Sacrificial Lamb (The Other Angels Book 1)

by Ashley Nicole

  If I startled him, he doesn’t show it. He doesn’t even look up as he speaks. “Go away, Katie. Go back to your friends while you can.”

  “I can’t. You turned them against me, and I have questions which you have the answers to.” I pull the stick from his hand so that he’ll focus on me.

  “There’s nothing I can do to help you.” He shoves passed me and begins walking in the direction of the mansion.

  I follow and grab his arm. “I know that’s a lie. You told me I had a surprise coming that I would like at first because I didn’t know what it meant. I figured out that surprise was Scotty and Amanda coming to save me. You knew Cain wanted me to be with my friends and the other brainwashed people so he could use me to lead them back to him.” Matthew stops and I stand in front of him where our chests are almost touching. My voice grows softer. “You knew his plan then, and you know his plans now. What makes me the wild card? How can he use me?”

  Matthew looks into my eyes. I watch as he mentally tears in half, fighting with himself. I watch the struggle play across his face and hope that the side that will help me wins.

  “Mattie, I know the real you is still in there. Don’t fight me. We need each other. We can be the winners here. I need you to help me.”

  "Katie, don't!" A sharp yell breaks the tense moment and Matthews internal battle ends without a determined outcome.

  I turn to see Scotty and Amanda a couple yards behind me. "What are you doing here?"

  "We could probably ask you the same thing." Amanda crosses her arms when she reaches me and glares at Matthew.

  "You guys can't be here. You're going to get caught by Cain or I'm going to end up hurting you."

  "Katie, I have carelessly lost you too many times. I don't care what you are, I'm not going to let you walk away again." Scotty reaches for my hand and Matthew recoils further into the cover of the trees.

  The moment is interrupted by footsteps. Lots of footsteps. We all turn and face the mansion. A wave of white draws closer.

  Cain's army of angels approach us. When they stop Cain steps out in front with a dark, twisted smile. His black attire a stain against the sea of white behind him. "Back so soon, Kathryn?"

  My words get stuck in my throat. I hadn't had time to come up with a plan for if I happened to run into Cain. Now that it’s happened, I freeze.

  "Tell us what you did to her or I'll make you tell us." Amanda takes a few steps forward, fists clenched at her sides.

  Cain ignores Amanda. "You know Kathryn, you might have been a great leader if you didn't let everyone manipulate you. I'm not talking about what we did, I mean how everyone around you who have no power use your emotions against you. Matthew was wrong when he chose you. You're too fragile. You are no longer useful to me so there's no reason for you to exist anymore." Cain comes closer, eyes locked on me. “Stay still.” His words reach my ears at the same time I hear them in my mind.

  Scotty and Amanda spring in front of me. "Don't you dare lay a hand on her or you won't have any hands." Amanda flicks open her pocketknife.

  Cain focuses on Amanda. He looks her up and down then smiles almost amused. "You, however, have some guts. You wouldn't let people push you around, would you?" As I hear Cain's words my eyes grow wide as the realization hits me. "I'd much rather have you." Cain takes another step forward.

  I throw myself in front of Amanda and find my voice. "No!"

  "Of course, now you can speak." Cain looks annoyed.

  Scotty rushes at Cain, but before he collides into him Matthew grabs him from behind and secures his arms into place. Cain approaches me until he is only a few feet away. "I suggest you move, Kathryn." He says through clenched teeth.

  "No. You will not hurt my friend like you hurt me."

  "You're not fooling anyone with this bravery act. Everyone here knows you are a coward. Now move!"

  "I said, no!"

  "Have it your way."

  Step aside.

  If I don't move, he is going to hurt me. I feel my left foot start to slide over, but as my body is about to shift out of the way a hand touches my shoulder.

  I look up into green eyes. "Don't let him move you." Matthew puts himself between Cain and I. Scotty comes to my side and takes my hand. We all face Cain now.

  The shock on his face looks out of place, almost comical if this wasn't such a serious situation. He quickly composes himself and anger alights in his reflective eyes. "What do you think you are doing, Matthew?"

