Chapter 16

 

 

 

“Can you please explain to me in detail, how you conquered the creepy dude?” my sister asked as she swallowed a mouthful of cereal in our kitchen.

“Drogo Rothstein?” I asked, arching my brows.

“Whatever. So, tell me, how did you beat him?”

I shrugged. “It wasn’t a biggie. I just unleashed my Nephilim powers. No inhibitions, no stops, just my magic,” I said and recalled Raphael’s advice. A smile tucked on my lips as my thoughts drifted toward him. I missed him. Since the mission, Fallen Conspiracy, had ended, we hadn’t crossed paths.

“Unbelievable,” Dara muttered and clapped her hands. “Did you grow wings? I’d like to see you turn into your Nephilim form. Pretty please, Aiya.”

I protested, but Dara didn’t want to hear any of my feeble arguments. I promised I’d show her my “special wings” as she called them once I had finished my breakfast. The oven beeped, and I knew my pizza was ready. I took my oven mitt and pulled out the pizza pan. The smell of pepperoni, mozzarella, mushrooms, and cheese filled the air, and my mouth watered. As I devoured the pizza, gorging on delicious slice after slice, Dara observed me critically. Her lips pouted, and she finally made a comment,

“I have no idea how you eat animal products.”

I heaved a low grunt. My sister, the passionate vegan, had a hard time accepting I ate anything that was edible, including meat and dairy products. Sorry, not sorry.

“It’s because of my Nephilim magic,” I replied to her, and she grimaced. I chuckled between mouthfuls.

A few days had passed since I returned from Drogo’s castle. The teleportation charm had delivered me directly to my living room. It was past midnight when I had arrived. I nearly fell, tumbling over the end table. Dara came in, rushing to me, a kitchen knife raised in her hand as she checked to see the intruder. When she switched on the lights and saw me, a deep sigh escaped her lungs.

“Oh, Aiya, it’s you! I thought you were a burglar.”

She launched a multitude of questions, then. Did I succeed, how had the mission gone, and every other question she could imagine. I waved my hand to silence her burning curiosity and tossed the leather pouch with the scroll inside it onto the living room table. I was about to answer her with a general summary of what happened in the Houstitz Castle when Michael’s deep bass voice echoed in my mind.

“Aiyana, are you all right? I’ve been trying to connect with you for several hours now, but something prevented me. Probably that asshole’s spells and charms.”

I heaved a sigh. “Yes, I’m fine. I figured Drogo had messed with your mental communications. Don’t worry, I’ve got the scroll. It’s in our living room.”

“You did? Holy cow, that’s great.” His chuckle rang out, and he added, “I’ll send Damian to pick it up. And he’ll give you your reward, of course. Well done, girl. We’re proud of you. The whole Council of Nine sends you our best wishes and gratitude.”

“But please make it tomorrow, err, late in the afternoon today,” I replied as I glanced at my wristwatch. It showed nearly one o’clock in the morning. It was officially tomorrow.

“Sure, no worries. I knew you’d pull it off. I’ll inform the Council, Durga, Shiva and the others. See you soon and take care.”

“Wait,” I forestalled him, hesitation brewing in my chest.

“Yes?”

“Umm, I’d like to ask you guys about my father, Shamsiel,” I added hurriedly. “He was also a Nephilim.”

Archangel Michael went silent on the other side, and for a second, I wondered if he had disconnected. At last, he said, “Why the sudden interest? Did something happen?”

“Drogo mentioned my father and claimed he went to his side, joining his cult. I believe you might know more about it.”

“Damian will tell you everything you need to know in the afternoon. He’ll be at your front door at 4 p.m.” With that, Michael ended the mental conversation, and I slouched off to my bed. Finally, I could fall asleep, safely tucked under my blankets in my own bed.

***

The next day Damian came to take the Scroll of Lies. He also brought the monetary award of one million dollars. I handed him the leather pouch, and he traded me a large, white briefcase.

“Be careful with the parchment scroll,” I warned him. “This little devil burned my fingers.”

“Thank you for the heads-up. Here you are. You earned it,” Damian said. I took the white bag and opened it. Piles of green bills were stacked inside, staring back at me. I suppressed a chuckle. I didn’t want to appear smug or arrogant. I intended to give something from the award to charitable organizations anyway.

“All the Council members send you their warm thanks and best wishes. Because of you, the plague is nearly over, and humanity has returned to normal. The White and Black Council are on good terms again.”

Dara had already informed me about the current supernatural and world events. It was the end of March of the next year, and the human governments, together with representatives of the White Court a few days ago had discovered a cure for the mysterious plague that had ravaged the globe. But the situation was still perilous, and people were afraid to call it the end of the plague. I was sure, though, that The Council of Nine would take care of the situation now that I’d handed them that evil, abominable scroll. All was well, except I had missed my birthday by a few days. But I could always pull off a belated celebration party. I needed to check with Jeff and see how his pub was doing. I also wished I could go back to Eden Hall and converse with the Council members, even for a while, but I had to concede the fact I was an outsider, and perhaps they were busy.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad I could be of help to the forces of light. Drogo and his cronies are despicable. I hope the war is over.” I barely said it when Drogo’s warning hummed in my ears as ominous as his magic. He could threaten all he wanted, but he’d never win the war as long as I was alive.

