Splendor and Darkness

by Cyndi Friberg

  Her eyes widened and her chest heaved. “I didn’t realize he was still alive until after she appeared.”

  Makatiel spun toward Enos, drawing his attention away from Byleth’s quivering breasts. “That’s why you were in the forest. You didn’t happen upon Byleth. You have some connection to this semi-Fallen angel. You said I knew her. Who is she?”

  “Tell me more about this human.”

  Makatiel glared at Byleth. “There will soon be nothing left to tell.” His gaze returned to Enos. “Besides, I asked you first.”

  “She belonged to the Order of Dominions while you were still their prince. After you Fell, she lost direction and joined a band of Rebel Angels.” He smirked, but the image of Lailah’s beautiful face materialized in his mind. She’d haunted his dreams since he’d first seen her a century before.

  “Rebel Angels? What are you talking about?”

  “There were originally seven, but most have completed their quests.” He moved behind Byleth, his hands wandering over her supple body. “They were cursed by their own words and sent to the mortal realm, each given an individual challenge.”

  “For what do they quest?”

  “The female Byleth encountered is challenged to rediscover life’s splendor.”

  “The female?” Makatiel growled. “Stop provoking me. Who is she?”

  “You trained her to be an Angel of Death.”

  “Lailah?”

  Enos nodded. Just the sound of her name sent desire thrumming through his body?

  Chapter Two

  Lailah soared through the night sky, exhilarated and content. A cool breeze wafted across her face and caressed her wings. Nearly a year had passed in the mortal realm as she monitored Nate’s recovery. Why had he been able to see her? Humans were never aware of her when she assumed her angelic form unless it was their time to die. The answer eluded her. Then the question lost its importance as stronger, darker emotions replaced her curiosity.

  Nate fascinated her. She had only intended to linger until someone else attended him, but it had taken so long for his rescuers to arrive. She’d tried to encourage him as he’d slipped into delirium. Her songs eased his restlessness if not his pain.

  She’d accompanied the rescue party, convinced she would depart the moment Nate stabilized. Hours turned to days and days flew by so quickly Lailah lost count. Comforting Nate gave her life purpose, stirred feelings within her she’d thought long dead. He grew stronger with each new day, both in body and spirit. She had no real reason to remain, but she couldn’t stay away.

  Chimney smoke drifted on the wind, drawing her from her musings. Dense trees and thorny bushes surrounded her cottage, barring every access except the sky. Only two beings would make themselves at home in her house—Daniel and Gabriel. She hadn’t seen Gabriel in several human years. Daniel, on the other hand, had become quite a nuisance.

  Circling the clearing, she searched for any sign of danger other than the smoke. She sensed no demonic presence and nothing seemed amiss, so she glided to the ground.

  “Where have you been?”

  Hearing Daniel’s sharp tone, she waited to furl her wings. He stood on the stoop, the door open behind him. She studied his tense features. Angelic sight was different than human, but once she assumed human form she would be completely blind.

  Daniel had drawn his dark hair straight back from his face, accenting his wide, night-black eyes. Many were intimidated by his fierce scowls and uncompromising ways, but no one knew Daniel as well as Lailah.

  “I’ve been on assignment.” She cocked one eyebrow in silent challenge.

  He scoffed, fists planted firmly on his hips. “We’re no longer sanctioned for assignments. We’re damned to pursue these futile quests. Didn’t your years with Alyssa teach you the value of truth?”

  “Why are you so surly?”

  Daniel had already taken on human form. Retaining their angelic radiance became more difficult every day. Though neither spoke the words, they knew time was running out. She furled her wings and waited for the light to dissipate. Nearly a century had passed since a vengeful demon destroyed her sight. Lailah no longer feared the dark.

  “You’ve been with that human again.”

  “If you knew the answer, why ask the question?” She brushed past him and entered her modest dwelling. How long had he been waiting for her? She’d been with Nate for three days—this time.

  “What is your fascination with this mortal?” His boots creaked as he crossed the floor.

