Divinity: The Gathering: Book One

by Susan Reid

  I had fallen in love with Eve too, and I wanted nothing more than to protect her from Morning Star, and though that very action had cost me dearly, it never changed my feelings for her even though she had a mate, a husband. It hadn’t been the act of simply falling in love with her that caused me to fall; she had only been one of two human beings on the entire face of the earth at the time. Favoritism wouldn’t have been a circumstance then. I had taken on the image of her husband Adam in order to lie down with her, but I never got the chance. I was summoned and cast down immediately, and then completely shut out of heaven for my actions as all the other fallen were. Rahab followed not that long after my fall, but his sin hadn’t been the same.

  My initial attempt with Eve had created an insatiable desire of lust within me for the scent and flesh of human females, and I gave into that lust repeatedly, during my time on Earth. That was when I had been given this flesh, a desirable and handsome male, a sexual tool for women to use as part of that punishment. Never knowing, or having anything past physical pleasure.

  I had always been too ashamed and embarrassed to tell Edanai the truth, even though she told me what had gotten her cast out, so I made something up. She would be both hurt and furious if I told her the truth now after all this time. Rahab had known, and he kept it secret as mine to tell, which was why he was such a good friend and has always been to me.

  I would do it all over if Eve had needed me again then, and now. I felt as if somehow and in some way after a thousand years, that it all had come full circle once again. Had Elohim cleverly done this when he knew Morning Star would try to claim Star for his own? Had he given Star the exact same aura to test us both again? It didn’t matter, I wouldn’t let her get away from me or allow Morning Star to have her.

  Star was mine and would always be mine for as long as I could hold a thought and memory. Chosen or not, even if it would be for one night only, I would make it one memorable night; which would ironically end with us dying together…like two star-crossed lovers in a ridiculous romance novel.

  Had this been the gift the angels told me he had given me? Another chance? A chance to have what I so greatly wanted so very long ago at one time, and paid the ultimate price for? No, not if she was going to be a divine warrior, which would just be another cruelty, not a gift.

  I didn’t know what to think and I supposed none of it mattered now. Star was a unique and completely different girl, I found that out from past observation and by simply being with and talking to her.

  There had to be another reason her aura matched that of Eve’s. Apparently, this other rogue legion also knew the same, which meant it was being led by an original angel who had existed at the time all of this went down. Why didn’t his name ring a bell though? Had he changed it, maybe?

  Edanai ghosted in, already perched on the couch in a cross legged manner with a smirk on her tanned oval face.

  “I was actually about to summon you when you rang,” Edanai joked first.

  “I take it you’ve met her then?” I answered.

  I had set a teapot to boil on the stove to make a mixture of chamomile and passion flower tea.

  Tea calmed me mentally and physically, and I needed it right now.

  Edanai hopped off the couch and joined me in the kitchen, hopping up on the kitchen counter before she spoke.

  “Yeah I met her, I see why you’re enthralled, she’s beautiful, but she’s definitely scary.” She told me and laughed a bit.

  I looked up at her in question.

  “What do you mean scary?” I asked her.

  “She scares easily. I put a tarantula on her just to see her reaction, nothing dangerous. Typical girly type, but that’s what you’re attracted to I suppose, and you were right. She could sense me, and I think she was afraid because she was rushing to leave the laundry place shortly after I started talking to her.” Edanai explained and teased.

  I pursed my lips and shook my head. Leave it to Edanai to do something like that. I should have known.

  “Don’t mess with her like that. Did you introduce yourself?” I told her firmly, and then asked.

  She looked surprised at my protectiveness and then smirked again, “Sorry. I tried to but she really wanted to get out of there, oh well. I can’t believe you gave her one of your feathers and you still stand before me.” She then said.

  “How did you know that?” I asked her curiously.

  She gave me a playful scolding look, “She had it with her, on the inside of her jacket.” Edanai then said.

