The Darkened Enchantment

By M.C. Ryder

Lily Epler lives a double life on the high. Saving lives comes as natural to her as the air she breathes. Fresh out of fire academy she's living her dream as a firefighter. When she's not fighting fires, she lives with her vampire mom and weredog dad on the farm w

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.E.C. Publishing
• Release date: May 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798988507437

Book preview

The Darkened Enchantment

M. C. Ryder

Copyright © 2024 M.C. Ryder

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher.

M.E.C. Publishing—Lebanon County, PA

Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9885074-2-0

eBook ISBN: 979-8-9885074-3-7

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024904755

Title: The Darkened Enchantment

Author: M.C. Ryder

Digital distribution | 2024

Paperback | 2024

This is a work of fiction. The characters, names, incidents, places, and dialogue are products of the author’s imagination, and are not to be construed as real.

Praise for M. C. Ryder’s The Dark series

An intriguing dark, mysterious, mythological fantasy.

—Explore Authors Magazine, on The Darkest Side of the Moon

If you're in the mood for a lightweight paranormal horror with a feel-good trajectory for vampires and werewolves, Ryder is going to take you for a joy ride.

—Readers’ Favorite, on The Darkest Side of the Moon

…conjures a world where elements of the supernatural and the mythical meld with the mundane life of ordinary characters to create an explosive literary experience.

—The Book Commentary, on The Darkest Side of the Moon

"If you are a fan of the Twilight saga, then you will love The Darkest Side of the Moon. This novel is an excellent starting point for teenagers who want to delve into the world of book series."

—Literary Titan, on The Darkest Side of the Moon

…a gripping tale that seamlessly blends elements of romance, mystery, and supernatural intrigue.

—Discourse, on The Darkest Side of the Moon

An excitingly dark and brooding mystery.

—Explore Authors Magazine, on A Dance Between Light and Darkness

… plenty of action and mystery, which had me hanging on every word.

—Readers’ Favorite, on A Dance Between Light and Darkness

…a beautiful tale that will wrap any reader up and pull them along the journey.

—The Book Commentary, on A Dance Between Light and Darkness

…an exceptional continuation, skillfully building upon the strengths of its predecessor while charting new and captivating territory for both the world and its inhabitants.

—Literary Titan, on A Dance Between Light and Darkness

...a world where themes of redemption, unity, and self-discovery take center stage… a must-read for fans of both fantasy and character-driven stories. 

—Discourse, on A Dance Between Light and Darkness

A dark and brooding suspenseful character study of a vampire’s relentless self-abnegation in M. C. Ryder’s sharp, and exciting new vampire novel.

—Explore Authors Magazine, on All I See Are Dark Clouds

... a haunting tale that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to reflect on their own capacity for forgiveness and self-acceptance...

—Readers’ Favorite, on All I See Are Dark Clouds

If narratives infused with the fantastical elements reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Twilight, or The Mortal Instruments captivate you, this book is poised to be a delight.

—Literary Titan, on All I See Are Dark Clouds

…concluding masterpiece of M.C. Ryder's trilogy, delves deep into the intricacies of redemption, guilt, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

—Discourse, on All I See Are Dark Clouds

The Dark series

The Darkest Side of the Moon

A Dance Between Light and Darkness

A Darker Demise (A Compilation of Dark Shorts)

All I See Are Dark Clouds

The Neighbors (A Dark Short)

The Darkened Enchantment

Infinity Tales (A Dark Short)

Dedication

To the fans, fasten your seat belts and hold on tight. Your minds are about to take a wild ride…

Contents

The Darkened Enchantment

The Dark series

Dedication

Part 1

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Part 2

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Part 3

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Epilogue

Music that Inspired

SNEAK PEEK FEATURE FROM

Chapter 1

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Part 1

The Fire

Chapter 1

Lily

T

he gentle warm breeze caressed her face. She imagined the back of her biological Madre’s hand brushing against her cheek. The image crystal clear in her mind from the one picture she was fortunate to have of her. She had similar features like her dark hair, coffee-bean eyes, and long lashes, but slight differences as well. Her skin was more of a bronze instead of olive. She was a bit taller, with a pear shape and broad shoulders.

Today would have been her Madre’s thirty-fourth birthday. A somber reflection crossed that the universe felt the need to take her so soon. She didn’t dwell in the woe of it though. Not when she could open her eyes to a lively and optimistic place. A rainbow glade she came to every year to honor her departed Madre. She never got to meet her, but she was very much alive in her mind, body, and soul. The warmth of her love always present.

