“Quinn it’s alright.” Darla rested her hand on his arm reassuring him. “I want to hear what he has to say.”
Cursing beneath his breath Quinn stepped aside leaving Darla standing before the towering angel.
“Okay, I’m listening.” she said, ignoring the continuing barrage of curses coming from behind.
With his movie star looks the angel looked as impassive as ever. “We had to be certain before making our final approach. There can be no margin for error; too much hangs in the balance. Your decision to stay had to be strictly of your own choosing.”
“Whoa, can we back up a bit?” she asked unclear on what he was trying to say. “Approach me for what? What hangs in the balance? What could be so important that an angel would need me?”
“Your destiny!”
Darla fought the impulse to laugh. “My what?”
“Your destiny!” The archangel repeated not realising it had been a rhetorical question. “Your willingness to sacrifice your life in order to save Heaven was only the beginning of your journey; we had to be certain that you wished to stay in Redemption before we could make our proposal.”
“Which is?” Darla asked.
Michael suddenly looked more serious than ever. “Now that you have decided to stay certain events have been set into motion. These events will be entirely out of my Lord’s control. You have an arduous road ahead of you and along the way you will encounter a marginal degree of danger, therefore my Lord wishes to bestow upon you another gift. I might also add this one is not transferable. The gift has been …designed specifically for you.”
“And am I at least allowed to ask what this gift entails before I make any decision?”
Michael nodded. “The gift will imbue you with certain powers.”
“Powers… What like spider-man sort of powers?” The analogy seamed kind of flaky stood in the presence of an angel but only ever having had a son the superhero character had automatically leapt into her mind. From Michael’s bemused expression it hadn’t been the best of analogies. “You’ve got to give me something to go on.”
The archangel appeared distracted for the briefest of seconds before returning to his usual stoic demeanour. “I have referenced this ‘spider-man’ character and I can confirm that your powers will be nothing like his.”
Darla looked past Michael at the loud snorting sound Larissa produced in the act of disguising a laugh. With the Lycan mouthing a silent sorry she turned her attention back to Michael.
“So if I was to accept these powers what would be expected of me in return?”
“It is quite simple really; all you would need to do is carry on being yourself and in doing so represent God.”
“Represent God how?” she asked.
Michael looked as if he was searching for just the right word to assuage her fears. “I suppose you could consider yourself as an emissary.”
“Wow.” The title screamed responsibility and yet Michael had assured her it was not. “One final question; if I accept this gift can I continue to live in Redemption?”
“If you should decide to accept this gift I give you my word you will be able to live anywhere you choose, including Redemption.” replied the Archangel.
Darla thought for a moment. “Very well then, I accept.”
Quinn shot forward grabbing her arm, “Now just a goddamn minute… Darla you haven’t thought this through properly. You need time to look at every angle. You have no idea what these new powers are or what they will do to you- and don’t even get me started on this path of destiny bullshit. You’ve already done more than anyone should ask of you; you saved their whole fucking world from invasion for crying out loud. Please baby; take the time to think this through.”
Darla had never loved him more than she did right at that moment. Even now he was still looking out for her, but her mind was made up. “I want to do this. You yourself told me that Redemption was a dangerous place to live, especially as a human. Surely any powers that I receive will only serve to protect me more.”
But I want to be the one to protect you, his mind screamed.
“I know you have no real love for God- and you have no idea how weird it sounds saying that to someone who knows beyond doubt that God exists- but I’ve been brought up to trust and believe in him. I know in my heart that this is what I am supposed to do. I just need you to trust me.” Darla felt his grip relax confirming that although he may not like what she was about to do, he wouldn’t stand in her way. Laying her palm on his chest she reassured him one last time. “I’ll be okay.” Turning to Michael she took a long deep breathe. “I’m ready. I accept, let’s do this.”
“So be it.” Michael stepped away from the others and Darla followed nervously. Noting her apprehension Michael worked to reassure her, “Do not fear him Darla, God choose you above all others. He will always endeavour to guide and protect you throughout all of this.”
Michael backed away and Darla took a deep calming breath.
“Behold; the hand of God.” Michael’s commanding voice echoed out into the darkness as a pillar of blinding white light bolted from the sky above plunging towards the roof of the mountain. Touching down in the space between Darla and the others, everyone experienced the effects of its raw pulsing energy. Intense. Powerful. Godly.
Michael’s voice penetrated the energy of the barrier as if it didn’t exist. “All you need to do Darla is step forward to receive your gift. Remember everything you do must be free will. Ultimately the choice will always be yours.”
Was it just her imagination or did his words hold some deeper meaning? Darla looked across at the others, all of whom were regarding her with concern; all except Quinn. Was that fear on his face, for her? Could it be that he genuinely felt more than just friendship and sexual attraction towards her? Please God, let it be more, she silently prayed. As she starred across at him his expression changed to one of pleading.
But her decision was made. Smiling with more confidence than she felt, she called out, “have a little faith,” before stepping directly into the centre of the white beam.
