Origins Anthology — Chris Ulm

Origins is not a standalone series.All characters, events, places, and themes are canonical to the Vengeance series universe. These stories are not essential to understanding the character(s) as they are portrayed in the main series, but can assist by shedding light on where they came from and what they have been through. These stories are meant to be consumed after reading Vengeance: Children of Faust, first. Having a reference to past events before reading book one, may lessen any mystique and curiosity that is being established in the narrative. HEBELOMAGrowing up, Lucy didn't know her father and never understood the reasons for her parents falling out. The secrets of their past shrouded in intentional mystery to save her the trauma of the truth. Having to rely on her mother for love and support leaves her starving for affection when a horrible disease sentences her to a life of watchful care. Hospitalized; Lucy is taken in by her grandparents at the cusp of her development. Afflicted with bad blood; she struggles to find her place among her peers while growing increasingly frustrated at the looming secrets. Hate, familial negligence, and a knack for trouble; she sets off on a path of self-destruction that makes her vulnerable to suggestion. Thosewrought emotions seep into the air; summoning a strange elderly man wearing a black suit to offer a deal.IMPURITYBroken home, unforgivable abuse, and a sadistic lifestyle. These are only some of the keywords that could be used to describe the twisted upbringing of an innocent child known as Lucas. Physical and sexual abuse is a constant in his life, which violently plucks at the seams of his sanity; slowly pushing him closer to the edge. Despite the suffering he endures, he finally learns to cope with his cruel reality after the birth of his sister. Now, it is his one and only goal to keep her ignorant of what happens behind closed doors and find a way for the two of them to escape this prison life. But his parents aren't the only monsters in the world; the shadows have their own agenda that adds a whole new element into his already complicated life. At the end of the day, all that matters to him is keeping her safe