Read Adrian's Undead Diary (Book 5): Wrath for Free Online

those moments. Even if all they pointed out to her was a spoiling fruit, or a small lizard she had to catch and cook herself. Sometimes she’d start to make a fire at night to stay warm, or cook with, and the small boy would shake his head no to her, and she’d have to eat the lizard raw. She’d gotten used to that. It wasn't so bad when you were starving to death.
    That evening in October the little boy led her off the main road for a bit, down a drive to the coastline that was straight as an arrow, and lined with budding palm trees reaching towards the blue sky like a row of outstretched fingers. At the end of the drive she discovered a large house perched right against the water that looked like it belonged in the Caribbean on an island resort. The tall stone walls circling the estate were a pinkish coral color, and topped with giant iron spikes. As they approached the massive wrought iron gate of the palatial estate, Michelle wondered for the first time if the boy was leading her to other survivors.
    The two halves of the baroque gate swung apart and inward as the boy approached it, as if by magic. A sea breeze picked up at that exact moment, and mixed with the customary scent of sea salt, Michelle noticed the gentle caress of lilies. Her skin prickled with anticipation, feeling that another moment with the greater power was near at hand. Unconsciously she picked up her gait to close the distance between her and the boy.
    Inside the compound walls there had been a bloodbath. A grey cobblestone driveway encircled an ornate fountain of a cherub, long since run dry. The tiny bow in the angel’s hands stood out as a macabre joke, an angelic warrior standing idle, watching death surround it. Judging by the rotting and festering bodies tossed about around it, there had been much death to observe. Michelle pulled her red bandana up over her mouth and nose one once. Her barren stomach clenched in revulsion as the boy led her impassively through the gore filled, overgrown yard, and into the massive estate.
    Inside was slightly more palatable. Only one body lay in the white tile hall, and it was desiccated to the point where Michelle couldn’t tell the sex anymore. It was facedown and naked for whatever reason, and her mind wandered to dark places trying to ascertain what had happened in this house of death.
    Her dead guide walked her though the home, eventually exiting the open back onto a veranda that was as beautiful as the courtyard was horrible. The sun was setting to the side of the home, casting long streaks of golden color onto the frothy white waves cresting into the rocky shore. The light wind coming off the water smelled of the best things the sea had to offer. It reminded her of freshness, a sweet salty air, and the promise of clean skin. Michelle had stopped to take in the grandeur of the ocean, and the beauty of the home. For a moment, she almost forgot where she was.  
    When the wind shifted, she was reminded instantly of where she was. The wretched odor of the death nearby ensured her of a strong dose of reality. She shook her head and lowered the bandana, looking around for her intrepid undead companion. He was standing at the end of the veranda, near the very corner of the house. He waited until she saw him, and then pointed out a hammock swaying to and fro in the ocean breeze.
    She walked to him, smiling at the comfort she hoped the hammock would bring her later. “Is this bed for tonight? Any chance there is food around here too?” Michelle was almost in a good mood.
    The little dead black boy cocked his head to the side, his expression shifting to one of subtle amusement. Then his chest began to inflate. Michelle’s heart jumped in her chest as she realized he might speak to her. She knew it was inevitable when that welcome scent played again in her nose, the floral essence of lilies.
    “There is food here. Tonight you shall sleep. Tonight you shall dream.”
    And dream she did.

    *****

    Until the day