Fallen Legion

By Laura Kreitzer

The full force of the Empyrean Guard leaves Gabriella trembling where she stands. Even with the Fallen at her back, she lacks the proper training and knowledge to win the inevitable Angelic War. In the Timeless Oblivion, Gabriella seeks the advice of the one person who’s never failed her and comes back with more than she bargained for. Gabriella must do the unthinkable: break the most important law the Celestial Gods decreed thousands of years ago to protect the angels. Now that she’s crossed the line, will she find a way to save the angels? Or has she doomed them all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Kreitzer
• Release date: Oct 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9781937790066

Laura Kreitzer

Laura Kreitzer is a best-selling fantasy and science fiction author who hails from western Kentucky. Represented by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, partner at Foreword Literary. Laura's full-time 9-5 job used to be working in a lab devoted to water dye-tracing investigations at Western Kentucky University, though her passion was always writing. After seven years of dedicating her life to the environment, she made the tough decision to leave the university to pursue her writing career. Now Laura has several novels published, with several more in the works.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Angelo stared out over the endless sea of the battle-ready Empyrean Guard, his face a mask of seriousness. Their numbers meant absolutely nothing if they couldn’t persuade the Illuminator to join their side. Angelo didn’t understand her, didn’t understand why she wasn’t willing to bring peace to Earth once more. Even more so, he was frustrated over his lack of power over the Ladies of Light. Angelo couldn’t believe how effortless it had been for two inferior angels to kill the Lady of Light named Mimi. The Illuminator hadn’t even lifted a single finger against her, yet Mimi was dead. This had truly confounded him.

We know where the Illuminator is, Daniel said, cutting into Angelo’s thoughts. Maybe we could talk some sense into her.

Angelo turned to him, prepared to promptly berate Daniel for how stupidly unhelpful his comment was. You saw what she did during the last battle. Do you really think she’ll sit down to brunch with us to discuss anything at all? Have some tea? Maybe share a crumpet?

Daniel grimaced. Yeah, they’d all seen what happened in Italy. The Illuminator sucked the life-essence out of several of the Guard with sickening ease. This worried Angelo more than he’d ever let on. Luckily, he had thousands of years to perfect the stone mask he reverted to whenever necessary.

The only way we’re going to get close to her is in disguise or by infiltrating her merry band of misfits, Angelo added.

What about Christopher?

Angelo’s lip curled in disgust at the name. Christopher had decided to join the Illuminator’s side—the only Empyrean Guard to ever disobey orders. The mere thought of it made Angelo want to cut Chris’s life thread. However, Angelo didn’t have the authority or means of doing that unless Chris’s death was achieved with physical or magical combat. And with the Illuminator on Christopher’s side, she’d easily heal him and kill Angelo in the process.

Christopher is long gone to us, brother, Angelo stated to Daniel, though he glared at Q who stood at attention several rows back. When Q failed to properly end Christopher’s life, the Illuminator healed him. Any hope of bringing Christopher back to our side was lost when she did that. Now they’re magically bonded.

The Illuminator trusts many. Surely we can find a way in, even if it’s by way of suggestion, Daniel said, a knowing lilt in his voice.

Angelo’s gaze landed back on Daniel. You have an idea?

I do. Daniel grinned, the expression transforming his face into a friendly one. She has the Sight, brother. She’d never suspect us of manipulating her dreams.

Angelo, taken aback by the intriguing idea, smiled. Brilliant.

CHAPTER 01: BLIND EXAMINATION

When you’ve lied, and then lied to cover your lie until you’ve dug yourself into a hole, the only way to climb free is to tell the truth. Yeah, I was in that hole, and the reason I was in this mess was my mother, Abelie. Not to say that she was responsible for this quandary I’d created. On the contrary, this was solely my fault. Even Andrew, my kindred soul, tried to get me to fess up weeks ago. Idiotically, I didn’t listen. I’d blindly examined a situation I clearly had no grasp on and made a decision that I knew was about to be ridiculed and questioned. The truth, as much as people acted like they wanted to hear it, was sometimes too cruel and harsh. I didn’t want to be the cold-hearted person who had to explain to my father the absurd chance that his wife might actually be on Earth, so I’d shoveled so deeply into my lie that I was about to pop up in China—and I didn’t know a lick of Chinese.

I tapped around on my new Miracle Phone—a gift from Joseph, my best friend and an FBI agent—as I listened to the discussion about our next move. I wasn’t trying to be rude, but I’d recently become addicted to this one game on my Miracle Phone. Really, I was listening. I could multitask like no other. Trust me, there’s an app for that.

