Starting to feel tired from treading water, I swim toward the beach and pull myself onto the damp sand. A small shiver rocks through me along with the evening breeze. I’m surprised she let me leave the water. My eyes lift and focus on the dark, endless sky and then shift to study the slight mist hugging the surface of the lake.
“Do you know what’s happening to me?” I ask into the mist.
“Yes.”
My eyes shift to hers. “Care to share?”
“No.”
“You’re a real bitch, you know that?” I study her with annoyance.
Saraphina watches me, watching her. “Your eyes are blue.” It comes out as an accusation.
I shrug, trying to appear casual. “And.”
“The last time you were in my presence, daughter of Heaven, they were hazel.” Her lips turn wicked. “I see someone has been a naughty human pet.”
I offer a sarcastic smile. “Not as naughty as you. Gage mentioned that once upon a time, you could shed your skin and become human, but you no longer can because you are bound to the lake until your sentence has been fulfilled,” I mention.
The beautiful and dark creature just stares at me with a blank expression. “And?” Guess we’re playing this game.
“The end. That’s all he told me.” I lean back on my elbows and cross my ankles.
Tension rolls through her as she drops her voice. “The supernatural and mythological worlds are dark places, daughter of Heaven. It would be wise of you, human, not to speak of things you do not know of. Especially while unprotected.”
My eyes narrow in speculation. “Then please, enlighten me of your prison sentence.”
Harsh laughter releases from her pouty lips. I wait a few beats, thinking she won’t tell me.
“So, human, you wish to know how I became the Lady of the Lake before I turn you over? Very well. It will be something for you to ponder during captivity,” she says offhanded.
I sigh and roll my eyes at her dramatics. “Are all supernatural creatures so theatrical?”
A genuine smile hovers around her lips, threatening to make an appearance. “It’s too bad I have to turn you over. I do find you more or less amusing, daughter of Heaven.”
“Then my work here is complete.”
“My title was a sentencing given to me by Lucifer. You see, many moons ago, two sons were born, Dylan and Lleu. Twins, actually. One had lightness and the other.” She pauses and lightly caresses the dark water. “Darkness.”
Listening intently, I sit up and ring the water out of my hair while Saraphina’s voice suddenly becomes full of sadness and yearning. Caught off guard, I wearily watch her, enthralled with her story.
“The first born twin, Dylan, was handsome, kind and loving. Though a god of darkness, he was full of righteousness.” Her eyes wistfully scan the forest. “In the end, it’s that integrity that got him killed. Beautiful legends grew around his death and yet, no one seems to remember the most important thing about him. The light that shone through the darkness.”
“And you do?” I ask in a quiet voice.
She pins me with a hard glare. “I am the daughter of a sea king and Dylan was my selkie guard. We were in love. Sound familiar, daughter of Heaven, who now displays indigo eyes?” Saraphina points a finger at my irises.
“Go on.” I ignore the insinuation.
“At birth, my father promised my hand to Dylan’s uncle, Govannan. When Govannan found out I was in love with Dylan, he was unhappy and accused me of using my seductive powers against his nephew. In retaliation at my denial, Govannan turned to Lucifer and made a deal with him. As punishment for my disloyalty to our betrothal, he asked Lucifer to turn Dylan human and to confine me to my new title, Lady of the Lake.”
“Because confining you to the lake means you can’t shed your skin. If you can’t shed your skin and become human, you wouldn’t be able to be with Dylan once he was turned,” I decipher.
“Correct.”
“And Lucifer agreed?”
She motions to the dark body of water. “I’m here, am I not?”
“Why? What did he get out of it?” I ask.
She sighs heavily. “The loyalty of the sea militia. Govannan is the grand marshal of the sea’s defense force. Lucifer’s dark army can call upon them at his disposal.”
“What happened to Dylan?” My question comes out barely audible.
