Splendor and Darkness Read online

  “Only we’ve relocated in his absence.” Kaleb chuckled. “He has no idea where we are.”

  Lailah licked her lips and looked from Enos to Kaleb and back. “You sent him in to distract the Guardians, knowing he would betray you in the end.”

  Enos shrugged. “Makatiel no longer concerns me. He is in the hands of God.”

  She flinched from the sarcasm in his tone.

  “Now on to the Empowered One.” He nodded and Kaleb pulled the tapestry to one side. Nate was chained to the wall, gagged and bloodied, his clothing reduced to tattered rags.

  “Nay!” Lailah lunged forward. Enos caught her around the waist, drawing her back against his chest.

  “I sensed this one’s potential shortly after his birth. I have orchestrated his entire life to make him susceptible to my will, but he is stubborn.”

  “You hid him from Gadrayel, like you concealed the horde.”

  “Very good. I shielded his true nature, so they wouldn’t interfere.”

  Nate twisted in his chains, his gaze bright with hatred and defiance.

  Lailah stopped struggling. Demons thrived on conflict. She needed to understand his purpose. “What has he to do with my transformation? Release him. This is between you and me.”

  “Actually, it will be between the three of us.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Nate clenched his fists until his fingers went numb. The gag bit into the corners of his mouth and the bitter taste of blood lingered on his tongue. He had allowed Kaleb to bear him away from the forest, ensuring Will’s safety. But the moment their surroundings stopped spinning, Nate had launched a brutal attack.

  Knowing the fight was lost before it began hadn’t stopped Nate from trying. In the end, Kaleb had had to summon help to secure Nate in the shackles. That fact was small consolation with Enos wrapped around Lailah like a cloak.

  “I think she needs a demonstration.”

  Kaleb nodded and walked from the room.

  Lailah twisted in Enos’ grasp, her fingers prying at his forearm. “If this is between the three of us, then release Judith and Anna.”

  “You will understand everything soon, my dear.” He cupped her breast, his gaze lifting to watch Nate’s reaction. “Judith is expendable, but the child is not.”

  She stopped struggling and closed her eyes. Fragmented images from his vision returned to mock Nate. Lailah wasn’t yet chained to the bed, but this was the same room. If he was truly the Empowered One, his gifts were useless.

  Your gifts are not yet active. You are far from useless.

  Nate waited for Enos to react to the strange male voice. He continued pawing Lailah, his face pressed against her hair. Her eyes remained closed and her posture hadn’t changed.

  I am sending my thoughts to you alone. Blink your eyes if you can hear me.

  Nate blinked several times to be sure.

  I am Sariel. Do you know who I am?

  Nate blinked again.

  Don’t try to respond. Enos will detect your thoughts. Cooperate for the time being. We are formulating a plan.

  Kaleb returned, dragging a gray-green creature by the arm. Its grotesque features and putrid stench identified its origin. Only something from the Netherworld could smell that bad.

  “That is not worth the effort. Could you not find a fledgling at least?”

  “We are a long way from the main gate here. I shall hunt later, but I thought this would suffice for the demonstration.”

  Enos released Lailah and picked up the gray-green demon by its misshapen head. It shrieked, its spindly legs flailing wildly. As Enos gazed into its eyes, the creature exploded in a puff of dust, leaving a cloud of eerie green light. Enos inhaled the cloud, absorbing it through his eyes, mouth and nose.

  Lailah shook her head, backing away from Enos. Terror filled her gaze and the color drained from her face. “You’re a leech, one of the Ravenous.” She whispered the word with such dread, it made Nate bite down on the gag and jerk against the chains. “I don’t understand. They were all destroyed.”

  “Ravening is not a nature. It’s a skill. It’s one of many I’ve managed to acquire. Kaleb has learned how, and you will too. You will be more powerful than you ever dreamed—free, immortal, indestructible.”

  “But you must complete your transformation,” Kaleb said. “You don’t have far to go.”

  “Nay! I will not Fall.”

  “You are so fixated on that word. It’s just a word. I found you alone in the dark. I gave you back life’s splendor.”

