Gilded Inferno (The Helio Trilogy Book 2)

by Valerie Roeseler

  Solas calls softly, worry marring his voice, “Ivy?”

  “Mmm?” I hum, biting my lips together.

  He moves to crouch in front of me, and I squeeze my eyes shut. “Ivy? Can you look at me?” I shake my head. His palm meets my cheek, his thumb smudging away the tar from my face. “I need to see your eyes, princess.” I choke on a sob as his tender voice enters my mind. He assures me, “I’m not going anywhere… We will all get through this together. We’re family.”

  I open my eyes but continue looking to the ground. He begs me gently, “Please?” I close my eyes tightly, then flick them open to his ice blue gaze. He sighs. “It worked.”

  Jack offers to carry me back to my room. I scrub the vileness from my skin, but it will always remain a stain on my mind. Images flash behind my eyes of innocent looks of horror, blood, and the delight I felt with each kill. I can hear Jack pacing outside the bathroom door, his boots clicking across the hardwood floor. One, two, three, four, five, six… The reverberations cease for a split second. His boots whir against the floor as he pivots, and his movements continue over and over again. “Jack,” I grumble, my voice horse. “Please, stop pacing. You’re giving me a headache.”

  He peaks inside the door, my arms wrapped around my bare legs with my cheek resting on my knees as I stare at the wall across from the bathroom’s entrance. I can’t look at him. The water of my bath swirls with the remnants of Darkness from my skin. His voice is gentle, “Are you ok?”

  I don’t answer. What kind of question is that? Of course, I’m not ok. None of this is ok. I slaughtered innocent people. What are the Originals going to do to me?

  “Ivy?”

  I burst into tears, heaving and shaking with the remorse and shame of my heinous iniquities. What kind of person am I? Where do I go from here? My heart is destroyed. No. It’s my soul.

  Jack ambles to the side of the tub and turns his back to me as he slides to the cold floor. He pulls his knees up, letting his arm drape over them. He’s silent as I break down. There’s nothing you can say to fix what I’ve become… A killer… A murderer.

  Hours later, I’m wallowing alone beneath the covers of my bed. I can’t find the courage to face anyone, especially my father. My door opens, and I recognize Alice’s gait as she approaches the opposite side of the bed and climbs on top of the covers beside me, her weight barely registering in the springs of the mattress. I hold my breath. No, Alice. I can’t face you now.

  Her arms embrace me from behind, holding me tight against her. I sob with convulsions. She says nothing, pulling me more firmly against her body. Her fingers trail through my hair. She kisses my temple and lets me cry until I have no tears left. I mumble, my voice cracking, “I’m so sorry.”

  Alice squeezes me once, “Turn over.” I do as she says, staying within the safety of the covers. She strokes my hair, “We love you.”

  I choke on my weeping. “How? How can you still care about me after what I did?”

  Her hands stop on my cheek. “That wasn’t you. The Darkness can turn you into the most atrocious monster. You have no control over it.”

  “I knew what I was doing.”

  “But the Darkness confines your morals. It wasn’t you. You were not the Ivy we all know and love. This… who you are right now… This is the real Ivy.” I nod a few times, not able to acknowledge her judgement. She continues to soothe me, stroking my hair back. “Why’d you do it? Why did you make a deal with Lucifer?”

  I inhale a deep breath, letting it go slowly. I squeeze my eyes shut, “He showed me his collection, threatened to do the same to all of you, and I couldn’t let that happen. He said he needed my help to restructure Sheol. He said he was losing control of the Fallen. It was only supposed to be until I fixed everything for him. He was going to let me go.”

  I open my eyes. Her eyebrows pull together, “What collection?”

  My gaze bounces between her eyes, “He collects wings of Light… They’re displayed like butterflies pinned to a board.”

  Her eyes widen, then she shakes her head. “He never would’ve let you go. He knows, once you let the Darkness in, you never want to leave. He deceived you, and took full advantage of your sentiments for us.”

