by Bonnie Lamer
My eyes dart to where Adriel is still sobbing silently on the settee. What happens now that the Council has taken Raziel away completely? If the kids don’t know him, they’ll never take away his omniscience. I suppose that takes away one of their crimes. But Castiel will never know his father. The former must be part of the Council’s plan. More to protect them from detection than to lessen the crimes committed by my children, of course. The latter I doubt they care about since they were going to wipe Castiel from existence. The anger burning in my gut makes me even more determined to fight those who believe they have the right to take everything from not only me, but the ones I love, as well.
To my great surprise, there’s a twinkle in Rashnu’s blue eyes when I turn back to her. “The Omniscient One, the Seer of All, blinded by toddlers.”
The corners of my own lips threaten to pull up. “Yes.”
Even more surprising than the twinkle in her eyes is Rashnu’s dismissive wave of her hand. “The actions of babes. However unfortunate or devastating, they cannot ultimately be held responsible for their actions. It is what they do with their power when they are old enough to reason and weigh the consequences of their actions that matters.”
Okay. I like the way she thinks. Taking a deep breath, I tell her the rest. “As they get older, their power obviously grows. Earlier today to demonstrate this, they opened portals to pretty much every realm in the Universe.” Possibly in the multiverse, but I can’t be certain. It’s not withholding information if I’m not certain, right?
Rashnu ponders this information for a few minutes. I’m back to biting my bottom lip to keep from prodding her along by the time she finally responds. “That alone is mildly worrisome. There is always danger when semi-mortal beings have power that they simply do not have the ability to comprehend. But, possessing such power is not in itself a crime. What will you do with this power that makes it such?”
“What?” I ask in surprise. “I wouldn’t do anything with it.”
With mild amusement in her voice, Rashnu says, “I am not speaking to you.”
Frowning in confusion, I ask, “Are you talking to Adriel?” Because I don’t think she’d try to get the kids to do anything wrong.”
But Rashnu’s eyes aren’t focused in Adriel’s direction, either. The Angel of Judgement’s intense gaze is focused just over my left shoulder as she says, “If you ever try to fool me again, Child, I will not wait until your destined time to leave this mortal realm to pass judgement on your soul.”
Chapter 20
I whirl around to find a white faced, tongue tied Zyla blinking rapidly and trembling in fear. I’m torn between being pissed that she faked being frozen, and terrified for her that she already has a dark mark in Rashnu’s book against her soul. I want to scream at her and pull her protectively into my arms all at the same time. Damn it. This parenting thing is hard.
In the end, my curiosity wins out. “You can be in Angel time without going blind or insane?” Even my brother Zac, another direct descendant of Lailah, doesn’t have that ability. I’ve always suspected that it’s because his father is a Cowan, a non-magical being. But, Zyla’s father is a powerful Fairy just like mine. There’s not a drop of Cowan blood mixing with her Angel heritage.
“Y-yes,” Zyla stutters.
Okay. “Why did you pretend to be frozen?”
With downcast eyes, she admits quietly, “I was sc-scared.” My heart aches for my brave daughter. This may have been the first time she’s ever uttered those words. But, anyone in their right mind would be afraid of Rashnu. Especially when she has saber teeth and talons.
Like the ones beginning to appear again. Along with traces of obsidian starting to flood into the Angel of Judgement’s eyes. In a booming voice, she demands, “Tell me what you have done to bring the wrath of the Council upon yourselves!”
“W-we don’t kn-know,” Zyla stammers.
Around her growing fangs, Rashnu warns, “Lying to me will only make your suffering all the greater when I discover the truth.”
“We don’t know!” Zyla cries again. “They just came for us one day. They never told us why.” Tears are running down her pale cheeks. Her bottom lip and jaw are trembling so much, I’m afraid the vibrations will shake her teeth loose.
My maternal instincts kick in now. Hard. I move next to Zyla and wrap a protective arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “Scaring her more isn’t going to help,” I insist with a scowl in Rashnu’s direction. “She’s an innocent child, not a war criminal, so stop treating her like one.” Probably not the smartest thing I’ve ever said to the Angel, but I don’t care. She isn’t going to stand here and bully my daughter like this.
Rashnu inclines her head and considers both me and my daughter for a long moment. Then, with a raise of her eyebrows over her now fully obsidian eyes, she asks, “Are you certain?”
“Yes.” The word is out of my mouth so fast, I don’t even realize I’ve said it until the sound of my own voice hits my ears. But I believe it. To the depths of my soul. My children are not criminals. Whatever they did, it was unintentional. If they did anything at all. I’m beginning to suspect it’s just their power that the Council fears.
Rashnu assesses me with her shrewd eyes. Judging me, more like. She is the Angel of Judgement, so I guess it’s her job. “You believe it impossible to have raised a child capable of committing acts so great and harmful to the universe that the Council has no choice but to act?” Pointing a taloned finger in Zyla’s direction, she adds, “Despite the power you admit that she and the other two can wield together?”
