Breaking The Darkness (The Light and Dark Trilogy Book 1) Read online

  Prologue

  The chosen one.

  The one destined to fight the dark side.

  The one who would become stronger than any other.

  I was destined to lose everyone I loved and cared about.

  I was destined to fall in love with a man more powerful than most.

  But most of all?

  I was destined to become the Dark One.

  Good always wins.

  But in my case, it's evil that prevails.

  Chapter One

  Some say that tragedy makes you weak.

  Others say that it forces you down a dark path of no return.

  What made me weak only made me stronger.

  I thirst for vengeance.

  I thirst for blood.

  There was a time when I was happy, outgoing, and full of life. But now… now I'm filled with dread, sorrow, and anger.

  I will never forget the pain they've caused me.

  I will never forget the chains that bind me.

  I will never forget how they stole my family.

  Thunder cracks as the lightning strikes.

  Nightfall descends, bringing an eerie glow to the two story house.

  On a normal day like any other, I was up in my room working on my homework.

  Little did I know, that on this normal day, my life would drastically change forever.

  Screaming erupted from downstairs as I dropped everything and ran towards the horror.

  Once I had reached the bottom, I was grabbed and thrown across the room.

  "No! Please, leave her alone!" My mother's gut wrenching sobs reverberated through my entire body. I slowly lifted my gaze to meet her own but froze, horrified by the image in front of me.

  There on the floor surrounded by a puddle of blood and entrapped in my mother's bloodied and bruised arms, was my lifeless father.

  I ignored the pain as I pushed myself off the ground. A group of small red creatures surrounded our living room. Small pointy ears, long tails, and sharp claws emerged from their bony hands.

  My eyes widened as I looked around at the horrifying creatures.

  Demons.

  My mother's screams awoke me from my daze. Blood scattered her flawless face, as she looked at me with wide eyes.

  A sharp, undeniable pain came from the right side of my abdomen, and when I looked down, I saw blood oozing out.

  What the...

  I ignored the pain, and went after my mother.

  I didn't get very far.

  A creature grabbed me from behind, and tugged on the back of my hair, clenching it into a tight fist. He brought my head back to look at him, and in that moment, I knew that he was the ruler of darkness.

  Blood red eyes stared at me, and held nothing but malice in it's depths. Out of disgust and fear, a shiver ran down my spine. A sadistic smile revealed his gruesome yellow teeth, and his repulsive smelling breath.

  I tried to hold my breath, but instantly regretted it as I began to suffocate. I squirmed in place, as his grip tightened, making me cry out in pain. His bony fingers reached out to touch my face and I flinched away from him.

  "You are quite exquisite, my dear. You will make a fine Queen." My eyes widened.

  His brows furrowed in disgust, "She didn't tell you?" I stayed frozen in place looking at the creature before me.

  He shook his head and glanced at my mother. "Alexandria, you have failed me yet again. Trying to protect your daughter from what's to come? We all know of her fate, you cannot prolong this any longer!" he yelled, as he made me flinch again.

  What was he talking about? I looked to my mother and tried to see if there is any truth in her eyes, but all I saw was fear and...acceptance?

  He switched his dark gaze back to mine. "I'm sorry you have to see this, my dear."

  My eyes widened in fear. He dropped me to the ground as if I weighed like nothing.

  I lunged towards my mother, when one of his minions grabbed me by the arms and forced me into a tight, painful hold. He forced me to watch as the dark hooded figure with the blood red eyes crept towards my mother at a slow pace.

  "NO!" My voice cracked and my chest tightened. "Mom, please move! Get out of here, please!" I struggled as hard as I could to get to my mother but the demon that held me was digging his long nails into my arms, making blood trail down and onto the floor.

  With tears in my eyes, I kept my gaze locked on my mother. She was frozen in shock as he grabbed her by the neck and looked into her eyes.

  He plunged his black dagger into her stomach. The room became viciously cold as he used his powers to take the last remnants of her life away.

  I fought, kicked and struggled as much as I could before my exhaustion seeped in.

  As I drowned out the painful screams of my mother, the last thing I heard was her whisper the words "I love you." before I felt myself succumbing to the darkness.

  Chapter Two

  Death.

  It's a funny thing.

  It causes all sorts of pain.

  It causes people to do things they wouldn't normally do.

  To think, if only there weren't psychotic people in the world, this place would be filled with peace.

  If only there weren't sadistic creatures that take pleasure in watching people suffer.

  As I sit up against the willow tree in front of my school, silently reflecting on my shitty life, I watch other students laugh and have a good time.

  It must be nice to not have a care in the world.

  All I can think about is their death's.

  The day my life changed forever.

  A day that I wished I would have been stronger.

  The day my parents died was the day I lost a piece of my soul.

  Blood.

  Torture.

  Death.

  The demons that murdered my parents had taken over the town and slaughtered everyone they could. Families were destroyed, and faith was lost. It was no longer the town that I grew up in.

  It was Hell.

  The remaining families that had escaped fled to other states and countries, seeing as the town was no longer fit to raise their families. With everyone gone, it turned into a dark, gruesome place, with nothing but the remaining blood stains of the massacre.

