Balor (Balor’s Saints MC #1)

Chapter Ten

Balor

I stood in the dimly lit room. Shadows pulsed with my own anticipation. I clutched the family grimoire, the leather binding worn and ancient. It echoed with the weight of generations. My heart pounded in my ears, each beat a testament to the gravity of what I was about to do.

Balor Hades. Luke Williams. The duality of who I am. I’d kept my identity a secret, but it was time they understood who’d been leading them. Every member of the club had seen me as Luke Williams. They hadn’t realized the man who’d saved their lives was the same one who’d founded the town and made Darkwood the safest place for our kind. Until I’d told them. But telling them and showing the true extent of my power were two different things. I’d been holding back. Now that Belladonna had been taken, I didn’t have a choice but to take this next step.

My fingers tightened on the cover of the book. I’d read the words inside so many times the pages were soft, even if the cover was hard and cracked with age. The energy in the book hummed against my palm, the pages warm. It was time to unleash the darkness inside me. To become what I was always meant to be. Even before, during the war, I’d hadn’t fully unleashed my powers. Admittedly, the thought scared me a bit. I worried I’d become a monster, one Belladonna wouldn’t want to stay with any longer.

But I was doing this for her. I’d give up my soul, my very life, if it meant bringing her home safely. Letting the dark magick take over, fill me completely, was a small price to pay to save my family.

I opened the book, the pages crackling with power. The air grew heavier as if the room itself anticipated what I was about to do. I’d never spoken the words aloud, never tapped into the depths of dark magick. But now it was time.

I felt the stares of my men, and the weight of what I was about to do pressed down on me. I drew in a breath, let it out slowly, and focused on the words. I could do this. I had to do this.

My voice dropped to a near whisper, the words foreign on my tongue. I raised the book, my gaze locked on the page. “ Magicam tenebras clamo ad te. Reple me virtute tua .”

A surge of energy coursed through me, hot and electric. My body stiffened, my back bowing as the power grew. My veins glowed, the light brightening under my skin. It crawled up my arms, down my chest. I watched in macabre fascination.

Beautiful. Horrifying.

My heart raced, each beat strong and unyielding. A drum heralding my transformation. I could feel the darkness moving through me. The room dimmed, the shadows pulsing, dancing as the light flared brighter under my skin. The air grew thicker, my breath coming faster. It smelled of ozone, of earth. Like a storm had blown in.

Power. It surged through me, a living entity in my veins. My fingers tingled, the energy building as if it wanted a way out. I didn’t know if I could contain it. It seemed to seep into the air, the tension rising. I closed my eyes, drew in a breath, and let it out slowly.

“I take what is mine. I claim it. All of it.”

I felt the power shift, and it pulsed faster under my skin. Stronger. I heard my men shuffle back a step. I opened my eyes and turned to face them. The energy crackled along my nerves, sparking at my fingertips.

“You’re…” One of the men swallowed hard. “Fuck me. You’re really Balor Hades.”

I gave them a smile, the darkness inside me moving closer to the surface. “And now you know why this is my town.”

“Luke…” The man shook his head. “I mean, Balor.”

He seemed to be at a loss for words. They all were.

I turned to the book and flipped through the pages. The energy crackled, the power surging through me again. I found the spell I needed and ran my finger over the words. My lips moved silently as I read it. I could feel the darkness inside me responding.

I’d have to be careful. I didn’t know if I could pull it back once I let it out. I’d never been trained. Not by anyone with enough power to contain me. I’d had to figure it out on my own.

I took a step back, then another. I felt the energy shift again. The light under my skin flared brighter. The book fell from my hand as I screamed, the darkness pouring out of me. I fell to my knees, my head dropping forward. My body convulsed with power. My men cursed, but I couldn’t focus on them. I had to ride the wave, let it wash over me. Through me.

I’d claimed what was mine. All of my power. The air around me distorted, distorted. Like it had taken on a life of its own. I watched in horrified fascination as the air rippled, much like heat waves over pavement. The shadows on the walls stretched and twisted, as if they were trying to escape the confines of the room. I could almost feel the room breathing with me. Whatever was in me, it was affecting everything around me. Warping the very air.

My eyes glowed, the light otherworldly. I could see the reflection in their eyes. I’d never felt such power. It pulsed along my veins, sparking at my fingertips. Was this what my father had felt? Why he’d wanted to be more? The energy crackled in my ears, the sound nearly drowning out everything else. I flexed my fingers, feeling the magick arc between them.

