Daywalker chronicles com.., p.104
Daywalker Chronicles Complete Series Boxed Set, page 104
“Kevin!” she called out, her voice echoing through the dimly lit hallway. She didn’t wait for an answer, her feet carrying her forward with renewed purpose. I followed behind her, staying close but giving her space to reunite with the ones she loved most.
Zoey moved faster than me. This was a race I was glad to allow her to win. As we turned a corner toward the cafeteria, Zoey’s eyes locked onto something across the room. Her face lit up like the sun breaking through storm clouds, and she broke into a full sprint. “Kevin!”
I watched as Kevin, who had been talking with another member of our team, looked up at the sound of his name. His eyes widened in disbelief and then filled with pure joy as he recognized the woman running toward him. In that instant, every emotion within him seemed to surge to the surface—love, relief, elation—all etched across his face like a work of art.
“Zoey,” he breathed, rushing forward to meet her with their baby cradled in his arms.
Their family embrace was a thing of beauty, a testament to the power of love in the darkest of times. Zoey’s arms wrapped tightly around Kevin’s neck, her sobs of happiness muffled against his shoulder. Kevin held her just as fiercely, his own tears falling freely as he buried his face in her hair.
“Josephine,” Zoey whispered, pulling away from Kevin just enough to look at her baby girl in his arms.
Zoey’s fingertips brushed against Josephine’s chubby cheeks, her breath catching in her throat as the infant cooed in response.
“Hey, little one,” Zoey murmured as she took the baby into her arms. “Mama’s here.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the scene unfolding before me. It was moments like these that reminded me what we were fighting for—love, family, and the chance to live our lives free from the shadows that threatened to consume us all.
As I watched Zoey and her family share their long-awaited reunion, I knew there was still much work to be done. The mysterious portal in Alexandria beckoned, its secrets waiting to be unlocked. Ares was still out there, preparing for something awful. But for now, I would allow my friend this brief respite, a moment of peace amid the storm.
Dylan and the Van Helsings stepped into the room, their faces lighting up at the sight of Zoey and Kevin’s tender embrace.
“What a pleasant surprise!” Dylan exclaimed, his voice tinged with genuine happiness. “It’s wonderful to see your family back together.”
“Indeed,” Alexander chimed in, a rare smile gracing his lips. “This is why we do what we do. It’s why I fight monsters. To protect little ones.”
I bit my cheek, recalling my fights with the Van Helsings in the past. We were long past that, and I knew he and Reginald weren’t a threat, but I wasn’t entirely sure if the brothers would remain our allies once we conquered our otherworldly threats. I was still a vampire, after all. They were Van Helsings.
“Thank you,” Zoey whispered, her eyes shining with gratitude as she held baby Josephine close to her chest. Kevin placed a protective arm around her shoulders, and I could tell that he was relieved to have them both safe in his arms.
As laughter echoed through the room, I felt the weight of my responsibility settle on my shoulders. I couldn’t shake the memory of Ares’ powerful form, the threat that Ishtar might pose if she regained her power, nor the unnerving sense that there were still secrets locked within the mysterious portal we’d discovered in Alexandria.
“Excuse me for a moment,” I murmured, slipping away from the group as discreetly as I could. My footsteps echoed softly on the wooden floor, the sound barely noticeable amid the cheerful chatter of our friends.
I reached the door to Gilgamesh and Ishtar’s room, my hand hovering above the doorknob. Questions swirled through my mind like a storm, but I knew I had to check on Ishtar, even if it meant interrupting their privacy. With one last deep breath, I opened the door.
“Sienna?” Gilgamesh turned toward me, surprise evident in his ancient eyes.
“Forgive me for intruding,” I replied, my voice barely audible as I glanced at Ishtar’s sleeping form, her breaths slow and steady. “I just wanted to make sure she isn’t a threat.”
“Ah,” Gilgamesh nodded solemnly. “I understand your concern, but I assure you that she is no danger to us. For now, at least.”