With outstretched arms, she picked up her feet and propelled forward through the field of vibrant wildflowers. Her tangerine cotton button-up shirt, paired with a burgundy halter top and baggy pear-green cargo pants, flapped behind her. She loved stepping into a timeless place. Loved running barefooted. Loved being free-spirited.

She heard the familiar baritone voice, carried on the warm draft, after she looped back around. A sunshine smile blossomed. Her Madre had been obsessed with Watermelon Sugar that summer and craved the fruit while growing inside her womb.

She swayed to the music and sang to the lyrics, imagining her Madre dancing along in her carefree zest as sunrays showered the meadow. Life here a nirvana.

When the song ended, she folded her arms around her mom and dad. He plucked a red poppy and tucked one behind her ear, like he always did, while her mom spun the lotus ring on her thumb. She waited for her mom to tell her a story about her Madre.

It’s time for you to have your Madre’s ring, her mom’s breathy mezzo-soprano voice uttered before she pulled the ring from her thumb.

Her wide smile dimmed to one of earnest. You’ve had it all this time. Won’t you miss having it on your finger?

It belongs to you. She’d want you to have it. It was passed down to her from her Madre. I don’t need it because she’s always with me, right here. Her mom placed a hand on her chest even though her heart no longer had a beat.

She pinched the ring between her fingers before slipping it onto her own thumb. It fit comfortably, as if it belonged. As if it was home now. Thank you. She threw her arms around her mom’s neck. I love you.

I love you too, Lilypad.

But I love you the most, her dad’s satiny voice tickled her ear, squeezing them both in an embrace.

She laughed as a tear pooled at the side of her eye. Her mom swiped it away with the length of her finger as a red tear pooled at the side of her own mom’s eye that her dad brushed away with his thumb.

Ready? Her mom asked.

She slipped her feet into her black combat boots with thick heels and red laces. Race you back. She took off.

She knew she was no match up against her mom. Sometimes her mom held back, other times her mom sprang far ahead waiting for her to catch up. Her mom was a vampire capable of a magnified velocity her human legs were incapable of. She did not let that deter her, though. She could still be fast. Probably as fast as an Olympic runner or faster. She didn’t need to prove herself to the world or anyone and didn’t desire some fancy title. How could she when she had a rich and fulfilled life?

Her mom waited with a smug grin propped against her sleek midnight blue Dodge Charger, Roger 2.0. Her dad brought up the rear shortly after.

She climbed into the passenger seat as her mom let Roger 2.0 purr to life with a touch of a button. She navigated the whiny road of the small town with ease before pulling onto the single lane that led to her other mother’s cabin. Mother Cece.

Aunt Melia. Uncle Vince. She hopped out the door and raced over to them clustered on the porch with the others. She hugged them with a fierceness. She didn’t get to see them as often. Only holidays and summer vacation.

Lily, Aunt Melia greeted, cautious how hard she squeezed. She was dressed in her signature sleeveless blue and green floral maxi romper dress with a scooped neck. How did fire academy treat you?

It was so much fun… she exclaimed with beams of sunrays in her eyes.

Don’t get her started, yet. We got a six-hour trip for her to divulge. Her mom walked up hand in hand with dad.

I’m sure she showed up all the guys, Uncle Vince commented with a chuckle.

She flashed a wicked grin.

Camille, Aunt Melia squealed with glee, hugging her mom tight.

Alright, now that everyone is here, let’s hit the road, Aunt Zoe drilled out. Guys in the Suburban. Girls in the Trailhawk.

You heard her. Uncle Michael grabbed Uncle Terrence’s hand and steered him over to the black SUV.

She smirked before looping her one arm around Aunt Melia and her other arm around her mom, branching over to Zoe’s blue Grand Cherokee.

Why do we always divide between guys and girls? her dad pouted, following.

Beckett. Her mom grazed the side of his face. It’s only six hours. You’ll survive. She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the lips before pushing him away. Besides, you’ll be sleeping most of the time, anyway.

She smiled and watched as her dad pulled her mom back for more, devoted to her. Only her. There was no question they loved each other deeply. Their love unconditional. The same for Aunt Zoe and Uncle Jensen, Uncle Michael and Uncle Terrence, and Aunt Melia and Uncle Vince. She wondered for a fleeting moment if she would find someone special of her own. Only, she didn’t need anyone. She was content. She had a heart full of love. A fulfilled life, scarcely anything missing.

She climbed into the back seat, positioning herself in the middle as Aunt Zoe slipped into the driver’s seat and Mother Cece slid into the passenger seat.