  That bit of news actually made me smile, “She did?”

  “I wouldn’t lie to you about that. You really know how to skirt the borderline of the rules Cam. Let’s see… the feather, she’s seen your tattoos, you’re this tall, dark, mysterious and gorgeous guy… she’s gonna figure it all out eventually, but I guess you already knew that,” She smiled.

  “She may call out Drakael before she’ll figure me out.” I said with a smirk.

  She opened her mouth in surprise and gasped, “What makes you think that?” She wanted to know, as if it were juicy gossip.

  “I know the look and how it starts, plus he’s been healing her.” I then said.

  Edanai nodded, still stunned that I would say that in regards to Drakael, but she knew exactly what I meant and what I was referring to.

  “Healing her? How is that fair?” Edanai replied.

  “He says he had permission, but I doubt that included having lunch with her and discussing the finer points of how to spot and avoid a demon,” I clarified.

  Edanai raised both brows, “What? Uh-oh — shame on Drakael,” She then clucked her tongue.

  “Well, he can’t say he didn’t know or he wasn’t warned. Maybe I’ll get another chance to talk to her tonight.” She then said.

  “Maybe,” I replied.

  She looked at me and paused.

  Edanai always knew when something was bothering me, and she waited for me to speak, but I didn’t.

  “What’s wrong Cam? What happened?” Her face was serious now.

  I produced two, plain white porcelain cups with saucers, a small bowl of mint leaves, sugar and cream. I then put the tea leaves in the bottom of each cup, and proceeded to pour the hot water into each one, allowing them to steep. I heard Edanai sigh at my silence, and the taking of my time before I spoke, but I didn’t begin until I had finished preparing my tea the way I liked it, with a hint of mint and cream.

  “I summoned Berith not long ago, and she was just here,” I said blowing at the steam before taking a sip.

  I saw Edanai narrow her amethyst eyes at me, and an instant annoyance flashed a spark in them, “I thought I caught a whiff of decayed funk in here. Are you kidding me? How could you Cam? Where did she go? What did she say?” Edanai rattled off.

  I pursed my lips, “Don’t worry, you may not be seeing her for a while or at all for that matter anymore,” I then told her.

  Edanai’s eyes widened.

  “What? Why? Did you kill her?” Edanai then grinned.

  I didn’t share the humor, and the smile faded from her lips.

  “Not me. Morning Star may have though.” I then said.

  Edanai was silent for a moment as she looked down into her tea cup in thought, “Why would he do that? Because she met with you?” She asked.

  “Probably,” I said moving to the couch in front of the fireplace.

  Edanai joined me with her own cup not long after.

  “If you’re about to tell me she sacrificed herself in knowing she’d be killed by telling you something in particular, I’m going to vomit and it won’t be pretty. I hope you didn’t fall for the whole dramatic act.” She pointed.

  “I didn’t say anything like that, and I didn’t fall for anything.” I replied flatly.

  She studied me with concern now, trying to gauge the level of my sorrow and emotions, which she was very good at, but I think I stumped her this time.

  “Are you going to tell me what happened and wh
at she said or not? That is why you summoned me isn’t it?” She then asked softly, and then sat down next to me on the couch.

  I paused to take a long sip of tea.

  “I would tell all of you to stay away from this music show tonight, but I know you won’t, so if you and the others decide to go, be very careful and keep your eyes open. There are going to be angels, divine warriors and Morning Star’s top minions there as well as dark divine ones he’s stolen and recruited who will either be at or in this show, and posing as band members. I’m only telling you all this, because I don’t want any accidental killings on either side that will set off a war before its time, and I don’t want to risk any of you for any reason,” I began.

  “You’re not going?” Edanai asked.

  “I hadn’t planned on it, but it was requested of me. Drakael told me I was to bring Star there by ten tonight.” I told her.

  She was silent for a moment; her eyes were round in temporary shock.