I glanced at Ishtar who didn’t look any stronger than she was when we rescued her. “What’s wrong?”
“Her magic isn’t restoring,” Gilgamesh confessed, his voice soft but burdened. “I’ve tried everything I know, but it’s like something is blocking her abilities. Ares really did a number on her.”
My brow furrowed as I tried to process this new information. On one hand, a weakened Ishtar meant she was less of a threat to us. On the other, Gilgamesh had finally embraced his wife. If there was anything that could quell Ishtar’s ambition, it was love. Practically speaking, it also meant that we were losing the full power of a potential ally with vast knowledge and capabilities. The internal conflict tugged at me, manifesting in my tightened grip on the doorframe and the crease between my eyebrows.
“Is there anything we can do?” I asked, hesitating for a moment before stepping closer. “Do you think this…blockage…has something to do with Ares?”
Gilgamesh nodded. “I fear he took too much from her. I don’t know if she’ll recover. She could die.”
I gulped. “I’m sorry, Gilgamesh.”
“If she passes, I want you to make me a promise.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“I want you to ask Zoey to reap me, to send me back to the void so we can be together.”
I sighed. “Gilgamesh… I don’t know…”
“I want to help you. I know the threat Ares poses, but if Ishtar dies, I don’t know if I can find the strength.”
“Don’t give up hope yet,” I urged. “But if it comes to that, I promise. I’ll see to it that you’re reunited with your wife.”
“Thank you.” Gilgamesh wiped a tear from his cheek. My heart broke at the scene. A stark contrast from the joy that filled the cafeteria down the hall.
“Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.” Gilgamesh took a deep breath. “I realize the conundrum you’re facing. Sometimes, the desire to protect those we love can blind us to the dangers that lurk in the shadows.”
With a heavy heart, I nodded in agreement. As I turned to leave the room, I couldn’t help but glance back at Ishtar one last time, her frail form a stark contrast to the powerful goddess she once was.
“Take care of yourself too, Gilgamesh,” I whispered, offering him a small smile filled with understanding and empathy.
As I stepped back into the hallway, I forced my thoughts away from the shadows of uncertainty and fear. For now, there was joy to be shared and cherished, and celebrations with our group were few and far between.
I made my way back into the cafeteria. I still had other issues on my mind I needed to settle before I could really embrace the happiness of the moment.
“Ennigaldi,” I called out as I approached the Akkadian priestess, my voice barely audible above the din of the celebration. Her shimmering blue robe caught the light.
“Sienna,” she replied, her dark eyes meeting mine with a warmth that belied the age etched into her weathered features. “What can I do for you?”
“Earlier, in Alexandria, we discovered a mysterious portal in an archway. There were strange symbols etched into the stone. I need your help to uncover its secrets.”
Ennigaldi hesitated, her brow furrowing as she considered my request. She glanced around the room, where our friends and allies were gathered, their faces full of joy.
“Sienna,” she began, her voice heavy with uncertainty, “I am not sure what you seek is something I can help you with. The portal you describe… It is unlike anything I have encountered. It’s certainly not Babylonian, and the magic that fills that city, it’s foreign to me.”
“Please, Ennigaldi,” I pressed. “We cannot afford to leave any stone unturned, especially when Ares is still out there, gathering his strength.”
Her eyes locked onto mine, searching for some sign of doubt or hesitation. But I held her gaze, my determination unwavering. Finally, she sighed and nodded slowly.
“Very well, Sienna. I will do what I can to assist you in your quest for knowledge.”
“Thank you,” I breathed. “There’s a library in Alexandria. For now, we can access it. The city is vacant. I thought that might be a good place to start.”
Ennigaldi nodded. “I will accompany you back to the library in Alexandria to research this portal. Perhaps we will discover something that can aid us against Ares.”
“Thank you, Ennigaldi.” I felt the weight of her decision settle over me like a protective cloak.
