Divinity: Immolation: Book Three (The Divinity Saga) (9 page)

X
I: Starling

L
ooking down into the small pouch that Jamie had given me, I was speechless. Had she really been telling me the truth? What was her motivation and what did she hope to gain out of me? A confession maybe? She had almost gotten one but instinct told me to remain quiet. So, were these four Divine Hall portal gems in good faith then? I wasn’t sure what to think. For all I know, she could be telling the elders everything right now.

However, she did clock Spencer without a second thought. Why would she have risked that though? Maybe it was a sick game of theirs every other night or something. I wondered if she made up that story about Devlin. If it was true, I was curious now myself.

All I know, is that I was glad to be with Cam again…even though I almost set him on fire.

Thinking about it now, I guess it was an insane spur of the moment act. Truth be told, I was wholly afraid, especially when Cam took his sweet time to come after me. The trust thing had been more for me, I think. I wanted to be sure that even though he was a fallen, despite what I knew to be true and what everyone said about his kind, that he was different. Okay, part of it was the thrill too. No doubt his sudden rescue of me and the surge of fear I felt intensified the arousal I had already been feeling in his presence, and being held protectively against his warm, hard body.

Seeing him fighting and engaged in battle up close was both breath-taking and slightly scary for me. Though it appeared effortless on his part, he was vicious and precise, and he held nothing back. Wasn’t that what Jamie had described when she was talking about betraying or angering a fallen? Though I knew he was powerful, I had no idea just how strong, deadly, and magical he was—and we were supposed to fight against his kind? It was the more vile, evil, and hardcore ones that I was leery about.

I wondered what Cam wanted me to do first, though I could take a few guesses. I smiled to myself while taking in the décor of Cam’s pristine, spotless, cozy, cavern castle, which is what it resembled to me. Even the air was cool, fresh, and clean in here. That surprised me being that it was inside of a mountain and all. It was palatial in size but I suppose it had to be in order to accommodate Cam and his friends comfortably. Cam was a total neat freak. Not that it was a bad thing but that might be where we could have issues.

As I followed close behind him down the wide, oval- shaped corridor to his room, I admired the ripples and contours of muscle gently moving beneath his perfect tanned skin when he moved. He was shirtless, in nothing more than a soft-skinned, sandstone colored pants, and dark brown boots. His ‘V’ shaped physique was svelte and lithe, and he exuded an incredible, supernatural strength to go with his perfectly chiseled form. His dark hair had begun to grow out a little, curling slightly at the nape of his neck.

Jamie hadn’t been kidding about his scent. When I paid closer attention this time, taking in a deep whiff, my senses literally exploded with a delicious aphrodisiac effect, much like when we were first together under the waterfall. It started from the inside of my head, traveling quickly into the tips of my nipples, sliding into my belly, and finally settling in my groin with teasing heat. The tickling sensation came again. How could I be feeling anything like this so soon?  I put a hand to my belly just as Cam turned around to face me, standing back to allow me to enter his bed chambers first.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the massive and extremely comfortably bed before anything else. I instantly blushed when I thought back to the intense, unbridled love-making that we had enjoyed not long ago.

The desire and arousal that he was kindling, probably on purpose, was making me shiver with excitement now.

“How are you feeling?” he suddenly asked as his warm hand went to gently rest on my abdomen.

“I feel fine.” I assured him.

“You’d tell me if something was wrong or if you were hurting, right?” He raised a single brow as if expecting me to say yes.

I nodded. “Of course I would.”

“Good. I have something unique planned.” He then grinned mischievously.

“Unique?” I smirked with anticipation.

“As in, it’s never been done before.” He winked, heading over to his bookshelf and opening an ornate box.

I smiled. “Well, I’m not sure I should be gone too long. They will definitely get suspicious.”

“Don’t worry, if I decide to take you back at all, you’ll only have been gone a few hours at the most.” He pulled out something small and compact in his hand.

“If you decide to take me back?”

“That’s right.” He replied matter-of-factly.

I didn’t even know how to respond to that. That may not be such a bad idea considering.

He eyed me. “Would that bother you?”

I thought for a moment as my eyes traveled to the floor, the bed, and then the bathing room off to the right, set in a spacious alcove.

My eyes finally returned meet to his. “No.”