Seat belts, her mom chimed as she closed the door and clicked hers into place.

She rolled her eyes as she complied without argument. She knew better than to argue with her mom. Knew she wouldn’t win. Although, it was never for the lack of trying. The guys in the fire truck made fun of her because she actually wore her seat belt when in the back, unlike them. There were times when she wanted to be defiant, but she couldn’t get her mom’s voice from her head. She knew how to extract information without even having to use compulsion. She knew she would never hear the end of it if her mom found out, so she always complied.

Aunt Zoe took the lead, driving away from Mother Cece’s cabin as Uncle Vince followed with her dad in the passenger seat. When the tires left the lane and hit the blacktop, she mentally repeated in her head that they were heading into the real world now and she had to address her family as friends or acquaintances to those outside of the circle. When she was younger, if she slipped, it was easy for her mom to cover over. She’d joke about kids saying the craziest things. When she matured past that grace period of having a wild imagination, most people that she met didn’t take the time of day to really pay attention. They were too busy with their noses buried in their phones and absorbed in their own drama. The few that did a double take she could easily gloss over in a sarcastic manner and laugh it off. As a last resort, her mom could compel them to forget if it became a problem.

She lived in a fantasy world. One that people only dreamed or imagined. Her mom a vampire. Her dad a dog capable of transforming into a human. Although, she scarcely saw her dad in his true form. Together, they led a pack of wolves that remained in human form at will. They too rarely transformed into wolves. They all lived on a farm transformed into a sanctuary for those in need of a fresh start. Defended and protected the ones who were lost and had nowhere safe to go. Provided them the tools to live a life with confidence.

Her mom took precaution. Ensured when the ones who sought sanctuary left the farm, for good, they would not have any recollection how to get back. The farm mainly technology free. Limited Wi-Fi, no robots, no cameras other than fake ones hooked up, and jammers were turned on at certain times of the day and most of the night. Private conversations were utilized with a white noise machine as a background sound. Vampires and werewolves had stayed off grid for centuries. She wanted to make sure it remained that way. The fantasy remained mostly fantasy, but there was a podcast titled Vampires Are Real that sparked some interest about seven years ago. Details revealed specific details that caused her mom concern and Aunt Melia and Uncle Vince. They had Parker, their tech wiz, take down the podcast immediately and sent Niles, one of the vampires, to the location of the IP address, but soon a tread of TikTok videos spread of people going around stabbing each other in the gut, with fake blood bursting from balloons under shirts.

Her one fear, saying something she couldn’t take back. Something that ousted her world. Something her mom couldn’t fix and erase. She couldn’t imagine a world without her mom in it. She did live an eternal life, after all.

So, tell me all about fire academy. Aunt Melia nudged her side.

Chapter 2

Lily

S

he had forty hours left. Her family made a point to all get together a few times a year. They lived separate lives, but they still planned trips together to take a necessary time out. She planned to make the most of it before she was due back at the station.

Aunt Zoe let her country music playlist play in the beginning while she blabbed about fire academy to Aunt Melia. How she was always the first one there with her nice pressed uniform, got the chores done without complaint, already physically fit, and at the top of her class.

When Aunt Zoe put on her playlist, she belted along dramatically with her mom and Aunt Melia. Her Madre loved The Jonas Brothers back in the day. They had some good catchy songs, but she wasn’t obsessed. She liked symphonic metal bands with a tough as nails female as the vocals, including Dark Moor. Her taste in music similar to Aunt Melia with powerful deep lyrical meaning. There were a lot of less known artists she enjoyed finding on YouTube. Those few minutes magical while transported into the artist’s frame of mind. The feels, the connection, the rawness gave her chills.

We’re here, Aunt Zoe announced, as she pulled into the driveway of the Airbnb. The house nestled in evergreens, but only a block away from the beach. Aunt Zoe loved going to the beach. She had picked the location. They all rotated turns on selecting a location to travel together. Aunt Melia’s turn was next.

She climbed out of the Jeep after her mom and stretched with a yawn. Had dozed off the last two hours of the drive. Didn’t need much sleep in one sitting. Only enough to recharge. She lived off of power naps. A light sleeper and always ready for the unexpected.

I don’t know how you do it, put up with their ear-piercing singing. They were so loud we could hear them from inside our vehicle. Uncle Michael fell in line with Mother Cece.

Hey. Mom grabbed a duffel from the back and narrowed her eyes at Uncle Michael.

That’s what ear plugs are for. Mother Cece nudged him with her shoulder. They shared a laugh. Plus, it helps that my hearing isn’t what it used to be.

