Dark Angel Box Set

by Hanna Peach

  Samyara leaned forward. “What girl?”

  “She was locked in the Hollows as well. A mortal. Alyx insisted on rescuing her.”

  “What was Michael doing with a girl locked up in the Hollows?”

  “I don’t know. But I bet she’s still with them. Could you whisper to her?”

  A grin began to creep across Samyara’s face. “A girl.”

  Chapter 6

  Nordlingen was an old town an hour south of Saint Joseph. From above, Alyx could see the intermittent street lamps spotlighting off the buildings that seemed to circle out from the stone cathedral, marking the town center and the highest point of this town. Some streets were so slim that Alyx doubted that the mortals could fit their cars down these cobbled lanes. It looked like a toy town.

  At the edge of the town near a forested area, Jordan indicated towards a sprawling building that enclosed a square courtyard and branched out in several wings. They swooped over the surrounding wall of this property, and Alyx felt the familiar pop of breaking through a MirageWeaver ward.

  “Welcome to Aradale,” said Jordan as they touched down on the thick grass of the front yard.

  Alyx took in her surroundings. The thick walls of irregular-sized stones rose up on either side of the gate and stretched for some meters until they reached the corners of the block. On the right corner rose a small turret with a capped roof and a menacing spike on top. A lookout, perhaps? Cut into the base of the turret was a door. Inside, Alyx could see a stone circular staircase leading up.

  The sign above the arched entranceway read backwards from where they stood. It took her a few seconds to figure out what it said. “Aradale Asylum?” Alyx spluttered. “Your sanctuary is an asylum?”

  “It was,” Jordan said. “It shut down some years ago and we took it over. It has been a FreeThinker community ever since. The mortal community still thinks it’s a working asylum. Hence, the neighbors don’t bother visiting.” Jordan grinned. “Come on. Tobias is waiting for us.”

  Inside, the beige walls of the corridors stretched out left and right with wooden floors made dull by years of traffic. Wooden stairs with smooth handrails and metal balustrades twisted up towards a second floor. Someone had tried to make this place homier by placing small wooden tables along the corridors and dressing them with vases containing orange and yellow gerberas. Framed pictures had been hung up along the walls.

  There were a few Seraphim milling around, their stares curious.

  “Jordan.”

  Alyx turned to see a youngling about eleven winters, wild sandy hair, grin to his ears, flying towards them. The youngling flew into Jordan’s grasp, his thin arms winding around Jordan’s neck. Jordan laughed, returning his enthusiastic hug, then setting him down and rubbing a hand over his head. “Staying out of trouble, young Ky?”

  “Never,” Ky said while ducking away from Jordan’s hand.

  Jordan laughed again and grabbed the boy to plant a quick kiss on his head. “Ky, I want to introduce you to some people. This is Israel.”

  Ky pulled away from Jordan and stared at Israel. Ky squinted. “He’s not Seraphim?”

  “No,” said Israel. “Just a human.”

  “Cool.” Ky put his hand on his chest and did a little bow. “Pleased to meet you, just a human.”

  Israel smiled as he placed his own hand on his chest and bowed. “Likewise.”

  “Ky is Lukas’s and Ana’s son,” Jordan explained to them. “And Ky, this is Alyx.”

  “Who’s that?” Ky’s eyes widened at Mini still lying asleep in Alyx’s arms.

  “Ky,” admonished Jordan.

  “It’s okay, Jordan. Ky, this is a lost little girl we found. She doesn’t have a real name, but we call her Mini.”

  His chocolate eyes were wide as he continued to stare at Mini. “She’s pretty.”

  But Jordan wasn’t ready to let it go. “Ky, don’t be disrespectful to Alyx. She’s one of our fiercest warriors. Greet her properly or your mother will hear about it.”

  Only then did Ky give Alyx any attention. He placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head towards her before puffing up his chest and announcing, “I shall be a great warrior one day, too.”

  Alyx smiled. “Well, young warrior. Perhaps if your mother will allow, you can come practice with me.”

  Ky gasped, then his face broke into a grin. “Do you think she will, Jordan?”

