Immortal Memory (Book One)

by Sylvia Frances

  Maybe her faith got weakened by what Tristan showed her in the vision. Zach had no right to hurt Lucinda in such a way. Most likely, he intended to break Simra's heart too. She started to run but couldn’t restrain a piercing scream.

  Lightning struck a towering tree standing on a hill beside her. One of its wide branches collapsed on her leg. The heaviness spread an excruciating ache through her limb.

  She couldn’t move from underneath the branch in time. A sharp surge of pain shot through her leg until it numbed. Rain poured in masses from the dark sky. The water in the pond began to rise. Simra shivered when the brothers caught a glimpse of her. They looked furious, and the raging storm grew fiercer.

  Although the heavy winds picked up, they didn’t stop Zach. He never gave up on sending Tristan away. Simra struggled moving the enormous branch off her leg to escape. Zach rushed toward her as Tristan watched them from behind. Jealousy ignited in the demon’s glowing eyes.

  A throbbing pain continued traveling up her leg. She whimpered from the disastrous ache. Simra’s gaze remained on Tristan’s dark scowl. She almost didn’t notice when the branch was removed. She still couldn’t move her leg. Simra drew away from Zach in uncertainty.

  Zach reached a soothing hand to her cheek. “I can heal your leg if you allow me to return you to safety.”

  "Where's Jeff?" she asked.

  "He's safe," Zach replied with reassurance.

  The pain he caused her grandmother haunted Simra. What Tristan showed her through his kiss took her back into another time. It couldn’t be a trick. Lies were only told in words.

  Doubt consumed her in trusting Zach when he said and did such horrible things to Lucinda. What puzzled Simra was why Lucinda still seemed fond of him. Zach hurt her. Did Lucinda not see that Zach would hurt her granddaughter too?

  Simra’s heart dropped when Tristan appeared behind his brother to catch him by surprise. The demon placed his hand on Zach’s head. Tristan mumbled words with clenched teeth in a foreign language.

  She thrashed her upper body about in an attempt to escape. It would be too late if she didn’t leave now. Simra crawled away and cried in tortuous pain. She couldn’t get away in enough time.

  She lifted her head to the darkening skies, and rain poured through raging winds. Simra closed her eyes to whisper a quiet prayer to God. Faith began building within her. “God, thank You for saving my life. Thank You for other blessings You’ve given me in this cruel world. Please deliver me from evil in this frightening place. Thy will be done. Always. Amen.”

  The pouring showers turned into a light mist, and she dared opening her eyes. The brutal winds softened into a calm breeze. The striking flashes of lightning vanished into the clear skies. Zach’s face changed from a look of pain to fierceness as though gathering all his strength.

  He stood to place a firm grip on Tristan’s head. The angel mumbled something in another dialect. Zach urged his brother to the rippling waters in the pond.

  Simra’s faith built even higher at how the violent storm composed into calmness. She repeated her same prayer in silence. Tristan grimaced with a cry of pain leading to the heavens. The demon stumbled backward into a deep part of the pond.

  Rage shadowed his evil glowing eyes. Tristan sank and disappeared into the bubbling waters. This wasn’t the end of him. The demon would come back for her and wouldn't stop until he got destroyed. If they didn’t find his body soon, she and her family might die.

  They needed to find the corpse before it was too late. She lifted her chin with defiance at Zach. There's no way she would fall for the same tricks he pulled on her grandmother. Simra knew she must remain on guard around him.

  Chapter 19

  "Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off." -Proverbs 23:18

  Simra squirmed when Zach placed a gentle hand on her sore limb. “Please don’t touch it. It hurts.”

  Zach’s gaze softened. “It’s severely bruised. I’ll take care of it at the lake house where it's safe.”

  “I don’t think I should be with you-“

  “Simra, I know what you're thinking. I loved Lucinda, yes. I didn't want to hurt her. I couldn't help how I felt about her. I couldn't be with her because it was against God's will. She understood soon after I left and forgave me. Azazel failed to show you that part because he's trying to turn you against me. He's trying so hard to win you back.

