Wicked Dreams (The Dream Chronicles Book 2) Read online

  Wicked Dreams

  By J. Clarice

  Copyright @ 2020 by J. Clarice

  All rights reserved.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

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  About

  It’s been three days.

  Three days since the massacre.

  Three days since she lost a part of herself.

  Three days since she was forced to fill shoes that hadn’t yet fit.

  Scarlett is the sole ruler of Ever Realm which is dying by the day. The darkness waits for no one and spreads without restraint. With the remaining that live, Dreamers and Dreammares are the closest they’ve ever been to extinction.

  During a meeting, the Havened Ones bring forth information that rocks Scarlett’s already shattering world - the deadliest Nightmare, Edgar Azur is alive. They say a placed curse dies and lives with its wielder, leading Scarlett to have to take charge of the expedition that’ll free them all.

  With the help of the Havened and those dear, Scarlett and her chosen team embark on a journey that’ll alter the Realms’ future. From life-threatening decisions and lethal Nightmares to mind-shattering discoveries and straining relationships, Scarlett’s ability to keep herself together will be the most wicked trial of all...

  The cave’s walls dripped with muck that slipped through the mountain’s cracks. While strands worked their way down, others slid their way up in the never-ending cycle of power. No sound entered or left the cave, and only the vibration of its energy filled the air. It stifled any presence that entered, and to leave, something had to be left in return. It’s how He initially left the cave. Instead, this time, He wasn’t able to give anything in order to escape, He was the given.

  He laid on the hard ground and relished the coldness that seeped into His skin.

  This wasn’t where He’d pictured Himself when He first caught word of Ever Realm’s glorious future. Yet He supposed every path had its reasons, and He knew His was far from over. It had to be. The threads weaved into His lips served as a reminder. With His mouth shut, He had no choice but to use His other senses. They thought they were ridding Him of something powerful, instead, they gave Him something more – silence and time.

  He could see what was coming, and it was the only thing that kept Him sane as He stared at the cave’s blackened ceiling.

  His time to shine was approaching, and His blood thrummed with every day that passed.

  They may not know what the future held, but He did.

  “We don’t know for how much longer Ever Realm will stand.”

  The words echoed in Scarlett’s ears as she faced the remaining Officials. Official Samsus’ dark copper armor was dented and scratched. Pieces of metals were ripped off, and a gash ran from his forehead to the edge of his chin. Bruises covered the left of Official Alich’s face, and her armor matched the damage on Samsus. Official Brenda hadn’t made it during the battle, leaving only three by Scarlett’s side. Of the ones alive, Official Grant had the worst damage.

  His left arm was torn from his body, his armor unable to protect him from the jaws of two Nightmares. Back on Earth, his arm would wither from no longer having any connection to the brain. It’d start decaying before his eyes. With the power of other Dreamers, they’d luckily managed to seal the wound before he bled out.

  They all looked like shit, and she was sure they felt like it too. Their eyes were haunted with the signs of death; from seeing it, implementing it, and knowing it’s what to come.

  This battle may have been won, but their fight was far from over.

  “Our numbers are the lowest they’ve ever been, and Ever Realm is suffering. The fewer Dreamers, the more of Ever Realm gets eaten by the Dark Realm,” Official Alich grimly relayed.

  Scarlett turned and glanced out the window to the darkened space. The many deaths hadn’t gone alone. They took the stars with them, causing more of Ever Realm to blend with the Dark Realm.

  “Groups have scattered and formed. Official Leon left with the Dreamers and Dreammares that disagreed with you. Nightmares are unchecked, and the ongoings of the Dark Realm are currently not accessible.”

  The distaste and dread in Official Alich’s words slid over Scarlett and she closed her eyes. She knew there would be those that didn’t agree with her new power. At the first opportunity, they retreated and formed their own leadership. Official Leon had been the quiet one of the Officials, never being noticed or going against orders. She would’ve expected Official Grant to abort ship sooner than he.

