“I’m not there.”
That only leaves one other place where he’d be. Shaking my head, I disappear and reappear outside the door of my father’s private chambers. I pull out the large silver key that hangs around my neck, the only one of its kind, given to me as a safety precaution so many eons ago. Who knew that today would be when I use it? I had hoped this day would never come.
I slide the key into the lock and hear the click. I push the black walnut door open.
The room is the same as it has always been, ever since the Fall. I haven’t been here since then; there has been no reason. Cobwebs hang down the mirror and across the shelves of various weapons. Dust and dirt covers everything. Everything except ... the gold cage the King of Hell sits in.
I stare at my father. Neither of us says a word.
Humans think that the prison the Archangels placed my father in is similar to what they have on earth. It’s not. The king can roam free in a predetermined space—much like the vocivus room that Zoe is in. But this room is much stronger since all the Archangels infused their Light into it to create it. Even if all the demons banned together and did the same with Fire Light to counter the effect, it wouldn’t be enough.
I infused my Light in make Zoe’s room. If she becomes strong enough, she will be able to break it.
That can’t happen, not yet.
There’s the fact that the demons wouldn’t band together to assist their king, too. They want him kept in here as much as I do. Demons live by their own code and do things that only help themselves. Even if I need them to do something, they have to have something in exchange for it.
Because of that, Sammael will exact his revenge not only on the angels but many demons are on that list, too. The world doesn’t need the king’s wrath.
Sammael hunches over a large desk, pouring over paper documents. He still rules Hell and must address all situations that arise. Sometimes the Hell Hounds escape or don’t return. A lost soul wanders to the wrong level. Once in a while Hell can have visitors; it’s rare but does happen. He is the only one who can lift the veil between earth and Hell and allow entrance without having your Light stripped and your wings burnt off.
But that’s what happens when angels try to enter without an invitation. Demons can leave Hell when the veil thins on its own accord, though. Like back in the Great Fire of London, or 1871 in Chicago, or when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 1944. Dozens of demons fled the confines during those times of natural disasters. Or so we let the Ordinaries believe. The veil naturally thins every couple of centuries. There’s a balance to all things. Evil cannot be bottled forever. At some point, the top will blow, as in the case of volcanoes and Hell purges itself.
My father still does not address me. He continues to read whatever the parchment is about. No technology can be brought into the vocivus-like room, so in order to conduct Hell’s business, everything must be written down and presented to Sammael.
I breathe in deeply. My father knows I’m there. It’s a game to him. But I will not speak before my king acknowledges me.
“Am I keeping you from something?” Sammael doesn’t look at me.
“No.”
“Good. Maybe you can tell me why I’m still on this side of prison?”
“I have no idea.”
“That’s not what I hear.” Sammael raises his head and looks in my eyes.
“What is it that you hear?” I meet his gaze.
“Are you questioning me?”
“No.” I shake my head ever so slightly.
“I didn’t think so. It’s been a long time since you’ve seen me. I don’t want to think you’ve gone soft on me.”
“I haven’t.”
“Now. Tell me about the girl you have hidden away in a vocivus room.”
“I don’t—”
“Stop. I know you do. Nothing goes on in my own kingdom that I don’t know about. And that goes for you. Especially you since I left you in charge of finding her. So, tell me exactly why I am still a prisoner? Is she not the one?”
“She is.”
“And how do you know?”
“I watched her transformation. She has the tattoo and enhanced angel Light, but she doesn’t know how to use it or what else she can do.”
“You’re sure it’s her? I’ve been waiting a very long time to finally be released.”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Then how in Hell’s name am I still on this side?” Sammael stands and tosses all the items on the desk to the floor.
“I don’t know.”
“You say it’s her, but it can’t be since I’m still locked up.”
