The Soul Thief

by Kim Richardson

  “Of course,” answered Lance. “The seven archangel sigils each represent a house. I would have to guess that your friend here is either from House Michael or Gabriel. Both houses produce highly effective warriors. I can’t see his sigil right now. Did you get a good look at it?”

  “It looked like the letter A, with a line going through it.”

  “That’s Gabriel’s sigil,” answered Lance. “It explains his aptitude for combat.”

  The Sensitives had been branded like cattle, like property. It was no wonder they hated angels so much. Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel.

  “If they were born into these Houses, why brand them on the neck like that? It’s kind of barbaric and sick even, don’t you think? I never thought the Legion would do such a thing.”

  Lance winced as he shifted on the back sheet. “They’re not branded. The marks are real birthmarks. They’re born with them, but they only appear later, when they’ve reached puberty. The birthmark darkens and becomes more pronounced then. One parent could come from House Uriel and the other from House Gabriel, but their children wouldn’t know which house they belonged to until the birthmark showed itself.”

  “Are the birthmarks always on their necks?”

  “Not always. But each House’s birthmarks are usually in the same spots. Gabriel and Michael’s sigils are usually around the necks and clavicles, while Uriel’s sigils are on the wrists. Raphael’s are usually on the forearms. And of course, a Head of House is appointed for each of the seven houses. Didn’t you learn that in Horizon?”

  No. She hadn’t. It seemed there was still a lot to learn. Why hadn’t they told her?

  “Well, maybe it’s in the second or third year of training. I can’t remember. When you’ve only been an angel as long as I have…you tend to forget a few things.”

  She looked at Erik. His features were unreadable. If she didn’t get him help soon, it wouldn’t matter which house he belonged to because he’d be dead.

  Hang on, Erik…

  They passed an open gate with two large sculptures on either side, a male and female, naked except for loin cloths over their privates. Their outstretched hands held swords to deter intruders, and great big wings spread out behind them. Angels.

  “Oh, look, a welcome party.”

  She slammed on the brakes. The car skidded to a stop and nearly crashed into the front steps. Alexa jumped out of the car, and a serious looking woman and two older men with gray hair rushed out to meet her.

  “Erik’s been stabbed. He’s bleeding out.”

  A burly man who was built like Denton opened the back door of the car. “Scott, help me with him,” he said to a younger but equally burly man. A pang of guilt stung Alexa as she remembered how Denton had died.

  Together the two men pulled Erik out of the car and carried him through the front entrance. Alexa watched as he disappeared through the double wooden doors.

  “Oh my God. Is that Erik?” shouted a female voice.

  A tall, stunningly beautiful blonde girl bounded into the entrance. Her face was white with fear. Her sparkling blue eyes welled with tears as she watched the men hurry past her.

  And then she turned to Alexa. Her delicate hands were curled into fists. “You did this,” she growled. She leaped down the steps, baring her teeth at Alexa.

  Alexa’s jaw dropped in protest. Who the hell was this blonde? She was not about to take the blame for this. She had tried to save his life. She certainly didn’t deserve this crap from a stranger.

  “I didn’t do anything,” said Alexa. “I brought him here because I’m trying to save his life. What the hell is your problem?”

  “I’ll tell you what my problem is.” The blonde stepped close Alexa’s face, staring her down. She was a few inches taller than Alexa, but Alexa didn’t let herself be threatened. “You angels are all the same. Selfish bastards. All of you. You don’t care what happens to us! We’re just your guinea pigs, your bait. You don’t care about the consequences. You don’t care who lives or dies as long as you get what you want. We’re expendable. Isn’t that right, angel?”

  Alexa stood her ground. She would not show any weakness to this mortal. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Like I said. I’m trying to save him.”

  “Liar!” she seethed with anger, and her pale skin was creamy and flushed with color.

  “Rachel!” warned another female voice. But the blonde ignored her and moved her hand to the sword that hung from a belt around her hips.

