by Eva Brandt
Eva Brandt
A Soulless Year Three
Watcher Academy 3
Copyright © 2020 by Eva Brandt
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
Eva Brandt has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.
Cover art by Fantasia Cover Designs. Cover is for illustrative purposes only.
First edition
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Contents
A Soulless Year Three
A Note From the Author
Index
Prologue
The Assignment
Through Dragon Fire
Comfort
The High Seraph’s Challenge
A Devilish Truth
An Unlikely Ally
Cursed
Cain’s Quest
Sariel’s Sorrow
Yeqon’s Yearning
Michael’s Magic
Cain’s Choice
Azazel’s Attack
Delilah’s Decision
Battle of the Two Queens
Michael’s Hope
Closure
Azazel’s Future
Epilogue
Coming Soon: The Warden’s Wolf
Check It Out Free: The Dairy Prince
About the Author
Also by Eva Brandt
A Soulless Year Three
Heaven and Hell were never meant to live in harmony. This year, the war between the three realms begins and my soul might be one of its many victims.
It’s taken countless months of struggle, sacrifice, and torment, but my lovers and I finally have an agreement. I’m confident that I can graduate from Watcher Academy and fulfill the bargain I made with the Grim Reaper.
But things aren’t quite what they seem. News arrives that Hell has taken up arms against The Mortal Realm.
The rebellion, led by Lucifer Morningstar and his new queen, Alyssa Michaelis, is the largest threat to the balance between the realms since The Watchers’ fall. It needs to be stopped. And somehow, the task has landed in our laps.
Sariel, Azazel, and Yeqon are now forced to confront their old friends and leader. Michael has to face his son. The battle will tear their souls apart. I know it, and so do they.
But if we have to be soulless to save the world, we will do it. And if I have to sacrifice my own humanity to save the people I love, I’ll do that too.
It would be easier if, in the process, I wouldn’t have to turn to the one other person I loathe more than Lucifer—Cain Adamson. It would be easier if his sin didn’t echo my own secrets. How are we supposed to win this battle if we’re too busy fighting each other?
A Soulless Year Three is a 67k words why-choose romance novel packed with angel-on-angel action, vicious, steamy scenes, all centered around a heroine who is unafraid to take what belongs to her—her sexy lovers. There will also be m/m romance and some extra enemy-to-lovers spice. But the war between Heaven and Hell will not be easy and some truths that will come to light will be difficult to face. Some readers may find certain content objectionable. Approach with caution.
A Note From the Author
Thank you for picking up A Soulless Year Three. If you’ve gotten this far, you probably know what you’ll find inside, but I’ll list it anyway. There’s plenty of gore, torture, death, self-mutilation, suicide, and much, much more. Also, I’ve taken significant liberties with religious content, so if you’re easily offended, this book is not for you.
Finally, A Soulless Year Three heavily references characters in Academy of the Devil. If you haven’t read the original series, you might be lost along the way. I recommend you grab that one first here.
Index
In Watcher Academy, I used (and modified) several concepts. Here is a small guideline for what you might find inside.
Princes of Hell and Corresponding Sins:
Pride: Lucifer
Lust: Callum Adamson (replacing Asmodai)
Wrath: Stefan (replacing Satan)
Gluttony: Mephistopheles (replacing Beelzebub)
Greed: Mikael (replacing Mammon)
Envy: Leviathan
Sloth: Vacant position
Angelic entities of note - ranks of angels
Seraphim - highest order of the Hierarchy of Angels, each with six wings.
Cherubim - powerful and majestic angelic creatures who surround God’s throne, mentioned as the guardians of The Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve’s expulsion
Thrones - third ranking order of angels, described as having four wings and four faces.
Dominions - the fourth ranking order of angels, described as wearing long gowns and carrying golden scepters or orbs
Virtues - fifth ranking order of angels, the angels of miracles, encouragement, and blessings
Powers - sixth ranking order of angels, guardians against the attacks of the demons
Principalities - seventh ranking order of angels, guardians over the nations and the leaders of the world
Archangels - eighth ranking order of angels. Archangel Michael is believed to be the highest-ranking warring angel in God’s heavenly host.
Guardian Angels - last order of angels, meant to guard those who will inherit salvation.
Sources seem unable to agree on what rank Lucifer had before his fall. He’s been described as a cherub, but also an archangel. I chose to make him a combination between a cherubim and a throne.
Other concepts
Archons, in gnosticism, are any of a number of world-governing powers that were created with the material world by a subordinate deity called the Demiurge (Creator). Because the gnostics of the 2nd and 3rd centuries regarded the material world as outright evil or as the product of error, archons were viewed as maleficent forces.
