Darkness Above Read online

  DARKNESS ABOVE

  A JORDAN KORENTO NOVEL BOOK ONE

  J.D. BROWN

  Darkness Above. Copyright © 2022 by J.D. Brown

  All rights reserved and preserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission of the author.

  First Published in the United States of American by NightMare Publishing.

  Ebook Edition, September 2022

  Cover Art Design by BZN Studio Designs

  Knife and chain art © J.D. Brown. Illustrated by Etheric Designs

  Edited by Judi Soderberg

  Layout and Interior Design by NightMare Publishing

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, settings, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for the author or third-party content.

  NightMare Publishing logo is a trademark ™ of NightMare Publishing USA.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND PROPER NOUNS

  1 JORDAN

  2 JORDAN

  3 JORDAN

  4 JORDAN

  5 LOGAN JUNIOR

  6 JORDAN

  7 LOGAN JUNIOR

  8 LOGAN JUNIOR

  9 JORDAN

  10 JORDAN

  11 LOGAN JUNIOR

  12 LOGAN JUNIOR

  13 JORDAN

  14 JORDAN

  15 JORDAN

  16 LOGAN JUNIOR

  17 LOGAN JUNIOR

  18 LOGAN JUNIOR

  19 JORDAN

  20 JORDAN

  21 JORDAN

  22 LOGAN JUNIOR

  23 LOGAN JUNIOR

  24 JORDAN

  25 JORDAN

  26 LOGAN JUNIOR

  27 LOGAN JUNIOR

  28 JORDAN

  29 LOGAN JUNIOR

  30 JORDAN

  31 JORDAN

  32 JORDAN

  33 LOGAN JUNIOR

  34 JORDAN

  35 JORDAN

  36 JORDAN

  37 LOGAN JUNIOR

  38 JORDAN

  39 JORDAN

  40 JORDAN

  41 LOGAN JUNIOR

  42 JORDAN

  43 JORDAN

  44 LOGAN JUNIOR

  45 JORDAN

  46 LOGAN JUNIOR

  47 LOGAN JUNIOR

  48 JORDAN

  49 LOGAN JUNIOR

  50 JORDAN

  51 LOGAN JUNIOR

  52: JORDAN

  COMING SOON FROM J.D. BROWN

  MORE GREAT BOOKS BY J.D. BROWN

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND PROPER NOUNS

  Alpan clan, the (pr. n.) The name of a vampyre kingdom that spans most of western Europe. King Brinnon der Wölfe is the ruler of the Alpan clan.

  Coalescent, the (pr. n.) The name of one of three international alliances formed at the start of the vampyre war. The Coalescent’s principal members include the Alpan and Neo-Draugrian clans. In direct opposition of the R.E.D. and the Rebellion, the Coalescent fight for a peaceful union between vampyres and humans.

  Drags (pr. n.) Short for dragons; a slang term for the Reclusive Eternal Dragons Society.

  Hunter (pr. n.) Traditionally, Hunters were members of the Jumlin clan who chose to remain human and dedicate their lives to the Sword of Somnus Brotherhood, where they trained in the art of hunting incubi, succubae, and rogue vampyres. The Brotherhood has since expanded to include any human carrier of the vampyre gene who chooses to join. Hunters train in the arts of battle enchantments, dream magic, and combat and are allied with the Coalescent.

  Jumlin clan, the (pr. n.) The name of a near-extinct nomadic vampyre clan that once spanned North America but now only exists in small numbers in various parts of Canada. The Jumlin clan is unique in that they remain human until they choose to transition into vampyres.

  Neo-Draugrian clan, the (pr. n.) The name of a vampyre kingdom that spans all of Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. King Jesu ta Korento and Queen Ema ta Korento are the rulers of the Neo-Draugrian clan.

  Nephilim (pr. n.) The Nephilim are a Biblical species believed to have sired the first generation of vampyres. They are thought to be extinct, and not much is known about them.

  Nyx (pr. n.) The brand name given to a mass-produced synthetically manufactured variety of poison whose key component is Prussian Blue, a chemical compound that is extremely toxic to vampyres and vampires.

  Phase (n.) The ability to fly while invisible. Can also be used as a verb (to phase).

  Rebellion, the (pr. n.) The name of one of three international alliances in the vampyre war. The Rebellion is a faction of vampyres and vampires who believe vampyres are the superior species. They endeavor to rule the world as gods, with humans serving as chattel. With that goal in mind, they launched a worldwide attack, exposing vampyres to the media. This traitorous act ended the peace treaty with the Reclusive Eternal Dragons Society, which began the vampyre war.

  Rebels (pr. n.) Members of the Rebellion.

  Reclusive Eternal Dragons Society, the (pr. n.) The name of one of three international alliances in the vampyre war. Originally founded in the 1500s, the R.E.D. consisted of a small fraternity of influential humans who brokered a truce with the vampyre monarchs. They created the peace treaty between humans and vampyres, which lasted for over five hundred years until the Rebellion’s attack broke it. Since then, the R.E.D., having developed a mistrust of the vampyre nation, has grown to include the leaders of several countries and major corporations, representing the human race with an anti-vampyre genocidal view.

