The arduous task of burning Hybrid bodies took hours. No trace could be left that any of them existed.
Including Lillith.
Dorian couldn’t bring himself to burn her with the others. He created a small pyre of firewood and laid her gently on top. Another Hybrid walked up and carefully poured gasoline over her body and lit a match.
I couldn’t watch. It was too much to witness her body disappearing within the flames and the green glow of the fire that only appeared upon the burning of a Hybrid. I had to step away, keeping my back to the scene.
But her brother stood firm until the end, right up until the last bit of smoke died out and her body had been reduced to nothing but ash. He stared at the pile, unable to look away for nearly half an hour.
We had already buried Sean near the battleground. He would have wanted it that way, to be put to rest in a spot where he’d had his greatest adventure, a place where he’d discovered just how brave he could be.
His gravesite was marked by a large rock I’d found near the tree line when I gathered his belongings. I scratched a cross into it using one of Dorian’s knives from his weapons bag and rested the stone in the dirt above Sean’s final resting place.
I had tried not to cry, telling myself he’d died a hero’s death. But I failed, allowing myself to become a heaping mess of snot and tears, crumpled on the ground. I eventually pulled myself together. He would have laughed at me, knowing I had a human side to me after all.
Once the Hybrids had been burned and no trace of the battle was left, it was time to leave the Badlands.
Dorian and I gathered to say goodbye to our allies.
“See you soon,” said Arna, matter-of-factly.
“I guess,” replied Dorian. “If that’s where I’m headed.”
“Where else would you go?” Arna smiled mischievously at Dorian and slapped him on the shoulder before making his way to me.
“You, dear girl. You are amazing. I doubt your adventures will end here. In fact, I foresee great things in your future,” said the Watcher, cupping my cheek.
“I hope not,” I chuckled. “I think I’ve had enough adventure for a lifetime. But I’m confused about something.”
“Yes?” asked Arna.
“My wings were still attached but my sword almost killed me after a simple scratch. If I’m a Watcher, that shouldn’t have happened.”
Arna smiled, but said nothing. He spread his wings and flew off into the sky.
I glanced over at Dorian.
“Well, that was enlightening,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.
Dorian winked at me.
Rami stepped forward and boldly placed a kiss on both of my cheeks. He then placed my chin in his hand and looked me squarely in the eye.
“You. You are truly amazing. The mortals of this earth have no idea how lucky they are to have you fighting for them.”
“Thank you,” I said sheepishly, unsure of how to take a compliment such as that. “You aren’t too bad in a fight yourself.”
“Thanks. I had a good teacher.” He slapped Dorian on the back playfully.
“Thanks for joining the fight,” said Dorian.
“I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.” The dark-haired Hybrid grabbed Dorian by the shoulders and lightheartedly slapped him on the cheek. They both grinned, and Rami put his arms around his friend and hugged him tight. “I’m sorry about Lil.”
“I know.” Dorian and Rami’s foreheads came together, as their hands gripped the back of each other’s necks.
Rami knew it would be the last time he’d ever see his friend, and it showed.
It was the price they paid for being born Hybrids. They knew it.
But it didn’t make saying goodbye any easier.
Rami quickly backed away, noticeably upset. But he plastered a broad smile on his face and pointed at me.
“You’re lucky to know him, Skyy. Never forget that.”
“I won’t,” I replied, tossing up a hand, waving as he opened a portal and disappeared.
Dorian and I were completely alone. We made our way back to camp just as the sun started to rise, opting to walk rather than using a portal or flying. He held my hand, and together we traipsed slowly over the rocky terrain, neither of us in any hurry to get to where we were going.
All of the gear had already been packed and divvied up amongst the remaining Hybrids who’d survived, with the exception of the weapons. I’d laid claim to those the moment Dorian offered. I doubted I would ever need them again, but I knew I’d feel safer having them with me.
I’d given Sean’s car keys to one of the Hybrids and told her to find it a good home. She assured me she would before driving away. I watched her speed off, the back tires kicking up dirt and rocks, and I imagined it was Sean behind the wheel just heading home after an adventure.
A single blanket remained at the campsite near where the campfire had once sat. Without a word, Dorian lay down on his back and stared up at me.
“Lie with me,” he said.
I quietly obeyed and found myself right next to him, both of us gazing up at the sky. He entwined our fingers, and together we stared at the clouds above.
The weather had grown warmer. The chill in the air had dissipated the moment Azazel had been defeated, and the usual seasonal temperatures had returned to the Badlands.
We laid together for an hour without uttering a single word. I simply wanted to enjoy his company for as long as I could.
But it was time to ask the question that had been on my mind for the past few days.
“How long do you have?” I finally asked.
Dorian paused and closed his eyes, pondering his answer. He turned his head and opened his eyes.
“Any time now,” he replied quietly.
I nodded and looked away, trying to keep my emotions at bay.
“Thank you,” I said, squeezing his hand.
“For what?”
“For showing me who I really was. For showing me it’s okay to live…and love.” I looked at him, tears beginning to stream down my face.
Dorian grasped me by the back of my neck and pulled me toward him. He kissed me hard, knowing it would be the last time. I grasped his face with my hands and kissed him back.
Then, he was gone.
* * * *
I waited until long after nightfall before I flew home. The evening was warm, the air ruffling the feathers on the underside of my wings. The cache of weapons strapped to my back were somewhat heavy and slowed me down, but only a bit. The sound of them clanging together inside the duffel was somewhat soothing and provided the traveling music I needed to distract me as I cut through the night sky.
