Sacred Moon: Book 2

by Alejandro Marrero

  Donovan

  At that moment, the tethers that bound Leilah started to thicken and pulse with multicolored energy from the gods. I could recognize most of the pantheons had seized her chains and were intent in causing Leilah, their faithful servant, a painful death. Leilah, bound as she was, screamed an unholy scream laced with pain that was entirely her own.

  I ripped the Phoenix Tear Amulet from her neck, pulling it free in a swift motion that broke the chain. I unchained the Phoenix Tea and palmed it. I then grabbed all seven of her tethers and fisted them in an iron grip with the hand that held the amulet. All the pain the pantheons were sending down stopped at my grasp, and were sent back up to their source.

  The complicit gods’ cries were heard, and thunder boomed from their celestial realms. That’s when I confirmed my theory of something interesting. The gods were as tied to their minions or creations as they were bound to them. The Phoenix Tear was woven to her tethers. I used it as a focus point. I then unsheathed my sword. The sword was blessed with the power to kill even a god. The sword that was forged in stealth to end my life at the end of the gods' missions. The original god-killer sword forged by the archangels unbeknownst to Leilah. I set to hacking each tether that bound her below my grip. Still keeping them in my grip as I chanted the Sanskrit mantra of purification of Vajrassatva.

  “OM BAZRA SATWA SAMAYA, MANU PALAYA, BAZRA SATWA TENOPA THISHTU DRIDO ME BAWA, SUTO KAYOME BAWA, SUPO KAYE ME BAWA, ANU RAKTO ME BAWA, SARWA SIDHIM MEH PRAYATSHA, SAWRA KARMA SUTSAME TISH THAM SHIRA SIDDHI KURU HUNG HA HA HA HO, BAGAWAN, SARWA TATHAGATA BAZRE MAME MUNSTA BAZRE BAWA MAMA SATWA YA SATWA AH,” I chanted the one hundred syllable Sanskrit mantra without stopping. Each syllable escaped my lips in golden and white syllables, collecting and connecting to each other and anchoring themselves to Leilah's tethers.

  Leilah stopped screaming. Sweat trailed down her crown. I then sent energy to the ‘Phoenix Tear’ while it was tangled in Leilah’s heart chakra tether, the only leash left that wasn’t firmly held by my grip. The Phoenix Tear Amulet grew, and a phoenix with fire-licked feathers hatched out of its gemstone encased slumber. This small magnificent mystical bird stretched its wings and appeared made of flames, with a screech from her amulet. The Phoenix then blinked its eyes in keen awareness. It noticed the remaining tether to Leilah’s heart chakra tangled in its hot flame-licked wings. I sent more energy to the Pheonix. With a squawk, it started to bite at the remaining angelic tether. Hot tears of lava flowed from its eyes as its bite attacked the remaining chord. Everywhere the now living Phoenix’s tears met the cords of Leilah’s heart chakra, it would fizzle and thin. Now the tether was as thin as a hair.

  I chanted the mantra of peace and compassion, “OM MANI PADME HUM,” thrice, each syllable escaping my mouth in whisps of multicolored rainbow-hued tendrils and landing on the phoenix and remaining tether. Then the Phoenix gave a final screech and, using its sharp, empowered beak and =molten-tears, severed the last remaining thread. The phoenix quickly started to grey, and its fires dim. The feathers of its body lost its luster and turned black. Then it turned to ash. In its place was a pile of dust and a dark amber-hued egg. The Phoenix was still alive. I could sense. Merely resting and waiting to rise from the ashes and be reborn. The amulet was no more as it dissolved during my actions and incantations. Only the egg remained nestled on a pile of ash.

  Leilah was now free, but I kept hold of all seven tethers in my hand firmly.

  “Ever mind the rule of three, whatever you send, goes back to thee,” I said. Sending a pulse and my spelled words of energy up the chords. I let go of my magical restraints on Leilah. Still holding her former tethers firmly.

  “Now ever mind the rule of three. All the suffering you set returns to thee,” I said again with even more conviction and intent in my voice. It was a pagan saying I read in a book on Wicca at Sacred Sun. When I saw the words of my incantation manifest and attach themselves to the tethers held in my hands, I released them. I could feel and hear the distant sound of gods crying in suffering as the spell took hold and returned all their non-virtuous actions back to them three-fold.

