The party died after that.
I couldn’t bring myself to speak of what I saw. Not to Fury. Not to Sloan. Not even to Theta, who’d seen it too. There had to be some explanation. I just couldn’t figure out what it was.
Holding Iliana made me feel better, and after finishing her dinner and cup of milk, she’d fallen back to sleep.
Nathan and Sloan lingered longer than the SF-12 guys, it was finally time for them to go. They said their goodbyes to everyone else before Chimera and I walked them out.
I carried Iliana through the house and to the front porch. “Sorry the evening took such a nosedive back there. I didn’t mean to ruin the party.”
Sloan touched my arm. “You could never ruin the party. I’m just thankful we got to see you.” She tugged on the front of Iliana’s dress. “I’m glad Illy got to see you.”
I kissed the side of Iliana’s head. “Me too. And it’s thanks to Chimera.”
Chimera pointed at me. “You know our deal, Archangel.”
“No tears, I know.” I smiled instead. “What’s your plan?”
“I’ll follow them back to Echo-5. Once Iliana’s safely inside, Nathan can bring me the stone. Then I’ll crash at the command center tonight before driving back to New Hope tomorrow.”
I bounced Iliana on my arm. “You’ll never know how much this means to me.”
“You’re probably right. I don’t foresee babies in my future.” She pulled her keys from her bag. “But good luck finding your own stone in Nulterra. I’m sure if anybody can do it, it’s you.”
“Thanks.”
“When I get back tomorrow, I’ll get working on your new passport and IDs.”
“Can you change the name?” I asked.
Nathan crossed his arms. “And what’s wrong with Angelo Suave,” he said with a fake accent from I had no idea where.
I pointed at him. “Because everyone says it just like that.”
He chuckled.
“I’ll see what I can do. I’ll wait for you guys in my car. Take your time.” She waved as she walked off the porch.
Nathan looked at Sloan. “I’ll go get the car and give you a minute to say goodbye.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
Nathan offered me his hand. I took it, and he pulled me in for a hug, sandwiching Iliana between us. “Be careful, man.”
“I will. Take care of my girls,” I said.
“Always.” He held onto my shoulder. “Can I give you some advice?”
I nodded.
He jerked his chin toward the house. “Whatever you saw back there…trust your gut. Things turned out all right before.”
I grinned. “For you. You got the girl.”
“Hell yeah I did,” he said with a wink. “Seriously though, you’ve got this, Warren. Don’t let the oracle freak you out too much.”
“Thanks, Nathan.”
When he stepped away, he pointed at my face, then wagged his finger between me and Sloan. “Keep an appropriate distance from my wife, or I’ll send you to Hell to stay there.”
I laughed and gave him a thumbs-up.
When he was gone, I looked down at Sloan. “Thanks for bringing her tonight. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision, not knowing if it would work or not.”
“It was definitely an easy decision. I’m glad we all got to see you.”
“And again, I’m sorry about the—”
“Stop. No more apologies.”
I nodded.
When she pulled her hand back, her face fell. “Warren, what are you going to do?”
I thought of Theta’s vision. “I don’t know.” Which was the absolute truth. I felt sick and confused again just thinking about it. I took a deep breath and looked at Sloan seriously. “But I am sure this trip is necessary. Besides rescuing Fury’s sister, it’s the best shot we’ve got at securing the future for Iliana.”
“How?”
“Most of the fallen stay in Nulterra. They only have two ways in or out: the gate and the spirit line. The angels control the spirit line. Once I seal the Nulterra Gate for good, Samael will block their access to the spirit line, and we’ll all be able to sleep better at night.”
“What about the Morning Star?”
I gulped, then faked a reassuring smile. “He’s just one demon. And for all we know, maybe he’s in Nulterra too.”
Her brow pinched. “You don’t believe that. I can see it in your eyes.”
The corner of my mouth tipped up. She still knew me better than anyone. I put my free hand on her shoulder. “I can’t let the unknown stop me from doing all I can to keep Iliana safe.”
“Please be careful.”
“I’m always careful.” I lowered my voice. “I’m also immortal, don’t forget.”