  “His name is Nathaniel.”

  “What has that to do with anything?”

  His tone snapped and Lailah couldn’t help but smile. “Surely you remember Nathaniel. We’ve not been transformed that long.”

  “Nathaniel was the last to join our ranks—”

  “And the first to successfully complete his quest.” Daniel stepped up beside her. She didn’t bother turning his way. “I’m being sentimental.”

  He laughed. “You’re about as sentimental as I am serene.”

  She crossed her arms over her breasts, all playfulness leaving her manner. “He was their target and they failed. Be they spirits or ordinary brigands, they will likely try again.”

  “Why allow him to recover? If they were so determined to end his life, they would have already tried again.”

  “Perhaps they’ve not yet located him. Perhaps they believe they succeeded the first time. I only know I will not leave him until he is able to protect himself.”

  “You’re not a Guardian. That was never your role.”

  “My role has been redefined. Wouldn’t you agree?” Silence stretched between them. She could picture his stubborn glower. She hesitated to confess the rest, but Daniel was her closest friend, and the secret weighed heavy on her conscience. She should have reported the anomaly long ago. “He could see me, Daniel, and not just me—the demon too. What sort of mortal can see spirits?”

  “Have you told Gabriel?”

  She shrugged, extending her hands toward the fire.

  “He doesn’t know anything about this, does he?” She didn’t need to see Daniel’s face. Disbelief infused his tone.

  “I’m not Gabriel’s responsibility. I never was. He taught me how to compensate for the loss of my sight.” She looked into Daniel’s eyes. “I’ve learned my lessons well. Few even realize I’m blind.”

  “What has that to do with this mortal man? If you sense something unusual in him, it should be reported.”

  “Why? We’re no longer sanctioned for official duties. Do they share information with us?”

  “You’re trying to protect him. You have feelings for this human.”

  “He watched me release the spirits of his entire family.” Her tone was sharp and impatient. Daniel meant well, but Nate stirred feelings in her she wasn’t willing to abandon. She’d been numb so long before she encountered Nate. She intended to relish every sensation. “If I can comfort him, I will.”

  “He was the only one to survive the attack?”

  “His squire escaped before the slaughter began.” Daniel couldn’t leave any mystery alone. He would dig until he found the truth. His nature allowed nothing less. “We need to know why they were attacked.” She kept her tone light, casual.

  “Would you like me to investigate the ambush?”

  “I’m fully capable of conducting a simple investigation.” Her objection would fuel his curiosity. Daniel was nothing if not stubborn. She couldn’t watch over Nate and investigate the attack. This would work out perfectly.

  “Is this man part of your quest?” For once in his life, Daniel’s tone was devoid of sarcasm.

  “I don’t know.” She paused, savoring the warmth of the fire on her face. “I only know I can’t leave him.”

  * * * * *

  Nate stood at the window in the tiny bedchamber staring out into the moonlit street. Kaleb had threatened to return every night until Nate abandoned his melancholy. Kaleb’s son Hamill wasn’t much better, continually
urging him to return to the castle and move on with his life. Darkness fell and neither Kaleb nor Hamill appeared.

  Bracing his forearm against the wall, Nate released a heavy sigh. They were right. This couldn’t go on. Despite all he’d lost, he had responsibilities, people counting on him.

  A familiar pounding on the door drew his attention. “Go away!” His cousin would never be dissuaded so easily.

  “This is my house.” Kaleb burst into the room, slamming the door behind him. “I’ll go where I damn well please.” He paused to survey the room then turned his hazel stare on Nate. “You’re out of bed and bathed. These are definite improvements. Are my visits finally doing some good?”

  “I was well on my way to recovery when you dedicated yourself to annoying me.”

  “You were well on your way to a drunken oblivion, and I—”

  “Three days hence I will return to the castle. Please make the others aware.”

  Kaleb stared at him, eyes narrowed and head tilted, illustrating his suspicion.

  Nate smiled. “My body is healed, and as you have said repeatedly, my life will not wait forever.”