“I do.”
“Such power has always bred temptation. When you are stronger than everyone else around you, it is easy to find advantages in that strength. It is easy to abuse this potential power over others. Starting with the smallest of acts that go overlooked or excused, and eventually growing until you no longer care whether they are overlooked or excused. The only things that matter are your wishes and desires. Even if those things are attained at the expense of others.” Rashnu’s words gain an edge as she goes on that tells me she’s speaking from eons of knowledge and experience on the subject. The worst souls, the most diabolical and fiendish mortals, face her upon their deaths, not simply an Angel of Death. When their souls are that dark, only Rashnu can weigh their crimes and pass judgement on them. Or the Council if their crimes affect the Universe, not just their own realms.
Rashnu moves closer and lowers her voice into a calming purr. I’m not fooled. I hear the warning in her words under those soothing tones. “I understand that you possess a mother’s love. Your loyalty and devotion are admirable, Xandra. Especially considering you have known this girl for a mere day. Hardly enough time for your maternal instincts to truly set in. Yet, your mortal history is full of mothers who likely felt the same way after years of raising and caring for a child, years of developing those feelings, and they were proven wrong,” she points out. “Atrocities have been committed by many mortals who had the love and loyalty of their mothers. A mother’s love is not a cure-all.”
Of course, she’s right. Hitler’s mother adored him. On the other hand, his father was cruel and beat him regularly. That may have contributed to him becoming a monster. Doesn’t excuse any of Hitler’s subsequent actions, but it could be argued that it provides a little bit of evidence that monsters are sometimes created after birth. They are not always born evil. On the other hand, wouldn’t there have to be something innate in their natures that makes them turn down that dark path, whereas others in the same situation turn toward goodness and light? I stare long and hard at my daughter as I ponder this. So hard, she begins to squirm under my gaze. Could my children have been born with something wrong with them? Is Rashnu right, and I’m just deluded by some false sense of maternal loyalty?
I shake my head to clear it of such foolish thoughts. Absolutely not. Even if there was something dark inside my kids, I would recognize it and do everything I could to keep them from acting on i
t. So would Kallen. But I simply don’t believe they have darkness like that inside them.
Squaring my shoulders, I make direct eye contact with the Angel of Judgement again and tell her, “I would not allow a child of mine to commit such crimes. I would use every ounce of my magic to save both my children and the universe from harm. Even if it meant sacrificing myself in the process. So, yes, I believe it impossible that my daughter, my son, or my nephew engaged in any actions that could even incite the wrath of the Council, let alone merit being wiped from existence.”
A satisfied smile forms on Rashnu’s lips. “That is what I wanted to hear. I will not go into battle with anyone who is unsure of their cause.”
It takes a minute for her words to sink in. When they do, my own lips curve upwards. “Then you’ll stand with us?”
Rashnu nods. “I believe your daughter when she says she does not know what brought the Council to her door.”
“You do?” I ask in surprise. Even I thought Zyla should have at least a little clue about that. I planned to ask a lot more questions. Still do.
A wry smile forms on Rashnu’s lips. I can tell because her fangs have retreated once again. “Do you think I am capable of being misled by a child?”
I guess it is her job to ferret out lies. Plus, I suspect the cuteness of children is lost on the Angel. She’s never come off as particularly maternal, despite the tenderness she showed Adriel moments ago. Not to mention…wait…why am I even thinking about these things instead of answering her? “No,” I admit. “I don’t.”
“Alright then.” Rashnu gives a brisk nod before crossing the room to where she left Adriel on the settee. “There is much work to do.” She swings Adriel up into her arms as if the other Angel weighs nothing and strides toward me again. “Allies to ferret out,” she continues.
It is so weird to see Adriel like this. What did they do to her? Now that Rashnu has brought her closer, I can see how battered and bruised she is. Her clothes are torn in places, and the blood is everywhere. I don’t think it’s all hers, though. It’s obvious that she put up one hell of a fight to save those she loves. Good for her. But now, I’m even more pissed, and I didn’t think that was possible.
They won’t get away with this, I silently promise my friend. Aloud, I say to Rashnu, “Please keep her safe.” I know that was the plan already. I still feel the need to say the words. I’d offer to heal my friend before they go, but I’m sure Rashnu will be doing that as soon as she leaves here.
Giving me a curt nod to indicate that she will do as I ask, Rashnu orders, “Gather those close to you and prepare for the coming battle. I will reach out to those I trust on the Council to see what I can discover. Do not reach out to anyone yourself outside of this realm yourself.” Her eyes narrow, and there’s a distinct threat there. One that shouldn’t be ignored.
I shake my head and put my hands up, palms forward. “Wasn’t planning to.” I hadn’t really thought about who I would reach out to before now. But, the warning in her voice is enough to convince me it would be a bad idea to disagree with her.
Zyla takes a tentative step forward and asks, “Would it help to have a list of the others who will swear to stand with us in the future?”