  Sire (n.) A vampyre or vampire who has turned a human into a vampire through their bite. Can also be used as a verb (to sire).

  Sword of Somnus Brotherhood, the (pr. n.) The name given to an institution that houses and trains Hunters. Originally founded by early Hunters as a community and haven for the human members of the Jumlin clan.

  Vampyre (vaam•peer) (n.) The name given to a Nephilim-human hybrid species. Vampyres possess immense physical strength, speed, and healing capabilities. Some vampyres possess additional preternatural powers such as shapeshifting and levitation. They feed on blood and flesh, rarely require sleep, are nocturnal, and have other biological oddities.

  Vampire (vam•pai•ur) (n.) The name given to a human who is sired or transformed through bite. Vampires are considered a lesser species because they were transformed, not born, have a compulsory need to obey their sire, and are rendered barren by the transformational process.

  1 JORDAN

  Eight Years Ago

  Daybreak chased away the moonlight that only moments ago filtered through the sheer curtains of the bay window. Rectangles of golden sunlight illuminated the foot of the bed and streaked across the polished oak wood floor. My eyes adjusted, allowing me to view the muted colors of my dresser, the computer desk, and a small mountain of plushies that I couldn’t yet bring myself to toss, even though thirteen was definitely too old to keep such childish things.

  Not that anyone was forcing me to get rid of them. Dad would prefer I stayed his innocent little girl forever. Maybe even literally, since my father was a vampire.

  I had already mastered switching my circadian rhythm to keep nocturnal hours, but there was just no way I would be able to sleep this morning, so I tossed the comforter and sheets aside and swung my bare feet over the edge of the bed. The hem of my oversized Nirvana t-shirt slid to my knees as I stood and went to the door, my auburn curls flouncing with
each step. I reached for the knob but hesitated before touching it.

  “I can hear you.” Torrance’s husky voice came from the other side.

  I dropped my hand and let out an exaggerated sigh.

  The door slowly opened, and I blinked up at Torrance’s milk-white features. Her brow arched conspiratorially as she smiled, creasing the corners of her ink-black eyes. “Back to bed, soldier.”

  I couldn’t help but grin. Torrance never called me by my title, except when circumstances absolutely required it. In other words, when my father was present. Barring Dad’s nearness, though ….

  “A real soldier would be in my father’s war room, giving their sovereign support.” I lifted my chin in triumph.

  Torrance stepped inside and crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re absolutely right. Well, go on then.”

  My face fell. We both knew I wouldn’t succeed. If the maids or footmen didn’t stop me, Dad would do it himself, and then I’d really be in trouble. As the only human in a house full of vampires, there was just no such thing as sneaking around. If one of them didn’t hear me coming, another would simply smell or feel my approach, putting an immediate end to my shenanigans. It made for a very dull childhood.

  “So unfair.” I pouted.

  Torrance chuckled and nodded in the direction of the four-post canopy. The frame used to be white with frilly pink lace, but I didn’t need to be a hormonal teenager to know how cringy it looked. Ten had been plenty old enough to get my hands on a can of black spray paint and, well, the frame was never quite the same after that, but it suited me much better, thank you very much.

  “Get in,” Torrance bargained, “and I’ll tell you what they’re saying.”

  A smile stretched from ear to ear as I scrambled into bed and pulled the covers over my legs. “Do you think Maribel and the others are right? Do you think Dad’s premonition will end the war?”

  Sometimes I didn’t need Torrance to eavesdrop for me. The maids often underestimated my simple human ability to hear them gossiping in the next room.

  Torrance sat near my feet and tucked a lock of her dark pin-straight hair behind her ear. “Is His Majesty ever wrong?”

  “No.” I wrinkled my nose, knowing it was true. I couldn’t help wishing my father’s visions were wrong. Not always. Just once in a while, like when they pertained to me doing anything fun. As an only child—and a mortal—I was never allowed to go anywhere or do anything.

  This premonition had been different though.

  Two weeks ago, my father fell to the floor of his office and convulsed, eyes bulging, mouth gaping like a fish. The tremors always came when he had a vision, and were always terrifying, but he was usually able to pull himself up and wink at me as they subsided.

  “Just dreams with eyes open,” he’d say. But this time, the tremors did not stop. One of the footmen called a doctor while the maids tried to stabilize his head. Torrance removed me from the room.

  The following day, Dad had been well enough to come to dinner. His generals and advisors came too, and they’ve spent every day since in my father’s office, planning something.

  Something big.

  Something that was finally coming to an end. Right now. Under this very roof.

  Torrance crossed her legs and smoothed her slender hands over her knees. “All right, let’s see what I can gather.”

  “Make it juicy,” I said while leaning against the pillows. “Don’t leave out any details.”

  The edge of Torrance’s mouth curved into a knowing smile. Her lashes fluttered as she focused on her hands, and I waited. After several long moments, she shook her head. “They’re monitoring a large number of troops that are approaching the target now.”

  “Like a rescue mission?”

