by P. C. Benson
He raised both eyebrows in confusion. “Where we always start.” He said this like it should have been clear.
“Why do I have to do the deathtrap again?”
“Gabby, you haven’t trained in a long time. Your muscles need repetition and constant training to retain strength and memory,” Vik said with restrained patience.
“Fine.”
“Like before, Ti will time you at the end, and we will not progress until I’m satisfied with your result.”
I crossed my arms. “You do realize that I‘ve unlocked my powers, right?”
“And?”
I rolled my eyes. “Suit yourself.” I shrugged. I waited at the start, and when he gave the signal, I went through the whole maze in a flash. “Was that good enough for you, Vik?” I smirked.
“Holy shit!” Ti said
Vik gaped at me, unable to say anything.
Daemon laughed at the two.
“What the hell was that?” Ti asked.
“I told you both, I’ve unlocked my powers, so I don’t see the need for training.”
“But…” Vik said and looked to Ti to elaborate.
“I’m confused. What do you mean you don’t need to train?” Ti asked. “The Fallen and Nephilim still need to train constantly, to maintain physical, mental, and energy skills, just like human soldiers.”
“You mean you can’t just engage your powers to do what needs to be done?”
“We can’t use our energies for mundane tasks like strength and speed because we would burn out. We are faster and stronger than the average human, but we train to fight others in the same league,” Vik said.
I had to think if I was using my energy purposely. I didn’t think I was. “I don’t think I’m doing that,” I said carefully.
“What do you mean?” Ti asked.
“I don’t use my energy to speed up or buff out. I just think to be fast or strong and it happens. I don’t feel an energy surge like when I purposely engaged my aura.”
“Do you have to deliberately restrain yourself during daily tasks?” Vik crossed his arms as he eyed me closely.
“No. It’s like when you are running, and you need to go faster, you just do, or if you need to throw a ball and you need more strength behind it, it’s just there. It’s like an instinct.” I shrugged.
“I’ve never heard of that before.” Ti’s brows furrowed.
I shrugged.
“What Viktor and Tatia are saying is that no one is like you, Gabby. Your energy is nothing like what we have encountered before. Nephilim and Fallen are somewhat the same since our core energies are from angels. Nephilim are half-angels and half-humans. Although, the Fallen are weakened by falling, so the angel side has to adjust and adapt to human traits to be able to live in the human world, therefore adapting some of the human weaknesses as well. So, in many ways, Nephilim and Fallen are very similar,” Daemon explained.
“I’ve never heard anyone explain it that way before. I am definitely very interested in exploring that further,” Vik said.
“I learned a lot living with the Fallen.” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I’m not sure if I was a Fallen or Nephilim.” He shrugged.
“You are definitely Nephilim. You are very much like Celeste. Talk to her about her past and how she came about being a Nephilim, and you will learn yours.”
Daemon looked relieved as he nodded.
“So, what should we do about training, since it’s clear our plan won’t work?” Ti asked. “By the way, does that mean you can’t get fat?”
Vik chuckled, and I shook my head. “I wish! But I still need to work out and watch what I eat.”
“I don’t get it!” Ti crossed her arms. “You said, you can just think of something, and it happens.”
“Well, to an extent. I don’t think I need to train to get stronger since I have my energy backing me up. But my cells are still human, so I have limitations.”
“We can work with that,” Vik said.
“Yes, that means you still need to learn how to wield and dodge a weapon. Maybe not hand combat, but we can test that theory later. You will also need lots of training in energy containment,” Ti continued.
“Okay, so where do we start?”
“Vik and I need to regroup and plan out your training, so today, work on your energy with Alec.”
“Alec is busy. I was hoping that one of you could show me your runes and how they work.”
“I can do that,” Daemon volunteered.
“Okay, we’ll reconvene tomorrow.”
Vik and Ti left, but I stayed in the sparring area with Daemon, erected the usual dome, and we took our positions in the middle.
“What did you want to learn about runes, or did you want to continue from where we left off?”
“Celeste told me that I needed to see how to use runes to counteract their power. I’ve never seen one, so…” I shrugged.
He studied me for a moment, then lifted his shirt on his left side. Just under his left inner rib was a tattoo of an F.
My brows drew together as I studied his mark in confusion. “Wait, I thought that was the symbol for fire?”
He shook his head and lowered his shirt. “No. First off, not everyone displays their runes for everyone to see. As you have learned, your greatest weapon against your opponent is to keep them guessing. If they are not aware of your abilities, then it’s difficult for them to counteract your attacks. The Nephilim that display their runes are either idiots, very powerful, cocky bastards, or they display their weakest power to mislead their opponents. Most of us prefer to have our runes where they can be hidden but somewhere we can connect to. Somewhere significant to us.”
“But, I thought your affinity was lightning.”
“It is. Remember, runic study is complicated. It’s as unique as its user’s mind. Your best hope is to determine the user’s core power because that means it’s their strongest affinity. Once you determine their core power, you just counteract to overpower them, no matter what combinations their runes are used for.”
