Eternity (Wings of War Book 4)

by Karen Ann Hopkins

  I swallowed and moved closer to her. I was surprised that when the Angels showed up she didn’t jump into the sea in a burst of colors, transforming into a dolphin. She’d recognized Uriel and Raphael and hadn’t been afraid. Adria felt comfortable taunting the red headed Angel, and even seemed to be enjoying it.

  Uriel’s gaze shifted to Adria. “This child should forget the earth Watcher. If he has been captured by Gabriel, then he is a lost soul.”

  “Just like Sawyer,” I whispered, turning away from the trio.

  Adria’s arm went around me. She squeezed, but didn’t say anything. The whale had dropped us off on a small, rocky island earlier. There were several other islands about the same size nearby, and I could see a misty shoreline in the distance. I hadn’t bothered to ask our specific location, but I guessed we were off the coast of Oregon or Washington.

  Waves crashed on the moss-covered boulders we stood on, spraying my tennis shoes and rumbling in my ears. A few seagulls soared in the cloudy sky, screeching before they’d dive into the ocean. My travels over the past few months had brought me to some pretty exotic places, but all I really wanted to do was be in Ila’s valley, or maybe visit Timmy and Chloe in Ohio. My brother and sister-in-law were expecting a baby. My chest tightened at the thought of bringing a child into the world just as it was ending. How unfair it was.

  When I faced Uriel, I felt a surge of strength. I had to do whatever I could to save my little niece or nephew. If I failed and we all died, at least I would have tried.

  “I couldn’t save Sawyer. I understand that. But Insepth isn’t lost to us. With your help, we can rescue him.”

  Uriel threw his head back and snorted. “That is precisely what Gabriel wants. He’ll be waiting for us, and he won’t be alone. A large contingent is supporting him, including Phanuel. The rest of the hosts are taking orders from Raguel, simply trying to bide time until the Horsemen usher in the end of days.”

  I ignored Uriel’s narrowed eyes. He stood like a seven-foot-tall statue, his wings resting behind him but still vibrating from the cool breeze. For all his fierceness, I’d witnessed his softer side. Buried under the serious-looking, authoritative Angel was a rebel, like me, wanting to break free.

  Raphael was also tall and muscular, with the same perfect features and shiny skin as Uriel, but he lacked the intensity. Even now, the corner of his lips twitched. He appeared to be amused with the conversation. He half-spread his brown wings, letting them flutter in the wind as he returned my stare.

  “What do you think, Raphael? Is it possible for us to save Insepth from Gabriel and the other Angels?” I asked.

  Uriel growled and Raphael eyed him. “Brother, let me speak. Your crimson hair and wings, and your scowling face makes you intimidating, for sure. But don’t forget, we are equals.”

  Uriel’s brow lifted, then he nodded.

  Raphael turned back to me. “Uriel underestimates our combined power. A successful rescue is possible, but unlikely, given our small numbers. It’s foolhardy at best.” He tilted his head. “But the important question is, why should we even make the attempt? What purpose does it serve any of us to free a Watcher who has been hostile to Angels, and is powerful enough in his own right to cause mischief and headaches for us all? Tell me, Ember, why?”

  My mouth went dry. Raphael, an arch Angel, had addressed me by name. Even Uriel, who was related to me, wasn’t able to bring himself to refer to me as anything but “child” and “Watcher.” I straightened, pulling away from Adria.

  “Because he is my friend. He’s helped me out of more than one jam. And that’s enough for me.” I swallowed, gathering the words in my mind. “But for you and Uriel it’s all about doing God’s will, right?”

  Raphael pursed his lips and nodded once.

  “Do you think God wants Gabriel to kidnap another Watcher, just like he did Adria’s lover, Vorago?” I glanced anxiously between the two Angels. They looked thoughtful, considering my words. “Gabriel has gone rogue. He’s not much different than Samael. He’s doing what he wants, and he’s even gathered other Angels to his cause.” Uriel’s brows arched and I hurried on. “He’s dangerous, and if the Angels, the ones trying to follow God’s instructions, let him get away with it, won’t you all be going against God?”

