“Yes, you are standing on a cloud, and no, don’t ask. It’s magic. You’ll get used to it soon enough.” Dom nudged me. “This place is called Midway because it rests just between heaven and earth.”
“That’s amazing,” I whispered, grabbing onto his arm.
“Why are you whispering?” Dom whispered back.
“I’m not sure,” I shrugged, answering again with a whisper.
Then, as I turned my head back to the front, three large doors appeared, suspended by magic.
Dom faced me. “Alright, Emma. What is your whole deal with wanting to come here? Was there someone specific you wanted to see, or were you hoping to get sent out on an assignment far, far away?”
“Although an assignment sounds tempting, I do want to see someone,” I answered. “I need to speak to the person who changed Kade into a mortal.”
His eyes narrowed on mine then furrowed in concern. “That would be Ephraim, but I hope you know Kade cannot be changed back into an immortal.”
“Yes, I know,” I sighed.
“Alright then. He would be just behind the first door on the right,” he said, leading me toward a big white door. When we reached it, he knocked loudly three times and then pushed it open. As it nudged open, I heard voices. Once it swung all the way back, the voices stopped and I saw one of the figures disintegrate into thin air. I knew it was an angel because I saw the outline of its wings before they completely vanished.
“Who is it?” a deep voice echoed. “I don’t have an appointment scheduled.”
We stepped into a vast white room. It was empty, aside from a single desk sitting all lonesome in the middle. An elderly gentleman with ivory hair and a well-trimmed beard stood to meet us.
“Hey, Eph! Just the dude we needed to see,” Dom shouted, waving.
The man’s face stayed emotionless; his eyes were narrowed and his lips tightened.
“Dominic?”
“You know it. I’m baaack… and I bet you missed me,” Dom chimed.
“As a matter of fact, I didn’t. A century would have been too soon,” Ephraim answered flatly, making me giggle. His eyes shot over to me; his face looked perturbed. I wondered if it was because we interrupted him. “Why have you brought the child? You know she is not allowed here,” he said sternly.
“Oh, come on, Eph. She’s cool,” Dom chided.
“It’s Ephraim,” he stated.
“Look. Ephraim, pal, friend,” Dom said slowly. “Emma just needs a few words with you, then I’ll take her right back to where she belongs. You owe me a favor, and all I’m asking is that you give her a moment of your time.”
Ephraim ran his fingers over his slick white hair and sighed.
“Fine. But this has to be quick. I have a lot of work to do.”
“Awesome. We’ll call it even-steven then. I’ll go and check on the guys waiting for their assignments. So,” Dom said, stepping in between us. “Emma, this is Ephraim. Eph, this is Emma. And now that we’ve all been introduced, I’m out.” Dom pivoted and walked through the door, leaving us alone.
My heart began to thump loudly in my chest. I’d never felt more nervous, and Ephraim’s unpleasant welcome didn’t help.
“Hi, I said,” extending my hand.
He didn’t reciprocate. Instead, he turned and walked away from me.
“What can I help you with?” he asked, heading behind his desk.
I sucked in a deep breath. “Do you know Kade Anders?” I asked.
“Kade? Yes. What of him?”
“Are you the one who made him mortal?”
He turned, and as his eyes locked onto mine I saw them soften just a bit.
“I realize you were bonded, but it was his decision, not mine. I am against immortals choosing the change. I tried to reason with him, but he was adamant. He believed it was the only way he could protect you.”
My heart sank, and I could only imagine what Kade must have been thinking and considering at the moment he made his decision. It must have been terrifying. He had two choices, immortality or me… and he chose me. That action spoke louder than any word ever could. It wasn’t a simple decision. It had altered his whole life, his whole existence. And he did it for me.
Ephraim cleared his throat, snapping me from my thoughts.
“Weren’t you the one who told him our best bet was to go to Lucifer?”
“I was. But it was merely a suggestion. I never expected him to give up his immortality.”