  "Choosing a side.”

  "You think any of them care about you? In their eyes you are the enemy. They'll turn on you without a second thought."

  "What are the humans really for?"

  "What does that matter?"

  "Answer the question!" Anger radiates from Matthew. I want so badly to reach out and touch him, but he needs to hear this for himself.

  "As our slaves, like what you are."

  "I thought I was more important to you than just a disposable pawn." Matthew says, his voice thick with fury. “You promised me a place at your side and power.”

  "A place at my side as a favored pet. But right now, you’re being a disobedient one. Get back here were you belong."

  "This is where I belong. If you want them, you have to go through me." He reaches for my free hand. The muscles in his arms and back are tense.

  Cain doesn't say anything. The moments of silence seem to stretch on to an impossible length. My unnecessary breaths stop, my chest tightens, and sweat beads up on the back of my neck.

  Then Cain steps forward until he is almost chest to chest with Matthew who releases my hand. Cain stares down into Matthew's eyes and then he speaks in a low voice, "You asked for this.”

  Cain's hand shoots out and his fingers wrap around Matthew's throat. Instinctively Matthew clutches at Cain's hand but it’s useless. Matthew begins to scream as light illuminates from Cain's hand. His eyes roll back into his head and his body begins to violently shake.

  The light intensifies and it gets harder to see Matthew, but his screams continue to ring in my ears. Then in a flash the light is gone and so is Matthew.

  No one speaks. I feel tears slip down my cheeks, but I can't move to wipe them away. I slowly bring myself to look at Cain who now stands in front of me with no one between us. He finally breaks the silence. "Move, Kathryn, or you're next."

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  My slack jawed expression hardens as I face Cain. I don't know what he did to Matthew, but I do know I will endure the same pain if it means protecting Amanda from him.

  "I wonder, Kathryn, if you can scream as loud as he did, or if that small voice of yours only goes so high." Cain reaches for me, tucking two fingers under my chin. The same raised, irritated flesh that I saw on his neck covers his hand and snakes up his arm to disappear beneath his robe’s sleeve. We lock eyes and I be sure to show him no fear. His hand lowers and I feel his long fingers slowly slide across my neck, squeezing just enough to hold me in place. Small prickles of pain start on the sensitive skin.

  "Brother!" The seemingly time locked moment snaps as a new voice makes Cain look up past me.

  "You're going to crash the party so soon, little brother?" Cain releases me and Scotty pulls me into his arms. I struggle to loosen his grip so I can see who is behind us.

  More white robes. But my eyes pick out Michael standing up front with a fierce look in his eyes. Beside him is a man who looks like Cain only his brown hair is cut short and his stance isn't defensive but rather authoritative. This must be Abel.

  An army of angels stand behind them. Three times as many as Cain has. Abel lifts his head and puts his shoulders back. "What you are doing here is wrong and it ends now."

  "Ooh, you're so scary." Cain taunts but doesn't look amused at all. "How many people will you allow me to wipe from existence to stop me?"

  Stand next to Cain.

  I slip out of Scotty's arms and my feet start to walk toward Cain. What am I doing? Trying to be brave? I stand at his side an
d face my friends and Abel's army, all of whom are looking at me.

  "Katie, what are you doing? You're going to get yourself killed!" Scotty starts to reach for me, but Amanda grabs his arm. He tries to break out of her grip but then she whispers something in his ear, and he stills.

  I look at Michael and his eyes are filled with concern and confusion. He says something to Abel but doesn't take his eyes off me. Abel's eyes then meet mine, but only briefly before returning his attention back to Cain. "Let her go. No one else is going to get hurt because of your power-hungry greed."

  "Well, you might want to stop me from doing this then." Cain's hand shoots up from his side and wraps around my throat. I pull at his hand as I feel the heat pulse from the grip. Scotty and Amanda rush forward but Samael and Jeremiah quickly restrain them. Dark spots cloud my vision, but the sea of white grows closer.