  There’s a knock on the door, and Cassius enters. He falters with his hand on the doorknob as he sees us, “Oh… I’m sorry.”

  He turns back to leave and I sit up, “No. Cass, wait.”

  He freezes, looking back over his shoulder, “I didn’t mean to interrupt… whatever you’re doing.”

  Alice bursts out laughing. It chimes in the air with light enchantment, like hearing a baby laugh for the first time. It brings a small smile to my face. She scoots from the bed, “Don’t worry Cass. Neither of us swing that way.” Genuine laughter bubbles from my chest. Alice walks past him, patting him on the shoulder, “I’ll let you two talk.” Alice closes the door behind her, and Cass turns to me with pity in his gray eyes.

  “How’s Beck?” I hasten.

  Cass remains at the door, “He’s fine now. He’s left The Keep for a few days, but he’ll be back soon.”

  “Where did he go?” I wonder.

  “After what Telly did to him… He felt it was urgent to see Becky. Take a break from everything. He left a few hours ago.”

  I deflate, “Oh.” I wanted to see him with my own eyes. I focus on my hands as I pick at my fingernails. I swallow before revealing, “Telly wasn’t real. She was an illusion.”

  His tone deepens, “That’s not possible. We all saw her.”

  I shake my head, facing him, "That’s not what I mean. Telly wasn’t Telly at all. It was Lucifer, disguising himself as Telly.”

  “The Devil was here?” he laments.

  I nod, “You were all right not to trust her… Him… Whatever.”

  “That’s…”

  “Insane,” I finish for him.

  “Right,” he replies distantly. “Well, I just wanted to come check on you. And Camael asked me to let you know the rest of the Originals are on their way. They will be here by nightfall.”

  My stomach clenches with fear. “Ok. Thanks for letting me know… And for checking on me.”

  I rush to make myself presentable once Cassius leaves, then take a deep breath and find my father in the Throne Room. Michael, Camael, and three strange men surround him. The Originals.

  Michael greets me first, “Ivy. We hear there has been quite the commotion around here these days.”

  My heart pounds in my chest. There’s a broad man with deep, brown eyes, his dark hair framing his glare at me. What do I do?

  He continues, “Glad to have you back with us.”

  What? That’s it? No reprimand? No Bastille? No flogging of any kind?

  He presents behind him, “This is Gabriel.” Gabriel inclines his blonde head towards me in greeting, then meets my nervous smile with his bright blue eyes. Michael indicates the next man with the same blue shine to his irises and hair so blonde it’s almost white, “This is Raphael.” Raphael inclines his head to me, a grin playing on his lips. Michael lets his hand fall to his side as he introduces the more indignant angel, “And this is Merrick. He is a Dominion and has insisted on joining us to monitor your progress.”

  Shit. I muster up the softest smile I can, “It’s nice to finally meet you all.” I look to Merrick, “Thank you for coming Merrick. And thank you for allowing Jack to stay in my life. Without him, I don’t know where I would be.”

  He fumes, “You have some nerve. If it was up to me, you wouldn’t be on the surface anymore. Yet, Michael has the ultimate say, and you will remain here for the duration of your training.”

  I steel myself, my inner defiant child rearing its head, “What is it that I’m to train for anyways? All this time, and no one has thought to enlighten me on what it is you, exactly, expect me to do.”

  Raphael glances to Michael with amusement, and Michael nods with the roll of his eyes. Raphael addresses me, “You are the prophecy. You are Death. The end of th
e end.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard. But what does that even mean?”

  Gabriel lifts his head in pride, “You are the one who will war with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse… and will defeat them.” My eyes widen with disbelief and terror. He adds, “They are War, Pestilence, Famine, and Death. You have already proven yourself by defeating one of the four.”

  My continence contorts in confusion. Michael enlightens me, “You are Death, Ivy, and you have defeated the Darkness within.”

  My mind fades, revolving around a single thought. I’m a Horseman of the Apocalypse?

