Tora (The Tora Trilogy Book 1) Read Free

landscape below. It was as if cold hands had robbed Mother Nature of its harmonious features. A group of white birds fled the cruel nature of the scene. Daniel didn’t have to think. There was aura, a filthy vibe to the air that said it all. Danger was near. 
    The panoramic view of the landscape unfolding into the distance, was now obscured beneath a thick blanket of shadows. Secluded forest, beautiful in its rare essence stretching for miles, subtly blending into the horizon, Daniel had admired only moments ago. The dim headlights of the car barely lightened the eerie atmosphere which engulfed him. 
    Heavy boots pounded against the gravel. A shadowy figure lurked over Daniel and enlarged as the footsteps progressed. Daniel felt his whole body stiffen. If he was right about who was lurking behind him now, he didn’t want to face him. He had enough to worry about. His hair wavered in the breeze.
    The footsteps came to a halt abruptly. 
    “And we meet again.” A snide voice boomed from behind him. Daniel stepped away from the car bonnet and turned to face the familiar voice. His eyes settled on the dark, smooth Italian boots and followed the pressed line of dark trousers up to the matching suit – connected to a face obscured by shadows. 
    “What’s the occasion Alex?” Daniel growled, eyeing him suspiciously.
    He was disgusted in the recent pride Alex took in his own appearance. His matted dreadlocks were gone. His blonde slick hair was smothered in a layer of gel and combed back neatly. Alex’s skin had darkened a few shades since his last meeting from a pale deathly white to a sun kissed tan. His face was cleanly shaven around the jaw and he took on a new fashion sense. But the usual flare to his black eyes hadn’t changed. They were as hard and cold as he remembered.
    But he wouldn’t appear for nothing. There was always a reason – an explanation for his sudden arrivals. What was he after this time?
    Alex was always looking to cause a stir. He liked to remind him the tension was still high. Daniel really didn’t want to get involved in his antics. They were always intended to divert him off his target. The worry that Alex would come back at some stage to cause a stir, was instilled firmly in the back of his mind.
    Alex’s smiled broadened. “Lighten up a bit, mate.” He snickered. “Can’t you complement the fact that I went to all the trouble to find this smart outfit?” He said. Alex smoothed over his suit and grinned at Daniel.
    Daniel ignored Alex’s remark.
    “Where are you going wearing something like that?” He asked. The soft tone of his own voice surprised him. He had meant to sound demanding.
    He knew he had simply rephrased the original question, but Alex hadn’t supplied him with a reasonable answer.
    “There is no occasion.” He said. “I’m just keeping myself sharp and sleek.” He laughed.
    “Why should I lighten up?” Daniel grimaced. He took a step back to widen the space between them. “You killed her.” His voice was jagged. “A member of my family.” Daniel swallowed and narrowed his eyes, meeting Alex's imposing demeanour evenly. 
    Alex chuckled. “Oh, I would do anything to keep the conflict in the air.” He said darkly, diverting his attention to something hidden in the shadows. 
    Daniel’s agitation was mounting. “Don’t ever come near us again!” Daniel yelled. A few months ago he had lost one of his most promising changelings to the hands of a monster. It was a steep learning curve for him to never abandon anyone in his care away from him. He reviled over Alex’s fascination in human bloodshed. 
    His eyes glowed crimson red. “You look terrible Daniel.” He tried to insult him, but Daniel remained firm. 
    “Don’t try that on me.” Daniel grumbled. “I’m sure I don’t appear as terrible as you do underneath that deceiving outfit.”
    “Nice come back.” He smirked.
    “You’re a traitor.” Daniel said irritably. “Now what do you