“Give me some time to change and prepare myself,” she requested, turning toward the door. The ancient priestess still seemed out of place in our modern world, her flowing robes and intricate jewelry a stark contrast to the crisp lines and muted colors that surrounded her. “We shall leave as soon as I am ready.”
“Of course,” I replied, watching her slip away into the shadows of the hallway. As the door closed softly behind her, I turned my attention back to the group of friends gathered around baby Josephine. Their laughter and conversation washed over me like a soothing balm, easing the tension that had knotted itself within my chest.
“Would you like to hold her, Sienna?” Zoey asked, her eyes twinkling with happiness as she cradled her baby girl in her arms. It was a rare and beautiful sight to see such joy radiating from my friend, who had faced so much darkness and despair throughout her life.
“Sure, let me have a turn” I responded, reaching for the small bundle of warmth and softness nestled against Zoey’s chest. She gently handed Josephine over to me, and I carefully adjusted my grip to support the tiny miracle that lay cradled in my arms. Her breaths came slow and steady, her chest rising and falling beneath the thin blanket that swaddled her close. I felt the thrum of life beneath my fingertips, a fragile thread that connected us all in ways both seen and unseen.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Zoey whispered, her voice tinged with awe and wonder. “I still can’t quite believe she’s really here.”
“Neither can I,” I replied, gazing down at the infant’s serene face, which was framed by wisps of soft, golden hair. Her lips were gently parted as if she were whispering secrets to the angels who watched over her dreams.
“Zoey, you and Kevin have been blessed with a truly precious gift,” I added, feeling a surge of protectiveness for the innocent life that lay nestled against my chest. “My only regret is that Dylan and I will never be able to experience this joy for ourselves.”
Zoey took a deep breath. “There’s always adoption. I don’t think the background checks dive into vampirism.”
I laughed. “You’re probably right. That’s an idea, I suppose. Besides, can you imagine what a baby would look like if a werewolf and a vampire could conceive together?”
Zoey smiled widely. “I’m sure it would be a precious little monster!”
As the celebration continued, I couldn’t help but think of the journey that lay ahead of us. The portal in Alexandria beckoned like a siren’s call, mysterious and seductive, promising answers hidden within its ancient depths. With Ennigaldi by my side, I was determined to uncover its secrets, whatever they might be.
But for now, as I stood surrounded by friends and family, I allowed myself this brief respite from the darkness that lurked beyond our walls. For tonight, we were united in our joy and love for one another, and that was a light worth fighting for.
So beautiful, a voice echoed in my head. I’d almost forgotten Dracula possessed me.
I tilted my head. “You’re still here?”
I am. I’ll leave if you like. But I’d like to help, if you’ll have me.
I laughed as I handed Josephine back to Zoey. “I’ll take all the help I can get.”
AUTHOR NOTES - THEOPHILUS MONROE
JULY 10, 2023
So, we’re getting a kitten.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about that. I’ve fought against the idea for months but, alas, as is always the case, the wife and the kids prevailed, and I gave in. It’s not that I don’t like cats. I do. We always had one while I was growing up.
What has me on edge is the litter box. Now, a part of the deal was that I’d only agree to the “new arrival” if I had nothing to do with the damn litter box.
At least I’ll have cute pictures to share with my newsletter. And another “muse” for my writing. Watch out in my forthcoming books for the emergence of a feline (maybe not this series, perhaps the next) as an avenue to channel my real-world angst into writing.
I’ve never been one to sit down and talk through my issues with a therapist. It’s not that I don’t have issues. Who doesn’t? I’m more of an introvert. I don’t talk a lot about what’s on my mind. I do write about it. The crazier my characters are, well, it’s usually a reflection of my vacillating sanity.
So, the good news here is obvious—a new kitten means more entertainment for my readers! You’re welcome. It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for you!