  My father offers to show them their new quarters within The Keep, but Ezra stops Michael in the corridor, “Michael?” He stays behind as the others leave, and I eavesdrop as the weight of my responsibility pushes down on me. “May I speak with you?” Ezra asks.

  “What is it?” Michael’s tone with Ezra is more firm than the one he uses with me.

  Ezra lowers his voice, “There have been some events in Sydney that have been brought to my attention. I would like to request for time in my country to investigate further before I confirm my suspicions.”

  Michael queries, “What are your theories?”

  Ezra is silent a moment, and I imagine him squirming beneath Michael’s observation. “Do you remember the incident with the Visari?”

  “I do.”

  “It’s very similar.”

  Michael sounds alarmed, “That is impossible. Yes. Leave at once and report back as soon as you know for sure.”

  As they part ways, Solas and Jack join my side from the dungeons, sandwiching me between them. We focus ahead of us, not looking to each other. I know they’ve been listening to my conversation with the Originals. “So…” I drawl. “You heard that?”

  They each respond, “Yes.”

  “I couldn’t have done it without either of you.”

  Solas expresses, “You will have a long journey ahead of you.”

  Jack and Solas look to each other over my head. Jack declares, “And we’re not going anywhere.” My head turns between them, looking for an answer, and they smile down at me tenderly.

  Epilogue

  Lucifer

  That insolent child! Lilith should have let The Supreme have her! How dare she break a blood oath! To me, no less! I gave her a safe place—freedom from the tyranny of the Light! I gave her Beleth’s position in my court! And what does she do? I cannot wait to get my hands on her. She believes my son showed her pain? I will make her beg for forgiveness, then she will beg for death!

  My remaining Duke’s footfalls echo as they enter the battle arena. I stand from the perch of my throne to address them, my eyes blazing with my fury. Uriel addresses me first as he is the highest Duke within the court, “You summoned us, My Liege?”

  I inform them, “The Princess has broken her blood oath. I will not tolerate such betrayal.”

  Roman scowls at the news, “I knew we should not have trusted her.”

  “Silence!” I demand, throwing my sinister wings wide in dominance.

  Mephistopheles requests, “What would you have us do?”

  My true voice reverberates with its resonance of many tones, “I want her wings!” The Dukes look to each other in assessment. “Whosoever brings me her wings, I will reward them with her deserted position as First Duke!”

  This garners their attention. Logan’s eyes spark to life, “Do you care for what means they come by?”

  My harsh, raucous voice thunders throughout the arena, “By any means necessary.”

  Enochian Hierarchy

  * (D) Deceased

  Original Archangels

  Divine:

  Michael – The Supreme

  Gabriel – The Benevolent

  Raphael – The Healer

  Camael – Angel of War

  Azrael – Angel of Death

  Fallen:

  Lilith – Angel of Clarity

  Uriel – Angel of Repentance

  Seraphim

  Divine:

  Terran

  Fallen:

  Lucifer

  Lucian

  Beleth (D)

  Cherubim

  Divine:

  Tony

  Fallen:

  Solas

  Roman

  Throne

  Divine:

  Fallen:

  Mephistopheles

  Dominion

  Divine:

  Merrick

  Fallen:

  Logan

  Virtue

  Divine:

  Ariel

  Fallen:

  Tristan

  Holdan

  Power

  Divine:

  Ezra

  Fallen:

  Doran

  Archangel

  Divine:

  Evelyn

  Jack

  Jamie

  Fallen:

  Ryker (D)

  Elias (D)

  Hierarchy of Sheol

  * (D) Deceased

  King of Sheol

  Lucifer (Seraphim)

  Dukes of Sheol

  Beleth (D) (Seraphim)

  Uriel (Original Archangel)

  Roman (Cherubim)

  Mephistopheles (Throne)

  Logan (Dominion)

  Queen of Sheol

  Lilith (Original Archangel made Demon)

