Splendor and Darkness (Rebel Angels) (2 page)

“That’s too bad. There is nothing as exhilarating as human brutality.”

Byleth
fidgeted, twisting the hem of her tunic between her fingers. “She was there again, sir. Why does this creature plague me?”

“Who?”
Tangling his fingers in her thick hair,
Makatiel
pulled her face up and gazed into her eyes. “Explain.”

“I’m not as inept as you believe. Each time I’ve failed, my mission has been sabotaged by this…angel.”

He laughed and released her. “Why would an angel waste her time with you? Your transformation is incomplete. You’re all but powerless.”

She dared a glance at her master, affront erupting in flashes of blue. “May I speak candidly, sir?”

Narrowing his gaze,
Makatiel
crossed his arms over his chest and nodded.

“I know you don’t believe me. I’d begun to wonder myself, but tonight I saw her, spoke with her, fought against her. The other two times I merely felt her presence, her influence hindering me. Tonight she appeared.”

“An Angel of God attacked you and yet you live?” He made no attempt to hide the mockery in his tone.

“I never said she was an Angel of God. The pulses she sent into me contained Heaven’s Light, but…I’ve never encountered anyone like her.”

“Was this creature
Fallen
?”

Byleth
shook her head. “She retained angelic powers, yet she was not an angel. I sensed corruption in her spirit, yet she was not
Fallen
.”

“A semi-Fallen angel?”
Makatiel
laughed. “There is no such thing.”

“Actually there is.” Enos hadn’t intended to participate in the conversation, but he could no longer abstain.

“You know such a creature?”
Makatiel
asked.

Enos leaned one shoulder against the wall. “She has crossed my path before, but you
know
her. Or you knew her before the
Fall
.”

“You’re speaking in riddles.”

“Not at all.”
Ambling across the room, Enos approached
Byleth
. “Why are you still clothed? It is disrespectful to conceal your body from your superiors.”

Makatiel
grinned. All demons were lusty, but Enos specialized in the pleasures of the flesh.
Byleth
scrambled to her feet.
Makatiel
stood beside Enos as she shed her garments and proudly displayed her lush, young body. Her tongue darted out, moistening her lips. She kept her gaze averted.

“Are you frightened?” Enos leaned in and lowered his voice, caressing her with his breath.

“Nay, sir.
I’m ashamed.” Her voice sounded surprisingly calm considering she was about to be devoured by two master demons. “I failed. I’m preparing myself for whatever punishment you determine I deserve.”

“And if we determine you deserve no punishment, will you be disappointed?” Enos thrived on sexual games. He’d have
Byleth
so confused by the time they finished with her, she wouldn’t know if she’d been tortured or rewarded.

“Push your hair behind your shoulders. I cannot see your breasts. Aye, now lock your hands behind your head.”
Byleth
moved into the position he described. Her eyes flashed, revealing her excitement. Enos circled her, assessing her from every angle.

“What was her assignment?” Enos glanced at his friend as he fondled one of
Byleth’s
breasts, rubbing her nipple with his thumb.

“I discovered a human capable of discerning our kind. His powers are just beginning to emerge, so I made sure they never come to fruition.”

Enos moved his hand to
Byleth’s
other breast, but his gaze remained on
Makatiel
. “This man yet lives.”

“What!”
Makatiel
strode to
Byleth
and shouldered Enos aside. Raising her face, he glared into her eyes. “If the raiders left our target alive, why did you not finish the job?”

Her eyes widened and her chest heaved. “I didn’t realize he was still alive until after
she
appeared.”

Makatiel
spun toward Enos, drawing his attention away from
Byleth’s
quivering breasts. “That’s why you were in the forest. You didn’t happen upon
Byleth
. You have some connection to this semi-Fallen angel. You said I knew her. Who is she?”

“Tell me more about this human.”

Makatiel
glared at
Byleth
. “There will soon be nothing left to tell.” His gaze returned to Enos. “Besides, I asked you first.”

“She belonged to the Order of Dominions while you were still their prince. After you
Fell
, she lost direction and joined a band of Rebel Angels.” He smirked, but the image of Lailah’s beautiful face materialized in his mind. She’d haunted his dreams since he’d first seen her a century before.

“Rebel Angels?
What are you talking about?”

“There were originally seven, but most have completed their quests.” He moved behind
Byleth
, his hands wandering over her supple body. “They were cursed by their own words and sent to the mortal realm, each given an individual challenge.”

“For what do they quest?”

“The female
Byleth
encountered is challenged to rediscover life’s splendor.”

“The female?”
Makatiel
growled. “Stop provoking me. Who is she?”

“You trained her to be an Angel of Death.”

“Lailah?”

Enos nodded. Just the sound of her name sent desire thrumming through his body
?