Alright, I’m joking. Sort of. This book took our heroine into a hell within hell. Read whatever metaphysical metaphors you’d like into it. I’m not going to make more of it than it was. When I was examining the Babylonian myths surrounding Ishtar, how she’d been imprisoned in Irkalla by her own sister, I had to go there. It was sort of like a button that says “do not push.” Of course, I pressed it as hard as I could. I was too curious to see what would come of it.
One thing that I’ve enjoyed the most about this series, and in Zoey Grimm’s series in the same universe before, is the evolution of this “otherworld” where all the gods of old compete for dominance, how their personal ambitions spill over into the real world with devastating effects.
When I started writing this, I must confess, I hadn’t quite plotted a way out of it yet. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get Sienna and Zoey out of hell’s hell, or what the implications would be of descending into a forgotten realm of the Babylonian damned. I just knew we had to go there. What happened after that? Well, this was one of those rare instances when I allowed the heroines to figure it out for themselves as we went. Sometimes, when I’m lacking a creative solution, I just have to let my protagonists figure things out for themselves.
Yeah, yeah. I know I’m the author. My protagonists are my creation, and in the end, they do what I tell them to do. Still, sometimes when I can’t figure out things myself, I have to allow my characters to be themselves, find their own solutions, in ways I’d never think to do if I was in the situation myself.
I try to plot my books from the start, but I’ve never written a book that unfolded exactly the way I planned. My characters always have something to say about that. The truth is, when I’m drawing up an outline, it’s a lot harder to get into the heads of my characters than when I’m actually writing. The best twists-and-turns in my books weren’t ever a part of the original plot. They came to me as my characters faced their challenges and unexpected problems appeared and, in ways I never imagined, my characters prove their resilience.
As an author, I like to play the role of the mad scientist. I write the villains, too, you know. What’s the worst I can do to thwart my heroes/heroines and their goals? Why not send them to another level of hell? That’s when I know I have a good protagonist. When I’ve thrown everything I can think of at them to make their adventure more tumultuous, and they still emerge victorious, I know I’ve done my job.
The question I have now is this. Will I survive a kitten? Will the little ball of fur defeat me once and for all? Or will I take a page out of Sienna’s playbook and find a way to prevail? Or will I be overwhelmed by litter tracks, shed fur, and itty-bitty claws?
Stay tuned to find out. The adventure is just beginning!
Theo
AUTHOR NOTES - MICHAEL ANDERLE
JULY 19, 2023
First, thank you for not only reading this story, but these author notes in the back as well!
The Kitten Chronicles
So, it's official. Theophilus Monroe's family has brought home a kitten, and I must admit, they might have bamboozled him.
The family, and perhaps the kitten.
This little creature, as adorable as it might be, has a way of making even a seasoned author like Theophilus question his resolve. It will have a certain...power over him. A power that he, an author who deals with gods and magic, cannot seem to resist. But I've come up with some ideas on how to defeat the cuteness of a kitten and maintain one's dignity (and sanity).
This is for you, partner.
1. Develop a kitten-proof workspace: Create a fortress of solitude where the kitten's charms cannot penetrate, allowing you to focus on your writing without distraction.
2. Employ noise-canceling headphones: Block out the kitten's adorable meows and purrs, which can easily lull you into submission.
3. Maintain a strict schedule: Allocate specific times for playing with and caring for the kitten, ensuring that your writing and other responsibilities are not neglected.
4. Seek out kitten-free zones: Venture to local coffee shops or libraries to work, escaping the kitten's magnetic pull.
5. Embrace the power of delegation: Ensure that other family members take on their fair share of kitten-related duties, preventing you from becoming the sole caretaker of your new furry friend.
As for the T-shirts, I've already started browsing online for some clever designs that convey my stance on our new kitten.
1. "It's Not My Cat, It's Yours"
2. "I Survived the Kitten Apocalypse"
3. "Kittens: Cute, But Cunning"
4. "Beware of Cuteness Overload"
5. "I Came, I Saw, I Was Conquered by a Kitten"
Perhaps Theophilus should take a cue from his characters and admit defeat. After all, there's a certain charm in embracing the unexpected and finding inspiration from new sources—even if they come in small, furry packages.
