Artificial Light (Evolution of Angels Book 3)

by Wall, Nathan

  Hathor laughed nervously. “Well, surely some of hers is stress-induced...”

  “Whatever the cause, Isis sits before us with beauty still unmatched by many stars, even young ones.” Ra glanced at Hathor. Her lips shut and her eyes cast down. “Osiris must’ve counted himself lucky to be the first to lay with her.”

  “It was I who was lucky to have known the love of such a man. For him to fill me with a presence never rivaled to even half the worth was truly a gift.” Isis drank her wine while Amun turned pink. “This is good.”

  “It seems the festivities become livelier.” Ra tapped his chalice and the butler poured more wine into it.

  “Food.” Hapy drooled over his placemat and repeatedly banged his fork on the plate. He cackled. “Food for mouth.”

  “Yes, it is. Please be quiet,” Sekhmet whispered.

  “Food for mouth,” Hapy yelled, growing louder the more his mother trembled.

  “Can you shut that retarded twit up, dammit?” Amun threw his napkin on the table and stood from his seat. He lunged for Hapy—his wife trying to get between them—and grabbed his son by the shirt. He scooped the food and forced it into Hapy’s mouth. “Food for mouth. Now chew and shut up. Next time I’ll leave you with Tawaret and the servants and you can eat their mush. Pathetic moron.”

  “I’ll not have you treat my brother as such,” Hathor said, squinting at her father. Her lips pursed and she breathed through her nose. “You don’t have to love him, think fondly of him, or even speak to him with respect, but I’ll draw the line at cruelty.”

  Amun opened his mouth in shock, red in the face. Ra returned Amun’s agitation with a stone cold look and Amun nodded humbly. He spoke with forced contrition. “As you wish, my beautiful daughter.”

  “So you’re collecting special children,” Madame Patricia prompted, moving the food around her plate with a fork. “You spoke of prophecies and said there were others?”

  “Surely you know the week-of-years is upon us?” Amun asked.

  “My words weren’t for you,” Madame Patricia snapped, “but for our host. Ra, please do share this prophecy.”

  “It’s really the combination of many different prophetic words. It starts with those who shall inherit the Earth after the chosen believers are called home in the rapture. The book speaks of 144,000 people who shall be saved. An insignificant sum, if you stop and think of it.” Ra leaned back in his chair and belched. Hathor wiped his mouth dry. “But the words were translated wrong. Wires were crossed when the Father divinely inspired his messenger to deliver the word, or perhaps John wrote them wrong. It wasn’t 144,000 thousand shall be saved, but 144,000 people made whole shall save.”

  “That’s quite the misunderstanding,” Isis scoffed, rolling her eyes. She swayed in her seat, still drinking her wine. She drunkenly raised her cup. “My glass is empty.” A servant quickly filled it.

  “It gets more interesting.” Ra clapped his hands and a teenage girl was dragged out of line and into the middle of the room. As if routine, Rashini immediately stood and walked to the teenager’s position. She touched the girl’s face.

  “Nothing happens.” Madame Patricia shrugged. “I don’t get it.”

  “Child,” Ra said with force, pointing at Jaden and then the teenager. “Touch the beaten one.”

  Jaden looked up at Madame Patricia, frightened. She kissed his forehead and rubbed his cheek. He conceded. Rashini stepped away to give him and the teenager space. Jaden knelt. His fingers caressed the girl’s leg. Her wounds healed. The contact of their bodies glowed, turning into a translucent light.

  “Made whole, I concluded, means to become one flesh.” Ra smiled at his own genius. “In the beginning, he made man and woman to populate. Divine intention not made possible with the union of like genders. For them to equal our power, they need man and woman.” Ra waved Jaden away. “Very good, boy, you may stop.” Jaden remained touching the teenager. He smiled, glaring at Ra. The Architect stood, agitated. “I said enough.”

  “Jaden, don’t.” Madame Patricia rose from her seat. The boy flashed a grin.

  Jaden pointed at Ra. In a flash, molten plasma from the sun tore through space and released through his hand. Hathor jumped out of the way. The energy pounded into Ra. That section of the table splintered into a thousand burning shards upon impact. Jaden removed his hand from the teenage girl, watching the smoke clear. When the haze dissipated, Ra stood firmly in place. His beautiful cream skin had cracked, charred in several places. Red lines of magma split his flesh, but otherwise he remained unaffected.

