Enlighten Series- The Complete 3 Book Collection

by Kristin D. Van Risseghem

  “Do I have time to make breakfast, or are we in a hurry?” I grumbled.

  “Here, let me.” Gabriel waved his hand over the table, producing scrambled eggs, bacon, and a stack of buttered toast. “There you go.”

  “Thanks.”

  I shoveled food into my mouth, all the while listening to Michael and Gabriel. They said to take my time, but I knew that was code for “hurry up.” I grabbed some jerky off the counter and stuffed it into my jean pockets before I left the kitchen. I walked down the hallway and pressed my palm against the code reader. An invisible Triquetra symbol become visible and glowed on the wall, and a door appeared.

  The walls of the room were lined with racks of weapons. Guns, ammo cartridges, and swords of varying lengths were stacked high on the shelves. I selected two holsters, crisscrossed them on my chest, and took two .45s from the display. I placed a couple dozen clips into my pants and jacket pockets, tucked them into the waistband of my jeans, and slid some into the custom-designed side pockets of my boots. Before leaving the room, I grabbed a dagger and strapped it onto my boot. When I thought of my blessed Nephilim Sword, it appeared in my hand, along with its scabbard. I sheathed it across my back.

  “Are you stocked with supplies?” Gabriel asked when I emerged. “If you need anything else, one of the Archangels will get it for you. I’m not sure how long we’ll be gone. I’ve already taken care of notifying the school of your absence.”

  “Okay. Let’s go. You can tell me the plan on the way.”

  Gabriel laid a hand on my shoulder, white Angel Light glowed, and we disappeared from Kieran’s house. I was vaguely surprised when we landed outside the gates of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Michael appeared by my side, and all three of us opted to remain unseen.

  “So the word is one of the Seraphs hid their sword here, in plain view,” Gabriel said, “but we don’t know if that’s true or not.” He frowned, obviously disapproving. “I’m not sure why an angel would leave their sword lying around. I would’ve kept it with me, like the Nephilim do.”

  “This is a good cover, though.” I meandered through the crowd, careful not to bump into anyone. When I was invisible, I couldn’t touch people. They’d feel me—unlike the angels, who could pass right through people. “Tons of people, lots of Disney stories, which often have a sword as a character’s accessory, and it’s the happiest place on earth. Demons would never think to come here.”

  “Where should we start to look?” Michael asked.

  “Let’s split up so we can cover more ground,” Gabriel suggested. He pointed to the carousel. “We’ll meet back there in an hour. Shay, don’t go off to the different parks. We need to stay together.”

  “Fine. Do either of you sense any demons around?”

  Both closed their eyes, then opened them and shook their heads.

  “And if we run into any Marqs?”

  “Point taken. You and I will look over there,” Gabriel said. One of them had to stay with me since I couldn’t produce an entryway into the Void. He pointed to the right. “Michael, you search the other way.”

  Michael’s blue wings sprang from his back, and he glided into the sky. When the coast was relatively clear, Gabriel took his hand off my shoulder and became visible. My jaw dropped, and I had to fight back laughter.

  “What? Is this not appropriate attire?”

  He wore jeans and a red Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, with a camera strapped around his neck. I looked around and realized everyone was decked out in mouse-themed clothes. Since I was dressed in all black, I stuck out. But I was not about to wear mouse ears.

  “Come on. We have a lot of ground to cover if you’re going to look like that.” I waved him forward, chuckling.

  We glanced in every souvenir store, bathroom, and food cart, but didn’t find anything out of the ordinary. We definitely didn’t find any swords, play or real that could’ve been a Seraph’s Sword. Gabriel and I even rode every ride in the section, so we could honestly say we’d cleared it. Michael met us at the designated time and place, and he hadn’t found anything on the left side of the park either. Together, we searched the middle area and found a few swords outside of Gaston’s Tavern, inside Peter Pan’s ride, and in the pirate section of Peter Pan’s merchandise store, but none were angelic in the least.