If Gabriella had the opportunity to kill the last Lady of Light, why didn’t she? asked Tom Morris, the director of paranormal investigations at the FBI.

All eyes swiveled my direction, expectant and prying in that way angels could be. I put the phone down, took a sip of coffee, and avoided answering. Let’s focus on the current situation, I said evasively. Past is past.

They didn’t turn away, waiting in anticipation. Andrew elbowed me.

I frowned, turning to him. What? I mouthed, even though I could have silently communicated with our mental link.

I think you should tell Aiden, Andrew loudly suggested, eyebrows high, as if saying, Quit stalling! He was right. I knew he was right, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. I internally grumbled but accepted that it was now or never.

Aiden was my biological father, and we’d been apart for over nineteen years. Recently, though, we’d found each other and shared enough grief and been through so many life-or-death situations that we’d become incredibly close, which was why I hated myself for lying to him. I found this funny, since the reason I’d been keeping secrets was because I loved him too much to hurt him. It was paradoxical, to say the least. I anxiously glanced down the conference table, catching my father’s earnest gaze. I internally flinched at his intense expression.

Tell me what? Aiden asked. He didn’t sound accusatory, which made it all the worse. If he had been harsh or critical, it would have been easier for me to tell him. But nooooo, he had to be all trusting and understanding. Gods, it only made me feel more terrible.

I sighed. This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind for when I’d confess to my father that I’d been keeping a secret from him. I guessed this deserved an audience, seeing as how Aiden wasn’t the only one I’d been keeping things from. Yeah, apparently I wasn’t a very angelic angel. So sue me.

There was a reason I didn’t kill Liz, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I figured I’d start with an apology. It was mainly aimed at my father, but it was meant for everyone else too. During the battle in Avella, I saw Carmela get stabbed in the shoulder by an Empyrean Guard, I started.

As I continued to speak, explaining everything that had happened, my mind took me back to that day. It was chaos, and I was terrified the Empyrean Guard were going to win. As I ran through the bedlam, I witnessed Carmela being stabbed, golden blood trickling from her wound. Carmela was one of the Elders, a small group of angels who were protectors of knowledge. They weren’t fighters—she wasn’t a fighter—and it frightened me to see her there in battle. That was when I discovered that I could suck the essence from an Empyrean Guard to fuel my healing abilities. In the mayhem, I tried to help Carmela escape. That’s when she told me that Liz and Mimi, the Ladies of Light, had confessed that they had Abelie as a prisoner. Though I knew this wasn’t possible—my mother was dead, after all—I couldn’t shake her words from my brain. After grieving over Abelie’s loss and burying her, I’d given up on the notion of seeing my mother again. But Carmela’s statement gave me hope, even if I knew it wasn’t possible. Still, after Ehno killed Mimi, and Lucia severed Mimi’s soul from her body, I saw my chances—my hope—dwindle away.

So when I had the opportunity to kill Liz, I just couldn’t, I explained a little breathlessly. If there was any truth to Carmela’s statement, then killing Liz would have been like severing the only link I had left to Abelie.

Joseph and my angels, Ehno, Lucia, and Patrick, who were also sitting at the conference table, stared at me in shock. I worked up the nerve to look at Aiden, and when I finally did, my gut clenched when I saw tears streaming down his face. It wasn’t the golden tears that made me feel guilty, though, it was the hope he’d clearly clung to because of my words. Hope that would definitely be squashed if what Carmela told me ended up being a falsehood planted by the Ladies of Light.

Why didn’t you tell me? Aiden choked out.

Because it’s probably not true, I said, wanting to hug him, but it didn’t seem like the right time since we were in the middle of a conference.

If you believed that, you would’ve killed Liz, Aiden argued.

I didn’t answer because I honestly didn’t know what I believed anymore.

Director Morris cleared his throat, pulling our attention back to him and the real issue at hand. I hate to interrupt, but we have other matters to discuss, like the Empyrean Guard.

I nodded, glad for the rescue. I honestly don’t know what their next move will be, I admitted. I’m not sure I completely understand why they fell back in Avella. They had us outnumbered, even with the Fallen Angels.

There has to be a reason, we just need to figure it out, Director Morris said, his fist pounding against the table in frustration.