  “I am the giver of day. The stars that power angels, give life to the Earth, and imprison Lucifer were built by my hand. Did you really think that would be an effective weapon?” Ra lowered his open palms, directing them toward Jaden. Streams of fire swirled outward and threw Jaden across the room. Ra closed his fists and the fire ceased, but Jaden continued to burn. “You will learn to accept your new position.”

  “Help!” Jaden’s screams eventually ceased. The flames scorched his lungs.

  “My boy!” Madame Patricia yelled, running to Jaden’s side. Even though they weren’t of the same blood, the years spent raising him had imparted a motherly attachment. She removed her long coat and doused the flames. Smoke hissed from his skin. His hair was gone and his flesh oozed. Red heat blisters sprouted up on places that weren’t completely burned through. “You cruel and evil monster, he’s just a child. You are unaffected by his actions—why did you take it so far?”

  “He will learn to fear my hand, much like a dog trained to heed its master.” Ra removed his iron mask from his back pocket and placed it over his face. “I will see his wounds tended to. He will be well cared for, but he must obey.”

  Ra nodded and a couple of men hauled Jaden off. His groans echoed down the hallway until finally he was so far away that they could no longer be heard. Madame Patricia looked over at her onetime lover, wondering how he grew so twisted.

  “I fear I no longer have an appetite, but merely desire the taste of wine and women,” Ra said, gripping Hathor’s dress and pulling her so hard that her dress tore. He smelled her hair. “Have you lain with a man? Tell the truth, I will feel it.”

  “I’ve not.” Hathor shook, closed her eyes and turned her face. “My chastity is yours, but I wish to keep it until our vows are complete.”

  “It is tradition,” Amun added.

  “Tradition?” Ra chuckled, speaking loudly. “There is no real tradition for you angels. There’s only the breaking of it for love, greed, and wealth. The very fabric of the Angel-borns’ existence was founded on breaking traditions...”

  “Hathor is to be your wife and to do as you see fit for years to come,” Madame Patricia interrupted Ra. He scowled at her. “Give her this small token. Surely your pleasures will be tenfold when you consummate.”

  “I have desires that need tending to.” Ra gazed at Madame Patricia, presumably remembering the decades they’d spent ravaging each other. She lowered her blouse and moved her hair behind her ear. “You would have us rekindle old flames?” he asked.

  “The two of you?” Hathor was shocked. “You were once together?”

  “Yes, before the war of pride and creation of man, we Architects had free rein.” Ra smiled.

  “I would have you again, if you would me.” Madame Patricia nodded, hoping to win favor with Ra so that she could personally see to Jaden’s injuries.

  “The idea holds intrigue, yet I fear beauty has long since fled your face. The familiarity of our union holds little to be discovered.” Ra looked at Isis, devouring her with his stare. “The Southern Queen, on the other hand, holds under her blouse treasures worthy of my stature.”

  Amun begged, “Pardon my saying so...”

  “Hold your tongue,” Ra interjected. “Do you wish to sway me from familiarizing myself with your sex puppet? You forget your position. She is no longer yours to invade, but mine if I desire.” Ra groped Isis. Amun bit his lower lip while looking longingly
at her. His wife smiled at his displeasure. Ra continued, “Reserve yourself to your wife before I decide to take her too.”

  “As you wish,” Amun conceded, bowing. Sekhmet winked at Ra. Amun noticed the exchange, snatched her hand, and jerked her along. “We retire to our quarters.”

  “You will have another woman before our union?” Hathor stuttered. “This used play toy?”

  “Used she may be, yet she holds far more appeal than any other I’ve cast my eyes upon.” Ra stared Hathor down. He smelled Isis’ skin. “And there’s something to be said for the experience of a woman versus the lethargic pillow biting whimpers of a child not yet soiled. Remind yourself, I will have what I want.” Ra didn’t bother looking at his future consort. Hathor stormed off. Ra helped Isis to her feet and looked at Madame Patricia. “Danu, the largest portion of my heart will always be yours. Tonight, my pleasure is hers. Do not take offense.”

