Then Damien started the blessing: “Blessings delle persone; blessings degli animali; blessings dei posti non indicati per gli scopi sacred …”
I was shocked when I heard Damien doing the blessing, but I knew right then my kids had been blessed.
“Blessings dei posti indicati per gli scopi sacred; blessings delle cose indicate per gli scopi sacred; blessings delle cose indicate per uso ordinario …”
When I asked Damien about the blessing, he replied, “I don’t know how I knew the blessing; it just came out.”
A half hour later, everything had calmed down. The sky looked so peaceful, like a woman after the birth of a child. I was glad everything had gone like it was supposed to.
“Are you okay, Brandon?”
“Yes, Viktoria, I’m just fine, thank you. Now I feel like I am finally free! I can go back to my normal life without any worries!”
“If I were you,” Michael said, “I would be more careful. We can never get rid of Lilith, you know, so watch your back.”
“Michael, what are you saying? How about the rest of the girls? Are they still in danger?” I asked.
“As of now, they’re all safe. But Lilith will try to get back at us for closing the twelve doors to hell. Number thirteen is still open. That is the one she uses. Do not forget that Lilith is the first wife of Adam, so we cannot get rid of her. She is the mother of the demons. She did go against God. Her existence has to be in this macrocosm. I want everyone to be extra cautious. Lilith might be determined to seek revenge! We might still not be safe; she might still be able to hit us when we least expect it. After what we have done, we will be protected, but I do not know for how much longer.”
Brandon and I went to the twins. I was so glad that they were all right and back in our life.
Suddenly, I heard voices. It was Gabriellele and Azalea.
“Yes, Gabriellele? Is everything okay?”
“Yes, Viktoria, there is our light. It’s time for us to pass over. It’s so bright and looks like a rainbow about to appear! There is Leila welcoming us! Azalea and I have to go through the light now. Thank you for all your help, Viktoria. We will be watching over you and your family as you did for us and saved the rest of the six hundred sixty-one. We do thank you all on their behalf.”
“No one needs to thank me; I should be the one doing the thanking! Without you and the others, I wouldn’t have known of their existence. I do thank you all.”
“Viktoria, take a look to your right. Next to Leila is your mom and Babushka. They are there, and they have opened their loving and caring arms to welcome Azalea and me. We are so happy! They’re waiting for us! Viktoria, whenever you need our help, just chant our names, and we will be there for you and your family. But don’t forget, all levels thirteen and up are still open. Lilith is determined to fight for her beliefs; she won’t stop. Just be careful.”
Seeing both going through the light was wonderful. It was amazing now that they were free at last.
Chapter 15
Where Is Melisa?
Just as I was watching them leave, I got a call from Lacey.
“I am calling because we are concerned about everyone, Mom. Is everything okay? There was a storm over here, and Grandma Nelly wants to talk to you.”
“Okay, Lacey, put Grandma Nelly on the phone. By the way, is Babushka with you guys?”
“No, Mom. He said he needs to meet Azalea and Gabriellele at the light with Nana. He has not been seen since then, and something else happened.”
“What in God’s name happened, Lacey?”
“Well, Grandma Nelly will tell you. She does not look well at all, Mom.”
“Hi, Nelly,” I said once the phone had been passed over. “Is everything okay?”
“No, Viktoria, I was concerned. We had a bad storm over here. I was watching the news, and they said it was not an expected one. They don’t know how this happened. There were big, black clouds that just stood over the church. The lightning was incredibly strong! It hit part of the church! A few people got hurt. I think one of them was the bishop. And we cannot find Melisa! Everyone is searching for her. You and the others have to come back! I’m worried.”
“Nelly, what do you mean? Melisa is not with you? She must be around there somewhere! That’s impossible! She must be helping people. When did you realize she was missing?”
“Right after the lightning hit the church and that black cloud covered the inside of the church. We could not see each other. I believe there was a sound likes birds’ wings flapping, but it was inside the church; it was strange. When the clouds were gone, Melisa had disappeared. I’ve called her name a few times and looked for her, but she did not respond. Then I asked Father Jacob to help me find her, but she’s nowhere to be found.”
“Okay, Nelly, calm down. I want you to take your medicine and stay at the church with the kids. We are on our way. Don’t go anywhere!”
“Michael, something terrible has happened! Melisa is missing!” I looked behind him. “Look out! There is a black mist approaching the boat.” I turned back to him. “I just talked to Nelly, and she said that there was a black cloud and lightning hit the church. Also, the clouds went into the church. No one could see each other. Right after that, the cloud disappeared—and she said she thought there were birds’ wings flapping—they could not find Melisa. Michael, do you think the demons have taken her to Lilith for revenge? For us closing the doors and killing some of her demons?”
“Yes. You’re right. It is Lilith! She’s upset. What did Nelly say about the clouds? That’s not a cloud; that’s black smoke. It’s the demons’ creation! And that bird sound was the demons also. Yes, they must have taken Melisa, and they’re coming over here to warn us that they have her. Get Brandon and Greg in the middle of the circle, and don’t move from there until it’s safe. They’re here for Brandon.”