  “Why three days?” Kaleb moved closer. “Why not accompany me tomorrow if you honestly mean to return?”

  “I thought Judith would appreciate the time to prepare the household for my arrival. I’ve been gone the better part of a year.”

  “This isn’t a trick to be rid of me? You really mean to go home?”

  “I have yet to sit a horse, but the physician believes my legs will bear the strain.”

  With a hesitant smile, Kaleb moved to Nate’s side. “It will be wonderful to have you back. I was barely tolerated before the tragedy. Even your servants have better manners than me.”

  “You selflessly put your life on hold and—”

  “I am a poor substitute, nothing more. Your people need you.”

  Nate inclined his head. “I appreciate all you’ve done. I will always be grateful.”

  “You can best show your gratitude by getting the hell out of my house, resuming my son’s training and letting my life return to normal!”

  Nate chuckled at the brash suggestion. Kaleb was nothing if not persistent. “In three days’ time you’ll be rid of me for good.”

  After playfully slapping him on the back, Kaleb left the room. Nate returned his gaze to the quiet scene beyond the window. His thoughts drifted back to that night in the forest. The images were never far from his mind. The raid had been focused and ruthless, not some random act of violence. His family had been slaughtered. He’d been left for dead.

  A moment of panic had inadvertently saved Nate’s life. At the onset of the attack, Hamill fled in fear. The lad had returned to London and fetched his father. Realizing Nate would never survive the long trek to Monthamn Castle, Kaleb had brought his wounded cousin back to London. Physicians straightened Nate’s broken legs and bound his fractured ribs, but they’d predicted he’d never walk again.

  Nate had still been incapacitated by his injuries when his mother, brother, wife and daughter were interred in the family crypt. Long, tedious months followed as Nate’s body recovered. Contradicting the dire prognosis, his bones mended and his flesh healed.

  The candles sputtered out, casting the room into darkness. He braced his hands on the window frame. What now? The visions grew worse every day. Winged spirits. Grotesquely distorted creatures. And the beautiful Angel of Death. He found it amusing that Death wore such an appealing face. He’d never dreamed insanity would be so entertaining. Her silvery image wavered on the surface of the window. If he turned, she’d only vanish. She’d done so before.

  “Do you really mean to return?” she asked.

  He’d come to hate that lilting voice over the long, lonely nights. She’d filled his delirium with songs of encouragement, songs of comfort and inspiration. Death had rescued him from the brink—and he despised her for it!

  “Why do you continue to torment me?”

  “I’m not here to torment you. If you honestly want me to leave, I’ll go.”

  “How can I feel anything but—” He turned and grabbed her upper arms. His gasp was louder than hers. “You’re real! Who…? What are you?” She twisted and jerked against his hold. He pulled her closer, dragged her toward the moonlight. “It was you that night in the forest and all the other nights since. I thought you were a spirit, some sort of ghost.”

  She stopped struggling. Her breath escaped in a long, ragged sigh. “I’m not a ghost.” Shadows blurred her delicate features. Still, he could picture each detail. She’d haunted his dreams and filled his waking hours with lurid fantasies. He backed her against the wall beside the window, caging her with his body.

  “Go back to that night in the forest. What did I see?”

  “What do you think you saw?” She stroked the side of his face and awareness sizzled through him. “Who do you believe I am?”

  Dragging her hands above her head, he pressed his body against hers. Solid, warm, real, she was no apparition. “You’re my tormentor. I detest you!” His voice hitched, belying the emotion he named. “Why did you take the others yet leave me here to rot?”

  “I don’t decide who lives and dies. I’m just a guide.”

  He crossed her hands and held both in one firm fist. “You don’t feel like an angel. You feel like a woman.”

  “Have you touched many angels?” Her light, musical tone reminded him of her songs, the hours she’d spent at his bedside, unseen yet ever-present, a companion in his despair.

  “Are you an angel?” A shudder accompanied the question. He was pressed against her soft curves, felt the heat of her skin beneath his fingers. This was no angel!

