by Mary Ting
Something inside me felt hollow, empty. Until I filled it, until I knew why I felt this way, I didn’t have room for anyone else. I needed to be whole first.
Daniel wouldn’t understand my reasoning. He had never confessed his devotion with words, but he had shown it through his actions, like the fact that he was here. To keep our friendship and partnership intact, I always found a way to avoid the topic of how he felt about me.
He didn’t have to come. There was no law saying he had to be with me at all times. Especially since this wasn’t an NU mission. “No, of course not. We’re partners. That’s what we do. I would have done the same, so I understand, but—”
“What does the witch want from you?” Suri asked as she surveyed the property.
I didn’t blame her. Being in Malum’s domain made me do the same. But I was thankful for her question, a simple distraction.
“She wants me to enter another realm through Gotjawal Forest on Jeju Island. She told me when we were in the car.”
“Why, and why there? What’s so special about that place?” she asked.
Kai took out his sword and let it hang by his side. “Gotjawal Forest is located in the middle of Mount Hallasan on Jeju Island, the highest mountain in South Korea. People worship the mountain because they think gods and spirits live on it.”
Daniel cocked his head. “Gods and spirits? The only reason why she would go there is to find something lost.”
Somehow Daniel always seemed to know what the hell was going on.
“Yes. Supposedly the witch’s knowledge and spells are recorded in a book called the Book of Enchantresses. She told me at the cemetery when she practically cornered me.”
Suri leaned closer. “Does Ezekiel know what you’re up to?”
I inhaled a deep breath, guilt coursing through me. “No. I told him I needed a week off to put things into perspective. He agreed because of the way I behaved when our demon prisoner lied about me … I am no G. I don’t even know what that is.”
Suri patted my shoulder. “I know. We believe you. Don’t worry. That crazy demon was taunting us. Especially you. She has a thing for you.”
Kai waggled his eyebrows. “Maybe she’s in love with you.”
“Shut up, Kai.” Daniel threw an evil eye. “That’s nothing to joke about.”
I didn’t appreciate Daniel sticking up for me that forcefully. Kai didn’t mean any harm.
“Ezekiel knows I’m taking time off, but what are you three going to tell him?”
Daniel glanced at his shoes and rubbed his temple. “Please don’t get mad at me. You’re not supposed to know.”
I shoved him. “What? What did you do?”
Daniel shuffled his feet and shrugged. “Ezekiel asked me to follow you.”
“What?” My bellow could have blown off a roof. “Why?” My face heated. “Does he think I’m breakable? He doesn’t trust me?”
“No. That’s not it.” Daniel backed away when I stepped forward. “He’s worried about you. But hey, it worked out. You need my help, and I’m here.” He laughed nervously.
I clenched my fists. “How about you two?” I looked at Suri and Kai. “Did he ask you to go too?”
“No.” Suri shook her head. “Kai and I followed Daniel. I knew something was up when you asked for a week off.”
“Ezekiel told you that?” My rage doubled.
“No. What? I’m confused about what you’re asking. I’m not …” Suri paused, and her muscles tensed. “Do you feel that?”
I felt the shift in the wind before Suri asked. My anger and frustration evaporated.
Suri and Daniel whipped out their weapons, and I drew out my crossbow, my dagger in the other hand. Demons surrounded us. They appeared swiftly in groups, but instead of attacking, they hissed in warning and kept their distance.
“What do you suppose the witches want with the book?” Daniel’s back pressed against mine, his sword raised.
“How the hell should I know?” I readied and aimed my bow at the nearest demon.
They looked like normal human beings. Most people wouldn’t be able to tell if one of these beasts walked down the street, but we could.
They had eyes the color of coal, and the ones that ate human flesh, radiated a pungent stench.
Suri swung her sword like a master samurai, showing off her skills. Then slowly, she released her wings which were lopsided as a result of a previous battle.
