Sanctum: A Supernatural Romance Read online
Simply one of the best book. A captivating story. You cannot stop yourself from reading the book till the very end. It makes wanna keep reading even after the end. Eagerly waiting for the release of the book.
―Priyamvada Singh, Goodreads
This book reignited my passion for reading supernatural-related books. The characters are well-portrayed! Every scene in the book are vividly described,
which can tickle your creative imagination. Must-read!
―Lyn Gallema, Goodreads
Sanctum has an otherworldly sort of creativeness. Nothing like I've ever read. Who would have thought of such an amazingly unique plot. Although some may argue that it's one of those alpha male possessive controlling story but still, with JMFelic's imagination, she is able to take those elements and give it a supernatural spin; even better than your typical dominant alpha male stories!
The plot is a juxtaposition of both flashbacks and flashforwards that are arranged in a coherent fashion which makes it easy to follow. Readers can then slowly peel back the layers of mystery and piece together information while paradoxically "losing" themselves in the world of the story! However a drawback lies in the plot's conclusion; it appeared weak because the solution to Aurora's predicament didn't quite give a good justification for all the troubles that Father Azrael has endeavoured.
That aside, descriptive flair is readily evident here. From the description of the weather, historical architectures/sites to biblical articles, they are all accompanied by dynamic verbs and vibrant adjectives, allowing readers to savour the scene in their minds. The author has clearly done her research well.
Lastly, whilst the book isn't focused on the theme of fate and destiny, it ended up demonstrating that theme unexpectedly well. I could see myself coming back to read it again and again and it will always feel like it's the first time - refreshing, intriguing and amazing! So all you fellow avid readers out there, what are you waiting for? Hurry, grab a copy of Sanctum NOW!
Disclaimer: As I have yet to read the published version, the above review was based on an unedited version of Sanctum. That said, it don't mean that whatever was presented here don't apply. On the contrary, if the rough version could have me speak well about it, then the new, edited and published version would have me singing praises of AWESOMENESS.
―Noelle Garnet, Goodreads
Another captivating story from JMFelic. Definitely a must read for all. Every emotion is so well expressed, the mystery of it all keeps you glued to the book, the love between the main characters was so profound. Indeed love transcends all things.
―Naa Adjeley, Goodreads
Copyright © 2019 by JMFelic
All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in, or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known, hereinafter invented, without express written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.
Typewriter Pub, an imprint of Blvnp Incorporated
A Nevada Corporation
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Henderson, NV 89014
www.typewriterpub.com/[email protected]
ISBN: 978-1-64434-080-6
DISCLAIMER
This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. While references might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
SANCTUM
JMFELIC
Table of Contents
chapter 1
His Assignment
chapter 2
The Unusual Meeting
chapter 3
Freesias
chapter 4
The Mint Green Scarf
chapter 5
The Cherub Garden
chapter 6
An Investigation with Him
chapter 7
Lust and Trickery
chapter 8
His Demon Inside
chapter 9
Summoning the Omnipotent One
chapter 10
Silence Your Tongue
chapter 11
The Empty Book
chapter 12
Fire in the Chapel
chapter 13
Easier to Breath with His Kiss
chapter 14
In Roma with You
chapter 15
When a Demon Tells the Truth
chapter 16
Tormenting Himself True
chapter 17
The Frescoes on the Walls
chapter 18
That Damn Turtleneck Dress
chapter 19
Danger in the Walls
chapter 20
The Unwanted Visitor
chapter 21
When a Demon Loves
chapter 22
In Her Room
chapter 23
Tear-drenched Heart
chapter 24
Your Current
chapter 25
When Desires Are Lit
chapter 26
Tasting Heaven
chapter 27
The Lip-Pierced Man
chapter 28
As Nature Dictates
chapter 29
An Erotic Affair
chapter 30
Your Advice
chapter 31
Dangerous Dream
chapter 32
I Will Glorify You
chapter 33
Insect to Kiss Marks
chapter 34
Photos and Tears
chapter 35
Red Flag
chapter 36
The Demon Prince of Lust
chapter 37
An Unbearable Pain
chapter 38
Demons in Battle
chapter 39
Jumping Through Space and Time
chapter 40
A Long Night
chapter 41
To Erase a Memory
chapter 42
A Bond Between Cousins
chapter 43
Return to Traugott Residence
chapter 44
A Different Kind of Training
chapter 45
A Sister’s Worry
chapter 46
With Fever
chapter 47
Dreaming of a Crescent Moon
chapter 48
Memoirs of a Priest
chapter 49
Sent from Hell
chapter 50
Reunions, Welcomes, and a Piece of Meat
chapter 51
Reunions, Welcomes, and a Morsel of You
chapter 52
Finding Her
chapter 53
The Bell Tower of Love
chapter 54
Dreams for Clues
chapter 55
Reunions, Welcomes, and Patience
chapter 56
Obvious Vulnerability
chapter 57
Answer the Question Now!
