Elysium Read online

  Evernight Teen

  www.evernightteen.com

  Copyright© 2013 Slyah Sloan

  ISBN: 978-1-77130-247-0

  Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

  Editor: Marie Medina

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  This is for my daughters, who I hope will not let anything or anyone stop them from doing what they dream. You two are my inspiration.

  ELYSIUM

  Sylah Sloan

  Copyright © 2013

  Prologue

  She stepped out of the grocery store, the automatic sliding doors opening of their own accord and letting the cool autumn air wash over her. Adjusting the generic brown paper bag to her other arm, she walked outside. The weight was slight compared to what she carried in her belly. Placing her free hand on her swollen stomach, she felt the small kicks her baby gave through her skin. As much as she enjoyed being pregnant, she couldn’t wait until the baby finally arrived. Her due date being only a few short weeks away, the excitement she felt was almost too much to handle.

  Looking both ways, she stepped off the curb and headed home. The night was chilly, fall starting to take over as the yellow and orange dried leaves brushed across the sidewalks and streets. The night was encompassing the sky, making it that color when the sun kisses the horizon. She hated being outside after dark, the shadows lurking everywhere providing too much temptation for hidden threats. Every little noise seemed monumental, but she pushed them aside, blaming her overactive imagination.

  Adjusting the bag once again, she felt the coldness from the milk jug seep through the bag. Serenity Springs, Colorado was the perfect place to live and raise a family, but with its new residents, the town she had once thought peaceful seemed far too dangerous. It had been only a year since it was revealed that humans were not alone on Earth. She thought it a joke at first, but as the proof mounted, and the evidence was revealed, it made her a believer. A shuffling sounded close to her. She spun around, her heart beating frantically.

  The wind blew bits of debris across the empty pavement behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief, thankful it was again just her imagination. Knowing a creature of myth and fable could be your neighbor, your friend, or even a relative, changed a person’s psyche. She turned back around, her pace picking up as she spotted her small apartment building. Slowing her pace, she stopped right before a small alley. This was another reason she hated going out at night—the creepy side streets not even the street lamps penetrated.

  She stopped at the edge of the alley, the darkness seeming to slither its tentacles out toward her. Stop it. You’re safe. She told herself over and over again—a mantra to soothe her. Taking a deep breath, she willed herself to continue. Her baby began to kick frantically, and she rubbed her hand across her stomach, whispering soft, calming words. She straightened her back, raising her head as she slowly made her way across the darkened gap.

  As she passed the alley, calmness washed over her when she saw her apartment door only a few steps away. Reaching into her pocket, she fished around for her keys, feeling the jagged edges across her fingertips. She gripped the cold, brass handle and turned. Before she could open the door, a low, deep voice spoke behind her.

  “Beautiful town, it’s very calm and serene.”

  The town was small, everyone knowing each other, but this voice, so deep it rocked her soul, was not one she knew. She gripped her keys tighter, ready to use them as a weapon if needed. A hand skated down her arm, and she glanced to the side. Long yellow nails tipped large dirty hands. She swallowed back her gag reflex and closed her eyes.

  “I don’t have much money, but you can have it all.”

  He laughed—his voice deep and sinister as he continued to caress her arm. “It isn’t your money I want.”

  “Pl … please, I’m pregnant.”

  “Shhh.”

  Before she knew it, she was no longer in front of her door, but pressed against the cold, hard brick of the building. She covered her belly with her arms, hoping her baby wouldn’t be harmed.

  “Look at me.”

  She couldn’t help it. His voice was so compelling, so lulling that she had no other choice. She opened her eyes, his face becoming clear even in the darkness.

  “Do you know what I am?”

  She looked at his mouth, and the twin fangs pressing against his bottom lip revealed the creature he was. He smiled an evil smile, one that showed red stained teeth.

  “Oh yes, you know.”

  That was the last thing he said before he pierced her neck, his teeth sinking into her flesh and agonizing pain shooting through her. He drank from her neck for an eternity, the disgusting sucking and swallowing noises he made barely registering.

  The pain overruled every other sensation and thought that crossed her mind. She was so tired, so very tired. She let her body sink to the ground. It was in that instant, the instant of her surrender that she saw the dark figure looming behind her attacker. He was so tall, his shadow seeming to touch the sky. He ripped the vampire away from her, the searing pain burning its way through her neck. She let her head fall back against the brick wall, trying to suck in great lungfuls of fresh air, the act causing the wound at her neck to burn with excruciating pain.

  Inhuman grunting and screams surrounded her, and then blissful silence. She tried to raise her head to see her savior, but it was too difficult.

  “Please … my baby.” She didn’t know if he heard her, as she barely heard herself. All she thought about was her baby. Her child that barely moved within her. Everything became dark and her body became so cold she shivered uncontrollably. She felt a warm hand caress her cheek, running down to the wound on her neck. She heard him inhale deeply, the noise sounding shocked.

  “I’m so sorry.”

