The Guardian's Mark

Waking up in the arms of your guardian is enough to make any woman weak in her knees, myself included. But when said guardian is supposed to have merely a platonic relationship with the guarded, this makes things a bit more complicated.

Which was why the next morning started off much more uncomfortable than intended.

I woke gradually and peacefully, realizing I’d fallen asleep on the couch. For a couch this one was darn comfortable. It didn’t take me long however to realize I wasn’t alone. The hard surface beneath my head was no pillow but instead a masculine chest. And the warmth wrapped around me was not from that of a blanket but an arm. Gavin’s arm to be exact.

We’d fallen asleep on the couch and somehow maneuvered our way into this compromising position; me snuggled between him and the couch with my arm over his waist. His head was turned toward me, face partially buried in my hair, his free hand resting atop the one I’d placed on his chest. I felt guilty and yet incredibly content. But I knew this was crossing those invisible lines. He’d told me that a guardian was never to have romantic relations with the guarded. Yet here we were, cuddling as if it were a common occurrence.

I needed to get out of this forbidden position before he woke up.

I lifted my head, pushing myself up onto my elbow. Only a millisecond passed before Gavin stirred beneath me then lazily opened his eyes, their magnetic green unfocused for a moment before resting on me.

Whelp, so much for that escape.

“Um, hi,” I said quietly, solely aware of his hand still gently holding mine.

He smiled lightly. “Good morning.”

I held back a chuckle. He was still half asleep, probably unaware of what was going on. And I was enjoying the fact that he hadn’t ripped himself away from me just yet. “Good morning...Sorry, I didn’t mean to sleep on you.”

Realization dawned on him and suddenly he seemed more awake, guiltily removing his hand from mine. He didn’t rush to sit up though, his body tensing instead. “It’s okay. Did you sleep alright?”

“Yes, you?” Jeez, this was suddenly awkward.

“I did.”

“Good. I’ll get off you now.” Probably the wrong words but I needed to let him know I hadn’t done it on purpose although subconsciously I probably had. I pushed myself up and waited as he stood from the couch before standing myself, already missing the warmth his body emitted.

He cumbersomely adjusted his shirt and ran a hand through his bedhead hair, surprisingly still able to manage eye contact. “We should get ready to meet the fellows. Your room is straight through there.” He pointed to a door against the far wall.

I had a room? “Okay, thank you.” Kill me now. The awkward tension was suffocating.

He nodded, his posture proper but tense. “I left your suitcase next to the bed. We’ll be meeting them in an hour.”

“Alright, I’ll be quick.” I walked toward the door, Gavin heading for a winding staircase at the back corner of the room which I assumed lead to the master bedroom on the second floor.

I was incredibly embarrassed and mentally berated myself as I entered the guest room, walking straight ahead to the restroom. I turned on the shower and stopped to stare at my disheveled reflection in the mirror, reciting the same mantra over and over in my head.

I will NOT fall for my guardian.

I will NOT fall for my guardian.

I CANNOT fall for my guardian.

Crap. I think I’m falling for my guardian...

Half an hour later I was clean and dressed in a flowing maroon top and white pants, thankful I’d remembered to bring my curling iron to calm my wild tresses. I wasn’t exactly in the mood for makeup so I kept my face natural and just applied a bit of mascara.

Gavin was standing in the kitchen eating grapes from a bowl when I entered the main room, freshly showered and dressed in a crisp gray V-neck and black jeans. He had been staring off into the distance but his eyes snapped to me as soon as he realized he wasn’t alone. He smiled coolly, the uncomfortable tension from before dwindling away. “Hungry?”

I nodded, lifting the corners of my mouth to match his expression. “Starving actually.”

“Have a seat then. I made you breakfast.”

First he saves my life then he makes me breakfast? Maybe I was too easy to please but already he was becoming my new favorite person...angel...spirit? Whatever.