That’s not nice. Her mom threw a punch at his arm.

His mouth dropped as he looked over at Uncle Terrence. Did you see what she did to me?

Don’t involve me. He turned and headed for the front cedar wood door.

She watched with amusement. Uncle Michael liked bickering with her mom about her exaggerating singing. Her mom didn’t have a perfect voice and it could get pitchy, but no one really cared. It was all about letting loose and having fun.

Just wait until tonight, Michael. Aunt Zoe reached over for Jensen’s hand. You’ll be sorry about that little stunt.

She watched the smug grin on Uncle Michael’s face disappear as his eyes locked with her mom. Her mom shrugged a shoulder as she turned and made her way to the front door.

Guess you landed yourself in the doghouse, her dad commented with a hearty chuckle as he followed behind. She giggled herself as laughter filled the air by the others at the irony, all except Uncle Michael.

How about a run? Aunt Zoe refocused her attention.

Yes, please. She grabbed her own duffle and headed inside to change. The interior open, light, and airy, painted in all white with cathedral ceilings and up-to-date appliances. A modernized and cozy beach feel, but definitely not a place she wanted to stay for long. She loved the open farm life outside.

The first bedroom she found had double queen-sized beds with seashell spreads. She placed her duffel on the bed and rooted inside until she found her short black with white stripe athletic shorts.

It was high noon, but the heat didn’t bother her. She didn’t sweat as bad as Aunt Zoe, still human along with Mother Cece. It’s why the real world knew her as Liliana White, but in her world, she embraced Liliana Epler. Her mom didn’t want to keep secrets. She wanted to be real with her. There were some things they could do that were normal but some they couldn’t. A big reason why they home-schooled her. They still made an effort to socialize her with children her age, but found she was never really happy with the social activities as she was mentally more mature than the kids her age. They’d rather play video games instead of actual physical activities. At least she had Connor, a year younger, on the farm with her. She had someone her age to talk to other than her family but she didn’t feel the need to keep secrets either. She too remained open and honest.

What kind of get-up is that? She overheard someone’s comment on the beach.

She spied a pale white man with a large beer belly sitting in a chair with a beer bottle in hand eyeing her dad. Her dad wore a white shirt and cargo shorts over his natural gray skin-tight suit that resembled the color of his pelt.

What kind of mouth is that? She retorted with a punch and looped back staring him boldly in the eyes.

Lily, she heard her dad warn in a low tone.

Excuse me, missy? The man arched an eyebrow while looking her up and down.

Señorita. She let it roll off her tongue and crossed her arms.

Huh?

Is that a cold one? Aunt Zoe cut in grabbing the bottle of beer and took a chug while Uncle Jensen stuck close, keeping his eyes trained on any threats. Hot day, huh? Aunt Zoe rubbed the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.

Give that back. The man pushed up from the chair with a red face and reached for it as his buddies laughed.

Gladly. They all taste the same, like piss. Aunt Zoe shoved the bottle back into his hand. It’s five somewhere, but that ain’t here, yet. Aunt Zoe headed in the opposite direction down the white sandy beach.

Without a word, she fell in line behind Aunt Zoe with her dad and Uncle Jensen. She kicked up speed and jogged beside her. I think he’s still scratching his head.

They shared a laugh and continued at a leisurely jog down and back before heading to the Airbnb house. When they arrived, they discovered Aunt Melia and Uncle Vince had taken a quick trip to Beaufort to check in with Graham and Dante, both vampires, who were flight instructors at the public airport.

Jensen, why don’t we head up to Ridgeland for a bit? Aunt Zoe dabbed a towel to her sweaty face. Unless you want to be here for the talk. Aunt Zoe made her way into the kitchen.

Her eyes travelled to the back of her mom’s head. She exchanged a look with her dad, who had taken a seat beside her. She gulped water from the bottle she snagged from the refrigerator and glanced at the mounted television above the fireplace. It played some sitcom show that Uncle Michael and Uncle Terrence tuned into. They too exchanged a look.

You want to go stretch your legs? Uncle Terrence slipped his arm from behind Uncle Michael and rose to his feet.

We will all reconvene at seven. Aunt Zoe reemerged before taking a swig from her water bottle. And Michael, she paused.

Yeah? His attention snapped towards her with concern as he too rose.

I haven’t forgotten my promise. Aunt Zoe partially smirked before heading for the front door with Uncle Jensen in her wake.

