Splendor and Darkness

by Cyndi Friberg

  “If madness had claimed you, it wouldn’t occur to you to wonder about the state of your sanity.” She paused, swaying toward him, her warm breath wafting against his throat. “When I caught up to the other, she had—”

  “The other? The one dressed like a man?”

  “Aye. I could sense that she was recently Fallen and—”

  “Fallen?” He tucked her hair behind her ear, trying to make out her expression in the shadows. “Is that term not attributed to angels? What sort of being are you?”

  She shook her head, dislodging her hair. “I can’t explain what I don’t understand. And stop interrupting me. The creatures you see are real and you’re right—we are not human. The other is in the process of Falling. Her transformation is not yet complete. Each time she commits an atrocity, her demonic power grows. Fledgling demons are ravenous for power. Their hunger makes them vicious and cruel.”

  “She trapped their souls in their dying bodies, prolonging their agony.” His voice broke and he pulled her into his embrace. She wrapped her arms around him, splaying her fingers against his back.

  “That’s why I attacked her. I disabled her spell and set their spirits free.”

  He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her sweet scent. She was warm, soft and vibrantly alive. He longed to absorb her vitality through his pores, to feel whole again.

  “I’ve heard Kaleb speak of Judith and the little ones,” she whispered. “Who are they?”

  “Judith is my brother’s widow.” He forced the words past his dry throat. “They—she has two children.”

  “Sons or daughters?” Her fingers combed through his hair.

  “One of each.” He grasped her wrists, stilling her tender caresses. Each stroke stirred sensations he didn’t want to feel. “How can I hope to make up for all they’ve lost?”

  “You can’t replace their father. They wouldn’t want you to try, but you can love them and protect them.” She kissed his chin. Slipping her hand inside the loose neckline of his tunic, she stroked his shoulders and chest.

  “The crisis is long since past. Why are you still here?” Silence swirled around them, warm and caressing. Nate pulled her closer, needing to see her face.

  “I’m going to help you remember what it feels like to be alive.” She skimmed his face with her fingertips. Rapid weight loss had sharpened his features, creating hollows beneath his cheekbones and accenting the brackets framing his mouth. He’d never thought of himself as vain, but she was so beautiful.

  He cupped her cheek and rubbed his lips against hers. Warm and spicy, her breath filled his mouth and stirred his desire. She parted her lips and traced his mouth with her tongue. He released a throaty murmur as tingles sped down his spine. She nibbled and licked at his lips. He laughed, a nearly forgotten sound.

  “You’re a hungry little fantasy,” he whispered.

  Instead of responding with words, she tugged his tunic off over his head. Her mouth fastened onto the side of his neck, sucking hard enough to mark his skin. She caressed his chest, sides, and back while he frantically battled her gown’s fastenings. Her dress slipped from her shoulders and she lifted her arms from the elaborate sleeves. His hands trembled as he untied his hose and kicked off his shoes.

  She eased his hose over his hips and down his thighs. Kneeling before him, she situated herself on her discarded gown. I’m going to help you remember what it feels like to be alive. Her words echoed, fueling his desire. She couldn’t mean to…what sort of spirit would…?

  Wrapping her hand around the base of his cock, she leaned in and exhaled her moist breath across his sensitive tip. A violent shudder passed through Nate. Tension coiled deep in his belly. He wanted to feel anything but pain, to lose himself completely in their passion.

  Tomorrow he’d think of the future, be practical and sane. Tonight he’d be wild and reckless, utterly abandoned to this dream.

  She cupped him with one hand and stroked him with the other, her mouth hovering just out of reach. “Please,” he whispered, pushing his fingers into her silken hair.

  Circling his tip with her tongue, she teased him unmercifully. Desire pulsed within him, demanding and intense. She moved her hands to his buttocks and closed her lips around his shaft. He braced his legs, his body trembling as she drew him deep into her mouth.

  “Oh, sweet fancy, how I burn.”

  She slid him in and out of her mouth, her lips warm and firm. He caressed her face and rocked his hips as she pleasured him. Sensation spread out through his body, tingling, throbbing heat.

