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Lucius left Wila headed for a fight he felt would be tougher than any other obstacle he could think of; an overprotective mother. Lucius had not been born, had not been raised. He looked the same now as he had on the first day of his existence. It had taken him a while to grasp the concept and understand the bond between a parent and a child and particularly that of a mother with her offspring. Human or animal you just didn’t threaten a young with the mother within striking range and Lucius was not only in range, he was moving in.
He’d stayed his feelings for Wila out of a misguided attempt in honoring the vow he’d taken. After all the years on the surface and the development of emotions he’d stayed mostly to himself, he was, after all an angel. He had a purpose and his instructions from the Almighty were crystal clear. He never envied his friend, Sariel, who was plagued with feelings of joy and sadness. Lucius knew the Archangel thought him rough and once he’d thought he’d rather be tough than experience: fear, sorrow and yes—love. But he’d been wrong. Emotions could make you weak but they also made you stronger.
His announcement that he was in love with Wila had been unexpected. The whole night had been unexpected. He’d stood at her door every night since they arrived. He’d looked at her thousands of times, he felt like he knew every strand of hair on her head. He’d kept himself at a safe distance, not because he was afraid to be alone with her, but because he thought it was truly the right thing to do. He was to protect her, not fall in love with her.
The love he had for her hadn’t gone away, dimmed or changed, if anything, it had gotten stronger, even with them both putting up a valiant effort. He didn’t understand but he’d start to think that maybe…just maybe it was part of his purpose and if not…
He approached Ruth’s door prepared for battle. Wila had fought and won the first round last night, he would make the woman see reason this morning. He’d win, because like everything concerning Wila, failure was not an option.
There was a knock on the door and Ruth, fully expecting to see her daughter, was ready to apologize for her behavior. She was surprised to find the angel standing there instead. Her disappointment showed in her body language, starting with the fall of her hand from the door knob.
“May I speak with you please Ruth?”
She stepped aside to let him in. Ruth went and sat on the edge of her bed. “Have a seat,” she said, pointing to the only chair in the room, a small delicate thing, sitting in front of its matching vanity. Lucius crossed the room and sat down.
“I will give my life without hesitation if it means she’s safe but these words are true for you too. I’ve not said anything you have not promised yourself.
“For a thousand years I have chased the dream of one day finding her. The words of the first Ife, a constant reminder ringing in my ears, I would find her only when she needed protecting the most. There were bigger things in play than the pettiness of who can protect Wila.”
Ruth had not told Wila of her birthright in an attempt, not to keep her safe, but to simply keep her. Somewhere, along the way, her sacrifice had become selfishness. Lucius was there to help. The angel spoke the truth.
“Even if the world should stand against her I will sacrifice all so that she may live.” Lucius repeated the words of the first Ife. Azriel had bound his wings and barred him entrance to heaven for it. It was his first sacrifice made for the Mothers.
“I never knew fear before she came into my life. Now it consumes my every waking moment. Fear that I will not be enough to protect her. Fear that I will not be enough to stop whatever works against her. But it was the fear of living one more day without her knowing my love that was too much to bear.” His eyes never left Ruth’s. The words he spoke sealed his fate with Ruth. There was no denying that he loved her.
“Once I saw the power of a great love,” Ruth said. “I saw it give immeasurable strength and might equal to no other. It is just as beautiful to see a second time.” It was Wila’s mother, Maia; Ruth remembered and spoke of now. “I fear only for those who dare stand against such a love.”
Ruth took in a deep breath, “I’ve behaved badly and I apologize to you angel.”