Gone: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 3) by Nellie Steele (best books for 20 year olds txt) 📕

out! You’d go there in your mind or something like that. It was weird. It was another place, like not on earth.”

“I went to a place not on earth?” Damien questioned.

“Yes. At first you figured it was a dream, because it happened when you fell asleep. Then Millie hypnotized you. And then you’d just fall over shaking wherever you were, and you’d be in this other realm.”

“Yes, yes, that’s right. And Celine would be there! She’d talk to me and tell me what was happening, but it was so cold, she’d have to send me back within minutes! I remember!”

“Yes! Now, what did she tell you? Do you remember that?”

Damien pondered it longer. “Uh, she was missing. She told me… she told me the Duke had her! And she was getting Celeste changed back from a vampire!”

“She told you she was at the old mill. But we went there, and no one was there. It was some kind of spell!”

Damien’s excitement grew. They were close to piecing everything together. “Yes! Then what? How did we find her? We must have found her because she sent us back here right?”

“Yeah… but how?” Michael questioned.

Damien paced the floor of his room. “It’s no use, I have no idea!” he exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air in frustration.

“Oh, come on!” Michael responded after another moment of musing. “We’re so close!”

“Do we know if Celeste is not a vampire anymore?” Damien asked.

Michael pondered a moment. “I’m not sure,” he answered.

Damien sighed. “Okay, good stopping point, I guess. It’s almost time for breakfast. We can try again later.”

They made their way to the dining room, joining Alexander and Gray for breakfast. They discussed any ideas for a plan but informed the Buckleys they may need more time. Gray agreed, suggesting they use the ball to observe and learn rather than enact anything too extravagant.

The idea didn’t sit well with Damien. He liked to be prepared, however, he didn’t see any other choice. Alexander had business in town, so they spent the day wandering around London. They visited several of the sights, feeling almost like tourists. The distraction provided Damien with much needed stress relief and entertainment. Michael enjoyed the experience far less than Damien. They returned to the house for dinner, opting to turn in early in the hopes that a good night’s rest allowed them to fill in the remaining gaps in their memories. They also wanted to prepare for the upcoming ball tomorrow evening.

Celine joined Marcus at the breakfast table early. “Good morning, darling,” Marcus greeted her, glancing up from his newspaper.

She kissed him on the cheek. “Good morning.” She was served her usual breakfast of porridge. “Have you much business to attend to today?”

“A fair amount, but I shouldn’t be late.”

“We dine with the Richardsons tonight,” Celine informed him.

“I haven’t forgotten but thank you for the reminder, my dear.”

Celine smiled at him. “I hope I shan’t make us late. I’ve my final dress fitting today for the ball tomorrow.”

“I’m sure the dressmaker can see you early,” Marcus suggested.

“I’ve tried, but she is completely booked. Surprising at this time of the year.”

“Arrive early, dear, she will not turn you away. Not with what I pay her.” Celine smiled at him again. “Did you secure the invitation for the Buckleys?”

“Yes. I called on Lady Blackburn yesterday. She was most gracious in accommodating my request.”

“I should think she was. Lord Blackburn owes us several favors.”

“I informed Mr. Buckley yesterday. He was quite pleased.”

“And now he owes us a favor,” Marcus noted.

“I did not realize he had another cousin. Grayson Buckley. Are you acquainted with him?” Celine questioned.

“I’ve met him once,” he responded, never glancing up from his paper. “A useless man if I’ve ever encountered one.”

“He seemed… kind.”

“Kind? My dear, there are many virtues in a man to be prized, but kindness is the least among them.” Celine glanced to him before continuing to eat her porridge. “You do not care for my comments. Oh, dear Celine, you are too tenderhearted.”

“A quality you do not value.”

He stood, folding his paper and setting it on the table. “In you, dear, I treasure every quality. You are not a woman who gives in to foolish notions. But you should rely on my expertise in these matters as your heart sometimes clouds your head. I am off. Enjoy your day, my dear.” He kissed her forehead before disappearing from the room.

Celine considered his words. She recalled a time when she had been a foolish romantic. She was a child then. Her father, who raised her alone after her mother’s death, had doted on her, allowing her to run free. The result was a carefree young woman with headstrong convictions. Marcus had reigned in her blither nature. And she was all the better for it, she reminded herself.

Still, she mused, as she finished her breakfast, Grayson Buckley awakened sentiments in her she hadn’t entertained in a long while. She shook her head, dismissing the notions. Foolish girl, she reflected, you have made your choices. And you have made good, solid choices. Her sister’s voice echoed in her head, adding the last line. No one had been more thrilled with her decision to marry Marcus Northcott than her older sister, Celeste. Yes, she reflected, she had made a solid match in Marcus. A match most women could only dream to achieve. Yet she had achieved it. She must suppress these foolish romanticisms and focus on her chosen path.

Present day, Bucksville

Celine stared at Millie as she conducted her physical exam of Damien. Another new day and still no changes in his condition. Michael’s remained the same as well. Neither showed signs of waking from their coma. Millie commented that both of their body temperatures remained low, dipping a fraction of a degree lower than yesterday. The change baffled Millie. She suggested adding an additional blanket. She also proposed adding medical equipment to monitor vital signs and provide nutrients to both patients while their conditions remained unchanged.

The news did