  She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. “You offer me darkness of all eternity. I’m not a fool.”

  “That has yet to be seen,” Enos sneered. “My patience is wearing thin. I thought I could explain this to you logically and… Well, no matter, there are always alternatives.”

  Enos grabbed her by the hair and yanked her against his chest. Her cry echoed off the stone walls and Nate’s heart lodged in his throat. He twisted and tugged, ignoring the pain stabbing up his arms.

  “The Empowered One dies today. Either I absorb his energy, which will give me enough power to bow you to my will, or you cooperate and I’ll give his power to you.”

  “You can’t force me to Fall.”

  “With his power, I can. The choice is yours, slave or treasured mate. One way or the other, you will be mine.”

  “You know, Father, you could use the child to motivate Lailah.” Kaleb grinned, and bile rose into the back of Nate’s throat.

  “I know you had your heart set on a family, but you could use Anna’s power to complete Lailah’s transformation. Then, when your reluctant mate is being more reasonable, you can implant Nate’s essence inside her.”

  “Nay!” Lailah threw herself against Enos, punching and slapping, kicking and spitting.

  Enos wrapped his arms around her, trapping her arms against her sides. She pounded her head against his chest and continued to kick. Laughing, Enos turned toward his son. “You see why I must have her. Such spirit is hard to find.” He tightened his arms until Lailah went limp in his embrace. “That’s better. We will find more constructive avenues for all this passion once your transformation is complete. I was hoping to raise Anna as our own while I search for suitable breeders, but Kaleb has a viable idea.”

  “Breeders?”

  “Aye. Human women—like Kaleb’s mother—who will carry my children.”

  “You’re mad.” Tears streamed down her cheeks, but the fire had not left her eyes.

  “Nay, I’m a demon who is not content to wallow in filth and bow to a Fallen angel who was created long after me. The Grigori were the original angels. It is only right that I purify Hell!”

  Golden light flashed through the chamber and three angels appeared in front of Nate. Daniel and Gadrayel stood on either side of a massive, golden-haired angel Nate had never seen before. Their wings shifted, overlapped, creating a solid iridescent shield.

  “Oh Sariel, we’ve been through this before,” Enos muttered. “You don’t have the stomach to kill me.”

  “I’m not going to kill you. I’m going to see you are locked in the deepest pit of the Netherworld for attempting to ‘purify Hell’.”

  “As usual, there’s a flaw in your plan. Each creature I’ve devoured has increased my power. You’re no match for me anymore.”

  “As usual, you’ve underestimated my recourses.” Sariel waved his hand behind his back and Nate’s chains released. “I’ve got the Empowered One.”

  Sariel and Gadrayel rushed forward. Their flaming swords illuminated the room. Enos and Kaleb poised, ready for battle, long, lethal swords materializing in their hands. Daniel grabbed Lailah and dragged her toward Nate as the angels attacked.

  Daniel’s expression commanded attention. His angelic radiance wavered and his wings drooped. “Sariel believes we can trigger Nate’s abilities if we saturate him with our angelic energy. In its pure form, he would not be able to absorb it, but because of our unique nature—”

&nb
sp; “I understand.” She took one of Nate’s hands between hers. “I have so little left, but what I have I give freely.”

  Tingling heat spread up his arm. “Wait! What will happen to you?” She didn’t answer and the burning flow continued, making it impossible for Nate to protest.

  Her hand slipped from his and Nate gasped in a breath. He only had time for one. Daniel’s energy slammed into Nate, knocking him back against the wall. Fire exploded through his chest, shot down his legs and flared from his eyes. He groaned, slumping against the wall, legs trembling.

  Understanding expanded within Nate, shocking him with its clarity. By concealing his true nature from the Council, Enos had locked Nate in a sort of twilight, never allowing his abilities to mature.

  I sensed this one’s potential shortly after his birth. I have orchestrated his entire life to make him susceptible to my will… All the death and unhappiness that had been heaped upon him, had Enos arranged every tragedy?