The recurring image of archons is that of jailers imprisoning the divine spark in human souls held captive in material creation.
Demogorgon – a demon associated with the underworld, envisaged as a primordial being
Araboth - in Judaism, the Seventh Heaven, housing the Throne of God
Prologue
Life is pain. If there is anything about this wretched world that most people can agree on, it’s the fact that suffering is the only constant that follows us all throughout our days.
I’d never deemed my life particularly painful. Seeing my family fall apart had hurt, yes, but I’d coped with it, in my own way.
And yet, there had always been a part of me that had felt lost and alienated, even at a time when I hadn’t realized I was different. Pain and betrayal left scars on any soul, and mine was no exception.
; “We’re here for you.”
“We’ll protect you.”
“We love you.”
Promises and words of affection were the most dangerous weapon of all. It was so easy to believe them, so easy to pretend everything would be all right, as long as you had love by your side.
But that was a naive outlook on life and the truth was far more complicated than that. The love between me and my Watchers had always been cursed—a cursed wish, a forbidden desire, a deadly match that should have never existed.
The war between Heaven and Hell had always been waging inside me. My soul had always been in pain. I’d just never realized it, not until I was forced to face it—not until I had to find out, the hard way, who I truly was.
The Assignment
“As I’m sure you know by now, a few days ago, Lucifer managed to sneak into The Celestial Realm and attack our resident Guardian Angel. The Grim Reaper succeeded in stopping him before he could do too much damage, but there were some repercussions on The Infernal Realm. At this time, we’re not exactly sure what has occurred, but we do know there are rumors of a possible incoming war.
“I won’t mince words. This isn’t good. The forces of The Infernal Realm are preparing to attack as we speak, and The Heavenly Host isn’t ready for a drawn-out confrontation. This time, we are at a disadvantage. But nevertheless, we must fulfill our duty and defend The Mortal Realm.”
Standing in the grand chamber of The Halls of Truth, I watched the assembly of angels listen to Metatron’s speech and felt more helpless than ever. From the moment Lucifer had attacked me, I’d known things would only get worse, but in my heart, I hadn’t expected the situation to deteriorate so quickly.
We’d just started training properly as a team. Half the time, the Watchers didn’t get along with other groups of angels, or with each other, for that matter. And even assuming I didn’t have to worry about that, the fact remained that I was still very bad at wielding my power.
I did my best to control my anxiety, but it must not have worked very well because my lovers noticed. As always, they were by my side, giving me their silent, but unconditional support. Sariel took my hand and squeezed it lightly. Azazel brushed his wing against mine. Yeqon’s magic slowly traveled over my spine.
I appreciated it more than I could ever say, but at the same time, I hated myself a little for not being stronger, for becoming a burden on them at such a difficult time. They were worried about me, and I was making things worse. I should be helping The Heavenly Host, not doubting myself.
“You’re being ridiculous,” a dark voice whispered in my head. “You know very well that you’re the one who started this war, even if no one is saying it. And you don’t even have the decency of regretting it. You haven’t changed one bit.”
I ignored the hateful words. Since my meeting with Lucifer, I’d begun to hear that voice more and more. It had always been present, ever since my death, but I hadn’t paid much heed to it at first. I’d thought it wasn’t anything important. I was beginning to suspect I’d been a little too hasty in dismissing it, but now was not the time to worry about things like that.
Maybe Michael’s absence was finally getting to me. I’d sworn I would handle his departure like an adult, but it was a little easier said than done. I knew he was just doing his job, that it wasn’t his fault he’d been summoned to report with the rest of The Heavenly Host, but I was still worried.
Pushing aside those thoughts, I focused on what was going on around me. “Do you think Metatron will ask us to go to The Infernal Realm?” I whispered.
“I’m not sure,” Sariel replied. “Battles between angels and demons usually take place in The Mortal Realm, which is why there are always so many casualties. But I get the feeling it’s different this time.”
“I’m sure they have a plan,” Yeqon said encouragingly. “If nothing else, The Supreme Being is on our side.”
That would have provided more comfort if the angels had shown any trust in the possibility that their creator would help them. But Metatron had already said that this battle was in their hands—no, in our hands. The omnipotent, omniscient deity would likely not intervene unless he had to.
I had more faith in angels than I did in their creator. The irony of this failed to amuse me.
Still, if we were here, it was for a reason, and I refused to let my apprehension get in the way of me fulfilling my duties. “Of course,” I told my lovers. “You’re right. I just hope the plan involves us staying together.”