  That would make them think twice before bringing any Angels after us in the Shadowrealm. I knew the pain they felt as a result of their own actions. Hopefully, it would weaken the gods for a few days or at least give them pause. I had never wanted to be a cause of suffering. However, these stuck up gods merited a taste of the pain they caused all of us. I didn’t irrevocably harm them as they tried and, in Jeremiah's case, succeeded in doing to my friends and me. I simply sent back what they sent forth.

  Leilah, now released from my incantation of immobility, was free. She now crouched on the floor, holding the amber-colored and fiery veined Phoenix egg reverently. In the end, she put it carefully in her void-pouch. Guess every Angel has one. She stood up on shaky legs and nearly fell, but Jeremiah caught her and held her balance.

  “Leilah, you are now free of the gods' wills,” I stated plainly for all assembled to hear. It was important for everyone. All lingering doubts concerning Leilah should be dissolved.

  “Thank you, Donovan. Thank you so much for setting me free,” Leilah replied with tears glittering like diamonds from both her eyes.

  “That’s what friends do, Leilah. Don’t mention it,” I said soothingly as I meant every word.

  Then Abbadon unbound the magically stilled Jeremiah, so he was able to move. Abbadon helped bring the wobbling Jeremiah to standing on his feet.

  “Jeremiah, how do you feel?” Abbadon asked him.

  “I’m not certain how I feel. I do not feel injured if that’s what you inquire of me,” Jeremiah answered.

  “How do you feel about Leilah and all of us?” I chimed in and asked.

  “I remember being very devoted to Leilah’s cause, but now I don’t feel that strong pull of reverence to her anymore. In fact, it feels embarrassing to have revered someone without a rational reason. I remember Leilah restoring me by offering her blood. That is all. Possibly this is why I had revered her. For providing me nourishment at the moment that my body must have needed it. For which I’m grateful. Yet I see Leilah as I see all of you beings I barely know. Yet, it feels like I have aligned myself or become part of your cause, in some strange way. I cannot remember how we met or how I got to this city. There is a familiarity or look of endearment in all of your gazes as they wash over me that leads me to believe I am someone of great importance to you. Do you know how I got here or how we met?” Jeremiah said with genuine curiosity.

  “You were indeed a friend to most of us. Significant loved and cared for. You have known some of us longer than others. You used to know us well enough. However, you were nearly killed by a pantheon of gods that, until moments ago, could forcefully control Leilah’s body. You then were fed as you remember to save your failing life from Leilah, who is an Angel,” Abbadon started.

  “You, as a Kindred, have an adverse reaction to feeding off Angelic blood. It’s potent and did save your life, but its cost was immense. When a Kindred feeds off a tethered Angel, their minds are wiped clean of experience and memories. They also become enthralled with the tethered Angel and feel a strong urge to please and serve them. Donovan has freed Leilah of her god-bound tethers. Thus freeing your mind and giving you independent thought. Sadly, we cannot restore your lost memories. However, now you can forge your own path and create new ones. As long as you do not feed on the blood of tethered angelic beings, your will is your own.” Abbadon clearly explained to the confused looking Jeremiah.

  “Thank you for that explanation. Thank you, everyone, for my independence, purpose, and I sense life. I wish my memories of all you were present, but I know that you’ve all been understanding and kind. I may not know who I was, but I sense whatever brought us together was something my former self believed in and wish to see it through if you’ll have me,” Jeremiah added.

  “Of course, Jeremiah. You’re welcome to join us. Or rather continue being aligned with our cause. You must unders
tand though our mission is one that will be full of obstacles and even potentially dangerous. We have many known and unknown enemies that will seek to hinder our quest in the Shadowrealm. I don’t say this to deter you as we welcome your continued company. I tell you this because you have free will. You should decide on your own whether to join us or not. I wish for you to not feel obligated,” I explained.

  “I have no recollection of who I was before, but if I chose to surround myself with you, it must have been for a good reason. Dangerous or not, I’d like to continue this quest of ours,” Jeremiah told us with a steadier voice.

  “Alrighty, then. Leilah and Jeramiah, welcome back! Now let’s blow this popsicle stand and get on our way. When we reach Silver Leaf City’s shield, we should strengthen it. The gods may be leaving us alone this very moment, but they’re power-hungry and vindictive. They won’t only try to stop us. They will try and destroy this fair realm, as well. Let’s make sure they can’t harm the residents of the Isle of Mu,” I commanded.