“I wanted to ask you a question about changing one from immortal to mortal,” I asked.
He sighed. “If you came here thinking I can change him back into an immortal, I can’t. Once it’s been carried out… it is final.”
“No one has ever been able to change back?” I questioned.
“No,” he said, and then hesitated. “Actually, there has been one isolated case.” He paused, his eyes staring blankly through me.
“What happened?” I pressed.
He was beginning to look put out. “Is this why you’re here? To receive a lesson?”
“No,” I hesitated.
His brow rose and his inquisitive eyes opened wider. “Then why have you come?”
“I’ve come to ask if you could do the same for me. Could I become mortal?”
His eyes narrowed with a look of confusion. “Child, you haven’t transformed yet. I cannot undo what hasn’t been done.”
“But is it possible? Could you make me mortal once I’ve transformed?”
“Yes, yes.” He breathed out heavily. “Every immortal has a choice, but once that choice is made, it cannot be reversed.”
“I understand. But if I do decide, would I need to come back and see you?”
“Yes. Any Archangel can grant this wish.”
I nodded. “Okay, thank you.” I had my answer. It was the only way I could beat Lucifer. If I became mortal, he wouldn’t be able to use me as a pawn. It was all I had, and would be my last course of action should all else fail.
“Is that all you came for?” he questioned.
“Yes,” I nodded.
Ephraim’s eyes softened as he looked at me.
“I know your struggle, child, but please remember your life is destined. You are part of a greater plan – a change that needs to take place. If you give up your power and immortality, there might be hundreds of others who will suffer because of it. Look within yourself and remember, you will not only have to live with the decision you make, but with its outcome as well.”
Damn.
That was deep, and he was right. I suddenly felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.
The door swung open and Dom stepped in. “So, what’d I miss? Where’s the party?”
“You didn’t miss anything,” I answered, with a half-smile.
“You can’t fool me, Emma. I know something is up, and I think I deserve to know, especially for bringing you here.”
I shook my head, and a tear escaped my eye.
“She cannot speak,” Ephraim stated, looking directly at Dom. “Her tongue is tied, and she’s been forced to silence. If she speaks to anyone, they risk death.”
I gasped, shocked. My eyes darted to Ephraim. “How—?”
A warm smile graced his lips. “We see everything, child. It is my job to keep a watchful eye over those who have friends in high places,” he winked.
“Friends? Who are my friends? Why don’t they reveal themselves?” I questioned.
“Like I said before, we see, but cannot interfere. However, it’s someone in a high position who has your best interest in mind.”
“Okay, wait,” Dom interjected. “I don’t give a damn about her secret admirer. Well, I somewhat do, but that’s beside the point. I want to know what the hell she’s been silenced to. If she can’t tell me, then you can,” Dom said, standing in front of Ephraim. “Do they know? Did they find out about her?”
Ephraim gave a single nod.
“Shit,” Dom cursed. “So what’s their deal, Eph?”
>
“It’s Ephraim,” he said through gritted teeth. “She is to be bonded to the Nephilim before her transformation, and if she speaks of it to anyone, they will die. It was a pact made by Lucifer himself.”
“Well, this complicates everything,” Dom sighed, looking at me. A deep sadness swam in his bright green eyes. “You better make sure he doesn’t force you into sealing the bond any sooner, Emma.”
“Oh, I won’t.” But being alone with Ethon combined with the magic of the bond, it was hard to resist, especially when I was the only one resisting.
“He looked back at Ephraim. “I thought only immortals were given the gift of the bond, and they were only dealt after transformation.”
“So did I. But things are different with her. She’s not a full immortal. Neither is she Nephilim.”
“See Emma, you’ve gone and thrown off the whole damn bonding system.”
“Yeah,” I sighed. “Lucky me.”
“Well, we’ll need to keep the demon occupied. No late night strolls in the labyrinth, or any alone time,” Dom warned, beginning to sound like a big brother.
