Page 44 of Curse of Immortality
Annabel sighed. “I’m not sure. Maybe it’s more a saying than a real thing, but if the myths are real, they are loyal to some overlord who controls them.”
“Are all Faders men?”
“Most are but not all. The ones I’ve met have all come with enormous self-regard. Of course, the humans have no idea that they’re living in a world ruled by Faders.”
“Why are they called Faders?”
Bobbing her shoulders in a shrug, Annabel looked up at the thatched roof of the barn. “I’m not sure. Maybe because they can shift into other bodies or maybe because they fade into the shadows when there’s a sign of a threat. But you couldn’t catch them if you tried. They have a network of powerful allies in other Faders and they help each other when needed. We are talking of kings and mayors with great influence.”
“How does someone become a Fader?” Althea asked.
“Well, unlike we Earthens, Faders aren’t born that way, they are born as normal humans. My parents told me stories about their master. He’s the one who gives them immortality.”
Lowering her voice, Althea whispered, “Are you talking about the devil?”
“I’m not sure.” Annabel looked down and picked at the sheepskin. “It’s hard to know what’s true and what’s scary stories, but I was told that this man walks the earth and has for thousands of years.”
Althea’s first reaction was to scoff and say, “That’s impossible.” But then she remembered her body regenerating from the fire in the town. “Do you know how to find him?”
Annabel looked disturbed by her question. “No. Why would I go near him? Promise that you won’t try to find him, Althea.”
Holding up a palm, Althea quickly said, “I assure you that I have no plans to go near him. I just have so many questions, like why does he create Faders? What’s in it for him?”
Annabel shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“If humans can become Faders, then can Earthens too?”
“That’s a good question. I can’t imagine any Earthen so consumed with worldly possessions that they would want to morally give up their souls for power. It’s just not in our nature.”
Althea thought about Maeve and how she had bought into James’ lies about living a life of luxury. “I think my sister would. She’s changed.”
Annabel took Althea’s hand and gave her a comforting smile as they lay on their sides facing each other. “Do you think those two Faders will follow us?” Althea asked after a long moment.
“It’s possible. We’ll need to keep an eye out for animals that act suspicious.”
“Animals?” Althea quickly asked. “Oh, right, because Faders can shift into other shapes.”
“Yes.” Annabel blinked her tired eyes and yawned.
Rolling onto her back, Althea sighed. “I was just getting better at navigating a world of humans, and now I have to be aware of Faders too. It was so much simpler living in the cottage.”
“Those days are gone, but if you stick to me, I’ll teach you everything I know about healing and about keeping clear of danger from humans and Faders. I’ve survived for thirty-six years, and I plan to stay around for many more to come.”
Althea squeezed Annabel’s hand feeling grateful that she hadn’t been alone tonight. Being isolated for so many years gave her a great disadvantage and she was grateful to have a friend watching out for her. Her thoughts went to Maeve again as she wondered where her sister might be and if she had found a friend as well.
Chapter 17
The Cruellest Fate
Tracking down the richest and most powerful man in the world turned out to be much harder than Maeve had ever imagined.
Charles Fuji wasn’t a man who flaunted his riches or status. Nor did he live a flamboyant lifestyle with grand palaces or expensive mistresses. Those things he had lived out centuries ago and found that they complicated his life. Like a powerful spider, he preferred to sit in the shadows, pulling strings and controlling the web he spun.
Those that knew him called him the Cobra – a name that suited him in more ways than one. He saw himself as a collector of souls and knew exactly which type of human to lure into his service. They were always successful on their own accord, competitive and materialistic by nature, and insatiable when it came to power.
His offer of immortality was rarely rejected. The few times someone had surprised him and said no, he had killed them on the spot. Allowing someone to walk away with knowledge that could hurt him was unthinkable. The Cobra wasn’t just the most powerful man in the world. He was also the most feared. No predator could compare to him because he was by far the most intelligent and dangerous creature alive.
Being as ancient as he was, he’d lived in many bodies, and no one knew his real name. His subjects were given great privilege and wealth. Among them were kings, dukes, and nobility in many countries. But their status in life came with a price of complete loyalty to him. Over his extended lifetime, there had been those who underestimated him and strove to take his place or showed disobedience. They paid the ultimate price, much worse than death itself.
