Arrows & Angels (Enlighten Series Book 0)

by Kristin D. Van Risseghem

  A rustle from my hidden wings caused me to pay attention. Something else was here in the room with us. An evil presence I hadn’t felt since that time in Europe when a Winter Fairy’s friend crossed my path.

  Sorrow, then anger swept through me.

  No angel felt depression so I knew there was someone else causing this. Then the eerie feeling subsided.

  Another rumble shook deep within the earth.

  And I knew this was another signal. This girl was special.

  I sent a message to Sidelle. “Hell’s gates are open and they have unleashed the Demons. Be ready.”

  She never acknowledged my communication, but I knew I’d see her again.

  Soon, too.

  “She’s not breathing,” the mother screamed, snapping me to the present. “Why is she not breathing? Go get help!”

  The father bolted out the door, yelling for nurses and doctors. A few seconds later, he returned with a doctor in tow.

  He checked the baby’s breathing, still swaddled in her mother’s arms.

  “Code blue,” yelled a doctor as he hit buttons on the wall.

  “What’s happening?” the mom asked.

  “I don’t know,” the father said. “Let the doctors work. They’ll save Zoe.”

  “Is she d—”

  “Don’t think like that. She’ll be fine.”

  Zoe.

  That’s what they’d named her. I knew I shouldn’t interfere with her life. When the body gave out, time was up. It’s one of the hardest things to let happen. But I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing. I couldn’t let Zoe’s life slip into the heavens.

  I wouldn’t.

  My hands clenched at my sides.

  Before I realized it, my wings sprung out from my back. I whispered to the father to step away so I could take his place at the bedside. My wings cradled around the mother and child. I raised my hand and caressed Zoe’s small head. White light filled my palm and spread into her.

  Gentle hands from a nurse removed Zoe from her mother’s arms as the crash cart moved to the side of the bed. Zoe was laid in a clear crib. More white coats added to the frenzy as orders were shouted.

  My Light continued to pour into Zoe’s body as I stood over her.

  She gulped in air, then wailed.

  The nurses sighed. “She’s fine now,” a doctor told the parents. “Not sure what happened, but your little girl is breathing again. We will run some more tests to find out more information.”

  As the hospital staff left with Zoe, I watched the family settle back down. Relief on their faces.

  Then a familiar power surged into the room. Michael’s glorious gray wings appeared, expanding from wall to wall. I checked over my shoulder to look at the family. Their heads tilted toward each other. The father comforting his wife.

  “I’m sorry,” I said before Michael could rebuke me. “I had to. There is something about Zoe . . . I couldn’t let her die.”

  My mentor moved closer to me, but didn’t say a word.

  “There was an evil here in the room right before Zoe died. She needed to be saved.” I nodded as I waited for Michael to speak.

  “You call her by her name?” Michael asked.

  “Yes—”

  “In all the centuries you’ve been watching over children, this is the first time I’ve heard you use the girl’s name when you speak of them.” He smiled. “You feel connected to her. Why do you think that is?”

  “I don’t know. I just feel . . . I know there is something more about this one than I’ve ever felt in the past.”

  “Follow your heart then, Kieran. It will always lead to good.”

  “You aren’t going to reprimand me for bringing her back to life?”

  “No. You’ve never done it before and I can assume you will never do it again. While I don’t think you’ll see it as punishment, you are to stay with this girl and keep an eye over her. If there was an evil presence here, she’ll need a guardian. And I can’t think of a more perfect angel than you.”

  A few days later, after the doctors cleared Zoe of any health problems, they discharged the mother from the hospital. I watched as Zoe’s parents created a cozy baby room for her on a main-floor bedroom, facing the cul-de-sac. They had painted the walls pale lavender and moved in a white sleigh crib, changing table, and matching dresser.

  Their life was filled with happiness. Zoe was the perfect baby for them. She hardly ever fussed or cried. Her face wore a smile all the time. It could have been because I was always at her side.