Zoey moved faster than me. This was a race I was glad to allow her to win. As we turned a corner toward the cafeteria, Zoey’s eyes locked onto something across the room. Her face lit up like the sun breaking through storm clouds, and she broke into a full sprint. “Kevin!”
I watched as Kevin, who had been talking with another member of our team, looked up at the sound of his name. His eyes widened in disbelief and then filled with pure joy as he recognized the woman running toward him. In that instant, every emotion within him seemed to surge to the surface—love, relief, elation—all etched across his face like a work of art.
“Zoey,” he breathed, rushing forward to meet her with their baby cradled in his arms.
Their family embrace was a thing of beauty, a testament to the power of love in the darkest of times. Zoey’s arms wrapped tightly around Kevin’s neck, her sobs of happiness muffled against his shoulder. Kevin held her just as fiercely, his own tears falling freely as he buried his face in her hair.
“Josephine,” Zoey whispered, pulling away from Kevin just enough to look at her baby girl in his arms.
Zoey’s fingertips brushed against Josephine’s chubby cheeks, her breath catching in her throat as the infant cooed in response.
“Hey, little one,” Zoey murmured as she took the baby into her arms. “Mama’s here.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the scene unfolding before me. It was moments like these that reminded me what we were fighting for—love, family, and the chance to live our lives free from the shadows that threatened to consume us all.
As I watched Zoey and her family share their long-awaited reunion, I knew there was still much work to be done. The mysterious portal in Alexandria beckoned, its secrets waiting to be unlocked. Ares was still out there, preparing for something awful. But for now, I would allow my friend this brief respite, a moment of peace amid the storm.
Dylan and the Van Helsings stepped into the room, their faces lighting up at the sight of Zoey and Kevin’s tender embrace.
“What a pleasant surprise!” Dylan exclaimed, his voice tinged with genuine happiness. “It’s wonderful to see your family back together.”
“Indeed,” Alexander chimed in, a rare smile gracing his lips. “This is why we do what we do. It’s why I fight monsters. To protect little ones.”
I bit my cheek, recalling my fights with the Van Helsings in the past. We were long past that, and I knew he and Reginald weren’t a threat, but I wasn’t entirely sure if the brothers would remain our allies once we conquered our otherworldly threats. I was still a vampire, after all. They were Van Helsings.
“Thank you,” Zoey whispered, her eyes shining with gratitude as she held baby Josephine close to her chest. Kevin placed a protective arm around her shoulders, and I could tell that he was relieved to have them both safe in his arms.
As laughter echoed through the room, I felt the weight of my responsibility settle on my shoulders. I couldn’t shake the memory of Ares’ powerful form, the threat that Ishtar might pose if she regained her power, nor the unnerving sense that there were still secrets locked within the mysterious portal we’d discovered in Alexandria.
“Excuse me for a moment,” I murmured, slipping away from the group as discreetly as I could. My footsteps echoed softly on the wooden floor, the sound barely noticeable amid the cheerful chatter of our friends.
I reached the door to Gilgamesh and Ishtar’s room, my hand hovering above the doorknob. Questions swirled through my mind like a storm, but I knew I had to check on Ishtar, even if it meant interrupting their privacy. With one last deep breath, I opened the door.
“Sienna?” Gilgamesh turned toward me, surprise evident in his ancient eyes.
“Forgive me for intruding,” I replied, my voice barely audible as I glanced at Ishtar’s sleeping form, her breaths slow and steady. “I just wanted to make sure she isn’t a threat.”
“Ah,” Gilgamesh nodded solemnly. “I understand your concern, but I assure you that she is no danger to us. For now, at least.”
I glanced at Ishtar who didn’t look any stronger than she was when we rescued her. “What’s wrong?”