  She knew that voice—the voice so deep and memorable. Her memories flooded her. He had come back for her. “I thought I would never see you again.” Her words no more than a whisper, but she knew he heard them, nonetheless. She smiled, trying desperately to see his face one more time. She wasn’t a fool, she knew she was dying, but a sense of calm overwhelmed her knowing he was with her. “I’ve missed you.”

  A small sliver of light broke through the buildings and cut across his face. She smiled again and lifted her arm to stroke his cheek. The limb felt too heavy, and it took all of her strength to lift it, but she needed to—needed to feel his skin once more.

  He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. “Please, don’t speak, save your strength.” He opened his eyes and scooped her up. “I should never have left you. This is my fault.”

  She let her body mold against his and closed her eyes. “Please, save our baby.”

  “Oh, my sweet Lilly, please don’t leave me.”

  His sorrow-filled voice was the last thing she heard before the darkness consumed her.

  Chapter One

  Seventeen years later

  There was blood, a lot of it, and bodies littering the ground around my feet. I stood in a vast field, the corpses of strangers everywhere, their vacant eyes staring up at me, as if they were pleading for my help. I wanted to run, so badly, but as with all my dreams, I was cemented to the spot. The stench of fire and sulfur surrounded me, and although the bodies of the dead were within reaching distance, I could not smell their decaying flesh. This was it, the time
in my dreams when I knew they would come for me. I always knew when I was dreaming, and for that small favor I was eternally grateful.

  As if on cue, those bodies that had looked so lifeless before now withered and moved toward me. Their gaping mouths, open with rotting teeth, screamed and begged. I never understood what they wanted from me, but the terrifying effect of their presence was still the same. Right before they reached me I glanced up, feeling the hair on my arms stand on end. He was here. I didn’t know who he was or what he wanted, but I knew one thing for sure. Whatever his plans were, they involved me.

  I rolled over, my hand blindly searching for the alarm clock currently sounding that annoying noise. After several failed attempts, I finally hit the snooze button. Burying my face in my pillow, I was ready to go back to sleep when I heard the distinct holler of Marie’s voice float up from downstairs. I was used to the dreams, well, as used to them as I was ever going to be. Some had me waking in a cold sweat, while others left me feeling so frightened my entire body was numb. I heard Marie again and buried my face farther into the pillow, trying to block out her voice.

  “Meadow! I know you can hear me. You better get your butt down here, or you’re going to be late for school again.”

  She made sure to emphasize “again” like I did it every day. I threw the covers back, my head already pounding. Sitting up, I opened the drawer of my bedside table and grabbed a couple of aspirin. I popped them in my mouth and took a sip of the stale, twenty-four hour old water I’d placed next to me yesterday.

  I slipped on my robe and grabbed my toiletry bag. If I didn’t get in the bathroom first, I would most definitely be late for school. I made a mad dash towards the bathroom, smiling as Toby’s door opened. He was rubbing his eyes, not even paying any attention. I closed the bathroom door fast, locking it and breathing out a sigh of relief.

  “Come on! You always take forever!”

  I smiled at my reflection as Toby’s small voice came through the door. “The early bird catches the worm,” I called back. I really did hate that expression. Marie always said it in her motherly way. He growled and stomped off. I couldn’t help the satisfaction filling me.

  I brushed my teeth quickly, grimacing with every stroke of my toothbrush. My head pounded something fierce, like a drum beating inside it. I closed my eyes, hoping the pills would kick in soon. The headaches were coming more frequently, but there was no way I was telling Marie. I knew as soon as I did, she would insist on taking me to the doctor. I quickly took a shower and primped myself for school, knowing in about ten minutes, Marie would be shouting for me to hurry.

  ****

  Before I walked through the kitchen, I smelled frying bacon and heard Marie humming. My stomach flipped at the assaulting smells. Marie was a great cook, but lately my appetite had been anything but ferocious.

  “Good morning, sunshine,” Marie added in her ever-present chipper voice.

  Marie was always happy in the morning, though I had no idea why. I grumbled back to her and sat at the table, next to Toby. He gave me an evil look, his hair disheveled and his pajamas wrinkled, as he bit into a crisp piece of bacon. Marie was our foster mother and the best one I’d ever had. I had lived with her for three years now, the longest time I had lived in one place.

  After being shipped from home to home, it was pure luck I found one as great as hers. Along with me, Toby, Mack, and Cecile lived with Marie. Toby and Mack were ten, Cecile only seven.

  I grabbed a piece of plain toast and quickly drank some orange juice. Mack and Cecile were finishing breakfast, both of their gazes trained on me like they knew something I didn’t.

  “What?” I spoke around a mouthful of flavorless toast, which only got me a stern look from Marie.

  I finished eating my toast and chugged the rest of the juice. I was about to slip out when Marie turned around with a cupcake, topped with a lit candle.

  “Now, I know it isn’t until Saturday, but it would make me happy if you just played along.”

  I groaned internally. I never really liked being the center of attention. I plastered a smile on my face, not wanting to make Marie sad. “Thanks.” She set the chocolate cupcake in front of me, and on cue, the four of them sang.

