The Chosen Knights (Read Prequel--The Angel Knights first) (The Angel Knights Series Book 2) (14 page)

The door slammed shut. “We’ve got work to do. Have a seat,” Uncle Davin commanded. After everyone sat, he opened the book and laid it on the coffee table.

Abel leaned forward, shifting in his seat several times. He parted his lips to speak then stopped. Then he did it again. Finally, he asked as he scratched his head, “What are we looking for? Why are we staring at a blank page?”

I wondered that too, recalling my uncle tracing line after line with his finger at Jack’s house. I’d thought I was going out of my mind. Apparently, Abel couldn’t see it either. And the others had the same problem or they didn’t want to say anything.

Uncle Davin seemed bewildered. He drew back and narrowed his eyes at Abel. “Are you not a supernatural? You’re viewing the book through human eyes. Embrace your true identity, for the love of God, and look again.” He pointed at the page, sounding agitated.

How could I have missed it? I looked again, this time concentrating. A tiny light sparkled like a firework. The light traveled, revealing word after word and line after line. I was awed to see the book practically light on fire as the words popped out of the page like a hologram. No one spoke as all eyes were wide and staring.

“You’re seeing it, aren’t you?” Uncle Davin was elated. He pointed at the inscription appearing mid-air and read it out loud, “Dark smoke covered the rising sun. And evil spread across the land. Seven knights battled along the run. In the end, it was the duty of one. The one will lead. Going back in time. To find the hidden deed. Before the day is done. Seven knights were chosen. Seven descendants shall be. For the destiny is the reason. This you shall see.”

After Uncle Davin finished the last sentence, the words turned into black ashes, fell into the page, and disappeared. The page was blank again, as if a spell had been created over this book. Jacques had not been a supernatural being, so something had happened to it while in his possession—something to make this book magical for only supernatural beings to decipher.

Milani threw up her hands and pushed back against the sofa. “What does that mean? Riddle much?”

Brody rubbed his chin with his thumb and index finger. His eyes darted back and forth as he thought about something. “I think it means there needs to be seven knights, like before.”

“That’s what I believe too,” Uncle Davin then pointed at each of us. “Lucia, Zach, Abel, Milani, Eli, Brody. That’s six. I guess counting me makes seven. There. Perfect.”

“It’s not.” Eli stood up. “You have to go back in time to find your clue. How do you propose we do that?” He headed for the door.

“We need to figure that out.” Uncle Davin moved with light speed to block Eli. “And where do you think you’re going?”

“Home,” Eli retorted. “I’m never going to be part of your so-called knights. Knights are people who are noble and good. Look around, Mr. P,” he said with a vengeful tone. “Besides your family, there is nothing good here. We’re doomed. We have evil blood.” He pressed closer to Uncle Davin’s face. “We’re going to Hell. Unless you want to come with us, don’t bother. Look elsewhere.”

Uncle Davin’s eyes grew and his brows pinched together. If fire could rise out of them, it would have. “You did not just call me Mr. P.” He rolled his shoulders and his arm muscles tightened. “And by the way, I’ll be going to Hell with you ‘cause I’m going to—”

“Uncle Davin.” I tugged his arm and took him away from Eli. Leading him to the sofa, I made sure he sat down. “Eli probably needs to soak this all in. We’re asking everyone in this room to be part of our fight. We’re trained for this, but they’re not.”

Milani scowled, sitting up straight. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. We might not have been trained like you, but we’ve fought battles you have no idea about. You don’t know our losses, so don’t judge.”

I dipped my head in shame. She was right. I had no right to judge. I knew nothing of their past. In fact, I didn’t know anything about them. Could we even trust them? “You’re right. I’m sorry.” That eased the tension in her face.

Zach raked his hair back and rubbed the back of his neck. “Can’t you go back in time, Uncle Davin?”

“I’m an awesome angel, but I’m not God. I don’t have the gift of quantum physics.”

“Well, whatever you decide, I’m in,” Abel said calmly. “Just make sure we solve this before the homecoming dance. I don’t want to let my date down.” He winked at me.

Intuitively, that made me look at Eli.

“By all means. I’m not going to stop you guys, but I’m out.” Eli pushed out through the door. I flinched when it slammed. The sound of the motorcycle confirmed it was his.

Brody looked out the window. “He’ll be back. He just needs to think about it.” His eyes sparkled with hope. Though they were green, it was odd to see them this way after envisioning them amber and glowing. “I’m tired of these Possessor demons. They think they own our island. It’s time to send them back to where they came from.”

Milani curled a pink strand of hair around her finger. “They took my friend Clarissa. I want revenge. I’m in.”