  "I apologize for leaving you alone with Mom. She's at the lake house. I owe you very much for your help, but I discovered Tristan’s plans for distracting me. My brother wanted to capture you. Come. I’ll take you back to my place.”

  Simra didn't feel like arguing. She wanted nothing more than for the throbbing ache in her leg to cease. She didn’t stop Zach from taking her back to the lake house. Maybe the angel knew how to heal severe bruises. After all, he could make a demon disappear.

  Zach paused before opening the screen door. The angel placed a soothing hand on her cheek. He slid his other hand over her damp hair. Simra’s heart burned like hot coals.

  “Your leg will feel better soon, and you can change into some dry clothes. My mom will be happy you're all right."

  Simra nodded and tried to fight getting lost in his compassionate eyes. He helped her inside, and she found Ms. Hanley sweeping the floor. Relief washed over Simra to find the woman safe. Ms. Hanley stopped cleaning and rushed toward Simra and Zach.

  She squeezed Simra with a tight hug. "You're all right! You're soaked. What happened? I got so worried when you didn't come back inside the house. I didn't know what to do and didn't know what to tell the cops. So I came here praying you'd be here soon."

  Tears filled Simra's eyes from the pain Ms. Hanley endured because of her. Simra returned her hug with an affectionate squeeze and explained what happened. "I'm so sorry about everything. I'm responsible for what Tristan's doing. If only I'd stopped this sooner. Then, everyone wouldn't be in so much danger."

  Ms. Hanley framed Simra's face with her hands. "No, it isn't your fault. I've always known Tristan had a darkness in him. On the other hand, Zach seemed too perfect to be human. I should've never conceived someone so evil."

  Zach stepped between Simra and Ms. Hanley. "Stop blaming yourselves for Azazel's actions. That's what he wants. Only Azazel is to blame for all this chaos. We'll get through this."

  Simra glanced from Zach to Ms. Hanley and repeated what he said. "I promise that Zach and I will end this, Ms. Hanley. Just promise me you'll stay here where it's safe."

  Tears filled Ms. Hanley's eyes. "Zach's here? I promise. I'll do whatever you say. I love you, my sweet son. I'll never stop loving you with all my heart."

  Although his mom couldn't feel him, Zach rested a gentle hand on Ms. Hanley's cheek. "I love you too."

  "He loves you too." Simra cringed when she tried to walk on her own.

  Zach helped Simra into the bedroom onto the bed. "We'll give you medicine for pain and dry clothes."

  Ms. Hanley followed them into the bedroom. "You're hurt. Is there anything I can do?"

  Simra hated asking the woman for anything as Ms. Hanley had been through enough lately. Zach's mom was the one who needed care. "My leg's severely bruised. You have anything for pain? Can you also hand my suitcase to me? I need to change into dry clothing."

  "Of course, dear. We have Lortab here. I'll get it for your leg." Ms. Hanley handed Simra her bag and left the room to get the medicine.

  Zach's warm gaze burned through Simra before he walked out to give her privacy. Simra struggled to remove her drenched clothes without hurting her bruised leg. She slipped her blouse and jeans off and dried with a towel. Simra changed into a dress and rested her head against the pillows. She glanced toward the window at the vivid afternoon sun.

  Ms. Hanley walked back inside with medicine and a glass of water. She gave Simra a warm smile. "This should help the pain, but it might make you sleepy. You probably need rest anyway."

  Without hesitation, Simra took the painkiller. How
ever, she did have questions about it. Did Tristan bring this Lortab to the lake house? After all, he sold it on the streets. If so, how did Ms. Hanley know about the Lortab?

  Ms. Hanley kissed Simra on the cheek as though she was her own daughter. "You should get some rest while I finish cleaning house. You look so tired."

  Simra returned her smile. "Thank you, you're so kind."

  Ms. Hanley paused before walking out the door. "I'm so sorry for what Tristan's doing to you. I see why he chose you. You have the most loving heart, and you're the most beautiful young lady there is. If only you and Zach could be married. You two are perfect for each other." Ms. Hanley smiled and left.

  Simra began to respond but stopped when Zach entered the room. "I'm in full agreement with Mom. You're the most loving and beautiful woman I've ever seen. If I was a mortal, I'd marry you right now."

