by P. C. Benson
There was agreement around the room as they recalled that night. “We were in the middle of battle, so we didn’t respond right away,” Ti said.
“That was their plan,” Celeste said.
“What happened next?” Alec asked.
“When we were satisfied that back up would be arriving. Miriam didn’t want to wait any longer for the kids’ sakes. We armed ourselves, put our shields up, and entered.” I paused as the images from that night bombarded me. Both Gabby and Celeste lent me their strength. I looked at Alec and tried to express my feelings with that one look, but I could not hold his gaze. I looked at the wall as the nightmare of that night replayed in my mind. “It was a trap. The house was littered with Abaddon’s men. On the first floor, we were greeted by the Brotherhood, who, surprisingly, Miriam and I were able to overpower. Then we made it to the top floor, where the three teenagers were tied up, their mother long gone. Abaddon was there, along with his lieutenants, and we were overpowered as soon as we entered the room. They were just toying with us. They used the children as leverage so Miriam would comply with their demands.”
I had to pause for a few moments because the picture in my head was too dark. “In the end, it didn’t matter, they tortured the children, managed to corrupt my soul, and saved Miriam for last.”
“What happened to my mother?” Alec whispered.
I shook my head. “I don’t think the details are important. I can tell you that he has her soul. It’s not corrupted and…”
“We must know what happened!” Vik interrupted.
“Why do the fucking details matter?” I snapped.
“They matter because we must understand what his method is, to learn his endgame,” Tatia said with patience that I didn’t know she possessed.
“I can tell you what Abaddon’s goal is,” I insisted.
“Daemon, you must tell us because he has new powers we don’t understand. Even my prophecies couldn’t explain what happened to you or Miriam. We need to know how he managed to turn your soul and what type of energy manipulation he is capable of. As painful as it is, this knowledge is valuable.”
I eyed Alec one more time. “Are you sure? It’s not pleasant.”
He gave a firm nod.
Gabby moved next to him and held him tightly. He relaxed minutely and looked at me with apprehension.
“We were moved to another location, and they started with me. There was a guy in the room—a disgraced Fallen. Abaddon got through my shields, and he tortured me until I was an inch from death. When my soul was almost depleted and would no longer heal, he was able to transfer what was left to the Fallen’s body. I didn’t feel like there were two souls fighting for dominance. I just felt like me, Daemon, a new being. I didn’t recall Elija or my past lives.”
I looked at Celeste in apology, and my chest ached from the loss I saw in her eyes. I knew we had several lifetimes that I didn’t recall, but I had not given up. I hoped that I would one day recover those memories.
“Everything in me was dead, numb, not good or evil, just existing. I did what I was told with no care. I was his weapon to wield. Miriam had seen everything, and when I was no longer a threat, I was set free as I watched everything that was done to her.”
I talked with no emotion, channeling the old Daemon. It was easier this way. I continued to stare at the wall. “He told everyone to leave the room except for me. I was a robot. I didn’t have an opinion or thoughts of my own—I just existed. He told me to watch everything, so I did. He released Miriam and disabled her shields because she was too exhausted from fighting at this point. He raped her over and over until her spark died.”
I heard a shuffle around me, but I didn’t dare look. I couldn’t stand the pain in their eyes, or worse, the accusations. What a coward. I swallowed the lump in my throat and continued. “When that didn’t work, he tortured the children he’d taken. This happened for days, maybe weeks. Finally, when the life died in her eyes, he tried to manipulate her energy. He was trying to do to her what he’d done to me but in a Nephilim’s body.” I stopped and dared to look at Alec. I blinked, and wetness fell on my cheeks. “I am so sorry, Alec.”
He got up, and I braced myself for an attack.
He placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “Don’t be sorry. It wasn’t your fault. You suffered as well. Do not take the blame for Abaddon’s actions. If we were to blame you, then we should also blame ourselves for not being there when you called for help. Where is she now?”