Rashnu quirks a brow. “There are so many willing to stand against the almighty Council that there is a list?” I’m not sure if she’s amused or concerned.
“Yes,” Zyla nods.
Rashnu is not convinced. Narrowing her eyes again, she asks, “How can you be certain their loyalty is true? Demi-gods especially have been known to change their minds faster than their clothes.”
Confidence finally infuses Zyla’s words when she responds. “Because you told me to give you the list when you helped us come back in time.” Ah, that’s how they managed it. I’m relieved to discover that I won’t need to add prevent time travel to the list of things I need to do as I raise my children.
A burst of laughter escapes Rashnu’s lips. “You are full of surprises, aren’t you?”
“Tell me about it,” I mutter.
Beside me, Zyla reaches into the pocket of her jeans and pulls out a folded piece of parchment. She holds it out to Rashnu. But she pulls it back at the last second, much to the Angel of Judgement’s annoyance. Before the annoyance turns to fiery anger, Zyla hurries to explain, “Sorry, I forgot to tell you that it’s warded.”
The annoyance leaves Rashnu’s eyes as she stares down at the parchment. There is writing on it similar to the writing on the lamps in the realm the kids brought us to earlier. Over Zyla’s shoulder, I ask. “Is that Enochian?”
Rashnu is the one to respond. “Yes.” Instead of reaching out with her hand again, the Angel’s large wing comes forward. Zyla places the parchment between two feathers. There is a sizzling sound, and a bit of smoke rises from the spot. A little grimace of pain forms on the Angel’s face despite the fact that her skin isn’t touching the parchment.
“Um, are you going to be okay?” I ask Rashnu. I assume the warding is to protect the information from other Angels, but I still wonder how she will be able to read it without burning up.
Rashnu’s eyes haven’t left the parchment. She’s not letting it touch any more of her than necessary, and that takes a lot of concentration. “I must be careful, but I will be fine.” When she briefly glances at me, there’s a twinkle in her eyes. “After all, I am the one who created the warding, so I am certain I can get around it.”
“Good point,” I nod and give her a grateful smile. There’s no doubt in Rashnu’s mind that she should be on our side, nor in mine that she really is. It’s hard to argue with proof that she sent to herself.
Chapter 21
As soon as the Angel of Judgment leaves, I turn to Zyla ask gently, “If you had a message for Rashnu, why did you pretend to be frozen instead of just giving it to her when she came in?”
“I’ve never seen her when she was mad. I was afraid to move because I didn’t want to make her angrier,” a red-faced Zyla admits. I can tell admitting fear is not something she does often.
I figured that was the case. Despite the brave front she puts on, she’s still a young girl and can’t be expected to face everything being thrown at her with the same confidence and courage an adult would. What am I talking about? I was tempted to flee when Rashnu came in all angry.
Zyla is drowning in her own discomfort. I understand why, but I still need to give her some useful advice. “I get it. But I’ll let you in on a little secret. Rashnu likes people who stand up for themselves. You’ll get along just fine with her if you’re strong and confident in her presence. Regardless of what form she’s in.”
Zyla nods, takes a deep breath, and squares her shoulders. “Okay. If I ever see her like that again, I’ll be more like you.” There’s still a touch of fear in her eyes as she remembers Rashnu with saber-tooth fangs and talons, but I’m still proud of her. I also like that she wants to be more like me. My mom pride glows inside me.
Yet, I do feel the need to say with a wink, “You might not want to be exactly like me. My mouth tends to get me in trouble with powerful beings like her more often than not.”
Zyla laughs and nods. “Dad tells us stories. He says you’ve never been good at holding your tongue.”
My eyebrows raise to their fullest. “Does he now?” I ask snarkily. My husband and I need to have a little chat about what we will and will not share with our children.
Realizing she may have gotten her father into trouble, Zyla rushes to say, “He only tells us that if we’re doing the same thing.”
Well, how can I argue with him trying to keep them from making the same mistakes as me? I’m sure I’ll find a way. But, that’s a discussion for later. After we figure out how to stop the Council from destroying our lives. No sense in having a discussion about the future if we’re not going to have one.
Suddenly, the library door slams open and Xavion and Keelan come flying into the room. “Did you find her?” Xavion asks. Even though he’s been tearing thr
ough the house in a mad search for Adriel, he isn’t even a little out of breath. Definitely his father’s son.
Zyla nods. “Rashnu took her away.”
“What?!” Keelan exclaims. “Why?”
“To keep her safe,” I assure him.
He breathes a sigh of relief and calms immediately. His mother’s influence, I suspect. “Oh. Okay.”
Xavion’s eyes are on his sister. “Did you give her the message?”
Zyla gives him a ‘duh’ look. “Of course.”
I quirk an eyebrow at her. I’m tempted to tell her brother the whole story, but I decide to let her save face. But, my knowing smile in her direction makes a bit of color rush back into her pale cheeks once again.