Quinn watched on in anger, his body screaming with a primal need to protect. She was his! His woman, his mate, His love!
Darla’s body slowly lifted up, elevated high into the air above their heads. Her head dropped forward as if she was resting and her arms hung limp at her sides. The white column of light gradually began to hum as it separated within itself to form two columns, one inside the other, both steadily spinning in opposite directions increasing in speed and light.
Shielding his eyes Quinn fought to make out Darla’s features behind the glaring blaze. A jagged fork of light surged down the column bouncing off the walls creating a loud crackling sound from the intensity of its power. Racing towards Darla it spiralled down the column in seconds plunging directly into her helpless body.
A soul-wrenching scream tore from her throat, the force of the bolt throwing her head back and her arms wide.
Reacting on pure animal instinct Quinn roared in response, anger erupting from inside as he lunged towards the column with no thought of his own safety, just a burning need to save his mate.
Without removing his eyes off Darla the Archangels hand flew out freezing Quinn in mid-flight. “You will not stop this,” he said, his voice full of regret for the demons suffering. “She made her choice. It is in Gods hands now.”
Darla chose that moment to release another ear-piercing scream, her body withering in pain.
“Fuck choice! Your God is killing her.” Quinn snarled his body raging against the restraint.
“No Quinn. God’s rewards do not come without sacrifice. She is strong, she will survive this.”
The Archangels words meant nothing to him. All his mind could process was the need to stop her suffering and hurt the one who had caused it. Her body now convulsed under the onslaught of whatever held her in its grip. Her screams of pain had eased down to whimpers and Quinn died inside.
Her body finall
y fell forward showing no signs of life as the energy bolt receded. The two spinning columns slowed and her body gently lowered towards the ground. The instant he felt his body released Quinn lunged into the last of the glowing light in a desperate bid to catch her before she fell to the floor.
Holding her in his arms he clutched her tight reassured by the faint motion of her chest rising and falling. Tenderly lowering her to the ground, he swept her hair from her face needing to see that she was alright. Her eyes remained closed and the golden glow of her skin looked pale and ashen but otherwise she appeared unharmed.
“She will awaken soon,” the Archangel reassured.
“You’ve out stayed your welcome angel. Best you disappear. Fast!” Quinn hissed between clenched teeth.
“Quinn! Be nice.” Darla croaked gradually wakening. “He saved my life remember?”
“Yeah well that’s goddamn debatable.” He growled, knowing deep down that he owed the Archangel big time. But anger was still running too high inside him, until he’d seen for sure that every inch of Darla was unscathed the Archangel remained top of his shit list.
Darla moved uncomfortably in his arms. Seeing the worried stares of the others made her want to show them she was okay; only trouble was her body didn’t seem too keen on the idea. Every muscle she possessed screamed in protest at even the slightest movement.
Seeing her discomfort Michael crouched and laid his hand gently against her back closing his eyes. “You need to take a moment for your body to adjust,” he said surprising her.
“The gift?” she whispered. “But I don’t feel any different.”
Opening his eyes Michael kept one hand on her back while using the other to peel back the jacket that Quinn had provided to conceal her modesty. With a warning growl offered from Quinn the Archangel stopped, conceding to the other male. Closing his eyes he resumed his task while Quinn removed the jacket revealing startling evidence of ‘the gift’.
Aided by the on-coming dawn Darla studied her arm amazed by what she saw. Swirling ornate lines etched their way from her wrist along the length of her arm finishing high upon her shoulder and neck. Twisting her wrist she could see that the design wrapped completely around encasing her arm in its intricate design. A closer inspection revealed that what she’d first thought to be a tattoo was in fact shallow grey channels carved into her skin.
“You have questions.” Michael stated.
“You’re right, I do; one that’s been bothering me for a while now.”
“Ask what you will. I am here to help.” Michael replied rising to his feet.
“I’m glad you said that,” she said smiling mischievously, “because right now the burning question on my mind is…what exactly is Quinn?”
The silence was deafening. She had felt Quinn’s arm tighten around her as she’d asked the question and Michael was looking almost perplexed.
“I wasn’t actually referring-”
“Oh relax,” Darla said putting the angel out of his misery.
If she and Quinn were to have any chance at a future he would have to learn to trust her. “I know you’re not human,” she said turning to look at him, but what you are is kind, caring, and considerate and no matter what it is you think you need to hide from me, my opinion of you will never change.”
Quinn searched her face. There was no sign of fear, judgement or distrust, just a burning desire to know. Perhaps, he thought, if he just told her what he was and not who he was it would be enough…at least for now. Hopefully if he could successfully win her heart the rest would follow.
He sighed heavily knowing he was risking it all. “I’m a demon, born in the depths of hell itself.” Bracing himself he waited for the cold reality of rejection.
Darla was shocked! Never in a million years had she ever imagined she would ever fall in love with a demon, and boy…was she in love! All sorts of questions filled her head.
Were they even compatible, physically? Remembering their encounter in the forest where she had woken up beside him at least answered that one. Did demons eat like humans? –Check. The take-away on the night she’d arrived. The truth was no matter what obstacle she came up with it all came back to the same thing- she loved him.
