Hidden Fire

by Deirdra Eden

  Azrael’s eyes focused out the window on the misty road winding though the valley toward the dense forest. “Going to London is the same as going to war. Do you understand the risk?”

  I swallowed hard and answered with a nod.

  “You don’t have to go,” Azrael said. “We could take you to the sanctuary, then Orion, Korban and I will return to London with a full army.”

  He was just trying to protect me. “Azrael, I need to go. With all the hate between our countries, what will the English think when they see an army led by three Scotsmen riding into London? They won’t think you are there to fight Erebus. It will be a blood bath on both sides. I must lead you there in order to avoid this.”

  Azrael let out a surrendering sigh as if he knew I was right. “Then we will pack light to make better speed to London.”

  Within the hour we mounted our horses and the northern wind pushed against our backs as if urging us forward.

  My energy waned under the sunless sky. Korban was in front while Orion stayed in the rear of our tiny four person army. Azrael rode beside me. Raindrops fell through the trees, creating dark spots on our wool cloaks.

  I had no idea what to expect when I returned home, except that King Edward would be furious, Lucas would be happy to see me, and we would be hopelessly outnumbered against Erebus’s armies.

  I hadn’t discovered any useful information for Edward, and I hadn’t assassinated anyone either. In fact, I discovered my own people were the true enemies of Scottish peace. Edward wouldn’t listen to me, but Lucas would. I could always count on him. Once I explained the situation to Lucas, he would petition to the king on my behalf.

  Azrael’s gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. “Don’t be disappointed. Despite what King Edward will say, your mission to Scotland was successful.”

  “We will see,” I mused. “I wish there was more I could have done. Peace seems hopeless.”

  Azrael reached across the gap between us and held my hand. “In war, there is always hope, and there is always light.” He pulled away and gripped his reins. I could still feel the warmth of his hand on mine, even after he let go.

  The horses’ hooves sloshed on the road, engraved with horse and cart tracks. The journey back to London was going to be one of the longest weeks of my life.

  I shook my head, trying to shake the worry from my mind. I couldn’t give up. “You’re right, Azrael. I just hope I will be received well when I return to London.”

  “I’m sure your fiancé will be thrilled when you return safely.” There was no bitterness in his voice.

  I looked away as new worry crept into my mind. Once I got back, I had to find out why Lucas had the Shadow venom. If he knew what it was, he would never have sent it with me. Images of the Shadow Wolves pacing the river’s edge flashed across my mind. My stomach tightened into a sick knot. At least Azrael had been there to pull me from the water and—I stopped in mid-thought and imagined Azrael’s perfect lips over mine as he breathed into my lungs and forced out the river water.

  Azrael turned and smiled at me with those perfect lips. My face flared like a bonfire bursting to life. I turned away. My warm, uneven breath hit the cold air. I scolded myself for feeling this way.

  The road became muddier and we slowed our pace.

  Baby walked ahead of Korban as if he led the tiny caravan. His eyes narrowed and his nose wrinkled in disgust as he tiptoed along the grassy edge of the road to avoid the mud.

  “A big kitten like you, ‘tis afraid to get his feet dirty?” Azrael teased.

  Baby let out a hiss. My grip tightened on the reins of my startled horse.

  Azrael bellowed a warm baritone laugh.

  “It’s like he can understand you.” I had seen people talk with the cats before, but the conversation was mostly one sided as they answered their cat’s meow with, “Yes, yes, I know.”

  “He can,” Azrael admitted, but the way he smiled made me wonder if he was teasing. “And I can understand him,” he continued in a more serious tone. “All Neviahans have the ability to communicate with their animal companions.”

  “Like, full conversations?” I asked and purposefully looked back at Orion to validate what Azrael had said.

  Orion shrugged his massive shoulders, “‘Tis true.”

  I still couldn’t believe it. “Do you have an animal companion?” I asked Orion.

  “‘Tis a worm,” Azrael said. He couldn’t hold a straight face.

  Orion threw Azrael a dark glare, but his expression softened before answering me, “I haven’t gotten my animal companion yet. What about you?”