  “What would you suggest be our next course of action?” Scarlett tilted her head towards Official Alich, already knowing what she’d have to tackle first. The rebelling Dreamers and Dreammares would have to wait. Her first order of business would be –

  “We need to figure out how to break the curse, Miss Scarlett.”

  Before another word could be said, the door to their meeting room opened.

  “Miss Scarlett’ seems a bit informal with this new power of yours, doesn’t it?”

  Everyone’s head snapped toward the woman that entered the room.

  Her brown hair was braided into a crown with loose strands framing her round face. A single wrinkle line decorated her forehead, and her eyes were a foggy brown. Her thin lips were held in a straight line as she shot her eyes to Scarlett.

  “To still be addressed as ‘Miss. Scarlett’ would be an insult to not just you, but to us others,” said the woman.

  Her voice was airy and yet, felt like a whip to Scarlett’s ears. She straightened at the stranger’s presence and took notice of the two females that followed closely behind her. They wore their armors but with an ‘H’ emblem over the right breastplate. The Havened.

  “I mean this with no disrespect, of course. I simply mean to bring to light the fact that you are no longer like the rest of us. For those that call themselves royalty and are lower than your status, well, that wouldn’t sit right with some.”

  Official Samsus rose and lightly bowed his head in the woman’s direction. “Queen Esma.”

  She tipped her head in the Official’s direction before giving Scarlett her undivided. “I suggest you take on a new title if we are to stand any chance in running this Realm the way it should’ve been a long time ago.”

  Scarlett’s eyes calculated Queen Esma’s movement, and there was no denying the truth in her words. She was no longer a regular leader. “Thank you for your input, Queen Esma. I will take that into consideration. As for now, what brings you to my meeting?”

  Scarlett caught the tilt of the Queen’s lips.

  “As Queen of the Havened Ones, I must protect my people and ensure they live a life of peace. If Ever Realm perishes, the life of my people follows,” Queen Esma tsked and shook her head. “Clearly, Ever Realm has no reign over itself and is in dire need of help. I am here to offer the knowledge of my eldest Havened and aide in any way to secure that we all have a future.”

  Scarlett raised a brow. “Who would we be to oppose such a helping hand? By all means, please share.”

  The twitch of Official Alich and Grant’s lips had Scarlett simmering with smugness. It was clear Queen Esma and her entourage didn’t take kindly to it. The tilt of the Queen’s lips dropped, and the eerily tall, thin woman to her right stepped forward. Her hazel eyes quickly scanned the room as she kept her nose
raised. Her blonde coils were held in a bun with a few strands loose to contrast her dark brown skin.

  “By the Queen’s side, I have vowed to aide in this fight.” The woman stared into Scarlett’s eyes. “The first and grandest issue is that of the curse. My grandmother told me that a placed curse always lived and died with its wielder.”

  It took a second for the words to make their way through. The tension rose in the room and Scarlett narrowed her eyes at what the Havened Ones implied.

  “Miss-” A glare from Queen Esma had Official Grant rewording himself. “Queen Scarlett, if I may question Queen Esma?”

  At the sound of her new title, Scarlett drew a sharp breath as she nodded for Official Grant to proceed.

  “Queen Esma, are you sure your information is accurate?”

  The tall woman bristled and pursed her lips. Queen Esma gracefully lifted a hand in the woman’s direction. “Jude’s grandmother was the past Queen of the Havened Ones; she knew things you’ve only ever dreamed of. I’d put my title and life on her word, Official.”

  Official Grant lowered his eyes and quickly met Scarlett’s.

  “What you’ve shared, Queen Esma paints my parents as liars. They’ve done many things, but lying wasn’t necessarily one of their favored methods.”

  “I’m simply sharing information that paints things as they are. If your parents would’ve truly killed Edgar, as was ordered, we wouldn’t be in our current predicament. As much as it may pain you to realize, you should know your parents were the masters of miscommunication and withholding information.”