I looked up at him with gratitude as more fucking tears fell, and I took a moment to gather myself. Celeste’s small hand on my back was reassuring. Vik and Ti flashed me a tentative smile; their eyes were shiny as well.
“Miriam was one of Abaddon’s greatest secrets. Only a few people were allowed to know or see her. For the first few years, he kept me close, molding me to be the Dark one. Then when he was satisfied, I was set free and was no longer privy to his inner circle. However, when I visited his lair one day, he was distraught. He let it slip that she had passed. It was one of the few times I saw Abaddon show emotion. He was melancholy.”
Ti snorted, with tears falling on her face. “Don’t tell me that bastard grew fond of Miriam.”
“No, I don’t think he is capable of that. He’d tried for years to create a hybrid of Nephilim and Fallen with Miriam. He had failed. It was his greatest dream and obsession to create a new race of hybrids. He thought that with Miriam, the mother of Nephilim, and him, the Angel of the Abyss, his dream would finally come to fruition. His accomplishment with me was a step closer to his dream, however, I was flawed, so he wanted one born from him and Miriam.”
“Motherfucker,” Vik gritted out. He looked like he wanted to break something. Ti had tears running down her face, but I knew that the fire in her eyes would hide something lethal. Celeste was silently crying next to me. Gabby looked pissed and concerned for Alec. I saw flashes of her energy, which Alec absorbed. Alec was the most concerning in the room. He had a deathly cold, lethal expression. His silver energy had been pulsing brightly, and it looked like he was trying hard to rein it in. If he lost control, he could kill everyone in the compound, possibly the entirety of Los Angeles.
“Alec, are you… Stupid question, of course you’re not okay.” Gabby brushed his hair back. “I promise you, Alec, that bastard is going to pay for what he has done to us. He won’t get away with what he has done to your mom, Daemon, and me. His days are numbered, and I will make him suffer.” Gabby said this with such venom and pulsing energy that everyone gaped at her.
Fear coursed through me from the look on her face, which made me glad I was on her side. Alec studied her, then turned to everyone. “No one tell my father yet. Thank you for telling us your story, Daemon. I know that wasn’t pleasant. Do you know what he did with my mother’s soul?
“Yes, he has it.”
“What do you mean, he has it?” Celeste asked, her voice rising.
“How is that possible?” Ti asked simultaneously.
“I don’t know how it’s possible, but I suspect that the necklace he wears around his neck with the onyx pendant is her soul. He knows how to manipulate energies, so it’s not far-fetched for him to have captured her soul and trapped it in a stone. He won’t let go of it because, like I said, it is his life-long dream—an obsession to father a new race. He won’t let go of Miriam.”
Alec stood abruptly. “I’m getting my mother back.” His energy escaped, and I instinctively shielded Celeste. The room was in disarray as Alec stood in the middle with his fists clenched. Gabby had not been affected by the impressive display of energy, but Vik and Ti were picking themselves up from the couch, shields still in place. I had Celeste in my arms, and hers were wrapped around my neck. Our eyes met briefly, and my face flushed. I set her down on her feet, and warmth flushed all over me as I saw her cute cheeks flush with red. Finally, a pleasant feeling—my whole body tingled, and elation filled me.
“Alec, calm down. You can’t go charging off
anywhere. We need a plan,” Gabby chastised.
“I’m sorry. I’m going to speak to my father.” He walked out of the door without looking back.
“Should we be worried?” Vik asked.
“About Alec or Uncle?” Ti asked.
“Fuck.” I breathed.
“Celeste?” Gabby asked.
“Yeah, perhaps I should be there to mitigate.” She moved to go but stopped and faced me. “Thank you for telling us, Daemon.” She gently placed her hand to my face, which I leaned into, and we held each other’s gaze for a moment, and then she released me.
“We’re going with you,” Vik said.
“What a mess!” Gabby sighed.
“Did you need help straightening up?”
“I didn’t mean the room, but we might as well since that’s a family affair we don’t want to get involved in. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I actually feel better telling everyone. I also feel like I’m starting to belong. Every day, I’m starting to remember. I know that Celeste and I have a lot of history together, along with everyone in this house.” We were quiet as we straightened the last bits of furniture up.
