“How would I do that? I know you created them, but have you actually met a human or Celestial? It’s hard to change their minds about anything. The world is in crisis. There’s racism and hate everywhere.”
Sax’s grief is powerful and overwhelming as she responds with tears in her eyes. “That is the darkness. It manipulates and lies. But the light shines brightest in the darkest of places. If you’re hopeful and you look, you will find it.”
I’d love to end the atrocities I’ve seen develop since my birth, but I feel hopeless and lost—unsure of the right path to take or if I can trust Sax. “I thought the dark and light had to be balanced. How can I battle something that can’t be stopped?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t happen.” Well, isn’t that a convenient response?
I fill with anger. Anger at my current circumstances. Anger for my pain. Anger for the sake of anger.
“I see. So, I’m assuming I have to do all this by myself—that you’re too busy to help.”
Sax’s energy touches mine, releasing my dark emotions and filling the empty spaces with love. “And who says you have to do anything alone? I was there for you when you were lost in darkness’ abyss. I was there when you panicked in the cave. Surprisingly, Easton’s been there above all others, protecting you even though the darkness tried to confuse you from your purpose. You’re never alone, Lili.”
The truth of Sax’s words hits me. “Why do Easton and I have our connection?”
“Before I sent you down, Pax—my opposite—sent Easton down in anticipation of your arrival. You are each other’s opposites. There can’t be light without darkness, but the darkness has found a way to stop the balance. My creator, Zax, was the first energy in existence. He was both dark and light and learned how to effectively balance the two. He is the strongest power alive, but didn’t understand the repercussions of his creations. I believe that maybe Zax has played a part in your connection with Easton, but it’s impossible to know.”
“And where is Zax, can I talk to him?”
Sax’s face brightens. “That would be a sight. Zax has been missing for thousands of years.”
“Is he dead?”
She shakes her head no then says, “Energy never dies. It can change, but not die. Zax beats to his own drum; you two would love each other. He reminds me of you in a way.” I remain silent, trying to search for the right questions to ask. Sax fills the empty space, saying, “You are of course made from me, and me from him, so it makes sense.”
Shocked by this revelation, I ask, “So, I’m a clone of you?”
Sax laughs before answering. “Not exactly. You have your own soul, but you’re made from me. The closest thing on Earth that I can use to explain it is you’re like my child.”
The truth of Sax’s words hits me. It explains why I’ve never felt like I belonged, except when I’m with Easton. “Am I a Celestial?”
Sax pauses, moving closer to me, so she can grab my hand. “No, you’re more of a god… Our time is up. I’ll be watching you.” Before I can respond, I feel my soul painfully seep into my cold, disconnected body.
Lili – Reunited
My soul’s return makes me feel all kinds of discombobulated. Jim moves closer to me, staring at my energy as he asks me clinical questions in a stoic tone. “What do you remember about your childhood?”
I answer him in a dead voice which is detached from my emotions. “Nothing.”
Jim checks a box on his list, just like a doctor performing an exam, then he proceeds to ask me another question. “What do you feel for Easton?”
I respond exactly the same, devoid of emotions. “Nothing.”
He checks another box triumphantly, then turns his back to me and exclaims, “We are clear here! Her memory has been effectively erased.”
I hear Adem’s voice inquire, “How sure are you?”
Jim responds confidently, “100%. No one can fake the energy reader.” I feel Adem’s hand grab mine with a kind energy that surprises me, then he releases my hand and exits the room. Jim unties my straps and leads my confused body down a windy staircase to a white room, where I am placed on a wooden couch. He talks into a glass box on the wall then leaves me all alone.
I sit on the couch staring at the artwork in front of me, until I hear Wayward’s voice calling my name from behind a door. I stand up and walk towards Wayward. I enter an office and see him sitting at a white desk.
He stares at me for an uncomfortably long time, then coldly asks, “What’s the last thing you remember?”
I think hard and reply in a detached voice. “Going to a birthday party for James.”
Wayward replies in a soft voice, “You just had your memory eradication. You will remember everything except for your life on Earth. This is a kindness. Your life was horrible and your parents abusive. You were happy to be rid of those memories.” I shake my head up and down as my mind feels numb. Wayward walks me out of his office, leading me down the hall. “Do you know where your room is? You need to rest up for your classes tomorrow.”
My voice is dry and wobbly, sounding foreign. “Yes, I remember.” I begin to walk towards my room and away from Wayward slowly. I see Gwyneth smiling at me as I pass her in the hallway. I continue to walk up the wrap around stairs unhurriedly until I feel Wayward’s energy disappear. Then I quicken my pace and spring into action.
I use my energy to find Easton. I had to fool them into thinking I’ve lost my memories, but my mind is still intact and aching to hold him. I surprisingly find Easton in his bedroom and run down the hall, desperate to see him and make sure he’s okay. I pound on his door until it swings open, making my breath catch. My eyes do a doubletake, making sure what I see is real. Easton is returned to his former self. He’s healthy and handsome, like the last week hadn’t happened. I see Easton’s handsome face staring back at me, as love and joy flood my emotions, overpowering all else.
Easton’s body is tense, and his reaction is distant. His head turns to the side and his eyes squint as I begin to realize he doesn’t recognize me. Terror fills my soul, and I search his memory and no longer find love within it. I find darkness and an empty hole where I used to be. Easton stares at me emotionless as he quizzically turns his head and asks.
“Do I know you?”
My lip begins to quiver as I realize the Easton I loved is no longer present. He’s gone just like Nora. I clench my hands so tightly my nails cut my flesh drawing blood. I’m going to end the Darkness and rescue Easton, if it’s the last thing I do.
New Celestial : A teen paranormal romance series (The Celestial Series Book 1) Page 20