“We’re always together, Delilah, no matter where we are,” Azazel said warmly.
After that, we fell silent, respecting the fact that we were in public and surrounded by other members of The Heavenly Host. We’d kept our voices down, but I was pretty sure Kasdaye had heard us anyway. He was standing right in front of us and when he stole a glimpse at me, he was smiling. It made me a little apprehensive, but I told myself I was being foolish. I had bigger problems now than Kasdaye wanting to tease us over our relationship.
This guess was confirmed mere seconds later, when Metatron spoke again. “Since Watchers have been associated with The Infernal Realm for so long, some compatibility issues are to be expected. You came here specifically to adapt to The Celestial Realm, but we don’t have enough time to deal with that properly. To circumvent this, you will be given an assignment that will allow you to make progress with your overall goal, while still holding the forces of The Infernal Realm at bay. We also hope this new approach will reignite the bonds of fellowship between everyone in The Heavenly Host.
“You’ll receive your assignments after the meeting. They are not negotiable.”
Warier than before, I waited to see what would happen. Metatron didn’t prolong his speech for much longer, but he did allow Kemuel to take over for him. The High Seraph was even less optimistic about the situation than Metatron was.
“There’s one very important thing we also have to take note of. While we proceed into the next step of this mission, you’ll have to start leaving the academy a little more. This may have unwanted side-effects on your health. Should anything of significance occur, you will have to notify us immediately.”
Was it my impression, or did he look straight at me when he was saying that? I wanted to believe I was imagining it, but at this point, it had become obvious that everything that could go wrong at Watcher Academy generally did.
It was on this dire note that the meeting ended. As everyone started to leave the room, I expected Kemuel to tell me to stay behind. Maybe he would have, but Azrael shot me a knowing look and moved to intercept him.
Since the whole thing with Lucifer, he’d started treating me differently. We’d always had a kinship on some level, because we had the same affinity. But he seemed to believe I wasn’t worthy of my power, or, at least, that I couldn’t understand it. He’d been encouraging after the first time I’d reaped souls, but never up to the point where he’d do something that would help me take it easy.
It bothered me more than it should have. I got the feeling they were all walking on eggshells around me, and I didn’t understand why.
Still, this time around, I was grateful, since I wasn’t in the mood to talk to Kemuel or to any of my other teachers. I took advantage of Azrael’s aid to rush out of the grand hall after the others.
Even if Metatron had said we were supposed to receive our assignments now, none of the Watchers had stuck around, so I assumed it would be okay for us to leave too.
I must have been right, because as soon as we were out of the room, Azazel pulled me into his arms and whisked me away. I let him do as he pleased, more than happy to go along with whatever they had in mind for me.
I didn’t expect an elaborate seduction and I didn’t receive it. We all knew better than to believe we had time for something like that. But even after years of knowing one another, my lovers could still surprise me. Instead of taking us to their tower, where we’d at least have some privacy, we returned to the Core.
&n
bsp; “Don’t tell me we have another meeting to attend,” I told him, already feeling tired.
“Nothing like that,” Azazel said with a laugh. “It’s just that they’re more likely to leave us be for a little bit as long as we’re here.”
I didn’t understand the logic of that statement, but then again, I didn’t understand a lot of things. As far as I knew, Kemuel had already handled the larger holes in the academy’s security. And yet, Lucifer had managed to sneak in, despite all the precautions we’d taken. Maybe my lovers knew something I didn’t. It wouldn’t be the first time.
The answer was much easier than I’d expected. We weren’t the only ones who’d come to the Core. Almost every Watcher who’d been at the meeting with Metatron had gathered here. The mood was somber, but when we arrived, everyone seemed to cheer up a little.
“Delilah,” Shamsiel greeted me with a small smile. “I hope you don’t mind us asking you to come see us.”
“Technically speaking, you didn’t ask. They just brought me here.”
“Yes, love, and it’s for a reason,” Sariel piped up. “You see, we’ve been talking with the others a bit and we all agree that we need to be more careful than ever if we want to beat Lucifer. I’m sure Metatron has his own ideas about how that can be accomplished, but we’ve always worked best together as a group.”
It wasn’t that surprising that they’d want to take matters into their own hands. Recent developments made it clear that The Celestial Realm couldn’t contain the damage The Infernal Realm was doing. But where did that leave me?
“I take it you want me to help you with something?”
“You’re the one who blew up an archon,” Kasdaye pointed out. “You might be new at this, but everyone knows you’re the secret weapon of The Celestial Realm. That’s why Lucifer has been targeting you.”