“I’m starting to believe in the redemption you mentioned.” I smiled on my way out of the door.
“I’m glad. You of all people deserve it, Daemon. Now, I hope you believe me when I say that your deeds were not your own actions, not done by choice, or willingly. You are a victim. Atone for them, since you did them, and your conscience won’t let you rest otherwise. However, don’t be too hard on yourself.” She leaned her head on the door and smiled.
I smiled back, and with lighter steps, I headed back to my room.
Gabby
It had been three days since Daemon had talked to us, and when Alec was not trying to put on a brave face, I would catch him staring out into nothing. His emotions were in turmoil. He was grieving all over again. Every time I felt Alec’s distress, it fueled my vendetta against Abaddon. He would suffer tenfold for the pain he had caused others.
I was reading in the library, since I had finished training for the day, but my thoughts kept drifting to Lilly and Abaddon. I hated sitting idle.
“We knew that we would find you here,” Ti said as she and Celeste approached.
I closed the book I was holding. “How is Mr. St Clair holding up?”
“It’s opened up old wounds, and he had to let out some steam, but he is coping. He and Alec need to continue on their usual course. It helps them to know that all of our plans are for Abaddon’s downfall.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Gabby,” Ti cut in. “The only thing that permeates the fog of pain is having a goal. Let them have this. It will help them cope with the helplessness they feel, knowing now that they didn’t do anything while Aunt Miriam suffered in the hands of the monster for years.”
I sucked in a breath. “How do you know? Did they say that?”
“They don’t need to. It’s what I feel.”
“You’re right. You warriors would feel that way. That’s horrible.” A strong surge of hate passed through me as I felt for the helplessness they must feel. I would fucking kill Abaddon slowly.
Alec suddenly apparated into the room. “What happened?” He was on alert as he looked around.
“Nothing,” Celeste said.
“Alec.” I rushed to him and hugged him fiercely. I poured all my love, protection and a promise to make right the injustice through our bond. His arms tightened around me as he leaned his head on top of mine. His body’s tension eased.
“Gabby, we came because you had requested to see the Regency, and they’ve agreed that you can attend a meeting,” Celeste said.
“Let’s go then.” Alec tugged at my arm.
I hooked my other arm around Celeste. “How are you and Daemon doing?”
She sighed. “He doesn’t remember anything from our past lives, so there is nothing to tell.” She shrugged.”
“Oh, please. You two keep eye-fucking each other. It doesn’t matter if he remembers—your connection is there, so start over and take this as a good thing,” Ti drawled as we walked.
“How is this a good thing?” Celeste’s brow rose.
“Well, it’s the honeymoon phase. It’s the best, exciting!” she gushed.
“How would you know that? You’ve been with my idiot cousin since the beginning.” Alec smirked.
“Shut up, we like to pretend sometimes.” She shrugged.
“Okay. I don’t want any more details,” Celeste interrupted.
We entered what looked like a large marble ballroom with a raised platform where a line of elaborate chairs faced rows and rows of wooden ones, occupied with Nephilim, some even standing at the back. The Regent seated on the platform wore royal blue velvet robes that dropped down below the knees and had golden embroidery on the lapels. They looked like colonial aristocrats.
There were ten of them seated on the plush chairs arranged in an arc. In the middle was Mr. St Clair, and to his right, Celeste took her place.
Alec and I stopped next to Vik, and Ti stood to his right. We stayed on the right side of the room, in front of uniformed soldiers. The left section was filled with soldiers as well. They wore black like the uniform that Alec and Vik wore the night I was taken from Lilly. The crowds seated on the rows in front of the platform wore regular clothes.
My eyes narrowed as two soldiers escorted Daemon as he was called forward. They stopped in front of the platform, and the two soldiers left his side. His shoulders were tense but his face stoic.
