Enlighten Series- The Complete 3 Book Collection, page 63
part #1 of Enlighten Series
Keeping ourselves unseen, we fly over the Vatican Museums and the Osservatore Romano to the Apostolic Palace and land in St. Peter’s Platz. Pillars surround the white rotunda. Statues of martyrs, saints and previous popes stand on top of each, as if guarding the entrance to the sacred place of worship. The whole building is majestic. The gray paved ground doesn’t take away from the grandness of the center pillar that soars into the sky, with a bronze cross at its peak.
I stumble toward the entrance of the basilica, not watching where I’m going. It’s a good thing I’m invisible, otherwise everyone would see me face plant, multiple times.
The inside is as spectacular as the exterior. Patterned marble flooring greets us. Textured columns probably made of the same material as the floor lines the walls. Everything is gold trimmed. Each archway has angels. Alcoves hold massive angelic statues of saints. People mill around, snapping pictures of this impressive space.
“It’s not here.” Besides being awed like all the other visitors, I feel nothing. “We should move on.”
“I don’t think the angels would hide it in such a tourist trap,” Sidelle says. “Since they went to the trouble in hiding the sword, they’d use some place a bit less conspicuous. Just my opinion, though, from what I know of angels.” She nods to Kieran.
“Would I be wrong?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Okay, where to next?” I ask, taking one last look around the magnificent building.
“I guess let’s just cover as much ground as possible,” Kieran says. “If anyone notices any sword that could be what we’re looking for, text each other.”
We leave the plaza, taking flight. I keep myself low to the ground and still invisible to humans. Spiraling outward from the Basilica, I spot what looks like a castle. A Castle of Angels, perhaps. At first I think it’s an odd place to have one, but by the state of it, it’s old. Part of the walls are crumbling away. The arched bridge that runs over the River Tiber is caked with green and black moss. Statues of angels escort the tourists to the main door.
Sweeping the pathway, I inspect each angel. None are holding a weapon. As I approach the main building, rising out of the roof is a bronzed figurine. With his right hand, he’s unsheathing a sword.
I fly close enough to inspect it. No humans are allowed on the roof. The angel is green from the elements, and the sword’s blade shines in the sunlight. It’s either what I came to see, or it’s been modified.
I hover next to one of its colossal wings and reach out toward the long blade. My fingers graze it but nothing happens. Wrapping my hands around the hilt and letting it bathe in my Light still doesn’t do anything.
Sighing, I move away and continue my search. The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Piazza Venzia are all passed. No tingling felt.
Hours pass as I fly over the Baths of Caracalla and outward to Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella. I’m high enough that the whole city of Rome is placed within a circle.
The moon is rising. We’ve been searching for most of the day. I pull out my phone and text Sidelle and Kieran.
Me: I haven’t found anything. I’m at some nature reserve to the west of the city.
I spot of bit of greenery to land on and rest. Sidelle texts back first.
Sidelle: I’ll find ya.
Looking around and not finding anyone, I make myself visible and stroll on the vibrant green grass. Rolling hills swell across the land and round hay bales dot the ground. I barely make them out, but my sneeze tells me that I’m correct in my thinking. The ping from my phone disturbs the crickets’ song.
Kieran: I think I see you.
When Kieran finds me, I’m sitting yoga-style on the grass when my wings twitch. I’ve come to know that feeling is when other angels are around me, so I know Kieran is close, even though he’s still unseen.
“Nothing?” he asks me as he floats down from the sky.
“No.” I shake my head.
“Well, let’s wait for Sidelle to consider our next step.”
We don’t wait too long and from the expression on her face, her search has also come up empty.
“Don’t fret, yet,” Kieran says. “Europe is a lot older than the U.S. There’s tons of places to look.”
I stay quiet and unlock my phone again to text my sister.
Me: Next option? Oh, and tell M & D, I’m staying at K’s tonight. I’ll let them know, too. Just so we have our stories straight.