  “Who do you think you are?” asked Rachel. “If he dies,” she said, in a voice that dripped with venom. “If he dies,” she repeated, “I’m coming for you.” Her right hand moved on the hilt of her sword.

  “Rachel! That’s enough.”

  Alexa could see that the birthmark on Rachel’s neck was the same as Erik’s. Her beautiful features had twisted into something so fierce and ugly that she almost looked like another person.

  Alexa thought Rachel was about to spit in her face, or even attack her. But then she smiled like a cold and cunning killer, turned on her heel, and ran after the men who carried Erik.

  It was obvious Rachel cared very deeply for Erik. She must have been his girlfriend. Hell, Alexa would probably have acted the same way if she’d found her boyfriend on the verge of death. A strange cold feeling grew in the pit of her chest as she watched Rachel disappear.

  Would she ever see Erik again?

  Maybe it would be best if she didn’t. Ever.

  Alexa took a moment to look around. She’d hoped to find friends here among the Sensitives, but it was clear by the angry looks that she and Lance were not welcome.

  They hated them. Hated her, the angel.

  CHAPTER 12

  “WHO ARE YOU?”

  It wasn’t a cold voice, but a questioning one, one that demanded answers. The woman who had spoken to Alexa was small and fit. She wore a sky-blue tailored top and pants. The lines around her eyes spoke of knowledge and experience, and Alexa guessed she was younger than she looked. While her gaze was cool, there was also some compassion there. She had the airs of someone who was used to getting answers. Alexa immediately knew this woman was some sort of leader.

  Alexa shifted uncomfortably under the woman’s icy blue eyes. “I’m Alexa. I’m an a—”

  “An angel, yes, we know. We can see,” said the woman shortly. Alexa felt like the fool. “But why are you here, Alexa? I don’t recall the Legion sending word that we’d have the pleasure of an angel in our midst. Are you here on special business?”

  Alexa felt another wave of guilt. More mortals had gathered around her, all with the same questioning looks. Didn’t these people sleep? She couldn’t tell if they hated angels, too. She could see long swords peeking from beneath many of their coats. The older woman and the two men next to her didn’t appear to carry any weapons, however, and Alexa worried that maybe they didn’t need them. She searched for their birthmarks, but she couldn’t see any trances of archangel sigils on their exposed flesh.

  And when she finally spoke, her mouth felt like it was full of cotton balls. “I’m here…here for…”

  “We’re both here to investigate the recent murders in Coffin Grove,” said Lance as he limped over next to her. “We’re still gathering data. It might take some time before we have everything we need.”

  Lance’s yellow eyes met Alexa, and she hoped he could read her silent thank you. The night’s events had moved so fast, she scarcely had time to reflect upon her own actions.

  The woman inspected Lance’s many wounds, but she didn’t mention them. Her face was unreadable. She and the other two men exchanged the type of long look that only those who’d shared the same company for years could understand.

  “I’m Valerie. Head of the House Uriel, here at Hallow Hall,” she said finally. “You shall have all the assistance you need from our operatives.”

  While Alexa was relieved, she didn’t detect much sincerity in Valerie’s voice. She figured the older m
ortal men here were probably heads of houses, too. They didn’t bother to introduce themselves.

  “But where is Santo?” asked the older woman. It was both a question and a challenge. “He’s the one who called to alert us about Erik’s condition. I was under the impression he was bringing Erik here, but instead I have you. Were you not with him and the others on this botched assignment?”

  Shit. Alexa flinched. She’d forgotten about the others. She had only cared about saving Erik’s life. Just as she opened her mouth to answer, Santo’s car pulled up next to Erik’s, and Santo, Evelyn, and Haru climbed out.

  They looked bruised and battered, and they were covered with red blood from their own wounds and with black discharge from the demons. Evelyn’s mascara was running, and her eyes were red and swollen from crying.

  “Where’s Denton?” demanded Valerie.

  Santo met the woman’s gaze and simply shook his head.

  Valerie’s face paled. But then her expression hardened. It was all business. “How?”

