Synopsis of Colton: Amongst the Fallen
Sci-Fi/Gothic
122,000 words
One man born of forbidden birthright-half vampire, half angel-risks all to save his kindred from annihilation.
The Lumenis, winged beings of pure energy, travel the cosmos via celestial portals connecting alternate universes. These messengers and minions of the Lighted Ones, referred by some as archangels, visit worlds similar to Earth where they metamorphose into physical beings likened to man, yet feed on mammalian blood to reenergize. Five millennia ago, the Lumenis exiled a group of rebels to Earth, stripping them of their celestial powers and labeling them the Fallen. Since their domain on Earth, demonic legends have emerged from history including the fabled vampire.
Born 2006 in Scotland, Brian Colton cannot recall life before his 26 birthday, misled to believe he mutated from human to vampire-his memory loss a result of the transference. In truth, a human mentor nurtured the suspended twins entrusted to him by the Fallen. The Lumenis growth rate normally takes hours; however, on physical worlds they mature in three years. Childhood for Brian existed in a laboratory with an implanted human identity and education. His twin brother, brain damaged at birth, escapes and kills their human mentor, who hid the journal that reveals the truth about their birth and a remissive serum to survive amongst humans.
Brian's search for his identity unfolds in three stages: denial, acceptance, and survival. He clings to his supposed humanity until his first encounter with a 3000-year-old Fallen named Sabree. Tasked with recovering the hidden journal, he stalks Brian until ordered to destroy him. As the antagonist, Sabree evolves from a rival, a parasite, and eventually into a friend in their search for answers to Brian's true origin.
Brian accepts his fate, yet feels the need to control his vampiric nature with the dwindling supply of serum. Thus begins his quest to find the journal, only to discover the Fallen and Sabree are not his only rivals. On one of his scavenger hunts, he finds the amulet worn by Turyel, the slain leader of the exiled Fallen. Donning it, Brian opens the portal to alternate universes. Black wings sprout from his back and when he enters the unknown, his body transforms to one of pure energy. Further visits deliver him closer to his true heritage, and he learns why the Lumenis seek his destruction.
Acceptance leads him to an alliance with the Fallen. His forbidden birthright and unique powers threaten the Lumenis's sanctity, forcing them to destroy the Fallen. Brian struggles with inner demons when he faces the ultimate battle to save his kindred. His powers exceed his moral limitations, and he annihilates a third of the Lumenis in vengeance. Despite the numbers of lives lost, hope exists for Brian and his newfound clan with the birth of his daughter. The surviving Fallen select Brian as their leader, and regardless of his peaceful reign, he fears he must defend his clan against their ill-omened future.
