A Souls Sacrifice

They say it was raining that night, they say it had been the coldest winter rainfall in decades. It cascading to the ground as heavy as a tidal wave in the ocean. Falling, drowning those in its wake but never vanishing like a tidal wave should. It just kept tumbling and just kept suffocating. But I knew I didn’t feel numb because of the rain. I knew my lungs weren’t burning from lack of oxygen. How did we get here, how did I lose you?

The blaring lights from the sirens, drew across my eyes like curtains. Blocking my thoughts from my mind. The thick feeling of blood was all that kept me knowing this was real.

One week ago ...

“Jules I’m going to catch you this time.”

Laughter escaped my lips slowing me down. “Lachy I could be running with cement shoes and you still wouldn’t catch me.”

I was, beginning to feel the effects of my laughter as a stitch tightened on my side. Eventually strong hands wrapped around my waist bringing me to the grass. My body landing on the warmth of his.

“See I caught you,” he grinned.

“Because of a stitch,” I whacked him playfully.

“Whatever it takes to catch you my lightening.”

His warm breath tickled the back of my neck. Lachy’s arms pulling me tighter against him. Kissing my neck, a wave of peace and contentment washing over me.

“One day I’ll keep up with you,” he whispered breathless. “Until then I’m very content running after you.”

Turning in his arms to face him. I traced the smile that was spread over his lips. “Running after me?” I questioned.

Lachy’s smile widened, his green eye’s sparkling down at me. “With every beat of my heart I’ll run after you.”

I shook my head. “If you think you’re chasing after me Lachlan Sanders. Then I need to stop running so fast. We run together,” I whispered brushing my nose gently against his. “I want you by my side not behind me.”

Lachy sat up, pulling me with him. His smile echoing with a hint of amusement. “I will always run side by side with you, but behind you isn’t a total loss,” he grinned. “Run lightening legs.”

Quickly kissing me, Lachy pushed me up. Laughing I ran off again. This was our Saturday morning routine. A run in the park. Using the fresh air, and the exercise to relieve the stress of the week. Simply having time together. Since children we have always been active but our adult jobs sitting behind desks, stops us from having more of these moments of freedom. During high school Lachlan was field while I ran track. Running had always come easy to me while throwing and jumping over things had been Lachy’s strengths. He always argued he was a runner I was just super human. Therefore, no human on Earth could keep up with me. Pushing myself I felt the familiar exciting burn of my legs and lungs. A smile erupted over my lips. I thrived off this feeling. With the final surge of energy, I knew my body had stored up, I kicked my body into overdrive. The feeling of flying coursing through me. Reaching the giant oak tree we always ran to, I collapsed exhausted but fulfilled. Lachy finally fell beside me, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he sucked in oxygen trying to calm his breathing.

“There is no doubt in my mind why our high school track records are still unbroken,” he grinned.

“I come to win babe,” I smiled entwining my fingers through his.

Bringing my hand up to his lips, he gently kissed the back of it. A warm surge pulsing through me as it always did. Twelve years with this man and my body still reacts to his touch as if it’s the first time.

“And that you did baby,” he smiled raising his eye brows cheekily.

An amused chuckle escaped my lips. “Are you suggesting I won you?” I smiled against his shoulder.

“I’m pretty amazing to win you have to admit.”

I knew he was saying it as a joke but as I laid there guiding my eyes over his broad shoulders, along his neck towards his strong jaw line, tracing the outline of his smile with my gaze and finally coming to rest on his eyes. My heart swelled as he stared at me. I don’t know how he managed it but with one stare he could always undo me. Catching my breath, I bit my bottom lip and smiled.

“You really are,” I whispered. “I definitely won the lottery with you.”

His warm lips on mine suggested where this Saturday morning was about to go and I was very much on board with it. Pulling me up, Lachy’s lips never parted from mine. Standing pressed against each other, Lachy finally broke the kiss. Resting his forehead on mine. His eyes mirroring my needs.

“I think we’re done in the park,” he said huskily.

Nodding my head, I laced my fingers through his and we walked back to our apartment.

**

“He’s the one. No question about it,” a sinister voice growled.

“Are you sure?” said another voice doubtfully. “Wouldn’t the woman be better suited?”

“No trust me it’s him.”

The two of them watched from a far, Jules and Lachy strolling back to their apartment. Clinging to each other. Smiling and laughing.

“He’ll be the instrument we’ve searched so long for.”

**

The weekend came and went. My alarm went off alerting me to Monday’s presence. Groaning I whacked my hand down shutting it up for 15 minutes before it goes off again. I was not a morning person, nowhere near to being called a morning person. My alarm started at 6:15 in the morning and proceeded to go off every 15 minutes until 7. That was how long it took me to simple acknowledge I had to rise and shine out of bed. Bless Lachy, he never complained and respected my morning struggles. How I loved him for that, never speaking to me until I spoke. When I did then he knew it was safe for him to make conversation with me. Strolling into the bathroom, I could smell breakfast. This man was too good to me. Using the shower to wake myself up. I finally walked into our kitchen expecting to see him leaning over the counter eating, waiting for me to kiss him good morning. That was not the case this this time. Instead rested a single flower next to my breakfast with a note.