  ****

  I walked down the sidewalk towards school, adjusting my backpack and bringing my coat closer to my body. November being just around the corner, the weather was starting to become frigid. I could hear two girls behind me and, as they got closer, I recognized their voices as Anne Miller and Katie Sanchez.

  “Oh look, Ms. Antisocial,” Anne said coolly.

  I ground my teeth, resisting the need to turn around and make a smart ass comment. I didn’t want to antagonize them—at least that’s what Marie always lectured me about. Anne pushed me out of the way with her shoulder as they walked by. I lost my balance, my backpack way overloaded with books I didn’t need. I fell back, my arms flailing in every direction, before I fell in a puddle of water. I landed in it, my butt making a big splash as water sprayed everywhere. Both Anne and Katie turned around, not even bothering to hide their laughter. I gave them the dirtiest look I could muster and was completely pleased when a sliver of fear crossed their faces.

  “What a freak.” Anne sneered before they turned and stalked back towards the school.

  “Wow, that sucks big time.”

  I turned around and gave the dirty look to the person behind me. I was surprised when I saw that it was Heath McKinley. I was even more shocked that he was talking to someone like me. Don’t get me wrong. I thought I was fabulous, but he was the most popular guy at school, not to mention the star quarterback and Anne’s boyfriend.

  He held out his hand to me, and I tentatively took it. He had never spoken to me before, so I was suspicious at how friendly he was being. “Thanks.” I wiped the water off my butt as best I could and groaned at my misfortune. I saw him eyeing my butt, maybe even a look of appreciation crossing his features. He realized he had been caught staring and smiled in embarrassment, his cheeks becoming pink.

  Heath was really good-looking, if you liked that surfer boy kind of thing. His sandy, blond hair brushed his collar, and his blue eyes were bright and crystal clear. He had a pretty nice body too, but I made sure not to eye it and make myself obvious.

  “It’ll dry.”

  “Yeah, thanks,” I said it kind of sarcastically, but this was a weird situation, and I was a little uncomfortable.

  “Well, yeah, um, so I’m Heath.”

  He held his hand out for me to shake, and all I did was look at it. It was funny how he kept tripping over his words. “I know. I’m in your calculus class.”

  “Oh, sorry, I don’t pay much attention in there.”

  “I know. I see the test grades you get back.” His cheeks became red again, and I laughed out loud. “It’s no big deal. No one gets good grades in that class.” He stared at me, and I started to get a little creeped out. It wasn’t because I thought he was a weirdo or anything. He was of course the most popular guy in school. It was because he was looking at me with an interest having nothing to do with my situation.

  I cleared my throat and started off to school, contemplating if I should head back home to change pants. I decided against it, knowing I didn’t want to have to explain anything to Marie. I would just have to suck it up and hope my pants dried before lunch.

  “Hey, wait up.”

  I started to walk faster, confused as to why Heath wanted anything to do with me. “If you knew what was good for your popularity, you wouldn’t talk to me.” I kept to myself for a reason. Most of the students at school were so fake it was ridiculous. It was all about who had the newest clothes and who knew the latest gossip. It was exhausting keeping up with all that crap.

  “Hey.”

  He had to jog to keep up with me, but he finally caught up and kept a steady pace beside me. “I don’t care if you don’t.”

  I stopped at what he said, so totally confused my mind was going to explode. I held my ha
nd up when he looked like he was going to say something. “Let me get this straight. You want to be my friend all of the sudden, because why?”

  He just stared at me, finally shrugging. “I don’t know. Why not?”

  “Aren’t you dating Anne?”

  “Yeah, so?”

  “Uh, yeah, that should say enough.” I started to walk again, hoping he would get the picture and leave me the hell alone.

  “Why are you being so rude?”

  I had to laugh at that. I didn’t stop walking though.

  “You know, I saw what Anne did and I feel bad. I’m not a total asshole. I thought you could use a friend, but it’s clear I was wrong.”

  He walked past me, shoving his hands in his pants pockets. I should have felt bad, but I didn’t. If I were to be friends with Heath, Anne would never let me live it down. The weather was cold, and the fact that my pants were wet didn’t help matters. I crossed the bridge, the creek below me rushing quickly across the moss covered rocks. The mountains were in the horizon, their snow capped tops standing out against the baby blue sky. Even though I lived here, I sometimes felt like I didn’t belong.

  Chapter Two

  I made my way up the steps to the school’s main entrance. Of course, Anne and Katie stood just inside the entrance, smug smirks creasing their perfectly painted lips. I smiled back at them. “Morning, ladies.” I walked past them, not missing how everyone around me seemed to already know about my little mishap. I went to the bathroom, praying the automatic hand dryer wasn’t on the fritz today. I pushed the door open, thankful the bathroom was empty.

  “Please work, please work.” I said it like a mantra, setting my backpack on the floor and taking my coat off. I pushed the big silver button, smiling and thanking the heavens when hot air blew out. I turned around and made sure my butt got most of the warm air. I’m sure anyone walking in right now would love to see me in this “compromising” position. I heard the bell ring and decided half-dry pants were better than nothing.