My mind raced back to the battle, trying my best to see it from the Empyrean Guard’s point of view. Yes, I was able to take a few of them down using an ability I didn’t know I had until close to the end of the battle, but not enough for them to be scared of me. Not enough for them to want to back out of the fight. They weren’t particularly afraid of the Fallen—at least not that I could tell. That left Lucia or the Ladies of Light.

I already know the Empyrean Guard fear the Ladies of Light, I said cautiously. So they’re definitely a possibility. However, now that I think about it, so is Lucia.

At the sound of her name, Lucia’s blue eyes honed in on me. She cocked her head to the side as if puzzled. Why me? she wondered.

Lucia, you exploded with power after Ehno was killed. I shot Ehno an apologetic look. I felt your sorrow before I even knew something was wrong. It hit me like a freight train. You made the sky rain fireballs with red lightning. Need I say more?

Again, Lucia gave me that quizzical look, her eyebrows furrowing. You’re being metaphorical, right?

I was rightly taken aback. You don’t remember? I barely breathed.

Lucia shook her head, glancing at the others for confirmation. They too saw the storm she created in her grief, so they nodded in assent.

Director Morris was growing impatient. So, basically, what you’re telling me is that we know nothing?

Pretty much, I confirmed, trying to shake the fact that Lucia didn’t remember the pandemonium that arose because of her heartache. I hate to say it, but we don’t know where Liz is, we have no clue when the Empyrean Guard will strike again, and since they live in another dimension, it isn’t like we can go to them. That was a lie, though Tom didn’t need to know that. The only thing I can think to do at this point is to plan for several contingencies and pray we’re prepared for what’s to come.

Joseph, who had remained silent during our discussion, finally spoke. I’m afraid she’s right, Tom. Joseph sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

My heart sunk at his voice, which sounded beaten and worn. During the past few weeks, his life had gone from private to everyone on the planet knowing all of his personal business, thanks to me and the other angels. We’d outed ourselves to the world, and the repercussions had hit him the hardest. Because we’d been using Joseph’s house as a sort of train station for angelic business, it hadn’t taken long before the media was swarming around. I had already felt extremely guilty over that, so when his ex-girlfriend Sara burned his house down, nearly killing him, my sister Jenna, her daughter Jules, and Firen, a Fallen Angel, I all but lost it.

It wasn’t normal pangs of guilt; instead, it felt like there were millions of sabers slicing through my gut, which was why I had offered for him to stay in a rental house in Hawaii. Who would expect him to be there? Anyway, Joseph graciously accepted after Lucia agreed to make portals for him whenever he needed to come back to D.C. Regardless of the ocean view, I couldn’t blame Joseph for being so weary.

Director Morris stared penetratingly at me for several uncomfortable moments. What about that one Empyrean Guard you have hanging around all the time? Does he have any insight into their plans? he asked.

Director Morris was referring to Chris. I saved Chris’s life last year, and he’s since made it his sole mission to protect me. He’s already told the Halos everything he can think of. The Guardians are in training after being out of commission for so long, I explained. The CIA have become heavily involved with operations since Avella. We’re doing everything we can, sir.

The Director regarded me for a second, as if he could see right through me. Is there anything you aren’t telling me, Doctor Moretti?

The Director and I liked to do this back and forth dance—one minute we’re friendly and the next we’re back to formal names. I was used to it by now, and even Joseph, who was quite close to the Director, had to do the formal verses informal tango.

Not that I can think of, I said truthfully. If I’ve forgotten anything, I’ll be sure to let you know the moment I remember, Director.

Director Morris nodded solemnly.

I’m sorry we can’t be of more use to you, I added.

It’s fine—you’re fine. I appreciate you taking the time to come in; I know how busy you are, the Director said, voice tired.

We exchanged goodbyes, and one-by-one we went through Lucia’s portal back to the Timeless Headquarters in Italy.

CHAPTER 02: SMIDGEN OF TRUTH

That evening, I watched along with millions of others as President Lansberry held a press conference over the conflict between the angels. He didn’t give away any more details than necessary, and he spoke mainly of how our nation will defend against those who wish to bring harm and that we will protect those who cannot protect themselves. Basically, he had a beautifully written speech that could have worked for any sort of war the U.S. might’ve faced. Though I had to admit President Lansberry did know how to give an awe-inspiring speech. Even I was moved by his poetic words; he made me want to wave my American flag and sing the Star Spangled Banner. What the President neglected to explain—not that I blamed him—was the fact we had no idea what we were doing. I did, however, hope to fix this straightaway.