Morning Baby,

Had an early meeting this morning. You know how dad isn’t impressed when I’m late to the office…

I giggled I could practically see him rolling his eyes as he wrote that…

Breakfast and a flower until I can properly kiss you tonight. Have a great day at work. Love you.

Lachy

Grinning sheepishly to myself. I traced the flower with my finger. He was so thoughtful, always had been. Shovelling down breakfast, I truly never left time for myself in the mornings. You’d think I’d learn but I never do. Grabbing my work bag, I quickly locked up and briskly walked to the bus stop. My publishing office wasn’t too far but the amount of times my bus was required to stop made up for the travel time. Being assistant to the head editor required me to arrive before her. Miss Graver arrived at eight thirty sharp, meaning I needed to have her coffee waiting on her desk, along with her first manuscript ready to go. I had been lucky to follow my passion with words and writing. Gaining a job straight out of college after I interned at one of the most prestigious publishing companies during my senior year. Lachy however had no choice but to follow in his father’s steps and become a lawyer. Eventually he’ll be taking over the firm when it’s time.

Shrugging off the cold I stepped into the warmth of the building. Checking my watch, I had 20 minutes before Miss Graver walked through the door. A hectic day was going to be had, as my eyes wondered up the pile of manuscripts and paperwork flooding both our desks. Taking a deep breath, I exhaled and threw myself into my work.

I hadn’t heard anything from Lachy all day, but I figured since he had an early meeting this morning the day must have just snowballed into business and chaos. Grateful to see my bus stop coming I pushed the button and squeezed my way to the exit. With a simple inhale as I stepped of the bus, cold air exploded into my lungs. Hugging my jacket tighter to me, I made my to our apartment.

The sight of our door slightly ajar froze me in place. I swear I locked it this morning. Looking around me, I slowly moved towards the door. Shakily my hand pushed it open, a note fell before my face causing me to squeal and jump back. Bending towards the note my heart flew into my throat.

Miss Juliet Masters,

Please proceed into your apartment. There is no need to worry no one is there. A few clothing options were obtained for a Mr Lachlan Sanders. I urge you it would not be in your best interest to call the police. We are watching you so we will know if you do. I hope you said your goodbyes to Mr Sanders last night, as I am well aware mornings are not your strong suit.

Take care,

Sincerely C

My chest began tightening, gripping my heart in its embrace. Suffocating it, suffocating me. Stumbling into our apartment, my eyes caught sight of photos sprawled out on the kitchen bench. They were of Lachy and me. A twist in my stomach knotted, nausea overwhelming me. They’ve been watching us. Covering my mouth, I sprinted for the toilet. Just making it as my food intake for the day came out. Confused and scared my body gave out, I came crashing back against the tiled wall. Burning started in my throat, tightness claimed my jaw and warm tracks of my tears streaked my cheeks and tangled in my eyelashes. I couldn’t call the police. What was I going to do? My mind was racing a million miles a second and yet time seemed to have stopped.

I’m not sure how it happened but the next morning I awoke to my alarm. Had I been dreaming? I turned my head to the side of his bed, obviously unslept in, no smell of his cologne and the empty presence in the apartment told me I hadn’t been. Stumbling to my phone. I dialled Miss Graver.

“Good morning Miss Masters. I never thought I’d hear from you this early in the morning.”

Taking a deep breath, I prayed words would come out my mouth. “Good morning to you as well Miss Graver,” well that was a good start words were forming. “I apologise profusely but I’ve just received a phone call and I have a family emergency that will require me to be away from work for a few days.”

There was a long pause. I held my breath, my lungs burning as I starved them of oxygen.

“Miss Masters. You have never called in sick a day in your life since your internship with me. I may excuse you for the rest of the week. If you require anything please do not hesitate to contact me,” her voice soft and warm.

“Thank you Miss Graver, I promise whatever work I miss I will work tenfold when I return to make up for it.”

“Just focus on your family Juliet.”

Miss Graver using my first name caught me off guard. I wondered if she could tell I was about to break down.

“Thank you again,” I managed to squeeze out as I fought to keep in control.

The next three days I sat in a trance. Hearing from no one about Lachy and watching the news, for what I do not know, maybe I was hoping for some news that would link to Lachy’s whereabouts. There was nothing, lately all that was being covered where stories on awful attacks on criminals in the city. Shuddering I turned the television off. The reflection in my television stopped my heart. Strangling on my own scream, I tripped over my blanket as I rushed to stand up.

“Lachy?!” I cried shocked.

It was my Lachy but something was off. His eyes, they weren’t his.

“Jules,” he growled out.

