“You should know better than to close your eyes, Lucia. You should have raised up your protective shield.” Mother’s hands were up, preventing the shards from falling. I wondered what she would do with them.
I shrugged, giving her my innocent smile. “I was with you. You always protect me, Mother.”
Mom leveled her eyes at me. “Lucia. Davin is rubbing off on you.”
“I know.” I rubbed my face.
“It’s not a bad thing.” Mother began to move her hand in a circular motion. The crystals began to move, flowing together to its original form.
“How in the world does that little crystal have so much mass?” I asked, intrigued.
Mother handed it to me. “Here. It is also a great tool or weapon. Learn to master it before you use it or else you’ll end up hurting the ones you love.”
“You’re giving this to me?” I squealed, stepping back a step. “I can’t control it. You saw what I did. What if I—”
“Lucia.” Mother placed the crystal in my hand, the power thrumming to life. A soft vibration tickled my palm, releasing a cool sensation. “I believe in you. This is your first time, your first setback. Don’t let it scare you. You did great. Besides, that was nothing. My shards were longer and bigger. You have better control of your light than I did the first time around. Trust me. You’ll want it by your side. It can do so much more. You’ll see.”
I nodded and accepted the crystal by shoving it inside my front jean pocket. “Thank you, Mother.”
“I can help you bring out your light, but I can’t help you control it. Remember, only use it in most dire times.”
“What about Zach? Will he have the light too?”
Mother pushed a strand of my hair around my ear. “I don’t know. Just because you’re twins doesn’t mean you’ll have the same types of power. But my guess is that he doesn’t. He would have shown it by now, especially since you have.”
“Okay,” I said.
“We’re not done, but let’s sit here and talk before we start up again.” Mother sat on the ledge that circled the fountain and prevented the water from overflowing. In the human world, the fountains ran by electricity, but the Halo City fountain ran on pure divine energy.
I swallowed a lump. I had a feeling the topic was not going to be my light. “What do you want to talk about?”
Without hesitation, she said it nice and clear. “Eli.”
“What about Eli?” My face flushed with warmth at the sound of his name.
Mother cupped my hand with hers. “I know everything. Your father told me. How you two met. His family history. How he has your blood.”
I lowered my head. It was strange to talk about a boy I had a crush on when it was forbidden. The fact that he was a demon didn’t help the situation.
“It’s all right, Lucia,” Mother continued. “I had a feeling one day you might fall in love. You are one-quarter human after all. The Elders enforced that law to ensure angel warriors would not stray. And most of the time, warriors do their job and come home. But once in a blue moon, one falls in love. It’s inevitable.”
“I don’t know if I love him. I don’t know what love is,” I said. “I mean, I love my family and friends, but I don’t know what true love feels like. I think I do. I see how you are with Father. But how do you know what that love feels like?”
Mother stole a glance toward the garden where the children played, nostalgic perhaps, and then back to me. “You used to be that little. Now you’re all grown up, talking to me about love. I didn’t prepare for this moment. I guess most parents don’t. Anyway, my gamma told me love is everything when you find it. It can take you places and make you feel like you’ve never felt before. It makes you strong, and at the same time vulnerable because you give yourself completely. If you can say without a doubt Eli makes you feel this way, then there is your answer.”
I rubbed my hands together, wanting to talk about Eli but at the same time uncomfortable by the talk of love. “He’s not himself. I don’t know if he’ll ever…”
Tears burned my eyes. I rarely cried in front of my mother, but I couldn’t help myself.
Mother wrapped me in her arms, and I became her little girl as I sobbed. I tried to be strong, to pretend everything was fine. I had kept myself busy by researching and finding the answers for the clues. Every single day I told myself not to feel, that emotions would only make me weaker. But the problem with keeping things locked up, they tend to explode, like a broken dam.