  Scarlett rose from her seat at Queen Esma’s final sentence, and the air became charged with her energy. “My parents had their faults Queen Esma, but they will not be disrespected while they lie in their graves.”

  Scarlett maintained eye contact with the blind woman and knew she saw and understood the underlined warning. Queen Esma returned with her blank stare before tipping her head. Despite the needles that raced across Scarlett’s skin at the reminder of her parents’ mistake, she couldn’t dismiss the blinding light that shone from Queen Esma’s information.

  “Suppose what you say is true, if Edgar is alive… why hasn’t he made an appearance?” Scarlett asked.

  The tall woman, Jude, answered. “We have reason to believe your parents captured him, and instead of being killed, he was imprisoned.”

  The festering hole inside Scarlett moved with unease at the realization that the most potent and dangerous Nightmare was still, in fact, alive. Of all the things that could have possibly arisen, this was the least expected. As much as she loved her parents, Scarlett couldn’t help the curses that ran through her mind.

  “Where could he have possibly been imprisoned for all these years without a single being knowing he was alive?” Scarlett asked.

  Jude lifted her head and cleared her throat. “In her last days, my grandmother spoke of a mountain that lay on the edge of the Realms and the Unknown – at the edge of the Nether Realm, the beginning and the end. What laid beyond has truly remained a mystery and no one has been able to venture further. There’d been no investigation done because there hadn’t been a need to, until now. We have reliable sources that will willingly aid on the expedition that will have to occur in two days.”

  “Two days?” Official Grant scoffed. “That’s ridiculous! Preparing for a mission to the edge of the Nether Realm will take at least a week! We’d need to gather resources and energy we currently don’t have!”

  “I see your concern, Official. This is why as we speak; my contacts are readying equipment. Before the group is to enter the Nether Realm, they’d make a stop in the Havened Realm for what they need,” Queen Esma addressed a flustered Official Grant before turning her attention to Scarlett. “This expedition would require a small number of your most trusted warriors. This isn’t for the faint-hearted.”

  “I already know who I’d be traveling with.”

  Queen Esma nodded at Scarlett’s words before her fogged eyes shot wide open. “You!? Are you mad? The chances of everyone coming back in one piece from this mission are closer to zero than we’d like!”

  “That’s why it’d be best for me to lead, Queen Esma. I am the strongest Dreammare that currently lives. When the task of killing the strongest Nightmare comes around, do you think the Dreamers and Dreammares I send alone would succeed?” Scarlett quirked an eyebrow at Queen Esma, who stood with parted lips.

  Recomposing herself, Queen Esma swallowed her opposing words. What Scarlett spoke was only the truth, and that alone. They only had an idea of who they were up against, and the myth and stories alone spoke of how mighty and powerful Edgar indeed was. They couldn’t risk that monster being let free.

  “Very well.” Queen Esma clasped her hands. “I’d suggest you leave your most-trusted subject in your place until you return from the journey. Time for Ever Realm is running out, which is why you will have only two days to ready your team. You will leave with us to our Havened Realm, and from there, you will need to venture to the furthest point of connection between Ever Realm and the Dark Realm. There you will find the entrance of the Nether Realm.”

  Scarlett nodded, taking in Queen Esma’s directions. “I will meet you in front of the headquarters in two days. For now, I will consult with my Officials and ready my team.”

  Queen Esma tipped her head in Scarlett's direction before stepping back and exiting the meeting room. For a blind woman, Queen Esma walked out with ease. Jude followed closely with her nose still in the air and the other woman that’d been to the left of their queen lingered for a second longer. Her skin was the color of dark wood, and her black hair was braided in a crown similar to Queen Esma’s, except hers was decorated with white ribbon. Her nose was round, and her cheeks seemed filled with youth. Her eyes pierced Scarlett as they were a color she’d never seen before, a transparent teal. They weren’t bright nor light, just the perfect shade to show. The female quickly looked away and followed the other Havened Ones.