chapter 58
Speak Softly Love
chapter 59
I Want It Back
chapter 60
Stopping Time
chapter 61
Just Try
chapter 62
Demon Blood
/>
chapter 63
A Woman’s Heart
chapter 64
A Painstaking Goodbye
chapter 65
Returning to Hell
chapter 66
Death Is the Answer
chapter 67
The Consequence
chapter 68
Lost Along the Way
chapter 69
Would It Be A Sin?
chapter 70
You and Me
Epilogue
This book is dedicated with love and affection to my family whose support had granted me time to continue my dream as a writer.
To my wonderful readers, for your loyalty and words of encouragement. This book would not be possible without you.
And to those people who had lost their faith in love, to those who doesn’t believe in forever, to those who are tired of their daily routines, and to those who wanted to add spice in their lives.
This book is your escape.
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chapter 1
His Assignment
Vatican City, Rome
Apostolic Palace
Gregorian chanting.
A low tenor humming of male angelic voices filled the Holy Room as Father Azrael stepped inside.
The smell of incense immediately greeted his nostrils: an odor he had never been accustomed to since he was ordained three years ago when he was twenty-six years old.
A wrinkle formed above his nose. Disgusting—that’s what his mind strained to confess.
Yes. He was the only priest who despised the lingering smell. This was exactly why he never led a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica nor any church for that matter.
Donning on his black nonliturgical robe and a pectoral cross made of platinum around his neck, he continued his way towards an aged man sitting on a recliner chair near the fireplace.
The room they were in was dimly lit by an iron-wrought candle chandelier. Father Azrael had been in this room many times before. The set of Victorian furniture and the carpet of deep burgundy color with intricate designs of the papal insignia were still the same. The old oak desk with a stack of books, an antique lamp, and an ancient typewriter were still present. Even the red tulips placed on a glass vase were untouched despite showing signs of wilting. To Father Azrael, nothing was amiss except for a bulky brown envelope on top of the holy pope’s desk.
“Your Grace,” Father Azrael spoke in a low, languid voice. He knelt down in front of the holy pope, Pope Benedict the First, and leaned forward to kiss his holy ring.
Pope Benedict made a sign of the cross above his head in return. “In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.”
The latter just dipped his head once, acknowledging the gesture.
The pope motioned for him to sit on a nearby chair and Father Azrael readily obliged, feeling relaxed despite the scent surrounding the room. His back was bent forward, his elbows pressed on his knees, and his hands clasped together like a normal priest would do.
“You look good,” the pope started with a small smile.
Father Azrael cocked a brow. “Don’t I always look good?” he fired back.
“Hmmm . . . yes you do, and I am getting old.”
“Hmmph, when did your age begin to bother you, Your Grace?” he clarified, sending the pope a confused look.
Pope Benedict looked over his shoulder and gazed at the closed portal. “Since you stepped inside that door,” he answered; his voice was too soft, too tender for the younger priest to even consider it a joke.
Father Azrael cleared his throat and then sat upright. He placed his elbows on the armrests and looked at the pope like a businessman would to his customer.
The pope groaned and waved a hand in the air before saying, “Enough about that. Now, let’s talk about sensitive issues.”
Father Azrael’s brows knitted at the statement. “Sensitive, huh?”
There were no other priests except the two of them, and he began to think that this was one of those times when the Holy Father gives him a mission that pertained most specifically to another kind: the demons.
“There had been recurrent attacks by dark entities in a certain place,” Pope Benedict started. “I had already sent other exorcists to do the job, but still the problem persists. My guess is there are high-class demons working behind the scenes. This is where you come in, Azrael, since I know this is your . . . specialty.”
Father Azrael remained silent. He just stared at the pope without reservation and listened intently to the matter at hand.
“I want you to investigate and see what this problem is,” the pope added, his voice sounding grave.
A deep sigh escaped from Father Azrael when he closed his eyes. “Have I got any choice?” he remarked. “I’m always at your disposal, Your Grace. I trust you have contemplated a hundred times about you sending me there. You know what possible consequences are at stake.”
