War of Wings

by War of Wings (ARC) (epub)

  Lucifer didn’t even like to hear that word anymore. He saw Saraquel struggling with a thin tree, its bark smooth and white. “Have you ever felt like you were less than other archangels?”

  “Of course.”

  “Use it. Build it inside you, and let it out as you take this tree.”

  Saraquel focused. He ripped the tree out with a quick snap and launched it as far as he could.

  “Does anyone make you feel small and insignificant?”

  “Michael does, as a matter of fact.” Saraquel quickly grabbed another tree from the ground. He lifted it high and then snapped it in two over his knee. He calmed down and caught his breath. Lucifer smiled at him.

  “I approached Michael in the garden outside the city walls, Lucifer. He was in prayer with God, which unnerved me. I asked how he had been, and he finished praying before he’d even answer me. He looked at me like he knew what I was going to say.”

  “I’m sure he didn’t.”

  “I told him I had come across great wisdom that I was willing to share with him. He told me he felt as if he were one of the last to know, which I thought odd.”

  “I have recruited others. Word travels swiftly from the right mouths. It is a whispering cloud washing over Heaven, and we will soon have the majority wondering. The seed of doubt is planted.”

  “I couldn’t plant it with Michael. I tried to ask your questions about where God came from, but he would have none of it. He said he stood on faith and asked where I came up with—what did he call them—‘these ridiculous allegations.’”

  “He thinks he is wise. He thinks he is a leader.” Michael knew nothing. He would be brought low.

  “I told him the time had come for change. I said the truth will be exposed, and I felt like you when I said it.” He smiled. “Powerful. In charge.”

  Lucifer felt a sick taste in his mouth and turned toward another tree so Saraquel could not see his expression. “I am proud of you.”

  “That means so much to me.”

  It would be easy to break this pathetic angel like one of the trees—to tear him from the ground, rip him apart, and hurl him out of sight. Could he throw him clear over that distant hill?

  “But then I thought Michael was going to attack me. He almost did. He accused me of blasphemy and threatened me. He threatened me, Lucifer, and told me never to speak of it again in his presence. He said that God’s faithful would not stand for these lies. I wanted to tell him exactly who he is dealing with. That’s when I ran straight for you.”

  “Did you tell him where you gathered this information? Did you mention my name?”

  “Never. Not once.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I would never, Lucifer.”

  Lucifer calmed himself down. He set down the tree he was holding and saw deep fissures where his fingers had sunk into the wood. He had to think. He didn’t like the situation at all. He knew there would be significant resistance, but he didn’t think it would come from an archangel of the lowest tier. “He may try to rally God’s followers. We mustn’t let God know how high we have reached into the structure of His domain.”

  “The highest-ranking angel I have converted to our side is an archangel.”

  “I have obtained the support of many you do not even know about, young Saraquel. I have three top-tier angels that will be leaders in our mission. We must stay vigilant.”

  “I understand, master.”

  “I will deal with this insignificant archangel myself. Tell me everything you know about him.”

  Saraquel pointed out Michael’s severe attitude and unwavering devotion to the rules, which oddly could be a weakness. He explained that Michael’s strict ways caused him to be respected among all angels, but it also caused a degree of alienation from some of them, especially those in his own class. Saraquel described Michael as being mostly alone, other than his one friend, Gabriel. When he stressed how Gabriel was Michael’s opposite and loved finding pleasure more than doing real work, Lucifer found a solution. Saraquel was still talking, but Lucifer tuned him out.

  He felt as if he already knew both Michael and Gabriel intimately. Michael would be easily destroyed. He had just the solution—he would do it through Gabriel.

  The next day, Gabriel walked right back through the gates of the heavenly city, past the dominion, and straight back to the upper platforms via the ramp. Immediately he saw Michael on his way down and ran toward him.

  “I have been looking everywhere for you!” yelled Gabriel.

  “I have had much to do.”

