The Guardian's Mark

That night I dreamt of Lucifer. This time Elyon and Cassiel opted to make an appearance. Elyon was shackled and on his knees. Beside him stood Cassiel with a darker version of the usual empty expression he wore. Lucifer stood before them, still using Carter’s body as a vessel.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Ava.”

I didn’t respond, looking at Elyon and feeling a tug on my heartstrings. He looked exhausted and defeated.

“How have you been since we last spoke?”

I didn’t want to speak to him but I was filled with so much rage. Fawn’s face flashed at the front of my mind in a subconscious attempt to fuel that rage. “Someone I cared about is dead because of you so not well.”

“I’m aware of your friend’s untimely death however need I remind you of the fact that you had the power to prevent that.”

“If you hurt Carter I swear I’ll- ”

“Do what? I am immortal. No power you wield can wound me.”

The stone.

It was in that moment that I realized I was in a dream...one of Lucifer’s creation. Gavin had said I could use the stone to end a dream like this. Good thoughts were the key.

“I may not be able to hurt you but I will find a way to make you suffer.”

As soon as the last word left my lips I forced myself to begin thinking of good, pure things. The love of my family and friends surrounding me. Gavin’s need to be protective and loyal toward me. Harper’s face popped up and then Malachi’s. Lastly a moment Carter and I had shared back when we’d first started dating when our plans for a romantic evening had been averted. We’d settled for eating pizza on the couch and had laughed ourselves to tears when his dog at the time had stolen his slice. It had been the first time I’d realized I was in love with him and realized that he was opening up to me in a way he hadn’t with many.

The light of the stone began to grow in strength and fill the room, silencing Lucifer’s angry voice. Before long it had engulfed us all and the last thing I heard was a scream from Cassiel.

I woke with a start, sitting upright in bed and sending a wave of energy out that felt as if it had been suffocating and waiting for release. Unfortunately, someone had been holding onto my arm so instead of sending the energy out into the room it traveled straight into their hand and up their arm, sending them flying back. They hit the wall with a thud before falling to the ground.

White hair. Pale skin.

It was Rainen.

“Oh my gosh.” I ripped the covers away from my legs and scrambled out of bed, surveying what I’d done.

He was sprawled out on his back and groaning, his arm blackened and smoke swirling up from it.

I rushed over to him and fell to my knees, unsure of what to do. “I’m so sorry Rainen. What can I do? How do I fix this?”

The door burst open and in strode Ullrick and Gavin. Ullrick knelt beside Rainen while Gavin ushered me back. Rainen was groaning and writhing on the floor, his arm still smoking as Ullrick attempted to calm him.

I gripped Gavin’s hand, the worry and guilt consuming me. I almost didn’t notice Ullrick’s sideways glance at our joined hands.

“Rainen, take a few deep breaths. You’re going to be fine.” His hand hovered over Rainen’s injured arm and he closed his eyes, murmuring a few words. A glow that spread a warmth like that of the sun emitted from his hand.

Strangely enough, it’s effects hit me too, filling me with warmth and comfort. I wasn’t sure whether Gavin could feel what I did but I unconsciously gripped his hand tighter.

It was over in a moment and Rainen’s arm was normal, as if he’d never been injured. He stood with Ullrick’s aid and flexed his hand.

I quickly released Gavin’s hand, the warming effects wearing off. “I’m so sorry, Rainen. I don’t know what happened.”

Rainen’s brown eyes were understanding and humble, regardless of the fact that he’d basically been barbequed alive. “It’s alright. Your connection to the stone is growing as is your ability to use it.”

“I wish there were some sort of guide book for this. I don’t want to hurt anyone but I have no idea of what I’m doing.”

Ullrick spoke, his tone empathetic but firm. “I think what would be best is for you to meet another Elioud.”

Gavin’s response was immediate and aggressive. “Absolutely not.”

I was surprised by his response and somewhat disappointed. Why was it a bad idea to meet someone who would have some insight on my situation?

Ullrick didn’t seem surprised but he didn’t back down. “It’s what she needs if we have any hope for her success.”