I would never forget how she’d bravely fought off the demons on her own. If I’d been there to help her, her wings wouldn’t have gotten torn and broken. Though now fixed and healed, she would never be the same.
“We’re here with Awan,” I said when they began to close in. I too fanned my feathers to keep demons from drawing closer. “We’re here for business. But if you strike first, we won’t hesitate to kill any of you. Now back off.”
“Listen to the girl. Run along, now.”
I whirled behind me to the sound of a disgustingly sweet, motherly voice that was too close for comfort. She sounded like the good witch from The Wizard of Oz.
As if she truly was their mother, the demons scurried back and left the premises.
“Who are you?” I lowered my weapon, eyeing the other ladies beside her.
I recognized this witch from St. Margaret Cemetery, but I didn’t know her name or her relation to Awan.
She was taller than I had previously estimated and her skin wasn’t as dark. But then again, it was misty the night I’d first seen her at St. Margaret’s Cemetery.
“My name is Corian. I am one of Awan’s sisters. Awan is preparing for the trip. I was asked to keep you company and ensure your safety from the demons.”
I attached my bow behind my back. “No need to keep us company. We’re not running away. And we’re just fine. We don’t need protection from demons.”
Corian scoffed. “You angels are all alike. So arrogant, with too much pride. Such things can get in the way of seeing the bigger picture or accomplishing goals.”
I ignored her.
Suri rested her weight on one hip, allowing her furrowed wings to close. “Why do you associate with these demons? What did they promise you in return?”
Corian raised her lips into a wry smile. “Girl, what makes you think we are working for them? It’s called manipulation. I know you know what that means. The angels do it all the time.”
I blinked, trying to grasp her words. Then I recalled Uriel and his brothers disappearing the night at St. Margaret’s Cemetery when Uriel opened the Book of Watchers. “Where are Uriel and the archangels? What have you done with them?”
“A lot of things, dearie. We’ve just begun. We’re going to have so much fun.” With that, she winked and disappeared.
Chills raced through me.
Chapter 3
Proclamation
Uriel
Chains rattled every time I moved. I hated the sound. It reminded me I was a prisoner of a witch.
A damn witch.
A witch who had also trapped my brothers after I had finally released them by opening the Book of Watchers.
I’d thought we could finally go home, but the witch and her sisters had overpowered me at St. Margaret Cemetery. All because they wanted me to find the Book of Enchantresses.
I’d never known this book existed. But to go to all that trouble and the risk, it must be important. Though my instincts told me it wasn’t a good idea to agree to anything she wanted, I had no choice. My brothers and I were at Awan’s mercy.
I sat in the middle of my cell, tucking my knees to my chest. Then I gingerly released my wings, stretching them to their full length and height. They practically took up all my cell space.
But it felt damn good.
When I allowed my wings to flap once, to stretch those muscles too, Enoch’s memories flashed through my mind.
I had been safely tucked inside Enoch until I had touched the Book of Watchers. Memories of my past had coursed through and Enoch was no more,
but his memories remained.
I promised to save his mother and in due time I would, but first I had to complete a mission. I at least owed Enoch and his mother that much for their sacrifice.
I inhaled the cool air. Not a scent of anything to indicate where I was. Even the ground seemed too clean. Not a dungeon, for sure. No rats. No bugs. I wondered if I had been sent to another realm. Or perhaps this was all an illusion.
It had been roughly twenty-four hours, and I needed to give the witch my answer. If I helped her retrieve the book, then she would release my brothers. If I didn’t, I would stay here forever.
Extortion was more like it. And I had no choice.
“Jonah. Samyaza.”
“I’m still here.” Chains clanked on the cement as Jonah rose in the cell across from mine and wrapped his fingers around the bars.
His blue eyes glowed in the dimness, giving me a bit of comfort. Those angelic eyes reminded me of my brothers.
“Me too.” Samyaza’s voice echoed from the left of my cell. “Have you made up your mind?”