  I shook my head. “No, I don’t have one either.” Now that I knew I could have a pet I could talk to, I really wanted one. “Will I get my animal companion at the sanctuary?”

  “Not necessarily,” Azrael said. “When the time is right, your animal companion will find you.”

  The rain no longer fell in drops from the sky, but turned into a fine, wet mist around us.

  “What kind of companion will I have?” I hoped it wouldn’t be a snake or rat.

  Azrael shrugged. “You won’t know until one day, an animal walks up to you and starts talking.”

  “Can Baby understand me?” I asked.

  Azrael answered with a nod.

  I tried to recall everything I’d ever said to Baby and hoped I hadn’t embarrassed myself by sharing anything too personal. “Can he talk to me?”

  “No, but he keeps trying to,” Azrael answered.

  “What does he say?” My curiosity piqued.

  Azrael’s eyes twinkled with laughter. “Most of the time he says things inappropriate for a lady to hear. ‘Tis a good thing you can’t understand him.”

  “Oh,” I replied and felt myself blush again.

  “You haven’t been telling him any secrets, have you?” Korban asked. “‘Cause that cat blabs everything.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “I’m not the one with secrets.” I turned and looked at Azrael as if trying to pierce his soul with my gaze.

  Azrael held up his hands in a surrendering gesture. “I told you I would tell you everything you want to know about me.”

  “What did the king tell you before we left Edinburg?”

  Azrael grinned and held me with his captivating eyes. His voice dropped to a gentle whisper. “He said you are a fine woman and I should always respect you as an equal.”

  I broke free from his enchanting gaze and let my hair fall forward like a scarlet curtain between us. The only way to defeat Erebus would be to use Starfire. “People are counting on us. I need to know everything about Erebus so I can be prepared in battle.”

  Azrael still smiled, but I forced my lips into a tight line. I was proud of myself for staying regal while he kept trying to break my defenses. It was easy to be serious when I talked about war and Erebus.

  “What do you know about the war in the Kingdom of Neviah?” Azrael asked. All teasing tones and flirtatiousness left him as he sat a little straighter.

  I shrugged. “Hardly anything. Only that one-third of the kingdom rebelled and we are still fighting that war here on Earth.”

  Azrael nodded. “The Great King of Neviah had seven sons. They each controlled one of the seven major elements: Spirit, Life, Death, Wind, Fire, Earth, and Water. Erebus was one of the seven princes.”

  “Erebus?” I couldn’t believe it. Was Azrael talking about the same rebel who was trying to cause the complete destruction of the human race? Erebus couldn’t possibly be a prince of Neviah. “Why would Erebus turn against his own kingdom?”

  “‘Twas because of the first son’s decision. The first prince was destined to inherit all that his father had—the whole kingdom. Do you know how many stars and planets that is?” Azrael didn’t wait for me to guess. “The first son wanted to share it with every Neviahan. That way, we would all be heirs to endless worlds and kingdoms.”

  I held up my hand, stopping him from going on until I asked, “So the first son, to whom the throne righ
tfully belonged, wanted to create a democracy and do away with the monarchy?”

  “Sort of,” Azrael answered. “This isn’t like any political endeavor Earth has ever known. All members of Neviah would be kings and queens as they became joint heirs with the first son.” I tried to imagine what it would be like if a prince of England did something like that. Azrael continued, “The second son, Erebus, wanted to keep all the king’s power and glory for himself.”

  I lifted my gaze from the road and pursed my lips as if pushing a sour taste from my mouth. “Power seems to be a common theme with the Shadow Legion.” I couldn’t help it, my words still sounded bitter.

  Azrael had his war face on. His eyes focused on the road ahead of us and his voice lowered. “Erebus gathered followers to overthrow the king and eldest son. After the first Neviahan war, the rebels stripped themselves of light and searched for new power in the darkness.” He turned to look at me, his eyes were fierce and a thrill ran through me. “That’s when they came to Earth. Now, Erebus is trying to start his own kingdom with himself as the king here on Earth. And because they have no natural Neviahan power anymore, they hunt us Watchers for our power.”

