Splendor and Darkness

by Cyndi Friberg

  “Do you know who hired the assassins?” Daniel hadn’t been able to find out, but surely the Council of Ancients knew.

  “I was not given that information. They want nothing to influence your impressions.”

  Lailah moved her hands to her lap, trying to relax. “I still don’t understand what you want us to do.”

  “We know Nate has visions, but the Council is not sure he’s the one. You are to assess the entire family, search for untapped potential and latent abilities. Angelic sensitivity has been ineffective in judging their nature. We need someone who is able to interact with them directly.”

  Lailah bit her lip to keep from laughing. Had Gadrayel reported her misconduct? Did Sariel realize the nature of her acquaintance with Nate?

  “It’s because of your relationship with Nate that I chose you for this task.”

  She’d forgotten how effortlessly Sariel could read others’ thoughts. She needed to be more careful.

  “A man will reveal things to a lover that he will hide from the rest of the world.”

  “Is there a lovely Monthamn female for me to assess?” Daniel’s wit eased the anxiety twisting inside Lailah.

  “The mission objective is not seduction,” Alyssa said. “Behave yourself.”

  “What happens if we find a person, or persons, bursting with untapped potential?” Daniel asked, ignoring her playful reprimand.

  “They will be trained. The Council is waiting for a champion, a protector, an emissary unlike any other. They have taken to calling them the Empowered One.”

  Sariel’s explanation confused Lailah. “If angelic sensitivity has been unable to identify this Empowered One, how does the Council expect us to locate them?”

  “The Monthamns are unique. Because a Fallen angel contributed to their physiology, the Council believes…”

  “It takes a semi-Fallen angel to assess a semi-Fallen angel?” The smirk was back in Daniel’s tone.

  “Frankly, aye.”

  “And how shall we present ourselves?” Lailah tucked her hair behind her ear, keeping the long strands off her face. “We can’t just ride up to the castle unannounced. There is a possibility Nate will not even realize who I am.”

  Laughter erupted around her and Lailah’s cheeks burned.

  “He’ll know who you are,” Alyssa predicted. “Have you told him what you are?”

  “He believes I’m a dream.”

  Sariel cleared his throat, obviously anxious to refocus the conversation. “It’s my suggestion that Daniel claim an association with William, Nate’s younger brother. No one will be able to refute such a claim. I’ll implant memories that will make his role believable. You can explain your connection to Daniel however you choose.”

  “Surely you aren’t instructing us to lie,” Lailah challenged with the hint of a smile.

  “You will be playing roles. Those roles need to be convincing. This is a sanctioned assignment but…”

  “Ordinary angels can speak only truth?”

  Alyssa’s hand returned to Lailah’s arm. “If you’re opposed to this—”

  “I’m teasing your husband. There was a time when it would have made you laugh.”

  After a strained silence, Daniel said, “We’ll work out the details and let you know our plans. It shouldn’t take more than a day or two.”

  Lailah moved to her chair by the fire as Daniel ushered their guests to the door.

  “Now who’s being surly?” He moved up behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders.

  “I don’t begrudge them their happiness. I… All right, I don’t want to begrudge them their happiness.”

  He rubbed her shoulders, easing the tension gathered there. “They are obnoxiously happy. If it makes you feel better, I’ll hate them for you.”

  She smiled, leaning her head against his chest. “I’ve been officially sanctioned to return to Nate. What does this mean?”

  He chuckled. “You’ll soon be obnoxiously happy too?”

  * * * * *

  Byleth picked her way through the forest, meticulously searching every branch and bramble. Enos watched her from the shadows, his amusement growing alongside her frustration.

  Did she honestly think she’d find something Makatiel’s trackers had missed? Silly fledgling. She had no idea how badly she needed his help, or all it would cost her.

  Enos materialized in front of Byleth, laughing as she scrambled back, smothering a scream behind her hand.

  “Was that necessary?” she snapped before she recalled her proper place and sank to her knees on the leaf-strewn ground. “You frightened me, sir. Was there something you needed?”