She was clearly not amused. “This is different. This is Nulterra.” Fear pooled in the form of tears along the lower shelf of her chocolate eyes.
I cupped her jaw with my right hand. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
Her mouth smiled, but her worried eyes obviously didn’t get the signal.
“And who knows? Maybe I’ll find the stone, and we can all be together again. Wouldn’t Nathan love that?”
The tension finally broke, and she laughed. “Can I ask you something?” she asked.
“Always.”
“Are you happy?”
Interesting question.
I bounced Iliana on my arm. “Right now? Without a doubt.”
She touched Iliana’s back. “I mean, besides right now. All that talk about Cassiel earlier. It sounds like she really hurt you.”
“A lot of that conversation was Az being dramatic.” I couldn’t tell her why, but that was the truth. “Cassiel messed up, and it took a long time, but I forgave her. Still, there isn’t a future for us, if that’s what you’re wondering. We want very different things.”
“Well…I want you to hear me say this.”
My brow lifted.
“I want you to be happy, Warren.”
I knew what she meant, but I smiled and looked at Iliana. “I am, and I’ll have all I ever need if I can find that stone.”
“I know you will. You’re a good father.”
Those words meant more to me than she would ever know. “Thank you. It feels like I can only do so much for her.”
“You’ve done the hardest things of all. And someday, she will thank you for it.”
I laid my head against Iliana’s and took a deep breath. “I just hope she understands.”
“I know she will.”
“Before you go, I have something else to tell you,” I said.
Sloan’s eyes widened in question.
“Your mother…”
With those two words, tears welled in Sloan’s eyes again.
I took her hand. “She asks about you and Iliana every time I see her.”
“Is she…” Emotion choked her. “Is she OK?”
“Better than OK. She’s happy and healthy. No more cancer, no more pain.”
Sloan’s chin quivered.
“And she misses you, but she wouldn’t choose to come back here even if she could.”
“She wouldn’t?” Sloan sounded a little hurt.
I shook my head and smiled gently. “No. Your mom understands now how short life here really is and that someday you’ll be together again.”
With a sniff, she nodded.
“But right now, you belong here with Iliana. And with Nathan.” I dramatically rolled my eyes.
She giggled.
I bent so we were eye level. “Keep practicing your powers. I believe in you, Sloan.”
“I promise. And I’ll try working with Iliana to get her to talk to you more.”
My heart swelled. “I’d love that.”
Behind her, headlights flashed coming up the driveway.
I smiled and released her. “That’s either Nathan saying it’s time to go, or for me to stop touching you so much.”
She chuckled and rubbed her fingertips beneath her eyes, wiping away some smeared mascara. “Probably both.”
“Probably.” I looked past her. “Is that the new mom-mobile?”
She laughed and covered her face. “When he brought that thing home, I felt like I aged ten years in a day.”
“I’ll bet, but motherhood really does look good on you.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Thanks.” She touched Iliana’s cheek. “I’ll give you two a minute. Bring her to the van when you’re ready.”
“Thank you.”
When she stepped away, I sat down on the top step of the porch and laid Iliana on my lap. I admired her sleeping face in the moonlight and spoke silently to her in Katavukai.
“Iliana, Daddy has to go away for a little while, but I’m going to try really hard to make this the last time I have to say see you later. I will miss you every second of every day until I come back. And I will always come back.” I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Iliana.”
She didn’t wake, but when I touched her hand, her fingers closed around mine. Tears dripped down my cheeks as I scooped her up into my arms and carried her to the van.
Sloan helped me buckle her into the car seat, then hugged me one last time. “Let us know as soon as you’re back on this side of the spirit line.”
I sniffed. “I promise you’ll be the first person I call.”
“Take care, Warren,” Nathan said as she got in the van.
I waved.
They both waved back.
And then they were gone.
Inside the house, Adrianne was making up the couch. “Is everyone else still outside?” I asked, knowing business for the night wasn’t finished.
“Yeah, but I’m exhausted. Getting pregnant ended my night-owl days, so I’m going to bed.” She stuffed a pillow into a white pillowcase.
“Thank you for everything, Adrianne. This was a great night,” I said.
