Alan took a kneeling position beside her and tried his best at a soothing smile. “Yes, we rescued you and brought you back here where you are safe. You passed out and we tried to make you comfortable.”
The girl nodded. “I’m not imagining all of this, am I? This is real.”
“Yes,” Alan said. “What’s your name? What’s the last thing you remember?”
“I’m Kassidy, I—” Alan could see how hard Kassidy was trying to bring back the events of her past. “The last thing I remember, I was shooting up at Logan’s house then—then I passed out on this trip. The next thing I was running from some black-eyed freaks and trying to wake up. But—but there’s nothing to wake up from, is there?”
“No,” Alan said trying to keep the regret from his voice. “No, you’re awake. When you’re ready I can start explaining things to you. Do you need anything? Water? Food?”
Kassidy massaged her temples. Half joking she eyed the two men, “Yeah, you wouldn’t happen to have a hit or two I could bum off you, would you?” When she saw their faces she tried to explain. “You know, just something to even me out.”
Raphael remained quiet letting Alan field the question. “No, I’m sorry. We don’t have anything like that.”
Kassidy moaned. “This is going to suck. How about some weed or a cigarette? I’d settle for a cigarette right now.”
“Out of luck again,” Alan said. “We aren’t exactly able to walk to a store either.” Kassidy’s look of confusion was enough for Alan to explain further. “Do you want the long version or the short version?”
Kassidy looked from Alan to Raphael and back again. “Let’s keep it short.”
Alan took in a deep breath, “Every thousand years the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are chosen at random. They are given the choice to bring about the end of the world or not. Angels and demons try and recruit these Horsemen to their sides. As long as one Horseman chooses to side with Light, then the apocalypse is delayed to the next thousand-year cycle. We are part of the sixth cycle.”
Alan was tracking Kassidy’s facial expression as he related the news, which sounded like a madman’s tale in his own ears. When she looked like she was following, Alan continued. “So, those are the basics. Except now we have Gabriel, who is a rogue Archangel on the loose changing how this one thousand year cycle is evolving. He has a spell that allowed him to alter the very fabric of fate. He’s separated the human world and supernatural world so we’re still on earth but all the humans are gone.”
Alan winced. He wished he could have explained their situation better but that was the best he could do with no notice. Silence fell between the group as Alan and Raphael watched Kassidy struggle to accept her new world. “Okayyyyyyyy,” Kassidy said licking her lips. “And what’s his deal?” She asked motioning to Raphael who had remained quiet their entire conversation. “He can’t talk or something?”
Alan looked to Raphael. The Archangel moved his mouth as if he were about to speak. Instead he closed his lips like a steel trap clamping shut and walked out of the room.
“He’s an Archangel who has lost his way but I’m working on trying to get him back. He’s been through a lot.”
Kassidy’s eyes widened and she shook her head. “An Archangel, huh?”
“Yep.”
“And what are you? An angel? I saw your wings.”
“No, I’m just like you, a Horseman,” Alan though back to his own actions and the war fury that took hold of him only hours before. “I’m the Horseman of War.”
“And I’m the Horseman of what?” Kassidy asked searching her memory banks for the possible answer, “Death or Famine or Disease?”
“I wish I knew,” Alan said. “I’m sure we’ll find out soon when your powers manifest. Are you sure you don’t want anything to eat or drink?”
Kassidy rose from her seated position to wobbling feet. Alan stepped forward to assist her but she motioned him away with a calm tone. “I’m fine. I can walk on my own and, no, I don’t need anything.”
Alan took a step back letting his arms fall to his sides.
“Are you sure you don’t have anything?”
“What?”
Kassidy slumped against the house’s wooden wall as she dug through her pockets. “Coming down from this is going to be brutal. I can’t do this cold turkey. You really don’t have anything?”
Alan realized what she was asking. “No, I’m sorry. It’s probably better for you anyway.”
Kassidy shot him a look of disgust. “Yeah, I’m sure you know what’s better for me.”
