A distinctive scent of perfume wafted her way. That had been the clue Julia needed to put it all together. This is more substantial than a dream.
Julia rubbed her eyes before opening them again and found herself surrounded by white cinder blocks and colourful steel lockers. A casual glance told her this was a run-of-the-mill high school hallway. Well, except for the school uniforms.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
Julia was faced with a steep incline that went past the point where it was swallowed up by mist. She had seen something like this before, where mountains appeared to be floating atop a bed of clouds. —Clearly, the world was up for the challenge.
“Great,” Julia said. “I should’ve taken the word mountain literally.”
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
While pretending to focus on her supper, Julia closed her eyes and opened her mouth to improve hearing. The crackling fire was by far the most prevalent sound. There was also a squirrel foraging for—there! The source was large, bipedal, and surprisingly quiet. Someone must have followed me.
“Hello?” a man said.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
Julia reached the edge of the trail. While the scents of humanity were pervasive, it differed from what she was accustomed to. There were no traces of aftershave, perfume, or subtle aromas like shampoo. All of it was overpowered by body odour. Humans au naturel…
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. Image is sourced from Pixabay.
Before its tongue touched the water, a solid mass of muscle and fur broke through the surface. The white teeth glowed in the moonlight until they buried themselves in the buck’s neck. A powerful snap range out, breaking the neck before it cried out.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. Image is sourced from Pixabay.
“Fuuuuuuck,” Julia said while luxuriating in the radiating heat of the water. “I needed this.”
Drops of water in her hair dripped down her forehead over her eyes. While it blurred her vision, Julia did not care. This was one of the few times they allowed her a moment’s peace, even with an armed guard watching over her.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
Kaylee rode the bus to her other job. The passengers were packed in like sardines, chock full of human misery, and smells that covered the entire spectrum. To help pass the time, she focused on a song playing in her mind. That part’s easy, there’s always a song playing.
“Finally,” a faceless man said as the Next Stop sign lit up.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
“She’d love to hear that,” Evelyn replied. “I’ll pass on your thanks when she returns.”
Thoughts of Grace brought her back to that cell. Her mouth went slack and her breathing slowed. Every aspect of this flashback felt real, the smell, the coarse texture of concrete, and those restraints. When a hand brushed up against her shoulder, Julia reacted violently, and sent a plate crashing to the floor. The sound of shattering stoneware jarred Julia back to reality.
“I’m sorry!” Julia spurted out.
“Sorry!” Evelyn said in the same instance.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
While the story is primarily focused on a young man named Kirkwood, other points of view are introduced throughout. This swap between characters is fluid and provides much needed depth to the story.
Set in Northern Ireland, Black weaves its rich history and locations into the tale beautifully. Those, like me, who are unfamiliar with The Troubles will get a sense of the effect it had on families. This works for Skelly’s Square as it roots Kirkwood reality and further explains his neuroses.
Kirkwood believes he suffers from near-crippling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a condition which can be traced back to childhood trauma. However, doubts creep into his mind once he runs into a young woman who is sketching a portrait of his tormentor. Was this just a coincidence? Or is there something more otherworldly at play?
Ultimately, Skelly’s Square is a slow burn with an explosive ending. Watch as a young man wakes up to find his life turned upside down, struggles to break free from his compulsions and discovers his true potential. Well worth a read!
“Oh…” Kaylee said. “Julia, could you pass a message to Amber—mom?”
The idea of spending another minute with Amber made Julia’s heart sink. Her blood pressure dropped, and her head pounded, but she quickly regained control over her faculties. You can do this.
“I will,” Julia said and nodded.
“Tell her that I’ll never forgive her for forcing me to choose my son over family,” Kaylee said.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
