Book Excerpt: golumby PD Alleva
8/4/2022
  The First Possession: Alena Francon Excerpt: Whimpers held back, cries and fearful scurries came from those cages, all bathed in darkness despite the red tint overhead. Golem closed and locked the door behind them, his movements smooth and calculated. He leaned against the door. Alena arched her head back, seeing him. “They wait for you, Baphomet,” he said. “Please, choose your desire.” Alena turned to the cages, walked to them, felt her hand run across the steel. Inside each cage was a child. Some no more than four, but none more than ten years old. Alena felt herself grin. “Delightful,” she said. “How did you retrieve so many so quickly?” “The orphanage,” Golem breathed. “They came willingly, of course. So, so easy it was; they came like hungry dogs to a steak dinner.” Alena pursed her lips, tightened her jaw. “Please, my lady, can you help us?” A voice in a cage, soft spoken, strong. Alena turned to the seven-year-old girl who pressed her forehead to the steel fence. Soft blue eyes gazing at Alena. The girl’s face covered in soot, matted blonde hair. Alena bent down eye to eye with her. “Of course,” Alena said. “That is why I am here.” The girl paused, staring at Alena, sizing her up. “Why are your eyes like that?” The girl was trembling, Alena could see. “Don’t be afraid, my dear. Not of me, not ever. I only wish to help you…can you believe me? That I am here to help you?” The girl pursed her lips then swallowed. She gave a quick nod. The other children softly and quietly stood, watching, their eyes sad, confused, defeated. Listening and observing. Alena could hear their shallow breathing and the restricted beat of little hearts. “Good,” Alena said, shaking her head and smiling. “I only need for you to do something for me. Is that ok? Can you help me too? We all need help in this world, do we not? Will you help me—?” “Sophia,” said the girl. “My name is Sophia.” Alena felt the grin on her lips. “Such a beautiful name. Tell me, Sophia, what are your dreams?” Sophia hesitated. “Dreams are not real,” she said. “Not for us, not ever for us.” “Oh, my darling, so, so not true. Dreams are for everyone.” She heard Golem snicker over her shoulder. Sophia looked at him but Alena’s hand covered the view, returning Sophia’s eyes to her. “Tell me, Sophia, do you wish for riches? Fame? Power? Do you wish to come away from this cage and be free?” Sophia nodded, those blue eyes sad and downtrodden. “Oh, wonderful. Absolutely wonderful, Sophia.” Alena felt hunger turn her stomach and wrench into her throat. She licked her lips with a slight movement of the tongue. “I can do that for you, Sophia. I can make all your dreams come true.” “Are you a fairy godmother?” “Oh, yes, Sophia. That I am and I have all your dreams and wishes right here…” Alena held out her hand, palm up, for Sophia to see. “In the palm of my hand.” Light emitted from her palm, sparkling red and blue light as if she held a crystal that reflected the rainbow. Sophia’s eyes glowed. “You are a fairy godmother.” “Of course, Sophia. I wouldn’t lie to you. Not to a child. Not ever. But can you please do something for me first? Before I give you such beautiful presents. Do I have your permission? Can you give that to me, your agreement? Like a sacred pact between two people. You do for me, and I do for you. Will you allow this, Sophia?” Sophia looked left then right, seeing the other kids with unknowing stares. She turned those blue eyes to Alena and nodded. “Yes,” she said. “Yes, I will.” Golem |
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