by Reid, Susan
“You guys staying? This is going to take quite a while to do.” Spencer asked the others.
“I’m gonna freshen up, I’ll stop back by later Starling. I can’t handle this level of what I call sadistic voyeurism. I can’t wait to see them when they’re finished though.” Lorelei said excitedly.
“Yeah, you definitely handled that like a pro for sure. I’ll come back later too.” Anthony replied.
“I’ll stay, I gotta see this part.” Gabe added with a grin.
I waited to hear Jamie offer to stay and watch too. When I turned around, I saw that she was gone. I wondered if she had been asked to leave. It would serve her right.
“I can’t stay. I’m like Lira on this one,” Crystal said.
“Same here. Thank goodness these walls are supposedly sound proofed.” Scarlet said.
I hoped she didn’t mean what I think she meant.
Once everyone, except for Gabe and Spencer, paraded out and shut the door shut behind them, Durien and Spencer helped me settle, apprehensively into the raised lounging chair. Then they proceeded to gently strap my arms down. The heat coming from the pit began to make me squirm. The divine elemental creature was back on its cushion once again, but watching intently with its alert, human eyes.
“Man, the deific blades are legendary. I take much honor in this branding.” Durien said.
“Are they really that special?” I asked.
“Special is an understatement. Like Diana said, no one has been chosen by this weapon. You’re the first.” Spencer replied.
I admired his gorgeous eyes when he spoke.
“Are you gonna be able to do them?” Gabe asked. He observed curiously, as they both began to prepare the instruments.
I shifted uncomfortably in the chair. I couldn’t back out now. This had to be finished and done.
“We’ll find out. This is gonna take quite a bit longer than all the others have, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news Starling…but what just happened —isn’t the worst part by far.” Durien told me painfully.
I wanted to bolt out of the chair right then, my gut twisting with anguish and fear. What could be worse than the weapon cleaving experience?
I watched Durien work meticulously. He kept referencing back to an old book that sat on a bookstand. He began mixing an alloy of different metals into a stone dish, which was set on the metal platform over the fire pit. I couldn’t read the language that the book was written in. It all looked like ancient hieroglyphic scrawl to me.
The hot scent of molten fire and liquid hot metal, was strong when it hit my nose.
“Is that what Crystal meant by saying that she was like Lira on staying? I mean, they stayed for the first part. How much worse can this be? Please lie to me.” I replied.
Spencer flashed a swoon worthy smile. “Relax, I know you can handle this. You’re a tough one. There’s a reason that these sacred blades chose you. We’re both here, you’re not alone.” He said.
I instantly melted at his tone, surprisingly finding myself relaxing. It was as if I was being sedated somewhat by his words alone.
“Since you’re the first, I’m really curious now. The only essence that I know for a fact, no one else has yet, is hallowed fire.” Durien said, examining some metal pen looking tool.
I didn’t confirm it or ask about it, but I think my lack of response may have been telling anyway.
“Man, now that would be extremely bad ass.” Gabe commented with raised brows.
Spencer nodded, “There’s a first for everything. Maybe that’s why Starling took so long to rise.” Spencer winked at me. He slipped on the same headgear that Durien wore, onto his own head.
“You can’t tell?” Durien asked Spencer.
Spencer’s uniquely, hypnotic eyes met mine, and he took a moment to gaze deeply. He made me blush and my pulse race. He smirked as if he could hear my heart beat speeding up.
He shook his head, “I’m not a hundred percent. My guess would be as good as all of yours are. There are many things that unfortunately, I am no longer privy to.”
How would he know anyway?
Durien was positioned on my left and Spencer was on my right. Gabe remained above my head, looking down at my arms with curious interest.
“Are you ready?” Spencer asked me.
I swallowed, my heart continuing to pound wildly. My body was already tensing to brace myself against another onslaught of excruciating pain.
I nodded.
“Just focus on me and look into my eyes,” Spencer offered.
