by Nathan Parks
Megan paused.
“In a way I was. The old Megan was no more. That night, Eve, I began to understand all the things you and Alfonso had been trying to get me to open my eyes to. I was done. If I was going to live, I no longer wanted to live the life I had been living. I could not have walked away from it—even after all of that—without help.”
“A few of us brought Megan here to Eden. I know that neither of you are fully aware of the powers of Eden, but here we knew that she would be protected. She had given up all hope of living, but we believed that Eden would heal her and that she would find peace here. We also wanted the chance that if she and her baby survived, this would be a safe place for the child.”
“A place where you would be able to raise your new ‘Jerusalem Breed’ would be a better way of saying it, I’m sure,” Eve gritted.
“No, Eve. Leah and the Alliance have let us be. They have allowed my children and I to just be us with no pressure to be anything more or even become a part of anything more.”
“Oh, isn’t that just convenient that . . . wait! ‘Children’ plural?”
Eve stopped mid-sentence as it dawned on her what Megan had just stated.
“Yes, I had twins: a boy and a girl.”
“Are they . . .” Isaiah didn’t know how to properly finish his question.
“Demonic? Nephelium? Something else?” Leah finished it for him.
“Yes, that is what I was going to ask.”
“They are who they are,” Leah answered. “They are children. To address what is clearly one of the sticking points for Eve, we didn’t want to put a label, i.e., ‘Nephelium,’ on them. I learned a lot over the ages; and sure, not quickly, but I still learned. I understand now that placing a label on someone can actually set them on a course in which they will either have no choice in filling that label or have to fight trying not to fill a label that was never theirs to fill but, instead, was forced upon them. They are children. Are they capable of special things that would come from their Fallen lineage? We don’t know. Here in Eden, they just get to be kids.”
Eve stood looking at Megan. She didn’t know what to feel. She didn’t know what to say. How many times had she stood in front of that gravestone, wondering what it would be like to just be able to grab a cup of coffee with her again . . . to laugh and to “camp out” on the couch? The truth was that she had come to the understanding that none of that would take place, and even now something inside of her told her that nothing had changed. Just because her friend was standing—very much alive—in front of her didn’t mean that they would return to that old friendship. How could they? It wasn’t like they had spent the last five years on the phone, sending emails, or texting. No, they were not the same two people.
“Anything else you would like to spring on us before we get settled in and kicking off whatever this is that we are doing?” she asked.
“No, except we want you both to know that no one else here knows about Megan’s story. When she came to Eden, we ensured secrecy; and with that she took on the name ‘Ann,’” Leah stated, more out of fact than a request for the two to start using that name.
Eve stood up, looked at each person in the room, and walked out. There was nothing else said. There was no other emotion shown. The truth was out there, and there was nothing she needed to do or say. It was just simply the truth.
Isaiah did not follow right away. He watched as his friend closed the study door behind her. He then turned to both Leah and Megan.
“You are right: we have all changed. She is still changing. I sense that returning to all of this is doing more than stirring up old feelings. I believe that when she left five years ago, she had no doubt what she would do; and she has done it. She has become a lethal machine of vengeance. In a way, she does the very thing you, Leah, wanted her to do. No, she isn’t doing in the way you had hoped . . . and maybe not in the way you would agree . . . but it is her life.
“I do believe, though, that all this,” he motioned to both of them, “is making her have to face that when she ran from what she thought was poison to her and her existence, she actually ran from her real self; and she hasn’t stopped since. Everything we are doing and facing is requiring her to have to really take a look at herself and what she is doing.
“I can tell you this. I am the only reason she is here. She is tough and well-crusted, but deep inside of her is a loyal heart.”
“Well,” Megan smiled, “that is something that we can all be excited has not changed. For as long as I have known Eve, if she called you family, she would lay down everything that was in her power for you.”
“Isaiah, I didn’t think this reunion would be a walk in the park; but I do believe it was unavoidable. We didn’t see it coming, but clearly it was meant to be.”
“When do we meet up again?” he asked as he stood to take his leave.
“We will all get together tonight.”
He nodded to both as he turned to walk out. Before he completely left, he turned and looked at his former leader.
“It is good to see you again, Leah. I must say I also didn’t believe this would go well, but it went better than I suspected.”
Chapter Thirty-One
She had a large incense pot burning in the corner as she sat in the dark, allowing her body and mind to take in the new ancient secrets that were binding with her existence. As she had allowed Hecate’s life source to flow across her palate, she had begun a metamorphosis. The ritual she was carrying out would finish the melding of her and her knowledge and that of the now deceased Overlord. It required time to meditate and open up, allowing the new knowledge to take root inside of her.
If a projector could reveal what was taking place inside, it would appear as if someone had taken an historical documentary and placed it in super-fast forward. Scenes, images, words, events of the past flashed quickly across her mind.