“Her magic isn’t restoring,” Gilgamesh confessed, his voice soft but burdened. “I’ve tried everything I know, but it’s like something is blocking her abilities. Ares really did a number on her.”
My brow furrowed as I tried to process this new information. On one hand, a weakened Ishtar meant she was less of a threat to us. On the other, Gilgamesh had finally embraced his wife. If there was anything that could quell Ishtar’s ambition, it was love. Practically speaking, it also meant that we were losing the full power of a potential ally with vast knowledge and capabilities. The internal conflict tugged at me, manifesting in my tightened grip on the doorframe and the crease between my eyebrows.
“Is there anything we can do?” I asked, hesitating for a moment before stepping closer. “Do you think this…blockage…has something to do with Ares?”
Gilgamesh nodded. “I fear he took too much from her. I don’t know if she’ll recover. She could die.”
I gulped. “I’m sorry, Gilgamesh.”
“If she passes, I want you to make me a promise.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“I want you to ask Zoey to reap me, to send me back to the void so we can be together.”
I sighed. “Gilgamesh… I don’t know…”
“I want to help you. I know the threat Ares poses, but if Ishtar dies, I don’t know if I can find the strength.”
“Don’t give up hope yet,” I urged. “But if it comes to that, I promise. I’ll see to it that you’re reunited with your wife.”
“Thank you.” Gilgamesh wiped a tear from his cheek. My heart broke at the scene. A stark contrast from the joy that filled the cafeteria down the hall.
“Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.” Gilgamesh took a deep breath. “I realize the conundrum you’re facing. Sometimes, the desire to protect those we love can blind us to the dangers that lurk in the shadows.”
With a heavy heart, I nodded in agreement. As I turned to leave the room, I couldn’t help but glance back at Ishtar one last time, her frail form a stark contrast to the powerful goddess she once was.
“Take care of yourself too, Gilgamesh,” I whispered, offering him a small smile filled with understanding and empathy.
As I stepped back into the hallway, I forced my thoughts away from the shadows of uncertainty and fear. For now, there was joy to be shared and cherished, and celebrations with our group were few and far between.
I made my way back into the cafeteria. I still had other issues on my mind I needed to settle before I could really embrace the happiness of the moment.
“Ennigaldi,” I called out as I approached the Akkadian priestess, my voice barely audible above the din of the celebration. Her shimmering blue robe caught the light.
“Sienna,” she replied, her dark eyes meeting mine with a warmth that belied the age etched into her weathered features. “What can I do for you?”
“Earlier, in Alexandria, we discovered a mysterious portal in an archway. There were strange symbols etched into the stone. I need your help to uncover its secrets.”
Ennigaldi hesitated, her brow furrowing as she considered my request. She glanced around the room, where our friends and allies were gathered, their faces full of joy.
“Sienna,” she began, her voice heavy with uncertainty, “I am not sure what you seek is something I can help you with. The portal you describe… It is unlike anything I have encountered. It’s certainly not Babylonian, and the magic that fills that city, it’s foreign to me.”
“Please, Ennigaldi,” I pressed. “We cannot afford to leave any stone unturned, especially when Ares is still out there, gathering his strength.”
Her eyes locked onto mine, searching for some sign of doubt or hesitation. But I held her gaze, my determination unwavering. Finally, she sighed and nodded slowly.
“Very well, Sienna. I will do what I can to assist you in your quest for knowledge.”
“Thank you,” I breathed. “There’s a library in Alexandria. For now, we can access it. The city is vacant. I thought that might be a good place to start.”
Ennigaldi nodded. “I will accompany you back to the library in Alexandria to research this portal. Perhaps we will discover something that can aid us against Ares.”
“Thank you, Ennigaldi.” I felt the weight of her decision settle over me like a protective cloak.
“Give me some time to change and prepare myself,” she requested, turning toward the door. The ancient priestess still seemed out of place in our modern world, her flowing robes and intricate jewelry a stark contrast to the crisp lines and muted colors that surrounded her. “We shall leave as soon as I am ready.”
