Forgiven

by Kelly Hagen

“What he’s been doing since the enemy got here, trying to place a ray of hope in our dear Celeste. It’s nothing to worry about. His time with her is short-lived; it won’t do any good.”

  “Are you certain?”

  Deception didn’t answer. Instead, he focused on completing his mission tonight. Getting Celeste to Daren was the only thing that mattered.

  Ideas wove through the air like missiles locked on a target. The first one hit its MARK. The demons, the nasty creatures they are, smiled with glee as Celeste took the bait. She’d set the book on the nightstand and picked up the phone. The text had been sent. All was in motion.

  Doubt had remained unmoved up until this point. A lizard-like appendage edged into the side of Celeste’s face. Searing imaginations entered her already spinning head and fragile heart.

  “Daren doesn’t love you,” it hissed. “There’s only one thing he wants from you.”

  Next came Deception with twisted lies of his own. “If you give him what he wants, everything will be fine. He will love you.”

  A small light from the device clutched in her hand lit up the space directly in front of her. Highlighting the confused expression on her face, though neither creature needed it to see the distortions.

  “Do you like me?” Celeste had asked. Daren had responded with a yes. The answer to her next question wasn’t as concrete, or as fast. “I love you. Do you love me?”

  She’d done it. Put her heart out there on the line. What did she have to lose? Was she sure this was love? There had been nothing to compare it to.

  An overly expected vibration caused her to jump. His response. Finally. Funny how minutes had a way of feeling like hours when you nervously waited for an answer. “Prove it,” he’d said.

  Could she? So close before, but now? Why couldn’t those three words be enough? They would’ve been for her.

  In return, she had made him wait for a response. One she wasn't sure she wanted to give. She hadn’t remembered typing the word on her screen that stared back at her. But there it was. Four letters. In black, followed by a question mark.

  When?

  Chapter 17

  A wrong choice made. One covered deep in the grips of deception. Nolan could feel it hanging in the air. It taunted him. Anger, righteous, developed within him. It would draw his fellow Warrior, his leader, to his side. It always did.

  As if on cue, Necklim appeared. Apprehension on his face. Nolan was aware that his leader knew the righteous anger could only mean one thing.

  “What’s happened?” Necklim asked.

  “Her decision was made. It will happen tonight.”

  “Already?” Necklim asked.

  Nolan’s celestial body shook. Ready to fight.

  “In time, my friend. In time. Now is not it.”

  Necklim’s encouragement had always brought Nolan’s emotions down a notch. In check. Sure, he knew his leader was right. Nothing would, could, happen until the right time. He knew that. Though he desired not to, this was always the hardest time for Nolan. Standing along the sidelines, like a player waiting to be called into the game.

  “Should I stay here?” Deep down, Nolan already knew the answer. He asked, anyway.

  “Yes. Inform me when Celeste leaves. I will send others with you when she does,” Necklim responded.

  Nolan fought the twinge Necklim’s words doused over him and instead asked, “Do you know who?”

  “Not yet. The Commander will tell me before the time arrives.”

  “So be it.” His answer was short. To the point. Maybe a little on edge. Necklim patted his back before disappearing, leaving him staring at Celeste’s door alone, waiting for her to move. Waiting to follow. Waiting for battle.

  Katelyn placed her Bible on the bed. The atmosphere around her changed. Necklim was near.

  “Katelyn.” His whisper sent chills down her spine. The tone – that tone – meant something big was about to happen. Fear and Doubt tried to sink in their claws, but she cast them away. There was no time for that. The soul of her daughter was in a dangerous position. One she remembered being in herself.

  Katelyn rose from her chair, shoulders back, concentration etched the lines of her face.

  “Necklim?”

  A bright light filled the space beside her. An outline of wings came into view first, followed by the ivory white skin and blonde hair she had become used to all those years ago.

  “You need to pray.” He said. “Hard. All night, for Celeste.”

  Torn between asking details and not wanting to know she settled on asking a question she already knew the answer to. One that latched onto the hope inside her. “Will a Warrior be with her?”