  People would stop her parents and tell them “how fortunate they were to have such a happy and content baby” or “how lucky they were for having an easy first child.” What those strangers didn’t know was how close the parents had been to hosting a funeral instead of a baby shower.

  Zoe’s aura had also changed. When I first saw her, she had a white glow. Now as she grew older, it was changing to purple. I didn’t know what that meant, but it couldn’t be good.

  I knew I’d be in her life for as long as she needed me to. So I came up with a game plan. Nudging the owners of a house a few yards away, I suggested they pack their belongings and move across town, leaving me the perfect opportunity to set up shop. Of course, I couldn’t pull this off alone. I needed help.

  Michael and his first lieutenant, Terah, came to my call.

  “I need you guys to pose as my parents,” I explained. “I’m going to befriend her, so I can be by her side all the time. Since she’s still young now, you probably don’t need to be really seen, but I’d like you both to meet her parents and stage a few run-ins. You could wave to Zoe’s parents when they go on their nightly walk, or run into them at the grocery store. And I thought we could buy this place.” I pointed to the white house we stood in front of. “It would be the control base for all of us as new information comes in.”

  “I see you’ve taken my advice about being a leader to a whole new level,” Michael said. “Whatever you think you’ll need; you only have to ask. We’ll make it work.”

  “Agreed,” Terah said. “I like your idea. We may have to add to the house if there’s going to be a lot of traffic here. And it could be a safe place for our Nephilim soldiers.”

  “We should place a telecommunicator someplace on the property in case the Nephilim needs to contact the Archangels,” I suggested.

  “Great idea, Kieran,” Michael said. “We’ll have an angel sculpture commissioned in the garden.”

  “How will that exactly work?”

  “She’ll be the eyes and ears of the house.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You will.”

  My plan worked brilliantly. Michael and Terah bought the house and I contacted a construction company. After many more nights of meetings, we agreed that another floor should be added, along with the state-of-the-art surveillance and security system. Terah also hired a gardener to landscape a spectacular backyard.

  In the center of the large lawn, Michael created a fountain surrounding a white, marble angel, her majestic wings extended and arms reaching toward the sky. Her stone eyes gazed into the heavens with an incredibly real expression. She looked as if she were in the midst of a conversation, maybe speaking to God.

  Then Terah stood next to Michael. They filled their hands with water, said a prayer, and let the water fall across the statue’s feet.

  The minute the prayer ended, the angel stirred. Her massive wings contracted, then expanded again. She moved her head down and looked at the Archangels, nodded and went back to her original pose.

  Paschar became the backyard focal point and I was glad to have a little reminder of Heaven placed with me on Earth.

  Three months later as final construction neared, Michael and Terah didn’t have to go out of their way to meet any of the neighbors. They eventually made introductions to them. I, of course, kept myself invisible most of the time.

  One day I had a chance to walk beside little Zoe. I peered under the stroller’
s cover. Her eyes were closed, but then snapped open and a huge smile spread across her chubby face when she saw me. I knew she could see me even though I remained invisible. We were connected and it had nothing to do with me saving her life. Well, okay, maybe it did a little bit.

  She squirmed out from under her Disney printed blanket and reached for me.

  “You’ll guard her well, Kieran,” Terah said. “She gravitates toward you, too.”

  “I will do so with my life.”

  The first few years watching over Zoe were easy. She never left the safety of her parents’ side. At my request, the Archangels placed protective wards around their house. As Zoe aged, more angels descended upon the town. If angels could sense her, then maybe so could demons.

  And Sammael.

  I knew when she grew to school age, things would change. But I’d enjoyed my time with her nonetheless. I became her imaginary friend, to my chagrin. To her, I appeared as a skinny, eight-year-old boy with light blond hair and blue eyes. We’d sit in her room for hours and play with My Pretty Ponies, dress up Barbie dolls, and because her parents didn’t just give her only girly toys, we even played with Transformer action figures.