She imagined the color in Uncle Michael’s face would have drained as he stared wide eyed at Uncle Terrence, who reached for his hand, squeezed, and led him out of the room.

I’m going to go take a shower. She turned on her heels and took a step.

Liliana.

She cringed. She heard the tone in her mom’s voice. Her mom didn’t call her Liliana unless she meant business. If she used her full name, she was in extreme trouble.

Nothing happened, she protested, turning back and facing her mom who now stood facing her with her arms crossed.

Why don’t you take a seat and tell me what happened. Her mom gestured with the palm of her hand.

She sighed as she headed over to the ivory sofa and plopped down in the middle, crossing her legs and arms sinking back. This guy made a rude remark against dad. I called him out on it.

What exactly was said? Her mom sat on the edge.

He said. She uncrossed her arms and made air quotes, ‘What kind of get-up is that?’

Lily, we’ve talked about this before, her mom began and stopped when Mother Cece cleared her throat on the other side of the sofa. How did it make you feel?

Upset. Why does it matter what he looks like?

Lily. Her mom rose, walked over, sat beside her, pulled her close, and stroked her hair. I know it can be upsetting how others perceive. It’s just human nature to judge something they don’t understand. Not every ignorant comment requires a response.

I don’t understand. She shook her head and looked into her mom’s golden-brown eyes. You’ve told me that not saying something makes it okay for others to think they can say something disrespectful without repercussion and yet, at the same time, you want me to just stay quiet?

Her mom sighed. One ignorant comment does not justify a reaction, especially if it wasn’t directed at you. Remember to take a deep breath and walk away. It’s not always worth picking a fight over if a line is not crossed.

I’m used to how others see me and I’ve heard worse, her dad interjected. I don’t let the words they speak bring me down because I know the ones who matter the most love me for who I am.

She looked over and nodded solemnly. It was always hard for her to hear how others viewed her dad. She liked helping people, but also became frustrated with how closed minded and stubborn many could be allowing machines to think and do for them. Saw the world through a different lens. Didn’t take for granted the simple beauty of it. If only she could open the eyes of others.

Now, how about that shower? You smell really bad, Her mom pushed back and jested with a pat on her knee.

She smirked before popping up.

Come here, you. Her dad mirrored before pulling her into an embrace and whispered in her ear. I know you were just defending and protecting me, but that’s my job, not yours. I love you Lilypad.

I love you the most. She squeezed tighter.

Chapter 3

Lily

A

s music played at the tiki bar, she looked the part dressed nice in a pale pink floral belted romper with fluttered sleeves and an open back. She also wore a square white halter top underneath along with her minimalist sandy brown open toe sandals. Classy mixed with comfort. Next to her, Aunt Zoe wore a canary-yellow cami ruffle sundress paired with a brown belt. Her mom wore a navy-blue floral romper. Aunt Melia still wore her blue and green floral maxi romper dress as well as Mother Cece, who stuck with her flowy tangerine pants and a teal blouse top. They had all broken away from the guys to get some drinks. An opportunity for Aunt Zoe to fill them in on her plan.

She smirked as her mom slipped away with Aunt Melia and took a sip of her virgin Piña colada with a pink umbrella knowing Uncle Michael was about to be mortified.

I’ll take a Whisky on the Rocks, A guy close to Aunt Zoe’s age ordered next to her. He redirected his attention. Well, don’t you look like a ray of sunshine?

I’m happily married, Aunt Zoe shot him down quick as she took a sip of her own non-virgin Piña colada.

Oh, well, I don’t see a ring.

I’m a non-traditionalist. Aunt Zoe flashed her wrist, which had a petite seashell motif link gold bracelet.

Here you go. The bartender slipped the guy his drink. He took it and made his retreat.

She turned around in the bar stool along with Aunt Zoe and Mother Cece when the band stopped playing music to make an announcement. They asked for a Michael Evans to come to the stage. She eyed him over the rim of her glass as he stiffened. She tried to conceal her smile by chomping on ice, but she couldn’t help chuckling as his gaze locked onto Aunt Zoe. He exchanged a panic look with Uncle Terrence, who rubbed the back of his head, tore away from eye contact, and shifted away.

The band called for him again before her dad gave him a little shove. He dragged his feet towards the stage. They handed him a microphone and declared they had a request for an hour karaoke session in which he would be the first volunteer to go. They set up a portable tripod projector screen off to the side of the stage before the band began to rip cords off the requested song.

Uncle Michael stood like a statue on the stage, watching the screen and speaking the words slowly as they appeared. If his cheeks still had the capability of flushing, she imagined they would be beet red.

After the