The Guardian's Mark

The walk to the room they were keeping Fawn in felt like the green mile. The house was quiet, most of the guardians patrolling outside. The room was on the ground floor at the far end, thankfully far away from where my brother lay in his temporary coma. At least the sounds that would come from this room would never reach his unconscious ears.

Nakir and Natalia were in the room, conversing quietly when we entered. Rainen stood in the corner, his head bowed in prayer, white hair glinting in the fluorescent lights. Fawn was in a chair at the center of the empty room, her wrists bound to the arms of the chair, ankles tied to the legs. White paint in an unfamiliar script had been traced around the chair on the floor, I suspected to keep her, or the demon rather, from escaping. But it wasn’t the demon I saw when I entered.

“Ava.”

I rushed to her, pushing back the sweaty hair that had fallen across her forehead and dropping to my knees. She seemed so small and dainty, her skin pale, eyes sunken in. It was as if she were dead already.

“I’m here, Fawn. I’m here.”

Her breathing was shallow and it seemed as if it took all the energy she had to lift her head. “It’s so good to see your face. No offense to my new company but dying in a room full of strangers is kind of depressing.” She smiled, the smallest of smiles, and it broke my heart.

“You’re not going to die.” I don’t know why I said it, knowing full well what Gavin had told me. There was no hope so why give her any?

“They already told me...Thank you for trying though. It’s okay. God exists. That’s the only thing I needed to know before I leave this Earth.”

The tears were coming back, my hand gripping hers desperately. “I get the feeling you always knew that.” She’d been religious since childhood and had even managed to convert some of the biggest cynics. Of course she’d known before this moment that God existed.

Her smile widened, frail as her lifeless fingers. “True. A little proof doesn’t hurt though...” The smile left as quickly as it had come. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Of course. Anything.”

Tears had formed in her eyes now, mixing with the sweat as they fell and her voice cracked. “Tell Myles how much I love him. And that I’m sorry we didn’t get to have our forever.”

The tears were streaming down my face now, unstoppable. “I’ll tell him.”

“And tell him not to hold on too long. He can be so stubborn.”

I nodded, choking on my words.

“You were always the sister I never had.”

I smiled with my eyes, unable to get the rest of my face to do so. “And you were the sister I always wanted.”

She smiled, her eyes resting on me. “I’ll see you up there in the future.”

I nodded. “You got it.”

There was a moment. A moment of acceptance and peace.

Then, suddenly, it was gone.

Fawn gasped, tilting her head back as her eyes widened, chest rising. Her hands immediately went from cold to hot, fingernails digging into the wood of the chair.

“Back away from her, Ava,” Nakir commanded.

I quickly stood, retreating a few steps and exiting the circle.

Nakir came to stand beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “It’s time,” she said. “Her soul will be saved. Don’t worry.”

Fawn’s muscles contracted and released, the vein in her neck protruding as she rolled her head in a circle, shivering. Her head then whipped up, eyes opening and focusing on me, a sinister grin spreading across her lips. “Did you enjoy your goodbye half-blood?”

I knew why the demon had focused on me but one thing caught my attention that I didn’t recognize: Half-blood?

“This is your last chance spirit. Leave now or I will make you,” Nakir commanded.

“You can’t send me anywhere I haven’t been.” Fawn laughed, a disgusting deep laugh, her now red eyes dancing. “And I intend to take her with me. He will reward me for this.”

Nakir narrowed her gaze. “Have it your way. Ava, I need you to stand further back. Her suffering will be over soon.”

I wanted to be there for Fawn but I wasn’t even sure if she would be conscious of what was happening to her or who was in the room. I obeyed Nakir’s commands and stepped back, putting a few feet of distance between myself and the events that were about to occur. A hand touched my back and I looked over to see that it was Gavin, standing beside me. I was always grateful for how he was there when I needed him, regardless of the awkward air between us. We shared a look then turned our attention to Fawn.

Nakir’s voice was low and calm as she spoke in the language I’d heard Gavin speak before. Her words were having the same effect on this demon as they’d had on the demon that had possessed Olivia.

Fawn was cringing and stretching her limbs, face contorting in pain as her veins began to protrude from her skin. She began to scream, this exorcism going much quicker than the first I’d witnessed. Her voice was a mixture of the real Fawn’s and the demon’s, a strange chant coming out as a belt between the screams. Within moments the room was shaking and Fawn’s eyes ignited bright red for the last time.

And then it was over.

Instead of sadness I just felt numb, possibly in denial with myself over what had just happened. My brother’s girlfriend, the one he’d meant to call his wife one day, was dead. The only way I could deal with this situation was through numbness. Otherwise I would just fall apart.

I was vaguely aware of Nakir saying she needed to speak with me before my body moved of its own accord and followed her out of the room. I didn’t notice as we made our way down to the opposite end of the house, an area I’d never been to. We walked into her office and what woke me up was the brightness of it compared to the mahogany library.