That wouldn’t be a problem, I thought to myself.
He smiled, and then —his beautiful, ice-colored eyes… began to sparkle, like a galaxy of slowly swirling stars. It was both soothing and hypnotizing, reminding me of something I couldn’t quite place. Though intriguingly odd and amazing, my mind went to curious alarm.
I know we were immortal now, superhuman even. Even though I was new here, that didn’t strike me as—normal. My brows knitted together in confusion.
“What are you?” I whispered to Spencer.
“A flirt.” Durien blurted, with a chuckle and a shake of his head.
Spencer gave a sly smirk. “I’ll tell you after.”
“No. I wanna know now.” I replied.
His very touch maintained a calm cocoon over me. I did feel slightly sedated.
He raised a brow, with an adorable half-smirk at my insistence. He was probably even a little surprised that I had noticed so soon.
“You’re an angel, aren’t you?” I breathed. Though relaxed, my pulse quickened at the revelation.
Durien snickered. “Not quite.”
Spencer looked at him wryly. “Actually, I’m an Elite Seraph, or Earthbound warrior angel. Angels have different levels and tiers, just like you guys.” He answered.
My mouth fell. I was both enchanted and impressed. I studied and admired his face even more in depth this time. The angle of his solid jawline, and his light rose colored lips, were flawless. His skin was ivory beige, slightly glowing beneath the surface of his flesh. His long, dark lashes fanned thickly over each of his gorgeous, celestially imbued eyes.
“Don’t fall in love.” Durien snorted.
“Yeah, don’t let the title fool you. Elite Seraph simply translates into, supernatural playboy.” Gabe told me.
“What?” I replied, confused.
“Don’t discourage her.” Spencer quipped, flashing me a smile.
Durien prepped and repositioned my left arm first, and then sat down beside his equipment table.
“Just do what you do best and leave all that out of it.” Durien replied.
“Don’t hate, D.” Spencer chuckled.
Durien shook his head and pursed his lips, and Gabe sighed with a roll of his eyes.
Looking back down at me Spencer said, “Breathe deeply and relax, just like before. Here, take my hand.” He offered, enclosing his strong, warm hand over mine. I was embarrassed for him to feel me trembling but he didn’t appear to even notice. Instead, he gave my hand a firm, supportive squeeze.
“You want to say a prayer first?” Durien asked.
I froze and furrowed my brows, turning to look at him in question. “This is just a branding right? Do I need to?” I asked.
He shrugged. “It’s up to you. It helps for some.” he smiled.
I paused and looked back up at the skylight opening in the ceiling above. Gabe had moved to Spencer’s side. I closed my eyes for a minute, formulating a quick prayer. I didn’t ask for any protection from the pain that was about to come; I knew it was a small sacrifice.
I simply asked for guidance and patience in getting accustomed to everything. I accepted, and was thankful for having been chosen at all.
When I opened my eyes once again, I felt a calm and peace immediately envelope me. Durien, Spencer, and Gabe, were all looking down at me with questioning brows.
I licked my lips. “I’m ready.” I whispered.
Durien nodded and pro
ceeded to ready his instrument.
“Don’t be offended, we all have on earplugs.” Spencer told me while pointing to one of his ears.
Before I could reply, let alone ask why they felt the need to put them on, Durien placed a firm a hand on my left wrist to keep my arm still, and Spencer firmly restrained my right arm. Gabe watched with wide-eyes, slightly cringing.
Once I felt the searing, white hot, fiery liquid metal make contact with my skin—I lost it. It didn’t sizzle or burn my flesh as I thought it would, but it certainly hurt like no known pain that I could ever describe to anyone.
The burning trail of torturous pain it left, as it flowed and followed the patterns of the markings left on my forearms, made me want to rip off my left arm at the shoulder with my bare hands.