  “Are you serious? Wow, Morning Star is going all out. I mean her aura is incredibly bright and strong, I’m not even sure what to make of it myself, and she’s definitely different than most of the other chosen that’s for sure, but why does Drakael want you to bring her there? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of keeping her safe if Morning Star is hosting this event?” She then said.

  I sighed tapping my fingers on the side of my cup, finally finishing the rest of the tea, and then set the cup on the coffee table.

  “She’s going to end up dying there Edanai, isn’t that obvious?” I finally breathed not even wanting to say it.

  Her lips parted slightly in surprise.

  “How can you be sure of that?” She asked.

  I gave her a wry look, “Call it a hunch. Drakael claims he didn’t know how or when she will die, that was bull. Their side has known all along and in some sick way they want me to play a part in it.” I said bitterly, and feeling anger beginning to boil in me at the thought. I stopped myself, taking in a deep meditative breath. I didn’t want to be angry, not before my date with Star.

  “For what purpose Cam? That wouldn’t make any sense, and as much as you despise him, he wouldn’t have lied to you, he can’t. I don’t think she will die there, that’s my hunch speaking.” Edanai said as she took a sip of her tea.

  I glanced over at her.

  “Really?” I said.

  “Really,” She said with conviction.

  I gave a half smile as I stood up and began to pace behind the couch. I motioned an index finger towards the stone fireplace, re-igniting the fire that had been burning earlier, and it roared back to life, bathing the room in a soft orange flickering glow.

  “That isn’t the only thing. I mean there’s more, but I’m not going to share what I don’t want you to get involved with,” I then began.

  “Well too bad. If it concerns you then I’m in it no matter what you say, especially if it’s someone trying to hurt you. If you think you’ve survived this long without me you’re crazy and that goes for all of the others too, so spill it…all of it.” Edanai demanded as she turned to face me, crossing her arms over the back of the couch with a smirk.

  I couldn’t help but smile despite my mood.

  I sent a quick telepathic message to Rahab, Ryziel, Macai first, and then all the others about going to the music event. Of course, Ryziel and Rahab were still all for going. Ryziel loved a good fight. They looked forward to the end of the world and this final battle with enthusiasm and anticipation, essentially the opportunity to finally have a go at kicking Morning Star’s ass, and destroying him altogether. I admit though, that the thought of finally having that opportunity, excited me as well.

  I’d never felt any kind of apprehension let alone hesitation in telling Edanai anything that I felt she needed to know before, but I was feeling it now and I didn’t know how to begin. I had to prepare myself for her tirade and anger, though it wouldn’t be anything I hadn’t seen or experienced before.

  “I need to tell you something,” I then began.

  She gave me her full attention, yet she was suspicious.

  “I don’t like the sound of that. Nothing that starts off that way is any good news,” Edanai said as she sat up straighter.

  “It could be good or bad, depending on how you take it I guess.” I told her as I moved around the couch, and sat in the arm chair across from her.

  She eyed me with an examining look.

  “This was before your existence. I didn’t tell you the truth as to why I fell,” I began, looking down at the floor and then back over at her.

  She narrowed her amethyst eyes at me.

  “Okay…” She said in a tone that urged me to go on, and that she was going to wait until I finished before cursing me out.

  I paused for a minute wondering if even telling her this would matter or prove relevant. It didn’t, but I didn’t want her to find out an embellished lie through Morning Star’s telling of events, if that had come to pass one day.

  “I fell — trying to seduce Eve, because I wanted her,” I began. I watched her facial expression change from suspicious to curious, but no anger yet.