  “Yes. Nolan is her Warrior. He will be with her. He will do what he is able. As you already know there’s a certain distance, he must remain, until she calls upon the Lord.”

  She nodded. “Yes. I know.” The Warrior started to fade. Leaving behind the dimly lit space, he’d filled so brightly.

  Katelyn called for Trevor. The look on his wife’s face was all that was needed. His arms embraced her as together they fell on their knees.

  Tears streamed down her cheeks as a low cry bubbled up from within. Sobs turned into prayers. Ones full of power, authority, boldness. What this night held for her only child, she did not know. But her confidence was in the One who did. Fear would not overtake her tonight, for fear was a weapon of the enemy. And she was a child of the Creator, Commander, the King.

  His weapons of power, love, and a sound mind were hers. A belief that all things work together for the good of those that love Him was her foundation. The fact her enemy had done been defeated was her shield. And her praise. Her praise was her sword. All she intended on using.

  Though Necklim could no longer be seen, Katelyn was aware of him. He was close. So close, she felt the soft touch of his wings against her arms. Her angel. Her Warrior, sent again to stand in the cap for her. How blessed she had been then. How blessed she was now.

  Nolan found Necklim standing over Trevor and Katelyn. The glow that radiated from him proved his power. Demonstrated the belief of those he guarded – those he would soon go into battle for.

  “Necklim. Celeste’s gone.”

  “I know,” Necklim responded. “Reneese and Nalof are to go with you. Make haste. Whisper into the wind if you must, but never stop trying to reach her.”

  “As you say, it will be done.”

  Renesse and Nalof manifested next to Nolan. Their swords raised, tips together, they shouted, “For the Worthy!”

  Nolan slightly folded his massive wings behind him and darted upwards. Followed by his fellow Warriors, their heavenly bodies vanished through the boards, drywall, and beams that made up the ceiling above them. A chill, not caused by weather, brought the three heavenly bodies to a sudden stop. They remained motionless, scanning the world below them.

  “There.” Nolan pointed. In the cover of the trees was a body, hunched over, its eyes closed. With precise precision, Nolan maneuvered through the trees and landed as close as possible, careful not yet to alert the demons guarding the young girl.

  Reneese and Nalof stood on either side of Nolan. “Keep alert and on guard,” he warned.

  Nolan raised his hands in Celeste’s direction. Slender streams of golds and yellows flowed towards her, penetrating the evil veil that held her captive in its dark prison.

  “Celeste.” He coated his voice with the compassion only heavenly beings held. “You don’t have to fear us. We won’t you. We are here to help. I am here to help.”

  Nothing.

  He would not be deterred. “My name is Nolan. I’m here in front of you. I’m not a figment of your imagination.”

  Her fear was great. It crashed against him with such force that it took him by surprise. She looked up, her body ridged, though he could hear her heart hammering against her chest.

  “Celeste. Why are you running? Why are you trying to fill the void that’s grown in your heart by giving yourself to someone
undeserving of it?

  “H...How do you know this?”

  “I am your Warrior. I was sent to fight for you, Celeste.”

  “Fight for me?”

  The doubt she felt rang strong in her words. “Why would you want to fight for me?”

  A shadowy figure appeared behind Celeste. Deception. One of her oppressors.

  “You are being deceived, child. The enemy wants you. He too is fighting for you.”

  Small hands covered her ears. A scream, shrill, full of released pain traveled through the branches and leaves around her.

  Nolan stood unmoved, observing Deception, waiting for his next attack on the girl.

  Celeste rose, moments later. An empty look filled her eyes. Her moves, mechanical almost, led her deeper into the darkness. Deeper into the lie being weaved around her. Through her.

  “You don’t have –.”

  A red sword covered in flames appeared before Nolan’s face, cutting off his words. Green eyes once close to the ground were now at his level.

  “Back off, Warrior,” Deception hissed.