“Right up until all the angel drama, sure,” she said with a chuckle.
“I’m really sorry about that.”
She waved her hand. “Don’t be. I feel bad your evening was ruined. I’d hoped to give you one last peaceful night before you go.”
“I do appreciate it.”
“I’m really glad you got to spend some time with Iliana.”
“Me too. You have no idea.”
She put her hands on both sides of her belly. “Oh, but I do.”
And just like that, I felt sick again.
“Good.” When she finished straightening what appeared to be a handmade quilt, she sat down on the couch and patted the seat beside her. “Can we talk for a second?”
I suddenly wanted to run from the house. What if she started asking questions I couldn’t answer? What if she suspected the truth? What if—?
“Warren?”
I took a deep breath and sat down.
“I need your help.”
“With what?”
She touched her temples. “Your dad…” Her voice was laced with exasperation.
“I know. Nathan told me about the electrical experiments.” I mentally crossed my fingers that Azrael’s desperation was the trigger of the conversation.
“It’s not just that. I mean, he’s going to burn the house down, but that’s not all.”
Uh oh. “What else is wrong?”
She looked around to be sure we were alone, then clenched my forearm. “He’s driving me crazy.”
My whole body sighed with relief. I smiled and patted her hand. “I’m sure he’s nervous about the baby. My mind was a wreck when Sloan was pregnant.”
“Oh no. It’s more than that.”
Yep. I know.
“He hovers all the time. Wants to know where I am, who I’m with, who I’ve been talking to.” She released my arm and raked her nails back through her long auburn hair. “It’s like he’s suddenly become my psycho jealous baby daddy.”
“I really don’t think that’s it.” I knew it wasn’t, but there was no way I could tell Adrianne the truth. “He’s worried. And with good reason. Think about all we’ve been through. All he’s been through.”
She looked mildly guilty.
“I’m sure things will be different after the baby is born,” I said.
Truer words had never been spoken. Everything would be different after the Morning Star was reborn. I just had no idea how different.
“But I will talk to him,” I said.
As if on cue, the back door opened, and my father walked inside. Adrianne and I both stood. “What’s going on in here?” he asked.
Adrianne shot me a wide-eyed glare as if to say, “See?” Then she smiled at him. “We were just chatting after I finished making his bed. I wanted to say a proper goodbye in case he’s gone before I wake up tomorrow.” She turned and pulled me into a hug.
The supernatural energy swirling inside her made me dizzy. “I’ll see you again soon,” I said.
“Please be careful and know we love you,” she said over my shoulder.
“I love you guys too.”
The baby kicked against my midsection, and I shuddered.
“Will you be OK sleeping on the couch?” she asked.
“Positive.”
“He doesn’t sleep much anyway, remember?” my father said.
“I know. Runs in the family.” She leaned over and gave him a solid kiss on the lips. “Do you think you’ll be up late?”
“Not too late, and I’ll be quiet when I come to bed.” He kissed her once more. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Adrianne,” I said.
When she was gone, Azrael turned back to me. “What were you two talking about before I walked in?”
“About you acting like a crazy man,” I said.
His shoulders slumped. “I know I’m hovering and being overly protective, but—”
I held up a hand to stop him. “You don’t need to explain yourself to me. I get it.”
“What’s your plan tomorrow?”
“I’ll talk to Fury tonight, but since Reuel is with us, I’ll leave North Carolina and warp to the island, or at least warp to Oregon and meet up with them. I don’t want to risk that much time in the air again.”
“Now you see how I feel.”
“You’re right. I do.”
“I’ll take you to Tennessee in the morning, to a secure location where you won’t have to worry about being seen. Or heard.”
Because warping was loud.
“Sounds good.”
“What time is that flight out?” he asked.
“Fury said eight.”
He frowned. “That’s early.”
I laughed and shook my head.
“What?”
“You’re such a human now.”
“Oh, shut up. We’ll leave here at six and take them to the airport.”
“Six? Will that give them enough time to get through security?”
“It’s Asheville, Warren. Not O’Hare. Then you and I can leave from there.”
“Sounds good. By the way, I never said thanks for sending your new toy to come get us today.” I lifted an eyebrow.