Mother held me tighter. Stroking my back, she said with a cracked voice, “Have faith, Lucia. Not all is lost and hopeless. When darkness comes, reach for the tiny beacon of light. You might not see it at first, but it’s there. You just have to keep searching. Once you find it, you’ll be able to guide it to become brighter. Eli is not lost, though at times he may act like it because of Cyrus’s control. He has angel blood. He can hold onto that. If Eli truly loves you, he’ll fight with everything he has.”
“He’s trying, Mother.” I sniffled. “He’s really trying.”
“I know he is. I have no doubt. I trust your judgment.”
I wept for Eli and what he was enduring—mountains of pain and confusion. Life wasn’t fair, insufferable at times, I’d learned that much. But seeing him fighting and suffering to gain control of himself—the hole in my chest deepened.
“There, there, there.” Mother patted my back with her arms still around me. “Hang in there, Lucia. There can only be light after darkness.”
I pulled back from Mother and wiped my tears. It felt good to let it all out. There were no secrets between my parents and me. The guilt had lessened. The thoughts of my relationship with Eli had to be the last thing on my mind. We needed to rescue him, and we needed to save the world. It was time to get ahold of myself. I needed to go back.
“I know you need to head back, but let’s practice a bit more. Then you can practice on your own.” Her words, tender, yet stern, reminded me not to dwell on what was done, but to move forward. It was all I could do.
I stood up, away from my mother’s protection and comfort, and became the angel warrior again.
Chapter 12
Lucia
After rigorous training with Mother, instead of going back to the human world, I decided to visit Nubilus City. I took my time flying over the vast sea of endless clouds, admiring each size and shape. As I traveled downward, my mind reeled back in time to when Eli and I dove through them. I had tried to convince him to astral travel with us. We traveled back in time to witness his mother save Jacques de Molay’s brother’s family. It seemed so long ago, and so much had changed.
My heart died a little more every time I said or heard his name. Blocking the thoughts of Eli out of my mind was the only way I could focus on my duties. Going back to Nubilus City would be a reminder of who I was, not the hopeless girl in love.
The glorious Nubilus City was set on clouds, invisible to the world and other supernatural beings except for the angels who had permission to enter. Unlike the crystal castle in Halo City, the Nubilus was built like a large city centered around the main office where the training took place.
“Welcome, Lucia,” a soft familiar voice greeted. “I’m surprised to see you here.” Katherine, one of the Elders, approached me, her steps light and graceful on the white marble floor. Dressed in a sky-blue chiffon gown, she looked as stunning as I remembered. To my surprise, I wasn’t nervous in her presence.
“Hello, Katherine. It’s nice to see you. I was training with my mother, and I thought to visit before I left.”
“Of course. You are welcome. Your father told me about your gift. You are a blessed one, like your mother. I knew there was something special about you.”
It felt strange getting a compliment from one of the original Elders who had been around since the beginning of time. Regardless, it wasn’t easy being called “blessed one.”
“Yeah, that. Thank you.” Yeah. That. Ugh. I sounded like a human teenager.
&
nbsp; Katherine let out a soft chuckle. “You sound like a teenager. I see you’ve adapted well.”
“Maybe too well.” Thoughts of Eli came to mind. I wondered what she would think of my feelings toward him. Would she judge? Would she force his memories of us to be erased like they did to my mother? But then again, he was a supernatural being, not human.
Katherine gave me a warm smile. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“I came to see the children train. I want to learn more about them.”
“Very well, Lucia. Give my love to all. Stay safe. If you go down the hall and veer right—”
“I remember, Katherine.”
She smiled, elegant and poised. “Of course you do.” With that, she strode ahead.
Grunts and the ring of metal upon metal filled my ears before I entered. The children were in an orderly line. Caleb and Vivian were in the center giving instructions. I inhaled a deep breath, remembering those younger years with my brother and my friends. We were given tasks all over the world, friendship a distant memory. It would be the same for those children.
“Halt.” Vivian raised her hand.
The children formed into lines in a resting stance.