He was seemed surprised yet relieved to hear my response though I wasn’t sure why. My hesitation had nothing to do with my feelings for him or being pregnant.

I moved over to the bed and sat down on it. The luxuriously soft, thick, fur blanket felt exquisite and warm between my fingertips.

“Has anything else surfaced regarding your memories? I mean, past what I told you and what you already knew?” Cam the
n asked, joining me on the bed.

He sat down next to me with a cell phone in his hand that immediately caught my attention. He was scrolling through some of the messages and briefly reading them.

“Not really.” I replied.

“Do you remember the girl in your photo album? The one with
the short, reddish brown hair?”

I shrugged unsurely, trying to remember anything else associated with what Cam told me about her being my best friend. A few images of her came up in my mind but nothing distinct. It frustrated me because she was obviously important to me. She had been in so many of the more recent photos with me.

“What about her?” I peered closer at the phone, “Is that…is that my phone?” I pointed at it and furrowed my brow.

Cam nodded. “I kept it so I could keep you alive as far as your friends know.”

I was confused but it didn’t take me long to figure out what Cam was trying to tell me and why he had done all of this in the first place.

“How is it still working…here?” I wondered in awe.

He positioned it in between us so that I could see what he was reading and doing, and then he gave me a look that meant, ‘Are you really asking me that question?’

“She’s been calling and texting often, all of your friends and your places of employment have been. Up until now…I’ve sort of been stalling and returning the texts—as you. I’ve even had a female friend emulate your voice when calling her because I didn’t want her to worry or think that you were missing and assumed dead, which is the truth, but…well, you know.” He tried to explain as if he didn’t want me to get upset with him for doing so.

“Emulate my voice?” I was taken aback.

“Yeah, we ah, do that a lot when we want to jack around with humans.” He casually explained. Then, his gorgeous face turned into an expression of innocence and chagrin, and with a hand to his chest he clarified, “I don’t do it anymore though. I haven’t for a really, really long time.”

I didn’t even know what to say.

Cam handed me the phone. Feeling it in my hands instantly brought on a rush of random memories that I couldn’t really make out or piece together but China was in them. A flood of emotions made my chest tighten and my breath caught.

“What’s wrong?” Cam asked.

I looked up at him and shook my head, “Nothing.” I stared down at the phone again, scrolling through the messages and reading a few. From the looks of it, she was both worried and angry. Angry at me for behaving erratically as if I had lost my mind, or were hiding something and ignoring her. She was telling me that all of my friends were worried about me, wondering why I never talked to them or returned their calls either. She asked if I were coming home for the holidays or what? And what would I do about school since I was so far b
ehind and missing so many days.

It was then that I realized what Cam wanted me to do. It was more for me though, that much I could gather and understand.

“I’m lost. I don’t even know what to say. Even if I did tell her that I’d be coming back, how do I explain everything else? Where I’ve been and stuff? What if I’m not able to stay?”

“You can go anywhere, anytime, whenever you want to and stay for as long as you like. You don’t need permission for that, believe me. Anyway, she won’t have a clue unless she’s chosen, which she isn’t, so she won’t be able to see your brandings either. However…” Cam trailed off and exhaled slowly.

He looked as if he wanted to say something else but was hesitant.

“What is it?” I asked, straightening my posture and studying his expression.

He paused for a long time and then turned to look down at me. “Don’t be surprised to see the young male in your album at the hall soon.”

My eyes widened. Even though I barely remembered him too, I was shocked.

“Will he remember me?” I wanted to know.

Cam shook his head. “More than likely not…unless it’s by some miracle or gift too.”

I felt disappointment.

“It’s all up to you though. All this would be pointless if you don’t plan to return there, so if you’d ra
ther not, it’s understandable.”

Did I? Would I?

I could essentially go anywhere I wanted to now but Cam was right. I was glad that he had maintained this connection for me and it seemed as if he’d gone through a lot of trouble to do it too.

All of this had me wondering about the extent of his powers and magic. What all could he do and would he do it? Like, if I wanted several million dollars? What if I wanted to be three inches taller? A mansion on the beach? It was all very tempting but in a way, I really didn’t like him using his magic. I wanted things to be real, genuinely felt, known, and experienced n
ot just for me but for him too.

