Divinity: The Gathering: Book One (8 page)

I waited, perched high atop the roof of the cliff side ledge that led to an immense, down deep in a hidden cavern that I long ago designed and carved out room by room myself both by hand and with magic. Like the entrance, it was hidden in the crevi
ces far within the mountain and was both fortified with elements of light and the Infinite waters from the Eastern sphere. This was one of the last places that I called my own and home, in this realm. Outward towards the Northern Sphere a vast carpet of dark, dense fog that forever blanketed the black, petrified stone tree tops. The view from here was darkness, which stretched out into the distant horizon like a ghostly, inky chasm.

It was a veritable forest of evil spirits and a playground for imps, the lesser demon servants, fallen and the monstrous dark dwel
lers that Morning Star created— better known as the Dead lands. It was named rightfully so because nothing that brought forth positive energy, and life could ever grow or survive there. It was the land of the fallen ones and those unfortunate kidnapped or unsuspecting humans that managed to get taken, became lost or had been lured through open portals to this realm.

In this realm, his domain was a mere prelude to what would become of the Earth when the end came, and Morning Star claimed it. Humans were left and used as bait for whatever sick, cr
uel games and intentions the dark ones had in mind especially if they managed to remain sane, which was rare once here in their mortal flesh anyway.

Consecrated and sanctified land occupied nearly all the land behind the mountain ridges to my left, along with the Infinite waters of light, vegetation and forests. The water is infinite b
ecause there was no bottom or end, and nothing of darkness could enter or survive contact. It was peace, serenity and shielded with Elohim’s love, grace and power.

I dwelled in between the two divides and from here, I could see everything. This plane was not vis
ible to mere mortal eyes with the exception of the divine chosen. Those humans are able to catch glimpses of both darkness and the angels if they paid close attention. Since darkness follows no rules in remaining hidden and masking their signatures, they appeared more visible to all humans in the mortal world, not just the divine chosen.

Though it is deadly to them, the shadows are drawn to light like curious moths to flames. It was all a game, and one of the favorite past-times remains a
ttempting to taint and ruin the auras of the divine chosen. Their downfall and choosing of darkness were the ultimate prizes, and many times it was easy, but it was the more defiant and stronger ones that tended to be the most appealing to all the dark ones.

Sometimes you had to join them to beat them, and that was the strategy that has thus been working so far. I would not let it fail this time either, especia
lly since I knew that the end of humans and man’s rule on this earth was quickly coming to a close.

This spirit world is a reflection of the mortal world in its purest raw form. It is untouched, u
nmarred and unblemished by the modernizations of man. Essentially, it is a reflection of the world when it was first new, almost like the veritable Eden as it was supposed to have remained since the beginning. Not that many of us didn’t create our own versions of some of those modern items via magic, except for literature.

Magic exists, but it is only meant for the hands of spirit beings—another thing that has gotten out of control and went against rules. Humans received the rites in exchange for their souls, courtesy of Morning
Star and his arch-demons. Somehow, those worshiping humans were given access to some of the most sacred texts of summoning and even the names of certain fallen, which was completely forbidden as universal law among spirit beings. I had to admit; Morning Star was the master at recruiting and conversion by virtue of exploiting and playing upon every weakness that imperfect mortals had inherited. The evil energy transmitted back and forth between this plane, and the human world has been never ending for as long as I can remember. Messages, influences, promises of wealth, power, sexual gratifications and all that humans treasure and place so much importance upon, were traded and dealt with the payment of souls.

The flapping of wings rustled loudly behind me, pushing forth a gust of cool wind that blew like a whisper across the stone ground. This wide, stone ledge fanned out like a grand prosc
enium arch over the hidden entrance to my dwelling. The brilliance of the white light that came with the wind permeated the inky indigo blue of evening that surrounding us but quickly dimmed once I heard him touch down upon the ground.

I didn’t tur
n around to face him right away, “Kill the light completely.” I said flatly, still not facing him. He knew exactly why I demanded it, and I wasn’t kidding. Instantly, the white luminescence winked out without opposing comment.

“I know how impatient you can be. I apologize for being a little late; I wasn’t sure if you had told me the truth about your dwelling.” He finally replied. He irked me, and I raised a brow as I turned around and splayed my wings to their full extension. It was a d
efiant gesture to remind him just how grand they were and how many pure snowy feathers still remained among them.

Though mine were a bit wider in span, they had been ruined with symbolic black marks of condemn
ation and were no longer the complete, blessed, shimmering white plumage as his was. I was jealous, but I suppressed it.

“You summoned me. Why would I have lied to you about my dwelling?” I replied with bitter irritation. He gave a tight smile, “We could have met anywhere, and being where it lies and how reclusive you are, makes it quite obvious, but I do appreciate the exte
nsion of regard by inviting me here. Don’t you think it might be better to meet inside though?” He then asked with a flicker of his eyes towards the looming, dark dominion in the far-distant horizon.

In my annoyance of him, my eyes began to glow, and I returned the fake smile, “Are you sure you want to risk it? Once inside, there may be no way out.” I grinned. “I’m merely suggesting that it may be wise for the obvious reasons? Even though you are kin, do you really want him to know we are mee
ting?” Drakael then asked with a nod towards Morning Star’s dominion in the far distance. I gave him a wry look of impatience, “Don’t flatter yourself Drakael, neither of you are a threat to me. I’ve already cleared the area beforehand so be honored you were even invited here at all. He and I are only kin by title; nothing more, so choose your words wisely.” I spat.