  Zoe would’ve loved it here since she was a huge Disney fan; Tangled was her all-time favorite movie. I was tempted to text her, to ask where other swords might be in this make-believe world. Then my eye caught a flash of light and someone grunted. When I focused on the source, I realized people were taking pictures in front of an anvil ... with a sword protruding from the center. The Sword and the Stone. I should’ve known!

  We ran to the line and waited, but it didn’t take long. Gabriel must’ve used his Persuasion because people started leaving. Michael ran his hand over the sword, but nothing happened. He bent down and inspected it while Gabriel shot picture after picture, playing the part of an avid tourist. Every once in a while, he’d show me a photo. Some were close-ups and some were farther away.

  “This isn’t it.” Michael shrugged, looking disappointed. “I guess this whole trip was a bust.”

  “We had to track down every lead,” Gabriel said. “And you never know. This could’ve been—”

  A gut-wrenching scream filled the air. Our heads turned in the direction of the shriek, hearing shouts and chaos coming from there as well. A crowd ran from the same area, bumping into each other as they fled whatever it was.

  Gabriel became invisible as his gray wings extended, and he and Michael flew to the spot while I barreled through the panicked throng of people. When I arrived, Michael had already created the Void’s passageway, and Gabriel was backing the DKs into the Void’s edge. I scouted the area, highly suspicious. Where there are knights, Marqs usually followed.

  A dark shadow passed by a tree.

  “The wall has to be extended!” I shouted above the pandemonium. “Over there.”

  I pointed toward where I’d seen a dark trail and Michael nodded. He stretched the outer wall to encompass the Marqs, who grew out of the grassy location, but soon there were more black-robed Marqs rising from the lawn than Michael and Gabriel could fight.

  I had my hands full with controlling the Ordinaries still lingering in the area and managing the DKs. Thankfully, the humans couldn’t see what was happening. As soon as the last human was outside the Void boarder, I unleashed my true power. One hand gripped my Nephilim Sword, cutting and slashing at the demons, while my other hand shot the gun. The DKs were easy targets, especially with my enhanced human reflexes. With one hand on the gun, I fired round after round while knights fell to the ground like dominos. Then using my sword, I cut off the fallen knights’ heads and sent them back to Hell. I reloaded until I was down to my last clip.

  But the demons kept coming. I didn’t have time to look to see how Michael and Gabriel were holding up. Both were experienced Archangels and could easily handle three or four Marqs, but there were way more than that. We’d soon be outnumbered.

  Colored rays streamed down from the sky, and relief settled over me. More Archangels were on their way to help us, which meant Michael or Gabriel had sent a distress signal. Brightly colored wings dropped from the sky, renewing my energy in the fight. I couldn’t kill a Marq, but I sure as hell could try. No way the wolves should get all the fun.

  The last DK fell, and I sliced off its head. I turned toward the nearest Marq and lifted my sword when I was yanked from behind. My feet shot out but didn’t connect with anything.

  A wave of sadness washed over me.

  Zoe doesn’t love you.

  Thoughts of hopelessness crept into my mind.

  You can’t win this battle; you’re nothing.

  I shook my head, trying to clear away my doubts, but they bombarded me.

  How could she possibly love you when she could have a Guardian angel? You’re nothing but an Ordinary with enhanced skills. Eventually you’ll die, leaving your
soul mate, who will go on and live forever. Without you.

  Grief rocked me to the core. Suddenly weak, my arm lowered, and I dropped my sword to the ground. More Marqs surrounded me, touching my chest and head, while others grabbed my arms, legs, and clothes. Blackness enveloped me, and ribbons of darkness surrounded my mind and heart. One last surge of power flashed briefly in my mind. They won’t take me without a fight!

  But they did.

  Chapter Nine

  Zoe

  On Saturday morning I awoke to a girl’s light snoring, which reminded me of Shay and the first time he had spent the night in my bedroom. I wondered what he was doing with his dad and Michael, and then I pictured the worst possible thing: his death. To ease my mind, I pulled out my cell to text him to find how his mission was going.

  Me: Everything ok?

  I looked over at Cali’s sleeping body. Sidelle was awake and staring at me, so I waved her over to my bed but pointed at our sleeping friend. She silently poofed and reappeared next to me.