Jonah, as the guardian for Enoch, my previous vessel, had done well and proved his loyalty. I trusted him completely, but I was still trying to figure out Samyaza.
Samyaza had once been a watcher.
I sighed, rubbing my face with my hands. “I have no choice. So my answer will be yes.”
“Why do you sound anxious? What does she want from you?” Samyaza asked.
“She wants us to retrieve something called the Book of Enchantresses. It’s a book of magick.”
“Book of Enchantresses?” Jonah’s voice rose in pitch. “It’s impossible to find that book. Nobody knows where it’s hidden.”
I was surprised Jonah knew what the book represented. He hadn’t even been around when vampires and witches were created.
I stretched once again and curled my wings back to close. “Apparently she knows. Only angelic blood can open the realm since the ones who put the book away were the original angels in the TO—Trinity Order.”
“Where do we start looking?” Samyaza asked.
I released a pent-up breath. “We need to get to a portal located in the purest forest.”
“She wants us to travel to Gotjawal Forest on Jeju Island?”
Jonah’s stunned voice made me nervous where I hadn’t been before.
“Where’s that?” Samyaza’s words resonated down the dim hallway.
When I sensed a shift in the air, I lowered my hands, ensuring the chains didn’t rattle and listened for any sound. Something dark. A supernatural being lurked about. But I ignored it since no threat sprang into action.
“Jeju Island is in Seoul, Korea,” Jonah answered. “I’ve heard rumors. There is a specific spot in Gotjawal Forest, a depression in the land, where the temperature is significantly different from the surrounding areas. I’ve seen pictures on the internet. But that is all I know.”
“What else did the witch say?” Samyaza asked.
“She just wants that book.” I lowered my voice. “What she does with it is another story.”
“I’m not sure getting this book will be in the best interest for all.”
I jerked away from the bars. I knew that voice. I sensed a dark nature before, and I should have recognized his scent. But it had been a long time. A very long time.
The demon Malum came out of the shadows. He wore a navy pinstriped suit, of the finest quality no doubt. With his dark hair sleeked back, he looked good for his ancient years, and I recognized his signature asinine smirk.
His appearance meant we were either somewhere under Malum’s mansion or in another structure adjacent to his living corridors.
“Ah. Uriel. No words of greeting after all these years?” He spread out his arms.
“I would give you a hug if that is what you’re after, but as you can see, I’m busy.”
“Yes, of course. The passing of years has not made me blind. I can clearly see you’re behind bars and I’m not.”
I scowled and flashed a glance to Jonah’s cell. “Let my friends and brothers go,” I demanded, “and I’ll be at your mercy.”
Malum shook his head and shoved his hands into his pockets. “You should know I can’t bargain with you. As much as I like the sound of you being indebted to me, you’re not here because of me. I have no keys. In fact, as you can see, there are no locks.”
“A witch spell,” Samyaza spat. “This is insulting. Degrading, even. So, what did you promise them, demon?”
Malum took a step closer and cackled. “I promised nothing. My brother Dominic, on the other hand, did. He was the one who brought them here.”
“He’s a fool. What does he hope to gain in return?” Jonah hissed, his chains clanked against the bars, hitting them in his frustration.
Jonah needed to control his temper.
Malum came closer. I stood to size him up. No way would I be on the ground in front of him. I was an archangel, and he was a demon, a being beneath me.
“Let me tell you something, Uriel.” He lowered his voice so only I could hear. “If you help the witches, if you give them the Book of Enchantresses, there will be no stopping them. They want revenge on the vampires, and they’ll either have a seat in Trinity Order or kill them all. Afterward, they will go after all of us. They want to conquer the world.” He backed away. “Think about it.”
I jabbed at the wall, feeling helpless. “You think I have a choice? My brothers’ lives are at stake.”
Malum’s eyes darkened and his canines extended when he hissed, making him look more monstrous. “Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the greater good. You already know this, but you only care about your selfish needs. There will be no one left if you retrieve that book.”
