by Janelle Peel
“I know but it doesn’t make any sense. She knew we had the Demon. The experimentation with its venom and blood should have been a high priority for her. I don’t understand why she’d leave without telling anyone.” Pausing, her jade eyes opened wide. “Unless…”
He picked up her train of thought. “Unless she was going after Skye on her own.”
“You said the beach, though. There’s not much of a chance of finding him there.”
What was she up to? If anything, Skye would be further inland.
Brushing past him, Nat stepped into the hall. “Grab your boots. We need to talk to Sora.”
Confused, he plucked them from the floor on autopilot and joined her. “What would Sora know that we don’t?”
She snorted. “Those two are like peas in a pod. When Lila was taken they latched onto one another. If anyone can get inside Bex’s brain, it’d be her.”
Bex
Shattering the glass tube was taking more effort than I thought it would. Lifting the rock high overhead, I slammed it down again.
Crack!
Clear shards shot out in every direction followed by a bright flash. Blinking the spots from my vision, I gripped the feathers’ spine. Over two feet in length, the yellow glow dimmed considerably. Another second passed before it blackened entirely.
It seemed I’d been right. Similar to Michael’s plume, only his had originally held a hint of gold near the base. Twirling it between my fingers, I hesitated.
Was this right? Why did it look more like a raven’s feather? Did it mean he’d fully committed to his Hellish role?
Shoving my worries aside, I figured it didn’t matter. I had to get to Heaven and time was running out.
Gathering my resolve, I softly whispered, “Michael.”
Nothing.
Frustrated, I kicked at the sand. I was a fool. Why did I think this would work? Even if it had, why would he help me? For fucks sake, he led 666 million fucking lessers. This was the stupidest idea ever. Now I’d have to face Sora and explain why I’d stolen the stupid thing. Reaching for my well to return home, tinkling laughter sounded in my ear.
“Don’t give up, Bex. My Chosen will understand. Say his other name…”
I froze. The Goddess had never spoken to me before. Sure I was part Shifter, but without an animal soul I’d given up on that aspect of my life.
“You’re still mine, Daughter…”
My awe quickly turned to irritation. “What am I supposed to do!”
Silence.
Now I was talking to myself. Great. Really. My mind stuttered to a stop. Of course!
Squishing the feather between my palms, I barked, “Rimmon!”
Rolling thunder punctuated my shout as it echoed across the ocean. Between one blink and the next, a cloaked figure knelt before me.
Startled, I stumbled back with a yelp.
As he rose to stand, I craned my neck to see into the depths of his hood. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t pierce the darkness within. Snapping my mouth closed with a click, I stuttered, “M-Michael?”
A fine tremble wracked the wide expanse of his shoulders. “It’s been so long since I’ve heard that name.” His robe whispered as he moved a step forward.
Shocked at the tenor of his voice, I could only watch as he dropped the tattered material. Alarmed, I sat down hard at his appearance.
The last time I’d seen him he looked a like a Greek statue. His skin, once a tanned hue, had turned a sickly shade of grey. The thick muscles lining his chest had withered to almost nothing. Scars raced across his abdomen similar to my own. The hollows of his cheeks were overly pronounced and gave him a haggard appearance. Like ruby spotlights, his eyes softened as they met mine. Mutely, he flared his wings above his bald head for my inspection.
I gasped audibly at the skeletal protrusions. Pure black, only a third of his feathers remained. Tearing my gaze away, my heart pinched at his obvious misery. “What happened to you?”
A dry chuckle tumbled from his chapped lips. “Hell. As the world continues to fall, my faith is repeatedly tested. I won’t last much longer.”
Squeezing my lids closed, I whispered a quiet prayer to any God who was willing to listen. “Please, help him.”
His relieved sigh snapped them open.
A perfect ray of sunshine lit his tall form. Basking in its warm glow, he grinned for a moment before stepping out of the light. Bright blue, his gaze met mine. Reading the confusion on my face, he frowned. “I can’t have too much if I’m going to return to Lucian’s side. Thank you for the gift. You’ve no idea how much it means to feel His presence. Now, what can I do for you?”