  “You won’t believe who I have been talking to. She will be meeting me at the south gate soon.” Gabriel felt a flicker of annoyance that Michael was not picking up on his excitement. In fact, he looked hurried and exhausted.

  “I would believe anything right now. God cannot be accessed by anyone. His light is dimming and not even the seraphim have contact with him.” Michael’s voice lacked its usual confidence. His eyes moved around constantly, scanning the angels near them with a degree of suspicion that Gabriel had never seen from him. It made Gabriel uneasy.

  “Is this about the dream you said He showed you?” Please say no, Gabriel thought.

  “It seems so. I hope you believe me now.” He put a hand on Gabriel’s shoulder and drew him closer. His voice lowered. “Gabriel, you have to be careful whom you trust. There is a division amongst the angels. I can see it.”

  Gabriel didn’t know what to say, so he simply followed Michael off the ramp and down into the city where angels lined the walkways and flew in clusters overhead. They passed streets lined with elaborate mansions. Angels were given the freedom to do whatever they wanted with their homes, and the countless resources of Heaven were at their disposal. The possibilities were endless. They passed a mansion that towered twelve stories high and was made completely out of crystal. It reminded him of all of the mistakes he’d made recently, especially at the Ludus Paradisus. From a neighboring mansion, a waterfall poured from the seventh floor down to a pool in the backyard. It was all so unnecessary. Gabriel wasn’t sure he wanted things to stay the same.

  “You speak of a division,” he said, “but it seems to me that the divisions between angels are crumbling. We are all more equal now, from what I have seen.”

  Michael rounded on him. “Are you saying that because you have been seeing Arrayah? Listen, now is not the time to make new friends. Do you not find it strange she is suddenly speaking with you? You must be careful whom you associate with. The period the Lord spoke of is near.”

  “Are you saying a virtue would never want to be around me? That’s what this is all about, isn’t it? You’re jealous.”

  “That is not what I’m saying. Don’t be absurd. I am simply saying think about it. Why would a virtue be associating with an archangel right now?”

  “I know it may seem unbelievable to you, and speaking of hard to believe, why would God tell you in a dream I’m going to help save half the angels but not tell me?”

  Four angels crossed from the other side of the street, chatting cheerfully. Spotting them, Gabriel waved and called in their direction. “Hey guys, I’ll soon be saving you. Not all of you, but you two.” The four looked caught off guard, their smiles fading. “Actually, it could be the other way around. It could be you two instead. Anyway, I’m the angel savior. Tell your friends.”

  “That’s it. I don’t have time for this,” Michael said. “Goodbye, Gabriel.” He started to walk in the other direction.

  “Michael, wait. You’ve got to admit this whole thing is far-fetched, right?”

  Michael hesitated before turning around. His eyes flashed, and the line of his jaw was tight. “Yes, I admit that. But this is the way it is. Most angels don’t seem to care about the order of things anymore, but I do. There are rules to follow, and I guarantee that God is going to fix this whole mess. I promise you, there will be consequences!” He crossed his arms and visibly pulled himself together like Gabriel was accustomed to. Even so, h
is features were strained. “All I know and believe—and will live by—is what God showed me.”

  Gabriel was taken aback. Even Michael didn’t know what would happen. Michael was always in control but not with this. It gave him an uneasy flutter in the pit of his stomach.

  Michael jabbed a finger at him in the air. “Just trust me when I tell you, brother—be careful. Do not trust anyone but God and me—especially not this virtue angel you just met.”

  “You don’t even know her! She wouldn’t do anything to deceive me. Why can’t you trust my judgment for once?”

  “Are you really this protective of her already? You barely know her! Do you not find her timing a little strange?”

  “Yes, I am protective of her. What is wrong with that?”

  Michael heaved a sigh. He shook his head before stepping forward and patting Gabriel wearily on the shoulder. “All right, then. I’m sure you will do the right thing.”

  “I have to go. She is probably waiting on me at the gate. But I’ll see you soon if you don’t hide this time.”

