Liam’s…gone.
How do I come to terms with all of this?
Fighting back tears, I swallow hard and bite my lower lip to keep it from quivering. Forget hell. This could very possibly be worse.
Eyeing the tree line, I keep my ears trained for anything that moves. There’s nothing in the immediate vicinity, thank goodness, but a few meters out, there’s a rustling of tree branches, and I can’t pinpoint what’s causing it.
Crouching down, I plant my back firmly against a large tree’s trunk and open my hand to summon one of my weapons for protection. Instead of a sword or dagger appearing in my palm, absolutely nothing happens. There’s not even a fizzle of remaining magic.
Ice-cold terror washes through my veins, and I can’t help but feel infinitely more vulnerable.
“Come on, Eva—you might not have the magic, but you’re still a Guardian. You’re better than this,” I whisper to myself. “Stop being such a coward.”
Pulling my shoulders back, I rise. Narrowing my eyes to the place of disruption, the trees and branches have all but gone still. Exhaling slowly, I pause. My gaze drops to my hands and I turn them over in front of me. No longer supple and soft, my skin is parched—dry and cracking like an elephant’s. I’m going to need to find shelter, food, and water.
I drop my hands and take a step forward, shoving aside brush and low-hanging tree branches. The forest is thick with old growth, and it tugs at the fabric of my dress. Tall trees loom overhead with leaves the size of my entire head. They shroud the floor with a speckling of sunlight, from whatever star has managed to deliver its rays to this godforsaken place.
Each step I take squishes against the soles of my bare feet as the thick growth and spongy ground try to support my weight. It releases a pungent, earthy odor that reminds me of something I can’t quite put my finger on, but it’s almost peaceful.
Off in the distance, a loud screech echoes through the trees, making my heart jump and my legs fold into a crouch. Something large—much larger than myself—crashes through the trees, and even though I can’t see it through the thicket, the vibrations on the ground are immense.
My pulse thrums wildly, setting each nerve ending on notice to either run or protect myself at all costs. Swallowing hard, I get up again, pushing my way through the clawing branches as they tear at me and the fabric of my clothing. If there are creatures this way, there’s likely food and water. Maybe shelter, too, but I’ll have to be careful. Either way, I can’t stay in one place and do nothing. I don’t know the rules of this place yet and if it gets dark here the way it does on Earth… then I have the sneaking suspicion I don’t want to be caught out in it.
Images of ghoulish beasts flash through my mind, and I shudder away the thought and force myself through another set of branches. They tug at my wavy black strands, making me wish I could tie my hair back. A small clearing opens up, and light streams into the space, illuminating the grassy knoll in a way I’ve never stopped to appreciate when I was flitting between realms.
Too bad it’s taken banishment—maybe even imminent death—to see the beauty in it.
Walking out in the open, I stand in the center of the small field. I tilt my chin to the sky and shield my eyes with my fingers. The orb is nearly identical to Earth’s sun—but the sky has a strange digital effect happening against an orange hue, instead of blue. Much like the sky at sunset or sunrise, but it’s midday based on the location of the sun, assuming the same physics apply.
Behind me, tree branches snap, and I spin around with wide eyes. “Who’s there?” I say, my eyes wide in anticipation. Instinctively, I search the area around me for items I can use as weapons. Fallen trees, rocks, broken tree branches…
“Look, I don’t have all day. Come out and show yourself,” I demand, clenching my jaw as I wait. Adrenaline courses through my veins, gearing me up for whatever is headed my way.
Suddenly, a large deer crashes through the trees. Its coat and antlers blend in with the trees and I stumble backward in surprise. It runs up to me, its nostrils flaring and dark eyes wild. Holding my ground, I tip my chin and widen my stance. It comes to a halt inches from me, but as if it realizes I’m not worth its time, it simply snorts in my face and runs back into the woods at a ninety-degree angle.
Relief washes over me, and I exhale the breath I didn’t realize was trapped in my throat.