  “Enough!” His breath escaped in a ragged gasp as he pulled out of her mouth and drew her to her feet. He kissed her urgently. His tongue moved in her mouth, delving deep with silent demand. She arched into his body, pressing her breasts against his chest.

  With his arms wrapped snug around her, he guided her to the bed. She crawled onto the narrow mattress and spread out on her back. Lifting her arms in silent invitation, she waited for him to join her. Instead, he dropped one of the pillows to the floor and knelt upon it.

  Be she spirit, specter or fantasy, she was solid, warm and willing. He’d accept the comfort she offered, but she would know pleasure too.

  His mouth sealed over hers, the kiss filled with longing. Their tongues dueled, swirled and tasted. She arched restlessly. He stroked her breasts, rolling the nipples between his thumb and forefinger. Her belly quivered as he caressed her smooth skin. His hand glided over her thighs and she eased her legs apart. Bending her knees, she made room for his hand, offering him everything.

  Shaken by her selflessness, he touched her with gentle reverence. His fingers caressed her slick folds, sliding and stroking. Desire pounded through him. It had been so long! He eased two fingers into the snug center of her body, groaning as her moist heat surrounded him.

  He licked his way along her neck, nibbled her collarbone before capturing one of her nipples and sucking with firm, slow pulls. Her inner muscles echoed his rhythm, and a low moan escaped her throat.

  All he could see in the darkness was the cloud of her silvery hair and the silhouette of her lissome body. He wanted to watch her expression as he gave her release. He wanted to look into her eyes as he joined their bodies. But her nipple hardened against his tongue and her rippling core massaged his fingers. He pulled nearly out then thrust back in.

  “Aye! Fill me.”

  Determination surged through him at her plaintive cry. He explored her belly with his lips and pushed his fingers deeper. She arched. He thrust, offering her a teasing glimpse of what they both wanted. Maintaining a steady rhythm with his fingers, he found her swollen nub with his tongue.

  She gasped. “Oh aye!” Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.

  He circled her again and again as his fingers moved steadily. Her body responded, coating his hand and tantalizing his tongue. Pushing deep, he concentrated on her nub, flicking and sucking until her inner muscles clenched his fingers. She shuddered and sighed, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted to devour her, to hear her cries of pleasure.

  Climbing onto the bed, he knelt between her thighs. She opened for him, the invitation unmistakable. He trembled. What sort of man seduced an angel?

  “I’m not an angel, and I seduced you.”

  Her whispered words scattered his hesitation. He positioned his cock at her entrance and sank into her slick passage. She wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him deeper. He gritted his teeth. She felt so good! He pulled back. She tightened around him, heightening the pleasure and building the need.

  Again and again he filled her. She arched, stroking his arms and chest as he thrust faster, deeper.

  Passion.

  Pleasure.

  Hope.

  Joy welled within him. He covered her mouth with his, infusing the kiss with tenderness and gratitude. Wrapping his arms around her, he clutched her to his chest as he thrust to the hilt and surrendered to desire.

  Pleasure inundated his senses, washing over him
in languid waves. She clung to him, whispering his name. Peace swept in on the heels of desire, leaving him trembling and sated.

  They slept for a time, her head pillowed on his shoulder, his arms holding her close. He woke to her lips teasing his skin, her warm hands caressing, reawakening his arousal. He ceased to care if insanity had claimed him. She was the sweetest delusion anyone could invent.

  Straddling his hips, she slowly sank onto his hardened cock. She moved with hypnotic grace, her features lost in shadow. Her hair streamed down her back, teasing his thighs as she took him deep over and over.

  Release came gently the second time. She collapsed across his chest and kissed his mouth as waves of pleasure bathed them in warmth and contentment.

  He lay sprawled on his back, breathless and replete as she silently slipped from his bed. His sluggish brain refused to comprehend she was leaving until she was fully dressed.

  “Wait.” His heart lurched. Fantasies weren’t meant to last, but this had felt so real. “Will I ever see you again?”

