Please enjoy this preview of Immortal Requiem. Below you will find the first chapter of book one of The Silent Ballad Series. If you enjoy what you read, you can purchase the full book on amazon or kindle.

Prologue

Staring up at the dark, empty sky, only the muffled sound of my own heartbeat mumbled in my ear, thumping loudly. My body was so numb, the only feeling I could sense was the hot tears running down my face, not the searing, profusely bleeding wounds, only the stinging tears pouring from my eyes.

The only coherent thought I remember was, I hate him. And even though he had done this to me, I couldn’t mean it, not then…not yet.

Looking back at that moment in my life, no… that moment in my death, I realize that my life hadn’t even begun until after that night. That hurt taught me more than any words could have ever attempted to accomplish.

One hundred and fifty years ago the world came to an end. I was born fifty years after that apocalypse and was given a curse at birth. Some may have called it a blessing, as I’m sure it was intended to be—to have immortality given to them at birth—but there was a cost for my safety none had anticipated. I could not die, but I also could not feel, mentally or physically. My emotions were so suppressed I wasn’t able to feel love, compassion, hate, or fear. Only my anger was strong enough to seep through. That was, until I met him…

My name is Evangeline and this is my story; a tale of how I learned who I was… not a demon, or an angel, but what both make me…

Chapter One

The Second Eclipse

The world was engulfed in constant darkness, for the sun no longer retained light.  It wasn’t really an apocalypse, the world did not end, but it was the only word that rightly described what happened. The world became consumed by the night and overflowed with the supernatural. Tonight marked the one hundredth day since the apocalypse began. And as predicted, every fifty years, an eclipse would shadow our dying world in blackness, and chaos would break out amongst everyone…

The moon glowed red in the distance over the tall mountain range. The second eclipse the world had witnessed since the apocalypse was now dawning.

Standing on the very peak of Valence’s tallest mountain, overlooking the small valley below, Evangeline stood, tall and slender, the red moon hanging in the sky behind her. Her black coat whipped and thrashed and her long black hair cascaded around her face as the wind tousled it. Her red eyes peered at the valley below, watching the wild fire burn through the little villages dotting the basin—none left alive but those who chose to wage their war at the base of the mountain. Evangeline stared blandly at the endless massacre, fangs prickling at her lips, sharp claws digging into her palms. Her gaze followed the smoke into the sky, until it faded into nothingness. Her cold, deep voice whispered. “Elementals…” a light French accent hanging on her words.

Fire Elementals the Salamander, and the Wind Elementals the Sylph were locked in combat within the shadows of the mountain—they alone illuminated the forest below with their presence. The Salamanders resembled wild men, strong and tall, made of fire, coated with ashen armor. And the Sylph, slender women made of glowing green light, doused in white flowing cloth that swirled, and magically clung to the air around them.

Evangeline took a step forward and kneeled, gazing at the long drop to the flat land. Glancing back at the disappearing moon a wicked smile flashed across her face. Once the moon was gone from sight the demonic blood that violently pulsed through her veins would calm, and her instincts would take hold. During the new moon the demon blood would take over, whereas on the full moon her angelic blood was dominant, turning her either into a full demon or full angel according to the phases of the moon—tonight was both, due to the eclipse, a fusion of demon and angel none had ever seen—and none would live to tell. Turning back she leapt forward. The wind rushed past her, whipping her hair, her coat billowing as she descended towards the ground. Flipping herself around in the air she landed onto solid ground, kneeling to lessen the impact.

Two small sheaths rested on each hip, hidden just beneath her coat. She reached for them, the metal singing in anticipation as they escaped their prisons, elegant silver designs wrapping around the hilts, continuing in black carvings, running down the white steel blades, onyx stones placed intricately throughout the metal.