  “Higher demons,” said Santo flatly. He wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. “Five of them intercepted us at the morgue. We managed to kill four, but not before…”

  Alexa felt Valerie’s eyes on her, but she didn’t look at her. She knew they all blamed her. Like Denton’s death and Erik’s close call had somehow been her fault.

  “I’ll have a team head back in a few hours, before the locals wake up,” added Santo. His voice sounded harsh and raw, like it was the first time he’d used it. “And we’ll bring his body back.”

  A small wail escaped from Evelyn. Haru leaned over and wrapped his arm around her as she sobbed silently into his chest.

  Alexa was aware that all the mortals could see her trembling hands, and she tried to control them. They were monitoring her every move, her every blink. She gritted her teeth.

  She felt a cold nose nudge against the skin of her palm through the punctures in her M-suit.

  “Stop that,” whispered Lance, so only she could hear. “No matter what they say, or how they’re looking at us, this isn’t your fault.”

  Alexa’s bottom lip trembled, but she managed to relax her hands, just a little.

  Santo walked over next to Alexa. “Erik?” The pain in his face and his eyes caused her own eyes to burn.

  She swallowed hard and said, “He was still alive when they took him in.”

  Santo’s shoulders dropped. He rubbed his face with his hands and shook his head. But when he looked back at Alexa there was something new in his expression. It looked a lot like gratitude. “Thank you,” his said. It was brief, but it meant the world to her.

  “You’re welcome to use our indoor pool to travel back to Horizon,” said Valerie. She looked at Lance’s injuries again. “It’s a salt water pool. I’m sure you’ll find it adequate for your needs.”

  Alexa’s limbs felt like lead. Any other angel would gladly have accepted or even demanded a pool, but she wasn’t ready to try and confront her morbid fear of water again. Not in front of all these people…

  Valerie cocked her head. “Angels. If you’ll follow me—

  “Thank you, but we’ll use the pond,” interrupted Lance.

  Valerie looked puzzled, and so he added, “The mud and algae does wonders for the skin. The exfoliation is great for our angel bodies.”

  Valerie raised her brow. “Suit yourselves.”

  Alexa didn’t care if they believed Lance. She was just grateful not to have more people witness her humiliation. They expected an angel, not a coward. How wrong they were about her…

  When she looked down at Lance, she noticed how drained he looked. His fur wasn’t the brilliant white she’d remembered, but dull and grayish, matted like a stray mutt.

  “Alexa said she wanted to see the grounds, too,” Lance continued. “Everything looks so magical under the light of the moon.”

  Alexa she gave him a small smile, but she was aware that his voice sounded drained and forced.

  “Well then, that settles it.” Valerie pulled on her jacket. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll check on Erik.” She gestured to Santo, and together they walked towards the clinic.

  The other mortals continued to watch Alexa and Lance. While their faces weren’t unsympathetic, there was no kindness in their eyes either.

  “Come on,” urged Lance. “There’s a slimy pond with our names on it.”

  Alexa followed the dog, but she didn’t look at the beautiful meadows swaying with dandelions and wildflowers in the moonlight. Even the fresh smell of grasses and fruit trees couldn’t lift the dread that was eating away at her like poison.

  Once they were out of earshot, Alexa couldn’t hold it in anymore. “They hate us. All of them.”

  Lance trundled along beside her.

  “I wouldn’t use the word hate. It holds too much emotion. I would use the word… annoyance, and maybe even…apprehension. But never hate.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, if you’d been operating your own business for hundreds of years, I’m sure you wouldn’t want a boss from the head office to show up unannounced and start getting into your affairs. We were a surprise to them, that’s all. The Sensitives have their own governing body of Elders and their own laws. They are a separate faction, even though they are still under the Legion’s command. They communicate with the Legion from time to time, but we don’t usually interfere in their affairs and send angels to them. Not unless it’s deemed absolutely necessary and lives depend on it.”