Uncle Davin took a deep breath and eased his shoulders. “Perfect. Fighting a battle to get revenge is not good, but for now, I’ll agree.” His eyes shifted to the book. “Anyone know how we can go back in time?”

When no one answered, Uncle Davin spoke, “I’m giving you two days to research. We meet back here at nine in the evening. Ask your supernatural friends. Don’t tell them what we are planning, but warn them to get ready for war. I’m not sure what will happen when we go back in time. Meanwhile, I’ll talk to Lana. I think she knows a lot more than she lets on.” Then he looked directly at Abel. “Speaking of which, Audrey, Jack’s mother, has been witnessing strange incidents in the ER—patients with two holes in their neck and red eyes. They suddenly get better after having a fever so high it is normally intolerable to humans. Know anything about that,
Aaaabel?”
He dragged out his name.

“No, but I can take a guess,” Abel replied. “I think Vince is a mix—part demon and part Lamia. He must be creating vampires, hence the red eyes, and then Possessor demons take over their bodies to build an army of half vampire and half Possessor demons. Stronger weapons to build up his army. Unlike Lamias, vampires have no conscience. They are truly monsters.”

Uncle Davin crossed his legs and leaned back against the sofa. “Why don’t you check into it? I’ll see everyone in two days. Oh, Milani and Brody, since you’re closest to Eli, see what you can do to convince him. We need him. In fact, we need everyone.”

After they agreed, everyone left.

Zach closed the shutters and sat back down. “You think they’ll help?”

Uncle Davin came back from placing the book in his room. “They have strong motivation. They will.”

I paced by the front door, wondering if Uncle Davin would be strict tonight. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to check up on Jack. Is that okay?”

“He’s probably asleep, but sure.” Uncle Davin plopped down on the sofa. “Don’t stay out late.”

Zach caught my eye. I raised my hand and mouthed, “I’ve got this.”

Chapter 17

I had lied to my uncle and Zach. My intention wasn’t to check up on Jack, but to spy on Eli. Instinctively, I knew he was hiding something, and I planned to find out what. Unsure which way he’d gone, I flashed my wings and soared up as high as I could, but low enough so I might spot him. I didn’t know where Eli lived, so I’d follow Brody’s black truck.

In Hawaii, most of the streets and highways were only one lane and the lights were dim and yellow. I lessened my speed and altitude, using the low clouds and trees as a shield, which cloaked me so I didn’t have to worry about people spotting me.

When I spotted Brody’s truck, it gave me a bit of assurance I was going the right way, but when he turned right, I decided to go straight. I sped up to catch up to Eli since he’d gotten a head start. Though I hated to admit it, Eli’s scent was embedded in me, and I followed his smell. I had to find that motorcycle. A few miles later, I spotted him. I didn’t know what it was like to ride a bike, but I imagined it to be almost like flying. Flying alone gave me a sense of tranquility. I assumed Eli felt that way as he zigzagged, sometimes passing the slower cars.

Something about watching him ride his bike was alluring and sexy. Was it that bad-boy rebel image he portrayed on his bike? Or simply the fact I couldn’t figure him out? Either way, I found myself thinking about him, worrying about him, and wanting to know more about him. From my observation of his actions, Eli cared about his friends—and he was loyal to those who meant something to him.

I continued to follow him in darkness. Once in a while he would check over his shoulder and occasionally upwards. Maybe he sensed me following him. It seemed like forever. After many miles, gradually heading to the top of a hill, he finally reached his destination. To my surprise, instead of going home, he ended up at a horseback riding stable. What was he doing there? Was this his home? There were no cars in the parking lot, and no people anywhere. I landed behind the stable and placed my back against the wall, then watched him get off his motorcycle and take off his jacket and helmet.

I gasped when he transformed into a demon. He puffed into a black cloud and then faded. Some parts of him became translucent, coiling mid-air like a beautiful black ribbon. My eyes followed the black mist as he slowly drifted and moved. Suddenly he was out in the open field where the horses roamed freely. I got down low in the grass and observed him.

Eli stroked a black horse and said in a soft voice, “Sorry it took me so long. I’ve been busy.” The horse made a sound as if he could understand him. “Want to go for a ride, Midnight?” The horse made the same sound again.

Without a saddle, Eli got on the horse and took off. Midnight galloped at full speed. Never having been on a horse before, I wondered what it was like. I knew I would enjoy it. Riding that fast, he was one with the horse. The horse must have trusted Eli.