  It gets harder to focus. Surrounding me are shouts from both sides but I can't make out any of the words. The pain and the heat intensify, and a scream tears its way out of me. The searing hot tears streaming down my face feel like they are burning through my skin.

  I hang on the edge of blacking out and then all the pain stops, and I feel someone's arms supporting me. As my vision slowly returns Abel comes into focus. He looks down at me then walks away. I twist my head around and find Michael holding me. He brings me to my feet but keeps his hands around my waist. "Can you stand?"

  "I... I think so." My breath is ragged, and I blush for appearing flustered. He lets go of me slowly and I test my legs by taking a few steps.

  Then I remember the fight happening around me and I whirl around looking for Scotty. I spy him and Amanda standing back to back facing two groups of angels who have swords drawn. Are they Abel's or Cain's? I can't tell. Can anyone?

  Something glowing orange in my peripherals begs for my attention. Before I can turn my head to face it, Michael swoops me around with his left arm and draws his sword with his right. His blade meets the fiery one of Jeremiah’s with a clang and a hiss. I pull out of Michael’s reach and stand behind him, shielded by his wings, as he places both hands on his sword. The metal alights with a crackle of lightening and blue tendrils twist around his hands on the hilt.

  Get a sword.

  I need to protect myself. I glance around at some of the fallen bodies of angels. Are they Cain’s or Abel’s? Are they dead? Can angels die? Violent flashes of blue and orange surround me as the battle climaxes. The ground shakes and knocks me off my feet. On my hands and knees I crawl to the closest body that still clutches a sword in its still hand. I take the blade, unfamiliar with the weight. I’ve only seen swords in movies before.

  Attack Michael.

  Now I know for sure something is wrong. I have no reason to attack the angel who’s trying to save me. Even still I rise to my feet and my arms lift the sword, ready to strike. I try to stop, I try to bring my arms down, but my willpower is useless.

  Michael turns his head around to check on me. Jeremiah lays at his feet. When he sees my sword coming down at his face, he puts his up to block. The force of the metal meeting almost knocks me off my feet but all the strength in my body pushes against him.

  “Kathryn, what are you doing?” he asks, glancing around for other threats.

  “I don’t know! I’m sorry! I can’t stop myself!” I plead, willing him to believe me.

  “Listen to me. Cain in controlling you, but you can stop this. Tell me what made you attack me?” Michael tries to keep his voice even.

  I draw back my sword and swipe at him again, but he anticipates the move and blocks. “I don’t know!” I begin to panic. I don’t want to hurt him. Why can’t I just stop?

  “Yes, you do. Think. “My sword pushes closer and the blade sits at his neck. Our faces are only inches apart. He looks into my eyes, his face open. “They chose you because you’re clever. Prove that to me.”

  I rack my brain. What’s different? “The voice. There’s a voice in my head. It’s mine but not mine. Sometimes I can tell, but other times I can’t.” I grasp for words to make him understand.

  “Okay, what did the voice tell you to do?”

  “It told me to get a sword and then to attack you.” My sword and I press closer.

  “You did that. You got a sword and you attacked me. You did what it wanted so now you can stop.”

  “I can’t! I tried!” The hysteria makes it hard to hold the sword still.

  “Try again. Believe that you fulfilled the demand.”

  I do try. I believe with my whole existence that I did what Cain asked. I got the sword and I attacked Michael. I did it.

  My muscles turn to liquid as the tension releases and I drop the sword to the ground. My body sways and Michael places a hand on my back to steady me. “See? You can beat him. You’re strong.”

  “Where’s Scotty?” I jerk my head around, swallowing the dizziness.

  Before I find him a loud clap of thunder deafens my ears and everyone around me stills. Abel stands away from the fighting with Cain. As I study them together for the first time, it’s almost unreal how similar they are without being twins. I suppose with them being the first humans born I shouldn't be surprised at the lack of gene variation.

  "Enough!" Abel's voice rings out and everyone seems to freeze in time. All eyes turn to look at the two brothers to see what was going to happen. "I have pointed out to my brother Cain that he is outnumbered. Almost all his followers are down, and he has accepted defeat.”