“Everyone, this is Lucia,” Caleb said. “She’s visiting to see how well you’ve been training. Lucia, please step to the center ring.”
As I walked, I wondered what Caleb was up to. The children aimed their focus on me with shy smiles, admiration on their faces.
Vivian began to pace along the outer circle. “Lucia, one of the greatest warriors in her group, wants to see what you have learned. Who wants to go first?”
I parted my lips to protest, but a little girl about the age of eight raised her hand first.
“Gloria. Enter the circle with your sword,” Vivian said, her smile too cunning for the likes of her.
“She’s—” One word escaped my mouth before I could finish my sentence. Gloria swung at me with her sword.
Feisty and brave little thing. I ducked low and swiped my leg under her, but she jumped high and landed with a somersault behind me. Smart move. Had I not moved out of the way, she would have rammed me with the hilt of her sword. I whirled swiftly, giving her no access to any part of me. When she had no advantage, she charged full force. Metal pounded against my crystal sword, and sparkles shot out like mini lightning on contact.
Despite her age and her petite frame, she delivered continuous jabs, and even with my counter strikes and blocks, she showed no sign of weakness or exhaustion. That proved her human side had evolved and her body structure had adapted. For show, and for my ego’s sake, I moved faster. I spun around to grab her, but she slid between my legs. Smart girl. But not fast enough. I twisted and pulled her up, her back to my chest in a choke hold.
“Stand down, Gloria,” Vivian commanded.
Gloria dropped her sword beside her and stood still. I released her.
“Good job, Gloria.” I patted her shoulder.
“Thank you.” Her voice sounded so sweet and innocent as she shuffled back in line.
“I told you.” Vivian smirked.
“Yes, you did,” I confirmed.
I reminded myself these children were better off with us, trained as warriors, than hiding from Cyrus, but my heart went out to them. I was born to be an angel warrior, but those children once had a normal human life. It had been taken away. Cyrus did this to them. Perhaps when the war ended and Cyrus was dead, they could go back to their families. They would fit right in with the missing children.
“I’m proud of you. When the time comes, I will remember how much you have sacrificed. You are a hero to all no matter what happens.” I felt the need to say something encouraging before I left. Katherine had told us the same when I was in their shoes. One day, I would see them on the battlefield, fighting side by side. I wanted them to remember they were loved. They were not just the weapons Cyrus wanted them to be.
The children expressed no emotion, but I knew they felt my sincerity.
“And we are proud of you,” Vivian said. “Go give Davin hell.”
I snorted, unfurling my wings. The children’s eyes grew as my grand wings spread over them. “I will.” Then I soared through the wide open space that let out to the heavenly sky.
Eli
As soon as Clarissa and I arrived at our hell-home, Mortem appeared on the rocky surface high above, peering down at us.
“Did you get lost, Clarissa? Or did you take a detour to see your family?” Mortem accused.
“Don’t you have anything better to do, Mortem? You popping up wherever I turn is unnerving,” I said. “Besides, Clarissa was only following Cyrus’s orders. How about you? Does he find you incompetent?”
Mortem stepped away from the wall with his jaw clenched. “You need to watch your mouth, boy.”
I shuffled the volcano pebbles under my feet, considering tossing hot stones at him. “Awww. Have I hurt your feelings? Oh wait. You’re incapable of having them. You don’t have a heart, do you?”
He ignored me and focused on Clarissa. Clearly, he was determined to get an answer from her. “Answer me. Where have you been?”
Clarissa stiffened and timidly hid behind me. Something had changed in her. The old Clarissa would have bitten back, but this new one was softer and frightened.
“Clarissa is under my care now. You don’t tell her what to do.”
“Under whose authority?” Mortem roared.
“Certainly not yours.” I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes. “Go do something productive instead of hanging around and pretending to be someone important. Or better yet, go play with the demons you helped rebirth.” I glanced behind me. Some of them were not in their cells. “Where are your ugly children?” I gestured with a tilt of my head.