  Her heart thudded with rapid beats, and she felt her cheeks flush. "Instead, you'll break my heart like you broke Grandmother's. I won't allow it. You won't hurt me like you did her. So don't even bother saying such things. You're wasting your time."

  "That's not my intention, Simra. I only want you to know that I feel the same as you do about me. I would ask you to marry me if I was human. However, you and I both know it isn't possible since I'm an angel of death. I'd give anything if things were different."

  The image of Zach and Lucinda in this same bedroom repeated in her mind. It was happening again. This time, he did it to Simra. She fought tears from misting her eyes. She refused allowing him to see the hurt he caused her. "I'm sure you would."

  Simra cast her eyes downward when he stood over her and framed her face. "I would. I know you have questions about Azazel."

  He sat beside her with his steady gaze piercing into her. “My dad was prescribed the Lortab when he broke his arm several months ago. An accident happened on the boat while fishing. He kept the pills when he and Mom stayed here. Dad got hurt last autumn. I promise. Azazel's never been inside this house.”

  Relief filled Simra, but pain overwhelmed her. “Tristan sold many of them as drugs. I found several bottles of painkillers in his coat pockets. I saw them during the last days of our relationship. He claimed he took them for a severe injury in his lower back that happened before I met him. Your brother never told me about the injury in the beginning. Instead, he informed me when I discovered the drugs and when he began disappearing.”

  Zach nodded. “I know. He did the same to our mortal parents. He placed them in much pain. They didn’t deserve it. You didn’t deserve it.”

  "I still ask myself why he chose me and Grandmother. I'll never understand. He's so obsessed with me. Why us?"

  “He's evil, Simra. He’s always served Satan. He's obsessed with you because he was obsessed with Lucinda. You're just like her. He chose Lucinda because of her loving heart, determination, strong will, and beauty. The same qualities as you.

  "Another main reason he chose you two is because you didn't have a relationship with Christ at the time. Lucinda didn't either until after she stayed here at the lake house years ago. You're beginning to get close to Christ too. Soon, Azazel will also lose you. He knows he’s getting destroyed soon. God's purpose for you is to help me end this.”

  Simra gazed at the floor with regret. Tristan could be so devious. “You’re right. We need to work together. I just want everything to return to normal.”

  Zach’s eyes lit into raging flames in an instant. “My brother’s trying to win back your heart. That’s part of the reason why he kissed you. I saw the place he took you meant something to both of you.”

  “Yeah.” A deep shame filled Simra from being with Tristan in such a way when she didn't love him anymore.

  Zach rested a gentle hand on Simra’s cheek with his gaze intense on her. “Don’t be ashamed. You couldn’t stop him. He’s a powerful demon. I’ll start protecting you much better.”

  Zach placed his hands on her injured leg and closed his eyes to whisper a prayer. Simra prayed a silent ‘thank you’ to God while the angel did this. The Lord brought her away from Tristan to safety. The shame building inside Simra vanished.

  Warmth flowed through her soul. The overbearing pain in her leg became numb. Simra opened her eyes to see Zach’s compassionate stare. His gentle touch caused her to melt with delight.

  “Feel any better?” He asked, taking her hand.

  Simra returned the angel’s warm smile and squeezed his hand. “Thank you. I think I can walk on it now.” She stood up and took several steps around the room. "It doesn’t hurt to walk anymore!”

  Sliding into his powerful arms, Simra hugged him for a brief moment. Although his physical traits haunted her with memories of Tristan, she never felt safer with anyone else. God sent Zach only to help her destroy Tristan, but she loved him.

  Her feelings for the angel of death were stronger than they ever were for Tristan, but it was wrong. Zach would return to heaven after they destroyed her ex-fiancé. Then, she must continue with her own life.

  Simra also remembered how the angel wanted her grandmother’s soul. She forced away those horrifying thoughts. His mind could be changed, and there might be a cure for the curse. The curse might be broken when they destroyed Tristan, and everything would return to normal.

  Realizing no future existed between them, she pulled away from him. “Thank you again, Zach.”