  She turned her face away, hiding her expression with the fall of her hair. “I am many things.”

  He stroked his fingers across her cheek, awed that she was still there. “You’re not an illusion, a trick of my mind?”

  “Nay. I’m flesh and blood.” She leaned into his caress.

  “You enjoy my touch.” His voice dropped to barely a whisper as carnal hunger stirred his blood. “Do angels feel desire?”

  “I’m not an angel.”

  Maintaining his grip on her wrists, he bent and brushed his mouth over hers. She made no objection, so he kissed her again. Pressing, sliding, he explored her lips. Soft, warm, alive—yet she was the bringer of death!

  Shoving away from the wall, he turned his back and raked both hands through his shaggy hair. She wrapped her arms around his waist, her voice soft and low. “Let me ease your pain. Take comfort in my embrace.”

  Fury parted his confusion—churning, boiling, demanding release. He shoved her hands away and spun to face her again. “You did this to me! You took everyone I loved and left me here with nothing.”

  Pushing her fingers into his hair, she drew his face down to hers, her lips sweetly parted, welcoming. Nate clenched his teeth, refusing her tenderness. He didn’t want to be comforted!

  “I hate you.” He formed the words against her parted lips. Her fingers remained in his hair, persistent without pulling. “How can I feel anything but hate for you?”

  “You may want to hate me, but you don’t. Let us comfort each other.” Feathering kisses against his lips, she stroked his face and pressed her body against him.

  Desire, hot and demanding, pulsed through Nate. He’d felt only anger and loss for so long, the awakening left him dazed. He angled his head and took the kiss deeper. Wrapping his fingers around the back of her neck, he held her still. His tongue thrust past her lips. He couldn’t want her. She’d destroyed his life, robbed him of everyone who meant anything to him.

  Why was she doing this? Why wouldn’t she leave him alone?

  I want to comfort you. I need to ease your pain.

  He dragged his mouth from hers. “I heard your voice inside my head.”

  “I can’t speak with your mouth on mine.” Amusement lightened her tone.

  Shadows obscured her features while moonli
ght gleamed in her silvery hair. His rage subsided, leaving desire and emptiness. “Is there a special place in Hell for those who lust after angels?”

  She smiled, her teeth white and even in the shadowed room. “I thought we had that settled. I’m not an angel. I’m a dream, a flight of fancy. Let’s comfort each other. We’ve both been alone too long.”

  Struggling for breath, he pushed her away. This was wrong. He couldn’t find comfort in the arms of Death. This…creature had separated him from Catherine and Estel, from William and his mother. “Why have you stayed with me all this time? Why do you care what happens to me?”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, she slipped her hands inside the trailing ends of her sleeves. “I didn’t mean to become attached to you. It just happened.”

  He ignored the warmth that spread through his body. It shouldn’t matter if she cared for him. “Are you attached to me, sweet fancy? Is that what keeps you here?” His fingers itched to touch her, to explore her soft body and bury themselves in her unbound hair.

  “I felt responsible for you.” A thread of stubbornness revealed itself in her tone. “I wanted to make sure you recovered before I return…”

  “Return to where, the twisted depths of my imagination? I don’t know what you are, but I know what you’re not.”

  “What am I not?”

  “Human.” The word hung in the air between them, ringing with accusation and awe. He said nothing for a long moment. “When I awakened on the road, there were two of…whatever you are. Why did you attack the other one?”

  “You shouldn’t have been able to see us. I don’t understand why you could.”

  “That doesn’t answer my question.”

  She turned her face away, shielding herself with her hair. “Have you always been aware of spirits, or is this a result of what happened that night?”

  He cupped her shoulders and she gasped. The room wasn’t that dark. Why had the contact surprised her? “My patience is wearing thin. Stop evading the issue.” Easing his hold, he moved one hand to her neck, caressing the underside of her jaw with his thumb, fascinated by her smooth skin. “The visions began before that night, but they have multiplied since. I see all manner of creatures now.” He shuddered. “Have I gone mad?”