As Alan moved to apologize Kassidy stalked towards the door. “Wait,” Alan said. “Where are you going?”
Kassidy reached the door and stepped outside. “I’m going for a walk to clear my head. What, am I a prisoner now?”
“No, of course not. It’s just that—it’s not safe outside.”
Kassidy disregarded his words as she continued to walk outside. “Listen, I don’t need another parole officer. If it makes you feel better, I won’t go far.”
Alan wasn’t sure what to say. He wanted to build trust yet at the same time he was worried for her safety. “Okay, stay in eyesight.”
If Kassidy heard him she showed no sign as she walked across the peninsula of rocks Raphael’s house sat on and towards the beach.
---
Kassidy walked up and down the length of the coast remaining within eyesight. Alan tried not to stare however he knew he couldn’t allow her to fall into danger again. An hour passed before Kassidy chose a spot far down the beach with her back towards Alan. She sat starring out into the ocean.
The sun was making its descent down past the frothing waves. Seagulls spoke to each other in their tongue. The smell of salt rode the soft breeze. Alan could only imagine what was going through Kassidy’s mind. If he was blindsided with the truth like she was, he could only hope he would handle it half as well as Kassidy. If all she asked was for a few hours alone, he could afford her that much.
While Alan was wrestling with his own behavior during the confrontation with the two demons who had been chasing Kassidy, he heard a rush of wind at the door.
Adrenaline and the possibility of another physical confrontation quickened his heart rate. Excitement gripped his stomach as he felt the urge to fight rise within him. The door to Raphael’s home opened without a sound. Alan crouched behind the door and held his breath. If it was another demon, he was ready.
Instead of someone walking into the room, a familiar voice filled the air around him. “I can hear your heartbeat even over the sound of the waves and gulls, Horseman.”
Alan recognized the voice; it was Seraphim. He was surprised at himself as a feeling of disappointment at the lack of a battle fought his happiness at seeing the Death Angel.
Seraphim walked into the room. Her wings were folded on her back, her red hair wild and windblown. Alan thought not for the first time how beautiful she was. Physically strong with a strong character to match, the Death Angel looked at him with a stone gaze.
“Good thing you told me it was you,” Alan teased. He remembered the first time they met while he was searching for the Celestial Weapons, the blades forged in heaven which at one time were the only means to destroy a creature of supernatural origin. Memories of their confrontation and his victory were too sweet not to mention. “I was about to tackle you and we both know how that would have ended.”
Alan wasn’t sure if it was his imagination or if the stoic Death Angel cracked the slightest grin. As fast as it showed on her lips and eyes, the look of amusement was gone. “Please, we both know I was caught off guard. If events were to present themselves again, I would teach you a lesson in the art of combat.”
Instead of disagreeing with Seraphim, Alan decided to change the topic of conversation. He looked at her scar and then past her right shoulder to the steel wing that rested on her back. Neither of these things diminished her beauty in his eyes. If anything, they boosted her allure. Seraphim was
mentally stronger than anyone he had ever met, it was one of the many reasons Alan found himself attracted to her. “How is the wing holding up?”
Anger flashed across the Death Angel’s face. As if it was a cue, she lifted a hand and tousled her hair. It was a move that placed one of her red locks over the scar on the right side of her face.
Immediately, Alan realized her insecurity. It baffled him how someone like her could feel anything except comfortable, still he felt compelled to apologize. “Oh, I didn’t mean—I was just asking how it feels and if anything needs to be adjusted. You know, I think you’re fine,” Alan kicked himself mentally as Seraphim crossed her arms over her chest. “I mean, you know? I don’t think the wing or scar changes anything. You’re just as stunning as you were before. How could I feel any other way? You saved me, Seraphim.”
Alan stopped with his mouth open. He hadn’t meant to tell her everything he thought about her. On her part, Seraphim’s stance loosened. “Oh, please say something,” Alan said not trusting himself to continue the conversation. “I’m dying here.”