  Power sizzled through Nate’s body and purpose filled his mind. Pushing away from the wall, he rolled his shoulders and tightened his fists. Gadrayel trapped Kaleb in the corner with a flurry of jabs and lunges too fast for the human eye to distinguish. Kaleb yelped and his sword clattered to the stone floor.

  Without turning from Enos, Sariel manifested a second sword and slid it toward Nate with a measured kick. Nate bent, picked up the sword and advanced without breaking stride. Sariel furled his wings and moved out of his way.

  Enos snarled. His features contorted as his demonic nature surged.

  Pouring energy into the sword, Nate ignited the flames. He swung in a precise arc, but Enos blocked the attack. The impact jarred Nate’s shoulder and he quickly adjusted his stance. Retreating a half-step, he disengaged their blades and swung at the demon again.

  Enos parried then launched his own attack with several skillful jabs. Nate blocked each attempt, anticipating his moves. “Did you push my father down the stairs?”

  Enos grinned. “I see. They loosed some memories along with all this anger.”

  Nate accepted the rush of fury triggered by Enos’ smug tone. He absorbed the energy and channeled it into the sword. The flames flared. Enos yelped and jumped back. “Did you kill my brother?”

  Enos laughed. Nate swung, hit the demon’s sword and swung again. The second swipe cut deep into Enos’ arm.

  “That hurt!” Enos spun, swinging his sword in a tight circle. Nate deflected the blow, knocking the sword out of the demon’s hand. “Fine. It’s more of a prop anyway.” His eyes ignited with yellowish-green light and he lifted his hand, palm out.

  Nate pointed his sword toward Enos and seared his palm with the flame. Enos screamed, shaking his scalded hand.

  “Did you arrange the ambush?” Nate remained composed, his features an expressionless mask.

  “Nay! That was Makatiel.”

  “Of course.” Nate narrowed his eyes. “You needed me alive.”

  A moment of silence followed. Nate stared at the demon, not allowing emotion to hinder his concentration.

  Kaleb lunged for Gadrayel, planting his shoulder firmly in the angel’s midsection. Gadrayel stumbled back and Kaleb grabbed his sword. Gadrayel blocked the escape with his wing, but Kaleb twisted to the side. Gadrayel swung. Instead of lifting his blade to block, Kaleb tossed it to his father. The angel’s sword stabbed through Kaleb’s chest, dispersing his energy.

  Enos screamed in fury and raised his son’s sword, prepared to fight. With one final lunge, Nate pierced the demon’s heart. Enos burst into a cloud of dust that showered the entire room. Nate coughed, fanning the air in front of his face.

  His sword dematerialized as Nate spun to face Lailah. She stood against the far wall. Daniel had wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Her wide, sightless eyes stared into the distance.

  “Nay!” Nate’s steps faltered and his heart missed a beat. “It cannot end like this. I will not allow it!”

  Sariel moved in front of Nate. “It was the only way.”

  “I do not want this power if they must pay the price.” He sidestepped Sariel and pulled Lailah into his arms. She pressed her face against his throat, her breath warming his skin. Nate trembled with frustration and regret. “What has Daniel sacrificed?”

  “Their quests are complete,” Sariel said. “They are both human.”

  “Not good enough.” Nate glared at him, stroking Lailah’s hair. “You will speak with the Council of Ancients—”

  “This is beyond their power to change.”

  “Then take your petition before the throne of God! This is not acceptable.”

  Daniel chuckled. “Are you going to argue with the Empowered One?”

  Lailah raised her head and her ice-crystal gaze met his. “Judith and Anna are locked in a room down the corridor. Let’s release them and figure out where we are.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Three days later Lailah sat on Nate’s lap in the great hall of Monthamn Castle. A fire crackled in the massive stone hearth, offering its warmth. His hand stroked her unbound hair. She leaned into the caress. “You need to stop brooding, my love. I have no regrets.”

  He pressed a kiss against her temple and whispered in her ear, “You could use my guilt to bend me to your will.”

  She chuckled. “I have other means for that.”

  “You certainly do.” He nibbled at her ear then eased away. “You are human now and I love you desperately. I want no shame to fall upon you or any child that might come from our union.”