We were out the door shortly after breakfast and I realized that I hadn’t turned my phone on since I’d woken up. As soon as I was seated in Gavin’s car, a brand new luxury car I had been too distraught to notice the night before, I pressed the power button on my phone and waited nervously as it turned on. There was a pause once the home screen appeared and then ding after ding came flying out, notifying me of texts and calls I’d missed throughout the night.

“Someone’s popular.”

I glanced over at Gavin as he maneuvered his way through the city, hoping he didn’t notice my growing anxiety. “Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be able to get away with disappearing as easily as I thought.”

“That just means people care about you. I know I can’t tell you what to do and I don’t want you to lie to anyone but try to give as little information as possible if you have to respond.”

“I will. I just don’t know what to say. I’m not the type of person to disappear or ignore people so they’re already worried.” Carter’s two phone calls and multiple texts were a sure sign he was worried and probably pissed off. He also had apparently spread the word because Harper had texted twice and even Malachi had called. Luckily I’d remembered to email my boss the previous night and he’d responded with an understanding and sympathetic message. Would he be understanding of me having the flu for a few more days? If this situation was even taken care of within that time frame.

How much time does one need to decide whether or not to save the world?

“You could tell them you needed some time to yourself. You’re stressed out and decided to take a hiatus from people for a while.”

“Wait, are you allowed to be telling me to lie? Isn’t that breaking a cardinal rule or something?”

He smiled as if entertained by my question, his eyes still on the road. “I’m a guardian, Ava. I’m allowed to break a few rules when it comes to your safety.”

“So, just out of curiosity, say I decided to go somewhere you didn’t approve of... Would you stop me?”

“As I said before, the two things I can’t interfere with are the emotion of love and free will. So no, I couldn’t stop you. But don’t get any ideas.”

“I was speaking hypothetically. Don’t worry. I won’t make your job too difficult.”

“Thank you...I think.”

I smiled, enjoying this slightly sarcastic side of Gavin. He seemed so stiff all the time, as if playing a character that didn’t come natural to him. I decided in that moment that my new mission was going to be to bring him out of his shell. His temporary shell anyway.

We pulled up to the meeting spot a while later and I realized that I’d largely misinterpreted the power angels held on earth. Their existence seemed based around exclusivity but this meeting house was anything but secret. We’d driven about an hour outside of the city and pulled onto a long gravel driveway, the greenest grass I’d ever seen surrounding every inch of the property. Massive willow trees hung overhead and as we approached the end of the path the house, or mansion rather, came into view. The massive Moroccan styled white structure was trimmed in gold and stood three stories high. It was definitely one of the newer and more modern places in the upscale neighborhood.

Gavin stopped just behind the black Maserati parked in front of the entrance and shut the car off but didn’t step out.

I removed my seatbelt and looked over at him, pausing in my reach for the door handle. “Are we going in?”

“Yes...” He didn’t move, looking over at me. “I just wanted to warn you that this might be a bit overwhelming. A few of the fellows might be in their angelic form and seeing them for the first time can be quite a shock. Their presence is powerful and they can be a little...intense. Just stay calm and the effects of it will pass.”

His words scared me a bit. So far he’d proven himself trustworthy so I knew he wouldn’t take me somewhere he didn’t think was safe. I also felt a buzzing spread throughout my body from excitement. I was possibly going to see an angel in its true form. “Okay. I can handle it.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

We exited the vehicle and made our way to the front door. Gavin knocked twice on the giant white oak door and stepped back. I stood beside him, excited and nervous.

Would they like me? Would they judge me? Or were angels just irrationally peaceful beings that floated around being happy all the time?

I guess I was about to find out.

The door swung open and in the doorway stood an older olive skinned woman with beautiful spiraling black curls and a long sky blue dress. Her eyes landed on Gavin and she smiled. Her presence was commanding yet inviting and when her gaze switched over to me, the smile widened a smidge. “So glad you both are here. Ava. Come in.”

We entered the house and she shut the door behind us. I wasn’t surprised she knew my name but I was surprised by the house.