“The assault helicopter?”
“Yes. What the hell is that all about?”
“It’s just a precaution.”
“For what? The apocalypse?”
He stared at me.
I groaned.
The back door opened again. This time it was Reuel, mid-yawn.
“You going to bed?” Azrael asked.
“Yeah. Too tired to keep fighting with that girl.”
“You’re still trying to talk Fury out of going?” I asked.
“Warren, we can’t let her go. Especially after what Theta told you.”
The thought of the vision sent a chill down my spine. I swallowed hard. “I know. No one wishes more than me that we could talk her out of it, but I don’t think it will change her mind.”
“There has to be a way.”
“Well, you keep thinking on it, buddy. I’m open to suggestions.”
He sighed. “She’s so hardheaded.”
I gave him a thumbs-up, and the tension finally faded from his worried face.
“No matter what happens, I’m glad you’re coming with us, Reuel. I’ve missed having you around.”
“I’ve missed you too. It’s not the same working alone.”
“Agreed. Do you have a passport with you?”
“Of course.”
“Good, I want you to fly with Fury tomorrow. I’ll meet up with you at the Claymore base in Oregon.”
“OK. What time will we leave?” Reuel asked.
“Early. By six at the latest,” Azrael said.
Reuel’s brow crumpled. “Is that early now?”
I chuckled.
“Go to bed,” Azrael said, shaking his head.
“Gladly. I haven’t slept in weeks.” Reuel shook both our hands. “Bonirav.”
“Goodnight,” Azrael and I said together.
When he was gone, Azrael lowered his voice. “Does he know?”
“He suspects. Anyone from my world who sees Adrianne will,” I said, barely above a whisper.
He looked out the window. “Theta knows.”
“She must, but she hasn’t told anyone.”
“Maybe that’s in an attempt to prove her innocence. We’ll see.” Azrael jerked his thumb toward the door. “You going back out there?”
“Yeah. I need to see if Theta has anything else for me.”
“What did you see?” he asked.
“Fury was dead, and I was happy about it.”
His head snapped back. “That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s what I saw.”
“Warren, listen to me.” He took a step closer. “Theta has an agenda. She always does. When she told us I would be the one to cast the Morning Star into the great pit, I set out for Earth to find him.”
I lifted an eyebrow. “What made you think you were the great sword? You don’t have a sword.”
He touched his chest. “Damon Claymore. My name is, literally, Damon Sword.”
“Sword?” I put my hands on my hips. “I always thought you were Damon ‘Explosive Ordinance,’” I said, using air quotes.
“No. Those came later. Much later. A claymore is a Highlander’s two-handed sword.” Az stacked both fists over his head.
I pointed at my own face. “Like my sword?”
“No. Not like your sword.” He was mimicking me.
“So which came first?” I crossed my arms. “The name or the prophecy?”
He frowned.
Laughing incredulously, I shook my head. “You really are the picture definition of a narcissist.”
“I’m confident, Warren. There’s a difference.” He blinked. “What was I saying?”
“That you were supposed to be the savior of the universe.”
“Oh right. I came to Earth looking for the Morning Star based on Theta’s word. As you know, the prophecy never came to pass, but guess what did happen?”
“You fell in love with two amazing women and had a pretty decent son and a beautiful granddaughter?”
His brow crumpled. “Don’t make me sound like an ass.”
I lowered my voice and leaned toward him. “You do a fine job of that all on your own. Besides, I’m tired of everyone telling me the world would be better off had I—and Iliana—not been born.”
“I’ve never said that.”
“Not directly to my face, maybe.”
For once, my father didn’t argue. Probably because he knew I was right. The overwhelming opinion on Earth and in Eden was the universe would be safer without us in it. Iliana’s power was too great. Too unpredictable. And potentially, too dangerous.
“I’m not talking about you or Iliana.”
“Then what are you talking about?”
“While I was away from Eden, Theta had the ear of the Father. And when I returned, a failure by most accounts, the Angels of Death had lost Celestine to the prophets, and we were banished to Reclusion.”