  “I’m not even certain I can have children.”

  “Will you still wed with me?”

  She smiled, found his lips with her fingertips and kissed him tenderly. His arms tightened suddenly and his breath hitched. “What’s the matter?”

  “We have visitors.” The hairs on the back of her neck prickled as he set her on the bench and stood. “You better have good news for me.”

  Lailah stood as well, looping her arm around the crook of Nate’s elbow. “You’re being rude, Lord Monthamn. Who are our visitors?”

  “We’ve come with a message from the Council of Ancients.” She recognized Sariel’s deep voice.

  “And if you don’t accept their offer, they’ve agreed to let me deal with you.”

  Sariel laughed. Lailah stiffened. Sariel seldom laughed.

  The other voice…she hadn’t heard it in centuries, not since the day on the hillside. “Michael?”

  “Aye. It has been a long time.”

  Swallowing with difficulty, Lailah waited for the intense rush of anger that generally accompanied thoughts of Michael. It had seemed natural to focus her fury on him. She felt a pang of resentment, but only a pang.

  “This involves Daniel and Judith as well. Summon them, please.”

  Lailah smiled at Sariel’s imperious tone. At least he’d said please.

  Nate sent a servant to the solar to fetch Daniel and Judith. “Shall we sit around the table?”

  “I have a gift for Lailah first,” Michael said.

  Her heart thudded wildly and she clenched her hands into fists. Michael led the Armies of God. He dealt in punishment and reckoning. What could he have that she would want? Warm air wafted across her face then fingers touched her forehead.

  “You provided hope while you dwelt in darkness.” His thumbs gently brushed across her lashes until she closed her eyes. “You surrendered the light to stop a virulent evil. God would honor your sacrifice.”

  Her lids fluttered and her eyes tingled. She gasped. The heat intensified. Her breath escaped in a gradual hiss and Michael moved away.

  “Nate, where are you?”

  “Here.” He took her hands and guided them to his face.

  Lailah took a deep breath and slowly lifted her lids. She blinked until her vision cleared and his features came into focus. He smiled and her heart turned over in her breast. Tenderness shone in his eyes, making her entire body tingle.

  Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, “I love you
.” Then he kissed her thoroughly.

  “What is this?” Laughter danced through Daniel’s tone. “The servant made it sound urgent. This doesn’t look urgent.”

  Lailah eased away from Nate and smiled at Daniel.

  “Your eyes…” Judith rushed to Lailah and hugged her.

  “If I hug her, will you pummel me?” Daniel didn’t wait for Nate’s permission, however. He pulled Lailah into his arms and spun in a circle before returning her to Nate. Daniel’s beaming smile faded and his gaze turned speculative as he looked at Michael. “I thought our quests were complete.”

  “They are.” Michael inclined his head and golden hair brushed his broad shoulders. Lailah had forgotten how regal he appeared, how formidable. “The assignments we are about to propose are long-term and strictly voluntary.”

  “I think being seated would be a good idea.” Sariel motioned toward the table behind them. They all chose seats, the two angels on one side, the four humans on the other. “With Lailah’s sight restored, it brings us to another crossroad. The Council has been anticipating the arrival of the Empowered One.” Sariel looked at Nate. “Have you accepted that you are the one they seek?”

  “I accept that I have abilities far more powerful than I ever dreamed possible, but Anna is gifted as well. How can you be certain I am the only one?”

  Sariel smiled. “The Council came to the same conclusion. We believe there will be others, perhaps many others. These Empowered Ones will need a sanctuary, a place for training and sound direction.”

  “You wish Monthamn Castle to become this sanctuary?”

  “It’s more complicated than giving up your castle. The Council wants to appoint you Head of the Protectorate. You will be trained and educated by various members of the Grigori so you in turn can train the others.”

  “Train them for what?” Daniel asked.

  “Just what the name implies. The Protectorate will be an organization of Empowered Ones stationed strategically across the land. They will be aware of spiritual forces and able to combat—”

  “You’re describing the role of the Guardians,” Daniel objected.