  “I’ll most likely be home.”

  Michael walked away, and Gabriel watched him slip into a crowd making its way down the golden avenue. When he was out of sight, Gabriel quickly went in the other direction toward the gate. Michael was jealous. That had to be it. He tried to block out Michael’s mistrust and focus instead on seeing Arrayah again. The flutter in his stomach returned but with a different quality to it, one that sent a flush of warmth into his face. But when he got back to the gate, she wasn’t there.

  He began to pace back and forth. Might something have happened to her? No, most likely not, he decided. She was just a little late. No big deal. He would wait.

  Gabriel waited as angels came and went. To pass the time, he approached the dominion at the gate and asked if he knew Arrayah. The guard shook his head, and Gabriel began rambling on about her until the guard looked uncomfortable. Gabriel kept praising her anyway until enough time passed that his anxiety returned. “She must have come and not seen me,” he said to the dominion. “I’ll just wait a little longer.”

  Another dominion passed through the gate and the guard, appearing relieved, left Gabriel to speak with him. Gabriel scanned the groups of passing angels; he watched the skies. Finally, he saw Arrayah flying up the mountain.

  “That’s her. Got to go,” he called to the dominion, who was no longer paying him any attention. “I told you she was coming. Isn’t she stunning? Humility angel; can you believe it?”

  Gabriel ran over to meet Arrayah as she dropped lightly to her feet. He didn’t know whether to give her a hug or shake hands. He started to give a quick embrace but changed his mind and pulled back, reaching for her hand instead. Arrayah chuckled.

  “What’s funny?” he asked, a little embarrassed.

  “Nothing. You are just cute.”

  “You are the cute one.” She smiled, and he fell into step beside her. “I already saw Michael.”

  “Really?” Worry clouded her face. “Where is he?”

  “I think he just went home.”

  She looked relieved. “Well, what did you two talk about?”

  Gabriel explained Michael’s vague sense that something bad was going to happen. When Arrayah pressed him for details, he reluctantly admitted that Michael warned him against trusting her.

  “Me? Why?”

  “It’s stupid. He doesn’t think it’s smart to trust someone I just met. You know, with everything that is going on. But let’s not worry about stuffy ol’ Michael. Let’s just have fun today instead.”

  Her mouth tightened, but she relaxed a moment later and smiled. “Good idea. Let’s go have some fun.”

  “I’ll show you my favorite spot in all of Heaven. How does that sound?” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realized she might not be as impressed with it as he was. She might even think it was boring. He put up a hand and said, “Before you answer, I should tell you that there isn’t much to it. It’s a simple place.”

  With a flirty lift of an eyebrow, she slid her arm through his. “I would love to see any place you want to show me, Gabriel.”

  He felt his face flush, and he began to stutter. “All right—I mean, sure then.” He cleared his throat. “But hey, seriously, it’s no big deal if we get there and you want to go somewhere else. I’m going to take you the long way. Follow me!” Gabriel launched into the air.

  Arrayah spread her pristine wings and caught up to him. She reached for his hand and took it in her own. Surprised, Gabriel turned toward her, and she stared back at him with innocent, affectionate eyes. He wanted to give this angel all of Heaven already.

  He decided he needed to show her something impressive first. “I’ll take you to my favorite spot later. Right now, I’m going to show you something that reminds me of your eyes.”

  They flew over fields and trees until they reached the Marble Falls. Gabriel took her down to the first tier where a massive wall of water fell down the side of the marble. Gabriel shot straight through it into a cave on the other side, which was lit a fluorescent blue from the crystal that filled it. When Arrayah followed him in, it was clear from the shock on her face that she had no idea it was there. She looked around in silent awe.

  Most angels knew of the popular Crystal Cave of the Iris Fall, which was huge and frequently visited. However, this cave on the first tier was much smaller and well hidden. It wasn’t even named. The blue crystal was unique to this location and had not been seen by many eyes. It shimmered in the rippling play of light that shone through the falling water, sending azure sparks dancing across the walls and ceiling. The entrance was only about twice the size of Gabriel’s wingspan. He knew it would make them stay close together.