Taken back by his tone I stumbled back falling over the coffee table. His strong hands quickly steadying me. How did he get to me so fast. Gently I raised my hand to his face, brushing his wet hair out of his eyes. This action relaxed him, his eyes no longer holding whatever they were before. Grabbing me tighter, he pulled me closer to him.

“Jules, you need to get out of the city…you need to leave,” he pleaded with me.

“What?...why?” I stammered.

“You’re not safe.”

He began to shake, like he was fighting something. I could see his eyes flashing between his kind green eyes to pure death. Fear stirred inside me.

“Leave now!” he bellowed and sprinted out the apartment.

I didn’t have time to think, I needed to go after him. Forcing my sneakers on I sprinted after him. I caught his silhouette disappearing into the darkness of the park. The rain blurred my vision but nothing was going to slow me down. How was he out running me? I had given Lachy longer head starts than this and no matter what I always caught up to him. Leaving the soft grass my feet pounded against the asphalt of the carpark. I didn’t see him stop. My entire body slammed into his. The wind knocking right out of me. His strong hands grabbed me and pulled me into his arms.

“Please leave the city,” he pleaded in my ear.

Shaking my head violently trying to suck air back into my lungs, I pulled back so I could stare at him. My Lachy, my love. The one telling me to leave.

“Without you not a chance. Where have you been?” I cried gasping

“They did something to me,” Lachy’s voice straining against his words.

“Who did, what did they do to you?” I glared, my protectiveness over him swarming me.

“The murders…they turned me into something I can’t control…the murders” he stammered hitting his head with his fist.

Forcefully grabbing his wrist, I tried to stop him, but he seemed to be inhumanly strong. His arm showing no signs I was trying to stop him.

“They made me murder,” he cried out. “I don’t know who I am anymore. I don’t know how long I’ll be like this. Jules, you have to run. They want me to hurt you next and I don’t know if I can stop myself.”

His admission shocked me to my core. Dropping my hands, I stared at him. Trying to see if he was joking in a sickening way but there was no trace in his eyes.

“You’re serious,” I could barely whisper.

Lachy stared at me, his jaw clenching. “I am no longer just your Lachy,” he whispered. “Whatever else is inside of me won’t blink twice about hurting you,” his hand ever so gently traced my lips.

“Yes you are,” I begged. “You are my Lachy.”

Becoming desperate I crushed his lips to mine to remind him who exactly he was. His lips warming me in the rain. His hands holding my body to his.

“You are my Lachy,” I whispered into our kiss.

An unfamiliar cold feeling pressed against my leg, breaking me away from our kiss. Staring down I froze.

“I didn’t think you’d listen to me and leave,” he whispered. “Selfishly I needed to see you one more time. I fought for that, this is the longest I have been me these past few days. That’s why they want you gone. You keep me here,” he whispered.

“Lachlan why do you have a gun?”

“There’s one bullet in there.”

“I don’t care, why do you have a gun?” I demanded in fear.

Brushing my saturated hair way from my neck, Lachy bent down and kissed my exposed skin.

“I can’t stop myself. They will keep using me to gain control of the city,” he whispered into the crook of my neck.

Grabbing the side of his face I forced him to look at me. “Why do you have a gun?”

“I’m so glad I got to see you one more time as me,” he smiled sadly.

“Why do you have a gun?” I yelled.

“I will not hurt you,” he promised.

“I know you won’t,” I whimpered.

“They shouldn’t have threatened you,” he brushed his nose along mine. The same warmth that always erupted through me, echoed through my body.

“I have to stop me so I won’t. Then they’ll see you as no threat.”

“Stop you, what do you mean stop you. You’re here with me now you’ll be okay,” my voice cracked, my throat strangling my vocal cords.

Lachy shook his head. “Not with what’s inside of me. I will not risk you baby,” he whispered against my lips. “They underestimated how much you kept the beast from completely taking me over. They wanted to punish me by forcing him to kill you because they knew I’d feel it. Eventually the beast would’ve overpowered me but I’m dying as Lachlan Sanders not the thing they made me into,” he spoke pained by every word. “Me or you…I’d sacrifice me every time. I love you.”

Stepping back from me. Lachy brought the gun to his abdomen.

“No,” I screamed lunging forward, but for the first time in my life I wasn’t fast enough.

The shot rang out and Lachy crumpled, slamming against the ground. His blood beginning to mix with the rain. Falling to my knees I crawled towards him. My hands pushing against his wound. The rain masking my tears.

“Lachy don’t leave me!” I screamed. “I love you, do you hear me…I love you.”

My body shook uncontrollably, my chest smothering my heart. His hands came to rest on mine. His chest jolting as his heart tried to keep him alive, but it was losing.

“Your soul has more worth then mine, my Juliet.”

“Your soul is my soul,” I stammered breathy.

The blaring lights from the sirens, drew across my eyes like curtains. Blocking my thoughts from my mind. The thick feeling of blood on my hands was all that kept me knowing this was real. How did we get here, how did I lose you? We were meant for forever…