Everything was white or nature colored. The walls and furniture were white, the carpet a beige hue, and the smaller furniture pieces or accessories either a light wood or pastel green. It all was so Nakir, peaceful yet powerful.

Nakir moved to sit on the plush white couch and motioned for me to sit on the other end, angling her body toward me.

I sat and awkwardly crossed my ankles, feeling extremely dressed down in my sweats compared to her stylish light grey suit and elegant updo.

She studied me for a moment before speaking. “Are you alright?”

What a loaded question. Was I alright? Not so much. But I had limited access to my feelings right now. “I’m alright. It’s just a lot to take in. And I’m worried about my brother.”

“Of course. Your brother’s memory of these happenings will be cleansed but unfortunately he will still have to know of Fawn’s passing.”

I nodded. “I know. He’s just been through a lot. I’m worried he might not be the same after this.”

“If he’s anything like his sister he’ll be fine. We’ll preserve her body so he has the opportunity to say goodbye and send it to the morgue.” She paused. “There is something else I needed to tell you...The timing is unfortunate but it pertains to the current situation and I think it’s time you knew.”

More news on top of all that had happened in the span of a couple weeks? Well, almost nothing could surprise me now.

“I’m listening.”

“I want you to take all of this in with an open mind. It will be hard to accept but you have to know that I would not lie to you.” She paused before continuing, not sensing any reluctance from me yet. “Everything you think you know about your origins is wrong. You are not related by blood to the man and woman that raised you. Your true parents passed when you were just a child.”

Come again?

“I know this is hard to hear but it’s a truth you need to know.”

“An impossible truth. I think I would know if I weren’t actually related to my parents. What about Myles? Are you saying he isn’t my brother?”

Nakir seemed to choose her words carefully, pausing before her response. “It doesn’t make him any less your brother. They’ll never stop being your family. And to them you are their blood. Their memories were altered the day they met you. To them, you’ve always been a part of their family.”

It was taking everything I had not to lash out at her. I focused on my breathing, holding in the anger in an attempt to stay calm. I didn’t believe her but I wanted to know the whole story before I made any decisions about what to believe. “So, you’re saying they don’t know?”

“For their own safety, they couldn’t.”

I wasn’t sure which was worse. The fact that we’d all been living a lie we were unaware of or the fact that they’d been saved the heartbreak of knowing we weren’t related. Either way the loneliness was beginning to make itself known again, creeping up into my chest where it settled, probably for the long haul.

“Your purpose has more meaning than I think you understand. Everything set in place is to protect you and has been from the day you were created. This was always your path. The only uncertainty has been time.”

I nodded, trying to fight off the defensive barrier that kept rising up, and take in her words. What if what she was saying were true? Did it make a difference? If my family didn’t know, the only thing that had changed was that I knew. I loved them as my family. Why did that have to mean anything different because of a few minute details?

“I can tell you about your parents later if you wish. I don’t want to give you more information than you can handle. It was important for you to know so you might easier accept your gift and feel more confident about your ability.”

“Gift?” My eyes had glazed over for a moment but now they focused on her, my mind waking. “What do you mean?” If she was referring to the responsibility of closing the gates I had no idea of how that could be considered anything but a curse.

“That stone around your neck is anything but ordinary, just as you are anything but ordinary. It is a talisman, designed specifically for use by only the Elioud. That stone was made for you. You are of the Elioud race. A descendent of the Nephilim who are half angel half human. The Elioud stone gives you the ability to access your demigod powers. Neither angels nor humans are able to use it. It is also the key to closing the gates. You will use the stone to destroy the gates, something angels do not have the power to do.”

“I don’t understand. Why would God choose to leave this power with the...Elioud? If I really am what you say I am...part angel...why wouldn’t full angels be given this power?”

“The same reason angels belong in the heavens and humans roam the Earth. It is just their place. The Nephilim and the Elioud belong in both worlds however the Nephilim are considered unclean due to the forbidden mixing of angel and human blood. An Elioud belongs in both worlds and is innocent of the transgressions of the Nephilim. When you are ready, the power of the stone will be transferred to you. It is then that you will reach the full potential of your power.”

I knew the shock and denial showed on my face but I didn’t care to hide it. With all that I’d been through, anything seemed possible. But this was a whole different level to what I already knew. I had angel blood running through me?

“Will anyone train me or show me how to use the stone?”

“Fellows are forbidden to interact with an Elioud stone. Only you can use it and only you will learn how to siphon its power.”

“How will I know what to do?”

“It will come natural to you, like muscle memory.”

I nodded, bringing my hand up to touch the stone that rested gently below my collarbone. “Nakir...I don’t know if I can do this.”