My body instantly jerked, bucking upwards. The guys joined in a concerted effort to hold me still, even though I was half-strapped to the chair. With limited space for movement, I twisted in agony, as tears pooled in the corners of my eyes. Curse words flooded my mind, itching to shoot out of my mouth, but I fought hard against the potentially punishing outburst. The scream that finally did come out of me, hurt my own ears, and left my throat throbbing and raw.
IX: Cam`ael:
Though it was fun, I wasn’t finished drowning my sorrows yet. I needed something to assist in my humble apology to Edanai, if she and Rahab came back before daybreak.
Based on what Ry told me about Morning Star’s obliteration tantrum, I was assuming that a few of those in our rebel legion had been caught up in it. Calling out to several of them telepathically, returned no answers. It was disheartening and angering all at the same time for me.
Fellow fallen that were opposed to Morning Star and his coming regime, were rare. There hadn’t been many of us to begin with, and now, I just didn’t know anymore.
We all retreated to my home, and I broke out the hardcore stuff to continue the party. Ry, Mac, and Nay rounded up a few of their female associates, and we turned the new game room into a strip bar.
Though gorgeous, the appeal of these demonesses didn’t strike me in the same way as seeing a human female body. I’m fascinated with the feel and the scent of mortal women, because they were real, imperfect and untouched by magical means. This was all in good fun anyway; nothing sexually deviant would be going on in here tonight.
The others gladly took full advantage of my generosity, though it would be brief.
I love a good party. I enjoy and take much pleasure in all sorts of mortal music; from Soul, R&B, Jazz, Reggae, Pop, Hip-hop, Dance, Classical, even Opera. Over the years, I’ve collected different styles of music from all over the world, and other dimensions too. Humans would be shocked to learn who their universal neighbors were; how many different races existed, what they looked like, and how they lived. In some places, the resemblances were uncanny but I believe it was Elohim’s personal whim.
The females sensuously danced, gyrated, and performed eye pleasing provocative poses for us, both solo and together.
The display should have, and normally would have spurred my desire and lust but it didn’t. Though I was enjoying myself by simply drinking and watching, inside I was wallowing in anger, frustration, and sorrow.
“Dance with me, Cam`ael.” A sultry voice purred coaxingly. A dagger-like, manicured, slender hand met my gaze when I turned to my left.
Jerilah smiled at me with playful desire glinting in her citrine colored eyes.
“I’d much rather watch.” I replied and took a long sip of my crimson drink.
She smirked and dropped her hand with disappointment. “Not you. That’s odd. Ryziel told me about that girl.” She said as she moved to sit next to me on my crescent- shaped, lion hide covered couch.
I looked at her askance and narrowed my eyes, certain that she could feel the heat of my power sliding off my skin.
“Hey, don’t rip my head off.” her eyes went wide and she held her hands up to soothe. “I was just making conversation. No disrespect, seriously.” She smiled to lighten my mood.
“In fact, I admire you a great deal, for more reasons than the glory you still hold.” She then went on to compliment.
I wasn’t flattered and I didn’t want to talk about Starling at all.
“Love is a beautiful thing, no matter with who or where you find it. You should never let it go or give up, regardless of the circumstances.” She then said.
I raised a brow. “It’s out of our hands and that concept never applied to us anyway.” I simply stated.
“Why not? It must mean something. We all sacrificed ourselves to have it when we fell. Love, that is.” She challenged my pessimism.
The extent of my drinking helped a little. I was numb, but I didn’t feel like talking either, at least not about my feelings. I don’t do things like that, nor had I ever with anyone…except for Elohim and Edanai.
I would have with Starling, if I had more time with her. However, talking about anything, let alone my feelings would not be an option if we encountered each other now. I shut down mentally and my body language followed suit.
I think she got the hint when she sighed, and then studied me. “Divine warrior or not, if you love her as you say you do, you will be with her, regardless of universal law. Elohim must have a plan for you. The light you are favored to keep as a fallen proves that nothing is set in stone. He is allowing you to change it, in a way. What that means for the rest of us, well…who knows? Whoever said that love conquers all; was probably speaking from experience. I’ve even caught a few female divine warriors gazing at you with what I would no doubt call—infatuation. Who could blame them?” She smirked.