I stopped a few steps in, frozen in wonder. How could any place be so picturesque?

The foyer ceiling was so high it was as if walking into a massive cathedral. The polished floor was gold-flecked white marble, blending perfectly with the white walls. Dull gold pillars stood in each corner, supporting a ceiling that had been painted a light blue and littered with clouds. The clouds had come alive and were slowly floating by as if guided by a gentle breeze. Vines with little white flowers had twirled themselves around the pillars and happily danced zigzags over the walls.

It was all so magical and serene.

I took a few steps forward and felt a light gust of air. It carried itself through my hair and then away as if playfully.

“Ava?”

I faltered for a moment before answering, coming out of my fuzzy stupor. “Yes?” Glancing to my left, I saw that Gavin and the new woman were watching me with amused grins on their faces.

“I’m Nakir,” she spoke up, taking a step toward me. She was gorgeous for her age, looking to be of Persian descent, and moved as elegantly as a queen.

I held out my hand, nervous despite her warm presence. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m-....well, I guess you know me already.”

She nodded, softly taking my hand with both of hers, her honey brown eyes searching for something in mine. “I do. I’m glad I finally get to meet you. I also want you to know before anything else, you’re safe here. This is the one place you don’t have to worry about anything.”

“Thank you. It’s not me I’m worried about though. It’s the people I care about.”

“They’ve got guardians of their own. The only person you need to think about right now is you. And the huge blessing you’ve been given.”

Blessing? I wasn’t exactly sure how this was a blessing but I figured she knew more than I. I wanted to ask her why I’d been chosen but I held back, just smiling politely. I’d have to save that question for Gavin.

She released my hands, stepping back. “Come meet Cassiel and Elyon. They’re in the back and they’ve been anxious to meet you. We all have been.”

I nodded and followed her, glancing at Gavin who threw me a reassuring nod.

We headed toward a corridor to the back left of the foyer, a long white hallway with natural sunlight pouring in from the numerous windows along the right wall. The fresh green lawn of the backyard was visible through them and as we approached the end of the hallway, I spotted a pair of large white wings swooping through the air. They shot up toward the sky before I could get a good look, startling me.

“Cassiel and Elyon are training right now. You should join them later, Gavin. I know you’re a little out of practice.”

“Just because I’m out of practice doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten how to fight, Nakir.”

“Oh, I’m well aware.” We came to a set of double glass doors and instead of reaching out to open them, Nakir continued walking. They opened as if guided by an invisible force even though they hadn’t been touched by any of us. “Did the spirit you killed reveal its name?”

“No, I didn’t have a chance to ask.”

“Always quick to act before thinking. You’d do well to work on that, Gavin.”

We strode out onto a large Greek style stone patio with marble flooring and massive pillars holding up the roof. The yard itself spread back to a line of trees and smack dab in the middle was a beautifully constructed pool.

Nakir stopped in the middle of the patio and waited, saying nothing.

I halted beside Gavin who stood between us, quickly glancing over at him. A moment passed before a whooshing sound greeted us, sounding like the flaps of a helicopter blade.

A pair of massive white wings came diving down from the sky, holding something silver that glinted in the sunlight. Another pair of wings came soaring from the right and the two clashed over the pool, making a deafening metal on metal sound.

“Cassiel! Elyon!”

Nakir had spoken and as soon as she did, they both halted and turned toward us.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. They were angels. Two men with white wings twice the size of their body.

They paused; their massive wings flapping to hold them steady in the air, before launching themselves forward.

My automatic reaction was to step back, thinking they might come hurtling into us. I didn’t take notice of the fact that Gavin and Nakir stood rooted in their footing, unworried.

The two were only feet away when their wings swept forward and sent a rush of air past us, stopping them in their tracks and slowly guiding them down to the floor. The one on the left had blond hair and wore only a pair of white pants, the smooth tanned skin of his chest glistening. The one on the right looked to be of Filipino decent, all dark hair and caramel skin, also shirtless with only a pair of khaki shorts on. Their eyes were a magnificent gold, radiant as if amplified by the sun itself. They nodded at Gavin and the one on the left spoke. “Brother.”