Sebastian, a Guardian I had Illuminated last year, had taken my instructions of building a new headquarters for the angels rather seriously, which I appreciated. Actually, he went above and beyond my expectations. Built partially into the mountain face where the Divine Library had once been before Zola, the prophetess, blew it to smithereens, the Timeless Headquarters was a work of art. It was constructed using magic, and its magnificence always made me stare at it in admiration. The inside had been carved out of the stone and magically reinforced. From the outside, one could barely see where the many entrances and exits were located.

Inside, Guardians rushed around me like someone had poked them with a stick and disturbed the anthill. Andrew grabbed my arm and hauled me out of the way as three Guardians rushed down the hall with their heads down, clearly not paying attention, and nearly tackling me in their haste.

Brushing my hair out of my face, I turned and watched as they disappeared down the hall before I turned to Andrew. What’s going on?

Andrew’s golden eyes studied me, and I could see the reluctance to answer my question. Liz left you a message, he finally said. 

I stepped back as if his words were a slap. What? I gasped. 

She says she has Abelie.

My stomach churned as several emotions bombarded me, none of them discernable. What does she want?

You. The one word was a growl. His frustration and outrage came through our mental link loud and clear.

How long have you known? I made sure my words weren’t accusatory. None of this was his fault.

Not long, he said.

Joseph appeared at the end of the hall, and when his gazed landed on me, he rushed forward. Hey Gabby. By your expression, I guess it’s safe to assume you already know what’s going on? he asked.

I nodded and exchanged a weary glance with Andrew.

Come with me. Joseph waved a hand down the hall, indicating I needed to head toward the chaos.

As I approached the masses, angels parted for me. Many of them gave me pitied looks, which caused me to worry at exactly what the message contained. In the past two weeks, I’d received reports of more and more angels disappearing. They were scared, and I couldn’t blame them. The Empyrean Guard, the Celestial Gods’ army created to fight against Phantoms, hadn’t been seen on Earth since 10,000 B.C. when the Covetous War hit an impasse. But a few months ago, they had returned and started killing off angels. Their reasoning? They claimed angels were destroying the Earth, and they tried to recruit me to help them take down the Ladies of Light. So if Liz was contacting me, it was most likely because she wanted me on her side. She’d tried once before during the battle in Avella but had failed.

We made our way to the conference room that could hold roughly three hundred people. It was round, and the seats were set up stadium-style. In the middle was a round table that had made me chuckle the first time I saw it. Angels of the Round Table, I had joked.

Joseph and Andrew escorted me down to the table. There were eight seats, and five of them were already occupied. Three seats for the Halo of the Sun, the leaders of the Guardians, two for government officials, and one seat each for Lucia, once a Lady of Light, Paolo, an Elder, and myself.

It wasn’t long before the entire room was packed, then Ehno was calling the room to attention. I fidgeted in my seat, anxious to hear exactly what Liz’s message entailed. Patrick leaned forward and placed his big hand on my shoulder. I jumped, not realizing he was seated behind me.

Be calm, he whispered in his deep voice. The angels are watching you. Show them you can be their leader.

He was right. Even if I was a bundle of nerves, I couldn’t let others see it. They were counting on me. I nodded and thanked Patrick.

I’m sure many of you have heard rumors about Liz, Ehno said, his voice resonating through the room. We are here to discuss and clarify those rumors. Please welcome CIA Agent Layla Azenet and FBI Special Agent Joseph Carter. They’re here to help with Liz and the Empyrean Guard.

A smattering of applause broke out. It was obvious the angels didn’t think they could help. We needed all the help we could get, though, and there was no way I would turn up my nose to them.

This afternoon, Liz left a message for our Illuminator, Ehno continued, his voice echoing. There was a magical impression around the remains of Avella so that any angel who passed through would have knowledge of the message.

Avella, Italy, was destroyed during our battle against the Ladies of Light and the Empyrean Guard. Since then, I had asked for volunteers to help rebuild the city. Liz must have known this, which was why she’d decided to leave the message there.

Liz claims to have Abelie, Ehno revealed. Whispers fractured the stilled silence before Ehno tempered the audience. She promises she can deliver Abelie, but in return, Liz wants to meet with the Illuminator.

This time, the angels cried out in shock. I tried my best to keep a passive expression; I wanted my angels to have faith in me. I was shaken, though, all the way down to my core. Was there hope? Could I return Abelie to Aiden? Was it possible? Andrew could undoubtedly hear my heart thrumming to the beat of a psychotic drummer.