“Don’t count out South America,” Sidelle says. “There are tribes there that date back before Europe. And some places in Asia, too.”
Stella: Nothing, really? Um, weird. Ok. Off you got to Ukraine. I have a good feeling about this one. OK about the sleep over. 😊
At least one of us does. I show my phone to the others, but before we take off again, I send a text to Shay. I know he’s probably worried sick since it’s taken way longer than we said we would be gone for.
Me: I’m sorry this is taking so long. Love you, miss you, and thinking of you. I’m safe.
Shay: Quinn came over and was asking if you found a sword yet.
Me: Really? Did you tell her anything?
Shay: I kept it vague.
Me: She has to be reporting back to Aiden.
Shay: That’s what I think too
I show them my text. We all shake our heads. “Zoe, you need to rest,” Kieran says. “You still need to eat and sleep, too. We’ll worry about Quinn later. We really haven’t shared anything with her that Aiden didn’t already know about.”
I nod. “I don’t feel tir—”
“Save it, Z,” Sidelle says. “Your wings are drooping. They need a break.”
“But you guys don’t need one.” I stand.
“We don’t.” Kieran pulls me to him and grabs my phone. “But we’ve both had our wings for centuries and have had lots of practice flying. You’re new at this.”
I flex them and they twinge. Frowning, I know they are right. I need to rest, but we need to find my sword and get back home.
“You guys stay here, and I’ll go find Zoe food.” Sidelle disappears.
“Come on.” Kieran drags me under a maple tree. “Let’s get you settled in.”
The leaves are bright green. The moon is high, and stars sprinkle the sky. Fireflies blink off in the distance. A lone wolf, or a dog, howls in the distance.
The sun is up, and the air is warm. Rolling off from Kieran’s chest, I grimace.
“Good morning.” He sees that I’m awake.
“Um, sorry about that. I guess I was tired.” I wipe my mouth, hoping that I hadn’t drooled on him.
“You can tell me I was right later.” He stands and helps me up. “But we should get going. I’ve already texted Shay and told him that it might be a day or two more.”
“Thank you.” I yawn and stretch my back, releasing my wings.
“Up and at them!” Sidelle smiles. She knows I’m not a morning person. “Here’s a bagel and an apple. Eat up and we’ll take off.”
And then we’re flying again.
In a flash, I’m glancing over Serbia, Romania, and then Moldova. We land in the only city I know that’s in the Ukraine. Kiev.
As we descend from the skies, two glistening spots shine like beacons, beckoning us to them. Two angels are facing each other, as if they are watching over the square. What is this place?
“Do you think it’s a coincidence that we’re seeking an angel statue in Independence Square?” Sidelle asks.
“I think everything happens for a reason,” Kieran says as we land.
Long cement pavers create an ornate pattern on the ground that leads to four levels of steps. The area is in shape of a hexagon, and in the center stands a four-sided temple, for lack of a better word. Each entrance passes through to the opposite side. The archways have two pillars on each side. Gold accents the columns, the archways, and the base of the tower. On top of the tower rests one of the angels.
Upon closer inspection, it’s not an angel but a girl. She’s wearing a dress while her arms extend out. In her right hand, she’s holding a golden branch. It’s like she’s wearing a shawl, and the ends are blowing in the wind, which made me think that she was an angel. Gold is accented along her belt, the wrap, and shoes.
If I thought the church in Rome was breathtaking, I don’t know what to call this monument.
“It’s called the Independence Monument,” Kieran whispers. “Isn’t it beautiful? I can’t believe that Ordinaries made it.”
I look high into the sky. She’s not carrying any weapons, only what I think is a peace offering.
Directly opposite is a much smaller yellow and white structure. It reminds me of the Soldiers’ and Sailors Arch that stands in at the Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. On top of the building in front of me is a warrior angel. He’s gripping a shield in his left hand and a golden sword in his right. His wing tips are decorated in gold, along with the trim of his cape, breastplate, and boots.