Biting down on the insides of my lips, I considered the accusation. “You think Theta sent you on a wild goose chase to Earth to steal your office? Seriously?”
“Have you been to Celestine?”
Celestine was a bit like the Swiss Alps of Eden, if the Alps were lush and green with lakes made of diamond water.
“Of course.”
“Then you know the energy it draws from the auranos. Angels are more powerful in Celestine. Quite the opposite of the dreary pit of Reclusion.”
I couldn’t argue that Reclusion was a dump by comparison. The current seat of the Death choir was a fraction-of-a-fraction the size, encapsulated in black obsidian, and silent. Dead silent. The only sounds were generally the wails of dying souls as I destroyed them.
It was pretty miserable, which was primarily the reason few of us, myself included, spent much time there. Following Azrael’s lead, many of the angels took residence on Earth, though none so permanently as he. But none of us actually lived in Reclusion, whereas almost all the prophets resided in Celestine.
“Did the Father give a reason for the relocation?”
Azrael’s head tilted. “Does he ever?”
Good point.
“Theta said a vision revealed the prophets should be in Celestine because there will be a time of great unrest on the Earth and the people will need as much insight as can be afforded to them.” The muscle in his jaw tensed. “Sounds pretty convenient to me.”
“So you really don’t buy into prophecy anymore?”
“I’ve just seen too many times how fallible and manipulative it can be.”
“Are you even going to hear what she has to say about your powers?”
For a moment, he looked conflicted. Not something I was used to sensing around him. Finally, he shook his head. “No. I’ve lived enough of my life in pursuit of someone else’s dream. I need to focus on doing what I have to do to protect those I love. I suggest you do the same.”
“You’re going to bed then?”
His eyes flashed toward the back door one more time. “Yes.” He glanced at his watch. “We have an early day tomorrow.”
“Six,” I said with a grin.
He chuckled. “Yes. Six.”
I held out my hand. “Goodnight, Az. Thanks for the welcome back tonight.”
He shook my hand, then pulled me into a hug. “It’s good to have you here. I’ve missed you.” It was good to know he meant it.
When he was gone to his room, I rejoined Fury and Theta outside. They were standing on the patio. “Is it just us, then?” Theta asked.
I closed the door to the house. “Yes. Everyone’s gone or in bed.”
“Azrael didn’t want to hear what I have to say?” Theta’s eyes stared past me.
I shook my head.
“I guess I’m not surprised.”
“He believes you lured him to Earth to—”
“Steal Celestine from him? I’m well aware.” She rolled her eyes. “It isn’t true.”
Of course she’d say that, no matter what the facts were.
“Can you tell me about Azrael’s powers?” I asked.
“You know I can’t.”
“What about Sloan’s?” Fury asked. “Do you know anything about how or why she got them back?”
“I do not.” Theta turned toward me again. “But I am sure we can expect impressive things from your daughter.”
I smiled. “I already knew that.”
“What will you do now?” Fury asked her.
Theta looked toward the sky. “It is time for me to return to Eden. I’ve been gone long enough, and I may be of more use to you there than if I was here.”
“You think it will help us if you’re in Eden?” I asked skeptically.
“My gift is already swirling around this journey of yours. If I’m nearer the auranos, I may be able to guide you.”
“How long has it been since you’ve been home?” Fury asked.
“Hundreds of years on Earth. Tens of thousands of years in Eden.”
Now that I’d been there, I couldn’t imagine being away from Eden for so long. It was true what I’d told Sloan. No one would wish to come back to Earth. Even me, if it weren’t for Iliana. But a lifetime with her was a blink compared to how long Theta had stayed away.
It bolstered my faith in her, honestly. She’d sacrificed quite a bit to still stand so firmly on her belief in her gift.
Theta touched Fury’s cheek. “Best of luck to you both.”
“Luck?” I asked, smiling. “Is that what we’re doing now?”
Theta didn’t laugh. “I fear that’s all that might help you now, Warren. In Nulterra, you’ll be beyond all our reach.”
I gulped.
She looked at Fury again and lowered her voice. “Remember what I told you.”
Fury gave a slight nod.
Then Theta launched into the night sky.