I continued to follow them until I came upon the most magnificent view. I could have never imagined this sight. The blanket of white clouds seemed within reach. Because they were so low, I imagined Eli continuing to ride straight into the clouds. Just beyond, the glorious sun dipped into the clouds and reflected pink and yellow across the sky. It was like viewing a perfect painting and wanting to be in the moment, only I was there. To the world below, the sun had already set. But at this angle, I saw a spectacular view.

I stood up, knowing Eli couldn’t see me, but what he did next was unfathomable. He willed his sword and tossed it high into the sky. Oddly, it flipped multiple times, traveling the distance it was meant to go, and then disappeared into the clouds.

I ducked down in the grass when he turned Midnight around and started to ride again, ignoring his missing sword. Possibly, he didn’t want to have anything to do with it. Whatever he was going through must have been painful. Eli hadn’t said anything for me to reach that conclusion; his eyes betrayed him. After all, I’d recently found out his mother had passed away. Did he not have a father or siblings?

Eli’s horse went right past me. Luckily, I still lay flat in the grass. But when he suddenly stopped, I thought Eli had spotted me. I expected him to get off his horse and lecture me about spying. But instead, he placed his hand behind his back from over his shoulder, still looking forward. Something shiny caught my eye.
Holy crap.
Eli’s sword was flipping back to him. I only got one shocking glimpse of it. A cross was embedded in it. How did he get an angelic sword?

The sword landed precisely in his hand. His shoulders slumped and his chest rose and fell. Looking up to the sky, he yelled at the top of his lungs, “Why? I don’t want it!” After a few seconds, he sat tall on his horse and rode back to the others.

The view and the clouds reminded me of home. As I ran, I slowly stretched my wings open, feeling the breeze push them back. Without any effort, the force of the wind glided me as if I were skydiving. As I soared, at one with the sky, I saw the most heavenly sight. Giggling with elation I dove into the fluffy cloud.

The vast white mist engulfed me. As I continued to plunge, the town below and the ocean to the right came into view. I fanned my wings back up and out, having seen enough. Being an angel, the clouds held my weight—I became weightless. Lying flat on my back, I placed my arms behind to support my neck and inhaled deeply. I felt nothing but serenity. I felt nothing but—

“Ahhh!” I jumped to a guarded stance. “What are you doing here?”

Eli raised his brows as if to say “are you kidding me?” “I’m certainly not spying on you, because this happens to be my neck of the woods, or clouds. And you live on the other side of the island. No one knew I was coming here, except for me, myself, and I, so I guess I should apologize.” His tone became more sarcastic with each spoken word.

I placed my head down in embarrassment because I’d gotten caught. “I didn’t follow you.”

“Well, at least you’re admitting it in a denying way.”

“What?” Did that even make sense?

“Never mind. Why did you follow me? Did your uncle put you up to this?”

I looked at him with a brave face. “No, he didn’t. I-I just wanted to know...”

Eli crossed his arms, giving me that sexy smirk as if he liked what I’d said. “Did you now? Did you want a kiss or something?”

“No. You’re so full of yourself. How could you walk away when the world needs you?”

Eli started to pace around the cloud we were standing on. Then he let out a mocking laugh. “The world doesn’t need me. The world needs a hero. That’s right. The knight thingy your uncle is talking about, he’s got everyone he needs, and if you add Jack, that’ll be seven. See?” He threw his hands up in the air. “You’ve got your seven.”

My face burned with anger. “You know very well Jack can’t fight like us. He’s human.”

Eli stopped pacing. “You don’t need to be like our kind to win a battle. You just need to be brave. I guess you need to have hope too, and to believe in your fight. Jack has more courage than any one of us. Human or not, he might be your key to ending this war.”

“How do you know that? You know something we don’t know, don’t you?”

I flinched when Eli appeared right in front of me. “Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t.”

I had to use a different approach since I wasn’t getting to him. And I hated that I wanted to kiss him. I had no explanation for the sudden feeling erupting inside me. “Why do you have an angelic sword? Who gave it to you and why did you throw it here?” I pointed by my feet. “Why did it go back to you?”

Eli seemed flustered. “I had a feeling someone was watching me. I should have done something about it. And you sure have a lot of questions you’re not privy to know the answers to.”

I pushed his chest with my hand, but he didn’t budge. “Then do it! Do something about it,” I demanded.

Eli’s nose wrinkled and his lips had a hint of a wicked smirk. I knew that mischievous stare. He was up to something naughty. “
If
you can catch me, I’ll let you see my sword. I assure you, there is nothing angelic about it.”

I huffed, not expecting his words, but I was up for a challenge, especially if I could get him to open up. “You mean 
when
I catch you, you’ll let me see your sword.” Just when I finished my last word, Eli melted into the clouds.