“Our love for one another never faltered. He and I managed to meet secretly even though he was imprisoned on shore and I was trapped in the water. After a while, Dylan discovered a loophole in Lucifer’s deal, as there always is with evil.” She holds my gaze before continuing. “It was possible for me to be released from my sentence through an act of pure sacrifice. After learning this, Dylan challenged his uncle for my hand, thinking the killing of one’s blood was enough of a sacrifice.”
“You’re still imprisoned, why?”
Her face falls. “As a human, Dylan was no match for a male selkie. After only three blows to the head, he died in my arms. It’s why I want so badly to be freed of this captivity. I want to return to the sea and impart revenge on Govannan for killing my love.”
My gut clenches at the sadness in her voice and unfairness of her story. Saraphina dips completely under the water. A few moments later, she rises and her mask is back on. A pang of understanding hits me. Her story is filled with everything Asher and I are afraid of.
It would seem Saraphina and I have a lot in common. I too love the darkness that is Asher St. Michael, because even though no one else does, I see his light. Like Dylan, I would sacrifice everything to keep everyone I love safe.
Standing, I push my shoulders back. “I’d like you to hand me over to Lucifer so he can release you of your sentence. I freely give myself to you in exchange for your liberation.”
Saraphina arches a brow. “You would sacrifice yourself for my free will?”
“Everyone deserves redemption, even you, Saraphina.”
7 Awakened Soul
A SEARING LIGHT BLINDS ME causing me to squint and cover my eyes. Warmth radiates through me and I begin to float to a place that doesn’t belong to this world. Flashes of darkness and light rain over my sight as thunder strikes out in the air. My heart stops for the tiniest of moments before it begins to beat again, and energy flows through me.
The bright light dims, allowing me to drop my hands and open my eyes. My irises take in the divine being standing tall and warrior-like in front of me. Inhaling, I lift my chin and move to fold my arms over my chest, protectively. At the movement, I realize my eyes aren’t the only part of me slightly glowing. My skin is too. Just like the stranger’s in front of me.
I stare at my arms as if they belong to an alien. “No way,” I whisper, backing up.
“Do not be afraid, daughter of Heaven,” his rich, masculine voice says.
The intruder has larger-than-life gold wings that are radiating a soft glow. The luminosity glints off his blond hair, which is flowing down the warrior’s neck and lying across his broad shoulders.
The unfamiliar being is wearing armor, also made of gold. His chest plate is decorated with a scroll and his forearms are adorned with protective metal shields, one on each arm. Red silk fabric drapes on his lower body, showing off his extremely muscular legs. Realizing I’m staring inappropriately, I lift my eyes and meet a pair of kind, good-natured, amber ones.
“It’s time for you to surrender who you are.” The warrior draws the words out.
Frowning, I look around. “What the hell is going on?” I ask, unable to figure all this out.
That earns me a reprimanding glance. “I’d rein in your wrath here, daughter of Heaven.”
“Who are you and where are we?” I ask numbly while soaking in the shiny, loft-like corridor we’re now standing in. Gone are Saraphina and the lake.
“Somewhere safe,” the divine being answers, sounding amused.
Peering over my shoulder, I notice two massive, closed gold doors. I shift my h
ead to the other side of the room. It’s so elongated I can barely see the end. Everything in the stretched rectangular space is white, including the concrete floor.
High ceilings are layered with oversized florescent lights that are so bright, they’re blinding. Even though the room has no windows, the intensity of the overhead illumination, and arbitrarily placed table and floor lamps, bounce daylight off the pallid walls, encompassing the entire area in a familiar glow.
This is the complete opposite of the darkness I was drowning in a few moments ago. The angel smirks at my obvious confusion and plops down in a dramatic fashion on one of the dozens of colorless leather couches haphazardly placed throughout the room.
We’re alone in here, but there seems to be enough seating for thousands of people. Despite the lack of color, this place is cozy, inviting and filled with warmth. Like coming home.
“And you are?” I ask, guarded.
The stranger’s lips lift in a kind smirk. “Archangel Uriel.” He dips his head in respect.
