“Come,” Orin gestured towards the stream. “There are already benches arranged by the water.” He turned his back on Mikel’s party and walked away.
Mikel looked at Adalina and Darian, both of whom shrugged and followed. The half-demon didn’t fear them even though they severely outnumbered him. The nine of them could’ve easily destroyed the cultists and demons living there. Darian alone could torch the castle, forcing its inhabitants to flee right into their grasp. But Orin never feared them. This should’ve given Mikel pause, but his own significant power prevented the notion.
“I will not force Silana to leave,” Orin stated as they reached five metal benches arranged in a large semi-circle. “Victoria’s happiness is important to me, and Silana seems to…” He paused and motioned for them to sit. “I believe Victoria is in a losing fight against her demon. Her sister brings back her humanity.” He tapped a clawed finger against the scrolling metal, watching the water cascade over the rocks in the stream at his feet. “If Victoria cannot control the demon…” He paused again and looked at Mikel.
“Why are you telling me this?” Mikel asked, wanting to trust Orin, but knowing he never fully could. He’d kept his word about their truce for centuries, but the demon in him would always prevent trust or an alliance. “Is it an attempt to lure me into trusting you? To make me feel compassion for your situation?”
“I tell you this because I would not be fighting my own demon if it weren’t for Victoria,” Orin hissed. “I did this for her.” He thumped his hand against his wide chest. “I’ve endured this torture for two hundred years for the woman I love. And I’m losing her. My will to fight this demon is tied to her, and she needs her sister.”
Mikel stared at the demon with awe and confusion. Every time he visited Orin, he expected the man to be completely consumed by the demon, though that clearly wasn’t the case. But they had not come here to discuss Orin’s feelings for Victoria. Mikel shook his head with frustration.
“What do you know about the threats issued to the governments worldwide?” Mikel asked, steering the conversation away from Orin’s demon.
“No more than you do,” Orin replied. “Actually, probably less. I don’t have the luxury of Darian’s scouts.”
Mikel balked. “You expect me to believe you aren’t in league with the Overlords?”
“You can believe what you wish,” Orin replied smoothly.
The watchman approached their group carrying two trays, one on each hand, balancing the edges on his shoulders. Orin stood and took the platter with the teapot. The watchman placed the second on the nearest bench, revealing several ceramic cups stacked together. Without waiting for any recognition, the man left.
“Help yourself,” Orin said as he poured a cup of tea. “The Overlords have not summoned my demon, and I have not offered assistance. I’d like to think they’ve forgotten about us, but I seriously doubt it.”
“What will you do if Zar’Asur summons you?” Darian asked.
“I will have no choice but to answer,” Orin replied. “The demon cannot deny its master even if I want to.”
Mikel poured a cup of tea too, sipping the hot, dark liquid. It was strong but not bitter. He mulled over the newest information, hoping Orin was telling the truth. If he was summoned, would the man still be in charge or would the demon take over?
“I appreciate your efforts to stay neutral, Orin,” Mikel said. “It’s been refreshing knowing that I did not have to fight against you all these years.”
“It’s been refreshing not looking over my shoulder in fear of attack,” Orin replied. “I don’t know what Zar’Asur’s intentions are, but they will not be good.” He set his cup on the tray and leaned forward, lacing his clawed fingers together. “He’s already tried pitting the nations against one another, and it didn’t work. I can’t see him using the same tactic twice. Lorkath and Kal’Gara stood a better chance at succeeding, but even they failed to anticipate your strength and humanity’s unwillingness to cooperate with their plans.”
Mikel leaned back, rolling his cup between his fingers. “If you were in his place, or rather, if your demon were in his place, what would you do?”
“I would not give humanity a chance to fight back,” he replied, meeting Mikel’s gaze. “I would use whatever weapon of mass destruction I could get my hands on. Humans have certainly provided a wide selection to choose from.” He leaned back, and the metal groaned beneath his weight. “Then, I would subjugate whoever was left behind.”