I wasn’t exactly sure when it happened but a ringing had started in my ears. I was feeling an enormous pressure in my head as if the oxygen was being sucked away from where I stood. My vision blurred for a moment before returning to me, the ringing in my head growing stronger as I continued to stare.

“Good to see you Cassiel,” Gavin said but his voice sounded muffled.

Cassiel nodded before turning to me. He began to walk forward, his massive wings still outstretched even though Elyon had folded his back already. His presence was intense, full of purpose and a holy power I’d never felt before. It was similar to what I’d felt when Gavin had saved me but magnified now because I wasn’t half unconscious.

I felt my body sway as he closed in on me, my limbs going limp and my vision clouding over again.

Shit. I was going to pass out. Why did this always happen around angels?

“Ava...” Cassiel had stopped just before me, standing at least a head over my height , his gold eyes gazing into mine. He didn’t sound concerned but a small smile crept onto his face as he watched me. “Gavin, you should probably-”

Before he could finish his sentence, my eyelids were fluttering closed and I was plunging down into that dark world I was beginning to grow all too familiar with.

Passing out is the biggest form of flattery, they say right? Or perhaps I’ve got that saying wrong.

When I came to, it felt as if I’d only been unconscious for a moment but I knew it’d been longer. I knew because someone had moved me to a bedroom and I could see darkness through the open double doors that led to a patio. The white curtains rustled in the gentle breeze, the starry night sky winking at me in greeting.

I felt a little heavy and motion sick as I crawled out of the queen bed, walking over to the patio. I noticed my shoes had been removed and placed in the corner of the room. As I stepped out onto the balcony, the breeze greeted me happily, giving me the similar feeling of the breeze I’d encountered in the foyer.

I stepped up to the banister and placed my hands on the cold stone, looking down at the yard below. I didn’t see Nakir but I spotted Elyon and Gavin just beside the pool. Elyon’s wings were absent so I assumed he was now in his human form. They were practicing hand to hand combat and Gavin was now wearing a white tank and black joggers. He was much more toned than I’d thought. Even from a distance I could see the clenching of his abs as he lunged at Elyon, his shoulder muscles contorting with the movement.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying watching him. The swiftness and power of his movements. The calculated moves he made in retaliation to Elyon’s defense. He was powerful yet smooth. Quicker than expected. He was literally a work of art. I wanted so badly to take a picture of him in that moment but I’d left my camera in my suitcase back at his place.

I’d just have to hold onto a mental photograph.

Backing away from the banister, I padded back into the bedroom. It was probably better that I join them rather than watch creepily from above.

I slipped on my shoes and left the room, finding myself in a hallway much longer than the one on the first floor. I assumed most of the doors lining it went to other bedrooms. To my left I could see the hallway ended quicker and hooked to the right. Perhaps I would find stairs there?

I was nearing the turn when a figure came around the corner, almost running into me.

“Sorry.” I halted in my tracks, stepping back.

“It’s alright.” It was Cassiel. Sans wings and powerful aura.

Awkward.

“I was trying to figure out how to get out of here.”

He didn’t smile, standing stock still. He had added a black V-neck and black moccasins to the white pants. His eyes were now a light brown, which suggested perhaps they only turned gold when he was in his angelic form. His blond hair was styled into a nice coif, as rigid as his personality. It was weird to see him without his wings, as if a large part of him were missing. “I can show you. It’s easy to get lost in here.”

“Okay, thanks.” For some reason Cassiel didn’t rub me the right way. I got the distinct feeling he didn’t exactly like me.

We walked in silence to the stairs but he spoke once we’d begun to ascend. “How do you feel?”

“Good. Frustrated I was out for so long. Does that usually happen when people...” I wasn’t sure how to word it so I left the question open-ended, hoping he’d catch on.

“Yes. Most don’t recover as quickly. Although, I’m not surprised considering who you are.”