I grinned as the thought of Jeremy crossed my mind. If he knew what was going on, he would have probably said the same thing. “We need to get back in case Lucifer finds out what we’re up to.”
“I am not usually allowed to do this, but will make an exception this once. Come,” Ephraim said, ushering me forward until we stood in front of his desk.
Dom stepped between us and patted Ephraim on the shoulder. “Thanks, Eph. And, don’t worry, you probably won’t be seeing me for a while.”
“That’s considerate of you,” he answered before waving his hand in a circle, speaking a few words in their angelic language. Soon the space before him began swirling and I knew he was opening a portal.
“Where will this take us?” I asked.
“Back to your closet. You can change and get cleaned up without anyone knowing.”
“I’ll know,” Dom said.
“I wasn’t talking to you,” Ephraim answered.
“Thank you, Ephraim,” I said, hugging him.
He hugged me back. “Just stay alive until your transformation.”
“Staying alive is not my greatest worry.”
“Remember, your life is not your own. Your future is connected to people you have not even come into contact with yet. Individuals, whose lives will change, or be saved, because of your actions.”
I nodded. That was a lot to swallow.
Dom grabbed hold of my hand, and we both stepped from Midway, straight into my dark bedroom closet. As I turned back, the portal disappeared.
“I better get out of here. We don’t want the others to think there’s something going on between us, if you know what I mean.”
“Yes, Dom,” I chuckled. I leaned forward and gave him a hug. His strong arms wrapped around me. “Thank you.”
“No problem. And, don’t worry. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you’re safe, and will make sure Kade knows what’s going on. Now, get out of that suit. It’s making me a bit uncomfortable.”
“Get out of here.” I blushed, pushing him out.
“See ya, Emma,” he said, leaving.
“Bye, Dom.”
Unzipping the suit, I quickly stepped out from it and hung it back up. It had protected me yet again. This magical garment of the angels. Before I pulled a robe around me, I glanced down at my body. They whole right side and middle of my chest was marred in black and blue. Would this ever end? Would there ever come a time when I wouldn’t have to worry about breaking or bruising anything? I mean, how many broken ribs can one girl take?
I pulled a pink, long-sleeved shirt off the hanger, and opened the drawer to get some jeans, then headed toward the bathroom. I needed a bath. There were splatters of dried blood on my hands, and I wanted it gone. After, I’d go check on Kade.
Before I stepped into the bathroom I felt dizzy, and grabbed onto the door knob to steady me. A rapping noise sounded at my window. My insides twisted in knots as I pulled the robe tightly around me and made my way toward it. I pulled back the curtain and let out a small shriek. Ethon was there, hovering right in front of the window. Without thinking, I unlatched it and swung it open.
“What are you doing here? You scared the crap out of me,” I scolded.
He laughed. “I was on the rooftop, waiting for you to get back. I felt you arrive, and had to make sure you were alright,” he noted, his crimson eyes flitting down my length.
“I thought you couldn’t come near the house… you know, the barrier?”
“You were gone so Samuel has been inside the house with Alaine. He hasn’t left yet. I think I have a few more minutes.”
“If that,” I laughed.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine, thank you. But I was just about to take a shower,” I said, hugging my robe tight.
“Hmmm,” he grinned.
“Hmmm, what?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
He jumped onto the sill and sat down, then wrapped his arms around me, pulling me right between his legs. I closed my eyes, trying to fight the bond, holding tightly to my robe. “One day soon, you will be mine. All mine. What I told you in the tower is true. I will do whatever I can to make you happy. We will be happy, and I will make sure you are fulfilled in every way. You are my bonded and my future mate, and one day we will rule the Underworld.”
I looked into his crimson eyes and shook my head. “I don’t want to rule the Underworld. I don’t want to rule anything. I just want to live a normal life. A life where I get to choose my happiness.”
“With the bond, you will be happy, no matter what,” Ethon promised. “But, let’s not worry about all of that right now.” He brushed his hand down the side of my face.