“Why do you care? You’re in with the witches,” Jonah countered.
Malum spun toward Jonah. In a heartbeat, he stood in front of Jonah’s cell. “Because I have power and people in my care. If the witches take it all, what’s left for me? Awan wants a war and I’m assuming you all want peace and order.”
“What about your brother? Why does Dom play with the witches?” Samyaza asked.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I came here to give you a warning and that is all. I shouldn’t be here. Awan is on her way. If she finds out what I told you, she will try to kill me and the people I love.”
“Why do you trust us? What makes you think we wouldn’t go to Awan with what you told us?” Samyaza said.
“Because. You are angels, made of everything pure and good, are you not?”
“You would think,” Samyaza scoffed.
“Speak for yourself.” Jonah hit the bars again.
Malum backed away and then turned toward the shadows he’d come from.
Chapter 4
Light Conquers Dark
Malum
I rushed away from Uriel when I got a whiff of my brother’s cologne. If Dom ever found out that I had shared his secrets, he would kill me. My brother would not hesitate, as I would not hesitate to get rid of him if he ever went against me.
However, I have become soft over the years. I used to kill my men if they disappointed me. My daughter Liana—part human, angel, and demon—was to blame. She had awakened a conscience deep inside of me.
I sped down the long hallway that led to the stairs and stopped at the sound of footsteps.
Shit. I should have left the cell earlier.
Dom approached me along the corridor. His swagger was so full of arrogance—I wondered if I walked like him.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“Going where you came from?” Dom’s eyes narrowed inquisitively.
Had he heard my conversation? My face burned at the possibility. No, he couldn’t have. Dom had been on the other side of the house … unless he’d hidden in the darkness.
Now that was a possibility. He would do something that devious.
Don’t be paranoid. Don’t give him reason to suspect.
“And where is that?”
“The angels. You had a talk with them, didn’t you?”
Blood drained from me, and I snarled, “What do you mean?”
“Relax, Mal.” He clapped my back. “I assumed you saw them at least since you came from that direction. I hope you gave them hell.” He chuckled at his own humor. “Unless … you were doing something behind my back.” He furrowed his brow.
“Of course not.” I slowly let out a breath.
“Then you have nothing to worry about. I’m on my way there now.”
I tailed him down the hall. My brown Ferragamo dress shoes clicked annoyingly loud on the stone floor, reverberating against the wall. When we’d designed our home, Dom and I had agreed we needed a special place for prisoners.
We hadn’t found a use for it, and I had wondered at times if we’d made a hasty decision, but it finally had come in handy.
“Good morning, feathered beings. How are you this beautiful, sunny morning? Oh, that’s right. You can’t see the sun.”
Dom sounded ridiculously cheerful.
“What do you want?”
There was no life in Uriel’s tone.
Dom approached Uriel and spread his lips in a sardonic grin. “Oh, I’m just here to gloat. Got trapped by a witch, did ya?”
“Shut up and get the hell out. You’re not wanted here.”
Even Samyaza’s previously fiery tone had burned out.
Dom’s heels clacked one by one until he reached Samyaza’s cell. “Not wanted here? Do you know where here is? You’re in my house. So that makes you my prisoners.” He let out a cackle. “I can’t believe I have the mighty angels locked up under my jurisdiction. But too bad I’ll have to let you go soon. Awan is preparing for your adventures. And after it’s over … Well, we’ll see where you end up.”
Samyaza wrapped his fingers around the bars, sticking his face between them as far as he could to spit on Dom. “You’re nothing but a demon-whore. Sleeping with a witch to get your way. Your kind is despicable. You worthless piece of shit. You all belong in hell.”
Dom surprisingly didn’t lose his temper. He took a handkerchief from his pants pocket and wiped his face. But then his eyes turned onyx and his body stiffened when Samyaza kept on badgering him.