“Is that like a perk or something?”

“The chosen child of the Lord is usually able to withstand certain angelic or malevolent spirit interactions others cant. For example, your first encounter with Gavin in his angelic form would have knocked anyone else out for a minimum of a week. Some have been known to go into a coma.”

I’d forgotten this wasn’t my first time being in the presence of an angel. I just had been half unconscious the first time. “Why did you approach me earlier if you knew it was going to affect me like that?”

“I was curious. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” His tone was so emotionless it was hard to tell whether anything disturbed his mood.

“You didn’t. It was just a shock.” We’d come to the bottom of the stairs and turned a corner that took us to the hallway I recognized from earlier.

“So Gavin tells me you haven’t made your decision yet.”

His conversational skills needed some work. The transition between topics with him was like screeching to a stop in a rusty old car. He obviously either wasn’t aware or didn’t care.

I paused before the doors of the sun room, watching Gavin converse with Elyon and a new woman. She was beautiful. Long flowing golden hair, a trim body accentuated by immaculate posture and the cream blouse and white pencil skirt she wore. She was laughing at whatever Gavin was saying and he in turn was smiling brighter than I’d seen him do in days. My blood crawled when she placed her hand on his arm.

“I haven’t,” I said to Cassiel, tearing my eyes away from them.

Cassiel didn’t seem to notice my sudden anguish. He turned to face me, his expression stern and tinged with judgment. “Let me give you some advice, Ava. Decide soon. Gavin is only here as long as you are undecided. If you choose to turn down the responsibility, he is free to go home.”

“I didn’t realize that.”

“I know what you feel for each other.”

What?

I furrowed my brow, wondering where he was going with this.

“A fellow cannot have a relationship with a mortal. That is the law. Don’t get lost in a fantasy that will never happen.”

Cassiel’s words hit me like a wall I’d been avoiding. As an angel, I expected him to be a bit kinder but he was straight forward. I shouldn’t have been worried by what he said but I was. I liked Gavin more than I wanted to admit. How, though, had he picked up on it so quickly?

“He doesn’t like me. He couldn’t. I’m just a human. He’s...an angel.”

“When dealing with matters of love, one can be blind to almost anything.”

I was at a loss for words so I kept my mouth closed, holding eye contact with him to show his words hadn’t bothered me. He was an angel though. He probably could see right through me.

“It was nice to meet you, Ava. Until we meet again.” He nodded and turned to head back down where we’d come from, his walk calm and confident as if our exchange hadn’t troubled him one bit.

I, however, was frozen in place. A million thoughts were running through my mind. I could get over my crush on Gavin right?

Speaking of which, Elyon had just pushed the door open, startling me. Gavin and the woman were a few steps behind, still deep in conversation. Elyon took one look at me and his smile shifted to a frown. “Are you alright Ava?”

I smiled at him but it didn’t reach my eyes. My chest felt heavy. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“What did Cassiel say to you?”

We moved away from the doorway as Gavin and the woman stepped out into the hallway, paying no attention to us.

I blinked at him, fighting the tears that had suddenly decided they wanted in on the action. “Nothing I don’t know already.”

Elyon’s now dark green eyes watched me knowingly, filling with compassion for the distress I knew he could sense. “You don’t have to tell me. It’s alright. I wont make you. Cassiel isn’t known for being the friendliest of us but he means well in his own strange way. If you ever need to talk, I’m here. Literally and figuratively. I live here.” He smiled.

I had no choice but to give him a real smile, shuffling my feet. “Thank you, Elyon. I think I’m still trying to process everything. But if I decide to have a mental breakdown you’ll be the first to know.”

“Alright.” He nodded at me and turned to leave, vacating a space that Gavin and the woman filled.

I blinked back my tears at the sight of her friendly face, hoping only Elyon was able to tell something was wrong. “Hi.”

Gavin was smiling lightly but his eyes quickly registered my fake smile, his own expression switching to masked worry and confusion. The woman spoke before I could, apparently oblivious or possibly understanding of the fact that I wanted to save face.