I called the darkness, felt it settle over me. It wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. I’d never realized how much I’d missed it. All these years, I’d kept it buried. Even when I’d thought I was using it, I’d only been skimming the surface. I hadn’t known how to tap into the depths of my power. It had been locked inside me, waiting for the key.

The light from my eyes cast shadows along the walls. I could feel the power building, wanting to get out. My heart raced, my breathing ragged. I knew I couldn’t contain it much longer. I had to let it out. I just didn’t know what it would do.

The magick responded to my every thought. I could feel it in my mind, twisting around my brain.

I let out a breath, the power surging again. I could feel it pushing against the confines of my body. I had access to all of it. The darkness. The light. It was all mine. Would it destroy me? Destroy everyone around me?

I felt the darkness rise up, nearly choking me. My body spasmed as the power surged through me again. I could barely keep my head up. I could feel it spreading out, the darkness seeping into the room. Into the air. I tried to pull it back, but it wouldn’t listen. To destroy. I screamed again, the sound echoing in the small room.

The room groaned. Walls creaked, like an ancient ship on stormy seas. Or a house weathering a tempest. The floor trembled, the vibrations working up my legs. I wasn’t sure if it was the room or me. The dust shook loose from the ceiling, raining down like dry tears. A sense of instability filled the room, and it mirrored the chaos inside me. The fear I’d lose control. My heart pounded in my ears, in time with the quaking room.

I didn’t know how much more the building could take. I felt the floorboards vibrate. More dust fell, adding to the layer on the floor. The walls creaked again, louder this time. Like they were being pulled in different directions. A light fixture swayed, the shadows dancing on the walls. I could feel the energy crackling along my nerves, sparking at my fingertips.

My father had shown me a few things. One of our guards had taught me a few more. But it wasn’t enough. I had access to my family grimoire. The one that had been my father’s, and his father’s before him. It might even go back further than that. I wasn’t sure. Most of the spells didn’t have any marks letting me know who’d created them. I’d never wanted the power it contained. I’d thought it would make me evil. A monster.

Now I wondered if I’d been right.

My body convulsed, muscles tensing. Rippling under my skin. The darkness pushed at me, eager to surge out. Goose bumps prickled my skin, the raw power making my hair stand on end. The air felt heavy, like it was pressing down on me. Or maybe that was the energy in the room. I hadn’t known it would be like this. Hadn’t known it would hurt. My chest ached, my head throbbed. I could feel the blood rushing through my veins, the power wanting to follow the same path. I’d never felt anything like this before. I’d always known I had power. I hadn’t realized how much.

I’d never wanted to be like my father or grandfather. I hadn’t wanted the darkness to take over. But as I felt it swirl inside me, I wondered if I’d been right to push it away. I could save Belladonna. I could destroy anyone who tried to take her from me.

The room crackled again. I felt it in my bones. My jaw ached, my teeth clenching so hard I thought they might break. I let out another breath, the power surging again. I could feel it pushing against the confines of my body.

Sweat beaded on my forehead. My hands trembled. I tried to keep my eyes on the book. The words swam in my vision, my concentration slipping. The pressure made it hard to think.

Focus, damn it. I can do this . I would do this. For Belladonna. For my woman. I’d tear the world apart to get her back. I’d kill anyone who touched her. I needed to end this. To save her. I didn’t think I had much time left.

The walls groaned again, the room trembling harder. The air felt oppressive. Heavy. I wished I could take a deep breath. The energy crackling through the room made it impossible. My chest hurt, my lungs burning.

My hands tightened on the book, my knuckles aching. The leather felt warm to the touch. Or maybe that was my own body heat making it feel that way. My vision blurred, the room going dark at the edges. I let out a breath, not realizing I’d been holding it. A shudder wracked my frame. I wondered if I’d fall to the floor. Would the club leave me there? Would they turn their backs on me when I needed them most? If this was scaring the shit out of me, I could only imagine what they thought right now.

I could do this. I had to. I didn’t need the club’s help. Didn’t need anyone. Another shudder wracked my frame. I felt my knees buckle. I didn’t want to fall. Didn’t want the club to see me on my knees. Not like this. Not when I needed to be strong.

Belladonna. I had to save her. I needed to get this done.

The energy built to a crescendo and I screamed as it crested and washed over me. The room bathed in an ethereal glow, the light nearly blinding. I blinked and saw long shadows on the walls. They flickered and danced as the energy pulsed and throbbed. Sweat beaded on my brow, my muscles tensing. It was too much. I couldn’t hold it. Couldn’t stop it. Didn’t know if I should. The shadows seemed to writhe as if they’d come to life. I could have sworn I saw faces. They twisted and contorted, mouths opening in silent screams.