  During the summer weekends, Kevin and Jackie took Zoe up north to their cabin. Of course, I also went with; they just never knew. But Zoe sure did.

  I was with her in the little, red paddle boat to make sure we didn’t tip over. When she went swimming in the crystal clear lake so that she’d always resurface. Even while Zoe went scrounging in the muck for turtles to race during the local festivals.

  I knew our playtime was coming to a close as she neared her fourth birthday.

  “I’m going to school tomorrow,” Zoe pouted as she showed me her new purple backpack. “I wish . . . I wish. Never mind, it’s dumb.”

  “Nothing you say is ever silly.”

  “I don’t wanna go to school. I wanna stay here with you and play with my toys.”

  “Zoe, you don’t ever have to worry about being alone.” I watched as big tears fell from her brown eyes.

  It pained my heart.

  “But people are going to think I’m weird talking to you when no one else can see you.” She hiccupped. “Can you come to school with me?”

  “If you want me to—”

  “But you’re older than me so we wouldn’t be in the same class.” She frowned. “Will others be able to see you? It doesn’t matter. You’ll still be my friend even if I don’t make any, right?”

  “Zoe.” I pushed her chin up to look at me. “You’ll be fine and lots of kids will become your friends.”

  “Promise?”

  “Trust me.”

  The next day Zoe’s parents stood on their front porch and snapped pictures of their baby girl’s first day of kindergarten. She wore a bright purple and white shirt with jean shorts. And strapped to her feet were brand new purple sneakers.

  I watched as they loaded her into the car and drove away. I never had included Michael or Terah about this part of my plan. They’d probably think I was going overboard. As soon as the vehicle rounded the corner and turned onto Sandbar Lane, I couldn’t stop myself. I had to go after her, staying invisible to watch over Zoe.

  Of course I beat the Jabril family to the school’s parking lot. I watched as other families dropped off their children. Some kids cried, while others bounded away without a backward glance. I knew today was going to be tough for Zoe. Seeing a friendly, smiling face would help.

  I scanned the playground. By the edge of the property, a girl with long, black hair stood, kicking a pebble with her toe. She kept glancing at the group of kids playing on the swings, but she didn’t approach them. The small cluster of girls giggled and pointed at the lone girl. I was about to approach the girl when an itch on my back made me stop. The girl lifted her chin and looked right at me, but that was impossible. No one could see me. Right?

  But then I heard the unique rumble from the Jabrils’ vehicle pull into the parking lot.

  I watched as Zoe jumped out of the minivan, scanned the playground, then turned and hugged her parents. With her head held high, she grabbed her My Pretty Pony lunchbox and school bag and walked straight into the cluster of girls.

  “Hi, I’m Zoe.” She stuck her little arm out to the nearest girl. “Are you in kindergarten, too?”

  “I am. I’m Cali.”

  “And I’m Rena. Who do you have for a teacher, Zoe?”

  “I have Ms. Daizy.”

  “We do, too!”

  All the girls screamed and hopped up and down. Then the black-haired girl from the corner of the playground walked over to the group. My wings threatened to appear again, but I couldn’t let that happen. I hadn’t felt the need for them in years. Why now?

  “I heard you have Ms. Daizy,” she said. “I think I have her. I just moved here.”

  “Hi. I’m Zoe. And this is Cali and Rena. You can hang out with us if you want.”

  “Thanks. My name’s Morgan.”

  A dark shadow swept over me that I didn’t understand. But something in me told me to protect Zoe.

  Morgan stepped closer to her.

  A chill ran through me. And that was enough. I decided then to make a new plan. In my mind, I pictured myself as a five-year-old boy, looked around for the best hiding spot, and confirmed no one was looking my way.

  I materialized behind a tree in time to witness Morgan grabbing Zoe’s lunchbox, and about to open it, when I ran over to them and knocked Morgan down. I hadn’t meant to push her that hard. The glare she gave me as she stood turned my blood cold. Then she smiled at me as she brushed off the tiny rocks against her legs.