“That could have been worse,” I mutter, twisting around and following after it.
The deer’s enormous body created a pathway of sorts through the dense trees and following after it seems like the only logical step. If for no other reason, its body could mean sustenance, if it comes to that.
Clenching my jaw, I set out to follow after it. At first, the path is clear, but after awhile it becomes more chaotic, twisting one way only to backtrack on itself as the deer tries to lose me. As much as I have to admit it, I need to continue on my own.
Without a clear destination—or anywhere familiar at all—my ultimate goal is to find shelter. But it’s pretty clear I won’t find it down on the ground fighting the vegetation. Setting my resolve, I study the trees, trying to find a sturdy-looking one I can climb. When I find one that fits the bill, I reach for the branches and start to pull myself upward. The bark of the tree crumbles under my touch, but the branches themselves are strong and sturdy. With each climb of upward momentum, a pungent, sweet smell meets my nostrils, and I try to pinpoint why it’s so familiar. But just like before, the memory eludes me.
My palms and soles begin to tear with the sharp edges of the branches, but my arm and leg muscles ache hungrily under my exertion. I want to get to the top—to see what I’m really dealing with here. And without the ability to teleport or rise above it all with my innate angelic magic, this will have to do.
Besides, being mortal-esque seems a fitting punishment in some ways.
When I reach as high as I dare go, the top of the tree bows slightly under my weight. I wrap my right arm around the trunk and twist to face the horizon. With my left arm, I shield my eyes again from the sun’s bright rays.
For as far as I can see, the trees continue on, covering the expanse in front of me. However, the terrain begins to get rocky to the east—or what I assume is the east—and to the west, sunlight sparkles against the watery haven of a lake. Somewhere in the back of my mind, the lake is familiar—like there’s something I should know about it but can’t quite put my finger on.
Somewhere between the two, a billow of gray smoke caresses the skyline, and a shot of excitement and trepidation moves through me. Where there is smoke, there are others—others with the capability for fire. And fire means warmth, protection, and the ability to cook. My only hope is whoever it is, they’re friendly. Looks like I have my destination.
“Alright, Eva. You wanted a sign and there it is,” I whisper to myself. “But you can’t go off halfcocked. You’ll need a weapon first—just in case.”
Taking one final glance toward the smoke, I estimate it will be a good couple of hours away. Climbing back down, I keep my eyes trained on the direction I need to head. It’s farther away than I’d like, especially in this thick forest, but it’s still doable.
As I reach the midway point of the tree, my sore palms slip on a branch. I tumble from my current location, hitting the next set of branches hard as I wrap my arms around them on the way down. Holding on for dear life, I close my eyes, allowing the shaking in my body to subside. When I have more control, I scoot myself closer to the trunk of the tree. My dress rips slightly as I throw a leg over the branch. Ignoring it, I have a seat with my back against the tree.
“Maybe I should rest for… just a minute or two,” I say, exhaling.
Being in mortal peril—fearing for my life—it’s a new sensation I don’t overly want to get used to. But I know I’ll have to. This is life now.
When I’ve rested for as long as I dare, I begin my descent again, this time being more cautious as I reach from one branch to another. It takes longer
, but within another ten minutes, my feet hit the solid, cushy ground.
Bending down, I crouch into a ball and rest. Once my muscles and breathing have settled into some normalcy, I stand back up and straighten my shoulders.
“All right, I need to keep my eye on the prize and not get lost in all of this,” I say, taking my first tentative steps toward the billows of smoke.
I walk for a couple of hours, stopping only for moments to hunt for possible weapons and to verify I’m still on the right track toward the smoke. Two more times I climb up just high enough to spot the gray clouds and drop back down. As I get closer, the smell of smoke floods my senses, and I use it as my guide. Without a weapon of my choosing, I opt for a large stick with a scythe-like end. It will do in a pinch, should anything or anyone try to attack me.