A chill ran down Mikel’s spine, but before he could respond, Orin continued, apparently reading his emotions easily.
“I’m grateful to see that’s difficult for you to digest. It’s why the Overlords always fail. They believe your compassion makes you weak.”
Mikel was at a loss for words. He turned and looked at Adalina and Darian, seeing the same surprised expressions. This conversation had not gone as expected. Everything Orin said felt sincere, but was it only because Mikel wanted to believe him? The half-demon wasn’t an ally, but he’d kept his promise to remain neutral.
“Thank you for your honesty, Orin,” Mikel finally said. “I wish it were possible for us to be allies.”
Orin’s chuckle sounded more like a low growl, but his smile was genuine.
“Tell Silana she will have to choose,” Mikel continued. “While I appreciate her concern for her sister, I will not trust Victoria. I can’t allow Silana free access to Santuario if she continues to come here as well. I’m sure you have similar concerns.”
“I do,” Orin replied. “I’ll give her your message.” He stood and extended his hand. “I hope our next meeting is as cordial as this one.”
Mikel stood as well and accepted the handshake. “So do I.” He turned to his companions, who rose when he did. “Let’s go home.”
They nodded. Adalina and her warriors disappeared first. Darian raised an eyebrow at Mikel, who shook his head. Darian vanished as well.
“Will you tell me if you’re summoned?” Mikel asked.
“I can promise nothing, Mikel, but I’ll try.” Orin looked back at the castle looming in the distance. “Once we’re summoned, I’ll only be able to fight against my demon for a short time.” He turned back to Mikel, his gaze intense. “Zar’Asur will use us as weapons against you. My power alone is astounding, but Victoria and I together would be unstoppable. Without the bond of your Watcher and Sentinel, humanity will not survive.”
Chapter 4
Darian
Darian teleported back to Santuario, but rather than arrive in the tower, he stood outside the wide gates. The two guards who stood sentry nodded at his sudden appearance.
“Good evening, Darian.”
“Good evening, James. Victor.”
He took in the tall, white gates and the arching walls that stretched to each side enclosing their small city. Intricate runes covered the stone surface, glowing in the moonlight and protecting its occupants from unwanted eyes and unwelcomed guests. Raphael spent years carving the spells into the stone before Darian joined the Council. Silana improved on their protection when she arrived, creating a veil of invisibility they hadn’t needed before. With the advent of planes and satellite imaging, the Council found themselves vulnerable to prying eyes. It was the one place in the world the Council was safe.
After several moments, Darian nodded, and they opened the gates for him to enter. The Watcher marveled at how much Santuario had changed since he first arrived. The central tower still stood in the center like a beacon. The courtyard spread out in front of it was now paved with interlocking stones leading to the five streets that stretched out like spokes on a wheel. The small medical facility was a new addition during the last battle with the Overlords, along with the extended space on the warriors’ barracks. Since then, the library was moved from the small building nestled between the houses to a tall, two-story structure next to Magdelin’s hospital.
“We have more news,” Adalina’s voice tore him from his musings.
>
Darian turned towards her and saw resignation on her face. It hardened her strong features, wiping away the mischievous grin that frequently emerged. She was nearly as tall as Darian, and her muscular body displayed its years of battle against the demons.
“I assume it’s not good news,” Darian said, following her up the sweeping steps towards the dark, wooden doors of the tower.
“I’m worried we won’t have good news for some time,” she replied.
Mikel, Raphael, and Aneera waited for them in the meeting room. The television was no longer silent and a dark-haired female reporter spoke quickly in Portuguese.
“A man was apprehended near the federal building in Mexico City this afternoon,” the reporter said. “The police are requesting any information on the identity of this individual.” A picture of a young man with black hair, brown eyes, and dark complexion flashed across the screen. The suspect wore jeans and a green t-shirt, and it was difficult to tell his nationality from the fuzzy picture. “The man was carrying a large pack with several bombs,” the reporter continued. “The police suspect he is part of the organization threatening our governments and way of life.”
