underworld.

      My lady, Diogo said, appearing in the living room. I'm sorry it took me a moment to arrive. What is the crisis?

      Anya looked at her reflection, unsure how to explain the situation or how far back to start. So she just came out with it. Bael has returned.

      Diogo's face was clear in the window, and he took a step backward in fear. That's…not possible.

      It is, Anya said, turning around. I went… I went back in time. One last time… She shook her head, not wanting to go into the reason. And he was there. Not as the man he was, but another version. Perhaps the Bael from just after the last Demon Spring.

      My lady, you aren't making much sense, Diogo said.

      Anya exhaled. I think…somehow… I managed to find a version of Bael in the time river and he used me to come to the present.

      As a vision or—

      She shook her head. He was living. Breathing. Whole.

      Are you certain you aren't just… Diogo licked his lips, clearly not wanting to continue that train of thought. I don't believe this is possible.

      Perhaps not with a human or another demon, Anya replied. But you said yourself we'd only scratched the surface of the time river. If two belu athtars meet in the same moment of time, one can, I suppose, hitch a ride to the present.

      Diogo's eyes lit up with understanding. So you're saying that Bael, the belu athtar from some time before his death, is now in this world? In this time?

      Anya nodded, pressing her back against the window. He knew things. He knew about Jack. But he didn't know how I'd killed him… She shivered, recalling what he'd said about planning his own death.

      Where is he now? Diogo asked.

      She shrugged. I can't See him. I have no idea.

      Does this mean… I have resumed being his spawn? Diogo asked, a little nervously.

      Anya shook her head, offering him the only smile she could muster. Our connection is still strong. He's merely a demon in the wrong time. But a demon as powerful as I am.

      Visibly relieved, Diogo joined her at the window. So…what do we do about it? You should inform your human compatriots.

      Anya flinched. The last words she and Jack had shared weren't very…compatriot-like. After Yaotl had led riots in human cities around the world, Anya had moved nearly every demon back to their respective worlds as a stopgap measure to avoid any more bloodshed on either side. But it hadn't been enough for Cam, who'd demanded Anya give up her athtar powers to keep the demons and humans separated for good.

      Jack had agreed and Anya had somewhat lost her temper. But after coming to realize that they were right, that the temptation to become what Bael had been was too strong, she'd made the decision to become human once more—after she traveled back in time to see her precious daughter Asherah one last time. To remember her voice, her cherubic face, the way her hair bounced when she ran.

      And that was when she'd come face to face with Bael.

      My lady? Diogo said, breaking her from her trance. Shall I fetch your friends for you?

      No, Anya said. Cam was already distrustful. Lotan didn't even know who he was anymore, and when he did get his memory back, he'd side with Cam.

      And Jack…there was no way to explain this to Jack that he'd believe. The words he'd flung in her face in Lisbon still stung.

      You're still enamored with Bael and his magic, and you always will be. I will never be enough for you.

      They'd come so far since that day. She could still feel his lips on her skin from the night before. But she couldn't risk ruining that any more than she already had. The only thing she could do was protect them from Bael until she managed to put him back where he belonged.

      I need you to do something for me, Anya said softly.

      Anything.

      I need you to convince them to wear anti-athtar talismans, Anya said, slowly. I don't care how you do it. But this Bael knows Jack, knows how I feel about him. And by extension, Cam and Lotan. Until I can contain him, they need to be protected.

      Or you could just tell them what's happened, Diogo said slowly. Then they would be protected because they would be by your side.

      Do as I say, Anya snapped, giving him the most dangerous look she could muster. And do not question me.

      Diogo took a step back, all his misgivings gone, and bowed at the hip. As you please, my lady. I will find a way.

      He disappeared and Anya exhaled, pressing her head to the window again.

      Such a loyal foot soldier. It's a shame he never felt that way about me.

      Anya would never get used to hearing that voice so clear, not when it had haunted her dreams for all these months. She lifted her gaze once more to the window, seeing Bael's reflection mere inches behind her. He gave no magical signature she could detect, perhaps because his magic was equal to her own. Or he was doing a good job of hiding it.

      Oh, my beautiful Anat, he said, sliding his hands down her shoulders and rubbing slightly. She hated how she trembled at the weight of them. He was absolutely real. It pains me to see you so troubled. What can I do to ease your mind?