“I tell you what, let’s not worry about it right now. Come on.” Cam took the phone from me and got up to p
lace it back in the ornate box.

He then quickly crossed the room back to the bed, taking my hand and pulling me to my feet. He led me back outside to the wide, stone slab of jutting rock that cleverly served as an expansive patio or balcony.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“You’ll see.” He simply replied. He raised an arm above his head and began to swirl his index finger above his head.

He began to whisper words that I could barely hear let alone make out language wise.

Right before my eyes, the circle he had traced above us began to widen, opening up into an oblong, hazy, purple-tinted tunnel punctuated by many dazzling, glittering things inside.

A portal.

“I’ve never done this before so if anything happens, just know that I meant well and that I will always love you.” Cam looked down at me with a crooked smile.

I grimaced and tried to pull away but he held me firmly to him.

He laughed. “I’m kidding! At the very least a few missing or rearranged limbs won’t kill you. You can keep your eyes closed if you want. In fact, that might be best for you anyway. No matter what,
do not let go of me, alright?”

My heart began to jackhammer, both excitement and appre
hension fighting for dominance.

“Not funny, Cam.” I admonished him as I pinched my eyes shut and held my breath.

In a split second, my feet were no longer grounded. The air around us felt like a vacuum, strong with the scent of electricity and ozone. The air pressure changed drastically. It was slightly colder and I felt a pulsing energy pressing against my flesh, making me feel dizzy as if I were—high or drunk.

It probably took no more than a span of a few seconds and Cam’s grip on me remained firm. When our feet touched ground once again, I felt my stomach fall back into place and I sucked in a deep, relieving breath since I had been literally holding it the whole time.

There were no distinct sounds but the air smelled hot to me, like burning metal and being inside of a clay oven or microwave oven set on high. Even behind my closed eyelids, everything seemed extremely bright too.

Cam leaned down to whisper to my ear. “You’re still in one piece. Open your eyes.”

XII: Interlude: Morning Stars’ Meeting Room:

H
is gaze alone was mortifying. It spoke volumes without him having to utter a word. The steady cadence of successive thumping was nerve-wracking. What had they done wrong this time? Who would be punished next? How? And when?

Since Baal and several others had been slain, Morning Star had been in an even more foul temperament than he had
been when the girl he had been trying to claim had been killed in the mortal realm. His top soldier was gone and they knew that it only meant that rank and replacement would be put upon a new fallen in their army, maybe.

Those who had been with him the longest, still couldn’t read whether or not this meeting would be good news, bad news, or an all-out torture session for the others to behold as a lesson. With Morning Star, there was no telling.

Whatever the case was, he was not happy. That much could be felt in the heavy, oppressive dark energy that weighed upon several of his top arch demon soldiers, his necromancers, and Xyn.

His long silence left fear thick in the air and no one bothered to even speak let alone make a sound out of respect.

Sitting at the head of a long, glossed, onyx table, he appeared quite lax. Leaning back with one arm resting on the arm of his throne chair, Morning Star steadily drummed his fingers on the desk.

“There’s been a change in direction.” Morning Star finally began after a long bout of silence.

His soldiers all leaned in to pay special close attention.

“And Xyn has been the only one with any common sense to act upon it and report what has been happening right before our eyes. He’s managed to single handedly destroy quite a few worthy rebel fallen.”

The crow demon remained silent yet rapt at attention, appreciating the recognition and praise from his powerful new master.

“However, he is only one and he has his own tasks to attend, which means that since the murder of Baal, each of you will need to prove yourselves us
eful to me in order to remain.”

“We should destroy one of Cam`ael’s top associates too, my lord.” Och replied.

Morning Star mechanically turned his head to face Och. His expression appearing bored and stony. “And when he hunts you down and either beheads or eviscerates your cretin ass for doing so, don’t look to cower behind me.” He flatly replied.

“I only assumed that an eye for an eye was what you sought, your magnificence. It makes sense. Surely you aren’t afraid of retaliation from Cam`ael?” Och tried to reason.

Morning Star simply stared at his general calmly, without any sign or hint of annoyance or anger. His powerfully wicked gaze alone was enough to make Och nearly swallow and choke on his own tongue in regret of his words.