Fury and I walked inside together, and I locked the door behind us. “What did Theta say to you?”
“What?”
“Before she left, she said remember what I told you. What did she tell you?”
Guilt flashed across Fury’s face. “It’s not important.”
I doubted that.
“Are you still coming with me?” Fury turned her arm over, and touched the symbol etched inside her wrist with her fingers.
“You know I am. Theta’s vision freaks me out, but it’s just another item on the list of the many things I’m certain will try to kill you.”
“What was it?”
I leaned toward her and lowered my voice. “It’s not important.”
She had the faintest hint of a smile.
“I’m not flying with you, however. Now that Reuel is here, he’s a much safer option.”
Her eyes darted away.
“Are you all right?” I touched her arm, and she pulled it away.
“I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
As she turned, I grabbed her hand. “Fury.” It was like I could feel the pain pulsing within her. When she met my eyes, hers brimmed with tears.
Her jaw tensed. “I’m fine.”
My head tilted toward the couch. “I’ll be here if you need me.”
She looked down at our hands, then her fingers curved slightly around mine. “Thank you,” she whispered.
I squeezed, then released her. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Warren.”
When she was gone, I went to the half-bath and changed into the gym shorts and white T-shirt I’d bought. Then I brushed my teeth before returning to the couch.
Lying there in the dark, I called out to the spirit world. “Iliana?”
No response.
She was probably still asleep. And if not, the power probably didn’t work inside Echo-5. Still, I tried one more time before giving up.
Laying there in the quiet, I let the darkness I’d barely been keeping at bay seep into my mind. Flint was dead, and no matter what anyone could tell me, I knew he wouldn’t be—at least not yet—had I not been on the helicopter.
And Fury. Even before Theta’s vision, the cuffs had already burned her. Twice. I was leading her to Nulterra to die, and I knew it.
God, I needed to shut my brain off.
I looked around me, then reached for the remote control on the end table behind my head. I turned on the television, digital escapism with the push of a power button.
American Dad was on. It had been about a century in Eden time since I’d watched it. I turned the volume almost all the way down and settled into my pillow.
My eyelids had just started to fall when my ears heard the unmistakable sound of a door latch sliding.
A moment later, Fury crept by the back of the couch.
“Can’t sleep?” I asked quietly.
She stumbled sideways, gasping and grabbing her chest. “Holy shit. I thought you were asleep!”
“Sorry.” I tried, and failed, to suppress a grin. I raised my watch and pressed the night-glow button. It was almost 1 a.m. Maybe my eyelids had been a little more than heavy, because I’d been on the couch for over an hour.
Fury walked to the kitchen. I heard a few cabinets open and softly close, then the tap turned on. She returned a few moments later with a glass of water.
I dropped my feet off the end of the couch. “Wanna watch cartoons with me?”
She looked at me, then down the hall, then back at me. After a second of deliberating, she walked around the sofa and sat down on the far end. I moved my socked feet onto her lap, and she immediately shot me a glare.
I smiled but didn’t remove them. And she didn’t make me. She just sipped her water and looked at the TV.
Family Guy was on.
I lifted the remote off my chest and tapped her shoulder with it.
She shook her head. “I know you love this show.”
I had loved it when life was simpler. When life was life at all.
“I’m going back to bed in a minute anyway,” she said.
The light from the TV flashed on her face, and I noticed her eyes were swollen again. She’d been crying in her room.
My mother had been killed in front of me when I was still part-human. And even though those old feelings had been replaced with new happy ones of her in Eden, they stirred now for Fury.
After another sip of water, she put the glass on the end table and scooted her lower half closer under my legs. Then she leaned against the armrest, using her forearm as a pillow.
I slid my arm down beside my thigh until my fingertips graced the top of her foot. I slowly released a wave of subtle energy between us.
Sloan had called it my voodoo power to put her to sleep. It was really a tiny bit of Eden that every spirit thirsted for. Nothing soothed a weary soul quite as well, and even as an Angel of Death, it was a healing quality all angels carried to Earth.
Fury yawned. “I know what you’re doing.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
Her eyes were barely open. “No.”
And soon, she was fast asleep.