  I shook my head to break away from his intense gaze. Erebus wanted this world to be his own dark Neviah. I knew that meant he wanted to initiate a holocaust and the complete genocide of the human race.

  Orion’s deep voice came from behind. “We cast them out once before—we can do it again!”

  “Huzzah!” Korban cheered in agreement.

  I couldn’t help but smile at their unconquerable enthusiasm.

  Azrael continued, “The only problem is that our numbers are fewer on Earth. As you saw yesterday in the meeting with the king, the humans aren’t going to be much help.”

  The war on Earth was more complicated than I had imagined. “How many other Neviahans are here on Earth?” I asked.

  “Tens of thousands,” Azrael answered.

  I jumped with surprise and gripped my saddle to keep from falling off. I sheepishly glanced over my shoulder at Orion, who always seemed to predict I would fall off my horse.

  Orion shook his head.

  I turned back to Azrael. “I had no idea there were so many of us. You three are the first I’ve ever met.”

  Azrael rode a little closer. “You will meet a whole lot more once we make it to the sanctuary.”

  I looked away. After we took care of the problems in London I would have to keep my promise and go to the sanctuary. Things were going to change for me, but was it really a good idea for me to leave the people I’m supposed to protect? Perhaps I made the promise too hastily.

  “What is it?” Azrael asked. He had a way of sensing my emotions as if he felt them himself.

  I stuttered as if choking on my words. “Will Lucas be able to come with me to the sanctuary?” I was still torn in so many ways about Lucas. I really did care for him and it would tear him apart if I had to leave him after we had just been reunited.

  “The Neviahans have strict rules about humans and Watchers intermixing,” Azrael said in a firm tone, but he seemed to pull away as if he didn’t want to talk about it.

  “What do you mean?” I prodded. I wasn’t going to let him retreat that easily. “We work with humans all the time.”

  Azrael didn’t say anything. I stared at him, not giving up until I got an answer.

  Orion broke the silence, “Intermarriage is forbidden.”

  “What? Why?” I suddenly felt condemned. I couldn’t marry who I wanted to? I looked to where my engagement ring should be on my hand. My heart sank.

  Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse Korban said, “If you bore a child, then we would have to kill it. The Nephilim are against the laws of nature.”

  Horror rushed over me. How could they kill an innocent baby? This all sounded so terrible.

  “Stop,” Azrael said in the sharpest tone I had ever heard him use. “Auriella can marry whomever she wishes.” I still didn’t look at him. For some reason I felt ashamed now. Korban threw Azrael a warning glare. Azrael ignored the warning and continued, “If her fiancé has any brains or balls, he will follow her to the ends of the Earth.”

  A slight smile pulled at my lips. I squinted and watched the wet, sunlit mist float through the woods. Would Lucas really come with me? I wasn’t about to tell Azrael of Lucas’s dislike for Neviahans and I didn’t know how to tell Lucas another man would be my new lifelong fighting companion.

  I tried to focus on what Azrael had said and not Korban’s threats. I’m sure there would be a way for Lucas and I to be together at the sanctuary, especially if he was going to help us fight the Legion. Lucas would understand, and Azrael would behave himself. I cast a sideways glance at Azrael. Doubt washed over me when he gave me a half smile that I tried not to read into. Would Azrael behave himself?

  Celestial energy constantly passed between us, making our bond stronger every moment we were in each other’s presence. Every glance and every word only added to the power rushing through me. Our connection was deeper than even Starfire.

  “Do you think we fought in the first Neviahan war together?” I asked, trying to understand the familiarity and comfort between us.

  Azrael’s questioning gaze shot to mine like I had awakened him out of his own deep thought. “Do you remember that?” he asked, his eyes wide.

  I tried to remember the time before my human memories overshadowed my pre-Earth memories. The only images that came to my mind were of a misty waterfall and crystal cave. It felt like a dream from a long time ago. I shook my head. “No. Being with you just feels . . . familiar.”