The pressure made my heart pound. Hard to think. Hard to breathe. I felt the leather of the grimoire give under my grip. The heat of it seeped into my skin. No. Not the book. My own skin. My own body.

Light flashed in the room, bright enough to make me squint. The shadows grew darker, more pronounced. I could feel the house bending, warping, as if reality itself couldn’t contain the darkness inside me. I gasped, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts.

My voice rose again, the words coming faster, more urgent. I could feel the power in them, the way they thrummed with energy. I didn’t know what I’d expected when I’d started this, but it wasn’t the feeling of my insides being pulled apart and put back together. I hadn’t felt this helpless in… ever. The darkness clawed at me, leaving behind a searing pain I couldn’t escape.

I bit back a scream. Couldn’t show weakness to the magick building inside me. I’d show it who was in control. Even if it was a lie. I was terrified I’d lose everything. That I’d be a danger to those I cared about. Destroy this town with my own two hands.

The pressure built and built, until I didn’t know if I’d survive. I could barely think straight. The darkness whispered, telling me to release it. That I’d feel better if I let it out, let it loose on the world. My heart stuttered, then raced. I had to keep control. I couldn’t let it win. Couldn’t let it turn me into something I’d hate.

My legs shook, my body trembling. I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t! I refused to let it break me. I gasped, my fingers gripping the book even harder. A surge of energy swept through me. I threw my head back and roared as I gave in to the darkness. It poured out of me, like a shockwave, and I watched in horror as shadowy tendrils filled the room. It burst from my hands, my eyes, my mouth. I was powerless to stop it. I’d failed.

I dropped the book, my body going limp as the shadows flooded the room. I’d never felt anything like it. Like I’d been a balloon filled with too much air, and I’d finally popped. My chest heaved with each breath, my body swaying.

I wanted to call the shadows back. To force them into the deepest pit I could find. I didn’t dare. I’d set them free. Now I’d have to live with the consequences. I didn’t even know what I’d done. The shadows took on a life of their own, rushing to every corner of the room. The temperature plummeted, frost creeping up the windows. Shadows deepened and thickened, the room going dark. Even with the lights on, it was like a black veil had dropped over everything. I heard a loud crack, like distant thunder.

The shadows turned, focused on me. My skin prickled, and I knew I’d been marked by my own magick. It had claimed me, as much as I’d claimed it. I’d hoped to use it. Now I wasn’t so sure it wouldn’t use me instead.

I’d done it for her. For Belladonna, I’d embrace the darkness. I’d become whatever monster I needed to in order to save her. Even if I had to save her from myself. I felt the shift in the room. The shadows had receded enough the lights could once again pierce the darkness.

I licked my lips, tasting blood. I’d bitten through the skin. I didn’t remember doing it. What else had I done? I didn’t know how to answer that. I had a feeling I’d find out soon enough.

I stood in the center of the room, my body still vibrating from the energy I’d unleashed. My muscles trembled, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the power still crackling over my skin, or from the fact I’d given in to the magick. More light began to seep into the room, the dark shadows receding until I could see the other men once more. I didn’t miss the way they’d backed up to the wall. Even the vampire looked wary. Not that I blamed him. I’d have been wary of myself too.

The scent of ozone lingered in the air. I’d never conjured so much power all at once, and I had a feeling the spell I’d chosen had only amplified things. I’d wanted to embrace the darkness inside me. I hadn’t realized it would mean setting it free. I could feel it spreading through the house, and possibly beyond. I’d marked Darkwood, and the surrounding area, as mine. I didn’t understand why. Not completely. I knew it had felt right, but I didn’t understand what it would mean.

My muscles trembled and I wiped my face on my sleeve. My skin felt sensitive, every brush of my clothes sending a shiver down my spine. I hadn’t realized the power I’d been holding back. Not just today, but for years. I’d always used less than I had, afraid of what I’d do if I let it all out. Now I knew. I’d take over an entire town and mark it as my territory. My skin prickled, and I could feel the shadows watching me. Waiting for a command, or perhaps to see if I’d give in again. I didn’t know what would happen if I did.

My heart hammered in my chest, and I swiped at my face again, trying to clear my vision. I could tell my eyes had returned to their normal blue, which meant I’d pulled back enough to be human again. Or as human as a mage could be. I’d never been normal, and now I wondered how much more of a freak I’d become. The men in my club had no idea the power I held. Until now.