  Silhouetted by the moon, she paused and looked back at him. A golden glow emanated from her body, revealing her face. Dazzled by her beauty, he couldn’t move, couldn’t speak.

  “It’s time, Nathaniel. You’ve regained your strength. You don’t need me anymore.”

  Before he could reply, her wings unfurled, knocking the breath from his lungs. Delicately scalloped, translucent and shimmering, her wings muddled his thoughts. She arched her back, her wings rippling, showering the room with sparkles of light. He reached out to touch her, but she disappeared, leaving him alone in the dark.

  Chapter Three

  “You’ve been unable to learn anything?” Lailah tried to keep the disappointment from her tone, but no mystery had ever been this important to her. And Daniel had never failed before.

  “He was attacked by paid assassins. I’m sure that comes as no surprise. I don’t know who hired them. If you hadn’t waited so long to confide in me, I might have been more use to you.” He paused. Leather creaked as he shifted position, most likely uncrossing and re-crossing his legs. “I’ve learned who he is, and I think I understand why he can see you.”

  She hesitated. Leaving Nate had been one of the hardest things she’d ever done. If she knew where to find him, would she be able to stay away? Did she want to stay away? Releasing an exasperated sigh, she squared her shoulders and focused on the facts. Her interaction with Nate was over. She must concentrate on her quest.

  “Can you explain why he could see me without divulging his identity?”

  Daniel chuckled. “Don’t trust yourself?”

  Smiling, she turned her face toward the fire.

  “Perhaps you were meant to be with this man. I’ve never known you to—”

  “It doesn’t matter.” She crossed her arms over her chest and buried her hands in her sleeves. “What role would I play in his life? Mistress? Wife? It’s impossible. I would only complicate things and he’s suffered enough.”

  Kneeling before her, Daniel gathered her hands between his. “What about you? Haven’t you suffered enough? Shouldn’t you claim what happiness you can find? Your quest is to rediscover life’s splendor. Perhaps you can find it with this man.”

  Longing crashed over Lailah in tormenting waves. She clenched her fists, angry and conflicted. She wanted Nate with physical intensity, but Daniel’s suggestion made no sense. Their quests were about sacrifice, overcoming personal challenges and reassessing priorities.

  Daniel shot to his feet. She lifted her head, her instincts engaging an instant after his.

  “I hear wings.” He moved across the room, leaving her seated before the hearth.

  A lump formed in her throat. Had they come to judge her? Would she be damned for seducing a mortal? Pushing to her feet, Lailah gathered defiance around her like a suit of armor. Nate had needed her. If comforting him was wrong…

  “We have visitors.” Amusement tinged Daniel’s tone, halting the downward spiral of her thoughts.

  Lailah heard him open the door. Cool air swept into the room, fresh with the scent of flowers. Flowers? It was autumn.

  Why was Daniel silent? Tension built again. Lailah prepared to unfurl her wings then warm, gentle fingers closed around her hand. Awareness jolted her. “Alyssa? Is that really you?”

  “It’s me.” Alyssa wrapped her arms around Lailah, squeezing so tight Lailah laughed. “I’m so glad to see you.”

  One of the stipulations of their exile discouraged them from interacting with other Rebel Angels. Lailah had disregarded the dictate while Alyssa was lost in lies, as Daniel ignored the stipulation now that she had lost her sight. Still, Alyssa’s visit was unexpected and welcome. Alyssa had successfully completed her quest for truth and now resided in the fifth level of Heaven with her husband Sariel.

  Easing away from Alyssa, Lailah smiled. “Is Sariel here with you?”

  “I am.” His deep voice came from beside her.

  She turned toward him and his strong arms enfolded her. Sariel had been her friend since time began. His responsibilities as Prince of the Order of Grigori left him little opportunity for anything else. There was no possibility this was a social call. “What brings you to my humble domicile?”

  It was during Alyssa’s quest for truth that Lailah had lost her sight. Her friends now lived together in blissful peace while Lailah struggled on in darkness. Even as Nate made love to her, she’d been unable to see his face. Resentment bubbled from deep within her. She’d believed herself beyond these feelings. Apparently the wounds were not yet healed.