“Ava, it’s so good to meet you. I’m Natalia.”

“It’s nice to meet you Natalia.” I shook her hand, feeling the same warmth I got from Gavin’s hand, minus the electricity.

“Gavin was just telling me about what happened last night. I’ll be training you so you wont have to worry about being unprepared next time.”

There was going to be a next time? Wait a minute, of course there would be. I’d be delusional to think not.

“Oh, I didn’t know I was going to be training. But that’s good. What kind of training exactly?”

“Well, first we’ll start with some basic martial arts defense. We won’t work on anything too heavy until you’ve made your decision...” She trailed off, looking as if she was unsure of my reaction at the mention of my new objective.

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to be able to defend myself. Battle that damsel in distress stereotype.”

She smiled. “Exactly. We have to show these men we can handle ourselves. And I hope you’re joining us for dinner tonight? I’d love to hear more about your life.”

“I’d love to, thank you. If that’s what you had planned?” I directed my question at Gavin, who I hadn’t realized had been watching me.

He looked guilty as our eyes met, quick to respond. “Yes, if you’re up for it. I know you must be tired.”

“I’m okay. We can stay.” No, I don’t want to talk about what’s bothering me.

“Wonderful! I’ll walk you to the dining room.” She beamed at me, almost making me feel guilty for being jealous of her.

“I need to change so I’ll meet you both there,” Gavin said. He gave me a look I didn’t quite understand before walking off, letting Natalia take my arm and lead me in the opposite direction.

Once there was some space between us and Gavin, Natalia spoke, her voice lowered but still friendly. “I know we’ve just met but I want you to know that you can trust me with anything. I’m here to help you. Gavin is like a brother to me and he cares about you very much.”

My heart smiled at her words. I knew he cared about me but I felt the reason for that caring was because of his duty. Maybe he genuinely cared for me as...well, a friend. “Thank you. That means a lot. These last couple days have been a bit of a whirlwind. I’m still waiting to see if this is all a dream.”

She smiled as we turned a corner, still holding onto my arm. “It’s real. We’re real. And we’re all prepared to protect you at any cost.”

“How long have you been a guardian?”

“A long time. Centuries in fact. I’ve guarded kings and queens, presidents, people from all spectrums. My favorite was a farm boy though. He was the most innocent and good-hearted boy I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He died young. Disease unfortunately.”

“I’m sorry.”

Her blue eyes twinkled at me. “Don’t be. He’s with us now. Guarding a mortal of his own.”

“And what made you decide to be a guardian?”

“Well, I’d been a doctor on Earth. Helping people was just something I did. So it was the obvious choice.”

“Do you know why Gavin chose to be a guardian?”

She paused, keeping her eyes trained ahead. A moment passed before she spoke, an obvious sadness in her eyes. “I think I’ll let him tell you that. It’s not my place to say.”

“I understand.”

She smiled over at me. “He’s different with you, you know. Still tense as always but...I think he’s let you in more than he has others. If you ask, I have no doubt he’d tell you his story.”

Different how? I wanted to ask her but I didn’t want to seem too obvious with my crush.

“Anyway, tonight we’ll just enjoy dinner and have light conversation. I’m curious about your work with animals.”

We had reached a set of double doors and before I could reach out to push one open, they glided open just as the doors to the sun room had done for Nakir earlier. Seeing it a second time was a little less weird than the first but...well, it was still pretty weird.

“Ava, glad to see you’re good as new.”

The massive dining room was a masterpiece. Spotless white hardwood flooring connected to white walls that ran up twenty, maybe thirty feet, to a ceiling from which multiple chandeliers hung. They were all gold and different styles, some more modern, others ancient as if transported through time from an 1800′s castle or European cathedral. The table was large enough to seat forty and surprisingly, twenty of the seats were occupied. Elyon’s was the only friendly face, the rest complete strangers.