  “Morning Star had already been cast out long before, and he made his dominion in the spirit realm where it lies today. He wanted her too, but she ignored and turned down all of his covert offers of putting the means for power and riches right in front of her…at first. I don’t think it mattered to her since she was one of the only two humans on this planet anyway at that time. None of us were able to possess either one of them since they were perfect beings, so I did the obvious and took the form of Adam while he was away hunting, so I could make love to her, just once. I think in the end she knew I wasn’t him, but either way it didn’t matter because I was swiftly summoned away before it went past all the kissing and fondling. While I was being banished and punished for my actions and deceit; Morning Star took the form of the snake and did what he could to hurt her. Lying and tricking her since he couldn’t have her physical body had been his master plan, and by virtue of him including Adam in his offer, she took the bait.” I then told her.

  I heard her inhale sharply, but she didn’t reply just yet. Her eyes flicked towards the fireplace in deep thought. I instantly regretted telling her any of this, and suddenly I wasn’t even sure why I had. It had nothing to do with what we had shared between us a long time ago. With Edanai, my feelings had been true and genuine and they still were, I cared about her more than myself.

  I didn’t want her to mistrust or hate me.

  “So the whole story about you helping that family by showing your true self to would be murderers, and then rendering them fearful and insane because you favored them and their children, was a lie?” She then said.

  I could only nod a yes with a tad of chagrin. It was what demons did best I supposed, thinking to myself at how stupid that was, and that Edanai had actually believed what I had originally told her.

  She licked her lips and paused again.

  She suddenly burst into laughter, and I looked at her with surprise.

  “I should have known. So what else have you lied to me about?” She chuckled some more and then asked.

  “Nothing, I had my reasons. I didn’t want you to think badly of me in that regard because I didn’t sin out of vanity or self-gain or even arrogance. It was out of naivety and stupidity, because I knew better. I spent a long time hanging out with Morning Star and the others who had fallen while waiting for the earth to populate so we could really play with the humans the way we wanted them. Just knowing that the next thousands of generations of females were all connected to Eve genetically, had been enticing enough for the both of us so, yes I continued to sin with human women, but I refrained from producing Nephilim like all the others were beginning to do because I knew that in itself was the ultimate blaspheme. I waited an extremely long time, but the shame, anger, loneliness and lust was too overpowering for me to suppress and hold back,” I finally confessed.

  “Did you act
ually have feelings for her or did you just want to do her?” Edanai then said flatly and accusatory, though her eyes remained fixated on the fireplace.

  I was prepared for her rebuke, and the way she said it was the equivalent to a hard slap in the face.

  I took my time in answering that. I wasn’t going to lie to her anymore about it, “Both.” I simply said.

  She turned to look at me again and I wasn’t sure how to read her expression.

  “I want to say, that I never understood that part of you Cam, at least not at first. Why put yourself through the torture of wanting something you can’t and aren’t supposed to have when you could have any immortal woman of your choosing and not have to risk losing her?” Edanai then said.

  I looked at her then, suddenly feeling guilty. I knew this confession was a bad idea, and now I had to deal with where she was taking it. I didn’t know how to answer that because I didn’t know the answer, but it was how I had always felt.

  Why our romance so long ago fell cold and buried yet we remained friends and cared about one another deeply, I couldn’t explain to her. Edanai would always be around I imagined, and so would I but that was it, nothing more could become of or gotten from our relationship. I certainly didn’t want to start birthing imps. It wouldn’t have happened anyway, the light in me would not allow me to reproduce with Edanai.

  “I know now that you want what most of us wanted and paid the price for trying to have. I don’t think it was that we wanted to have and experience it, it was because we wanted to have and experience it with beings that were off limits, and they are off limits for a reason,” Edanai then said.

  I sighed. She was right.

  “What you did wasn’t out of stupidity or naivety; well…stupidity because you didn’t think you’d be seen or caught by Elohim. We were all idiots. And yes, I am hurt that you didn’t tell me the truth, but I know why you didn’t. Disobedient or not I think that’s what sets you apart from the majority of the fallen Cam. It could be the very reason you alone are still allowed to hold light. But is that the only reason you want this girl? Because she reminds you of Eve or because you actually want her?” Edanai then asked and it surprised me.