  “Why don’t we sit?” Alyssa touched her arm. “This could be a lengthy conversation.”

  There were only two chairs before the fire, so Lailah led her guests to the table across the room. Daniel sat in his usual chair across from her. Alyssa chose the one at her side, leaving Sariel to sit beside Daniel.

  “Even before my exile, I belonged to the Order of Dominions. What brings the Prince of the Grigori to my door?”

  “I need your help.”

  Sariel sounded casual, relaxed, but Lailah remained wary. “You need my help?” She chuckled at the irony. “How can that be?” Authority had never set well with Lailah and her decision to end her interaction with Nate had left her feisty.

  “The Council has requested that I find someone else to undertake this assignment. For some reason, they doubt my objectivity. You and Daniel are uniquely qualified.” Was that amusement in Sariel’s tone? She wasn’t sure if she should be encouraged or intimidated. Few things amused Sariel.

  “What is the assignment?”

  “Ever since Rosalind and Gadrayel were allowed to marry, the Council has been observing their descendants. It is believed that the unusual blending of angelic, demonic and human natures found in their offspring will result in a being of immense power.”

  The Order of Grigori was the oldest and most powerful group of angels. They possessed the one ability others did not. They were able to procreate. The Daughters of Man were forbidden to the Grigori, yet the lines blurred where Rebel Angels were concerned.

  Gadrayel was a Grigori hunter and one of his missions led him to Rosalind. Their attraction had been instantaneous and powerful. Not knowing what price they would ultimately pay for loving each other, they had abandoned themselves to the bliss.

  Rosalind’s lineage was even more complicated than Gadrayel’s. Her grandfather had been a Fallen Grigori and farther back in her ancestry had been Gideon, one of the Rebel Angels.

  “I didn’t follow their progress closely, but they seemed to do well for themselves.” Lailah drew her thoughts away from the convoluted past.

  “Rosalind lived a long and happy life,” Alyssa said. “The demonic element in her nature created conflict from time to time, but Gadrayel was there to help her drive back the darkness.”

  “Several generations have passed since they departed the mortal realm.” Lailah’s injury had taken her life in a different direction from the occupants
of Monthamn Castle. “If such a person existed, shouldn’t they have surfaced by now?”

  “The Council believes they have. The current Earl of Monthamn is an acquaintance of yours.”

  Lailah’s eyes widened. He couldn’t mean… Did he mean…?

  “That’s what I was trying to tell you before,” Daniel said. “Nate is a descendent of Rosalind and Gadrayel.”

  “A demonic horde is hunting Nate,” Sariel announced casually. “Gadrayel and his men concealed Nate’s location during his convalescence. Now that he has returned to Monthamn Castle, hiding him is no longer an option.”

  “What do you want us to do?” Staggered by Sariel’s revelation, she could barely form the words. Not once during her time with Nate had she sensed either angelic or demonic entities. Had she really become so powerless? “Gadrayel is better equipped to protect him than I.”

  “Protecting Nate is not the assignment. It has always been Gadrayel’s responsibility to guard his progeny.”

  “Where was Gadrayel that night in the forest?” She leaned forward, her hands flat on the table. “Four innocent people were slaughtered. Two were Gadrayel’s progeny. Not only were they murdered, but a vicious little demon tortured them before I arrived.”

  Alyssa cupped Lailah’s shoulder, drawing her back. “When each Monthamn child is born, someone is dispatched to assess their potential.”

  Lailah released a mirthless laugh. “That scenario sounds a bit familiar.” Judging Rosalind’s nature had been the catalyst that brought Sariel and Alyssa together.

  “The current generation of descendants showed no aptitude toward unusual abilities, so Gadrayel was given other duties,” Sariel continued.

  “Well, apparently one of the master demons made a different assessment.”

  “We can spend the rest of the night reviewing the tragedy or we can work out the details of our plan.” There was no mistaking the authority in Sariel’s tone. It was the only warning she was likely to get. “Humans ambushed the travelers. That much we know. It is possible that the attack drew the attention of the master demon or that demonic influence could have resulted in the ambush.”