“Of course,” I replied, watching her slip away into the shadows of the hallway. As the door closed softly behind her, I turned my attention back to the group of friends gathered around baby Josephine. Their laughter and conversation washed over me like a soothing balm, easing the tension that had knotted itself within my chest.
“Would you like to hold her, Sienna?” Zoey asked, her eyes twinkling with happiness as she cradled her baby girl in her arms. It was a rare and beautiful sight to see such joy radiating from my friend, who had faced so much darkness and despair throughout her life.
“Sure, let me have a turn” I responded, reaching for the small bundle of warmth and softness nestled against Zoey’s chest. She gently handed Josephine over to me, and I carefully adjusted my grip to support the tiny miracle that lay cradled in my arms. Her breaths came slow and steady, her chest rising and falling beneath the thin blanket that swaddled her close. I felt the thrum of life beneath my fingertips, a fragile thread that connected us all in ways both seen and unseen.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Zoey whispered, her voice tinged with awe and wonder. “I still can’t quite believe she’s really here.”
“Neither can I,” I replied, gazing down at the infant’s serene face, which was framed by wisps of soft, golden hair. Her lips were gently parted as if she were whispering secrets to the angels who watched over her dreams.
“Zoey, you and Kevin have been blessed with a truly precious gift,” I added, feeling a surge of protectiveness for the innocent life that lay nestled against my chest. “My only regret is that Dylan and I will never be able to experience this joy for ourselves.”
Zoey took a deep breath. “There’s always adoption. I don’t think the background checks dive into vampirism.”
I laughed. “You’re probably right. That’s an idea, I suppose. Besides, can you imagine what a baby would look like if a werewolf and a vampire could conceive together?”
Zoey smiled widely. “I’m sure it would be a precious little monster!”
As the celebration continued, I couldn’t help but think of the journey that lay ahead of us. The portal in Alexandria beckoned like a siren’s call, mysterious and seductive, promising answers hidden within its ancient depths. With Ennigaldi by my side, I was determined to uncover its secrets, whatever they might be.
But for now, as I stood surrounded by friends and family, I allowed myself this brief respite from the darkness that lurked beyond our walls. For tonight, we were united in our joy and love for one another, and that was a light worth fighting for.
So beautiful, a voice echoed in my head. I’d almost forgotten Dracula possessed me.
I tilted my head. “You’re still here?”
I am. I’ll leave if you like. But I’d like to help, if you’ll have me.
I laughed as I handed Josephine back to Zoey. “I’ll take all the help I can get.”
AUTHOR NOTES - THEOPHILUS MONROE
JULY 10, 2023
So, we’re getting a kitten.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about that. I’ve fought against the idea for months but, alas, as is always the case, the wife and the kids prevailed, and I gave in. It’s not that I don’t like cats. I do. We always had one while I was growing up.
What has me on edge is the litter box. Now, a part of the deal was that I’d only agree to the “new arrival” if I had nothing to do with the damn litter box.
At least I’ll have cute pictures to share with my newsletter. And another “muse” for my writing. Watch out in my forthcoming books for the emergence of a feline (maybe not this series, perhaps the next) as an avenue to channel my real-world angst into writing.
I’ve never been one to sit down and talk through my issues with a therapist. It’s not that I don’t have issues. Who doesn’t? I’m more of an introvert. I don’t talk a lot about what’s on my mind. I do write about it. The crazier my characters are, well, it’s usually a reflection of my vacillating sanity.
So, the good news here is obvious—a new kitten means more entertainment for my readers! You’re welcome. It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for you!
Alright, I’m joking. Sort of. This book took our heroine into a hell within hell. Read whatever metaphysical metaphors you’d like into it. I’m not going to make more of it than it was. When I was examining the Babylonian myths surrounding Ishtar, how she’d been imprisoned in Irkalla by her own sister, I had to go there. It was sort of like a button that says “do not push.” Of course, I pressed it as hard as I could. I was too curious to see what would come of it.