  Prince of Sheol

  Lucian (Seraphim)

  Fallen

  Holdan (Virtue)

  Doran (D) (Power)

  Ryker (D) (Archangel)

  Elias (D) (Archangel)

  Upper Demons

  Trey (D)

  Lower Demons

  Demons of Kiaofi

  Hellhounds

  Sasha

  Enochian Ranks

  Upper Tier

  Original Archangel: There are seven Original Archangels which were the first angels ever created. They are the highest ranking of Divine angels and have different duties to govern those below them in rank. They can be recognized by their pure, white wings and blue eyes, except for Azrael, Lilith, and Uriel. Azrael’s violet eyes and deep purple wings were given to him when he became the Angel of Death, whereas Lilith and Uriel’s wings became black when they fell.

  Seraphim: These angels were created as Guardians of the Throne in Paradise. They are the second highest ranking of Divine angels. Most Seraphim’s wings are a vibrant orange at their bases and fade into fiery red at their tips. All Seraphim’s eyes contain the same luminescence as the wings of the Divine Seraphim, giving an illusion of fire.

  Cherubim: As Guardians of His Glory, they are the third highest ranking of Divine angels. Cherubim were created to guard Paradise, as well as the Tree of Life. They can be recognized for their gold feathered wings and bright blue eyes.

  Throne: While they may physically appear to be Cherubim, a Throne’s eyes are a deeper blue, which corresponds with their dark indigo wings. They are the fourth highest ranking of Divine angels. Thrones are responsible for creating peace and teaching humans humility when needed.

  Lower Tier

  Dominion: This order of angels regulates duties to those below them in rank. They serve as the governing court in Paradise and manage Bastille (see Index of Terms for definition). Dominion’s have auburn wings and brown eyes.

  Virtue: Though they appear as children, no older than eight years old, they are far older and more experienced. Their eyes are silver, as are their wings, which shine so bright they reflect their surroundings. Virtues provide miracles, courage, grace, and valor to those in need. They are the only beings capable of breaking a bond, and also govern nature and its elements, such as the seasons, the stars, the moon, and the sun.

  Power: Power angels are known as assassins. They are warriors against Darkness, sent to take out the worst of the worst. They blend in well with Seraphim because of their deep red eyes, and the blue and green feathers of their wings are so dark, they appear as black as the Fallen unless touched by light.


  Archangel: These Warriors of Light are guardians and protectors of humanity against Darkness. Their wings very in shades of verdancy, each unique to its possessor, and their eyes are a vibrant green.

  Unclassified Ranks

  Reaper: Also known as Guides, it is the duty of the Reapers to guide souls into the Veil, where the soul’s final destination is revealed to them, whether it is Paradise or Sheol. Reapers take orders from their creator, Azrael, and they are neutral between the Light and Darkness, save for rogue Reapers who have chosen to follow the Fallen. They have violet eyes and deep purple wings as their creator.

  Griffin: With the ability to either release their wings or shift into a being that is half eagle and half lion, Griffins were originally created by the Cherubim as Sentries for Paradise. Over a century after their fall from their revolution against the Cherubim, they became slaves in Sheol because they refused to corrupt themselves any further. Their wings are various shades of brown, and their eyes are gray.

  *All angelic beings possess a marking on their right forearms with their ranks in Enochian script.

  **Due to the origins of their creation, the wings of beings in unclassified ranks do not turn black when they fall.

  Nine Stratums of Sheol

  Bam: The first stratum of Sheol. It is a massive castle that houses souls in limbo. If caught inside, you lose all meaning of self and purpose. The interior is pitch black and the ground is sticky with unknown substances.

  Babalond: The second stratum of Sheol, which holds sinners of lust with ever blowing winds in all directions.

  Alpod: The third stratum of Sheol is a prison of souls lying in the vile slush of a continuous rain of ice.

  Allar: The forth stratum of Sheol is where souls are lost in their own greed, permanently pushing the weight of it in the form of boulders.