  “Ember makes a compelling argument, brother,” Raphael said.

  Uriel groaned, shaking his head. “What she talks about is war between the Angels. How can we possible sanction such a thing while Samael leads his forces from Hell into this realm? The end is near, we should be working together to carry out the prophecy.”

  Adria cleared her throat and we all turned to her. “Who knows what the prophecy is anymore. Things haven’t gone the way they should have, and the order of events are all wrong. The mindless way you’re all floundering shows you have no guidance from Him. He isn’t speaking to you, which is curious, making me think He wants you to decide on your own.”

  “That’s ridiculous! We are guided by our Heavenly Father in everything we do,” Uriel insisted.

  “Not as of late,” Raphael said quietly.

  Uriel turned his wrath on the other Angel. “Don’t tell me you’re seriously contemplating helping this little Watcher rescue another Watcher that has been nothing but a nuisance to us.”

  A smile touched Raphael’s lips and I suddenly liked him a lot. “There is no place written in the Scriptures about Gabriel’s uprising or Hell being unleashed before the Horsemen ride. The questions these Watchers raise are legitimate. I care not about this earth Watcher who Gabriel holds captive, but the fact that our brother felt justified in taking him, and defying the rest of us, is a problem. One that will only get worse after the rapture.” He flapped his wings and shrugged. “Besides, I am bored. A battle with the disobedient ones will be an entertaining diversion from the tedium of the Apocalypse.”

  “No war should be waged for boredom, Raphael. Your rhetoric worries me,” Uriel said in a defeated voice.

  “So you’ll help me?” I asked Raphael, taking an excited step forward.

  “Gabriel and Phanuel cannot be allowed to defy our laws. You’re right. They are not so different from Samael in their arrogance. A long time ago, we declared war on our kind at our Father’s urging, but this time it will be our own choice. We will present our case to Raguel, Michael, and Azriel. If our brothers agree, we’ll take up arms once again.” He held me in a steady gaze. His brown eyes were filled with warning. “It is not our place to rescue Watchers or interfere with the end of days. Our battle is with the Angels. It will be up to you to rescue your friend.”

  Before I had the chance to respond, he jetted upward and disappeared in the clouds. The gust from his departure nearly knocked me down, and I had to spread my legs wide to regain balance.

  Uriel sighed. “It seems you got your way again.”

  His wings unfurled and I rushed forward, grabbing his arm. It was hard as stone beneath my fingers, and even though his eyes snapped angrily at my hand, I didn’t let go, fearing he’d bolt into the sky the same way Raphael had.

  “But we don’t even know where Insepth is being held,” I exclaimed.

  Uriel’s mouth thinned. “I’ve known all along.”

  “Then why didn’t you tell me in the first place?”

  He shook his head and graced me with a gentler look. “Because I didn’t want you to go and get yourself killed, that’s why. I’ve worked deliberately to keep you alive. I’m not sure of the reasons for my own actions. It may be the affection I felt for the woman who was your ancestor, and who you remind me of. Or perhaps our Father is prodding me along the way. I realize now that I can’t stop your foolishness.” He leaned down and the energy around him was so great, I swayed backward. “If you succeed in rescuing the Watcher, which I doubt will be the case, you may be tempted to divert what was written in Scripture. Your interference will not be tolerated by the Angels. I will not be able to protect you if you go down that path.”

  I began to open my mouth,
but snapped it shut. One battle at a time, Ember.

  “You will find the Watcher in the place of Armageddon, where it is prophesied that a battle between Angels, during the end of times, will take place. We always assumed the war would be with Samael and the Fallen Angels, but now I’m not so sure.”

  I swallowed. “Where do I find Armageddon?”

  “Tel Megiddo is a town near the Sea of Galilee in Israel. If a battle is to be had, it will be there. And that’s where you will find the Watcher.” He brought his lips to my ears and the sudden closeness made my knees weak. “If Raphael fails to rally the others, you will be alone. And you’re no match for Gabriel, especially with Phanuel at his side. Tread carefully. You are not immortal like the Angels, and you are not human, either. When the Judgement comes, it’s your soul you should be concerned about.”