He reminds me of Kieran with his golden hair and halo surrounding his head.
“Is this you?” I ask him, kinda kidding.
“Nope, but I can see how you would think that.” He pokes me in the ribs. “This is the Archangel Michael.”
“That’s not what he really looks like though, is it?”
I’ve only met Michael a few instances during my life. Yes, he lived across the street as I grew up, but Kieran always said that he was traveling on business. Then when Shay was rescued from Hell, Michael was at the safe house, trying to heal my boyfriend from his injuries. But the few times I saw him he had worn normal clothes, not battle gear like the statue.
“Michael changes his form to what he thinks is the best way to show himself to humans. So actually, this is really close to his true appearance. His wings are longer and broader, plus they don’t have any gold.”
“Think that sword he’s carrying up there could be yours?” Sidelle asks.
“There is only one way to find out.” I double check my surroundings, and I float up toward the sculpture. I hover in front of Michael and bow my head. I know that this isn’t the real one, but it still feels like the right thing to do.
My hand extends toward his sword. Sparks emit from my fingertips, and the golden sword glows with radiance. Electrical currents bounce between us. The closer my hand gets to his, the more painful it becomes.
My body glows with purple Light as it’s pulled toward and merges with the statue. I’m in the same pose and when I wrap my fingers around the hilt, bright light fires into the sky. I have no idea what other people are seeing, but my own vision is crystal clear as memories flash in my mind.
Soothing music calms me. Voices carry an ancient language. They are muffled, so I can’t hear them fully, but I know what they are saying. Words like joy, love, and harmony.
I clutch the sword as it pulses in my hand. The blade turns metallic silver. Where the blade and hilt connect is the triquetra symbol that matches my wrist. Again, the symbol is repeated at the pommel. Two daggers form the cross-guard, and each of their hilts are shaped into wings.
The blade itself flows with power. It reminds me of mercury and how it shimmers. The edge of the blade has a unique shape, like that of holly berries.
My body is flung out of the statue, and I’ve barely managed to right myself.
And in my hand rests a long, glowing sword.
My Seraph’s Sword.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Zoe
Wednesday, July 1.
It has been only four days since we found my Seraph’s Sword. But those three days it took were still time away from my family and friends. Who am I kidding? Time away from Shay. Being kidnapped for those weeks made me realize that my time with them should not be taken for granted.
But I also knew that I had to find my sword. I still didn’t understand why it hadn’t appeared to me when I received my wings, and I had to go galivanting around the world to find it. Maybe someone higher up knew not to give it to me while I was imprisoned. It couldn’t fall into the hands of my enemies.
And yes, Aiden is number one on that list. I don’t care what Quinn thinks. If he’s good, and I highly doubt it, he needs to prove it to me. And more importantly, to himself.
I guess it doesn’t matter now how long it took us. What matters is that we have four days before it’s July Fourth. That’s when Stella thinks the final battle will begin.
When I returned home, she said that she had another vision. All throughout it was red, white, and blue. I don’t think it is chance that my sword was found in Independence Square, and I’d meet Sammael on our Independence Day.
Four days.
In that time, we have to think of a place to draw the demons to. I need to learn to wield my sword and not make a fool of myself. Or get myself killed. The packs around the world have to be contacted, and the fairies need to come out of Fairyland.
So much to do. Plus, I need to tell my parents something to get them away from the battleground. Kieran has assured me on many occasions that once the Void is created whoever is outside of it will be safe. I can’t help but think that there might be demon stragglers, and they’ll wreak havoc outside of the protection forcefield.
“Again, Zoe.” Shay’s frustrated voice breaks through my thoughts. “You need to focus so you don’t die.”
“I know that.” My brow is covered with sweat. “I need a sec.” Carefully, I place my sword on the patio table. Kieran suggested we use his backyard to train me because it is warded, and his neighbors won’t hear anything suspicious. “Do you think Vash will get all the packs to come here in time?” I grab my water bottle and take a big gulp.