  The warning meant nothing to Nolan. He would not stand down until there was no other choice. He grabbed hold of the sword, fought through the heat it put off and flung it backward, sending Deception with it.

  “You don’t scare me, spirit. Nor do I take orders from you. I will not back off.”

  Chapter 18

  Celeste’s quick response hadn’t been on Melti’s radar. Nothing about this mission had stuck to his meticulous planning, why should tonight be any different? Leaving Daren’s was no longer an option. Though finding out who was praying was a must. It had to be dealt with, and soon.

  The enemy was a force to be reckoned with on their own. When they had the prayers of believers behind them, they were just about unbeatable. Just about. That sliver gave Melti hope. It had to. He held onto that hope with all his strength.

  The trees rustled in the distance. The girl was close. Melti called for Doubt.

  “Go get the others. Send some out to find the prayer warriors. Dismantle them, by any means necessary.”

  “She’s almost at the door,” Ackmen said, pulling Melti’s attention from the departing figure.

  “Any sign of her Warrior?”

  “No.”

  “Playing hide and seek, how nice.”

  The ding-dong of the doorbell rang throughout the house just as Deception showed up. “Master, I have news. I’m afraid you’re not going to like it.”

  Melti’s rage rumbled in the back of his throat. “What is it?” he growled between clenched teeth.

  “The girl, she doesn’t have just one Warrior. She has three.”

  Melti’s large charcoal-colored chest rose and fell with intensity. Three Warriors over one person? Not good. It couldn’t be.

  “Who’s the main one?”

  “Nolan, my lord.”

  Melti laughed. Wisps of putrid yellow vapor covered the three creatures. “Nolan.” He turned towards Ackmen. “And you were worried about Necklim.”

  “Don’t be so sure he won’t show up.” Ackmen bristled.

  “Oh, I’m counting on it. Once his fellow Warriors’ are no longer with us, I’m sure he’ll be the first one here.”

  Daren opened the door. The thrill of claiming his prize plastered on his face. “Hey.” He stepped to the side, then closed the door behind them. “So you’re going to go through with it this time, huh?”

  “That’s the plan,” Celeste whispered.

  “Plan?” Daren raised his brow. “No, no plan. You will. Why else would you be here?”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Let’s go then,” Daren said as he wrapped his fingers around her arm, yanking her behind him.

  “Daren, wait, please.”

  “What?” His voice was cold.

  “Can’t we talk for a bit first?”

  “Why? So you can change your mind? No, I don’t think so.”

  He pulled on her arm again. Her restraint only fueled his desire. He’d had enough of her uncertainty, enough of her games. Showing up was her own mistake. Her own downfall. He’d been patient long enough. He’d waited long enough. It was time.

  He turned and twisted her arm. The flinch, the fear, in the scared expression looking back at him, swayed not his intention. He would have what he wanted, and he wanted her.

  “Daren, please...you’re hurting me.”

  He stopped. “And you don’t think you’ve hurt me,” he screamed. Turning he brought his other arm in the air, slung it forward and struck her cheek. Brown hair flew out as her head jerked to the side. A trickle of blood sat on her lip.

  “Daren, what are you doing?” she cried, through uncontrolled sobs.

  Another slap stung her face.

  He jerked her to him and whispered in her ear, “What does it look like I’m doing?”

  He left no time for her to respond. He curled his fingers then sent them forward. His hard knuckles met her soft skin. Her knees buckled. Her eyes closed. He laughed.

  Daren, nothing more than a mere puppet, his willingness to let hate breed inside himself, made him easy to control. To manipulate. Melti and Ackmen stood behind the boy, entranced in an inner pleasure no rational being could comprehend. “I chose well,” Melti said.

  On and on the two massive creatures filled Daren’s head with impure thoughts. Ideas. They fueled his impatience. His overwhelming desire for control. Until all that mattered was getting what he wanted. Despite anyone else. Their feelings, her feelings, were no longer a concern — just his.