Finally, I reach a point through the trees where the source of the smoke becomes evident. A small stone ring on the ground encircles what I can only assume was a small campfire. However, there is no one beside it—no talking, no laughter, nothing at all.
Who would start a fire and then leave it?
I scan the trees, looking for any signs of life, but everything is as silent as a tomb. Slowly, I make my way forward, one tree at a time. At each stop, I hold still and silent, investigating the scene with apprehension and excitement. If someone is here—this could be good. Then again, if it’s a banished demon, they may not be of like-mind. Things could get ugly very, very quickly. Especially if they consider me a threat.
I take another step forward, keeping my eyes trained on the campsite. Unfortunately, my step cracks a small twig on the ground, and I pull up short, holding my breath for any backlash.
Birds call in the trees, scattering away from my location, but as far as I can see, nothing else happens. Not even a call back if there’s someone out here.
“Now or never, Eva,” I whisper, nodding to myself.
Keeping the scythe-stick at my side, I leave the shroud of the woods and step toward the fire. A makeshift campfire spit has been shifted to the side, along with a small stone slab, and a small animal carcass. Whoever was here was clearly eating and has the mental capabilities for tools.
I crouch down, tugging at the carcass to see if anything worthy of eating remains. Only a few small bites cling to the bones and I rip the meat off, quickly shoving it into my mouth.
“Ah, man… not you again,” a voice says over my shoulder. “Seriously, what did I do to keep getting thrown in your sphere? Dammit.”
Spinning around, I come face-to-face with flashing turquoise eyes and an obnoxious face.
“Oh, no… not you, too,” I spit, raising my stick toward the incubus.
Chapter 9
Twists of Fate
“What are you doing here?” I demand, raising my scythe-stick out in front of me.
“I’d like to ask you the same thing,” he says. “But you know, about me.”
“I don’t know why you’re here. Shouldn’t you be off getting laid or something?” I spit back.
The incubus sighs, rolling his eyes. “Don’t I wish.”
“Is this your camp?” I say, dropping my stick and pointing to the fire ring.
The incubus scrunches his face. “Do I look like the Grizzly Adams type?”
“Well, if it’s not yours, whose is it?”
“Hell if I know. I was following the scent of food. Kinda hoped whoever was cooking would trade food for a hand job,” he says, placing a hand on his hip.
I roll my eyes. “Well, I was here first, so I claim the site for my own. You can go find another corner of the world to lurk in.”
“But… there’s nothing else out there. At least, not that I can tell. You wouldn’t send me out there on my own, would you?” the incubus says, his eyes wide.
“Yes. I would. You’re the last person I want to be around right now.”
The incubus takes a step forward, scoffing. “What did I do? I tried to help.”
“No, you just made everything worse,” I say.
“Ouch,” he says, groping at his heart. “Last time I try to help you, you ungrateful ass.”
“Give me a break,” I say. “I’m not in the mood. Just… go.” I raise the stick, pointing out into the trees.
“Or what?” he says, cocking an eyebrow. “I have just as much right to be here as you do.”
“Maybe, but between the two of us, I’m the one who still knows how to kick ass—not kiss it,” I say, narrowing my eyes and clenching my teeth. “So leave.”
“God, fine. Whatever,” he says, raising his hands. “You need to have someone remove that stick from your butt—or get laid. Maybe that’ll loosen you up.”
“Go!” I say, chasing after him.
The incubus doesn’t waste time when I come at him. He hops into the tree line, practically tripping over his own two feet.
“Good riddance,” I say in a huff, nodding my head his direction.
“Who are you?” a voice says from behind me. “You better not be pilfering—”
As I spin around, my mouth pops open, and I drop my stick. It tumbles to the dirt with a soft thump.
Discerning hazel eyes meet mine, and my heart leaps into my throat.
“Liam?” I say, my fingertips flying to my lips.
Liam’s nostrils flare slightly, and he takes a step back.
“Do I—?” he asks, his question lingering half-finished as he narrows his eyes.