Sobering, I nodded. “I need a ride to Heaven.”
Gathering his robe, he shook sand from the folds. “I’m not welcome to walk among my brethren. The taint of my soul will pollute their virtue.” Settling the dark material around his shoulders, he held out his hand. “But I can send you.” Pulling me upright, he added, “Hold your breath. Whatever you do, don’t let go.”
Pressed against him, the scent of rot coated my sinuses. Fighting my gag reflex, excitement flit through me. “Let’s go.”
His grip tightened. “My apologies for your reception.”
The bright flash of light cut off my response.
Sora
News of Bex’s strange disappearance left me reeling. She hadn’t even waited for the test results. Why would she go to the beach?
Kai braced his hands on the pool table. The tense muscles of his shoulders flexed in frustration. As he closed his eyes, a tingle of magic raced across my skin.
Was he tracking her again? It seemed only he held that ability. It was the one Nat had yet to master.
Daisy stormed into the room with her green eyes flashing in irritation. Panning her gaze between Kai and I, she bit out, “Who took it?”
My brow lowered. “Took what?”
Cooper followed in her wake. Tugging on her auburn ponytail, he murmured soothingly into her ear.
Heavy a sigh, Daisy visibly calmed. “The feather. It’s missing from our suite.”
I snorted. “I didn’t take it and Kai has been here. We don’t even know who it belongs to. It’s of no use to either of us.”
Kai slammed his fist onto the red felt.
Blaze growled beside me. “Careful, Kai. Allie and Sasha won’t take kindly to you destroying their favorite pastime.”
Taking a deep breath, Kai’s face fell. “She’s gone.”
Daisy threw Kai a queer expression. “The feather is gone. It’s a thing, not a she.”
Rubbing his reddened knuckles, Kai turned to leave. “Not the feather. Bex.”
My stomach dropped. Zipping in front of him, I grabbed his arm. “What the fuck do you mean?”
Jerking out of my grip, his irises lit with a scarlet ring. The veins on either side of his thick neck bulged as he tried to temper his rage. Tipping his chin, he rumbled, “Bex is no longer on this plane.”
Panic crept in as I reached for my well. Sifting through the strands of all those who had joined our Clutch, I located hers. Silver and blue, it sparkled brightly in my mind’s eye. Running parallel to its glow, Kai’s lit in a rubied hue. Curious, I plucked his cord.
Sucking in a sharp breath, he slapped a hand to his chest. “What are you doing?”
Interesting. Shelving the revelation, I sobered. “She’s still alive. Why would she take the feather?”
Flipping to aqua, his eyes widened. “Because she knows who it belongs to.”
Daisy scoffed, “How? You need an Angel’s name to summon them.”
Kai strode to the foyer. “Or a Demon’s.” Tugging open the front door, he slammed it behind him.
What did that mean?
Nat connected the dots before I could. “She must think it’s Michael’s. The Angel who helped them in Hell. She said he was Lucian’s right-hand now, and that he leads his legions.”
Bile pooled in the back of my throat as I latched onto he
r thought. “Lucian was an Angel before he was cast out of Heaven. If Michael still fills that role…”
Blaze finished my sentence. “She’s trying to get to Heaven.”
A sharp pain pierced my heart. “She’s going after Lila.”
Bex
Greeted at sword point was definitely not what I’d been expecting. Disoriented, I lifted my hands high in the air and tried to ignore the glinting blade held against my throat.
A golden whip appeared out of nowhere. Roughly, someone wrenched my arms behind my back and lashed my wrists together.
Unsure of my welcome, I remained silent.
The Angel before me grudgingly lowered his weapon. His irises, nearly white, held a slight blue pigment. They reminded me of… The strong line of his nose broke my train of thought as he flared his nostrils. “Who sent you?”
My chest pinched at the beautiful sound of his voice. Unable to rub away the ache, I stuttered, “M-Michael.”
His fingers tightened on the pommel of his sword. “You lie. He has fallen from grace.”
Lifting a brow, I shook my head. “No. He serves your God still.”
Glaring, he turned on one bare heel.
Whoever was behind me nudged me into a slow walk.