  “Ask her now, Ky.” Jordan nodded towards a seraphelle floating towards them. She was long-limbed, pleasant-faced and moved through the air delicately. Her expression eased into a smile as she approached. “Ky, there you are.”

  Ky flew to his mother’s side, his body becoming animated as he spoke rapidly, “...and she is a great warrior and she’s going to teach me to be a great warrior too but only if you say that it’s okay, oh please say that it’s okay, Mama?”

  She looked over to Alyx, then to her son. There was something in her eyes that caught Alyx’s attention. Was it...apprehension and...fear?

  “We’ll see, Ky,” she said.

  “Good to see you, Ana,” Jordan said. “This is Israel. And Alyx, who young Ky here is getting worked up over. This gorgeous seraphelle is Ana.” Jordan grinned.

  A smile broke through the tension in Ana’s face. “Jordan, you know your charms don’t work on me.”

  “One can always hope, dear lady.” Jordan’s grin widened, and he lifted Ana’s hand to his lips. Turning back to Alyx and Israel, he said, “Ana is our physician.”

  Physician. Alyx’s thoughts went to her belly. If anyone could tell her whether a child was growing inside her, Ana could. But could she trust Ana to keep her secret?

  Alyx smiled at Ana, hoping to dispel some of the apprehension that was still in Ana’s eyes when she looked at Alyx. “So lovely to meet you.”

  “You’re a warrior. Which city did you defect from?” Ana asked.

  Alyx was not expecting this question. “Michaelea. Why? Did you come from there?”

  Ana’s face looked haunted for a moment. “A long time ago, yes.” She grabbed Ky’s hand. “Come, Ky. Let these people get on their way and settle in. I’m sure that we are just in their way.”

  “No, no. Not in the way at all,” Alyx started to say, but Ana was already pulling Ky along behind her as if she couldn’t wait to leave.

  Strange, Alyx thought. Before she could ask Jordan more about Ana, a booming male voice called out, “So, our prodigal son has returned. And who has he returned with?”

  Alyx turned her head towards the voice. A seraph, tall and olive-skinned with sparkling brown eyes was floating towards them. His features were of an older seraph, but his eyes gave him a sense of the child-like, of youthful exuberance. His smile radiated life and warmth and kindness. Alyx felt herself liking him already.

  A wide grin spread across Jordan’s face. “Tobias. It’s so good to see you.”

  “And you, Jordan. You have been missed these last few weeks. It seems the place is falling apart without your skilled hands.”

  “You exaggerate too much.”

  “I only do it to help you out with the ladies.” Tobias winked at Alyx. “Lord knows you need all the help you can get with them.”

  The two seraphs clasped in a long and deep hug. As Jordan pulled back, he indicated as he spoke, “This is Alyx, the one I was telling you about. And Israel. And little Mini.”

  “And you’re letting her carry all the weight? Jordan, what have I taught you?” Tobias chastised good-naturedly. Jordan pulled Mini from Alyx’s arms into his own, and Alyx mouthed her thanks.

  Tobias turned to Alyx. She placed a hand on her chest and bowed her head to greet him. “I am pleased to meet you, Tobias. Jordan has spoken so highly of you.”

  His grin broadened. “Come now, we shall be good friends soon, so why not start now?” Tobias surprised her by pulling her into his arms for a hug. Alyx found herself up on her toes. His larger, strong frame was an instant comfort. She found that a smile was beaming across her face
as he let her go.

  “You too, young Israel,” Tobias said as he enveloped Israel in his arms. They had a similar build and height, so Israel didn’t have to tiptoe like she did. Alyx could tell that Israel was uncomfortable with the proximity to this seraph from the crease between his brows and the way he gingerly patted Tobias’s back.

  With the introductions over, Alyx tried to pull Tobias aside. “I have a few questions.”

  “I’m sure you do,” Tobias said, interrupting her gently. “But there is plenty of time for all of that later. Let me show you to your rooms, get you settled in.”

  Jordan walked ahead, with Tobias leaving Alyx and Israel walking side by side. Alyx tried not to appear uncomfortable walking next to him, but the silence hung awkwardly between them and caused Alyx’s throat to stick.

  “I am so sorry about Zia,” Jordan said to Tobias. “We came as soon as we heard.”