I knew they’d felt the darkness I’d unleashed. I could see it in their eyes. The wariness. The fear. The distrust. I’d wanted to keep them safe. Now I wondered if they’d ever trust me again. I was a danger to them. To everyone. I could taste the blood in my mouth, tangy and metallic. I’d thought I’d have to fight my demons. I’d never realized I’d have to fight the darkness I’d been born with, the one passed down through my bloodline. The darkness had always been there, always a part of me. I’d never realized how deep it went. I could feel it like a second skin. It had wrapped itself around me, through me, sinking into my very soul.

I could feel the shadows flexing, as if they wanted to consume the light again. I didn’t know if I’d be able to call them back once I let them free again. I swallowed hard, my throat working as I forced myself to calm. I didn’t know what I’d done. I didn’t understand the full ramifications of releasing that much power. The magick was heavy on my tongue.

I’d embraced the darkness. I wasn’t sure the men would follow me now. I wasn’t even certain they’d stay. I had a feeling the entire town had felt the surge of power. Which meant it was only a matter of time before Thaddeus Kline showed up. I’d thought to go after him. But something told me he’d be coming to me instead. The room was silent, the men watching me, waiting to see what I’d do next.

My gaze landed on the men in my club. Balor’s Saints. My Saints. I’d done my best to keep my identity a secret. Until now. Even telling them who I was hadn’t prepared them for this. I didn’t have time for their fear, or to answer their questions. My woman needed me, and I’d be damned if I’d let Thaddeus Kline keep her a moment longer.

I met each man’s gaze, but they all looked away. I couldn’t see my reflection. I didn’t know if my eyes were still glowing, but I could feel the energy racing along my veins. My power had scared me as much as it had them. I’d never felt anything like it before. I didn’t know if I could control it. I had to try. I couldn’t lose myself to the darkness. Belladonna would need me stable when I got her back.

“I know you’re all wondering what the hell just happened. Let me explain it as best I can. This entire time, you’ve known me as Luke Williams. I already confessed that isn’t who I am, that I’m Balor Hades, the man who founded the town of Darkwood, and a dark mage.” I rubbed at the back of my neck. “I hadn’t realized my power had been so repressed. I thought I was using my full potential. I didn’t realize how much untapped power I held until just now. I opened my family’s grimoire and performed a spell that would unleash the darkness inside me. I did it because I knew of only one way to get my woman back. I’d have to go through her father, Thaddeus Kline, as well as what’s left of his coven, and any members helping him from the Night’s Bane Coven.”

The men exchanged glances. I could tell they were a little scared. Had I seen a man do what I’d done, I’d be scared too. I didn’t know how to make them understand. I could still feel the energy crackling along my nerves, and I wondered if they could see it. My fingertips sparked, and I clenched my hands into fists.

“Belladonna Kline is carrying my child, is my fated mate, and will be my wife. I need to end her father and his coven, possibly the Night’s Bane Coven as well. I can’t do that if I’m holding back. I need to unleash everything I have, and I need to do it now. I’d planned to ride out and confront Thaddeus. I have a feeling he’ll be coming to me instead. I need to get to Belladonna before he realizes I have this much power. If he thinks he can use her against me, he’ll hurt her. Or worse.”

I forced myself to walk toward the door. I could feel the darkness inside me. I’d embraced it, but I didn’t know how to cage it again. The shadows seemed to follow me, whispering to me. I had a feeling I’d be hearing them the rest of my life. I’d called to them, and now they didn’t want to leave. I didn’t have time to worry about it right now.

“I’d be grateful if you followed me and helped me take down the people intent on destroying our town. But I’ll understand if you can’t -- or won’t.” Whether the coven intended to harm Darkwood wouldn’t matter. The townspeople would still get caught in the crossfire. It was inevitable.

I walked out and heard the men following me. Leaving the house, I went to my bike. Swinging my leg over the seat, I breathed in the cool night air. Even now, I could feel the tug of Belladonna’s magick. Closing my eyes, I focused on finding her. Sending out my shadows, I only had one command for them: Find her . They wouldn’t do much on their own, but at least I’d know her location. It was a start.

One by one, I heard the rumble of motorcycles as the men started their bikes. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I could do this. I could save Belladonna. I had to. I couldn’t lose her. Not now. Not ever. I opened my eyes and started my bike. I could feel the vibrations through my body. I turned the bike and rode down the driveway with the others following me.

I didn’t know what would happen next. One way or another, tonight would end in blood. I could only pray it wasn’t Belladonna’s. I wouldn’t let Thaddeus Kline keep her. I’d end him first, and anyone else who stood in my way.

Even if it meant giving up my soul.