  “This is amazing,” she said.

  Her eyes roved over the curving walls of crystal, and then she looked at Gabriel. “That was a pretty good compliment, but I thought my eyes were a deeper blue than this.”

  “Of course, they are,” he said quickly.

  Arrayah laughed, and Gabriel realized she was joking. He felt a little silly. He told himself to stop being so nervous.

  They both looked at the beautiful crystal that surrounded them as they traveled toward the other end of the cave. At the far end, the blue crystal was overtaken by solid diamonds everywhere you could see. Gabriel let her fly in front so he could take in the full beauty of her elegant flight. The crystal and diamonds were no match.

  “Gabriel, I still can’t believe this cave is down here and I have never seen it.”

  “No angel has seen all of Heaven.”

  “Maybe Lucifer.”

  He felt a twinge of jealousy. “Maybe.”

  “I’ve always felt I was missing out on something. All the other virtues are so pleased all the time with our duties, but I want more. Seeing this place just confirms how much is waiting to be discovered.”

  “I feel the same way. Michael and the other archangels know their places, but I want to make my own way.” Arrayah looked incredible. The diamonds sparkled around them as he caught up to her, and the look she gave him there in the dancing light was something special. She felt it too. He was sure of it.

  “Gabriel, I feel like I can trust you, so I want to tell you this.” Her eyes cut to the side before coming back. “I have always wanted more and have never been satisfied with what God has given me. Is there something wrong with me?”

  “No, Arrayah! You are incredible. I love that you are able to tell me these things. I feel the same way.”

  “I am tired of routine. I’m not even sure if God is responsible for everything anymore. What if we can control our own existence from now on, free from rules and restrictions?”

  They were coming to the end of the tunnel, so Gabriel grabbed her by the hand, flying fast and pulling her along. She let him lead her. They eventually shot through the water to the other side, which was the Granite Falls. They flew directly toward a massive slab of granite on the other side. At the last possib
le moment, he turned upward, their feathers brushing the rock face as they rushed past. Arrayah gave out a small scream.

  Gabriel erupted with laughter. “Did I frighten you? I’m sorry.”

  She clasped his hand and did an immediate turn, now dragging him behind her. He was still laughing. She dove straight back down into the falls. They were picking up speed.

  “So you didn’t appreciate my joke. Let’s go enjoy that blue some more.”

  She kept going without any acknowledgement she had heard him. They shot down the first tier, the second tier, all the way down until they neared the water.

  “Arrayah—”

  She lunged forward faster, clutching his hand.

  “Wait!”

  Right before they hit the water, she let go and twisted away and up. He struck the water at high speed and plunged into its cool depths, the roar of the falling water like muted thunder around him. He shot down so deeply that it took him a couple of minutes to make his way back to the surface. When he popped up and wiped the water from his eyes, he saw her hovering over him, dry as ever and looking quite pleased with herself.

  Gabriel was not fond of water, and he was probably the worst swimmer in Heaven. He came up frazzled and gasping for air, yet seeing her self-satisfied smirk, he couldn’t help but start laughing again.

  She was unlike any angel he had ever met. He flew out of the water, his wet wings beating hard and showering spray. Before she could withdraw, he gave her a big, wet hug.

  “Ugh!” She tried to push him away, but he locked his arms and soaked her as she struggled. “Gabriel!” Then she gave in and started giggling. Their feathers dripped all over. She stopped trying to push him away, and his arms loosened but remained around her. He felt like he was meant to protect her. She fit into his arms like she had been molded out of his body. Like they had once been separated and were finally reconnected.

  “Now we’re even,” Arrayah said at last as she pushed him gently away.

  “Oh yeah, we’re real even,” said Gabriel. “I get hurled ten leagues deep in the sea and you get a wet hug. That sounds about right.” He shook his wings to dry them out.