I paused and gave her a perplexed look. What was
she talking about? I don’t recall ever seeing any divine warrior females, ogling me…past wanting to kill me perhaps. Then again, I never really stuck around long enough for the sake of not being targeted, or having to kill any of them if it came to confrontation.
She only smiled as she gently touched my arm, getting up to rejoin Ry and the others at the billiard table.
Though I wanted to ponder her words, I shrugged them off.
“Cam, is everything alright?” Edanai’s voice entered my mind just then.
“Yes, why?” I answered back.
“Are you still upset with me?” She then asked carefully.
“I was never mad at you. I’m sorry I lashed out. What’s wrong?”
“Oh, well good…I guess I can accept your apology, but I still want to know what happened to make you rage like that.”
“I ran into Morning Star, it was the usual scenario.” Was all I was going to tell her and it was a partial truth.
I knew she could tell that I wasn’t giving her the whole story.
“Mhmm. Alright. Well anyway, you know that shadow that’s been slinking around the base of the mountain? The one that’s just outside of the neutral grounds, in front of your domicile, have you seen it?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know exactly who it is, but the signature seems familiar. It hasn’t done or said anything threatening, but you never know. I figure it may be one of Morning Stars.” Edanai then said.
So that’s what the implings were trying to tell me yesterday.
“The implings will warn it and then alert the border guardians, like they always do. They’ll take care of it. They probably have already.”
“I suppose. It is female.” Edanai added.
“What’s your point? Do you know something else that I don’t? You seem to want me to investigate.”
“Do what you want; I’m just making you aware, considering everything that’s happened recently. Rahab and I may not be back until tomorrow. Do you want me to get you anything while we’re out?” She then asked.
“No, just be careful. There’s a robed, high-level demon or fallen made of modified crows out there. I don’t know the origin or purpose, so don’t pursue or challenge it. It almost took me out earlier.” I told her. I shoul
dn’t have mentioned that last part, but if I hadn’t, she wouldn’t have taken my warning seriously.
There was a long pause on her end. “Are you serious? Cam, why didn’t you summon us?” Edanai began to scold me.
I groaned internally, “Because I handled it.” I replied sharply.
“I don’t doubt that you did, obviously. Was it one of Morning Stars, you think?”
“I don’t know, just avoid it. If you can’t, summon every single one of us…those that are left anyway.” I replied.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. Just be careful.”
“Alright.” Edanai resigned.
“Hey Cam, we’re all going for a swim at the reservoir, you coming?” Nay called out.
I shook my head no, finishing my drink. “Just clean up before you guys go.” I stated firmly.
I got up and retreated to my sleeping chambers, catching Jerailah lingering behind for one last glance over her shoulder at me, before ghosting out with the others.
Once I entered my chambers, I flopped into the soft depths of my bed. My eyes immediately traveled upwards to the now bare, stone wall above me. The portrait of both Starling and myself, for the one night we never finished, hung there not long ago. I already regretted destroying it, wanting desperately to just look at her again.
It wasn’t as if I couldn’t make another copy, it was just pointless. I wanted more…I needed more. Her image was more heartbreakingly tortuous, than simply thinking of her. I suppose I would have to tell her friends that she died in some sort of an accident or something, eventually. Not that it would make it any easier for them to accept. I could replace her phone too, but I didn’t know if I wanted to keep that charade up anymore either.
A sudden soft voice, sounding frail and distant, entered my mind. I sat up swiftly. It was hard to understand it at first, though it sounded somewhat —familiar.
“Cam…help…can’t….” The voice trailed off in a vapory whisper of pleading.
It was female. Didn’t Edanai say that the shadow lingering near the base of the mountain was…female? I wondered.