A blond man with shoulder-length hair and pointy nose looked down at Daemon and sneered. A few others turned their noses up. The audience whispered as he came forward.
A balding tan man, sitting to the far right from Celeste, cleared his throat. “Dark one…”
My energy flared. Everyone tensed, and Mr. St Clair and Celeste looked my way. The Regency looked around.
The speaker coughed again. “You have been called before the Regency because of your unusual circumstance. You are here to testify in front of witnesses about your ordeal, and we are going to decide if your accounts are enough to absolve you of your actions.”
“Oh, hell, no.” I darted forward as Alec and Vik tried to stop me, but I blocked them with a shield, which they could not cross.
“Who has set this up? Why was I not informed that Daemon was going to be on trial?” I demanded as I walked towards Daemon.
The other soldiers stirred as the Regent gave a signal. I erected another barrier and then another behind me.
“How dare you interrupt our hearing!” a short, pudgy woman with double chin, wearing pearl earrings and necklace, screamed and shot to her feet.
I tilted my head, narrowed my eyes, and enclosed her with a stifling energy. Her knees buckled, and she fell back down on the chair.
I was pissed and started to breathe hard. I stood in front of Daemon, enclosed him in a protective shield, and readied my hands on my sides ready to battle.
“Stop!” I heard Alec bellow.
I spared him a brief glance and saw he was not speaking to me. He was speaking to the Regent, who looked panicked. I returned my gaze to the people in front of me, and my eyes paused at Mr. St Clair and Celeste, who were on their feet, telling everyone to stop.
“Fucking try me. I dare you.” I amplified my voice so that it echoed around the room and caused them to flinch, some covered their ears. A few of the Regent members bowed their heads and avoided my eyes, while the rest showed defiance. Fine. I blasted them with energy and their chairs were pushed back a few feet. I felt the soldiers try to blast the barriers I had erected, but before I could turn to the soldiers, I heard Viktor give a command and the assault on my shields stopped. I felt Alec try to get to me, but I kept him in place. I didn’t allow anyone in the room to move from their spot.
The Regents scrambled out of their chair and erected a shield as I started my way toward them. Mr. St Clair and Celeste fruitlessly tried to reason
with them, then turned to me.
Celeste had tears in her eyes as she ran to me and pleaded. I turned my cold gaze to her and said, “You are either with them, as you sit on your chair, or against them. Choose.” I then turned my steel gaze at Mr. St Clair. He looked lost.
“Gabby, let me through!” Alec screamed.
“Alec, do something!” Celeste pleaded in a shaky voice.
“Gabby. I’m okay. Please stop,” Daemon pleaded as well.
“Anyone that doesn’t want to be a part of this should have a seat.” Everyone sat, including Daemon, Celeste, Mr. St Clair, Vik, and Ti.
Alec remained standing and glared at me. “Let me through,” he gritted out. I shook my head almost imperceptibly and sent love and an apology through our bond.
I looked at the half a dozen soldiers who’d remained standing and thrust my hand out. They crumpled to the floor. I now faced the Regents in front of me. Four had distanced themselves from the ones directly in front of me.
I narrowed my eyes and then smirked as I stood in front of their shield. I had my hands behind my back and paced up and down. “Kudos to your valiant effort.” My lips twitched. “Do you know that since I entered your world, I have come to hate power-hungry people?” I paused. “They are oppressors who care for no one but themselves. I had heard about the great Regent, and their rules, and I had asked to meet with you. Never in a million years did I expect Daemon to be on trial, especially after I had vouched for him. Me—Your Savior.”
I paused and looked at each of them in the eye, which they returned with a cold, hard stare. I continued to pace in front of their shield. “If my word isn’t good enough, then that tells me what I needed to know. You people are above the law.” I stopped pacing and turned to them. “No one is above the law. Including me. Unlike you, I have no desire to lead people. However, I plan on taking down tyrants. So, I say this again, if you are not with me, then you are against me. Remember, I was sent here with a blank slate—not good or evil. I do not shy away from doing what’s necessary.”