  “Morning, Zoe-san,” she whispered. “You sore today? You did a number on that program.”

  “I feel great, actually.” I rolled my shoulders and head, checking.

  “You know, Vash told Kieran that you and Cali mastered Level One, and neither of you should’ve done so well.”

  “I guess we’re both naturals, like Vash said.” Maybe joining the cross-country and running clubs had helped my coordination and stamina.

  “She is.” Sidelle tilted her head toward Cali. “You aren’t. You’re an Eternal, which may be why you did so fab, too.”

  “Can we do some more training today with the Silico?”

  “Probably not a bad idea. The more practice you get, the better. Maybe Vash has another Silico we can take with us, and Kieran can keep it at his house. Then you can keep on going with training.”

  “How come Cali doesn’t remember what happened Thursday night?” I whispered.

  “I wiped hers, Rena’s, Quinn’s, and your sister’s memories of everything after the fashion show.”

  “You can do that?”

  She looked unsure. “Cali was a little harder, and I’m not sure if it’ll stick with her. She already has her paw mark, so my glamour might not work.”

  I’d forgotten about that. Her paw mark was similar to the tattoo I would eventually get, marking me as an Enlighten. But hers meant she was marked as Vash’s mate.

  Cali stirred, stretched, and then gave a loud yawn. As soon as she opened her eyes, she blushed and put her hand over her mouth. “Oops. Sorry. I forgot where I was.”

  We giggled. “No worries,” I said. “Good morning.”

  “Hi,” she said. “Have you guys been up long?” She peeked through the curtains. “Looks like the sun’s already out. You should’ve woken me earlier.”

  “We’ve only been up a few minutes.” I threw off the covers. “I’m going to shower before we eat.”

  “Wonder what’s for breakfast,” Cali said. “I hope they have apple juice.”

  “After last night’s three-course dinner, I’m sure chef will have anything you want.”

  Ten minutes later I stepped out of the bathroom with my hair and body wrapped in towels, just in time to hear a light tap on the door.

  A pony-tailed head poked through. “Morning.” Era pushed the door open farther. When she saw everyone was awake, she walked over to the window and threw open the curtains. “Did everyone sleep well last night? Breakfast’s ready. The chef will keep most of the cold foods out until lunch time if you don’t want to eat now.”

  She plopped onto my bed, and waited for Cali and me to finish getting ready. Then the four of us, led by Era, meandered down to the first floor and stopped at a long kitchen table loaded with platters and bowls of breakfast foods. The chef stood over the commercial-sized stove, making omelets for the boys, who were perched on bar stools.

  “How are you girls feeling?” Vash asked. He stood and pulled out a chair for Cali. “Are you sore?”

  “Nope,” I said. “Totally fine. I could go another round.”

  “I’m okay, too,” Cali said. “The first day of cheer camp was harder.”

  “If you guys want to continue, we can do a different program after we eat,” Vash suggested. “We’ll do balance stuff until our stomachs settle.”

  “Sounds great.” Cali laid her napkin across her lap.

  We stuffed our bellies with eggs, bacon, and hash browns, washing it all down with milk and orange juice—plus, apple juice for Cali and steaming hot chai for me.

  I borrowed another yoga outfit from Sidelle for the day’s exercise program, and then Vash and Kieran led the way back to the game room where they helped Cali and me put on the equipment.

  A gymnastics beam appeared on the screen with an instructor.

  “This program isn’t like the one from last night,” Vash explained. “It strengthens your core but also helps with balance.”

  We mirrored the stances. This was easy enough. One foot on the beam, the other suspended a few inches in the air, and then high-step marches to the end and back again.

  For the first thirty minutes, it was easy, until random objects flew toward our bodies. The first shoe that soared past my head made me lose my balance, and I stepped off the beam. I had points deducted, but when the couch pillow got lobbed at me, I was ready. Then the program changed. We were no longer on a balance beam in a gym, hovering over a safety pad. Now, I stood on a tightrope wire. My mind knew we weren’t suspended over the Grand Canyon, but try telling that to my body. I had to adjust my footing, another point lost.