  She worked so hard to suppress her spirit for Makatiel. Enos would revel in her defiance. He’d allow her to resist, encourage her to struggle, making her surrender all the sweeter in the end.

  Enos had the information Makatiel needed, but he hadn’t decided how best to use it.

  “If you return to your master with nothing—again—he’s liable to do more than punish you,” he said cheerfully. “You realize that, don’t you?”

  Glancing up through her eyelashes, she pressed her full lips into a determined line.

  “You may speak candidly with me.” He offered her an encouraging smile. “My expectations are different than Makatiel’s.”

  “He sends me on assignments he knows are impossible. If the demonic horde was unable to find any sign of our target, how does he expect me to return with the human’s location?”

  “Why do you think he does it?”

  Her gaze met his and held, her lips trembling. “He enjoys punishing me.”

  “And you enjoy being punished.”

  “It’s not the same when…”

  He moved closer, drawing her scent into his lungs, assessing her arousal. “When what? Finish the sentence.”

  “When you are there, he uses pain to heighten my pleasure.” She licked her lips and glanced away. “When we are alone, there is only pain.”

  “Pain brings your master pleasure. Is that not enough?”

  “Aye, sir.” A spark of defiance ignited within her eyes before she veiled them with her lashes. “I have much to learn from Makatiel. I must please him any way I can.”

  Enos threw back his head and laughed. Her gaze shot back to his, flashing with anger. “Is that all you’ve learned from your training?”

  “You said I could speak candidly.”

  “So speak. Or get undressed.”

  “Makatiel is lazy and unimaginative. He has allowed others to do his bidding for so long he’s lost touch with life beyond the Netherworld. It’s hard to serve a master you don’t respect.”

  He circled her silently. Her evaluation of Makatiel was not far wrong. She had underestimated his ruthlessness, however, and his popularity with the other master demons. “What are your options?”

  “Form an alliance with another master demon and convince him to challenge Makatiel for the right to train me.”

  It was an archaic custom. He was surprised she knew about it. “And do you have a master demon in mind?” Pausing behind her, he slipped one hand inside the neckline of her tunic and fondled her breast. She had fabulous breasts, so full and responsive. He savored the warm, weighty feel of her flesh against his fingers as her nipple tightened against his palm. “Do you imagine your luscious body is enough to incite any of the others to challenge Makatiel?”

  She looked up and back, awkwardly meeting his gaze. Confusion filled her wide blue-black eyes. “Are you not a master demon?”

  He pulled her to her feet, drawing her tunic off over her head. “I’m an outcast. I despise the Netherworld and the master demons resent me because of it.” He cupped both breasts and dragged her back against his chest, rubbing against her rounded bottom. “I’m older and more powerful than most master demons, but I have no desire to play their games.”

  She arched into his touch, wiggled her ass in blatant invitation. “You can train me just as well as Makatiel. I will do anyt
hing you ask without question.”

  He grinned into her hair. “Makatiel has already given me permission to use your body any time I want, in any way I care to take you.” Releasing an exasperated hiss, she jerked out of his grasp. As she reached for her discarded tunic, her hair fanned out. Enos tangled his fist in her hair and brought her up short. “Did I give you permission to depart?”

  “May I leave, sir?”

  It sounded as if she forced the words out between clenched teeth. “Nay. You gave up too easily. Where is the fun in that? You made an offer. I refused. So make me another offer.”

  Turning slowly to face him, she guided his free hand back to her breast. “Will you help me find a way to free myself from Makatiel?”

  “Closer, but what’s in that for me?”

  She drew his hand down along her body, her gaze never leaving his. “Will you help me accomplish my assignments so Makatiel will find favor with me?”

  Easing his hand inside her garment, he splayed his fingers low on her soft belly. His middle finger grazed her feminine curls. “Now that’s a much more manageable suggestion. How will you repay me?”

  Frustration emanated from her in waves. “He has already offered you my body. What do you want from me?”