  I was lost, broken, and alone for what felt like ages. Before my last remaining relative, Aunt Karina, came and took me away.

  The authorities told me to change my name and change my appearance so these "monsters" wouldn't be able to find me, but it was pointless. With long black hair and silver eyes, it's impossible to stay hidden. Whether I left the country or stayed, it wouldn't matter. The sadistic creature that took my innocence will come back to finish what he started.

  But what he doesn't know, is that I am getting stronger.

  I lean my head back against the tree and close my eyes. I can already sense an earth shattering headache coming along. I rub my temples and open my eyes to see a group of people whom I've never seen before. They are all huddled together, surrounding something, or someone.

  Turning my gaze away from them, I am met with the stunning green eyes of my best friend Ashley. "What are you doing over here?"

  I shrug. "Just thinking." I get up from the ground and dust myself off. I grab my bag and start heading towards the entrance.

  Ash's skip in her step sends her pixie cut, blonde hair flying. Her emerald eyes sparkle with excitement.

  "Why do you look like Hell chewed you up and spat you back out?" She said eyeing me up and down.

  Rolling my eyes, "Well some of us can't always be perfect like you can."

  "Som
eone pissed in your Cheerios this morning." Her tone changes quickly though as she pulls on my arm, jumping up and down.

  "Guess what, guess what?"

  Shrugging off her grip, "You were able to put both shoes on the right foot?" I mumble.

  "Ha, ha, very funny." She sticks her tongue out at me.

  "Do you remember the fire that took place at Anderson?" When I nodded, she continued. "Well, they had to close it down for the year. The school district decided it was best for those students to finish out their year here."

  She continues to jump in excitement, as she tugs on my arm. "I'm so freaking excited to have new boys to look at! And girl let me tell you, all those boys are freaking gorgeous! But the main guy, who seems to be worshiped by all, Trace Evans, is one sexy beast."

  She looks at me then looks behind me, "Actually he's staring right at you."

  I turn around and meet the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.

  A deep crystal blue.

  A snort escapes my lips.

  He looks to be about six feet tall, but it's hard to tell with the way he leans against his car. The outfit he wears sends a clear message- black boots, dark jeans, and a tight black shirt that showcases his finely knit abs- he must want everyone to think he's some sort of 'bad-boy'. His black hair is a mess, as if he just rolled out of bed. A tattoo peeks out from the neck of his shirt, and the design reminds me of a tribal tattoo.

  It only adds to his image.

  Part of me already finds him annoying, but another part is drawn to him.

  No.

  What am I thinking?

  He looks like trouble.

  He looks dangerous.

  My gaze meets his again.

  The hatred in his eyes pulls me out of my daze.

  Ice cold blue eyes stare back at me, analyzing me.

  Realizing this is a complete waste of time, I turn back to Ashley and say, "C'mon, let's get to class."

  On the way to our first class, Ashley gushes about the new boys. Normally I do a good job of being attentive and listening, but today my mind is in the gutter.

  Trace.

  He's gorgeous, but he's dangerous. His icy stare is enough to make one cower in fear. Even his name is intimidating.

  Reaching the classroom, I head to the back seat by the window, my usual spot. When I get settled, I finally see my other best friend Ryan lazily waltzing into class.

  "How are my favorite ladies doing this morning?" A wide grin spreads across his face.

  Ryan is a great friend, but he focuses more on the opposite sex than his studies.

  He's a player.

  His lean figure towers over my own as he grins down at me. He runs a hand through his short brown hair, his green eyes meeting my own. I could understand why girls fell for him.

  If only he'd fall in love with one of them.

  I've known him and Ashley for about three years now, meeting them after the tragedy took away my family.

  When we first moved here, I wouldn't talk to anyone. I learned quickly from my past that it was best to not trust anyone. It was hard for me to talk to them and open up, but they were both so welcoming to me and didn't ask questions.

  They took one look at the broken girl and became friends with her.

  Because of that, I am forever grateful to them.

  "Where have you been? I've been looking for you all over this damn school!" Ashley gets up in his face, playfully pushing him in the chest.

  "Well excuse me if Coach called me in for practice at the crack of dawn. Guess you didn't check everywhere, did you Ash?" Ryan smiles at her.

  He is one of the best running backs in the school, and has a good shot at receiving a scholarship to play college football.

  Mrs. Jones starts banging her ruler on the table to get our attention, "Okay class, take out your books, and read pages 42-50 to yourselves. I want you to take notes on this while you're reading and we will discuss it after."

  I take out my book, turn it to the assigned pages and get to work.

  All of the sudden the door opens with a loud smack. The room is flooded by a dead silence. Focusing on my work, a small pinch grazes my arm.

  "Ow! What the Hell?" While rubbing my arm and giving my best friend a murderous glare, she giggles and nods towards the door, signaling me to look at who just walked in.

  Once again, I'm met with icy blue eyes. Trace leans up against the door frame, and another student walks in after him.

  "Well, who do we have here?" Mrs. Jones asked.