Standing within the shadows, just out of the light of the burning village through the trees, she turned and saw a Salamander flying through the air. Fire flew in all directions as the beast hit the stone wall, feet away from where she stood. His burning body shuddered, a loud beastly moan bellowed from the creature as the fire vanished, leaving a charred skeleton lying on the ground beside her. Evangeline’s sharp, quick vision shot back just in time to see a Sylph speeding towards her, wind thrashing through the forest, just ahead of the creature. Evangeline turned and ran up the stone wall behind her. Kicking off she flipped up and over the burst of wind that scarred the solid stone on impact.

She landed and turned, swinging her daggers with immeasurable speed, slicing through the pale woman—a loud, ear piercing howl sounded, almost like a whistle, and then the creature faded and disappeared into the wind.

Turning, Evangeline had no time to waste as three more Salamanders charged her from all angles. She leaned forward, kicking off the ground, and flipped up and over the Salamander’s sharp halberds, her face coming within an inch of the blades which barely missed her. Sparks flew in all directions as the blades passed each other, stabbing their comrades in unison, their bodies falling apart seconds later into bones and ash.

Evangeline rushed forward, crushing the burnt skull of a deceased Salamander as she did, throwing her dagger high into the air. She peered ahead, and saw another Sylph—she ducked down, sliding under the sharp gust of wind that sliced through trees and buildings on either side of her. As she came to a stop, she threw her second dagger straight ahead, stabbing it into the neck of the Sylph. Another ear piercing howl sounded and faded as her dagger clattered to the stone ground.

Turning, Evangeline swung her leg high into the air, kicking with as much force as she could, knocking her falling dagger behind herself into the head of an oncoming Salamander. Evangeline towered over her victim, wrenching her dagger from between the eyes of a charred skull.

Evangeline’s red eyes were nearly orange in comparison to the flames that licked at her from the nearby buildings—she felt more powerful, but little else felt different compared to a new moon. Blood and charcoal covered the cracked stone ground in which the small village had been built. The small shacks, hand made by the humans, desperate to continue living even as the world was bursting with all matter of monsters imaginable, now crumbled in the wake of the Elementals raging war.

Turning, Evangeline lifted her daggers just in time to catch the tip of the halberd between the blades, as it meant to strike her from behind. The creature hissed at her, flames bursting up the pole of his weapon.

Evangeline slid her daggers apart and leapt back—the end of his weapon snapping off at the motion of her sharp blades, the halberd blade rattling as it hit the ground beneath. The Salamander moaned fiercely, and threw its weapon down, charging at her. She didn’t make to move away, but danced around the beast, her blades crying in the air as they protested the heat they sliced through.

The tips of her white daggers seared red, and burning—she turned, shifting her body just in time to miss the ravaging burst of wind that shot towards her—slamming into another oncoming Salamander. The wind burst into flame as it impacted the Salamander exploding, its bones falling in pieces to the ground. The wind caught Evangeline’s arm and the side of her face as it past. Blood dripped slowly down her arm, onto the hot dagger blade, searing as the crimson liquid touched the heat. Evangeline rushed forward, leaping over a large dilapidated stone structure. Swinging herself around she shot into a run, racing towards the shrieking beast, slicing the red hot steel into its glowing flesh. Red sparks snapped and glittered through the light as the Sylph disintegrated into the air. Steam rose from her singing blades as she continued her momentum into the next enemy.

†

The Elementals howled and cried, hollered and bellowed throughout the forest for hours that night before the moon finally began to peek from behind its hiding place. Evangeline stood in the middle of one of the small villages, her fiery red eyes fading slowly back to their normal vibrant blue. Her daggers lying at her feet, blood pouring from wounds all over her body, she knelt. Reaching toward the ground, ignoring her daggers, she picked up the small teddy bear that lay half burned and patchwork torn, melted stuffing pouring from its side. “Sleep now, child, your suffering has passed.” She dropped the stuffed toy back to the ground, next to the small bloody body in front of her. She stared at the tiny hands, which clung tightly around a larger hand. “I’m sorry.” No tone of remorse could be heard in her hard voice. She scooped up her daggers, sheathing them quickly.

She glanced back once more, to the mother and child lying at her feet. Turning back she felt the sharp end of a halberd pierce deep into her abdomen but didn’t wince. Not a sound came from between her lips as blood slid down the corner of her mouth. The color of her eyes flickered back and forth, fading through shades of reds and blues, enigmatically.