  Enos withdrew his hand and unlaced the front of his breeches. She sank to her knees without having to be told. “When I’ve figured out what I need from you,” he eased his aching cock into her waiting mouth, “I’ll let you know.”

  * * * * *

  Nate stood beside Judith at the main gate of Monthamn Castle waiting for the riders to cross the drawbridge. The lower bailey spread behind them, its workshops emptying. Craftsmen climbed to the living quarters above their shops as the sun sank into the horizon. Temperate weather welcomed their visitors, though Nate remained wary. A message had arrived two days before announcing the impending arrival of Daniel, Lord Heavenwood and his cousin Lady Lailah.

  “Were you able to contact any of William’s men?” Judith blinked, her features blurred by the gathering gloom. She held herself erect, head tilted just so. Many dismissed Judith as haughty and distant, but Nate knew the reason she hid her fiery spirit behind an unapproachable façade.

  “One said he recalled a commander named Daniel. The other said he did not.” Nate shrugged. “William spent eight years in France. It’s not surprising you don’t remember every man who served with him.”

  “Lord Heavenwood?” She crossed her arms beneath her breasts. The transparent veils adorning her elaborate headdress rippled in the breeze. “It’s so fanciful. I think I would have remembered.”

  Why was she so upset? Judith had met Nate’s return a fortnight before with calm affection and enthusiasm. She seemed to have adjusted well to the tragedy. He’d been relieved by her composure.

  “Lord Heavenwood wishes to pay his respects to the widow of a former comrade. What harm can there be in that?”

  “I don’t like it.” She shook her head, lips pressed into a grim line. “He wants something. I know he does.”

  Nate smiled. “You’ve yet to see his face or exchange one word with him.” She offered no further argument, so Nate returned his attention to the riders. He’d chosen to err on the side of caution and leave the portcullis down. The riders entered single file through the narrow tunnel entrance beside the main gate. A guard led the procession, followed by a dark-haired man dressed in gray and black. Though his garments were simple, his bearing emanated authority and discipline.

  A woman entered next, her head and shoulders draped by a black lace veil. Was she disfigured or had Death knocked upon her door? Her gown was a merry combination of gold-brocaded blue trimmed in red velvet, making the veil all the more incongruous.

  The dark-haired man swung down from his horse with lithe agility. He helped the woman dismount and guided her toward them as the final two men-at-arms entered the bailey.

  An odd tightening gripped Nate’s belly. Had Judith’s anxiety set him on edge? His gaze focused on the woman. Her light, graceful steps made her appear to float.

  “Daniel, Lord Heavenwood.” The man honored them with a courtly bow. “Thank you for receiving us. Please accept my condolences and my apology for the belatedness with which they are offered.” His dark gaze moved from Nate to Judith as he spoke. “If I may be so bold, you must be Lady Judith. William spoke often of you.”

  She inclined her head and bright color blossomed across her cheeks. Nate clasped his hands behind his back, fascinated by her discomfort. In all the years he’d known Judith, he couldn’t remember having seen her blush.

  Nate waited for Daniel to drag his gaze away from Judith before he introduced himself. “Nathaniel Ward.” Daniel clasped Nate’s arm, his grip firm and confident. “Welcome to Monthamn Castle.”

  Daniel smiled and swept his arm toward the veiled woman. Her arms were crossed, hands tucked inside her sleeves. “This is Lailah, my cousin.”

  Nate offered her a sweeping bow and Daniel chuckled.

  “A tragic accident robbed Lailah of her sight.” He turned to his cousin. “He just bowed to you.” Lailah sank into a graceful curtsy.

  Had the accident robbed her of speech as well? Curiosity gnawed at Nate. He wanted to lift the veil and gaze upon her face. Shamed by his insensitivity, he cleared his throat. “Please accept our hospitality. It is offered freely.”

  They moved into the hall where a light repast awaited them. Daniel seated Lailah at the high table while Nate held a chair for Judith. Nate signaled for a servant to pour the wine. “How well did you know William?”