  He pulled back and beat his wings. Uriel’s departure wasn’t as swift as Raphael’s. He hovered in the sky, looking down at me for a moment. “I wish you God’s speed!” he called out, and then he was gone.

  The clouds parted, letting rays of sunshine through. The sounds of the waves were once again in my ears and the smell of seaweed and salt water filled my nose. I breathed it in deeply and exhaled. My elements were quiet, and I almost felt like a normal girl. I smiled. All I longed for was the boredom that Raphael hated. A few days leisurely hacking through the woods on Cricket was nothing but a dream now. My horse was human, and soon there wouldn’t be any more trails to enjoy.

  “Everything happens for a reason—even the small things. Your heart will guide you to your destiny.”

  I felt Adria’s water power soothing my emotions, making me calm when I should have been a nervous wreck.

  “You aren’t coming with me, are you?” I already knew the answer.

  “No, I am selfish. I’ve missed too many years with my lover. I want to spend what time I have left with Vorago. And when the sea boils, I’ll need to comfort the creatures that live there. If I can ease their suffering, then I will. I will be with you in spirit though, dear Ember. I hope you get Insepth back, and that Gabriel finally faces justice for his crimes.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “A loophole to the other side of the world will be easy for you. What you face once you arrive will be more of a challenge. But I have faith in you and call you sister.”

  Adria pulled me into a tight hug and the shells in her hair scraped against the side of my face. “Someday, we will meet again, and it will be a fine day.”

  She released me and dove from the rock into the sea. I followed her to the edge and looked over. At first, I didn’t see anything, but then a shrill whistle erupted and I followed the sound. A dolphin breached the surface, jumping high into the air. It splashed into the water and a second later it jumped again, only this time another dolphin was beside it. Their joyful whistles filled the air and my insides warmed.

  Would I meet Adria again? It didn’t really matter. Seeing the pair of dolphins joyously playing in the waves was enough. At least Adria and Vorago had some time together.

  I turned away from the glorious ocean and reached for my elements. Insepth had taught me how to weave the loophole, and with the combination of my elements, the task went quickly.

  The opening I created looked like an egg-shaped, hazy window. A warm, dry breeze blew from it, and I could see palm trees and mounds covered with ancient looking ruins. There were square plots of croplands checkering the distance, and just beyond the opening were rock stairs that rose up between broken pillars.

  I sucked in one last breath of sea air and stepped through the hole.

  For the first time in many months, I was completely alone. And I was honestly glad for it.

  Time was running out and I was afraid this was going to be my last battle.

  CHAPTER 11

  INSEPTH

  The flapping of wings and the wind in my face pushed me backward. The room calmed and there were footsteps. My eyes were swollen, making my vision minimal at best. I focused on my sense of hearing, counting two Angels. I didn’t have to guess for long who they were.

  “How does your head feel, Watcher?” Gabriel kneeled in front of me, turning his gaze sideways to peer at me.

  My legs were secured with an iron chain that was draped over a stone archway and suspended between the pillars in a pit at the center of the ruins. A few shards of sunlight squeezed through the slits above, telling me it was still daytime. The cool, dank air and the heavy covering of dust made me think that the buried structure hadn’t been used in a long while.

  Crimson-colored Angel wardings covered the smooth ceiling. They were newly painted on a swath of replaced stone. The rest of the structure was crumbling, but this small area had been updated because of me, I assumed. The Angels weren’t taking any chances.

  My head did ache. Hanging upside down for more than a day wasn’t a pleasant ordeal. But I sure as hell wasn’t going to give the damn Angels any satisfaction.

  I spit out some blood from my cut lip and drew in a shaky breath. “Actually, it’s a fine form of meditation—one I suggest you try, Gabriel.”

  The punch came swiftly, connecting with my stomach and causing me to swing wildly back and forth. I tried to draw into a fetal position, but the bonds that held my wrists and my exhausted limbs kept me from doing so. The pain that shot through me was numbed from dizziness quickly enough.

  “Really, brother. Is it necessary to goad him so?” Phanuel reached out, grabbing my side, forcing my movement to stop. “He isn’t worth your energy, I should think.”