“Maybe it takes time for her to come into her full powers and you’ll be free.” I walk forward a few steps and inspect the shimmering, gold barrier. It’s definitely still intact. Power makes my wings flutter. I step back. I’ve learned my lesson the day Father was locked in. We both had tried using Fire Light to free him. All it did was zap my powers for a long time.
I would never feel that loss of my Light again.
“Could be.” Sammael’s voice interrupts my thoughts. “I’ve been pouring over the scrolls for any documentation about the prophecy. It starts with Glory. So, I know that the Ordinary will be blessed by my Father. Babe born. Self-explanatory. First and last. Meaning that it can’t be angels or fairies. Heaven and unto Earth. Could possibly mean that the one will be born of earth but also of Heaven. Receives the highest in jubilation. This could be that the angels will help. Enlightens will unite; they shall band. Never have they joined forces, so we must stop that. Triumph be if darkness is driven back. Help found who love, the world will stand.
“We will lose if we don’t find this being,” he continues. “I don’t understand this last sentence, but I guess we’ll see how it plays out. You will return to the library and bring me any book that mentions the prophesy, her, or the Archangels.”
“All right.”
“That was too easy. What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing. I will do as you ask and bring you everything, so you may continue your research. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“No.”
Maybe there is a God looking over my dark soul. I know up to the very tips of my wings that Zoe is the one who will set my father free.
So why hasn’t it happened yet?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Zoe
OH, IT’S GOOD TO SEE the corn belt country as I fly above crop growing fields making my way to Minnesota. The gusty winds blow me off course, but I straighten and fight against the breeze until it bends to my wishes. I remain invisible as the Twin Cities’ skyline appears on the horizon. By the time I see the IDS Tower soaring into the clouds, my back is sore, not being used to using muscles to flap wings. Freaking wings!
I’m almost there. Home.
Turning north, I know these cities and tick them off one by one as I pass them. A countdown to when I can be with my family and friends. And when I can finally land and rest.
I’m free at last.
Over the long journey, I’ve managed to learn how to use my wings. With nothing else to do but fly, I’ve spun, twirled, and dived into spirals, taken sharp turns, circled, and delicately floated on the air currents. Flying became second nature to me.
I should check in on my family first, but Kieran’s house pulls me in. My feet touch the ground outside his house; I sway, then fall to my knees, not used to using them after my long flight back from Four Corners.
Making myself visible, and my wings invisible, I burst through the front door. The house is silent. Everything is in order and nothing is disturbed. I run through the halls and to the weapons room. The door is ajar, and the shelves and cabinets are bare. It’s the only disheveled room. Someone must have been here and left in a hurry.
“Kieran? Shay?”
I wander to the backyard. Paschar is gazing down at me with her wings reaching upward. I don’t know how she works or communicates with others. Cupping my hands, I scoop up
water and let it run through my fingers onto her feet just like how Kieran had done it.
She blinks and tucks her wings behind her back. A soft female voice fills my head. “Hello, Zoe. I’m glad you made it back to us. Everyone has been concerned about you. They have been distracted in your search by all the natural disasters, but rest assured that you are still in their minds.”
“Thank you for telling me that. I know I’ve been worried sick about everyone.”
“They will be back soon. I believe that they are returning from Denali National Park.”
“All right, I’ll be back. I’m going home to my parents.”
Paschar nods and returns to her original position.
I sprint around the house and down the street. My feet automatically take me up the three steps to my door. My raised hand hovers on the handle. I inhale a deep breath, turning the knob.
“Mom? Dad?” The house is dark. Where is everyone? The ticking clock tells me that it’s early in the morning. They should be here, unless ...
What day of the week is it?
I check the calendar in the kitchen, and it’s flipped to June. It’s what I feel is still my birthday, but it might not be. I left my dead cell phone in that room. Running up to my room, I open my laptop and glance at the bottom right corner of the screen.
It’s still June 24.
“Yes!”
I click on the clock icon and open the calendar. Today is Wednesday. Breathing a sigh of relief, I know where my family is: soccer practice with Stella.
