SHORTS FROM THE SHELF features short serialized fiction by author Shannon Muir, administrator of SHANNON MUIR’S THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF, that may be later released as part of e-book or print collections. The story line featured currently is “Darque Into Light,” the seventh and final installment of the Myanna Moore serial, which will run over the next several weekends. This is Part Four.

Myanna expected them to meet resistance entering the building. To the group’s surprise, there was none. In fact, the door appeared to be unlocked and no one home.’

“I wonder if the coward’s even here,” Donnell said aloud.

“Ssh,” Myanna chastised him.

They waited.

Silence.

Firinne looked over and shrugged at Myanna, and all she could do was shrug in return.

J.B. and Searlas pulled out their hidden guns, ready to protect the rest of the group. While Darque himself wasn’t noted for violence, no telling whom he might have recruited on his side.

“Is that really necessary?” Duana whispered. “I did say take down my son at any cost, but I had hoped it would not come to this.”

“As do we,” Myanna heard Searlas whispered back. “But we cannot be unprepared.”

“Now, now,” they heard Darque’s voice, as if it seemed to come from the very walls. “I’ve allowed you to enter as my guests. Is this any way to repay my hospitality. And I see you’ve brought my mother with you. Mother dear, I told you, if you didn’t keep your distance there would be a price.”

“Dudley, all I wanted was a grandchild and a great-grandchild. You went far beyond what I ever expected of you. Now, you’ve threatened her life and that of her friends. You forced me to take sides”

“You are no saint, Mother dear. You helped use and enslave both Myanna’s mother and that worthless Firinne Knox. Were you not party to manipulating your own granddaughter to your own ends?”

“I do not deny it. But at least I stopped when my goal was satisfied. For you, power is never enough. That’s why you teamed up with Edana, to gain even more power. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’ve found a way to pull strings to make sure she stays in prison.”

Darque laughed maniacally, distorted further by the fact the speakers in the walls could not handle his intensity.

“I know how to play the game. And now, it’s time for you to play a little game. It’s called Hide and Seek. I’m hiding, and you have to come find me!”

After another maniacal laugh, the speakers went silent.