Grinning slightly, she reached behind her back, bypassing her dagger, pulling out a small black handgun. The Salamander tilted its head, mesmerized by her as she cocked the gun, aiming at the creature’s head. “Adieu.”

The sound of the bullet rang through the valley, almost silencing the battle in its wake.

Evangeline pulled the halberd from her abdomen and threw it down to the ashen remains at her feet. Straightening her coat, she wiped the blood from her lips and looked up at the full moon hanging high in the sky, no longer obscured. Her vibrant light blue eyes shone in the brilliant light, the light that washed peace back over the land, diminishing her demonic blood.

War raged in all the countries, among all the races. Whether for dominance, or a thirst for blood, everyone was locked in battle for those hours, and now it was done—the second world war in the last one hundred years had come to a close.

†

Forty-Nine years later…

In a small village outside the ruins of Lyon, France, a young woman sat in a bar. Twirling her well-manicured fingers into her wild red curls, she looked up at the bartender. “I’ll have a drink.” Her voice was annoying and shrill.

The bartender narrowed his eyes at the stranger across the counter from him. The smell of rotten wood and alcohol gave the room a murky scent. It was apparent that she didn’t belong, but the weary men who sat around his bar paid no never mind to the wealthy looking woman.

As he poured the stale alcohol from its bottle, the bartender couldn’t keep himself from inquiring, “What brings you to these parts?”

Taking note of the bartender’s bland tone and uninterested eyes, she spoke in a low voice, thick with enthusiasm. “I’m here searching for someone…”

The old man behind the bar raised his eyebrows, his eyes flashing with curiosity. “Looking for someone here?”

The woman’s dark golden eyes gleamed with excitement. “Have you heard of a woman named Evangeline?”

The bartender nodded. “She’s just a legend. It’s said she protects the surrounding towns and the mountains from evil.”

“Has anyone ever seen her, the elusive demonic angel?” she asked, pushing back a lock of her thick hair.

“Don’t be ignorant, it’s just a legend.” He raised an eyebrow at the woman.

“Indeed.” The woman’s voice was somber. “An impossibility… But,” she paused, “considering all the matter of demon and angel that wander the earth, wouldn’t you find yourself considering the legend at least possible?”

“I suppose, but why would a demon and an angel give birth to such a creature, and why would she protect humans?”

“Oh yes, why indeed… with the beauty of an angel, the strength of a demon, and the immortality of both, trapping her to this damnation called earth.”

“You seemed to be schooled on this matter.” The old man eyed her suspiciously.

“Well, let’s say I’m a little too curious for my own good.” She smiled wickedly, her eyes wandering through the bar, noting the details of her surroundings. It was a small shack, barely enough room for the four tables in front of the long narrow bar. Planks were nailed over holes in the thin wooden walls, and bloodstains rested in the corners. Only a few men left over from the work crowd lingered, holding off the misery of going home to their hollow, post-apocalyptic lives.

“So,” the bartender broke the silence. “What could possibly bring you to search for an immortal creature like her?”

“Have you heard of the Sun Maiden?”

“The angel who sealed the light of the sun?” the bartender said cautiously.

“Yes.” The stranger’s smile widened. “Well, her powers were passed on after her death to another angel, who corrupted herself…”

“For her lover.” The bartender nodded, acknowledging his awareness of the story.

“Her demonic lover…” The woman’s voice was again filled with excitement.

“I’ve heard some things.” The bartender raised his eyebrow again. “But what brings you here? According to the legend, that was in—”

“—In northern Europe, in Norway.” She finished the sentence shortly. “I’ve been there and found nothing. I’m expanding my search here in France, the last place with any connections to that legend.”

“Evangeline’s Legend?” the bartender suddenly frowned.

“Yes, isn’t the story connected with Evangeline’s Legend?”

The bartender cleared his throat, grabbing an old dirty rag to wipe off the counter. “I don’t honestly know. There are so many stories and legends these days.”