“Well, not to be a Debbie Downer, but the war is far from over. At least we won the battle.”

I had no desire to ask Damian questions about his statement, so instead I flashed him a smile and probed the ground tentatively. “Umm, I talked to Michael about my father, Shamsiel—”

I couldn’t finish because Damian cut me off, “I know. He informed me.” He heaved a sigh and asked, “Do you want the truth or a white lie?”

I blinked stupidly. Was the truth that bad? I braced myself and said, my voice shaking, “The truth, please.”

He looked around and perched on a stool. I joined him, sliding onto a couch opposite him.

He cleared his throat and began. “Your father was a brave Nephilim, Aiyana. You can be proud of him. He helped us against the dark watchers and their evil agenda.”

“And yet he converted to their team?”

“Not exactly, though it might look that way.”

“What do you mean?” Confusion brewed in my mind, my thoughts racing against one another, giving me anxiety.

“Well, he did allegedly join Drogo’s cult of fallen angels, but we have strong evidence that Drogo pulled a mental spell over him. It’s debatable. There’s no conclusive answer. It’s that gray area. You choose what you’d like to make of your father, but for me, personally, he was a true hero and on our side.” Damian gave me a friendly pat and smiled wistfully at me.

My heart shrank as I heard him. Did my father betray the forces of light and join the abominable dark Nephilim? Was he a co-conspirator or their victim? So many questions and no right answers—just a void.

“How did my father die? Was it recently?”

“Last year, just before they procured this funny, little item.” He pointed at the leather pouch and the scroll inside. That explained it all.

“As I said, we believe Drogo brainwashed your father. He was a good guy. Have no worries.” He winked at me, and I forced a smile.

Damian stood up, and as he walked toward the door, he abruptly stopped and turned to me. “You might want to check with your ex-boss. He has been asking about you.”

“What? How do you know? Did he learn about my mission?”

“Nah, I am officially in the governing body of the White Council. Your boss hasn’t even heard about the Council of Nine or the dark Nephilim’s plot to take over the world.”

With those words, he left, and I heaved a sigh. I was alone in the living room, the bag open with all the green bills glaring at me. But I wasn’t thinking about them. Jeff inquired about me? I smiled. I’d better call him and ease his conscience. He was a good friend and a reliable boss.

When I called him, he picked the phone up on the second ring. He was happy to hear me, and he demanded I drop by the pub that same evening. To my joy, he hadn’t closed his pub. On the contrary, since the end of the plague, his establishment was thriving, and work was increasing just like the good old times. I hung up the phone after I promised him I’d come by around 8 p.m. that evening.

“Oh my god, Aiya! What is this?” my sister exclaimed, gasping as she saw the white bag and the money peeking from inside it. “Did you rob a bank? Or that creepy dude, the dark Nephilim?”

I chuckled. “No, not at all. This is the reward.”

“But it’s a lot. You negotiated more?”

“They raised the bounty. I’ve got excellent persuasion skills.” I grinned as I explained it to my shocked sister.

“What are we going to do with all this money?”

“We’re definitely going to pay our mortgage, save us some, and give some of it to the Underprivileged Magica Academy.” That academy sponsored and educated poorer supernaturals who couldn’t afford the yearly payment required in the official academy.

“Good idea.” Dara nodded and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” I stopped her before she could leave.

“Ugh…got a date. I have to hurry,” she blurted, and before I could ask about who the guy was, she was gone. Phew, just like that. Sometimes I wondered if she had ghost blood inside her. She was skillful in popping up and going out, almost floating like ghosts and phantoms.

I shook my head and went to my room to prepare myself. I was dirty. I hadn’t taken a shower since the other day, and besides, I had to check on my email and finish some house stuff.

At 8 o’clock sharp, I entered McManus’ Pub and Grill. I yanked the door open and stepped inside, walking in like it was just another night shift of mine. I didn’t feel like a customer. And how could I after all those years spent serving patrons and customers alike?

“Hello, what would you like to order?” A new face of a strawberry blond girl greeted me from behind the bar. I straightened as I studied her features. She was average height, slightly chubby, but in a rather endearing way; she had freckles and light blue eyes. I liked her energy and would pin her as a witch, probably a green witch.

“I’m Aiyana Carter, the previous bartender,” I said, and the girl gulped in surprise. “Is Jeff O’Connell here?” I had barely uttered my question when Jeff’s joyful voice rang out.