He nodded, “Noted. I didn’t realize how sens
itive you were. You’ve always had a sarcastic sense of humor; no doubt you’ve definitely been around humans for many millennia and most recently. You reek of their imperfect flesh.” He said shaking his head.

I glowered and watched him, and he made no
casual moves to get comfortable or sit; not that I offered him to anyway. He had always kept his distance as if by mere proximity, past conversation— he would taint himself.

“And you reek of arrogance, which if I’m not mista
ken— is also considered an imperfection. Humans aren’t the bad ones after all and remain my preference as opposed the present company here.” I replied giving him a contemptuous glare.

I watched as his glowing pure white eyes then glazed over
my wings with a look of rebuke. “I forget what you are at times. Your ounce of light is a lot stronger than I thought, but you are still a known throughout this realm as a demon, so there is no point in casting insults.” He then said smugly with a grin.

I narrowed my eyes at him, “You walk a f
ine line yourself Drakael so be careful. You may just find out how easy it is to fall one day soon. What was I summoned for this time or should I guess?” I then asked.

His grin faded and this time I smiled.

He began to pace, keeping a wide berth between us as he did, “Curious as to a few recent events and actions on your part are all actually. Affirmation for you to know that we are aware of who it is you seem to favor now that you’ve realized she still lives. However, I guess I don’t need to remind you that she as well as the other two near the same city are about to die soon as well. I am simply reminding you of the rules since you seem to be misbehaving and circumventing them as it is. She is not yours to claim, have or save no matter what you do.” He stated.

I felt my face tighten as I clenched my teeth in anger. So this was penance of some sort,
which irked me since Morning Star always got to do whatever the hell he wanted without price or direct penalty. There was a pang of pain in my soul simply hearing those words though— ‘She was going to die soon’. I already knew that.

Her death would not be by natural causes, but I still did not want her to have to go through it even if it meant that she would be here in the spirit realm and become of immortal flesh, permanently. As a divine warrior, we would become automatic adversaries. I hated knowing that I would not be able to do an
ything to either stop it or help her because as a spirit being, fallen or not— I was not allowed to intervene.

I looked at him with incredulous aggravation.

“That’s it? This is what you summoned me for? As if I couldn’t stand you enough Drakael, let me remind you that I am free to favor whomever I choose now in case you’ve forgotten. I’m still aware of all the rules and thanks to his shadow servants and the lines that your side allows him to cross time and again; she may know soon herself too! And she’s already seen me though so if that’s what you mean to make sure doesn’t happen, you’re ridiculously late.” I seethed.

This time his face showed shock and surprise.

“They know nothing of how or when she dies so it doesn’t matter. On the other hand, what was your intention in showing up there to begin with and allowing her to see you?” He said an accusing tone.

“I didn’t allow let alone expect her to see me at all. I was cloaked but she was aware of my presence, and she saw my signature, naturally. Why wouldn’t she have? She would have seen you too if you had been there so what’s your point?” I cut him off knowing what he was about to accuse me of.

My status of being classified as a demon meant that I had been reduced to nothing more than an imperfect supernatural being, a skilled and perfect lover but only to be worthy of nothing more than the physical lusts of the flesh, nothing else.

For the majority, it meant the freedom to partake of and revel in every level of hatred and sin against Elohim, mankind, and forsake all the original commandments.

“Do not think for one moment that your intent with her is not known and clear. It won’t work no matter how much light you still possess.” He sternly stated.

I glared at him, and he watched me carefully with suspicion. I raised both brows, “My intentions? My intentions were to help her or more so doing your job apparently seeing as her prayer had meant nothing to anyone else on your side.” I stated.

He eyed me, “Her prayer was heard and acknowledged as it has always been.” Drakael defended.

I shook my head with an unbelieving half smile.

“I think you’re only concern, and worry is if my intents include deviances of the flesh?” I then said as I began to circle around him, maintaining the wide berth.

Drakael actually smirked with that one. He turned his head slightly in reaction to my movements because he was still able to account for where I was even with his back to me.

I was tempted but angering Elohim was the last thing I ever wanted to do right now.

“That is precisely what I meant so don’t play games Cam`ael. You may still hold much influence and power here but not in the human realm.” He warned.

He knew how to push my buttons. My jaw worked.

“I am still Chief Angel of all powers no matter where I am.” I stated in clipped words.

“You were.” He declared.

I glared at him; the glow of my eyes intensified as I took a step towards him.

He didn’t move or tense with my approach.

I believed he was more disappointed that he, along with many others, had not been able to take my place since my fall.

“There has never been a replacement for me, so I suppose Elohim feels as if there is no need. I still give him my allegiance and loyalty by controlling the demons and the limits of their powers here and in the mortal realm, just as I always have before.” I stated harshly as I stood directly in front of him now.

Drakael paused for a moment, eyeing me as if I what I said were untrue…he knew better. He moved to face me fully now, taking a few steps back and watching me silently for a moment.

I thought that would shut him up.

“He no longer speaks to you directly. How would you even know what he wants of you, unless we co
nvey those messages to you?” he then said.

That remark cut me deep because he was right.

“He doesn’t have to. I have never forgotten my responsibilities or the rules, and I still hold them sacred. He speaks by virtue of his allowance of me to retain and tread both light and dark as well as both wielding it and holding it within my being.  Have Elohim to explain that one to you if you dare to question it.” I pointed out.

I then turned to face the view I had been watc
hing earlier before Drakael arrived, hearing the distant screams of torment echoing through the dense thick, stone forests.