Shadows of the Past: A Supernatural Suspense Mystery (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 1) by Nellie Steele (best books for 7th graders .TXT) 📕

“Oh, that’s the book, all right,” Celine answered. “And I doubt you have. I don’t think there’s ever been another one like it. Bound by leather made from human flesh and filled with pages written in blood, it is as horrific as its name.”

“And just as unhelpful it seems,” Gray said, looking through the book with Alexander. “Other than a list of names, it appears to be gibberish.” He slammed it shut, throwing it down on the couch in frustration.

Celine smiled. “It’s written in a language only a few gifted people can understand. People like the Duke.”

“What good does that do us? Is he going to help us read the book so we can destroy him?” Gray yelled.

“No, but you forget, I am as powerful as he and his blood runs through my veins, which means I can read it.”

A smile spread across Gray’s face. He handed the book to Celine who opened it, scanning it. “So, does it tell us how to destroy him?”

“Not destroy him, but banish him from this world. See these markings? They tell us how the coven was created, who it serves and how to handle a problem, should one arise.”

“And the names?” Alexander asked, as he, Michael and Damien grouped around Celine.

“The names are those in his coven.”

“Your name’s not in there,” Damien said, seeing the end of the list without having seen her name.

“No, I never pledged my loyalty to him, never signed the book in the blood of another. I never belonged to him, despite what I became that night,” Celine explained.

Damien nodded in understanding. “So what do we need to do?” Gray asked.

“We need to hold a special ceremony, call forth the Hellbeast he serves and ask him to take him back to whence he came. It will not be easy. As much as I’d like to do this alone, I will need all of you, including Teddy and Celeste. Alexander and Gray, you’re going to have to help me control the Duke once we get him on site, along with Teddy. Celeste will have to lure him there. I’ll perform the ceremony.”

“What about us?” Michael asked.

“Stay with the children, watch over them. You’ve done your part.”

“We want to help!” Damien exclaimed.

“I know, but you have,” she said, grabbing his hand. “Please, this is very dangerous for someone who isn’t immune to it like we are.”

Damien nodded. “Okay,” he reluctantly agreed.

“When and where, Celine?” Gray asked.

“No time like the present. The beach just up from the cave. Celeste can lure him down the path through the cave and out of the cave’s mouth onto the beach, he’ll walk right into our trap without ever seeing us.”

“How can we be sure this Hellbeast will banish him?” Gray questioned.

“This Hellbeast will not be pleased that he’s not gathering up a following, increasing his coven. Simply put, he will be fired for not doing his job. That’s one of the 'problems’ the book states. If someone isn’t carrying their weight, they can be banished from the earth.”

“Well, let’s get started with the banishment then,” he answered.

“Good luck,” Michael said.

“Be careful,” Damien added.

“We’ll see you when this is over,” Celine said, reassuring them.

Chapter 32

Celeste made her way to the home that sat on the edge of the cliffs. She could see lights inside burning away the darkness around the home. She was careful to keep to the shadows, using her black cape to stay hidden until she wanted to be noticed. Reaching the house, she ascended the steps to the porch in silence and approached the front door. She removed the note from her pocket and slid it under the door. Celeste retreated down the steps as stealthily as she climbed them and stopped a few feet from the house. She stood visibly in the path, pushing back the hood of her cape, allowing the moonlight to bathe her hair and face. There she would wait for the note’s recipient to find her.

She did not have to wait long, within minutes, she spied through the windows the note being handed off to the Duke. He looked at the envelope, on which she had scrawled Marcus. Opening it he read the note, then vaulted from his chair and made his way to the front door. Celeste knew the words by heart and she read them aloud as he read the note. “Marcus, I have information you must know regarding Celine. Meet me later, C.”

The mysterious note undoubtedly piqued his interested, as they had presumed it would. He opened the door, still pulling on his cape-like coat. Glancing up, he caught sight of Celeste standing in the moonlight. Celeste paused a moment, allowing him enough of a look to be sure he recognized her. Then she moved down the path, pulling her hood over her.

She risked a glance back. Satisfied that he was following her, she continued into the woods and toward the cave path’s entrance. She made her way through the narrow passages, winding her way down to the beach. He was fast on her tracks. She paused again at the mouth of the cave, then darted onto the beach.

Celine made her way to the beach, accompanied by Gray, Alexander, and Teddy. They picked a spot close to the cave opening, but hidden from its view by a rocky outcropping. Celine carried with her the book. They positioned themselves in a semi-circle, facing the cave entrance. Celine began reading from the book, invoking the Hellbeast that Marcus Northcott had sold his soul to long ago.

In a loud voice, she called out, welcoming him to join their group. “I call upon the Hellbeast, Bazios, he who forged a pact so long ago with the one who calls himself Marcus Northcott. He who has allowed him to live many lifetimes to serve his master. Come to us and behold what a poor servant you have chosen. Come to us! Come forth from