  “Lives did depend on it. Erik’s.” Alexa’s temper flared for a moment, but her anger dissolved into fear when she saw the pond.

  She stopped ten feet from the edge and stood behind Lance. Her legs locked, and she could go no further. The pond was as black as tar and smooth like a mirror. It was covered in algae and looked like pea soup, ominous and bottomless. If there were ponds in the Netherworld, they would look like this.

  Lance limped over to the pond’s edge and bent his head, sniffing the water. “Smells like liquid manure.” He turned around. “I can’t believe I’m about to jump in there. Bottoms up! You ready? Hey, why are you over there?”

  Alexa didn’t move. She couldn’t. The fear that choked her was relentless. The water mocked her. She knew she was being an idiot. Still she couldn’t suppress her fear of suffocation. She imagined the pressure on her lungs, her screams for help, and water that killed flowing down her throat.

  “No. I can’t…I can’t do this…”

  Lance sighed. He looked exhausted. “Can’t or won’t?”

  Alexa took a step back.

  “Fine,” Lance looked confused. “Are you going to tell me why?”

  Alexa forced the words out of her mouth. “It’s the water,” she said in a low voice.

  “The water?” Lance turned and looked at the pond. “I mean, I know it’s disgusting, but it’s not for long. You won’t smell a thing. I promise. Look, even the frogs are enjoying it.”

  “That’s not it,” she said, angry with herself because she couldn’t master her terror. “I’m…I can’t. This is hopeless. I’m hopeless. I shouldn’t even be here. It’s a mistake. This whole thing is a mistake.” She realized she was screaming. She lowered her voice and tried again to quell her fear and self-loathing. It wasn’t going to help her out of this mess.

  “I can understand why you didn’t want to take advantage of Valerie’s hospitality. Even I preferred to be away from that scary white-haired woman. Those sparkling blue eyes were making me shed. But now it’s just the two of us. Is there something else you’re not telling me?”

  “I never asked for this,” Alexa said. “I never asked to be here. This whole thing is a big, big mistake.”

  Lance frowned. “Out with it. What’s going on? What’s a mistake? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  But Alexa couldn’t say it. She didn’t want Lance to laugh at her discomfort and be disgusted by her fear just as Ryan and his goons had done. She nearly c
hoked on her shame.

  “Fine,” said Lance after a while. “Don’t tell me. But I will find out what your secret is.” He pulled back his lips in an attempt to a smile, but it only made him look like he was about to growl.

  “I’d stay with you if I could, but I can’t,” said the dog. “This body won’t last much longer. And I’ll just do more damage if I stay. I’ll be back before you know it.”

  Alexa nodded and watched Lance step into the algae-matted black water.

  “I take it back,” Lance’s white fur was now covered in black and brown slime. “This is totally disgusting. I just sank twelve inches into something I’d rather not even think about. We should have opted for the pool.”

  Alexa gave him a weak smile. “Hurry up, okay.”

  “If you’re going to stay for a while,” said the dog, “then I suggest you go back and ask her highness Valerie to prepare a room for you.”

  Alexa was appalled by the idea. “I can’t do that. They hate me.”

  “They can’t hate you. They don’t even know you.”

  “You know what I mean. There’s no way I’m going back there.”

  “You’ve only got two options. You come back to Horizon with me. Or you suck it up and go back to Hallow Hall. It’s not safe for a rookie angel to be on her own. And especially not after what happened at the morgue. There are still lots of unanswered questions. It’s not safe.”

  Alexa knew Lance wouldn’t leave until she agreed. “Fine,” she lied. The idea of asking that wretched woman for room and board was like asking Ryan for a kiss. It was revolting. “Just hurry back.”

  “I will. And, Alexa, don’t do anything stupid.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means that someone tipped off those Higher demons about your whereabouts. It means you can’t trust anyone. It means that you shouldn’t go out looking for trouble. We have to figure out what’s going on. So, just stay put. Wait for me in Hallow Hall. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  Lance gave a bark and began to dissolve into millions of bright iridescent particles under the water.