Chago looked between Luther and Neilar, his brown eyes full of anger. Luther had heard the story from Sloane, about how Ruman had tried to kill Chago’s beloved, Irena, and unleash her ancient Seal’s power on the unsuspecting world. It must’ve been difficult for Chago to trust his Scion duty again and now his faith was shaken once more.
Luther shared his pain and confusion. His own immortal life lay in tatters and everything he’d fought for was gone, tainted, and he’d lost a part of himself because of it. He felt like a different man now. The once dutiful and loyal Scion who’d obeyed orders without question and believed all he’d been told was gone. Naïve. Foolish. Even when he’d demanded answers, he’d lacked conviction, easily swayed by Xander, trusting all would be well and the path they’d chosen for him was right.
“Poor little Scion,” Neilar said in a cloyingly sweet tone that set Luther’s teeth on edge. “None of you realized that the real threat came from within.”
A muscle ticked near Luther’s tense jaw. He steeled himself, battling his rising desire to grab Neilar by the throat and shake the answers they needed out of him. No good would come of it and he couldn’t risk driving the half-breed away now. As much as he hated it, he’d endure the mocking for Thana’s sake.
“Why could they possibly want to kill your Seal’s hot though?” Neilar tilted his head to the side and gazed at Luther quizzically. “She must have done something very bad… or perhaps it was something they didn’t like.”
Luther thought back to the night he’d rescued Thana from the Nephilim. He’d thought about leaving with her, taking her somewhere far away where it would be difficult to find them. Then his plan had changed. He’d decided to go to Kagan in Chicago instead.
For the first time in centuries, all seven Scion warriors had been together in one place.
He shivered.
Had that been the catalyst to unleashing the horrible power Lucifer had implanted within Kagan during his torture in Hades? Had that been what had caused him to kill Thana?
Luther stared into Neilar’s flat gray gaze, struggling to comprehend it all.
“I see you finally understand, Scion.” Neilar gave a weary sigh. “It was all so simple, really. Seven Scion, all that power. All they had to do was bring it together and your friend Kagan there did the rest. Tore a hole wide open in the shields of Heaven. There’s all manner of evil vermin running amuck in there now and no one’s the wiser.”
“Divinity knows all. Divinity will stop it.” Luther stepped forward, scowling.
“Divinity created free will. She won’t interfere. Besides, she isn’t dead yet.”
Neilar’s words hung heavy as lead weights in the air.
“What the hell do you mean?” Luther whispered and moved closer to the half-breed. “I saw her die and I saw her reborn as an angel.”
“An angel?” The traitorous Nephilim laughed. “She’s no angel and she isn’t dead yet. I’ve seen what comes to pass, remember? Do you think I’d stand here talking to you if it had already happened?”
“Not dead?” Luther whispered. Lucifer laughed, the sound booming out of the pit to mock him. Heaven was compromised. Divinity would do nothing to stop it. The Nephilim had invaded with the help of the archangels to get to Thana.
Help me.
Luther rushed at Neilar and tackled him to the ground. The rough basalt scratched at his knees as he straddled the Nephilim bastard then scraped his back as the half-breed fought back and knock him away. Before Luther could get back onto his feet, Neilar knelt astride him, his hands pressing hard into his shoulders, pinning him to the sharp ground.
“Tell me what’s going to happen!” Luther struggled to free himself, causing the jagged rocks to cut into his back. The coppery scent of blood joined the brimstone choking the air.
Kagan tore Neilar off him and held the half-breed off the ground by his neck. Neilar growled in pain and anger, his teeth sharpening and his eyes glowing brighter.
“Enough.” Kagan cast him aside, sending him tumbling across the charred ground.
Neilar landed on his side and stayed still a moment before slowing pushing to his feet. Wyck assisted Luther back to his feet. The two adversaries glared at each other across the span of a few feet.
The Nephilim kept his distance, warily eyeing the Scion flanking him.