Mortem spread his lips into a smug grin. “I don’t report to you, little boy. If I were you, I would be careful how you treat me. I know something you don’t know. It might be worthwhile to you.” His hair grew longer, and his body structure became more feminine.
Rage filled me to my core. Without thought, I soared in super speed and rammed into Mortem to pin him to the wall. Debris fell like hail.
“Don’t ever change into my mother’s form.” I socked him twice on the face and then once to the gut. From the sound of pounding on prison bars, I had riled up the prisoners.
Mortem groaned, pushing me back. “You’re so lucky I need you alive. Stupid boy, don’t you know? Your mother is—”
“His mother is what?” Cyrus appeared, strolling along the bank of the lava river.
“It’s too bad his mother is dead,” Mortem said, but his eyes shifted away from Cyrus. That wasn’t what he intended to say.
Cyrus didn’t listen. He didn’t seem to care, instead he asked, “Clarissa. Come with me and tell me what you know. I must have the third clue. Mortem, what have you found?”
“We’re still searching. We’re tracking Davin, but it seems he’s having difficulties. I don’t think he knows where to find the treasure.”
“Interesting.” Cyrus flicked some ashes that drifted down to his sleeve.
“Is that true, Clarissa?”
Clarissa’s eyes shot wild. Again, she seemed unsettled. I felt sorry for her. What had happened when she was with Lucia’s team? I would say Davin happened, but I found her in England, standing on top of a circular slab of cement.
“She was kidnapped,” I snapped, taking the attention away from her. “You forced her to be taken. They wouldn’t tell her anything.”
Cyrus bored crimson demon eyes into Clarissa. “I know you’re smart enough not to tell them about our plan. The demons are still watching your brother.”
Just like I thought. Cyrus was notorious when it came to killing the ones we loved. He was no different with Clarissa, who had volunteered to be the demon she had become. Did he threaten all the other teenagers-turned-demons’ families too? If so, then they were mutated against their will.
“I know.” Clarissa shook
her head vigorously. “I swear it. I didn’t tell them anything.”
“Good,” he purred, a sickening sound that made my skin crawl. “Davin and his pathetic knights are only alive because I’m using them to do all the work for me. Once the treasure has been found and we have it in our possession, I’m going to kill them all. We proceed with the plan, Mortem. Get teenage demons to chip away the rock. Once we’ve dug enough, nature will take its course. We’ll build our fortress on the lava-filled land. Only those who profess their loyalty to me will survive. The rest of humanity can burn in hell.”
Sadistic. Diabolical. There was no evil word to describe the monster in front of me. I kept my stoic expression and kept my eyes on Mortem. Something was off with him. I needed to know what he was hiding.
Chapter 13
Jack
When the meeting ended, I went home. The house was dead quiet when I entered. Where did everyone go? I thought of texting Mom but decided not to. Sometimes they took Lucky to the park. I figured they were there. It gave me a chance to be by myself and do some research.
I went to my room and powered on my laptop. After about five minutes of scrolling and making a few notes, I stiffened from a strange sensation, like someone was watching me.
“Dad?” I tried, my tone reserved.
No answer.
Ridiculous. I shook my head, mad at myself for calling out to him. My shoulders slumped, and I puffed out air. I felt both disappointed and stupid. I spun when a cool mist of air touched the back of my neck, like when I opened the freezer and stuck my head next to the opening.
I tried again. “Dad?”
“Jack.” A deep voice rumbled all around me.
My heart slammed against my chest, and I twisted to the location of the sound. On my bed sat a man with pale skin, darker hair than my father’s, and the resemblance to him was uncanny. Strange, so very strange I thought as I examined the man. Then I jolted out of my seat. Holy shit! A demon was in my house. Edelweiss candle scent didn’t work on him. I scrambled toward the door, but it shut in front of my face. Whirling around, I scanned for a weapon, but I had nothing to ward off a demon.