Looking around my room, it’s just as I left it. Makeup is scattered along the counter in the bathroom. The door to my walk-in-closet is still ajar. A single heeled shoe sits at the foot of my bed, the match someplace else. Dresser drawers are half closed, tops skewed and peeking out.
Remembering what Aiden told me about my Seraph’s Sword, I should pack some clothes and toiletries. We’ll be leaving to go fine mine, as soon as my friends come back.
I dig for my purple backpack in my closet. Yes, I’m back and could conjure anything I need, but there is something about wearing my own clothes that just feels like home. I toss in jeans and T-shirts, knowing that they’re more durable than yoga pants, as well as throwing in undergarments, socks, and a hat. Going to the bathroom, I drop a toothbrush, paste, and face tissues into the bag. Makeup, I can live without. Being in battle isn’t a fashion contest. And frankly, I could care less what I look like anymore. I have much bigger problems to deal with besides wearing the correct clothes and always trying to fit in. I don’t need that added stress.
I drop my bag in the hallway.
My feet take me out of the room and down the hall to my parents’. Their bed is neatly made; nothing else is amiss. Then I amble to my sister’s room. Her laptop is open as the screen saver flips through pictures of me and her and some of our whole family. A few of her favorite stuffed animals line the bookshelves. New band posters are pinned to the walls.
I leave her bedroom and march down the stairs, skimming my fingers along the photo frames.
Once in the kitchen, I scribble a note and leave it on the table, telling my family that I’m back and at Kieran’s, leaving his house number because I no longer have my cell phone.
Picking up my pack, I wedge in a few water bottles and protein bars, head out of the front door, and wait for my friends to return.
I SIT IN MY FAVORITE room at Kieran’s house, the den. We’ve had some major meetings in here. First, he told me about the Enlightens, the Orders, and the coming war. During another meeting, I met Vash and he told me about werewolves and the packs’ fight against demons. So it seems to make sense that I’m here now, waiting for them to return.
The sun shines bright through the floor to ceiling windows. No clouds hinder its rays. It’s like the sun is also rejoicing my homecoming.
My wait isn’t long. I hear the exhaust from Shay’s Bel-Air rumble into the driveway. I leap off the couch and rush to the door, throwing it open. The three steps and sidewalk are a blur as I launch myself into surprised arms.
“Zoe? Is it really you?” Shay mumbles into my ear. “Oh, my god! I can feel you. You’re really here.” He steps back to look at me. His mouth crashes against mine as his arms tighten around my waist.
“Ahem.”
We don’t break apart. I block out the rest of the world and inhale Shay and his musky lavender scent with a hint of something sweet like a strawberry.
“BFF time.” Kieran nudges his way between me and Shay, forcing us to part. “It’ll only take a second, and you can go back to being lip-locked. I just need to get a hug.”
Blood floods my cheeks, but I toss my arms around Kieran’s shoulders. “It’s great to be back. I’ve missed you guys.”
“Some more than others apparently.”
“No, I’ve missed you, too, K.”
“How did you escape?” He turns and leads us toward the house. “Come inside and tell us everything.”
“Where are Vash and Sidelle?” I ask as Shay takes my hand.
“I dropped Vash at his house, so he could spend time with Cali. We’ll call him, so he knows you’re here. I’m sure they both will want to see you.”
I nod. The bond between wolf mates is strong. So entwined with each other that if one dies, the other will follow. That’s how Vash became Alpha of his pack. His father died during a demon battle.
“Sidelle went back to Fairyland with her father and Queen Mab.”
“What?” I stop mid-step.
“Yeah, we’ve got a lot to tell you, too. Happy birthday, by the way.” Shay kisses me again, and we stop in the hallway. “I’ve missed you so much, and I’m thankful that you’re here and you made it out.”
“I know.” I press my body against his and lay my head on his shoulder. “I don’t ever want to be away from you again.”