“Why isn’t Thana an angel?” Luther had wanted to believe she was one when Xander had taken her because he’d thought it would give her certain protections. Now, he wasn’t so sure. With Heaven compromised, nothing was safe.
Panic lanced his heart, but he stood firm. He needed to know what he was dealing with. He needed a plan if he was going to save Thana, and cleansing Heaven of this menace. That meant staying where he was until Neilar told them the truth, no matter how much it hurt to remain.
“She may look angelic, but appearances can be deceiving.” Neilar smiled, slow and sinister. He stared into the distance beyond Luther, his expression thoughtful. “When the Seals were first created, they were spiritual beings, like us. But they soon became too much of a temptation to mankind, driving them to sin and destruction. So, Divinity tried to destroy them, but the Seals are eternal. She joined forces with Lucifer and joined them with their human hosts. Since that time, their power has rendered them pawn in an eternal game of good versus evil.”
Neilar’s focus returned to the present.
“She’s a pawn, Luther. A weapon.”
“Weapon?” Luther’s heart thudded hard against his ribs, and the desire to leave Hades and go to her flowing through his veins and burning in his soul. He didn’t care who or what she was. She was Thana. The woman he loved. “She can’t be a weapon.”
“I’m afraid she is. Mira was the first, born of both Divinity and Lucifer, a union of infinite strength and power. The same with the rest of the Seals and their hosts. They hold phenomenal power, more than either creator thought possible.”
“What’s going to happen to her?” Luther asked.
“The archangels are going to trap her Seal within the blood to preserve it until the time when all the Seals can be collected and broken together, thus heralding the end of all things.”
Luther ran back toward the chasm, not caring if the others followed or not. Neilar was right. Thana wasn’t dead yet. That was why his mission hadn’t ended.
“Wait!” Neilar yelled. “You didn’t ask me who would do the killing.”
He froze, his blood rushing loud in his ears. His hands shook. He stared ahead into the belching pits of magma, trying to shake the awful sense of foreboding.
“You, Luther,” the Nephilim said, his voice low and full of darkness. “I did say you were there at her death.”
“No… I won’t kill her. I love her! I’m going to save her.” Luther fell to his knees.
“Your proof is right there. See it for yourself.” Neilar pointed to the small pool in the distance near a rugged semi-circular outcrop of black rocks. It shimmered brightly, changing color as it reflected future events.
Luther hesitated. The pool would reveal the truth, but he wasn’t sure whether he wanted to see it. He wouldn’t be able to cope if Neilar was right. He stared at the pool, building up the courage to accept his fate. He didn’t want to see the terrible things he might do to her, but he dragged himself across the uneven ground to the pool, shunning Wyck and Kagan as they attempted to stop him.
He collapsed to his knees at the edge of the small oval pool and held his trembling left hand out over it and stopped when he saw Heaven stained with blood.
Luther looked away, unable to bear the sight of himself in the pool. He covered his mouth and stared at the ground, cold to the bone. He’d killed her. His gaze crept back to the frozen image in the pool, to his spear piercing her blood-soaked chest.
“Come away,” Kagan said, forcing him to look away from the image. It branded itself on his mind and his heart, seared there for eternity.
He’d betrayed her.
“The Scion are nothing b
ut pawns in this game.” Neilar’s tone was cold and dark. He looked as angry as Luther felt. “They play with us. Twist our fate so we do as they desire.”
Luther moved away from Kagan and looked at his Scion brothers. They’d all been used, Thana most of all. It wasn’t her choice to be born a Seal host any more than any of them had chosen to be created as Scion. He wouldn’t let this plan succeed.
He’d save Thana, even if he had to fight Heaven and Hell to do it.
“When will it happen?” Luther glared at Neilar.
“The next planetary alignment. Her blood must be spilled at the end of seven days.”
“Seven days.”
“I can help you,” Neilar whispered. “I’m tired of this game.”
Luther and the other Scion exchanged a glance. “We’ve never worked together before.”