Snapping my mouth closed, I took in the graceful curve of his wings. Orange near the base, they curled outward in multiple hues similar to a sunset. Ironically, the long braid slapping against his chest plate matched perfectly. Its silver edge met a swath of snowy material wrapped tightly around his hips.
Bored with my inspection, I peeked at my surroundings. Unfortunately, not much could be seen. The white hall seemed to stretch on for miles.
After a time, we came to a tall archway. Gold veins twinkled from the marble columns holding it aloft. My captor continued on without a care in the world. Moving to follow, I stopped dead.
My mind struggled to process the image my eyes were providing. The floor simply disappeared. Fluffy clouds moved at leisurely pace all around with a rainbow of Angels zipping through their downy surfaces. In the distance, tall bone colored spires littered the cerulean sky.
A sharp poke at my back halted my gawking. Chills raced along my spine as it came again. I locked my legs in refusal. How the fuck was I supposed to walk on air?
Bell like, a feminine chuckle carried to my ears. “Call it a leap of Faith.”
Grumbling, I slid the toe of my boot over the edge. Finding resistance, I stepped across the threshold. What had appeared to be nothing was indeed something. Glass, maybe? Tipping my head sideways, sunshine glinted off the see-through path.
I felt like Indiana Jones in the Last Crusade. Pity I didn’t have any rocks or sand to throw.
Relieved, I snorted. “You guys torment all of your visitors?”
“I wouldn’t know. We’ve never had an uninvited… guest.”
I scoffed, “Guest? Really? Is that why I’m bound?”
Rolling my eyes at her silence, I trudged after the orange Angel.
Thunder rumbled overhead as the horizon darkened to a dull grey. Confused by the change, I picked up my pace. Did it rain in Heaven? If it did, I did not want to be stuck on an invisible bridge.
A familiar figure moved into sight in the distance. It couldn’t be… could it?
Her curvy silhouette filled out the folds of her emerald toga style dress. Silver with age, her hair shadowed one bright blue orb. Hopeful, I ran toward her. “Giselle!”
Opening her arms wide, she glowered at my companions. “Release her this instant!”
As my bonds fell away, I slammed into her. Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks. Clenching her tight, I hiccuped a sob.
“Shh,” she soothed. “You’re okay.” Leaning back, she grinned. “Hello, Bex.”
Glossing over the winkles lining her face, I blubbered, “Sora was right. Thank the Goddess. Is Lila safe? What’s happening?” Glancing over my shoulder, I frowned at the clearing sky.
Following my gaze, she intuited my question. “Lila was not pleased with your welcome.” Lacing her fingers through mine, she pulled me into a large chamber. “Come. She’s anxious to meet you.”
Meet me? Confused by her choice of words, I barely paid attention to my surroundings. The white floor, walls, none of it mattered. I needed to see the little girl who’d captured my heart inside her chubby hands.
Between one blink and the next, the room changed. Lush green grass sprung up from the ground. Flowers bloomed, filling my nose with their pleasant bouquets. Birds chirped as they flew from one bough to the next. Golden light replaced the tall ceiling in a bright flash. My eyes rounded at the emerging meadow.
Unperturbed, Giselle kept walking. Rounding a massive tree stretching further than I could see, she stopped. Dropping my hand, she placed her palm on the rough bark.
She crooned, “Lila.”
The wood groaned. Puzzled, I stared in shock as a giant seam appeared on the trunks side. As it separated, a dainty foot moved into view. Mouth hanging open, I lifted my gaze.
Clothed in a gown with a vine like cord synched at her waspish waist, her budded nipples peeked out through the sheer fabric. Braided platinum hair adorned her crown in a tight weave. Starlight eyes swirled from a face that nearly stopped my heart. Her pink bow shaped lips lifted into a small smile.
Unable to breathe let alone speak, I stared.
Chapter 16
Lila
Worry overshadowed my excitement as the stranger tumbled to the ground like a pile of bricks.
Giselle bent at the waist and began fanning her face. “I think the shock was too much, Lila.”