“Is he somehow connected to the Csökkent?” Darian asked.
“I’m not sure,” Mikel said. “I believe the city’s bomb squad has taken possession of the explosives, but according to the reports, the man isn’t talking.”
“I don’t have a scout in Mexico right now, but I’ll reach out to my contact there to see if he has more information,” Darian offered. It was the best they could do for now.
Mikel nodded and turned away from the television. “We have less than forty-eight hours before the UN General Assembly meeting.” He looked directly at Darian, and his gaze made the Watcher uncomfortable. “I need you to talk to Seraphina.”
Darian started to argue, but Mikel held up a hand. “I understand your reasons, Darian, and sympathize completely, but I don’t think we can wait. Your Sentinel needs time to train, acclimate, and endure the bonding. If Orin and Victoria show up at the UN, we will need Seraphina.”
Darian’s shoulders sagged. He knew Mikel was right, but how could he convince her to come? What could he possibly say that would make her willingly leave her family and join the violence that awaited her? How could he make her see him as something more than a stalker stealing her from her home? He couldn’t. If he approached her now, she would use every bit of her extensive hand-to-hand combat training to throw him on the ground and put a knife in his chest. Her years in the US Federal government assured that. No, Seraphina wouldn’t come willingly.
“I’ll try Mikel, but you might be better off sending Adalina and her warriors.” Darian looked at the floor. “I won’t be able to force her away from her family.” He heard Mikel’s footsteps approach, and he looked up to meet his leader’s steel gray eyes. “She will never fight for us if she’s dragged away, Mikel. She’ll also never agree to bond to someone she hates.”
Mikel laid his hand on Darian’s shoulder. “You need to think of something, my friend. We can’t do this without her.”
Darian rolled his eyes. “Thanks for stating the obvious,” he muttered before pulling out his smartphone and sending a text. Thirty seconds later, his phone buzzed.
“Jorge, tell me you have more information than the local news.”
“Our guys are analyzing the bomb, but the suspect isn’t talking.”
“Send me something when you know more.”
“Will do, boss.”
Darian pushed the phone back into his pocket and looked back at Mikel.
“I’ll let you know if I hear more.” He rubbed his face with his palm. “I’m going to Wyoming to see the Sentinel.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darian arrived at the edge of the northern pasture attached to Seraphina’s farm. A chestnut mare stood nearby, and she raised her head, snorting at him. Her new foal pranced a few yards from her, unaware of Darian’s sudden arrival.
He looked across the pasture at the white farmhouse with the wraparound porch. An enormous red barn flanked the home’s eastern side, and the rising sun shadowed a dozen or more cattle meandering towards the barn. A tall woman with dark copper skin and brown hair pulled into a messy ponytail emerged from the carriage door carrying a five-gallon bucket. The bucket’s weight unbalanced her, forcing her body to lean to one side as she shuffled towards the feed trough. The cattle picked up their pace, and the mare next to him whinnied at her foal. The horses trotted towards the barn and the bucket of treats.
Darian had observed this scene numerous times before, and a smile slid across his face. He watched Seraphina’s tall frame heave the bucket over the feeding trough and dump the grain. Two apples rolled out of the bucket, too. Seraphina snatched them up and strolled towards the mare and her baby, shining the apples against her blue jeans. The foal bounced several times before pushing its nose against her chest. She whispered to it, allowing the foal to take the apple from her hand. The mare nuzzled against her other side, nearly pushing her over, demanding its treat as well. Seraphina rested her empty hand on the horse’s nose as it chomped noisily on the bright red fruit.
Darian sighed. She was his Sentinel, but not yet. Right now, she was just a beautiful woman whom he’d fallen in love with decades ago. He hid in the shadows, protecting her from the Csökkent and in doing so, placed her on a pedestal she’d likely never be able to step down from.