      Anya spun from his fingertips, forcing herself to remember she was just as powerful as he was. Don't touch me.

      He smiled. So you still hate me.

      Why would I not?

      I have seen your journey since my death, Bael said. You struggled as a human, you struggled as an athtar belu. My arrival should be a blessing to you. Finally, someone to give you guidance.

      I'm not in need of guidance, Anya said, hating that she didn't sound convinced. But if you'd like to return to your time, I would be happy to oblige.

      I don't think so, Bael said, with a knowing smile. I find that this world is much more in need of care than the one I left.

      Anya licked her lips, unsure if she wanted to ask him more but unable to stop her curiosity. So does this mean that the Bael I remember, the one I killed, is no longer dead?

      No, Bael said. Time is funny. The moment we met, I became part of your future. Your past remains unchanged. The events as you remember them remain the same.

      That made no sense to her, but very little did at the moment. Bael smirked and left her in the living room, venturing to the kitchen and the bottles of wine Cam had left on the counter. He opened one and poured himself a glass, tasting it before pouring one for Anya.

      You see, once you enter the time river, all the normal rules stop. Your body physically remains in the present, as you know. It's merely an extension of yourself that travels to and from. He handed her the wine, and she took it, if only to keep him talking.

      And does your past self, the one who sent you, see what you see?

      Who knows? Bael said, bringing the wine to his lips. This is my first time traveling forward in time.

      Anya didn't drink, staring at him and racking her brain for more questions, but all she could do was watch him, marveling at the sheer aliveness of him.

      Are you pleased to see me? Bael asked.

      What will you do now that you're here? Anya asked instead of answering his question.

      Oh, I have plans, Bael said with an enigmatic smile that boded nothing well. This world is in disarray. I don't blame you, of course. Your heart is far too soft to do what needed to be done. There is only peace through obedience. Now, my love, you understand why I forbade the use of those deadly talismans.

      Anya brought the wine to her lips but didn't drink. So they affect you as well?

      Of course they do, Bael said. But fear not. You don't have to tattoo the symbols on your lover Jack or his friends. They do not play into my plans.

      She nodded. If they affect him, how was I able to stop time in Geneva?

      Then what will you do? she asked again, her voice quiet and contemplative.

      That, my love, will be revealed in time. He stepped toward her, and before she could stop herself, she took a step backward. Thousands of years of fearing him was a hard habit to break, it seemed.

      He leaned down to kiss her softly, and she was struck by how different his lips felt from Jack's.

      Jack.

      The memory of Jack in Bael's castle, of how he'd hurt the man she loved, broke the trance, and she yanked herself away from him.

      I told you not to touch me, she whispered fiercely.

      So you did, Bael said, his eyes capturing hers the way they'd done a million times before. But perhaps one day, my love, you might change your tune.

      He disappeared.

      She hoped that he couldn't See her, because the wine slipped from her hands, and she slid down the windowsill, hot tears spilling down her cheeks as she held herself. She could've been the most powerful demon in existence, but with Bael, she reverted to the thirteen-year-old girl every time. Trapped in his gaze and believing every word he said.

      My lady! Diogo was back, and she hated that he'd seen her in such a state. My lady, what is it?

      Nothing, Anya whispered, not wanting to upset him. Did you do as I asked?

      There was nothing to be done, Diogo said. The humans have encamped in Geneva, which is still covered in talismans. I was unable to get closer.

      Then it is your job to make sure they stay that way, Anya said, looking up at him. I want to know if they set one foot outside the protection zone.

      He nodded. You have my word. But Bael—

      Leave him to me, Anya said, wiping her cheeks. He's my problem. And I will solve it myself.

      CHAPTER THREE

      Jack Grenard tossed and turned in the twin bed, trying to find a comfortable spot, before recognizing it wasn't the mattress's fault. There would be no rest any time soon, not when he couldn't stop replaying his last conversation with Anya.

      Anya, this…staying athtar… It's not necessary. You would only be doing it to suit your own desires.

      It was necessary when I saved your life just now.

      But the danger has passed.