I hesitate before sucking in a breath. “Archangel Uriel,” I confirm quietly.
The divine being sits forward on the couch and places his elbows on his naked knees.
“Eve Marie Collins, it’s a pleasure. You may call me Uncle Urie.” He smiles warmly.
I lift my brows. “Uncle Urie? That’s what you want me to call you?”
“You are my niece, after all. It seems fitting, does it not?” he questions, looking nervous.
“Niece?” I repeat in uncertainty.
Seeing my discomfort, his shoulders shake with laughter. “Is repetition a habit of yours?”
My eyebrows draw together. “Apparently.”
I take a slow breath and sit across from the heavenly warrior, watching him with curiosity.
“So, arch…I mean, Uncle Uriel, can you explain what is going on?” I challenge.
“Your soul has awakened,” he says, as if it’s common knowledge.
“Is that why you’re here?” I pose. Unsuccessfully trying to hide how baffled I am.
“Urie.”
“What?”
“I prefer Uncle Urie. A few moments ago, you called me Uncle Uriel. I’m correcting it.”
“Okay then,” I mutter.
Kind eyes land on me. “I’ve been assigned to you.”
At his words, my abdomen tightens in worry. “I already have a protector. Two actually.”
He studies me with enjoyment but remains silent. It’s like he’s never seen a girl before.
“Have archangels been demoted to guardians now?” I inquire, dumbfounded.
“All angels protect, daughter of Heaven.” Uriel pins me with an authoritative stare.
Moments pass in silence before I work up the nerve to address him and change topics.
“What is this place?” I ask.
“The Hall of Truths. More commonly known to humans as Heaven’s waiting room.”
After a pause, it hits me. “Oh. My. God. Am I dead? Did I die?” I shriek in panic. “Did that crazy selkie kill me? I knew she was evil.” I exhale a frustrated breath.
Uriel places a comforting hand over mine. “By the grace, no, of course not. Why would you,” he starts to respond then takes in where we are. “My misstep. I assumed you would feel more comfortable here. I apologize. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
The archangel’s expression turns lost. “I’m sure Mikey would have handled this assignment much better than I am.”
“Mikey?” I question.
“Archangel Michael, the warrior of Heaven,” Uriel responds. “My brother.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek. “This assignment, meaning?”
“Your ascension.”
“My ascension.”
“Your soul has awakened, daughter of Heaven, with the achievement of the divine trials.”
I offer a sympathetic look. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“The Angelic Council set into place three divine trials. Tests if you will, to confirm that your soul is pure,” he explains. “You’ve just completed each.”
“So this isn’t a crazy dream stemming from the elixir Nassa gave to me?” I question in absolute ignorance.
He shakes his head. “No. What you just skillfully maneuvered were the three trials. In exchange for completion, you’ve been granted completion of the transition. Assessments were fought while Heaven’s gods, kings, and priests observed your success.”
“That’s what I’ve been experiencing?” I try to make sense of this. “My ascension?”
“Yes.” Uriel’s affirmation sends a wave of anxiety through me.
“Does Asher know? Is that why he said he couldn’t help me?” I inquire.
Uriel dips his chin in confirmation. “These trials were designed for you, and you alone, daughter of Heaven, to fulfill. You needed to succeed on your own, proving your worth.”
I release a hollow laugh. “My worth,” I repeat with sarcasm.
“Yes, their significance validated your destiny. An act of bravery. You killed the hellhound that haunts your dreams. An act of love. Taking a sword to the heart for your mate. An act of sacrifice. Though your offer to free Saraphina gave the impression of a self-serving surrender, your soul said differently. You wished her true redemption.”
“Is she free?” I ask with a spark of hope.
“Heaven cannot undo Lucifer’s punishments, even if decreed out of trickery.”
“This was all one big, elaborate test to fulfill my ascension?” I confirm on a quiet breath.
He pauses for a moment, unsure. “I assumed that you knew what was happening to you.”