I stood, willing my limbs to stop shaking. I will meet with her, I announced.

The once chaotic cries of the angels went deadly silent. Everyone’s focus was now on me, and I made sure to speak with a surety I did not feel. If there’s even a smidgen of truth to her words, I have to do what I can to bring Abelie back to us.

Aiden looked as if he wanted to argue with my decision. However, the hope and desire to have his kindred soul back was evident in his eyes and made him hold in any protests. Lucia nodded at me, letting me know she was on my side no matter what. Sometimes I swore she just wanted a fight, and there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that this very well may turn into one. Everyone else was still in a state of shock, though Joseph glared at me as if he couldn’t believe I would ever fall for Liz’s subterfuge.

Andrew rose next to me, and I glanced sideways at him, afraid of what I would see. Just like me, he kept a neutral expression on his face. Though we had an open mental connection, we often gave the other peace by not invading the other’s mind. Right then I had to force myself to stay out of his head. I didn’t want to know what he thought of my automatic agreement, and he wasn’t attempting to mentally announce his own feelings either, for which I was eternally grateful.

I think it’s a trap, Andrew stated with no emotion.

I agree, Joseph added, rising from his seat and scowling. He didn’t bother wearing his FBI mask of indifference here. She’s just trying to lure you in by feeding you this line of persuasive drivel! Don’t tell me you’re actually going to fall for this?

And what if she’s not lying? I demanded.

Of course she is, Joseph shot back. You can’t seriously believe that you’ll be able to squeeze out even a morsel of morality from this woman.

There’s always a possibility, I countered.

This is just Liz’s cunning way of seducing you into an all-expense paid trip on the Death Cruise. Joseph folded his arms as if that was that.

You don’t know that, I shouted back, refusing to back down.

Yes, I do, he claimed, surly. Liz has been on the wicked train for a while now. I doubt she’s found some sort of insight on the futility of her ‘evil ways.’ He actually used air quotes.

I tried not to crack a smile. You never know. Maybe she’s returned to the path of righteousness. Besides, it doesn’t matter; I’m still going.

All hell broke lose then, and soon everyone was standing at the table, shouting and arguing. I closed my eyes, praying for silence to come. After several uneasy minutes, I sent out a big, blue lightning bolt that exploded in the middle of them, and they jumped back.

Enough, I ordered. This isn’t up for discussion. No one here is going to stop me from going.

Andrew stiffened beside me, and Joseph grimaced.

"This is up for discussion, Ehno said in retaliation. I didn’t expect him to disagree with me. You’re our savior, and we won’t allow you to needlessly expose yourself to possible death. Losing you could mean death for us all."

You won’t lose me, I argued.

Excuse me if I retain a healthy amount of skepticism, Joseph barked, clearly upset over my choice. You’ll either become her hostage or another statistic.

Liz is terrified of you, Andrew said, his voice surprisingly calm. And so are the Empyrean Guard.

My eyebrows furrowed at Andrew’s statement. Was he okay with me going to Avella? I had not expected that. In my head, I was disagreeing with his words. What were they so frightened of? I’d done some crazy things in the past, yes, but I seriously didn’t understand what would make them so afraid of me.

Inside you is more magic and power than any of us could ever possess, Andrew continued. The day you discover what you’re truly capable of is what strikes fear in their hearts.

You can’t seriously be okay with this? Joseph said roughly.

Full of patience, Andrew shook his head. "On the contrary, Joseph, I believe this is exactly why she should not go."

What? I scoffed.

Andrew turned, speaking directly to me, as if there weren’t three hundred angels waiting with bated breath to hear what he had to say. Liz would not have willingly invited you to meet with her if she didn’t plan to kill you.

I opened my mouth to argue, but he held a finger to my lips to stop me.

You are stronger than she, you just don’t believe it. Until you realize your potential, you are vulnerable to Liz, and she knows it. You shouldn’t go.

She won’t go, Joseph ordered.

I shot him a glare before glancing back at Andrew. If I die, I’ll come back, I said. The Empyrean Guard know this, and I’m sure Liz does too. She won’t attempt to kill me—it’d be pointless. Maybe she doesn’t have Abelie, but she obviously wants to meet with me badly enough to coax me out with this lie.