She had stood in the shadows watching for many years, and there was a lot of which she had picked up—a lot that she had used to maneuver herself into the position in which she now sat, but there was so much that she had not known. It all was now playing out on the big screen of her mind and thoughts—visions of the manipulation that Hecate had woven over the ages. She watched as the Fallen were exiled and as Hecate felt the pain and agony of the loss of Legion. Denora became witness to the twisted plots that the Queen of Darkness had played out using Mantus and Michael along with so many others. She saw their reaction and then felt a respect build up as she could see Hecate still use her seductive talent to bring these two back to her.
Denora watched as Hecate met with Kadar, and she could see manuscripts of historical genealogy laid out between them. The new Overlord began to understand that Hecate had been tracking Nephelium through the ages, and the visions showed she had zeroed in on Eve before the woman knew she was one.
“Why?” she found herself asking. “What were your plans?”
She wondered how much Kadar actually knew. Was he a pawn or a willing participant?
The visions continued. She watched as Kadar met with Eve. There were visions of the great lengths he went to in an attempt to woo her but failed.
“You had not planned on my killing her, Watcher! Her emergence as a Nephelium wasn’t supposed to happen then, was it? You were preparing her . . . trying to win her trust . . . but for what reason? How did this benefit you?”
She watched as Hecate stood in a room full of artifacts. Denora recognized the room; it was just a few doors down from where she sat. In the vision, she watched as the former Overlord went to an empty area on the wall and touched the molding. There was a compartment that opened, and inside was a large velvet bag. Hecate removed the bag and placed it upon a black pedestal and then carefully pulled its contents out.
Denora opened her eyes. Did she just see what she thought she saw? She stood up and headed toward the door. She had to see for herself! If it was true, then Hecate had been playing a bigger game than anyone else could have imagined.
Without waiting another moment, she swung open the door. The figure that stood across the room did not move. Their back was turned to her, but she could clearly see the compartment in the wall was open; and the figure held something in his hands.
“I had hoped that I could remove this before you were able to view Hecate’s mind. You are playing on a field for which you have no comprehension, Denora.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that, Azrael. You do not know the lengths I will go to in order to get to where I am going.”
Michael turned and looked at her. He held the dark velvet bag in his hand. He walked, almost ceremoniously, over to the dark pedestal and unwrapped the object. Denora watched as he placed the delta down. She stood back as a blue light began to glow along the etchings and carvings on the stand and slowly embrace the delta.
“No, Denora, you have no idea how deep the abyss goes.” He looked up and smiled at his choice of words. “No pun intended.”
She stood in awe. She had heard of the deltas and about everything that had taken place at the Council of Shammah. There had always been rumors of the power of life and the destruction that they held and that they had not been destroyed, but then rumors usually turned out to be more rumor than truth. Here, in front of her was an authentic delta; and she may not know of all that it was capable, but she also knew Azrael having control of it was not going to work for her.
“Explain to me, then, what it is I don’t know if you are so certain that I don’t; or could it be that you are afraid I do know because of my connection with Hecate?”
Michael smiled. She was a rookie at this; that was evident. Did she really think he couldn’t tell she was digging for information, as well as stalling? She was most likely trying to formulate a plan to overpower him even though they both knew it wasn’t going to happen.
Throughout the ages he had been unable to get close enough to Hecate to get his hands on this relic. Again, he had been duped by her. He had walked up to the deltas that day knowing full well what he was about to do. She had convinced him to switch out the blood that had been given to them and to only use a vial of his blood. She had promised that they would be able to make it out with the deltas, and he had—one of them. She believed the other two had been destroyed. The one for mortal man was merely symbolic; but his brother had returned to the site several centuries later and became reclusive. The change in his brother’s demeanor had convinced him that there was a chance he had found the other delta.
Since that moment, he had been trying to get his hands on the one that Hecate held. As far as he was aware, she had never known the possibility that Zarius had the other one. He had kept that in his back pocket.
Michael looked up from the glowing delta at the new queen of the house. He had underestimated her; they all had.
“Denora, you have no reason to trust anyone, and I dare say that you should keep it that way. I am willing to offer you a deal. There is no way you can stop me from taking this; we both know that. You can try, but you are a mediocre fighter at best; and I have skill and understanding beyond what you can fathom.”
She stood listening to him boast. How he was never discovered on the Arch Council she could not figure out. He was one of the most lofty and prideful beings she had ever met.
“The new age is here. You are a part of the new rise of power within the Clans, and I personally believe that you will be able to rule this house in a more cohesive way than Hecate ever did.”
“Stop with the flattery, Azrael. You clearly do not know enough about me to know that gets you nowhere. Get to your point.”
“Fair enough.”
He began to place the Delta back in the carrier in which it had been kept.