“No. But it’s worth a shot. Keep focused when you see her again and remember why you’re there. If you can do that, there’s a chance you can beat this.”
Luther nodded. He would. He’d remember he loved her with all of his heart and he’d come to take her away and make her feel safe again, so she’d smile at him as she had before.
They could be together.
“You’ll have to act quickly. The archangels and other Nephilim will know what I’ve told you, and they’ll do all in their power to stop you long enough for the planets to align so they can spill her blood.”
Luther looked back at his Scion brothers and his confidence faltered. Kagan hadn’t been able to fight his destiny to kill Thana. What if he couldn’t stop himself either and killed her? He loved her so much. If her death would be his death too. He couldn’t live knowing what he’d done.
“It can be different this time.” Kagan sounded so strong, so confident. “You can make it right. Believe in your feelings for her and the future you desire, and you’ll be strong enough to fight.”
A crack appeared in the black ceiling of the enormous cavern.
Wyck and Chago began climbing back up their ropes toward the surface. “We’ll go on ahead and let the others know what’s happening.”
“You’re not coming with us?” Luther said as he started up his own rope, but Kagan lingered behind.
Kagan flashed a dark, unnerving smile. “I have a score to settle here first.”
He took off through the tunnels. Luther watched him until he disappeared then shimmied up his rope, heading for the mortal realm and glad to be leaving Hades behind. He wouldn’t fail any of them. With his Scion brothers at his side, he’d find the strength to end this once and for all.
He’d save her.
23
An hour later, Kagan was back with them, along with Sloane and Lin, and each of the six Scion summoned a vortex to carry them to the heavenly realm. They were armed to the teeth and ready to fight.
Luther sped through the clouds above, the air turning from warm to cold as the world dropped away. Kagan flew to his right, his golden gaze fixed on their destination. The clouds parted, and Luther’s eyes widened at the sight before them.
Pandemonium.
The gates to the heavenly realms were under siege by hundreds of Nephilim, a swarming gray mass against the huge white marble walls of the fortress that floated above the clouds.
Amongst them were a few of the archangels who’s remained loyal to Divinity, and Xander, battling ferociously against the foe that threatened to breach Heaven, and kill what Luther held most dear.
They were here for Thana.
“This could prove useful.” Kagan looked across at him and drew one of the curved golden blades hanging at his waist. He nodded towards the gathered armies.
Luther didn’t slow his approach. He unsheathed the blade hanging on his right side and narrowed his eyes on their target.
Kagan was right.
The half-breeds focus was on the war ahead of them. It was a chance for the Scion to get into Heaven unnoticed. All they had to do was get past the battle and slip inside. The first wave of soldiers drew closer and the sound of metal on metal chimed out, the scent of blood filled the air.
Easier said than done.
“You should turn back,” Luther said.
Kagan offered him a grim look in return. Luther had tried several times to convince him to return to the mortal realm to rest, but he wasn’t listening. Kagan looked as intent as Luther felt on having his vengeance.
The larger part of Luther was grateful for his brothers’ assistance during this battle, but there was still a sliver that felt guilty. He’d already dragged his friends into this mess and didn’t want them all to suffer for helping him.
“Try to keep up.” Kagan steered his vortex into the fray. A bright light exploded a moment later, sending both archangels and Nephilim flying in all directions.
Luther’s pulse thundered as adrenaline pounded through his veins in anticipation of battle. Another explosion sent a snarling half-breed hurtling his way. Luther flicked his left hand, extending his silver blade into a long staff, and swept it up in a fast, sharp arc. He caught the Nephilim in the abdomen, propelling him upward into the air. He then shot through the next wave of battle, twisting and spinning to zip through the gaps between the fighters.