  Waltzing up to the teacher, the blonde haired student hands her a piece of paper, "I'm Cole Evans and this is my brother, Trace. We're new here."

  A couple of sighs emerge in the background and I roll my eyes at how easily everyone is falling for them. The girls sat mouths agape drooling over Trace and Cole's excellent physiques.

  Guess I can't really blame them, as Trace stands there with his arms crossed over his chest exuding self-assurance with just a touch of cockiness. Cole is almost as good looking as his brother, with his shaggy, dirty blonde hair, and brown eyes.

  Now that I look at both of them together, it's hard to believe they’re siblings.

  They both have an intimidating aura surrounding them that will make everyone stop in their tracks, but there is something about Trace that puts me on edge.

  His blue eyes lock on my own, and tingles settle down on my spine from his unwavering gaze.

  Realizing that I am staring at him for too long, I shake my head and get back to work. The last thing I need is a distraction.

  "Ah I see, well come in, come in. Go ahead and find yourselves some seats. There is one over there by the window, and another in front of Mr. Adams."

  I stare intensely at my notes, but am unable to concentrate because his footsteps on the linoleum floor are coming in my direction.

  My heart rate increases with each step he takes. Please don't sit by me, please don't sit by me. I keep chanting in my head hoping that his brother will be the one to sit by me and not him.

  Cole introduces himself to Ryan and realize I'm out of luck.

  "Can I sit here?" His smooth, husky tone sends a shiver of pleasure through my body.

  I nod my head at him unable to speak. Trying to regain my focus, I immerse myself completely in the assignment.

  Throughout the whole class his icy stare remains locked on me, as if looking for any secrets I might be hiding.

  "What are you looking at?" My voice was thin, an audible hiss that betrayed the irritation directed at him and his unnerving stare.

  "What's the matter? Can't handle people looking at you, sweetheart?" One side of his mouth quirks up in a tantalizing smile.

  "No, I just hate cocky assholes." I smirk, making him frown.

  As soon as the bell rings, I grab my stuff and rush out. I breathe a sigh of relief when I get out of the room.

  The last thing I need is for some new guy trying to figure out my secrets.

  Chapter Three

  School.

  Some love it.

  Others hate it.

  I am one of those people who hate it.

  I walk out of my math class, lean up against a locker and close my eyes.

  Just two more classes.

  Exhaustion seeps in, making it hard for me to focus. My mind is spinning with numerous thoughts.

  My dead parents.

  The new boys.

  My stomach twists in knots from thinking about them.

  The warning bell dings as I take a deep breath and make my way to the dreaded lunch room.

  The room is surrounded by tons of cliques: the jocks and cheerleaders on one side of the room, then the drama, choir, and student government on the other. In the middle the goths, nerds, wannabe preps, and the loners; it looks like high school musical exploded in this place.

  As soon as I reach the table tucked far away in the back of the room, I sit down and place my head on my arms.

  Footsteps make their way over towards me, and I kn
ow my friends have found me.

  "Hart, are you alright?" Ryan asks.

  I lift my head up from the lunch table to look at him. "Huh?"

  "I said are you alright? You look pale." His green eyes zone in on me.

  "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a headache." I whisper as I lay my head back down on the table.

  I can tell Ryan is suspicious, but he doesn't say anything. "I'm going to get some food, is there anything you want me to grab?"

  "Will you get me a pizza please?" Ashley asked politely.

  "Yeah, is there anything you want Hart?"

  "No, I'm good, thanks." I mumbled without lifting my head.

  "I'll be right back."

  "So, what do you think about Trace and Cole?" Pure excitement laces her voice.

  I lift my head from my arms and rub my face, waking myself up.

  I shrug, "They're alright I guess. There's not really much to think about." I grab the water from my bag and take a sip.

  "Are you so sure about that? The other girls seem to think otherwise." A deep husky voice whispers in my ear.

  I jump as the water shoots from my mouth, eyes widening.

  "What the Hell?" I look from Trace to his brother, who is trying to hold back a laugh.

  "I'm sorry sweetheart, I can't help the fact that I can make girls like you swoon over me." His lips quirk up into a sinful smile.

  "And it’s guys like you that make me want to puke." I stick my finger in my mouth and make a choking sound, hoping to get a rise out of him.

  "Sorry about my brother. He can be an ass." Cole says glaring at his brother. "We were wondering if we could sit with you?"

  "Why on Earth would you want to do that?" I muttered, eyes narrowing.

  "Hartley! Don't be so rude! Of course you guys can sit with us!"

  Great, Ashley is already smitten.

  Cole sits next to Ashley, and Trace takes a seat next to me but I move as far from him as I possibly can.

  A look passes between Cole and Trace, and if looks could kill, Cole would be buried six feet under. Trace's eyes darkened into a murderous glare, with his lips set in a firm line, and a tick to his jaw.

  Confusion settles in.

  I cock my head to the side and study his face. A small scar outlines his right eye, making his already dark image, even more dangerous.

  Sensing how tense the situation is, Ashley puts her hand on Cole's shoulder, "So...Cole you want to come with me to find Ryan and get some food?"