“I can see multiple scenarios on how that wouldn’t work. Like what if you misread their core power?”
“Well, you’re right. This, of course, is only effective for someone in your caliber.”
“Celeste said something similar. I guess I wanted to understand how runes are used?”
“I see.” He paused for a moment. “I suppose there is no harm in you knowing, since you are capable of controlling my energy, and we’re connected.” He sounded skeptical, but he continued anyway. “Although most would use Fehu for fire because thermal energy is very common, I use mine to amplify my other gifts. I have a decent command over other energies, so when combined, they become stronger, enough to go toe-to-toe and match someone’s dominant power. As long as you’re quick and creative with your attack, you don’t need massive energy to defeat an opponent. I don’t advertise this, so my tattoo is hidden.”
I frowned at his statement since I pretty much just use massive energy to defeat an opponent.
“Don’t get me wrong, all you have to do is shield and blast them with raw energy, and you are pretty much unbeatable.”
“But if they get through my shield, then they could overpower me?”
“In theory, yes, but the only known way of taking someone’s shield is to overpower them, which drains the attacker, so it’s never done.”
This still didn’t make me feel confident about defeating Abaddon. “Can you show me how your rune works?”
“Sure.” He got up and spread his hands apart with his palms up. His right hand held a growing ball of fire while his other hand had a swirling ball of water. “I don’t have a strong affinity to any energy associated with fire or water, but I can wield them with a combination of techniques.”
“What type of techniques?”
“That would be as unique as the individual yielding them. Everyone discovers how they wield t
heir energy at the early stages of their training. It depends on their understanding of the energy they are trying to manipulate, their control, and how much reserve they have.”
“I’m not following.” I sighed, more confused than when we started.
“Okay.” He let the water ball dissipate and held the fireball in two hands. “There are many ways people can conjure fire. That is why it is often used. A fire wielder can either use thermal energy, which can be drawn practically from anywhere, or from solar or chemical means. Anything that produces heat can turn into fire.”
“I see, so there are no specific rules. That makes it difficult to defeat an opponent.”
“Yes, the only thing that helps is our shield. Without it, there wouldn’t be any battle because it would be easy to defeat those who are weak.”
“I see that.”
“I can show you how the most common energies are combined and how they are used if you like?”
It was then that I felt an intrusion to our dome. Alec had his arms crossed and a frown on his face. I dissipated the dome. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Oh, nothing,” he drawled. “I just came by because Vik had told me that you needed training on energy, but I see that you’ve already got that covered, so I will see you later.” He turned and walked away.
“But…” I sighed and looked at Daemon apologetically.
He chuckled. “He really hates seeing us together, huh?”
“I don’t understand why? He and I have a deep connection, and he knows that you and Celeste…”
He looked away and tucked both his hands in his pocket, his cheeks burning red. I hid my smile before I continued. “I don’t understand what the issue is.”
“It’s a mate thing. It’s not logical.”
I turned to him with my brow raised. “You sound like you are speaking from experience.”
“I…” He started with a frown on his face.
“Relax, I was just messing with you.” I chuckled. “I guess I should go find him. See you back here tomorrow?”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Well, even if you don’t work with me, you can still get some of your training done to keep yourself busy.”
“I suppose.”
I started walking to the door and called over my shoulder. “Will you be okay finding your way, or should I walk you back?”
“No, I’m fine. I want to look around.”
I waved and raced back to find Alec.
Twelve
Chapter 11: Atonement
Daemon
I couldn’t believe I was living inside the first Nephilim’s compound, although I had been here for close to a week and had only seen him on the first day. There was something holy about the man—a kindness that emanated from him. When I sat in front of him, the memories of my evil deeds kept pummeling my skull like they couldn’t stand being around his pure energy. I couldn’t look him straight in the eye, and, after meeting with him, I didn’t sleep at all. The pain had been overwhelming, to the point that I had thought it would finally kill me, which I would have welcomed if it absolved me from all the evil deeds I had committed. However, an easy death would have been merciful. I deserve to suffer.
I remembered looking in his eyes and started to see flashes of my last moments as Elija and knew I had failed him and Miriam. I knew what fate his beloved soul mate had endured. I wanted to tell him, but I took the cowardly way out. I had since then debated whether divulging the information was the right thing to do or if it would be cowardly of me. I couldn’t bear the thought of looking in Celeste’s bright eyes when she finally realized there was no hope for me.
The guilt had been eating me alive, so I had decided to confide in Gabby instead. I could no longer stand the pain and my conscience, so I risked knocking on Alec’s door, even though I could tell that his tolerance for me had been a struggle for him. I could see the effort he had made to not be outright hostile against me, for Gabby’s sake.
I had been standing in front of their door for the past five minutes like a fucking coward when I finally raised my arm to knock, but lowered it once again before I took one more deep breath and knocked.
My heart raced inside my chest—these fucking emotions, why do they have to be so damn intense?
The door swung open, and I breathed a sigh of relief, it was Gabby.
“Hey, Daemon, wassup?”