He spied Wyck and Sloane ahead, raining dark fury down on those blocking their path. Light burned a path through the half-breed hoard and those quick enough made their escape, leaving a wide gap for Lin and Chago to maneuver through and take the lead. Kagan and the others followed them. Luther did the same. He kept his blade at the ready, using it to defend himself as the enemy turned their attention to him. Then the edge of a hot blast of white light slammed into him, sending him tumbling through the air. Luther stopped himself high above the fray and glared at Heaven. The heavy artillery blasted into the battle below, scoring wide tracts of air. If it had hit him directly, it would have killed him.
“We’ve been noticed.” Kagan floated up beside him, controlling his vortex to keep him stationary.
Luther scoured the battlefield, then the dazzling white walls surrounding Heaven. Angelic foot soldiers lined it at intervals. They were well-trained and powerful, rivaling even the Scions’ strength. They made it more difficult to sneak in unnoticed to the interior of the fortress, but it wasn’t impossible.
He watched as a few of the Nephilim reached the wall and tried to climb over it. The force-field created by the soldiers on the other side was too powerful to penetrate physically. It would take great strength to tear through it and form a hole in the dome-like shield.
Kagan searched the perimeter of the white fortress then pointed the tall, shining gold spires. “Feeling up to it?”
Luther nodded. His friends didn’t need to worry. He was intent on saving Thana, and he would use every ounce of his power to achieve his goal. It was enough to get him through the fight ahead.
“Good.” Kagan smiled. “Then follow me. You’ll have one chance. As soon as one of them falls, they’ll shift formation to counteract the breach.”
Wondering what Kagan had planned, Luther followed him. He controlled his vortex, diving when Kagan dived, cutting through the colder air. His eyes watered from the wind over his, but he kept his focus fixed on Kagan. They reached the battle again and Kagan blasted another hole in the crowd on the battlefield, then wove through the thickest part of the fight, where the most Nephilim were gathered.
A bright white beam shot through the hoards again and Luther veered to one side to avoid it, zipping around the fighters. Kagan gained speed, leaving Luther behind. He tried harder to keep up, alternating between cutting anyone who got in his way and sending a wave of power toward the half-breeds to knock them from his path.
Enraged snarls echoed as he passed, but they were too slow to hit him with their attacks. Another beam of light shot toward him and he dove downward through their ranks, using them as a shield and coming out beneath the main bulk of the fight. The other Scion broke away and soared alongside him. He flew faster, searching for Kagan. Nothing would stand bet
ween him and reaching Thana before it was too late.
They flew beneath the battlefield, still looking for Kagan, but didn’t spot him anywhere.
This was not a technique Luther had ever thought he’d use, but time was running out for Thana.
Eyes closed, he took a deep breath too clear his mind, then reached into the depths of his power. He twirled his spear in his hands, faster and faster and faster, in a circle above his head, then yelled as he sent it hurtling into the group below them. A bright explosion was followed by screams over the din of battle. Luther held his hand out, calling his spear back to him. It snapped into his left hand and he shot upward, not waiting to see the horrific extent of his attack.
The sun blinded him as he neared the fringe of the fighting and he hacked his way through to the open air. A small shadow formed on the sun and his eyes widened.
Kagan.
He was far above them, the bodies of those foolish enough to try to follow him falling from the sky and dropping past Luther and the others before they disappeared.
They were far closer to the wall now than Luther had first realized. A bright spot behind the shield warned another devastating beam of light was coming. The shield around the area glimmered in the sunlight then faded. It was opening to allow the attack through.
Before the foot soldiers on the other side could attack, a tremendous burst of golden light blasted down onto the wall from high above, tearing through it and sending a shockwave out in all directions. It was the same power Kagan had used on him when he’d killed Thana, only this time it was infinitely stronger. Luther exploded into action, his eyes on the wave of power decimating everything in its path and barely avoided it. The heat scorched the soles of his boots and warmed his legs. A black spot fell from the sky and the Scion watched as their brother plummeted through the air.
“Kagan!” Luther went to dive toward him, but he remembered Kagan’s words.
him but stopped when he received the message.
You’ll have one chance.
Scion's Redemption Page 16