  "Accepted isn’t the word I would use. Just because you have won this time doesn't mean this is over." Cain takes a few steps away from his brother. Samael returns to his side and slowly a handful of other angels step away from what they were doing and flank Cain. I spy Amanda and Scotty who still have angels around them. They must be Abel's angels and they must have been protecting them.

  "Just because I am not choosing to fight with you any longer does not mean you are going to go unpunished." Abel puts out his right hand and bright threads of light stream from his fingertips. "Cain, you and your followers will be cast into Hell and the Kingdom will be taken with us as we ascend into Heaven."

  The light spreads from Abel and intertwines among Cain and the angels that stand with him. Their angry faces alight in the illumination. Cain stares out at me with steel eyes but allows the glow to consume him. In one violently bright flash, they're gone.

  Abel focuses the power pouring out of his hand to the ground and it begins crackling beneath us. The movement causes me to wobble on my unsteady feet, but Scotty has made his way to me and catches me before I lose my balance.

  "Things are finally being put right." His voice is strong, and I catch myself beaming. He's right. We fixed this.

  The rumbling of the ground stops and Abel drops his hand to his side. All eyes look to him for reassurance that all is well. He glances around to all our faces then speaks in a captivating voice, "We have returned to Heaven. Everyone here who lost their memories because of Cain's plan will wake in the morning with them renewed. I will meet with them all to clear any confusion. All angels here can now return to their work."

  The crowd of white dissipates slowly with soft murmurs of victory. The bodies from the battle have disappeared. Abel approaches our little group. "Michael, will you watch over Kathryn for a few moments? I would like to speak to Scott and Amanda privately.”

  Michael nods and I exchange an anxious look with Scotty. Amanda stares skeptically at everyone but then shrugs and follows Abel as he strolls toward Cain's mansion. My eyes don't leave them, and I watch as the distance grows between us. Scotty reluctantly let's go of me and jogs after them.

  The silence hangs heavily in the air for a long stretch of time before I open my mouth. "Why are they talking about me?"

  I can see Michael turn to face me out of the corner of my eye, but I don't look away from where my friends disappear into the dark house before me. "How do you know they are talking about you?" His tone is light and curious.

  "Isn't i
t obvious since they left me behind?"

  "Perhaps." He doesn't elaborate and I don't think asking will do any good.

  After a few short moments his elbow nudges me and I finally face him. His left arm is extended for me to take. "Walk with me?"

  I hesitate but then loop my arm in his. His arm is sturdy, but he's relaxed as he ushers me away from the mansion. "Where are we going?"

  "For a walk in the meadow."

  "Why?"

  "To take your mind off things. Or maybe make it easier to talk about those things."

  For a few moments I don’t know what things he is talking about but then images of Matthew screaming in pain and disappearing flood my mind. I catch the sob that almost chokes its way up my throat. I also try to swallow the lump that is forming there so that I can get the words I need to ask out, but I can't.

  Michael must know what I'm thinking because he doesn't wait for my question. "It's a strange gift Cain has. He is only supposed to use it on the people who are too evil even for Hell. It is the one thing that is worse than dying. Worse than living an eternity in Hell."

  "What's worse than that?"

  "Not existing. Cain can make it as if a person had never been born, never lived, never loved, never been loved, never meant anything to anyone. No one will ever remember them, and no one will ever know them. That is the worst thing that can happen to someone. To never be anything."

  "But I haven't forgotten Mattie. I still know what he tried to do to save me."

  "That's because you saw Cain do it with your own eyes. The memories will leave you more slowly."

  "But I don't want to forget." The tears slip down my face and I stop walking unable to make my feet move any further.

  Michael let's my arm slide off his then comes to stand in front of me. He puts his hands lightly on my arms rubbing his thumbs in small circles. Nothing he can say could make this better so I'm thankful for his silent comfort.

  I look up into Michael's eyes. Their silver depths hold me, and I can no longer take it. I fall forward wrapping my arms around Michael's waist and sob heavily. All the stress and heartache comes pouring out.