“Aiya, my girl, give me a hug.” He rushed to me, standing up from one of the tables. As he reached me, he pressed his burly and massive body against my delicate chest. Squeezing me tightly, he said, “How did the gig go? Everything all right? I’ve missed you, pretty girl. I’ve got so much to tell you.” He let go of me, thank the fates; otherwise, he would have suffocated me. “Our business is picking up. Slowly, but steady. I even hired a new bartender. Have you met her? Maggie?” He turned to face her and introduced us to each other. “The plague is almost over. I can’t believe it!”

“How do you know?” I managed to ask him as he led me to a larger table in the main room.

“Oh, rumors spread faster than light.” He chuckled as he ordered drinks and seated me at the center of the table; indicating the topic was finished. The shifter friends he usually hung out with were there already, drinking beer and shooting pool.

His friends, the shifters he usually hung out with, were seated there, drinking beer and shooting pool. Jeff ordered me a few drinks and seated me in the center of the table. I had to be happy—I had the money, had thwarted Drogo’s sinister plan, and was back with my friends in McManus’. On paper, everything looked superb, but I felt an emptiness inside me. I wanted to call Raphael or the other guys and talk with them to see how they were doing. I didn’t have anyone’s mobile number. I could only pull up Damian’s since he’d called me in the past. But I doubt he’d give me the guys’ numbers.

I was sipping my margarita, playing with the little umbrella on top of it, my eyes set on the cherry, when a bunch of heavy steps pounded on the floor, and my heart filled with yearning. Could it be…? The thought died in my mind as I sprang up, turning to the newcomers and nearly gasping when I recognized Raphael, Michael, Enki and Loki all dressed casually, advancing to the main room. Raphael spotted me and walked toward me. Loki perched himself on a stool before the bar and began talking with the new bartender. Knowing his character, I wasn’t surprised.

“What is our favorite lady doing? We’ve missed you, girl.” Raphael squeezed me tightly, his fingers caressing a lock of my hair for a second longer than necessary, his other hand slipped around my waist, pulling me closer to him before abruptly letting me go.

“I’ve missed you guys, too,” I said and flashed him a smile. Even though I tried to play the tough cookie, I was such a sucker for romance and sentiments.

“How did you find me? Did Damian tell you I’d be here?”

“Sure, he knows everything,” Enki said as he slid onto a chair near the table.

“Do you know these guys, Aiya?” Jeff turned to me, concern ringing in his voice.

“Yes, they are very good friends of mine.” I flashed a glance at Loki, who was getting more and more intimate with the bartender. She managed to serve all the customers and play to his game—remarkable. But even his mischievous nature didn’t bother me. He’d proven his loyalties. And speak of the devil, Loki came to us, joining our circle and handing each of the guys a rocks glass with what I assumed was bourbon inside.

“In that case, let’s toast.” Jeff raised his highball glass and added, “to Aiyana Carter, the most honest and hardworking girl.”

“I concur,” Raphael chimed in. Michael and Enki nodded with smiles on their lips, while Loki arched his brows but said nothing, for which I was grateful. We all clanked glasses, the cheer and joy among us spreading faster than a virus.

“So, what did your temp job include, Aiya? I hope you don’t mind my asking,” Jeff said as he took a draft of his drink.

“Oh, it’s top secret. Cannot reveal anything,” I replied hurriedly and shot a glance at the guys.

Jeff squinted with his eyes and said slowly and more silently, “One day, I’ll figure it out.”

“There’s nothing mysterious about Aiyana’s job,” Michael intervened. “She helped the White Court in tackling a group of dangerous dark supernaturals.”

“Hmm, haven’t heard anything about it,” Jeff commented, suspicion still brewing in his voice.

“You will. Everything in due time. Now, Miss Carter, may I have the honor?” Raphael stretched out his hand, inviting me to a dance.

I nearly giggled and suppressed my laugh. There hadn’t been dancing couples in our pub for years, but Raphael’s boyish charm made it impossible for me to turn him down. I took his hand, and as Jeff signaled to Maggie, the bartender, to play a ballad, I leaned on his shoulder, hand in hand, his other arm wrapped around my waist. As we began our slow dancing, he whispered to me, “you look terrific tonight.”

That time, I couldn’t contain myself. I chuckled. I was clad in very simple worn-out jeans, a black tank, and a jacket that finished my attire. Not anything fancy or sexy.

“No, you do,” he objected and pulled me closer to his bulging chest.

“How are you guys doing? Everything fine with the scroll?” I whispered the last words. I didn’t want curious ears overhearing us.

“Everything’s under control. The plague has ended, and you, brilliant young lady, will be soon redeemed in the magical community.” He winked at me mysteriously, and my heart raced faster. Did he mean my Nephilim magic? I started showering him with questions, but he put his finger on my lips, his touch sending a tingle across my skin. I realized my being had been yearning for his touch for a long time.

“Not now, honey. Let’s have fun tonight. Work can wait for tomorrow.” And with that, he twirled me around, and I let go for the first time in a long while.