Seraphim actually did smile this time. It was one of the few instances Alan had seen her flash a genuine smile at anyone. She shook her head and actually laughed. The sound was something Alan promised himself he would hear more often in the future. She looked at him, her eyes shining as she shook her head. “No, I think you should keep talking. I want to see what you do for an encore.”
Alan coughed then decided to run the opposite direction while he had the chance. “So, we found Raphael.”
Seraphim nodded, her smile fading. “I heard. I also heard he was unwilling to cooperate.”
Alan nodded.
“Who’s the girl passed out on the beach?”
It took Alan a second to realize whom Seraphim was talking about. He looked over his shoulder and out the window. “Oh, she’s not passed out, she’s a Horse…” Alan heard his voice trail off as his eyes made contact with Kassidy’s body lying still on the beach. Seraphim was right; the girl’s body was splayed out on the sand in an awkward pose. She wasn’t moving.
---
Alan raced down the beach in the light of the dying sun. He could hear Seraphim behind him but there was no time to talk. With every step it became evident that there was something incredibly wrong with Kassidy. The girl was shaking as she lay on the beach. Her eyes were open as she stared into the darkening sky through wild eyes.
Alan was feet from her when he saw the blood. Two crimson patches pooled from her wrists and soaked into the sand beside her. Alan looked around confused. He had just seen her. She was fine. He sank to his knees beside her. A jagged seashell lying beside her dripping with blood whispered its deceit. Beside the weapon was a small empty bag. The only hint of its vanished contents a white residue of powder along the plastic.
Alan could feel tears begin filling his eyes. No, he said to himself. No not you. You can’t give up like this. You’re better than this.
Before he could think about what he should do, Alan grabbed both Kassidy’s wrists in his hands staunching the flow of blood. The metallic scent of the bodily fluid mixed with the ocean air, stung Alan’s nostrils. Her wrists felt so small in his hands.
“Stay here,” Seraphim said as she called on her supernatural speed and ran for the house.
Kassidy’s body shook like a fish out of water. Alan’s grip threatened to slip from his hold on her wounds. “Kassidy,” Alan said leaning over her, “if you can hear me, you have to stay with me. I know you don’t know me but you’re special. The world needs you.”
If she could hear him, Kassidy showed no sign.
Seraphim was back beside Alan in the space of a few heartbeats. She held long strips of cloth Alan realized had once been a pillowcase. Raphael appeared falling to his knees beside Alan, his entire quaking frame speaking of the horror he felt inside.
Seraphim took the emergence of the Archangel in stride. “Raphael, I need you to take one of her wrists from Alan and stop the loss of blood until I can wrap them.”
Raphael nodded numbly as he placed both hands over Kassidy’s right wrist taking over the job for Alan to focus all his attention on her other wound.
Alan’s mouth was dry or else he would have tried to speak. Seraphim ignored everything else besides her job. She wound the cloth around the wrist Alan held with the deft fingers of a medic then turned to the wrist Raphael held. “Raphael, I need you to let go so I can wrap her wound.”
Alan looked up from his own seated position. His hands were dark red and shaking with the reality of the events surrounding him. He could hear Raphael muttering under his breath, “No, not again. Don’t you take her from me again.”
“Alan,” Seraphim’s voice held no room for debate. “I need you to take Raphael.”
Alan moved to obey as he walked on his knees to the other side of Kassidy’s body. He took Raphael by the shoulders. The Archangel crumbled under Alan’s gentle grip. He moved back to allow Seraphim room over the body as hot tears ran down his face. “Why?” Raphael asked through the spittle and tears streaking his face. “Why would he do this to me again? I can’t lose her twice.”
Alan didn’t know what to say. Instead of words of comfort, he drew Raphael in holding the shaking man. The Archangel shuddered into one quiet sob after another. He didn’t fight Alan’s embrace.
Alan could feel his own eyes begin to moisten as he watched Seraphim work over Raphael’s quivering shoulder. How were they going to stop a crazed Archangel bent on vengeance if they couldn’t even hold themselves together?