  “Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to knock you over.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Morgan said. “It’s just a scrape, I’ll be okay.”

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” Extending my hand, I attempted to help her.

  “Yeah.” She didn’t take my hand. “I just wanted to see her lunchbox.”

  Brushing off the icy feeling she still gave me, I faced Zoe.

  Wide eyed, she stared at me. Mouth hanging open, she snapped it closed. The other girls stopped giggling and watched me.

  “Are you new, too?” Cali asked. When I didn’t answer she asked again, louder.

  “Kieran?” Zoe whispered.

  “You know him?” Rena asked.

  “Yes! He’s my Guard—”

  “Neighbor,” I interrupted.

  “Do you have Ms. Daizy for a teacher?” Zoe showed me her room assignment.

  “Yep.” A grin spread across my face. “I do.”

  Just then the bell rang. Teachers corralled the students and shepherded them into the school, looking at the room assignment sheets as kids passed. Morgan, Rena, and Cali ran ahead. Zoe and I lingered a bit longer outside.

  “Are you really here?” Zoe asked. “And not in my imagination?”

  “Yes, I’m really here. I told you that you wouldn’t be going to school alone.”

  “But—

  “I’ll always protect you.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “How did you know it was me?”

  “Your eyes. They are bright blue like the sky. And I knew from your blond hair.” She turned and hugged me. “Oh, I just knew it was you!”

  “Come on.” I chuckled. “We’ll be late on our first day of school.”

  “Okay, Bestie!”

  We walked hand in hand through the double glass doors.

  For a sneak peek into Sidelle’s novella: Fires & Fairies, continue reading.

  Chapter One

  A staccato trumpet blast announced the exact moment when the change of seasons occurred. The double oak doors swung open with great ceremony, and King Oberon waltzed into the throne room, a glowing, pale blue scepter in his hand. His green robes flowed behind him, reminding me of a rolling prairie, billowing out behind him. His crown was entwined with white branches, and giant, dark green wings hung loosely around his body. He was the perfect picture of royalty.<
br />
  Oberon silenced the horns with a wave of his massive hand. “Winter has ended,” the Summer Fairyland king declared. “Let us join in celebration for the start of summer. May this exchange bring a bounty of wealth, growth, and prosperity.”

  The scepter now burned green, and he raised it high above his head before turning and placing the long metal staff on the altar near his throne.

  On cue, flutes, fiddles, and drums raised an upbeat tempo, and the court exploded into song. Couples danced with their arms flowing around each other, and lone bodies swayed to their own beat. Some of the guests fluttered their wings, others cocooned themselves. House brownies streamed into the massive hall bearing plates of candied fruits, breads, and meats which they set on the royal table, which was already decorated with tall vases overflowing with fresh wildflowers. The delicious aroma of cheeses and buttery pastries wafted the air on the far side of the room.

  I, on the other hand, stood alone with my back pressed against the wall and my fists clenched. The party would go on well into the night, but I had no intention of staying. I turned and blew out the candle sconce, needing to drape myself in darkness, then I wrapped my long, light green wings around my body. When I wasn’t at a festival or party, I kept my wings hidden—unlike the fairies who chose to display them. The truth was that Fairies didn’t need wings to fly, since we used glamour for that. Our wings only really need to come out when we experienced intense emotions.

  I was almost out the door when my name was called. “Sidelle?” King Oberon’s hand reached for me, caught my arm. “Where do you think you’re slinking off to? Come and dance.”

  My nostrils flared. “Yes, Your Highness.” I walked the few steps to the dais and placed a kiss on my father’s cheek. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the center of the scepter pulse to a soft green. “Just one. And then I’m outta here.”

  The king sighed with resignation. “I don’t understand why you can’t be a normal daughter. One who likes music and dances.”