  “None is had.”

  “My men will escort you to your room.” Ra waved her off and his butlers led her away. He called out, “And if you wish to see the boy, you may do so. Heal his internal wounds, but he will bear the pain and scars upon his flesh as a reminder of his place. Understood?”

  It sure was, but she didn’t feel like acknowledging it. All she cared to focus on was poor Jaden and how they could possibly get away from Ra.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Anubis IV

  Anubis awoke with no pain. His hand felt fuzzy, though. He made a fist then stretched his fingers. He yawned, surprised his jaw opened without a burn. He rubbed his face firmly. Everything seemed fine.

  “I’m healed?” he asked himself in shock.

  “Do you know why I spared you?” Shiva asked. Anubis found that baffling. What did Shiva have to gain? He offered Anubis a canister of water, but Anubis refused. He prodded Anubis with the canister until he took it. “Good. You need to replenish your fluids.” Shiva examined Anubis. “I think it’s important for you to know Lord Vishnu has refused you any care or assistance. What you received was of my own volition.”

  “You should have let me die.” Anubis threw the canister across the room. He rolled onto his side, turning his back to Shiva. “My reason for being is done.”

  “Or does it temporarily escape you?” Shiva stood at the docking station. His fingers swiped across a light panel and window shields lifted, giving a view out over the magenta skyline of Vishnu’s realm. “Swarga Loka,” Shiva announced. “No planet is like it.”

  Out the window, several planets and moons beamed in the daytime sky. The windows dimmed, adjusting to the radiant light pouring into the room.

  “Your father and I were close,” Shiva admitted, piquing Anubis’ interest. “We fought together in the Pride Rebellion, before the brigade realignment and creation of the Corners.” Shiva leaned against the window, staring blankly at the rolling hillside of red grass and purple trees. He looked over his shoulder at Anubis. “We were sent on a far-reaching endeavor, hoping to cut off back route supplies for Lucifer’s legion. Only a few of us lived. Most were slaughtered. Others tortured and then slaughtered, but not us. We managed to evade capture.”

  Anubis couldn’t tell if Shiva was speaking half-truths, lies, or something else. It didn’t matter. He was engaged. Shiva pulled a chair alongside his guest and Anubis sat closer to listen.

  “We were surrounded for what seemed like eons, more than enough time for your father and me to get well acquainted. We weren’t sure we’d speak again after our rescue, so we bid farewell hoping to one day reconnect and regale one another with our life’s stories.” There was a hint of pain in Shiva’s body language, like a desire left wanting had snuffed out his words.

  “When I heard Set was to be a father, I didn’t believe it. I couldn’t picture such a man shouldering those responsibilities. In truth, Anubis, it was your birth that sparked all this.” Shiva tenderly squeezed Anubis’ hands. “Your birth breathed life into mere rumors. From then on, Set knew existence for our kind would never be the same. I last saw him at the end of the Last Great War. Every moment of my existence since has guided us to a reunion. Do you understand the meaning of what I say?”

  “The words of Vishnu... weren’t lies?” Anubis tried to understand exactly what it meant, but his mind refused to piece everything together. He wished Horus were there to explain the situation. That’s how he’d been conditioned growing up. “He killed Osiris and let mother die?”

  “It was never his intent for Nephtys to perish, though, regrettably, Osiris had to die. For you see, though Osiris made plans to lead your Corner to sanctuary, Set knew it would be nothing more than another tyrant strategizing according to a lie.” Shiva led Anubis through the room, knowing Anubis struggled with the thought of Set being a traitor. “Osiris and Zeus were old fashioned. They believed in a hierarchy of all beings, and would have seen you be a lowly servant to their children. Set, on several occasions, tried to appeal to Osiris’ more sensible side, but your uncle was far more concerned with keeping you under his foot, jealous you were the first of your kind. So, you see, your father was a hero. Though your path’s been long and arduous, it’s led us here to this moment.

  “You were abandoned by your aunt and cousin. If you follow me, and become like the child I always deserved, you will soon see your father again.”

  “Vishnu works with my father?” Anubis stared out the window while Shiva rubbed his back in a soothing manner.