Chapter Ninety-Seven
Michael lay prone on a hill that overlooked the coast of the Black Sea. Ardat lay beside him studying the scene as the darkness grew. The sun was down but they could still see the two shapes of Triana and Kyle walking away from them towards the still waters of the Black Sea.
“Where do you think they are going?” Michael asked under his breath.
He could feel Ardat shrug beside him, “We’ll find out soon, my love.”
In the space it took to blink twice, Kyle’s strong back and Triana’s slender frame were lost from view. Michael shook his head trying to figure out what happened. Panic filled Michael’s heart with anxiety. “Where did they go?”
“Come,” Ardat said standing from her hiding spot. “Hurry.”
Michael didn’t need a second invitation. They ran over the hill and raced down to the bank where they had last seen the Nephilim and demon. Nothing.
Michael and Ardat reached the edge of the water. There was nothing there. Unless they had turned invisible, there was nowhere for them to go. It was obvious to Michael some spell or supernatural ability allowed the unlikely pair to vanish, but how?
Michael paced up and down the coast searching for any kind of sign that might point him in the right direction.
“Light?” Ardat asked as her dark eyes scanned the darker area.
Michael swallowed hard and nodded. Summoning the ability that had named him king of the gods during the conflict in Greece, Michael formed two balls of electricity—one on each hand. The orbs sizzled with energy and, more importantly, cast a brilliant light across the area they were examining.
Michael fought back the frustration at losing Kyle and Triana. Kyle was putting himself in harm’s way to lead them to Gabriel. If he arrived without Michael’s support, he was in grave danger. There was no telling what the Fallen Archangel would do to him.
Another thought began to grow deep inside Michael’s heart. A small, internal voice told him he was too distracted with Ardat and because of this he had lost sight of Kyle and Triana. Was it his fault they had lost the trail?
“Here,” Ardat’s voice tore Michael from his thoughts with a welcome jolt. Michael ran to her side still holding the orbs high to illuminate the area. Ardat was staring at a large rock that stood apart from any other. It was ebony about three feet wide and two feet tall.
“Great,” Michael tried and failed to hide the frustration from his voi
ce “a rock.”
“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Ardat said rolling her eyes. “Not the rock, Michael, under the rock.”
Michael nodded wishing above all else she was right. He extinguished the lights he held. Trusting the moon and stars to provide enough light to carry out the task, Michael bent at his knees and wedged his fingers between the stone and the ground. Letting a gasp of air escape from his mouth, Michael heaved. The stone didn’t budge.
The Archangel cleared his throat and looked up at Ardat who had a single eyebrow raised in her signature look. Michael readied himself again. There was no way a rock this size should pose a problem for him unless it wasn’t a rock at all. Once again Michael gripped the edge of the black stone. His fingers fought against the rough surface finding a handhold wherever they could.
Michael coiled his legs underneath him like springs, calling every ounce of strength he possessed, Michael pushed and pulled at the stone until veins stood out on his neck. Still nothing. Finally, Michael gave up, collapsing in a mound beside the rock. “I don’t think this is going to work.”
Ardat smiled at him as she approached the object. Her hands ran across its surface like a pianist about to give a performance. Her voice drifted past Michael’s heavy breathing. “When we were cast out of heaven to live on earth and be policed by angels,” Ardat said walking in circles around the stone, “we invented certain spells to keep angels out of our business. Locks that could only be opened by a member of the Fallen race and even then only if they knew where to look.”
Michael watched Ardat as she bent over and placed her hand in a claw like form against the side of a stone. A soft humming came from the rock. As if it was going to grow wings and fly away, the stone hovered off the ground and drifted to the side. Below the stone was a tunnel that descended straight down into the bowels of the earth. A shinning light split the night shooting from the hole and illuminating the scene.
Ardat extended a hand to Michael with a grin. Michael accepted the help as he dusted himself off. “You could have led with that little story instead of letting me try first.”
The Complete Archangel Wars Series: A Shared Universe Series (The Archangel Wars) Page 43