  Gabriel chuckled. “Oh, so wrong you are. This one” —he poked me, sending me swinging again— “is very valuable to us. The female Watcher, Uriel’s spawn, will come for him. Mark my words.”

  Phanuel exhaled. “Why are you obsessed with that one? She’s young and weak—another being not worth your attention. Don’t you think we have more pressing matters to attend to?”

  “You have trouble seeing past that long nose of yours, eh, brother? Uriel will not let the girl fall. He may have no interest in Watchers or even humans, but this offspring of his is different. He has feelings for her, and we can use that to our advantage.”

  “How so?” Phanuel paced the room. “Your impetuousness is likely to bring the entire Celestial Host down on us. We have numbers, but an all-out war isn’t sustainable for long. I agreed that the hastening of the prophecy in Revelation is a good move, but making enemies fighting with our own kind to accomplish our goal is suicide.”

  “Ha!” Gabriel barked. “With Uriel on our side, we near equal strength to the other arches, and combine that with these Watchers’ powers, we’ll be indestructible.”

  The blood settled in my head making it difficult to think, let alone talk, but I couldn’t hold my tongue. “Ember and I will never join our power to yours, Angel. We’ll die before that’ll happen.”

  Gabriel slid back to his knees, grasping my face between his hands. “We have no intention of having your corrupt elements touch ours.” He came closer and his power shone off him, forcing me to squeeze my eyes shut. “We have ways to extract your powers, and when we do, we’ll have a formidable weapon at our disposal. But of course, once the elements have been sucked from your bodies, there will be nothing left of you except skin and bones.”

  “That’s impossible,” I whispered, afraid it was true.

  “We’re Angels. We’ve been reaping souls for millennia. Your soul is your element. It’s not a pretty thing to strip a Watcher of their element—being akin to the severing of an Angel’s wings—which I’ve heard you’ve had personal experience with. We’ve done it before, and it worked marvelously.”

  Fear pricked my insides. If it was my destiny to be destroyed in such a way, so be it. But not Ember—glorious Ember. She was the first of our kind to possess all the elements. Her Watcher abilities are unrivaled, except by the Angels themselves. Even with the world crumbling, her mere existence hinted at her greatness.

  I remember
ed the feel of her lips on mine when I’d kissed her. From the first time I’d seen her and felt her Gaia, I’d been drawn to her. But my relation to her was first mentor, and then adversary. There was no time to explore the feelings I knew I had for her.

  And then there was Sawyer. Her bond to the Demon was not just a passing fancy. Being a product of the earth myself, I was well aware that their love was real. After the mistake I’d made when rendering the Angel Eae from her friend and accidentally causing the girl’s death, I had been compelled by guilt to let Ember have her Demon. I had even worked to protect him, knowing how hurt she’d have been if anything had befallen him. I had buried my own irrational emotions toward the girl, trying to do the noble thing, even though I knew from personal experience that being honorable usually left one dead or miserable—or both.

  Then out of the blue, Sawyer did the unthinkable, binding himself to the Devil. He did it to save Ember, but it destroyed his connection to her, freeing her from him forever. When I’d stolen that kiss, it was because I believed death was imminent, but then Phanuel plucked me from the skies, and I helplessly watched Gabriel careening toward Ember. They crashed into the ocean, and then something happened that I hadn’t anticipated. The ocean drove him away, as if repulsed by Gabriel. The last glimpse I caught of my student was on the back of an enormous whale as it crested the surface and carried her away. Hopefully to safety.

  Even through the torture I’d endured from Gabriel, that kiss had taken up most of my thoughts. I was alive and so was Ember—and she’d kissed me back. My Earth had twirled with her Gaia for enough seconds to spark a connection I’d never felt before. Was it protectiveness or possessiveness, or something much deeper? I wasn’t sure. After hundreds of years and the same number of lovers, I’d never experienced such a moment of joy.

  Now more than ever, I wanted to feel it again. Only Ember could awaken my heart. But as much as I wanted her in my arms, she mustn’t come here to save me. It would mean her death.