One thing that I’ve enjoyed the most about this series, and in Zoey Grimm’s series in the same universe before, is the evolution of this “otherworld” where all the gods of old compete for dominance, how their personal ambitions spill over into the real world with devastating effects.
When I started writing this, I must confess, I hadn’t quite plotted a way out of it yet. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get Sienna and Zoey out of hell’s hell, or what the implications would be of descending into a forgotten realm of the Babylonian damned. I just knew we had to go there. What happened after that? Well, this was one of those rare instances when I allowed the heroines to figure it out for themselves as we went. Sometimes, when I’m lacking a creative solution, I just have to let my protagonists figure things out for themselves.
Yeah, yeah. I know I’m the author. My protagonists are my creation, and in the end, they do what I tell them to do. Still, sometimes when I can’t figure out things myself, I have to allow my characters to be themselves, find their own solutions, in ways I’d never think to do if I was in the situation myself.
I try to plot my books from the start, but I’ve never written a book that unfolded exactly the way I planned. My characters always have something to say about that. The truth is, when I’m drawing up an outline, it’s a lot harder to get into the heads of my characters than when I’m actually writing. The best twists-and-turns in my books weren’t ever a part of the original plot. They came to me as my characters faced their challenges and unexpected problems appeared and, in ways I never imagined, my characters prove their resilience.
As an author, I like to play the role of the mad scientist. I write the villains, too, you know. What’s the worst I can do to thwart my heroes/heroines and their goals? Why not send them to another level of hell? That’s when I know I have a good protagonist. When I’ve thrown everything I can think of at them to make their adventure more tumultuous, and they still emerge victorious, I know I’ve done my job.
The question I have now is this. Will I survive a kitten? Will the little ball of fur defeat me once and for all? Or will I take a page out of Sienna’s playbook and find a way to prevail? Or will I be overwhelmed by litter tracks, shed fur, and itty-bitty claws?
Stay tuned to find out. The adventure is just beginning!
Theo
AUTHOR NOTES - MICHAEL ANDERLE
JULY 19, 2023
First, thank you for not only reading this story, but these author notes in the back as well!
The Kitten Chronicles
So, it's official. Theophilus Monroe's family has brought home a kitten, and I must admit, they might have bamboozled him.
The family, and perhaps the kitten.
This little creature, as adorable as it might be, has a way of making even a seasoned author like Theophilus question his resolve. It will have a certain...power over him. A power that he, an author who deals with gods and magic, cannot seem to resist. But I've come up with some ideas on how to defeat the cuteness of a kitten and maintain one's dignity (and sanity).
This is for you, partner.
1. Develop a kitten-proof workspace: Create a fortress of solitude where the kitten's charms cannot penetrate, allowing you to focus on your writing without distraction.
2. Employ noise-canceling headphones: Block out the kitten's adorable meows and purrs, which can easily lull you into submission.
3. Maintain a strict schedule: Allocate specific times for playing with and caring for the kitten, ensuring that your writing and other responsibilities are not neglected.
4. Seek out kitten-free zones: Venture to local coffee shops or libraries to work, escaping the kitten's magnetic pull.
5. Embrace the power of delegation: Ensure that other family members take on their fair share of kitten-related duties, preventing you from becoming the sole caretaker of your new furry friend.
As for the T-shirts, I've already started browsing online for some clever designs that convey my stance on our new kitten.
1. "It's Not My Cat, It's Yours"
2. "I Survived the Kitten Apocalypse"
3. "Kittens: Cute, But Cunning"
4. "Beware of Cuteness Overload"
5. "I Came, I Saw, I Was Conquered by a Kitten"
Perhaps Theophilus should take a cue from his characters and admit defeat. After all, there's a certain charm in embracing the unexpected and finding inspiration from new sources—even if they come in small, furry packages.