  Her heart hammered in her chest when Zach lifted her chin with a finger. The angel’s eyes burned into hers. “You’re a good woman, Simra. Never be ashamed of your involvement with a demon. You were deceived by his charm.”

  Simra drew away from him to not become anymore involved with Death. Tristan’s brother. “Yeah, perhaps I should stop feeling so ashamed. He lies so well, but none of this would’ve happened had I just not spoken to him the night we met. What should we do now? I didn’t realize it’s already evening. Mandy and Grandmother will be arriving any moment.”

  A strained silence fell between the two of them, and much pain entered Zach’s eyes. Darkness slipped through his voice. “Call Jeff. Ask him to send the other cops to search for Quint. He must concentrate on finding Azazel's corpse.”

  “Of course. The sooner we find it, the better.” Simra dialed the number to Jeff’s phone until he answered.

  “Sim! Where are you? I’ve been worried. You told me you’d call back earlier today. What happened?”

  Simra raked her long fingers through her hair. “Sorry for not calling you earlier. I got caught up in something, but I'm safe now. Mandy and Grandmother should be arriving any moment. Quint murdered Mr. Hanley, and Tristan’s the one who released him from prison. Can you ask the other cops to search for Quint? Zach wants you to just concentrate on finding Tristan's corpse.”

  “I’ll do that, Sim, but I’m concerned about you, Mandy, and Ms. Reece’s safety. The drug dealer's looking for you at all times. Quint will find wherever Zach has you hidden. You realize that, right?”

  Simra paced around the bedroom. “Zach will take care of Quint if he shows up. We just need to find Tristan's corpse so I can destroy it. It’s the only way to end all this.”

  “I’ll get right on it,” Jeff replied in a rush of words. “Listen, don’t go back to work until Quint’s arrested and Tristan’s destroyed. We’ll find the drug dealer soon. Call you back later.”

  Simra hung up, and her heart dropped when Zach ran toward her to grasp her. His eyes were wild with panic. Melting against the angel’s hard chest, her body grew limp. She couldn’t find the strength to struggle free from him.

  “What are you doing, Zach?”

  Simra blinked once, and hard rain slammed against the windows. The lamp flickered several times. It all started in only an instant. The thin walls vibrated from the booming thunder, and the ceiling creaked.

  Zach's mom rushed in the room. "What's going on out there?"

  Zach lunged for Ms. Hanley and gave her a shove onto the bed. Zach pulled Simra onto the bed and held her close when the floor began
shaking with violence. Simra screamed when the strong winds picked up and whistled. Chills breathed down her spine from the power circling in on them.

  Lightning struck near the bedroom window. Simra inhaled the cedar aroma of his warm neck for comfort. Objects rattled in the house from the violent earthquake.

  Earthquakes were never heard of here. Tristan must be causing the storm since he couldn’t come inside. The demon must have been trying to destroy the house. The earthquake shook the floors with more brutal force. Zach held Simra and Ms. Hanley with a gentle grip to keep them from falling off the bed.

  Tristan’s mounting fury seemed to grow fiercer every moment. Simra felt the blood rush from her face. She realized Mandy and Lucinda might be in great danger. They were out there with the enraged demon.

  Chapter 20

  "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." -Psalm 23:4

  An overwhelming dread flooded through Simra. Her insides churned from uneasiness. Had she been outside during this raging storm, she would be dead. The demon's last whirlwind injured her. Tristan never revealed such powers in his mortal form. She couldn’t just sit around and not try to see if Mandy and Lucinda were safe.

  Zach framed Simra’s face in his hands. “Have faith your family will be safe. Don’t worry. Azazel’s only trying to frighten us out of the house. Let’s pray. Trust in God.”

  Simra took one of the angel’s hands and inhaled a quavering breath. Praying a silent prayer with him, she asked for willingness and strength. She also asked for the Lord to send Tristan away for everyone's safety.

  Ms. Hanley cried out when glass picture frames fell to the floor. They shattered when the earthquake grew more severe. Simra clung to Zach and his mom. The angel's sweet cedar aroma was her only comfort in this frightening madness. Her faith grew weaker until she recalled God helping them earlier. The Lord caused the storm and Tristan to vanish before her eyes at the pond.