“It isn’t. She can handle this. The Elioud will only make it worse.”

“You’re wrong, Gavin. You can only protect her so much and in this situation, you can’t. She needs to know more about this power.”

“She could get herself killed! Don’t you understand that? And I can’t let that happen. I won’t.”

Ullrick wasn’t stunted by the outburst, placing his hand on Gavin’s shoulder in a show of comradery. “None of us are going to let that happen. But don’t you see that the less she knows about her power, the more room there is for mistakes? She needs this.”

Gavin looked torn, frustrated but giving in. It was obvious he felt strong about his opinion but his bond with the fellows was stronger. “Alright...I’ll speak with Nakir.”

Ullrick nodded and dropped his hand. “It’s for the best.”

There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment before Ullrick and Rainen left the room, both nodding at me.

Gavin turned to face me, his body language relaxing once they were gone. “I’m sorry about that. Are you alright?”

I nodded, trying to decide whether to take his hand again. “Yes. I just don’t understand why that made you so upset.”

“Let’s sit down.”

I moved to sit on the end of the bed, running a hand through my bedhead hair. I was glad I’d woken up cold in the middle of the night and put the white robe back on. Standing in front of Ullrick and Rainen in tiny shorts was a reoccurring fear of mine.

Gavin sat beside me, leaving just enough space between us so that our thighs didn’t touch. “I don’t want you to think I don’t want what’s best for you. I do more than anything. But that stone around your neck can do more than just hurt others. It can kill you.”

Hearing him say it was worrisome but I still wasn’t sure what he meant. “I don’t understand. How?”

“Binding yourself with the stone could overwhelm you and kill you. An Elioud stone is powerful and regardless of whether Elioud blood runs through your veins, it is no match for that kind of power. I had hoped that you wouldn’t consider binding yourself once you found out. Meeting with another Elioud will give you information you need but I also don’t want you to get caught up in the image they may paint of power. There is always a catch.”

“You have to give me more credit. I’m smart enough to never take anything at face value. If anyone is cautious and worried about all of this, it’s me.” As much as I knew I should be frustrated with him, I was only appreciative and understanding. He wanted to protect me and I couldn’t be angry with him for that.

“My faith in you is unwavering, Ava. I’m not concerned about your ability to handle yourself. But this world is new to you so everything is a learning experience.” He sighed, clearly struggling to find the right words. “I just want what’s best for you. I haven’t spent all of this time guarding you to let you kill yourself when I could have prevented it.” He reached over to take my hand, lacing our fingers together and sending shivers up my arm. “You have to promise me that you’ll be extremely careful and question anything that doesn’t make sense.”

I squeezed his hand, my heart fluttering as it always did around him. “I will. I promise...Um, have you heard from Amos?”

“Yes. He actually spoke about you. He was impressed with your fighting.”

That caught my attention. Amos, the fearless warrior angel, was impressed with me? “It wasn’t my best moment but it worked. I just felt this adrenaline and the movement came automatically. I still...” Struggle with the fact that I killed people? Possessed or not? Yeah.

“You can tell me,” he said softly.

I looked into his jade eyes before returning my gaze to the floor. “I know those people were possessed and probably dead but...killing them still felt wrong. How do I know they were already dead?”

“I wish I could tell you there’s a way to know but unfortunately there isn’t unless the malevolent spirit chooses to reveal it. And to second guess killing one of them could be the difference between your life and theirs. I will do all that I can to make sure you don’t have to make that decision but I can’t promise anything.”

I knew he would give his all to protect me but unfortunately his answer was disappointing. I wanted so badly for there to be some way for me to detect whether someone was still alive so I could defend myself with a clear conscience. “Do you think Carter is dead already?”

It hurt to ask the question but I needed to know the answer.

“I don’t think so. It hasn’t been long enough. I also suspect Lucifer may be using him as a vessel from time to time. Your dreams are proof that he’s using him to lure you. In order to do that, Carter needs to be alive.”

“I feel horrible. I think after I meet with this other Elioud it’s time to close the gates and save him. I don’t want to waste any more time.”