The stranger glanced back, seeing that the men had slipped away into the night, making their way through the dangerous village to their equally unsafe homes.

“Very well,” the woman said without contempt. “I shall be on my way then.” She stood with one swift movement and walked to the exit with inhuman speed.

The bartender stared at her, wide eyed, and breathed the word, “Demon…” dropping his soppy rag onto the floor.

The look on the old man’s face made the demon grin with pleasure. Her bright white glowing teeth gleamed in the moonlight coming in from the door way. “I am appreciative of your services.” The tips of her fangs shone as she turned, vanishing without a second’s notice.

†

“That was too much fun!” The woman came to a stop within the protection of the forest, smiling towards the darkness.

“This place is not safe to play with humans.” A male voice she knew well sounded from behind the shadows.

Without remorse she shrugged and replied, “I know.”

“He was terrified. I can smell the stench of fear all over you.”

“I like it,” she grinned. “The scent enthralls me.”

The voice replied with disgust. “And that’s why you should get rid of it, we do not need to get her attention,” he sighed. “Not yet.”

“But it would be the most effective way. No?” the woman asked, her tone sincere and controlled.

“Not yet.” The voice calmed. “If you are in a mood for playing with humans don’t do it here.”

“Fine,” she breathed, exasperated, looking up at the moon through the thick pine needles above.

†

Evangeline could feel the warmth of demonic blood boiling in her veins—she wondered if it would hurt, if she were able to feel pain. She knew as soon as her blood stopped pulsing violently through her body, as her finger nails turned to claws and her fangs were grown, that the new moon was upon the sky. Knowing she’d have little control over her instincts she disliked the new moon; the night that marked her monthly transformation into a full demon. This was the only time she could experience pain, or at least the sensation of it—though it was impossible to recall the feeling as the night passed all too quickly.

 “Two more nights…” she noted, looking out over the large lake towards the ruins of an old castle. It looked like an oil painting, with the disappearing moon hanging above it elegantly, the lake sparkling with its reflection.

She sat on the smooth flat surface of a boulder sunk halfway into the water, gazing out over the enchanting setting.

Within the darkness behind her, she could sense a demon, the stench of fear and bloodshed clinging to its aura. She glowered, standing, and turned and hissed threateningly before she sped into the forest, avoiding each branch and rock effortlessly as she ran.

She came to a stop, her heels digging into the moist soil of the damp forest and narrowed her dark blue eyes towards the direction of the aura. The demon was staggering through the forest, holding its wounded side. He held a human form and seemed too weak to even realize she was there. She eyed the creature for several moments before she shifted, and crunched the gravel beneath her feet.

Instantly she pulled out her daggers, halting the demon as it rushed and struck at her. He held the edges of her blades which cut into his palms. She looked more closely at the demon, his maroon eyes gleaming with pain, his black hair slicked back and dirty.

Snarling, he growled at her. “Help me…” He released her blades and fell to his knees, replacing his hand over the profusely bleeding wound.

Evangeline eyed the demon at her feet, her demonic side contemplating slicing his head off right then but she stopped as he looked up at her. A knowing in his eyes halted her thoughts and perked her demonic curiosity. “Who are you?”

The demon exhaled shakily, relieved at the motion of her sheathing her daggers. “My name is Falter. I was attacked by a werewolf—” He stopped and winced, attempting to stand again.

“Werewolf?” She frowned, knowing they lived north-east to their location.

“You don’t believe me? It was just up the hill.” He pointed behind her. “I think… it’s following me.”

She shook her head. “No, I only sense your aura—” Her frown deepened, the scent of fear and bloodshed she had sensed moments before with his aura were gone, which meant there was another aura. She turned, unsheathing her daggers. The bloodshed and ugly stench of fear washed over the area in a sudden burst and a deep howl sounded from within the darkness, closing in on them.

“It’s going to kill me!” Falter hissed, and turned to flee.

Evangeline shifted and aimed her dagger at the demon. “Don’t you dare harm a human being in this region, or you’ll wish I’d let the werewolf slaughter you.”