  Everyone shook off the aftershocks of what had just occurred and mounted their unicorns. We then trotted our way to the main gates of the impossibly large Fae city. Seriously this city feels like it’s the size of Tampa and Orlando combined. Our unicorn friends were fast, though. We galloped quickly to the city’s limits. Once we reached the gates and the shield protecting the city, I unmounted Quicksilver.

  “Everyone unmount. Let’s strengthen the shield.” I directed.

  When everyone had unmounted, I said, “All of you use your magicks and add strengths of protection to the city shields. Let them be strong and negate any entrance from maliciously aligned beings and tethered Angels. Firmly see in your mind any scenario that would seek to harm the city being bounced back to its original source. That should at least protect the city from the wrath of the gods and their enslaved Angels.”

  As one, we all lined up and poured our energy into the wards and shielding around Silver Leaf City. Even the unicorns added their magicks as each of their horns glowed at their tips. Seriously, unicorns are so cute. They’re totally getting super petting sessions later. All our magicks swirled, webbed, and weaved all over the city shields like a protective dome that was transparent in nature but visible to us.

  When we were done, I chanted the protection mantra of Arya Tara to seal our work. “OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA, OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA, OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA.” Each syllable escaped my lips in green and gold Sanskrit sigils and went to every direction of the city encasing shield. My friends also joined in chanting ‘OM TARE TUTARE TURE SVAHA,’ as well.

  “Repeat thrice after me, everyone. HAEC EST TUTUM A MALO, HAEC EST TUTUM A MALO, HAEC EST TUTUM A MALO,” Abbadon instructed, and we all did.

  “What does that incantation mean, Abbadon?” Kendra asked.

  “I was going to ask the same thing, but remarkably I understand it,” I added. Guess I’m now multilingual? A perk of the bonding? I have no clue. Winging it for real.

  “It’s rough Latin. It translates to, ‘This is safe from evil.’ You’ll find most of my incantations are Latin,” Abbadon taught us.

  “Since when do you know Latin, Donovan?” Leilah asked.

  “I honestly have no clue. I guess it is from being star-bonded to Abbadon. Or possibly our new states of existence,” I confessed honestly.

  “Can you set up a privacy shield for us? I have questions,” Leilah asked politely.

  I didn’t see the harm in granting Leilah’s request for discretion. I waved my hand around as an afterthought and snapped a privacy shield around us into existence. The sudden eerie quiet was proof it worked. I could only hear everyone inside my sphere of protections, breathing, and heartbeats.

  “It’s done,” I told Leilah.

  Leilah then unfurled and conjured her wings. I almost cringed but then was at ease when I saw them sprout from her back in their natural form. Gone were her metallic razored wings. In their place were her authentic and familiar birth-given wings, black with twinkling stars and cosmos of every kind of color spinning throughout them. Her wings were beautiful again, like a fabric of feathers painted of the night sky. Wow, had I missed them. She then flapped her wings once and lifted off Fevian and landed a few steps gracefully from Abbadon and me.

  “It’s nice having my wings restored. Thanks again, Donovan,” Leilah confessed the obvious.

  “It’s nice to see you untethered, restored, and free with your original kick-butt wings too! Welcome back, bestie,” I said, which earned me a genuine smile.

  “It makes me very happy to hear that you still consider me your best friend despite the actions I have caused,” Leilah confessed.

  “Well, Leilah, you are my best friend. I can hardly blame you for actions that were not your own. You were not yourself. The gods are responsible for the actions your body did. It wasn’t you. Plus, I haven’t forgotten all the good you’ve done in my life either. People are quick to abandon their friends, relationships, or even acquaintanceships when they make a single mistake or do something they don’t like. That’s a horrible and misguided flaw we’re all guilty of. However, your countless good deeds should not be forgotten when you make an error or misdeed. People make mistakes. Compassion, kindness, and patience lead to wisdom. As our Buddhist teachers taught us, those that are wise understand that nobody is perfect. We’re all allowed some errors. It’s what makes us individuals. So think nothing of it, friend,” I explained.

  “You were definitely the right choice for the god-seed. I’ve been proven this more and more each passing day,” Leilah added.