Then, in a swift and destructive flash of fire, acrid black and red smoke began to plume in tendrils and curls from Och’s chair. He had been reduced to nothing more than a foul, powdery mound of ashes among his burned, and now smoking clothing where he sat.

No one moved, barely breathing as their eyes gaped in fear and shock. Och had been a long-time, high level demon soldier. An expendable one at that apparently.

Morning Star neither moved nor flinched a muscle as his wicked aqua blue eyes panned the rest of the table,
“Would anyone else care to take a chance at suggesting something equally senseless and insult me in the process?” he calmly asked.

Everyone eagerly shook
their heads almost unanimously,

“No, no my lord!”

“Not at all Master!”

“Good.” Morning Star flatly replied as he slowly rose from his chair. He began to pace around the table slow and deliberately, making each one of his top ranking soldiers nervous.

He smiled humorously. “I don’t want to have to destroy or punish all of you today. I only planned on a few.” He began as his eyes fell upon Sihd.

Sihd stiffened, trembling in his seat beneath his massive armor and quickly shifting eye contact away from Morning Star.

“Sihd.” Morning Star spoke, stopping behind him.

Sihd jumped, nearly paralyzed with fear. “Yes, my lord?” he answered dutifully.

“You and your men will be in charge of finding and retrieving both Berith and the book that she thieved from me. If you cannot find the book, I do not want her harmed. That will be my job. If you do uncover the book, and it is damaged or missing parts in any way, think twice before even bothering to return here—is that understood?”

“Indeed, my Lord!” Sihd nodded.

“You’re dismissed.” Morning Star then said.

Sihd wasted no time rising from his seat and shuffling out quickly.

Morning Star continued his pacing and scanning of the group before him.

“Ganik, I want you and Mephisto to oversee the training, recruiting and preparation of all the dark divines that have already sworn allegiance to me. Gather, influence, and entice as many more as you see fit. That may take a while because I want you to hit every land upon the Earth first, and you may utilize every demon soldier available if needed, so get to it. Do not report until I ask for one.”

“Yes, Master!” They both saluted as they rose and quickly left the room without hesitation.

“My gorgeous, dependable Zara. Your task is actually quite easy and should be fun. It will begin at the college that Starling used to attend. There, you will find another chosen. You know what to do— and remember, not a drop of blood spilt. I don’t know why this never donned on me before. He was a very close friend of hers while she was mortal. Allow him to come willingly and then bring him to me. I have big plans for him.” Morning Star smiled.

“Consider it done, my lord.” She smirked with a loyal bow of her head and then she was gone.

Then there were two left. They were his elite soldiers and he had an even greater task for them, for it would be difficult and challenging at best.

“I’m setting the divine one that we’ve had for quite some time now, free. She’s been cooperative for the most part in the last few days and I’m keeping my word. She’s going to prove quite useful to me still, so keep an eye on her. You two will also be in charge of bringing me Edanai, even if that means taking out Rahab, which you will have to do, but not until I give the word,” Morning Star glanced at Xyn this time.

“I want you to keep an eye out for Cam’ael and Starling. However, use extreme caution in apprehending Starling. She is quite deadly and will offer much resistance as well as putting up a challenging fight. I do not want her harmed in any way. Her essence does not surprise me but it must be contained as soon as possible. Once I have her, Cam`ael will come willingly and I want no one to stop him.” Morning Star informed.

Xyn silently gave a perceptible nod of his hood. A few crows flapped about excitedly, cawing as they swarmed into a tornado of black wings and feathers beneath the long, black robe, and he finally disappeared altogether.

Morning Star paused and waited, finally turning to the last one left. His new, single, right-hand soldier. He was the one who had worked in sync with Baal for so long, and now he would have all the duties and responsibilities placed upon his shoulders singly.

“Ammon,” Morning Star said, returning to his throne chair at the head of the table but not sitting just yet.

“Yes, Lord?” Ammon sat straight at attention, already confused at why his Lord would not want his life-long rival and arch-nemesis, Cam`ael, stopped before reaching him.

“Ensure that the rifts all over the world, between this realm and the human world are open and ready. Slowly have the voids and shades begin infiltration at even the slightest hints of doubt, hate, and deception, and be ready at the first signs of any large scale