  Alyx could see Tobias nodding. “It is sad news. Something must be done. I have called a meeting which I hope the three of you will attend.” This last sentence was directed over his shoulder to Israel and Alyx as well.

  “Of course,” Israel and Alyx both said.

  They kept walking through the corridors, Alyx noting the curious stares of the other Seraphim who passed them.

  “What do you think Samyara wants with me?” Israel asked in a hush.

  Alyx bit her lip. “Because of your part in the prophecy. He probably wants to turn you, get you on their side. Tip the balance in their favor.” Guilt began to bloom in her chest for not telling him about what she suspected.

  Now is not the time, she said to herself. Later, after I have confirmed with Ana about our child.

  “But what’s my part supposed to be?”

  “I…I don’t know.”

  They stopped in front of two open doors on opposite sides of the hallway, which Tobias motioned to. “These are your rooms. I have also allocated a smaller room next door for the girl so you can be close to her as well. Your room and Mini’s room have a door between them,” Tobias said to Alyx.

  “I’ll lay her in her bed now,” Jordan said before he disappeared into Mini’s room.

  Tobias took a step closer to Alyx and Israel and lowered his voice. “Jordan has told me of your Guardian-bond and of your part in the prophecy.” He nodded towards Israel. “I have suggested to him that we keep this knowledge under wraps for the time being. It’s not that I don’t trust the Seraphim here, but Seraphim can talk and we want to avoid any information leaking out. If the Darkened or the Elders find out that you’re here, it puts Aradale at risk. Does this make sense?”

  Alyx and Israel nodded. Jordan reappeared and shut Mini’s door.

  Tobias took his leave, asking them to make their way to his office in half an hour for the meeting. He promised to spare some minutes for Alyx as well.

  Jordan stepped up to Alyx’s side, close enough for her to feel his breath on her hair. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Israel frown.

  “I have some things to take care of but I shall come and find you soon, okay, beauty?” Jordan’s voice was soft, low enough to be taken as intimate, but loud enough that she had no doubt that Israel had heard him. Jordan nodded to Israel then floated away down the corridor.

  Alyx had only just entered her room when she heard Israel snap from behind her, “What was that about?”

  Alyx spun to face him. His features were hard. “What was what about?”

  “That. You. Jordan. Is there...is there something going on with you two?”

  “Even if there was, that is none of your business.” Alyx folded her arms across her chest.

  “Well, gee. How quickly I am replaced,” he replied bitterly.

  Alyx couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “How dare you. You’re the one who−”

  “Alyx? Alyx?” Mini’s desperate voice called through the wall from the next room, cutting her off.

  “I’m here, Mini. I’m coming,” Alyx called out. “I don’t have time for this,” she said to Israel and shut the door in his face.

  Alyx pressed her forehead to the door. How dare he! He was allowed to obsess over another woman and she wasn’t allowed to have a friend?

  For a moment there was silence behind the door. He was still there. He hadn’t moved away. Alyx began to think, to hope, that maybe Israel would knock and say that he was sorry and that he was an idiot or…something.

  Her heart crumpled a little when she heard Israel’s footsteps travel the short distance to his room opposite hers; then his door slammed.

  Alyx sighed. She moved through the door that separated her room from Mini’s so that she could comfort Mini.

  * * *

  Mini was fully awake and had begun to look around curiously at their new surroundings. Her room, like Alyx’s, was simply furnished.

  Alyx was pointing to and sounding out the few simple things in the room when there was a knock on the door. When it opened, Ky’s face peeked through.

  “Hi, Ky,” said Alyx. “You can come in, but be very gentle as this is all very new to Mini and we don’t want to frighten her.”

  Ky closed the door behind him ever so carefully so as not to make a sound. He floated towards them with the caution that one would take when approaching a wild horse. Mini leaned forward, peering curiously at the young boy. Ky’s eyes were just as wide as Mini’s as they studied each other. Mini then looked back and forth between Ky and Alyx as if requiring an explanation of this newcomer. Mini didn’t seem afraid of him.

  “Mini, this is Ky. He is our new friend. Friend.” Alyx made an effort to clearly pronounce this last word.

  “Frehn,” said Mini, her little tulip mouth working around the sound.