A slow burn started in Darian’s chest, and he immediately reached for the air around him. He pulled it into a tight cocoon, encasing his body and concealing his presence. He watched his Sentinel frown and rub the same spot on her own chest, wrinkling her red, plaid shirt. Darian knew it was his connection to her, but she didn’t. She ran her other hand down the horse’s neck and looked across the pasture towards him.
Could he really approach her now? Could he convince her that a war was coming? Not just men fighting against each other, but a war with hell itself, and that she was destined to fight with him to protect humanity. No. He couldn’t. There was nothing he could say that she would believe. She would see him as a predator, as a man who would steal her away, rape and kill her.
He closed his eyes and tilted his head towards the heavens. Tell me what I should do. You saved her from death days after her birth so that she could fulfill her destiny. How do I convince her that I’m not a monster come to take her away?
Darian grunted at the silence that followed. His phone buzzed in his pocket, distracting him.
Bomb was full of nuts and bolts. The text from his Mexican contact flashed across the screen.
That was a relief. After Orin’s statement about weapons of mass destruction, Darian worried about something more sinister.
The burn in his chest flared again, and he looked back towards the barn. The five-gallon bucket laid lay on its side with the foal’s nose pushing it across the grass. Its mother grazed nearby. Panic started to set in until he saw Seraphina a few yards away, heading in his direction. Her dark eyes scanned the fence line where he stood concealed from her sight. She stopped two feet from him. It had been a long time since she was this close to him. Several gray strands mingled with her thick brown hair, and tiny lines spread from the corners of her eyes. She took a deep breath and rubbed her chest again. Darian’s own pain pulsed in time with hers, and he felt the familiar pull of the fire laying silent in his veins.
“I know you’re here.”
Her low voice surprised him, but he remained quiet and unmoving. He loved hearing her speak. She didn’t have the typical high-pitched feminine voice. Hers was a smooth tenor that naturally soothed, even when her sarcastic tongue started ranting.
“I dreamt of you.” She chuckled, and her face flushed. “Actually, several times. Your face remains featureless in my dreams, but I always feel like I’ve known you my whole life.” She tapped her chest where her button-down shirt opened at her neck. “This is getting worse every day. I keep telling myself it’s not a heart attack. It’s
probably just indigestion or something equally unpleasant. But my dreams tell me it’s more.” She rested her hand on the fence post a few inches from him. “I feel like part of my life is missing. Like I have a bigger purpose than taking care of this farm and easing into retirement gracefully.” Darian smiled as she chewed on her bottom lip. “Maybe it’s because my daughter is starting her own life, and I’m being a silly Empty Nest ninny.” She sighed, and he swore she saw through his veil when she looked right at him. “If you don’t talk to me, I’m going to the doctor for a stress test and an EKG. I might even go to a shrink, so he can tell me it’s all in my head.”
Darian couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe. Everything he wanted to say to her for the last forty years left his mind as he soaked up her nearly black eyes and copper skin. The elastic band at the top of her head barely contained her wildly, curly hair. And despite her forty-eight years, her body was lean and strong.
“I must be losing my mind, talking to a fence post,” she mumbled, turning her back to him.
Darian dropped his concealment. “Wait.”
She slowly turned around and looked at him, surprise and fear crossing her features. She backpedaled a few steps. “Who… who are you?”
“The one you were just talking to,” Darian replied, tapping the burn in the center of his chest. “I feel it too. But I need to warn you about what’s coming.”
“What?” Her hand went to her chest but stopped short.
“The news reports are real,” Darian said carefully. “The threat they’re reporting is much bigger than they realize.”
“Why warn me?” Her eyes narrowed as she took another step away from him. “Why not give your information to the FBI or whoever?”
“I’ve already done that,” he replied coolly. He wanted to tell her that she was his Sentinel, that they had a destiny to fulfill, that she was right about part of her life missing. But he couldn’t. “Just… please be careful for the next few days.”
Sentinel's Rise: Book 1 - The Watcher and the Sentinel Series Page 3