  Judith didn’t quite hide her gasp. “That’s rather rude. They just arrived.”

  Nate met Daniel’s gaze. “I’m not one to stand on ceremony. If you’re offended by my directness, please accept my apology.”

  “I’m not easily offended.” Daniel’s dark gaze drifted back to Judith as he continued. “I knew William as well as anyone. He tended to stay much to himself. He was one of the rare few who only spoke when he had something meaningful to say.”

  Daniel had perfectly summarized William’s personality. Nate looked at Judith. Her gaze remained on Daniel, but her suspicion had softened to curiosity. He stole a glance at Lailah as the other two conversed.

  “William returned to England for the birth of his second child. Were you blessed with a daughter as he hoped?”

  Judith nodded. “Anna is now five.”

  “Which makes young Will…seven?”

  “He recently reached his eighth year. He’s becoming quite a handful.”

  As if to prove her point, Anna burst into the hall shrieking hysterically. Close behind her ran Will, a gray-green frog clutched in each hand. Anna dived beneath the table and crawled onto her mother’s lap. The little girl’s cries subsided as she pressed her face against Judith’s throat.

  “Please excuse me for a moment.” With Anna wrapped around her torso, Judith pushed to her feet.

  Nate chuckled. He knew that tone well. Judith took her son by the arm and propelled him across the hall.

  “I was only funnin’,” Will protested.

  “Where is Tess?” Judith demanded.

  “She…fell in the stream.” The mischief in Will’s expression hinted at foul play.

  “The boy is rather high-spirited. Even with a nursemaid Judith has her hands…” Nate’s sentence trailed away as he turned back to his guests.

  Lailah pushed back her chair, her movements oddly stilted. She lifted her veil and Nate’s world fell off its axis. Her lovely—hauntingly familiar—face reflected confusion and wonder.

  The Angel of Death stood at his table, her silvery hair encircling her head in a braided cornet. Her eyes, colorless yet sparkling like ice crystals, dominated features too beautiful to be human.

  “What is it?” Daniel took her hand, but her gaze stared across the hall.

  “I can see her, Daniel. I can see that little girl.”

  Chapter Four

  The color drained from Nate’s face and L
ailah turned sharply to the side, tripping over her chair. Daniel caught her about the waist, amazed at the heat radiating from her back.

  “Calm yourself,” he whispered into her ear. Rubbing his hand down her spine, he extinguished the light emanating there. If she unfurled her wings, their masquerade would end before it began.

  “May I speak with your cousin for a moment?”

  Daniel wasn’t fooled by Nate’s casual tone. In one fell swoop, Lailah had abolished their well-ordered plan. They were supposed to spend the first day in conversation, earning the trust of their human host. Then during the second or third day she was to reveal her face to Nate as if by accident.

  “Lailah is clearly overwrought.” Daniel swept her into his arms. “She needs rest. Where may I take her?”

  “I am not overwrought. I—”

  “Hush.” He squeezed her meaningfully. “It’s been a long, tiring day.”

  After a tense pause, Nate stood as well. “I’ll show you to your rooms.”

  Thankfully, Lailah fell silent.

  Having heard the outburst, Judith halted her retreat, but her body now shielded her children. They stood on the far side of the hall near a set of wide stone steps. Judith followed their progress with her gaze. Daniel flashed his most charming smile, hoping to ease the tension. Her expression remained wary, her gaze narrowed on the woman in his arms.

  Nate led them to another part of the castle and up a different flight of stairs. He pushed open a door on the right halfway down the corridor. Daniel stepped past him and into the bedchamber.

  “Your room is the next one down the passageway.”

  “Thank you.” Daniel set Lailah on the bed and waited for Nate to leave.

  “What else can I do to make her comfortable? She still appears distraught.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but she’ll be fine.”

  Nate hesitated a moment longer then departed, leaving the door ajar. Daniel shut the door and turned back to the bed. Lailah stood beside it, her expression composed, her crystalline gaze aimed in his direction.