“Hey, I hope I didn’t wake you?”
“Nope. Come on in.” She opened the door wider and stepped back.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to piss Alec off. Maybe we should talk out here?”
She rolled her eyes. “If you want to speak with me privately, we can walk the garden, but if you are worried about Alec, then don’t be.” She raised her brows in question.
I hesitated. I wasn’t sure how Alec would take what I had to say, but keeping this from him would push him further away. He had been making an effort, so I should do the same. I had been a coward by not telling his father the truth. I should man-up and do this for him since he had been suffering due to my bond with Gabby. I nodded and stepped inside.
Gabby flashed me a smile and led the way in. Damn, this room was a whole freaking apartment. Alec stood by the bedroom door with his arms crossed.
I nodded at him and sat on the couch that Gabby gestured to.
“I’m sorry to intrude on your morning, but I needed to speak with, I guess, both of you.” I glanced at Alec.
He held my gaze for a moment and made his way and sat next to Gabby.
“No worries, Daemon, you know you can talk to me, anytime.” Gabby smiled warmly.
“I…” I forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Gabby leaned forward with concern in her face.
“I… I have been struggling with something.” I got up and paced. Gabby looked concerned, and Alec had a stoic expression. I paced a few more times and mumbled, “Mr. St Clair spoke to me the first day I got here, and it’s the only time I’ve seen him, maybe because I had been avoiding him, I dunno.”
I glanced up and caught Alec’s eyes narrow slightly, while Gabby patiently waited for me to get my words out.
“When I first saw him, I started having flashbacks, and every day since…” I paced some more.
I didn’t see Gabby get up, but she was standing in front of me, blocking my way and laid a hand on my arm. “What did you remember, Daemon?” she asked gently.
“I remember all my last moments as Elija.” My voice rose, and I paused and inhaled. Saying it out loud was different from relieving the horror over and over in my head. My chest tightened, my throat constricted, and my voice cracked in the end. My eyes burned with tears, which I blinked away. Was I fucking tearing up? Goddamn emotions! I wouldn’t give them up for anything, but could I get a freaking break?
I swallowed the lump in my throat and took a deep breath. Gabby led me back to the couch, but it took me a moment to gather myself, even with Gabby’s hand on my shoulder, and her warm energy calming my inner turmoil. I smiled at her and looked at Alec, worried at what I would see. For once, he wasn’t angry. He seemed concerned and curious.
I looked up at him and continued. “I’m sorry, Alec, but I failed you, and especially your father.” I looked down at my black boots and shook my head. “I remember the day we were captured, and how I was turned and, most especially, I remember what Abaddon did to Miriam and why he has kept her all these years. I also remember what her soul has endured.” I whispered the last part since I couldn’t bear to speak of the horrors out loud. “I’m sorry. I was a coward. I couldn’t save your mother, and I couldn’t tell your father what had happened after I started to remember.” I finally looked up and looked at Alec.
“Do not apologize for what the monster has done to you or my mother. What’s important is that you tell us, no matter how difficult it is, so we know how to rectify the situation.”
“Should we go and fetch your father?” I
tensed, waiting for the answer.
“No, I think it’s best we approach this carefully. Perhaps we should have the others here, especially Celeste.”
“I’ll go and gather everyone.” Gabby got up and was almost out of the door when Alec spoke.
“Maybe it’s best that I go. It will give the two of you a little time to chat.”
I looked up at him in surprise. Gabby gave him a grateful smile.
When the door clicked shut, Gabby turned to me and asked, “Are you okay?”
I nodded.
“Can I try something before they get here?”
My brows furrowed in question.
“I know this is very difficult for you, so let me help.”
“Thanks, Gabby.”
She smiled and laid a hand on my arm as she pushed warm energy that helped ease my pain and my troubled mind. For once, I felt peace. A small sigh escaped me, and my shoulders relaxed.
The door opened, and Celeste was the first one through. “Are you okay? Alec wouldn’t say why you had to talk to us.” She sat on my left side and laid a hand on my thigh. I could see the concern on her bright green eyes.
I smiled and nodded. Ti and Vik shared a single seat, and Alec took the other, closer to Gabby, who was sitting at the right of me. They all looked at me, waiting for me to say something.
When the silence got awkward, Gabby said, “Daemon has just told us that his meeting with Mr. St Clair had triggered his memory of his last moments as Elija. Alec thought it best to talk before we tell his dad about what had happened to Miriam. He was about to tell us, but we thought it best to have everyone here.”
Everyone gasped and sat up straight with curious expressions on their faces. Celeste, on the other hand, looked worried, but she gave me a tiny nod and an encouraging smile, which gave me the courage to start talking.
“We were heading back from Miriam’s monthly rounds to the unfortunate families that she was helping. We were on our last stop when we noticed that the front door had been kicked in. I told Miriam to wait in the car while I checked it out, but she had insisted that she come in with me because the mother was terminally ill and had teenage kids. Celeste, you were my first call before we entered the house to warn you of the situation, then I had called Aaron, then Alec and Vik as backup.”