I fall silent, attempting to get a grasp. As time ticks on, I realize Uriel is waiting for me to answer him. “I didn’t.” I scan the waiting room. “Where is Michael?”
“Retrieving Libby, which is why I’ve been tasked with your soul’s awakening.”
I stare at him in disbelief because really, what do you say to all this.
“Are you all right, Eve?” the angel asks in a soothing manner.
“So it’s true then, Michael and the angelic army have gone in to save my mother?” I ask.
“I would think you would be more pleased with that piece of knowledge,” he states.
My eyes slide closed. “Why didn’t Michael tell me?” I whisper in anguish.
Uriel’s brows pull together. “You didn’t need to be told,” he states simply.
I exhale and open my eyes. “I did something…to protect someone I love in order to save her. If I had been told…I wouldn’t have sacrificed…crap. I screwed up.”
Uriel’s hand drapes over mine. “Love is sacrifice, Eve. Trust in Michael’s reasons.”
My gaze meets his again. “It’s hard to trust when everyone lies to you.”
Uriel just watches me like I’m a science experiment about to go wrong.
“No offense, but you’re sort of a weird version of an archangel.”
He releases a rich baritone laugh. “I suppose. It’s not the first time someone has mentioned that to me. Your dad is one of those beings.”
I flinch at the reminder that Michael and Elizabeth are my biological parents.
“I assumed that was a divine secret,” I say, feeling a bit panicked at his knowledge.
Uriel’s face relaxes. “Brothers of Heaven have no secrets, Eve.”
Needing another change of topic, I focus on his getup. “What’s with the warrior outfit?”
He shrugs. “I have nice calves. It works for me.” Okay then.
I offer an awkward smile. “I think I’ve had this reaction once before when meeting an archangel. At least he wore pants,” I retort, thinking back to when I first met Michael.
The archangel’s gaze brushes mine as he studies me. After a few moments, I clear my throat, feeling uncomfortable under his divine stare.
“What?” I ask in a sharp tone.
“I do believe the last time I saw you, you were shoving a cupcake in y
our mouth.” He smirks. “It was at your first birthday party. You didn’t seem to like it very much.”
“The cupcake? Why do you assume I didn’t like it?”
“Your tiny little fingers kept pulling the icing off and throwing it at…” He stops.
“At?” I interject.
Suddenly, those amber irises pin me. “Michael.” He watches me closely before continuing. “You kept throwing it at Michael and saying, yuck daddah.”
My heart drops. “I don’t recall.” I try to keep my voice casual.
Uriel blinks and looks at me in sympathetic understanding before changing his expression when he sees how his words affected me. “What do you know of completing your ascension?”
“Not much. Michael said I was the first of my kind, so we would have to wait and see what it brought,” I launch into my rambling. “No one really knew when I’d fully ascend.”
The archangel offers me a bright smile. “Mikey’s an adept warrior. Though not warm and fuzzy like Uncle Urie, he’s extremely intelligent and protective. Especially of those he loves.”
I shift, feeling like he’s trying to sell Michael to me. “Good to know.”
“As you are aware, your bloodline and soul have been touched by an archangel. The finality of the transition has allowed that soul to rise to a higher level. The angel side of your genetics rebelled against your human DNA and took over. Now that you’ve completed the ascension, you should have all the benefits of an angelic being, in the body and soul of a human.”
“Sounds neat,” I reply with cynicism.
The angel ignores my comment. “Michael and I have been watching over you. Your seer abilities, in addition to your realm jumping, astral projecting, and dream walking gifts have been impressive thus far. As is the capability to heal yourself quickly and teleport through shadows, though neither are gifts from the ascension but results of your bonding.”
I scrunch my nose. “I don’t feel any different.”
“You may not for a while. Your recent bonding with a certain gargoyle has created some supernatural obstacles for us to navigate through. Now that you and the dark prince have tethered your souls together, you’ve also sealed your fate and interfered with the ascension.”
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