Retribution - Chapter 16 (Dark Paranormal Fantasy Story)

This is the second story of the BP series. If you haven't read the first story yet, you can find it here :)

Find previous chapters of Retribution on my Steemit Blog.

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About Retribution
The journey continues as Beatrix and Arthur set out to find the portal to the world of shadows. Beatrix discovers new unsettling revelations, shattering the past and narrowing the possibility of a happily ever after. Filled with uneasy uncertainty, this second book in the series will have you on the edge of your seat!

Full of romance, excitement, drama, passion, triumph, and tragedy, this is a wonderful continuation of the story!

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CHAPTER 16

Beatrix watched the dark flames rise from the compass. Arthur held the compass in front of him. She saw the flames’ reflection in his warm red eyes. They walked into the mysterious elevator, and the door closed.

Levers and buttons covered the walls of the elevator. “Which button do we press?” Beatrix asked, confused.

“I’m not sure,” said Arthur. “Let’s try one. Once we are outside, we can follow where the compass is leading us.”

Beatrix’s hand hovered over a button, and she carefully pressed it. The gravity in the room increased, and they were pulled to the floor. Suddenly, it changed direction and they were thrust to the side of the elevator. Arthur grasped the compass tightly and wrapped it in his shirt to protect it. The room moved around in all different directions, causing Arthur and Beatrix to slide to different sides of the elevator. Suddenly, with one burst, the gravity increased once more and then suddenly stopped. The door opened, to reveal a busy city street. They walked out and looked behind them, as the doors closed. They were staring at one of the many doors that lined the buildings on the street. Arthur glanced at the compass and then hid it in his jacket pocket.

“We need to go this way,” said Arthur, as he pointed down the street. Beatrix grabbed Arthur’s hand, and they walked down the narrow sidewalk. Beatrix looked around; she did not recognize the city. Old-fashioned brick buildings lined the streets. The sun began to fade as clouds covered the sky. Sprinkles began to fall to the ground as they made their way through the city.

“We should probably find a place to rest,” said Arthur.

Beatrix yawned, nodding her head. They walked down the street toward a sign that read, “Auntie Owl’s B & B.”

The house seemed out of place, for it was an old Victorian house nestled between two large brick buildings. The exterior paint color reminded Beatrix of the color of bittersweet. It was vibrant orange, with bright-red trim. The house was ornately decorated in exquisite woodwork. The steps creaked as they walked up the stairs onto the covered porch. Vintage black rocking chairs lined the porch, facing out into the city. They stopped in front of the door. Smiling, Arthur raised his hand at the door knocker, which was a golden owl with a mouse hanging from its beak. He raised the mouse and let it fall. The door slowly opened to reveal a small woman.

“Welcome to Auntie Owl’s Bed and Breakfast!” the woman said with excitement. Beatrix looked at the woman. She stood there, poised in a sleek black dress and high heels. “Come in, come in!” the lady said, gesturing for them to step inside. Beatrix and Arthur walked through the door. Beatrix heard a squawk and glanced past the woman to see an ornate cage resting on the counter. Inside the cage rested a black crow. The crow looked at Beatrix and squawked again. It blinked its eyes and turned its head sideways. Beatrix smiled back at the bird. It ruffled its feathers and stared contentedly back at her.

“Oh,” the woman said. “I see you have made friends with Ida.”

The woman walked over to Beatrix, her heels clacking on the old wood floor as she went.

“I found her one evening when I was on a walk,” she said. “I saw Ida on the ground with an injured wing, so I took her in and nursed her back to health. I tried setting her free outside, but she insists on staying.” The woman walked up to the cage and smiled at the bird. The bird squawked back at her in excitement.

The woman walked around the counter and asked, “Which room would you like?” She looked at them in excitement as she said, “There is the owl’s nest or the raven’s suite in the tower.”

Arthur looked at Beatrix. “Umm…we will take the raven’s suite,” replied Beatrix.

“Perfect!” said the woman as she reached for one of several skeleton keys that hung from a row of hooks behind the counter. “That will be forty a night,” said the lady.

Beatrix set her bag onto the ground and looked in it. She grabbed the money out of her bag and handed it to the woman.

“You seem like a cute couple,” she said. “Here.” She handed ten back to Beatrix.

“Thank you so much!” said Beatrix. The woman smiled back at her.

“Follow me,” said the lady. She walked down the hallway. Beatrix glanced in the various rooms they passed and saw an old spinning wheel and many other unique items. They ascended a staircase, and at the top was an old door. The woman unlocked the door with the key and walked inside.

“Enjoy, and if you need anything, let me know!” said the lady with excitement.

“Thanks!” said Arthur back to her. The lady set the key on an old dresser and left the room.

“I am exhausted,” said Beatrix. Arthur looked at her, as she sat on the end of the large bed. He walked over and sat down next to her. They lay down next to one another. Arthur looked at Beatrix, her hair spread out across the bed. He moved closer to her and put his arm around her. Beatrix smiled back at him. Her eyelids grew heavy, and slowly they fell asleep.

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More Chapters will be published soon!

Thanks for reading! :)

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