“Have you gone to see your parents? They must be thrilled that you’ve returned to them.”
“I stopped over there, but they’re not home. I left a note to call here when they get back from practice. We have some time yet.”
“Guys?” Kieran calls. “Will you two be joining me anytime soon?”
I cringe, knowing that we have more important things to discuss. Locking hands, we enter the den. Shay pulls me onto the couch and lays me against his chest. For a minute, I stare at my best friend, glad to be here and see him again, even though I know what’s coming.
“I watched you and Sidelle battle the storms and saw the deserts dry up,” I say. “Aiden told me about the volcanoes.”
“How?” Kieran asks.
“Through a special mirror. It allowed me to see you guys.”
“Sounds like a speculo.”
“I could check in with my parents and Stella. I couldn’t talk to them, and I’d like to think they knew I was there.”
“So, you know what we’ve been trying to handle here,” Shay says. “Including the crazy weather and the fight in Denali. Sidelle got her dad and Mab to come through a porta and help with the rain. Oberon managed to stop the flooding and landslides. And he told us that the Marqs were on the move in northern Canada. That’s where we met some Knights and Marqs.”
“Zoe, have you found out anything about Aiden?” Kieran asks. “Shay kept us informed about your Dream Walking.”
“It’s all a sham. Everything he’s ever told me was a lie. Well, there’s always a bit of truth to it, but nothing significant. He works for his father; Sarah, his sister, is not really related to him. But I think he’s an angel and not a demon.”
“Why do you think that?” Shay asks. “Did he say he was?”
“No, just a gut feeling. The things he’s said, what I’ve read between the lines.”
“He told you he’s a demon, though.”
“Maybe.”
Silence hugs the air as we process everything we said. Shay kisses the back of my neck, sending a tingling feeling down to my toes. My back itches and I squirm.
“Oh, my gosh.” I bolt upr
ight. “I have to show you something.” I stand and think about my purple wings: their length, the way they shimmer, their feel. Light zips through my body, and my wings snap out from my back. “Look what I got!”
The boys’ mouths drop open. The room is flooded with pulsing purple light. My wings gently flap.
Before either can speak, the silence is broken from a phone’s ring.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Zoe
“HELLO,” KIERAN SAYS into his cell phone. “Yes, she’s right here. Just a second.” He mouths, “your mom.” He then says louder, “Here, Zoe.”
“Mom? You got my note. Yes, I’m leaving right now and will be home in a bit. I missed you, too. Mom, it’s okay. I’m here now, but I can’t run across the street until you hang up. Yes, I love you, too.” I toss the phone back to Kieran. “I have to go home.”
“We’ll reconvene tomorrow.”
I turn to leave and hide my wings.
“Zoe, it’s good to have you back.” Kieran steps beside me and embraces me. I feel and see his gold Light pulsing just under his skin and know just how much he missed me.
“I’ll take you home,” Shay says.
The twenty-nine steps it takes to get to my house isn’t fast enough. My parents are standing in the driveway when I open the door of Kieran’s house. Dropping Shay’s hand, I run to greet them. They don’t close the distance. My mom is clutching Dad. Stella hovers in the doorway.
I plow into my parents and cling to them.
“Welcome home, Zoe?” Mom asks as she pushes me back.
“Yes, I’m really missed you guys.” Tears run down my face.
“Zoe.” Dad’s arms tighten around my shoulders. “Oh, Zoe. We thought ... we thought that you’d never come home again.”
“No, Dad, I’ll always find my way home to you guys. You’re my family.” I motion for Stella to join us. “Stel, come give me a hug! I’ve missed you so much.”
“Zoe!” She hurls her body down the steps and flings her arms open. “I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve missed you like crazy.”
“I know, Squirt.” Mom’s shoulders shake from crying, and she can’t get any words out. “I know, Mom. I know.” I squeeze her waist and lead them all back in the house.
Wars & Wings (Enlighten Series Book 3) Page 14