Falter straightened, that look glinted in his eyes again. “I understand. Thank you for the warning.”

Evangeline turned just as the werewolf burst through the trees. She leapt up and dodged the large claws that swung for her. The wolf stood on its hind legs, towering at least four feet taller than her, its black fur thick and matted, its teeth stained with blood, yellow eyes wide and full of anger. A wound ran down its left arm like it had been struck by a sword.

“Leave this region, before I make you leave.” Evangeline gave the wolf an empty stare, her daggers resting at her sides, unthreatened by its sudden outburst. She looked past the wolf, towards where the demon had run.

“You have no authority over me!” the beast growled. “Let me pass!”

Evangeline’s eyes moved back up towards the wolfs. Staring deep into his frantic eyes, she frowned. “You’re not a rogue, you’re hunting…” She knew well the difference between savage murder and the intent for revenge—the looks distinct from one another.

“I will kill that vermin!”

“I can smell bloodshed all over you—you’ve killed in this region.”

“He was playing human in the village—I don’t distinct between demons and humans—all vermin!” the wolf barked. “Let me pass!”

Evangeline’s eyes flashed red. “No more bloodshed. I will deal with the demon myself. This is my province.”

The look in her eyes sent the werewolf back to all fours. Backing away defensively he growled, “What are you?”

“The last thing you’ll ever see,” she said, her voice quiet, emotionless.

The wolf stood suddenly, avoiding her blade as she rushed forward, but he was not quick enough to avoid the second—his blood dripped off the tip of her dagger, protruding from the back of a man’s body. She slid the dagger back, allowing the limp body to fall at her feet and turned, racing into the forest.

†

She caught up with the demon within minutes, his wound keeping him from moving too fast.

“Stop,” she said firmly.

The demon looked over his shoulder at her perched on the branch of a tree high above him. “I felt the aura disappear. My life is in your debt.” He turned and bowed towards her.

She hopped off the branch and landed lightly, walking up to the demon. “He is dead. Explain why you brought him here.”

“I didn’t mean to, I was merely trying to—” the look in her deep blue eyes halted his sentence.

She shook her head. “He was attacked by you, which means you intended to lead him somewhere.”

“Honestly?” the demon almost laughed. “I’ll admit, I may have bit off a little more than I could chew, but I had no intention of bringing him anywhere!”

She narrowed her eyes at him, showing she did not believe him. “Regardless, you caused bloodshed here—this is my province.”

“I swear, I didn’t mean it! I’m leaving, I’ll never come back to the Valence mountains again!” he stuttered, trying to change the deadly glare she was giving him. “I swear to you, my name is Falter, I’m a full demon from northern Europe. I was just traveling.”

“If you believed you bit off more than you could chew with that puny werewolf, you don’t want me coming after you.” Her cold, emotionless tone only added to the intensity of her words.

“I understand…” he gestured towards her. “I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.”

“It is in your best interest that you do understand.” She turned, disappearing into the darkness of the thick forest.

†

Evangeline moved through the treacherous mountains with ease. She didn’t desire rest and never felt fatigued, enabling her to cross great distances in short amounts of time. Her strength and emotionless personality made her life cold and lonely—leaving her only desire her own unreachable death.

Forty-nine years ago, Evangeline traveled to the Valence Mountains, seeking a legendary church, or their ruins to be more precise. In these hills a small church sat, decrepit and abandoned. Legend told a dark story of demons from the first days of the apocalypse, and the death those demons left in their wake. There was a rumor that the demons were struck down by an unstoppable force, and any impure soul who stood upon the grounds would meet the same untimely fate. Only after fifty years of immortality, and living in the dark loneliness, did Evangeline test this theory, finding it false.

Instead of death, she found a home—something to protect, something more than a desire for death. The villages ravaged by the Elementals gave her a new reason—wanting to stop the innocent from suffering, she remained.

Now the church ruins were a place she’d spend her new moons, careful not to wander too close to the villages during the hours of darkness, lest she be the danger she remained there to stop.