I didn’t want a no-matter-what kind of life. All it meant was the bond would be forcing my happiness, making it false. A lie. If I bonded with Ethon, everything real would be shrouded by the bond. But would I ever find real happiness in the midst of the madness? As long as Lucifer was alive, the answer was a resounding no. The fact he was immortal, and I would soon be one, made things worse. I couldn’t see myself spending an eternity with Lucifer as my future father-in-law.
I forced a smile. I didn’t want Ethon to know I had another option. It was mine to do with what I wanted. And, as long as Lucifer was around, I’d have to play along. I wrapped my arms around Ethon’s neck.
“Right now I need a shower, and you need to get out of my room before someone sees you.”
There was a knock on the door. “Emma? Are you alright in there? I heard a scream,” Courtney called from behind the door.
“I guess that’s my cue to leave,” Ethon said, kissing me quickly before leaning backward out of the window.
“Ethon,” I gasped, watching him push out and freefall. Halfway down, he kicked off the side of the house, and his black wings spread wide behind his back sending him soaring into the sky. He turned back to me and winked, then flapped once and was gone like a flash.
“Emma?” Courtney called again.
“Hold on,” I called, locking the window and closing the shades. I was glad she unwittingly came to my rescue.
When I unlocked the door, Courtney stepped in. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yep. Everything is fine,” I smiled.
“Did you scream, or was I hearing things?”
“Yeah, umm… I thought I saw a spider,” I lied.
“Oh, they suck. I hate spiders. I smashed one in the bathroom the other day. It was small and black and had hair on its body. Totally creeped me out,” she shivered.” Those things are nasty!”
“Yeah, they really are,” I said, giggling.
“So how are you holding up? I bet you’re missing your friends. I know I am,” she grinned.
I guess Courtney didn’t know I’d been missing. Good. I didn’t feel like explaining myself to everyone, and she would’ve had a million questions.
I sm
iled. “I do miss them. So, have you heard from Jeremy?”
“Yeah. He texted me a few hours ago, when they landed in L.A. He said there was some crazy turbulence and Leah almost puked.” She giggled.
I laughed. “Yeah, Leah has a very weak stomach. We went to the fair once, and she puked on the merry-go-round. She never rode anything else since. I’m surprised she had the guts to fly here.”
“Wow, that sucks. I love rides, but haven’t been to the fair since I was eight.”
“Do they have a fair in Alaska?” I asked.
“Yep. It’s in August and a long way from here, in a town called Palmer.”
“Well, August is three months away. Maybe we can beg Alaine to take us there. I think we all need a break.” I smiled, just around the same time reality hit. There was no way Alaine would allow me to leave the protection of this place. Not with all things wicked and evil lurking right outside our door. I had a sinking feeling I’d have to be holed up here until my transformation. Yeah, this was totally going to suck.
“Well, enjoy your shower. I’m glad the spider didn’t bite you,” she said, stepping back. “Hey, since it’s dark and overcast, would you like to watch a movie in my room after lunch?”
“Sure,” I answered. I was glad I still had Courtney and Caleb to keep me company. Having them here would help keep my time and mind occupied.
“Awesome.” She waved and closed the door behind her.
I QUICKLY SLIPPED INTO THE bathroom hoping to avoid any further interruptions. I needed to wash the whole eventful morning off of me.
I stepped into the shower and let the steamy hot water pound down on my aching muscles, and as it did, it melted away the stress and made me feel a bit more relaxed. I scrubbed the blood and grime from my hands and nails, and stood under the showerhead for a good twenty minutes, wishing it would wash away the black and blue on my chest. Unfortunately, bruises didn’t wash away, but they would be gone in a few days.
After my shower, I changed into blue jeans and the long-sleeved shirt, and decided I would first go and check on Kade. Then I’d head down to the kitchen to see what Miss Lily was whipping up for lunch. My stomach growled at the thought.