  Ky’s face contorted. “Can’t she talk?”

  “I guess no one ever taught her,” said Alyx.

  “Didn’t her parents teach her?”

  “No, Ky. I don’t think she ever had parents.”

  “Never had parents?” Ky’s eyebrows furrowed with what looked like a soft compassion. His eyes remained fixed on Mini. He appeared to have been stunned into silence.

  Alyx began to point to things around the room again, sounding out the corresponding word to Mini. Bed. Table. Light. Floor. Mini repeated them with a thick tongue.

  “Can I teach her, too?” Ky asked.

  “How about I make you a deal?” Alyx said.

  “What kind of deal?”

  “I have to see Tobias soon for a meeting. But I don’t want to leave Mini alone in this new place, and it looks like she trusts you. So if you could stay with her and teach her some words for me, maybe take her around Aradale if you feel like a walk, then I shall train you in exchange.”

  His face lit up. “Oh boy! Will I ever…” Suddenly, Ky frowned and began to shake his head. “No. It isn’t fair, Warrior Alyx.”

  “What isn’t fair?”

  “I don’t feel like the deal is fair. I mean, I get to spend time with Mini and I get you as my trainer.” His frown deepened. “I don’t see what I am giving in exchange for these things. This deal isn’t fair to you.”

  The boy looked so serious that Alyx had to stop herself from laughing. “Well, what do you think would be fair?”

  “Perhaps I could polish some of your weapons.” Ky brightened up. “Yes, I could do that.”

  Alyx stuck out her hand. “Deal.” He shook her hand very solemnly. “Mini, I’m going to leave you with Ky here, okay? He’s going to keep you company while I’m not here. Be good.”

  Ky moved towards Mini, smiling at her. “Hi, Mini, you and I are going to be best friends.” He pointed to himself. “Ky. Friend.”

  Alyx slipped out of the room.

  * * *

  Earlier, Tobias had said that his office was in the other wing, just past the covered courtyard that separated the east and west wings. As Alyx made her way through the Aradale building, she smiled at the few Seraphim that she passed. They all seemed quite friendly...so far.

  Ente
ring the other wing, Alyx noticed a disheveled-looking seraphelle standing to one side of the corridor that she needed to travel down. The seraphelle was wearing a long skirt that looked worn and was rimmed with dried mud. Oily hair lay limp across a gaunt face pierced by vacant, snowy blue eyes. Alyx didn’t know why, but she found herself veering to the other side of the corridor as she passed this seraphelle. The seraphelle’s gaze found Alyx’s face. Her vacant eyes came to life.

  “You,” the seraphelle hissed at Alyx as she lifted a crooked finger to point at her face. “The ghost, she walks. The ghost walks.”

  Alyx felt an odd prickle along her back. “What?”

  The seraphelle scuttled in front of Alyx, blocking her path. Alyx froze in place, unsure of what to do. She could feel the seraphelle woman studying her face. It made her feel like insects were crawling under her skin.

  “No,” the seraphelle began to mutter. “Not the ghost who lost it all. Not the ghost, but looks like the ghost.”

  The ghost? Who was this seraphelle? Was she just crazy or was there a ghost?

  The seraphelle began to chant in a strange voice,

  “Come forth, I charge thee, arise,

  Thou of the many tongues, the myriad eyes!

  Thou comest not with shows of flaunting vines,

  Unto mine inner eye, Divinest Memory!”

  As she stretched out her hand towards Alyx’s head, Alyx was too stunned to move.

  Another hand grabbed the seraphelle’s wrist just before it touched Alyx’s forehead, her dirty fingers wiggling like worms.

  “Don’t let her touch your head,” Jordan said as he eased the seraphelle’s hand away from Alyx. She was no match for his strength. Jordan leaned down to the seraphelle and spoke to her in a low voice. Alyx couldn’t hear what he was saying, but the woman recoiled and started to hiss. Finally the woman snatched her hand away from Jordan and scurried away through the corridor.

  “What the hell just happened?” Alyx said. “Why was she talking about a ghost?”

  “Who knows? She doesn’t ever make any sense. Stay away from her. She’s crazy. And don’t let her touch you. Ever.”