The door closed behind us with a soft thump. While quiet to my ears, the heads of each attendee turned to look at us, their eyes ranging in emotion. I was usually unbothered by attention but this was a bit much. I was willing to bet they were all angels.

Nakir walked over to us and nodded at Natalia. “Thank you for bringing our guest.”

“It’s good to see you, Nakir.”

“You too, dear. Ava, come sit beside me. Dinner will be served soon.”

“Alright.” I turned to my escort. “Thank you for showing me the way.”

Natalia’s blue eyes smiled as she answered, a mysterious secret behind them. “You’re welcome.”

Dinner was overly awkward but I felt as if I held my own well enough. Conversation came easier than I thought perhaps because most of the questions were about me. I’d always been comfortable talking about myself while staying humble. It wasn’t until the conversation switched to tales and legends of past guardians that it really got interesting. Ullrick, a massive man with skin the color of the night sky and piercings lining each of his ears, was apparently the resident storyteller. His deep rhythmic voice with a light British accent added to the drama of each tale, some about angels seated at the table with us.

Gavin entered the room midway through Ullrick’s second story and sat in the only open seat beside Natalia. Once again I felt that pang of jealousy. He wasn’t being flirtatious or anything with her but he was overly comfortable as if they’d known each other a long time. He certainly had a stronger bond with her than anyone else at the table.

“Yes, it’s a shame what happened,” Ullrick responded to a woman that had spoken. “Of all of us, Amos was the most trustworthy. It almost makes me question every conversation we ever had. And after years, still no sign of him? It just doesn’t add up.”

I noticed Natalia had gone rigid in her seat, her face expressionless but her eyes ablaze. Gavin had tensed too, glancing sideways at her as Ullrick continued.

“For his sake, let’s hope he stays hidden.”

“Yes, the committee isn’t going to go to light on him if he decides to turn himself in,” a woman with fiery red hair commented.

“If he does so, he’ll most certainly be banished.”

“I think it’s safe to say that’s already the case.”

There was a moment of silence after Ullrick’s statement, one I didn’t quite understand. I did, however, have a theory on who Amos was. Now I just needed Gavin to confirm it.

Natalia hadn’t spoken a word the entire time but stood now, her expression cold. “It was wonderful seeing you all but I must go. Nakir, thank you for your hospitality.”

Nakir nodded, ever poised, but she did not smile. It was hard to tell if she approved of Natalia’s early departure. “You’re always welcome here Natalia.”

The gorgeous blond nodded and made her exit, sparing no other looks.

The table was quiet until she left. Ullrick was the first to break the silence. “I think I’ll go escort Natalia home. Zamira, tell Ava the story of your brother. She’ll enjoy that one.”

The fiery redhead smiled as Ullrick stood from the table, a bit of guilt behind her eyes. “Of course brother. Let’s see, where shall I start...”

The dinner had taken an unexpected turn but fortunately the strange air of the room didn’t take long to shift.

Zamira told the story of her brother who alone was able to exorcise one of the strongest demons in history. This was centuries ago and to this day he was still seen as a hero. This demon had in fact been planning to kill millions and had already succeeded in murdering thousands by mass genocide. No angel had been able to successfully kill or exorcise him. Until her brother. He’d convinced the demon he was a loyal follower and waited until the right moment. Then he’d struck. And he’d survived. Hundreds before him had failed and somehow he’d managed to not only banish the demon back to hell but also save the life of the man it’d held on to. A man who’d been given the chance to grow old and now served as a guardian himself. Her brother had been honored for his actions and chosen to be one of the committee. He now served alongside six other angels who were God’s directors. They were basically the governing court that determined all war decisions, law breaking judgments, and so forth. They were also the ones that would determine Amos’s punishment if he ever decided to come out of hiding.

Hopefully he never would. If he was with Lucifer as everyone suspected, the first twenty plus years of my life were spent being guarded by a traitor. That thought terrified me but what scared me more was the possibility of meeting him before this was all over. Or worse...meeting Lucifer.