My thoughts wandered, and I smiled. As tragic as the past week had been, I knew that if given the chance, Sean wouldn’t have changed a thing. He’d put down his video game controller, his comic books, and his movies and actually had his own adventure full of bad guys, weapons, and the end of the world. It was a shame that mankind would never know of his bravery, but his legacy, albeit unknown to others, would live on within me forever. The surviving Hybrids of Shamsiel would remember him, too, as the mortal who sacrificed himself to save his fellow humans.
I would miss Sean. He’d kept me sane and been my only company for years. He’d been the best friend I’d ever had, and I was better for it. But I would need to learn how to cope without him going forward.
I could hear the crickets scattered below me throughout the hills. Their chirps had hastened with the warmth in the air. I smiled at the sound. It connected me once more to the feel of the earth, calming me as I flew.
The crickets’ call centered me.
My thoughts turned to Dorian and Lillith. Lillith hadn’t liked me much, but I knew it was only because she had tried to save her brother’s feelings. Yet, beneath that gruff exterior, I knew she respected me a bit as well as Sean. It couldn’t have been easy for her growing up as a Hybrid, wandering the world for a hundred and twenty years and knowing her destiny involved finding the Protector. Having to share the only family she ever had with me must have been rough, but I had no doubt she knew how much her brother loved her.
Back at the campsite, Dorian had vanished from my arms, just as my mother had over three hundred years prior. After he faded away, I finally allowed myself to grieve for Sean, Dorian, Lillith, and even my mother. The tears flowed like water from a faucet, sobs shaking my entire body from heartache. I was more alone than I ever had been before.
But as night fell, I managed to pull myself together. I folded up the blanket and went to stuff it inside the canvas bag with the weapons Dorian had left me as I prepared to fly home. Inside the duffel, I discovered a folded piece of paper with my name scribbled on it.
My hands trembled as I carefully pulled it out and unfolded it.
Skyy,
I wanted to clear something up before I go. I never liked you.
But I was wrong. You are the one. And you’re okay in my book.
Don’t screw it up.
Lil
I read the note again and then once more. My smile broadened with each sentence. It had been Lillith’s way of apologizing. I tucked the note back into the bag and zipped it up.
Dorian had been right. His sister wasn’t so bad.
A gust of wind snapped me back to reality. The summer air brushed under my wings, guiding me home.
I could see my trailer in the distance. The moonlight bounced off the metal roof of my studio, casting a welcome glow. As I neared my property, I suddenly felt very alone.
Before, I was just a girl with wings, living in seclusion. Now, I knew I was a Watcher, an immortal. And I would exist forever.
Forever was a long time to be alone.
But somewhere, I knew my friends were watching out for me. In some small way, that thought gave me solace.
I landed hard on the ground outside my trailer. My gaze wandered to my studio door. Behind it, I used to spend hours painting and sculpting whatever came to me in my visions. But the last vision I’d had was about the angel skeletons. I wondered if I’d ever have them again and secretly hoped I wouldn’t.
I took a deep breath, taking in the scents around me. It smelled like rain and a mixture of dirt and wildflowers. The wind picked up, so I turned and made my way toward the trailer to drop off the duffel full of swords, knives, and other sharp objects.
It was dark inside, but it didn’t matter. I was still able to make my way around.
Dumping the bag on my bed, I headed back out toward my studio. As I neared the shed, raindrops began to fall, but I managed to make it inside before the skies opened up.
My fingers found the light switch. The light bulbs flickered and popped, adding to the noise of the rain landing on my tin roof. I scanned the room, my eyes taking in my surroundings as if I was seeing it all for the first time.
The skeleton painting still stood, leaning against the back wall of the studio. I found myself standing in front it, inspecting every stroke and line. The word fallen was now clearly visible to me throughout the canvas. I guess spending time with Hybrids had finally given me the ability to read the ancient language of the angels.
After all, as it turned out, I was one.
The books Sean had checked out for me from the library were still sitting where he’d left them. I wondered when they were due. My fingers traced the title of the top book as I pondered how to get them back to the library.
Sean might have been gone, but I didn’t want his memory mired due to a few overdue books.
A sudden loud knock on my door sent a shiver through my spine.
My heart seemed to stop.
Who knew I was there?
Whomever it was knocked again. I reached for my sword hanging from my hip and calmly tiptoed to the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
My hand grasped the doorknob, slowly turning it. I held my breath, trying to prepare myself for whatever was standing on the other side.
I flung open the door and wielded my sword in front of me, ready to fight if need be.
“I’m unarmed,” he said, throwing his hands up in surrender. “You have all of my weapons.”
My jaw dropped.
My heart raced.
“Jesus Christ,” I mumbled quietly, barely able to get the words out.
Dorian smiled and stepped forward into the light and out of the rain. As he turned slightly to shut the door behind him, I was stunned to see a set of black wings protruding from his back. They were nearly identical to mine and appeared to be just as functional. The water on his feathers beaded together, and slid to the floor, a puddle forming below his feet.
His eyes were mischievous upon seeing my reaction to his new accessories. He placed his hands playfully on my hips and pulled me close.
Was he real? Had I gone mad? My mind swirled with questions.
My hands touched his face in disbelief, and he nuzzled his cheeks into them, instantly warming at my touch.
“I don’t understand,” I said, stammering, my pulse racing. “You were gone.”
He slid forward and pulled me closer. I found myself wrapping my arms around the back of his neck in an embrace I hoped would never end.
“How?” I whispered.
“I’ve been promoted.”