      There will always be danger—

      Not if the demons can't reach the humans. You said yourself you're the only way they can get between worlds, so if you no longer have magic… You don't need it anymore, Anya. It's not who you are, and it doesn't define you.

      Then you clearly don't know me at all, Jack.

      He stared at the ceiling, wondering if there was some other way he could have phrased it, perhaps some other angle he should've taken that might've landed better. Or were they just destined for this inevitable parting of ways?

      Cam was still fuming and had insisted they return to the human world since Anya wasn't interested in helping, which seemed a little unfair to Jack. But Geneva was in dire straits. Jack guessed ICDM had lost at least half their staff in the attack, and even more of their security forces. Backup was nowhere to be found, as most cities were dealing with their own aftermath.

      More than that, Frank would've wanted him to step up.

      He sat up and walked to the window, opening the blinds and looking out onto the side street in Geneva. Here, far from the chaos in the center of town, it was easy to forget that the world had been turned upside-down. Though no one was on the street, the coffee shop across the way had its doors open.

      Was Frank a regular, and would they know that Jack was his grandson? Had they even heard he'd died?

      Jack walked back to the twin bed and made it up, remembering how Frank would get onto him that one summer Jack spent shadowing him as a teenager. There were no maids in the US Councilman's apartment, so cleanliness was on the two of them, Frank had explained.

      Jack dug through the hastily packed bag he'd brought from Ath-kur for a change of clothes and frowned at it. Things had moved quickly, and he'd been too distracted to take any care in stuffing his shirts and jeans into the bag. Now everything was wrinkled. Not exactly the picture he wanted to present when he went back to ICDM, but it would have to do.

      His stomach grumbled, so he grabbed his wallet and busted phone—reminding himself to purchase a replacement on the off chance Anya decided she was done pouting—and walked out into the living room.

      Lotan was already there, reading the paper with a steaming cup of coffee. It was so strange to see the former nox prince looking so…human. Some of his perfection had waned, and his hair wasn't quite as shiny and perfectly curled as it had been, but he was still too gorgeous for his own good.

      He looked up at Jack and offered a genuine smile. Good morning! Jack, right?

      Jack couldn't help the flinch. So your memory hasn't returned.

      I remember… He smiled sadly. I remember my parents. Very clearly. I remember Cam, well… His smile turned a bit bashful. I remember how much I love her. But the details are still somewhat fuzzy.

      Jack had to smile. If he lost his memory, he'd want to remember his parents, Cam, and…

      Why don't we head across the street and pick up some food? There's a cafe over there that looks inviting.

      Jack led Lotan across the way, amused at how the former nox was fascinated at literally everything. He pointed to a croissant and announced loudly that he knew what it was, earning some odd looks from the old man at the counter. Jack thanked the clerk in his best French, and carried the bag and three cups of coffee back to the apartment.

      Sugar, chocolate, and butter were what the doctor ordered, and Jack had two of the croissants in one bite while Lotan took his time, savoring the food as if it were the first time.

      Do you…think your memory is better than yesterday? Jack asked. Or better at all?

      I think… Lotan looked down at the cup of coffee. I do remember the taste of coffee. It's almost like awakening from a dream. Experiencing things feels like…what's that thing when you've experienced something before?

      Deja vú. Jack smiled.

      Perhaps there are things I don't want to remember, anyway, Lotan said, looking out the window. I'm not the man I was. Perhaps it's a good thing to start clean.

      Jack shook his head and took another long sip, following Lotan's gaze. From this side of the apartment, the plume of smoke coming from the wreckage of the ICDM headquarters was still visible. They would have their work cut out for them getting it back up and running—and protecting them from any unseen threats that still lurked out there.

      What do you want me to do? Lotan asked.

      It might be best for you to lie low for a while, just until we know for sure what we're dealing with, Jack said. We don't know if any of the noxes survived with their powers intact, and you'd be a target.

      Lotan nodded. I don't understand most of what you said, but I'll stay put if you think it's best. He smiled. Will we be seeing that other woman again? Anya?

      I don't want to think about it, Jack said, finishing the rest of his coffee and walking to the sink to leave the cup. I'm going to headquarters. Tell Cam I'll see her later.

      The closer Jack walked to the center of town, the more the ghosts of the previous

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