  “Worry yourself not with questions and politics. Search your feelings and trust my words are true,” Shiva whispered.

  Anubis felt lethargic again. He was certain Shiva had put something in the canister of water, but he didn’t want to believe it. He desired to feel at home the way he never was under Isis.

  “You wish to have words?” Shiva asked.

  Anubis turned around to find Skanda had entered the room.

  “The son you always deserved?” Skanda yelled loud enough for others in nearby suites to hear. “Mother lies in misery while you play host to this creature?”

  “We’ve spoken of this previously.” Shiva jerked his son in close, snarling through his teeth. “You’ll not question my authority. Know you’re lucky I don’t take your head.”

  “Lucky you don’t return my adoration?” He tried to pull away, but Shiva’s grip grew tighter. “Let me go or else…”

  “What?” Shiva sneered. “You’ll handle me as well as you did Horus? Please. I’d take your arm with one stroke of the blade then beat you to death with it.” He released Skanda. His son stutter-stepped backwards. A crystal with pink light emerged from Shiva’s control panel.

  “What’s that?” Skanda asked.

  “Not for you.” Shiva snatched the crystal, not bothering to look at Skanda. “If you’re worried over your mother’s well being, perhaps you should spend the evening with her while I testify to my brigade.”

  “What are you to do with that ghastly giant?” Skanda pointed at Anubis. “Make him your son?”

  “Make him the warrior and servant my own blood will never become.” Shiva struck his son’s face with all the force he could muster. Skanda hit the smooth floor like a toppled tree. “You’re a warrior by birthright only, though you exude none of the fortitude required to truly be one. Learn your place. Now, leave me be.”

  “As you wish,” he replied, wiping blood from his busted lip. His eye swelled and turned purple from the force of the blow. Skanda stumbled to his feet and draped the hood of his cloak over his head to hide his face in shadow.

  Shiva inspected the crystal. Anubis wondered who it could be from.

  “A moment, please?” Shiva asked, not looking at Anubis. He pointed to another offshoot room. “You’ll find appropriate quarters more to your liking.”

  “What is it?” Anubis gingerly stepped beside Shiva. The Alpha Guardian cast a somber look. “Where does it lead?”

  “It doesn’t lead anywhere.” Shiva waved the crystal. “It carries a message. Only two scenarios could provoke its sende
r to break radio silence.” Shiva put a hand on Anubis’ shoulder, staring into his eyes. “What I tell you must never be repeated, lest you find your neck once again at the mercy of my sword.”

  “Understood,” Anubis affirmed.

  “Either my alliance is ready for the last piece of the Forge, which seems unlikely given that word of Michael’s demise would spread like wildfire, or trouble heads towards Swarga Loka.” Shiva brushed the back of his hand along Anubis’ face. “Are you with us?”

  Anubis stared at his toes. Shiva wasn’t such a horrible monster. He commanded a certain control over his people, despite Vishnu’s apparent role as master. Even though Shiva seemed ruthless, he was certainly consistent and fair. Plus he was kind, unlike those under Isis.

  Anubis wondered why, if his aunt and cousin really loved him, would they allow such atrocities to befall him? No, Horus wasn’t to blame. Horus would die for him. Yet Shiva presented a shield he’d never before seen. It was all too appealing.

  ***

  Magenta light blanketed the room, warming his skin. The wounds tended by Shiva were no longer present and scars were absent. The pain felt not long ago was a distant memory. His bare feet padded across the cold, metal floor. He followed the sounds of clashing blades and watched Shiva spar against Khnum and another angel with many spectators.

  Anubis did a double take, squinting to make sure that was indeed Khnum. Though his ram’s helmet remained the same, his aurascales no longer beamed green with the purity of a Southern starstone. They were orange, reflecting that of the Eastern Corner.

  “You two are slow,” Shiva grunted, fending off the duo with a pair of swords. He separated the first angel from his weapon by smashing it with the pommel of one of his swords.

  Shiva, who stood over six-and-a-half feet tall, moved with the nimble precision of a gymnast. He swung one foot over the other, jumping into a fierce spin. His swords snapped the shaft of Khnum’s mallet and forced him to the ground. Shiva stood victorious.