“Where is Brandon?”
“He went downstairs to wash up. Come to think of it, he has been down there a long time.”
I ran downstairs, calling, “Brandon! Are you there?” He did not respond to me. “Right now is not the time to joke around, Brandon!” I went to the bathroom door, but it would not open. I ran back to the stairs. “Michael, come down right now! There is something wrong! Brandon won’t open the door!”
I banged on the door. “Brandon, open the door! There is a big black mass approaching us! We have to get you in the circle for your safety!”
The door opened. “What is with all the screaming? I was just washing my face.”
“Brandon,” Michael said, coming down the stairs. “Just run upstairs and stay in the circle. We believe Lilith has sent the demons back. They’re appearing as a mist; we have to stay in the circle. The mist has taken Melisa, so run inside the circle.”
“What did you say, Michael? What was that about Melisa? Has she been taken by a demon? I thought this was all over! What happened?”
“Brandon, did you swallow the little cross I gave you?”
“No, I did not. I was having a hard time trying to swallow that thing, so I have it in my pocket. Why, Viktoria?”
“You should have. How could you do this? Why didn’t you tell us? We would have taken another precaution! Brandon, Michael and the elders believe those demons are telling us to open the door to hell and let them free in exchange for Melisa. There is no time to argue right now. Just get in the middle and do not move from there. Otherwise, someone is going to get hurt.”
“Fine, I’m going in the circle, as you say. But I want you all to open those damn doors so they can let Melisa free.”
Before we went into the circle, the black mist had taken over all of the boat. Michael and the elders didn’t have a chance to say the verse. We could not see each other; the only thing I could hear was Melisa calling us. I knew I should have stopped it when I heard Melisa’s voice the first time.
�
��Mom! Dad! Help! They’re taking me somewhere! Please help me! Please help me!”
“It’s Melisa calling me! We have to help her, Michael!”
“I can hear her too, Viktoria,” Michael said. “Where is Brandon? Weren’t you holding on to him?”
“No. Where is he? I did not even get a chance to hold on to him; the mist is so dark I couldn’t see him.”
“Viktoria, I am here,” I heard Brandon say, “but that black mist took Damien. I heard Melisa, and there was something in the mist about to grab me, but Damien jumped in front of me and saved me. They’ve taken him! We have to get both of them back!”
“Oh, what are we going to do? We need to stop them!”
“Calm down, Viktoria. We will get Melisa and Damien back; they’ll be fine. Don’t forget he has powers. He will protect Melisa as well as bring her back to the shore for you. Brandon and Greg have to go back and wait; the elders and I will get Melisa and Damien back. Until then, do not do anything crazy—you know what I mean, Viktoria.”
“Hush, everybody, I think I can hear Melisa saying something.” I looked up at the heavens. “Melisa, can you hear me? If you can, just tell us where you are! Who is next to you?”
“Mom, I can hear you! I am in a cave; it looks like a volcano. There is a burning fire here. I’m scared! They have taken Damien, and I don’t know where they took him.”
“Did you hear that, Michael?” Brandon said. “I want to come with you and the elders. Lilith might listen to me; do not forget I was on their side before. I know how Lilith and Samuel work; I can do it again.”
“No, Brandon, it’s too dangerous. They already know you. You have betrayed them; they will not trust you anymore.”
“Look, Michael, whatever happened, it was my fault. If I weren’t so power-hungry, these things would never have happened. It’s entirely my fault; now I must face the consequences. I need to save my children from Lilith, whatever the results are. I’m ready.”
“Viktoria,” Michael said, looking at me, “tell Brandon that he cannot come with us. I don’t want to lose him as well. What if she keeps all three of them? We have Lilith aggravated; there is no telling what she will do. The elders and I will handle Lilith; let us do what we need to do.
“Viktoria, the elders, Alia, and I will be going back. Your father will join us, as well. We have to go back where we did the ceremony. There must be a door that is still open; I don’t know how this could have happened, but it did.”
The driver took us back to the church; I could not believe my eyes. Parts of the church had been torn down. There were police cars and ambulances everywhere; I called Cameron’s and Lacey’s names a couple of times before they answered me. For a moment, I thought something had happened.
“Mommy,” Cameron called out, “we are over here by the ambulance!”
“Oh, my God, Brandon, something happened to your mom! Why else would they be in the ambulance?”
“Calm down, Viktoria, the EMTs are probably just checking to make sure everyone is okay.”
“Cameron, what happened to Grandma Nelly? And where is your sister?”
“Lacey is next to Grandma Nelly, but we have not seen Melisa. She’s missing. The police and volunteers are looking for her. Grandma Nelly was not feeling well, so they’re checking up on her to see if she’s okay and are giving her medicine.”
“Brandon, go call off the search. Tell them that Melisa just called; she’s at home and is okay. I’m going to Nelly to see if she’s okay.”
“Excuse me,” Brandon said, going up to a policeman, “I would like to talk to someone in charge of the search for Melisa. I’m her father, and I have news regarding her.”