  I didn’t know how Cali was doing it. She stood like a statue; nothing bothered her.

  The wind on the screen picked up, and a real fan or something else above my head made my hair move, and the thin wire beneath my feet swayed back and forth. My arms began to pinwheel, and I knew I was about to plummet to my fake death.

  The word “Pause” flashed on the screen.

  “Here, Z,” Kieran said. “It’s not fair if you move into this Level without the proper equipment.” He handed me a long, slender balance pole.

  “Thanks.” I clutched the smooth rod and regarded the perfectly still Cali. If she can do this, I can, too.

  Kieran pressed, “Play.”

  Now that I had an object in my hand, I regained my balance against the breeze. The program went on like that for a few more scenes before we were back in the gym and on the balance beam.

  “Now,” Vash said, “the object to this next level is to knock your opponent off the beam. Here. Let’s exchange the poles for shorter ones so you don’t actually poke someone’s eye out.” He handed us padded batons, and Cali and I each got our own mock challenger on the screen. “Remember everything you’ve learned so far ... and begin.”

  This time it got even more complicated. Not only did we have to remember to balance, we had to recall the offensive and defensive stances from last night. After a while the screen changed yet again, and we were suspended over a mountain pass on a narrow wooden bridge. Wind and snow were factors now, and the stupid fan actually spat tiny ice particles onto our heads. Hours passed, but Cali and I pressed on. We were both really into the simulator, and we were both competitive.

  “Let’s take a break,” Sidelle eventually suggested, taking the batons from us. “You’ve been doing this for three hours. You should eat to keep your energy up.”

  “But I’m not—” Cali started. Her stomach growled, and she blushed. “Okay, I guess I am a little hungry.”

  Vash smiled. “Come on. Chef Victus probably made sandwiches or something.”

  “What are you guys going to do today?” Era asked as she sauntered into the game room.

  “I’m not sure,” I said. “When’s the bonfire?”

  “Not until after dark,” Era said.

  “What did you have in mind?” Cali asked as she headed for the door.

  “I don’t know. I was maybe thinking you guys could drive me to Minneapolis,
and we could go shopping,” Era suggested. “Our school is having a Spring Fling Dance in a few weeks—”

  Cali stopped, hand clutched on the doorknob.

  “Cali?” Sidelle asked. “What’s wrong?”

  Cali’s body remained frozen.

  “Cali?” I whispered, stepping toward her. “Is everything all right?” I glanced at Sidelle. “What’s wrong with her?”

  Cali’s shoulders slumped before an ear-piercing scream escaped her lips. Her hands flew to the sides of her head, and tears streamed down her face as her small body slumped to the floor, her head narrowly missing the door handle.

  Chapter Ten

  Zoe

  Vash dashed over to catch Cali. He lifted her arm, and it hung from his hand, limp as a noodle. My mind went back to two nights ago, to when she was being choked to death by a demon. Oh, God, could I bring her back to life again?

  “Cali,” Vash coaxed, gently shaking her. “Wake up.” He looked at Sidelle, dark eyes pleading. “What’s wrong with her?”

  Sidelle knelt beside Cali. “Maybe she remembers what happened Thursday. I tried to wipe her memory, but I’m not sure it worked. She’s your mate, Vash, and because of that, glamour doesn’t always work.”

  “She’s your mate?” Era asked. “That’s so cool! I’m sure she’s not de—”

  Vash glared at his sister as he lifted Cali’s slender body and held it safely against his chest. With a delicate touch he moved some of her hair to the side, revealing a dark tattoo that matched his own: an intricate leaf design wrapped around a brown paw print. I’d seen it Thursday evening as we were getting ready for the prom-dress fashion show, but it wasn’t prominent. Kieran and I looked at each other helplessly. Sidelle was probably right; Cali was in shock from suddenly realizing what was going on. The brain could only handle so much, and this was probably Cali’s way of processing the information. She lay still in Vash’s arms, her silent tears trickled down her cheeks, but she didn’t wake. Vash carried her out of the room and into our bedroom. We followed close behind and waited while he laid her on the bed.