After clearing his throat, the pope promptly answered, “Yes, I have contemplated on it for quite some time. I even prayed for enlightenment from our Creator.”
“And were you enlightened?” Father Azrael raised his brow again.
“I am.”
Pope Benedict’s reply was soft and true that the exorcist priest could no longer argue about it. There was nothing he could do anyway. It was expected of him to do whatever the pope requested whether he liked it or not.
“Now, take this,” Pope Benedict said whilst taking the bulky brown envelope from the desk and handed it to him.
The younger priest took it without hesitation, ultimately accepting the task.
“Inside that sealed envelope is the detailed information about the place: the history of the charity house, the personal data of the staff and the orphaned children, and of course, all demon attacks recorded thus far.”
Father Azrael shifted his attention to the flames dancing on the hearth. These flames reminded him of something—something dark, dangerous, and utterly unnatural, but only a mere speck of it however.
“By attacks, you mean . . . demon possession?” he inquired.
“Yes,” the pope replied, “and a couple others of course.”
The hint in his voice was clear enough for the exorcist priest to notice. It seemed that this ‘job’ might not be as easy as he thought it would be.
“Hmmm . . . I’ll see what I can do then,” Father Azrael, in finality, answered, and then dismissed himself in front of the pope. There was no reason for him to stay any longer anyway.
Pope Benedict nodded, waving a hand to accept his leave, but as soon as Father Azrael was halfway across the room, he called out, “And Azrael.”
The younger priest paused.
“Try to be . . . discreet this time.”
As a sign of respect, Father Azrael turned his head to the side. The yellow light kissed his profile, just barely leaving a dark outline on his eyes and the bridge of his nose. A sinister smile broke from his lips then, and the pope didn’t miss it.
“Cercherò,” he answered with confidence and continued on his way.
Pope Benedict sighed. For an aging servant of God, he had already experienced a lot and so much more now that he became the pope. This made him a brave man, but as he watched the younger priest leave, his senile eyes showed a flicker of fear—fear of what might come once he starts this so-called investigation.
“I pray you will Azrael. I Pray. You. Will.”
chapter 2
The Unusual Meeting
It was an early rainy morning. Dark, heavy clouds loomed over the City of Soren when Father Azrael arrived in the city airport via private airplane commissioned by the Apostolic Nunciature. He had only one luggage in hand and a sling bag containing his personal needs. He was to be greeted by a priest from the Archbishop Palace of Soren and that priest was already waiting for him in the ai
rport lounge area.
He wasn’t wearing a priestly robe during the flight, but realizing the immensity of his popularity in the conclave community, it was no wonder the priest recognized him instantly even in his public clothing of black slacks, a white long-sleeved turtleneck shirt, and a black trench coat.
The priest stood up and waved a hand on his way. Father Azrael offered a small smile and proceeded to where he stood.
Father Zefron Mathews was a priest four years older than him. He wore correctional glasses and had a neat army haircut. He was as tall as Father Azrael but had a more sociable aura and a rehearsed smile. When they stood an arm’s length away, it was Father Zefron who exhibited a holier aura, considering he wore a common white cassock.
“Father Azrael, I am Father Zefron Matthews, the secretary of Bishop Elliot. Welcome to the small and humble City of Soren,” he greeted warmly as he stretched out a hand to him.
“Father Zefron, good to meet you,” he greeted in return and shook his hand.
“Right this way please.” Father Zefron motioned and off they rode an escalator going to the first floor. “The bishop has been waiting for you for quite some time now. He was beginning to wonder why the holy pope didn’t send you here earlier.”
Father Azrael’s expression remained neutral as he stared at his fellow priest. He probably has his own reasons was his reply. He knew the reasons however, but it was a matter only he and the pope and a handful of other clergymen who preferred to stay silent knew about it.
“I guess that’s the case,” the former acknowledged with a nod, and after that, he stayed silent for the remainder of their walk.
They exited the airport lounge and directly headed for a waiting gray Bentley parked a few meters from the entrance. It was a distance enough to dampen their clothes though, as both had no umbrellas in hand.
“Mr. Sherd, to the Archbishop Palace please,” Father Zefron ordered as soon as they both slipped inside the car with him sitting in the front seat while Father Azrael in the back.
“Alright,” the driver said with a nod.
It was roughly a thirty-minute drive from the airport back to the palace. It was a long travel, but Father Azrael made do turning to the outside scenery to appease his boredom. He had never been in the City of Soren before. Never had he thought it would look provincial as the car covered a kilometer after, leaving the boundary of the bustling main city to more peaceful and serene farm lands.