  “Shh.” Torrance furrowed her brow. “It’s a raid.”

  I sat up straight, eyes wide, and whispered, “Where?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know. They’re using code names. They’re breaching a compound.”

  I bunched the comforter in my fists, unable to contain my excitement. “Drags or Rebels?”

  Torrance looked at me and crooked her brow as though she found my enthusiasm odd. Her lips parted, maybe to answer my question, but then her spine snapped to attention and her eyes went to the door, though I was pretty sure the door hadn’t done anything. It remained as inanimate as ever. In the same instant, Torrance’s jaw fell open and she gasped.

  “What is it?” I asked, leaning forward and taking her hand.

  “Nothing.” She stood, pulling her hand from mine. “Go to sleep.”

  “You know I won’t.” She looked at me, and I narrowed my gaze in defiance. “What happened, Torrance? Was someone hurt?”

  Of course someone was hurt. We were at war. People died by the thousands every day. No one liked it, but that didn’t explain Torrance’s reaction.

  Her lips pressed into a stern line. “Goodday, Jordan.”

  I winced as she left the room, shutting the door. She’d moved at a pace that was physically impossible for me to keep up with, and I knew there was no point in trying. She was done being my friend and had gone back to being my bodyguard.

  I didn’t mind. Torrance didn’t know it yet, but she wouldn’t be my bodyguard forever. When I was old enough, I was going to marry her. I’d decided that the day we met.

  When I woke later that evening, I rubbed sleep from my eyes and then checked my cell phone. The same breaking-news story was posted all over social media, and I bolted upright at the startling headlines.

  No. It can’t be.

  I tapped on a video clip of a newsreel from a few hours ago. An anchor woman spoke.

  “This just in: Twenty-eight confirmed human deaths and five-hundred-and-thirty-two confirmed vampyre deaths in what experts are calling the R.E.D.'s biggest victory since the bombing of Berlin. Reports have come in that the Coalescent launched a full-scale attack on an off-grid compound near the coast of Portugal. Word is the attack was carried out in the hopes of eliminating R.E.D. leader Giotto Castillo. Instead, Coalescent troops were ambushed by poisonous Nyx explosives. According to witnesses, Castillo was not present at the time of the attack. It has been confirmed that Giotto Castillo is alive and scheduled to make a statement later today. Humans all over the world are celebrating while military leaders are preparing for possible retaliation by—”

  The clip ended.

  I let the phone fall onto my lap while swiping tears from my eyes. Torrance entered and sat on the bed. She wrapped an arm behind my shoulders and pulled me against her.

  “How?” I whimpered. “Dad’s premonitions are always right. Always!”

  Torrance’s gaze wavered as though she didn’t know how to answer. Instead, she said, “Your old man is taking it pretty hard. Let’s give him some space today.”

  I grimaced, then nodded.

  “Get dressed. I’ll meet you downstairs for breakfast.” She gave my hand a gentle squeeze then left, giving me privacy.

  My gaze went to the dark screen of my cell phone, where a ghost-like reflection stared back. Fresh tears stung my vision as I silently prayed to any deity who might listen.

  I take it back. I don’t want his premonitions to be wrong.

  2 JORDAN

  Present Day

  Torrance’s tone—half cheerful, half serious—cut through the bliss of a deep sleep as she shook me awake. “Rise and shine, birthday girl.”

  My temples throbbed as I squeezed my eyelids tight and groaned into the pillow. “Ten more minutes.”

  “Sorry, no can do.” Torrance yanked the covers away, and I curled into the fetal position against the sudden chill. “I already let you sleep in. Up and at ’em, soldier.”

  “Ugh.” My eyelids peeled open, and I blinked to bring the room into focus. The angles confused me for a moment.

  “Not my fault you insisted on working. I told you to take the night off.” Torrance offered me a paper
cup of water and two generic brand pain reliever tablets. She wore her usual black tank top, cargo pants, and steel toe boots. Her dark shoulder length hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail at the nap of her neck. Torrance was unfairly beautiful with pouty lips, angular cheekbones, and a jawline that gave her features a touch of androgyny.

  I sat upright and accepted the pills, swallowing them both in one go before gulping the water. The tip of my tongue ran across my chapped lips as I patted a hand against my auburn curls. My hair was doing that gross thing where half of it stuck flat against my cheek, glued to my drool, while the other half puffed into the air like a poodle’s ass.

  “Why am I in your bed?” I asked while handing her the empty cup.

  Like all the rooms in the Sword of Somnus Brotherhood dormitories, ours was tiny with two twin-sized beds, two narrow dresser drawers, and a single writing desk between them. I’d fought tooth and nail for this room, though, so I wasn’t about to complain. I just didn’t understand how Torrance’s navy-blue sheets had wound themselves around my legs. My bed stood directly across from hers, with its Buffy the Vampire Slayer comforter neatly tucked into the cheap faux wood frame.

  Torrance tossed the paper cup into the wastebasket under the desk and then opened a drawer in my dresser. “You mean you don’t remember climbing in and saying we should be friends with benefits before passing out like a corpse?”