She smiled lightly. “You were chosen. The Creator does not make mistakes. In time you will find the confidence that’s been with you all along. Until then I will do my best to ensure you are on the right track. Gavin will train you moving forward, each day for half a day. The rest of the day you should find a quiet place to practice with the stone. I can have one of the training rooms reserved for you or you can use the grounds.”

“I think I’d prefer to be outside.” The training rooms were beginning to feel like a prison and I knew the peaceful ambiance of nature would help me concentrate.

“Alright. I’ll be sure to inform the fellows not to disturb you.”

“Thank you.”

“You should get some rest. You’ve had a taxing day. Do you have any questions for me?”

Yeah, when do I wake up from this dream?”

“Not right now.”

“Alright. Just let Gavin know if you need to speak with me anytime.”

“I will. Thank you Nakir.”

The walk back to my room felt different even though nothing in the house had changed. The hallways were the same and yet felt different. I felt different. That sense of not belonging was gone. A new feeling of belonging had snuck in and replaced it. My life had shifted. I was meant to be here, among the fellows. Not quite one of them but more one of them than not.

I was part Angel.

“Evening Ava.”

I looked up, coming out of my thoughts, and saw Rainen. He was standing just outside my door and apparently was my guard this evening. “Hi Rainen. Sorry, I was distracted.”

“No need to apologize.” His curly silver white hair and translucent skin almost glowed in the dim hallway, his charcoal eyes absent of judgement. He was dressed in a silk white shirt and pants, his feet bare. It seemed as if he didn’t spend much time in his human form but did it in consideration for me. It certainly didn’t suit him. There was no doubt in my mind that he made a magnificent angel.

“So, you’re my bodyguard this evening?”

He smiled lightly. “I am. I did however want to offer my condolences for the loss of your friend. Watching someone pass on is never easy but take comfort knowing her suffering is over. She is in a better place now.”

I nodded, a burning creeping up into my throat. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“Of course. It goes without saying that I am here if you need anything, even a friend to confide in. Your path is difficult and lonely. I can understand that much more than some. Many of the fellows forget what it is to feel alone because we have each other to rely on.”

I didn’t know how but he had vocalized exactly how I felt. “I will certainly take you up on that one day.”

Rainen nodded then stepped aside.

I entered my room and shut the door, noticing that an angel I didn’t recognize stood outside on the balcony. She was a brunette and dressed in an outfit similar to Rainen’s but tailored for a woman’s body.

I went to close the curtains and sat on the bed, crossing my legs. Images of what had happened to Fawn less than an hour earlier were running through my mind and I needed a distraction. Practice with the Elioud stone would provide just that.

“Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.” I unclasped the necklace from around my neck and placed it on the bed before me, staring it down. “And don’t kill me please.”

Yes, I was talking to an inanimate object. No, this was not cause for concern. I had no clue what I was getting myself into which usually meant danger.

I took a few deep breaths then refocused on the stone, staring it down as if it were taunting me.

Now how had I gotten it to work before?

Was anger the only way to trigger the stone’s reaction? Or perhaps different emotions? Maybe just focus...I’d been so focused on Cassiel, nothing else around me existed. And I’d felt a warmth in my chest for the briefest moment, as if the stone were connected to me.

As if it knew what I was thinking, the stone lit up, the blue brightening and casting a glow over the room. It seemed to be pulsating with power, calling to me.

I picked it up, cradling it in my hand, and attempted to pull the energy into myself, visualizing it traveling in through my hand.

A moment passed where nothing happened. And then it responded. The blue light streamed into my hand and feathered out through my veins as if following the angelic DNA in my blood. It began to crawl up my arm, surprising me so much I dropped the stone.

It hadn’t hurt but it had scared me. The prospect of becoming one with the stone as Nakir had said. What would that do to me? Would I still be....human?

I stared long and hard at the pulsating sea blue light, willing my heartbeat to slow. I didn’t need to be afraid. The stone was meant to help me, not hurt.

I reached for it again, welcoming the warmth. Instead of pulling it into me I decided perhaps it would be better to pull the energy out of the stone as I had done in the situation with Cassiel but on a smaller scale.

Taking a few deep breaths, I straightened my posture once again and raised my free hand as if to command the energy out of the stone. Again, there was a moment where nothing happened. But then the stone reacted.

The energy swirled up, sailing out of the stone and into a small tornado. It looked like a soft blue mist as it swirled, dancing upward. I moved my hand and it followed, floating to the side and changing shape. It formed a ball, tendrils sneaking out as if it were a living thing.

It was amazing. Responding to me as if it were an extension of me. I wasn’t quite sure all I could do yet but already I was beginning to feel as if a void were being filled.

I realized I had just discovered what had been missing in my life. Why I’d never quite found the right relationship or felt a true sense of belonging. Because I was different in such a major way from so many. My path was not designed to follow the norm. I was part angel.

I was an Elioud.