“Yes, that’s Sergeant Dudukov, over there,” the policeman said pointing to the sergeant. “He’s in charge of the search. Let me get him for you. Sergeant Dudukov, this gentleman is Melisa’s dad; he says he has news about her.”
“Hi,” the older gentleman said, “I am Sergeant Dudukov.”
“I am Melisa’s dad; she just called me and said she got scared and had her friend take her home. She’s fine; you can call off the search. Please except my apologies for any trouble this has caused you.”
“Okay then. Sorry, I did not get your name.”
“It’s Brandon Nelson.”
“Okay, Brandon; I’m glad your daughter is safe. I will call everyone back then. When you get a chance, tell Melisa we would like to see her and thank her for helping us with the casualties.”
“I will do that, Sergeant, as soon as she feels up to it. Thank you.”
“How is your mother doing?”
“I don’t know; my wife is with her. I have not seen her yet; I hope she’s okay. There’s my wife now; we’ll find out. Hi, honey, Sergeant Dudukov was asking how Mom is doing.”
“She is just fine. Nelly got a bit excited; you know how her heart is. It just beats faster than normal when she gets excited.”
“I know you; aren’t you the famous police psychic, Viktoria Nelson? We were talking about you the other day. We have a new captain; she has worked with you before. Her name is Lilith; she said she is a good friend of yours. But she did not mention that Melisa is your daughter.”
“Yes, I am Viktoria. As for being famous, I don’t know about that. Oh yes, if Lilith is here, I would love to see her.”
“Well, she was asking questions; I’m sure she’s still here.”
“It was nice talking to you, Sergeant. Thanks for your great help; I will stop one day at the station. I’ll see you then.” I turned to my husband once the sergeant was gone. “Brandon, let’s go see what Lilith wants from us. I know if she is here, she wants to talk to us.”
“Do you want me to get the holy water, the salt, the gold dagger, and the cross? Aren’t you going to call Michael and tell him that Lilith is here?”
“Brandon, if you remember correctly, Michael said don’t do any out-of-body experiences. He did not mention that we could not talk to Lilith or make a deal when we see her, right? By the way, none of those will work with Lilith.”
“Viktoria, how are we going to tell who Lilith is? I’m sure she will be in disguise.”
“Don’t worry, Brandon, she will make sure that we do recognize her.”
“Look, Viktoria, at the lady behind that guy over there,” he said, pointing. “Her eyes are looking straight at us. I think it’s her.”
“You’re right. It’s her. Let’s go to her.” As we moved closer and closer to Lilith, she was taking a step back each time. “Lilith, wait! We need to talk to you!”
“Meet me at the back. I will catch up with you.”
“Brandon, keep your eyes open, and do not move away from my side. Have your protection on, not that you need it. After all, she is your buddy.”
“Viktoria, I don’t find that funny at all. I am sorry that I made that mistake. Believe me, I am paying for it.”
“No, Brandon, we are all paying for it. If you hadn’t joined that cult, whatever it was, and if you weren’t so success-hungry, we would not be going through this right now!”
“Viktoria, we are doing just what she wants us to do. We’re turning against each other! She is manipulating us, so she will get what she wants from both of us! Let me talk to her and explain everything to her. She might let them free, or I’ll ask her to take me instead. I am the one she’s furious with.”
“Good plan, Brandon,” Lilith said. “Just one thing: I am furious with someone else also! If I wanted to get back at you for how you betrayed me, I would have done it by now! It is you, Viktoria, that I want! I will return Melisa, but you also have to tell the archangels and the elders to back off and leave my demons alone.”
“No, Lilith, you have to let both Damien and Melisa go. Then I will come with you; I’ll do whatever you want.”
“What are you talking about? We have not taken Damien;
he is not with us.”
“Lilith, you do not even have Melisa!” I said, finally figuring it out. “You’re just trying to trick me into coming with you! You thought you could kill two birds with one stone by asking me for information. Okay, Lilith, where are Melisa and Damien? What demon were they with? Who got them? I see you are scared, Lilith! Now, let’s talk!” I demanded.
“It is Lucifer,” she said. “He has them. He found out about my plans. There is no way of knowing what he will do to them. If you don’t believe me, ask Melisa. I know you can talk to her using your telepathy; if you ask me, Lucifer won’t hurt Melisa or Damien and all because of you.”
“What do you mean because of me? What does this have to do with me?”
“Viktoria, Lucifer fell in love with you at Brandon’s hospital’s grand opening. He decided to have you, and he was determined, so he asked for my help.”
“That was about twenty-one years ago. I don’t remember … I don’t even know what he looks like.”
“That night, he asked me to keep Brandon away from you, and I did whatever he told me. Well, that night, you thought you were making love to Brandon, but unfortunately, it was Lucifer.”
“No!” I yelled, horrified. “It can’t be! You’re lying! This is not true; that is impossible! You are only saying these things to get back at me!” I looked at my husband. “Brandon, why don’t you say something? Tell her that that is not true! How could you just stand there! Tell her it was you! I made love to you that night! You even opened the champagne to celebrate your success!”
“I am sorry, Viktoria. I did not come home that night. I even called and told you that there was a problem in the hospital. I came home the next morning.”
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