  “Thank you, I think. I mean, I don’t know the particulars of it, but I’m here today because of your actions, and it feels like I’ve been able to use it for the benefit of everyone. So, yeah. I guess thanks! I don’t know that any other kind of person would have done the same. I have to believe that there are kind people out there too that would be a force for good as well. I sense showing off your pretty wings and flattery wasn’t part of your fluttering down and landing in front of me, though. What’s up, doc? Spill the queso. It is safe to speak freely,” I said politely.

  “You’re very astute and correct. Well, I’ll cut to the chase. You were a godling. This is a result of a god-seed placed in your heart center that was awakened with an Immortal Attunement. Yet now you’re a god-ascendant. You’ve evolved past being a godling, past being a full-fledged god to being a god-ascendant. How and when did this happen?” Leilah asked.

  “It’s kind of what I was going to ask, too. Even your eyes are no longer light chestnut brown. They swirl otherworldly in gold. You even have two new energy centers. They're not even colored like they were before they're all rapidly spinning mixes of gold and platinum,” said Kendra.

  “I don’t know what god-ascendant means. At least I didn’t know that it was a term though I guess the description kind of speaks for itself. The truth is, I didn’t know I was a god-ascendant. I just figured I leveled up to a full-fledged god. It happened the day after Abbadon, and I made our star-coursed eternal vows to each other. Is that a bad thing?” I asked.

  “Oh my! You two got married and didn’t invite us! Congratulations! We should have a wedding or reception! Something to celebrate!” Kendra squealed and clapped.

  Ha. Guess I never thought of it like that. It is accurate, though. Guess Abbadon, and I got hitched.

  “Congratulations,” said Jeremiah. Then everyone, including our unicorn friends, added their cheery felicitations.

  “We thank you,” said Abbadon with a heart-melting smile. Serious heart-boner right now. My handsome, sexy former-Angel-now-a god-ascendant husband. We should get rings. We totally need rings.

  “We’ll have a ceremony when time permits it, and all of you can come to it, and we’ll exchange rings,” Abbadon said.

  “YES!” exclaimed Kendra. I chuckled. It was nice seeing everyone excited.

  “Well, I guess we did level up, babe,” I said, smiling to Abbadon.

  “We did indeed. Alw
ays and Forever, my love,” Abbadon replied. Yup, total heart-boner.

  “Always and Forever,” I repeated. This earned me a grin from Abbadon. That was totally going to be our phrase. ‘Always and Forever.’ Then a thought occurred to me. “Okay, I have an idea I want to run by you guys. We’re in a sphere of privacy, but people or beings can still see us even if they can't hear us. Yet we mustn’t be seen,” I confessed to everyone.

  “Well, I have my wings back. Including their former unique abilities! I can shroud us,” Leilah said. I had no idea what it had to do with her wings, but sure okay, whatever worked.

  “Go for it! Work your wing-powered mojo, please,” I asked.

  Leilah then plucked a feather from her wings, which made me cringe. Ouch. I hope that doesn’t hurt. She then crushed it in both hands, rubbing her hands that sandwiched her feather together quickly. Then she had her left hand cupped horizontally and removed her other hand. It looked like her feather had turned into a dark and twinkling pile of cosmic dust. My life is full of magickal dust it would seem. I hope no galaxies were hurt in the making of that. Somehow I doubt it. She then threw the dust at our privacy shield. The dust spread evenly throughout our protective dome, and it looked like we were surrounded by the night sky, complete with countless bright numbers of stars, and far away galaxies spinning. That is definitely Tre’cool.

  “Alright, we can’t be seen or heard. To be technical, we do not even exist on the same plane as Terra at the moment. We’re anchored to it, though. So once we drop our shields, we’ll be back where we were by Silver Leaf City’s shields,” Leilah confirmed.

  “Did plucking that feather hurt?” I asked. I just don’t believe in self-harm. No matter the result, it seems like a bad habit. Okay, maybe biting was sometimes hot. That’s consensual, though.

  “Not at all. I grabbed a loose one. Angels, like birds, lose feathers all the time. They simply don’t remain corporeal very long. Especially if we wish them not to,” Leilah explained. Well, that made sense to me. As much as anything can make sense these days. Either way, I accepted the explanation. Everyone else seemed to accept it too. My thoughts are wandering. Oh yeah, the privacy dome that looked like we were inside a planetarium brought me back to more important things.