“So now I find myself with a Pixie, a Lycan, an Archangel, a human who speaks directly to God and last but not least a Demon. I almost feel like I’m the only living thing in Redemption that’s normal.”
“That’s not strictly true anymore,” answered Michael.
Darla looked down at her arm before bursting into laughter, rapidly joined by all except the Archangel. Quinn helped her to her feet, brushing the dust from her dress, each stroke causing tiny tingles along her skin. “So are we good?” he asked apprehensively.
Oh boy, we’re more than good, she thought to herself. “We’re fine. Maybe we can talk later,” she said smiling shyly.
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
I’m praying you’ll like a whole lot more than just talking. “Well I suppose it’s now or never.” With a final smile she turned towards Michael. “So, I guess it’s time for you to fill me in on this.” She said indicating her arm.
“The glyphs are part of a lost language; an ancient language used by the original inhabitants of Redemption.”
“You mean the demi-gods?” Darla felt quite pleased with herself for paying attention back at Mama Grace’s house.
Michael nodded and continued. “That is correct. It reads ‘she who bares the mark as God’s first chosen commands the gateway to all’.
“The gateway?” she asked. “I will need a little more than that if you ever expect me to understand this thing.”
“It’s quite simple really,” answered the Archangel. “You now possess the ability to go wherever you choose.”
Darla still looked perplexed.
Maisey stepped forward. “When Michael says, you have the ability to travel anywhere, what he really means is anywhere. Heaven, Hell, Earth, here of course and including all the other realms that lay in between. There are no barriers any longer.”
Darla looked to Michael for confirmation.
“Is that not what I said?” He replied.
Maisey rolled her eyes. One thing she had come to realise in all her past dealings with Michael was that for a being that spent his entire existence studying humans, what he lacked in abundance was people skills. “Do you realise what a great honour this is? Only one other has ever possessed such a gift.”
Darla looked questioningly at her friend.
“God!”
Feeling slightly nauseous by the importance of such an ability Darla needed to hear affirmation from the Archangel himself. “You’re telling me that I can travel backwards and forwards from here to earth whenever I choose?”
“As well as other places, yes,” confirmed Michael.
This has to be a mistake, she thought. Of all the people God could have chosen, why her? It was too much. “I think there’s been a massive mistake. How am I supposed to give justice to such a gift? I’m no-one special.”
The innocence of her comment almost enticed a rare smile to Michaels face. “It is because you feel that way that makes you the right one to wield such power. The enormity of such an ability would corrupt a weaker mind than yours. You will never be swayed to use this or any future gifts for anything other than good.”
“Future gifts…?” Darla gasped tensing slightly. “You just said ‘future’ gifts.”
This time the Archangel almost did indulged himself with the very slightest of smiles. “I did.” He confirmed. “You need to understand Darla; this is just the beginning for you. Had you received your powers all in one go it would have undoubtedly overwhelmed even a mind as strong as yours. Humans were not designed to wield such gifts. Once you have successfully mastered this one, my Lord will bestow upon you another. This will continue until you finally receive your full potential and then, with God’s grace you will be ready.”
“Ready for what?” she asked with trepidati
on.
Michael stepped forward and reached out with the back of his hand to gently stroke her cheek in a gesture that held such reverence it almost floored her. “There is so much more for you to know my child and we will have plenty of time to discuss such things. But for now all you need is to fully understand this power you have received.” He gently lifted the arm that bared the marks of her gift. “It is a truly wonderful gift. Think.” Michael lent forward and whispered in her ear. “Had you had this gift would you have jumped?”
Darla frowned at his words and then gasped. “You mean Adam? But Adam died. His soul is in heaven.”
Michael responded with silence.
Her legs trembled and she waivered on the spot. Before she could stumble Quinn was at her side providing the strength that had deserted her. “I can do that? I can truly go to him?” Tears pooled in her eyes.
The Archangel nodded. “No barriers remember?”
Darla starred down at the foreign looking glyphs with a mixture of wonder and awe. Feeling the tightening of Quinn’s arm on her waist she looked up at him, her pained feature’s a blend of fear and uncertainty. “I have to go to him. I need to go to him. I need to know he’s okay”
Quinn swept aside the solitary tear that cut a path down her check. “I know,” he whispered, hoping his voice would not fail him by the tightening in his throat. The overwhelming love he felt for her in that one moment tore at his heart. Her pain was his; her joy his happiness.
Fiercely sweeping more tears aside Darla sniffed in a very un-lady like manner and faced Michael, steeling herself against whatever it took to see her son. “Okay, so how do I use this thing?”
Her strength and determination intrigued Michael. It had been a long time since any human had interested him so, but something told him that future encounters with Darla would prove to be more than fascinating. Something he strangely felt himself looking forward to. “The gift is simple to activate. Simply think of where you would like to go. You may for a short time find it easier to focus by raising your arm. The doorway will open by your will.”
Redemption - A Darla Gray Novel Page 30