  Azrael swallowed hard. He pressed his lips into a smile as if not allowing himself to be disappointed that I didn’t remember anything from before my life on Earth. His voice was soft. “I believe we have fought many wars side by side.” He captured me with those eternally deep eyes as he continued, “And there will yet be many more battles for us to fight.”

  I allowed myself to get lost in his eyes. “I think I would like that.” I meant it sincerely. Fighting alongside him would feel like a fluid dance of grace.

  “What are your earliest memories?” Azrael asked, as if still hoping to prod my pre-Earth memories.

  “Well . . .” I hesitated and his curious eyes shimmered with interest. I laughed. “You really want to know?”

  “Yes,” Azrael said. “I want to know everything about you.”

  “Everything?” I asked, suddenly overwhelmed. “I don’t know where to start.”

  “When did you first learn you were Neviahan?” Azrael asked.

  That was kind of a complicated question, especially since I had denied it for so long. “My parents were killed in a fire started by a Shadow Lord,” I began. “I walked away from the arson attack without even a minor burn. I think that’s when I realized there was something different about me. I wasn’t the only one who noticed. I was attacked by Shadow Wolves. They tried to kill me, but a witch named Hazella saved me.” I watched Azrael’s expression. He didn’t flinch or seem surprised. “Hazella knew there was a reason why the Shadow Wolves were after me. She captured me and tortured me for information about my powers.”

  Azrael swallowed hard, but looked at me with eager eyes as if asking me to continue.

  “I was only thirteen. I knew nothing of the Great Kingdom of Neviah, my powers, or the Shadow Legion. Although the witch was horrible, I realized that if I hadn’t gone through that experience, I might not have had the courage or resiliency to accomplish all the things I have. I even discovered my powers while living with the witch.”

  Azrael gave me a half smile. “Most people would want revenge against such a terrible person. You could’ve burned her alive, but you let her go.”

  “I let her go a long time ago,” I said. “There is too much pain in this world. Why would I want to hang on to something that has long passed?”

  “How did you escape?” Azrael asked, still interested in my story.

 
“I met Ruburt, a dwarf from the Golden Valley. He was a goldsmith hired by the witch to make an enchanted ruby necklace. It’s the same necklace I gave to Lucas to help heal him in battle.”

  “Enchanted?” Azrael asked.

  I nodded. “Yes, I wasn’t Hazella’s only prisoner. The witch had also captured a pixie named Cassi and was harvesting pixie dust from her to make the necklace. When Ruburt found us, he helped us escape and led us to Oswestry. There, I was hired as a servant girl in the manor. That’s where Lucas and I met. He taught me to fight. It was our dream to be knighted together.” I laughed as I recalled the fond memories. “I gained favor in the sight of Lady Hannah after I used the ruby necklace to heal her. She adopted me into her house as an heir. She was wonderful to me.”

  “What happened to her?” Azrael asked.

  I paused. After that, all my memories seemed to be coated with sadness.

  “I’m sorry. If you do not want to talk about it—”

  “She died.” I interrupted his apology. “She died of a broken heart, and I thought my fate would be the same. We got word that two of her sons were killed on the crusade. She took off the ruby necklace that kept her alive and then she died.” I could barely whisper as I told him the sad ending to Lady Hannah’s life.

  Azrael reached out and touched my hand as I choked back tears.

  “Things got better, though.” I took a deep breath, forcing myself to be strong. “I studied tactics and weaponry under some mercenaries, and as you know, I was knighted by the late king and started my mission as England’s Watcher.” I looked away. “I wish King Edward understood me the way his father had.”

  Azrael didn’t ask any more questions, which was good because I had other things on my mind now. I still didn’t know what to say to Edward when I got back to London. Not only had I refused to assassinate Alexander, but now I opposed King Edward’s plan to forcefully unite England and Scotland.

  With my mind full of doubt and terrible worries, the day quickly passed. Night came, and though the men still seemed rested, Korban insisted on stopping after Orion predicted I would fall off my horse again. I wasn’t going to test his theory, so I agreed to rest for the night.