“That’s exactly what Lucifer wants. For you to be unprepared.”

I tried to keep the exasperation from escaping through my voice. “I don’t have much of a choice. And I’m not unprepared. I have you, the fellows, and the stone. I know the stone will be my greatest defense once I get a better handle on it.”

At least I hoped it would. If I didn’t accidentally kill myself first.

I went to visit my brother after showering and dressing for the day. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. His skin had more color and his face didn’t seem so sunken in. The fellow checking on him every few hours had even styled his hair. He was almost back to normal. Though I dreaded telling him about Fawn, I wanted so badly for him to wake up. I missed my brother.

I sat beside the bed and held his hand, talking to him. I told him about all that was going on, unloading all of my fears and worries. He couldn’t know what was going on so this was my way of confiding in him without breaking any rules.

An hour later I said goodbye and went to meet Nakir and Gavin in her office. We sat down and discussed the circumstances of meeting an Elioud. I would meet them alone but Gavin, Ullrick, and Rainen would stand guard outside. They were the best fighters and the three Nakir most trusted now with Cassiel and Elyon gone. This particular Elioud was in hiding and refused to come to the mansion so we had to meet them in the city. They were apparently the best Nakir could find on short notice so we had no alternative.

Nakir also brought up my situation with Rainen, causing a fresh wave of guilt to come rushing into my chest. She was kind about it but I still wanted to go stick my head in a hole in the ground. Hopefully this Elioud would have some insight on how to not kill your protectors.

It was decided that we would meet the Elioud that evening in the city. At a club of all places. Apparently, they owned this specific club and felt safer being surrounded by people and hidden by the atmosphere. I had no problem with this since I kind of missed having a night out.

Except during my last night out where I’d been stabbed. That wasn’t something I missed.

I hadn’t realized I was so scarred from that event until I began to panic slightly at the thought of being confronted by a similar situation. At least this time I would have three fellows at the ready to protect me if anything happened. No malevolent spirit would have a chance to get near me.

Natalia helped me dress for the evening and as much as we both knew we shouldn’t have been enjoying ourselves, playing dress up ended up being fun. It was also nice to have a girlfriend again. I missed Harper so much it hurt. Moments like these I’d always shared with her. Natalia did a great job as a substitute though.

“Wow, I’m pretty proud of my work here. You look great.”

I smiled, doing a little twirl. “Do they have fashion designer jobs in the afterlife? You should definitely apply if so.”

Natalia smiled, her blue eyes sparkling. “Regrettably no but I’m happy with my current position.”

I was wearing a form fitting deep blue dress that reached my knees and dramatized my curves. It was strapless with a slit going down from my mid right thigh and with it I wore black heels that laced up my ankles. My highlighted deep brown hair lay in waves, and was parted at the side. She’d done my makeup and given me a smoky eye and kissable mauve lip. I felt sexier than I had in a while and it was all thanks to her.

Natalia looked me over, still smiling. She was wearing a simple pair of gray slacks with a white blouse and for once hadn’t out dressed me. “You really do look amazing. Ready?”

I nodded, smoothing my hands over the front of the dress. “Yes.”

“Here.” She stood and grabbed the short black biker jacket from the bed, holding it open.

I turned around and slipped my arms in before facing her. “Thanks.”

She smiled in that genuine way she always did. “Anytime.”

We exited the room and made our way downstairs to meet everyone.

Gavin and Rainen stood near the front door, dressed up for the evening. Rainen looked especially handsome in his white slacks with a brown belt and light grey collared shirt. He didn’t hold a candle however to Gavin. Not my eyes anyway.

Gavin was dressed in a slim dark grey suit with a navy collared shirt. He had his hands in his pockets as he talked to Rainen, looking so at ease and clean cut. As soon as my heels began to click clack down the stairs they both turned to look.

The spark was instant as soon as our eyes met.

Gavin seemed in a haze as he watched me walk down the stairs, never straying as I reached the bottom and approached him, his expression unreadable. “Hi.”

I smiled shyly. “Hi.”

He cleared his throat. “You look....really nice.” His eyes did a discreet once over as he shifted his weight.