“He’ll get as many as will come.”
I look at my boyfriend. He hasn’t broken a sweat yet. I wanted to practice with sticks first only because I didn’t want to injure him. Now, I know why he smirked at me. He knew I wouldn’t be able to hit anything.
We’ve been practicing since we returned from Kiev. Shay and Kieran told me I had to get used to the feel and weight of my sword. It really didn’t feel heavy, but no one else can touch it. When they try, their hands pass through it.
“What about Oberon and Mab?” I ask.
“They’ll both probably come and fight since they helped already.” Shay closes the distance between us and stands next to me. “They know what’s at stake if this world is lost to evil. We should hear from our friends soon.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“And in the meantime, you need to get better with your sword.” He points to it on the table. “You’re not going to magically lean how to do this.”
“Are you sure? I mean, I never tried before. Flying was sorta easy, except for the landings, and Sidelle can learn how to do things when she Mind Walks.”
“All right, we’ll try it using Light, but your body doesn’t know the moves. You need to build the muscle retention.”
“Let me see if I can understand the moves and if I don’t get it, we’ll keep doing it your way.”
“Sounds like a wonderful plan.” Kieran steps out from the sliding glass door. “I spoke to Michael for possible locations on where to create the Void. He suggested Lake Superior. It’s the largest body of water near here and less Ordinaries will be around. It should be big enough for the battle. If it’s not, we can stretch it to cover one of the other Great Lakes.”
“How is everyone going to get there?” I turn around and ask him. “And how are the wolves going to fight on water?”
“Sidelle said that there are a couple of national and state parks near Duluth, so she’ll be able to open a porta to there. As for the rest, the Void will take care of it. It’ll create an alternate earth that will lay above the lake and be solid ground. It won’t be an issue.”
My thoughts go back to what my sister told me about the battle field. Land and water. This must be where we make our final stand.
“Is she going to be able to do it?” Shay asks. “She couldn’t before when we needed to find Zoe’s sword.”
“I know, but that was different.” Sidelle materializes in a chaise lounge. “I know where these parks are. Tons of trees and nature surrounds them. I draw my glamour from that. Unlike going to urban settings, it’s difficult.” She hangs her head. I pat her shoulders. “I used to live in France, but that was centuries ago.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you, Sidelle,” Shay says. “I know you realize how important it is.”
“Oberon will be able to open it from the Fairyland side. He’s stronger than me. And Mab will want the fight in the north, since she needs the cold to draw on.” The set of her mouth tells us the matter is closed. “So. Whatcha three doin’?” She winks at me, and I know she’s back to her old self. “Looks like a bunch of trouble if you ask me.”
“I was just about to try using my Light to learn fighting techniques with my sword.” I stand and grab my sword, wandering to a chair. Grabbing the pillow, I place it on the ground and sit yoga-style with the sword resting across my lap. “Okay, here it goes.”
I close my eyes and feel the Light hum under my skin. The pulse of the sword vibrates on my knees. I think about what Shay has tried to teach me these past days. The way his body moves, so gracefully. How his hand grips the handle, and how his powerful legs dance as his arms thrust outward. The sword is an extension of his arm.
My mind blocks out my friends, the neighborhood noises, and the only thing I focus on is my purple Light. I let it wiggle into every cell of my being. It’s always there, waiting to be used. But what if I never put it away? Could I use it all the time?
I stand and motion for Shay to join me on the lawn. I’m using a tiny bit of Light, not enough to make me glow. Shay hunches down, his sword ready. I nod and he attacks, driving me back.
My blade meets his. Metal rings in the air, shattering the silence in my head. My sword is radiant. Swing after swing, I’m blocking Shay’s attempts to disarm me. I let out a bit more Light, and I go on the offensive. My hits are finding their marks, and the strength behind them is forcing Shay back.