“Let’s talk. You think you know what is going on? Then let me hear what you think you know. I will do what I can to fill in any gaps. By the way, it isn’t flattery when I tell you that I think the change in power is good; and with that, I believe that in order for us to make moves that will benefit all of us, we must all come together and honestly work together . . . none of those mind-twisting setups for which your predecessor was notorious. I appreciate that you are not her and that flattery does nothing. You are someone who wants it straight and, I believe, will keep it that way. I think we can work together . . . that is, if you are willing.”
“I will be no one’s lackey, Azrael.”
“I’m talking to the Overlord of the House of Denora—nothing more, nothing less. You may be new to your role, but you are still in that role—an equal.”
She stood for a moment and thought about all he said. He was right: she was certain she could give him a run for his money. She had already taken out one Overlord, but it was clear that the infighting had also destroyed the Fallen.
“Ok, I’m interested. We talk now, though.”
He grinned as he finished placing the delta in its carrier.
“I am in agreement with that, but you understand if I secure this first?”
She waved her hand toward the door.
“I will be in the main room when you are ready; but if you double cross me . . .. I don’t care what you think you are capable of; because I know what I am capable of, and you will not find rest until I act out my vengeance.”
He laughed, “I have no doubt.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Tanisha lay in her husband’s arms. She was home. True, maybe not really home, but Eden had its peace and comfort. Lying here, feeling her husband’s love flood over her, she knew she was home.
“So, what lies ahead, Zee?” she asked.
Her head rested on his chest, and she could feel each breath he took.
“Well, not sure. We know that Mantus states he wants to help us, and he is holding Enoch as security; but who knows if we can trust him or even what the real reason is behind his wanting to defect? Michael has gone quiet. I am sure he has no idea that Mantus has Enoch, but the longer he is incognito worries me more and more. I have no doubt he is aware that Nemamiah and Gabriel are no longer in Scintillantes, and that only means that he is aware they know his double life.”
“How do you feel about the idea that others know about the delta now?”
“In a weird way, it is a relief. It is like passing a burden onto someone else and allowing them to carry it for a while; but honestly, it is like having a burden that you give over to an already worn-weary, battle buddy and you feel guilty that you have done that.”
She turned her head so she could see him.
“I know, but you did your job. Now, it is time for others to do theirs.”
He sighed a heavy sigh and just lay there in silence for a few minutes.
“I understand, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
She smiled that radiant smile.
“We never do easy, Dear.”
“You are right on that.” He became thoughtful before speaking again, “I don’t see Legion as a problem anymore. I can’t believe that Hecate or anyone else will find a way to release him.”
“So, where does that leave us? To me, it sounds like we go back to business as usual. He was the threat, wasn’t he?”
“I can’t help but feel that we are missing something, and that is why I hope that tonight we can all sit down and find out what that ‘something’ is. I think we have everything we need amongst us all, but we have not had the chance to all sit down together in one room and talk it out. Maybe the threat is over, but we have to make sure.”
She rolled over and gave him a long kiss. It felt good to do that again.
“Well, I guess it is time to start working on that. The sooner we can figure it out, the sooner I can have my husband back to just me.”
He looked at the clock in the room and realized she was right. Time had passed qu
icker than he realized. He had found rest and peace again with the presence, love, and comfort of his wife; he had not even paid attention to the time at all.
They both got up and walked into the hallway. The two found themselves almost run over by a sobbing Lada as she ran past them.
“Hey! Hold on there,” Zarius yelled out in a gentle but firm voice. The little girl stopped and turned around. She used her two fists to dry her eyes, but she could barely catch her breath in between sobs.
Zarius walked over to her and knelt down. Even though Tanisha had not met either of the twins, her heart was overwhelmed watching her tall and strong warrior husband become a gentle giant.
“Lada, what’s wrong?”
His voice was calming and soothing. Both of them were shocked as the little girl threw her arms around the Vapor and hung to him like her life depended on it. Zarius looked to his wife for some guidance, and she shrugged.
She smiled and mouthed the words, “You got this.”
He moved the young girl so she was sitting on his knee, his big, fighting hands becoming tools of comfort as he brushed away a few more tears.
“Lada, it’s ok. What happened?”
“I . . . I . . .”
She couldn’t get anything out between sobs. She quietly held out her arm, and Zarius looked at it. His eyes grew large as he saw that her arm was covered in welts and deep scratches. Many were bleeding.
“What happened?” he kept himself from raising his voice.
“My . . . my . . . broth . . . er . . . er,” she sobbed.
Tanisha ran back into their room and grabbed a cloth, wet it, and returned, handing it to her husband. He began to pat at the wounds and use the wet cloth to bring some coolness to the hot and swelling welts.
“Lano did this?”
“Uh-huh,” she nodded and buried her face in his chest. She then began to shake her head, “No, not Lano . . . the lady with Lano.”
“Lady with Lano?”
The little girl nodded and began to sob again.