I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling those familiar butterflies in my stomach. “Thank you. You look pretty great yourself.”

“Being your date I felt it necessary to at least put some effort into my appearance.”

“Well you did a good job.”

Natalia cleared her throat, reminding us that she was there. There was an amused twinkle in her eye. “She’s not allowed to drink tonight, alright? Nakir’s orders.”

Gavin nodded. “Noted. No alcohol.” He turned back to me. “Ready?”

My heart was racing but I prayed it wasn’t readable on my face. “Yes.”

We walked out through the front door and piled into the shiny black SUV that sat on the driveway. Ullrick drove, Rainen in the passenger seat, and Gavin and I sitting beside each other in the middle seat. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. We barely talked on the way there but every inch of my skin felt as if it were on fire. I wanted so badly to kiss him but I knew we wouldn’t have the opportunity.

The club was in a young and trendy part of the city, a two-story brick building booming with business. The outside patio was packed with people and the music pumping through the front door had a few of the clubgoers dancing while waiting in line. Almost magically, at least by New York standards, Ullrick found a parking spot nearby and we all headed for the club. Passing the line, he shook hands with the bouncer and we all headed in.

The main level of the club was already crowded, people dancing and downing shots at the bar. The upper floor housed the VIP attendees, giving them a view of the dance floor from a balcony that stretched around the entire room. Ullrick and Rainen nodded at us before heading off into the crowd to find satisfactory vantage points to scan the attendants from for potential threats.

“So where are we meeting him?” I asked, speaking over the thumping music.

Gavin had been glancing sideways at me since we’d entered and I had a feeling it had to do with the fact that I’d taken off my jacket and he’d gotten a full look at my getup. “Apparently he’s going to find us and just said to enjoy ourselves until then.”

I shrugged. “Alright. Should we go to the bar? Although I’m not sure what we can order other than water.”

He smiled at me. “I think it might be alright for us to bend the rules this evening.”

We started for the bar and Gavin took initiative in ordering the drinks. A few women at the bar had been checking him out so I moved closer and angled my body toward him, trying to ignore the irrational jealousy that I was feeling. He thanked the bartender and handed me a glass of red wine, holding his own out for a cheer.

I clinked my glass against his and sipped the wine, attempting to ignore the attractive female bartender that kept looking his way.

“I think I’m going to have to worry more about the men in here than any malevolent spirits. They can’t keep their eyes off you...and that dress.”

Be still my heart.

I grinned. “I could say the same for the women. They’re ready to pounce on you as soon as I leave.”

We faced the dance floor and sipped our drinks, scanning the crowd for anything unusual. None of us knew what this Elioud looked like so it was hard to know what to look for.

I let my mind drift to the memory of the night where I’d first met Gavin. The man with the slick hair and creepy gaze that had been watching me all night until he found the right moment in which to stab me. The anxiety came creeping back up, the image so vivid it was terrifying. What if it happened again? What if I was separated from Gavin and taken? Or what if we had to fight with all of these innocent people around? I didn’t want anyone to get hurt.

“Hey, are you alright?”

I looked over at my date, blinking to focus my blurred vision. “Yes...just flashbacks.”

“Nothing is going to happen to you.” His green eyes were steady. “I can promise you that.”

I nodded. “I know.”

“Let’s dance.”

My eyes widened. “Can we?”

There was a mischievous glint in his eye. “We were told to have fun, weren’t we?” He set down his glass, taking mine and doing the same, then took my hand.

I let let him lead me to the dance floor, feeling like a ball of nervous energy. A sensual electro song was playing and had the dance floor occupants gyrating all over the place. Most of the dancers were drunk and unware of anything around them but their partners. Gavin took us to the center of the floor and spun me around.

I grinned and turned my back to him, pressing my body against his.

Gavin didn’t pull away but instead laced his fingers with mine, moving with me to the music.

We weren’t doing anything wrong, right? Just dancing. It was innocent. But if Ullrick and Rainen saw us, would they see it that way?

Gavin turned me around, still holding my hand, and pulled me close. His expression had changed, intense and focused.