As I knelt beside her, the tree of life shuddered at my distress. Noting the even rise and fall of the white-haired beauty’s chest, I glanced up at the trembling boughs. A single leaf fluttered down. Extending my palm, I accepted the gift. Magic flowed through my skin as it lit in a silver hue. Deftly, I unsnapped the top button of her leather vest and touched its tip over her heart.
Her waking gasp halted the motion, but not before I saw a tiny square folded neatly between her breasts.
Like a stone skipping across a placid lake, she met my gaze with a hoarse whisper, “It’s yours.” Grasping one corner, she held the bundle out to me.
Curious as to what this unknown woman could have, I tentatively fingered the pink material.
Memories slid through my mind on contact.
Sapphire eyes twinkled as my father laughed and put out a flaming wall. Blaze…
Mother’s soft kisses feathering against my cheeks followed by her snorted laugh. Sora…
Julian’s wrinkled smile as my chocolate covered fingers ruined his starched polo...
Justine’s ability to conjure small unicorns. Their flaming manes kept me entertained for hours…
Bringing the soft blanket to my nose, I inhaled. The oceanic scent of home swirled through me.
Tears pricked my eyes. How had I forgotten everything?
Giselle lifted my chin with a somber expression. “I’m so sorry, Lila. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long but Gazardiel forbid it. To stay with you I was sworn to remain silent. Forgive me child, it was the only way.”
Rumbling a growl, Bex sat up and took my hand. “What do you mean?”
Oh, Goddess. My chest ached as I recalled the feeling of her snow fur ruffling along my skin.
Sadly, Giselle nodded. “The Angels feared it would interrupt her training. I had no choice. Sora is like my daughter. I couldn’t let my grandchild face her journey alone.”
Anger and confusion warred within me. They’d lied to me for years. “Is our family okay?”
Heaving a sigh, Bex bit her lip. “For the most part, yes.”
Clenching the cloth in a tight fist, I paused. “How did you know to bring this?”
Frowning, she shrugged. “I didn’t. I had to go on a run to Seattle to check on Daisy’s Stronghold. It just seemed right to have it with me.”
Auburn hair and green irises flashed through my mind. �
��Flower? Is she...?”
Bex grinned at my nickname. “Yes. We brought Cooper and the remainder of their Mages back to our Clutch.”
Giselle straightened. “It seems we have much to catch up on.
I felt sick. The hollow feeling settled deeper inside my gut as Bex finished her story. I’d missed so much.
Braiding blades of grass beside me, Giselle seemed to be adjusting rather well to the news.
Bex bumped me with her shoulder. “Is your training done? Can you help us?”
A deep tone sounded, startling us all as Gazardiel strolled into the meadow. Arching her golden wings, her eyes flashed to midnight.
Normally I felt safe and secure in her presence. Now I just wanted to slap her across her face.
Jerking her chin, her honey ringlets tumbled against her shoulders. “Lila is not going anywhere until He has decided.”
Unimpressed, Bex took in her armored appearance with a glare. “Fuck you, Gazardiel. Lila can decide on her own.”
My mouth dropped open in shock. No one talked to her like that. As an Archangel, she led Heavens Choirs with an iron fist.
Giselle chuckled. “She knows everything, Gazardiel. You can’t keep her here forever.”
Roots sprung from the grass as the Angel stormed forward. Their thick tips sharpened to points an inch from her breastplate.
Halting, she gripped the pommel of her longsword. “You’d use the tree of life to reject His will?”
Standing, anger lit my veins. The ground shook as it punctuated my words. “What do you know of His will? I am His voice! The Messiah! The right hand of God! You preach virtues, yet you’ve lied to me!”
Her face fell. “You don’t understand what’s at stake, Lila. It had to be done!”
Silver flames broke out along my skin as my rage hit a fever pitch. “No. You’ve strayed from His path. Your need for control has blinded you. If I’d been allowed to remember my family, I’d have trained harder. Instead, you took them from me.” Lifting my hand, my voice boomed with His power. “You’ve forsaken your role, Gazardiel.”
Eyes wide with fear, she dropped to her knees. “No! Please, Father! Lila was too young to understand! All she did was cry! I had no choice!”