Lailah soared through the night sky, exhilarated and content. A cool breeze wafted across her face and caressed her wings. Nearly a year had passed in the mortal realm as she monitored Nate’s recovery. Why had he been able to see her? Humans were never aware of her when she assumed her angelic form unless it was their time to die. The answer eluded her. Then the question lost its importance as stronger, darker emotions replaced her curiosity.

Nate fascinated her. She had only intended to linger until someone else attended him, but it had taken so long for his rescuers to arrive. She’d tried to encourage him as he’d slipped into delirium. Her songs eased his restlessness if not his pain.

She’d accompanied the rescue party, convinced she would depart the moment Nate stabilized. Hours turned to days and days flew by so quickly Lailah lost count. Comforting Nate gave her life purpose, stirred feelings within her she’d thought long dead. He grew stronger with each new day, both in body and spirit. She had no real reason to remain, but she couldn’t stay away.

Chimney smoke drifted on the wind, drawing her from her musings. Dense trees and thorny bushes surrounded her cottage, barring every access except the sky. Only two beings would make themselves at home in her house—Daniel and Gabriel. She hadn’t seen Gabriel in several human years. Daniel, on the other hand, had become quite a nuisance.

Circling the clearing, she searched for any sign of danger other than the smoke. She sensed no demonic presence and nothing seemed amiss, so she glided to the ground.

“Where have you been?”

Hearing Daniel’s sharp tone, she waited to furl her wings. He stood on the stoop, the door open behind him. She studied his tense features. Angelic sight was different than human, but once she assumed human form she would be completely blind.

Daniel had drawn his dark hair straight back from his face, accenting his wide, night-black eyes. Many were intimidated by his fierce scowls and uncompromising ways, but no one knew Daniel as well as Lailah.

“I’ve been on assignment.” She cocked one eyebrow in silent challenge.

He scoffed, fists planted firmly on his hips. “We’re no longer sanctioned for assignments. We’re damned to pursue these futile quests. Didn’t your years with Alyssa teach you the value of truth?”

“Why are you so surly?”

Daniel had already taken on human form. Retaining their angelic radiance became more difficult every day. Though neither spoke the words, they knew time was running out. She furled her wings and waited for the light to dissipate. Nearly a century had passed since a vengeful demon destroyed her sight. Lailah no longer feared the dark.

“You’ve been with that human again.”

“If you knew the answer, why ask the question?” She brushed past him and entered her modest dwelling. How long had he been waiting for her? She’d been with Nate for three days—this time.

“What is your fascination with this mortal?” His boots creaked as he crossed the floor.

“His name is Nathaniel.”

“What has that to do with anything?”

His tone snapped and Lailah couldn’t help but smile. “Surely you remember Nathaniel. We’ve not been transformed that long.”

“Nathaniel was the last to join our ranks—”

“And the first to
successfully
complete his quest.”
Daniel stepped up beside her. She didn’t bother turning his way. “I’m being sentimental.”

He laughed. “You’re about as sentimental as I am serene.”

She crossed her arms over her breasts, all playfulness leaving her manner. “He was their target and they failed. Be they spirits or ordinary brigands, they will likely try again.”

“Why allow him to recover? If they were so determined to end his life, they would have already tried again.”

“Perhaps they’ve not yet located him. Perhaps they believe they succeeded the first time. I only know I will not leave him until he is able to protect himself.”

“You’re not a Guardian. That was never your role.”

“My role has been redefined. Wouldn’t you agree?” Silence stretched between them. She could picture his stubborn glower. She hesitated to confess the rest, but Daniel was her closest friend, and the secret weighed heavy on her conscience. She should have reported the anomaly long ago. “He could see me, Daniel, and not just me—the demon too. What sort of mortal can see spirits?”

“Have you told Gabriel?”

She shrugged, extending her hands toward the fire.

“He doesn’t know anything about this, does he?” She didn’t need to see Daniel’s face. Disbelief infused his tone.

“I’m not Gabriel’s responsibility. I never was. He taught me how to compensate for the loss of my sight.” She
looked
into Daniel’s eyes. “I’ve learned my lessons well. Few even realize I’m blind.”

“What has that to do with this mortal man? If you sense something unusual in him, it should be reported.”

“Why? We’re no longer sanctioned for official duties. Do
they
share information with us?”

“You’re trying to protect him. You have feelings for this human.”

“He watched me release the spirits of his entire family.” Her tone was sharp and impatient. Daniel meant well, but Nate stirred feelings in her she wasn’t willing to abandon. She’d been numb so long before she encountered Nate. She intended to relish every sensation. “If I can comfort him, I will.”

“He was the only one to survive the attack?”

“His squire escaped before the slaughter began.” Daniel couldn’t leave any mystery alone. He would dig until he found the truth. His nature allowed nothing less. “We need to know why they were attacked.” She kept her tone light, casual.