I kept moving, swaying my hips to the music. The strobe lights were almost blinding but I was still able to make eye contact.

“Ava...”

A new voice had invaded our space, speaking in my ear. It was a woman, dressed in a tight deep red dress. She was beautiful, of Vietnamese decent with bronzed skin and a thin model-like body. Her straight black hair was pulled back into a bun and matched her cold expression. She certainly wasn’t here for the party.

“Yes?”

“Come with me.” Her eyes flickered to Gavin. “Alone.”

I looked at Gavin and he nodded the okay to me. Squeezing his hand, I turned and followed her off the floor.

She led me through the dance floor to the back of the room, straight through a door that blended in with the shadows. We went up a dark flight of stairs and down a hallway, the music reverberating through the walls.

The woman never spoke, never even turned to be sure I was following her. She just kept walking until we reached a door at the end of the hallway and opened it, ushering me in.

We were in an office, all black décor with hints of white and silver. To the left was a black desk and behind it sat a woman, bent over paperwork. She was beautiful and regal but something about her energy suggested she was a rules breaker. She was wearing a black dress with a metallic purple blazer, the sleeves rolled up to reveal tattoos up and down her arms. Her skin was the same bronze color as the other woman’s but she was of African descent, her curly black hair styled into a short pixie cut and large gold hoops hanging from her ears. She was gorgeous and her eyes were amazing. A bright grey and immediately entrancing. She sat back in her leather chair as I walked in and studied me for a moment before speaking.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I’ve heard a lot but nothing compares to the real thing.”

I clasped my hands together, feeling subconscious under her gaze. “Thank you for meeting with me. I know it’s dangerous for you.”

“It is but worth it considering the end goal. And I wouldn’t trust any of the rebels to teach you properly.”

Rebels?

She stood, her stilettos adding to her height, and slowly walked around the desk. “So, tell me...what have you been able to do so far?”

The Vietnamese woman had exited the room already and closed the door, leaving us alone. Was I nervous about this? Slightly. But I didn’t get a bad vibe from this woman. She was intense and confident but not threatening.

“Um...not much. A few projections here and there. I also burned a fellow while I was dreaming and I don’t know how. I’d like to be able to control that.”

Her brow raised as she closed in on me. “Interesting.” She paused before moving toward a couch at the back of the room.

I turned around as she sat, crossing her legs. “By the way, I didn’t get your name.”

“Makeda. Have a seat.”

I walked over and sat down, shy but excited. Someone who had experience with an Elioud stone was going to teach me how to control mine.

“Ava...I want you to know first and foremost that I’m here to help you. I have a long friendship with many of the fellows and I pride myself on being respectful of that. I’m going to do my best to help you and prepare you for what you have to do.”

I nodded, grateful for her honesty. “I really appreciate it.”

“Of course. So why don’t you show me what you can do.”

We spent a long time in her office. She helped me with control, explaining that it was more mentality than anything. She was understanding but wasted no time, explaining things quickly and instructing me to practice. Apparently, I needed to see the stone as if it were an extension of myself rather than a separate object. As if I couldn’t survive without it, like a second heart. I also needed more confidence when it came to knowing what I could do. The stone would not respond well to uncertainty or fear.

Makeda showed me her stone which she kept on a gold chain around her wrist. For her, keeping it close to her veins felt more natural.

There was a knock on the door sometime later and the Vietnamese woman entered.

“They’re asking for her. Twenty minutes to closing.”

Three hours had gone by?

I felt much better about my abilities but the time had passed so quickly. I wanted to spend at least another thirty hours with her.

“I can’t see you again unfortunately but just remember the most important thing you learned tonight: You are in control.”

I nodded, standing as she did. “Thank you for everything. I feel much more confident than I did when I first walked in here.”

Her captivating grey eyes revealed the fire in her soul. It was clear she had been through a lot in her life. “You can do this. You’ve got great fellows supporting you. Oh, and tell Zamira she’s still a soulless bitch. She’ll know what I mean.”