  It wasn’t her appearance that shocked Scarlett. It was the fact that she looked two years younger.

  “Mi– Queen Scarlett, you can’t be serious about this?” Official Grant voiced his concern, pulling Scarlett from her thoughts. She faced the Official, impassive and internally dreading the task ahead.

  “I am,” she answered. “We all know I am the best chance we have at righting Ever Realm. My mind has been made and it will not change so please, do not press this.”

  Silence fell over the Officials as they slightly lowered their heads and submitted to their leader. The response stifled Scarlett. The weight of her title resting uncomfortably. She wasn’t meant for this.

  Clearing her throat, Scarlett stared them each down. “Let’s go over the plans.”

  Jayden.

  Jasper.

  Chad.

  Trevor.

  Samsus.

  Grandma Ruth.

  The only ones left by her side.

  Scarlett walked down the halls as she planned to speak with each of them. The twins were alive. Chad was alive. Trevor – alive. Grandma Ruth – also alive. Not well, but they were alive and that is what mattered.

  It has been three days since the battle with the Dark Realm.

  Three days since she fully embraced her newfound power.

  Three days since she banished Cain and Raxon to the Nether Realm.

  Three days since the death and sacrifice of her mother.

  If it weren’t for the people still alive, Scarlett would’ve fed the idea of killing herself. A life without those she loves is a life she’d rather not live. But for those still there, she’s hanging on.

  No one was the same. The battle changed everybody and only initiated something far worse than they could’ve imagined, and yet, they won’t even know. The Officials agreed that it was best to keep the information hidden from the population. If word got out that Edgar Azur was alive… they imagined their reaction wouldn’t be peaceful. They’d be kept in the dark for n
ow. On other matters, Scarlett had to deliver the news to her chosen team.

  The grey halls she walked were eerie and dead quiet. The paint that once shined was dull and cracking. Doors were shut even though nobody occupied the rooms. There weren’t enough of them for that.

  An open door appeared, and Scarlett slowed to enter. The lounge was crowded as people huddled together and only whispers flittered through the room. Ignoring the gazes, Scarlett scanned and narrowed on the three soldiers sitting at the back. She caught their sight and beckoned for them to follow with a nudge of her head. Without wasting a second, she walked out and entered one of the empty rooms lining the hall, secretly glad to be out from their gazes.

  Not long after, the trio followed in. To say they looked alive was the best compliment they could get.

  Jasper’s shoulder was patched up, and his skin hadn’t regained its tan. With a bruised face, he still managed to give a slight smile Scarlett couldn’t return. Trevor's dark brown complexion was pasty, and his eyes were hardened by the slaughter they witnessed. He made it out with a few mere scratches. Jayden appeared the worst of them all, and it wasn’t due to physical harm, it was mental. At the news of Liam’s death, she didn’t bother with the theatrics of having her heart ripped out. Her empty eyes said enough.

  Their cheeks were sunken in due to the weakened state of Ever Realm. If something weren’t done to bring more Dreamers, they’d all die there.

  “Trevor, Jasper, and Jayden.” Scarlett nodded to each. “We’ve been informed of new information that I am trusting you with. No one outside of us is to know and it will have to stay that way.”

  Confirming their secrecy with a nod, Scarlett sighed. “I’m going on a mission that will possibly end the curse placed on Ever Realm. With the information presented by the Havened Ones at the meeting, we have reason to believe Edgar Azur is alive.”

  “How is that fucking possible?!” Jasper snapped.

  Not giving them a chance to continue, she laid everything out. “You, three, were my top choices when it came to going on this mission. Before you accept, I need you to know what is at stake. I will explain the details later, but this task will not be easy and the chances of us making it back alive are slim. The objective is to kill Edgar. We kill Edgar; we get rid of the curse.”