“Would you like me to investigate the ambush?”

“I’m fully capable of conducting a simple investigation.” Her objection would fuel his curiosity. Daniel was nothing if not stubborn. She couldn’t watch over Nate and investigate the attack. This would work out perfectly.

“Is this man part of your quest?” For once in his life, Daniel’s tone was devoid of sarcasm.

“I don’t know.” She paused, savoring the warmth of the fire on her face. “I only know I can’t leave him.”

* * * * *

Nate stood at the window in the tiny bedchamber staring out into the moonlit street.
Kaleb
had threatened to return every night until Nate abandoned his melancholy.
Kaleb’s
son Hamill wasn’t much better, continually urging him to return to the castle and move on with his life. Darkness fell and neither
Kaleb
nor Hamill appeared.

Bracing his forearm against the wall, Nate released a heavy sigh. They were right. This couldn’t go on. Despite all he’d lost, he had responsibilities, people counting on him.

A familiar pounding on the door drew his attention. “Go away!” His cousin would never be dissuaded so easily.

“This is my house.”
Kaleb
burst into the room, slamming the door behind him. “I’ll go where I damn well please.” He paused to survey the room then turned his hazel stare on Nate. “You’re out of bed and bathed. These are definite improvements. Are my visits finally doing some good?”

“I was well on my way to recovery when you dedicated yourself to annoying me.”

“You were well on your way to a drunken oblivion, and I—”

“Three days hence I will return to the castle. Please make the others aware.”

Kaleb
stared at him, eyes narrowed and head tilted, illustrating his suspicion.

Nate smiled. “My body is healed, and as you have said repeatedly, my life will not wait forever.”

“Why three days?”
Kaleb
moved closer. “Why not accompany me tomorrow if you honestly mean to return?”

“I thought Judith would appreciate the time to prepare the household for my arrival. I’ve been gone the better part of a year.”

“This isn’t a trick to be rid of me? You really mean to go home?”

“I have yet to sit a horse, but the physician believes my legs will bear the strain.”

With a hesitant smile,
Kaleb
moved to Nate’s side. “It will be wonderful to have you back. I was barely tolerated before the tragedy. Even your servants have better manners than me.”

“You selflessly put your life on hold and—”

“I am a poor substitute, nothing more. Your people need you.”

Nate inclined his head. “I appreciate all you’ve done. I will always be grateful.”

“You can best show your gratitude by getting the hell out of my house, resuming my son’s training and letting my life return to normal!”

Nate chuckled at the brash suggestion.
Kaleb
was nothing if not persistent. “In three days’ time you’ll be rid of me for good.”

After playfully slapping him on the back,
Kaleb
left the room. Nate returned his gaze to the quiet scene beyond the window. His thoughts drifted back to that night in the forest. The images were never far from his mind. The raid had been focused and ruthless, not some random act of violence. His family had been slaughtered. He’d been left for dead.

A moment of panic had inadvertently saved Nate’s life. At the onset of the attack, Hamill fled in fear. The lad had returned to London and fetched his father. Realizing Nate would never survive the long trek to Monthamn Castle,
Kaleb
had brought his wounded cousin back to London. Physicians straightened Nate’s broken legs and bound his fractured ribs, but they’d predicted he’d never walk again.

Nate had still been incapacitated by his injuries when his mother, brother, wife and daughter were interred in the family crypt. Long, tedious months followed as Nate’s body recovered. Contradicting the dire prognosis, his bones mended and his flesh healed.

The candles sputtered out, casting the room into darkness. He braced his hands on the window frame.
What now?
The visions grew worse every day.
Winged spirits.
Grotesquely distorted creatures.
And the beautiful Angel of Death.
He found it amusing that Death wore such an appealing face. He’d never dreamed insanity would be so entertaining. Her silvery image wavered on the surface of the window. If he turned, she’d only vanish. She’d done so before.

“Do you really mean to return?” she asked.

He’d come to hate that lilting voice over the long, lonely nights. She’d filled his delirium with songs of encouragement, songs of comfort and inspiration. Death had rescued him from the brink—and he despised her for it!

“Why do you continue to torment me?”

“I’m not here to torment you. If you honestly want me to leave, I’ll go.”

“How can I feel anything but—” He turned and grabbed her upper arms. His gasp was louder than hers. “You’re real! Who…? What are you?” She twisted and jerked against his hold. He pulled her closer, dragged her toward the moonlight. “It
was
you that night in the forest and all the other nights since. I thought you were a spirit, some sort of ghost.”

She stopped struggling. Her breath escaped in a long, ragged sigh. “I’m not a ghost.” Shadows blurred her delicate features. Still, he could picture each detail. She’d haunted his dreams and filled his waking hours with lurid fantasies. He backed her against the wall beside the window, caging her with his body.

“Go back to that night in the forest. What did I see?”