I smiled and left with the woman in the red dress, unconsciously touching the stone at my collarbone. The club was still going full force when we returned but it was clear most of the attendees were way past the first stage of inebriation. We’d just reached the edge of the dance floor when something passed by my peripheral vision. A strange feeling came over me, as if I could feel someone’s eyes on me. I turned to look over where I thought the person was and felt my heart stop.

Carter.

He stood directly across the dance floor, wearing an all black suit, his eyes sinister.

A hand grabbed my elbow and I whipped around, pulling back.

“It’s me. What’s wrong?” Gavin’s eyes were concerned.

I looked back behind me but Carter was gone. Turning back to Gavin, I stepped forward. “I think they’re here. I just saw Carter.” Recognition flickered in Gavin’s eyes and his expression sobered. “Alright, we need to leave.” He took my hand and started for the exit.

I was nervous but thankful I had the dagger and gun strapped to my thighs. If the malevolent spirits that had followed us here wanted a fight, we would give them one.

We were out of the club in a flash, barely grabbing my jacket from coat check on the way. Ullrick and Rainen were waiting outside and flanked us as we crossed the street toward the SUV. We’d just reached it when a man dressed in all black stepped out from behind it, a manic hatred in his eyes. Two more stepped out from the front of the car and another two had come from across the street. We were surrounded. We could take them but there were too many bystanders around.

Rainen was the first to move, clapping his hands before throwing them up and swinging them in a circle. A clear prismatic force field rushed to surround us, encompassing all of us in a sphere. It was like being trapped inside a mirror dome or behind glass. The possessed people seemed surprised for a moment before recovering and springing into action.

Gavin pushed me behind him and pulled a dagger from his waistband, moving with lightning speed. Ullrick and Rainen had hidden swords under their suit jackets and pulled them out now, slicing through the possessed nearest to them.

I had my dagger at the ready in case one managed to slip through although from the looks of it I wouldn’t have to lift a finger. I stood in between the three of them as they moved swiftly and powerfully, taking down the possessed with minimal effort.

They were all dead within a minute and Gavin was ushering me into the car. Ullrick and Rainen had dragged the bodies to a nearby alley before removing the force field and returning. Ullrick maintained a steady speed as he drove us out of the city and back to the house. The atmosphere was tense but calmed once we left Manhattan. Gavin seemed especially bothered as Ullrick discussed the situation with him.

“They wouldn’t follow us. It would be suicide. And we got what we came for.”

“The sooner we’re back the better I’ll feel. We also need to consider the fact that Makeda could have set us up.”

My response was automatic and somewhat defensive. “She wouldn’t have.”

“Don’t be too trusting Ava. She may have offered to help you and been conspiring the whole time. At this point we can’t trust anyone.”

But we could trust Makeda. I knew it. I had a deep feeling in my gut about it.

When we pulled up to the house there seemed to be a bit of commotion. Nakir was waiting at the door and at the bottom of the stairs stood four fellows in their angelic form. They were obviously waiting for us but the set up made me nervous.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Gavin was looking out of the window. “I’m not sure,” he said quietly.

“Do you think maybe they found Carter?”

“This seems to be about something else,” Rainen said.

Ullrick was oddly quiet as he maneuvered the car to a stop.

We all exited and started for the stairs. “What is it Nakir?” Rainen asked as we approached.

She didn’t respond to him, her eyes locked firmly on Gavin. Her expression was unreadable but it was obvious she was angry. “I need Gavin to come with me. The rest of you wait for me in the common room.”

My heart skipped a beat as soon as she said his name. What had changed since we’d left? Had she found out about us? Or perhaps about Amos?

No one said a word as Gavin started for the stairs, silent. The four angels flanked him, two on each side, their wings breathing with authority.

I waited for them to pass through the door, cautious of being too close to four fellows in their true form. I also was in shock and my feet felt merged with the ground.

“He’s going to be alright.” Rainen had appeared next to me, his voice soft. “She has a soft side for him. Whatever it is, his punishment will be minor.”

I looked over at Rainen and smiled lightly, grateful for his comforting words. “I hope so.”

Neither of us realized that Ullrick had already gone inside, avoiding any conversation.