  Melti stopped his control of the boy for a moment. Thin dark skin covered his eyes, and a grin split his dark, rough lips. Evil, in great numbers, drew near. Their anticipation for bloodshed surged through the night air, igniting a massive frenzy among them. He loved it. The power. The chaos. The thrill of it all. It made him feel alive. He let the possibilities to come sink in. The casualties of his enemies would leave them weak. Unguarded.

  Soon, he’d sink the pointed claws of his long dark fingers into the heart of Katelyn’s precious daughter. The anticipation of Celeste’s devotion to him sent an unbridled excitement through him. One he hadn’t felt in quite some time. Winning over Katelyn’s daughter was big. One that showed power, authority, strength, cleverness. Slander. Deceit. This very moment had been talked about since the day of her birth. It was a long time coming, and now it was finally here.

  The enemy may have taken Latar out nineteen years ago, but Latar he was not. Melti planned to make sure everyone – angel, human, and demon alike – knew who he was. Remembered his name.

  A sudden disturbance ceased his demented enjoyment. His eyes, hidden no more, blazed with the yellow intensity of a raging inferno. Bright, hot, and full of fire – as a look of destruction – overtook them. He turned towards the window to his right where the brief flicker of blue light had caught his attention. They were not alone.

  A growl reverberated through Melti’s jagged teeth as he glared into the midnight blue eyes of the Warrior watching him. He’d expected the meddling, pesky, enemy of light to show up sometime.

  “Welcome to the fun, Nolan. Are you enjoying the show?” Pure evil pulled up the side of Melti’s lip. “Here we go, boys!” he shouted.

  Melti leaped through the window, leaving it intact, as charcoal leather transitioned through it. He pulled his sword from its sheath and sliced at the Warrior in front of him. Nolan had been ready for Melti's attack. He grabbed the curved end of the demon’s scimitar in both hands and snapped it in two as Melti flew past him.

  Melti took only a moment to recuperate. Again he came at Nolan, arms out in front of him, nails like razors ready to slice through the heavenly being, sending him back to his realm of safety, and security.

  Again Nolan was on guard. Melti felt the burn of holiness creep up his arm as Nolan grabbed onto him with all his strength. Their bodies tumbled through the dark sky in a death roll as Melti tried unsuccessfully to break free from th
e Warrior’s hold.

  His arm burned. He covered the scream that begged to be let lose with a deep growl. The leader of the army of Hell could not show weakness. The shriek that begged to fill the air was trapped deep in the throat of the demon. Nolan flung him back and forth until finally letting go, sending him off into the night. This small battle was over. But the war had just begun.

  Chapter 19

  Celeste moaned as she came to, blinking her eyes several times before opening them completely. Dampness and darkness surrounded her. Where am I? What happened? She couldn’t remember. Didn’t know if she ever wanted to.

  A rancid smell sent her stomach into full objection. She forced the urge back down her throat and focused on pushing her limp body up off the cold concrete floor. Pain came with each push. It ran through her — every muscle. Every joint screamed out in a rebellious protest. Her vision adjusted to the darkness.

  What looked like shelves lined the back wall. It was what sat on those shelves that she couldn’t see. Feel, though, that was another story.

  “Hello?” she called. Her voice was full of uncertainty.

  A low voice in the darkness responded. It called to her. She felt it. Heard it. It appealed to her very soul. It longed to become one with it, with her. It offered solitude, healing peace. Though the feeling of it, like an awful aftertaste, left something to be desired. It brought with it no comfort. No sense of hope or love. Just hatred.

  Celeste ignored it. Tried to focus on what happened, why she was where she was.

  Images, fuzzy, popped in and out of her confused thoughts. She gasped. No. No, that couldn’t have happened. Daren would never do that. Would he? Did she know him well enough? No, she didn’t.

  Screams, followed by horrible cries of pain, came back to her. She felt her lip. Busted, once bloody, from the feel of the sticky substance. Fresh tears escaped her eyes as the last thing she remembered happening entered her thoughts. It would remain etched on her young heart forever.