“I…” I sputter, blinking rapidly as I try to process. I raise my right hand to my heart and take a deep breath. “It’s me—Eva.”
This can’t be real… can it?
This has to be a trick of Purgatory. A mirage meant to torture me?
The apprehension clouding Liam’s features dissolves and his eyes brighten.
“Eva? Evangeline?” he says, repeating my full name. His lips part and his chin drops.
I nod, trying to hold back the tears welling in my eyes.
Please, please let this be real…
With three huge strides Liam closes the gap between us and wraps his arms around me. Warmth radiates off his body, and unable to help myself, I melt into him. For the first time, his body is real and corporeal to me. I can even feel his heartbeat thrumming against my palms as I place them on his back. Resting my cheek against his chest, his earthy scent permeates my senses, and immediately my fears and apprehension are a puddle at his feet.
“But... how? I mean—” he shakes his head. “How is this possible? I thought I could only hear you… What’s going on here?”
“I don’t know…” I whisper, not wanting to let go. I don’t want this moment to end, just in case it’s all a dream.
“I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve been so confused—I thought I was lost. But I couldn’t remember how I got here. Where are we? What is this place?” he asks, placing his chin on the top of my head.
“Liam, you shouldn’t be here. This place is meant for banished angels and demons. Not humans. Well, not humans who are in the natural order of things, anyway,” I say, my eyebrows tugging in. As much as I want this to be real, my instincts are screaming to still protect him.
“Banished angels? I don’t understand.”
“You should be in heaven, Liam—not here,” I whisper, holding him tighter.
My mind flashes to those last few moments of his mortal life. His agony and labored breathing. The way his body was slumped back in the seat… The way I never had the chance to cross him over.
“Heaven?” he says, pulling me from him and staring hard into my eyes. “I’m—dead?”
My tongue skates across my lower lip and slowly, I nod. “I’m so sorry, Liam. I should have been there. I should have protected you. I don’t know what I was thinking,” I say, the words all tumbling out. “This whole thing should have been avoidable. You should still be—”
He snickers softly, shaking his head. “Eva, whatever happened, it wasn’t your fault. Besides, if you were there to protect me, would that have b
een for the best? It’s not like my life was going in a stellar direction anyway. I’m actually thankful we’re together,” he says, his dark eyebrows tugging in. “There’s so much I want to know. So much I want to learn about you… about existence.”
“But you shouldn’t be here,” I whisper again, a single tear sliding down my cheek. “Purgatory isn’t for humans. This is a mistake.”
“Then it’s a mistake I’m happy about,” he says, his piercing gaze scorching right through me.
Swallowing hard, I say, “I am, too, but this was all before your time. You had so much you should have accomplished before…”
“Before I kicked the bucket?” he chuckles.
“I’m glad you are finding this funny,” I say, shooting him a look of consternation.
He shrugs. “Could definitely be worse.”
“You have no idea how bad it is,” I say, sighing. “Anyway, I thought—I thought I’d be alone. Or I’d be in constant danger. And maybe we are—”
“You said this a place for banished angels. Why are you here? Was it because of… me?” he asks, his strong hands wrapping around my upper arms.
“Yes. Remember what I told you before? My Guild—they found me guilty of breaking the Creed of Separation. I was sent here until a more suitable punishment could be arranged,” I say, lowering my gaze to our feet.
The space between us is nothing more than a couple of inches but feels like it’s growing into a chasm.
“What is that?” he asks, his hazel eyes narrowing into slits. “The Creed of whatever.”
I exhale slowly, “It means they knew I had feelings you.”
“Oh,” he says, his eyebrows knitting together.
“I went against one of our highest laws, Liam,” I say, biting my lower lip. “It never should have happened… I realize that, but I just—”
“Well, it’s a stupid law. I mean, we can’t choose who we love. If we could I’d—” he locks eyes with me and takes a deep breath.
“It is what it is,” I say, shrugging. “I knew what I was doing. I just didn’t think it would mean this.”
Playing With Fire Page 85