Everyone spoke at once, and I sighed in frustration, sinking into my chair. I didn’t fear for my life like they did. Last year, the Empyrean Guard had rescued me from the Soul Stalker, and at the time, I had thought they were on my side. They brought me to the Divine Library, where I had overheard a conversation they most definitely did not want me to hear. I had discovered they weren’t there to help the angels fight against the Ladies of Light—quite the opposite. But there was one more thing I had learned: Abelie was in the Timeless Oblivion, a sort of limbo, and the only reason she was there was to make sure I returned to my body if I died.

It wasn’t like I wanted to die, nor would I make myself an easy target. Simply put, dying sucked. However, I knew my mother was in the Timeless Oblivion to send my soul right back into my body. And if Liz wasn’t lying, and she had Abelie, then risking my life would be worth it. I could try to explain this to the others, but I knew they wouldn’t listen. My fate wasn’t in my hands anymore. I knew it; they knew it. All I could do was wait them out, feign capitulation, and hope their arguing didn’t give me a headache.

CHAPTER 03: OBLIVION IS CLARITY

After what felt like hours of negotiation—and when I say negotiation, I mean we argued until I was too exhausted to protest—it was finally decided I would not meet Liz in Avella. I still wholeheartedly disagreed but had realized after thirty minutes of arguing with a bunch of overly cautious angels that talking in circles would get me nowhere. Regardless of my concession, everyone knew my stance hadn’t changed, nor would it. It was demeaning enough to be told what to do like a misbehaved puppy, so I was thrilled when I didn’t find a platoon of guards posted outside my bedroom door that night to make sure I didn’t make my escape into the night to meet with Liz come sunrise. Joseph had been one of the protestors, and we all know what happens when he becomes a tad bit overprotective.

Andrew and I had temporarily moved into the Timeless Headquarters after Joseph’s house was burned down. We weren’t the only ones who’d decided to take up residence here; angels flooded in daily, looking for refuge during this time of crisis. After a week of being here, it almost felt like home. Almost.

That night, Andrew’s tender lovemaking followed by his tight grip around my waist hadn’t eased me into sleep like it normally would. In fact, it did quite the opposite. My mind reeled, refusing to shut off or obey. Scenario after scenario played out in my head as I imagined meeting with Liz and reuniting with my mom. After dozens of nightmares of my mom’s death accosting me almost every night, I knew there was no way I could let this prime opportunity pass me by without grasping onto it with everything I had.

It was around three in the morning when I finally gathered enough courage to get out of bed, which was extremely hard considering Andrew’s hot breath was on my neck, and his warm body was pressed up against mine. The guilt of doing this without him ate at me, but I knew he would understand. I scooted out from under Andrew’s arms and headed to the closet, preparing to leave. I could go dressed as I was, but I didn’t think Liz would take me seriously in smiling cupcake pajama bottoms.

When I stepped out of the room, I jumped and nearly screamed when Lucia moved out from a shadowy corner in the hallway. She placed a finger to her lips to silence me. I shut my mouth before a sound could escape, though my heart continued to pound. I gave one last glance at Andrew’s sleeping form before I silently closed the bedroom door. Lucia gestured for me to follow her down the hallway where she led me to the giant communal kitchen. The hum of the fridge was loud in the quiet kitchen.

I didn’t mean to frighten you, Lucia said softly, tucking her dark red hair behind her ears. She appeared nervous, something I rarely saw in the confident angel.

What are you doing up? You aren’t on sentry duty, are you? I asked, though I was pretty sure I knew exactly why she had waited outside my room. Lucia gave me a look that conveyed just that, so I amended my questions. Are you here to help or hinder me from going to see Liz?

Neither. Actually, I’m here to help you make an informed decision, she explained.

My eyebrows flew up. I thought we went over this during the meeting. We both knew it was more of an argument than a discussion.

She gave me a wry look, lips curling into a smirk. We didn’t cover everything, she said cryptically.

Like?

Instead of shouting over meeting with Liz or not, the other’s should have been trying to find a way to prove to you Abelie is still in the Timeless Oblivion instead of being held prisoner by Liz.

I nodded in agreement. Let me guess: you have a magical crystal ball that has all the answers? I snarked.

No. Lucia shook her head in annoyance. I have an idea, actually. What if one of us went to the Timeless Oblivion?

It wasn’t funny, but, for whatever reason, I laughed. What, are you going to kill me and see if I come back to life?

She frowned. That’s one way, I suppose.

My laughter died. That’s a stupid idea. Though now that the thought was in my head, it wouldn’t go away. How morbid was that?

Agreed, she stated firmly. Actually, I was thinking I could open a portal to the Timeless Oblivion and check it out myself.

I gawked at her. Yes, I knew she had